Truth?

Truth. Where can we find "truth?"

In the Book of John (NKJV), the Bible gives a clear view on who, and what "truth" is.

First in John 14:6, Jesus says these words, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Connect this text with John 8:32 and John 17:17 and we can start gaining some useful insight, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth."

We must reference John 1:1-3 to gain a clear understanding of who the Bible refers to as the "word." The Bible reads, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the Beginning with God.  All things were made through Him..."

Jesus clearly calls Himself the truth and the Bible states that Jesus is the Word, and that we are Sanctified by truth from the Word. Therefore, we can know that there is truth that we should know and follow. Truth that comes from Jesus and the Bible. Now, if you are not sure the Bible refers to Jesus as the word, read John 1:14 and Colosians 1:15,16 NKJV to help.

I do feel it is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is also considered the "Spirit of Truth" and that when He comes He will teach all "truth" to God's people. This does not negate the fact the Word and Jesus are truth. The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, each aspect; Jesus, the Bible and the Holy Spirit make up components of "truth."

Furthermore, finding "truth" can be found within the pages of the Bible and through communion with the Holy Spirit.  This is important because we live in a postmodern world, which believes there is no defined answers, that each person may have individual truth, or no absolutes! Yet we know that Pi is 3.14... and various other absolutes within the world. Noone can use any other number to find the circumference for a circle.

How do we deal with this presure and prevailing ideas in our society and world. I have put together four steps from the book Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White. If you have not read the book please do a google search or follow this link. It is a very good book and has some great advise and strategies for life.

First step, it all starts with "love." You must love your neighbor, your friends, family and those around you.  I mean love them with true sacrificial love. When you can really say that you ache for their souls, than you know whether you are truly loving them, instead of dealing with them.

Secondly, realize that our transition to understanding "truth" is not just about loving those around us but helping our hearts change.  We must realize our own sinfulness and that we are just as sinful as the next guy.  We may have different sins and we may have different struggles, but we are all sinful.

Third step, this is the mose important step. If you move to this step without working through the previous steps, one could become quite legalistic. There are three stages: repent, confess, and consecrate. Repentance is merely turning from your sins and those things that you know are sinful. Confess that you have done wrong to God, and ask that "Spirit of Truth" guide you to understand "truth." Consecrate your life to God! That means, like marriage, you are committed to God--no cheating.

Last step, deals with building the relationship and growing in your relationship with Jesus. You will learn valuable lessons in Faith, Acceptance, Doubt, and Discipleship. After you have committed your life to Christ you will go through some tests and struggles, but like a marriage you will stay committed and grow from these experiences. This is a vital step in the search for "truth" because without going through struggles one does not truly become invested into a relationship.

In closing, I would like to encourage each person to read your Bibles, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what is "truth" and that He will guide you. You do not need human beings telling you what is right or wrong. You do not need some office of the government telling you what is right or wrong. But we do need to know what is right and what is wrong, because it matters.

Truth is truth whether we believe it or not. The most important thing is finding out what it is and whether we are going to follow it. Do not blindly follow someone else but go to the source of "truth."

If you notice the four steps, we start with love, but merely loving thy neighbor does not mean forgetting your Savior, but moving through the other steps.

It's Not Peace, Peace, but Woe, Woe

There has been a large number of events that have happened all over the world, which if I lingered long and hard on, I would probably become quite upset or depressed.  Anybody understand what I am saying?

Whether you like it or not, it is the world we are living in and that we must navigate.  In addition, I believe that we should expect these types of things to happen.  2 Timothy 3 NKJV, describes a world that is very familiar.  Read this list: "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, having a form of godliness but denying its power.  And from such people turn away!"

I have read many articles and have talked with various people through Facebook and other social media, and there is this underpin of "things will get better."  I do not believe things will get better (here on Earth).  What I do see in the Bible is a picture of pain, turmoil, hate, and deterioration.  Just look at some of the things we have seen over the past 10 years; destruction of the trade centers, wars, even rumors of wars all over, the fear of ISIS, terrorists everywhere, financial crisis, social normals are being destroyed, family values are deteriorating, divorce, and hatred are common place.  Many things we held as wrong are now viewed as right.

Things must get worse before Christ comes back, refer to the list in 2 Timothy 3 for more details.  The more and more we see the deterioration of our world and society, the closer we are to His return.  That does not mean we are supposed to sit back and let it happen or to be happy about it, but we can know, like signs on the highway that we will be going home soon.

We have this hope, and that things will be better one day.  Check out these Bible verses:

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know." --John 14:1-4

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.  The He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.'" --Revelation 21:4,5

Do not let the sorrows of this world get you down, but keep your eyes fixed on Christ.

JCA Yearbook Release 2012

Had my first yearbook release as the yearbook sponsor. It was fun and exciting.

We had the students show up to the chapel for a year end pictures. During the setup time the fire alarm went off and we had the students go out for a fire drill.

While we were there a fire truck came blaring its' siren. Anticipation grew as the driver jumped out of the truck and yelled for the Principal.

The Principal raised up the yearbook to a cheering crowd of students. It was great. Some students were surprised as others saw it coming. Our theme for the school year was IGNITE--In God Nothing Is To Extreme.

Glad that is over, but now I must start thinking of next year.

Snake at COOL Camp

#Snake found at COOL Camp. A call came in that there may be a copperhead on the playground at... https://catch.com/m/BnFsW/-EClXHR_Prh

First fruits

Pictures from around the house this week.
The tomatoes are starting to grow, the bees are buzzing around the sunflowers and the sweet peppers are showing up too.
Can not wait to eat the fruits and vegetables.
Enjoy the pictures.

COOL Camp Week Two 2011

COOL is going well. Week two is going well and we are having fun. The older kids went to the park the first week, and we are planning a trip to go bowling this week for field trip.

I have enjoyed getting to know the older kids this summer. I feel we have a great group of kids! Thanks ladies and gentlemen.

I am excited about this summer.

coolcamp.org

Going to Bed, w/ Greyce

Hanging with my kitty. Greyce doing what she does best--sleep. Starting the second week of COOL Camp.

Married and Thanksgiving

Nok and I have been married for about 3 weeks now.

It has been fun and exciting time. We spend about a week with her parents touring around Chattanooga and having fun together, after the wedding. We went to places like The Incline, Point Park, Rock City, and Ruby Falls.

It was sad to see them go and we enjoyed every minute they were here. It was great waking up every morning and having Ma'am Raweewan make some good food to eat. And it was a good time having Mr. Boonrat here to talk with and grow our relationship. Now I can call them Mom and Dad. :)

So I guess I am really Thankful this year for a new family. A new life. And new experiences.

As usual we get together as a family for our annual family Thanksgiving dinner. This year it was at Blairs house in Red Bank, TN. Her and Eddies house is placed right below Signal Mountain with one of the nicest views in Chattanooga.

I may stop in on them to relax in their yard. :)

The holiday has been fun and I have enjoyed spending it with Nok my wife. We are learning how to control our spending habits, and to wait for better things. And we are learning to love each other too. Which from my perspective should be pretty easy for Nok. Haha.

Anyways, Not sure where we will be in 2 or 3 years, but I pray that the Lord will be leading us and our families.

Amen.

Save the Date NOV 7.

COOL Camp and Life

Dear Friends,

I have been working at COOL Camp this summer. I have been at this post for 13 years! Many years of working with children, and trying to make a true impact in their life. Something that would help them become positive and well round citizens. Hoping that my actions and decisions will effect them for eternity, for the positive.

I feel that I have done that in many ways, but I feel like I am failing with many of the children of this age. I don't like what I am seeing, not happy with the way I feel about what I see, and I feel helpless. This is very frustrating. I need help with understanding my place and purpose. God has the ability to change lives, I don't! And I don't like that sometimes. Because I want the kids to open their eyes. Not in big ways, just in the little things.

For example, be nice, encourage others, don't laugh at those who are not part of your click, stand up for those who are being made fun of, follow rules, listen to your counselors, do not make fun of people, etc... Is that to much to ask? I guess so.

I have seen glimpses of hope! That encourage me...

I am still looking for a good job, and full time. I wish I could do something that is more productive. I think we ware programed to be productive, and when we don't feel like we are or do not get the chance to do something where you are working towards something. Then we don't feel fulfilled. At least that is the case for me.

Thanks for reading and keeping these things in your prayers. I know God has big plans for me. And at the moment it is COOL Camp. So I am focusing my attention on the campers here.

I get to go to Lake Ocoee, and hang out with some great staff. Play with campers all day! Well, talk with them, because I get to do the talking and discipling! But it is still nice to get to know the kids. Plus, get pizza every Friday. :)

Ryan

Visit to Thailand

Earlier this year. I got on a plane and headed to Thailand. Upon arrival, after 27 hours, I got loaded up into Noks brothers truck. I got to sleep at 2 am Saturday morning. I slept till 10 or so, and then went to Church. After church we went to a potluck with many of my previous teacher friends and Americans.

On Sunday, Nok and I traveled to Krabi, which is in southern Thailand.

It was a great trip over all. I was happy to see Nok and hangout. It was nice to see all my other friends I know there in Thailand. I also liked visiting Krabi, which I have posted many pictures from our trip to Krabi below:

Invisible Children

INVISIBLE CHILDREN


Why? Because they have no record, and then discarded when they don't follow the rules.


Check out the links at the bottom of this note.


Help stop the war that is going on in Uganda. Joseph Kony is taking children and making them child soldiers. They are forced to kill their families or siblings, then held captive as one of his soldiers. This children are from ages 6 - 10 when they are taken from their families.


We want Obama to do something for others, not just for the sake of Oil or Political reasons. There is nothing special about Northern Uganda, besides the people who live there. Will Obama really show how he cares or makes these Children even more Invisible?

A HISTORY OF AFRICA’S LONGEST RUNNING WAR

The war in northern Uganda has been called the most neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today. For the past 23 years, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) have been waging a war that has left nearly two million innocent civilians caught in the middle. The GoU's attempt to protect its citizens from this rebel militia has largely failed, resulting in an entire generation of youth that has never known peace. ... to read more click the link below:

http://www.invisiblechildren.com/about/history/


Check out their website:
www.invisiblechildren.com


To Sign a petition to get Obama's attention:
http://www.invisiblechildren.com/obama

Public High School Retreat

This past weekend I got to experience a wonderful weekend with some public high school students. The Georgia-Cumberland Conference has a great program, lead by Pastor LeClaire Litchfield, that brings all the students who are Adventist together for a weekend to encourage, strengthen and praise God.

We met at Cohutta Springs Camp, which is run by Pastor Rob Lang, Cohutta beautiful with a man made lake, and between the hills of North Georgia. The camp runs during the summer with summer camps and is rented at times during the off season. There is no cell service at the camp.. but there was internet. So I was able to connect with the outside world, but of course it was not as easy when you have to use your computer.

Anyways, the schedule was packed. We spent each day singing, praising, listening, talking and learning. I was there to help lead out a small groups study. We had three studies during the weekend. I was given a group of boys from Conyers, GA. What a great group of boys. They were genuinely asking questions and wanting to know about God.

Our first study was about 2 Cor. 4:1-12, our second study was about 2 Cor. 2:14-17, and, lastly, we went over 2 Cor. 5:14-21. The Theme for the weekend was "Live to Give."

I think the best study was when we read 2 Cor. 5. Paul talks about being ambassadors! Since we have become new creature through Jesus Christ, we have now become ambassadors of Christ. And as ambassadors we are to represent our nation, the Kingdom of God, which we have become part of, the best that we can and be like Christ and reflect Him.

I really was refreshed and enjoyed talking with and interacting with these gentlemen. I pray that they take what we talked about home with them and reflect Christ at their schools. There were two students and a fellow leader who shared about some things they learned. Justin and Rayvon, two students that said "they learn a lot and will be studying more." Rayvon even stated that he wants to get baptized. Praise the Lord!

Then there was Greg. He had never really read Romans 1:16 before, it reads, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of Christ unto Salvation, for those who believe..." He stated that he will be going back to his University unashamed of this Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am looking forward to being apart of this program next year! God bless everyone.

Year 2010

Well, I haven't wrote much on here for awhile but I have decided to start it back up again.

Year 2010, is looking like a great year.

I spent first Semester of this school year, 2009, working with the SEYC - Bible workers club. I helped with giving bible studies, and going door-to-door. I really had a chance to grow as a person and use some of the things I learned from ARISE 2007.

Second semester the SEYC and I parted ways. They were not able to pay me anymore. With that I had to look for another job, so I started substitute teaching at Collegedale Academy.

This week I have been blessed with working the whole week. Of course lately when I have gotten a chance to sub it is because of bad news. One of the teachers had to go up to New York, because their son need to have surgery. Hopefully for the last time.

Anyways, I have really enjoyed working with the students at Collegedale Academy and even AWSpalding.

I have been volunteering as Assistant Chaplain at Collegedale Academy, and helping my best friend with coaching the 8th grade boys basketball team.

I miss my friends in California, and in Thailand. I hope each of you are having a great time where you are and that God is blessings.

Back in the USA

For some of you who follow my blog, I am sorry I have not updated it in a lonnng time. But I am living in the USA right now. After long thought and debate I decided to stay here this school year. I will miss Thailand, and who knows maybe I will go back and work some day.

Right now I am working for the SEYC/Bible Workers and volunteering at Collegedale Academy. I am really enjoying this right now. It is nice to be active and interacting with students. Still working on organizing the members and students at the University for Bible Work.

I hope everyone is having a blessed time, both in USA and Thailand.

Blessing.

Ryan

Turning Thirty

Well, the day has almost come. Tomorrow I will be turning Thirty. The big 3-0. It looked worse coming in then being in. :) I never really thought of myself getting this old. I was always caught up having fun, working hard, and trying to enjoy life. But now I have found myself becoming an older man, not quite sure but I think I am starting to bald. Haha.

Anyways, this will probably be my most unique birthday ever or at-least the location. Most of my previous birthdays were experienced in Collegedale, TN.

I am looking forward to the close of this school year. I would like to kiss the bad good bye and look to a better tomorrow. We have three more weeks left, which are going to fly by and I will be on a plane flying to the States. I am looking forward to the possibilities for next school year, due to the fact that we are becoming organized in the PE Department.

I can't wait to see what God has planned for the next school year. I think there is so much potential here but there are few out spoken and strong Christians. I would even put myself in that category. Where there is darkness, we should be shining light. And I really haven't been shining any light lately. So there are some positives.

So as another year of my life has come to its close, I am looking forward to a new year, with possibilities! Can't wait to see family and friends from the States! God bless you all.

U13 Volleyball Tournament

(Nattamon, Nattaporn, Onjira, Pornchanok, Ramida, Angella, Lalita, Panjitra)

My Super Energetic and almost uncontrollable, talktive, and extremely, ADHD, but fun and enjoyable, sweet, U13 Volleyball Girls)

:)

This past weekend, I came off the DL (Disabled List) to take my U13 Volleyball Team to NIVA, which is one of our sister schools, to play in a BISAC tournament.  I was worried because I had not coached them in about two weeks, and I wasn't sure that I would be able to make it since I was coming back to action from being assigned to bed rest.

Well, I was hoping for a 7th spot with our girls, but we didn't get that, back in my mind I was hoping for more but realistically I think I knew.  We tried our hardest but we fell to the 8th spot out of 8 teams in the tournament.  Honestly I don't think we were that good to compete with the other schools.  My team consists of 6th graders and one 5th grader.  My girls have never played volleyball and I was teaching them from scratch.  While the other schools, had 7th graders or a whole team of them, they had been playing for 2 years and actually looked quite older than my little girls.  We improved so much through the year, but there is only so much you can do in one season.

The core 8 girls that went with me to the tournament were my top players and the ones that showed up to practices and have good skill.  So I knew we were putting our best efforts up.  I felt bad though, 2 of the girls cried, and I don't know what to say or do in that situation.  Plus, it is so hard to comfort them because as I do they get agitated and distant.  I feel helpless, and I try to explain, it's just a volleyball game.  But it's the BISAC tournament, the big one!

Anyways, we all survived, and hopefully I get a chance to coach them next year, and hopefully they will have a good rest of the year.  Here are a few pictures from the tournament.

God bless.

Another TED Video

Incredible... Electric cars... this is a good TED video.

Climbing Video (Old School)

Remember the days Scott???  Back in the day.

A Better Way to Live by Shawn Boonstra

Check out this nice Video. Shawn does this daily video blog that is very encouraging and well put together. Enjoy this one about Anxiety. Text taken from Exodus 15.