Book smarts versus street smarts: knowing versus developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Ora of the book.

Papers piled high, books up to the ceiling. Welcome to the domain of the typical scholar (that's right baby)! Calculus, theory, chemistry, language arts, and art history. All the scholastic education one gains, mold a well cultured and rounded individual. Endless knowledge and wisdom await one in opening a book. Books are proof that humans can create magic. Writing takes us to foreign lands, across dangerous ocean waters, and can paint a utopia in our imaginations. 

The new kids on 'da block. Roaming and owning these streets.

"Straight out the gutta.." "Still walking!" Rulers of the city streets. Alway knowing the in's and the out's. Always a wheeling and a dealing. Knowing how society really works outside the books. Life ain't always easy, you've been there, done that. No one is gonna take you as a fool. You 'da man! Respect is the name; reputation is the game. 

How does this apply to Jesus Christ?

A Smelly Situation: Your Decisions Effect Everyone

A trip to visit the in-laws: joy of joys. The missus' mom planned a week long adventure up at serene wilderness resort, nothing else around for fifty miles. To add to your predicament, her parents insisted that they personally pickup the happy wife and you, the shuddering husband from the air port. No rental car, no escape. Help!

The cabbie pulls up to the curb, unloads the suitcases, and you walk to the enter gate, boarding passes in hand. All carry-ons go through a tedious inspection from an uncaring TSA worker, who just rifles through all of your belongings. then all board the plane. You make your way to your seat. All of these adventure plans came as a gift from dear mother in law dying to see your beautiful wife. Sadly the well intentioned parents booked last minute. The only seats remaining, one in first class, and one in the back of coach. The chivalrous gentleman you are of course took the economy class.

You wonder who is the lucky duck who has the pleasure of sitting next to the one and only. The young couple with a baby screaming? The fifty year old still living in his prime years of the 1970's? The grandma with the knitting needles? At least that one would be easy. "Oh, no! Please not him!" A winner in tattered old tweed blazer, and food splattered blue and white oxford shirt enters the scene. A real bubble gut. To top it off, cat hair covers his Levi's. Slowly, but surly, he passes back one row at a time. With his seat coming dangerously close to yours, you look up only to see the broken reading lamp and the no smoking sign. Finally he throws his carry-on over the shared luggage rack and sits down right next to you.

Turbines fire, and destination heck on earth commences. An extroverted card is he, within fifteen minutes you know all the tedious details of his life story. Oh, the places he's lived! His glorious career as a traveling circus carny who married to the bearded lady. Apparently she was a catch! Most importantly, he is a PC. "No one got time for Mac!" "You would never guess that looking at me now," he claims. You think differently.

"Oh gawsh, help," as he continues in his rumblings you can't help but notice his teeth. They lay perfectly aligned, he had been very blessed in that sense. If only he cared for his endowment with good dentition. Gnarly craters of black decay cover his not so pearly whites. Sea foam white plaque covers his enflamed gum line. A greenish fog floats gracefully from his oral cavity into your nostrils. All of a sudden, lunch starts to make its way back up your esophagus. Managing just a little coming up to the top, you manage to swallow it back down.

Luckily on top of the carry on bag, the trusty Filson satchel accompanied you on this now perilous trek. To only find the sleeping pills, they only last four hours; might need to take two. Efforts of frantic searching and prayer end in dismay. The relief lies in the checked bag conveniently stored in the baggage compartment under the plane. "Ugh!"

The iPad battery dies after twenty minutes of Angry Birds and boggle. Sky Mall only holds the your interest for about 5 minutes. The man across the row bestows a gift of sympathy to you seeing your predicament. He presents you with latest edition of TIME. "Thank you!"

You flip to find the main article that all your colleagues raved about, only to realize that the magazine reads differently than expected. This magazine is the Spanish edition. "Please let this plane land!" Your thoughts are answered with five minutes of turbulence. The "bubble gut," barley manages to get the contents of his stomach into the barf bag. The air bags drop down from the overhead compartment. Instead of breaths of panic, fresh air fills your lungs after your ordeal of three hours of almost unbearable body odor and rancid breath reeking from your counterpart.

The plane starts it's decent, "hallelujah!" Tires hit the runway and people hurriedly take their carry-ons. Suitcase and Filson in hand, you hop onto the exit runway. "Free at last!" The missus meets you by the exit gate. There stand dear mother and father in-law. You greet them in an unusually friendly attitude and hop in the car. You thank them for their gift of a week long excursion out in the woods and chat the whole way there. The missus whispers "you are actually excited to go? What brought the change of heart?" "The guy next to me on the plane. He made me realize what a blessing all of you are. Thank you all for having good hygiene."

What's the difference between book smarts and street smarts? Read, enjoy, and share with friends. Book Smarts v. Street Smarts: Knowing Versus Developing a Personal Relationship With Jesus Christ

My Life's Purpose: How Do I Progress To Become As The Savior? Part II

A new light unto the world: life continues after death

Different road courses, different types of people. The same mission.

In the beginning we chose to follow God's plan for us to become like him

He in turn gave us our car (a.k.a. our body) to handle the terrain of our mission.

We came down to earth to go through a driving course (courses vary from individual to individual), to see if we qualify to become like our Heavenly Father. (Birth)

Ever person's course is a little different. Despite our differences, everyone has five checkpoints in their driving test.

We go through life's obstacles, roadblocks, and finally reach the end of our sojourn with the passing on to the other side.

All participates go to a waiting area until all the drivers complete life's treacherous course. This waiting area is called the spirit world. The spirit world comprises two different waiting areas...

1.    Spirit paradise: a reward to drivers who followed the road map and completed the check points

2.    Spirit prison: a place for mostly drivers who did not complete the road course. They were given an equal shot but, decided not to heed the instructions, the map, etc.

The moment of renewal comes! Jesus Christ comes again, and everyone gains back their car. The day of resurrection (the day when Christ comes, our souls and our bodies reunite), and everyone's vehicles (bodies) come back completely restored. Our renewed cars never will never scratch, ding, and dent ever again.

We look to our officials, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. They review our performance in our presence and to give a ruling as to our final destination. Tapes will be reviewed throughly. If you take advantage of the five check points all the wrong turns will be erased (final judgment).

With the tapes reviewed, you drive up to your final destination. A reward based on your performance.  Heavenly Father loves all of his participants, so he will reward you with the following.

2.    A castle (a.k.a. The Celestial Kingdom): for the drivers who made it through all of the check points, accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, and received his restored gospel.

3.    A mansion (a.k.a. The Terrestrial Kingdom): a place where drivers who reside who loved Jesus Christ but didn't go through all of the check points.

4.    A tent (a.k.a. The Telestral Kingdom): drivers who didn't care about the checkpoints. At least it's still something.

These degrees of glory are described in The Bible in reference to the sun, moon and stars.

40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

-1 Corinthians 15:40-42 KJV

All of this ties directly back to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Jesus, the Christ undoubtedly atoned for all of the wrongdoings God's children commit. He suffered in the garden of Gesamane, blood blanketing His holy body from every pore. Following His traumatizing sacrifice brutal torture followed its course in a form of whippings that would have killed mortal men. In show of his kingship, roman soldiers placed a crown of spiny thorns on His holy head. Concluding his tribulation, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, hung on a cross with nails in his hands and feet next to two villainous robbers. Disrespectfully, one of them in a less painful course mocked Him.

Jesus Christ makes all of the difference. He is the difference. He suffered in the garden. He died an excruciating death on the cross for you. He provided a way to erase the mistakes, bumps, and wrong turns out of your road course footage. What will YOU do to thank Him?

Jesus Christ's Atonement, the only way to to a perfect performance. He supplies us with necessary fuel, He created the world road course under Heavenly Father's direction. He is our advocate in the reviewal of road footage at final judgement day. He is the provider of the map to complete all of the checkpoints.

His map comes in two pieces....

THE KJV BIBLE:

A record of Jesus Christ's coming, ministry, and gospel to the Jews. Endless wisdom of His kingship. Jesus Christ came to save each and all, from the vilest of sinner to the self proclaimed perfectionist. Christ knows you. As Christ himself said in the book of John, "I have come into this world to fulfill all righteousness," (paraphrased). If we read the Bible closely, we see a first hand account of the great sacrifice that Christ made for us so we can live again.

THE BOOK OF MORMON: ANOTHER TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

The literal record of the "other sheep that I have that are not of this fold" that John 10:16 pronounces to the world. The Book of Mormon holds true to all of the bible's truth an prophecy. Jesus Christ's love extends farther than to just his peers, friends, and acquaintances. His loves extends with open arms to the entire world. No matter where you are, where you stand in life, or where life's journey leads: you will know of the love of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. What would you do to know that God loves you unconditionally?

The path our lives take vary per person. We know that all we can do is to hold to our morals in times of affliction, changing societal norms, and definitions of sacred actions shifting. Be of good courage, never idle your car. Sometimes it just takes a little push or the second piece to the map. Hold to the course, greater things await. Life continues after death.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" Matthew 7:7 KJV

How do YOUR actions effect others? Coming next week: A SmellySituation: Your Decisions Effect Everyone!

My Life's Purpose: How Do I Progress To Become As The Savior? Part I

A new horizon reaching the eternities

An exhilarating off-road course, colossal black basalt boulders the size of small homes, treacherous twists and turns through mountain terrain, topped with aromatic sensation of sweet Douglas fir. Greetings from the Pacific Northwest.

A city grid system, three hour gridlock at rush hour (a preeminent), smells of gasoline exhaust cloud over the beaming Southern California sun, want to be "movie stars," grace the masses with their glamorous appearances. All of these troubles and distractions give way to a golden sandy beach sporting waves that draw surfers from all parts of the county. Welcome to Los Angles.

A quiet suburban subdivision, blonde haired blue eyed children innocently play in the streets; not a care in the world, no worries nor troubles. They "know" more than their parents (or so they think), who spoil them relentlessly with monthly trips to amusement parks and all of the latest and greatest releases from Apple. Another day in the quiet, worry-free realm of naiveté. Welcome to bedroom community, USA.

Different road courses, different types of people. The same mission.

Think of it like this, imagine yourself driving a car...

In the beginning we chose to follow God's plan for us to become like him

He in turn gave us our car (a.k.a. our body) to handle the terrain of our mission.

Adam and Eve through their desicisom of partaking the fruit of the tree of good and evil opened the starting gate for the cars to begin their course, meaning that children could be brought into this world. The decision and the consequence of opening the starting gate effects no one except the ones who made the motion. We Believe that we will be punished for our own sins and not for Adam's transgression. 

We came down to earth to go through a driving course (courses vary from individual to individual), to see if we qualify to become like our Heavenly Father. (Birth)

Ever person's course is a little different. Despite our differences, everyone has five checkpoints in their driving test.

1.    Possess a love for the Savior Jesus Christ and have an active faith and knowledge of his  divinity and Devine power.

2.    Acting on our faith we desire to repent. Repentance proves a willingness and a desire to forsake all wrongdoings and parallel our lives to Christ's.

3.    Walk the talk. Physically juxtapose Jesus the Christ's path by entering the waters of baptism with one authorized to act in the name of Heavenly Father by His holy priesthood.

4.    Receive a guidance and a witness of The Lord's hand in your life. After baptism comes the gift of the Holy Ghost given by hands laid on your head by men who posses the same restored priesthood of Jesus Christ.

5.    Continue the upward climb; never become complacent. Success comes only to those who endure to the end.

As we go through our driving course, the car gets some dings, dents, scratches, road film, mud, and wear. No one or car is exempt. Eventually the car wears out, and we exit the vehicle (Death).

Does life continue after death?

Continued next week. Mylife's purpose: How do I progress to become like the savior? Part II

No Longer Death Do You Part; Eternal Marriage, A Forever Family Part II

Forever In Love, Forever Eternal

If only we could be together forever...Is it really "till death do you part?" 

 

The moment when the words "I do," echo" across the cathedral from the marble alter. A passionate first wedded kiss, a whirlwind of estrogen and testosterone. The love and unity felt by the new Mr. And Mrs. after two years of dating and over a year of wedding planning.

Those endearing moments of the wedding reception under the stars, the moment when a new spirit comes into the world, the feeling of warmth and love as you cradle the tender newborn in your arms for the first time, and playing catch with a young son who is on his way to being a future World Series Champion. You never want these miracles and feelings to ever leave your heart. Those special memories can be yours forever.

"Heavenly Father, I need to know how to turn this dream into reality"

We only progress down the path of eternal life as a unified family. We must follow the paramount plan that the Father put into place. This plan though seeming difficult, even little children can grasp. We only have to do five things.

1.    Possess a love for the Savior Jesus Christ and have an active faith and knowledge of his  divinity and Devine power.

2.    Acting on our faith we desire to repent. Repentance proves a willingness and a desire to forsake all wrongdoings and parallel our lives to Christ's.

3.    Walk the talk. Physically juxtapose Jesus the Christ's path by entering the waters of baptism with one authorized to act in the name of Heavenly Father by the holy priesthood.

4.    Receive a guidance and a witness of The Lord's hand in your life. After baptism comes the gift of the Holy Ghost given by hands laid on your head by men who posses the same restored priesthood of Jesus Christ.

5.    Continue the upward climb; never become complacent. Success comes only to those who endure to the end.

Holiness to The Lord: The House of The Lord

Sacred buildings called temples allow us to gain a deeper knowledge of our Heavenly Father's plan for us and how to return to live with him and become like him. Like father, like son. So many ordinances happen within the walls of the temple for the endowment of sacred wisdom of the divinity and power of God. With this knowledge we learn that life continues after death and so do our families. Through the power of the Priesthood, we can be sealed to our families forever.

Part of our endurance to the end comes the opportunity to bond the earthly vows of matrimony with eternal promises and blessings. Sealings for couples and families come at any age. Whether it's a beautiful bride and a not half bad groom to an entire family, God desires us in his  presence. Obedience to his beck and call for eternal happiness is the only way we qualify for eternal life and eternal families.

 A sealing to The Lord Jesus Christ.

To make a forever family a reality everyone must put forth their share, their own piece of the puzzle, their own individual effort. "...as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;" (Mosiah 18:8). In effect, we are not just sealed to our families, we are sealed also to the savior himself. If someone in a family doesn't keep their covenants (special promises to god) they disqualify; yet their wrong decisions do not effect other family members. Though the family is a a sacred unit, nothing or no one will stand in the path of the righteous.

A comforting light to those who lost a loved one.

If you have lost either parent, sibling, or child there is hope. You will see them again. Point blank, they are neither lost, nor forgotten. If a loved one passes to the other side before being sealed for time and all eternity to their family. Another way is always provided. The Lord provides a path to all those who will receive him to the fullest degree. When someone passes to the other side without the opportunity for temple blessings, a proxy may stand in place of the deceased person. Think of the proxy as a lawyer in a courtroom, he or she still represents your case when you are absent. When there is a will, there is a way for everyone who will receive him.

 
Families! Within our homes we experience some heartache, yet some of the most meaningful and spiritual events. Envision it now; see your family living in God's presence for the rest of eternity. Tragic events may happen, children may temporarily stray from the path, and separations are eminent; yet through the grace of God, our Heavenly Father we can find peace, forever solace and come to a conclusion that the Lord's way leads you to a life of eternal happiness. Families are eternal, we will be together forever.

To be released tomorrow...My Life's Purpose: How Do I Progress To Become As The Savior? Part I

No Longer Death Do You Part; Eternal Marriage, A Forever Family Part I

Life's Journey, Our Potential Destiny

 Flower petals grace the crowd, tickling the air on their accession, restfully blanketing the ground. A royal blue satin pillow cradles platinum rings of the finest workmanship and quality shining as the sun. Whispers of excitement non-chalantly echo across the hall. The organ's valves open their mouths, silencing all whisperings and excitement. All stand to catch a first glimpse of the stars of the show.  Leather John Lobb shoes polished to a military standard pace forward. Parallel to the John Lobbs clicks the heels of white stiletto heels; the real celebrity of the ceremony. Click, step, step, click. A flowing dress, accompanied with a ten foot train bring gasps of excitement. Onward down the marble isle, seconds feel as they were hours. After "hours" of frozen moments, all eyes face the alter. The father sheds a single tear drop and gives his beauty away.

More silence, the roaring brass pipes cease, moments forever engraved in time. As the Pastor's soothing voice calms all troubles and worries, cool fair hands grasp the warm and rough. Soothing lyrics come crashing to the shore with the line "till death do you part."  Following in unison a solem oath is vowed. "I do." Fine lace takes to the wind of excitement. "You may now kiss the bride."


Rejoicing iron bells commence the celebration. Doves take to the wind. Rounds of applauding hands and plumes of rice foreshadow the evening's festivities...

A cool sunset ushers in a reception lit only by shining evening stars and candle light. The sterling silver Cake Server gleams under moonlight as the first decadent slice of cake serves the bride and groom. Crystal flutes clink to a toast of well wishings to the newly weds. Feasting and toasts make-way for an evening of dancing and romance.  The entire atmosphere changes as the wedding singer serenades the masses with Nat King Cole's timeless song L-O-V-E.

"L is for the way you look at me. O is for the only one I see........."

Nat's tribute continues to bring a certain warmth that engulfs the crowd. The music sets the perfect scene. She basks in the aromas of his Brooks Bothers classic cologne and him in her Chanel perfume. As the couple come closer they feel an even more intimant love than ever before. Dating for two years and so much pre-wedding chaos had been worth it for this. If only this moment could last forever. An applause comes with the closing of Nat's greatest hit. The wedding comes to an end after the grand finale and it's off to the Bahamas!

The words still linger in both of their hearts, "till death do you part..."

Five years later, a new member of the family takes center stage in both his and hers lives.. The first few moments, the first time holding their new son, another sliver of time that could last for eternity. Many sleepless nights followed. Six months later the words, "mama," and "dada," became the vocabulary for their new universe. Despite baggy eyelids and frequent yawns, the couple come closer in caring for their creation, a child of God. If only they could all be together forever.

"'Till death do you part," enters their minds striking a cord right in the heart.

Special moments taking ol'slugger to the park to play a pick up game of catch. He winds up the pitch and tosses the ball to you. Time and time later he does this. You think to your self, "a potential little world series winner on our hands." From the park to the field arrises a city championship team. As they hold up in victory the bronze trophy, you catch a quick picture. "That's my son!" Proud moments.

If only we could be together forever... Is it really "till death do you part?"

A cliff hanger! Stay tuned for the answer hitting the web this week!

The Pinnacle Point: Enduring to the End

Leather hiking boots sojourn up the face of the mountain. Breaths of thin mountain air alleviate gasping lungs. Aching feet cry for mercy as the trail continues onward. Anything less than a road less traveled is an understatement. Rays of golden sunlight innocently scorch white skin exposed for the fist time in months.

The road less traveled indeed! Onwardly marching, a gnarled old hiking stick provides some stability and creature comfort in an onward venture. Opposition comes in a wave of brambles, thorns, and the woodsman's all time nemesis, poison ivy.



The thicket clears, clouds enshroud the merciless sun. Your skin thanks the sun in undying gratitude! A loud triumphant shout musters from your panting lungs and somewhat stained vocal cords: hooray! You made it to the top of Mount Saint Helans!

Take a breath of that fresh pacific northwestern air, let the aromas of luscious Douglas furs and cascading waterfalls against lava rock fill your nostrils.

With much opposition comes great rewards.....

 

A man, born into a lowly and humbling birth in a a stable among unkept livestock and plow horses. The son of a carpenter, he built many things by the labor of His skilled hands. A teacher of many learned doctors, scholars, and priests. An outcast for his beliefs and teachings, about His Father in Heaven. A night of misery and atoning for all the sins and sorrows everyone in the world would ever ache. Betrayed, by one of His only confidants in which He called His apostle with the greatest token of love and friendship; a kiss. A king chosen to die as a real prisoner as the murder, Barabus chains and shackles released him. Whippings tearing tender flesh open to ooze blood over his body. A crown of thorns: a symbol of mockery to his kingship placed on his head. A cross draped over his shoulders that he would be crucified on. Rough iron nails hammered through the palms of his hands and his feet. Placement on the cross, the final step in this brutal process. "It is finished," the last utterance He would ever make on this earth.

The reward of His opposition, our salvation.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ = mountain climbing?


For real! Marked hiking paths, wilderness survival courses, supplies, leather boots, a compass, and a map. Looks like someone is set to tackle the world. All of these supplies and training sessions come from the ultimate benefactor, God the father. There is no way you could ever think to pay him back; on your own, you are completely unequipped, unskilled, and penniless. With God, you are everything.

An unfathomable price ransomed us from our personal transgressions. Look at all of the things that God provided you for the hike. There's no way to ever pay the father back for all of our quintessential blessings and supplies...what will you do with them?

Grace v. Works
So what's the right answer? Is your exaltation based on your works alone or the grace of Christ? Grace is the only way to go! God provided you all of the necessities and the tools to go hiking. God doesn't cover the rest after we try our best, covers all of it. He has our tab.  How are you going to show him you are grateful for his incredible gift? Hike!

Sharp thorns, brambles, and a touch of poison ivy are premeditate. What happens to you when in a bind? Do you give up after one stubbed toe? Do you dismay over the fact making it to the top of Mount Saint Healans takes more than ten steps? Keep trying!

You think you have this hike in the bag, but make a wrong turn. You say to yourself, "this won't happen again." You think you're on the straight and narrow and suddenly comes another wrong turn. Time after time this happens again, yet God still wants us to make it to the top.

 Triumphant sounds echo across the mountainside, adrenaline races through bulging veins. Whispers of wind dance cordially with locks of hair. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. His grace is sufficant, all you have to do is climb.

Keep Trekking

As Told From a Guy: What Makes a Girl Beautiful

Natural Light v. Flash: The Truth may be Shuttering.

A cool breeze tickles your sun-kissed skin walking on the beach. Warm sand wedges itself between your toes creating a tingling sensation. Light waves of deep blue water tumble to the shore. The lazy day seems to run on island time itself. The day creeps slowly by, until sunset makes its way to center stage. Plums of sand rises from the ground as your feet race for the car to grab the good ol'Canon camera.


On your speedy return, the lenses see sunlight for the first time in months. The camera's shutters start stealing glimpse of the silent evening sky. No need for the flasher, the natural light speaks for itself. Images truly capturing the evening's beauty as natural as the fresh seafood found along the pier.


Natural verses artificial light (the flash), which would you choose?


The  Camera flasher......
Think about the flash. It's luminance lights up entire rooms, everyone around it notices. The only problem, to much of camera flasher equals sore eyes, less of an effect, sometimes color distortion, and more importantly... it's ARTIFICIAL!

Now imagine natural lighting....
It's natural beauty and eminence might not be as dramatically recognized but everyone feels comfortable in its presence. Clicking lenses capture golden rays creating lasting images of real places, people, and events. Quality in this ideal setting is next to none.


Think about it and apply it to people. As told from a guy; what makes a girl beautiful?


Modest is Hottest: Us Mormon guys hear this all the time, it's such a common phrase that they have even produced tee shirts with this banner right across them. It may seem kind of stupid, but it's true.




Ok, let's take it back to the camera analogy. Any idea as to what natural light and the flash have anything to do with modesty?


Think of the flash verses the natural, one is real and the other is just a façade. Which would you take? Personally speaking, I would take the natural, modesty really is a virtue. True beauty doesn't need an extravagant display, it simply is there. True class, like your favorite fragrance is subtle, yet draws attention. While it might not turn heads as rapidly as the other, the presence of true beauty is always acknowledged and respected.


With true beauty (modesty), comes the undying desire to know you (the daughter, sister, girlfriend, the dream girl who every guy is dying to meet); past the outside, and find an even greater eminence in her personality. True beauty comes from an equal ratio of external looks and infinite worth.


An abrupt instantaneous camera flash or the pure essence of natural lighting. It all comes down to choices in life. God made a plan for us to choose immodesty or something that gentleman really look for in the long run. First impressions are everything; make your choice, the camera shutters are a clicking.

Just one more cookie: A tasty temptation

Sunday dinner, everyone gathered 'round the table to socialize and
grow closer. You know this saying (mom said it countless times when
you weren't listening), but really it's a time where you stuff 'till
you bust! Pearly whites sink into freshly cut watermelon slices and
devour hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks hot off the grill. Hints of
hickory smoke waif under your nose as you enjoy every succulent bite.
The kids lie down on freshly cut grass to take a short nap as the
feast digests. You spot that last chocolate chip cookie on the plate
auntie made. The thought races through your mind, "you know you're on
a diet." You try to resist that ohhhhh so good temptation. The
gooey chocolate tastes so good on your taste buds as you devour every
morsel.

The morning breaks, up and at 'um, same old, same old. Breakfast,
shower, shave, then pull out today's outfit. On goes the shirt, socks,
and then the pants. The Levi's feel a little snugger than usual.
"Hmmm," you think to yourself as you zip em' up. After all of that you
reach the button. With a little bit of effort and a lot of sucking in,
you button your drawers. "I've been dieting!" Now in total disgust you
storm back to the restroom, step onto the scale and find your pants
aren't lying. You've racked on a few pounds, the six pack vanished,
the chubs are back!

All I can say is.....TEMPTATIONS SUCK!

It's sooooooo hard to not give into temptation, how can I avoid regret?

WWJD (What would Jesus Do): Dude! Everyone has temptations. Each of us
struggle with that one little thing (fill in the blank for your weakness). 
Recognize that weak link and realize your struggles. In the KJV Bible
 Jesus Christ fasted for forty days and nights with NO food or water.
 Jesus Christ was the only one who could do this! During His agonizing fast, 
Satan (the devil), tried tempting Christ. Satan tried to persuade Christ to turn 
rocks into bread. As told in no better words comes the story of Jesus Christ's
 moment of temptation.

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted of the devil.

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward
an hungred.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of
God, command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

 (Matthew 4:1-4)
 
Think about it, even Jesus Christ was tempted. It can happen to anyone.

MAKE A GAME PLAN: The Seattle Seahawks wouldn't have won the Super
Bowl if they just ran out on the field to play a pickup game of touch
football with the Colts. The Seahawks triumphant win came from hours
of practice, reviews of game footage, and most importantly a killer
game plan. Christ didn't start his fast without a end goal; in all
of His hunger and agony still did not give into temptation and enticements of the devil. 
How could this be!!!!!!! When Fasting, I salivate over even the thought of
something sweet. Wouldn't you? Christ didn't, because he made a game
plan.

YOU DECIDE: In a bind, it suuuuper hard to make the right choice.
Setting a game plan, means planning ahead when your head is clear.
Here's an example of a game plan I made before going to a party. "I'm
not going to do anything that I will regret even if Hannah* (my
BIGGEST crush) hits me up." I went to the party and sure enough, got
hit up by Hannah. Those royal blue eyes, red lips, short skirt, and a hint
of vanilla perfume beckoned, but I didn't flinch. What! Most guys
would have jumped on the chance! In situations like that, if a game
plan is set when in a stable frame of mind you won't flinch. You can
immediately switch into auto pilot and steer clear of the storm.
 
Ok, so we know that temptation sucks! Temptations of sex outside of
traditional marriage (between a man and woman), alcohol, and drugs
plague our world. You can avoid it! With God all things are possible.
Know it, live it, love it! No matter what you've done in the past,
there is always a way out. Through our savior all can be made right
and protect us in the future. Da' game plan is the way to go! Avoid
even that last sneaky chocolate chip cookie!


*name has been changed