Finding Us

I remember, over twelve years ago when my grandma took me and my brothers to see Finding Nemo in theaters. I remember laughing, enjoying this awesome animated film, and how much the water in every scene made me really need to use the bathroom afterwards. A great cartoon, but with no idea how deep this film could be.

Last week, the first teaser trailer for next summer’s upcoming film, Finding Dory, was released. For a throwback Thursday, I thought it would be cool to reminiscent on the original film which inspired this sequel, but with a spiritual-twist.

Today, I am French

Disclaimer: I should have written this blog three days ago. Truthfully, I hadn’t, because I allowed my own anxieties overshadow, keep me from passing through the shock of this attack, and begin to do something. Today, that changes.

On Friday, November 13, 2015,  Paris was a victim of a terrorist attack, resulting with the massacre of 129 and 352 injured.

Paris, today, my prayers and lamentations go out to you. France, my love bleeds for you. Today, I mourn for you. Today, I am French.

Mai la paix et l’amour vous trouver, ô le Paris. Mai aimer être amené dans vos frontières, ô la France. Que Dieu soit avec vous et votre peuple.

(I hope this message finds you well. I do not speak French, but I hope that Goolge translated most accurately. If not, here is the message that I wish to delay to you: May peace and love find you, O Paris. May love be brought into your boarders, O France. May God be with you and your people.)

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. I Corinthians 9:19-23 ESV

Not a Vending-Machine Religion

How does a vending machine work? How does a vending machine supposed to work? You insert your money, pick out a snack or beverage, and out it pops. (Sometimes it requires some kicking and shaking to get that which you desire) but this is how a relationship with a ‘functioning’ vending machine works. You put something in, to get something out–an equal exchange.

How many times are we guilty, of allowing this train of thought of equal exchange, lead our Christian walk?

Oh, the blessings come down
As your prayers go up
The blessings come down
As your prayers go up
The blessings come down
As your prayer go up
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ.