Music and Christ

My Elearning Doubts

2010-07-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

As a teacher, I find it quite easy to believe that young people nowadays are really getting into the relatively new wave of education. Perhaps, elearning is truly an inevitable process for students and teachers for generations to come.

So on my part, I still have to study how this entire system works. I heard that there are as many different elearning training solutions for various companies as there are as many students in a university. And sadly, I’m not really into this phase yet.

The problem is I can’t really imagine myself trying to explain what gerunds are to Koreans in front of the computer. I mean besides not fully understanding how this elearning stuff works, the thing I worry about most is the virtual communication. I think this kind of teaching would just promote the lack of interaction on a personal level, like being insincere on a certain point. Not to mention I also feel awkward talking to the screen all day while also requiring to repeat a lot of words because of some faulty equipment. But then again, perhaps it’s really just up to the people involved in the learning process. I guess teaching will become one of those office jobs now if ever this trend dominates the traditional classroom type of education.

e learning development tools

In a lot of ways, it makes life easier. I guess that’s the whole point of having technology, right? I don’t have to transfer classrooms before any class or have trouble over going out from home only to be late at work. The working schedule can also be flexible for some online teachers, although not as flexible as those with the students.

Plus, I get to teach different kinds of students from different nationalities. Somehow it also makes it a lot easier to teach because you don’t have to mind so many students at the same time and get irritated by several distractions during the lessons. But still, I feel doubtful about this whole elearning training solutions that the manager in the company I am going to work keeps talking about. Well, I guess only time can tell.

Me and Fran in Our Barbados Small Hotel

2010-03-30T03:12:00.000-07:00

Fran and I went to Barbados last month. We stayed at this awesome Barbados small hotel that had the most charming rooms. The place was truly beautiful. Fran and I agreed to go back to the very same place next year.

For the price of the hotel, we really got our money’s worth. The hotel was located at the Eastern side of the island, just a few minutes away from long beach. It was such a value; we really saved a lot of money by staying there. And the best part is that the place was great. I did not expect as much service and quality from a Barbados small hotel. It just goes to show you that there still a lot of great deals in Barbados. People, (including myself) think that the Caribbean country is an expensive place since so many celebrities go there. But it is actually quite affordable if you just know where to stay and where to eat. I love Oistins, by the way. That town has the best seafood fry I have ever tasted.

Here’s Fran and myself getting ready for some jet skiing fun. This was taken by some guy who was checking us out so I decided that we could take advantage of the guy and make him a slave for the day. We made him carry our stuff and rub suntan lotion on our backs.

Ah, that beautiful Caribbean Sea water. No words can fully describe the beauty of that place. I definitely fell in love at first sight with that perfectly azure beach. We met a couple of cute locals at this beach and they treated us to lunch (ah yes, the perks of being sexy). Then at night we partied at the southern coast of the island near the Gap where the night life of the island is located. It was a good thing that our Barbados apartment hotel was located at the center of the island because we were near everything. We went to the majestic north shore as well before we left.

Dover Beach Hotel in Barbados Lowers Rates

2010-03-18T23:40:00.000-07:00

Barbados (February 18, 2010) – The Dover Beach hotel in Barbados lowers it rates this summer. The discounted offers have actually started since last year when the recession at the U.S. was at its peak. Barbados is well known for its tourism industry and nearly fifty percent of the tourists that come to the island are Americans. This is why the Dover Beach hotel in Barbados along with many others have lowered their rates since the recession is discouraging many from going on an expensive vacation.

Dover beach gives, perhaps what most critics agree as one of the best locations a hotel in Barbados could have. It is very private. For those looking for a combination of being privately secluded white Barbados beach and yet close to the town, then this hotel is the best choice. It is a walk away from St. Lawrence Gap which is where the Barbados nightlife lives. There are many restaurants, bars, and clubs in the Gap along with duty free shops. It is also just fifteen minutes away from the Airport as well as the capital city of the Barbados, Bridgetown which is another great place to visit and to shop in.

Barbados Apartment Hotel

Dover Beach Hotel is also great since it brings high value to one’s money. The place is very beautiful and yet one can afford to bring the whole family in because the rates are not really so high. And now that the rates have gone down due to the economic recession of the U.S. then this is really the best time to take advantage of the hotel.

The southern coast is the place to be for people who love the night life. But it is also the place to be for those who want to experience the spirit of the country since many heritages locations and tourist spots of interest are in the south. Some of the best beaches and dining choices are also located in the southern coast.

The place may not have the biggest rooms for the rates, but considering the location, one can really save more money in the Dover Beach Hotel since all the traveling expenses will be cut in half if not eliminated. Those who are young and who love to explore the island on their own and go to the beaches on foot will find that the location of Dover Beach makes up for the small accommodations.

How to Find the Best Hotel in Barbados

2010-02-24T22:58:00.000-08:00

After months and months of being a corporate slave, one cannot help but give in to the itch to splurge and get the money straight to the cash register. It is either buying a really expensive pair of shoes or booking a vacation trip with friends – It’s really up to one’s choice on how to spend the money he has worked so hard for. And when it comes to chilling out in a hot vacation destination, it’s hard not to include Barbados in the list.

So the destination is settled, but that does not make things any easier. Remember that the hotel or apartment where you will spend your vacation can have a huge effect on how the vacation is spent. Staying in a cheap and crappy hotel, even if it is located in the most beautiful island, is still a cheap and crappy hotel. Nothing can change that. So to save yourself from stress and disappointment, I present to you my list of ways on how you can book the best hotel in Barbados.

hotel in Barbados

1. Do not take Google’s word for it.
I know that Google is like the Bible for vacationers, but remember that not all hotels that appear on the top pages of Google can give you your money’s worth. Just because they are number one when you search for “Best hotel in Barbados” doesn’t mean it’s for real. It could just be a product of a good Internet marketing strategy. So what to do now that good ol’ handy Google is not that of a reliable source? Go to hotel review sites. These sites can give you a better overview of the hotel’s quality and service. More importantly, you can read reviews written by actual vacationers themselves.

2. Get a trusted travel agent. Seeing it on the net just won’t do for some people so why don’t you just verify it for yourself through the help of a travel agent?

3. If you don’t trust Google and travel agents, maybe it’s time to get the help of the Barbados Tourism Authority. Just drop them a call at 011 (+246) 427 2623 or browse through their websites. They can give you information on hotel rates, reviews, and the latest attractions in Barbados hotels. This is probably the best way to find a hotel in Barbados that suits your needs and specification.

Specialized E-learning Tools

2009-12-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

Based from my experiences on researching on such a topic, I have come to a conclusion, although I believe it is already an accepted truth, that elearning tools, being a product of technological advancements, follows that it likewise has a need to constantly renew and evolve in order to keep up with the changing times. Its design, processes, strategies and tools must be updated in order to meet the need of efficiency and productivity of various businesses in different industries.

In the past, the standard for developers was that an E-learning product must conform to the standards of web based HTML, Javascript and Flash. However, certain constraints prove these slightly ineffective, hence the recent need to go beyond generalist web tools. Now, there are E-learning tools used for authoring. Each of these new tools have the capabilities to function as authoring systems and at the same time deliver output similar to that of the previously standard web based files. Examples of these E-learning authoring tools are Trainersoft and DazzlerMax. To remain in pace with Trainersoft and DazzlerMax, Click2Learn developed and adapted Toolbook which allows authors to have the option to produce output directly into HTML and JavaScript.

The E-learning market is growing at such an enormous pace, that countless market entrants are exploiting a variety of new technologies and even more specialist E-learning tools in order to maximize the advantages of E-learning.

There are certainly advantages to these specialist E-learning authoring systems, but like most technology, it has disadvantages as well. These new development is beneficial because it can protect an E-learning developer from the need for expertise in specialist programming makes it easier for them to use a variety of interactive techniques, and have the ability to communicate their content with learning management systems. The disadvantage to this, on the other hand, is a certain loss of flexibility. This is because as a tool becomes easier to wield, it becomes more limited. There is less a person can do with it.

I think that in the long run, these specialist E-learning authoring tools will continue to dominate because of its contribution to better content and design. A simplified, yet specialized tool answers the need for a sensible budget and a reasonable, effective timetable as well. That’s why the loss of flexibility is but a small price to pay for progress and the many advantageous effects it would have in the industry.

Loan Modification Warnings: SCAMMERS

2009-10-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I encountered news on how everyone is relying on loan modification tips right now in order to stop foreclosure. Then I realized that this was a sign of the times. The economic recession that our country is facing is truly horrifying. But is something that is isolated? We all know that the system has to change somehow. But right now, we are just seeing some reform bills from the government; I am yet to see some radical change. And when I say radical change, I mean one that many will oppose because most true radical change always go down that way.

This makes me think of how the capitalist society of our functions. It also makes me think about the ugly side of human nature. I read that a lot of scammers are taking advantage of the economic depression. Imagine, these vermin come out of hiding because they see the opportunity for free meals in the expense of the desperate victims. Think about it this way during and after a calamity that kills a lot of animals, it is always the scavengers that are the winners.

WARNING to everyone looking for LOAN MODIFICATION
There are so many scam artists out there who smell the blood in the water after the ship called the U.S. economy was sunk.

How to SPOT SCAMMERS
Do not be fooled. One can do a loan modification by your self. It will be difficult though and a whole lot of research is necessary. But if you seek the help of a professional, be wary of outrageous claims. There are even those approved non profit organizations that are geared towards profit. Remember that those wanting upfront fees for loan modification guidance and processing is a sham. Always be vigilant and check for nearly impossible claims such as promising 100 successful modification or a lowering in the principal balance of the loan (this does happen but only rarely in special situations).

Ways to Strengthen Your Faith

2009-07-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

We all experience a down low on faith. These are those moment when doubts fill our hearts, causing us to loosen our grip on the Lord. These are episodes in our lives which we have control over. We can either fight the second thoughts about our faith or let it overpower us and jeopardize our relationship with God. On the other hand, we all know that the best way to go in the face of such situations is to hold on and never let go of our belief.

If you feel like losing the zeal for your spirituality lately, do not fret. To help you strengthen the shaky foundations of your faith, I have listed some tips that you can consider.

1. Pray.
Praying is the foremost form of communication with the Lord. It is constant communication that saves any relationship, and with God, the same rule applies. In your prayers, thank Him for all the blessings He has bestowed upon you. Do not forget to surrender to Him all your doubts and troubles. Let Him take the wheel of your life. Most importantly, ask Him for strength to go on living your faith.

2. Read the Bible for inspiration.
The Bible is a compilation of God’s works, words, and wonders. The only way you could strengthen your faith in something and someone is by knowing more of Him. By reading the Bible, you would know about God and His promises to those who believe in Him.

3. Be in the company of good people.
Being around good and positive people also helps in keeping your faith in tact. They could provide you with the moral boost you need to go on and live your faith. Have you ever noticed how being around negative people bring you down? Yes, it is sometimes that environment and the people around us that cause us to sin and doubt the power of the Lord. Being with good people fuels your drive to follow the path of Christ.

Faith requires work. May God give us strength to work on our faith.

Inspiration I get from Reading Christian Magazines

2009-07-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

I have been an ardent reader since the 3rd grade and this I have to say, is one of the greatest habits I have ever tried in my life. Reading has helped me veer away from vices and other worldly activities that could potentially destroy my promise to fulfill my covenant with God. There was a time in my life when I could consume a box of cigarettes a day, which did not only endangered my health but also my chance to lead a more righteous path in life. To ward off the thought and finally quit smoking, I surrounded myself with inspirational materials to read like Christian magazines and of course the Bible. Reading these materials not only helped me get myself preoccupied but also thought me important lessons or two about life.

Here are some of the things I gained from reading Christian magazines.

Take good care of your health. – Christian magazine do not only focus on spirituality. More than citing inspirational Bible verses, these materials also emphasize the importance of health in fulfilling our covenant to Heavenly Father. By reading such magazines, I was reoriented on how relevant my overall well-being was to take on the role of a true Christian. My body is a temple, which God gave to me to care off, not to tarnish. This is one of the strongest motivations to quit smoking.
Accept yourself for who you are. – Our worldly society often dictates a twisted view of physical beauty. Because of the pressures of media and the people around us, we are forced to fit into a certain kind of mind frame that puts so much focus on appearances. This frame of mind forces a lot of people to alter their bodies that God has given them. They undergo cosmetic surgeries or worst, starve themselves to death just to look thin and fabulous. In the end, they still do not find peace and contentment. Why? Because no matter how many surgeries they go through, if they cannot find the heart to fully accept themselves for who they are, accept God as their creator and savior, and love God and themselves, they would never find the peace of mind they are looking for.
Strengthen your faith in God – A Christian magazine’s prime purpose is to inspire people to hold on to their faith in God. Through stories of real people and testimonies of other Christians, readers are more encouraged to remain strong in standing up for their belief.

If you ever feel like your faith is dwindling or when temptations get the best of you, do not resort to holing up in your room or giving in to the calls of temptations. Instead, surround yourself with positivism. Christian magazines, devotionals, and of course the Bible are a great sources of inspiration that could give you that needed spiritual boost you need to keep on walking the path of righteousness.

Ms. California’s Controversy

2009-07-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hilton asked Miss California's Carrie Prejean her thoughts about legalizing gay marriage during the Miss USA 2009 pageant, Prejean answered:

“I think it's great Americans are able to choose one or the other," she said. "We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what in my country, in my family I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be, between a man and a woman."

(Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Television/Story?id=7381893&page=1)

Miss California, Carrie Prejean is disappointed when she didn't win the Miss USA pageant after she answered the question about same sex marriage. Although, many were disappointed with her answer she still says that she's proud because “she stayed true to her beliefs and wouldn't change the response – even though she believes it cost her the crown” (Lauren Johnston of Daily News ).

With broad perspectives and liberated understanding of men today, some people of America are somehow disgusted with Ms. Prejean’s answer. Many were calling her as a “disappointing opportunistic” but I believe that Ms. Prejean is right about what she’s saying. The Bible said unto us that we should not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; for that is detestable (Leviticus 18:22)”. Ms. Prejean is just applying the teachings of the church with her perspectives in life. The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) also defends Ms. Prejean’s innocence and statement, they said that she’s not an opportunistic woman with hidden agendas; it’s the pageant that made a disrespectful act with Ms. Prejean’s statement. Ms. Gallaher, the president of NOM, also added that “Carrie Prejean is a young woman of courage who chose truth over the Miss USA tiara.”

Now, Ms. Prejean is standing for an anti-gay marriage ad sponsored by National Organization for Marriage. She said that she was attacked for giving her own opinion on stage but she will still go for what she stands for, “to protect marriage whatever it takes”. Even though a lot of people brought her down, Prejean is still one of those brave hearts who still believe in the sanctity of marriage. She chose to outshine her glory for the sake of truth.

Pixar’s UP – character references

2009-06-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of characters in the new Pixar movie and the depth of characters provide a very interesting yet very humbling movie experience.

What’s interesting is that the villain of the movie is, in a way, exactly like Carl. This villain was an explorer who was unjustly called a fraud when he couldn’t prove that he’d discovered a new South American species. So he spends his life obsessed with restoring his reputation, to the point of running roughshod over any person or anything that gets in his way. His desire for justice—not a bad thing in itself—drives all other moral considerations from his mind.

At the heart of the story is this dilemma: Will Carl become just like this cold and cruel man, or will he finally come to see what’s really important? It takes a poignant reminder of his happy, love-filled marriage to open Carl’s eyes. And I can tell you, it’s a reminder that doesn’t leave a dry eye in the theater.

So take your family to see Up, and visit our website for some discussion questions that you and the kids can talk about afterward. It’ll help all of you see adventure—and human relationships—in a whole new light.

Christian Bale – Physical danger

2009-06-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

Christian magazines always belittle the physical dangers of actors in movies. However, this interview gives us a look at how dangerous movies can be. More than that, this excerpt will show us that even actors and actresses need the grace of God to be safe.

So...outside of your roles, do you have a history of putting yourself in situations where you have to test yourself physically or even court danger?
Definitely. Though the one that stands out to me wasn’t physically demanding or dangerous. One of the places where we lived when I was growing up had this big wood out the back. And starting when I was about 8, I used to enjoy just walking alone through the wood late. Eleven p.m. Midnight. Later. Deep into the woods. It was terrifying. And I wasn’t allowed to look behind me, no matter what noises I heard. That was the point. That thing. The fear. To go into some deep place, a well of fear, that you’ve never been to before and that you didn’t know the way out of. Not looking behind, not turning around, just going deeper and deeper into those woods. I always enjoyed that.

That’s the word? Enjoy?
I learned something about myself, didn’t I?

What?
That I don’t want to be comforted. That I want to be able to face the hell I’m in.

On its face, that’s patently unbelievable. I mean, come on: an 8-year-old? And yet that impulse was fully realized in your performance in Empire of the Sun, which was when you were...?
Thirteen.

Source: Google.com

The Influence of Christianity.com

2009-06-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

Christianity.com has a nice collection of articles its like reading a Christian magazine. Here is one of my favorites. It is from “The Race of Faith and the Scenery of God's Grace” by Mike Pohlman, Editor, Christianity.com

Do I see it? Is it new everyday? Does it excite me? Move me? Leave me in awe?

I was challenged to behold the beauty of Jesus’ blood shed for me; the awesome power of His resurrection that conquered death; His unwavering advocacy on my behalf before the Father; the treasure of His perfect righteousness imputed to me. In a word, the cross and all it accomplished and represents for those who trust in Him. This, at least in part, is the glorious “scenery” of God’s grace that helps fuel our run of faith.

Intersecting Faith & Life: I want to run in such a way as to win the prize—to hear my Lord say, “Well done good and faithful servant … Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23). To get to that finish line, I pray that God grants me eyes to see the wonders of His grace in Christ Jesus—scenery worthy of our eternal gaze.

Miss California Carrie Prejean speaks up

2009-05-25T00:13:00.000-07:00

Miss California Carrie Prejean spoke to FOXNews.com and said that she has "no regrets" and is happy with the answer she gave.

Miss California's answer sparked a shouting match in the lobby after the show. "It's ugly," said Scott Ihrig, a gay man, who attended the pageant with his partner. "I think it's ridiculous that she got first runner-up. That is not the value of 95 percent of the people in this audience. Look around this audience and tell me how many gay men there are."

Charmaine Koonce, the mother of Miss New Mexico USA Bianca Matamoros-Koonce, argued back using a Christian magazine motto,

"In the Bible it says marriage is between Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve!"

The pageant had enjoyed a scandal-free year until earlier this month, when Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza was skewered for a blog posting from a trip to Guantanamo Bay. The entry described having "aloooot of fun" at a base that houses the notorious military prison; it was later deleted from the pageant's Web site.

The winner, Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton, a 22-year-old aspiring motivational speaker and entertainer from Wilmington, edged out first runner-up Miss California, and second runner-up Miss Arizona USA Alicia-Monique Blanco, of Phoenix.

"It feels really natural," Dalton said of her win. "I've worked so be here and this has been my lifelong dream and it's finally here. And whoever knew you could win in a turquoise gown?"

Remembering Maggie Gallagher’s column about same sex marriage

2009-05-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the things that she discussed in a column in a christian magazine in 2003 that still rings true today.

A new marriage movement--a distinctively American phenomenon--has been born.

“The scholarly consensus on the importance of marriage has broadened and deepened; it is now the conventional wisdom among child welfare organizations. As a Child Trends research brief summed up: "Research clearly demonstrates that family structure matters for children, and the family structure that helps children the most is a family headed by two biological parents in a low-conflict marriage. Children in single-parent families, children born to unmarried mothers, and children in stepfamilies or cohabiting relationships face higher risks of poor outcomes. . . . There is thus value for children in promoting strong, stable marriages between biological parents."

What will court-imposed gay marriage do to this incipient recovery of marriage?
“For, even as support for marriage in general has been rising, the gay marriage debate has proceeded on a separate track. Now the time has come to decide: Will unisex marriage help or hurt marriage as a social institution?”

Why should it do either, some may ask? How can Bill and Bob's marriage hurt Mary and Joe?
In an exchange with me in the just-released book "Marriage and Same Sex Unions: A Debate," Evan Wolfson, chief legal strategist for same-sex marriage in the Hawaii case, Baer v. Lewin, argues there is "enough marriage to share." What counts, he says, "is not family structure, but the quality of dedication, commitment, self-sacrifice, and love in the household."

If family structure does not count. Then what is marriage for?
Why have laws about it? Why care whether people get married or stay married? Do children need mothers and fathers, or will any sort of family do? When the sexual desires of adults clash with the interests of children, which carries more weight, socially and legally?

Lauren Conrad - finally

2009-05-11T00:20:00.000-07:00

It is finally confirmed that Lauren Conrad isn't returning to The Hills.

Reports from the New York Post said that Conrad, 23, has been working out a contract to re-appear on the show after "She kind of realized, especially in this economy, there's not much else out there for her. What else can she do that would earn as much?"

However, her rep tells Usmagazine.com, "She is focusing on both clothing lines and her books. She has no plans to return to The Hills at this time."

Last week while reading a book by William Paul Young, I saw MTV announce that the show will return in the fall with more episodes of season 5. The press release issued that "Lauren has moved on, but Heidi, Audrina, Spencer, Brody, Stephanie, Lo and Justin Bobby will be back as the drama continues with fresh faces, new stories and shocking surprises,"

Heidi Montag, her co-star even told a christian magazine as well as MTV News that she'd "miss" Conrad -- but not too much.

"I just don't know if we need her," she said. "I know she hasn't been wanting to be doing this for a while, and [the life she really leads] is not on camera. So I think it's a closing chapter for her. I'm sure she'll have fun and success."

Praying guideines

2009-04-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Psalm 96:1-9
We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us. --Romans 8:26

I have been inspired by the Christian dance group, the Philippine All Stars. For them, prayer is one of the most important spiritual exercises for a believer. Jesus, the Son of God and Lord of all things, spent whole nights in prayer while He lived on earth.

In those night-long encounters, Jesus communed with His Father. His prayers were not just petitions to get something. Too often we think of prayer as a way to get God to do things for us or for others, but the highest purpose of prayer is to deepen our relationship with Him.

Prayer does involve petition and intercession, but it also includes communion. In petition God does something FOR us, in intercession He does something THROUGH us, and in communion He does something IN us.

As a christian magazine pointed out, when we pray, how much of our time is spent communing with the Lord? Our prayers will become less self-centered and more God-centered as we draw closer to Him, seek His glory, and subordinate our petitions to His will. Communion is the line that connects our soul with the battery of God's power. When this line is down, our petitions are but idle chatter. God's power must flow into our lives as we bow before Him and recognize Him as Lord of all. Communion with God is a great privilege and the most important element of prayer.

Bee Pollen And The Gospel

2009-04-20T16:11:00.000-07:00

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. --Colossians 4:6

Nellie Pickard loves to tell people about Jesus Christ. She does it so often that she's written a series of books describing how she witnesses in everyday situations. In Just Say It! she tells about her phone call to a health-food store. She had noticed that bee pollen was on sale, so she asked the manager about the benefits of using it. "You'll live forever," he replied.

To Nellie, the words live forever were an open invitation. "I know you're joking," she said, "but I know I'm going to live forever, and not because I buy your bee pollen."

His response was encouraging. "I'd like to hear about it. I'm really interested in why you think you're going to live forever." Although he did not trust Jesus as Savior at that time, Nellie had planted the seed by being wise "toward those who are outside" (Col. 4:5).

Our opportunities are endless, yet our words are often powerless. Instead of directing our conversations with unbelievers toward spiritual matters, we tend to stay in the safe zone. Doing as Nellie does is a skill we need to develop and a challenge that comes straight from God's Word.

We must look for those openings. With sincere kindness and genuine concern we can turn most conversations to eternal matters--even if the subject is bee pollen. Kind a reminds me of that skater Jay Adams.

Here is further reading when you want to know more about the Gospel that I found in a christian magazine.

Colossians 4:2-6 (New International Version)

Further Instructions
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

William Paul Young: A Profile of a Christian Author

2009-04-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

William Paul Young was flown away to boarding school at age 6. He was like a white Dani that was wandering around. He was a wanderer and by the time he finished middle school he had attended thirteen different schools. Not only that but he paid his way through Bible College working as a radio disc jockey, lifeguard. He even did a gig in the oil fields of northern Alberta just to realize his dream of being a pastor.

According to a christian magazine went to the Philippines one summer and he spent another summer touring with a drama troupe before working in Washington D.C. at Fellowship House, an international guest house. He completed his undergraduate degree in Religion and graduated summa cum laude from Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon.

He said in his website that, "The Shack was a story written for my six children, with no thought or intention to publish. It is as much a surprise to me as to anyone else that I am now an ‘author’. Overall, I am a very simple guy; I have one wife, six kids, two daughter-in-laws and two grandkids on the way. I work as a general manager, janitor and inside sales guy for a friend who owns a small manufacturers rep company in Milwaukie, Oregon, and I live in a small rented house in Gresham, Oregon, that Kim has made into a marvelous home. My time is spent loving the people that are a part of my life. I am surrounded by people of faith and we have incredible friends; now you are one of those. Oh yeah… and I wrote this book."

Desperately

2009-02-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

Here is our song of the week! I found this on a christian magazine and was very much blessed by this and I hope that you will be too.

Desperately

By Joy Chastagner and Elton Smith

(Verse 1)

I am failed and imperfect

But when I am touched

By your grace I'm refreshed and revived.

And Your strength and Your comfort

Soon help me to see

That in You I am truly alive.

(Chorus 1)

I am desperately trying to see

All the things that you want me to be.

I am awed by Your presence,

Please hold my hand.

Give me wisdom so I'll understand.

(Verse 2)

Though my heart longs to please You

My pride is so strong,

And I constantly battle with sin.

Oh please help me be humble

And follow along.

May the truth of Your Way slowly win.

(Chorus 2)

I am desperately hoping to find

That Your love is transforming my mind

And the pride that I harbor will fade away.

Oh please dwell in my heart Lord, I pray.

(Verse 3)

In the ocean of blessings You freely provide

I can feel that You're there by my side.

I'm amazed that You love me

Though sometimes I fall.

My Redeemer, I give You my all.

(Chorus 3)

I am desperately seeking Your face,

And I ponder the depths of Your grace,

As the pain and the heartache I have inside

Are washed away with the tide,

Are washed away with the tide.

For God and God alone

2009-02-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

As I was reading about British history, I came across a quote from British historian Herbert Albert Laurens Fisher. He said, “Men wiser and more learned than I have discovered in history a plot, a rhythm, a predetermined pattern. These harmonies are concealed from me. I can see only one emergency following upon another as wave follows upon wave . . . nothing but the play of the contingent and the unforeseeable.”

I was humbled that a great man of history acknowledged that there are things that he does not understand. And that is a testament on how great our God is. It made me reflect on a verse in Colossians. It says that Colossians 1:16 that,

“All things were created through Him and for Him.”

In this verse, a christian magazine suggested to take note of the last two words at the end it says there – “for Him.” These are two words that are very important if you want to understand what God is. All things that is, that was and that will ever be is all dedicated to Him.

The Bible tells us that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess the lordship of Jesus Christ. A great thought that a friend of mine share with me is that while Christ showed His love by dying for us, in turn, we show our love by living for Him.

Finding contentment

2009-02-08T22:25:00.000-08:00

Will i am inspired me with his rendition of the Barrack Obama speech Yes We Can. The speech moved the nation with a promise to be great again. However, in my daily reflection God impressed upon me that the problem that most of us face is not that fact that we cannot have what we NEED. Rather, the problem stems from the fact that we cannot afford the things that we WANT.

Most of the text that I've read about being content quotes 1 Timothy 6:10. It says there that,

"For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains."

For some strange reason, this verse is the most quoted yet misunderstood. It does not say that money is bad nor that it say that you should not desire to have money. What it says is that you can find contentment not in great wealth but in few wants.

1 Timothy 6:6-9 says,

But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that. Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

In verse 11 it continues,

But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

A christian magazine suggested that the next time we ask for God's abundant blessings in our lives, why don't we ask for contentment instead? Can we do that? As will i am would say, Yes we can. By God's grace we can.

On prayer life

2009-01-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

I am a musician and I must admit that I loved the new will i am video “Yes we can.” However, I must also admit that if there is one thing that I struggle with mightily, it is in my prayer life. Prayer is the water that nourishes our spiritual life. It is what connects us to our God. To highlight the importance of prayer, St. Paul even said that “you must pray without ceasing” i read in a christian magazine.

I am not particularly gifted in public prayer and am very envious of those people who can pray for hours on end. A friend once tried to console me and said that even Jesus’ disciples fell asleep when Jesus prayed on the garden of Gethsemane. He also said that we should follow Jesus’ example on how to pray via the Lord ’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13:

"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

However, my friend also noted that humility and a contrite heart is the most important aspect of prayer that is mostly forgotten. He cited this verse from Luke 18:13:

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'”

Let us dedicate our talents to God

2009-01-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

All of our talents and abilities were given by God and you need to give back these talents for His glory.

Exodus 35:35 says:
Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

A christian magazine took note that many people are conflicted on how they are called by God. They say that they do not know the specific place that God wants them to be in. The simple answer to that is that you need to know where your gifts and talents are and you can start from there.

Paul says in Romans 12:4-5, "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body … each of us has different work to do"

God calls us into a specific ministry and He gives us the tools that we need in order to excel in that ministry. And like will i am of the black eyed peas, you can never get away from God's calling. Always remember this little from Romans 11:29,

"God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn"

Evangelization should not be the sole purpose of Christian music

2009-01-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Many of today’s Christian musicians are saying that evangelization is the main goal why they are creating their music. Praise is only seen as a secondary goal.

This leads me to ask the question, isn’t music meant to be for praise and worship? The Bible is there to lead the lost and Christian music is there for us to usher our un ending love for God.

And while Christian music as well as the christian magazine has its uses in the evangelization of the secular area, we need to realize that evangelization is not and should not be the main goal of Christian music. Not once in the Bible has music been mentioned as a tool to save the lost.

Also, most of the times, parts of the gospel are lost when you are trying to reach out to a lot of people.

Here is a quote from Michael Card, from Christianity Today:

"The lyrics of a good number of the songs don’t betray anything specifically Christian —they may have some moral message, but not a lot of the big songs are identifiably Christian. . . 'What happens to the message when we start getting the music to as many people as possible?' There is an essential part of the gospel that’s not ever going to sell. The gospel is good news, but it is also bad news: 'You are a sinner, and you are hopeless.' How is a multimillion-dollar record company going to take that? That’s a part of the message, too, and if that’s taken out—and it frequently is in Christian music— it ceases to be the gospel."

As a reminder, here is Psalm 139:1-6

I will give you thanks with all my heart; before the heavenly assembly I will sing praises to you. I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your name, because of your loyal love and faithfulness, for you have exalted your promise above the entire sky.

A Christian musician should glorify God and not himself

2009-01-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

All true Christian musicians must not make the mistake of taking the glory away from God. Here are some disturbing things that are happening:

Dallas Morning News, on their April 27, 1996 issue described DC Talk’s "Freak Show" concert:

"As teenagers’ shrieks filled the Dallas Convention Center moments before dc Talk took the stage Friday night, one of the relatively few grown-ups in the sold-out crowd observed, ‘This is just like the BEATLES.’"

Here’s another one from a christian magazine.

Inside Music, in its January/ February 91 issue, describes a Smith concert as:

"His concerts draw hundreds of thousands of fans each year, mostly teenage girls who scream out their AFFECTION FOR HIM non-stop throughout. . . . To his fans, Smith is the absolute greatest there is, BAR NONE . . ."

Notice something wrong?

The glory and praise are being showered on men rather than God. I’m not trying to criticize Mr. Smith or DC talk. It is just that we need to refocus Christian music as something that is only for God.

Here is a reminder from Matthew 16:23

"But he [Jesus] turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, SATAN: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of MEN."

Worldly music is not Christian music

2009-01-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Before you say that this is an obvious point that does not need to be stressed and explained, think about this for a moment.

A christian magazine asks why are some Christian musicians that are claiming to sing Christian songs make a conscious effort to replace and even not mention the name Jesus with different pronouns like Him, He, You?

Why are these so called “Christian music” try so hard to be hip and be accepted by the world?

True Christian music is sung only to the Lord and if other people do not like it, then why should you care?

In Ephesians 5:19 it says:

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart TO THE LORD

In Colossians 3:16 it says:

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts TO THE LORD.

Some Christian musicians may argue that they are trying to evangelize through their music. There is nothing wrong with that but you should remember that the main purpose of Christian music is to praise God and not to evangelize.

Remember that the majority of people that would be singing Christian songs are already Christians – and there is no music sweeter and more beautiful than the music that praise and glorify the Lord.

True Christian music is a New Song

2009-01-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

When you get saved, you can’t help it but to sing a new song to the Lord. It is not something you fake. It is something that is inherent and it something that you can not control. Giving praise and thanksgiving to him is but a natural reaction to being saved.

In psalm 41:1-3 it says:
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath PUT a NEW SONG in my mouth, even PRAISE unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

Here is an example of how God’s grace affected Paul and Silas and how it ushered in exceeding joy and thanksgiving. In Acts 16:22 it says,

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and SANG PRAISES unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”

A christian magazine said that another key phrase in there is that the prisoners heard them. That means they were not ashamed of giving their praise to the Lord. A sad thing about many of the so called Christian music today is that there is a conscious effort to hide the name of God and Jesus.

Is that Christian to you?

Music with a purpose: Christian music is for God’s praise

2009-01-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

First of all, all Christian musicians should be aware of this point. In all the notes that they play and even in the rests that they take – all of this should be dedicated to praise our Lord and Savior.

A christian magazine said that the term Christian means “in CHRIST I Am Nothing.” So if you are truly a Christian musician and if you are really making true Christian music, all of these would be for the glory and the honor of our God.

Here are some supporting scriptures that you may want to read, meditate and reflect upon:

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing PRAISE to thy name, O thou most High. Psalm 9:2

Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we SING and PRAISE thy power. Psalm 21:13

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my SONG will I PRAISE him.
Psalm 28:7

PRAISE the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
Psalm 33:2-3