War…

There’s always one going on. Whether by land or by sea or internally, there’s always one more thing to consider. And so it continues.

Life Is Beautiful

I was just watching a year old video of my nephew singing, and thought to myself, “life is beautiful.” We all have a story. Everyday I’m amazed at how God makes His presence known in the midst of our story’s deep depravity. All the while He tells us that we are deeply loved and that He is pleased with us just because we are His. That makes life a whole lot better for the living. At every stop sign there’s a hope that I don’t understand but ecstatically embrace.

$1 to Haiti and I’ll have a roastbeef sandwich with that.

I like Panera. I like bread. I heart roastbeef. Today I saw a sign at the ol’ bread company advertising donations to Haiti. Basically, you tell your cashier that you want to add a dollar to your bill for those poor Haitians who are dealing with death and destruction.

It’s so easy to give money and say that we’re good people for doing so. Charity’s are popping up all over the place. Some are legit and others….well who knows. Something tore me apart today when I spent $9.00 on a sandwich and gave $1.00 toward aid for Haiti. Some people from the company I work for are going on a cruise. Cruise’s are AWESOME! Though I’ve never been on one. What bothers me is that the ship will stop in Haiti for a full day. It maybe 100 miles from the death and destruction, but they’ll be enjoying it with cocktails in hand. Something is messed up about this.

What could we do to help the Haitians besides give money. What if Jesus was calling us to drop everything we have and follow Him to Haiti? Would we do it? Are we the rich young rulers? Is a dollar enough? Or is everything enough?

Hello! My Name Is James and I’m a workaholic.

I love what I do. I’m a worship pastor, graphic/web designer, and overall creative person. To top it all, they pay me to do this! Lately, I’ve been looking for someone to spend my life with. Many of my friends have tried to hook me up with women and I’m even on eharmony. The one thing that worries me is working so much that I’m not going after what God has created me for: relationship.

I find internet dating impersonal. Honestly, I just want to meet someone somewhere who has a healthy outlook on life, loves God, and isn’t insane. I always grew up thinking there was magic when you met that special someone. Everyone tells me otherwise.

Can you blame a guy for wanting a little flame?

The Positive Factor

Last year I noticed what a negative attitude could do to my morale, self-esteem, and lifestyle. It’s amazing that these thoughts could be bring me down so far. Sometimes my negativity was aimed at other people. Instead of love I was showing hate. As 2010 has begun my aim has been to be “content in all things.” This of course is easier said than done but I’m finding it’s working. I think Jesus was a positive thinker. He always seemed to see the best in people. He was always moved with compassion. Are you constantly moved with compassion.

Maybe you’re upset about your weight, finances and life. By thinking negatively about things you do more harm than good. Now I’m not saying positive thinking solves problems. Put your hope in God.

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5 NIV)

We have to tell our souls, “Soul, put your hope in God, bless the Lord, praise the Lord, worship the Lord.” It’s about a sacrifice.

2010: A Year of Endless Possibilities

I won’t lie, I love a chance to start over. So when a new year is set before me I can’t help but think, “What can I accomplish this year?” My biggest struggle over the past, well my whole life, has been my weight. For years I’ve thought about and planned how to lose weight but never have actually done it. Mostly, I want to be alive for what God is doing in my community of Delaware, Ohio. I believe that taking care of our bodies is a reflection of how we care about the image of God.

When we think about ourselves being made in the image of God it brings on a whole new meaning, doesn’t it? Now physical health is important but so is spiritual. 2009 brought an influx of questions to wrestle with and a desire to become a disciple of Jesus. Just in the past 6 months I’ve been in a discipleship group with 2 other guys and I have learned so much about the Bible already. It has opened my eyes to what God is saying to me and His church.

I look forward to what God has in store for me and for you. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to post to this blog more. I want you to engage a conversation with others through this blog. In 2010 let us stretch each other to pursue God with as much abandon as we give to sports and entertainment.

Money, Money, Mo—ney

Last night I was at a Holiday dinner for my day job. The company was great, the food was great, and it was all around just a good time. The President of the company got up to make a speech about how well we did considering the condition of the economy. The good news is we’re getting bonuses and we were all given a gift card to a fairly nice restaurant. I’m not knockin’ it. I’m thankful for this.

What occurred to me during this dinner is that all these people are living for the next paycheck, raise, and bonus. Most of them make a pretty good living but it’s never enough! My question is, how do I bring the hope of Jesus into my workplace? How do I show them that there is hope beyond living, working, then dying? Do you live for the money? Is it your idol? Do you worship it more than Jesus?

Where do you place your hope? Be honest now.

The Reason For The Season….Really?

I just received a request on Facebook to join a group called “I don’t care if it offends you, I’m saying MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!” Really? Are we 9 years old? It bothers me that we think we can force our beliefs or ideals on other people. Quite honestly I don’t know how Christmas is even about Jesus anymore! Do you think we would see the Son of God waiting in line on Black Friday to get the best deals of the season?  Why do His children?

The Christmas season brings many warm fuzzy feelings but at times I think it breaks the heart of Jesus. I believe that Jesus is more concerned about the fatherless, the thirsty, and oppressed. Why aren’t we concerned about these people? Why do we say “I will spend $1,000 on the needs of others and then $1,000 on myself!” Something is seriously messed up about this thinking. Christmas has become our idol. We put it put it on a pedestal in place of Jesus. No really, we do. Just ask yourself what’s more important. My friend Dustyn has some more to say about this. He will challenge your thinking as well.

Sometime’s It’s Lonely

There are many things that make me angry. I won’t list them all because that will probably make you angry. Some of my anger is righteous, the rest of it….not so much. Lately, within this past year, I’ve wondered if my opinion matters at all. You see, I tend to look at life through a spiritual lens most of the time. This isn’t the best thing all of the time because sometimes you have to think about life logically. Right? I’m not sure. As someone who claims to follow Jesus I am of the opinion that all of my life should be lived through the lens of my Savior. Why is this such a bad thing? It isn’t. Especially when it comes to making big decisions.

I, James Romanowski, am a simple man. I have simple thoughts and tend to make things too spiritual. Or do I? The thought has always crossed my mind that maybe I have more wisdom than others because I am so simple. However, smart people should be given credit as well for they have much to offer. Every Sunday the smart, simple, and odd people come to worship Jesus with me. For this I am grateful. What angers me is when I see no expression in some faces. Maybe I shouldn’t be angry about this. But sometimes I feel alone.

Sometimes I feel like bowing, dancing, or lifting my hands in the air. I don’t know what keeps us from experiencing all the freedom that Christ has to offer. For me, I’ve been so concerned about what others think about me that I abstain from doing those things because that’s not the “church style.” People will think I’m crazy than leave the church. Maybe one day I will not care about the crowd. Maybe one day I will be overcome with so much thankfulness, joy, and gratitude for what God has done in me, that I will burst out into those things we call “charismatic.” This is only what the crazies do right? No, I’m afraid not. You could use a little more dancing in your life anyhow.

It’s the song of the beautiful…

Jesus loves me.

It’s only the middle of the week and it’s been a whirlwind for me. It seemed as if the walls were caving in around me. Okay maybe not that bad. Still it’s been one of those weeks when I question everything I’m living for. I’ve been asking God if I’m in the right place. Should I be doing something else? What is my purpose? These are typical questions that I’m sure you have.

Tonight after band practice for the Vision Trust BBQ this weekend I was playing the album from Christy Nockels. I’ve listened to this record several times but didn’t pay much attention to all of its content. The song that was playing was “Song of the Beautiful.” I just stood for a minute and listened to the chorus:

“It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me…
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Saved Me…
The song of the redeemed, the echoes of those made free,
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me”

I couldn’t help but embrace those words, Jesus loves me. Suddenly all my doubts and fears and ambitions didn’t mean anything compared to that phrase.

Maybe you just need to hear those words…..Jesus loves me.