belief

i don't think i like to analyze this word in relation to me. with pride from natural growth in understanding, skepticism ensues in my life and that doesn't always play out in a pretty way.
some of the questions to ask are what do i believe in and what does that mean in my life? how strongly do i believe that? when anything challenges what i believe in, how do i respond to that? i would say i'm definitely an unusual combination of laid back and strong willed but how does my personality rub situationally?
tangibly, conflict brings this out. as i have a deep faith that God loves and accepts me unconditionally, why do i respond in an unbelieving way? when any situation resulting in my ways or desires being disregarded, i'm called to arms. my time and schedule, my want to spend quality time with a friend, simply a need to shift my perspective from me to someone else, often if not always brings discomfort.
"and we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." romans 8:28
yeah paul, i hear you. down the road, i'll more than likely be very thankful for the embattling situation as it's very likely this is building and changing me into who i want to be. but right now, i don't believe that's whats best. i firmly believe in my infinite wisdom of 22 years of age that this other situation and accompanying outcome is what's best for me.
it's so silly but nearly anytime i'm offended, these thoughts rise to the surface. how do you respond when you're pressed friend? do you believe in the underlying truth that you're sure of when things are going great? or do you default to a selfish bitterness that a "me first and above all" society teaches? just a thought, have a great day friends.
mandy candy

manly movies

so i watched robin hood yesterday. consequently, i want to shoot bow and arrows with precision off horseback and visit the countryside of the united kingdom. while i do have some history with horses, i have no skill in the field of archery and it's not likely that i'll be flying off to london on my intern salary anytime soon. on the contrary, thematically, there were tons of things i get to take home! so let's talk about it.

1. the power of a visionary

as robin returns home, he fulfills his vow to a dying man to speak to his father, on his behalf. as robin speaks with the noble father, he receives more than he bargained for. robin only bears faint memories of his dad. alternatively, the nobleman was very familiar with robin sr. and his character and life.

as sir locksley unveils the hidden truth of robin's dad, we find out that he was much more than a common stonemason. he was a man of decorated character, a layman burdened with a heart for truth and justice. we don't know much about his dad but we hear a quote associated with his cause: "rise and rise again until lions become lambs". and we learn that he was executed for withholding the names of men who stood for the cause of a just government, that honored the value of every man.

from this point forward we see a renewed vigor in robin. one that stands and fights for the same objective, ignited for the cause of standing where men couldn't stand for themselves. the change agent in robin's life could potentially have been this new knowledge of his heritage of fighting for a higher cause. i think that's what we're all looking for. a higher, nearly darn unachievable belief to simply take part in. something that we're completely caught up in that's greater than ourselves. robin found his in saving england from invaders and tyranny where i know i've found mine in the eternal cause of knowing God and making Him known. what's yours?

2. a right perspective of females

towards the end of the movie, we find the last battle. france is storming through the english channel about to hit the beachhead and the traitorous godfrey awaits with his army, preparing to take england. russell crowe and the calvary charge the slope towards the sand, climactic elements abounding. as robin and his pals charge, he runs in to an unexpected visitor, his girl. lady miriam is on the beach, ready to fight. i think it's every male's protective instinct that says "please don't let her out there bro.." but i love his response. after a brief fit, he affirms her "rally your troops, locklsey. join the charge."

my eye brows move and i'm put off, for reals? but robin attacks my false thinking here. she was made for that charge. as an english woman, she will be just as affected by the fall of the country as he would be. i'm completely aware that men and women are made completely equal but different. yes, he does valliantly fight to save her from the villain and i love that imagery as well. but what i'm rebuked for is something altogether different, the confusion of women and this ultimate battle we fight as men.

as i've gone down the checklist of idols in my life, a relationship with a girl has been one of them. what the Lord has been so gracious to reveal to me is that a girl will never satisfy the way He does. ultimately, that if a relationship with a girl ever takes the top spot reserved for him, where i find my hope and security, that relationship would inevitably come up short. i think as men we have the tendency to see a girl as the ultimate joy in our life, not the transcendent cause we were made for.

life is going really great friends, i love fall! i'm really enjoying my job at oklahoma state and there's so many people that i'm blessed to get to interact with on a weekly basis. but i hope you're doing well and have a great november!

your friend,

steven