"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life - daily and hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." ~Viktor E. Frankle
I love this quote. I showed it to a friend and she pointed out to me that it's also pretty awesome if you replace the word 'life' with the 'God'. Pretty fantastic. Thanks, Jamie:)
7.20.2010
Freedom of Religion...?
been thinking a lot about the Freedom of Religion.
Is it good? bad?
What has it done to our culture?
What do you think it's intended purpose was to be?
I mean, in the 1st Amendment, it says that Congress would make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercize thereof.
Has it essentially created an attitude that "oh, well you have your religion, and I have mine, and we're both right."
I love the choice it provides though. God gave us one thing nobody can take away from us- the freedom of choice, the freedom to have your own attitude though.
So it's not an entirely bad thing! But it's also made us comfortable- it's allowed us to tolerate other religions that, whether we think are right or wrong, we're okay with. Like John writes in Revelation 2:14-16 to the church in Pergamum, "But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth." God commends the church for being loyal to him, but He is rebuking them for allowing compromise in the land. We allow the compromise, and we become comfortable.
It's a scary thing.
Do we define our culture, or is our culture starting to define us?
Before writing this I had a problem with putting up a government document and having it go 'head-to-head' with the Bible.. but isn't that what God challenges us to do?
I'm not saying there is no room for differences between humans / Christians, but there is a line that we must not cross; immorality, stealing, lying, etc. Now we have to find the line- and it seems to be different for all of us, but studying the Bible should make it clear[er]. Everyone has different qualities: some like to lead, some like to follow- either way, we're a complicated people.
Essentially, we cannot tolerate sin be bowing to the pressure to be open-minded.
Freedom, it seems, could be a very dangerous concept.
This country was founded on freedom.
Freedom gives us a lot of great opportunities, yes, but it makes it easier. We've become soft, almost.
Paul wasn't free. Paul was in chains.. and you know what he did? He still lived for Christ. It doesn't matter how free you are or how [literally] dangerous it may be, but we've been given one life and been placed in life in the spot that we can make the most impact.
My thoughts return to one of the most impactful songs on my life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsQD7rSTnxM
This post, hopefully, will start a discussion between believers and non-believers alike. Discussion leads to understanding, and for those of you who know me well know I long for understanding.
If all this post did was make you think, my job is done.
So please.... thoughts???
Is it good? bad?
What has it done to our culture?
What do you think it's intended purpose was to be?
I mean, in the 1st Amendment, it says that Congress would make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercize thereof.
Has it essentially created an attitude that "oh, well you have your religion, and I have mine, and we're both right."
I love the choice it provides though. God gave us one thing nobody can take away from us- the freedom of choice, the freedom to have your own attitude though.
So it's not an entirely bad thing! But it's also made us comfortable- it's allowed us to tolerate other religions that, whether we think are right or wrong, we're okay with. Like John writes in Revelation 2:14-16 to the church in Pergamum, "But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth." God commends the church for being loyal to him, but He is rebuking them for allowing compromise in the land. We allow the compromise, and we become comfortable.
It's a scary thing.
Do we define our culture, or is our culture starting to define us?
Before writing this I had a problem with putting up a government document and having it go 'head-to-head' with the Bible.. but isn't that what God challenges us to do?
I'm not saying there is no room for differences between humans / Christians, but there is a line that we must not cross; immorality, stealing, lying, etc. Now we have to find the line- and it seems to be different for all of us, but studying the Bible should make it clear[er]. Everyone has different qualities: some like to lead, some like to follow- either way, we're a complicated people.
Essentially, we cannot tolerate sin be bowing to the pressure to be open-minded.
Freedom, it seems, could be a very dangerous concept.
This country was founded on freedom.
Freedom gives us a lot of great opportunities, yes, but it makes it easier. We've become soft, almost.
Paul wasn't free. Paul was in chains.. and you know what he did? He still lived for Christ. It doesn't matter how free you are or how [literally] dangerous it may be, but we've been given one life and been placed in life in the spot that we can make the most impact.
My thoughts return to one of the most impactful songs on my life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsQD7rSTnxM
This post, hopefully, will start a discussion between believers and non-believers alike. Discussion leads to understanding, and for those of you who know me well know I long for understanding.
If all this post did was make you think, my job is done.
So please.... thoughts???
7.19.2010
A Beautiful Feeling: Part 1 of 2
I've had a lot of thinking to do lately. Life was getting me down... drama with friends, stress from school, monotony of work, etc. Then my life changed through two tragic events, neither of which happened to me.
I was at work and Wilma (a great friend at work) told me about a customer whom she had come through the line. This customer had just found out she had cancer of the lymph nodes.. and admitted she had not cried yet. How can someone that just found out that they had terminal cancer, cancer throughout their body, not be sad about it? I couldn't imagine it.
Another friend of mine told me about a friend of hers who also had something, seemingly terrible, happen to them. This friend's brother was married last week, and had a daughter. He, the brother, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He went into surgery; he never woke up. My heart broke when I heard about this, and many of you know why that would be.
All of a sudden, I find myself angry at my predicament, and almost angry at God. The life of a newlywed and a father was just taken away, and I'm sitting here complaining about how my life is getting me down? A lady who just found out she has cancer of the lymph nodes hasn't cried about it? Doesn't make sense! As I'm sitting in my room, thinking about both of these instances, I start to feel an emotion other than heartbreak that I did not expect to feel. Jealousy. This brother is now alive in Christ. He's in heaven. This lady is not far from it, and she realilzes it. Both of these people are about to have lives that are fully perfect; while I'm stuck here on Earth. How could one not be jealous of that?
I was talking to a friend and she suggested I read some of what Paul tells us in Philippians. As I was reading, I came upon a verse that says it perfectly. Philippians 1:15-18, "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."
Bam!! Can you read that again for me? Read it out loud. Make sure you understand what he's saying there! It doesn't matter if you are 'in chains' or not, or even if you are in an insincere state of mind- the important thing is that Christ is preached.
And suddenly, I realize that I'm here for a reason. I may have to suffer for that reason, but I have a job to do, and do that job I must. I realize my jealousy is extremely selfish- and I can feel Satan recoiling at the thought of me admitting my fault. :)
That, in itself, is a beautiful feeling.
I was at work and Wilma (a great friend at work) told me about a customer whom she had come through the line. This customer had just found out she had cancer of the lymph nodes.. and admitted she had not cried yet. How can someone that just found out that they had terminal cancer, cancer throughout their body, not be sad about it? I couldn't imagine it.
Another friend of mine told me about a friend of hers who also had something, seemingly terrible, happen to them. This friend's brother was married last week, and had a daughter. He, the brother, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He went into surgery; he never woke up. My heart broke when I heard about this, and many of you know why that would be.
All of a sudden, I find myself angry at my predicament, and almost angry at God. The life of a newlywed and a father was just taken away, and I'm sitting here complaining about how my life is getting me down? A lady who just found out she has cancer of the lymph nodes hasn't cried about it? Doesn't make sense! As I'm sitting in my room, thinking about both of these instances, I start to feel an emotion other than heartbreak that I did not expect to feel. Jealousy. This brother is now alive in Christ. He's in heaven. This lady is not far from it, and she realilzes it. Both of these people are about to have lives that are fully perfect; while I'm stuck here on Earth. How could one not be jealous of that?
I was talking to a friend and she suggested I read some of what Paul tells us in Philippians. As I was reading, I came upon a verse that says it perfectly. Philippians 1:15-18, "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."
Bam!! Can you read that again for me? Read it out loud. Make sure you understand what he's saying there! It doesn't matter if you are 'in chains' or not, or even if you are in an insincere state of mind- the important thing is that Christ is preached.
And suddenly, I realize that I'm here for a reason. I may have to suffer for that reason, but I have a job to do, and do that job I must. I realize my jealousy is extremely selfish- and I can feel Satan recoiling at the thought of me admitting my fault. :)
That, in itself, is a beautiful feeling.
7.14.2010
Mind is racing, body is exhausted.
My mind is shot. It's going a billion different directions. I just recently broke up with a best friend, and now we're not on speaking terms, and it hurts. It hurts bad still. I tried dating someone else, someone really great, but God kept telling me I needed some time to myself. So I made this pact... to be single for eight months. And some people tonight told me I was crazy for that. Which I understand. Other people have laughed at me and told me I could never do it. They lost some 'cool points', as a good friend says- one, by laughing and underestimating my stubborn mind, and two, by not supporting me in it.
Then I realized, I'm right. I'm totally right. Just not about the whole eight months thing. The people I talked to tonight told me that as long as you're in a healthy relationship, it will be a learning experience. But I'm not taking these eight months to find what I want in a relationship. I'm taking the eight months (or however long it takes, whether it be longer or shorter) to find out who I am and what I want, not from a relationship, but from life and from and in God. So no, I don't think it's stupid to 'kiss dating goodbye' entirely. Now, I'm not saying the people I talked to tonight were wrong. :) They were totally right too. A healthy relationship can lead to learning and growing in Christ.. but I don't think I need a romantic relationship to do that. I need to first grow disciplined with myself and God and my community of faith and God before I grow disciplined with a romantic relationship in God.
I don't know. As I said, my thoughts are going a crazy million different directions at the moment.
Thoughts, please?
Then I realized, I'm right. I'm totally right. Just not about the whole eight months thing. The people I talked to tonight told me that as long as you're in a healthy relationship, it will be a learning experience. But I'm not taking these eight months to find what I want in a relationship. I'm taking the eight months (or however long it takes, whether it be longer or shorter) to find out who I am and what I want, not from a relationship, but from life and from and in God. So no, I don't think it's stupid to 'kiss dating goodbye' entirely. Now, I'm not saying the people I talked to tonight were wrong. :) They were totally right too. A healthy relationship can lead to learning and growing in Christ.. but I don't think I need a romantic relationship to do that. I need to first grow disciplined with myself and God and my community of faith and God before I grow disciplined with a romantic relationship in God.
I don't know. As I said, my thoughts are going a crazy million different directions at the moment.
Thoughts, please?
7.13.2010
Who Am I?
Written during the fall semester of my Freshmen year.
I wrote this for a paper that is actually due tomorrow. It's not often papers for school are as emotional. This one was for an assaignment I had to do to create a mission statement for my life. Tell me your thoughts. Keep me accountable- please.
My name is Gregory Kramer Steward. Gregory is an English form of the Latin word Gregorius, which means 'watchful' and 'alert'. My middle name, Kramer, is a variation of the German word Cramer, which is a definition for a person who 'peddles' (sells merchandise across the land). Finally, my last name, Steward, means 'one who manages another's property' and 'attendant'. Although each of these names may have meanings from books and history, each of my names means something special to me. The name Gregory makes me an individual; it creates vocabulary for people so that when they hear the name Gregory, they can confine a certain amount of actions and a certain personality type that describe me (and no one else). Kramer, is a special name that is very dear to my heart. My great-grandmother (who passed, just this October) married and her last name became Kramer. How I did not realize how special this name was until I became close with my great-grandmother. The name Kramer is a special reminder for me from my great-grandmother (whom I call Grandma II) and it makes me a part of a legacy- history - an ongoing timeline. Last, but certainly not least, the name Steward puts me in a group- a family. People say the people you hang around are the people you become- in my family, this is absolutely true. They are who I hope to become as I make this journey through life. The name Gregory Kramer Steward makes me an individual that is part of a legacy and a family. It defines me in the present (Gregory), the past (Kramer), and the future (Steward).
Other than my name, my past experience in life plays a major role in who I am today. 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with an immense brain tumor (the size of a tennis ball), right next to my brain stem. The best way to remove, I was told, was by surgery. I went into the hospital and four days after my short journey, I was put to sleep so they could remove this tumor from my brain. I woke up (8 hours later) and had total recognition of who I was, where I was (I even knew which part of the hospital I was in), and who was with me. Two days later, I left the hospital. The doctor's had seen my improvement from my inability to move to being able to walk up and down stairs. They were shocked- especially so soon after a major surgery. Little did I know what I had just done. 3 months later, I sat in my room reviewing the entire experience. Second by second ticked by as I thought to myself, "Oh my goodness.. How did I make it through that?" I didn't realize until later that God had given me peace and strength throughout the entire week. Somehow He knew I was going to be okay, and somehow I am still baffled by it. This pushed the question to me: What does He want me to do for my life? Maybe it was a wake-up call. Maybe it was a call. The question remains unanswered, but that doesn't mean I've given up looking for it.
Less than one year ago, another huge thing happened in my life that made me once again appreciate life- this time not my own. It had been a cold night at work and I had clocked out and was talking to Mom as I was on my way out to my car. She told me to call her when I got home (just to be sure I got home safely). I drove home with the music blasting (as usual). I got home and the dog greeted me warmly and I took her to the back door to let her out. Meanwhile, I picked up the home phone and dialed mom's cell phone number. Nobody picked up. So I called Dad. I received no answer. I called Mom one more time. As I was calling, my grandparents (who live 10 houses down the street from us) beeped in on the other line. I answered and it was my grandfather. He told me to come down to their house. I asked why and he told me he'd tell me when I got there. On the way down there, I said to myself, "Ok. They're ok. I bet they got in a car accident." It was the only explanation as to why they weren't answering their phones. I walked in the door and my grandmother grabbed my hand. My grandfather turned to me and said, "They've been in a car accident- but they are ok." I smiled. Somehow God gave me the audacity and the sense to be ready for this. I went home after that and called my best friend. He came straight to my house to keep me company. I knew I wouldn't get to see my family and would go to church the next morning without them. I stayed up that entire night, watching movies with my best friend and answering any calls that came to the house. When my family came home the next day, it was excitement central. They were all in pain but there was no long-term injuries. It was so good to have them home. The entire situation taught me patience and value. It definitely made me value my family more than I would have otherwise. Again, I said to myself, "God, is this another wake-up call? or just a call that I couldn't understand yet." For some reason I hear Him say to me over and over again, "Just be patient. One day. One day." Anyone who knows me well knows I'm not a patient person. I am struggling with this even today; but I have hope and confidence that one day... one day will come.
8 months later, I had graduated high school at the top of the class (top 100% to be exact) and was starting my life as a full-time college student. This is when I've made another big leap (no pun intended) in my life. Throughout my classes and my relationships, there have been many lessons on leadership, humility, patience, and many, many others. I have taken two surveys that have helped me put into words who I am. The first one was called the Strengths Quest, and it listed your top five strengths. Mine were as follows: Strategy, Positivity, Woo, Input, and Futuristic. These have created a vocabulary for me and others, and helps me determine how I can help people in the most efficient way possible. The second one I took was the MBTI (Meyer's Brigg's Type Indicator). I was defined as an ESTJ (Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging). Some call this the "American" personality and others call it the "Guardian" personality. All of those surveys have helped me in my quest to find out: Who Am I?
Honestly, I am not sure I want to answer that question. Not because it would be a bad answer or it wouldn't be a 'right' answer; but because if I find the answer to that, I will have no more to learn. I find that to be impossible- especially for one like me who loves to learn new concepts and information. I don't see answering this question as a homework assignment. Nor do I see it as a burden because it cannot be answered. I see it as a challenge- an opportunity to learn and grow. I think, in the end, that is what I want to be. I want to be a man who is constantly on the move- upward; who is constantly reaching this goal that at the same time it is unreachable, there are always new heights to be reached; doors to be opened and new words to be explored. Sometimes it may be a constant battle, but I have no doubt that my God will pick me up when I am down; comfort me when I am scared; love me when I am unloved. All in all, I strive to be an individual which is a part of a legacy and family, an influence that will better improve the efficiency of my life and others, and last (but not least), I never want to be able to fully answer the question: Who Am I?
I wrote this for a paper that is actually due tomorrow. It's not often papers for school are as emotional. This one was for an assaignment I had to do to create a mission statement for my life. Tell me your thoughts. Keep me accountable- please.
My name is Gregory Kramer Steward. Gregory is an English form of the Latin word Gregorius, which means 'watchful' and 'alert'. My middle name, Kramer, is a variation of the German word Cramer, which is a definition for a person who 'peddles' (sells merchandise across the land). Finally, my last name, Steward, means 'one who manages another's property' and 'attendant'. Although each of these names may have meanings from books and history, each of my names means something special to me. The name Gregory makes me an individual; it creates vocabulary for people so that when they hear the name Gregory, they can confine a certain amount of actions and a certain personality type that describe me (and no one else). Kramer, is a special name that is very dear to my heart. My great-grandmother (who passed, just this October) married and her last name became Kramer. How I did not realize how special this name was until I became close with my great-grandmother. The name Kramer is a special reminder for me from my great-grandmother (whom I call Grandma II) and it makes me a part of a legacy- history - an ongoing timeline. Last, but certainly not least, the name Steward puts me in a group- a family. People say the people you hang around are the people you become- in my family, this is absolutely true. They are who I hope to become as I make this journey through life. The name Gregory Kramer Steward makes me an individual that is part of a legacy and a family. It defines me in the present (Gregory), the past (Kramer), and the future (Steward).
Other than my name, my past experience in life plays a major role in who I am today. 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with an immense brain tumor (the size of a tennis ball), right next to my brain stem. The best way to remove, I was told, was by surgery. I went into the hospital and four days after my short journey, I was put to sleep so they could remove this tumor from my brain. I woke up (8 hours later) and had total recognition of who I was, where I was (I even knew which part of the hospital I was in), and who was with me. Two days later, I left the hospital. The doctor's had seen my improvement from my inability to move to being able to walk up and down stairs. They were shocked- especially so soon after a major surgery. Little did I know what I had just done. 3 months later, I sat in my room reviewing the entire experience. Second by second ticked by as I thought to myself, "Oh my goodness.. How did I make it through that?" I didn't realize until later that God had given me peace and strength throughout the entire week. Somehow He knew I was going to be okay, and somehow I am still baffled by it. This pushed the question to me: What does He want me to do for my life? Maybe it was a wake-up call. Maybe it was a call. The question remains unanswered, but that doesn't mean I've given up looking for it.
Less than one year ago, another huge thing happened in my life that made me once again appreciate life- this time not my own. It had been a cold night at work and I had clocked out and was talking to Mom as I was on my way out to my car. She told me to call her when I got home (just to be sure I got home safely). I drove home with the music blasting (as usual). I got home and the dog greeted me warmly and I took her to the back door to let her out. Meanwhile, I picked up the home phone and dialed mom's cell phone number. Nobody picked up. So I called Dad. I received no answer. I called Mom one more time. As I was calling, my grandparents (who live 10 houses down the street from us) beeped in on the other line. I answered and it was my grandfather. He told me to come down to their house. I asked why and he told me he'd tell me when I got there. On the way down there, I said to myself, "Ok. They're ok. I bet they got in a car accident." It was the only explanation as to why they weren't answering their phones. I walked in the door and my grandmother grabbed my hand. My grandfather turned to me and said, "They've been in a car accident- but they are ok." I smiled. Somehow God gave me the audacity and the sense to be ready for this. I went home after that and called my best friend. He came straight to my house to keep me company. I knew I wouldn't get to see my family and would go to church the next morning without them. I stayed up that entire night, watching movies with my best friend and answering any calls that came to the house. When my family came home the next day, it was excitement central. They were all in pain but there was no long-term injuries. It was so good to have them home. The entire situation taught me patience and value. It definitely made me value my family more than I would have otherwise. Again, I said to myself, "God, is this another wake-up call? or just a call that I couldn't understand yet." For some reason I hear Him say to me over and over again, "Just be patient. One day. One day." Anyone who knows me well knows I'm not a patient person. I am struggling with this even today; but I have hope and confidence that one day... one day will come.
8 months later, I had graduated high school at the top of the class (top 100% to be exact) and was starting my life as a full-time college student. This is when I've made another big leap (no pun intended) in my life. Throughout my classes and my relationships, there have been many lessons on leadership, humility, patience, and many, many others. I have taken two surveys that have helped me put into words who I am. The first one was called the Strengths Quest, and it listed your top five strengths. Mine were as follows: Strategy, Positivity, Woo, Input, and Futuristic. These have created a vocabulary for me and others, and helps me determine how I can help people in the most efficient way possible. The second one I took was the MBTI (Meyer's Brigg's Type Indicator). I was defined as an ESTJ (Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging). Some call this the "American" personality and others call it the "Guardian" personality. All of those surveys have helped me in my quest to find out: Who Am I?
Honestly, I am not sure I want to answer that question. Not because it would be a bad answer or it wouldn't be a 'right' answer; but because if I find the answer to that, I will have no more to learn. I find that to be impossible- especially for one like me who loves to learn new concepts and information. I don't see answering this question as a homework assignment. Nor do I see it as a burden because it cannot be answered. I see it as a challenge- an opportunity to learn and grow. I think, in the end, that is what I want to be. I want to be a man who is constantly on the move- upward; who is constantly reaching this goal that at the same time it is unreachable, there are always new heights to be reached; doors to be opened and new words to be explored. Sometimes it may be a constant battle, but I have no doubt that my God will pick me up when I am down; comfort me when I am scared; love me when I am unloved. All in all, I strive to be an individual which is a part of a legacy and family, an influence that will better improve the efficiency of my life and others, and last (but not least), I never want to be able to fully answer the question: Who Am I?
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