Tag Archives: hobbies

Jumping to Conclusions

Posted on May 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Gossip can be a compulsive hobby for those who indulge in the grapevine.  When you add an inquisitive mind to this equation, information can be misinterpreted.  Subsequently, individuals often jump to conclusions based upon their desired outcome.

And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” – Mark 3:22

Shortly after he began his earthly ministry, Jesus gave the religious leaders plenty to talk about.  Healings and miracles created a huge following.  However, once Jesus began to perform exorcisms, that was taking this faith thing too far.  Unable to comprehend Jesus’ power, teachers of the law started a rumor, assuming Jesus was the prince of demons in disguise.

If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. – Mark 3:25-26

If you have ever lived in a small town, drifted off the beaten path or don’t correct misleading reputations, you too will find yourself part of an exaggerated story.  A month before leaving my youth pastor position in Columbus, Indiana, people claimed that I said the world was coming to an end.  While studying the Book of Revelation, certain individuals began to improvise causing some of my friends to buy into these lies.  In view of this, the next time you feel an urge to jump to a conclusion, make sure you test everything you hear, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, before you pass on information.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Modern Idols of Nations

Posted on March 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Footbaal, Basketbaal and Basebaal?  Idolatry involves cultism, devotion and zeal for a pastime.  When any hobby get’s out of hand, obsessions can lead to a veneration, turning into a form of worship.  Priorities and time allocation often reveal where a human heart lies.

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them! – Psalm 135:15-18

This allegiance is nothing new.  Developing a well-rounded personality is beneficial, yet idols influence individuals as nations rise and fall.  Whether religion is a fad, trend or life long pursuit, the powers of darkness will persuade some to delay, postpone or quit their journey called faith.   Thus, peer pressure sways the weak toward to idols of nations.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. – Colossians 3:5

According to Jesus, there is a direct correlation between one’s heart and idols.  “Those things you treasure will permeate into your heart, Matthew 6:21.”  Its no wonder that King Solomon urged the Jews to guard their hearts, Proverbs 4:23.  Therefore, to avoid the same fate of fallen saints throughout history, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, follow the words of Deuteronomy 28:1-3.  When quiet times with God become a habit, escaping the idols of nations can be achieved.  May your life be filled with prayer, meditation and worship.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Tough Act to Follow

Posted on February 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon your hobbies, interests or occupation, sooner or later you will meet your match, someone’s whose gifts, knowledge and or skills far surpass that which you possess.  Those who are teachable may welcome this, yet the confident and prideful might grow to resent this individual.  If you were the rising star and someone starts to outshine you, its a tough act to follow.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), Acts 4:36.

Whenever humility causes my bubble to burst, I look to a man from Cyprus who displayed the proper attitude and maturity.  On the surface, Barnabas appears to be someone who didn’t care about his ranking or status in society.  When he recognized the potential in a newly converted Saul, Barnabas was the only apostle to extend a loving hand.  Early on, Barnabas was the guy, mentioned first by Luke until chapter 13.  Whether it was his commitment level, personality or God’s will, Saul who became Paul surpasses Barnabas, playing second fiddle for the remainder of Acts.  Despite a major dispute over a potential missionary partner, Barnabas and Paul remained friends throughout their lives.

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus, Acts 9:27.

As talented people enter your life, don’t allow jealousy to ruin these relationships.  Rather, emulate the example of Barnabas by embracing, helping and welcoming others to reach their full potential.  While you may not taste the same success of your colleagues, accept the role God has given you.  Although most want to be like Paul, the center of attention, unless there was a humble Barnabas to come along aside to nurture his new found faith, Paul would have never impacted the world as he did.  Play the role God has intended for you, Romans 12:1-2 and let those destined to be stars shine bright.

by Jay Mankus

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Pressing On When Your Body Says No

Posted on December 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

When you are young, recovery happens over night.  As Father Time catches up,  just the slightest exertion of energy can result in lingering aches and pain.  While mind over matter may work for a couple of days, how can you press on when your body says no?

As for me, an employee of Amazon or anyone in retail sales, Christmas is a hectic season.  Sales are like a drug for bargain shoppers, influencing business owners to remain open 7 days a week.  Married to your job, family, friends and hobbies take a backseat.  This strain has deflated my soul with several weeks still to go, hanging on by a thread.

In this state of exhaustion, I am reminded of the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.  When your body says no, athletes push their bodies to the extreme.  Blocking out any pain, runners often enter a trace, focused on maintaining a steady pace.  Though cars, dogs or traffic may break people out of this state, this mentality helps these individuals reach a place most never find.

From a spiritual perspective, words from the Bible are building blocks.for faith.  When placed into an impossible situation, God’s Word provide a source of strength.  As you learn to trust in Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30, a fresh wind arrives via the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, the next time your body says no, find rest, hope and renewal in prayer to keep on keeping on.

by Jay Mankus

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To Enjoy, Invest or Waste?

Posted on August 18, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If each day on earth is considered a gift, then individuals have 3 choices.  You can enjoy each moment, soaking in the world around you.  Another option is  investing your energy, talents and time into hobbies, interests or passions.  Finally, the self-absorbed might follow the path of the prodigal son, wasting life savings to satisfy their fantasies.

While reflecting on my own life, I wish I could say that my time has been well spent.  Unfortunately, transitioning to my new work schedule has resulted in countless unproductive hours.  Although I hope to develop healthier patterns, I can’t replace the time that I’ve lost.  In view of this, I need to hit the reset button to begin again, Lamentations 3:22-23.

When you go through patterns of disappointment, keep your head up, Galatians 6:9-10.  With Christ’s help, Philippians 4:13, you can stop negative momentum.  If you want to turn the pages of your past toward love, joy and peace, emulate the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.  By doing this, you will find enjoyment while investing in kingdom activities during your days on the earth, Matthew 6:19-22.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Don’t Quit Your Day Job

Posted on July 27, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Unfortunately,  no one knows for sure who first coined the phrase, “don’t quit your day job.”   However, we do know how to interpret this figure of speech.  If you are mediocre at best with a favorite hobby, this term is used to sarcastically warn friends or foes to stick with their current occupation.  Although, if you work nights, hobbies become your day job as individuals attempt to maintain balance in life.

When family members aren’t honest, people will either be crushed, devastated or humiliated.  If you don’t believe me, just watch American Idol, America’s Got Talent or the Voice.  Perhaps, some know they suck, but are simply trying to obtain 15 seconds of fame by making it on television or should I say shame?  Either way you put it, only the most skilled can risk quitting their day job if they truly long to follow their dreams.

As for my current situation, I have the best of both worlds, working at night and pursuing my goal of publishing a book/seeing one of my movies on the big screen.  Nonetheless, I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon since  perfecting my projects is years away.  In the meantime, I am striving to fulfill Ephesians 5:15-16, seizing the hours I have on earth to make my mark.  Therefore, don’t quit your day job until the Lord provides a door for you to walk through.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Guard Rails: Real Life Bumper Bowling

Posted on July 1, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Its not uncommon for youth to embrace their parents’ hobbies.  A one time opportunity for me soon became a weekly obsession.  While some of my peers were out partying on Friday night, I spent 3 years bowling, filling in as a sub for a league.  Before the days of bumpers, there was nothing to keep loose shots from entering the gutter.

Outside of bowling lanes, Guard rails were designed to keep vehicles from straying into dangerous areas while driving.  Unfortunately, not every street  contains such a guide.  On country, desolate or rural roads, poor counties can not afford, support or justify spending that much money.  However, when someone dies in a car accident, their life is priceless.

From a spiritual perspective, the Bible is like bumpers, a guide to keep you from falling of course, Matthew 7:13-14.  The life lessons, principles and truth inside of God’s Word serves as a light source, Psalm 119:105, to help you see down the road.  Although invisible, conviction, gut feelings or promptings from the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, can lead souls through the darkness in life.  May the words of this book provide you with the direction you are searching for today.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Walk This Way… Talk This Way

Posted on February 16, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As the summer of 1975 draw to a close, Aerosmith released their classic hit Walk This Way just before Labor Day Weekend.  When vinyl was king, this second single from the album Toys in the Attic was re-released a year later in November as popularity grew reaching as high as Number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Essentially, this song written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry brought Aerosmith into the mainstream during the 1970’s and revitalized the band’s comeback in the 80’s.  From a high school loser to a taste of success, these lyrics struck a common cord with American’s, able to relate this song to life.

From the fall of 1999 thru early 2002, I spent time working as a staff writer for Travel Golf Media, now known as Travelgolf.com.  Every winter I was sent books, product or videos to review, then write an article based upon my experience as a former golf professional.  One of my favorite assignments was pretending to know nothing about golf, starting from scratch.  The goal was to watch each of the 3 videos in the set, apply the lessons on a course or practice facility for a week and give an accurate assessment of the teacher’s instructions.  Although frustrating, I was learning to walk and talk like an infant picking up a golf club for the first time.

In the decade that followed, my role changed from giving solid advice about golf to spiritual insight on life.  Unfortunately, the older people get, the more set they become in their ways, unwilling to consider honest critiques.  In fact, as a former Bible teacher, I’ve learned that certain forms of entertainment, hobbies or  pastimes are sacred.  A mere suggestion of error, flaw or inaccuracy often provoked explosive debates in class as if I was attacking their little brother or sister.  Therefore, I tried to be more subtle, quoting verses like Psalm 26:3, Proverbs 27:19 and 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, letting the Bible do the talking for me.  May these words from the Bible convince the unstable to walk and talk like Jesus, 1 John 2:6.

by Jay Mankus

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Being Well Rounded or Focusing on One Thing?

Posted on January 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As I was beginning to concentrate on specific talents that I possessed, most of the advice I received as a teenager was to become well rounded, taking a break from seasonal activities when the season concluded.  While I was experiencing a multitude of hobbies, I noticed that those individuals who focused on one sport began to surpass my own skill level.  Subsequently, I tended to excel at every sport I played except basketball, yet I never reached a great level, just very good.  Modern travel ball clubs and teams are trying to make the cream of the crop into the very best.

Today, nations across the globe are developing gifted professional athletes through a series of cutting edge schools dedicated to one specific concentration.  Although countries like China have taken this to extremes highlighted by the 2012 Summer Olympics coverage, limiting parental visitation to their sports academies, America appears to have fallen way behind the rest of the world.  Instead of indoctrinating students with a well rounded view of political correctness, education should focus on the basics: reading, writing and arithmetic.  Time will tell who is correct.

As I get down off my soap box, my role has changed from the student to the guardian.  It’s my turn to pass the torch to the next generation.  Do I allow my 3 kids to encounter various activities or do I push them toward choosing one thing to invest their time and energy?  Part of me is torn, wanting my children to be exposed to opportunities I never had the chance to participate in.  On  the other hand, you can’t teach passion, so in the end, young people will determine their future based upon the choices each makes.  The last thought I has is this: Do you want to be good at many things or do you want to be the best at one specific thing?  God’s blessings to all in 2014 as you ponder if you want to be well rounded or dedicate your time to one thing.

by Jay Mankus

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The Finest Things in Life Take Time

Posted on July 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

For most of my life, stubbornness prevented me from trying new things.  As a result, I became limited in my hobbies, being contempt with being a sportsaholic.  This choice narrowed my scope of friends as I allowed myself to stay set in my ways.  A few stints of unemployment beginning in February of 2012 forced me to try new things, surprising me with several new interests.

Cover Photo

With time on my side, I took a vested interest in gardening as I began to dabble in cooking, using the crops from my garden as main ingredients.  A new ipad, a birthday present, spawned a desire for photography, downloading the latest apps which I used on our trip to California earlier in 2013.  While not a strength, I created some you tubes, with the most successful one being my home made salsa recipe.  As in cooking, the finest things take time, often relying on trial and error before you discover the perfect mixture, temperature and exact time.

As the prices of food continue to skyrocket, I have begun a new venture to start making some of my favorite dishes from scratch.  Recently, I have perfected a homemade recipe for french fries with a youtube in the near future.  Potato chips are still a work in process as a rotating system needs to be adjusted to get each row to bake at the some temps.  Pizza and popcorn are on the agenda, depending how tired I am with my new position at Amazon.  If you are like me, don’t let instant gratification get in the way of enabling you to achieve your dreams, regardless of the time it takes.

by Jay Mankus

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