I went to see a movie on the beach last night.
As I was waiting for the movie to begin, I was people watching because watching people is interesting. I noticed a father with his young daughter. Daughter must have just finished swimming because dad was dressing her in cozy, warm clothes to prepare for the brisk night on the beach. Dad put the final layer on, a baby blue jacket, probably size 2T, and gave daughter a tight hug. Then he opened up a blanket and draped it over her shoulders just to be sure she was warm enough. Another snuggle hug.
I turned away for a second and when I looked back daughter was having a tantrum. Fierce crying. Flailing arms. Dad was putting up his arms as if to say, "Am I missing something here?" I think she was struggling to open a package of food. Most 2-year-olds have a short fuse when it comes to waiting for rations. Dad helped daughter open the package, and the tantrum stopped immediately. He gave her the food, and looking at her, shook his head smiling as if to say, "Now was that necessary?" Dad gave daughter one last hug before the movie started.
I saw my heavenly Father's love on the beach last night. I was reminded that He provides for me, and enjoys taking care of me. More importantly He loves me...even when I throw tantrums. I wonder how many times He has shaken His head at me and said, "Now was that necessary?"
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
I want you to think about yourself today.
I want you to think about yourself today.
One of my favorites who lives far away rescued me the other morning. Through tears, I shared my most recent struggle with her, and she spoke words of comfort and truth.
I want you to think about yourself today.
What? I always think about myself. Remember? I'm selfish. I want this. I need that. Me first.
I am very good at thinking about myself. True. BUT I also work really hard in relationships, and thrive on serving others, especially my favorites. There is a good chance that if you are one of my favorites, I will think of you before myself. I will put your desires before mine. I will put your needs before my needs. You first.
If you are sick, I want to bring you pepto bismol.
If you are sad, I want to hug you until the tears are gone.
If you are discouraged, I want to snap my fingers and make your dreams happen.
If you are frustrated, I want to make you laugh.
If you are confused, I want to take a quick trip to see the Big Guy to get the answer.
The list goes on.
Great, right?!
Yes, if you are one of my favorites. BUT sometimes I work harder in relationships than I should...not to my favorites fault at all...but because of the way I am wired. My far away favorite is helping me realize that this could be a problem. I put so much effort into relationships, I often forget about my own desires...my own needs. I sacrifice sleep...nutritious meals...exercise...quiet time...solitude...hobbies...etc. AND even worse I play God by trying to fulfill the desires or needs of my favorites that only He can fulfill.
Rather than this...
Balance.
I'm working on finding a balance. My favorites are...well...a favorite part of my life. I will continue to work hard in my relationships with them. I will continue to love them. I will continue to sacrifice for them. BUT I will let God do His part and I will take on the challenge of my far away favorite...
I want you to think about yourself today. Make a list of things YOU want to do that you haven't been able to do.
Here is my proof, far away favorite!
A Short To Do List (because I am thinking about myself today)
Learn conversational Spanish
Take a dance class
Learn to play the guitar
Run a 5K
Rock climb
Learn more about my digital camera and take sweet pics
Fast weekly for the summer
Spend a weekend at a cabin with my favorite :)
One of my favorites who lives far away rescued me the other morning. Through tears, I shared my most recent struggle with her, and she spoke words of comfort and truth.
I want you to think about yourself today.
What? I always think about myself. Remember? I'm selfish. I want this. I need that. Me first.
I am very good at thinking about myself. True. BUT I also work really hard in relationships, and thrive on serving others, especially my favorites. There is a good chance that if you are one of my favorites, I will think of you before myself. I will put your desires before mine. I will put your needs before my needs. You first.
If you are sick, I want to bring you pepto bismol.
If you are sad, I want to hug you until the tears are gone.
If you are discouraged, I want to snap my fingers and make your dreams happen.
If you are frustrated, I want to make you laugh.
If you are confused, I want to take a quick trip to see the Big Guy to get the answer.
The list goes on.
Great, right?!
Yes, if you are one of my favorites. BUT sometimes I work harder in relationships than I should...not to my favorites fault at all...but because of the way I am wired. My far away favorite is helping me realize that this could be a problem. I put so much effort into relationships, I often forget about my own desires...my own needs. I sacrifice sleep...nutritious meals...exercise...quiet time...solitude...hobbies...etc. AND even worse I play God by trying to fulfill the desires or needs of my favorites that only He can fulfill.
Rather than this...
Balance.
I'm working on finding a balance. My favorites are...well...a favorite part of my life. I will continue to work hard in my relationships with them. I will continue to love them. I will continue to sacrifice for them. BUT I will let God do His part and I will take on the challenge of my far away favorite...
I want you to think about yourself today. Make a list of things YOU want to do that you haven't been able to do.
Here is my proof, far away favorite!
A Short To Do List (because I am thinking about myself today)
Learn conversational Spanish
Take a dance class
Learn to play the guitar
Run a 5K
Rock climb
Learn more about my digital camera and take sweet pics
Fast weekly for the summer
Spend a weekend at a cabin with my favorite :)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Mainstay - My Music Lifeline
Another one of my far away favorites is visiting this weekend...SWEET!
In about 7 hours she will get on a plane to go home...BITTER!
I stumbled upon an amazing band last week just before I started struggling with the pain of distance. This isn't a new pain. It's all too familiar, and if I had my choice, I would have become a hermit a long time ago. Fortunately, God has a different idea. I don't quite have a grip on His idea, but I'm trying to figure it out...
Something He's given me is this band called Mainstay (Album - Become Who You Are).
Where You're Heart Belongs
It feels like everyone has left you
You're not alone
I hear you call
And I've been waiting here for you through it all
You're not alone
Come to the cross
And let me show you where your heart belongs
You're not alone...
I will never leave you
Come back to my open arms
To the only love you need
As I've said before, music speaks to me. Sometimes it's my lifeline.
In about 7 hours she will get on a plane to go home...BITTER!
I stumbled upon an amazing band last week just before I started struggling with the pain of distance. This isn't a new pain. It's all too familiar, and if I had my choice, I would have become a hermit a long time ago. Fortunately, God has a different idea. I don't quite have a grip on His idea, but I'm trying to figure it out...
Something He's given me is this band called Mainstay (Album - Become Who You Are).
Where You're Heart Belongs
It feels like everyone has left you
You're not alone
I hear you call
And I've been waiting here for you through it all
You're not alone
Come to the cross
And let me show you where your heart belongs
You're not alone...
I will never leave you
Come back to my open arms
To the only love you need
As I've said before, music speaks to me. Sometimes it's my lifeline.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Bittersweet
BITTERSWEET moments.
9:00 pm...SWEET! One of my favorites was visiting from out of state. We had nearly 2 hours of blissful conversation, catching each other up on the intricacies of our lives. My favorite has a special way of pulling out painful truth, all while encouraging me in a "God will be there for you and so will I" way. With her, I hold nothing back. Authenticity at it's best. That's where life change happens for me.
11:00 pm...BITTER! Hugs. Goodbyes.
There have been at least 3 of my favorites that have journeyed to other parts of the country/world in the past year. BITTERSWEET. I know that each one was called by God to fullfil His purposes...SWEET! But they are so far from me...BITTER!
There are two of my other favorites waiting on God to see if He is calling them to another part of the country. I've been talking to God about this lately. He asked me if I always had my favorites near, would I need Him? Of course I would, but would I talk to Him about my problems or would I call my favorites first? Would I spend quality time with Him or would I give Him 15 minutes before I drift off to sleep because I was with my favorites all night?
I suppose that regardless of whether or not my favorites are near, God should be my priority. Thanks for the spiritual check, Dad!
Working on it...
9:00 pm...SWEET! One of my favorites was visiting from out of state. We had nearly 2 hours of blissful conversation, catching each other up on the intricacies of our lives. My favorite has a special way of pulling out painful truth, all while encouraging me in a "God will be there for you and so will I" way. With her, I hold nothing back. Authenticity at it's best. That's where life change happens for me.
11:00 pm...BITTER! Hugs. Goodbyes.
There have been at least 3 of my favorites that have journeyed to other parts of the country/world in the past year. BITTERSWEET. I know that each one was called by God to fullfil His purposes...SWEET! But they are so far from me...BITTER!
There are two of my other favorites waiting on God to see if He is calling them to another part of the country. I've been talking to God about this lately. He asked me if I always had my favorites near, would I need Him? Of course I would, but would I talk to Him about my problems or would I call my favorites first? Would I spend quality time with Him or would I give Him 15 minutes before I drift off to sleep because I was with my favorites all night?
I suppose that regardless of whether or not my favorites are near, God should be my priority. Thanks for the spiritual check, Dad!
Working on it...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Opinion vs. Truth. I want truth. JUSTICE - Part 2
Opinion vs. Truth. I want truth.
JUSTICE
Just - not doing wrong to any; righteous; honest; true; upright
Justice - conformity to the principles of righteousness (doing what is right) and moral integrity in all things; strict performance of moral obligations; practical conformity to human or divine law; integrity in the dealings of men with each other
You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers in all your towns which the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 16:18 - 20
Application...God's commands to his people given through Moses:
1. The government must judge people fairly.
2. Do not pervert (to turn away from what is right; to turn from truth; corrupt) justice.
3. Do not show partiality (inclination to favor one party) during judgment.
4. Do not accept bribes because bribes corrupt justice.
5. Pursue justice and nothing less (see above for definition).
God obviously loves justice and is calling us to love justice.
To be continued...
Disclaimer: My goal is to interpret what God has to say about justice. I cannot do that without the Holy Spirit so I am solely relying on Him for guidance. You are free to agree or disagree with anything written here. If you think I'm way off on something, feel free to let me know...nicely, please.
JUSTICE
Just - not doing wrong to any; righteous; honest; true; upright
Justice - conformity to the principles of righteousness (doing what is right) and moral integrity in all things; strict performance of moral obligations; practical conformity to human or divine law; integrity in the dealings of men with each other
You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers in all your towns which the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 16:18 - 20
Application...God's commands to his people given through Moses:
1. The government must judge people fairly.
2. Do not pervert (to turn away from what is right; to turn from truth; corrupt) justice.
3. Do not show partiality (inclination to favor one party) during judgment.
4. Do not accept bribes because bribes corrupt justice.
5. Pursue justice and nothing less (see above for definition).
God obviously loves justice and is calling us to love justice.
To be continued...
Disclaimer: My goal is to interpret what God has to say about justice. I cannot do that without the Holy Spirit so I am solely relying on Him for guidance. You are free to agree or disagree with anything written here. If you think I'm way off on something, feel free to let me know...nicely, please.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Opinion vs. Truth. I want truth. JUSTICE
Opinion vs. Truth. I want truth.
JUSTICE
Just - not doing wrong to any; righteous; honest; true; upright
Justice - conformity to the principles of righteousness (doing what is right) and moral integrity in all things; strict performance of moral obligations; practical conformity to human or divine law; integrity in the dealings of men with each other
God said...
For I have chosen him (Abraham), so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised. Genesis 18:19
Application: God is just and he wants his people to be just too.
God told Moses to set these laws for His people...
You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice; nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his dispute. If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release it with him. You shall not pervert the justice due to your needy brother in his dispute. Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just. You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:1 - 9
Application to follow God's law about justice:
1. Tell the honest truth in all situations involving the courts.
2. Do not judge wrongly...Do not put an innocent person to death because God will not acquit the guilty.
3. Bribes corrupt justice.
To be continued...
Disclaimer: My goal is to interpret what God has to say about justice. I cannot do that without the Holy Spirit so I am solely relying on Him for guidance. You are free to agree or disagree with anything written here. If you think I'm way off on something, feel free to let me know...nicely, please.
JUSTICE
Just - not doing wrong to any; righteous; honest; true; upright
Justice - conformity to the principles of righteousness (doing what is right) and moral integrity in all things; strict performance of moral obligations; practical conformity to human or divine law; integrity in the dealings of men with each other
God said...
For I have chosen him (Abraham), so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised. Genesis 18:19
Application: God is just and he wants his people to be just too.
God told Moses to set these laws for His people...
You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice; nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his dispute. If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release it with him. You shall not pervert the justice due to your needy brother in his dispute. Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just. You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:1 - 9
Application to follow God's law about justice:
1. Tell the honest truth in all situations involving the courts.
2. Do not judge wrongly...Do not put an innocent person to death because God will not acquit the guilty.
3. Bribes corrupt justice.
To be continued...
Disclaimer: My goal is to interpret what God has to say about justice. I cannot do that without the Holy Spirit so I am solely relying on Him for guidance. You are free to agree or disagree with anything written here. If you think I'm way off on something, feel free to let me know...nicely, please.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Opinion vs. Truth. I want truth.
Is it my choice to decide whether or not someone dies?
If I'm attacked by a big, burly man, and I fear for my life, what would God think about me taking the man's life before he killed me?
If one day I receive news that if I go through with the pregnancy, there is an 80% chance that I will die, do I choose my life or my unborn child's?
One of my favorites and I talked about this today.
We also talked about...
The death penalty. Is it right for a human to make a decision to put another human to death?
Torture. Is it right for humans to torture another human because they think he or she is withholding information that might save a nation?
I know most of these questions are justice issues, and I do have some opinions, but I don't want to bank on my opinions. I want the truth. What does my Bible have to say about this? I'll get back to you.
If I'm attacked by a big, burly man, and I fear for my life, what would God think about me taking the man's life before he killed me?
If one day I receive news that if I go through with the pregnancy, there is an 80% chance that I will die, do I choose my life or my unborn child's?
One of my favorites and I talked about this today.
We also talked about...
The death penalty. Is it right for a human to make a decision to put another human to death?
Torture. Is it right for humans to torture another human because they think he or she is withholding information that might save a nation?
I know most of these questions are justice issues, and I do have some opinions, but I don't want to bank on my opinions. I want the truth. What does my Bible have to say about this? I'll get back to you.
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