My Life

Spring Has Sprung

2008-04-28T22:49:00.002-04:00

Yes, spring is finally here! I can wear flip-flops more often, shorts, lay out in the sun... everything that comes with warm weather. I now actually enjoy my morning runs, no longer in fear of frostbite. The trees are breathtaking, flowers are blooming, and birds sing all day. Rabbits scamper around, squirrels chase each other up and down trees... I feel like I'm in a Disney movie sometimes.

I really do love the change of seasons, and this fresh new spring serves as a living, active, clear reminder of God's creation. No matter how deep in winter we may be - cold, barren, lifeless - a new life always comes, and often in greater abundance than before. It's only a matter of time, and God's time is perfect.

Everything

2008-04-10T00:33:00.000-04:00

This is amazing.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

51,982

2008-03-28T14:59:00.002-04:00

This is the total estimated yearly tuition I would pay to go to New York University. That's if I live on campus. And it doesn't include transportation. Now I would love to go to NYU, but that is one monumental price tag. Over four years, that would amount to $207,928. I could buy a small house with that, up front. I've been told that an NYU education would pay for itself eventually, so I shouldn't worry about it. But could college possibly force me into debt for the rest of my life? I hope not. There's no way I'm not going to college so I must accept the expenses.

Considering all of this is really opening my eyes to what I'll face in the future. Debt, mortgage, loans, credit... much of which a 10th grade fiscal management class doesn't cover. The world is a big, scary, expensive place. But our Lord created it, so He can handle it. I pray none of us ever forget that. Leaving the shelter of youth into this tumultuous sea of responsibility is a difficult thing for anyone, but I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God. In Him will I trust. Amen. Blessings to all.

-Seth

Apologies

2008-03-24T23:01:00.002-04:00

It's been requested that I continue posting on this blog. I must say I am unaware as to why I ever stopped. However, I vow at this time to fulfill my blogging duties (duties) with a new found sense of commitment. I am sincerely ashamed for my unexplained absence, and beg your forgiveness.

I suppose I'll begin anew with more recent happenings. With this past weekend came Good Friday and Easter, and, thankfully, a few days away from school. I was able to catch up on some much needed sleep, and I also experienced a few new things, such as paintballing. A boy at my corps turned 14 this weekend, so his father gathered a bunch of the division's youth to take him out for a day of yellow painted carnage. There's really nothing like being pelted by small plastic balls flying at 200 mph. If you enjoy a good rush of adrenaline through simulated violence, and occasional pain, and I certainly do, paintballing is definitely for you.

Of course I also enjoyed a marvelous Good Friday service at the CMT on 14th St., featuring the New York Staff Band and a number of quality speakers, and an equally marvelous Sunrise Service at Hempstead Lake State Park, featuring select members of the Hempstead Citadel Band and my parents. At times in the midst of all our Easter tradition and circumstance, it can be difficult to focus on the true meaning of the season. Many of us have responsibilities to fulfill which may grow even more demanding in times of celebration. Certainly we will never forget why the holiday exists, but we may sometimes forget what, or rather who, takes precedence in our lives.

Occasionally I hear someone describing an event, such as a Good Friday service, and they may say, "Well it was nice, but I didn't really get much out of it," or "I wasn't really feeling it," or something similar. And I know I've been guilty of the same thing more than once. But in pondering such things I am reminded of the fact that Jesus is the one and only reason we celebrate. We attend massive gatherings at times like these so that the name of Jesus would be praised, and his great redeeming power and love would be glorified.

We must be aware of the purpose of what we do in order to truly benefit from it, and that purpose is never self-gratification. God isn't like a gas station, ready and waiting to fill us up when we need it, so we can go on into our lives without Him until we're empty. He is with us, taking that road through every experience, every pain and every joy, and it's necessary to take a break from life and spend some personal time with only Him, away from all that weighs us down and destracts us. That's what He wants more than anything else - just us, all of us.

That's what all this is for, these celebrations and meetings and huge gatherings. It's a chance to focus and offer all of ourselves to personal time with God. It's a way to bring us back to where we should be with the Lord. It's a rearrangement of priorities. The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Our God isn't a time-to-time, once-in-a-while, go-to-church-to-feel-better God. He works in us and through us all the time. He desires to have a close, personal relationship, and bring us to meet our very best potential in Him.

Just a side note, I'm drawing very close now to having to make a decision about where to go for college next year. This has been the primary source of stress for me recently, and I would ask that you please pray that the Lord would grant me wisdom enough to see what His plan is for me and follow it.

I guess this is goodbye for now. Hopefully I'll be more faithful with my posting from now on. You are all in my prayers. Blessings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

-Seth

100-100

2008-01-12T23:11:00.000-05:00

Sorry all, I have not written in a very long time. Let me think for a second what I should say...

Well, the other night I was watching the South Carolina GOP Debate, and candidate Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister, was asked a question concerning the passage in scripture that says, "Wives, submit to your husbands..." I don't know what the question was exactly, or the context, but Huckabee's response really struck me.

"Marriage is not a 50-50 relationship," he said, "But 100-100. Each partner gives 100% to that person they are spending their lives with." That's not precisely what he said, but you get the gist. This got me thinking about how marriage, as it is meant to be, is a symbolic union analagous to God's love for his people.

Each partner gives 100%. Now, we all know God gives His all to us. He gave His own Son to die the worst possible death, under the worst possible circumstances, to show His amazing love for us. In our lives today, God shows His love in ways we can't even conceive, may never know, and may never thank Him for, but He blesses us daily and will continue to do so simply because He loves us.

I'm sure we can all think of someone we've gone out of our way to do something for, and they never even bat an eyelash, and can even better remember how we felt about it. But more often than not, that's how we are towards God. Every breath that enters our lungs is a precious gift. Each day we're given is golden. Each beat of our hearts is like God saying, "I love you."

So, in return, we must try and invest 100% of ourselves in the Kingdom. God placed us all on this earth for a specific purpose, so to think what we have to offer isn't enough is, in a way, doubting God's wisdom. Recognizing the gifts God gives us and using them for His glory is one of the most important things we could ever do.

Part of our 100% is showing God to others. Because we, as humans, are more inclined to believe something present in front of us, it is imperative that we live as Jesus lived. Others will more readily come to the Lord if they see what He can do in us, and He will do amazing things. Pray for me in this, and I am always in prayer for you. Much love.

-Seth

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2007-12-30T00:38:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. Mine was awesome, as it always is. I didn't get any huge gifts, or experience any exceptional blessing, but then again everything I experience is an exceptional blessing because I know it's all a part of the Lord's plan. I have a loving family, live comfortably, and serve a gracious God who hears me. Let's all remember not to take the little things for granted, because the little things aren't so little if we lose them.

I love you all, and pray God's blessing upon you.

-Seth

Nothing to Write

2007-12-21T14:26:00.000-05:00

I'm not really sure what I'm going to say here, but I haven't posted for a long time and I felt the few readers I have deserve some sort of update. Hello, readers.

Well, I'm finally done with school until the new year! I am sure to enjoy some much needed rest in the coming week, and family time as well, as I will be spending the 27th at my grandparents' house. I'm really glad this time has finally come.

I really don't know what to write. It's hard to fill empty space when you don't know what to fill it with. Hey, there's an idea. It's like our souls.

We know what evil is, because the Bible clearly states and the Holy Spirit clearly tells us what not to do. So, when we find there is evil in our hearts, we do our best to dispose of it all through repentance. And, as the Bible states, when we repent, we shall be forgiven, and thus the evil is gone. We serve a gracious God.

But what happens to the empty space left over? Reconciliation is truly a two-fold process, forgiveness being the first step. We cannot truly be in communion with God if we stand guilty for any number of sins, refusing to accept the gift He offered through Christ's death on the cross. God is perfect, without sin, and he gave his Son, Jesus, so that we might be saved from our own sin. Step two is often overlooked.

After being cleansed of all evil, we must seek to fill ourselves with good. This is often more difficult to achieve, as it takes more effort than simply asking God for forgiveness. It is God's will that we be forgiven in order to grow closer to Him. It is our responsibility to praise Him in return, in whatever way we can. He fulfills his end of the bargain without fail; we must strive to do the same.

If you and a friend are at odds, and only one forgives, the relationship is not fully repaired. Effort is required from both parties. Simply emptying ourselves of evil only removes what is bad; it does not supply what is good. All we achieve in requesting forgiveness is a neutrality, a sort of zero-point, back to square one. It is from there that we must push forward, and seek to fill ourselves with what is good. If we offer no resistance to evil by pursuing what is good, we can easily fall right back into whatever hole God pulled us out of.

We must constantly have the things of God in mind. Whatever is good, whatever is holy, whatever is pure, think about these things. What else but the things of this world could occupy our thoughts otherwise? If we are filled with good, where can the evil exist? Lack of evil does not imply presence of good. Only an active pursuit of holiness can fill us to the extent required to grow in our faith.

Reconciliation is a two-fold process. After we fall, the Lord picks us up - step one. Then what? Do we continue to walk with Him, or do we simply stand where we are? Step two. An intentional and active pursuit of holiness, goodness, faith, Christ-likeness... The second cannot exist without the first, but the first means nothing for us without the second.

Much love, God bless.

-Seth

O, Tenenbaum

2007-12-11T22:10:00.001-05:00

Once again, the time honored Christmas tree tradition was upheld in the Ditmer home last night. My mother and I went out to a local nursery and got a real tree; I don't know what kind it is, but it looks awesome. I very much prefer real trees to fake ones. They do involve a bit more work, but there's nothing like the enchanting odor of pine and sap greeting you kindly when you walk through the door.

So we brought the tree home, and waited a bit for everyone to come home. As always, my brother and I were forced to tote box after old, musty box of ornaments down two stories to the living room. With each successive visit the floor vanished a bit more under a sea of glimmering balls, and the endless tangled mess of lights sat stubbornly on my mother's lap.

At one point, in the midst of a monotonous attic visit, I discovered a marvelous treasure: inside a simple brown box was an old, dusty concertina (like a small, hexagonal accordion). Forcing my hands into the small leather straps, I found two buttons that made an agreeable chord. I proceeded to march downstairs and parade around the decorating scene, playing continuous quarter notes, hoping to provide some levity to an unfortunately stressful practice. I fancied myself a bagpiper at a Scottish funeral, playing my Christmas tree lament to a grief-stricken crowd.

Reluctantly, I returned the charming instrument to its dark, brown, dusty tomb and continued work on the tree. The ever-reliant Chris Ward had arrived to assist, probably driven by pity for these slaves the Ditmer children and their master, known as Mom. This master's finger directed my gaze to a coiled mass of small, stringed silver balls, which became my responsibility to hang on the tree. I began at the top and circled countless times, and just when I thought I may emerge from this task unscathed, I found my supply of silver balls had run short.

These tiny spheres which once appeared a nuisance were now as important as the air I anxiously drew through my nostrils. The crew of decorators, including Chris, who had limited experience of my mother's reaction to blocks in the Christmas tree road, stayed their breath, fully aware of the frenzy to come. Like Oliver Twist asking for another helping, I stood, hands open, void of silver balls, and faced my mother, "Mom, we're out of silver balls."

The awkward silence which followed seemed an eternity to the onlookers, peering nervously over their various ornamental shields, fearful of the violent scene sure to follow. The Master, however, dismissed the predicament with an uncharacteristic shrug, and suggested, "I guess we'll have to space them out more." Shocked faces turned from predator and prey to each other, utterly awe-struck of what had just taken place. The spectators, realizing the Master's attention was no longer on me, quickly returned to their various charges. I, not yet certain death had passed me by, obediently executed my mother's request, and repositioned the existing adornment of silver balls.

So the traditional installment of our real Christmas tree continued without any further interruptions, and the peace was cherished as a rare glimpse of freedom. But in all seriousness, we had a good time, and my heart is full as I witness once again the many enjoyable customs of the Christmas season. For probably the millionth time, don't forget this season to consider the gift God gave to us those 2000 years ago, and the blessings we all receive daily. Christ was born to die, that we might be saved and live. Merry Christmas!!

-Seth

First of Many

2007-12-03T17:32:00.000-05:00

I am extremely pleased to announce that we here in the Greater New York area had, early Sunday morning, our first substantial snowfall. I woke up to find at least 2 inches already on the ground, and it continued for most of the morning. Nothing gets me more pumped up for Christmas than a good bit of snow. And this definitely was a good bit. I was even able to pack a sizeable snowball to throw at my brother.

Snow is one of my favorite aspects of God's creation. It's like, in the midst of all our cares and frustrations, God playfully casts a pure white blanket over everything we see, and suddenly your next paycheck isn't as vital, or that guy that flipped you off on the road isn't such a(n) *insert favorite road rage phrase here*, and that big paper due at the end of the week seems a lot farther off. Nothing more effectively sparks my fondest memories of childhood, running down to the TV in my underwear early in the morning to get school closings. Unfortunately school hardly ever closes here because of snow. I think the building would literally have to be covered for them to close it.

Anyway, my point is, snow is awesome. I love snow. Farmers' Almanac says this will be a very snowy winter indeed, and I'm excited. Keep praying :)

With love,
Seth

Mercy vs. Misery

2007-11-26T15:56:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! Mine was excellent. I love food, I love family, and I love football, so I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Friday night into Saturday I hung out at my best friend Felix's house with a lot of people I haven't seen in a while, at least not outside of events or rehearsals and stuff. It was a lot of fun; thank God for friends.

Yesterday was probably the longest day of my life. The morning progressed as any other Sunday morning would, but scheduled for the afternoon was our annual holiday season League of Mercy, otherwise known as "League of Misery." Don't get me wrong, it's a very humbling experience that I will always value, but it is certainly a challenge.

Being a percussionist, I can't very well play in the homes with the band, so I'm delegated the prestigious task of passing out gifts to the patients - personally. Sometimes they're sleeping, or the rooms are empty, so I get in and out without much of a problem, but much more often they are conscious, not so coherent, and cranky. Never in such a short time have I experienced such a broad array of sounds, smells, and choice words I would rather not repeat. But the sense of fulfillment and having brightened someone's day far outweighs the soiled linens and whiskered old-lady kisses, and when I'm done I'm glad I did it, and glad it's done.

So I hope you're all doing well, and I'm praying. Much love!

-Seth

Muffins and Visits

2007-11-14T21:25:00.000-05:00

I suppose I'll tell you all about my college visits this past weekend/slightly-after-weekend. By the way I just ate a dutch apple muffin and it was incredible. You should have one some time, it will probably make your day. Anyway, I left Sunday night with my mom and drove many hours up to Massachusetts. You'd be surprised how much you can talk to your mother if she's the only company you have on a long car ride :) Just kidding, I love my mom.

We stayed at the Dunigans' house, some good friends of ours and officers of the Dorchester Corps, which happens to be in their house. They also have college students living with them, so there's always someone around there. Anyway, they're awesome people, and I love them. So the next day, Monday, we took the train into Boston and got the whole tour experience at Harvard, info session included. I loved the campus, and everything the school has, and people seemed really enthusiastic about going there. So that was cool.

We took the train back to the Dunigans' and then drove out to go to Gordon. We had lunch on the way and I contacted Dave Labossierre, one of my best friends, who goes to Gordon. When we got there he met us and gave us a very personal tour of the campus, and an enlightened view of the school's activities. Dave is cool. That night we ate dinner at the Dunigans' house and one of my other best friends Allie, the Dunigans' daughter, came home from ENC, where she attends school, and ate with us. She's cool too.

The next morning we got all packed up and left, and on our way back we stopped in Providence and took a tour of Brown University. The campus was nice, and the curriculum really appealed to me, and our tour guide was cool. So while I grew tired of walking around constantly, the weekend really was a good time, and I liked all of the schools. But unfortunately I'm no closer to a decision than I was before.

Please pray for me, this whole process is a lot to handle. I love you all :)

-Seth

An Interesting Point

2007-11-07T22:49:00.000-05:00

As I am entering the thick of the college process (applications, visitations, etc.) I am finally realizing what a painstaking process it really is. I need a lot of prayer, that I will make wise decisions and keep fighting through the countless essays and such. Thank you all :)

I also wanted to bring up an interesting point. Last Sunday I came downstairs to my dad watching one of those TV preachers, caught in a passionate oratory, and I heard him say something very intriguing (the preacher, although my dad says many intriguing things). He said "Hell was made for the Devil, not for Man." So I thought, how terrible it would be to endure a punishment meant for a former angel of the Most High God.

All picture-Bible notions of hell aside, consider that point specifically. Lucipher, one of God's brightest angels, was cast into Hell as eternal punishment for his crime. Our mandate as Christians is to save as many people from that as possible. Think how terrible, how incredibly painful it would be for any one of us feeble humans to endure a punishment fit to enslave a former angel of God for eternity. I know I'm preaching to the choir, and I'm not trying to scare you into repentance, but this fact really made me think, and reconsider my perception of Heaven and Hell.

Just as Hell is so terrible, Heaven is so unbelievably amazing. While Hell was not meant for Man to experience, Heaven was. God desires for us to be with Him when we pass from this world. While Satan's punishment was never meant to become Man's punishment, the eternal praise and pure joy of Heaven was meant to be Man's final calling. God desires for us to share in the great love, eternal joy, and pure, ceaseless, unabated worship that exists in Heaven. How awesome is that?!

I just thought this might at least get some people thinking. I know it got me thinking, and gave me all the more reason to praise our Father in Heaven. I love all of you, and I am praying for you.

-Seth

In All Things

2007-10-27T23:03:00.001-04:00

There is a song we sing in youth chorus called "In All Things," and I've been meaning to write about it for a while but I never got around to it. The words, however simple, really speak to me. We can sing songs like these over and over again and really never think about what we're singing, and that, unless we try to accomplish what we're singing, it all amounts to empty promises. The lyrics are as follows:

In all things, in all things,
Jesus You are King.
Yes, You are King.
I won't worry
Over anything.
But I will sing,
Jesus You are King.

The very first words spoken here are, "In all things." Is Jesus really the King of everything in our lives? Do we really surrender all of our hopes and dreams to Him? Or do we try and grasp certain things that we couldn't possibly consider relinquishing control of? For instance, that girl or guy you try so hard to impress and whenever you're around them you get so nervous about messing up, saying something stupid, or doing anything at all that would hurt your chances of being with him or her in the slightest way. While you're thinking of them, you're forgetting about God. Keep in mind that God has someone in mind for you, and He'll make that person known to you in His perfect time. Don't stick your nose in God's business.

Secondly, "Jesus You are king." What comes to mind when we hear the word "king"? Power, authority, leadership, sovereignty, to reign... Are we willing to give Jesus all of that in all our lives? Are we willing to risk not doing so? In my opinion, life is too much of a monstrous thing to try and handle on my own. At times, I am reluctant to give up certain things that I want to go my way, but our way is very seldom the right way. Perhaps if we could foresee the end of all things, we would appreciate God's decisions a little more. But because we can't, and because God sees all things, we must have faith that our Creator knows what His children need most.

Finally, "I won't worry over anything. But I will sing, Jesus, You are King." Matthew 6:27 says "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" I don't know about you, but I love being able to make a decision out of faith that my God will guide my heart. Worrying not only wastes time and energy, but it also leads us further and further away from the Lord. The more we worry, the more reasons we find NOT to do what needs to be done. We lose heart, we lose nerve, but most tragically, we lose faith. And at times, certain situations arise which we cannot control, and again worrying will not make things any easier to endure. In times of grief, hardship, or any other adverse circumstances, the worst thing we could possibly do is focus on that grief or hardship. Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessolonians 5:16-18 says "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

When I sing this song, I try to remember that I am, essentially, making a promise to surrender my life to the saving power of Jesus, to his sovereignty and faithfulness. I must constantly remind myself to trust that, in all things, the Lord desires what is best for me. So, in all things, He must be King.

With love,
Seth

The Sincerest Form

2007-10-22T22:50:00.000-04:00

Tonight's Youth Chorus rehearsal devotions got me thinking. The topic was imitation, and whether we attempt to emulate the right people.

As humans, we inherently act based on our environments and those people who have the most integral role in our lives. It is shown through any form of demographic analysis that groups from different areas, with different levels of education, different belief systems, different incomes, will almost always behave differently. However, the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ pervades any circumstance, any environment, any adverse situation that would influence one's growth.

It is when we "imitate" Christ that our own hearts change and we begin to affect those around us. Some people choose to imitate professional athletes, celebrities, peers, etc. and without Jesus some people may, whether they choose so consciously or not, perpetuate any form of abusive or harmful behavior which they experience at home or in a close circle of friends. It is only through striving towards Christ-like living that we find pure joy and our true identity.

To attempt to alter your mentality or aspirations in order to achieve likeness of any other individual but Christ Jesus is counteractive to the truest success in life that God has planned for you. Each person has their own lane to travel that will get them where they need to be in the best way possible, and the only guarantee that you won't hit a dead end is to to follow, to emulate, Jesus Christ, whose very purpose on this earth was to reconcile God and man. What better way to achieve closeness to the Lord than to imitate His perfect Lamb?

Aside from the blessing we experience in pursuit of Christ-likeness, unto ourselves from heaven or unto others through ourselves, which is reason enough to treasure such pursuit, we are called many times over in God's word to do so. The only way to be sure we are heading the right way as Christians is to examine Christ's example. Of course, considering we are not wholly God as Christ was, we could not possibly live in such total perfection as He did, however the only way to reach the finish line is to run the race set before us. Matthew 5:48 says, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

I believe we all know this in ourselves, but our mandate is to impart the truth upon others. It is also something easily forgotten in a world full of people to imitate who seem, in every reasonable way, fine examples. But fine and perfect are two very different things, and the only perfect example is the Lord Jesus. Pray for me in this, something I need very much to work on, and I will be praying for you. God bless you and keep you.

With love,
Seth

Not Much

2007-10-21T16:55:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in a while, but I don't really have much to say, so I just wanted to let you all know that I love you and you are in my prayers.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Much love,
Seth

Thou, O Lord

2007-10-07T23:25:00.000-04:00

Many are they increased that trouble me.
Many are the sins I've committed.
Many are they that rise up against me.
Yet more are they who love me,
And most of all, You.
Many are they that say of my soul,
"There is no hope for him in God."
But there is always hope in You.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
I am undeserving.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
I am unfit.
He leads me beside quiet waters.
I am unworthy.
But I want You,
I am tired,
And I'm so thirsty.
Forgive me, and give me
Peace, patience, kindness,
Goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
Self control for I have little,
Joy for I am frustrated,
And love, for I don't love enough.
But You always love enough.
You are enough.
You sustain me.
Thou, O Lord, are a shield for me,
A shield that cannot be splintered.
You extend beyond what I need,
You prepare a table for me.
Me, unfit to eat what You leave behind,
Yet I am honored as Your guest.
I love You.
Help me to serve You, and You alone,
Not my selfish desires or false justice.
Not my ideas of prosperity,
But Your plans to prosper me.
Amen.

Justified?

2007-09-30T23:56:00.000-04:00

Sometimes Satan doesn't come at us with a full-fledged siege; if only it were that easy. When we know what the enemy is throwing at us, and we can perceive his devices, all it takes is a cry to the Lord for help and once again, the enemy is vanquished and we have victory in Jesus. But the toughest battles are fought inside our walls, when Satan sneaks through the cracks we all have and breaks down our defenses from within. And when we finally realize what's happening, it's probably too late.

Anger can be one of these sneak attacks. When we commit a sin, an obvious sin, we know its wrong and we know to seek repentance and forgiveness, and then we move on and work towards improvement. But anger is something that doesn't always occur to us as something needing repentance, especially because most of the time we feel it comes with good reason, at least from our perspective. It's easy to confess the sins we can't justify; it's much harder to conquer our own self-righteousness, and realize our justice isn't God's justice.

I would agree that, to a certain point, we all have a right to feel upset when wronged. But the line is crossed when we act out, hold grudges, or seek vengeance, and I must confess I have at some point been guilty of all three. This is where Satan makes his move. "Eye for an eye" makes a lot more sense when we're the aggressor, rather than the victim. Because of our selfish nature, once we feel justified in something it's very hard to ever see reason until we've gone too far, or are knocked into our senses.

We must lay our grudges, our anger, our sense of revenge at the Lord's feet, and stop fooling ourselves with feigned justice. "Vengeance is mine," declares the Lord. Love does not keep any record of wrongs. And, as we are called to show love, let us not keep any record of wrongs. Life is a lot more enjoyable when you aren't constantly thinking about pain someone has inflicted on you. It's a lesson I'm not even close to completing. So pray for me, and I'll be praying for you.

-Seth

Alpha and Omega

2007-09-25T00:18:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we wonder.
Sometimes we question or complain,
Deny, reject, and betray.
Sometimes we commit,
Surrender and serve.
Sometimes we toil away and see no reward.
Sometimes we're rewarded too much,
Or for someone else's labor.
Sometimes we harm others,
Or harm ourselves.
Sometimes we give just to give,
And even more times to receive.
Sometimes we're forgiven,
And even less times forgive.
Sometimes we fall,
And crawl with no end in sight.
Sometimes we rebuke where needed,
But more often judge where not.
Sometimes we're grateful and give thanks where deserved,
Sometimes take what we could never deserve.
Sometimes we love from our hearts,
But most times only where it is returned,
And often where it pins us down.
Sometimes we pray, seek, and ask,
Sometimes we confess.

And every time, we are forgiven.
Every time we pray, we are heard.
Every time we seek, we find.
Every time we ask, we are answered.
For ever and always, we are loved.
We live by grace unmerited.
We are protected by the Righteous Judge.
We are carried by the Lord of Peace,
And if we work towards Heaven,
We shall not fail to be rewarded.
He who was denied, rejected, and betrayed,
Who committed and surrendered to service,
The Alpha and Omega, beginning and end,
Is alive in us.

We, a people of "sometimes," serve a God of "every time." The God who created all things, who endures infinitely beyond all things, who came to live among us and save us, lives in us today. May our conditionality give way to His unconditionality; our "sometimes" give way to His "every time." Amen.

-Seth

Simple Things

2007-09-19T21:21:00.000-04:00

I must say that recently it's been hard to endure; not anything in particular, just life in general. All the daily battles we encounter can be discouraging if not fought in the right way, and very typically I lay down my weapons and refuse to fight out of simple fatigue. And that is definitely not the right way to fight. Consequently, I feel discouraged, but thank the Lord for His mercy. He gives me renewed strength each day.

When I consider all that is taking place in our world - the disease and oppression that many face without any chance for escape - I realize that my fatigue and discouragement are completely misplaced. The only reason I see my daily battles as battles rather than chances for growth is because I selfishly view my issues against the backdrop of the world I inhabit, rather than the world our God inhabits. In the grand mural our Lord has painted, I often times consider only the small oak in the corner under which I sit, whose leaves fall occasionally, while the rest of the forest is burning.

Basically, we have nothing to worry about regarding our own lives. We should, rather, consider the lives of those around us, and the condition of the souls we can change. The Lord carries us and guides our lives so that we might be able to achieve that very purpose. While the rest of the forest burns, we can't be wrapped up in our few shriveled leaves. With a new season comes new growth, but a tree consumed by fire can never bear fruit.

So let us not blow the pitch and yaw of life out of proportion, for if we know God, we have nothing to fear. We can do anything through Christ who strengthens us. But there are those who do not know God, who have no such source of strength, and it is our responsibility, our mandate as the Lord's vessels, to bring as many souls as we can to the kingdom. How can our minds be focused properly on God's kingdom if we're trying so hard to perfect our own?

Matthew 6:33-34 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Fellow believers, I ask you to pray for me, and for all other believers you know, and still for those whom you don't, that we will focus wholly on the Lord's call to the kingdom. You are in my prayers always. May it be so in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father.

With love,
Seth

Let It Rain

2007-09-11T22:43:00.000-04:00

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=b2712f31f1b688ee8aaa

I couldn't figure out how to actually put this video in my post, so there's the link. Watching this, I could not help but cry. I mean, how often do we truly attempt to fathom the endless, eternal, terrifying, incapacitating, saving beauty of the Lord? My words do not come close to describing the way the Spirit spoke to me through this video. I pray He does the same for you.
-Seth
P.S. Selected verses from Psalm 97 (one of my favorites).

Tommy

2007-09-10T21:12:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, I spent my day in the city rehearsing for a drama/musical number I'm a part of for the women's rally this weekend. The day went smoothly for the most part, and we got a lot accomplished, but what blessed me the most about my day was a man named Tommy, who I met in the subway station.

My brother and I were hurriedly searching for a terminal to buy a new metrocard, and on our way down a stairwell from the street, there was a man, quite obviously homeless, on his knees in the corner. He begged again and again to the passers by for something, anything to help him, shaking a cup of loose change. He had acquired quite the collection of juice boxes, potato chips, etc. I didn't have any food, and I never give money to people I don't know, so I passed by him, trying to ignore him.

In that moment I experienced the most severe conviction I have felt for a long time. I couldn't possibly count the number of times I'd passed by a homeless man before, and I've certainly done worse things with barely a second thought. Then I remembered my TAM experience, and how enthusiastically I had prayed over people passing on the street, or begging on the corner. How could I so easily deny this man what he needed most? And wouldn't you know it, just in that moment I heard him say "Please, I love Jesus. Someone help me out."

So I turned and approached him. His face, though scarred, filthy, and unshaven, was filled with an unearthly gentility. I sensed passion in his eyes, and a pure desire for the peace of Jesus Christ. "Hey, what's your name?" I asked.

"Tommy," he replied.

"I'll pray for you, Tommy," I said.

"Well God bless you, that's what I need most."

And every night since I have prayed for Tommy, with his juice boxes and cup of loose change. What a humbling experience, that a man so destitute, with naught to call his own but the clothes on his back, trampled by the sin in our world, could still cling to faith. And here I sit comfortably in an air conditioned home, with piles of clothes I barely ever wear, hot food to eat whenever I'm hungry, and often when I'm not, and I still say my battle is hard. Tommy is a soldier, in every sense of the word. Let us always remember the unmerited, bountiful blessings that the Lord showers on us, even while we turn our backs to Him.

In Him,
Seth

Closer

2007-09-09T00:14:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking all day about writing something significant and substantial, something that my readers (however few) will really think about. And as I sit here now, up far later than I should be, I'm listening to Eternus, the brand new GNY Youth Band and Chorus recording, specifically the track "Closer," one of the more well known songs in our chorus' repertoire.

The words to this song, however simple, permeate every stitch of my soul. It is a prayer, my prayer, of longing and obedience. It is my deepest desire that these words would be true in my own life and the lives of every lost and wounded person. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and the wages of sin is death, but it is by the grace of God through His son Jesus Christ that we can be saved from that death and experience life more and more abundantly each day. Praise God!

Closer to You, Lord,
In your perfect will.
Closer to You, Lord,
Draw me closer still.

In the shadow of Your mighty hand,
Lord, I long to abide.
Not my will, but Lord Your will be done.
Draw me closer to Your side.

It's where I want to be,
Nearer my God to thee.

Closer to You, Lord,
In your perfect will.
Closer to You, Lord,
Draw me closer still.

Nearer, nearer blessed Lord
To the cross where Thou hast died.

O draw me
Closer to You, Lord,
In your perfect will.
Closer to You, Lord,
Draw me closer still.

Amen!

School

2007-09-04T20:02:00.000-04:00

It begins anew tomorrow: the long, vastly unnecessary, cattle drive-esque waste of time called school. It's a shame something so dull has become necessary to succeed in our society. Although I intend to make myself and my God known in whatever endeavors I take on this year, I am dreading the piles of seemingly endless work I will be forced to complete. It's already begun, as I am currently swamped with summer assignments that I've foolishly postponed until the very last days of my vacation. I'll have to pray very hard not to lose focus, a problem I often have when it comes to school, doing immense amounts of work for people I sometimes find barely tolerable. I do enjoy learning very much, probably more than most things, but I can't stand compromising my personal schedule for scholastic purposes. I'm sure many of you can understand how I feel. Well, I must now return to my aforementioned assignments. I love you all. God bless.
-Seth

Word of God Speak

2007-08-30T21:57:00.001-04:00

God is doing amazing things in my life. He is working through me and sculpting me, speaking to me and guiding me. It's an incredible feeling.

To all my brothers and sisters in Christ who feel alone or without cause, just sit and listen to God. Have faith that He will speak to you and tell you what you need to hear. The Lord will not deny a heart in need. Fall at His feet in adoration and just let His peace, comfort, and wisdom wash over you. Have faith that God will bestow His mercy on you.

Claim the opportunity that is yours as a new creation in Christ to come before the Lord and speak with Him. Persevere and endure. The Lord is merciful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. He sees, He hears, He restores. Amen!

I speak from experience.

I called, You answered,
And You came to my rescue and I
Want to be where You are.

-Seth

Part III: Press Onward

2007-08-28T18:31:00.000-04:00

The third and final episode of my summer trilogy is Territorial Musicamp, held since its conception at beautiful Star Lake Camp. Aside from spending another week at the greatest camp on earth, I was able to experience the love of God through awesome people, epic music, and a general awareness of God's presence.

The aforementioned awesome people include the special guests, Graeme and Neryl Press, from the great nation of Australia. It was my greatest pleasure to play in Star Lake Band under Mr. Press' artful direction and be in the presence of such talented musicians. Not only did Graeme display a masterful grasp on his craft, but the presence of the Lord in him was a great blessing to me throughout the week. I was also privileged to sing in Tabernacle Chorus, under the inspiring leadership of Dr. Harold Burgmayer. Never have I enjoyed chorus so much. Theory with Emilee Bennett was a thoroughly enjoyable time as well, which is a lot to say for a theory class. Aside from the great opportunity of such devoted instructors, it was my sincerest joy to spend quality time with people I love, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

A time of great blessing upon my heart each day was our cabin devotions, which flowed completely by the Spirit of God, not questions or instructions in a book. I was blessed to share a cabin with a group of passionate musicians who, through complete happenstance, formed a cohesive worship band. It's amazing what an impact the Lord can make through a few simple songs and verses if one's heart is open to the Spirit. Camp-wide devotions, led each day by none other than Graeme Press, and the final Sunday's holiness meeting were a source of incredible healing for me. I thank the Lord for the people He's placed in my life, who pray for me and love me. And, of course, the music I was able to play and sing throughout the week made God's love, power, and message even more clear to me.

Some pictures...

This is a dramatic representation of the story of Samson and Delilah, cleverly translated by David LaBossierre and performed at Star Lake's Got Talent. It didn't win... actually it didn't even place, but everyone knows it was the best act. That hansome fellow there in the middle is Samson.

A closeup of Samson.

Dave LaBossierre, Narrator In Chief.

One of Samson's clever deceptions. Of course back rubs don't take away his strength, Delilah. But then what does? What a conundrum!

Here I am on the trail up Torne Mountain. I would recommend this trek for anyone to whom it is available. The view from the summit is absolutely breathtaking. Praise God for His creation!

Thanks to Evie Stickland for this shot. It captures so vividly the personalities of everyone shown: I'm too stupid to wait before I open a soda I've been throwing around. Dave tends to laugh at people doing stupid things. Neal thoughtfully contemplates the consequences of the present situation. Kat contemplates... something. Love ya Kat :)

Here I am with my good friend Kat. She got mad that I never smile in pictures, so my friend Harrison tried successfully to make me laugh.

So we got this. I look weird in both so I guess it doesn't matter either way.

Here we have a photo with my other very good friend, Emma, and another feeble attempt of mine to take a good picture.

Well, this concludes my documentation of the summer's events, aside from the football practices I'm currently fighting through. I will very dearly miss all of it, and I thank the Lord for everything that took place and the change I've experienced in my life. I look forward earnestly to even better adventures to come.

Part II: Mark My Word

2007-08-27T21:32:00.000-04:00

TAM Conservatory chapter seven,

Every year a little more like heaven.

God gets glory, we get tasty chow (in a tent),

Learn your lines and break a leg then take a bow.

After my time at camp, I attended the Territorial Arts Ministries Conservatory, from August 6-13. This was my fourth year as a student (go veterans!) and as always my expectations were met and surpassed. This year's theme, "Mark My Word," was an intense, in-depth study of the gospel of Mark.

Rather than every major track performing individual items, every class studied a section of the book of Mark to portray through whatever medium they chose to study. As a drama student, my lines were the very words of Mark's gospel, and the blessing I received in memorizing and relating certain portions of Christ's life and teaching was incredible. Every student and instructor gave 100% to carry Jesus' message and, as always, I am so thankful to God for the whole experience.

Every part of my week became a clear picture of God's love and grace. The worship was amazing, small groups were a blessing, the instruction I received was invaluable, and, of course, the time I was able to spend with people I love is precious to me. I could not begin to describe fully how much of an impact God made on my life in that week. He completely changed my heart, and I love Him for it. Now for some pictures...

This is the crucifixion scene of the final program. It's a bit blurry, but I'm the guy on the right. This was probably the most powerful scene I've ever been a part of. It took me a few times through it to get used to what was happening and not completely lose it.

Here's some stuff I did on electives night with my improv class. This here is a modified "Machine," where we each had an action and sound or a few words to express something that had blessed us that week. This was a very powerful moment for me.

Here's some more improv. This game is called "DVD," where you put together a bunch of random crap from the audience and make a movie out of it. This is my Academy Award winning portrayal of the Loch Ness monster.

This is the bus on the way to musicamp auditions, but it was still technically during TAM. That's one of my best friends, Emma.

Well that's pretty much it. I would love to talk more about it, if anyone has questions, because I know there are so many people out there reading this :p

Pictures

2007-08-26T21:20:00.003-04:00

Here are just a few pictures from this summer. There are a lot more, but these are the only ones I could get.

This is me on night duty... heheh... duty. As you can see I'm really tan, one of the many perks of lifeguarding. On night duty all you do basically is make sure everything is in order, and yell at loud cabins. I get to carry the world's brightest flashlight, a clipboard to record "incidents," and a radio. I felt so cool.

It was a slow night so we took some pictures to occupy ourselves. From left: Thomas (mad cool), Myself, and Joel, my roomate. These guys are a blast.

This is me shining my flashlight in the bear's face. You can't see it, but he's just to the right of the picture. He was thinking about mauling some people, but then he saw that I was out on the prowl so he ran scared back into the woods.

Part I: Shine Like Stars

2007-08-26T20:33:00.000-04:00

The first and longest major portion of my summer was working as a lifeguard at the one, the only greatest camp in the world... Star Lake!!

The summer's theme, Shine Like Stars, is taken from Philippians 2:14-16 -- "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." Of course things always didn't go without some form of argument or complaint, but through everything that took place in my 6 weeks (give or take) working at Star Lake, I learned above all else that the One True God is the only source of true comfort, peace, and satisfaction.

It was my privilege throughout those 6 weeks (give or take) to protect the lives and warm the hearts of precious young children, whom I grew to love dearly, despite their tantrums, ADD fueled mischief, troublesome habits, neglect of water safety, etc. God's instructions for us to be like children became so much more relevant to me, as for hours every day these kids would play in the water, oblivious of the potential danger that surrounds it, trusting with total abandon that any problem that comes up can be solved by Mr. Seth and the other lifeguards. Although at the time the idea of what could possibly happen was terrifying, looking back on it now it serves as a very pertinent lesson. God's eyes are everywhere, watching and guiding our every step, and His tender loving arms are always prepared to catch us if we slip up, or pull us up out of the waves if we jump in over our heads.

Aside from my very rewarding work concerning the kids, I was very blessed to meet some awesome people and receive great Christian instruction. I thank the Lord every day for the impact He made on my life through my summer at Star Lake. There is nothing quite like a child's smiling face or innocent, pure-hearted hug to brighten your entire day. So if you know what's good for you, you'll come work at Star Lake next summer. THE END :)

-Seth

First Post! Yay!

2007-08-25T21:13:00.000-04:00

I'm not completely sure if I decided to start a blog because I was bored, or if I really wanted people to know what was going on in my life. Either way, this is it. My blog. Woohoo... I have to say first and foremost that I had an amazing summer, most significantly due to the fact that God renewed my life in an awesome way. He restored my heart and soul and revived my passion for Him. I'm actually not even sure if renew, restore, and revive are the right words, because the prefix re- would imply that I've experienced life in this way before, which would not be entirely true. God has completely blown away every doubt in my mind that He is alive and working in my life, and I thank Him everyday for the strength and peace I feel in Him. Praise the Lord! The love I feel welling up in my heart is absolutely incredible. I'll provide details later. Goodbye for now, much love to you and God bless in all you do.
-Seth