tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180862622024-03-13T06:32:49.882-06:00Welcome To Jim's WorldJust another broken Christian trying to contribute a verse...Oh me, Oh life!Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-49719018034645466662008-09-28T17:24:00.003-06:002008-09-28T18:06:24.638-06:00Fireproof the Movie - Part 2I just wanted to add some more things to my previous post...<br /><br />The movie was only released in 839 theaters but managed to pull in over $6 million dollars in sales over the first weekend. The film budget was a mere $500K...not a lot of money. I'm guessing they put a lot of the money into things that increase the production value. I'm not certain how much Kirk Cameron was paid, but it seems that he may have been one of the few to actually be paid.<br /><br />Thankfully, Kirk is reported to have donated his salary to the ministry he founded. While that may seem somewhat self-serving, consider the following...quite a few ministers (such as Charles Colson) draw a set salary from their ministries regardless of how much their books, sermon tapes, etc may bring in. That keeps the "cult of personality, fame, & fortune" at bay. It's too bad that more people don't practice that principle. Maybe, just maybe, we would see fewer scandals.<br /><br />Anyway, most of the actors were volunteers. Given the low budget and mostly volunteer make up of the actors, I am amazed that the movie was so well filmed. Simply outstanding.<br /><br />Well, that's it for now.<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-20437713206125844712008-09-27T21:44:00.002-06:002008-09-27T21:54:27.038-06:00Fireproof...the MovieOkay, I just got back from watching the <a href="http://www.fireproofthemovie.com">Fireproof</a> movie. For a low-budget film it was surprisingly well shot and well acted. I would say that it is worth the price of admission. Granted, the special they were running in the theater was pretty compelling. All military, police, and fire/rescue got in for free. <br /><br />So, if you did not get to the movie, then do so. If you would like a link to play with, then here you go...<a href="http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com">Fireproof My Marriage</a>. The movie was based, plot-wise, around a handwritten book, The Love Dare. You can find it at your favorite online bookstore. It might be a great read. There is also a book, Fireproof, that you can pick up.<br /><br />Well, this is the end of my post. Not certain if the books or the movie will help your marriage, but I'm sure they can't hurt it anymore than it already is.<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-84029720459893337302008-09-25T21:49:00.004-06:002008-10-02T23:10:22.465-06:00The Performing Arts and Life ContradictionsI love being me! Whenever I talk to my coworkers, friends, family members, et al., I find that people are, generally speaking, one main type with maybe one or two lesser types. Not following me? Maybe an example would be good:<br /><br />Some people:<br /><br />Love rock music, like rap, hate country.<br />Read horror, like mystery, despise romance.<br /><br />When it comes to music, I am mood oriented. I love rap (I try to focus on positive rap, but sometimes you need a really good run of Eminem, 50, or House of Pain), I love rock (especially classic and heavy metal), I love country (give me a good honky-tonk sound and I am in heaven), I love reggae (haven't been able to experiment too much, so I'm stuck listening to the greatest reggaeman in history...Bob Marley), I love classical music (Tchaikovsky has some of the most light and romantic music ever...Wagner blows my mind, I think he was his generation's Metallica), I love show tunes (despite my heterosexual nature, apparently...who knew that the secret handshake of the homosexual world was Broadway inspired? Oh, wait, that's a cruel stereotype...never mind).<br /><br />One of my friend's says that he finds it interesting when he gets into my truck. He is constantly guessing what music will be coming through the speakers...and I don't listen to radio much.<br /><br />We have been spoon-fed a lot of crap by our society. If you are like me (straight, married, born-again Christian) you will have to do certain things, be a certain way. I don't understand it. Why must I be a Republican? Because I'm in the military? Or is it because I'm a conservative person? Or, could it be, because I am a Christian? Who made the Republican party God's party? Forget that, Jack! I'm going to blaze my own trail. Even if it means running counter to every single other person in my church or my office. I'm not trying to be provocative. I can't really understand why we (Christians) have abandoned the Democratic party. Aren't we supposed to be salt and light to this world? How can we be that to a party that is considered too worldly, too liberal, too anti-Christian if we aren't working with the party? From the inside out, that should be our mantra. I guess we'll have to see, huh?!<br /><br />Why can't I enjoy show tunes? Is it because I'm...gasp...straight? Oh, please, my gay friends listen to a lot of the same "normal" music that I do. Sure, not many will listen to Casting Crowns, but that doesn't matter to me. Why do some "straight" folks look at me with a weird look when I push play on my Zune and Elton John comes out of it (or at least his music...I'd freak if he actually materialized out of no where). Maybe it's because they don't approve of my Zune, eh? Why can't we all just "get along"?<br /><br />In school I used to be a part of the performing arts section of the school. Nothing flamboyant, mind you. I sang Bass. I was part of an honors choir. A lot of my friends were involved in Drama, or band, or dancing. I was comfortable with them. Why did I turn my back on all of that? I don't know. Honestly, I was too afraid of being lumped in with a bunch of weirdos. Of course, I knew all along that I was weird. I shouldn't have been afraid. But, I was. I've learned. Sort of. I'm still afraid of certain stigma (like being divorced...scares me to death). Knowing that people will judge me if I tell them I'm in the military, or that I'm writing a novel, or that I love acting, or that I might just get up one day and tell a joke or two at an open-mike night. I'm sure it would blow people's minds if they found out that I'm a show tune loving, song singing, waltzing, novel writing, playwriting, joker. Oh, yeah, and I'm a born-again, straight-as-an-arrow, Christian man. Now that's a three letter word that will get you smacked down in certain ultra-liberal circles.<br /><br />I'm 37 and I'm still trying to tie all the disparate little pieces of my life together. Some days, I feel like I'm going to have a psychotic break (reality sucks anyway). Other days, I can't believe how at peace I am with the little weirdness's that make me, me! Oh, the day that I become a whole person. That should be fun. Watch out world, here comes...Jim!Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-79614352301772033682008-09-25T19:16:00.003-06:002008-09-25T21:28:24.106-06:00Never Use Old Technology!I have just recently run into a problem that has me very unhappy. Before I continue with the rant, let me say that my lack of happiness isn't a major concern for other people. I'm fine with that, I understand that. No big deal. It is what it is. Anyway...<br /><br />I have about a dozen or so document fragments that I wrote using MS Works 4.x. My version of Word doesn't play nice with that format. I don't know why. What I do know is that it is frustrating. I've downloaded half a dozen programs that are supposed to help out. So far, nothing has worked. I haven't run through each program yet and I did download and install two new programs today, so we'll see what happens. I am hopeful that I will be able to open each file, extact the data, and move on. Otherwise, I will have to extract what I can (Notepad opens them but with a lot of formatting issues, strange characters, and some of the text is missing) and hope that I've been able to capture the best of what I have written.<br /><br />Here is to another night of frustration...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update: Microsoft has a conversion tool that integrates with Word 2003 that worked just swimmingly. I now have all of my writings in either rtf or doc formats. Yeah for Jim!</span></span>Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-57396958096584182062008-09-24T21:44:00.002-06:002008-09-24T22:29:45.649-06:00The Heavenly Presence<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />This was published, in January of 2007, in the book Praise Reports by Xulon Press.<br /><br /></span>It was the first of November, 1996. I had come home from Germany, where I was stationed, to bury my grandfather. I grew up in a home that didn't really know how to show love. The only times I ever really felt love was when I visited my grandparents' house. My grandfather did things with me that I longed to do with my father. He talked to me, he fished with me, and he even listened to me.<br /><br />My pain weighed heavily on my heart as I sat in the living room of my grandparents house, my Air Force blues perfect. Small talk was punctuated by soft sobbing. I sat on a couch, completely absorbed in my own grief. The thought that I had lost my only real friend in this world kept repeating itself in my mind. Acting as dignified as I possibly could, I walked out of the house and headed to the barn.<br /><br />The barn was where I loved to spend my time as a kid. Living in a city didn't really afford one too many opportunities to be around animals. Whenever I would come to visit I was given chores to do like water the pony or collect the eggs from the geese, ducks, and chickens. It wasn't really work to my young mind. It was an opportunity to express my love to my grandparents without having to really say anything. Emotions were not allowed in my world.<br /><br />So, in a moment punctuated with heavy sobs, I let go of my pent-up emotions as I stood outside the barn. I raised my eyes to heaven, streaming tears down my cheeks and onto my uniform.<br /><br />"God, why did You take him from me? You know how much I loved him! I would have died for him!"<br /><br />In my heart I heard the response, "Now you know how much I love you!"<br /><br />"How will I heal? The pain is too great!"<br /><br />"Let Me heal you. Surrender all of your heart to Me. I have things I want to give you, but you need to let Me."<br /><br />I bowed my head, surrendered to Him, and began to heal.<br /><br />God's presence there that day let me know that He loved me unconditionally, just like my grandfather. By the end of the year, my surrendering to His will brought me to my wife, and, through our marriage, to real healing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">You can buy the book that this is printed in <a href="http://www.xulonpress.com/book_detail.php?id=3890">here</a>.</span>Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-89075481353311757432008-09-23T21:31:00.003-06:002008-09-24T22:33:01.386-06:00The Consequences of Our Inaction<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Here is another paper I wrote about ten years ago.</span></span><br /><br /> Recently, as everyone is now aware, we had a massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. This event weighs heavily on our national conscience. The price that we have paid in Littleton is something that we must explore and come to terms with. This tragedy should be very instructive to today's Christian.<br /><br /> You may be asking why I might think that this tragedy would be instructive, especially to Christians. To me, the answer is quite simple. This event shows clearly the extent that others will go to persecute, torture and kill those that they do not agree with. No longer are we living in a largely Christian culture, nor a world that follows a set system of values and morals. Thus, we must be prepared to shine the Light of His salvation, even if it means our death.<br /> <br />Young Cassie Bernall, 17, went to school on Tuesday, April 20th, believing that it would be like any other. Unbeknownst to her, she would become her generation's most famous martyr. When asked if she believed in God, she very quietly answered, "There is a God and you need to follow along God's path." Would we have blamed her for answering that there was no God, or that she didn't know? Would we have had the courage necessary, at the point of our greatest distress, to answer as she did? Will we have that same courage when it becomes our turn?<br /> <br />We say that the murders were a great tragedy. Indeed, they were. But, the greatest tragedy is the fact that these two young gunmen died without first giving their lives over to God. For eternity, they will have the opportunity to be tormented by the response that one of the gunmen gave to Cassie, "There is no God." How much is their anguish? They are eternally cut off from the presence of God. No more joy, no more laughter, no more anything except torture at the hands of Satan and his minions. Eternal darkness, gnashing of teeth and only the thought of escaping the fiery pit of Hell.<br /> <br />The second greatest tragedy that comes out of this incident is that no justice was or ever will be done. We will point fingers at our popular culture, at violent video games, at movies that lack any social benefit, at the rampant gun-worshiping sub-culture, at the parents of the two teens and at our own indifferent society. None of this finger pointing will solve the core problem. The problem at the very heart of this incident is the fact that these two young men and our society at large are indifferent to the call of God.<br /> <br />Why? Why are we, as a society, so indifferent to God and His message? I can only speak for the sinful life that I have lead and in many ways continue to lead. I am just as guilty for the eternal damnation of those two boys as any other person within helping distance could be. Why? I have not heeded the call of Christ! I have ran for all of my adult life and most of my adolescence. If I do not follow Christ as He requires me to, then I can not expect anyone else to follow Christ. Your salvation is not sufficient to save me from my damnation or anyone else's. We must all work out our salvation with fear and trembling.<br /> <br />We will ask several popular questions about this tragedy. The first one is why? Why did God allow this tragedy to occur? The second one is how? How could this tragedy occur or have been prevented? I say, let's forget about such trivial questions. Let us instead ask this question: what? What can we do to ensure, not that this never happens again, but, what can we do to ensure that we are ready. Ready to present the Gospel message. Ready to provide comfort to those in need. Ready to die, if that is to be our lot in life.<br /> <br />How do we present the Gospel message in a society that is so quick to plug it's collective ears, turn it's back and sneer at our "narrow-mindedness"? First, we must live each day, each moment as if it we our last. This would give us the proper perspective, the perspective that is known as having "eternities values in mind". If I live in such a manner, I will not miss any opportunity to present the gospel to the "dying". Second, we must live out our salvation in a credible, tangible fashion. Our friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances would see how Christ would have lived. They will see that salvation is more than our souls being saved. It is about living and breathing our Christianity.<br /> <br />This is not to say that we must shove God down everyone's throats. We must be quietly proclaiming the Gospel with our actions, not just our words. We must truly walk the walk. We must prove that not all Christians are just talk. In our meekness, we must boldly proclaim Christ's Lordship of our lives.<br /> <br />If we do not do these things, then we are just rejecting Christ and His redemptive sacrifice. If we do not do these things, then we will be just as guilty as those two boys are for taking those lives. If we remember that we are the only living representation of Christ and His redemptive work on Earth, then we will have Christ's values in mind. We must be ready, in season and out of season.<br /> <br />If we wake up in the morning and we do not know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we would go to heaven if we are to die, then we need to do some soul searching. I have no doubts that Christ wept for the lives of those two boys, the lives of those who were not saved and died, and ultimately, for those sleeping Christians who stood by and failed to reach out to those two tortured souls.<br /> <br />Ultimately, we must be the ones who show this ailing world the love of God. For if we don't, then who will?Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-34422114817249369022008-09-23T20:53:00.003-06:002008-09-24T22:33:20.290-06:00The Christian Walk is Like a Mountain Biking Trip<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Here is something I found recently on an old 3.5" floppy disk. Read and (hopefully) enjoy:</span><br /><br /> Just last week, a couple of friends of mine from work talked me into going mountain biking with them. They planned on biking in the foothills of the mountains that surround Spokane. Now, these men had a reputation for being fast and reckless as well as fun and wild riders. When I brought it up to my wife, she simply stated that she wanted me back in one piece. I don't know why, as I felt that two of me would be a great gift to all mankind, not just her. I guess she was just being selfish and short-sighted. Anyway, I agreed to go with them.<br /><br /> A few days later, rented mountain bike in my car, we met at a friend's apartment. We would then convoy on over to our jump off point. Upon arriving at a local state park, we assembled our bikes. Then some ground rules were explained to me. I was not expected to stay with them, that I should go at my own pace. I figured that they didn't want me to embarrass them with my speedy biking. Come to find out, they didn't want me to hurt myself or possibly over-extend myself. I would show them. I was reassured that whenever they changed trails, someone would wait for me in order to guide me along to the right trail. I guess my wife didn't tell them about my great sense of direction. Then again, maybe she did. I think I'll have to ask her when I get home today. Anyway...<br /><br /> As we cycled on from our jump off point, I quickly realized that I was significantly out-classed. I didn't care, though, I was simply determined to go to the end of the adventure that they had planned out for us. The only thing they didn't tell me was just how far we were going to go. Nothing, in my mind, would stop me, except maybe a bear or mud slide or ....<br /><br /> We rode down little, narrow trails. Some were icy, some wet. Some were up to a few inches of tire stopping mud gumbo. We even traversed paved roads from time to time. Some of the trails were so overgrown with saplings that we would get slapped silly by the branches of the little fir trees. I even managed to lay my bike down on a patch of slick ice (read, I fell...in slow motion...yes, I am that talented). This elicited cheers from my comrades.<br /><br /> From time to time, we would leave the trails to go up the previously mentioned paved roads. Some were very steep inclines, so steep in fact, that they threatened to pull me down to the base of the hill. The going was rough, the pain in the legs and lungs was excruciating. I had to often times get off of the bike because my legs were too sore for me to ride on. Instead of stopping completely in order to rest, I walked the bike over and around the really rough spots. I didn't stop, I simply kept on keeping on.<br /><br /> The biking was hard work. The pain of the hills and the thrill and ease of the declines are not to be forgotten anytime soon. Yet, through it all, one of my fellow cyclists would double back to check up on me and to encourage me to go on a little further, even to give me a drink of their refreshing water. It made it all seem worthwhile, that the end was in easy biking range, even when we were many miles from the end. They never let me get lost when they changed trails. They would even stop and let me catch up with them.<br /><br /> Though I was the last to arrive back at our vehicles, I still made it. Even though I had to get off of the bike and walk over some rough spots, I still kept going. Yet, without my friends, I not only would have probably given up, I would never have even attempted to go mountain biking. Eight miles I traveled that afternoon, all because of my friends.<br /><br /> While I was riding along, I had the opportunity to compare this little trek with my friends and the Christian walk. I could see many parallels:<br /><br />1. Someone, maybe a friend, convinces you that you need to take the Journey (that you need God's salvation).<br /><br />2. You meet your friends at a central location (maybe church, maybe at a coffee house or a friend's apartment).<br /><br />3. You are instructed on the ground rules (you are taught the Word, usually in simple steps and simple words).<br /><br />4. You are told to go at your own pace, not to try to go too fast or too hard.<br /><br />5. You start down the trail (you start your Walk) and it seems easy.<br /><br />6. Then the trail gets bumpy, maybe even slick and nasty (we all know that we must suffer trials and tribulations).<br /><br />7. At critical junctures, someone points out the new, correct trail to take (the words of direction or maybe admonishment that I needed).<br /><br />8. Even when the going gets rough, or maybe lonely, someone who cares takes the time to stop or to double back and give you encouragement or even a little rest (the words of encouragement from someone who has been down the trail before and knows just how hard it can be for a newcomer).<br /><br />9. With such encouragement and direction from fellow travelers, we find that we are able to keep going, despite the trials. Even if we have to get off the bike and walk it, we can keep going and just around the bend we will find the going easier, the air fresher, and a sip of cool, refreshing water waiting for us. We can do it.<br /><br />10. In the end, after all is said and done, we are wrapped in a hug from Jesus and told, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter paradise".<br /><br /> In the end, I came away from the experience a wiser man. My friends didn't cheer me on as if I was a victorious warrior home from battle. But they did give me what I needed at the end of my journey...the end!<br /><br /> Now (23 Sep 08), almost ten years since I went on that journey, I haven't gone mountain biking again. As for my walk with God? Yep, you guessed it, I sometimes have to get off the bike but I always keeping moving forward. And when my race is done, I will be given the Crown of Life from my King. Then, and only, then, can I rest in Him for eternity.Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-20068910180533224232008-09-20T15:09:00.003-06:002008-09-24T22:34:58.093-06:00Good bye, Sweet InnocenceThis week has been really difficult. On Tuesday night, I was told (via Facebook) that one of my classmates from high school had died the previous day. Jason Gracia wasn't a close friend of mine. He was, though, friends with several of my friends and acquaintances. He was a jock, of sorts, like most of the people in my hometown. He could be the life of the party, the center of attention. He could also be brooding, just like every other teenager.<br /><br />What we celebrate is his life, not mourn his death. Jay will live on. In the hearts, the minds, and the souls of all who knew him.<br /><br />Through his death, several of us have grown closer. There is something life affirming in death. Especially at the young age of 36 (brain tumor). Hopefully, each of us who were affected by the death will re-examine our lives, put the important stuff at the top of our priority list, and live our lives to the fullest. Only then will such times of sorrow bring about lasting beauty and joy.<br /><br />Rest in peace, Jay, you are not forgotten.Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-90142103975410533352008-03-11T20:10:00.003-06:002008-09-24T22:35:13.394-06:00Babysitting, Transformers, & Eric LimingI haven't posted in quite some time. Life has been sort of busy. Not excessively so, mind you, just...sort of.<br /><br />Right now I am tired and I am watching three neighbor kids. The dad is deployed and the mom doesn't get too much time "away". So that is what I am trying to do, give someone a moment to take a breath.<br /><br />Have you ever wondered how you come across certain thoughts? I was watching Transformers and I thought about someone I hadn't really given too much thought to over the last twelve or so years. Eric Liming was a fellow Security Policeman way back when. He was awkward and didn't fit in too well. Oh, sure, he had his niche, and he was nice enough. But he wasn't one of "us".<br /><br />You know the type, the "us"-type. We were self-assured. Young. God's gift to...selfishness and cruelty. Yeah, we were horrible. And back then, we didn't care, not even a little bit. Nope, not at all. If I were to come across the me from back then I'd probably despise myself. I'd sit myself down and explain how what I was doing, saying, and how I was acting was hurting someone who was loved by God, who Jesus would have died for even if he was the only person on Earth who needed Him to sacrifice Himself for. What a total jerk I was. Shame doesn't come close to describing the depth of the feelings I have right now.<br /><br />Eric, I am so sorry. I want to apologize publicly to you. Please forgive me.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />JimJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-17314550298501804832007-12-18T11:35:00.001-07:002007-12-18T16:10:12.204-07:00Our Reasonable ServiceWhat is our reasonable service? Is it merely supporting the programs that are available at our church? Is it simply giving 10% of our wealth? What is it, truly?<br /><br />1. Supporting our church programs - a genuine necessity, to be certain. What is a reasonable amount of participation?<br />2. Tithe - do we give on our net or our gross earnings? Or, do I give based on the extra entitlements that I receive that are uniquely military in nature? Is it appropriate to give ten percent of our take home pay and ten percent of the income tax return? I realize that wars have been fought over lesser arguments, so I'm not trying to start a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">controversy. I'm just trying to understand what my reasonable service is.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">3. Should we devote most of our "donated" time to our church or should we try to be salt and light to our community by volunteering at secular venues that don't run counter to the mores and values that Christians should espouse? One could easily make a case for both, I suppose.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">These are just some of my struggles as of late. Feedback welcome but not mandatory.</span>Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-60164231784739628702007-12-18T11:35:00.000-07:002007-12-18T11:49:55.881-07:00The Layman's Guide to the Whole BibleHas anyone out there (in cyber-land) felt like they weren't getting the complete story? Feeling that, maybe, they were being given a shovelful of denominational junk? What does the Bible say about everything? Does the Bible support the Roman Catholic view that the Church and her traditions take precedence over the Word? Does the Bible support speaking in tongues as the primary evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit, as the Pentecostals believe? Do you have free-will or is your salvation at the whim of God?<br /><br />I would love to find a religious text that takes a verse-by-verse look at every single word that is written, translates it according to it's actual meaning, and then compares the result to the King James Version and a modern version of the Bible (such as the World English Bible). I would also like to see this from someone who doesn't try to interpret the words according to their creedal dogma. Someone who doesn't hold a Ph.d or D.Min degree. Someone who uses the resources that are freely available to everyone, documents the resources used, and keeps the process completely transparent.<br /><br />Since I have not found that text nor have I found someone who is willing to do so, I believe that I will have to step up to the plate and do it myself. To that end, I will first have to come up with a Statement of Belief. I think that I will take the Niceane Creed as the basis for my Statement of Belief. It seems to be the least tainted by doctrine and dogma. Of course, I will acknowledge that before it was put to paper there was a lot of jockeying for position of view points and thus does have some doctrinal and dogmatic baggage. I just feel that it is less strenuous baggage to drag behind me than a lot of other creeds and view points. I will also need to figure out which resources are best used. I don't want to use original texts that are not considered accurate or acceptable for use as a foundation. Of course, I will need to do a lot research into which ones are the best and for what reasons. That will go a long way toward producing a text that is accurate and useful. We will have to see.<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-53893831794649754882007-11-19T11:52:00.000-07:002007-11-19T12:27:39.032-07:00Trying To Find My WayHave you ever felt like you were meant for something important, something special? Have you ever felt like you wer wandering about in a fog, unable to see the path that is laid before your feet? That is my current state of being.<br /><br />Why? Well, I know that I am supposed to do something important for the Lord. I know that I have been set aside for a purpose. I just don't know what. That is so very frustrating. I want to know that I know that I know what I am intended for. What, oh Lord, is my kingdom purpose?Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-86369587540487677942007-10-29T11:39:00.000-06:002007-10-29T11:47:06.981-06:00In Search of Authentic ChristianityWhat is authentic Christianity? Is it strictly what you see in the Bible? Is it from a denomination? These questions are plaguing me, quite frankly. I want to know. I want to dedicate myself to true Christianity, not some watered down, dumbed down version of a once living Christianity.Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-85779442281303430282007-10-02T10:01:00.000-06:002007-10-02T10:53:39.739-06:00Music and the MindOne thing that I have been struggling with lately is music. There is lots and lots of music out there that I really like. A lot. Unfortunately, I must have a standard of some sort or other, right? Well, if I am a Christian, I must have a world-view, a personal code of conduct that reflects that Christian distinction.<br /><br />So, where do you draw the line? Especially when some of that music has some very real emotional connection that you cherish? What if it contains references to drugs, sex, or cursing? What if the music is angry? What do you do? Like religion and politics, music is an extension of what you believe and feel. It can be very deeply held, emotionally.<br /><br />Christina and I have discussed what we feel we need to do in order to bring our reality in line with our beliefs. That means getting rid of a lot of music and a lot of movies. A considerable sum of money was invested in them. Strangely enough, though, the expense that we incurred isn't the biggest sticking point for me. It's the fact that I really like the music or the movies. I've collected a lot of stuff that I really liked hearing on the radio, or renting from the movie store, or whatever. You get the point, right? It's hard.<br /><br />I'll keep this blog updated as to our progress in getting rid of the excess crap that we've added to our lives. Keep us in your prayers. Thanks.Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-70577153659037781302007-09-28T10:11:00.000-06:002007-09-28T15:54:52.129-06:00What Does It Take?What does it take to get to the point where you feel comfortable surrendering to God? What does it take to get to the point where your one and only reason for being is summed up in the words "service to the King"? These are the things that I think about, that I worry about, that I long for the answers to.<br /><br />You know, it's kind of funny, really. I am more interested in the Elijah's, the Jeremiah's, and the Paul's of the Bible than I am in Jesus. Their examples are far more perplexing to me than Jesus'. As a military man, I understand sacrifice. I understand unconditional surrender to the greater good. It means nothing to me to contemplate what it takes to be that type of person and then accept it as reality. Just like Jesus.<br /><br />What I can't bend my mind around is surrendering my will to God in the way that Paul, or Jeremiah, or Elijah did. At least Jesus understood His position in the greater Scheme of things. He created the Heaven's and the Earth. He understood that for all mankind to receive salvation, He needed to be the One True Sacrificial Lamb. But the others, they didn't need to follow God unconditionally. They lacked the added dimension of being God. They were mere mortal men, just like me. They had free-wills borne of an inherent sinfulness inhereted from Adam. They weren't perfect. Just like me.<br /><br />Oh that the One True Living God of all the Galaxies would hear my plea...don't let me leave this Earth without the opportunity to brush the hem of Your garment. May I have the courage to do so should the opportunity arise!<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-70142104398191352602007-09-26T14:03:00.000-06:002007-09-26T14:13:24.035-06:00What Is Worship?On Sunday we had some missionaries to Argentina visit our church. I really love Missions Sunday! Where else do you find out just how spiritually shabby you really are! Man!<br /><br />Well, on with the story... Rocky, the missionary, brought along a video of the Bible College he heads. To see the sincere look of worship on the faces of his students left a huge impression on my mind and a gaping hole in my soul! I don't worship like that. I don't pray fervent, effective prayers like that. My relationship with God isn't like that. I, for all that I have materially, am a desperate beggar without a sign!<br /><br />To show just how empowered they are, consider this: on their weekends they go out and start street churches. They preach to people on the bus, the subway, and at the checkout stand. They even preach to those that hold them up at knife/gun point! And they are leading people to Christ! What have I done today? What have you done today?<br /><br />Signed,<br />A Spiritual PauperJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-11649868212828137572007-09-26T07:01:00.001-06:002007-09-26T07:08:49.065-06:00Rethinking LifeIt's so easy to get into the habit of constantly running. From here to there and back again we tread the same tired ground. It's no wonder we are constantly exhausted.<br /><br />For quite some time now Christina and I have talked about getting rid of all of the junk and excess clutter that we've accumulated over the last ten years or so. Now we have finally gotten to the point where we are doing something about it. For the last couple of weeks we have gotten rid of several bags of trash (stuff you thought you might need at a later date...ha!) and quite a bit of other stuff sold. Unfortunately, we are still swamped by the junk we haven't gone through and gotten rid of yet.<br /><br />While thinking about what to keep and what to get rid of, I have come across a desire that has started to affect me substantially. I want to start reading the Bible everyday so that I can deepen my faith. I have somehow managed to get to a place that is very comfortable to me but which does not seem to be all that fruitful. So, in the next several days I am going to start reading through a one year Bible reading plan. I plan on using this blog as a place to document my reading schedule and my impressions of what I have read. I will also start doing book reviews (as I come across books of note).<br /><br />Cheers<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"></span>Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-43498523198096230572007-09-24T21:46:00.000-06:002007-09-24T22:45:25.893-06:00Synopsis of the Last Month or SoHere is a quick synopsis of the past several weeks:<br /><br />1. We drove, as a family, to Ohio.<br />2. Christina's cousin, Melanie, got married to Andrew. It was a beautiful wedding. Unfortunately, I spent a good part of the ceremony babysitting my youngest daughter.<br />3. Right before I left Aunt Elaine's house to head back to Mississippi, I had to save my 5 year old and 9 year olds lives. They were in the pool, splashing about, when Amanda started walking from the shallow end toward the deep end. I was standing several feet away from her when I warned her not to go any further, as she might end up going too far. No sooner had I let the warning slip from my tongue when she slid down the portion of the pool that leads to the deep end. She went under and struggled to break the surface. Unable to do so, and watching her slip deeper, I mindlessly dropped to the prone position and extended my arm. Barely reaching her, I grabbed her under arm pit and hoisted her out of the water. After standing her up on the side of the pool and ensuring that she could breathe properly, I heard a woman's voice yelling. Finally able to understand what she was saying (my mind hadn't quite come out of auto-pilot yet), I noticed that my 9 year old, Katie, was struggling to remain above water. After watching her slip under and then back up (which took all of maybe a second), I reached down and grabbed her and pulled her out. The lady who was yelling to me was standing in the pool, water nearly to her waist. I thank God that she was willing to risk her own life to save one of my children. I am especially thankful that no one was hurt. To prove just how odd my children are, they got mad at me for not letting them get back into the pool!<br />4. I left them in Cleveland and proceeded to the Mississippi, again. I spent three weeks having my skull crammed full of knowledge. So intense was the course that no one who graduated was spared the effects of having their stomachs tied in knots. I very nearly wanted to go to the latrine and puke my guts out. I could have sworn that I would have been lucky to pass the last test with anything more than a 70 percent. Strangely enough, I passed with a 96 percent. Strange things still happen, I suppose.<br />5. I made it home safely and spent a couple of weeks there before going on another adventure. That adventure is known to the Royal Rangers as summer PowWow. To us here in South Dakota, that means September. Somehow, we managed to place it on a cold weekend. It got bitter cold, with plenty of wind. Typical South Dakota. Where else can you get a fifty or so degree spread from high to low? The stars were very close and very bright. Absolutely brilliant. God sure knows how to light up a night.<br /><br />Now, we have found out that, God willing, we will be moving to Spain sometime after the start of the New Year.<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-4038354986672202812007-09-24T16:28:00.001-06:002007-09-24T16:29:38.616-06:00Will Update...SoonWell, things haven't been exactly crazy but I haven't been exactly willing to sit down and write an update, either. So, this is my notice to you that I will be bringing this up-to-date then moving forward with some new thoughts and such.<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-27006927163047704672007-08-08T12:34:00.002-06:002008-10-05T20:52:00.648-06:00And We're Off!We are going to be leaving in a few moments for Ohio/Mississippi. Yeah...a fun several days of travel!<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-13650472723595309622007-08-08T12:34:00.000-06:002007-08-08T12:35:37.790-06:00And We're Off!We are going to be leaving in a few moments for Ohio/Mississippi. Yeah...a fun several days of travel!<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-45461270699067172732007-08-06T18:58:00.000-06:002007-08-06T19:01:02.143-06:00Out of the Mouth of Babes....In the "Out of the Mouth of Babes" category, we are presented with the following: Upon seeing how Ben's wife in <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Fantastic Four </span>turned and ran when she saw him as Thing, my five year old proclaimed: "He needs a family!". Boy, she sure cut to the very essence of the problem. Wow.Jim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-41252778215343617742007-08-04T20:03:00.000-06:002007-08-05T10:03:58.152-06:00Bourne UltimatumWent with the wife to see Bourne Ultimatum...boy, I don't know what to say. So, I'll give my impressions:<br /><br />1. The photography sucked! There were several scenes that would have been awesome had they been filmed normally. To say the least, we got a bit motion sick because of the movie.<br /><br />2. For a film that was supposed to close the series out, it sure didn't tie up any loose ends or answer any real questions.<br /><br />Oh well, since I wasn't the one directing or producing the film I can't get too out-of-sorts about it. I guess I'll have to read the books, eh?<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-57509998850372735062007-08-03T22:04:00.000-06:002007-08-03T22:15:32.285-06:00DirectionOne area that I've been struggling with is what direction my life should take. I only have three more years before I am eligible to retire and I really need to start finding what direction to press toward. So many ideas, so few opportunities to press forward.<br /><br />1. I would like to become a minister. Unfortunately, I want to assist people in developing countries to get out of poverty and hear (see) the love of Christ. I say unfortunately because it seems to be a difficult challenge.<br /><br />2. I would like to be a special education teacher. Specifically, teaching high-functioning autistic children and Down's Syndrome children. They give a lot of "bang for the buck" when teaching them. They are truly God's children.<br /><br />3. I would like to be a full-time Royal Ranger Commander...think paid ministry, church/district staff. It's way too awesome watching young boys blossom and really find out who they are in Christ.<br /><br />4. I would like to help marriages and families better understand each other. Of course, I haven't the least clue about how to make it all work...but God does and that's enough for me right now. Lord knows I have a hard time living that last statement.<br /><br /><br />Anyway, my action plan is to do the following:<br /><br />1. Humble myself before my God by<br /> a. Surrendering to Him all of my desires.<br /> b. Submitting to His plan and will for my life.<br /><br />2. Take up my cross daily and follow Him.<br /><br />3. Rinse and Repeat. Daily.<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18086262.post-80282811058617098772007-08-03T21:40:00.000-06:002007-08-03T22:03:55.941-06:00That Peculiar Wow FactorAs of late I have become quite the <a href="http://www.castingcrowns.com/">Casting Crowns</a> junkie. I can't seem to stop listening to them. I have one of their live CDs playing in my truck, one of their CDs is in the stereo in the kitchen, and we are watching their live DVD right now. Yup, a junkie I is. I've even sent an email to <a href="http://www.hillsalive.com">Hills Alive</a> and asked them to consider including them next year. Of course, I doubt I'll still be here in America next July, but as only God knows...blessed be the Name of the Lord.<br /><br />Now, back to the title. I was <a href="http://www.soulshine.ca/features/featuresarticle.php?fid=156">reading</a> a post about Casting Crowns and came upon this quote by Mark Hall, lead singer and songwriter for Casting Crowns: "He says along the way to becoming more like Jesus some of us are going to become youth pastors, some writers, another a farmer <span style="font-style: italic;">but that none of that was why we were born</span>. “<span style="font-weight: bold;">You were born to be like Jesus and to bring him glory</span>.” " The italic and bold fonts were added by me.<br /><br />Wow. Brings things into focus, doesn't it? I wish I had that type of faith and that type of focus.<br /><br />As an aside, I want to go on a short term mission trip. I'd like to learn Swahili and go to Eastern Africa. Not certain if that is my flesh or if that is the direction that God is pulling me toward. Pray for God to provide an opportunity for me in the next year or so and then to provide the faith and the finances for it. In fact, not only for me but also for Christina...she'd really like to go to but feels a lot like so many things take a backburner to me and my desires.<br /><br />CheersJim Grosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920335841350033066noreply@blogger.com0