Something to wrap your mind around.

Lately I've had alot going on. I've been done at FLCC for about a month now, although I checked out of there mentally almost immediately after arriving. I've been working quite a bit, and it has been nice to have a decent income which I have been blessed with that has allowed me to upgrade some drum equipment and save for recording. I've been hanging out with friends and family alot, going to church alot as always, and Red Letter Statement has been practicing more often than usual. I've also been to more shows lately than usual. It was nice tonight to relax with some friends at Denny's and actually have some really intellectual conversations with each other. It's been a while since I have been asked to state what I believe and why I believe it and then defend it, however when that does happen, it always starts me thinking... Am I really living what I believe? Am I making a difference in this world? Let's pause here, while I state what I believe. I believe that God created the Earth in seven days, and I take that literally. I believe that God created everything on the earth, and created man last, because he wanted someone to have a relationship with. After creating Adam, seeing that he was incomplete, God created Eve, thus, I believe that woman was created for man. I'm not saying that in a shovanist way, I'm saying it in a way that man needs companionship, and God knows that so he created woman. Adam and Eve sinned when the ate the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden, and from that point on, humans, although not inherently evil in my perspective, have been born as sinners. God, as a way to show his love and compassion towards us, sent His son, Jesus to live among man for a short time, and to perform great miracles, and make disciples of men, and to die on the cross for our sins. I believe that on the third day after Christs crucifiction, He rose from the dead. The Bible states that the only way to the Father is through Christ. Knowing this, I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour and have resolved to aspire to be like Him. It is an ongoing task, and there are always obstacles, however, He always gets me back on track. I believe that we, as followers of Christ are to be in the world, not of it. What does that mean...? It means being real, relevant and relational, while upholding the values Christ has instilled in me. It means hanging out with friends who aren't fellow believers, while not giving in to what the world has to offer. I believe that many things are good in moderation. There are many things in my life that I have struggled with and am currently struggling with, but I believe that if I put all of my faith in Christ, he will help me overcome these challenges. I am trying to learn that I must sacrifice worldly things in order to become what I believe. In the Bible, there is a man who in his life kept all of the ten commandments. When he saw Jesus he asked what he must do in order to secure his spot in heaven. Jesus said give up all of your things and follow me, but the man left with overwhelming sorrow, as he was of great wealth and was unwilling to give up all of his possesions. I feel that this story can apply to more than just possesions. For examplle, if you have kept the ten commandments but are struggling with an addiction, you must kick the habbit in order to follow Christ. He will help you with it, but you have to be willing to do it. I believe that one day, Christ will return, and those who believe in him will ascend to heaven to live eternally with him. I believe that those who do not believe in Christ will be subject to great tribulation and eventually be cast into the lake of fire. Believing this, I am striving to be a witness to all of my friends, as it saddens me to think that alot of the people who I hold close may be damned for eternity. I want to share what I have in Christ with everyone. I think I hit on just about everything there. Often times its difficult to say the correct things when asked what I believe, but I think that pretty much sums it up. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I love him and he loves me. He wants to have a relationship with you as well. Now, a big part of faith is to always delve deeper into things and to always want to acquire more knowledge. I believe God has a plan for everyones life, and I believe that his for mine is to tour with a band, or to be a worship leader, or a missionary for him. I guess I'll just let all of this set in for now.

Mitch

Listening To:
A Kiss For Jersey Victims
Thrice Live at The House of Blues Anaheim
Underoath Lost in the Sound of Separation
Underoath Survive Kaliedescope
Thrice Vheissu
This Day and Age
MxPx 10 Years and Running
MxPx Secret Weapon
Emery While Broken Hearts Prevail