A Pilgrims Way

I was just wondering what was on everyones desktop (computer desktop that is).  Widgets or little applications that help you do what you need do, see what you want to see or listen to what you want to listen to.

I primarily work on a PC at work, I honestly don’t spend much time on my PC or Mac at home.

At work I have a To Do List from a little app called Rainlendar2, I also use the Callwave, Stock Ticker, X station 1.fm Radio, Random Wikipedia article and Dictionary widgets from Yahoo.

At home I don’t use any widgets, but I use an app called Object Dock on my PC.

What Widgets or Apps do you find useful, enjoyable?

After stumbling across the idea on another blog I thought I’d try this out and see what my results were.

Google “[name] needs” and list the results. Here’s what I came up with. I think you’ll enjoy.

Rich needs a shave

Rich needs a new set of modeling

Rich needs to check this out

Rich needs a riot!

Rich needs to be upgraded

Rich needs to go back to Broadway where he reviewed gay plays. (No, I’m not kidding)

Rich needs to F***in get the stealth back!

I’d love to read your results. Post them on your blog and drop me a link or just leave them in my comments.

Stop reading this post and go immediately to http://www.kinnon.tv

Read the series of post on The People Formerly Known As… I’m just starting to go through them. Some real good stuff. Hurry up! What are you waiting for. I’ve got to get back.

Revelations is one of those books I like to read.  I’ll admit, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.  I don’t understand the cultural language and imagery of the time and I don’t believe all the “Prophets” of today that say they do.  But it’s one of those great mysterious things that brings you back time and time again.

I ran across this website today that’s doing a unique study on it.  If you’re interested you should check it out.

Check this post out.  This is why I stick with swimming pools.  UNBELIEVABLE!!!

It’s time to confess an annoying trait about me that once again reared it’s ugly head today. For those of you that know me I’m sure this will not come as too much of a shock. I’m extremely competitive. If you’ve played any game or activity with me it probably goes without saying. I hate to lose and will pretty much do anything and everything I can to win. And I’ll admit my overall record (if I was able to keep track – something like 1,652,487 and 100) at things in general would be pretty good. I blame this trait on my DNA. We Brennan’s as a whole are a competitive bunch. And my Dad did his best to keep the family tradition going when he had me.

Now competition can be good if it is limited to games or sporting events. But I think that when competition seeps into your attitude and personality and crosses over into other aspects of your life it can become unhealthy. Where am I on the spectrum? I don’t want to think about it!

I just know the way my mind works it’s hard to shut off the competition switch. I think a part of me has a tendency to look at people as competition in general. You know when you look at person you’re sizing them up, there not so…(fill in the blank) I can do…(fill in the blank) better then them. For example…today I was listening to a new up and coming worship leaders CD and my first thought was…He’s nothing special, I could sing as good as that… Then the ugliness of my pride smacked me right in the face. (Which prompted this open letter of confession).

Out of curiosity I looked up Synonyms for competition which turned up: Rivalry, Opposition, War, Struggle, Antagonism.

This is not good. Competition doesn’t sound so healthy any longer, especially as a follower of Jesus. If I look at my brothers and sisters as competition how can I honestly do any good for the Kingdom? We’re supposed to be working together, helping each other out. WE’RE ON THE SAME TEAM FOR GOD’S SAKE! We’re not competing for anything! We compete because of our selfish pride and vain glory. We’re competing for crowns that fade away and we’re missing out on the true prize, the true reward.

Cooperation was the one word that came up as an antonym for competition. That’s what we need (I need). Other words that made sense: collaboration and communion.

How can we overcome an attitude of competition?

Off the top of my head I’m thinking - Humility, Putting others above yourself, Finding the good, beautiful, and lovely in what others are doing, encourage and help others to succeed

Any other ideas?

I’ve been reading a book called Velvet Elvis lately and there was a great chapter in it I read today about understanding our identity in Jesus.  I think a lot of our problems (like my competition problem) are a result of not being able to live in the new identity/reality that is available to us through Jesus.  But that’s a whole other post that needs to be developed…

Having a good day at work…not doing to much.  I’ve been listening to my Caedmon’s call collection.  I love the music, the lyrics.  I hear they have a new album coming out soon.  Can’t wait.

“Sing to the Lord, you servants of his, give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness. For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his favor for a lifetime. ” Psalm 30:4-5

I came across this verse today in my readings. It grabbed my attention to think that God’s anger with our sin last about as long as the twinkling of an eye, but his favor, his approval of us as his children, his people, as his chosen and treasured people lasts a lifetime.

I’m also reading through a great book, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and one of the thoughts I pulled out of this book kind of relates to the verse I read as well. I don’t know exactly what he said, but he was talking about sin and the thought hit me. What about my sin angers me? When I think about my own failures I think I’m angry for the wrong reasons. I’m angry, because I’m prideful. I think I should be a better Christian, a better person than that. I’m angry, because my sin reinforces the fact that I’m not perfect, and I want to be. (I’m going to blame my upbringing in a “Holiness” rooted denomination on that one). I’m angry that I’m powerless to control my will, my feelings, my emotions. I’m angry that God did nothing to stop me.

Why should we be angry at sin? Because it prevents us from going to heaven, being in relationship with God? That’s an ok start and that’s where we tend to focus a lot of our attention. But I think we should be angry at sin because sin prevents us from being the kind of people we want to be. Sin prevents us from being the kind of people that God wants us to be. Sin is what we should be angry at and not ourselves, not God. And sin is what drives us to our knees looking for a savior. One that understands our weakness, understands our frailty and understands our forsakeness. And Jesus comes, actually He’s always been there, present since the beginning of time. With the offer, follow me, follow my life’s example.  I am the way, I am the truth, I am the life.  In me and through me is the life you’ve been looking for the life you’ve always wanted to live.  The life that makes sense for not only you, but for everyone.  Love your neighbor as yourself kind of life.  Love God kind of life.  Clean up the ugliness and and stop the anger caused by sin kind of life.