jshinall's blog

Playing on the jukebox: a whole lot of Third Day, Nichole Nordeman, and Lincoln Brewster.

Some keys to spiritual growth:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit,
  For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn,
  For they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek,
  

Playing on the jukebox: "Show Me Your Glory" by Third Day, "All I Really Want" by Lincoln Brewster, & "Legacy" by Nichole Nordeman.

I had a new thought today - I'm not looking at things with the right perspective. It's easy to get discouraged when you try to do right, but don't see the results. What good does it do to pray and read the Bible if I don't see my life getting any better? I've been asking questions like that while wearing narrow-vision goggles. I've only been looking a few days, a week, a month down the road.

It just hit me today - what if it never changes? One little saying I made up is that if God doesn't do anything else for me, He's done more than I deserve. I was reading this book that talked about how Paul 's reverence and worship were constant, whether in abundance or in need.

Playing on the jukebox: the entire "Declaration" CD by Steven Curtis Chapman.

My visit to St. Louis was cool. The dentist at Scott Air Force base needs some bedside manner training. My friend, Chris, surprised me by paying for everything we did while I was there. That was a real blessing (thanks man!). We did the normal stuff we do together - eat, play guitar, and watch movies. We got into a discussion about "once saved, always saved". My argument made sense to me, but he had actual scripture. I realized that I have not been a student of the Word for quite some time. I really would like to get back into it, and this issue might just be the firestarter I need.

Playing on the jukebox: "Healed" by Nichole Nordeman, "With Every Little Kiss" by Steven Curtis Chapman, and "OK" by Rebecca St. James.

Hey folks! I had a job interview today! The job was with Central Illinois Courier. They want a driver for a daily Galesburg-Monmouth route. The good news: it's almost full-time work. The bad news: it will probably interfere with my marathon training during the week. I'm not sure what to do. I haven't been offered the job, but if they do I don't know what to tell them.

So, first things first. I'm a Christian, and that's not the same kind of "holier-than-thou", Bible-thumping, hypocritical Christian most of you are used to. I'm just a normal guy who has been introduced to the greatest thing since sliced bread, Jesus Christ. He forgives my mistakes, helps me make wise decisions, and even gives me tons of things I never thought to ask for.