Would you walk a mile in some one's shoes . . . Even if they didn't have any ? ? ?

"NGI NE THEMBA" "NGI NE THEMBA" "NGI NE THEMBA"

I HAVE HOPE . . . Do you ???

Many of us have asked the question, "What can I do?" Many of you have thought to yourself, "I am just one person." So, now let me ask you a question, "Would you walk a mile in some one's shoes . . . even if they did not have any?" Now the whole dynamic changes. Sad to say, but half of the people of today would answer with an ashamed no. Where are the humanitarians of today??? Who will make an effort to change society and even better, the world? Will anyone???

Well let me introduce to you three young men who have accepted that challenge. Are you familiar with the 90's boy band, Hanson??? If you are not familiar with these amazing young men...I urge you to do so. These men are impacting a generation and society with one step at a time. Let me ask you, "What are you doing?"

Many of my Christian brothers will probably disagree with me but...Oh well. The church today is all about sharing the gospel, as long as it meet their standards. Brothers and Sisters, let me ask you, "Would you walk a mile in some one's shoes, even if they didn't have any???" Its time that the church strips those shoes off and get their hands and feet dirty. Lets live a life like Christ, NOT JUST PREACH ABOUT IT!

Visit their website and make your own decision . . . but me, I am taking a walk !!! How about you...will you show the people of Africa a thing called Hope. "NGI NE THEMBA" I HAVE HOPE...do you ???

www.takethewalk.net

The Seasons are not the only thing changing . . .

Sitting here looking out the window, its hard not to notice all of the changes around me. The leaves have begun their transformation from deep green, to golden yellow and amber reds. Gone are the warm days of Summer and here are the crisp nips of Fall. Oh how I love change. I once heard quoted, "Every ending is a new beginning." That brings me such comfort, to know that every change in my life is preparation of a new beginning. "Old things have passed away and behold, all things become new." As I sit, thinking, I realize . . . the Seasons are not the only changes around me.

Since Africa, I have had a growing dissatisfaction for my surroundings. I long for a life renewed. To see, the face of Jesus, like never before. It is my prayer that as I observe the changes around me, that I will prepare myself for the changes within. To say and mean in my heart . . . "Father, here am I send me." Change is a good thing . . . I hope. =)

Celebrating Recover . . .

It has been three weeks since my last post. I spent most of that time, trying to come up with a clever post to overwhelm my peers. This attempt left me with an awful case of “writers block.” Through this endeavor I have come to realize that my aim is not to overwhelm nor astound. However, my aim is to share with you what has been shown to me. This alone, is my opinion; it is not to be confused as a soapbox experiment. So please once again, sit back and learn from my experience while on the quest for epic life.

With my upcoming graduation from Fruitland, I have been left with many dilemmas. One of these is, moving back home. This has been an experience. Through all of the unpacking and moving around, I have come to a decision: I have too many books! As I have been sitting in my floor with stacks and stacks of books around me, I have noticed a common thread among them. I own too many “self-help” books. Whether it is over eating, co-dependency, or building healthy habits, I have them all. But I stumbled upon one title I have not reviewed in years. This book is known as Discipline & Recovery. Discipline and Recovery is a compilation of meditations/devotions for people in addiction recovery. Each meditation is coupled with a step from the “12 Step” program of alcoholic’s anonyms.

The 12 step program is not specificly geared towards alcoholics. All around the world, there are small groups practicing each of these “steps” towards victory. Why should'nt we all practice them? Have you ever take a look at them? The first one is: We admit we are powerless. It is in this first step and the meditation that followed, that I too have come to celebrate my recovery.

Not many of you know but, I too have battle addictions of many kinds. Do not ever allow anyone to tell you that addiction is only drugs and alcohol, for me, it goes much deeper. I have battled things that can easily be overcome and then others that I battle still today. Through this all, I have never been known for celebrating my recovery. For me, recovery is as much of a battle as the addiction. But I was encouraged though this devotion.

1 Corinthians 1: 26-31 states,
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

Step 1: We admit me are powerless…

It is in our weakness Christ showed us grace. It is in our weakness we have been called to serve. And it is in our weakness, we daily realize our power, strength, and victory lies in Christ alone. We are powerless, but that is exactly how God wants us. This passage needs no more explanation, nor review, it is says it all. I close with this, in our lives we depend on no one. We are taught that weakness is only for losers. However, I am here to remind you, it is in our weakness we are strong. God uses us in our weakest time to reveal himself to and through us. So please make the first step, celebrate your recovery and admit You are powerless.

I want to be Mistaken: D2S

Greetings, everyone (at least anyone who reads this). As you can see we have a new look here on the blog and a new description: Observations while on the quest for Epic Life. That's what were going to try and offer you here

Some of you may be thinking, why would Heth change his blog from (as one friend called it) acoustic, depressed emo...to this? The answer is God! Haha, easy huh? Nah, for the past several weeks, I have sank back into a deep depression. With that said, I didn't want any reflection of darkness in my life...even down to the layout of my blog. As I type those words, I am reminded of the popular Christian song in early 2000,Welcome Home: Shawn Groves www.ShaunGroves.com. As Shawn Groves wrote this song, it became a cry, a prayer for his own life...asking God to come into his life and re-decorate (or some say, to die to self). This process always requires some "stripping away." For me part of my extreme makeover is this...grasping hold of the light within. I am shining my light and allowing the whole world to see, as I head on my quest for epic life!

So this brings me to my latest post. As you can see from my sidebar, This weeks soundtrack belongs to several musicians. However, the most currently played is, the amazing talent of Warren Barfield. His newest is absolutely amazing, in a ten star rating; I would give it a nine and a half. Especially his title track: Love is not a fight to be featured in the new Kirk Cameron film).

But one of my favorites it the one that I have attached below. This is my prayer, that I too would be mistaken for Jesus...to die to self. In Second Corinthians we see an amazing picture as to how we as Christians should respond to our faith; what Christ did at Calvary. Read it you will be blessed and transformed. Christ became our sins (vrs: 21), the least we can do is D2S and become as Christ.

I will close with this final verse: 2 Corinthians 5: 13, "If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you." So I ask you...in your quest for epic life, what are you going to do? I say we act out, show people who we serve, lets be mistaken.

Watch and enjoy. . .

Amazing message on Grace!!!

Tonight for my church service, I headed to my local Internet connection. I know some of you are saying to yourself..."Internet, that's not church, what can you get from that?" I am here to tell you...you get a whole lot. Tonight I experienced a time of renewal, vision, and encouragement that humbled me, unlike I have been in a long time.

Tonight's message was from a church in Atlanta, Georgia...I believed called North point. The message was delivered by an amazing man named Louie Giglio...you may know him from a little conference called Passion (nationally known) lol. I have never listened to anything from Louie. However, tonight I heard a message that will forever change how I look at Grace. In fear of spilling all the details...I will stop. But, I remind you of this...if you want a life that is changed and impacted by the mighty grace of our Savior...check this link out. Just as the friend that recommended it to me said..."I guarantee that you will be impacted!" So, check it out...be prepared to have your eyes opened!!! http://www.blogger.com/

Times...

Well considering that this is the "most played" song on my iTunes, I would say its one of my favorite!!! However, my connection to this song goes much deeper than an appreciation for it.

This song connects deep within my emotions. Its not very often you find words to communicate your deepest thoughts, desires, or pain. For the time being, God is using this song to break me...to rip down the walls that I built...to open the hidden doors to my past...to heal this broken believer.

Examine the times in you path...

Tenth Avenue North: Times

I know I need You

I need to love You

I love to see You, but it's been so long

I long to feel You

I feel this need for You

And I need to hear You, is that so wrong?

Oh, oh. Oh, oh.

Oh, oh.Oh, oh.

Oh, oh. Oh, oh.

Now You pull me near You

When we're close, I fear You

Still I'm afraid to tell You, all that I've done

Are You done forgiving?

Oh can You look past my pretending?

Lord, I'm so tired of defending, what I've become

What have I become?

Oh, oh. Oh, oh.

Oh, oh.Oh, oh.

Oh, oh. Oh, oh.

Oh, oh. Oh, oh.

Oh, oh.Oh, oh.

Oh, oh. Oh, oh.

I hear You say,

"My love is over. It's underneath.

It's inside. It's in between.

The times you doubt Me,

when you can't feel.

The times that you question,

'Is this for real?

'The times you're broken.

The times that you mend.

The times that you hate Me,

and the times that you bend.

Well, My love is over, it's underneath.

It's inside, it's in between.

These times you're healing,

and when your heart breaks.

The times that you feel like you're falling from grace.

The times you're hurting.

The times that you heal.

The times you go hungry, and are tempted to steal.

The times of confusion, in chaos and pain.

I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame.

I'm there through your heartache.

I'm there in the storm.

My love I will keep you, by My pow'r alone.

I don't care where you fall, where you have been.

I'll never forsake you, My love never ends.It never ends.

"Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.

I stumbed across this old post on my facebook, and I could not help but see how still relevent it was in my walk with God. For the past few days I have found myself in this darkness, that I couldnt seem to shake, nor fight. However its amazing how the truths of God's word can shine a light on the darkest of circumstances. May you be encouraged as I was from this old post entitled

Soul, pen, and paper...Thoughts of this life.

In this battle we call life…

Can one survive all this strife?

While the enemy consumes me

The end is know in sight.

I cry, “How long must I fight.”

Because I have strayed

forever I will pay.

The battle is tougher,

Not one at my side.

I ask now, “How long before I die.”

A pain inside

Not one can mend.

This world offers no one

Of whom I can depend.

The battle is ending,

each and every day.

I am one step closer

to where forever I will stay.

- For the past few weeks depression has been looming. As I look back upon these words, I cant help but think "How did it get this bad?" I felt as if I was in a battle that no one could win. The world was after me from every corner....I can remember asking myself the very question " How long before I die?"

But if the truth be known we are in this battle that we call life. Each and everyday we must rise knowing that this could be it. Believers...we have been called to die! The enemy is all around us looking for a moment to attack. We must continue in this fight!

So dont do as I did...dont throw in the towel! Fight, there is one on who we can depend! Remember we are called to die...but only when He says! Dont give up...FIGHT! The battle is his, we are just His warriors. I close with this reminder: Eccle. 3: 1-14

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What does the worker gain from his toil?10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

"14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him."......Remember that....no matter what comes our way..." God does it so that men will revere Him." God is in control...

In Christ alone,

Heth>Isaiah 6:8