There was a time during my younger years when my Grandmother was extremely into writing poetry. She wrote a lot of Biblical based poetry and we even typed up her a book years ago. Among the poems she wrote, one was titled "Christmas". My Grandmother (or better known to me as Grandma) asked if I would publish this on my blog for Christmas this year. Yes, my 83 Year Old grandma completely understands the concept of blogging and is currently toying with the idea of starting her own blog (with my nudging). So instead of some lengthy post from me, I present to you, a guest writer: Rose (Grandma) Massie:
Christmas
On Christmas eve, Jesus said "Goodbye."
To his father in the sky.
God said to his son, "I love you".
But this is a job, only you can do.
That evening Jesus came to earth,
To be born, a lowly birth,
In a manger, there he lay,
Midst the animals and the hay.
A bright star was shining from above,
To tell the world of God's great love,
He gave the only son he had.
To save a world that had gone bad.
Now on his birthday, we trim a tree,
Beautifully decorated for all to see.
Beneath it there are lots of toys,
For little girls and boys.
On this day, we are full of glee,
And rejoice with the family.
This, the greatest day of the year,
When all the world is full of cheer.
But do we think how Jesus died,
How on the cross he was crucified?
On the third day he rose again,
To save a lost world from its sin.
So help us Lord on Christmas day,
To stop and take the time to pray.
And thank the father up above,
For giving the world, such great love.
Merry Christmas from everyone here at JohnMassie.com and my family I hope that your holiday is filled with family and friends and most importantly with God's love.
God Bless,
- John C. Massie
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Sweetly Broken
What. A. Week.
So this week has been hard for me some reason. I'm not sure if it is all the running I've been doing or the fact I'm still recovering from the public speaking or I'm just "in a funk". Let me put on my "spiritual" hat and dust off my little soap box and allow me to entertain you with some feelings I've been having this week.
I struggle with the things that God calls me to do that I don't enjoy or that I feel I'm not good at. It never fails that the enemy seems to always know this as well. Approaching Sunday of this week I had a lot of strange things go through my mind and a lot of strange feelings. I had never met so much internal opposition when thinking about Sunday and what Brad was going to have me talk about.
First I went through this thing where I didn't know what I would say. Then I began to second guess my answer I gave in the creative meeting. After that I had a brief moment where I thought about never coming back to church (yeah... that came out of nowhere). It seemed as the days went by these negative thoughts piled on top of me. Finally during some, what I like to call, "downtime with God" I realized that clearly I was meeting opposition because this was something God wanted me to do.
You see, it was no accident I was standing in that office when the topic came up, it was no accident that the entire time Brad was sharing his feelings about the subject the thoughts of, "no, I don't have those feelings" were going through my head. It was God's plan for me to do all that. So finally last Saturday evening I decided that it was time to face that decision and face it with all I had inside.
First service I felt it didn't go so well. I had no clue what I was saying and I think our timing was just off. I survived... Brad recovered it well and we got through the service. After a short conversation after the service I think Brad knew what to change and I had built up some confidence because I made it through without tripping, stalling or throwing up... so I figured I could go another round and be ok.
Second service my family was there, a lot of my friends from church was there and it was a full house. This time Brad threw me for a complete curve and put me somewhere near the end of his message. I walked up and sat there and looked out upon a lot of smiling faces. Then suddenly I had all the words I needed. Even when Brad asked me two or three questions I wasn't ready for... the words just seemed to be there.
Third service I felt comfortable and shared with the small crowd there and was ok with it. After it was over, all I could think was, "THANK YOU GOD. I MADE IT."
Monday morning I wake up and everything is crazy in my world. I'm going into the office at one of my clients, my home computer has fallen apart and my life is just crazy. Well... to make a long post, shorter, it just went downhill from there.
Thursday and after 12 hours of sleep I woke up to not feeling great. It was that feeling of being emotionally drained and maybe even spiritually drained. I was to film tonight for our Christmas eve video and Brad caught me on Facebook to chat for a minute. He asked if I would stay for youth and I made up a lame excuse that I had to work to give me an out. Well, I do have to work but it wasn't like an hour was going to make a world of difference.
I got there tonight, late. I did my filming and our always energetic and funny Children's Pastor, Pete, was setting up chairs for youth. As always Pete never asks for help and I told him I would help him without him asking. As we did this and Pete, in only the way Pete can, made me laugh - I decided I would stick around for youth.
Even though I stayed in the back and ran sound I found myself enjoying being there. Then I was reminded how much I loved working with Teens and Kids. After youth I talked to Pete and asked him if he needed help with our new Wednesday nights starting in January. He was excited to see I was interested. Looks like I'll be helping out there too.
As I came home tonight and sat down to process my thoughts about the week and how I still feel defeated I was quickly reminded of the following three things:
- I'm doing what God wants me to do. Even if it isn't easy or "comes naturally" to me.
- I need to work with God and realize that I'm being broken in the process to change my life.
- When I'm down, I need to turn to my faith and remember that the road isn't always easy.
- "In my darkest night, you brighten up the skies. A song will rise." Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down) by Robbie Seay Band
- "Every eye proclaim. The mercy of your name. On earth as it is in Heaven." As It Is In Heaven by Matt Maher
- "At the cross you beckon me. You draw me gently to my knees. I am lost for words, so lost in love, I'm sweetly broken, wholly surrendered." Sweetly Broken by Jeremy Riddle
- "I try to be so tough. I just not strong enough. I can't do this alone, God I need you to hold onto me." Savior, Please by Josh Wilson
- "When I feel like caving in, My heart my soul is wearing thin. I just want to give up. Nothing at all seems at all to add up. Can you hear me Lord? My face is down upon the floor. It's then when you whisper in my ear. Be still and know I'm here." Be Still by Story Side B
- "Look at these hands and my side. It swallowed the grave on that night. When I drank the world's sin so I could carry you in. And give you life. I'm gonna give you life." By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North
White Walls
I've lived in my house for three years and realized something tonight for the first time.
- The walls in my office are white. -
Yeah, a real epiphany, I know. I made an effort when I moved in to paint every room in this house... yet never did paint the office. I find myself wanting to be in the great room by the fireplace to read or enjoy being in the kitchen or even in my bedroom but dread the office. I think it's because the rest of the house is somewhat visually stimulating. Working from home and staring at the walls 8+ hours per day now I realize I should have painted this room first. It's to the point now where I'm considering moving my office into another room just so I can stare at walls that aren't so bland.
I think I was finally able to come to this realization because in years past I've always had a laptop. As I began to think about it... I never used my laptop in my office. I was always on the computer in the great room, kitchen, dining room, anywhere but my office. Now that I'm tied to a desk at home it makes me very "un-creative" to sit here. I wonder if I should go out and get some paint tomorrow... LOL.
I finished Blue Like Jazz... what an amazing book. It's on my Top 10 All Time Favorite Books List. Now I'm starting into a book called "Living Your Strengths". It is also a good read. It's funny I was never much of a reader until this year, I never spoke in public and I wasn't doing writing like I used to. That all has seemed to change. I read all the time now. In fact I got rid of my TV two or more months ago and haven't even noticed, I spoke for the first time in about six years at church this last Sunday; albeit 5 minutes or less but to get me on a stage with a microphone is not something easy to do and I write all the time. I have pages upon pages of thoughts and notes in documents. I'm currently editing to post up here and on the new website that's getting ready to lunch.
I find it amazing how when you fully commit to God, He truly will surprise you. I don't think any other time in my life have I lived on faith as I do today. You'd think I'd be scared, worried, nervous, stressed but instead I find myself closer to God than I ever have been, I am full of energy and I'm creative to no end. Most of all? I have peace. No stress, no worry... I just have peace. This new peace has allowed me to become a whole other person that I knew was always there but could just never make it to the surface but only once in a great while.
December is looking to be busy. Videos for Christmas Eve, New Years, January... Websites galore... Surprises around ever corner.
Stay tuned,
- JM
Blue Like Jazz
About a week or so ago I was standing in my pastor and close friend, Brad's, office when he threw a book at me, "Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller". He asked me if I had read it, in which I replied, no and he said I should give it a read. Then in the normal Brad fashion added the disclaimer that if I had too much on my plate or didn't have any interest to feel free to say no. This would be the third book Brad has recommended... I loved the first two so I had no doubt I wouldn't like this one as well.
Well, it sat on my beside table for a few days as I was hectic and had no time to read. Finally the other night when I wanted to just wind-down for the day I picked up the book and began to read. Two chapters later I realized I needed to sleep if I wanted to be productive the next day as it was already late when I began reading. I wrote down a quote from that first reading which impressed me because I have to like a book A LOT to want to quote from it...
Another day or two passes and I'm trying my best to read whenever I have a free second because I'm that intrigued by this book. Finally tonight after work, dinner and some household cleaning I decided to read. I had a feeling I would be reading for some time so I got prepared. I went into the great room and lit a fire in the fireplace, put on some quiet Christmas music and began to read as the snow started to fall outside.
TEN chapters... yes... TEN as in about 125 pages later I finally decided it was time for me to start getting ready for bed. I'm addicted to this book. I was thinking about finishing the book tonight but since I'm getting tired I wanted to make sure I didn't fall asleep while trying to read so I think I'll finish it tomorrow night (if possible). The book is amazing.
I have been in the church all my life and have been a Christ-follower for years. This makes you look at your faith and relationship with God in a completely new light. The book is very deep and as a believer will make you think but also I feel inspire you. I can't wait to finish the book and look at maybe getting some of his other work to read. I have a huge list of things I'd like to publish on this blog... I just need to find time to write them, one of them being a book review and maybe a post or two about the deep content of this book. I think I could form some spiritually deep articles derived from the inspiration and theme this book presents. We'll see what I come up with.
Just thought I'd share. If you're looking for an AWESOME read... believer or not... go pick up a copy.
Night,
- JM
Even More Changes
Well, it's been quite the month for changes and it's only December 5, 2008. I haven't blogged in a while and when people start reminding you in person (ahem... Brad) that you haven't blogged; it's about time to sit down and write.
I think the biggest announcement would be that I resigned from my position as Network Engineer. I took on full-time consulting and can't say that I regret it. I make more money than I did at my job, work for myself, set my own hours and work from home. I have yet to find a downside besides the fact that I have to budget and plan for slow periods of business but so far so good.
I think back to a message I heard about going from involved to engaged. I felt that I knew what God had planned for me in life and I always had been "involved" with His plan for me but never fully engaged. Well, Monday, December 1, 2008 I became engaged into what God has for me. Every day God assures me that I'm completely living out the life He has for me and I have to say that I couldn't be happier.
I've delayed moving for now. With the change in my income I've decided to hold off and see where I am in six months. If the business keeps up then it should open up an entirely different housing market to me and I think the delay is worth it. For now, I'm just going to make my current house as comfortable as possible to live in.
Due to the fact that I'm now working on my own JohnMassie.com is going to take on a new face for my business and professional profile. I'm going to continue to blogging but it won't be the "homepage" of this site anymore. Never to fear, I'll let you know where the blog relocates to on the site (I think it will be JohnMassie.com/blog but I haven't decided yet). You'll see a new design and a lot of new content for my business... finally.
I am also launching another blog and another website/blog; that I personally own and maintain. I'm not giving away what they are just yet but be sure to check back for the announcement.
Each day my life continues to change and progress. It's amazing to see God work in my life once again. Something I've not done in a while... I'll leave you all with my current "Top 15 Tracks" in iTunes that I'm currently addicted to...
Top 15 Tracks (In No Certain Order)
- All Things New - Andrew Peterson
- Another Hallelujah - Lincoln Brewster
- Hope Now - Addison Road
- Song For A Winter's Night - Sarah McLachlan (Heard this at Starbucks... LOL)
- In My Arms - Plumb
- You're Not Alone - Meredith Andrews
- End of Me - Building 429
- Yours - Steven Curtis Chapman
- Let It Fade - Jeremy Camp
- What Life Would Be Like - Bebo Norman
- Beautiful Blood - Catalyst Worship
- Shattered (Turn the Car Around) - O.A.R.
- We Don't Have To Look Back Now - Puddle of Mudd
- If I Had Eyes - Jack Johnson
- Storm - Lifehouse
Changes
I must say that I'm glad the election is over. I don't care who you voted for but it's over and things are going to change. For better or for worse things are going to change. One thing I don't publicize is my political views. The beautiful thing about this awesome country that I'm blessed to live in is that I have the right to keep those to my self and a right to have my political views. It's always around this time that I often stop to think how blessed I truly am to live in a free country that allows us to have a democracy.
Other (much smaller) changes are happening around here. I was able to get memory for my iMac. I now have 4GB of memory. It makes a big difference with all the editing/Photoshop work I've been doing lately. I'm a few steps closer to moving (gasp!). We're having beautiful weather that makes me want to be outside all the time. I'm starting to book out for the rest of the year and into next year with different things. Time change happened this week and like always... my sleeping is so thrown off it's not funny. Hopefully I can recover by the weekend.
I'm busier in now than I've ever been. I'm very thankful every day for my iPhone. I don't miss at all the days of carrying multiple devices out of the house to keep my life together. Now I just have my iPhone... that's it. Half the time my laptop doesn't even leave the house/car. I use my iPhone for everything and it's about the only thing that keeps me on track these days.
Though I've said it multiple times... I really am working on a new blog (along with a few other unannounced websites). I am really liking the changes that WordPress is making to the 2.7 release and I will be sticking around with them. I must admit though that working on a Drupal project has made me think that I should switch but I might use that for some of the other sites that I still have hiding up my sleeve.
Well, I'm going to get off here and try to get some sleep. Just trying to update more often to keep some of the readers I have.
Night,
- John
November
Wow, so November is here already. It seems like yesterday the summer was just beginning and now we're almost ready for winter. In it's typical Ohio random weather fashion it has temporarily returned to the 60-70 degree range up from a week or two ago where it was consistently 50 degrees as the high. I'm sure by the end of this week we'll return to winter and I'll be back to wearing multiple layers of clothing.
November 2nd and things are crazy already. I'm planning two out of town trips to two different parts of the country. It appears I'll be in South Bend, IN and Chicago, IL in the middle of the month and then a week later be in Nashville, TN. I'm going to a conference the first week and the second week is Thanksgiving (in Nashville, TN). I'm pretty excited and ready for some change in the scenery.
After getting ZERO responses to my last banking post I went ahead and jumped ship and opened a Chase account. The nice thing is that the debit card earns twice the rewards of my National City account and I got a $125.00 for just opening the account. It appears the rumor I posted was true, National City (NCC) was purchased by PNC at the end of October.
A whole bunch of other stuff is going on right now in life too. More than I feel like writing about but will try and keep you all posted as things happen.
Take it easy, I'm off to bed.
- JM
EDIT: Woah! New look... Yeah, decided to change it up with a new theme and we're now running on WordPress 2.7-beta1. Nothing like being on the bleeding edge of technology.
Fall Weather
Today has been a perfect fall day. Leaves are changing and it's cold but not too cold. I enjoyed the day by beginning with early church, an outreach project, taking a drive to Delaware (on back roads next to the water, which was awesome) and running some errands.
To top it off I've been driving around a 2008 Acura RL (fully loaded). Columbus Acura really likes me I guess. My TL is in the shop getting some maintenance done and this was my loaner. I hate to give it back :-). I do like my TL though so it will be nice to see it.
This weekend saw the movie Max Payne... HORRIBLE. I would not waste the money to go see that movie. I thought it would have a better story line, action and overall be a better movie than it was. I think most of us that went slept through (or fought sleep) through the almost three hour movie. So, save yourself some money and skip the movie.
Life's busy as usual. Working on finalizing my plans to move. It's going to be a very much welcomed change and a chance to move on in life. More on that later.
Well, I better get off here and finish my chores for the day.
Later,
- J
Banking Advice
So, September came and went. I've been busy beyond what I ever thought I'd be. I promise that I'm going to return to blogging... soon. In the meantime I had a question that I thought I'd throw out there for my readers to comment on.
I'm not normally one to talk about current issues but this is something that is starting to come "close to home" for me so I thought I'd throw it out there. I am currently a customer of National City Bank (NYSE: NCC) and have my main checking and savings there. Since there has been all these troubles with banks and corporations like WaMu, AIG, Freddie and Fannie, Wachovia, etc... I started watching the financial sector on a regular basis (thanks to Google Finance) and have watched my bank TANK.
So now there are rumors of National City Bank shopping around for a buyer. I know the last thing that you're supposed to do is panic, run out and withdraw everything you have but let's just get honest here. I really don't feel like dealing with my bank being purchased. If it was like Chase buying them it's one thing but the two "rumored" banks are PNC Financial Services Group Inc. and Bank of Nova Scotia. I am not thrilled by either one.
This brings me to a question, short of pulling out my money and keeping it taped behind my toilet and under my mattress who would you suggest I go to for a bank? Before anyone suggests it, please read this - I WILL NOT JOIN A CREDIT UNION. I've been a member of several credit unions in the area and HATE THEM ALL. Maybe it is the ones in the area or the ones I qualify to join but they don't offer competitive rates, lower fees and "extras" that everyone on the internet touts credit unions having. With the credit unions that I've been a part of they're highly inconvenient because they have limited branches and I've always had trouble with customer service (just ask me about how one credit union tried to steal $125.00 in cash from me at an ATM then only after I forced the bank manager to watch the security footage did they refund my money and subsequent NSF fees).
Currently I'm thinking about moving to Chase but I'm open to advice. Here's what I'm looking for:
- Abundance of ATMs or "No ATM Fees"
- Some type of rewards program, current I receive two points for every dollar I spend via check card, up to 200 points on "debit" transactions, 25 per bill pay and check.
- EXCELLENT Online Banking Interface (Yet another thing that Credit Unions seem to lack on)
- Obviously has branches in the Central Ohio area
- I am not opposed to suggestions for 100% online banks. My "nest egg" is stored at an online bank (FNBO Direct) and I'm very happy with them but they don't have a checking program
That's really it. So, hopefully this will hit some other blogs or google and I can get some advise from the internet. Let's get some discussions going in the comments!
Night,
- John
The Horizon
Well September is flying by and I didn't even realize it's been some time since I've updated. I'm writing some other posts that will be published in the next week or two and thought I'd give you all a peak at what is to come this month on my blog.
- "In A Pit" Book Review I finished the book "In A Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day". The short review would be it is one of my now all-time favorite books and I would recommend anyone at any stage in their life read this and consider the message the book brings. I'll be bringing my personal feelings on the book and a review later this month.
- Body for Life A friend recommended a book for me to read called "Body for Life". It's a twelve week challenge of eating healthy and exercise. I've done some research and am currently borrowing the book from my friend. I think I'm going to commit to the challenge after I read the book this week. I'll be posting about this the week I start.
- Just Life So, I'm going to try and blog about just my everyday life. Much like I used to do. The original intent of this blog was to share what was going on in my life and thoughts that I had. Hopefully I can remember and start doing some "random" blogging throughout the month.
That's about it folks, for now. A lot of things right now are just swirling around me in life and I'll be blogging about them as soon as they slow down enough for me to know what's going on.
Later,
- J
