"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11
Merry Christmas! I hope that all of you are enjoying a relaxing day filled with family, friends, and the love of Christ. I had a great time celebrating the reason for the season these last couple of days with my family and friends through dinners, church, dessert, and presents! I am so blessed!
This morning was especially great, not only because it is Christmas, but because I am so blessed to have a family that knows the Lord and the real reason we celebrate Christmas. This morning our family woke up to pray and sing some worship songs before opening any presents. It was great to get centered on God and be filled with Him, instead of the things of this world. In one of the songs we sang the words really hit me and instantly I knew I had to post them on the blog for all of you to read. They once again reminded me in a simple way what today, tomorrow, and the future is really all about...Him. Today is not about the Apple products you received this morning, or the Cinnabon's you ate for breakfast, or Grandma's sugar cookies (well maybe about the sugar cookies :)), but truly about Him. Let's live our lives so that He and others can see the light. Let these words sink in today and really hit you.
"I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the things I've made it
When it's all about You
All about You, Jesus"
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Beautiful One.
"Thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful for words." 2 Corinthians 9:15
On Sunday night, my boyfriend David, a few other couples, and I went to San Francisco for his companies' Christmas ball. It took over an hour from my house to get to the city and another 30+ minutes just to find parking in the pedestrian crazed city. We knew the exact parking garage we wanted to get to, but with all of the traffic and one way streets we couldn't seem to get there. We ended up parking a couple of blocks away from where we needed to be, which was fine--except for the fact that once we got out of the car and started walking we were so confused on where we were, we started walking the complete opposite direction to where we actually needed to be!
This doesn't seem like a huge deal--and to most people it wouldn't be, but to me, on this night, I was frustrated and the whole situation had gotten the best of me. I mean just picture me walking in heels and a dress, in a windy city surrounded by strangers, praying that my hair doesn't go flat! To be quite honest, I was getting ticked that I couldn't figure out where we needed to go--I'm normally so direction savvy! We finally found our way to Union Square when one of the other couples wanted to stop and take a picture in front of the famous SF Christmas tree that was decorated beautifully (this of course only added to my mood--as I wanted to get to where we were going and out of the cold!). As we stopped to take a picture, to the left of us was a larger crowd than normal, and a big group of kids on a stage of cement stairs. The kids were dressed in Santa hats and jackets and we simply thought, "How cute! They are going to sing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (and all of those other "holiday jingles" that leave Christmas and Jesus out of the lyrics)."
We were wrong however. As I took an antsy deep breath to calm myself down from the chaos of what was going on around me, the kids started to sing. It was no song about checkin' it twice or jingling bells, but what they sang changed my heart and re-focused me for the night. They began..."Wonderful, so Wonderful, is your unfailing love. Your cross has spoken mercy over me. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, No heart could fully know, How Glorious, How beautiful you are."
(see full lyrics here: http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/jeremy-camp/beautiful-one.html)
Thanks to those kids and one of those God moments, I realized the real reason for the season. We weren't going to this work party to celebrate holiday bonuses or free giveaways (and not to mention an outstanding dessert bar), but instead because we are blessed that God has provided people with jobs so that they can provide for their families. We were there to celebrate the love of friends, the laughter of loved ones, and more importantly the joy of Jesus' birth. I'm so thankful that those joyful children were in the hustle and bustle of Union Square praising the Lord. I'm even more thankful that God sent his one and only son for you and me, so that we can have everlasting life in Him. Let's not be so focused this week on getting our Christmas gifts and other Christmas errands completed on our timeline--you may miss how beautiful and wonderful He really is. Breath in, look around, and you'll see Him right there in front of you...with all of the wonderful gifts He provides daily.
On Sunday night, my boyfriend David, a few other couples, and I went to San Francisco for his companies' Christmas ball. It took over an hour from my house to get to the city and another 30+ minutes just to find parking in the pedestrian crazed city. We knew the exact parking garage we wanted to get to, but with all of the traffic and one way streets we couldn't seem to get there. We ended up parking a couple of blocks away from where we needed to be, which was fine--except for the fact that once we got out of the car and started walking we were so confused on where we were, we started walking the complete opposite direction to where we actually needed to be!
This doesn't seem like a huge deal--and to most people it wouldn't be, but to me, on this night, I was frustrated and the whole situation had gotten the best of me. I mean just picture me walking in heels and a dress, in a windy city surrounded by strangers, praying that my hair doesn't go flat! To be quite honest, I was getting ticked that I couldn't figure out where we needed to go--I'm normally so direction savvy! We finally found our way to Union Square when one of the other couples wanted to stop and take a picture in front of the famous SF Christmas tree that was decorated beautifully (this of course only added to my mood--as I wanted to get to where we were going and out of the cold!). As we stopped to take a picture, to the left of us was a larger crowd than normal, and a big group of kids on a stage of cement stairs. The kids were dressed in Santa hats and jackets and we simply thought, "How cute! They are going to sing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (and all of those other "holiday jingles" that leave Christmas and Jesus out of the lyrics)."
We were wrong however. As I took an antsy deep breath to calm myself down from the chaos of what was going on around me, the kids started to sing. It was no song about checkin' it twice or jingling bells, but what they sang changed my heart and re-focused me for the night. They began..."Wonderful, so Wonderful, is your unfailing love. Your cross has spoken mercy over me. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, No heart could fully know, How Glorious, How beautiful you are."
(see full lyrics here: http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/jeremy-camp/beautiful-one.html)
Thanks to those kids and one of those God moments, I realized the real reason for the season. We weren't going to this work party to celebrate holiday bonuses or free giveaways (and not to mention an outstanding dessert bar), but instead because we are blessed that God has provided people with jobs so that they can provide for their families. We were there to celebrate the love of friends, the laughter of loved ones, and more importantly the joy of Jesus' birth. I'm so thankful that those joyful children were in the hustle and bustle of Union Square praising the Lord. I'm even more thankful that God sent his one and only son for you and me, so that we can have everlasting life in Him. Let's not be so focused this week on getting our Christmas gifts and other Christmas errands completed on our timeline--you may miss how beautiful and wonderful He really is. Breath in, look around, and you'll see Him right there in front of you...with all of the wonderful gifts He provides daily.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Rejoice!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE!" Philippians 4:4
What a simple, yet great verse to revel in today. Rejoice! What an awesome way to live your life--being content in ALL circumstances. I will keep this blog short today because I am excited at the task laid in front of me...calling me (and you) to rejoice.
Let's read one more verse on what Paul has to say about rejoicing:
"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phillippians 4:10-13
Rejoicing in the African Monsoons
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Show Me The Money.
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
content: satisfied, not wanting anything else
never: not ever, at no time, absolutely not
It's Christmas Season in America. This means a couple things. 1. Greedy, 4am, over-spending shoppers 2. Ridiculously over-sized, bejeweled, Grandma sweaters everywhere (no offense Grandma) 3. More and more people forgetting about the real reason of the season and concentrating more on gifts and spending, than on Jesus. (4. Can't forget the Salvation Army Bell Ringers and Red Buckets--yes I've already put my time in ringing at Nordstrom's last weekend!)
content: satisfied, not wanting anything else
never: not ever, at no time, absolutely not
It's Christmas Season in America. This means a couple things. 1. Greedy, 4am, over-spending shoppers 2. Ridiculously over-sized, bejeweled, Grandma sweaters everywhere (no offense Grandma) 3. More and more people forgetting about the real reason of the season and concentrating more on gifts and spending, than on Jesus. (4. Can't forget the Salvation Army Bell Ringers and Red Buckets--yes I've already put my time in ringing at Nordstrom's last weekend!)
Call me Grinchy, or maybe I'm just fed up with repeatedly getting caught up in our Americanized version of Christmas cheer. I hate the feeling that our society is consumed with money and having more of it. The best Christmas' are the ones where you receive contentment from giving, with no expectation of getting, where more money is spent on others than yourself, and even more of that money is given to a good cause (check out http://www.oxfam.org/ for ideas).
96% of Americans celebrate Christmas, which means a major majority of Americans are scrambling to buy presents, fighting the crowds, and waiting in 12-hour lines for the newest gaming system. It doesn't make sense that 96% of Americans "celebrate" Christmas, yet we have to be overly careful to who we spread Christmas cheer too, that God can't be mentioned in schools without lawsuits, and that guns are being used to shoot others in churches on Sundays. To me it doesn't add up. If this so-called 96% of Americans are celebrating Jesus and His birth wouldn't the focus of this season be a more positive one--focusing more on Jesus and the contentment of His love for us, using our wealth and contentment to help others who truly need it?
Enough of my rants and raves, because despite what our culture turns Christmas into, God is still here. He loves us and forgives us despite our Christmas shortcomings and could care less about the present we get our beloved Christmas-sweater wearing Grandma as long as our intentions are pure. He is here through it all...through your online shopping obsession (yes--Americans spend over $26 billion bones online for x-mas), to watching endless reruns of A Christmas Story with you (I can hear God agreeing with "be careful you'll shoot your eye out!" and disagreeing at the purchase of a leg lamp), and you better believe He is enjoying that tall glass of cold milk and gingerbread cookie right beside you (or should I say tall, non-fat, two pump, extra hot, gingerbread latte? :)). Here to love us, forgive us and to never, ever forsake us (despite our spending habits). ANY OF US.
Monday, December 10, 2007
BE PATIENT LIKE THAT.
"Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's arrival. You see farmer's do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do it's slow, but sure work. BE PATIENT LIKE THAT. Stay steady and strong. The master could arrive at any time."
Instead, Kenya was filled with life, happiness, and a culture strongly rooted in richness and openness...not to mention beautiful scenery in most of the places we visited. More than the scenery though, I want to focus on the people there. They are people of patience and faith. They have nothing, yet they have everything, especially if they have God. Many know that God is Master, that He is a provider and protector, and that He is in all things. They stand firm in these promises knowing that the Lord's coming is near, despite their circumstances, living conditions, diseases, etc. Just like their richly developed crops and lush land they have waited so patiently for all year long, their faith also holds patience, trust, perseverance, and is deeply rooted in the one true God.
Before I wrap this up, let me give you a few real life examples of the Kenyan patience that I observed to see how we too can take our daily lives and fill it with a patience and firmness rooted in God.
James 5:8 (Msg)
Instead, Kenya was filled with life, happiness, and a culture strongly rooted in richness and openness...not to mention beautiful scenery in most of the places we visited. More than the scenery though, I want to focus on the people there. They are people of patience and faith. They have nothing, yet they have everything, especially if they have God. Many know that God is Master, that He is a provider and protector, and that He is in all things. They stand firm in these promises knowing that the Lord's coming is near, despite their circumstances, living conditions, diseases, etc. Just like their richly developed crops and lush land they have waited so patiently for all year long, their faith also holds patience, trust, perseverance, and is deeply rooted in the one true God.
Before I wrap this up, let me give you a few real life examples of the Kenyan patience that I observed to see how we too can take our daily lives and fill it with a patience and firmness rooted in God.
- A Kenyan boy I met wanted an education so bad, that at age 19 he started 1st grade (Not many Americans would do that)!
- A young woman dying of AIDS, laid patiently in a hospital bed, (with another sick patient sharing the twin bed) telling me that she was a believer and that the Lord would either heal her soon or take her to heaven (I know what it's like to have a bad cold--and I don't even think that--I can't imagine having AIDS and having that great of faith)!
- We built a goat pen for a large family who literally had nothing except for their faith and a small mud hut (see picture below). As we finished building the pen and put the goat inside the family gathered with us for prayer and thanksgiving. Telling us that the Lord had answered their prayers and that they were so thankful. They too, stood firm, trusting patiently in God and He came and answered them (at that moment, with Kenyans and Americans in tears, worship, and prayer in their native language, with Kenyans telling us that they would see our faces in heaven, I realized how BIG God is---wow)!
"Be patient and stand firm, for the Lord's coming is near." James 5:8
Thursday, December 6, 2007
I Will Not Be Silent Anymore!
(My Family At A Christmas Dinner A Few Days Ago) It's that time of year again. The time of year when non-believing, anti-christian, "holiday" celebrating people complain when people say Merry Christmas. Half of the people who are offended by Christians saying this are the same people who are celebrating Christmas day with gifts and family and are thankful they have a couple free days off of work and an excuse to eat as many cookies as they want.
Seriously though, I'm not sure what irritates me more. These anti-"Merry Christmas-ers" who only want Americans to spread "Happy Holiday" cheer or the Christians who won't stand up for their faith, to be proud and thankful enough to say, "Merry Christmas" in case of offending co-workers, the check out clerk, or a neighbor you see only on Sunday nights taking out the trash.
What happened to the days when it was okay to say Merry Christmas without a fear of others taking offense and politely returning the holiday cheer with a warm smile, genuine thank you, and a merry x-mas to you too?! I must admit that I too had gotten caught up last year in the second guessing of my Christmas expressions, for fear of offending someone, until my pastor mentioned it in a sermon. He clearly and boldly proclaimed that we as Christians and Americans have the RIGHT to voice our faith and let others know the reason for the season is Jesus Christ! AMEN!
So, let's not get caught up in what our Jewish boss may think, how the wal-mart checker may react, or how our ba-hum-bug neighbor may avoid Sunday trash talk for the month of December. You never know when God could be using you to speak to these people and spread joy into their lives! Instead, let's be loud and proud, and not be silent anymore--spread the great news of Jesus' birthday, dance in your candy cane pajamas and slipper socks, sing off-key Christmas carols with joy, put baby Jesus in the manger (family tradition in my house---long story--I'll save it for another blog), and give thanks for the real reason for the season---Baby Jesus!
"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent...Oh Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!"
Psalm 30:11-12
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Beautiful Baby Mollie.
Great news! One of my best friends from high school, Lonnalee, who has been married for almost 2 years now to a wonderful man named David, just had their first bundle of joy on Sunday! They had a little girl and named her Mollie!
How exciting it is to see others lives change and grow, to see blessings and gifts from God given to the people you love. God is SO faithful and his timing is perfect. He knows each and every desire of our heart, and fulfills them in due time. What a great Daddy!!!
Today I'm going to dedicate this blog to Mollie with a verse that to me, reflects God's love for us, gives us a strong sense of comfort, and fills our hearts with peace (just like a newborn baby). A verse that whether you have been walking with the Lord for years, are a new Christian, or are simply just reading this blog out of curiosity, --I think this verse will meet all of us exactly where we are today. Just as little Mollie is resting with her mama, rest in this verse. Read and re-read it a few times to get a full understanding of what it is saying. Take comfort in the biggness and smallness of this verse, see the simplicity and be okay with the complexity, knowing that our God is a mighty, loving daddy who is always with you whether you are sleeping, playing, in the wrong, or ready to do right. He is there to guide Mollie's life and ours with a love deeper than our understanding!
"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
*The quote below was posted on Lorri's Cancer blog page, and I thought it fit perfectly for today.
To Mollie and You Faithful Readers:
"The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you". - Fredrick Buechner
How exciting it is to see others lives change and grow, to see blessings and gifts from God given to the people you love. God is SO faithful and his timing is perfect. He knows each and every desire of our heart, and fulfills them in due time. What a great Daddy!!!
Today I'm going to dedicate this blog to Mollie with a verse that to me, reflects God's love for us, gives us a strong sense of comfort, and fills our hearts with peace (just like a newborn baby). A verse that whether you have been walking with the Lord for years, are a new Christian, or are simply just reading this blog out of curiosity, --I think this verse will meet all of us exactly where we are today. Just as little Mollie is resting with her mama, rest in this verse. Read and re-read it a few times to get a full understanding of what it is saying. Take comfort in the biggness and smallness of this verse, see the simplicity and be okay with the complexity, knowing that our God is a mighty, loving daddy who is always with you whether you are sleeping, playing, in the wrong, or ready to do right. He is there to guide Mollie's life and ours with a love deeper than our understanding!
"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
*The quote below was posted on Lorri's Cancer blog page, and I thought it fit perfectly for today.
To Mollie and You Faithful Readers:
"The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you". - Fredrick Buechner
Friday, November 30, 2007
God Has A Purpose For Me!
"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8
I love how the NASB version states the first part of the verse, "The LORD will accomplish ALL that concerns me..."
I know I've been talking a lot in these blogs about stress and worry over my future and this verse totally and completely speaks to me at this point in my life. This verse let's me take a giant step back, take a deep breath in, and helps me to realize it really is going to be alright!!!
I've been trying to figure out my nursing school future since July and I still don't have a solid plan in place come January. I have this set mindset of when I will start school and when I will be done. MY timeline is all planned out and I'm "patiently waiting" for things to fall into place. I've prayed and prayed, have had others pray for my future and it's already December and I'm still clueless to where I'll be come January. This verse tells me to slow down, catch my anxious little breath, and know that everything will be okay. I
t will happen, God will fulfill the desires of my heart, but in His time, not mine.
You see, He has everything planned out for me (and you) already. He knows just when we will start something, the moment we will finish it, and He will be sure to include those "sure God moments" in between. I think that God is totally using this situation of mine to teach me a few things. I think He wants to teach me patience and guide me towards a worry-free mindset. I also think He wants me to wait on faith---to really wait on Him to fulfill His works. Maybe I am waiting because a few years down the road, when and if I do become a nurse, there will be one of those "sure God moments" that I will be needed and used for and if I had rushed into school on my own--I would miss the oppourtunity He has laid ahead.
So, here's to oversized school books and late-night study sessions, clinical rotations and scrubs...I will let God accomplish ALL that concerns me, instead of trying to do it all by my little self. My life and purpose is bigger than me and I can't wait to see God fulfill each and every detail that concerns me.
I love how the NASB version states the first part of the verse, "The LORD will accomplish ALL that concerns me..."
I know I've been talking a lot in these blogs about stress and worry over my future and this verse totally and completely speaks to me at this point in my life. This verse let's me take a giant step back, take a deep breath in, and helps me to realize it really is going to be alright!!!
I've been trying to figure out my nursing school future since July and I still don't have a solid plan in place come January. I have this set mindset of when I will start school and when I will be done. MY timeline is all planned out and I'm "patiently waiting" for things to fall into place. I've prayed and prayed, have had others pray for my future and it's already December and I'm still clueless to where I'll be come January. This verse tells me to slow down, catch my anxious little breath, and know that everything will be okay. I
t will happen, God will fulfill the desires of my heart, but in His time, not mine. You see, He has everything planned out for me (and you) already. He knows just when we will start something, the moment we will finish it, and He will be sure to include those "sure God moments" in between. I think that God is totally using this situation of mine to teach me a few things. I think He wants to teach me patience and guide me towards a worry-free mindset. I also think He wants me to wait on faith---to really wait on Him to fulfill His works. Maybe I am waiting because a few years down the road, when and if I do become a nurse, there will be one of those "sure God moments" that I will be needed and used for and if I had rushed into school on my own--I would miss the oppourtunity He has laid ahead.
So, here's to oversized school books and late-night study sessions, clinical rotations and scrubs...I will let God accomplish ALL that concerns me, instead of trying to do it all by my little self. My life and purpose is bigger than me and I can't wait to see God fulfill each and every detail that concerns me.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Be My Everything.
I'm changing my blog up for today. Last night at bible study and Sunday at church we sang this awesome worship song by Tim Hughes called "Everything." Look at the words. Really look at them. Feel them. God is in everything. Let Him be your everything.
God in my living
There in my breathing
God in my waking
God in my sleeping
God in my resting
There in my working
God in my thinking
God in my speaking
Be My Everything
Be My Everything
God in my hoping
There in my dreaming
God in my watching
God in my waiting
God in my laughing
There in my weeping
God in my hurting
God in my healing
Be My Everything
Be My Everything
God in my living
There in my breathing
God in my waking
God in my sleeping
God in my resting
There in my working
God in my thinking
God in my speaking
Be My Everything
Be My Everything
God in my hoping
There in my dreaming
God in my watching
God in my waiting
God in my laughing
There in my weeping
God in my hurting
God in my healing
Be My Everything
Be My Everything
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Whale Of A Time
"From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God..." Jonah 2:1
What whale's belly are you in? Are you praying to get out or are you barely above water surrounded by stinky belly fish? Whatever your situation, I hope you are praying, and praying constantly. I hope you don't feel uncomfortable in the silence of prayer and I hope you realize that however big or small of a belly you are in, that God is in there with you, rotten fish smell and all...ready to help you out.
Turn off your car radio...and pray. People will think you are jamming to a hit song on the radio...or with blue tooth these days...they may think you are chatting it up with a long time friend...which you are! Go on a long run outside and pray. Pray about the weather, the beautiful scenery, or simply thank him for your nike's...once you start you will find things to pray about (and end up 2 miles farther than expected). Put down the remote, open a journal and write out your prayer requests to God. He's there. He always there...no matter what belly you are in, no matter what ocean you may find yourself, He's there avoiding the taste of salt water right there with you. He loves you and He wants you to pray to Him---whenever, wherever, and however you can! Let's remember Jonah this week and be whale belly pray-ers!
What whale's belly are you in? Are you praying to get out or are you barely above water surrounded by stinky belly fish? Whatever your situation, I hope you are praying, and praying constantly. I hope you don't feel uncomfortable in the silence of prayer and I hope you realize that however big or small of a belly you are in, that God is in there with you, rotten fish smell and all...ready to help you out.
Turn off your car radio...and pray. People will think you are jamming to a hit song on the radio...or with blue tooth these days...they may think you are chatting it up with a long time friend...which you are! Go on a long run outside and pray. Pray about the weather, the beautiful scenery, or simply thank him for your nike's...once you start you will find things to pray about (and end up 2 miles farther than expected). Put down the remote, open a journal and write out your prayer requests to God. He's there. He always there...no matter what belly you are in, no matter what ocean you may find yourself, He's there avoiding the taste of salt water right there with you. He loves you and He wants you to pray to Him---whenever, wherever, and however you can! Let's remember Jonah this week and be whale belly pray-ers!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Jesus+U = U+Jesus
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
I can clearly hear Jesus in this verse. I can hear his tender, sweet voice speaking directly to me. I can hear Him confidently calling to each of you to forget what the world tells you about religion and faith and to simply rest on him. I can hear Him saying that it's alright to be sick of religion, but instead to be filled with faith and love for Him. Just Him.
My Dad always tells us 4 kids that if we simply, "Live your whole life with Jesus, it will be a great life." There's no doubt in my mind that my Dad's right. Aside from looking at his life, I look at my own and when I consciously let Jesus in my life--it's great--and when I don't--well it's not so great. I also know when I'm tired and burnt out on bible study groups, church events, church politics, "wrong religion," etc. that Jesus is there with an easy yoke and a light burden ready to take on ALL that I have for Him and more.
What this verse and my dad's advice isn't saying is that it won't be hard, because it will; it never says that you won't have unthinkably tough times, because you will; and neither the verse nor my dad's advice says that you will have your faith and all that comes with it handed to you, because it won't be. Living a life of faith and walking with Jesus means hard work, determination for change, love for something bigger than you (that at times you can't see and might not even know is there, but must trust that it is--that He is there). To have a great life, one with Jesus, means 100+% reliance on Him, accepting whole-hearted grace, and a complete realization that nothing in your life is bigger than Him... "...For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
I can clearly hear Jesus in this verse. I can hear his tender, sweet voice speaking directly to me. I can hear Him confidently calling to each of you to forget what the world tells you about religion and faith and to simply rest on him. I can hear Him saying that it's alright to be sick of religion, but instead to be filled with faith and love for Him. Just Him.
My Dad always tells us 4 kids that if we simply, "Live your whole life with Jesus, it will be a great life." There's no doubt in my mind that my Dad's right. Aside from looking at his life, I look at my own and when I consciously let Jesus in my life--it's great--and when I don't--well it's not so great. I also know when I'm tired and burnt out on bible study groups, church events, church politics, "wrong religion," etc. that Jesus is there with an easy yoke and a light burden ready to take on ALL that I have for Him and more.
What this verse and my dad's advice isn't saying is that it won't be hard, because it will; it never says that you won't have unthinkably tough times, because you will; and neither the verse nor my dad's advice says that you will have your faith and all that comes with it handed to you, because it won't be. Living a life of faith and walking with Jesus means hard work, determination for change, love for something bigger than you (that at times you can't see and might not even know is there, but must trust that it is--that He is there). To have a great life, one with Jesus, means 100+% reliance on Him, accepting whole-hearted grace, and a complete realization that nothing in your life is bigger than Him... "...For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."Monday, November 26, 2007
Pumpkin Pancake Unbelief.
"Don't take the pressure of your provision upon yourself. It is not only wrong to worry, it is unbelief; worrying means we do not believe that God can look after the practical details of our lives..." ~Oswald Chambers~
I heard a heart warming story last night from one of my "God Girls" Heidi (see pic below of Heidi and I being goofballs). Let me set the scene and give you some background. Heidi is an amazing all around person---one of those people that no matter what situation you meet her in she brings life, joy, fun, and laughter. She's one of those people that everyone wants to know because she brings out the best in people and is not only hon
estly comfortable in any situation, but finds the joy and life in every situation. Heidi is currently a teacher at a low-income elementary school for a 5th grade class. Think of the worst family situations imaginable (parents from gangs, to jailed parents, etc.) and those are the kids she teaches. Heidi is facing struggles of her own and is constantly seeking and trusting God for her worries. Last night she told us this story.....
It was around 7:30am (an hour before school starts) and Heidi was at school early (as always) preparing for the day feeling as if it was, "just another day" and had more than enough of her own "life worries" on her mind to keep her pre-occupied. She heard a little knock on her classroom door--only to look up to see her student Lattrell standing at the door. Heidi opened the door and let little Lattrell in, asking why he came to school so early. Unexpectedly, Lattrell told her he had something for her. In his little hands were fresh, hot, pancakes, pumpkin pancakes wrapped in foil. He held out his other hand which held a ziplock bag filled with mapel syrup. Confused, Heidi asked where Lattrell had gotten the pancakes...with sleep-filled eyes he told her that he got up early and made them for her in his apartment!!! His Grandma had taught him a while back how to make them, and that morning he woke up extra early to suprise her telling her, "I knew you would want to eat these." Heidi's heart broke as she hadn't eaten breakfast that morning and was shocked and filled with unbelief that God had a 10-year old boy provide breakfast for her that morning.
It's amazing to me that God uses people, things, and situations the way he does. Never in my wildest imagination would I think that God could use Pumpkin Pancakes to soften my heart and dissapate my unbelief. I guess I expect different from God. He is SO big, yet I find myself missing Him daily because I'm too busy worrying about life or expecting Him to answer me in a different way, instead of letting him finish what He has started.
This week I'm going to stop worrying about nursing school pre-reqs and admissions. I'm going to stop worrying that my hair isn't perfect and that my car is dirty. I'm going to stop worrying about where I'll be in January. I'm going to start trusting the Lord and stop letting my worry turn into unbelief. God is big and real and is who He says He is. This week I'm putting my faith to the test and trusting our Pumpkin Pancake God.
"...do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; not about your body, what you will put on." Matthew 6:25
I heard a heart warming story last night from one of my "God Girls" Heidi (see pic below of Heidi and I being goofballs). Let me set the scene and give you some background. Heidi is an amazing all around person---one of those people that no matter what situation you meet her in she brings life, joy, fun, and laughter. She's one of those people that everyone wants to know because she brings out the best in people and is not only hon
estly comfortable in any situation, but finds the joy and life in every situation. Heidi is currently a teacher at a low-income elementary school for a 5th grade class. Think of the worst family situations imaginable (parents from gangs, to jailed parents, etc.) and those are the kids she teaches. Heidi is facing struggles of her own and is constantly seeking and trusting God for her worries. Last night she told us this story.....It was around 7:30am (an hour before school starts) and Heidi was at school early (as always) preparing for the day feeling as if it was, "just another day" and had more than enough of her own "life worries" on her mind to keep her pre-occupied. She heard a little knock on her classroom door--only to look up to see her student Lattrell standing at the door. Heidi opened the door and let little Lattrell in, asking why he came to school so early. Unexpectedly, Lattrell told her he had something for her. In his little hands were fresh, hot, pancakes, pumpkin pancakes wrapped in foil. He held out his other hand which held a ziplock bag filled with mapel syrup. Confused, Heidi asked where Lattrell had gotten the pancakes...with sleep-filled eyes he told her that he got up early and made them for her in his apartment!!! His Grandma had taught him a while back how to make them, and that morning he woke up extra early to suprise her telling her, "I knew you would want to eat these." Heidi's heart broke as she hadn't eaten breakfast that morning and was shocked and filled with unbelief that God had a 10-year old boy provide breakfast for her that morning.
It's amazing to me that God uses people, things, and situations the way he does. Never in my wildest imagination would I think that God could use Pumpkin Pancakes to soften my heart and dissapate my unbelief. I guess I expect different from God. He is SO big, yet I find myself missing Him daily because I'm too busy worrying about life or expecting Him to answer me in a different way, instead of letting him finish what He has started.
This week I'm going to stop worrying about nursing school pre-reqs and admissions. I'm going to stop worrying that my hair isn't perfect and that my car is dirty. I'm going to stop worrying about where I'll be in January. I'm going to start trusting the Lord and stop letting my worry turn into unbelief. God is big and real and is who He says He is. This week I'm putting my faith to the test and trusting our Pumpkin Pancake God.
"...do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; not about your body, what you will put on." Matthew 6:25
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
believing means trusting.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt..." James 1:2-6 (NIV)
Let's read it in the message.
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought..." James 1:2-8 (MSG)
What a loaded set of verses. There is so much to be understood here, yet it is truly a simple concept that God wants us to understand. I think what God is getting at is that...when your faith is tested it produces many things. Things like joy, patience, trust, reliance, prayer, help, love, and a deeper understanding and belief of God.
Think of an athlete. No athlete is perfect and no athlete has ever been fully equipped for every situation that comes his/her way without training and preparing before hand. Through trails and tests, by practice and determination, to patience and help, an athlete matures and grows in his/her sport BOLDLY BELIEVING AND NEVER SECOND GUESSING that they will succeed, grow, and learn, all while perservering to accomplish his/her goal. Kind of like the verse huh?
This verse is still a lot to understand. I made the visual below (b/c I'm the most visual person ever) in the most simple terms I could think of to help ALL of us understand it more.
It starts with Faith (fill the arrows in with the word "leads"):
Faith--->Trials
Trials--->Joy
Joy--->Perserverance
Perserverance--->Maturity
Maturity--->Wisdom
Wisdom--->Help
Help--->Prayer
Prayer--->Father
Father--->Trust
Trust--->Faith
Let's read it in the message.
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought..." James 1:2-8 (MSG)
What a loaded set of verses. There is so much to be understood here, yet it is truly a simple concept that God wants us to understand. I think what God is getting at is that...when your faith is tested it produces many things. Things like joy, patience, trust, reliance, prayer, help, love, and a deeper understanding and belief of God.
Think of an athlete. No athlete is perfect and no athlete has ever been fully equipped for every situation that comes his/her way without training and preparing before hand. Through trails and tests, by practice and determination, to patience and help, an athlete matures and grows in his/her sport BOLDLY BELIEVING AND NEVER SECOND GUESSING that they will succeed, grow, and learn, all while perservering to accomplish his/her goal. Kind of like the verse huh?
This verse is still a lot to understand. I made the visual below (b/c I'm the most visual person ever) in the most simple terms I could think of to help ALL of us understand it more.
It starts with Faith (fill the arrows in with the word "leads"):
Faith--->Trials
Trials--->Joy
Joy--->Perserverance
Perserverance--->Maturity
Maturity--->Wisdom
Wisdom--->Help
Help--->Prayer
Prayer--->Father
Father--->Trust
Trust--->Faith
Monday, November 19, 2007
Yup, He's Still There.
As you can see...I've missed the last couple of days of blogging. I haven't forgotten about you guys or my daily blogging goal...but I've been computerless. A group of girls and I went to Arnold this weekend. A small mountain-like town with beautiful redwood trees and quiet. Lots of quiet (minus the laughter the girls added to the peaceful oasis)! Anyway, I was excited to post today since I've missed out on it the last couple of days and found just the perfect verse to write on. At my desk I keep this book called, "Grace for the Moment" by Max Lucado. Basically, it has verses and stories for every single day of the year. I opened the book to today, November 19th and found just the right verse...one of those verses that meets me right where I am today--feeling guilty for not getting into the word this weekend while being away (what can I say--climbing through redwood trees was much more appealing).
"If we are not faithful, he will still be faithful, because he cannot be false to himself."
2 Timothy 2:13
Thanks God for being faithful to me, even when I am not at my best, on top of my game, or acting upon each moment given to me by you. Thank you for still being there in the quiet, in the noise, in the distraction, in this crazed holiday season, in times of the "unknown", and in doubt. You are truly an AWESOME and FAITHFUL God, that even when I can't see or feel you, and my faith feels like it's just about to run out....you are there and more faithful than ever.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Follow The Leader.
"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow....Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose."
Psalm 25:4,12 (NLT)
Path:
-a way beaten, formed, or trodden
-narrow walk or way
-route, course
-course of action or conduct
Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like the Lord isn't there to guide you? Like there isn't even dust getting your feet dirty from the supposed "path" you are on? Do you feel like you are throwing arrow prayers in the air just for them to miss the target and come back down landing at your feet?
This last question gives me the best visual. For those of you who have seen the movie, "Garden State" (if you haven't--you should), there is a scene where this guy is outside throwing flamming arrows into the sky and the main characters are all running around the grass hoping not to get hit by the fire arrow when it comes down. It ends up landing right next to the girl's foot and she pulls on her ear to secretly signal to her friend she's definitely ready to go. Time for a new path!
Don't you wish you could simply look up to God, tug on your earlobe, and suddenly a new path would be laid in front of you?
When you look back at these certain times in your life, once your feet are firmly planted on a path, you see God was there the whole time. He's answering prayers left and right, but in different ways than you expected. He brought you back around to the narrow path and look where you are now. It may be hard to see when you are living in the meantime, but when you turn the corner from the invisible path to "highway 101," or whatever path God chooses for you (remember EVERYONE'S is DIFFERENT)...you see that Jesus was there all along guiding you, pulling you, loving you, and preparing you for your chosen path.
Psalm 25:4,12 (NLT)
Path:
-a way beaten, formed, or trodden
-narrow walk or way
-route, course
-course of action or conduct
Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like the Lord isn't there to guide you? Like there isn't even dust getting your feet dirty from the supposed "path" you are on? Do you feel like you are throwing arrow prayers in the air just for them to miss the target and come back down landing at your feet?
This last question gives me the best visual. For those of you who have seen the movie, "Garden State" (if you haven't--you should), there is a scene where this guy is outside throwing flamming arrows into the sky and the main characters are all running around the grass hoping not to get hit by the fire arrow when it comes down. It ends up landing right next to the girl's foot and she pulls on her ear to secretly signal to her friend she's definitely ready to go. Time for a new path!
Don't you wish you could simply look up to God, tug on your earlobe, and suddenly a new path would be laid in front of you?
When you look back at these certain times in your life, once your feet are firmly planted on a path, you see God was there the whole time. He's answering prayers left and right, but in different ways than you expected. He brought you back around to the narrow path and look where you are now. It may be hard to see when you are living in the meantime, but when you turn the corner from the invisible path to "highway 101," or whatever path God chooses for you (remember EVERYONE'S is DIFFERENT)...you see that Jesus was there all along guiding you, pulling you, loving you, and preparing you for your chosen path.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Open to Opportunity.
"What he opens, no on can close; and what he closes, no one can open. I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close." Revelation 3:7-8
Here is the first verse to start my blog adventure! To put it simply...this is the verse God opened my eyes to today.
This totally speaks to me at this time in my life. Being in your 20's is a strange time in life. Lately, it's been called, "Living in the Meantime" for me. It's that unplanned time after college, before family, and a "real" career, if there is such a thing. There are transitions left and right, and opportunities every way you turn, but no clear directions pointing you to the path you should take. There are all these decisions that need to be made now that will affect the rest of your life, and somehow all these decisions can wait.
That's exactly the point I'm at.
God's telling me to wait on HIS timing.
He WILL OPEN what needs to be opened and CLOSE what needs to be closed.
Right when I read this verse, a few examples of this popped into my head of how God has already worked in certain areas of my life. I'll share...
1. He's blessed me with a move to CA in the last year and a half to be with my family who has shown me Christ through their love. Only He could open that door...it was His perfect timing.
2. He closed the door on a really really unhealthy relationship in my life...which can never be opened back up. Praise the Lord.
3. He opened up a job opportunity a month after my move here. A job that was literally created and designed for me at this time in my life. No HR Hiring director could close that door, or my young age and lack of experience couldn't stop me from being hired because God OPENED the opportunity up for me.
What has God opened or closed for you recently? Did he provide a friendship for you at just the right time? Maybe it was a specific moment, you know one of those "Sure God Moments" that the only explanation for that moment was God. If you can't think of anything...pray about it. Look at the big AND small things in your life. God will show you what He is doing and what He has done.
What things in your life do you want God to open or close for you in the near future?
Again, pray about it.
This blog is getting lengthy, so I'll end it by sharing with you the things I need to trust God in opening....
1. Nursing School--acceptance, getting into the pre-req. classes that I need.
2. Relationships. Deepening my friendships. Possibility of leading a girls high school aged bible study group.
3. I need to trust God in closing the door to Lorri's cancer. :) Again, read her blog...it will change your life daily.
Here is the first verse to start my blog adventure! To put it simply...this is the verse God opened my eyes to today.
This totally speaks to me at this time in my life. Being in your 20's is a strange time in life. Lately, it's been called, "Living in the Meantime" for me. It's that unplanned time after college, before family, and a "real" career, if there is such a thing. There are transitions left and right, and opportunities every way you turn, but no clear directions pointing you to the path you should take. There are all these decisions that need to be made now that will affect the rest of your life, and somehow all these decisions can wait.
That's exactly the point I'm at.
God's telling me to wait on HIS timing.
He WILL OPEN what needs to be opened and CLOSE what needs to be closed.
Right when I read this verse, a few examples of this popped into my head of how God has already worked in certain areas of my life. I'll share...
1. He's blessed me with a move to CA in the last year and a half to be with my family who has shown me Christ through their love. Only He could open that door...it was His perfect timing.
2. He closed the door on a really really unhealthy relationship in my life...which can never be opened back up. Praise the Lord.
3. He opened up a job opportunity a month after my move here. A job that was literally created and designed for me at this time in my life. No HR Hiring director could close that door, or my young age and lack of experience couldn't stop me from being hired because God OPENED the opportunity up for me.
What has God opened or closed for you recently? Did he provide a friendship for you at just the right time? Maybe it was a specific moment, you know one of those "Sure God Moments" that the only explanation for that moment was God. If you can't think of anything...pray about it. Look at the big AND small things in your life. God will show you what He is doing and what He has done.
What things in your life do you want God to open or close for you in the near future?
Again, pray about it.
This blog is getting lengthy, so I'll end it by sharing with you the things I need to trust God in opening....
1. Nursing School--acceptance, getting into the pre-req. classes that I need.
2. Relationships. Deepening my friendships. Possibility of leading a girls high school aged bible study group.
3. I need to trust God in closing the door to Lorri's cancer. :) Again, read her blog...it will change your life daily.
First Blog Ever
This is my first time, "blogging." I've never really had an interest in blogging (--I thought it was too internet "trendy") until recently, and especially today my interest was sparked enough to start it up.
What really got my attention to blogging and the good it can spread was through a good family friend who recently got diagnosed with breast cancer. She uses her cancer as a testimony to others and blogs about her daily joys, trials, health, and how God is using her to work in and through all of it. She is an AMAZING example of letting God live through you and love on you daily. You can check her blog out at: http://www.lorriscancerupdates.blogspot.com/.
Through her blog, it has inspired me to think about a lot of things in my life. From things I worry about that are unimportant, to how I miss God's work in my everyday life, and realizing that I am flat out not getting enough God in my daily life. Over this last week, God has put on my heart that some things need to change and that they can only change by getting closer to Him through prayer, trusting Him, and getting into His word daily. So, this is my attempt to do so and we'll see what happens and where this goes. :)
Every day I'm going to try and find a verse that applies to my life...and hopefully yours. I will reflect on it, and share how it personally affects my life. I would love for you to come on this journey with me and see God as he works through me...and maybe through some of you to?! :)
What really got my attention to blogging and the good it can spread was through a good family friend who recently got diagnosed with breast cancer. She uses her cancer as a testimony to others and blogs about her daily joys, trials, health, and how God is using her to work in and through all of it. She is an AMAZING example of letting God live through you and love on you daily. You can check her blog out at: http://www.lorriscancerupdates.blogspot.com/.
Through her blog, it has inspired me to think about a lot of things in my life. From things I worry about that are unimportant, to how I miss God's work in my everyday life, and realizing that I am flat out not getting enough God in my daily life. Over this last week, God has put on my heart that some things need to change and that they can only change by getting closer to Him through prayer, trusting Him, and getting into His word daily. So, this is my attempt to do so and we'll see what happens and where this goes. :)
Every day I'm going to try and find a verse that applies to my life...and hopefully yours. I will reflect on it, and share how it personally affects my life. I would love for you to come on this journey with me and see God as he works through me...and maybe through some of you to?! :)
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