newspapers and me

I love the news.

I enjoy knowing what's going on in our world. I think it's every citizen's job to keep up with world and local events, as much as possible. I know we all have a lot on our plate, but being informed is key knowledge . . . . . and you know what they say about knowledge . . . . . . knowledge is power :)

So, I love listening to NPR on the radio and online. I also enjoy the NY Times or Wall Street Journal, either online or the real black and white print (although it does stain my hands). I am not much for TV news, either local or cable. I think the images distract me from actually understanding what I'm hearing about.

The news can be challenging and sometimes, quite depressing. It is the job of reporters to dig up true stories about life and report them to the public. Unfortunately they usually pick the worse stuff because that tends to get the best ratings (for some reason we love to read about scandal and the mishaps of others . . . . . )

And recently I was listening to a report on NPR on my way home and a important truth hit me. The story was really depressing and the person they were interviewing didn't seem to offer much hope in the situation. They tried to offer some token phrases at the end, but it wasn't much.

But here is the scoop: it is a reporters job to share the news they discover, whether positive or negative. However, I have a unique ability in Christ: I can believe in change.

Seriously, read this again. I believe in change.

No matter how bleak the forecast or dire the situation, I believe that change is possible through the one who died to set us free. Jesus is the author of turning horrible situations into stories of glory and majesty. He is not aloof to the situation, but completely aware.

And this is a key principle for Christians. Be informed. Seek out news and information. Listen to the reports and let it be an inspiration to pray. Pray for change. Believe for God's hand to change the situation, or to change the perspective of those involved.

I am so excited about this. I'm done writing and I'm ready to pray.

josh

phoenix, az

because I haven't said it enough lately

In some ways, I don't know how to start this blog. Life can be so tremendously busy sometimes and it totally drives me crazy.

But someone recently reminded me that being busy is sign of being lazy. For a moment, I took that as a total slap in the face . . . . until they explained the deeper meaning behind the statement. Obviously busy people have a lot of stuff going on, but they generally struggle with priorities. Why am I busy doing this when I really want to be doing this? And I can sometimes resonate with that struggle.

The world is fun of good things to do, but we have to make priorities. That's key.

And one of my priorities has to always be seeking and appreciating my Savior, Jesus Christ. I really don't say it enough, but Jesus is the reason I have life. He is my redeemer and my strong-tower. When all around me looks bleak, Jesus holds me firm.

And I really don't say it enough.

I can be real with Jesus. He knows me inside and out. He knows my faults and my strengths. He knows what makes me laugh and what ticks me off. And because of all of this, I have nothing to hide from him and I can be totally transparent without fear that he'll reject me or throw me out of his house. Because actually, he died on the cross so that I could live in his Father's house. Jesus is fine with me, just for me. But because he loves me, he wants to see me grow and change. Amazing!

And I simply don't say it enough. Jesus, I love you.

I love you with everything that I am. I desire to know you more, to understand you better, to follow you closer.

Watch over me, protect me, guide me, for I am blind.

josh

phoenix, az