*Chad Jarnagin

Idol-
1. an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed.
2. Bible.
a. an image of a deity other than God.
b. the deity itself.
3. any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion.
4. a mere image or semblance of something, visible but without substance, as a phantom.
5. a figment of the mind; fantasy.
6. a false conception or notion; fallacy.

Lately I have identified a few unlikely idols in my life.

The pursuit of perfection, control, acknowledgment, & knowledge.

I find myself frustrated & irritated when whatever I’m involved w/ or around aren’t as perfect as they could be.

The pursuit of control will forever elude everyone of us in some degree, but that doesn’t stop me from thirsting for the very illusion of it. I find that it’s like a hand full of sand. You can control it for a while & even manipulate it by adding water, but it will eventually slip thru your hands.

Acknowledgment can be a beautiful thing, but it has a tendency to taint our motives; Playing our political cards just right to get the most of a moment in the spotlight. I’ve even had to take time away from Twitter, Facebook, & other forms of media b/c of the onslot of self-promotion, the who’s who clubs, & everyone in their mom writing a book or recording an album. I’m actually in the long process of doing both. My gut check is not in the inspiration and opportunity for these things, it’s more about the motive. My motives struggle w/ comparing the acknowledgment that others are receiving, I could be receiving as well.

Knowledge. All the education on the planet is no substitute for wisdom. I love to read, listen, & learn. There is nothing wrong in that until there is a lust for knowledge. I have to confess that on occasion that’s what I believe happens.

Maybe the urge for control has something to do w/ all the the above. So, Father, I’m trying to trust You for who You are. Thank you for loving me for who I am and not who I should be.

Not long ago, one of my updates on Twitter said “cynicism is tiring. i’m going to try to talk less, listen more; fear less, hope more; do less, rest more; whine less, breathe more.” That’s where I am right now, I’m for tuning in.

Featuring the Rend Collective Experiment.

Here’s to all who fight and have fought for liberty of these United States of America. Thank you.

UK, we love you, but…

Happy Independence Day USA!

“God shine Your light on the most gifted areas of our lives… Give us understanding of how to utilize these gifts effectively so that we can fulfill our callings and destines. It is our joy and satisfaction to be helpers of humanity, exuding all kindness and humility to lift and improve the lives of others for the betterment of people. Lord, we ask You to release in us in Your Creative Spirit, including clever and witty inventions along with significant, life changing ideas… Release all the creativity You put in us, so that people might be drawn to You through our lives.”