Archives For sacrifice

The topic of “idol’s” came up earlier this week in time of reflecting and praying.

I recall a Christian art and creativity blogger writing about the fact that we face the threat of turning our very passions into idols if not careful. Jonathan Malm wrote about this issue on his site!

 

Jonathan had a very powerful point here. If your priorities are totally off, you could find yourself worshipping the art instead of the creator. It’s one of those things where I had to check myself to make sure that my preaching and blogging was about the God who created the artists who created the art, rather than the art itself! Thankfully, I’m right with God in that area and the issue is non-existent!

Handling ones priorities effectively is so key for me, that not studying the Bible is right up there with not eating breakfast in the morning….its just asking for trouble. I’m in a place and position in life to where I MUST be on my “A” game and that means giving you, the reader, and anyone out there for that matter online and offline something that you guys can hang on too for the week.

I thought about that as I was sitting in my living room on Wednesday night…TV off….room well lit….just thinking: “its one thing to have cartoons, its another if cartoons have you!”

Trust me, I know a few folks out there who eat, sleep and breathe an identity that’s not there’s, but the identity of a character from their favorite series, movie or animated series, and its the fact I know those individuals that make me preach so hard about the fact that they do NOT have to keep that identity anymore (but that’s for a whole other article in itself). In one sermon, I made a point that while I’m a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog and am still into playing the games, I am well aware that my days of “pretending” to be the characters have come to an end. I don’t have to adopt the identity of Sonic, because my new identity is in Christ! Remind me to write about this topic in detail again!!!!

It is this very discussion and emphasis on the topic of “idols” that brought me to a serious look at my priorities on a daily basis.

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Posted on September 28, 2012 In Creative Talk, LIVE , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Insert Dream Here

For a long time, I stood over a giant gap in my life. I felt like I was on one side of a cliff and I needed to get across the other side.

When you get to a cliff, what do you do!? Do you turn around and walk away and find another way across? Do you try jumping across with the hope that you leap enough to get across safely? How about building something fancy like a bridge?

Dreams are a lot like that!

We have to create, develop and build things to get to our dream. We may even have to be a little creative in getting across. We have to create, develop and build to get across our dreams, our ideas, our thoughts and anything else that is sitting in our mind and heart.

Create a plan. Create a list of what you know you’re good at. List your strengths. List your weaknesses. List your talents and abilities.

Develop your strategy. Start looking into what kind of education you will need for what you want to do. Start considering how much money you will need (IF any) to make the dream happen! Actually figure out how long and how much you would have to commit to working on this dream of yours!

The building process can be difficult. People see what they have to do and suddenly the desire to be lazy sinks in. Let me encourage you…your laziness has to be fought with Faith! Others had to deal with the same struggle. Perhaps they fought just as hard if not harder because they didn’t want to stay in the same place for the rest of their life.

That though alone makes me work harder to pursue my dreams!

Posted on August 8, 2012 In Creative Talk, LIVE , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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If you want to accomplish something, if you want something bad enough, you will make sacrifices!

Unfortunately, we make excuse after excuse!

I would go back to school, but I’m so busy!

I would exercise, but, I think I’ll watch a few hours of television first!

I would, but I can’t!

What’s really going on in the heart of many is this: I would, I probably should, and I maybe even could, BUT, I would rather do the thing that’s most important to me.

Sacrifice is not easy! Sacrifice doesn’t make sense! Sacrifice requires obedience!

I was reading Genesis 22 and read about God asking Abraham to take his son Isaac and sacrifice him on Mount Moriah.

I don’t have children of my own, but I know I have things I could sacrifice on a daily basis:

- Time

- Television

- Internet Surfing

- Fast Food

- Smart Phone Games (and yes, even the regular video games)

The list can go on!

What are you having a hard time sacrificing!? Could it be that what you are not sacrificing, especially that thing you really seem to love is holding you back from a real and genuine relationship and opportunity!?

In order for my relationship with God to grow I had to drop some things off of my imaginary list of “things-to-do.” I had to cut off TV for a few hours and really sit and have quiet time. I had to turn off my cell phone and just get away from the calls and texts. I had to move my comics over to the other side of my desk and sign off of Facebook!

What are you going to sacrifice!?

Posted on June 5, 2012 In Lessons, LIVE , , , , ,
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Stop Bullying, Part 4: Interview with Cartoon Network VP of Social Responsibility

March 14, 2012 — 4 Comments

 

Cartoon Network’s First Original Documentary "Stop Bullying: Speak Up" Premieres Sunday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT) With an Encore at 8 p.m. (ET, PT). Cartoon Daily News is doing extensive coverage on the topic of "Bullying" and invites all readers to get involved in the discussion as well as be a part of the solution.

Cartoon Network’s First Original Documentary "Stop Bullying: Speak Up" Premieres Sunday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT) With an Encore at 8 p.m. (ET, PT). Cartoon Daily News is doing extensive coverage on the topic of "Bullying" and invites all readers to get involved in the discussion as well as be a part of the solution.

Even after heavy media-driven coverage on the topic of bullying in years past, the issue still remains fresh on the minds of kids! Interestingly enough, a lot of kids and adults are interested in valuable and reasonable solutions to help stop bullying according to Cartoon Network’s Vice President of Social Responsibility, Alice Cahn.

The Cartoon Network documentary, “Stop Bullying: Speak Up,” which is set to air on Sunday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT) is part of an initiative to “really focus on teaching kids those behaviors they want to learn…those behaviors that make them allies and active bystanders.” Needless to say, the documentary is not an attempt at teaching kids to physically fight back bullying, but to teach them so they will “know how to step in safely” and “what to say that’s going to be effective.”

“We also need to teach adults what to do when they [kids] come with questions,” says Cahn. She also pointed out that kids should be able to tell an adult they can trust as well as be able to go to an adult who can do something about the bullying.

Cahn pointed out that while doing the documentary she realized that the mindset amongst most youth when it comes to bullying is “can somebody help me, I think I can fix this.” While some youth may chose to stay in the shadows, many others are interested in trying to make a difference.

Cahn and I also talked briefly about one of the articles recently posted on Cartoon Daily News regarding my own experiences with bullies. Cahn addressed the feeling some children and teens may have when they speak up and at the same time their fears of negative results.

“Its that hiding…that shame, that maybe I did something wrong, that makes you as the victim feel worse,” said Cahn.

Some may find it a little peculiar for Cartoon Network to be the place to promote an anti-bully initiative, but Cahn made it clear that it was Cartoon Network’s obligation to not only entertain their 98 million plus viewers, but to also consider the overall well being of their young viewers.

“There is no better place than Cartoon Network because we got kids who really care about this issue,” said Cahn. “Children come to us because they want to spend time with our characters…we are there for their entertainment and engagement…but we are a youth network…and we have a responsibility.” Cartoon Network also partnered with their colleagues on brands like CNN and Time, Inc. in order to promote the discussion on bullying.

Cartoon Network is planning to continue the discussion of bullying as long as needed and intends to continue their outreach in the community.

“This is something, like anything, when you’re raising children, you need to keep saying it over and over and over again and say it different ways because kids learn in different ways…we will continue to focus on this message,” said Cahn.

“Stop Bullying: Speak Up,” will air on Sunday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Cartoon Network.

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Stop Bullying, Part 3: 3 Ways To Handle Bullying

March 13, 2012 — 6 Comments
"Ken" on "Ministry Minutes" (c) Kendall Lyons, 2012

"Ken" on "Ministry Minutes" (c) Kendall Lyons, 2012

In order to properly continue the discussion of the topic of “Bullying” on Cartoon Daily News this week, I chose to share a message that I preached about a year ago.

It was not too long ago that I had the pleasure of being able to preach at the Oakcliff, Texas Baptist Ministers Union Revival during a weekend Youth Night service. My sermon topic was “How To Handle Your Bullies” and I gave at least three points as I preached out of 1 Samuel 17, the story of David and Goliath. The thoughts from the sermon were as follows:

1.) Know Your Identity

Often times, the one who is bullied will experience a low level of self-esteem and self-respect. Imagine, the kid who might not be the tallest, the smartest, the bravest, the most popular, the most liked and the list goes on. Even the bully is behaving like a “bully” for a reason! Often times its because they may think, without truly realizing it sometimes, that it gives them some kind of edge or power of that person. Bullies have an identity issue themselves too. They often desire respect, but lack the proper way of earning that respect. Those who are bullied, the victim, either responds in fear and desires not to tell anyone except someone they can trust or someone they are close too, or, try and take drastic and seriously consequential measures to deal with the bully themselves.

In 1 Samuel 17, David was just a boy who cared for his father’s sheep, but he knew of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He knew of the God that created all things. He knew of the God that created Him. His family gave him everything needed to have a basic and foundational standing of his identity. This becomes obvious when he later makes his way to the battlefield where his brothers are located and volunteers himself to fight against the giant, Goliath.

Know that God has equipped you with everything you need and that you have the resources to do what is necessary. If you are having issues with a bully, know you have adults and others in authority you can trust who will help with the situation.

Also, keep in mind that you might be a target for bullies simply because you are being exactly who you are supposed to be, YOURSELF! People get jealous. People get angry. People hate! Why, because you refuse to follow what’s popular, cool or trendy to everyone else!

2.) Know Your Purpose

You’re on a mission. Who has time to fight, fuss and argue with people over things that you’ll forget and things that don’t even matter. You were created for a purpose, on purpose! Bullies are, in a way, lacking in purpose and identity and the only way they know how to get what they think they want is to push others around. For those who are being bullied, know that you do not have to be a constant victim. Stand up and speak out! For those of you who have been bullied in the past, this is your chance to stand up and speak out. You may be the one that someone else is needing to hear. Fulfill your purpose in that brief moment of opportunity!

3.) Know The Lord

Certainly you saw this coming…after all, I am a minister! This article would not meet quality standards if I didn’t tell you that in a relationship with Christ, you indeed have victory! The bully and bullied can walk away from confrontation with one another and be at peace, knowing that they were created by a creator that knows them, loves them and wants them to be in a place in life that they have life more abundantly. Stop focusing on the problem, and start focusing on the solution! Hope is not lost!

God has blessed you with the people, the resources and the place to stop bullying, and, for that matter, to stop many things that are happening around you.

Will you speak up!?

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