I should have been in bed hours ago but I was instructed to have coffee at 4 pm today for my 5 hr drive back to my current home due to a lack of sleep the last 2 nights. But...coffee has not worn off, I missed my housemates (so much to catch up on from being gone a week), and there was TV to watch :-) Anyway...there were just a few things from break that I wanted to write down before heading off to bed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. This caught my attention in church today. Although it had nothing to do with the sermon, I appreciate what the spirit had to say. I have read the stories in the Old Testament more times than I could count and have pulled life applications from them but I received a new one today. If you are waiting for something (anything) this is for you. Go back and read some of those stories (Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Rachel, The Israelites, and so many others) because they all wait for God's timing. Yes, I have thought about that a tad with the Israelites but during my period of waiting (not that I am not waiting for something now but I wish I had this awhile ago so hopefully this helps someone out there) I never really thought about reading back in some of the Old Testament for examples of waiting and patience and what to do when God hasn't revealed everything yet. It was awesome and much needed this morning. They waited a lot on God then too. He will arrive, in time.
2. In Romans 4, Abraham is described as still having hope even when his body failed him. Whether you take this as a physical thing or a mental thing, we all have sins we struggle with. Our bodies fail us. Our humanity shines through some times and we feel like a failure and hate ourselves for falling for that again (at least I know I do). But Abraham's body was failing him and yet he still had a son. So why, even when my body fails me, can't I continue with hope and faith too? To me, its no different. Even when I screw up, I should continue to hope. I don't know if that makes sense written out, but I hope you get my point.
3. Wedding and Baby showers seem much crazier than when my friends got their driver's license. I don't know what is so different about this change in life stages but good heavens it is hitting me hard. My sister did a tour of a college, a friend of mine had a baby shower last week, and one of my absolute closest friends had her wedding shower today. Now, don't get me wrong, I am excited about all of these and am ready for some change to happen but at the same time, I am overwhelmed by everything going on around me and becoming very nostalgic.
4. I love that I had a Yes/No war (in sign language) with my friend's fiance. It just made me smile :)
5. Being able to be there and help with my friend's wedding means the world to me and I am so blessed to be able to call her family - family and her home - home. Even though it seems as if we are in two totally different stages of life, God has given us the ability to remain close, which I am thankful for.
6. Breakfast in a cute coffeeshop at home with another close friend....tradition and I hope it never dies :)
7. My dad and sister - the end!! haha..they are crazy but I love them (oh I love my mom too but she isn't crazy like them)
8. God proving to me that China is supposed to be a reality.
9. babies...I love them and I got to play with 3 babies this week :) and can finally outwardly rejoice in an addition that will join the world this Sept.
10. Zumba with a friend who is 5 months pregnant...haha ohh good times good times
11. Watching my "nephew" (okay..really my friend's nephew but hey...I am basically family) score his first soccer goal!!
**Bonus....IF I ever have to do the 10 hr drive again (which if I do, it will be only one more time) I will never have to do it ALONE AGAIN!!! Praise God. I am SICK of that drive!
haha..I know 11 is not a normal number for this type of thing but I didn't want to leave anything out and a top 10 with two bonuses seemed more silly. Besides...top 11 of Spring break 2011 is cool. 11 - 11. Seems cool to my sleepy brain :) Anyway...I did have a great break and now I am counting down till the wedding & Easter when I get to host a friend from home here at school :) Much love to all but its now time to find sleep (where-ever it might be hiding!)
March 21, 2011
March 14, 2011
Summer Plans
God always has a funny way of working things out. If you would have asked me in January about my plans for the next 6 months, I would have laughed in your face and then started crying. There was a lot in my life that was left "Pending." Even if you read back through some of my blogs recently, especially the Purple Slushies and a Big Wall one, you see a glimpse at my uncertainty. I wasn't sure if I was student teaching this fall or if I would graduate in May. I wasn't sure why I wasn't going to Nicaragua, Brazil, or Honduras (this week actually). I wasn't sure why I felt like God was up to something big. And although there is still some uncertainty left in my life (when is there not), much of what was mentioned above God answered a few weeks ago. I WILL be student teaching in the fall. I WILL be traveling to China this summer for 3 weeks to teach English and reflect Jesus. These two things lifted massive weight off of my shoulders.
There is still so much left to do for China, so I ask for your prayers. I am super excited and I have no doubt that God WILL provide. I actually just got done making a video to send to local churches for support. I love it. My daddy helped, which made it even more special.
Even just today at a baby shower for a friend of mine, some of us were catching up (cause I am HOME for spring break..YAY!) on life and I was sharing about China and student teaching. One of my friends said something about how we might as well get all the answers at once. I thought it was kinda funny and even though its overwhelming when that happens, she is right. It was not just one burden off my shoulders, it was all of it, which I am so grateful for.
****interjecting here - but I had several freak out moments about growing up over the last 24 hrs. My sister is looking at colleges (AHH!!), a friend of mine just passed her nursing boards (she is officially a RN..WOOHOO!!), I was at a baby shower for a friend of MINE!, and I will be at one of my closest friend's wedding shower next week - this is crazy!! growing up doesn't seem to happen slowly but in fast-forward!!!****
However, I do know that many people are still waiting for God to answer their questions. First, don't give up! I waited almost a year for some of those answers. Although it is not easy, it is SO WORTH IT! God has a purpose and a plan! We may not understand it till his plan is fulfilled or we may never understand on this earth but he does understand. He is keeping an entire world spinning, not just our "world." But here are a few verses that have given me comfort the last several months and one that I even just found today that I wish I had for the last several months.
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
-Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV)
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end....I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it."
-Ecclesiastes 3:11,14 (ESV)
There is still so much left to do for China, so I ask for your prayers. I am super excited and I have no doubt that God WILL provide. I actually just got done making a video to send to local churches for support. I love it. My daddy helped, which made it even more special.
Even just today at a baby shower for a friend of mine, some of us were catching up (cause I am HOME for spring break..YAY!) on life and I was sharing about China and student teaching. One of my friends said something about how we might as well get all the answers at once. I thought it was kinda funny and even though its overwhelming when that happens, she is right. It was not just one burden off my shoulders, it was all of it, which I am so grateful for.
****interjecting here - but I had several freak out moments about growing up over the last 24 hrs. My sister is looking at colleges (AHH!!), a friend of mine just passed her nursing boards (she is officially a RN..WOOHOO!!), I was at a baby shower for a friend of MINE!, and I will be at one of my closest friend's wedding shower next week - this is crazy!! growing up doesn't seem to happen slowly but in fast-forward!!!****
However, I do know that many people are still waiting for God to answer their questions. First, don't give up! I waited almost a year for some of those answers. Although it is not easy, it is SO WORTH IT! God has a purpose and a plan! We may not understand it till his plan is fulfilled or we may never understand on this earth but he does understand. He is keeping an entire world spinning, not just our "world." But here are a few verses that have given me comfort the last several months and one that I even just found today that I wish I had for the last several months.
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
-Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV)
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end....I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it."
-Ecclesiastes 3:11,14 (ESV)
February 24, 2011
Our actions...
...affect more people than we ever realize.
Last weekend I spent time with one of my closest friends. It was a great weekend but Sunday, something was just off with me. I have my ideas, part of which is that I was worn out by then, but I also think God was doing something inside me that honestly, I did not handle with grace. That is putting it lightly. I know God has reasons for teaching us things at certain times for a reason, but I still haven't figured out why this time it had to be when I was still around people. Trying to process everything and not lose it was extremely difficult. Looking back I wish I had handled it differently but oh well...too late now right?
Anyway, the sermon Sunday morning was in Romans 3. Many times during a sermon, I read everything on the 2 pages surrounding the key passage. I like to have the context. Well during this reading, I read Romans 2. That chapter really caught my attention. At this point, some background information has to be given. My friend and her fiance have a dance group that they are involved with. This group's dynamics are crazy. Unless you have met some of these people, you can't understand. Now I have spent time with probably 3 people from this group other than my friend and her fiance. I know a lot about the drama and things that have occurred between the members. One situation involves a couple, who do not have the cleanest record (I'll leave it at that). They remind me of the Pharisees. Very hypocritical and a horrible witness to the non-christians in the group. Unfortuntely, this involves a friend of mine that I met through my friend and her fiance. I'll name this person Ryan (for protection and cause the name doesn't matter to the story). Ryan is not a Christian to my knowledge and it breaks my heart. However, what upsets me is that the guy in the couple mentioned above had the chance to really change Ryan's life. Ryan really respected this guy and saw a difference in him. But then the drama went down and Ryan saw his true colors, with seemly no repentance or regret. This situation destroyed that guy's testimony, especially his witness and friendship with Ryan. Now, Ryan feels very strongly that Christians aren't any different and that we are all hypocrites. Although I do want to throw in a praise that he has never said anything negative to me or my friend about our faith, which hopefully means we still have a shot. I am definitely looking forward to moving to the area in the fall, hoping I can make a difference in his life. Final piece of background info, during this weekend away, I saw Ryan twice, so he had already been on my mind some.
I know...sorry that was a lot of background information. Anyway, if you read Romans 2: 12-29; I felt God saying, "See, your actions are so important. Look at what happened with Ryan. A Christian's life is always either reflecting me or not. Your name doesn't matter ('Jew' or 'Gentile' or whatever other label you want to use) but how you live your life." The part of Romans 2 that broke me most was Romans 2:24,
So as you read this, think about who is in your sphere of influence and how you live your daily life around those people. Also, I ask that you pray for Ryan and those of us Christians who are in his sphere (and in the sphere of that couple).
Last weekend I spent time with one of my closest friends. It was a great weekend but Sunday, something was just off with me. I have my ideas, part of which is that I was worn out by then, but I also think God was doing something inside me that honestly, I did not handle with grace. That is putting it lightly. I know God has reasons for teaching us things at certain times for a reason, but I still haven't figured out why this time it had to be when I was still around people. Trying to process everything and not lose it was extremely difficult. Looking back I wish I had handled it differently but oh well...too late now right?
Anyway, the sermon Sunday morning was in Romans 3. Many times during a sermon, I read everything on the 2 pages surrounding the key passage. I like to have the context. Well during this reading, I read Romans 2. That chapter really caught my attention. At this point, some background information has to be given. My friend and her fiance have a dance group that they are involved with. This group's dynamics are crazy. Unless you have met some of these people, you can't understand. Now I have spent time with probably 3 people from this group other than my friend and her fiance. I know a lot about the drama and things that have occurred between the members. One situation involves a couple, who do not have the cleanest record (I'll leave it at that). They remind me of the Pharisees. Very hypocritical and a horrible witness to the non-christians in the group. Unfortuntely, this involves a friend of mine that I met through my friend and her fiance. I'll name this person Ryan (for protection and cause the name doesn't matter to the story). Ryan is not a Christian to my knowledge and it breaks my heart. However, what upsets me is that the guy in the couple mentioned above had the chance to really change Ryan's life. Ryan really respected this guy and saw a difference in him. But then the drama went down and Ryan saw his true colors, with seemly no repentance or regret. This situation destroyed that guy's testimony, especially his witness and friendship with Ryan. Now, Ryan feels very strongly that Christians aren't any different and that we are all hypocrites. Although I do want to throw in a praise that he has never said anything negative to me or my friend about our faith, which hopefully means we still have a shot. I am definitely looking forward to moving to the area in the fall, hoping I can make a difference in his life. Final piece of background info, during this weekend away, I saw Ryan twice, so he had already been on my mind some.
I know...sorry that was a lot of background information. Anyway, if you read Romans 2: 12-29; I felt God saying, "See, your actions are so important. Look at what happened with Ryan. A Christian's life is always either reflecting me or not. Your name doesn't matter ('Jew' or 'Gentile' or whatever other label you want to use) but how you live your life." The part of Romans 2 that broke me most was Romans 2:24,
"For as it is written, 'The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.'"
I am definitely not perfect but I hope that I remain humble and repentant and aware of my sins because I never want a "Gentile" to look at my life and not see a difference; therefore, walking farther from God. Witnessing is so important (as my Sunday School class has been discussing for awhile) but there is something else just as important! Living for God so that no one denounces God because of your life. As much as I pray that I can have a positive affect on Ryan's life, I pray more that I do not do anything to destroy my witness, not just with him but everyone in my life. That is kinda scary because I know myself better than any human and I know my struggles all too well. But that is where God comes in. I just do my best and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.So as you read this, think about who is in your sphere of influence and how you live your daily life around those people. Also, I ask that you pray for Ryan and those of us Christians who are in his sphere (and in the sphere of that couple).
"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if I told you."
-Habakkuk 1: 5
January 24, 2011
Purple Slushies and a BIG WALL
It's funny the crazy ways God talks to me. But let me back up to this afternoon.
Katie, Kevin, Mary Beth, and I had time to kill between Church and lunch. The obvious place to waste this time? Walmart of course! Katie needed a few things anyway so we headed that way. First, we got the few things Katie needed. Then Kevin and I wondered off to the toys. Seems logical right? Well we were having a blast haha! Anyway, we goofed off there for awhile and then made our way back to the $5 movie bin. Now, I have had great luck in this bin many, many times. Did I walk into Walmart planning on buying anything? No. Did I walk out with something? Yes! A VeggieTales movie. Yes, I am an adult who loves VeggieTales. I have no shame :)
Now, fast-forward several hours. I'd been doing homework most of the late afternoon into the evening. I was ready for a break. I was looking for something to watch on Hulu but then I remembered. I had a new movie :) So I picked my favorite story of the three on my new DVD. Joshua and the Big Wall. I love the slushies! I was watching but I know I was partly distracted too. I was trying to share the movie with my sister 10 hrs away but the sound wouldn't work :( Anyway, there is this one scene where the French Peas aka the people of Jericho ask the "Israelites" why they were walking around their wall. The one Israelite says that its because their God told them too. Not because they were crazy or anything.
Lets step back from that scene for a second. God had given the Israelites some crazy instructions. They certainly looked silly and other people did not understand. How often are we the Israelites? Walking around, doing something that to people on the outside looks absurd but really is exactly what God wants? Well, we should more often then I am sure we do. And that alone is a powerful thing. If we just follow God's instructions, no matter how silly we look, AMAZING things will happen.
But my revelation didn't stop there. Lets imagine for a second that the Israelites hadn't been given a final result. They were just told to walk around a wall. That's kinda how I feel right now. God is telling me to walk around this massive wall over and over, for what seems like no reason. And do I feel stupid? Yeah! Are slushies being thrown at me? Yep! But I need to keep walking. I can't give up. This is what God wants me to do right now. I may not have the end picture and I certainly don't know that in 7 days my wall will fall but I do know that God has a plan. If I just stick it out a bit longer, my wall will fall.
Maybe you all have a big wall too that you are walking around. Maybe with a purpose or maybe without. Maybe with lots of purple slushies being tossed at your head. Just remember....keep walking! God will knock down that wall.
How powerful! I'm actually still in shock that this all came from VeggieTales! haha! But in all honesty, I shouldn't be. It's God's word. And God is awesome! I love when His word comes to life for me, especially in new and different ways. This is the first time I have ever seen this story in this light but I love it!
** I'll try to get a video posted incase you've never seen Joshua and the Big Wall or its just been awhile. However, it is really late and I have a feeling the file is huge. So keep checking back for a video when I have more time to export the file properly.**
Katie, Kevin, Mary Beth, and I had time to kill between Church and lunch. The obvious place to waste this time? Walmart of course! Katie needed a few things anyway so we headed that way. First, we got the few things Katie needed. Then Kevin and I wondered off to the toys. Seems logical right? Well we were having a blast haha! Anyway, we goofed off there for awhile and then made our way back to the $5 movie bin. Now, I have had great luck in this bin many, many times. Did I walk into Walmart planning on buying anything? No. Did I walk out with something? Yes! A VeggieTales movie. Yes, I am an adult who loves VeggieTales. I have no shame :)
Now, fast-forward several hours. I'd been doing homework most of the late afternoon into the evening. I was ready for a break. I was looking for something to watch on Hulu but then I remembered. I had a new movie :) So I picked my favorite story of the three on my new DVD. Joshua and the Big Wall. I love the slushies! I was watching but I know I was partly distracted too. I was trying to share the movie with my sister 10 hrs away but the sound wouldn't work :( Anyway, there is this one scene where the French Peas aka the people of Jericho ask the "Israelites" why they were walking around their wall. The one Israelite says that its because their God told them too. Not because they were crazy or anything.
Lets step back from that scene for a second. God had given the Israelites some crazy instructions. They certainly looked silly and other people did not understand. How often are we the Israelites? Walking around, doing something that to people on the outside looks absurd but really is exactly what God wants? Well, we should more often then I am sure we do. And that alone is a powerful thing. If we just follow God's instructions, no matter how silly we look, AMAZING things will happen.
But my revelation didn't stop there. Lets imagine for a second that the Israelites hadn't been given a final result. They were just told to walk around a wall. That's kinda how I feel right now. God is telling me to walk around this massive wall over and over, for what seems like no reason. And do I feel stupid? Yeah! Are slushies being thrown at me? Yep! But I need to keep walking. I can't give up. This is what God wants me to do right now. I may not have the end picture and I certainly don't know that in 7 days my wall will fall but I do know that God has a plan. If I just stick it out a bit longer, my wall will fall.
Maybe you all have a big wall too that you are walking around. Maybe with a purpose or maybe without. Maybe with lots of purple slushies being tossed at your head. Just remember....keep walking! God will knock down that wall.
How powerful! I'm actually still in shock that this all came from VeggieTales! haha! But in all honesty, I shouldn't be. It's God's word. And God is awesome! I love when His word comes to life for me, especially in new and different ways. This is the first time I have ever seen this story in this light but I love it!
** I'll try to get a video posted incase you've never seen Joshua and the Big Wall or its just been awhile. However, it is really late and I have a feeling the file is huge. So keep checking back for a video when I have more time to export the file properly.**
January 21, 2011
My Heart Lies?!?!
Growing up, I've always been one to struggle with knowledge vs. my heart. My feelings have always been out of whack. I over process, over analyze, over feel, and over think EVERYTHING! It is something that has always bothered me and still a work in progress. I would not say that I have even come close to having a clear, content, and doubt free mind. However, lately I feel God working on my understanding of Grace. I have realized lately how little I understand that word and what it means in my life. But thats another topic for another blog. I want to focus on my feelings and my heart.
I am sitting in the coffeeshop, basically killing time until a sushi lunch with my Nanney girls. I decided, instead of doing homework, to read some older posts from that blog I mentioned in a post or so ago. I came across one that challenges the readers to pray for those who have taken a part of their heart at some point. I could totally relate to all that Shellie was saying. I've had my heart broken and a piece taken. But she challenges the readers to pray for these men. I know I have prayed a little for those "boys" in my past but I am going to take her challenge of a 7 day prayer concentration on these men, which if I remember, I'll blog about how that goes.
Anyway, as I was reading, she was saying how we let our past dictate the types of guys we look at now, which can I say HOW TRUE THAT IS! But Shellie was saying how we need to become free from that. Free from judging the men around us based on the idiots in our past. Okay so idiot was my word LOL!! Then she referenced Jeremiah 17:9. Have you ever read this, I mean really read this passage? Check it out
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?"
WOW!!! How freeing is this statement?! I mean really! My heart lies to me. It doesn't always tell the truth. How I feel isn't accurate. I don't have to be bound or afraid because of what I feel in my heart. It isn't the whole truth. Now I don't mean to say we should never listen to our hearts but to know that it lies to me, means that I don't have to be concerned with the negative thoughts flowing through me.
**Big Happy Sigh :) **
And as I reread this passage over and over, some lyrics from a Tenth Ave. North song popped in my head. Check out the full song on Youtube but for now I will just quote the part that relates.
"This is not about what you feel, but what He felt to forgive you,
and what He felt to make you loved."
-- You are More by Tenth Ave. North
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwtcwQwgdsA
So powerful! It is not about me, or what I do, or feel but its ALL about Jesus and the Cross and just having a relationship with my Savior, My Beloved.
Praise God!
I am sitting in the coffeeshop, basically killing time until a sushi lunch with my Nanney girls. I decided, instead of doing homework, to read some older posts from that blog I mentioned in a post or so ago. I came across one that challenges the readers to pray for those who have taken a part of their heart at some point. I could totally relate to all that Shellie was saying. I've had my heart broken and a piece taken. But she challenges the readers to pray for these men. I know I have prayed a little for those "boys" in my past but I am going to take her challenge of a 7 day prayer concentration on these men, which if I remember, I'll blog about how that goes.
Anyway, as I was reading, she was saying how we let our past dictate the types of guys we look at now, which can I say HOW TRUE THAT IS! But Shellie was saying how we need to become free from that. Free from judging the men around us based on the idiots in our past. Okay so idiot was my word LOL!! Then she referenced Jeremiah 17:9. Have you ever read this, I mean really read this passage? Check it out
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?"
WOW!!! How freeing is this statement?! I mean really! My heart lies to me. It doesn't always tell the truth. How I feel isn't accurate. I don't have to be bound or afraid because of what I feel in my heart. It isn't the whole truth. Now I don't mean to say we should never listen to our hearts but to know that it lies to me, means that I don't have to be concerned with the negative thoughts flowing through me.
**Big Happy Sigh :) **
And as I reread this passage over and over, some lyrics from a Tenth Ave. North song popped in my head. Check out the full song on Youtube but for now I will just quote the part that relates.
"This is not about what you feel, but what He felt to forgive you,
and what He felt to make you loved."
-- You are More by Tenth Ave. North
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwtcwQwgdsA
So powerful! It is not about me, or what I do, or feel but its ALL about Jesus and the Cross and just having a relationship with my Savior, My Beloved.
Praise God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)