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Design That Works!Archive for christian
One Song…One Story…different decades!!
Notice the lyric change from Julie Andrew’s and Leslie Ann Warren’s song to Brandy’s version….from ” slave in Kolkata” to “thief in Kolkata”…NICE. One discriminatory association fixed, now whata bout the small issue of little girls everywhere hearing “I’m a girl men go mad for love’s a game I can play with cool and confident kind of air” to the ever so demeaning concept of “Just as long as I stay in my own little corner All alone in my own little chair. I can be whatever I want to be.” Don’t get me wrong, I grew up hearing Leslie Ann Warren’s version (the worst of the lot in talent) and LOVED it. It’s just a shame we are all so preconditioned to think some things are “normal” and “right” vs. other things. For Instance, I get the concept of mascara…I do and I use it daily. I also like high heels…but really, do we HAVE to do these things to believe we are “normal” and “fit for society”?? Just interesting cultural beliefs I guess. I mean what little girl (woman) isn’t dreaming of the Cinderella fantasy in some way…in some version of her own? Maybe if I sit in my own little corner and my own little chair and stay quite I can be JUST LIKE Cinderella?? YAY!!!
Just thoughts…and I am sure I am only skimming the surface.
Logo Extravaganza!!! (september)
For those of you who don’t know I am a graphic designer at the Logo Loft in Montgomery, AL. I USED to post my work daily but haven’t due to a flux in work keeping me MUCHO busy! So here are my logos from September. 
Misconceptions
Common Misconceptions About the Christian Life
10 Misconceptions of New Christians
By Mary Fairchild, About.com
New Christians quite often have misconceptions about God, the Christian life and other believers. This look at the common misconceptions of Christianity is designed to dispel some of the myths that typically hinder new Christians from growing and maturing in the faith.
1 – Once you become a Christian, God will solve all of your problems.
Many new Christians are shocked when the first trial or serious crisis hits. Here’s a reality check — get prepared — the Christian life is not always easy! You will still face ups and downs, challenges and joys. You will have problems and troubles to overcome. This verse offers encouragement for Christians facing difficult situations:
1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (NIV)
2 – Becoming a Christian means giving up all fun and following a life of rules.
A joyless existence of mere rule-following is not true Christianity and the abundant life God intends for you. Rather, this describes a man-made experience of legalism. God has amazing adventures planned for you. These verses give a description of what it means to experience God’s life:
Romans 14:16-18
Then you will not be condemned for doing something you know is all right. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” — (NIV)
3 – All Christians are loving, perfect people.
Well, it doesn’t take very long to discover that this is not true. But being prepared to meet the imperfections and failures of your new family in Christ can spare you future pain and disillusionment. Although Christians strive to be like Christ, we will never obtain complete sanctification until we stand before the Lord. In fact, God uses our imperfections to “grow us” in the faith. If not, there would be no need to forgive one another.
As we learn to live in harmony with our new family, we rub each other like sandpaper. It’s painful at times, but the result brings about a smoothing and softening to our rough edges.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
Philippians 3:12-13
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead … (NIV)
4 – Bad things don’t happen to truly godly Christians.
This point goes along with point number one, however, the focus is slightly different. Often Christians begin to wrongly believe that if they live a godly Christian life, God will protect them from pain and suffering. Paul, a hero of the faith, suffered much:
2 Corinthians 11:24-26
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. (NIV)
Some faith groups believe the Bible promises health, wealth and prosperity for all who live a godly life. But this teaching is false. Jesus never taught this to his followers. You may experience these blessings in your life, but they are not a reward for godly living. At times we experience tragedy, pain and loss in life. This is not always a result of sin, as some would claim, but rather, for a greater purpose that we may not understand immediately. We may never understand, but we can trust God in these difficult times, and know he has a purpose.
Rick Warren says in his popular book, The Purpose Driven Life – “Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven.”
1 Peter 1:6-7
So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (NLT)
5 – Christian ministers and missionaries are more spiritual than other believers.
This is a subtle but persistent misconception that we carry in our minds as believers. Because of this false notion, we end up putting ministers and missionaries on “spiritual pedestals” accompanied by unrealistic expectations. When one of these heroes falls from our self-constructed perch, it tends to make us fall too — away from God. Don’t let this happen in your life. You may have to continually guard yourself against this subtle deception.
Paul, Timothy’s spiritual father, taught him this truth – we are all sinners on an equal playing field with God and each other:
1 Timothy 1:15-16
This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–and I was the worst of them all. But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. (NLT)
6 – Christian churches are always safe places, where you can trust everyone.
Although this should be true, it is not. Unfortunately we live in a fallen world where evil resides. Not everyone who enters the church has honorable intentions, and even some who do come with good intentions can fall back into old patterns of sin. One of the most dangerous places in Christian churches, if not properly guarded, is the children’s ministry. Churches that don’t implement background checks, team led classrooms, and other security measures, leave themselves open to many dangerous threats.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (NKJV)
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (KJV)
7 – Christians should never say anything that might offend someone or hurt someone else’s feelings.
Many new believers have a wrong understanding of meekness and humility. The idea of godly meekness involves having strength and courage, but the kind of strength that is submitted to God’s control. True humility recognizes complete dependence upon God and knows we have no goodness except that which is found in Christ. Sometimes our love for God and our fellow Christians, and obedience to God’s Word compels us to speak words that may hurt someone’s feelings or offend them. Some people call this “tough love.”
Ephesians 4:14-15
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (NIV)
Proverbs 27:6
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (NIV)
8 – As a Christian you should not associate with unbelievers.
I am always saddened when I hear so called “seasoned” believers teaching this false notion to new Christians. Yes, it is true that you may have to break off some of the unhealthy relationships you have had with people from your past life of sin. At least for awhile you may need to do this until you are strong enough to resist the temptations of your old lifestyle. However, Jesus, our example, made it his mission (and ours) to associate with sinners. How will we attract those who need a Savior, if we don’t build relationships with them?
1 Corinthians 9:22-23
When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings. (NLT)
9 – Christians should not enjoy any earthly pleasures.
I believe God created all of the good, wholesome, enjoyable, and fun things we have on this earth as a blessing for us to enjoy. The key is not holding on to these earthly things too tightly. We should grasp and enjoy our blessings with our palms held open and tilted up.
Job 1:21
And (Job) said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (NIV)
10 – Christians always feel close to God.
As a new Christian you may feel very close to God. Your eyes have just been opened to a brand new, exciting life with God. However, you should be prepared for dry seasons in your walk with God. They are bound to come. A life-long walk of faith requires trust and commitment even when you don’t feel close to God. In these verses, David expresses sacrifices of praise to God in the midst of spiritual times of drought:
Psalm 63:1
[A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.] O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (NIV)
Psalm 42:1-3
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?” (NIV)
Religion vs. Spirituality cont.
OK, so I went over the previous scripture from Isaiah again. I think the thing is this….God doesn’t want us to worship or go about doing religious ceremonies just to fulfill our worshiping quota for the week and then, to go about the rest of our week without him. It is a matter of being genuine in what we call “religious”, rather than merely doing it to mark it off our to do lists.
I also think that there are A LOT of us Christians who live this way and think that this is all there is to it. You’re going to heaven because you are saved, but then you don’t live the life God has called you to live. To me this is one of the big turn-off for those who are not Christian. When Non-Christians look in from the sidelines and they see how we behave, they should be able to see a difference between us and them. But generally they don’t. So then “religion” becomes something that isn’t genuine or real. And all those who practice it are therefore also not genuine and real and REALLY, who wants to be a part of THAT?? I know and am friends with more Non-Christians than Christians because I have just recently (within the past 3 years or so) become more of a participant. I KNOW what they are thinking and how they see us. I was once like that myself. Most say this….”I believe in a higher-power”….”I am more spiritual than religious”…”I don’t care for religion” and I think a strong reason for this is because of how WE behave. WE don’t come off as genuine or real, so therefore “religion” seems almost cult-ish rather than something that can truly and significantly change your LIFE.
I was once told in my earlier years of agnosticism (sp?) , that Christians arn’t perfect. I know and genuinely believe this now. Christians DO NOT consider themselves perfect OR look down on others for NOT being Christians. (that’s a really hard one to realize) I KNOW and genuinely BELIEVE this now. Most of us, KNOW that we are so out of whack in our lives…thats WHY we came to God, thats WHY we need that help. Some of us were born into a family where church was a regular thing and we just became Christian through that, but each of us are there because we KNOW we need to be. The kicker is…Do we behave differently because of it? Do we go out of our way to NOT do what the world does, but what we know is the right thing? 
It’s like me and my gossiping….I am working on it, praying on it and going through trying to end it in my life. I know its wrong, I know I need to change. Slowly, one step at a time I eventually will no longer be that way…God is helping me to do this. I know I’m not perfect and I certainly do not look down on anyone for being Non-Christian. It would literally be the OPPOSITE of what Christianity IS to look down on someone for not choosing my same beliefs. I can however try to live better and be better in such a way that those who know me can see the difference and wonder what it’s like and what they could do to have what I have.
SO, what we are calling “religion” is instantaneously also “spirituality” by merely being…GENUINE. All rituals that are done by “going through the motions” until next Sunday comes along….are meaningless and God literally detests it.
Religion vs. Spirituality
Quit your worship charades. I can’t stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings— meetings, meetings, meetings—I can’t stand one more! Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You’ve worn me out! I’m sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I’ll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I’ll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you’ve been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.
Isaiah 1:12-14 (in Context) Isaiah 1 (Whole Chapter)
In this scripture, this is God speaking to his followers…Is He saying here that religion is bad? Or is he clarifying what religion isn’t and therefore explaining what it should be?
Here is another article on the subject:
I’m not into organized religion. Can’t I be a Christian without going to church regularly?
“Yes, at least in a very technical sense. Salvation is not dependent on actions. God judges one’s heart.
But let’s be honest. The Bible says that we are to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). If you say you are a Christian yet do not attend church regularly, how can you say that you really love God sufficiently?
Jesus emphasized the importance of his church. The Bible further emphasizes that regular worship, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and service to one another are important. Likewise, the Bible warns against willful and persistent rejection of God (Hebrews 10:26).” Then the article goes on to say….
“Now, an important point. You may have some rationalizations why you should not be a participating member of a local church, but they are most certainly selfish excuses. The fact that these selfish motives dominate your thinking is evidence to suggest that you do not really have a saving faith.
Further, the Bible makes it clear that God wants your body, not just your spirit (Romans 12:1). God wants you. The church needs you. And you need the church.
If you say that you do not believe in “organized” religion, does that mean you believe in “unorganized” religion? Doesn’t the answer to that question reveal the silliness of your position? In regards to church involvement, Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute flatly states that there is no such thing as a “Lone Ranger Christian.”
(sited from: FaithFacts)
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I personally read the above article and felt it was almost condescending to the person who asked the question in the first place. Which in itself suggests the writer does not “really have a saving faith.” I think that everything, including Christianity can be subjective. A group of people can read the same passage from the Bible and all get different things from it, the same as with any other publication. Unfortunately this is how things are in every perspective. We all have our own view points and realities. (I plan to blog about this later…so I need to stay on track)
The question here is What is Religion?
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
So religion can be as complicated and as strict as those involved make it OR it can be defined as simply believing in something with complete devotion. It can be the rules and practices of a body of people OR it can simply mean you agree with others in regards to a certain belief.
This definition can be seen throughout different denominations. Some denominations are very strict, disciplined, and observant of specific rules and guidelines….then you have the other end of the spectrum where as long as you love God, love others, and hold certain beliefs within your heart, then you are a christian….one of the group or church.
I know this is a touchy subject for some, but I would love to hear YOUR opinions on this!!!
Love, A
