Saturday, December 31, 2011
Gatlinburg
The SALT class retreat to Gatlinburg on December 2-4, 2011. We stayed in some condos near there and went to the It Is Written Partnership Retreat on the 3rd.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Memoir
I have just finished my last final. The semester is officially over. SALT is done. So many things are going through my mind right now. Sitting here in the Prayer Garden, my thoughts are wandering back to the time I first pulled my car into Southern Adventist University. It seems like ages ago, but in other ways it seems like just yesterday. I knew maybe three or four people at most, and none of them very well. I remember thinking how old everything looked. And how small the campus was. And wondering if I’d ever be able to fit in or make any friends here.
It’s kind of humorous remembering some of that. Now, it’s impossible to walk on the promenade or go to the cafeteria or walk into the lobby of the dorm without seeing someone I know. And when I try to sit on one of the benches or at one of the tables to do homework, it seems like I’m saying hi to someone I know every few minutes. And then, of course, there’s the SALT Team. Or rather, the SALT family. Because that’s really what we’ve become. We do everything together. Even though we don’t always get along, we’re always there for each other. And the disagreements and arguments never last too long. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve prayed, but most importantly, we’ve shared the gift of salvation with dozens of people in the Chattanooga area.
And then there’s the growth and change that I’ve experienced personally. Both from Southern directly and from the outreach and evangelism that I’ve been doing with SALT. A lot has happened in the last 14 weeks. And now as I stand on the other side looking back, I just want to thank God for the amazing experience this has been. I want to thank Him for helping me get through all the tests and exams and frightful moments on outreach. But most of all, I hope and pray that I have been a friend to someone when they needed it. That I have been the helping hand when someone was down. And that somehow, through it all, someone has caught a glimpse of who Jesus is, because really, that’s why I’m here in the first place.
It’s kind of humorous remembering some of that. Now, it’s impossible to walk on the promenade or go to the cafeteria or walk into the lobby of the dorm without seeing someone I know. And when I try to sit on one of the benches or at one of the tables to do homework, it seems like I’m saying hi to someone I know every few minutes. And then, of course, there’s the SALT Team. Or rather, the SALT family. Because that’s really what we’ve become. We do everything together. Even though we don’t always get along, we’re always there for each other. And the disagreements and arguments never last too long. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve prayed, but most importantly, we’ve shared the gift of salvation with dozens of people in the Chattanooga area.
And then there’s the growth and change that I’ve experienced personally. Both from Southern directly and from the outreach and evangelism that I’ve been doing with SALT. A lot has happened in the last 14 weeks. And now as I stand on the other side looking back, I just want to thank God for the amazing experience this has been. I want to thank Him for helping me get through all the tests and exams and frightful moments on outreach. But most of all, I hope and pray that I have been a friend to someone when they needed it. That I have been the helping hand when someone was down. And that somehow, through it all, someone has caught a glimpse of who Jesus is, because really, that’s why I’m here in the first place.
Monday, December 12, 2011
SALT
This is the video that was shown at the SALT graduation. Many thanks to Eric and Amir for video and Matt for editing! Go Light Your World!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Blog
I was just thinking, I don't think I've put on here that I have another blog as well. I keep Joel's Chronicles as a way of letting people keep up with me if they feel like it. So feel free to check that out if you ever get bored!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
I Will Go
This week is Student Missions Emphasis week, so we've had quite a few mission things here at school. Convocation this morning consisted of three girls telling stories about their experiences. But the part that touched me the most was the last part of the chorus of a song we sang at the beginning:
"Who you love, I'll love
How you serve, I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you"
Take that phrase by phrase and really think about it. Can you seriously promise God this? Is this really your heart's desire? Are you willing to follow God, even if it costs you your life? It's something worth pondering. And then raise your eyes to heaven and promise God, "If this life I lose, I will follow you."
Friday, October 7, 2011
Joel's Chronicles
Just a quick note to let you know that I am keeping an online "diary" while I'm here at school. I try to update it every day... So if you are interested, the address is joelschronicles.blogspot.com
Anyway, I'll get another post written on here one of these days!
Anyway, I'll get another post written on here one of these days!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where Were You?
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?
[Chorus:]
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell
you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?
[Chorus:]
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell
you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Evangelism
I had to write a two page reading report on two chapters from the book "Evangelism", by Ellen White. So I decided to share it with you all. Enjoy!
There is a great need for personal evangelism. Ellen White says that “if one half of the sermonizing were done, and double the amount of personal labor given to souls in their homes and in the congregations, a result would be seen that would be surprising.” (p. 430) She makes it clear that “this house-to-house labor, searching for souls, hunting for the lost sheep, is the most essential work that can be done.” (p. 431) We need to spend time after a campmeeting or evangelistic meeting doing follow-up work. “Preparatory work is not of one half the value that the afterwork is.” (p. 432)
A minister should not be measured by his ability as a speaker. He is to be measured in how well he performs his duty as a Bible worker. (pp. 437-438) “No minister is sufficiently equipped for his work who does not know how to meet the people at their homes and come into close relation to their needs.” (p. 438) He is also supposed to spend time training the lay people to do this work as well. (p. 438)
Visitation of the members is also a very important part of a minister’s work. He is to “give short talks and more Bible readings.” (p. 439) “The personal labor must be done, even if there has to be less preaching done.” (p. 440) The visitations must not be neglected! He “must educate and train (himself) to visit every family that (he) can possibly get access to.” (p. 440) “The weak of the flock need strengthening at the right time” - this is the way the congregation will become “rooted, grounded, and established in the faith.” (p. 440)
Personal work is an art. God is not calling for people to just “mow the crop, but to rake it, to gather it, to care for it properly.” (p. 443) We are to learn how to preserve the crop that is being harvested. What good will it do us if all those we win to the truth leave before they have a chance to be firmly rooted themselves? “The study of workers now should be to learn the trade of gathering souls into the gospel net.” (p. 443) A lot depends on how you greet those you meet with as well. “You can take hold of a person’s hand in greeting in such a way as to gain his confidence at once, or in so cold a manner that he will think you have no interest in him.” (p. 444)
We must not urge our views too strongly on those who are prejudiced against the truth. We are to talk on things that we both agree on, bow in prayer, and together we will be brought into a closer connection with heaven. “Prejudice will be weakened, and it will be easier to reach the heart.” (p. 446)
The objective of every Bible worker is to teach the Bible. “We are to take our Bibles, and go forth to warn the world… The plan of holding Bible readings was a heaven-born idea.” (p. 456) In some places, this even works better than a public effort. Study the Bible with people, and many will be converted to the truth. (p. 458) “Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is added; it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So it is through personal contact and association that men are reached by the saving power of the gospel.” (p. 460)
Many people are waiting to be gathered in, if we would get out and search for them. “All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.” (p. 462) What a privilege we have to look for these souls!
“The Lord has a work for women as well as for men.” (p. 464) Women have a way of reaching people that men don’t have. If they have the cause of God at heart, they “can do a good work in the districts in which they reside.” (p. 465) “The labors of… Christian woman are needed.” (p. 466)
God calls for laborers, but they must be trained to do the work they have been called to do. “One worker who has been trained and educated for the work, who is controlled by the Spirit of Christ, will accomplish far more than ten laborers who go out deficient in knowledge and weak in the faith.” (p. 474) “Our students are to be educated as Bible workers.” (p. 474) “Ignorance will not increase the humility or spirituality of any professed follower of Christ.” (p. 476) Training is essential for becoming a successful Bible Worker.
There are several different techniques used in Bible work. Every Bible study must have a distinct plan, and should not meander aimlessly through the Bible. But you shouldn’t look for words that will impress people either. “The greater your simplicity, the better will your words be understood.” (p. 482) “The testing message for this time is to be borne so plainly and decidedly as to startle the hearers, and lead them to desire to study the scriptures.” (p. 481) But we must gain access to their hearts. We are to approach the Word of God as a learner. “The cross of Calvary is to be lifted high above the people, absorbing their minds, and concentrating their thoughts.” (p. 483) The best way to teach is to answer questions. “Preach less, and educate more.” (p. 484) The greatest method of sharing the gospel is through personal testimony. Share with others what great things the Lord has done for you! And they will want to have a relationship with Him as well. (p. 486)
We are to present the Word of God in Christ’s way. He had “in His manner no taint of bigotry, no cold austerity… In His teaching there was an earnestness that sent His words home with convicting power.” (p. 487) Christ taught with authority, but He was also very cheerful. “He was like a vital current, diffusing life and joy.” (p. 488) His greatest desire was to save sinners, and the same intensity of desire should “mark the life of His true follower.” (p. 488)
“As the worker seeks to give to others the light God has given him, the Lord imparts increased light; and doing his best, with an eye single to the glory of God, he realizes the value of souls. As he visits from house to house, opening the Scriptures to those whose understanding is darkened, angels of God will be close beside him to impress the heart of the one who is athirst for the water of life.” (pp. 488-489) Christ promises to be with us as we do His work. Even though at times the outlook may be discouraging, we need to trust that God will not allow His Word to return unto Him void. Although we may never see the fruit of our labor, heaven will reveal just how much God was able to use us. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6
490)
~ Joel Sutherland
There is a great need for personal evangelism. Ellen White says that “if one half of the sermonizing were done, and double the amount of personal labor given to souls in their homes and in the congregations, a result would be seen that would be surprising.” (p. 430) She makes it clear that “this house-to-house labor, searching for souls, hunting for the lost sheep, is the most essential work that can be done.” (p. 431) We need to spend time after a campmeeting or evangelistic meeting doing follow-up work. “Preparatory work is not of one half the value that the afterwork is.” (p. 432)
A minister should not be measured by his ability as a speaker. He is to be measured in how well he performs his duty as a Bible worker. (pp. 437-438) “No minister is sufficiently equipped for his work who does not know how to meet the people at their homes and come into close relation to their needs.” (p. 438) He is also supposed to spend time training the lay people to do this work as well. (p. 438)
Visitation of the members is also a very important part of a minister’s work. He is to “give short talks and more Bible readings.” (p. 439) “The personal labor must be done, even if there has to be less preaching done.” (p. 440) The visitations must not be neglected! He “must educate and train (himself) to visit every family that (he) can possibly get access to.” (p. 440) “The weak of the flock need strengthening at the right time” - this is the way the congregation will become “rooted, grounded, and established in the faith.” (p. 440)
Personal work is an art. God is not calling for people to just “mow the crop, but to rake it, to gather it, to care for it properly.” (p. 443) We are to learn how to preserve the crop that is being harvested. What good will it do us if all those we win to the truth leave before they have a chance to be firmly rooted themselves? “The study of workers now should be to learn the trade of gathering souls into the gospel net.” (p. 443) A lot depends on how you greet those you meet with as well. “You can take hold of a person’s hand in greeting in such a way as to gain his confidence at once, or in so cold a manner that he will think you have no interest in him.” (p. 444)
We must not urge our views too strongly on those who are prejudiced against the truth. We are to talk on things that we both agree on, bow in prayer, and together we will be brought into a closer connection with heaven. “Prejudice will be weakened, and it will be easier to reach the heart.” (p. 446)
The objective of every Bible worker is to teach the Bible. “We are to take our Bibles, and go forth to warn the world… The plan of holding Bible readings was a heaven-born idea.” (p. 456) In some places, this even works better than a public effort. Study the Bible with people, and many will be converted to the truth. (p. 458) “Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is added; it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So it is through personal contact and association that men are reached by the saving power of the gospel.” (p. 460)
Many people are waiting to be gathered in, if we would get out and search for them. “All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.” (p. 462) What a privilege we have to look for these souls!
“The Lord has a work for women as well as for men.” (p. 464) Women have a way of reaching people that men don’t have. If they have the cause of God at heart, they “can do a good work in the districts in which they reside.” (p. 465) “The labors of… Christian woman are needed.” (p. 466)
God calls for laborers, but they must be trained to do the work they have been called to do. “One worker who has been trained and educated for the work, who is controlled by the Spirit of Christ, will accomplish far more than ten laborers who go out deficient in knowledge and weak in the faith.” (p. 474) “Our students are to be educated as Bible workers.” (p. 474) “Ignorance will not increase the humility or spirituality of any professed follower of Christ.” (p. 476) Training is essential for becoming a successful Bible Worker.
There are several different techniques used in Bible work. Every Bible study must have a distinct plan, and should not meander aimlessly through the Bible. But you shouldn’t look for words that will impress people either. “The greater your simplicity, the better will your words be understood.” (p. 482) “The testing message for this time is to be borne so plainly and decidedly as to startle the hearers, and lead them to desire to study the scriptures.” (p. 481) But we must gain access to their hearts. We are to approach the Word of God as a learner. “The cross of Calvary is to be lifted high above the people, absorbing their minds, and concentrating their thoughts.” (p. 483) The best way to teach is to answer questions. “Preach less, and educate more.” (p. 484) The greatest method of sharing the gospel is through personal testimony. Share with others what great things the Lord has done for you! And they will want to have a relationship with Him as well. (p. 486)
We are to present the Word of God in Christ’s way. He had “in His manner no taint of bigotry, no cold austerity… In His teaching there was an earnestness that sent His words home with convicting power.” (p. 487) Christ taught with authority, but He was also very cheerful. “He was like a vital current, diffusing life and joy.” (p. 488) His greatest desire was to save sinners, and the same intensity of desire should “mark the life of His true follower.” (p. 488)
“As the worker seeks to give to others the light God has given him, the Lord imparts increased light; and doing his best, with an eye single to the glory of God, he realizes the value of souls. As he visits from house to house, opening the Scriptures to those whose understanding is darkened, angels of God will be close beside him to impress the heart of the one who is athirst for the water of life.” (pp. 488-489) Christ promises to be with us as we do His work. Even though at times the outlook may be discouraging, we need to trust that God will not allow His Word to return unto Him void. Although we may never see the fruit of our labor, heaven will reveal just how much God was able to use us. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6
490)
~ Joel Sutherland
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Faith
Yesterday afternoon we went up to a lake/river to go swimming. It was an area with a lot of rocks around and under the water. The water was clear enough that when you were up above looking down, you could see exactly where the rocks were underneath. But when you got down into the water, with your head just above it, you couldn't see under the water anymore. So we were constantly slipping and sliding as we tried to walk around. But that got me to thinking. That's how it is in life. God is so far above us that He can see everything, all the obstacles that we have in life. And He guides us carefully with His all-seeing eye. But how often to we fail to trust Him? We think that we can handle our lives on our own, and so we go slipping and sliding through life, complaining about all the obstacles that are in our path. But if we would learn to just trust God and follow Him, things would go much better! We may not avoid all the rocks, but we know that God will help us over them. And were we to see our lives from His vantage point, we wouldn't choose any other way.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
More Godly Men
This pretty much says it all...
"The greatest want of the world is the want of men..."
Singers:
Caleb Sutherland
Joel Sutherland
Seth Sutherland
Guitar:
Seth Sutherland
Mandolin:
Paul Hebert
Violin:
Irena
Bass Guitar:
Caleb Parker
Audio Recorded by:
Caleb Parker
Cameras:
Joel Sutherland
Brenda Sutherland
Merlin Anderson
Edited by:
Joel Sutherland
Filmed in Delta Junction, Alaska
"More Godly Men",
Copyright Buddy Davis and Answers in Genesis,
Used by permission
"The greatest want of the world is the want of men..."
Singers:
Caleb Sutherland
Joel Sutherland
Seth Sutherland
Guitar:
Seth Sutherland
Mandolin:
Paul Hebert
Violin:
Irena
Bass Guitar:
Caleb Parker
Audio Recorded by:
Caleb Parker
Cameras:
Joel Sutherland
Brenda Sutherland
Merlin Anderson
Edited by:
Joel Sutherland
Filmed in Delta Junction, Alaska
"More Godly Men",
Copyright Buddy Davis and Answers in Genesis,
Used by permission
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Courageous
Here is the "Courageous" music video from Casting Crowns featuring footage from Sherwood's latest film, "Courageous". I hope you find it as inspiring as I did.
Monday, June 13, 2011
A Bar of Soap
Last week while at work, I was cutting some brush and trees from around piles of old parts and pieces on the other side of a small hill. After finishing, I went over to where two of the guys were working on a dump truck to ask where the boss was. One of them told me, "I haven't been on the other side of that _______ hill for who knows how long. I don't even know what's over there." The other guy looked at me and said "I think we need to get him a bar of soap." Then he playfully punched him in the stomach and added "To wash out your mouth!" To which the other one replied, "It would take a whole lot more than a bar of soap! ____"
Later on, I was reflecting on that conversation and I realized that our friend was very right. It would take a whole lot more than a bar of soap! Jesus Christ is the only one Who can cleanse us of anything! And then I got to thinking. How many of us rely on "bars of soap" when we really need Jesus to cleanse us? We try to get by and make do and be the best people we can possibly be while denying the very power that can cleanse us from all our faults. Won't you join me in putting aside the soap, and taking hold of the Savior?
Later on, I was reflecting on that conversation and I realized that our friend was very right. It would take a whole lot more than a bar of soap! Jesus Christ is the only one Who can cleanse us of anything! And then I got to thinking. How many of us rely on "bars of soap" when we really need Jesus to cleanse us? We try to get by and make do and be the best people we can possibly be while denying the very power that can cleanse us from all our faults. Won't you join me in putting aside the soap, and taking hold of the Savior?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Suzy Q Creek Hike
Here's a video I took on our hike this last Sabbath to Suzy Q Creek. We had tons of fun. It was shot with my Canon Powershot SD980 IS and edited with Final Cut Express.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Difference
I was watching a video on Vimeo this evening about this astronaut's memories of Apollo 9. One thing that really struck me was how he kept talking about the new perspective he got while in space. Seeing Earth as a whole. Suddenly he realized he could relate to all of it. It was all home. And then something he said about when he came back to Earth - the feeling he had:
But there's a difference in you now... between you and everyone else on your planet, because you've seen something that has forever changed you and it's an incredible feeling.
Wow. Have we seen Christ? Have we journeyed beyond this world? As we look at Christ and His love for humanity, suddenly our lives become changed. There's a difference in us. Suddenly we realize that the people on Earth are our brothers and sisters. And they are dying. Dying for that something that has forever changed our lives. What are we doing about it?
But there's a difference in you now... between you and everyone else on your planet, because you've seen something that has forever changed you and it's an incredible feeling.
Wow. Have we seen Christ? Have we journeyed beyond this world? As we look at Christ and His love for humanity, suddenly our lives become changed. There's a difference in us. Suddenly we realize that the people on Earth are our brothers and sisters. And they are dying. Dying for that something that has forever changed our lives. What are we doing about it?
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Gerstle River Trip
Here is a video I made yesterday about our picnic lunch at the Gerstle River. It was shot and edited using my iPod Touch.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Caleb Attempting to Split Firewood
While I was splitting firewood this evening, Caleb decided to try his hand at it. It was hilarious, as usual. Filmed and edited using my iPod Touch and the Vimeo App. :)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Epic Mama Bloopers
Here is the blooper reel for the Epic Mama production we did for Mother's Day. Enjoy!
Epic Mama
We have a very epic Mama, as you shall soon find out. So many mothers go by unpraised, but this mother's children "rise up and call her blessed".
This is a Mother's Day gift that we did for Mom. Hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
When Dreams Come True
Tonight our family was able to watch the DVD of Sight & Sound Theater's production of Joseph! It was amazing... Obviously, it had the theme "When Dreams Come True". I mean, with a story about Joseph, what else would it be about? But it also had other themes running through it. A major one was the them of character, of keeping your name.
Joseph's coat of many colors was a status symbol. That's why his brothers hated it so much. It showed everyone that Joseph was Jacob's favorite son. And it showed that he was heir of the promises of God. Joseph wore several other coats in the show. Potipher gave him a special coat, symbolizing the status and the favor he was shown in Potipher's house. He was also given another coat by Pharaoh himself, symbolizing his status as governor of Egypt.
But as important as these outward symbols were, they were not as important as the character that they symbolized. Joseph told Potipher's wife that he could not do this great evil against God. He could not lose his name. And as the guards were dragging him off towards the dungeon, Mrs. Potipher sneered in Joseph's face "You have lost everything". To which Joseph replied, "No! I have kept my name."
Later on, when faced with the appearance of his brothers in Egypt, Joseph was forced to face the wound that he had thought was dead and gone. The hurt that he had buried was now alive again, burning him intensely. But his wife was there to remind him about his life - and his dream. In his dream about the sheaves, his brothers sheaves all bowed to him, but only after he had stood upright. He had to stand upright, just as he had done in Potipher's house, just as he had done when approached by Potipher's wife, just as he had done in the prison, just as he had done before Pharaoh. And now he must stand upright again, keep his character, his name, and his brothers would bow to him.
Joseph did stand upright and his brothers did bow to him. And when his father was finally reunited with him, Joseph, sobbing, with his head buried in Jacob's shoulder, said "Father, I have kept my name."
That reminds me of another time, a time when we will be reunited with our Father. Will we be able to say on that day, "Father! I have kept Your name!" If so, that is when all our dreams will finally come true!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
In The Beginning
Last night, our family was able to watch Sight and Sound's "In The Beginning" on DVD. I wasn't exactly sure how I would like it, because, to be honest, the creation story and Adam and Eve have always seemed so distant, so impersonal. Like, it happened in another time and place and I can't really relate to it. But it definitely surpassed my wildest dreams! It was so - real! I mean, a real God Who has feelings just like us made real people in His image to be His friends! Of course, I already knew this somehow, but it never seemed real to me before... How can I describe it? I mean, during the fall, when Eve and then Adam ate the fruit, Jesus was standing off in the distance, watching, yearning for them to make the right choice. And then to see the hurt in his eyes and the disappointment and sadness in his face as He turned away... And then a prayer Adam prayed soon after they had left the garden. He was crying, saying how much he missed Jesus and the angels and wondering how long it would be before he could see them again. And that's when it suddenly struck me. Jesus and the angels had become Adam and Eve's best friends! Their friendship was probably closer and stronger than the best friendships we have, and suddenly to lose it all! To be banned from seeing each other!!! Oh, the pain and hurt they must have endured! It was just overwhelming!
But then at the end, Eden is restored and Adam and Eve are once again reunited with Jesus and all their angel friends. Just to see them running through the garden again, looking young and happy, and most of all, enjoying every second with their Best Friend - wow... And then all the angels and the redeemed singing the finale song. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee and then going into Holy, Holy, Holy. I must admit, I was crying by the end of it. It was just so moving, so incredible! I hope I never lose the feeling of longing I have right now, to go to heaven, to meet Jesus face to face, to feel His arms around me. To know that there will be peace forever. Life and love will never end. And there will be no more sad goodbyes... That is life, the way it was meant to be. That is what we were created to enjoy. Oh how I long to be home...
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Carpenter's Return
The Delta Christian Drama Association's Christmas play centered on the problem that most of us have. We tend to let appearances dictate how we treat people. We forget that Jesus said that when we help the least person out there, we are actually helping Him. We can then look forward to the second coming, knowing that we will hear Jesus say to us "Come thou, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
Here's the theatrical trailer for DCDA's 2010 Christmas performance, The Carpenter's Return. For more information as to how you can order a DVD, contact DCDA at: http://dcda.info/
Monday, February 28, 2011
Happy Birthday!
My dear sister Charity had her 13th birthday on the 21st. It's really hard to believe that she's been with us for that long! So many memories... So much that we've done together. I was so excited when she was born, because I finally had a sister, but I can honestly say that I love her so much more now than I ever have, and I love her more every day.
I went through a lot of our home video last week and put together a short film covering a lot of her babyhood and most of her birthdays since. We don't have footage from her 4th, 5th, and 12th birthdays for various reasons, but every other birthday is documented on here. I showed it at her birthday party yesterday, and everyone really enjoyed it.
So happy birthday, Charity! And I love you! :)
Your brother,
Joel
I went through a lot of our home video last week and put together a short film covering a lot of her babyhood and most of her birthdays since. We don't have footage from her 4th, 5th, and 12th birthdays for various reasons, but every other birthday is documented on here. I showed it at her birthday party yesterday, and everyone really enjoyed it.
So happy birthday, Charity! And I love you! :)
Your brother,
Joel
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Image
"Hold an image of the life you want,
and that image will become fact."
~ Norman Vincent Peale
I thought about that quote for a few minutes while I was cleaning up from lunch yesterday, and then suddenly the deeper meaning sunk in. Jesus is our pattern, the image of the life we want. The longer we look at Him, study Him, and imitate Him, the closer our lives will mirror His. Paul writes “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
So friends, I want to challenge you to hold the image of the life you want - the life of Jesus Christ - and little by little, that image will become fact.
and that image will become fact."
~ Norman Vincent Peale
I thought about that quote for a few minutes while I was cleaning up from lunch yesterday, and then suddenly the deeper meaning sunk in. Jesus is our pattern, the image of the life we want. The longer we look at Him, study Him, and imitate Him, the closer our lives will mirror His. Paul writes “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
So friends, I want to challenge you to hold the image of the life you want - the life of Jesus Christ - and little by little, that image will become fact.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Joy on the Journey
A good friend and I were talking the other day about how we seem to have this terrible habit of always looking ahead to the next thing we'll be doing. Some of my thoughts currently are "As soon as I can finish editing this wedding video," "As soon as I finish post-production on The Revised Register," "As soon as summer gets here," "As soon as, as soon as..." I think you get the picture. I can never wait for the next thing to happen, for the next bend in the road. And I am finding that, all too often, I fail to enjoy the journey. It's the cares of tomorrow and the regrets from the past that often burden us down. If we would focus our attention on the task at hand and learn to enjoy the scenery as it passes by, life would be so much happier!
Paul had learned this lesson. In Philippians 4:11 he says “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Contentment begins with a state of gratitude. If we would make a conscious decision to thank God for everything, we would soon see that even those things that we don't like and would rather forget about have a very specific purpose. And even if we cannot see that at this time through our mortal eyes, we can learn to look through the eyes of faith and know that someday, all things will be made plain. I heard an interesting thought at church a couple of weeks ago:
"It's easy to lift up our concern,
It's easy to lift up our praise,
But can we lift up our concern as a praise?"
Think about that for a moment! Let those words sink in... Can we truly thank God for everything? It not only is a command to rejoice and give thanks in everything, but it is also a privilege. So let's stop fretting about the past and worrying for the future. Let's stop biding our time while we wait for something truly glorious to happen. Because if we don't, we'll soon see that the glorious mirage we saw in the distance will all too soon become the very dull present, and another glorious mirage will be on the horizon. I am going to start enjoying the gift of the present, how about you?
Paul had learned this lesson. In Philippians 4:11 he says “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Contentment begins with a state of gratitude. If we would make a conscious decision to thank God for everything, we would soon see that even those things that we don't like and would rather forget about have a very specific purpose. And even if we cannot see that at this time through our mortal eyes, we can learn to look through the eyes of faith and know that someday, all things will be made plain. I heard an interesting thought at church a couple of weeks ago:
"It's easy to lift up our concern,
It's easy to lift up our praise,
But can we lift up our concern as a praise?"
Think about that for a moment! Let those words sink in... Can we truly thank God for everything? It not only is a command to rejoice and give thanks in everything, but it is also a privilege. So let's stop fretting about the past and worrying for the future. Let's stop biding our time while we wait for something truly glorious to happen. Because if we don't, we'll soon see that the glorious mirage we saw in the distance will all too soon become the very dull present, and another glorious mirage will be on the horizon. I am going to start enjoying the gift of the present, how about you?
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