Daring to Believe: April 2012

Sunday, April 29, 2012 -

Shot Out of the Sky

Shot Out of the Sky

Every year our church goes to CentriFuge or Fuge for short, a Christian camp for teens. We room in dorms with other boys from our youth group. Four boys in a room with one another for a week is the equation for pranks that usually don’t end as intended. I have pulled my fair share in my three years. Some I still regret.

So, as any idiot (I) would do I look up more pranks to do on YouTube (awfully stupid decision). One prank was to unscrew a shower head, put Kool-Aid powder in the head and let a Kool-Aid shower pour on your friend. I decided to see how it worked on my mom’s $60 showerhead and I totally destroyed it by screwing it on wrong. So that’s $60 out of my savings account…

Mom and Chad talked to me about it and the conversation expanded to more than the damage of simple pranks. I have made mistakes with my choices of pranks and I think I have forgotten the seriousness of this. They asked how I was even thinking about pulling more pranks. They told me I could rise above and lead.

At that moment I was shot out of the sky. It all sunk in. I had pulled some harsh pranks and now I was willing to pull more… I must be brain dead. I could lead. I could lead my group of peers out of thinking that pranks are essential to a trip. I have never thought of it like that.

I write a blog about Christian leadership, discipleship, and love. And I didn’t think that I could lead my peers? Once again, my brain’s motor needs a tune-up. The conversation wasn’t just about leadership and maturity. It was about being what God intends me to be in my teen and adult life. I think we all need to realize what we could be doing that we ignore every day. Like I ignored…

Over Spring Break I stayed with my Nanny and Pa away from Mom, Chad, Emma, and Graham. When I returned Emma had missed me more than I think anyone had missed me before. This was such a bittersweet moment. Bitter because I have treated her badly at times and sweet because of the love and affection she showed me. I was amazed.

Mom pointed this out to me, this was another bullet that knocked me out of my little (self conceded) world. I haven’t always treated Emma right but she still loved me and missed me. It was the closest thing to unconditional love that I have experienced from a person other than my mother. That absolutely blows my mind. To know that you can pester someone and disappoint them and they still love you. That, in my mind, is a Christ-like love. You can’t buy that…

Emma looks up to me because I am her big brother. I am here to protect her. Chad said I’m a littler him (Even though I have a few inches on him). I am supposed to be an example of the man she would want to marry one day, a man that she would love. I am here to be her protector. To be honest, I have done a very crappy job of that. I pray that changes soon.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." – Proverbs 31: 8 - 9

I think I am here for a purpose, we all are. I had medical issues that most don’t and that gives me an amazing advantage to be a witness for Him. I feel that this is my calling in life. I believe I am on this Earth to witness and rise and be a leader to the lost; a refuge to a lost. Yeah, I WRITE a blog but now I have to step up and WALK THE WALK. I was told that this needs to happen, and it is true. Again, shot out of the sky…

I feel disgusted with myself that I have let all of this just be for so long. I am thankful for my reality check. We all need one, no matter how perfect we think we or our lives are. Being shot out of the sky and having your flaws pointed out may seem harsh. But it is such a humbling experience; such a great awakening.

Being pointed out is hard, but so rewarding at the same time. I challenge you to think about the problems in your life. I dare you to believe that change is real. Change is here…

Friday, April 27, 2012 -

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Algebra 2 End of Course

Algebra 2 End of Course

As you may know, school is slowly but surely coming to a close. Tuesday, I will be taking my Algebra 2 End of Course. So, I will spend my weekend, as well as Monday, studying for the test. I will not post until next Wednesday or Thursday but if you have any ideas about a post you would like me to write feel free to comment or email me at fletchermoore@rocketmail.com.

Thank you for understanding,

-Fletcher

Monday, April 23, 2012 -

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Ask Him/Her They're Home Schooled

Ask Him/Her They’re Home Schooled

I go to church with some kids my age that are home schooled. Every time a question is asked, biblical or not, people say ask him/her they’re home schooled! They think because they are home schooled that they are more knowledgeable. This is not true…

I’m not going to get in to the scholastic aspects of this topic but I am getting in to the biblical ones. People assume if one is home schooled they are smarter than the average public school student. I think people think this because they make better grades. It is actually because they are more focused. They don’t have all the distractions that us “average” students do. They are more committed.

This is so true in both aspects, biblical and scholastic. Some kids, that are home schooled, take time out of their day to spend time with God. People in public schools complain that they don’t have enough time because of sports or homework. But what do you do after these activities? Watch TV? Play Xbox? Why not spend time with God? You have free time then…

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” -1 Peter 2:2

We often get the misconception that home schooled kids have grown more spiritually than us. This may be true because we are lazy Christians. We excuse ourselves out of spending time with God and when put to the test we simply say, “Ask him/her they’re home schooled.” We shouldn’t have this mentality.

I think we all have the same chance to spend time with our God but we are too busy excusing ourselves out of it. If we are too busy take a day off and just pray about it. Today we are too caught up in ourselves and in others to even think about this idea.

Being home schooled doesn’t guarantee a better relationship or knowledge about God. Having a relationship like that is being a devoted Christian. Some are not ready for this and I feel like I do my fair share of slacking.

It’s hard to find time in our busy schedule to be with God, but we can do it. We don’t have to be home schooled…

Friday, April 20, 2012 -

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Uncondtional

Unconditional

I was just lying on the couch with Pearl when I thought about something. I thought that no matter how cruel or mad I get with her she always loves me. Dogs, well most, love you with an unconditional love. I feel like Pearl has and always will love me.

Pearl is two now and I have loved that crazy dog for both of those great years. My first dog, Jackson, died about 2 years ago. Months later, we got Pearl. Now Pearl is a big part of the family. A best friend to all of us, except dad… Sometimes she is a little crazy but we still love her and she still loves us.

When Jackson died, I was extremely upset. I had Jackson since I was 3 years old. I was angry at everyone really. I should have prayed for guidance and comfort but I never did. I was mad at God, just like when I was sick. But I don’t think I realized something then that I do now. God loves us unconditionally too.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” –Romans 8:35

I separated myself from His love. I chose to rebuke God and blame him for this sudden death. I was so wrong to do that. Some say, “God doesn’t love unconditionally, if he did life would be fine, no death, sickness, hunger.” They are just as wrong as I was. God originally intended for life to be peachy. However, Adam and Eve fell into temptation and God punished us all for their actions.

God loves us unconditionally, and here’s how I know this…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16

God may have seemed harsh to some for punishing us. But He showed us how amazing He was when He sent His Son to the cross for our sins. How many fathers do you know who would do that, not only for you, but everyone who ever did and ever will exist. No one comes to mind. That was God saying, I love you to the ends of the earth and back.

Sometimes we feel alone in life. We find comfort in our animals who love us unconditionally. In my mind God sent us our pets as a reminder. A reminder that He is here and He will love us unconditionally.

God may seem absent in our lives sometimes. But He is always here to guide us. To love us unconditionally.

Monday, April 16, 2012 -

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Maturity

Maturity

“Maturity is the capacity to endure uncertainty.” – John Finely

I feel that in some aspects of my life I am mature. I can drive a car and be trusted, even stay at home while my parents are away. However, in other aspects my maturity switch is stuck in the middle. It is similar to a flickering light bulb, it’s either going to turn off or on but you never know which. This part, my dysfunctional switch, is located on my relationship with my siblings.

I would like for people to think of me as an outstanding big brother who always provides and makes my brother and sister happy. Sadly, this is not always the case. And yes, I am ashamed of that. Say the kids are being too rowdy and I get on to them for this. This is not my place and I constantly think otherwise. I am also constantly punished. I think I am the adult and well I’m not.

I actually feel more obligated as a Christian as well as a person because I write this blog. If I slip up or contradict myself my mom will point it out; which is amazing to have your mom as an accountability partner. I was fighting with the kids the other day and she posed a question, why don’t you post about fighting with the kids on the blog? That got me thinking, I have been contradicting myself and I didn’t truly realize it. How could I post about all this and go do the total opposite? I am blessed to have her to point out things like that.

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” -1 Corinthians 13:11

Wikipedia defines maturity as, “a psychological term used to indicate how a person responds to the circumstances or environment in an appropriate manner. This response is generally learned rather than instinctive, and is not determined by one's age.” This hits home for me. It is not determined by one’s age, which means I don’t have to be a man to be mature, I can be mature now. It will be a hard road though. If you truly want something, you have to work for it (seems like I have learned that the hard way, huh?)

In any family, there will always be conflict. But we can work together to resolve it. That’s why they call it family! Families are meant to love one another as well as guide one another on the right path. As a family, you should always provide for one another. If Gray had an anger issue we would guide him through or if mom was stressed we would try to calm down and give her peace. I’m sure if I were to ask to be held accountable, they certainly would. I think I just might do that…

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” -1 Timothy 3:4

I challenge any member of a family who reads this to hold your family members accountable. But also be held accountable yourself.

I dare you to love, I dare you to believe…

Friday, April 13, 2012 -

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This is an excerpt from something i've started writing...

Part One

Young Lust

“Young Lust, you're dying and you're screamin' inside

Oh, you're guilty way before you've been tried

And it's crazy but you're diggin' it”

–Aerosmith, “Young Lust”

Aerosmith is a world renowned rock band known for their crazy antics, drug use, and numerous #1 hits. They may not be a Christian band, but they have a solid point.

“Young Lust, you’re dying and you’re screamin’ inside,” Lust is present in everyday life whether you’re a boy or a girl. Lust is here for one reason, to tempt. You see someone attractive, what do you want to do? Talk? Date? Even have sex with the person? When we lust we desire for a person, we want the person because of their money, physical features, etc. We are quote on quote “dying” to be with that person. You see the person more and more and that means we lust more and more. You are literally “screamin’” inside because you want the person so bad.

“Oh, you’re guilty way before you’ve been tried,” To me, this can be easily viewed at a biblical standpoint. When we lust after a person who is not the person we are meant to be with we are guilty.

Mathew 5:28 states, “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

One day all of us will be tried. Not by a court judge or the jury of neighbors, family, or church members but by God Almighty. We are guilty in our hearts and in our minds when we lust, far before we are tried.

“And it’s crazy but your diggin’ it,” Sometimes we tell ourselves it’s okay to do it a few times, that we’ll eventually stop. Lust is crazy, especially in our teenage years. Our hormones are raging and we are desperate for a quick fix. We want something that will satisfy us for the moment. However, we can change this; we can prevent these “quick fixes.” God can deliver us from these difficult times.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” -Proverbs 3:5

The teenage years are crazy. I am only halfway through myself. Lust is seductive, lust is cruel. Yet, sometimes we fall into lust and are “diggin’ it.” I’m not saying that you will never lust, I’m saying when you do, and there is a way out. Some teens could never get out, some of those people never tried. This ruins future relationships including marriage, family, girlfriends and boyfriends, etc.

You can get out; you just have to have the faith and the patience to do it.

Monday, April 9, 2012 -

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My Easter Experience

My Easter Experience

This Easter for me, as well as my family, was a new and exciting experience. After all of the eating and egg hunts our family settled down in a tent and sang both old and new worship songs. We had communion and ended with a short Easter message.

I have never thought of our family to be a very religious one. My mother, step-father, and siblings go to church but we are about the only ones in our family except for some cousins. This all changed last August. Every year we have Easter at my grandmother and grandfather’s house. I knew my grandmother believed in God but never practiced her beliefs. She would come to church when my siblings or I sang in the choir or other special events but not a regular occurrence. I was worried.

One Sunday in August my grandmother went in front of the church. It was one of the best things that have happened in my life. From that moment on it has been easier for me to express my faith around her and we have helped guide each other. My grandmother is one of the most important people in my life to me. Her decision to follow Christ more than strengthened our bond.

This Easter was very special as well. Usually we would eat, hunt, talk, and go home. Having that worship time with my grandmother as well as other family members was amazing.

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." –Colossians 3:16

I would have never thought that Easter would be a celebration there. But I was so wrong. Being wrong in this situation is such a wonderful wrong.

Next time you get the chance just sit down with your family and share your thoughts. It is defiantly a good risk to take.

“There are many things which a person can do alone, but being a Christian is not one of them. As the Christian life is, above all things, a state of union with Christ, and of union of his followers with one another, love of the brethren is inseparable from love of God. Resentment toward any human being cannot exist in the same heart with love to God. The personal relationship to Christ can only be realized when one has "come to himself" as a member of His Body, the Christian fellowship.” –William T. Ham

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 -

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Wake Up

Wake Up

Today Christian teens upset me. Some join a youth group because of a friend or an upcoming trip. This sickens me.

The purpose, in my eyes, of a youth group is to fellowship with one another about Christ. Some do take this to heart, sadly others do not. Another purpose of a youth group is to serve the less fortunate. Dictionary.com defines serve as, “to act as a servant.”

“and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’” –Mark 10:44-45

In the modern church today, youth groups became less about Christ and more about fun. Youth pastors have decided to draw kids in by planning fun trips, retreats, etc. There is a method to their madness however. Things that are entertaining draw kids, like me, into the group. Think about it, why did you dream of going to Disney World as a kid? It was entertaining! Pastors plan trips to draw new students in. This works almost 99% of the time. New students roll in and want a trip with no purpose, no message, nothing but absolutely 100% fun. The students eventually get tired of the boring sermons and lengthy worship time.

“For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods.” -1 Corinthians 16:25

You should join a youth group to worship our Creator, not for a trip to Holiday World. Worship shouldn’t seem like it is lengthy if you are truly worshiping. If you are bored with the message, you are obviously not listening! I AM guiltily of not taking religion seriously; acting like going to church makes you a better person beside you because they didn’t. Even complaining to friends about how that message bored me out or we sang one too many songs. Just because you are in a youth group or church doesn’t make you a better person, especially if you are asleep. So, wake up Christians and pay attention to the message. Take notes! You may find that you enjoy what your pastor has to say.

The Word of God isn’t always entertaining, but it is always here and true unlike other things on this earth that we constantly entertain ourselves with. Wake up and challenge yourself to listen…