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.
Gnats in Packs
This weekend I found something else that frustrates me just like the wind does when I'm riding my bike up a hill (see previous post titled Anger - Good or Bad? YES).
Bugs. Those annoying little gnats that swarm in packs. They attack your eyes...your mouth...your ears...I even had one fly up my nose!
So how did I deal with this anger?
1. Sat in a camp chair with an angry look on my face hoping the useless little creatures would be intimidated by my scowl.
When that didn't work...
2. Bug spray.
Spraying myself didn't do a lick of good. Spraying the air around me - not so much either.
Next.
3. Sang "If You're Happy and You Know It" while sporadically clapping my hands together to try to kill as many of the pests as I could in each clap. You'd be surprised...a few of the other campers were doing this as well.
No. And the winner is...
4. Put a baseball cap on with a hoodie.
This temporarily worked. Why? It blocked my vision of most of the pesky little buggers. They still managed to fly at my face every once in a while, however.
I did feel silly getting angry with the gnats, but I wasn't really sure what to do about it since they were constantly in my face. My temporary fix was good enough for this time.
Next camping trip...
A mosquito net hat. I don't care if I look crazy. At least I won't be wasting my time being angry with bugs.
P.S. One of my favorites made friends with the gnats. She's much sweeter than me.
Bugs. Those annoying little gnats that swarm in packs. They attack your eyes...your mouth...your ears...I even had one fly up my nose!
So how did I deal with this anger?
1. Sat in a camp chair with an angry look on my face hoping the useless little creatures would be intimidated by my scowl.
When that didn't work...
2. Bug spray.
Spraying myself didn't do a lick of good. Spraying the air around me - not so much either.
Next.
3. Sang "If You're Happy and You Know It" while sporadically clapping my hands together to try to kill as many of the pests as I could in each clap. You'd be surprised...a few of the other campers were doing this as well.
No. And the winner is...
4. Put a baseball cap on with a hoodie.
This temporarily worked. Why? It blocked my vision of most of the pesky little buggers. They still managed to fly at my face every once in a while, however.
I did feel silly getting angry with the gnats, but I wasn't really sure what to do about it since they were constantly in my face. My temporary fix was good enough for this time.
Next camping trip...
A mosquito net hat. I don't care if I look crazy. At least I won't be wasting my time being angry with bugs.
P.S. One of my favorites made friends with the gnats. She's much sweeter than me.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Beautiful
I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say You’re beautiful
I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It’s all proclaiming who You are
You’re beautiful,
You're beautiful
I see you there hanging on a tree
You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me
Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You’re beautiful, you're beautiful
When we arrive at eternity’s shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we’ll sing
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face, I see Your face
I see Your face, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful
"You're Beautiful" by Phil Wickham
What a perfect song to fall asleep to last night as the moon is shining. What a perfect song to wake up to as the sun is shining on this beautiful morning. YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say You’re beautiful
I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It’s all proclaiming who You are
You’re beautiful,
You're beautiful
I see you there hanging on a tree
You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me
Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You’re beautiful, you're beautiful
When we arrive at eternity’s shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we’ll sing
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face, I see Your face
I see Your face, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful
"You're Beautiful" by Phil Wickham
What a perfect song to fall asleep to last night as the moon is shining. What a perfect song to wake up to as the sun is shining on this beautiful morning. YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Road Trip
One week ago, I was on a road trip...just me and God. As I began my journey, I felt convicted of neglecting our relationship. It had been a long time since He and I spent a significant amount of time talking to each other.
As tears streamed down my face, I cried out to him through songs like Run to You, Hungry (Falling on my Knees), and Take My Life. See lyrics below.
I came upon a construction zone, and instantly thought about the construction that was going on in my heart in that very moment. Think about entering a construction zone...you have to slow down and be more cautious of your surroundings. God used my 3 1/2 hour road trip to slow me down, and speak to my heart. I am notorious for being the energizer bunny, and the problem with that is I find it difficult to slow down...to listen to God. In the construction zone, I became much more aware of what was going on around me because it was necessary for my safety and the cars near me. I think God was telling me that he wants to do some construction in my life, but I need to pay closer attention to Him (which requires spending time with Him, of course) or I will cause damage to myself and possibly to those around me.
As I continued on my journey, I noticed a car flipped upside down on the side of the road. An accident. Life is full of accidents. There have been countless times where I have been flipped upside down, broken inside and out. I saw a stretcher near the car. It reminded me that sometimes I come out of my accidents or mistakes on a stretcher and need great healing to become whole again. I know that healing can only come from my God. As I continued to think about how I had been neglecting the most important person in my life, I began to feel a peace. God said, "I love you. I love you even when you make mistakes. I love you even when you don't pay attention to me. I'm always here for you."
I've been following Christ for almost 4 1/2 years, and my following is far from perfect. In fact, it will never be perfect, BUT I know that this is the only way to live. God will help me with the construction in my life, and He will never leave me. That's beautiful. He's beautiful.
Do you know Him?
Run to You by The Ember Days
You are calling
You are calling me to You
And I run, and I run to You
I need You
I can’t get enough of You
I come alive when I’m in Your presence
Oh God of my salvation
You adore me
You are drawing me to You
And I run Jesus
And I run
I need You
I can’t get enough of You
I come alive when I’m in Your presence
Oh God of my salvation
I run to you, Lord
I run to you (x2)
I need You
I can’t get enough of You
I come alive when I’m in Your presence
Oh God of my salvation
Hungry (Falling on my Knees) by Kathryn Scott
Hungry I come to you
For I know you satisfy
I am empty
but I know your love does not run dry
So I wait for you
So I wait for you
I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus your all this heart is living for
Broken I run to you
For your arms are open wide
I am weary
But I know your love does not run dry
So I wait for you
So I wait for you
I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus your all this heart is living for
Take My Life by Chris Tomlin
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as You choose.
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it's all for Thee.
Take my will and make it Thine
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is Thine own
it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord I pour
at Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.
Take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it's all for Thee.
As tears streamed down my face, I cried out to him through songs like Run to You, Hungry (Falling on my Knees), and Take My Life. See lyrics below.
I came upon a construction zone, and instantly thought about the construction that was going on in my heart in that very moment. Think about entering a construction zone...you have to slow down and be more cautious of your surroundings. God used my 3 1/2 hour road trip to slow me down, and speak to my heart. I am notorious for being the energizer bunny, and the problem with that is I find it difficult to slow down...to listen to God. In the construction zone, I became much more aware of what was going on around me because it was necessary for my safety and the cars near me. I think God was telling me that he wants to do some construction in my life, but I need to pay closer attention to Him (which requires spending time with Him, of course) or I will cause damage to myself and possibly to those around me.
As I continued on my journey, I noticed a car flipped upside down on the side of the road. An accident. Life is full of accidents. There have been countless times where I have been flipped upside down, broken inside and out. I saw a stretcher near the car. It reminded me that sometimes I come out of my accidents or mistakes on a stretcher and need great healing to become whole again. I know that healing can only come from my God. As I continued to think about how I had been neglecting the most important person in my life, I began to feel a peace. God said, "I love you. I love you even when you make mistakes. I love you even when you don't pay attention to me. I'm always here for you."
I've been following Christ for almost 4 1/2 years, and my following is far from perfect. In fact, it will never be perfect, BUT I know that this is the only way to live. God will help me with the construction in my life, and He will never leave me. That's beautiful. He's beautiful.
Do you know Him?
Run to You by The Ember Days
You are calling
You are calling me to You
And I run, and I run to You
I need You
I can’t get enough of You
I come alive when I’m in Your presence
Oh God of my salvation
You adore me
You are drawing me to You
And I run Jesus
And I run
I need You
I can’t get enough of You
I come alive when I’m in Your presence
Oh God of my salvation
I run to you, Lord
I run to you (x2)
I need You
I can’t get enough of You
I come alive when I’m in Your presence
Oh God of my salvation
Hungry (Falling on my Knees) by Kathryn Scott
Hungry I come to you
For I know you satisfy
I am empty
but I know your love does not run dry
So I wait for you
So I wait for you
I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus your all this heart is living for
Broken I run to you
For your arms are open wide
I am weary
But I know your love does not run dry
So I wait for you
So I wait for you
I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus your all this heart is living for
Take My Life by Chris Tomlin
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as You choose.
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it's all for Thee.
Take my will and make it Thine
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is Thine own
it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord I pour
at Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.
Take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it's all for Thee.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Anger - Good or Bad? YES
Have you ever gotten angry over something ridiculous?
I distinctly remember becoming furious with the wind one day last summer. Yes, the wind. As I began the long ride up the hill on my mountain bike, the wind decided he (or she) was going to push against me as hard as he possibly could just to tick me off...or so that's what it felt like as I struggled to pedal up that neverending hill while my quads nearly burned out of my skin. I remember wanting to curse at the wind, and quite honestly, I may have once or twice when he pushed even harder against me. I'm not sure adrenaline is supposed to reach the level it did in my body that day, but I'll probably never forget the anger I felt toward that malicious wind.
Ok...so getting angry at the wind is pretty silly. I know this. What other things, though, have I gotten angry over AND are they worthy of the anger?
This was the challenge presented to me at my Monday night gathering this past week.
So...
What have I been angry (or frustrated) about that is NOT worthy of getting angry about?
Slow drivers
Required meetings
Misplaced or lost items
Cancelled events
Tall people standing in front of me
What have I been angry about that IS worthy of getting angry about?
Sex trafficking
Child abuse
Starvation
Misuse of power
Maybe I can just make one category for these - selfishness at the expense of others.
Some would call this kind of anger, the kind that IS worthy,"righteous anger" because the anger is in response to sin. If we see sin the way God sees it, we will become angry too. The point for us is not to condemn or judge those in the midst of sinful behavior. This kind of anger should never cause us to sin, but it should push us to find a way to help encourage righteous behavior. It should cause us to want to do something to help the situation.
"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:26).
Humans in Guatemala are starving. Humans in Africa are starving. Humans in many places in our world are starving. I find myself with righteous anger when I think about this situation. I don't know all the reasons why humans are starving to death, but I do know that part of the cause of this hunger is due to sin...the selfish behavior of humans. I know there is enough food for everyone in the world, yet people are still dying of hunger.
God does not call me to deal with this anger by judging those who are not thinking about the poor. God does not call me to condemn those who are stealing food that's being sent to provide for those in need.
The way that I deal with this anger is to donate money to feed the poor. I bought several buckets of food for the Treasures living the garbage dump of Guatemala City. The staff of Potter's House, an organization that reaches out the Treasures, will deliver the food to the families most in need. My hope is that others will recognize one of the righteous ways to deal with this situation, and join me in feeding the poor. My hope is that the Treasures will find God through His provision for them.
So when I cursed at the wind last summer...right response? NO
"Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:19-20, ESV).
I distinctly remember becoming furious with the wind one day last summer. Yes, the wind. As I began the long ride up the hill on my mountain bike, the wind decided he (or she) was going to push against me as hard as he possibly could just to tick me off...or so that's what it felt like as I struggled to pedal up that neverending hill while my quads nearly burned out of my skin. I remember wanting to curse at the wind, and quite honestly, I may have once or twice when he pushed even harder against me. I'm not sure adrenaline is supposed to reach the level it did in my body that day, but I'll probably never forget the anger I felt toward that malicious wind.
Ok...so getting angry at the wind is pretty silly. I know this. What other things, though, have I gotten angry over AND are they worthy of the anger?
This was the challenge presented to me at my Monday night gathering this past week.
So...
What have I been angry (or frustrated) about that is NOT worthy of getting angry about?
Slow drivers
Required meetings
Misplaced or lost items
Cancelled events
Tall people standing in front of me
What have I been angry about that IS worthy of getting angry about?
Sex trafficking
Child abuse
Starvation
Misuse of power
Maybe I can just make one category for these - selfishness at the expense of others.
Some would call this kind of anger, the kind that IS worthy,"righteous anger" because the anger is in response to sin. If we see sin the way God sees it, we will become angry too. The point for us is not to condemn or judge those in the midst of sinful behavior. This kind of anger should never cause us to sin, but it should push us to find a way to help encourage righteous behavior. It should cause us to want to do something to help the situation.
"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:26).
Humans in Guatemala are starving. Humans in Africa are starving. Humans in many places in our world are starving. I find myself with righteous anger when I think about this situation. I don't know all the reasons why humans are starving to death, but I do know that part of the cause of this hunger is due to sin...the selfish behavior of humans. I know there is enough food for everyone in the world, yet people are still dying of hunger.
God does not call me to deal with this anger by judging those who are not thinking about the poor. God does not call me to condemn those who are stealing food that's being sent to provide for those in need.
The way that I deal with this anger is to donate money to feed the poor. I bought several buckets of food for the Treasures living the garbage dump of Guatemala City. The staff of Potter's House, an organization that reaches out the Treasures, will deliver the food to the families most in need. My hope is that others will recognize one of the righteous ways to deal with this situation, and join me in feeding the poor. My hope is that the Treasures will find God through His provision for them.
So when I cursed at the wind last summer...right response? NO
"Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:19-20, ESV).
Monday, May 4, 2009
Octopus
I shared my bag of sour octopus with two of my favorites the other day.
Selfish? NO
Self-sacrificial? Not quite, considering the whole bag would have hyped me up on sugar so bad that I wouldn't sleep for days...so in all honesty, it was probably necessary to share, although I could have chosen to hord them all for myself. I did, in fact, feel quite free after I offered the last octopus to my favorites. Ironically, neither one would take it.
I'm a work in progress.
See post from April titled "Self..." if this makes no sense to you.
Selfish? NO
Self-sacrificial? Not quite, considering the whole bag would have hyped me up on sugar so bad that I wouldn't sleep for days...so in all honesty, it was probably necessary to share, although I could have chosen to hord them all for myself. I did, in fact, feel quite free after I offered the last octopus to my favorites. Ironically, neither one would take it.
I'm a work in progress.
See post from April titled "Self..." if this makes no sense to you.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Words are Powerful
It's not often that I watch television.
In fact, there is only 1 show that I am committed to watching, even if I watch it 3 weeks later on my laptop at cbs.com.
Flashpoint. It's about a strategic response unit who looks out for the good of the world.
Tonight's episode (well, the show is actually on Friday nights, but tonight seemed like a good night to sit back and relax for 42 minutes with some orange sherbert and my laptop) was about a "typical" school shooting. It makes me sad to know that I can refer to a situation where a kid brings a gun to school and shoots other humans as typical, but it is the reality in our world today.
Billy was a high school sophomore who had a knack for art. His dad was a drunk, so the family was living in poverty. Ella noticed Billy's talent, but she was dating Scott, Mr. Big Shot Football Player. Scott and his friend, Tony, spent their free time at school bullying the scrawny little sophomore. Billy quickly tired of the bullying, and the day after he was forced to eat garbage and say that he was gay, he decided to bring a gun to school to get revenge. While looking for his bullys, Billy interrupted a class. One of the students not knowing that there was a gun under Billy's shirt, stood up and said, "Get out, you loser!"
Two shots fired. The boy and a nearby classmate were injured, the girl losing blood quickly.
When the SRU arrived, the boy explained,"I called him a loser, and he went nuts. It's my fault she is hurt."
Words are powerful.
Words can hurt. Some show the hurt by acting out like Billy. Some internalize the hurt and slowly begin to believe that their identity is in lies behind the words.
My day began thinking about words. I thought about the words I had used two days before when I was frustrated with one of my favorites. I confess, sometimes my favorites aren't always my favorites, but it doesn't take long for them to become my favorite again. Such is life.
Thankfully I was able to have a conversation with my favorite, and was graciously forgiven for my diarrhea of the mouth moment.
Throughout the day, I continued to have conversations that wreaked of hurtful words.
"I called my son a f***ing idiot."
"He would get angry and lash out, verbally abusing my mom."
Words are powerful.
I think God may be challenging me to spend more time thinking about the way I use MY words. You know the saying, "Think before you speak." Think about...
The choice of words. The tone of voice. The context. The heart.
Jesus says...
"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned”.
Matthew 12:34 - 37
Words are powerful.
So many times, I can let my emotions speak before I have time to logically think through the context of the situation. So many times, I speak before I have time to draw out God's Word.
Think before I speak. Store up God's Word in my heart.
What words should NOT come out of my mouth? Words that...
...criticize
...judge
...hate
...demean
...curse
...corrupt
...deceive
..._______
What words should come out of my mouth? Words that...
...encourage
...love
...forgive
...support
...speak truth
...thank
...save
..._______
Words are powerful.
What words came out of your mouth today? Did your words help or hurt?
In fact, there is only 1 show that I am committed to watching, even if I watch it 3 weeks later on my laptop at cbs.com.
Flashpoint. It's about a strategic response unit who looks out for the good of the world.
Tonight's episode (well, the show is actually on Friday nights, but tonight seemed like a good night to sit back and relax for 42 minutes with some orange sherbert and my laptop) was about a "typical" school shooting. It makes me sad to know that I can refer to a situation where a kid brings a gun to school and shoots other humans as typical, but it is the reality in our world today.
Billy was a high school sophomore who had a knack for art. His dad was a drunk, so the family was living in poverty. Ella noticed Billy's talent, but she was dating Scott, Mr. Big Shot Football Player. Scott and his friend, Tony, spent their free time at school bullying the scrawny little sophomore. Billy quickly tired of the bullying, and the day after he was forced to eat garbage and say that he was gay, he decided to bring a gun to school to get revenge. While looking for his bullys, Billy interrupted a class. One of the students not knowing that there was a gun under Billy's shirt, stood up and said, "Get out, you loser!"
Two shots fired. The boy and a nearby classmate were injured, the girl losing blood quickly.
When the SRU arrived, the boy explained,"I called him a loser, and he went nuts. It's my fault she is hurt."
Words are powerful.
Words can hurt. Some show the hurt by acting out like Billy. Some internalize the hurt and slowly begin to believe that their identity is in lies behind the words.
My day began thinking about words. I thought about the words I had used two days before when I was frustrated with one of my favorites. I confess, sometimes my favorites aren't always my favorites, but it doesn't take long for them to become my favorite again. Such is life.
Thankfully I was able to have a conversation with my favorite, and was graciously forgiven for my diarrhea of the mouth moment.
Throughout the day, I continued to have conversations that wreaked of hurtful words.
"I called my son a f***ing idiot."
"He would get angry and lash out, verbally abusing my mom."
Words are powerful.
I think God may be challenging me to spend more time thinking about the way I use MY words. You know the saying, "Think before you speak." Think about...
The choice of words. The tone of voice. The context. The heart.
Jesus says...
"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned”.
Matthew 12:34 - 37
Words are powerful.
So many times, I can let my emotions speak before I have time to logically think through the context of the situation. So many times, I speak before I have time to draw out God's Word.
Think before I speak. Store up God's Word in my heart.
What words should NOT come out of my mouth? Words that...
...criticize
...judge
...hate
...demean
...curse
...corrupt
...deceive
..._______
What words should come out of my mouth? Words that...
...encourage
...love
...forgive
...support
...speak truth
...thank
...save
..._______
Words are powerful.
What words came out of your mouth today? Did your words help or hurt?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
What's in a Dream?
Dreams.
I often wonder what they mean.
The other night I was falling. I was falling with my co-worker, my friend.
In mid-flight I said to him, "Well, I guess this is it." I remember feeling unexpectedly calm.
He was a little bit more perturbed, and responded with, "No! This can't be it!"
Feeling like I was floating rather than falling 100 mph toward the solid, rocky ground, I said, "I'm not afraid to die."
"It can't be our time yet!" he yelled.
Suddenly, a parachute came out of nowhere, and each of us struggled to reach the strings. It wouldn't fully open.
As I continued to fall, I thought about why he was so upset about slamming into a solid, rocky ground that would literally shatter every bone in his body as he hit it. I knew that he knew that his mangled, physical body would mean nothing once he died. I knew that he knew that when he hit that ground and passed from this life into the next, he would be safe in the arms of Jesus. I knew that he knew this, so why was he fighting death?
In the split second that I had left before I hit the ground, I thought about his fiance', and instantly knew why he was wasn't ready to leave this world yet.
I closed my eyes. A white light.
I smiled, and hit. No pain. There were arms that caught me. Mighty, yet so gentle.
I don't know what this dream means, but I do know that I am safe in the arms of God now and after I leave this world. Forever.
"I give them (people that follow Jesus) eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." John 10:28-29
I often wonder what they mean.
The other night I was falling. I was falling with my co-worker, my friend.
In mid-flight I said to him, "Well, I guess this is it." I remember feeling unexpectedly calm.
He was a little bit more perturbed, and responded with, "No! This can't be it!"
Feeling like I was floating rather than falling 100 mph toward the solid, rocky ground, I said, "I'm not afraid to die."
"It can't be our time yet!" he yelled.
Suddenly, a parachute came out of nowhere, and each of us struggled to reach the strings. It wouldn't fully open.
As I continued to fall, I thought about why he was so upset about slamming into a solid, rocky ground that would literally shatter every bone in his body as he hit it. I knew that he knew that his mangled, physical body would mean nothing once he died. I knew that he knew that when he hit that ground and passed from this life into the next, he would be safe in the arms of Jesus. I knew that he knew this, so why was he fighting death?
In the split second that I had left before I hit the ground, I thought about his fiance', and instantly knew why he was wasn't ready to leave this world yet.
I closed my eyes. A white light.
I smiled, and hit. No pain. There were arms that caught me. Mighty, yet so gentle.
I don't know what this dream means, but I do know that I am safe in the arms of God now and after I leave this world. Forever.
"I give them (people that follow Jesus) eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." John 10:28-29
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Self...
Selfishness. Self-sacrifice.
Two totally different words with totally opposite meanings.
Selfishness. Concerned about self. Interested in self. Placing one's own needs or desires in front of other's needs or desires.
Self-sacrifice. Concerned about others. Interested in others. Sacrifice of oneself or one's own interests for the benefit of others.
One of my favorites and I sat at a coffee shop tonight talking about these two words. Selfishness...and...self-sacrifice. We both acknowledged that we are really good at the first one.
It's MY turn to shower and she is messing up MY routine. I always shower at 7 am.
Let her borrow MY necklace? What if she loses it? or breaks it?
We are selfish with our time and our things.
We have some friends that are really good at self-sacrifice.
You're cold? Here, take MY jacket.
I'll eat last in case there isn't enough food.
My favorite and I acknowledged that we should take notes from our friends and work on being less selfish and more self-sacrificial.
Interestingly enough, tonight we had our chance.
When I called one of my other favorites, he seemed to need some encouragement. Hard day.
What part of self came out at this point?
He's sad. I don't want to him to be sad. What can I do to bring him joy? I immediately began mentally planning for a late night. No question. If he needed encouragement my sleep would wait...all night if it needed to.
So maybe I'm a little bit hard on myself...but it's pretty easy to be self-sacrificial with my favorites.
I'm going to try to be more aware of what part of self comes out more often. Not only to my favorites, but to all those around me. I'm going to try to be more like my self-sacrificing friends. Less about me. More about others. I'm going to try to be more like my friend, Jesus.
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:6 - 7
Two totally different words with totally opposite meanings.
Selfishness. Concerned about self. Interested in self. Placing one's own needs or desires in front of other's needs or desires.
Self-sacrifice. Concerned about others. Interested in others. Sacrifice of oneself or one's own interests for the benefit of others.
One of my favorites and I sat at a coffee shop tonight talking about these two words. Selfishness...and...self-sacrifice. We both acknowledged that we are really good at the first one.
It's MY turn to shower and she is messing up MY routine. I always shower at 7 am.
Let her borrow MY necklace? What if she loses it? or breaks it?
We are selfish with our time and our things.
We have some friends that are really good at self-sacrifice.
You're cold? Here, take MY jacket.
I'll eat last in case there isn't enough food.
My favorite and I acknowledged that we should take notes from our friends and work on being less selfish and more self-sacrificial.
Interestingly enough, tonight we had our chance.
When I called one of my other favorites, he seemed to need some encouragement. Hard day.
What part of self came out at this point?
He's sad. I don't want to him to be sad. What can I do to bring him joy? I immediately began mentally planning for a late night. No question. If he needed encouragement my sleep would wait...all night if it needed to.
So maybe I'm a little bit hard on myself...but it's pretty easy to be self-sacrificial with my favorites.
I'm going to try to be more aware of what part of self comes out more often. Not only to my favorites, but to all those around me. I'm going to try to be more like my self-sacrificing friends. Less about me. More about others. I'm going to try to be more like my friend, Jesus.
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:6 - 7
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Stomp
If you wanna stomp the devil down
Stomp twice.
Hip hop has never been a choice music for me. Sure, I'll move my body to the beat, but it's not typical that I search for hip hop on iTunes.
One of my favorites was asked by one of his favorites to add a lil electric guitar to some hip hop beats for a concert this weekend. Truthfully, my main objective in driving 3 1/2 hours to the concert was to support my favorite in his love for playing music...but after hearing the band rehearse the night before the event, I was pumped to bounce to some hip hops beats.
With lyrics like, "stop, drop, and roll with the Holy Ghost", how could I not enjoy the show?
The morning after the concert, the band lead worship for a church in town. One of the cover songs they did with a hip hop twist was called "Enemy's Camp." It goes a lil something like this...
I went to the enemy's camp
And I took back what he stole from me
He's under my feet
He's under my feet
If you wanna stomp the devil down
Stomp twice
Because of my new appreciation for hip hop, I was paying more attention to the beat of the song rather the words. It wasn't until the preacher brought the lyrics into his sermon that the light bulb went on and I was reminded of the power of Satan. Sometimes I forget that Satan is constantly attacking my mind and soul like a lion seeking to devour it's prey.
Satan is powerful...
BUT...
...God is even more powerful.
Do you remember the Crocodile Hunter? I know he died in a freak accident a few years ago, but let's go back to his glory days. What were the chances that a crocodile was going to beat his hunter in a battle? No chance. Steve Erwin was hunting crocodiles for years and was killed by a sting ray. Not a crocodile. Even though the crocodile is a mighty beast, Steve Erwin was more powerful. A croc trying to beat the Croc hunter is kind of like Satan trying to beat God. He gets stomped down each time.
If you wanna stomp the devil down
Stomp twice.
The problem is I tend forget that I can't stomp the devil down in my own power.
So sometimes the devil beats me...
BUT...
...God beats the devil every time.
If I want to stomp the devil down, I can stomp him down through the power of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Not through my power. His. I can stomp the devil down twice. Thrice. Every time with the power of my almighty God. I just need a reminder once in a while.
If I wanna stomp the devil down
Stomp twice...
...with God's stomp.
Stomp twice.
Hip hop has never been a choice music for me. Sure, I'll move my body to the beat, but it's not typical that I search for hip hop on iTunes.
One of my favorites was asked by one of his favorites to add a lil electric guitar to some hip hop beats for a concert this weekend. Truthfully, my main objective in driving 3 1/2 hours to the concert was to support my favorite in his love for playing music...but after hearing the band rehearse the night before the event, I was pumped to bounce to some hip hops beats.
With lyrics like, "stop, drop, and roll with the Holy Ghost", how could I not enjoy the show?
The morning after the concert, the band lead worship for a church in town. One of the cover songs they did with a hip hop twist was called "Enemy's Camp." It goes a lil something like this...
I went to the enemy's camp
And I took back what he stole from me
He's under my feet
He's under my feet
If you wanna stomp the devil down
Stomp twice
Because of my new appreciation for hip hop, I was paying more attention to the beat of the song rather the words. It wasn't until the preacher brought the lyrics into his sermon that the light bulb went on and I was reminded of the power of Satan. Sometimes I forget that Satan is constantly attacking my mind and soul like a lion seeking to devour it's prey.
Satan is powerful...
BUT...
...God is even more powerful.
Do you remember the Crocodile Hunter? I know he died in a freak accident a few years ago, but let's go back to his glory days. What were the chances that a crocodile was going to beat his hunter in a battle? No chance. Steve Erwin was hunting crocodiles for years and was killed by a sting ray. Not a crocodile. Even though the crocodile is a mighty beast, Steve Erwin was more powerful. A croc trying to beat the Croc hunter is kind of like Satan trying to beat God. He gets stomped down each time.
If you wanna stomp the devil down
Stomp twice.
The problem is I tend forget that I can't stomp the devil down in my own power.
So sometimes the devil beats me...
BUT...
...God beats the devil every time.
If I want to stomp the devil down, I can stomp him down through the power of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Not through my power. His. I can stomp the devil down twice. Thrice. Every time with the power of my almighty God. I just need a reminder once in a while.
If I wanna stomp the devil down
Stomp twice...
...with God's stomp.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Least of These
For 40 hours in June, I will have the opportunity to experience what it feels like to be homeless.
When I was growing up, I lived in the low income housing section of town, but even so, I had a roof over my head. I had 3 nutritious meals a day. I had different clothes to put on each morning, and most importantly, I had people around who loved me. In that small town, I never saw poverty. It existed, but I never saw it.
The first time I experienced poverty was this past winter. I traveled to Guatemala City where there is a garbage dump that over 10,500 people live and work in each day. Thousands of humans spend 14 hours a day in the extreme heat or heavy rain searching through infected rubbish to provide for their families. Their works consists of searching for pieces of recycled materials so that at the end of the day, they can sell their findings for a few pennies. I saw poverty in Guatemala City.
Since I've returned from Guatemala, I have had the opportunity to volunteer at a couple homeless shelters. Each time has been different, and each time I get glimpses of the lives of people who don't have roofs over their heads...who don't get 3 nutritious meals a day...who have to wear the same dirty, stinky clothes day in and day out...who rarely feel love.
But...God is at work through His people!
There's an organization in Guatemala City called Potter's House that reaches out to the people who live and work in the dump. Their vision is that “One day not even one Treasure will scavenge in all of beautiful Guatemala”. With the help of short and long-term missionaries, the staff of Potter's House works hard to build houses for the poor...to feed the hungry...to the clothe the least of these...and most importantly, to love God's treasures.
There is a group of Jesus followers that I gather with on Mondays. Once a month during our gathering, we spend our time feeding the hungry at the homeless shelters...clothing the least of these...and most importantly, spreading the love of Jesus to those who desperately need Him. They have nothing else. No home. Little food. Dirty, stinky clothes. They need love. We give them love.
God is at work through His people! In Guatemala and right here in my backyard.
I don't know that a 40 hour poverty simulation is going to give me an accurate picture of what it's like to be homeless, but it will surely give me a glimpse into what it is like to be one of the least of these.
Is God at work in your backyard?
When I was growing up, I lived in the low income housing section of town, but even so, I had a roof over my head. I had 3 nutritious meals a day. I had different clothes to put on each morning, and most importantly, I had people around who loved me. In that small town, I never saw poverty. It existed, but I never saw it.
The first time I experienced poverty was this past winter. I traveled to Guatemala City where there is a garbage dump that over 10,500 people live and work in each day. Thousands of humans spend 14 hours a day in the extreme heat or heavy rain searching through infected rubbish to provide for their families. Their works consists of searching for pieces of recycled materials so that at the end of the day, they can sell their findings for a few pennies. I saw poverty in Guatemala City.
Since I've returned from Guatemala, I have had the opportunity to volunteer at a couple homeless shelters. Each time has been different, and each time I get glimpses of the lives of people who don't have roofs over their heads...who don't get 3 nutritious meals a day...who have to wear the same dirty, stinky clothes day in and day out...who rarely feel love.
But...God is at work through His people!
There's an organization in Guatemala City called Potter's House that reaches out to the people who live and work in the dump. Their vision is that “One day not even one Treasure will scavenge in all of beautiful Guatemala”. With the help of short and long-term missionaries, the staff of Potter's House works hard to build houses for the poor...to feed the hungry...to the clothe the least of these...and most importantly, to love God's treasures.
There is a group of Jesus followers that I gather with on Mondays. Once a month during our gathering, we spend our time feeding the hungry at the homeless shelters...clothing the least of these...and most importantly, spreading the love of Jesus to those who desperately need Him. They have nothing else. No home. Little food. Dirty, stinky clothes. They need love. We give them love.
God is at work through His people! In Guatemala and right here in my backyard.
Jesus says, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40
Through loving people, we love God. We love God by loving the least of these.
I don't know that a 40 hour poverty simulation is going to give me an accurate picture of what it's like to be homeless, but it will surely give me a glimpse into what it is like to be one of the least of these.
Is God at work in your backyard?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Empathy. Strength or weakness?
Colon cancer.
Tonight as I sat listening to Kary Oberbrunner talk about the Kingdom of God, he told a story about a man, Mark Palmer, who died of colon cancer.
As soon as those two words left his lips, my stomach knotted.
Empathy. Strength or weakness?
About 8 months ago one of my favorites called as I was just arriving at a summer party. "I am following my dad to the ER. Pray."
My stomach was instantly in knots. My appetite was gone. I literally felt sick.
I gathered my friends in a circle, and we prayed. I knew the situation wasn't good, but I absolutely believed God could heal my favorite's dad.
Colon cancer.
It spread. FAST.
Stomach in knots.
Empathy. Strength or weakness?
My favorite's dad fought the cancer for about 7 weeks. Then he went to be with Jesus.
God didn't heal my favorite's dad, but I absolutely believe He is capable of healing...if it's in His plans. Did I want my favorite's dad to be healed? Of course! But I trust that God knows better than I know. He IS my creator. Kary says that life is about advancing God's kingdom rather than our own selfish kingdoms. Jesus said that too. "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." (Luke 4:43) Maybe my favorite's dad had fulfilled God's purposes here. Maybe my favorite's dad had advanced God's kingdom enough, so He called him to rest. I bet God said something like, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
There were many at the funeral. My favorite read a profound journal entry about his dad and lead worship through song. Heavyhearted, but joyous.
As I write, my stomach knots. I'm instantly brought back to that day I received the phone call. The 7 week journey walking alongside of one of my favorites feeling helpless. I hear those two words.
Colon Cancer.
Stomach in knots.
Empathy. Strength or weakness?
According to the StrengthsFinder, empathy, the ability to sense and understand someone else's feelings as if they were one's own, is a strength of mine.
Sometimes I wonder...strength?...or weakness?
Tonight as I sat listening to Kary Oberbrunner talk about the Kingdom of God, he told a story about a man, Mark Palmer, who died of colon cancer.
As soon as those two words left his lips, my stomach knotted.
Empathy. Strength or weakness?
About 8 months ago one of my favorites called as I was just arriving at a summer party. "I am following my dad to the ER. Pray."
My stomach was instantly in knots. My appetite was gone. I literally felt sick.
I gathered my friends in a circle, and we prayed. I knew the situation wasn't good, but I absolutely believed God could heal my favorite's dad.
Colon cancer.
It spread. FAST.
Stomach in knots.
Empathy. Strength or weakness?
My favorite's dad fought the cancer for about 7 weeks. Then he went to be with Jesus.
God didn't heal my favorite's dad, but I absolutely believe He is capable of healing...if it's in His plans. Did I want my favorite's dad to be healed? Of course! But I trust that God knows better than I know. He IS my creator. Kary says that life is about advancing God's kingdom rather than our own selfish kingdoms. Jesus said that too. "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." (Luke 4:43) Maybe my favorite's dad had fulfilled God's purposes here. Maybe my favorite's dad had advanced God's kingdom enough, so He called him to rest. I bet God said something like, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
There were many at the funeral. My favorite read a profound journal entry about his dad and lead worship through song. Heavyhearted, but joyous.
As I write, my stomach knots. I'm instantly brought back to that day I received the phone call. The 7 week journey walking alongside of one of my favorites feeling helpless. I hear those two words.
Colon Cancer.
Stomach in knots.
Empathy. Strength or weakness?
According to the StrengthsFinder, empathy, the ability to sense and understand someone else's feelings as if they were one's own, is a strength of mine.
Sometimes I wonder...strength?...or weakness?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Music. It speaks to me.
I don't have a musical bone in my body.
Actually, I can keep up with most people on the dance floor...as long as I'm at a wedding.
And I can play a mean set of drums in Rockband...as long as I'm on the easiest level and I don't have to use the foot pedal.
Well, and I played the recorder in 4th grade.
But aside from that...
You don't want to be in the car with me when I'm screeching at the top of my lungs...especially when I'm rockin' out to Bon Jovi or Skillet.
I don't have a musical bone in my body, BUT music is a necessity in my life.
It gives me energy.
It gives me hope.
It soothes me.
It puts a smile on my face.
It makes me want to dance.
It makes me want to cry.
It speaks to me.
I heard this song by Tenth Avenue North two times today. I can't help but believe that I was meant to hear this on the radio today...twice.
Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away
Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run
Chorus:
And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life
(Chorus 2x)
Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go
(Chorus 2x)
Last night I had what I call "deep life conversations" with some of my favorite people. Deep life conversations are special because they don't happen all the time. They are even more special when I am with my favorites. We talked about death, marriage, and gender differences, among other things.
What drives men and women in a relationship?
Our verdict...
In general...Men are more physically driven than women. Women are more emotionally driven than men.
We talked about how women long to be loved...how women long to be held...how women long to be protected...how women long to find all of that in a man...and without him, feel empty.
The lyrics.
God loves me. God is holding me in His hands. God is by my side. God can fill me....if I let Him.
Music. It speaks to me.
After we had deep life conversations, one of my favorites who IS musically inclined pulled out his guitar and we sang together. I sounded terrible, but I found hope. I was soothed. I felt close to my favorites. I talked to my God. I smiled.
I don't have a musical bone in my body, BUT music is a necessity in my life.
Actually, I can keep up with most people on the dance floor...as long as I'm at a wedding.
And I can play a mean set of drums in Rockband...as long as I'm on the easiest level and I don't have to use the foot pedal.
Well, and I played the recorder in 4th grade.
But aside from that...
You don't want to be in the car with me when I'm screeching at the top of my lungs...especially when I'm rockin' out to Bon Jovi or Skillet.
I don't have a musical bone in my body, BUT music is a necessity in my life.
It gives me energy.
It gives me hope.
It soothes me.
It puts a smile on my face.
It makes me want to dance.
It makes me want to cry.
It speaks to me.
I heard this song by Tenth Avenue North two times today. I can't help but believe that I was meant to hear this on the radio today...twice.
Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away
Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run
Chorus:
And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life
(Chorus 2x)
Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go
(Chorus 2x)
Last night I had what I call "deep life conversations" with some of my favorite people. Deep life conversations are special because they don't happen all the time. They are even more special when I am with my favorites. We talked about death, marriage, and gender differences, among other things.
What drives men and women in a relationship?
Our verdict...
In general...Men are more physically driven than women. Women are more emotionally driven than men.
We talked about how women long to be loved...how women long to be held...how women long to be protected...how women long to find all of that in a man...and without him, feel empty.
The lyrics.
God loves me. God is holding me in His hands. God is by my side. God can fill me....if I let Him.
Music. It speaks to me.
After we had deep life conversations, one of my favorites who IS musically inclined pulled out his guitar and we sang together. I sounded terrible, but I found hope. I was soothed. I felt close to my favorites. I talked to my God. I smiled.
I don't have a musical bone in my body, BUT music is a necessity in my life.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
What's in a nickname?
Have you ever had a nickname? If not, let me know and I'll give you one.
My grandpa used to call me The Man in the Moon. Why? No idea. I'm a girl. I've never been to the moon. I should ask him sometime.
In elementary school my nickname was Einstein. I was kind of a nerd. Ok, I was a nerd. But that nickname was much better than Beached Whale. Kids can be so cruel. I've lost touch with that friend, but I hope she has forgotten her nickname from grade school.
Monkey. I used to climb a lot in college. Super high energy. I like monkeys so I didn't mind that name.
When I think about my current nickname, I smile.
T$ can be translated as T-Money, T-Dollars, T-Quetzales. The irony is that the green stuff that we all wish grew on trees has nothing to do with my nickname. Sure I like having enough money to support myself...to share with others...like Potter's House (There will be plenty of posts about PH in the future so stay tuned)...to buy my favorite songs on iTunes...to vacation in the mountains...but T$ isn't special because of money.
Just under 2 years ago, one of my favorite persons, B, decided that I needed a nickname. T-dog. That stuck for all of 3 days. It just didn't fit. I look nothing like Snoop. How 'bout T$. Perfect.
B was popular. People listened to B. He had a way with words. Soon my boss began calling me T$. Then my close friends. T$ is special because the people that call me T$ are special. Not just anyone calls me T$. You have to know me pretty well to use my nickname...or some variation of it.
One day another one of my favorites, A, wanted to be different so he called me T-Shift4 (figure it out?). He found out pretty quickly that I didn't like that. He resorted to T-Dollars. That's special. What's even more special is almost every time I call him now, he answers with "Dollar dollar bill, yooo." That probably means nothing to you. But it's special to me. He's special to me.
Quetzales is the currency of Guatemala. I recently got back from a missions trip where I built a house for some beautiful people who live in the Guatemala City garbage dump. Yup. There are people in the world that live and work in a garbage dump. I went down with 9 other people to join God in His healing of the world. Antonio was the master construction worker/missionary who showed me how to stucco, use a power drill and build a stove...among other things. Antonio heard my nickname, but wanted to be different just like A wanted to be different. TQ, short for T-Quetzales. TQ is special. Antonio is special for many reasons.
F and D call me $, no T. Just $. D has tried to make T-Party stick because he wants to be different too, but it hasn't yet.
A lot of people call me T, no $. Just T. I got to spend time with one of my favorites today. He calls me T. He has AIDS so sometimes he forgets my full name. T is easy to remember. We ate delicious apple pancakes with our friends and played UNO. It was a glorious day.
As I finish writing, I notice that most of my nicknames were given to me by the male species. Interesting. I don't want to exclude the ladies in my life. They are just as special. I suppose I have a few nicknames from some special women. Just less unique than from the gentlemen.
Gram calls me Babe. She's a SUPER special woman.
Girlfriends call me Hun, Sweetie, Honeybear...ok, not honeybear...just wanted to see if I could get a reaction.
I have a friend who works at Potter's House who recently nicknamed me Bite Size. Her explanation. Think of a mini snickers. It leaves you satisfied, but wanting more.
Nicknames. Special names given by special people.
My grandpa used to call me The Man in the Moon. Why? No idea. I'm a girl. I've never been to the moon. I should ask him sometime.
In elementary school my nickname was Einstein. I was kind of a nerd. Ok, I was a nerd. But that nickname was much better than Beached Whale. Kids can be so cruel. I've lost touch with that friend, but I hope she has forgotten her nickname from grade school.
Monkey. I used to climb a lot in college. Super high energy. I like monkeys so I didn't mind that name.
When I think about my current nickname, I smile.
T$ can be translated as T-Money, T-Dollars, T-Quetzales. The irony is that the green stuff that we all wish grew on trees has nothing to do with my nickname. Sure I like having enough money to support myself...to share with others...like Potter's House (There will be plenty of posts about PH in the future so stay tuned)...to buy my favorite songs on iTunes...to vacation in the mountains...but T$ isn't special because of money.
Just under 2 years ago, one of my favorite persons, B, decided that I needed a nickname. T-dog. That stuck for all of 3 days. It just didn't fit. I look nothing like Snoop. How 'bout T$. Perfect.
B was popular. People listened to B. He had a way with words. Soon my boss began calling me T$. Then my close friends. T$ is special because the people that call me T$ are special. Not just anyone calls me T$. You have to know me pretty well to use my nickname...or some variation of it.
One day another one of my favorites, A, wanted to be different so he called me T-Shift4 (figure it out?). He found out pretty quickly that I didn't like that. He resorted to T-Dollars. That's special. What's even more special is almost every time I call him now, he answers with "Dollar dollar bill, yooo." That probably means nothing to you. But it's special to me. He's special to me.
Quetzales is the currency of Guatemala. I recently got back from a missions trip where I built a house for some beautiful people who live in the Guatemala City garbage dump. Yup. There are people in the world that live and work in a garbage dump. I went down with 9 other people to join God in His healing of the world. Antonio was the master construction worker/missionary who showed me how to stucco, use a power drill and build a stove...among other things. Antonio heard my nickname, but wanted to be different just like A wanted to be different. TQ, short for T-Quetzales. TQ is special. Antonio is special for many reasons.
F and D call me $, no T. Just $. D has tried to make T-Party stick because he wants to be different too, but it hasn't yet.
A lot of people call me T, no $. Just T. I got to spend time with one of my favorites today. He calls me T. He has AIDS so sometimes he forgets my full name. T is easy to remember. We ate delicious apple pancakes with our friends and played UNO. It was a glorious day.
As I finish writing, I notice that most of my nicknames were given to me by the male species. Interesting. I don't want to exclude the ladies in my life. They are just as special. I suppose I have a few nicknames from some special women. Just less unique than from the gentlemen.
Gram calls me Babe. She's a SUPER special woman.
Girlfriends call me Hun, Sweetie, Honeybear...ok, not honeybear...just wanted to see if I could get a reaction.
I have a friend who works at Potter's House who recently nicknamed me Bite Size. Her explanation. Think of a mini snickers. It leaves you satisfied, but wanting more.
Nicknames. Special names given by special people.
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