Monday Messages: Be Someone Worth Remembering (In A Good Way)

Happy Monday Everyone! Sorry that I kind of skipped out last week. Hopefully that All Time Low inspired mid week post made up for it! Have you ever thought of what people will think of you when you die? I know I want to be remembered by being a famous musician that was a youth pastor as well who saved animals in Africa. Let's be honest only part of my fantasy will become reality. I just want to die as a good person. Everyone will be remembered by someone. but why make it a bad reason? God gave us choices for a reason.

Today's passage is rather short but I hope it helps you.
Matthew 5:13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

You can relate this to yourself even if you aren't a Christian. Everyone wants to die a good person. I honestly do not think any of those shooters wanted to die a bad person. They just had mental problems that weren't getting fixed when they should have. All we can do is pray for them. Maybe they will turn to God's side. Those shooters are remembered for a very bad thing. You can be different.

It isn't that hard to be a quote unquote good person. Do you have a job? I know at my job (and my previous job), I can get some pretty crappy customers. Like I have literally been cussed out more than once at both jobs! You know what i did to those customers? No I didn't cuss back (although I wanted to)! No, I showed them love. I acted like they were a customer that was nice even though I was fuming and ticked off on my inside. Just showing people kindness can change them.

One last thing, I believe my journey into wanting to be a youth pastor started about a year ago. I was at school for a Christian group I go to on Fridays here. I was there a little early as usual so I did what I do and went into the library to surf the web. Outside the library, there was a girl crying. I felt a call to go pray with her but I ignored that call and just went up to the library. As I was in the library, the call got stronger. Kinda can relate this to Jonah, right? Well, eventually, I went down and had to chase her to her car and I was hesitating a little bit but I knocked on her car door. She allowed me to pray with her so I did. I don't know what happened past that, but maybe I saved her life. I just know it was of the Lord. In the next few weeks, I will be telling stories of my past year (besides the Disneyland one bc that's overdone I think lol) of how my relationship with God has gotten stronger and my call to be a youth pastor.

Until Next Time, Alex

Don't Lose Your Fight, Kid

Life sucks, doesn't it? As much as I wanna say my life has sucked, it really hasn't. I've had a pretty good life with some pretty crappy days. But I wanna tell you that you are worth more. Your tears aren't worth nothing (yes those are Tori Kelly lyrics. I had to use them since I saw her last night). But think about it, you have a God above who loves you more than ANYONE ever could. No matter what you do in your life, no matter how bad you think you have messed up, He literally cannot stop loving you. 

I have definitely had my fair share of depression/suicidal thoughts and let me tell you that harming yourself isn't worth it. What I did to help with those thoughts is just listen to music. Literally just lay in your bed and listen to music, it helps. While you're doing that, go ahead and cry. There is nothing wrong with crying and it literally can help you. Trust me, you will be okay. Below is the song that inspired this post. I'll warn you, it is explicit but I can really freakin relate to it and I'm sure you can too. Remember, Someone out there loves you.

Until Next Time, Alex

Monday Messages: Panda Express

Happy Monday! Sorry that I skipped out last week, but I literally had 2 essays due and that was enough writing haha. But I don't think that will happen again, so rest easy.

I didn't have a subject for today's message until I went to Panda Express for lunch and got to thinking about their mascot and half their name. The Panda. So that is what today's message is about. You see, Pandas are a very calm animal. I personally have never heard of a Panda attacking anyone in publc. Now I'm not saying that happened, I've just never heard of it. Basically, a Panda is what James 1:19-27 is talking about.

19 So then,[a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you[b] thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

A Panda rarely gets angry. They eat mostly plants. They are like God's perfect creature. In my opinion, they are the closest you can get to Jesus. Now what if we lived like Pandas? What if we thought before we got angry? There would be a lot less deaths. There would be less wars. Now let me tell you a little story that actually didn't happen till right before I started writing this but totally relates.

Something happened to me. I have been asked to stop serving in Middle School Ministry just because I tried out a new church ONCE. . I'm going to be completely freaking honest with you. I'm really pissed off. But I'm not choosing to show my anger to the person that asked me to leave. Instead, I'm still showing them love and trying really hard to see what God's reasoning behind this is. Oh on top of all this, I quit my job because I was pissed. Pissed they weren't doing anything to the manager that was making me uncomfortable. Now, I do not have a job and do not volunteer at youth anymore. Could it be my fault? Partly, yes. I feel like it was conviction from God. Maybe. I don't entirely know. But God has a plan. No matter if something is our fault or not, He still loves us. Remember the Disneyland story? It's just this all over again. I need to put all my trust in Him. In every aspect of life. Life is going to kick you in the ass. But trusting God will make it easier.

Until Next Time, Alex 

Monday Messages: Broke As A Joke?

Hey Everyone! I hope you enjoyed last week's post :) Before I get started I wanna announce a change or two that is going on in the world of Monday Messages. No, I'm not going on another hiatus lol. Starting this week, I will no longer be doing series. I'm just going to write on what is inspiring me and/or what I think the world needs. There will still be Bible verses and ways to apply to your life. I just feel stepping out of the series will reach more people. So let me welcome you to the new Monday Messages!

I have always wondered why people say "I'm broke as a joke." Like dude, I'm broke. It is for sure not a joke. Money isn't a joke, either. Money is the most talked about topic in the Bible, so it must be pretty darn important, right? But people just throw it away, me included. This past paycheck I got this weekend was only the 2nd time that I have tithed since I got hired at Domino's back in November. There's just a crap ton of cool stuff to buy all around us! So much that we can literally find anything we want without getting off our butt!

Today's reading is going to come from 1 Timothy 6:3-10

3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings[a] of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is ameans of gain. From such withdraw yourself.[b] 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[c] we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Whoa! What did that just say? Money is the root of ALL KINDS OF evil. Well I mean God ain't kidding! Prostitution, strip clubs, stuff like that is sinful and money can be spent on it. It's pretty freakin' crazy. You may be thinking "Well then why did God give us money?" Because there is a way to honor Him with money and you don't have to do bad things with your money. Even spending too much money is a sin. One that I'm guilty of.

When God gives you a job, honor Him by giving 10% to him via church or missions or whatever. And He will keep blessing you I promise.

Until Next Time, Alex

Monday Messages: Secrets & Regrets "(Don't) Let It Go"

I'm back! After a couple months off of doing Monday Messages, I'm glad to finally bring them back! I am starting a new series today called Secrets and Regrets where I'm gonna tell you my 4 biggest secrets or regrets and give you ways to avoid it. As always, I hope this will help you. So here goes nothing!

Have you ever let someone out of your life because they were dragging you down or wasn't helping in your walk with God? Well I did that a few years ago and to date it is one of my biggest regrets. We will get to that story a little later because right now it is time for a little bible time.

Today we are going to be reading Proverbs 3:1-8 in the NLT version
My child,[a] never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. 2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. 3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

So here it goes. A couple years ago, I was best friends with this girl and she was a Christian turned very strong atheist. The way she talked, the way she acted brought me down and really was not helping in my walk with the Lord. So out of the blue I just told her I couldn't be friends with her anymore. She literally said nothing to me and I sent that message. Mind you again, we had some history (not as a couple) but that added in the factor. I should have let the past in the past. Now that I preach and am a youth coach on Saturdays and Sundays I realize how wrong of me it was to do that. When you are a Christian ESPECIALLY a wanna be pastor, you have to be the light in the darkness and not let the dark take over your light.

Now how do you avoid this? Instead of letting them go, keep praying for them. Keep telling them about Jesus. Keep inviting them to church. If they stop being friends with you, keep praying for them. Maybe one day in the future they will become a Christian and you have to know that you played a HUGE part in that.

I'm currently trying to become friends with her again and will keep you guys updated.

Until Next Time, Alex

5 Bands/Artists To Watch For In 2016

I have decided to make my "Artists to Watch" feature on this blog an annual thing so here we go!

1.) Blondfire

Blondfire is the now solo project of Erica Driscoll. Let me start off by saying her second album "Young Heart" is a Dreamy Summery Indie Pop masterpiece. In fact, the song "Where the Kids Are" from that album is regularly played in Taco Bell. So often, that I have heard it the last 3 times that I have eaten in-store. Now that it's 2016, she is releasing her new EP "True Confessions" which is more of a rock feel than anything on Young Heart. But it is still amazing and you should definitely check them/her out.

2.) Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Man, I hope you have heard of this band. They are going to revive Rock-N-Roll. If Elvis made a song about drinking called "S.O.B." it might as well be The Night Sweats song of the same name. Not even kidding, their style sounds like Elvis and Nathaniel himself could be Elvis with his voice. "Son of a bitch! Get me a drink!" because this could be a great band to drink to.



3. State Champs 

Pop Punk is back! Whether or not you want to admit it, 5 Seconds of Summer is a big reason why it is. State Champs is on the rise in the Pop Punk scene and they are headlining several tours. Their 2nd album "Around The World And Back" just came out and trust me when I say it is one of the best Pop Punk releases in recent history. The same goes for their 2013 debut "The Finer Things" Get into it.



4. Chase Huglin

My boy Chase! Man if you are a fan of Ed Sheeran, I really suggest checking him out. He is getting pretty big selling out all the cassette tapes and hats he had. If you get his EP "Glow" on vinyl, it makes it that much better. Chase has a full band record due out this year and if its any bit as good as his acoustic stuff, it will kick some ass.



5.) The Wonder Years 

Last one for 2016 of course has to be a Pop Punk artist. The Wonder Years are from Philadelphia. They just released their 5th studio album "No Closer To Heaven." It is an extremely sad concept record about losing someone close to you. It's really relatable for me as I lost my grandfather just over 6 years ago and it still hurts. If you like Pop Punk, I suggest checking them out.




Well there it is! My list of artists to watch this year! Let me know if you have checked any of the bands out. Also let me know if you know any bands that should be on this list.

Until Next Time, Alex

Monday Messages UPDATE!

Just realized it has been over a month since I have posted anything on here! I'm first gonna let you all know that I am alive and way better than ever! If you are wondering what happened to my Monday Messages, they are on a little break as I started preaching in Youth Out Loud! From one blessing into another, I am baptizing one of my students next week (whaaaaat). They had a choice to be baptized by the pastor or their coach and my student chose me over the pastor. I got emotional because that means that God is using my life which is so far from perfect to speak to a 6th grader. Honestly I could die happy and know that I am going to heaven because I have changed a life. Before I go, Let me leave you with James 1:2-17 because It's really resonated with how last year compares to this year.

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. 9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Also, keep an eye out for the return of Monday Messages next week. ;)

Until Next Time, Alex