relationship qualifiers.

Was talking to a friend today about relationships and what we look for in the opposite sex. Here are some qualifiers. (but not necessarily disqualifies).

*copied*
intelligent, funny, sarcastic, is ok with not talking all of the time (just hanging out), cute, walks to her own beat (cookie cutter in her looks and personality is not good)
enjoys movies, traveling(anywhere and everywhere), music, concerts
likes/tolerates sci fi,can handle my eclectic music selections (don't worry I'm not going to force you to listen to hardcore) and can take sarcasm like there is no tomorrow.
oh, love Jesus but that's a given.
and be ok with me making no money working in a church
*/copied*

does that describe the perfect woman? nah.
It's a start.

There are days when it would be nice to have a relationship, and others where I'm glad I don't have to put forth the time or effort.

My perfect woman is out there, waiting for me, for the right time. I'm gonna wait for her.

There have been times where I've found someone I've total compatible with, but because of my inability to be subtle at crucial moments, I have ruined it.

I suck at relationships, and maybe I'm afraid of commitment. It sure as heck ain't about sewing my wild oats and being tied down to one person.

Today relationships take longer because there is more to do beyond family. People have more opportunities to see the world, work interesting places and seek out risky opportunities. If you're held back by a spouse you'll never know the 'what if' and so a lot of people put that part of the equation off for a while longer. I sure wouldn't have ended up in Texas very easily had I been married or in a relationship.



a story from yesterday.

I was walking to Japinero's (sushi) from my car and walked across this loading area. Some ladies in a car whipped it into the space and came inches from hitting me. They did it on purpose to scare the ever loving crap out of me. They waved me over to their window, if we hit you and you messed up your teeth we could have worked on your teeth. These ladies worked in a dental office. I was kind of pissed because...well I'm not sure why, this whole thing was super awkward, its funny now but at the moment it was not. I just kind of gave them a look and said, I've had enough oral surgery to last me a life time I don't want any more.

Then I walked away...someone was being mr. grumpy pants yesterday and that someone was me.


PS Hulu made Boxee.tv stop feeding their stream to their product so now other than spending money on itunes shows my appletv is a brick...thanks hulu for being nonsensical.

in my life be lifted high

I'm sitting here and listening to a worship rehearsal go on and I'm listening to this chorus' lyrics. 

In my life be lifted high

In my world be lifted high

In my love be lifted high

Is God being lifted high in my life right now? 

I would say in some areas yes, but the harsh reality is there are more areas that I would have to answer no to that question. 

It's not that there is something in particular wrong. I haven't taken a nose dive. I haven't run off the road.  I haven't been an unspeakable horrible person. 

More like a low tire. Maybe the crash after a caffeine high. 

Something feels a little lopsided, A little sluggish. 

I think that at this point as I just take a second to step back and evaluate. I am not putting my life in light of who HE is. How great God is. How he provides for me at every turn. How undeserving I truly am of his mercy and grace. 

Last night in Bible study we talked about salvation, about sin entering the world and separating us from God and it began to make me think how unworthy I am of that grace. I am certain that on a day to day basis I do things that grieve the spirit of God. I am a selfish, lustful, prideful, harsh, bigoted creature. The simple fact that I am living is a testament to God's mercy and grace because if it were up to myself I should be struck down where I stand. 

Christ 2,000 years ago took on flesh. Gave up the comfort of being God and subjected himself to pain, hunger, temptation, disappointment, loneliness, and ridicule. He was beaten, spit upon, abused. He had his flesh ripped from his body, beard plucked from his face and hair torn out of his head. He was hung from a cross and had every bone popped out of socket. That was nothing in comparison when every sin that had been committed and would be committed suddenly was placed on Christ, the sacrifice once and for all. Then because God who his all holy, all righteous and all just and cannot be a part of sin turned his back on His Son. 

Jesus died, once and for all as the final sacrifice for mine and your (insert sin here). He was put in the grave but it didn't stop there. He resurrected and ascended to Heaven. Giving us the hope for a future with Christ and also claiming victory over death and the grave that had been introduced by the original sin of Adam. We weren't made for death. We were not made for separation from Christ. Jesus' sacrifice fixed that. There is a simple answer for that hole that everyone longs to fill, and thank goodness it's nothing you or I can do. 

So another question is... Why don't you or I live like we're saved? 

It's one thing to sing 'in my life be lifted high' and it's another thing to live like it. 

It isn't easy. I struggle every day. I know you do too. You will until that day when you are with God and in your glorified body. The people that say once you're a Christian you will never have another problem, temptation or struggle is a liar, and you know where liars go. (just kidding... kind of)

My current prayer:

PS. 51:12 (ESV) Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.