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Tuf_T
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Name: Tyler
Country: United States
State: South Dakota
Metro: Sioux Falls
Birthday: 7/24/1985
Gender: Male
Interests: I enjoy movies, playing guitar, singing, playing the Wii, spending time with my friends - especially my beautiful girlfriend, Natalie. I love teenagers and anything that has to do with them!
Expertise: I am world-renowned youth speaker. Actually - that's a lie. I do feel like have a some good insights into teenagers and how to connect them with God. This is not an expertise as much as it is a passion, a focus, a drive, a desire.
Occupation: Youth Pastor
Message: message meEmail: email me
Website: visit my website
AIM:  Tuft85
MSN: Tuf_te@msn.com
Member Since:
4/8/2004
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| In a World with No TVAs many of you probably know, the writers guild has gone on strike because they feel they do not get paid as well as they should. These are the people that write all the TV shows that we watch and get hooked on. They said they are not going to write any more TV episodes until they get their contracts negotiated to their liking. And although I agree with them that the writers should be getting paid more than the actors on the shows, would it be such a bad thing if this problem didn't get fixed?
I have already heard that the fateful news about the show "24" in which Kieffer Sutherland plays Jack Bower, an FBI agent who manages to save the world every year on FOX. The network has decided to not even run the show this year because they have no idea when the writers will cross the strike line. So they decided just to trash the whole season and pick it up again next year. Now, you must know I am a "24" addict. I've watched every season (except the last one because it hasn't come out on DVD yet and you HAVE to watch it all in one sitting!). It pains me to know that they are stopping the show, if even for one season. But when my reasoning finally takes over (some may call it "welcome back to reality") would that be such a bad thing if "24" wasn't on? What if it was never on again? I have been/am addicted to The O.C, Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Lost. But I have to keep asking myself if it would be such a big deal if those shows were never on again. What if TV, other than news, special events, and weather was gone as we know it?! No more TV? What would we do with all our time?
And that is the biggest question - what would we do with all our time? Would the world be a better place? I think it would be. More people would turn to books and advance their minds. They would get out and experience the world, interact with other people. Some people's lives would be changed just by getting out of their dark house! What other problems would be solved, or at the very least, start a change in the tide? Obesity, higher intelligence, more participation in competitive sports? What else? Now there may be some of you saying, "Tyler, we have that freedom right now. Just make the decision to shut it off and do something else." It sounds simple, doesn't it? But how many people in our country have been changed into Zombies, some who can't think for themselves? They do not have the will power, self control, self discipline, whatever you want to call it, to do just that - get up, shut it off, and get out. I think sometimes, there are things in our lives were it is in our best interest if the decisions are made for us. In this case that would be not even having the option to sit inside all day watching TV.
Now think of it from a Christian perspective. How would no TV better equip us to do what God has called us to? We would pursue the desires in our hearts. We would not be so distracted by TV to notice those around us that are dying and going to hell. If we're out and about more we will have more opportunities to share Christ with people, to truly bring the kingdom of God to Earth! And what if someday, perhaps even now TV writers were needed? What if right now hundreds of Christian writers crossed the strike line and started writing for all these shows that are in desperate need for writers? Could our culture began to change by the things those Christians would be able to write into the shows? I know it would take time but could this be an opportunity for Christian writers to stand up?
Sure, there are so many if, and's, or but's involved in this whole thing. These are just some random thoughts I have been having. For me? Well, I have gotten much better over the years about turning off the tube and getting out but I know that I could still do better. If TV wasn't even an option for me, I know it would help things.
Anyway, leave me a comment on what you think. I have to go now - Survivor is starting.
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| Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree . . .Precursor: Russ, Johannah, Kelly, or April - - If by some chance you read this, no laughing! I know I've already shared these ramblings with you but I wanted to throw it into cyberspace and see what others think. Who knows. Maybe I'll find a real friend! (oooo!!!!) So you ever look at your Christmas tree and think "What the crap?" Why do we have a Christmas tree and how did it start? Well, one day as I was walking around at church, I thought of this random topic and had no clue what I would say if someone came up to me and asked why we use a Christmas tree in our Christmas celebrations. Little did I know that within a day of me thinking this, Russ, Johannah, and Kelly would also have the same question. Russ did some research and discovered the history of the Christmas Tree. It started with Martin Luther way back when. It was around Christmas time and he went outside, saw the beauty of the evergreen and so he cut one down and halled it into his house. He erected it in his house as a symbol of the beauty of creation and nature (at least this is what I gathered from talking with Russ). Well, I didn't hear this explaination until a few days after I had developed my own reasoning for using the Christmas tree. Here is what I thought (just go with me on this . . .) At Christmas time, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, when God came in human form. It is truly the beginning of our salvation and the road to our sanctification. Before the life of Jesus, before his miracles, messages, and ministry, and before his powerful and sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus was born in a humble manager to a 14 year old virgin and her boyfriend. Christmas is a celebration of this event, when the future savior of the world came to Earth. And amongst the items of Christmas - the gifts (which symbolize God's first and greatest gift: Jesus) and the candy cane (which symbolizes the staff of our Shephard as well as foreshadows the crucifixion with Christ's red stripes of blood that make us white as snow) - we have another item which I believe is a symbol: the tree. Fast forward thirty-three years to a place called Golgotha. This is the hill on which our Savior, Jesus Christ, was crucified in our place. This act and subsequent resurrection brought eternal life and forgiveness of every sin to anyone who will accept Him as theirs. This is another powerful moment which we as Christians (and arguably, the world) commemorate as Easter, the death and resurrection of our Savior. At this other significant Christian holiday, we see many symbols as well - the stations of the cross (which many liturgical traditions hold in high respect) and the Easter Lilly (which symbolize purity and the resurrection of Christ). And of course, the most prominant symbol of the crucifixion and resurrection: the cross. And as we all know, the cross was fashioned from none other than: a tree!! Could the Christmas tree perhaps be a foreshadowing at the time of Christ's birth as to his future purpose? In our Christmas celebration, does the Christmas tree give a foreshadowing of the death and resurrection that was to come for Christ? At the time we are celebrating the birth of Christ, does the tree stand as a reminder of what that baby will grow up to fulfill, that He will become the bearer of the world's sins and the gateway to eternal life? Maybe this is another way we could view the significance of the Christmas tree at our celebrations. Or maybe this is just my crazy, hairbrained idea. Either way, it will definately affect the way I celebrate Christmas. In the stillness of our Christmas celebration, before the gifts are opened and as the Christmas story is being read, the significance of the gifts under the tree will definately remind me of how great this gift of Christ was and is. But for me, it won't stop there. As I glance up at the tree hovering over those gifts, it becomes a looming reminder of the emmenant purpose of which this little child was to fulfill, a purpose that should have been filled by me. How much more power does this bring to Christmas time?! In my studies at school, I have been exploring the sacraments of the Christian life and how they are often overlooked by evangelicals and especially charismatics and pentecostals. Perhaps the Christmas tree has a sacramental purpose behind it that many of us didn't recognize. Just my thoughts . . . Let me know whatcha think! | | |
| The Magic of Christmas Christmas time has found us again. Has it really been a year since we were last here? In 3 days the world will celebrate the birth of Christ. Even though I hear the story read many times each year, I am always awe-struck by the magic of that moment and everything that surrounded the birth of Jesus. Even to this day, there is still a magic at Christmas, a magic that is found at no other time during the year. I just read a news article of a woman in Spokane, Washington who walked onto city buses and handed everyone on the buses a card with $50 in it. She was gone before anyone realized what was going on but she reportedly handed out over $1000!! This is the magic of Christmas, as tangible as you and me. The magic of Christmas has the power to bless children with gifts who normally would go without, the power to bring people hurt and wounded by the Church back into a relationship with Christ, and the power to restore even the most hurting and broken relationships. This year, I have seen the magic of Christmas. I have felt the magic of Christmas in me. It has brought me to do things I normally wouldn't. And I personally have been blessed because of this Christmas magic. But this year, there is something in me that feels I cannot have the extent of all that Christmas magic has to offer. It's as if I am enduring this year - the presents, the family gatherings, the vacation time - to get to next year and the fullness that it's Christmas magic will have for me. Will this feeling find me next year? It may. I have not a single clue of what will happen in the new year. But I anticpate, a year in advance, that the magic of next Christmas will surpass that of this years. Does this resonate with anyone? Are my words just floating into cyberspace only to return to me next year and laugh? I travel to Owatonna, MN tomorrow for Christmas with my relatives. My motivation level - 0. And the one thing that could make that 0 a 10 is a wish I made months ago knowing from the moment it was wished that even Christmas magic could not make it come true. And yet tomorrow, I will throw on the smile and recite the answers to questions I'm always asked but which are never cared for or remembered. Christmas magic - I could really use you now . . . To Balance the Seasaw: I love Christmas!! Do not get me wrong! It is encouraging to see that the world still has good in it. It is wonderful to see family and friends I haven't seen in a long time. It is great to have a short break from most responsibilities to regather oneself, to rest, and to prepare for the year ahead. I also enjoy the snow and the fun it brings (where are you, Snow?!?). I love blessing people with gifts and seeing their smiles. I love seeing couples share in the magic of Christmas and the love that fills their hearts. It's just that this year has a different element to it. This year's Christmas will be different then my last 6. And maybe it's just that. There is nothing wrong with Christmas or the magic it brings. Just me. I'm the one standing in the way of me experiencing the magic of this year's celebration. What's missing this Christmas is not the joy,
It's not the magic,
It's not the love. What's missing this Christmas is not the family and friends
Or the blessings from above. What's missing this Christmas is not the gifts,
The giving,
Or the glee. What's missing this Christmas is simple:
What's missing is YOU and ME -Tyler Tufte 12/23/2006 | | |
| Nice Guys Finish Last . . .To every guy that regrets hurting or losing her.
To every guy who knows which girl he wants
To every guy that's said, "Sex can wait."
To every guy that's said, "You're beautiful."
To every guy that was never too busy to drive across town (or across the state) to see her....
To every guy that gives flowers and a card when she is sick or sad
To every guy who has given her flowers just because
To every guy that said he would die for her
To every guy that really would
To every guy that did what she wanted to do
To every guy that cried in front of her
To every guy that she cried in front of
To every guy that holds hands with her
To every guy that kisses her with meaning
To every guy that hugs her when she's sad
To every guy that hugs her for no reason at all
To every guy who would give their jacket up for her
To every guy that calls to make sure she got home safe
To every guy who would sit and wait for her for hours just to see her for ten minutes
To every guy that would give his seat up
To every guy that just wants to cuddle
To every guy that reassured her that she was beautiful no matter what
To every guy who told his secrets to her
To every guy that tried to show how much he cared through every word and every breath
To every guy that thought maybe this could be the one
To every guy that believed in her dreams
To every guy that would have done anything so she could achieve them
To every guy that never laughed at her when she told him her dreams
To every guy that walked her to her door
To every guy that wasn't just trying to get laid.
To every guy who would open the door for her just out of the blue.
To every guy that gave his heart & love.
To every guy who prays that she is happy even if you are not with her.
To every guy who made her smile
This note is for you...
There's not many of us left. But ladies, there are a few of us . . .
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| Please Answer with a Three-Letter Word . . .If you knew
what I did for you
the past few days,
would you give me
a chance
with your heart?
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