Classic Cartoons Guy

A Pokemon Safari in Tennessee

2011-09-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Ever been to the Tennessee Safari Park? If not, you should definitely go! Though I must say, beware of the Evil Emus, they're from hell! Or quite possibly part of Team Rocket. lol. and very big. hahah.

Just looking at them will give you the creeps. And then there's the ostriches, which are Mutant Emus! Very hard to catch as a Pokemon Trainer, but great rewards await those who succeed!

Every challenge along the way, with courage we will face. We will battle every day to claim out rightful place!

Pokemon Episode Used: The Legend of Dratini.

90s Nick Is Finally Back!

2011-06-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

A while back, I posted an article from All Headline News, as well as a video of the article talking about the return of 90s Nick on a special programming block. Now, it is a certainty, 90s Nickelodeon, the good shows, are returning! Millions have been asking for it, including yours truly, and now Nick is responding to the overwhelming call.

Read: Past Blog Entry and Article, All Headline News, with the As Told By Ginger Theme Song!

On Level Ground

2011-06-07T04:23:00.000-07:00

We are all the same, whether white, black, male, female, slave, or free, in Christ the Lord (Galatians 3:28). This principle is plain in the classic cartoon Hey Arnold!, episode Ms. Perfect. One of the greatest causes of heartache and pain is bullying; however, Satan is subtle and crafty (Genesis 3:1), lying and twisting the word of the Lord to deceive so that anyone can easily begin bullying someone without knowing it and by the time they realize what they have done, people have been hurt and lives possibly ruined.

In the Hey Arnold episode, the girls of P.S 113 become jealous of the new girl Lila, as she is as stylish as Rhonda, as smart as Phoebe, and fits right in with everyone else, including all the boys. They try to put her in her place, but soon discover that her home-life is with her single father who nobody seems to want to hire. Lila's life on the outset had been in shambles, but she had successfully made something of herself in a short time at the new school and the girls felt guilty about trying to take that away.

At this point, the girls realize that Lila was just a human like all of them with problems much greater than any of them had ever experienced. Repentant, they go to Lila immediately and apologize and in the midst of her poverty, Lila smiles as they all hug. Life may have been hard on her, but she was able to make friendships at the school and become a student of strong integrity.

The girls learned a valuable lesson in seeing everyone as important, and indeed, everyone is important. The Lord loves everyone, and though He will judge and send people to hell who reject the sacrifice of His Son on the Cross and die in their sins, He takes no pleasure in it (2 Peter 3:9). In truth, He wants everyone to learn the lesson that the girls learned, to realize we are wrong and be repentant and ask forgiveness, for we are all sinners fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23).

This is why Christ stressed to forgive others so much (Matthew 18:21-23), as before we were saved, there may have been many cases when we were like the girls were toward Lila before they knew about her home-life. Now, however, no matter what we once were apart from Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), we are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, called to be One body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13) always building each other up (Hebrews 10:19-25). The girls could have not changed anything upon seeing Lila's situation, but continuing to fight and bully her would have just caused great division and torn the student body of P.S. 113 apart. Though they still had their problems at the end of the episode, as the Church has its problems, they were learning to cope with them as they accepted Lila as a friend.

We as the body of Christ must learn to lean on Him (Proverbs 3:5-6) and if we have any cares or worries, cast them on Him for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), and He will sustain His children (Psalm 55:22). Do not grudge against someone in the body of Christ, talk things through and move past the former self, for we have been "rescued from the domain of darkness, and transferred...to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13-14). Be holy, just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:13-16). Have you ever felt jealous over someone else, comment below and share your story, or comment if this story has inspired you!

It's FINALLY Happening!!

2011-04-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

90s Nick is coming back! That's right, the good shows, the shows that this blog is based on, are coming back to Nickelodeon. I know, I couldn't believe it at first either, but it's happening! Here's the news article about the decision: Nickelodeon brings back 90s favorites with "The 90s Are All That" programming block.

To celebrate this, I made a video, using none other than a good 90s show theme song, As Told By Ginger. Now, if only Nick would get onto that last Hey Arnold movie they never finished, the Jungle Movie. Keep facebooking, keep YouTubeing comments... The Nickelodeon Execs are seeing the demand and are giving a supply!

The Indiana Jones Improv

2011-02-20T01:01:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been 4 months and 5 days since the event, but I finally made the video of the famous Indiana Jones Improv by my three friends, Joe Cook, Justin Owens, and Benji Sparks. I hope you all enjoy it, and to give some background, the three are on the hunt for the crystal skull, but things keep going awry in the course of their adventure. That's not mentioning the fact that they all begin to turn against each other as they get closer to the skull.

Though this is a great comedy video, remember that many times nothing will seem to ever go right and we may begin to turn against each other in the body of Christ as a result. Next time you're faced with a sequence of bad events in your Christian walk, don't blame God, don't blame yourself, don't blame others, don't even blame Satan. Instead of looking for someone to blame, look for ways to fix what is wrong. Blaming does no good as we are in a war. We need to just do our jobs and fight the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:13), and when we fall, ask for forgiveness and get back up in the fight.

Since this improv was from the "He-Brews" Open Mic CoffeeHouse, consider this verse from the book of Hebrews next time you feel nothing is going right in your life.

"For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (Hebrews 12:3).

Is what your going through worse than what you and I both did on our own to our Lord because our sin? He was God, yet chose to taste of death anyway. Nietzche once said, "God is dead," and after our Lord said "It is finished," that was true. God literally died. But, what Nietzche didn't know was, "He is risen!"

God died, but He did not stay dead. Think about that. Almighty God actually chose to DIE. The implications of that kind of love are staggering, that He Himself would choose to taste death, even if it was for only 3 days. That is what makes Yehovah different from all the other false gods, as our God is the only One that actually "knows" what it's like to be human. He became a Man, lived a life encountering all the temptations we experience and did not sin even once, and he let death swallow Him up. Yet, by His death, He defeated sin, thus defeating death (Romans 6:23), and rose again and is alive forevermore. He is the first fruits of the resurrection of the saints, and by His resurrection, the resurrection of all those who die in Him is made possible (1 Corinthians 15:20).

What's your favorite Indiana Jones movie or moment? Or what did you think of the improv? Did this blog touch you in a way to give glory to our King, Yeshua? Let me know in the comments!

Lost relationships

2011-02-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

We all experience loss of someone at some time in our lives. Sometimes it is a close friend, family member, or significant other. The loss of each one can be painful, but to varying degrees depending on the loss.

When I left for college, I was one of the only ones from my class to go to the university I chose, and the only one when it came to the ones I talked with and hung out with the most. Our group would always sit and talk together, whether in lunch or class, and we'd go out and play paintball very often. At first, when I realized I was the only one that would be attending UT Martin, I began considering transferring to either MTSU or Memphis at the end of my first semester (I had even "made up my mind" the day I moved into my dorm). I was terrified because those friends were the only friends I had ever known and I didn't want to lose that connection.

Well, I moved in on a Thursday and the very next day (Friday), I went to the BCM's (Baptist Collegiate Ministry) first CoffeeHouse of the semester, in which Lydia Walker was singing (Get her CD "Statistics" on iTunes NOW, it's amazing). Anyway, I've always been rather reserved, but as soon as I walked in and filled out a "green sheet" (short form to "join"), this real tall guy walked up to me and welcomed me there. He was a Sophomore then and I was the "scared-and-confused Freshman." After that short discussion with that tall guy, who later became a good friend of mine here at Martin, I went to get something to eat and went to the Worship Room and sat down to listen to the concert.

Another group saw that I was sitting alone (I literally did not know anyone there) and invited me to sit with them. Since they seemed real nice (and mostly made up of girls, hahah!), I said, "Sure." I met all them and now good friends with them all. Oh, and by the way, when they found out I was a History Major, they told that "tall guy" I had met earlier, who also was a History Major and came over and said that I didn't tell him I was a History Major. I just said, "You didn't ask," and we just all had a good laugh about it. ;)

Needless to say, that first visit to the BCM helped me (the shy guy), find a place there at Martin and I began to involve myself in LifeGroups and other activities. All of this began to strengthen my relationship with God, even though I had been a Christian in the Word in a good church with Christian friends all my life. The Lord knows what He's doing, and knew that this was where I needed to be. Sometimes, it just takes stepping out into the unknown to see God's full purpose. Granted, in this case, the Lord "tricked" me into stepping out, as I never would have applied had I known that none of my friends were going there, but He really wanted me here and I'm glad He did.

I still try to keep in contact with my friends from high school (thank you Facebook, thank you texting. lol.), but I haven't had nearly as much contact with them as I once had.

The song 1982 by Randy Travis paints a beautifully, sad picture of trying to heal broken relationships. The song talks more about dating and relationships that have been broken because of mistakes, yet can be applied to a certain extent to any relationship that has been strained for any reason. I say "to a certain extent," because it cannot be fully applied because that's just not the purpose of the song.

The video below is some clips I have compiled from the classic cartoon Danny Phantom in which we see Danny frantically trying to heal his relationship with Sam. The video isn't exactly a part of the storyline from the cartoon and may not completely go with this Blog, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. After all, the cartoons on this Blog are just to put a smile on your face as we all remember the good times from childhood.

Hindsight is 20/20, yet if we continue to focus on our past decisions (whether good or bad), we'll miss out on the greater purpose God has for our lives. During the first semester of my Sophomore year my LifeGroup discussed the book "Radical" by David Platt (the group was lead by that tall guy and one of the girls in the second group I had talked to), which stresses the urgency for Christians to "step out into the unknown," despite what the American Dream says of "just get a good job, a good wife, have kids, and live the traditional lifestyle."

I had to "step out into the unknown" to get here, to get to read that book, but it's not over, as life is all about stepping out on the water, and if the world says that it can't be done, we are to look to Jesus and come.

Have you experienced loss in your relationships before? Have you been placed in a position where you had to "step out on the water" and just look to Jesus? Leave a comment, and let me know, or just comment about the Blog/Video itself. :)

Time to finish the race: GO PACK GO!

2011-02-06T02:12:00.000-08:00

The Superbowl: the most watched event of the year. Today will be the 45th time the world champion is crowned, and is hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers pitted against my team, the Green Bay Packers in Dallas, Texas. Yes, I'm a Packer fanatic, although, being a Tennessee Volunteer fan, I've always liked the Indianapolis Colts (Peyton Manning) as well, but the Packers have been my team since I popped outta the womb, pretty much. I have always wanted to see a Superbowl between the Packers and the Colts, my two favorite teams, but I'll settle with wins for each of them. ;)

I've been wanting to make a blog/video commemorating the Pack as they fly into the Superbowl and mop the floor with ol' Pitt, and finally, the day of the big game, I figured it out and got a video made. Is God good, or what? In the classic cartoons "Hey Arnold" and "Danny Phantom," we see a couple of jerks, one pretty boy who claims to have played on the line for the Pack and one evil man with ghost powers who claims to be a Packer fan. Well, I did some research and they are "Not One of Us." ;)

I knew that pretty boy, Doug, was up to no good wanting to marry Helga's sister, Olga, the moment he said he played on the line for Green Bay. Look at him, we'd crush him. He wouldn't last 5-minutes in a green and gold uniform. hahah!

It should be a great game, as both teams have been excellent all year. They will be looking to "finish the race," as, just like in our Christian walk, it's this final game that matters. We are to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and [to] run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). It's not over till it's over and when critical "Superbowl-situations" arise in our Christian walk, we need to remain "patient," which comes by staying focused on Christ as verse 2 of Hebrews 12 states. So many times, in real life teams get so excited about the big game that they forget to remain focused on what got them there, and as they begin struggling, impatience sets in. However, if we remain focused on Christ, the One who brought us to the championships, we will be victorious and win our own Superbowls against Satan and his forces of darkness. Stay the course, be focused on the Gameplan (the Word) that got you where you are, and win.

I hope that even if you're not a football fan, memories of these two classic cartoons will light up your day nonetheless, and that this blog has been an encouragement to you to "finish the race." And, if you do like football, I hope you "fly like a Cheesehead!" ;)

Who do you think will win the Superbowl? Let me know in the comments! (Be honest, I won't kill you (unless you say Steelers. hahah!))

Southern Living with Bugs Bunny

2011-02-05T01:13:00.000-08:00

Dixieland: As a Tennessean, I will always cherish the South. There's nothing quite like good ol' Southern hospitality and cooking. Who doesn't like barbecue with sweet potato pie and iced, sweet tea? Bacon, eggs, and grits in the morning. Just thinking about it makes me hungry. Nothing is quite like Southern Heritage.

The Southern landscape is some of the most beautiful land in the United States. Now, some people may make fun of our "accents" and call us all a bunch of hillbilly morons, but really, a northern accent is something to be ashamed of, "doncha know." lol. ;)

But, in all seriousness, my goal isn't to make fun of any group, but just provide some entertaining memories for my readers. I've always lived in the South and my childhood only knew the South. I grew up watching not just Nickelodeon, but I also grew up on Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Tom and Jerry, and the others classics. Zippity-do-dah, zippity eh, my oh my what a wonderful day! Remember Br'er Rabbit? ;)

Some have tried to ban some of these classics on account of violence, but I say hooey. A mouse dropping a safe on a cat's head is FUNNY. Remember those classic fights? ;)

What's you're favorite thing about the South? Comment and let me know! :)

Tommy's Six-Feet Below

2011-01-26T23:20:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! The video below is one I've been wanting to make for a while. The song is "When It's Springtime in Alaska (It's Forty Below)" by Johnny Horton, and scenes are from the Rugrats episode "Showdown at Teeter-Totter Gulch." It doesn't really have much of a moral to write about, but is just a fun video I put together for our enjoyment in reminiscing on the good ol' days. Let me know what you think of the video in the comments, or if you've had a similar relationship experience, tell your story. hahah! ;)

Healing Heartache

2011-01-22T18:08:00.000-08:00

We all experience heartache during the course of life; we place our trust and love in someone and then they let us down. It can be very difficult to pick up the broken pieces and put a relationship back together after it is broken, but with diligence and perseverance, it can be done, and will "preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3). It is not impossible to heal heartache, but it takes time and a steady dose of prayer and supplication in the Word (Ephesians 6:18-19).

In the song "Goodbye," sung by Miley Cyrus and the classic cartoon "All Grown Up," we see the basic principles of healing heartache and pain. The song begins saying:

"I can honestly say you've been on my mind since I woke up today. I look at your photograph all the time. These memories come back to life and I don't mind."

Good memories have a way of bringing a smile to anyones face, yet many times, good memories can be accompanied by bad memories that can create a lot of pain as well. No one, by any means, wants to rid themselves of the precious memories they have about either a person or a time of life, but at the same time, no one wants to carry the burdens of heartache with the good memories. The song goes on to say:

"I remember those simple things, I remember 'til I cry. But the one thing I wish I'd forget, the memory I want to forget is goodbye."

It never takes a lot to remind one of good times that will put a smile on anyone's face, but really is usually "simple things." That's one of the reasons I began this blog, to reminisce on the "good ol' days" and give praise to my Saviour. I hope this blog has put numerous smiles on your face as you remember great, classic cartoons we all used to watch. Painful memories are steadily healed the more we spend in prayer and time in God's Word. He asks us to "[cast] all [our] anxiety on Him, for He cares for [us]" (1 Peter 5:7), yet the previous verse tells us that to do that we must "humble [ourselves] under the mighty hand of God, that He may [exalt] us at the proper time."

We see this played out in Tommy and Rachel's relationship in the spin-off series of Rugrats, All Grown Up. Yet, the reconciliation is the most important part, as no matter how much time we spend in prayer, if we are the ones in the wrong, full-reconciliation will always require that we acknowledge to that person what we have done. Daniel 9:9 states that the Lord is compassionate and forgiving, despite our rebellion, and James 5:16 explains that we must "confess [our] sins to one another, and pray for one another so that [we] may be healed."

Reconciliation of friends takes more than just one-way communication, but rather, we must step up to acknowledge the wrongs we have done to them and before God. In the All Grown Up episode, "Rachel, Rachel," Tommy's Grandpa Boris makes a wise statement, saying, "Sometimes admitting you're wrong is the best thing you can do." Then, both parties involved must take the matter to the Father in prayer. It's one thing for one person to be praying, but it's another thing for both to be praying, but not for themselves, rather, for each other. If everyone prayed for each other, the world would "be reconciled to God" in Yeshua (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What heartache have you experienced and overcome? Share your testimony in the Comments on how you are "more than a conqueror in Christ" (Romans 8:37).

Precious Memories: how they linger

2011-01-05T01:14:00.000-08:00

"The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot" (Proverbs 10:7).

Memories can be filled with much heartache and pain, however, they do not have to be. Memories are precious and how we use them creates the person each of us ultimately becomes. The verse above from the book of Proverbs is packed with so much insight on how to live. If one continually dwells on heartache, they will begin to "rot," as depression takes hold of them.

We recently entered a New Year, a time when many begin to look forward in their lives in making New Year's Resolutions. As you make your resolutions for the New Year, think about the good times you've already had. Memories are indeed precious, and can create much happiness in a person's life.

No matter what you may have gone through in the past, don't let it steal the joy of your future. A wise Man once said, "Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you" (John 16:21-22).

God's plans for you are, "not for calamity," but "to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). Ponder the verse from John chapter 16 for a moment and think about the song "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson (listen to song, click here). Do you ever wonder where God is when you feel hurt if He really loves you? "Maybe there are things you can't see, and all those things are happening to bring about a better ending, someday, somehow, you'll see."

Romans 8:28 is a very famous verse that tells a remarkable message, saying that, "And we know that in all things God works together for the good of those who love Him, those who are called according to His purpose." Not everything in this life is good and not everything is necessarily God's will (2 Peter 3:9), yet for those who trust Him and lean not on their own understandings (Proverbs 3:5-6), He promises to work everything out for their good. "The pain [you may be] feeling is just the dark before the morning."

Even in pain and heartache, there is still "a reason to sing, because the pain that you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming.... Life is not a snapshot." The pain of labor cannot compare to the joy that is coming when the child is born. It might take a little time, but you'll see the bigger picture. Instead of dwelling on the pain of the present, dwell on the joy that's coming and past battles you have walked through (Philippians 4:8).

In the classic cartoon, Rugrats: All Grown Up, The Curse of Reptar: Chuckie Finster makes a very insightful statement about memories after they accidentally dig up their old Reptar toy, saying:

"Now I know to you guys Reptar may not mean a lot, but he does to me. He was once my favorite toy and if I remember right, he was your guys too. The first movie we saw was Reptar, he was our first cereal, our first snack bar, our first ice show was Reptar On Ice.... Reptar even gave me a mom and a sister. If we hadn't gone to Reptar Land, my dad wouldn't have met Kira and Kimi.... I know I'm supposed to want to grow up, but maybe, I don't want to do it as fast as you guys." [watch the episode, click here]

Memories are very precious, as most of the time, they are all we have left from certain times of our lives. I began this blog and YouTube channel to capture precious memories from my childhood. The days that I first came to know my Lord and Saviour as a child of 7-years-old, the picture of innocence (Matthew 18:3-4). I cannot go back in time and be a child again in the 90s, but I can reminisce on the joy from that time, and I hope my writings and videos bring joy to you as well, and that we can all be like Chuckie and dwell on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute, instead of pain that we may have experienced or are experiencing (Philippians 4:8). Don't let bad memories rule you, but rather, let them fade at the weight of glory, and think about the good times.

What's your most precious memory from childhood? Let me know in the comments, and God bless you!

Christmas: a time of friendship

2010-12-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

Angelica Learns the Meaning of Christmas

No other holiday is quite like Christmas. It stands alone, above all the rest, and truly is the best time of the year. It symbolizes the moment that God Almighty came down to be born of woman as the Son of Man, essentially the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:21-22), to redeem all of mankind.

Christmas is about God’s gift to us and it should be a time of joyful happiness. However, for many people, it is far from a time of joy, but rather of great pain and hurt. There are many lonely people that need to know someone cares for them and are willing to be their friend.

In the Christmas episode “Babies in Toyland” from the classic cartoon Rugrats, there are many teachings of the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is much more than getting and receiving gifts, but about friendship and love. The following video features a song from the episode that depicts the love to be extended to all peoples during Christmas.

Christmas is all about being a friend to everyone and extending the love of Christ to those who are lonely or depressed. However, Christmas should just be an extension of our “joys and cheers throughout the year with happiness to spare,” and not merely a one-day holiday. Our world should be a holiday, through the good times and the bad. Blessed be His name in the land that is plentiful; blessed be His name when we walk through the wilderness.

We need to be a friend to all, and “help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus…. ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35). We must let others see Jesus in us, because we may be the only Bible they ever read. After all, it is by our love that the world will know we are His (John 13:34-35). “Christmas isn’t Christmas [without] friends to share.” Leave a comment on how you can make treat each day like Christmas and shine the light of Christ into the world in making a difference in someone else’s life.

Going Cartoon on Facebook

2010-12-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

As most of you know by now, there is an observance against child abuse being held on Facebook until December 6, 2010. Upload a classic cartoon from your childhood to fight child abuse, as the goal is to not see a single human face on facebook until the 6th.

I've done it, obviously, since I already have it here. I'm Tommy Pickles. :) Now, it's your turn!

Children are a gift from above, or as Angelica and Susie say "a-bub" in the Rugrats Movie (part 1 is below). We are to become as little children to enter God's kingdom. They are the complete picture of innocence, and Jesus cared for them so much, as He does us all. He even said that anyone who would destroy a child's faith and harm them, it would be better if a millstone were hung around their necks and drowned in the sea. Please, remember to PRAY, as you take this observance on Facebook, for all the children who have been abused. Pray for their comfort and to know that their Father in heaven loves them and is with them.

Salvation: say the word

2010-11-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

"What you need, got your back, just say the word."

Salvation: Everyone longs for it. At some point, we have all messed up and our mistakes change our lives forever, whether they are big or small, in some way, lives are hurt. In the movie "Superman Returns," the man of steel tells Lois Lane, "You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one." Conversations like this take place many times in our day and age, as so many atheists will reject even the thought of needing a savior to redeem them, quite adamantly.

However, their adamant approach to not needing a savior reveals their fear of judgment. One day, we will all have to stand before the Lord and give an account for our lives (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12). Everyone is under the wrath of God and everyone knows he/she is under the wrath of God (Romans 1:18), but rather than coming to terms with this and humbling oneself before a holy and just God, many suppress it within their own unrighteousness. They suppress it out of fear, but not the reverent fear that God desires. No one has an excuse for not knowing that God is real (Romans 1:19-22), and all people are indeed crying for a savior.

The good news is that God has sent a savior, or rather, the Savior (John 14:6). This is illustrated perfectly in the song "Say The Word" by Christy Carlson Romano in the classic cartoon Kim Possible.

Notice how the lyrics are worded. Though this song is talking about friendships in general, it can be related to God's invitation of hope to all mankind and the disciple-making of the Church. The song title just states, "Say the Word," and that is indeed to true. The only way to find redemption is by humbling oneself before Almighty God and just saying "I need You!" When one comes to that point and calls for help, they'll see His Divine Word like never before.

The last part of the Chorus states, "Have you heard that I'm all about saving your world? All you have to do is say the word." That is a perfect image of Christ, as that is what He is all about. That's the exact reason that He came, to save the world, our world. As He hung on the cross, before He breathed His last, He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Such compassion and such love that He has for us, and such humility in the face of it all (Philippians 2:5-8)!

Now, He reigns on high forevermore, as the Victor over death, hell, and the grave (Philippians 2:9-11)! However, this song also explains how the Church is to live, being the body of Christ. It also states, "If you find your world is caving in, you can bet you're gonna need a friend. Someone to take those fears away!"

As the body of Christ, we must be friends to the lost and let them know that though they may struggle, there is a higher calling in life. A calling that makes life worth the living (listen to song here). The calling into God's family, if they would only trust Him (John 1:12). We need to be their friends and take their fear of judgment away so they can have a reverent fear by showing them the One who paid their pardon.

Lastly, we see the lyrics:

"In trouble, in it deep. This is a promise that I can keep. Make it right, count on me to be the best friend I can be. When your life is bending upside down, I'll be the one to turn it around."

Jesus is the only One who cane turn a life around, but to do that, He has called all of us to be friends to the world and proclaim His name. Mission work is not a "special calling" reserved for a select few Christians, but is the task of every Christian alive. Paul states this clearly, saying, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things'" (Romans 10:14-15).

This is God's plan for saving souls: sends His servants. > His servants preach. > People hear. > Hearers believe. > Believers call. > Everyone who calls is saved.

Perhaps the greatest line in this song for us as the body of Christ is, "Have you heard that I'm all about saving your world? All you have to do is say the word." Christ already commanded us before He ascended back to heaven to take the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20), but that line should be a challenge to obey and ask others: "Have you heard? You know He's all about saving your world." That is, if we want Christ to come back for us (Matthew 24:14). Do you want Him to come back? Are you willing to take up His great command? Leave your comments!

Rugrats Growing Up

2010-10-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

Changes are a very important, often over-looked part of life. This is illustrated perfectly by the classic cartoon Rugrats and its successor All Grown Up. The two both tell the story of Tommy and his friends growing up and all their adventures. This blog hits close to home for me, as this was the main reason I began this blog and YouTube channel. Changes will always happen in life and we must take them all in as each one forms who we become. However, some times in life hold a special place in our lives, and for me and many others, that is my childhood.

Growing up in a Christian home where the Bible was always loved and taught, and the Master's will indeed was sought, my childhood was very good (listen to song here). I came to know my Lord and Savior Yeshua/Jesus when I was just 7-years-old and have striven to do His will ever since. I grew up watching Rugrats, Hey Arnold, Rocket Power, game shows like Legends of the Hidden Timple and Figure It Out, and long for those days. It seems like just yesterday that I was plopping down as a little kid in front of the TV to go on an adventure with Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Kimi, but those days have long since gone.

It's funny because as a child, I always wanted to just grow up and get out on my own. My parents would always tell my sister and I that it would go by fast and to cherish each moment of childhood. When we became adults, they said, we would see that childhood was the best time of our lives. Parents, why are they always right? Tell me below in the comments if your parents were/are always right like that. :)

Don't get me wrong though! I had a magnificent childhood and I did cherish every minute of it, though I thought it would be even more fun to grow up. I began this blog to reminisce on the good ole days and recapture some of my childhood, while giving glory to the ONE I met when I was just a 7-year-old child, my Saviour, my Lord.

In this song, 'Changes" by Phil Ochs, he expresses, "Scenes from my young years were warm in my mind, visions of shadows that shine. Till one day I returned and found they were the victims of the vines of changes."

As years progressed, the show changed and with it, the babies soon changed into young pre-teens. Those of us who grew up with them could once again relate with them, as they had grown up with us. It was a change, although the original Rugrats did continue alongside All Grown Up. Both shows were soon cancelled in, I think Rugrats was cancelled in 2004 and All Grown Up continued until 2007. It began with Rugrats in the early 90s and continued for more than a decade. This change hit me quite hard, as the show played an integrated part in shaping who I am today, with the help of being in a Christian home, of course. So, I began this blog to share what I have learned in this short 20 (nearly 21) years I have lived. I am here to Entertain, Encourage, and provide an Escape to any seeking a safehouse from the hectic hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)!! Cast them on Him and He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22)!! Jesus Christ, my Savior and my God knows all my pain because He has lived as a human being, and knows what it's like to be human (Hebrews 4:15-16)!! How did your childhood shape who you are? Let me know in the comments!!

A WICKED Friendship

2010-10-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

The Untold Story of the Witches
of Oz. A New Musical

The relatively new Broadway musical "Wicked" has come to my stomping grounds of Memphis, Tennessee. It running from October 13 - 31, 2010, and I had the chance to see it October 23 with family and friends. I am quite literally speechless. It was simply incredible... stellar... stunning.

Being a writer, I have always enjoyed literature, drama, and plays, and have even had the chance to act in two plays my Senior year of high school. For those of you who don't know the storyline of this musical, it is the story about the Witches of Oz and explains how Dorothy came to the land.

Being a musical, there was obviously quite a number of songs and I would like to focus on one in particular. The play portrays the kind of friendship that Glinda (Good Witch of the North) and Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West) had. Elphaba, in this play, was not "wicked" in the sense that we think of the term or how we think of her as being. Rather, she was misunderstood because of her green skin and simply trying to do what was best for all of Oz. In the song "For Good," which both Glinda and Elphaba sing to each other toward the end of the play, we see painted a beautiful picture of their friendship and how each one was there for the other.

Glinda and Elphaba

Glinda says in the song, "I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn." This is very much true, as one of the threads that holds each of us together are our friendships. Friends help build each of us up, and Elphaba sang later:

"It may be that we'll never meet again in this lifetime.... You'll be with me, like a handprint on my heart. And now, whatever way our stories end, I know that you have re-written mine by being my friend."

Elphaba began the play as a complete social outcast, but by chance, she and Glinda crossed paths and became roommates. As the two spent time together, the developed a friendship that ultimately pulled Elphaba out of the muck and mire of being an outcast and she was given a future. A good future. As Christians, we all need to be friends to social outcasts, as they will never be satisfied until they find good friends who will ultimately lead them to the greatest Friend of all, and His name is Jesus.

"I do believe I have been changed for the better.... Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

Good friends will stick by each other through thick and thin, and will always change us for our good, and it will be for good. It is a change that will last forever.

An All Broke Up Stone

2010-10-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Love and friendships can be very wonderful and as Christians, we are created to love all people. We are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and are commanded to love one another just as Christ has loved us (John 13:34). That is an impossible commandment on our own, but John goes on in verse 35 to say that this is how the world is to know we are His disciples. Our love should be focused completely on Christ, and He will shower His love onto everyone we come into contact with through us.

Remember, Luke 14:26-27 states, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."

Following Christ requires an all-or-nothing approach, and He demands to be the complete focus in our lives. Not to "massage" any ego, because He is the complete expression of humility (Philippians 2:5-8), but rather to help us love others the way we are created in Him to do.

If we try and love our family, friends, or acquaintances under our own might, we will fail. We need to completely give our love to Christ, so there is none left for anyone else. He will then shower HIS LOVE onto everyone else through us. We will be showing people an agape love, which only comes through Christ, instead of just a mere phileo brotherly love.

However, how do we handle breakups or fights among friends? Either can be a very difficult experience to go through, but the answer is simple. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "trust in the Lord" and to "lean not" on what we understand, but to acknowledge Him in all our ways. We are to just continue placing our trust and our love on Jesus and He will work it all our for our good (Romans 8:28).

None of us are made of stone, but we have a strong cornerstone to lean on (Luke 20:17-18; Ephesians 2:20).

The following video is a music video for the song A Man Ain't Made of Stone by Randy Travis, using clips from the classic cartoon All Grown Up! (based on the Rugrats).

Have you lost a good friend, or someone you cared deeply for? Comment below, and let me pray for you. Lean on Jesus!

Life: where to start?

2010-10-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

College is a time of great preparation. It is a time when one prepares their self for the rest of their life. Some students know immediately how they want to impact the world, but others don't have a clue what God has planned for them. Still others, like myself, only vaguely know God's will for their life. I know that am to be an author, I've known that for a long time, since the classic cartoons were just the cartoons and I was just a little kid in Kindergarten. However, being in college a year and now being a Sophomore, I realize that becoming an author is only part of my calling. I have ideas of what the rest could be, but I am not as sure and need to continue praying and leaning on my Savior and His Word.

I say this to build up to today's study. In the classic cartoon "All Grown Up," based on the other classic cartoon "Rugrats," we see the gang going through decisions like this. The decisions all come to a head for Susie in the episode "Runaround Susie." Though she is only 12, she begins having to make adult decisions as to whether she is to help her friends in a Language Competition or competing for a chance at a Record deal. At first she decides to go for the Record deal, but in the end, realizes that she is at a stage of life when she can be flexible and has time to help her friends and eventually pursue her dreams. It all goes back to just being a friend. For those of you who have read this blog before, you know I speak a lot on Friendships. Friends are the glue that hold us all together and we cannot survive without relationships of some kind. Solomon speaks much on this in Ecclesiastes chapter 4, saying "woe to the man who falls with no one to lift him up." In the following clip from this episode, the team won their Language Competition and Susie sings her song, This Is Where I Start, at Howard's and Betty's marriage vow renewing.

Magnificent lyrics. "Empty page in an open book, so color me so vividly. I'm a wave in the ocean, the sunset on the sea, all the power of the mountains is the force that lives in me. The fire in the dragon to fill an empty heart, not so sure where I'm going, but this is where I start."

Just because one may not know what God's will is for their life does not mean that He doesn't care about what they do. He has a plan for everyone, and that plan, when followed will always be the most satisfying, rewarding, and will give Him all the glory. We were made to worship Him in all we do, no matter whether you are a student, teacher, garbage collector, whatever.

1 Corinthians 10:31 states, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." This is a common verse, yet think about it. No matter what you do, do it for His glory. In the Old Testament, the word for "work" is the Hebrew word "abad," which is found in Genesis 2:15 before the curse, telling man to "work" the garden of Eden and "watch over it." "Abad" also appears in Genesis 29:18 as "serve." According to God, there is no difference between work and service toward others. However, "abad" also appears in the book of Exodus as well in the following verse:

And He said, "Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain" (Exodus 3:12).

That's right, "abad" also means "to worship." There is no difference between work, service, and worship. What we consider as "worship" did not exist prior to the Tabernacle, that being "corporate worship." The people were to show their love for God through their work and service toward others. We are called to worship the Lord in our work, which is our platform to be witnesses to the world. Instead of viewing work or service toward someone as being tiresome, just say, "Lord, I'm coming to worship you" and see how you'll feel about it with that mindset.

Remember, Jesus said, "if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). When you don't know where your going in life, just remember that "all the power of the mountains is the force that lives in [you]" and the Holy Spirit will guide you from there. "I'm not so sure where I'm going, but this is where I start." In His everlasting arms.

Do you know where you're going in life? Have you found the starting line? As always, let me know in the comments!

Calling the Reinforcements

2010-10-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Friends: they are our reinforcements in this life. No one was meant to be a loner, but rather, we all need friends. If anyone has seen the TV show "Friends," then, well, you're braver then me (hahah!). In any case, however, you probably have heard the "Friends" theme song many times. Below is the theme song to this show set to clips from the classic cartoon "All Grown Up!" based on the Rugrats. Listen to the lyrics themselves, and then put you and the closest friend you have in the context of those lyrics.

It begins by saying "So no one told you life was going to be this way. You're job's a joke, you're broke, and you're love life's D.O.A. It's like you're always stuck in second gear. Well, it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year."

Have you felt this way before? As if you are just moving through life "in second gear" and nothing seems to go right? At some point, we all can get discouraged like this, yet, a good friend who will walk with you and help fight your battles with you can be a great inspiration. Even when we are in the midst of a battle, if we have a friend standing by our side, that can go a long way in giving us hope that it will get better.

Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes, "Two are better than one.... For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Just having someone next to you to help you up in times of trouble can be very comforting, but if one does not have a companion like this, it can be very discouraging to see people passing by as they lay on the cold ground. Even if they are able to get up, it is still very discouraging. However, Solomon also wrote in verse 12 that a friend is good, but they are not always enough, in saying, "A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." We need a friend, but we also need Jesus Christ's friendship as well. We need to bind ourselves to good, godly people and live for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Do you have a special friend that lifts you up and helps you fight your battles? Do you need prayer in finding one? Let me know in the comments!

The Land of Myrtle

2010-10-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

So, back on September 17th of this year, we had an Open Mic CoffeeHouse at the BCM and a friend of mine told the story of the land of Myrtle. "It's like Narnia, but dirty" and has "rivers of sewage."

You get there through trash cans. "You open the wardrobe, you find Narnia, you open the trash can and it finds YOU."

Well, at the same CoffeeHouse, Rachel did an improv of the land of Myrtle in SONG. It was absolutely hilarious, so when I was preparing the video for it, I had the incredible insight to add some Classic Cartoon clips from the show Rugrats to it. I hope you enjoy, and God bless! What do you think of the magical land of Myrtle? Let me know in the comments!

All Grown Up and Dating

2010-09-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:12).

Do you have a special someone? That person that just lights up your life that you love more than the world itself? Most young people have either a boyfriend or girlfriend and are usually in the process of dating. It is simply natural, even though parents may wish it weren't sometimes. If this describes you, then keep the above verse from Timothy close to your heart and mind at all times. The world consistently looks at dating and love relationships as being all about sex. That may sound cliche-ish, but it is true. Yet, the Bible, God's Holy Word has some very strong points pertaining to love.

In this video of Tommy and Kimi from the classic cartoon "All Grown Up!," we see the typical life of two pre-teen/teenagers. The song used in the background is "Love Story" by Taylor Swift.

1 Corinthians 13 is known as "the Love chapter" and is states that "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly..." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5a). This was written to the Church itself, not specifically couples. However, all young people enjoy dating, and those of us young people in the body of Christ can be an example to the world in how we date.

Notice the second part of the verse from 1 Timothy. It states that we are to be "an example of those who believe." We are living representations of Jesus Christ and how we should be an example of Christ to the world. It has been said many times, "You may be the only Bible someone reads" and this is very true. We must be an example in all our actions, including "love" and "purity." How do you show Christ in dating?

QUEST to find our Sin

2010-09-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

Sin can destroy a person quicker than anything else, and is a quick and concise enemy. Many times sin can overtake someone before they realize anything is happening, and many times it can be the result of someone's good intentions. It is an invisible enemy that overtakes and leaves a path of destruction. This is evident in the classic cartoon "Jonny Quest" in the episode "The Invisible Monster." This episode shows the nature of sin very well. Notice that in the beginning, the monster was created as a result of the doctor's good intentions in advancing mankind, yet by the time he realized what he had done, it was too late.

The Invisible Monster - Part 1

This is consistent with the nature of sin and how sin first came about. In Genesis chapter 3, the serpent lied to Eve by promising that she would not die, but that she would essentially help the advancement of mankind, saying, "your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Rarely does anyone fall into sin as a result of wanting to create pain or strife. However, the pain and strife caused by sin is seen immediately, nonetheless.

Toward the end of Part 1, we see Race and the boys flying overhead looking for the monster. This is much like Christians, as we are not of the world, but merely ambassadors of Christ to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). However, many times we must go into the world to warn them of the coming destruction that is approaching, and plead with them to be reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:20b).

Yet, in doing this, we can fall prey to the sin ourselves if we are not careful. Remember, what Race said before they saw the monster, "Let's get upstairs (in the air), it'll be safer." When we are in fellowship with the Lord, we are safe, but our time with the Lord is meant to prepare us to go out into the world and reach them with the Truth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). Race said this after they heard the strange sound the monster was making. As Christians, we need to spend less time talking and more time listening for sin. It may be invisible, but as Christians, we can know when trouble is coming. God has changed our hearts and we can sense when evil is near (Ezekiel 36:26-27). We no longer have a wicked, deceitful heart of stone like the world (Jeremiah 17:9), but we now have a heart of flesh. It is our mission to warn the world of Satan's deceptions and the destruction caused by sin. How can they be expected to sense the evil that is approaching them when their heart is unchanged and deceitfully wicked?

We must go into every witnessing situation with a "prepared mind" (1 Peter 1:13). Remember what happened to Hadji? His jet-pack began to malfunction. It may not have been any fault of his own, but it still almost cost him his life had his friends not of been looking out for him. There are always risks when we choose to go down to the world, and we must remember to not spend too much time in the world because our own "jet-pack" (faith) will be drained of energy just as Hadji's. We must remember to spend time fixing our battle equipment (Ephesian 6), so we are not found in trouble.

I do not believe a believer can lose their salvation, but I do believe that if a believer spends to much time in the world, they will suffer tremendous harm. We may be covered by the blood of Jesus, but while we are in the flesh, we still can fall victim to the monster of sin and it's destructive path.

The Invisible Monster - Part 2

I like the wording that Dr. Benton Quest uses in describing the monster. He states that Dr. Norman was completely "consumed" before he could stop it. Sin does not necessarily kill, although in this episode that is what the monster does by way of consuming (not eating, as Dr. Quest explained). If one is not careful, sin will completely consume their life. We are called to present ourselves as "living sacrifices" and we are to "not be conformed to this world," but "transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s]" (Romans 12:1-2).

This is the only way to combat sin, by renewing the mind. Sin begins in the mind, and is usually traced to our own pride. There is an old adage that states, "A thought reaps an action, an action reaps a habit, a habit reaps our character, our character reaps our destiny." The path of destruction can begin with a simple thought if we do not take care of it immediately. This saying is reminiscent of 1 Peter 1:13, which states, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." We are called to first "prepare our minds" if we are ever going to be able to fix ourselves on the hope we can have in Jesus. Satan is constantly planting thoughts that strain our relationship with Christ, and grieve His spirit. We must "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," and must destroy anything that is "raised up against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

However, if we are going to combat our sin and destroy it before it begins to consume us, we need to be able to see it. Jonny came up with this idea in the episode, as the first step in defeating an enemy is to know who your enemy is. One must know his enemy strong points and weak points. Yet, our enemy is invisible and intangible, so what can we use to "paint" it so we can see it, just as Dr. Quest and Race did? Well, with the powerful Holy Word of God, which is our Sword as Ephesians 6:17 states.

We are told in Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword... and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Salvation come by grace through faith alone, and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9), but the Law (or the word of God) was given to show mankind where he stands (Romans 5:20). Romans 3:20 is clear in saying that "by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin."

Both Judaism and the Bible were given to us so we can see our sin. The Word of God acts like a mirror, and reveals the ugly truth of who we are. We now have to choose to place our trust in Jesus Christ, and allow Him to destroy the "sin which so easily entangles us" (Hebrews 12:1). Through Him, we can run with endurance, because He is "the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Jonny's father became the "bait" in order to destroy the monster, and likewise, Jesus became the "bait" in order to destroy sin and set us free (2 Corinthians 5:21). With Jesus, we can destroy sin as His ambassadors to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20), but without Him, all we can do is see our ugly sin through the lens of the Law (Romans 3:20), our "paint."

If we take up our sword to reveal the sin in our life, then we must place our trust in Jesus to destroy it, just as Jonny placed his trust in his father. Jonny realized that they had to be able to see this monster, but knew that he could not defeat the monster alone. Likewise, we must use the Word of God as our "paint" in revealing the nature of our sin, then we must place our trust in our Father. However, in fighting sin, we must not forget our most important weapon, prayer. Prayer is our heavy artillery and we must utilize it in helping other believers fight their battles, as we are to "pray at all times in the Spirit... with all perseverance and petition for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18). What battle are you facing? Let me know in the comments. There is power in prayer, and I'd be honored to help in your battle.

Tommy and Kimi

2010-09-12T04:09:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or are there others who always thought Tommy and Kimi would have made a good couple in this classic cartoon? I posted as my first entry, a blog entitled, The Rugrats Memoirs, encapsulating a relationship between Tommy and Kimi. Yet, the song used is a sad song because the girl dies. I didn't kill Kimi, but I shifted from being in a relationship to being just friends. The song used was by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, "Memoirs of an Officer and a Gentleman." So, I have created another, much happier video, of Tommy's and Kimi's relationship.

I also posted a blog earlier entitled, Love is POSSIBLE, in which I spoke on the classic cartoon Kim Possible and how we are to love one another, and what friendship truly means. Love is the greatest gift one can give anyone. It is better than faith or hope because those two things will soon pass away, but Love is forever. Ephesians chapter 5 states that husbands and wives are to love each other, but they are to show their love in two distinct ways. The wife is to submit to (respect) her husband, but the husband has the greater task on his shoulders. The husband is to sacrifice himself for his wife, and his love is to be just as deep as Christ's love for the Church. If every man worked toward this goal, no woman would feel uncomfortable in submitting herself to her husband. He is to watch out for his wife, protect her, and love her with an infinite love.

CCG Original Movie

2010-09-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a Classic Cartoons Guy Original Movie. This is a Thundercats Movie about what occurred before their planet was destroyed, and the Exodus from Thundera. Special guest stars include: Nancy Drew, Link, and Mario. Mario saves the Thundercats by taking them in his ship through a wormhole away from Thundera just before it explodes. Sound is a bit off due to YouTube's Video Processing, but it's not too bad. This is a fun post, and your comments would be appreciated. Let us know any Bible verses that come to mind in viewing this movie, or any Biblical principles to live by that you feel are evident in this movie.

Friendship: the greatest gift

2010-09-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

We all have friends, but the question is, what kind of friends do we have? Friends should always lift up each other in times of trouble. There is a great need for trusting friends, especially in today's day and age with so much mistrust. Do you have a friend that you are so close to that they are almost like family? A friend that you trust enough to tell anything to? These are the best types of friends to have because the two can talk to each other about problems in life, or any sin they are struggling with and the other is a listening ear that will help, and not gossip about the juicy details.

We find this evident in the book of James, chapter 5, verse 16: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." I discussed this verse in a previous Blog entry about the cartoon "Rocket Power" titled "The POWER of a Father's Love." Confessing our problems or sins to trusting friends is strictly for our benefit. Confessing our problems or sins to God is strictly for our benefit. Confession, no matter how one thinks about it, is for the individual, as God already knows and the friend does not need to know. It gives a sense of relief to talk things through, and try to make things right. It gives peace of mind.

The power of friendship is seen in the classic cartoon "Rugrats: Kimi Takes the Cake." In this episode, everyone is celebrating Kimi's birthday, and the babies and adults are all doing what they can to make it a great birthday. Yet, despite their attempts, it seems as though something continually goes wrong.

However, at the end, Kimi looks back on the day and all the fun they had and says, "But I got the bestest friends in the whole wild world, and the bestest brother. As long as your here, it's the best birthday ever."

Good friends always have a way of turning a seemingly bad day into a great day. On the outset, it may have seemed that Kimi did not have that good of a birthday, yet, she had a lot of fun with Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Taffy, of course. As the book of Ecclesiastes says, "And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart" (4:12). Friends will always come to each others aid and help pick each other up. Kimi really did "take the cake." When the others were sad because she did not have a good birthday, she turned it around to show that they had given her the greatest present one can give: Friendship. Friendships and memories last a lifetime, while cakes, balloons, and party games fade into forgetfulness.

What are you thoughts on this episode? Do you see any other devotion to learn from this episode? Comment and let me know!

Mr. Hyunh is a Simple Man

2010-08-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Simplicity: It has quite a number of negative connotations, but simplicity can be very good many times. We all should learn the key to living a simple life. By simple, I am not referring to dirt poor, but rather, just being content with what we do have instead of envying what our friends have. They have their life, you have yours, and I have mine. We must all do our best to glorify Jesus Christ in whatever we do (1 Corinthians 10:31), and we cannot glorify Him if we are constantly focused on the "toys" our friends have.

This is evident in the classic cartoon "Hey Arnold!: Mr. Hyunh Goes Country." The following song, voiced by Randy Travis, is simply amazing. Listen to and think about the lyrics.

The Gospel is all about simplicity. Salvation is very simple, yet tragically, many refuse to do such a simple task of taking God's free gift to them, and their sins drag them into hell (Romans 6:23). There is nothing we can do to inherit eternal life, it is all because of God. To say we can do anything to receive eternal life with our Lord is nothing but shear Pride (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Philippians 4:13 is quoted many times, yet when we look at the topic that Paul was discussing when he penned this verse, it may be surprising. Paul was speaking about being content in all things. There is no reason to worry about our lives because God will provide for His children. He always has because it is His very nature, His very name, Jehovah-Jireh (the Lord will Provide; Genesis 22:1-14).

In verse 12 of Philippians chapter 4, Paul states, "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both having abundance and suffering need."

Notice that Paul never states that it is evil to have abundance, but states that he has learned to live with or without. Interesting. He had to "learn" to live each of these circumstances. In a previous blog on the "Hey Arnold!" episode "Rhonda Goes Broke" titled "The Root of all Evil," I talked about this. In Proverbs 30:8b-9, the writer asks the Lord to give him neither poverty nor riches. In poverty, he may steal and defile the name of his God, and if he is rich, he may forget about the Lord. This is why we must learn to live each one, and is why we must continually "prepare our minds" (1 Peter 1:13) to be content with what we have. It is all about the Simple Things.

Remember to comment and let me know what you think!!

Overcoming Addiction with ARNOLD

2010-08-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Addiction can ruin a life quicker than anything else, and the Bible frequently warns against getting caught up in the things of the world (Matthew 6:25-34). Each day has enough trouble, and an addiction just adds to that trouble. We are called to not worry about anything, as the Lord is our Provider, for He is Jehovah-Jireh (Genesis 22:1-14).

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that just because something is lawful, that does not make it profitable, and goes on to say, "I will not be mastered by anything."

This idea is seen in the classic cartoon, "Hey Arnold!: Chocolate Boy," which tells the story of a young boy who is a slave to his addiction, which is obviously to chocolate. This example is very good because it is not against the law to eat chocolate, but eating a lot is not profitable. It does not help an individual. Now, shift that over to alcohol consumption. For anyone over 21, it is not illegal to drink so much that one becomes addicted, as long as they stay off the roads. Yet, it is certainly not healthy and profitable to live life in that way.

This can be shifted over to anything, whether it is alcohol or prescription medication, or something less serious like chocolate. But, whatever the case, any addiction can be combated in much the same way. As a believer, my body is not my own, but rather is the temple of the Holy Spirit and I have been bought at the price of my Lord's shed blood on a wooden cross erected in Judea some 2000 years ago (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This life is not about me, but is all about the price that He paid to redeem me. I must glorify Him in my body through all that I do.

To overcome any addiction, one must have a relationship with Jesus Christ, not simply knowing about Jesus Christ. It is very difficult to battle an addiction without Him because we are still of the world, and the world can be very enticing. Satan is called "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4), and Satan's key weapon of warfare is deceit. It has been since the beginning (Genesis 3:1, 4), and he will continue to deceive to the very end (2 Thessalonians 2).

I am not of this world, but rather am His ambassador to this world, appealing the Gospel to the world (John 15:19; 2 Corinthians 5:20). It is impossible to clean up and then come to God, rather, we are to come to God and He will change us from the inside out. He will make us a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17), and He will "create us to do good works" (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Notice what Chocolate Boy did when he realized that his addiction was destroying his life. He immediately went back to Arnold and sincerely wanted to quit his addiction. This is critical. In overcoming an addiction, one must have a trusting friend, an accountability partner, who can be their guide. James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." Going to God is important because He is our Provider, but we must not forget to go to our friends. They care about us and want what is best for us. If we are struggling, we should be able to rely on our friends to lift us up (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Don't go back to your addiction, but get addicted to the Word. The Lord will Provide for all your needs. It is His nature, and His very name, Jehovah-Jireh.

Remember to leave your comments, and let me know what you think!!

Love is POSSIBLE

2010-08-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24).

Marriage is the holiest covenant between a man and a woman. It does not matter what any court says, marriage was begun by God and is a Church covenant, and God still says it is between a man and a woman.

The two are committing themselves to each other, and destroying their self completely. Marriage will never work out if each person decides to give 50% of their life to their partner and 50% to themselves. The Bible says that when two people are married, they each become "one flesh." To deprive your partner of anything less than 100% of your life is depriving yourself and the whole relationship of vital nutrients needed to sustain the marriage.

God continually uses the marriage relationship to reveal His plan, as stated in Ephesians chapter 5. This chapter in Ephesians is commonly regarded as a chapter about the marriage between a husband and wife, and gives certain commands to both the husband and wife as to how they are to act in the relationship. The wife is to submit to her husband, and the husband is to sacrifice for his wife just as Christ sacrificed Himself for the Church. Any woman of God would gladly submit to a man who truly is godly. The reason that women feel so uncomfortable with the idea of submission is because so many men are not being the husband that God commands them to be. However, in Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul throws us a curve-ball. He quotes Genesis 2:24, and then says, "This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church." This chapter is not about marriage, but rather uses the marriage process in describing the nature between Christ and the church, and how we in the church are to love one another.

In the classic cartoon, Kim Possible, her and Ron are obviously good friends. Yet, in the Kim Possible Movie, "So the Drama," the two are brought closer together as boyfriend and girlfriend. The lyrics of the song from this movie are very interesting:

The lyrics describe Kim and Ron's friendship, but that they did not realize that it could be something more. As far as I know, Scripture never confirms nor denies that this can occur, but it probably is possible. However, the principles in this song can be applied to friends and how we should love those around us.

The two of them were "always near" and every time they needed help, the other one was there. This is Scriptural, and is how we should befriend others. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a states, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion."

Jesus gave a new commandment in John 13:34 to love each other just as He loves us. This is an impossible commandment under our own ability, yet Jesus said that it is by this that others will know we are His disciples. Loving others just as He loves us can only be accomplished through Him, and we must deny our self and follow Him at all costs (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23). When we focus our love in Christ, He will shower His love onto everyone through us, enabling us to show the love for others that He requires of us. We must never stop looking at Jesus, lest we sink into the depths of the raging waters of sin. Yet, if we do begin to sink into sin, He is ready at our cry to pull us up (Matthew 14:30-33).

The POWER of a Father's Love

2010-08-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

"But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).

Sin is the ugly truth we all have to deal with, and there is no way we can run from it. God knows when we sin against Him, even if we try to cover it up and hide from Him. Remember in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve realized what they had done, and they tried to cover themselves and hide from the Lord? It's natural to be afraid when we realize what we have done. We are afraid of punishment, we are afraid of our relationship with the others involved, we are afraid of many things when we sin, and we run. We make excuses to protect our integrity and relationship with others. Yet, our sin will always come out.

The following classic cartoon, "Rocket Power: Rainy Days and Sundaes" illustrates this very well.

We are called to repent (turn) and confess of our sin and turn to God. However, repentance and the confession our our sin is not for God's benefit, as He already knows what we have done. He already knew what Adam and Eve had done, but still asked them. Acknowledging our own sin and confessing it before Him is for our own benefit. It relieves us of the guilt we have been burdened down with, and helps in restoring our relationship with both God and any others involved. The book of James tells us to "confess [our] sins to one another" (James 5:16), as well as to God. The first step in fixing any problem, including relationships, is acknowledging the cause of the problem, and taking it down swiftly.

Sin eats away at our conscience, and deeply hurts us until we finally come clean before our Father, Almighty God. In third grade, I recall my teacher telling all of us that the conscience begins as a square, and when we lie, that sin rotates along the edges and as it passes the corners, it hurts greatly because it is wearing the corner down. Many people lie so much that their conscience is finally worn down into a circle, and it then does not hurt them when they lie. Scripture speaks of this situation in 1 Timothy 4:2, in saying "liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron." The more we lie, our conscience is steadily "seared." However, even if one is in this situation, the Lord can repair the conscience and their relationships. It will not happen overnight, as "liars" with "seared consciences" will not have much trust with others, but all things are possible with the Lord (Philippians 4:13). We just need to turn to Him, and He will make us right from the inside, out; rather than trying to clean up and then turn to Him.

Reggie, from her first talk with her dad until she came clean was filled with guilt. Raymundo already knew what she had done, but he let her decide on her own to do the right thing. He let her decide much like God let’s all of us decide. The best discipline for one who is raised correctly is to let them know others have taken the fall for them. As Christians, we are His children, and He is our Father. We are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), so He does not deal with us like He does the world. The world doesn’t understand that they are in the wrong, so He has to explain to the world through religion that they are vile sinners (Romans 3:20; 5:20). To us, He takes a different approach. Since we are made a new creation, created in Christ to do good works (Ephesians 2:10), we know when we have sinned, and our guilt will tear us up inside, much like Reggie was torn up by her guilt.

For Reggie, it was because Raymundo raised her the right way, much like our relationship with God as Christians. God makes us a "new creation," essentially raising us up as His children. I am not equating Raymundo to God, but rather, displaying how God paints Himself as our Father. Yes, He is the Creator of heaven and earth, but as Christians, we have become His children and He is our Father (John 1:12).
You may have never known your dad, or you dad may have done some horrible things to your family. You may weep at Nickelodeon's portrayal of a father in this episode because you never knew a father that loved you. Let me tell you that if this describes you, there is a Father like Raymundo is portrayed. A Father that is even better, who loves you very much and will never leave you, nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He will always be by your side, but that does not mean that He will never discipline. Yet, the guilt that will overcome a Christian will always be worse than the punishment, as He will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). Just as Reggie's guilt punished her more than Raymundo did in the end, our guilt punishes us more than God will. The sooner we confess our sin, the sooner our relationship with both God and our friends will be restored.

The Root of all Evil

2010-08-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Money: It's not bad, and the Bible never says that it is evil, and actually the Bible does not even say that the "love of money is evil." Instead, 1 Timothy 6:10 says, "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil...."

Think about that. Money is not evil, and the "love of money" is not evil. Rather, the "love of money" is "a root of all sorts of evil." Good and evil both begin with one's desire. Is that desire grounded in the things of the world, or in Christ and His Word.

1 Peter 1:13 states, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." We are to first "prepare our minds" because desire and sin begin in the mind. There is an old adage that says, "A thought reaps an action, an action reaps a habit, a habit reaps our character, and our character reaps our destiny." It all begins in the mind, therefore, we need to "prepare our minds" first to avoid falling into sin.

However, the second part of 1 Timothy 6:10 is often overlooked, but very important, stating, "...and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Desire is the problem in this verse, not money. Our thoughts can be very destructive, and if we are not careful, they will completely destroy us, our faith, and our friendships. We must lean on Christ, and "[take] every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). We can control our thoughts, but we must "prepare our minds" and "fix our hope" completely on Christ's grace, and by doing this we will take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Pleasure and desire will completely destroy a person, both physically and spiritually. Proverbs 21:17 states that, "He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich." This verse is evident in the following episode of "Hey Arnold!: Rhonda Goes Broke." Notice her attitude about the things of this world, and then notice how her mindset changes just before she becomes rich again. Sure, she may say at the end, "What was I thinking?" But, I think she had a radical change in her thinking. That money does not make an individual, but the individual gives themselves their own identity.

In viewing this episode of this classic cartoon, a couple of passages come to mind. One is Proverbs 23:4-5, which states, "Do not weary yourselves to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens."

Wealth is never a good thing to put our focus on. One, because it takes our focus away from the Lord, and two because nothing in this life is certain. Remember Bernard Madoff? The man who created what some call The Scam of the Century. Thousands of people put their trust in him and their fortunes that would become for many of them, their retirement. They saved for decades, and lost it all in one day.

In this episode, Rhonda was just yucking it up at the beginning, not knowing that it all was about to be taken away. It was not until she realized that wealth did not make a person who they were and she began having fun doing other things that her wealth was restored. Again, I realize that she went back some to her old nature, but I think she learned something about true happiness. She didn't have to go back to see Arnold, but did to thank him. Reminds me a little about the 10 lepers Jesus healed, and only the one came back to thank Him (Luke 17:11-19). Not even that one had to come back, but he did.

A second passage that comes to mind is Proverbs 30:8b-9, "Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion, that I not be full and deny You and say, 'Who is the Lord?' or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God."

It's not a sin to have a lot of money, but without a prepared mind, our desires can ruin all aspects of our lives. The safest thing is to just be content at middle-class. To learn to live within one's means, and our lives, our faith, our friendships will produce for us immense blessings, maybe in the form of wealth or maybe something more meaningful. However, do not forget the American Dream. There is nothing sinful in pursuing wealth, just "prepare you mind" and "fix your hope" in Jesus Christ daily, and take captive every thought. Every thought. Do not let your guard down, keep your armor on, and hold fast to the Word of God, your Sword (Ephesians 6:10-20).

You're a Friend to Me

2010-08-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

Friendship: Such a wonderful word! But, what does it mean? Who is friend, and how can we make true friends? The book of Ecclesiastes gives a good description of a friend in stating, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the other will lift up his companion.... if two lie down together they keep warm... a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart" (4:9-12).

This is what friendships are all about. A true friend will remain with you through the good and the bad, and as Emica's song from the Rugrats episode "All Growed Up" says, "when we have each other there's nothing we can't do." That is very true. Friends will continually help each other get through life, whether good times or bad, and each will accomplish much in their lives.

A true friend can brighten up your day in an instant, and Solomon stated this well, saying, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy" (Proverbs 27:6). Being an author, I love that word usage. It flips the ideas around and equates "wounds" with "friend," and "kisses" with "enemy" to make a profound point. If a friend wounds you, it is because they are trying to help you in love, yet if an enemy acts kind toward you, watch out.

"Whether we are near or apart, I'll always remember, you'll be in my heart."
"All the moments we shared in the past, the hopes and the fears, the tears and the laughs."

True friends can be an invaluable asset, and a true friend holds a special place in you heart. Friends will spend a lot of time together, and some time will be about the future, some will be happy, and some will be sad. Yet, no matter what happens, and no matter the distance between friends, they will continue to be a part of one another's life. Your friends shape your life, you don't shape your friends lives.

Growing Up As Little Children

2010-08-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." This is a profound verse, especially in our day and age. However, let's think about it for a while. Children are the picture of innocence and love. To a child, everyone is equal because they have not yet developed certain prejudices that we all will eventually develop, no matter how small. I'll let Phil discuss the subject from here. The following video is of the song "Grow Up" by the band Simple Plan.

This was a radical view of being like a child, as we are, of course, to be respectful and polite. Becoming like children is not saying to throw immaturity out the window. Rather, we are to make ourselves the picture of innocence by trusting in Christ's shed blood (John 3:16; Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). We are called to be joyous, and help put a smile on the faces of others by the way we act and words of hope we say in the Gospel.

The Mind of a Child

2010-08-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

I love how the mind of children works! And, although, it was just a cartoon, the show "Rugrats" demonstrated this perfectly. They consistently showed what the babies thought about everyday things, and the adventures they had in trying to save everyone.
Maybe that is why Jesus Christ said that in order to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, we must make ourselves like little children. Children are the picture of innocence, and they can put a smile on anyone's face.
In the following episode, the babies think that they are on a sinking ship and try to save everyone. It's funny to watch the episodes now, in looking back on our own childhood. This was truly a great cartoon that captured the hearts of so many.

The Rugrats Memoirs!

2010-08-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Remember the Rugrats? You know that show that has lasted for nearly two decades and still continues to entertain even young adults who grew up with Tommy and the gang? Remember its counterpart, "All Grown Up!" that did just as well, if not better? Well, I decided to make a video about some of the great times the babies and teens had (and continue to have, as the show is still running).
In this video, I use a classic song by a great band Emerson, Lake, and Palmer (ELP), titled "Memoirs of an Officer and a Gentleman." Tommy and Kimi finally get together, and marry!!
But, it doesn't last and they break up.... But, I had to do something because that's how the song goes!
I still say, TOMMY + KIMI 4EVER. This is just a song, not an accurate portrayal. LOL....
At least I didn't "kill" Kimi... If I strictly stuck to the song, I would have "killed" her off, but I couldn't bring myself to "kill" her. Despite this video, Tommy and Kimi are still together at the end of the video. :)