Y H8?

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Smile. Exhale. Feel better? Okay. Today, my news feed has blown up with diatribes from both ends of the argument as to whether or not it is an infamous or dubious historical event. I am not going to comment on what I think about it. You probably know... or maybe you don't. I have one question though:

Can all the hate from and towards both "sides" just stop please? Christians, the world is not ending any faster because of today. As always, we're supposed to "do unto others as we would have others do unto us." Matthew 5:43-47 reads, “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus said, “They will known you by your love for one another” and the Christian community doesn't even have THAT down yet. Jesus said to remove the plank in our eye(s) before we point out the speck in other people's eyes. Sure, we may not see it as a speck, but you (the Christian person) aren't perfect and need Jesus every day, just like everyone else. To the "left," please just be a little less in our face about all this, I get it. You are excited that the definition of marriage got changed, but be a little less spiteful and angry. 

In closing, for everybody, Love didn't finally win today. Love won two thousand years ago on a hill called Golgotha where Jesus died for the sins of the world... not just the people I want to be saved. Whether you believe He was God or not, it's a fact that His purpose in dying was to save sinners. I will do my best to be a better example of what Christ wanted and hopefully you (dear reader) will join me in becoming more like Him, willing to love even your enemies unconditionally and also wiling to lay down your life for the sake of the Gospel. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Smile. Exhale. Feel better?

Thanks for reading.

In CHRIST WHO LOVES ALL!

Simeon

The Simple Things

it's the simple things – from the soft glow sunsets against the silhouette of the Olympics to the clear blue days with no clouds in the sky all the way down to acres of plain green grass – that make me stand back in amazement and ‘then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great Thou art!’

I am more than a little bit grateful for being able to live in the Pacific Northwest.

It's the simple things I'm referring too in this post so I'll keep it very simple. I don't want you to stay here too long because you should put down your phone (or close down your computer) and go enjoy those simple things.

Who Holds Your Future?

                Sure, it takes a great amount of humility to believe that you can't save yourself; but to claim that the faith you hold is the one (and only one) that can save every living person is dangerous. What we're gambling with is eternity and it's important to be sure on what you believe. I'm a Christian because it doesn't make sense for God to become a man to save His creation... the very ones who have sinned so greatly against Him. The other religions have people claiming to be God, but never God claiming to be a man. Christianity is the only faith that doesn't require me (or you) to redeem myself with my own strength or with how good I can be. It is the only religion that says, “You are such a horrible person that, if you want to reach heaven, you need to be saved by Someone greater than yourself.” But it also says, “That Someone loves you so much that He took your punishment and died to take your sins away. He is the only way to the Father.” Again, it doesn't make sense, and I figure, if this God doesn't make sense, He must be a whole lot smarter than me (Isaiah 55:6-9) and if He's smarter than me... It would probably be best for me to believe  in His plan. I don't know what my future holds, but I know Who holds my future. I have faith in the saving blood of Jesus Christ. I pray that you do too.

Guess What?

Hey everybody, guess what?
I'm now a contributor over at the website called moviepilot.com. Hit the link to see my first article!!

:D

My Clothing Line

So, guys, if you're interested in some new clothes/accessories, my younger brother, Timothy, and I have designed shirts, totes, and studio bags over at this awesome website called Redbubble. You should totally check it out. There are also some laptop cases and throw pillows there too. If you have any ideas for more shirts, leggings, or even scarves, shoot me a comment down below and I'll see what I can do. Also, thank you guys for leaving comments when you do, I appreciate them all (whether they are advice, compliments, or critique). Thank you for reading!!!!


Simeon

A Tribute to My Mother

In this family, 

we do a lot of laughing

and a bit of crying

a bunch of living 

and a bit more dying (to ourselves)

Although Dad has all the jokes

Mom is the one with infectious giggle 

That tears down the walls of seriousness

And makes the world a better place

That's not to say she can't be solemn

Because she has loads of wisdom too

(After all, she has raised seven boys)

This started off as a regular poem,

but I guess it's turned more free verse,

That's kind of the story of my mother

She sets out with a plan,

But she's flexible enough to roll with the punches

And isn't too upset when things don't go as she had hoped

She constantly has an encouraging word to say

And is full of the Joy of the Lord

Without her, this world would be a much darker place

"Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [...]

'Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.'" (Proverbs 31:25-26, 29)

I'm so thankful for you, Mom.

Happy Mother's Day! 

The Narrows

So, I'm trying my hand at digital-ish art. Thoughts?
Should I do more?

Please, comment. I know you're thinking about it. Do it.

They Will Know You by Your Love

             Last night, I had the amazing privilege of attending a worship night hosted by Chris Tomlin at the Key Arena in Seattle. As I was waiting outside for Jabin and Nathanael, three Westboro Baptist-esque guys were loudly declaring hellfire and damnation on us for attending a night devoted to worshipping the false prophet/idol called Chris Tomlin. I waited for fifteen minutes, trying not to engage because I knew it would not do any good, but I had had enough when a homeless man walked up and engaged with them. Yelling quite loudly, he (the homeless man) said, “Thank you! Thank you so much for being here! I love it when you guys show up! Thank you for preaching truth!” I wasn't sure if he was being genuine or sarcastic but as he started to walk away, he turned around and snapped, “Thank you for loving me, you d*** mother******!” What followed does not bear repeating, I don't think that I sinned in my rebuke of this young man that claimed to be a preacher of God's Word. Suffice it to say that I told him to “repent or burn.”... Okay, no, I told him that Jesus loved him and that Jesus didn't love all the people that he (the young man) was condemning any less because he (the young man) said they were going to hell. Keep in mind that these are Christians pouring into the Key Arena for a worship conference. But, apparently, in the young hellfire's words, “Chris Tomlin has devil horns coming out of his head” and we were worshipping him. I told this young m— you know, let's call him a big boy because that seems to be more honest... but I digress. I told him that he needed to stop worshipping the false idol of wanting people to live up to his standards instead of Christ's. Why am I writing any of this? You may ask. Well, here I get to my point. There have been many times in my life as a Christian where I have been wrongfully critical of others, especially my non-Christian friends. I have expected you to reflect the light of Christ when you do not claim Him as your Lord and Savior. Your Light. Here, I would like to apologize, for I have sinned against you by doing this and it is wrong of me. Would you please forgive me? I have held you to a standard that I have not been able to hold up under myself. To my Christian friends as well, please forgive me for those times where I have been over-bearing in my attempts to come along side you and sharpen you. Intentions aside, I fear that I may have done more to blunt and weaken you than to make you more keen and strong. I am wrong for doing that and I have sinned against you. Sure, i'll never be perfect, but I will still try to love Jesus like He loved me. I will also do my best to love you all as He loves me. To my non-Christian friends, I would be remiss if I did not extend an invitation to you. Jesus loves you. He loves you very much. He wants you to come as you are and let Him work with you. To my Christian friends, I will leave you with this: Don't use God as a means to an end. I don't know who said this, but the words are profound nonetheless... “If you're a Christian mainly because you want to be changed... That's a problem. If you've given your life to God because you're tired of yourself and want to be a different person— well let me suggest that you are merely using God to fix you. That's not faith. That's not love of God. That's love of self.”

Don't come to Christ only for what He will do for you. Give your all to Him.

Until next time, 

Simeon

He is Risen

                  It had been a difficult two days. Judas had betrayed Him, Peter had denied Him, and the rest of the disciples had forsaken Him. Now, Jesus lay in the tomb, dead, murdered for the sins of the world. The Pharisees posted guards outside the tomb because they didn’t want the disciples to come and steal His body… or so they said. Why would a group of cowards, who had deserted their leader when persecution struck, come and steal the body of that leader? It would seem that they were really afraid that Jesus was who He said He was and that somehow, these guards could stop Him from coming back to life. The earth was overcome with grief at the death of its Creator. Birds ceased to echo their chorus of praise, the sky was overcast as a reflection of its mood, and the rivers seemed to flow slowly. Three women anxiously waited for Sunday morning when they could finally go and give Jesus a proper burial with perfume and ointment. Peter felt no end to his shame and grief at denying his Lord; and, having no one to turn to, was driven back to his former life. Satan was torn with worry as his demons rejoiced because he knew that he hadn’t yet won. No, if Jesus was still dead on following morning, then (and only then) could he celebrate.
                   Finally, after what had seemed like an eternity of agony, Sunday morning came. It was not quite dawn as the women made their way to the tomb, walking as quickly as possible. A nervous smile crept across Satan’s face until it became a sinister grin… but he smiled too soon. The birds had begun to sing again and the clouds were scattered, as if some great hand had thrown them across the morning sky. The sun raced a little faster to break the horizon’s plane and the earth began to feel alive again. A light shot across the heavens and plummeted towards the tomb. The ground realized the full extent of what was taking place and, finding no voice with which to shout in ecstasy, shook and thundered with all its might. The rivers began to rush as a mighty torrent, racing to tell the ocean the magnificent news. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled. Satan bellowed in agony as creation roared in happiness. For the Creator is no longer dead. He. Is. Alive. 

Take heart, oh sinner, there is hope for tomorrow. Jesus reigns and He has defeated sin, death, and hell. Would you like a couple of songs to encourage you today? Here you go.

Oh, To See the Dawn

Forever

Thank you for reading,
Till next time,
Simeon

Infatuation with the Supernatural

I find it interesting how, in most (actually all) supernatural thriller or horror movies, the demonic forces have far more power than the Cross... Whether it be Supernatural, Constantine, Ouija, Legion, or Dominion. Deals are made with demons... but never angels, or even God. Demons are strong enough to bring back the dead, give gifts of talent, or change 'fate', but God isn't strong enough to combat and control His creation. I used to be bothered by it, but then I remembered this story in the Bible. The story is about these seven brothers, the sons of Sceva, who try to exorcise a demon... and get their butts kicked by it. It makes sense that demonic forces would have so much power over characters who don't know what they're truly dealing with. They invoke the name of God, but use the same name to curse. They command demons in the name of Jesus, but have no idea of Christ's true power. Or even, when the angels are more powerful, they know better than God and have to save Him from making a bad decision. I feel like the Christian 'sector' of film and television should make a supernatural thriller like 'This Present Darkness'... but it would probably be deemed 'cheesy.' It's funny that way. The truth about spiritual warfare would be thought of as cheesy. Just some thoughts for you tonight. Encouragement though? Here's some: no matter how dark things get, the devil is not and will never be more powerful than our Creator or the might of Jesus Christ.

My Anchor

While doing security today, I heard a child call to her father, “Please may I hold you?” and I thought, ‘That is just adorable.’ But as I continued to ponder the quote, I realized that this is much like our relationship to our Heavenly Father. We, like this adorable child, say that we are holding on to our Father, which is true, but even when we let go, He holds on to us and does not let us fall. 

He holds us in His Almighty hand and no one can tear us away from His arms. Oh, we still go through trials as He baptizes us with the fires of sanctification, but we are perfectly safe in His loving arms. We are in His care! This means that as He sends us through a storm, He hasn't left our side. He's not at the other end of it waiting for us to come through. He is guiding and helping us if we would only stop trying to pull away and just listen. Please take comfort in that. God is for you, not against you. He will not let you go, so rest in Him. 

In closing, I would encourage you to listen to two songs. First, “My Anchor” off of the album Passion: Even So Come and second, “Drops in the Ocean” by Hawk Nelson. Please let the truth of the Gospel encourage you today. Thank you for reading... 

More Thoughts on Tangled...

So, I just realized that Flynn's plan the entire time was to get chased by the guards (at the beginning). His plan was to betray the Stabbington Brothers so he could make off with the crown. Why else would he have commented on the guard's sneeze? Notice, he says "Ahhh, alone at last" when he gets inside Rapunzel's tower. That is how much of a bad guy he was... At the beginning of the movie he is a debase, self-serving, selfish rogue but at the end, he comes to understand that life isn't about himself. His realization culminates in him sacrificing his own so that #Rapunzel can live hers free of bondage under Mother Gothel. See? #Disney shows us that no one is too far gone. Is it as good of an example as King Manasseh or the Apostle Paul? Absolutely not. But I think it's a good example.

Lessons from Thor (i wasn't sure what else to call it)

I thought you dead./ Did you mourn?/ We all did. Our father.../ YOUR father! He did tell you my true parentage, did he not?/ We were raised together, we played together, we fought together. Do you remember none of that?/ I remember a shadow, living in the shade of your greatness. I remember you tossing me into an abyss, I who was and should be king!/ So you take the world I love as recompense for your imagined slights? No, the Earth is under MY protection, Loki!/ [laughs] And you're doing a marvelous job with that! The humans slaughter each other in droves, while you ideally threat. I mean to rule them. And why should I not?/ You think yourself above them?/ Well, yes./ Then you miss the truth of ruling, brother. A throne would suit you ill./ I've seen worlds you've never known about! I have grown, Odin's Son, in my exile! I have seen the true power of the Tesseract, and when I wield it.../ Who showed you this power? Who controls the would-be-king?/ I AM a king!/ NOT HERE! You give up the Tesseract! You give up this poisonous dream!... You come home.

I love the heart of Thor. He continually extends reconciliation to Loki. His heart is for his brother to repent. No matter what Loki does. Even in Thor: The Dark World, after he says, "KNOW that WHEN you betray me, I will kill you," he says, "I wish I could trust you." After everything that happened, after Loki killed him, he still forgives. While on Pinterest the other day, I saw something that I thought was quite profound. It said, "Watching Thor, I find it sad that Loki spends so much time wallowing in the fact that he's not Odin's favorite, but he completely misses the fact that he's Thor's favorite." It's most obvious when Loki dies*, Thor's grief is real and heart-rending.

Similarly, I think we, as Christians, spend much of our lives wanting to be popular or the cool friend or the favorite, and we miss the fact that Jesus is there loving us... Even after we killed Him. Sure, I may be stretching the example, but I hope you get the point. Jesus wants us to "give up our poisonous dreams" and come back to Him. To what matters. *side note: Yes, he didn't die and I was so upset that Loki didn't ACTUALLY die. He died so well. There was reconciliation. There was closure. Aaaaand they had to screw it up by letting him live

The Past Few Weeks...

I really need to get better at writing posts more often. I've been super busy of late, so my apologies for the three of you who want me to write more. I've started college and, between school and work, I don't have a lot of free time. The free time that I do have I am using to hang out with my friends. So, what has happened in the weeks of no posts? Frozen happened. Yeah, that was a great movie...

After several long years of hardship, my church shut its doors. I said this about it on Facebook... "It's weird to think that I've been on this amazing journey with the congregation of Peninsula Household of Faith for a decade. It was sunny for three years and then came this massive storm. It's been a long seven years of turmoil, pain, and rainy days, but it has definitely been worth it. I would like to publicly thank my Dad and Mom and Mr. and Mrs. Barrueto for leading the church through the trials of life. You were left with a battered and sinking ship, but you didn't bail. You nursed it along to its destination and, although it is time to retire the vessel, you didn't let the storm beat you. Thank you. To my friends who stayed true through it all, you don't know how much you mean to me. I will never leave you guys because you never left me. Lastly, thank you Jesus for being my strength and shield, my rock and my comforter. I know you've got fabulous plans and I know that there will be tougher storms, but you know what? I never heard You say that it would be easy. I definitely know that You said it will be worth it. I look forward to what You have next. Goodbye PHF, you will live forever in my memories." If you want to hear the full story (or what I know of it) just message me on Facebook and ask, but that's all I am going to say about it here. Where to next? Well, it appears we're going to start going to Mars Hill: Tacoma... (w00t!!!) They opened at the beginning of this year. It's pretty dope. I'm excited to see where God's going to take me this year. :) Also, I'm not even a big football fan, but the SEAHAWKS WON THE SUPERBOWL! And that's pretty exciting too. Ciao! Simeon.