Wash MY feet??

2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

When He died on the cross, He was wearing only a garment or 'towel' around his waist.I mean, I know it says 'outer' clothing, and maybe this means nothing. I dunno, just a thought I had as I read that.

5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

We often don't know why our lives go the way they do, or why God 'lets' certain things happen to us. We should listen to these words whenever we are unsure about a situation at hand, or doubt that a certain circumstance has any purpose besides making us miserable. I'm sure the disciples were very perplexed, and had no idea whatsoever how Jesus's treacherous death could have in any way been positive. Faith, hope, and trust, all must have been tested amongst so many followers. How in the world could any good have come from that suffering? ...we didn't realize then what He was doing...but now we do.

8“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

So much humility on so many levels. Jesus, the Son of God, Master...is washing the feet of His disciple, His student [discipulus means 'student' in Latin btw]. Wow. I mean, we look at Peter's response and think "sheesh, you're telling the Son of God what He will and will not do?" But what if you or I was sitting there. Would you have no problem with sitting, getting your feet washed, by Jesus? What if He came up to you right now, quietly knelt down, removed your shoes and multi-colored socks, and...washed...your...feet. How would you respond? I know I would be like Peter and protest. I'm so unworthy! -but only with my dirty feet. I am unworthy because they are SO dirty...but Jesus doesn't grimace. He doesn't make a face at the smell. He doesn't rush to find the nearest germX. He kneels down at my feet...and washes them. They are no longer filthy.
So why aren't we, the disciples, washing Jesus's, our Master's, feet? because they aren't dirty. They don't have a speck of dust on them. Well, that is until...until our dirt and filth has accumulated to Him, once he is there taking that dirt, filth, and blood away from us. He washes the dirt from us, by taking it on Himself.

9“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

10Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

Jesus, I've betrayed you. Please drench me with your living water and cleanse me. Head to toe. Peter may have asked, but he did not need it because he was clean. I am not. And although I know am not worthy for you to cleanse me, you still do...and then I am worthy to be in your presence- to have a part with you.

12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place.

After He finishes cleansing us of our filth...he returns to His place. At the right hand of the Father.

“Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. [we Disciples aren't so quick ;) ]  13“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.[*Thaddeus raise his hand* "ooh! ooh! how about we make these rainbow bracelets that say WWJD? Get it? as in What Would Jesus Do? it'd be like- I'm walking, and then I see this guy whose having troubles with his donkey, and I can look at my bracelet and be like BAM! WWJD?" *Thomas rolls eyes* "I doubt that will ever catch on."]

 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

This last line really made me think. I didn't get why Jesus said,"I tell you the truth" as in, 'I kid you not'..."no servant is greater than his master..." I thought, I've got to be missing something, because my first reaction is "duh!" but you never say "duh" to Jesus...nothing He ever says is obvious enough to us humans to give Him that response. So why did He have to mention it? Well, I put myself back in the unworthy position of Jesus washing my feet...at that point...He- The Master- was serving me. ...uh...okay to be honest I thought I had something but now I forgot and am all confused again. But there is one thing I noticed...previously He said "You call me Teacher" which would imply that they the disciples, are the students (which again, is simply the translation of 'discipulus' in Latin).Then He says: "no servant is great than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." Well, the word 'apostle' translates from Greek 'apostolos' meaning "one who is sent away."  Therefore, the translation is "emissary" which we then get from Latin 'ex' "from" and "'mitto' "send". We then simply make the translation of 'messenger.' So when Jesus said, "nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him" I think Jesus could have very straightforwardly been meaning the apostles to Him. But...I guess I figured that anyways, so that boring tangent really didn't get me anywhere. I'm tired. I'm not ending this in some summary in attempt to make you think. I'm just clicking publish, closing this post, closing the screen, and closing my eyes.

-no matter how awkward it may be- let Jesus wash your feet...But then...try your best to keep them clean...wear flip flops in the locker room and such...

April Fools'

Happy April Fools Day everyone! (thought I'd forget to write on my favorite holiday? [*cough* I mean next to Jesus's birthday of course]).

Sorry I didn't post any before April 1st...I sort of forgot what day it was until late Saturday night. Some of these would be great to do...but after today I may need to give up my joy of pranking for a while [I wouldn't have posted them since my family reads this. *waves* hey mom.] ...so if I can't do these, I might as well share with others.

Here are some Arpil Fools stories:

"The night before April Fools Day, I painted a bar of soap with clear nail polish. This makes the soap appear normal, but it won't lather at *all*. I put a small amount of syrup on the back of the knobs to the shower. When my husband went to turn on the shower in the morning, he got a hand full of syrup - he grabbed the soap to wash it off and it wouldn't lather! He still talks about this one year after year..."

"Unscrew the rim of the bathroom faucet after everyone has gone to sleep March 31,place an Easter Egg Dying tablet in and replace the rim.The next morning,the first one who turns on the faucet in the morning will get a blue (or green,yellow or red) surprise!! It just happens that all the stores are selling Easter Egg dying kits at this time." 

"on april fools 2006 I was about to ship MEPS and leave for basic.Since I would not be seeing my husband for a while I would give him a good April fools joke.... I bought a cheep pregnancy test and used a pink marker to make the two lines that says you are pos then put it back together.I knew my husband would be home soon so I called him sounding serious and told him that we had to talk.my step father met him at the door and told him I was in the bathroom I came out crying (eye drops) set the test in his hand and walked off before I started laughing....he freaked out and I came in laughing and told him april fools which he was relieved but not too happy.one month later on may 1st I kissed my husband and boys good bye and went to meps I returned home that evening Sobbing Im pregnant (real this time) he brushed it off thinking I was messing with him again so I showed him the official positive.I thought he was going to die laughing all the time saying APRIL FOOLS .....jan 1st 2007 I had my little girl"

"Superglue coins to the pavement. You'll need to find a spot that is both heavily trafficked and suitable for gluing; a front sidewalk or driveway works well, though you may need to clean the surface to get the coins to stick."

The following are pranks by companies [it won't let me put the videos here, but just follow the links]

The Peugeot RCZ: The mood colour changing car- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP5_5RDKxOY&feature=player_embedded

Oh, and let's not forget Google...who posted about their Google Maps 8-Bit Edition on their youtube channel:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rznYifPHxDg&feature=player_embedded#!
priceless.
AND a personal favorite- Google tap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KhZKNZO8mQ&feature=relmfu

Aaaand you can just go here to see what Kodak came up with: http://www.kodak.com/ek/US/en/Home.htm

...there's more but you probably have other things to do.

If Stu chews shoes, should Stu choose the shoes he chews?

 {it also happens to be International Tongue Twister Day}

http://familyfun.go.com/april-fools-day/april-fools-day-craft-pranks/13-great-april-fools-pranks-710369/4/
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/45109/april-fools-day-2012-highlights

OH. and also...being Palm Sunday:

Skillet at Winterjam

Saw Skilletx at Winterjam. nuff said. xP

Skillet at Winterjam 2012

my camera died 3min in :( so I don't have very epic pictures. But this is of Skillet and has some pyro, so that in of itself is pretty epic.

PW:MMMM- Education and Sharing Day

Sooo today is (was) "Education and Sharing Day" as well as "Quirky Country Song Music Titles Day" -----sidenote: I missed "Make up Your Own Holiday Day"! =(

Regarding the latter (lol, I felt so important for those three words) I would have to go with "Red Solo Cup" by Toby Keith since it is one of the very very few country songs I actually will tolerate due to it's creativeness [it gets stuck in ur head- you've been warned]. So I looked up country song titles...and had too many to categorize as 'quirky' or just plain...stupid. [sorry to any of you who listen to country, I wouldn't want to be you. okay, that was cold and I have no clue where it came from. We can compromise and listen to the Kountry Gentlemen.] Also, as it is the holiday and you do know of a 'quirky' country song...do share with someone.

>oh- as well as it is "American Diabetes Association Alert Day" so naturally I must add:

 It's not really even worth watching, don't bother wasting the 30-some seconds of your life. I just had to. ninjas made me do it.

ANYHOO. But in light of it being "Education and Sharing Day" I've included some education-related pictures of some...not-so-educated answers.

Enjoy!

My conection between the two 'holidays'...heck- turn it into a country song and we'll nail 'em all.

IMPORTANT: I am in NO way making fun of diabetes at all. I can't begin to imagine what it's like living with it (especially since needles and blood terrify me) and again- I do NOT think it is 'funny.' Country music on the other hand...yeah I'm making fun of that.

"Sheared Sheep"

[BTW: I'm thinking of having a separate blog for PW:MMMM]

images found:

 http://school.failblog.org/

http://weknowmemes.com/2011/12/john-has-diabetes/

http://www.dailycognition.com/index.php/2007/05/06/idiotic-answers-from-exam-students-very-funny-stuff.html

 

March Holidays found by:

http://www.brownielocks.com/march.html

Lord of the Rings: The Hobbit (chapter 1)

 “…it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort..” “…they never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.”

We live as hobbits. We prefer to stay in our ‘comfort-zones’ or “hobbit-holes,” never wanting nor partaking in adventures. But sometimes, great adventures come along, for which we are created.

“’Goodmorning!’ he said at last. ‘We don’t want any adventures here, thank you!’”

"Now you mean that you want to get rid of me, and that it won't be good till I move off."

"Not at all, not at all, my dear sir! Let me see, I don't think I know your name?"

"Yes, yes, my dear sir-and I do know your name, Mr. Bilbo Baggins. And you do know my name, though you don't remember that I belong to it. I am Gandolf, and Gandolf means me! To think that i should have lived to be good-morninged by Belladonna Took's son, as if I was selling buttons at the door!"

We often refuse adventures, even when God has planned them for us. At most times, we don't realize that we are saying 'no,' or "good-morning!" to God, because we don't recognize Him when He asks us to live an adventure. He knows us of each by name, but we don't recognize Him.

"'...Indeed for your old grandfather Took's sake, and for the sake of poor Belladonna, I will give you what you asked for.'"

-"'I beg your pardon, I haven't asked for anything!'"

"'Yes, you have! Twice now. My pardon. I give it to you. In fact I will go so far as to send you on this adventure. Very amusing for me, very good for you, and profitable, too, very likely, if you ever get over it'."

-"'Sorry! I don't want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good Morning! But please come by to tea - anytime you like! Why not tomorrow? Come tomorrow! Good-bye!' With that the hobbit turned and scuttled inside his round green door, and shut it as quickly as he dared, not to seem rude. Wizards after all are wizards."

When God asks us to live an adventure, go down a scary path, or suffer, we often slam the door in His face saying, "Sorry! I don't want any adventures, thank you."

"Gandalf in the meantime was still standing outside the door, and laughing long but quietly. After a while he stepped up, and with the spike on his staff scratched a queer sign on the hobbit's beautiful green door. Then he strode away, just about the time Bilbo was finishing his second cake and beginning to think that he had escaped adventures very well."

When we refuse God's plan, or think we know better, I am sure He sometimes has to chuckle at us. After all, we humans, who only have a view of our present surroundings, think we know more of the world than the One Who can see the entire world and universe all at once. And we humans whose perspective of time is limited to the present and some past, both which our knowledge of is incomplete and often misunderstood or plain wrong, think we know what is best over the One whom knows the past, present, and future all in their fullest and complete truth. But we are stubborn people, and slam the door on God when He proposes His plan for us. We tell God when and where to come into our lives, only wanting and asking Him to interfere with our lives to 'make' them more pleasant, such as "tea-time" for Mr. Baggins.

"The next day he had almost forgotten about Gandolf...Just before tea time there came a tremendous ring on the front-door bell, and then he remembered! He rushed and put on the kettle, and put out another cup... 'I'm so sorry to keep you waiting!' he was going to say, when he saw that it was not Gandolf at all. It was a dwarf with a blue beard tucked into a golden belt....They had not been at the table very long...when there came an even louder ring at the bell...But it was not Gandolf. Instead there was a very old-looking dwarf..." [dwarves continue to arrive at the door, until a total of thirteen dwarves, as well as Gandolf, have unexpectedly gathered at the home of the hospitable hobbit...whom is becoming quite flustered.]

"He liked visitors, but he liked to know them before they arrived, and he preferred to ask them himself. He had a horrible thought that the cakes might run short, and then he - as the host: he knew his duty and stuck to it however painful - he might have to go without."

"...By the time he had got all the bottles and dishes and knives and forks and glasses and plates and spoons and things piled up on big trays, he was getting very hot, and red in the face, and annoyed."

The dwarves are setting out on their adventure to find and reclaim their once-stolen treasures and gold. Mr. Baggins is to accompany them on their adventure- rather- his adventure, which Gandolf has had planned for him. God sends others into our lives. who we do not expect, or we may find a bit rude, but we must welcome them in, for they may be of great help, and play a great role in our own adventure...even if they eat our cakes and drink our tea leaving us only with dishes...

"Far over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away ere break of day
To seek the pale enchanted gold."

The Mere Image|əɓɒɯι

The mirror lies. When we look in a mirror, it is for the purpose of judging ourselves…of being critically judgmental on ourselves. That…person…staring back…is the mirror disguising itself as you. She speaks, and your eyes listen. She deceives you, toys with your mind, convincing you to want to please her, sending you away disappointed, guiding you through harm, making empty promises that it will make you ‘happy’, when it only causes more pain. The mirror splits you from your body- Your mind on one side; your body on the other. The body speaks with her image, compelling your mind to believe her. You must realize that the reflection, the image, the one lying to you- is the one with no mind. You have the side with the mind, and more importantly, your soul, is on your side. But she lies, defining you, and making you believe that she can define you. But she does not. Your soul does, but the image on the other side of the glass, drowns out the voice of your soul. Her name is Vanity. You are at war. She has no mind, yet plays with yours. Vanity is the one you want dead, but she manipulates your mind into thinking that you are vanity, after all, she tries to define you as herself. She is a mindless, soulless, yet powerful, image. She is evil. Look around. Think of everyone around you. Take a step back, and notice how many are controlled by her powers. We literately kill ourselves to please her…starving ourselves, hurting ourselves, turning ourselves into objects for others to observe. Yes, that is it- Vanity is jealous. She is jealous of our minds and spirits. Her aim is to transform ourselves into her- a mere object to be judged, scrutinized, and emptied of mind and soul. She achieves this with lies, the language of her family, with help from her father, Pride, and her siblings, Envy, Wrath, Greed, and Lust. She hurts us all with what she has to say, while occasionally pleasing us with a false satisfaction. She convinces us all that she is the definition of us, and that we must focus on her to obtain ‘happiness’. She even uses each of us, against each other, whispering to our eyes to be judgmental of each other…just like her. We have all fallen for her lies and empty promises of ‘happiness’…but when we do follow what she promises, trying to please her, and hurting ourselves to death, mentally, physically, and spiritually…are we ever truly ‘happy’? …True happiness lies within God, and humility. But that is for another post…

Basically, what I’m trying to say is, we need to kill Vanity, and not let her kill us. Or at least take control. Like I said, she is a mindless, soulless image. You and I…we have not only a real body, but minds and souls as well. We have what she wants. We stand on the same side of the glass. Together, we can destroy her, the mere image.

Paralyzed Friends

Sometimes there are those stories or scripture which we hear often, and have known for so long, but then we realize we have only taken the story a surface level, and have missed a huge, deeper point. I felt that today at Church. Today's Gospel was Mark 2:1-12, the story of the paralytic man lowered by his friends through the roof of the over-crowded place where Jesus was preaching. Well, I personally have, for a long time, known this story, and still imagine the little cartoon, four-fingered characters from my first Bible. But I, as well as many others, have always focused on just the miraculous healing on the paralytic by Jesus. Don't get me wrong, Jesus's healing is, as always, an amazing thing, but the priest today brought attention to some other characters. Not Jesus, nor the paralytic- but the friends. The friends went through all the planning and struggles to carry their paralytic friend to the place where Jesus preached. Upon discovering the room to be overflowing with people, they went through the efforts of hoisting the paralytic and his stretcher onto the roof. Nothing would get in their way of bringing their ill friend to Jesus. Once on the roof, they somehow maneuvered the stretcher through the roof, and into the presence of Jesus. That is a lot of effort, work, dedication, and sacrifice, to bring their friend to Jesus. Why did they do it? Because they loved their friend, and they wanted healing for him.

We all have paralyzed friends. Maybe we have a friend paralyzed in an addiction, or even just paralyzed in the mind and will, not moving towards Jesus. We must be those friends, who will go through whatever means, to bring our paralyzed friend to Jesus. It is not easy to move a paralytic. There are many obstacles which are often discouraging. But we must go through the effort, work, dedication, and sacrifices, to carry our friend, to the One who will free him of the sin which paralyzes his soul.
That is true friendship.