Monday, November 1, 2010

Religion and Halloween

OK so this week I was to participate in the Folsom mud run But If you believe in a higher power and a man of GOD asks for a favor you should say yes, Besides who really thought running in the mud will help my Iron-Man training. Also I'm not aspiring to be in the military again, I could never kill some one unless they were attacking me or someone I love. You know as I typed that I thought if they were attacking a stranger and I were saving them I could in defense but now I'm off topic,,, Breathe focus,,, OK so I was asked to give a sermon at the senior center on a someone else's day, 3rd time in a month. Does the big man have a plan ??? So if you watched the news at all this weekend, they were questioning Halloween and religion since it fell on a Sunday, me being me I thought this is a good topic for a sermon, Here it Is and any response or comments would be greatly appreciated !!!
Today is Halloween, is any one craving candy yet ??? What does Halloween mean to you ??? I ask you should a Christian observe Halloween ??? Good thought provoking question right ???

There is no direct message to this matter in the bible and that's probably because Halloween as we know it came much later than the bible being written. This is a dilemma because it's a disputable matter that can stir the pot in a way most are not wiling to go. Some one said to me "It's a Roman 14 issue" Now I will admit my lack of knowledge and say I don't know what that means. Ultimately you must decide for your self. Here before you I will try to give some history and scripture and the decision will be up to you.

Some of our or the Early celebrations in history on October 31st "Halloween" Have pagan roots stemming from ancient Celtic festivals called Samhein. This was a harvest festival where druids ushered in the new year beginning October 31st. They had bonfires, sacrifices ushering out summer and welcoming the season of darkness. They also said or thought this was the day that the "invisible" gate opened between earth and the spirit world or "Heaven". In the 8th century Roman pope Gregory III moved all saints day to November 1st, making October 31st "all hallows eve". It is also known as the day of "reformation" in which the Catholic and Protestant churches truly separated. So where does the bible fit in ???
First in Ephesians1 5:7-21 (read your self at home)
Does this tell us Halloween is a worthless deed of evil or do we celebrate the day remembering how or why life is so special

In Corinthians1 9:22-23 and Deuteron 18:10-12 (also read yourself)
While these passages make it pretty clear what you shouldn't do, They are not realistic to our modern lifestyle. No where does it say "Trick or Treat" disgusts or shames our God or even Jesus for that matter. In fact If Jesus was here right now in a house and one of God's children rang his bell, I'm sure he would open his door, his heart, Bless them and give the most AWESOMENESS candy. We each must decide what is right in our heart or convictions, My opinion Eat some sweets, Bless the children, Dance the Monster Mash with you friends and family, Have fun enjoying and celebrating life, Pray together,,,
So Let us pray now !!! "IronMan Jeff da Plumber" OUT for now

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Re-Birthday

The date is October 7th 2010, I must start off with a thank you for today and everyday forward. You should do this everyday because life is short, Live each and every day to the fullest, It could be your last. One never knows when GOD will call your number. We must prepare for it with each breathe, Have fun,,, period !!!
Now your probably wondering what I'm talking about, Well today is the third year anniversary of my death experience. That's right on October 7th 2007 I went Dirt biking with my buddy's, Had a seizure, rode of a cliff, no pulse for 18 minutes, Clear on level 3 big needle in the heart while being flown out on a chopper, 11 days in a coma, 8 broken ribs, punctured lungs, broken right shoulder, Dislocated right knee, torn internals spleen and stuff, Theres one more thing,,, Oh Major frontal Brain injury (I always forget that, wonder why ??? LOL) Once I woke and 6 weeks later my head started to clear. No memory's for that time and the months before are foggy. Who cares cause I don't I'm just thankful to be alive.
Thanks Kevin Chreigton for helping me that tragic day. I wish our friendship stayed strong But I understand Your pulling away. Who would want to hang around a crazy guy. Besides I'm into bikes with no motors now. I have no fear of riding motorcycles again. I have just taking the sign from the Lord up above to give it up for now.
Babe thanks for standing by me during the rough times. Not just since the event but during the whole 20 years together. I have always cherished you and the fact that you have saved me several times. We have had a fun roller coaster ride and will continue for at least 20 more, Then we will ride our rascal scooters side by side (Don't worry I will hook them up to go fast like we have loved thus far) I LOVE YOU BABY
All those whom I share my life with now, Thanks, I don't feel I have to say names. One doesn't want to leave anyone out. You know who you are, Hint I share with you, Hug you, encourage you, Listen to you. I may not say I love you out-loud (to be honest it weirds me out when some of you say it to me,,, I am a manly man you know) But I do love and carry a piece of you in my heart. Also know I will be there when you ask for help or a hug !!!
So My message is always the same and simple, LIVE YOU LIFE. Don't ever look back and think or say wow I wish I would have, You weren't ready. Every thing happens for a reason, Don't question the why or how, Just go with your flow, our ending is all the same but the journey is different so make it fun with no regrets. I could kick my self and say why did I ride that day, eat improperly, drink so much alcohol, Do drugs, Ruin my liver and pancreas, Get diabetic and have that seizure. NO NO NO, It was part of my journey, my rode, my adventure. Preparation to make me thankful for the man I am and have always been. Future winning IRON-MAN !!! That's right I said it, Dream Big or go back to bed. Don't stop at the bumps in your rode, use them for strength. The first step is always the hardest. I believe in you, Seize each day, Remember only you can change you. If you need help ask for it. Together we can conquer any thing, BUT only you can take the first step. I hope you get the point, No doubts, No regrets, Live each day, Have fun, Say I love you and always Thank those whom you share your world with,,, It's simple, You can DO It !!! "Iron-Man Jeff Da Plumber" says Peace Out

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Iron-Man and Christianity

On this Sunday it was my turn to share the word of God with the men and women at two of my local senior centers. This in itself to me is a great act of spirituality, Because I always remind myself I'm just a street kid from N.Y.C. What do I know about the great book of GOD ??? How can I speak about it to others and will they even get where I'm coming from since of the generation gap. All I can do is give it my all, This was how it ran on September 19th 2010

So as I start this week Please lets remember an event September 11th 2010 9-11 ,It was a tragedy witch no one should ever forget and it's sad that some did. This year I tried to take the negative and turn it to a positive. I took my sadness and turned it into a triumph of spiritual positivity. I competed in my first ever Iron-Man Triathlon. for those who don't know that's where a not so sane person decides to get up in the early morning with 300-350 other individuals get in a body of water swim a mile and a half, Then bike 56, and then like that's not enough run 13.2 miles, Just because The lord said we can. this is an endurance contest, Characterized by great lengths and concentrated efforts. One need's Training, training, and more Training, Some education and a good coach. What better coach than our GOD the almighty giving us a son to carry us ,Jesus. Each thing I mentioned are Awesome aspects needed to cross the finish line. Your strong belief and honor in the LORD is in its self a marathon race of Christianity, So let me give you some examples,,,

(Note: for the seniors I read from the bible, You at home open it up and read for yourself you may learn something or you will get where I'm coming from)
Psalm 119:105
Corinthians 1 9;24-27

So when we work out, we are doing it for long period of times. Increasing our aerobic stamina, Thus learning patience. Same as when we walk the path of life with the LORD. Gaining more strength and knowledge for the finish line a day, our days in heaven,
Romans 5:3-6
Some may get a coach or Join a team to help on this journey. I did not for my first Iron-Man. I choose none, I relied on friends, books magazines, and the internet. I realized I had the ultimate coach JESUS. He was a real good coach. he ran a race of pure endurance. A definite pace setting group leader. He was my true personal trainer. Free of any charge as long as I stay true to GODS path. He corrects and reassures us, Leading us to a dream finish, A place in heaven beside HIM. Some more examples from our book of hope,,,
John 13:15-17
Corinthians 1 9:19
John 14:2-3
Next you need effective pacing. this is the key to a good finish or really just finishing at all. This if done right allows one to kick it into high gear during final miles. Thus being a good Christian allows one to have a great finish in life. You just have to keep the Faith and believe the Angels are always around you, To carry us the extra or last miles.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Ephesians 2:5-6
There are other passages you can read to find help on your path, These were some that helped me on my journey for an Iron-Man finish. Any passage you read to get up each day, shuffling through the day and laying our heads down. You must just keep the faith. I feel one can not live without two things Hope and Faith. When that car sent me into the bushes on race day, I got up dusted my self off, Thanked God for my life and got right back on my path knowing God saved my life for another day and I am thankful. DON'T ever give up !!! Say thank you every day, Knowing the coach is always there for you, Let us pray,,,
Lord please keep the family's of 9-11 safe and know they are always in my prayers, Let the people around me know they are strong and you are waiting for them with open arms. I thank you for the strength to finish and I can compete another day with you in my heart, And everyone says AMEN
Remember our coach JESUS see us as winners every day, Stay blessed, thank you for spending this morning with me, until next time "Iron-Man Jeff da Plumber" OUT

Thursday, September 9, 2010