Happy New Year

To all my friends in blog world... I hope that you have a safe and happy New Year's. Looking forward to 2006 and all that God has in store for us!!!

Poetry in Motion

I have a simple post today...but one that for sure needed to be posted. My friend from blogland, Maryellen, states things most eloquently. She has a great blog and posted many wonderful posts and has been fired at many times from many different people. She has so much grace in the way she responds and answers. I admire her for that. Here is a great quote from one of her comments in reply to one of her faithful readers....it is truly poetry in motion:


"If my faith were based on the behavior of Christians, I would be totally faithless, but my hope and faith is built on nothing less than Jesus. So, I stumble on, keeping my eyes on the light, and hoping that some how, in some way that same light is shining through me and making this dark world a little brighter..." --Maryellen

visit her blog....you'll love it!!!

Missing the Point

My heart has been heavy lately. So many of my friends that I love and hold dear to my heart have missed the point of what Christianity is all about. Even today, while reading several blogs, many people are just missing the point.

Many of my friends that I am referring to have the wrong approach to Christianity, but I think it's because of how the church sometimes approaches how we are to live our life as Christians. I often hear all of the things that we as Christians we should not do. For example: Don't get drunk! Don't have sex before you're married! Don't use foul language! Don't talk back to your parents! Don't do drugs! Don't do anything that would dishonor your parents! Don't lie! Don't steal! Don't do anything that would bring harm to your body! Don't hang out with non-Christians! Don't listen to secular music! Don't forget to read the bible every day! Don't miss church! I think you all get the idea. Well, with this approach it makes being a Christian seem like a constant out reach thing to do because you're hearing all of the things you can't do "if you truly want to be a Christian." This is what causes people to walk on the fence. They try to see how much they can get away with, how close they can come to the other side with still being "Christian." This makes it easy to fall away from Christ because soon people do anything and then rationalize it by saying, "God will still love me. God will forgive me." They use this logic, while falling farther and farther away from Christ, so far that by the time they realize it, they are so angry at the rules that were "placed" on them that they don't want anything to do with Christianity because they've missed the point.

In my opinion, as trite as it might be, the church ought to be teaching what we SHOULD be doing, not what we shouldn't. It's so much more appealing. For example: Love God! Help each other! Love each other! Strive to put others before yourself! Help the homeless! Love little children! Now doesn't that sound more appealing?

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not meaning we should be selling Christianity by any means. I am just simply saying that by giving a list of things we can't do MISSES THE POINT of what Christianity is all about. I mean Christ came out of love, to offer love, and then to give love as the final sacrifice. Christianity is about love and being love to others.

Instead of passing judgment on those who have trouble with all of the rules, let's love on them and help them FEEL the presence of God once again or maybe for the first time. Let's not miss the point anymore.

Narnia

So, I saw Narnia last night....SIMPLY AMAZING!!! I want to go see it again. I won't talk about
it too much since it's still a fairly new movie, but I will say that if you haven't seen it
yet, you have to go see it. You just have to!!!

Hope you're all doing well!!!

Sorry About That!

Hello, sorry I've been away for awhile. I have been in bed with Walking Pneumonia. Not fun!!! I am getting better though. It may still be a while until I can post though. I had to miss almost a whole week of school, so I have a lot to catch up on. Hope you are all doing well out there in blog land. I've missed reading all of your posts and posting myself.

Have a great week!!!

Great Scene!!

I saw the movie "Walk the Line" this weekend. Great movie!!!

There was an amazing scene in this movie that I thought I would quickly share with you, and don't worry it doesn't ruin any of the movie!!!

There was a point in Cash's life where he wants to record one of his records live from a prison. He gets a lot of flack for it from his record company and from, I believe, his manager. Both of them tell him that his audience consists of good, Christians that don't want to hear that he's recording in a prison. Cash's response to that was, "Well, then they're not very good Christians."

I thought this scene was brilliant and so right on. I just wanted to share this with you because as I was watching the movie, at that very moment, my husband and I both looked at each other because what he said is so true and it resonated with us.

Anyway, happy Monday...have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a yummy turkey meal. :)

Be Original

Last night, I talked to some good friends of mine and we had a wonderful conversation about being original, about being active in your Christian faith, not just hearing what one person says, agreeing with it, and then applying it to your life without even having researched it and looked it up.

The problem with the movement that is happening right now in the church is that so many people are hearing ideas that people are saying and they are clinging to the ideas. Don't get me wrong... a lot of the ideas that I hear out there are pretty awesome and amazing, but my point is that we should be grappling with and digging deeper into the word. We need to go back to the basics: bread and water. Bread= Bible, Water=prayer (Holy Spirit)

So often we hear someone say something that really resonates with us and then we try to regurgitate that and if we can't convey the message the way the original speaker did we get frustrated. This happens because we don't see all of the work and research that goes into that person's development of the idea that we are so eager to cling to.



It's very easy to read a book, in this case, I'm meaning any book other than the Bible, and walk away saying, "Yes, this is what I believe. This is what I need to do. This is how I need to live out my life." While that is great and all, we really should be figuring out how we need to live our life by the things we read in the bible. We should be getting excited about the things we find in the Bible, not jump up and down about something that someone says, especially if we don't ever take the time to go back and research it for ourselves.

The important thing in this world, for us as Christians, and I know I keep repeating this, but it's true, We Need To Be About Loving Everyone!!! That is what it's all about. It's what Jesus did here on Earth. It's spread throughout the Bible. It's why Jesus came and died on the cross.

Now hear me clearly, I'm not saying you can't or that you shouldn't agree with things you have heard or read. All I am saying is that we need to be careful not just to regurgitate and hold onto ideas that didn't come from us. We can like what we hear
or read, but then we need to take those nuggets of information and continue doing our own research and reading of the Bible to help form what we personally believe. If all you're doing is telling people ideas about what someone else believes and claiming they are your own thoughts, how do you defend your beliefs when they are questioned.



Be Original!! Think for Yourself!!! Be Original!!! Think for Yourself!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Today is Veteran's Day. For those of you that don't know, my husband is a Marine, so I have a special place in my heart for this holiday, as I believe we all should, but it wasn't until I personally knew someone in the Military that I began to understand fully all that goes into someone's decision to serve our country.



So, on this Veteran's Day take a moment to say Thank You to anyone you know who is a Veteran. Thank the men and women who repeatedly decide to serve and to protect at all costs!

Getting Outside of the Church Box

As previously mentioned, last Thursday, October 27th. I heard a brilliant message. It was on a topic I have been very passionate about, but it was probably put the best I've ever heard it.

Let me begin how our pastor began (he always begins like this; I love it). Let me define for you what the dictionary says SERVICE is:

serve (sûrv)
v.Servedd, serv·ing, serves
v.tr.
1.
a. To work for.
b. To be a servant to.
2.
a. To prepare and offer (food, for example): serve tea.
b. To place food before (someone); wait on: served the guests a wonderful dinner.
3.
a. To provide goods and services for (customers): a hotel that has served tourists at the same location for 30 years.
b. To supply (goods or services) to customers. See Usage Note at service.

We always start with definitions. We always go back to the basics. So often words are taken out of context, so it is nice to go back the actual definition.

Here is our theme scripture for the night's message:

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”
(Mark 10:45)


We are called by God to not only serve Him, but to serve others, without expecting anything in return. We should simply be doing it because it is asked of us and it was the example that Christ left for us. He did not come to be served, but to serve others. Everyone can do it!!! We all have something to offer!! Serving is what being a Christian is all about!!

We hear all of the time how we are to love on one another. Yes!! This is true. But, how do we love on each other? We are to find out the needs of others and help to meet them, through serving them. Now if you see a homeless man shivering on a cold, rainy night, it should be obvious what he needs without even having to ask him. You can see that he needs an umbrella, something dry to put on, something to keep him warm, and a warm meal to warm him from the inside. He is someone that a little love and a little service would go a long way. But, God wants us to have our eyes open for helping everyone, not just those whom it's obvious need help.

Do you have a neighbor that struggles carrying their groceries inside? Put aside a few minutes and help the neighbor. Do you know someone who is elderly and has trouble keeping their homw vacuumed or their bathroom clean? Pick a day to go over and offer your strong hands to help them? Do you know someone who is lonely and just needs someone to talk to? Schedule a time to hang out with them and be a good listener if need be or a great story teller if they just want company. Do you know someone who is stressed out? Bring them dinner or ice-cream to help cheer them up.

Here are some real examples of things that people have done to SERVE others and to make their day a little bit brighter:

"Help in a time of need _Submitted By: L. Goad _Date Submitted: 10/16/2005 __As my daughter was riding to school with two friends, a van pulled out in front of them. The accident occurred on October 26, 2004 - four days prior to her 16th birthday. She was riding in the back seat and suffered the most injuries. She broke her jaw, neck, four places in her back, right arm and had traumatic brain injury. The doctors did not think she was going to survive. She was known as the miracle child throughout the hospital where we stayed for over three months. It has been one year since the accident. My daughter is still recovering from this life-changing tragedy. She has many more surgeries to undergo plus rehab. __Without my knowledge, our community church is having a BBQ and bake sale - giving all proceeds to my daughter for her medical expenses. You cannot imagine my surprise and shock that the community is doing this for her. Since it has been one year since her accident, many people have stopped calling her and visiting her. By having the BBQ, our small community has shown my daughter that there are people who still think of her and care about her. I pray if anyone knows of someone who is in a situation such as this, they will remember that the feeling of being alone is extremely painful. Show kindness by visiting or calling those who had a life-changing event happen to them. My daughter’s accident lasted less than a minute but changed her life, plus our entire family’s, life forever.

Things People Do _Submitted By: Leslie Foster _Date Submitted: 10/7/2005 __Keith, my cousin, was on his way home from work, driving down the interstate in the evening rush hour traffic. People were rushing by and not even paying attention or bothering to stop for a car that was broke down on the interstate. As my cousin was approaching the vehicle, he noticed the car was half on and half off the interstate with the hood raised. He pulled in behind the vehicle to see if he could assist them with anything. That's when he noticed the car contained three elderly women and a baby. He then helped them push the car off the road, called for roadside assistance and stayed with them until the tow truck came. Before Keith left, the lady said to him, "Thank you so much, I don't know how long we would have waited here if it wasn't for people like you that have a loving and caring hearts.

Snow blowers and Lawn Mowers _Submitted By: Kristin, Pennsylvania _Date Submitted: 6/20/2005 __I am a single woman living alone and my neighbors have been kinder than I ever imagined. During the winter they have snow blown and shoveled my walk. Well, truth is we create a sort of shoveling party and all help dig each other out; but they spend loads of extra time helping me, even digging out my car! __And in the spring and summer, one neighbor cuts my 1/2 acre with her riding mower and another mows the hill the riding mower cannot reach. Wow! They are simply fabulous and I cannot thank them enough."

It is so easy to serve others. Why do we make it so difficult? It is really simple and it feels good to do it!! Once you start, you'll automatically start seeing more things you can do to brighten someone elses day. But the key is, you have to start looking for things to do for others.

Here is another quote from the night's message that I loved and it is so applicable:

“Our world has become a large, impersonal busy institution. We are alienated from each other. Although crowded, we are lonely. Distant. Pushed together but uninvolved. No longer do most neighbors visit across the backyard fence. The well-manicured front lawn is the modern moat that keeps barbarians at bay, Hoarding and flaunting have replaced sharing and caring. It’s like we are occupying common space but have no common interests, as if weÂ’re on an elevator with rules like: ‘No talking, smiling, or eye contact allowed without written consent of the management.
“Painful though it may be for us to admit it here in this great land of America, we’re losing touch with one another. The motivation to help, to encourage, yes, to serve our fellow man is waning. People have observed a crime in progress but refused to help so as not to be involved.”
Charles Swindoll

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”
(Mark 10:45)

These next words are so true and I was so glad they were actually said at the pulpit. I know a lot of you will completely agree, but for those of you that these words are hard to swallow, I challenge you to read them a few times to see the truth behind them, paticularly the part that is bolded.

"Forgotten words.
In the secular system there are distinct levels of authority. It’s true today for sure. In government there is our president, his cabinet, and a large body of personally selected men and women who have privileges the common citizen does not possess. In the military there are officers and enlisted men…and ranks within each. In sports there are coaches and players. In the business world there are corporation heads and lines of authority between managers and personnel, shop superintendents, foreman, and laborers. The person in the labor force is expected to punch a clock, show up on time, work hard, and not take advantage of his or her employer. There’s a name for those who choose not to follow those directions. Unemployed! Why? Because the boss is in charge. That’s the way the system works. As Jesus put it, ‘their great men exercise authority over them.” But then He adds, ‘It is not so among you.’ Why isn’t this so? Simply this, in God’s family there is to be one great body of people: servants.
In fact, that’s the way to the top in His kingdom.

…Whoever whishes to become great you shall first be a servant.

Yes, these seem to be forgotten words, even in many churches with their smooth pastors, high-powered executives, and superstar singers. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be much of the servant mentality in such settings. Even in our church life we tend to get so caught up in a success and size race that we lose sight of our primary calling as followers of Christ. The ‘Celebrity Syndrome’ so present in our Christian thought and activities just doesn’t square with the attitudes and messages of Jesus. We have skidded into a pattern whereby the celebrities and top dogs in our church life call the shots, and it is difficult to be a servant when you’re used to telling others what to do."

As Christian, we need to be more about loving and serving others (Christian or not), not about building up our numbers at church. I think the focus has gone far too much on what happens inside the church building walls and needs to shift on to the world outside. "The Church" is the body of believers, not a building. We need to be out in the community serving and simply being among the people as Christ did while He was on Earth. We need to step out of the box that The Church has created for itself, intentionally or not. We need to not be about only hanging out with "Christian friends" and listenting to "Christian music." Do you think Christ would be content with that? I sure don't. I think He would be out with the people of the world. He'd be walking among them and talking to them, building up relationships, whether they were homosexual, buddist, muslim, white, black, wealthy, homeless, popular, outcast, Christian, leader, or follower. The point is Christ LOVED and SERVED ALL. So should we!!!

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”
(Mark 10:45)

After the message was over last Thursday night, I was so pumped to go out and serve others. I hope that I have somewhat relayed the amazing content and message that was given last Thursday. I hope that at the least, this causes you to think about how you could brighten someone's day today.

"It is now generally acknowledged … that one can be a professing Christian and a church member in good standing without being a disciple."
_Dallas Willard

So Much To Say

I heard the best message on Thursday night and just received the notes to get the exact quotes. I will be writing more when I have the time to sit and really go into detail, but for now here is a quote to ponder from the night's message on Service.

"It is now generally acknowledged … that one can be a professing Christian and a church member in good standing without being a disciple."
_Dallas Willard

Pumpkins

A good friend emailed this little saying to me. Thought it was cute!!!

"Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin.
God lifts you up, takes you in,
and washes all the dirt off of you.
He opens you up, touches you deep inside
and scoops out all the yucky stuff--
including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.
Then He carves you a new smiling face
and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see."

I Don't Understand

Alright guys, I know there is probably not an answer out there to my question, but I'm really struggling with something.

There is a little boy I know who is dying of cancer. I just found out today that he is in the final stages and it won't be long. It kills me to hear things like this, especially when it has to do with little children. This little boy is only eight years old.

I am so torn inside. I have wrestled with this before, but I am really wrestling with why God would allow something like this to happen to a little child. I mean, this little boy is in so much pain from the cancer having spread thought his whole body, that he has to wear a patch to try to alleviate the pain as much as possible. It kills me to even think about it.

I don't know how to rationalize this situation in my head. I just think of how scared he must be. The doctors have basically said there is nothing left to do, so they are sending him home. He's being sent home to die. Why would doctor's give up so easily? Why would God allow them to give up so easily?

God, save this little boy!!! I pray that his body would be healed and a miracle would unfold before our eyes. I am out of words, overwhelmed with emotion.

Please pray!!

Very Convicting

Today I had the opportunity to go and visit with my husband's best friend, and my quasi brother, Ronny Rowell at a welcome home party/open house. He just returned from his second deployment to Iraq. While visiting with Ronny, his spirits seemed very high and he was so confident in his mission and the mission of the men who were replacing him in Iraq.

During our visit, Ronny did a question and answer session so that everyone would have a chance to ask their questions, since there were so many people and only one of him. This time was so sweet. We opened with prayer. Ronny's dad, prayed for our time. During the question and answer time someone asked how the evangelical efforts were going in Iraq. Ronny's response was simply amazing, although I think the way he answered he was fearful that it was disappointing. Let me try to summarize his response:

Ronny said that because of time (they couldn't stay too long in one spot at any given time for safety purposes) there really wasn't the opportunity to share the Gospel per se. He continued that all they could or had time to do was love on the people. They handed out Beanie Babies to the children, talked with the men and women, and gave students schools supplies that they were otherwise lacking (pencils and paper). He even mentioned how they had the chance to spend some time with a little girl in a wheel chair, that due to their society, otherwise wouldn't have received any attention. They were building relationships with the future youth of Iraq. They were loving on the people, they way Christ loved on the people. He finished by telling everyone seeming a little disappointed that he didn't have much more to tell us or share with us about this aspect.

After this question, everyone just simply moved onto the next question and didn't seem to think twice about what had just been said, but it stuck with me. I think that what Ronny and his men did was sharing the Gospel with the Iraqi people more than had they actually used words. I mean seriously, think about how those people had been living, how they were used to living. They have lived in fear without anything, not even pencils and paper. Then, these men and women from America came in and poured out their love and affection on them, while also protecting them from harm. Now really, for all of you out there that believe you have to share the "four truths" in order to spread the message of the Gospel, can you honestly tell me that what these men and women are doing isn't spreading the "Good News?"

I think I was so convicted by Ronny's answer to this question for two reasons. First, Ronny didn't even realize, because it comes so naturally to him, that what he was doing, was out of the ordinary for these people. He was being Christ and was very humble in doing so. He never once expected anything in return. Second, what Ronny and his men were doing was so simple and so valuable, yet so many of us would rather do nothing than something small for someone because in it seems in today's society if you don't do something worth "recognition" it's not worth doing at all. Ronny and his men are true men of God and despite the flack they all receive day in and day out in the media they continued to be a light to the people of Iraq. We should learn a lesson from these men and do the same in our own country to the people we encounter everyday.

Let's be a people who always strive to do random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return.

Great Reminder

You have to read this story! It's very touching!!!

Thank you Kim for sharing it!!!

Archive meme

Teresa, tagged me, so let's see what my Meme will be:
Here's how it works:

1.Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Post the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.


My 23rd post was July 6th, 2005, "Running" The fifth sentence was:

"I don't say this to boost myself up, but rather to illustrate how much time I have spent to illustrate some points later."

I guess that I will tag: Alex at Law and Ordnance, Ashley at Answers to Life's Tough Questions, Maryellen at To Everything a Time, Mike at Awakening, and Kim at Sweet Nothings.

They Expect Us Not to Pray????

One of my teacher friends sent this to me and I really got a kick out of it...probably because I'm a teacher, but I thought I'd share it none the less.

"For all the Teachers in my life.

A Teacher's Interview:

After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect said:

"Let me see if I've got this right . . .

You want me to go into that room with all those kids, and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning, and I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and even censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits.

You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and raise their self esteem.

You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, fair play, how to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job.

I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of anti-social behavior, make sure all students pass the state exams, even those who don't come to school regularly or complete any of their assignments.

Plus, I am to make sure that all of the students with handicaps get an equal education regardless of the extent of their mental or physical handicap.

I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter and report card. All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, a big smile AND on a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps!

You want me to do all of this and yet you expect me . . .

NOT TO PRAY ????"

Heaven and Hell...Dare to think outside the box!

You have to read this post from Mike DeVries. It may make some of you mad, it may make some of you think, it may prove some of your points exactly, but either way...I think it's brilliant and would be a great discussion topic. I haven't done any research on it myself, but think it is a very interesting position on Heave and Hell.

If you care to share, I'd love to hear all of your thoughts on his post!!! I enjoy this particular topic of discussion tremendously. It really fascinates me.

You Have to Check This Out

The King of the Blog World, Hugh Hewitt, has done something amazing and I think you will all love it.

He has started a blog called One True God Blog.

You have to visit it!!! There is some amazing discussion taking place.

Here's the way this blog works:

Hugh Hewitt poses a question

A Pre-selected panel (about 5 people) all respond to the question

There is not a comment section, but you can email Hugh Hewitt.

Check it out!!! You'll love it, I just know it!!!

Putting Things In Perspective

I feel like recently I've had a lot of friends, family, or colleagues that have been dealing with either themselves of dear loved ones who have some form of cancer. It just seems like cancer is everywhere right now. I personally know people from ages 6 to 80 that probably won't live past this year because of some sort of cancer that is eating away at their body. This said, it has been on my mind a lot, since it seems wherever I turn, the reality of how powerful cancer is hits me in the face.

For those of you who read Our Daily Bread, today's excerpt was even about cancer, but it had a great story that left me with a positive feeling, instead of the same sad feeling I get when talking about cancer.

Here was the focus verse for the day:

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. —Philippians 1:21

It's one of those verses that I've heard a million times, but it just totally made sense with this circumstance and became even more clear and had even more meaning for me.

I pray that we can all live without fear of dying, because with Christ, we only go on to a better place. Just like the lady in the story today, fear of dying can also include being fearful of leaving the ones you love, but with our faith in God we can know they'll be taken care of and we can leave them with the peace of mind that we are going to a better place.

May you all have a blessed day!

If you love Dogs, you'll love this....

This was emailed to me and I loved it!!! I am such an animal person...hope you enjoy!

"DOG GONE GOOD DOG STORY
Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and may decide you need one. Mary and her husband Jim had a dog, Lucky. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably someone would forget and something would come up missing Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease .. she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. But finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every night. It's been years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure. Live everyday to the fullest ... remember it is a blessing from God."

Find God, Find Yourself

Here are two Awesome pieces of Scripture:

Jesus said, “If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.”
Matthew 10:39 (The Message)

If you are really eager to give, it isn’t important how much you are able to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you don't have.
2 Corinthians 8:12 (New Living Translation)

I pray that you have a blessed day and that you look to the Lord in ALL situations and that in turn you may find yourself and desire to give back to the Lord with all of your heart!

More on Ghandi

Here is another great quote from Ghandi that was on Basic Daily Devotions today:

Gandhi's Life Mission
Gandhi was asked to describe in twenty-five words or less what his life mission was...

He said, "I could do it in three: Renounce and enjoy." You renounce all worldly attachment to everything and enjoy what God gives you. You give away what you have inside yourself, your love. You're not concerned with whether it worked or didn't work, whether it was right or wrong, whether you won or lost. You just constantly flow through your life without getting attached to the results. The irony is that the less attached you are, the more you get. The more you keep circulating, the more keeps coming back to you. It's a flowing system.

I know that Ghandi is a bit controversial to some, but he has some great insight as to how we are to live our life. Despite the fact that he didn't believe in Christ, he certainly understood Christ's message and has wonderful insight as to how we should be living out a Christ-like life.

Hope

Here is an excerpt from one of Rob Bell's article's that I found earlier today:

What is at the heart of what you do?

Hope. There is the perspective of the person who pretends that everything is fine—the shiny, happy people perspective, "this it the day God has made," but doesn’t seem to acknowledge how bloody and difficult the world is.

Then there is the deconstructionist voice of despair that says, I see how rough it is and how horrible and hard life is—all they have is commiserating with you.
Then there is this third category of voices of people who acknowledge how things really are and still have hope. And those are always the people who inspire me so much.

This idea really made me think? What kind of person am I? What taste am I leaving in other people's mouths? Am I being an inspiration to those around me or am I bringing them down by my perspective and lack of showing the Hope I find in Jesus.

Jesus is my Lord and Savior and I He is my Hope. I desire to live as though I believe that 100%, 100% of the time.

Where is your hope? If you don't know the answer to this question, I pray that you would seek out the Lord and ask Him to be apart of your life. Invite Him to be ruler of your life and let Him capture your heart!!!

So Exciting

Two of my closest friends had their baby last night!!! She is beautiful!!! She was 7 lbs 14 oz, 19 1/2 inches long.

They named her Ave Jacqueline...so precious. She looks just like the momma! Babies are so wonderful, such a blessing from our Almight Creator. I don't know how anyone can walk through life with a woman during her pregnancy and then see the final product and not believe in Christ, let along the Miracles of God. So Amazing!!!

Baby Fever is in the air...wonder who will be next? Only time will tell......

What Is Your Faith Speaking?

I was emailed a site that had the below article. It's amazing. Here is the link to the website so that you can check out more from this author: Coach Doug Reese

Believe That!
The U.S. women's gymnastic team was loaded with talent in 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta with names such as; Dominique Dawes and Shannon Miller. Never had a U.S. team won the gold medal in the team competition. Now on the last day of team competition, on the last apparatus, the gold medal came down to Kerri Strug and her vault.

Strug landed early on her first vault causing a serious ankle injury. The pressure was on.

Kerri went to Bela Karolyi and told him that she could not feel her leg. Bela told her that she had to go one more time.

"Do I have to do this again?" she asked.

"Can you, can you?" Bela responded.

She hesitated, "I don't know yet." Then she concluded, "I will do it, I will, I will."

Kerri Strug's affirmation cut through the building pressure of the moment - the pressure of hitting a winning vault, the pressure of doing it on an injured leg, the pressure of knowing it was up to her alone to capture the gold medal.

On her second vault with a painful injury she hit a powerful vault and stuck the landing on one leg and held it. Strug's vault captured what the USA Today proclaimed as the "greatest American team victory in the Olympics since the U.S. hockey team upset the Soviet Union in 1980."

In the gold medal ceremony, Bela Karolyi carried Kerri Strug to the podium, where her teammates supported her while she stood on one leg for the playing of the national anthem. It was the first time in Olympic history that the U.S. women's gymnastics team won the gold - it was done while defeating terrifying pressure, but that is what champions train to do!

One has to be careful what leaves their mouth. There are words of defeat, "Do I have to do this again?," and there are words of victory, "I will do it, I will, I will." What is your faith speaking?

Our faith has to speak if we are going to see results. God calls "those thing which be not as they were," (Romans 4:17). Abraham understood and operated in that principle. Certainly if our Heavenly Father and the father of our faith operated in this kind of faith, we ought to do the same!

"Speaks of things that do not exist as if they do exist (NIRV)"... is to call, to say, to speak aloud, calling those things which are not in your life as though they were.

Which of God's blessing are not in your life? Is healing not in your life? Then call it as though it were: "Everywhere I go healing and health are overtaking me. My body is strong. I am healthy! I am whole!" You have to affirm with your words that which is in your heart.

Someone may say, "Is that scriptural?" Believe that! Joel said, "Let the weak one throw out his chest and say, "I'm tough, I'm a fighter," (Joel 3:10 THE MESSAGE). Joel didn't write, "Let the weak say, 'I am feeble and I can't make it.'" No, the weak are suppose to say they are STRONG! So calling those things that be not as though they were is very scriptural!

The weak are not suppose to wait until they feel strong. If they did, they would never feel it. No, let the weak, "I am strong," (NIV), while they still feel the weakness.

Faith is not enough, faith has to be plugged in - and acted upon. When fully connected, the tongue verbalizes and the body acts on the belief in one's heart. How many times did you hear Mohammed Ali say, "I am the greatest!" And how many times did he predict to the media what round he would knock out his opponent? Ali was plugged in!

There is a familiar quote in sports, "Believe to Achieve." That statement of three words is so true no matter what you do.

As children you might remember the book, The Engine that Could. The story was about a train engine that was climbing a hill. The engine kept repeating over and over again, "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can," as it struggled to climb a steep hill. That simple affirmation statement, "I think I can," changed to, "I know I can," when the engine realized that it could climb that hill.

Are you plugged in? I hope you are. If not, start calling out the matters of your life as it they were. The time will come when you will experience the spoken truth. Stay plugged in to God's truths - He wants you to taste victory that comes from experiencing His Word - Believe that!

Wow!!! I was impressed...enough said. What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear them.

Being Content

I was praying and looking for scripture to help me in my current situation right now and I came across an amazing piece of scripture, that I've heard several times before, but today it had a profound impact.


"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 all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
TNIV

Right now I am in the middle of being switched from a second grade classroom to a one, two combo. I am feeling very overwhelmed and sort of in panic mode. This is only my third year teaching and I'm just a little bit nervous about how I'm suppose to teach two different sets of curriculum when there is hardly enough time in the day to teach one set.

When I read this piece of scripture, I felt like I had just been put in my place. No matter what the circumstance I can do it through Christ who strengthens me. In fact, that's the only way I'm going to be able to do it. But what really convicted me was the part that talks about being content in all situations because I am so far from that right now.

Today while I was running I prayed that God would help me see the big picture and how this is all suppose to work, having two different grades in the classroom, essentially I was asking for contentment. Well, when I got home from the run, this is the verse I found.

God is Good!

Speechless

I feel as though I am in a rut. I'm at a loss for words. I have a lot on my mind, but not the words to express them. I have enjoyed reading many different blog entries. Hope to be writing soon. If you have any ideas or topics for discussion feel free to share :)

Never Forget

In light of September 11th, let's take a moment and remember our fellow Americans who lost their lives on the day the terrorists attacked our great country.

Let's think about the little girls and boys who no longer have a mother or father because of what happened. When we think about these things, let's pray for them to have strength to continue carrying on and a great memory so that they can still hold their loved ones close.

Let's remember those who lost a spouse or significant other four years ago today. Let's pray that God comforts and continues to heal their broken heart.

Remember all of the brave heroes who stepped up to help dig people out of the rubbish, who donated blood, who steered the plane away to prevent one more disaster, who cared for those who were mourning, who risked their lives to save others.


Today, let's take a moment and remember what happened to our country and how we need to continue to prevent that from ever happening again, in our country or anywhere else.

Look to the ones you love and be grateful that we have been blessed with yet another day of life, another day of love, another day of grace.

The Melting Pot

Oh my gosh....went to the most fabulous restaurant last night!!! My husband took me to The Melting Pot for my birthday. For those of you who have never heard of it before, it is a Fondu restaurant. Everything, and I mean everything, is fondu style. We went to the one located in Irvine.

I had heard several amazing things about the restaurant, but had never actually been there. I can now officially say that everything I had heard about it was true.

Alex and I had such a blast from start to finish! We started with a Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Fondu appetizer. This came with mixed breads, apples and veggies to dip in it. Then we had yummy salads. Next, we had the entree. Our entree included 5 different types of meat and a yummy cooking broth. We had filet, lobster, pork, chicken, and there was an option of bass, but we asked for more filet instead. Mmmmmm!!! This also came with delicious veggies to cook and then as if that wasn't enough we were also given spinach and gorganzola filled ravioli to cook as well.

After all of that delicious food, yes...there's more, we had the most amazing desert. We had a snickers fondu....this came with strawberries, pineapples, bananas, cheesecake, brownies, marshmallows, and pound cake. We ate it all....you have to!! It's so incredible.

I already want to go back, but there are no special occasions coming up...may have to just go for that yummy spinach and artichoke dip.

Well, you can't just take my word for it...you have to go try this yummy restaurant!!! Mind you, it is a little pricey, thus my comment about special occasions...but well worth it!!!!

Why?

Have you ever wondered why it is so hard for people to love each other? I mean really, WHY is it that people have a hard time doing this?

Here we (the United States) are in the midst of a terrible tragedy from the aftermath of Katrina and people are avoiding the OBVIOUS need: love. Instead, people are trying to figure out who is to blame, arguing about the gas prices, shooting rescue helicopters, looting/trashing stores, going on TV and making fools out of themselves such as West's comment, "Bush hates blacks," etc....

I mean seriously why is it that people can't just put their own agendas aside and step up to the plate and help these people. They need love right now....many of these people have lost everything: their spouse, children, pets, home, job, memories/keepsakes (photos), dignity.

Why is it that at times like these our country is so quick to criticize rather than deal with the situation and then maybe go back and rehash the details of what "really" happened?

I have a poster that I keep in my classroom that says, "Why can't people just get along?" I wonder this all of the time. What is it that makes us feel like we always have to be right or always have to prove someone else is wrong? Why do we have to assume that everything that happens, even natural disasters, is always someone's wrong doing?

There are people all along the Gulf Coast who are hurting right now. I have heard they are in need of plus sized clothes and underwear for all ages. There are several organizations that are collecting items. I know that Feed the Children, an amazing organization, is sending 7 pounds of necessary items for every dollar that is donated to their charity. Let's break the cycle of all these crazed lunatics who aren't staying focused on the issue at hand...let's get out there and help these people whether it be through monetary donations, specific item donations, blood donations (which they are in dire need of), time donations, etc.


Let's love on these people like they've never seen before and get all the other people to shut up because they are so overwhelmed with the love being showered on these people that their agendas get pushed to the back of their mind because they are so boggled as to WHY people would step up to the plate. Let's be Jesus to those He came to save....

Katrina

With everything that has happened due to Katrina, let's unite and help those in need. Hugh Hewitt (there's a link to him on the side of my blog) proposed that today, Thursday, all bloggers post something asking people to help out in this situation. I think it's a great idea. My aunt lives in New Orleans and is now currently in Mississippi staying with someone she doesn't even know.

I've talked to my new school, and we are going to be adopting a school out there and seeing how we can help. I know my church is trying to do the same thing with a church down there. My husband has found an animal rescue sight and has posted it on his blog that is also tending to the animals that have been hurt or lost in this whole mess.

Hope you all have a great day. God Bless you all!!!!

Pray for Rebekah

This story was a comment on my friend's blog a little while ago and now they are facing some tough decisions as far as radiology goes. So, do me a favor and pray for Rebekah. If you want to know more about the story, you can read about it on Steve's Blog.

Woo Hoo!!!

For all of you who have been following my crazy search for a job this summer, I have an update:

I GOT A JOB!!!

I am going to be teaching second grade again this year, but at a new school.

I am so excited. I went to my classroom today to begin setting it up. I moved a lot of my furniture around and started to get organized. I'll be busy this week trying to get this all done, but I'm excited about it all!!!!!

Amazing Quote

I just stumbled across the most amazing quote. I think I've heard it before, but it really hit home in my heart this time. It is on one of my favorite blogs.

Here's the quote:

"I like your Jesus, but not your Christians . . . your Christians are so unlike your Jesus." -Gandhi

Wow...makes me think about how I act towards people...am I being like Christ? Am I living a life of love, as He did? Do I give people the grace He continually gives me?

Flashlight Love

I was driving yesterday and the sun was just low enough in the sky that my visor didn't help at all. It was simply blinding. My husband was in the car and also made a comment to me saying how blinding the sun was. He then casually said that it was like a flashlight. When it's pointed directly at you it's blinding, but when it's shining from above or from behind it guides your path and lights the way.

When Alex said this, something in me clicked. Now this may sound silly, but I saw this as a metaphor for how we are to use the light of Christ towards others.

When we get all up in other peoples faces and simply give them the spiritual truths and throw some bible verses at them we are being like the flashlight that is blinding. We aren't allowing people to see God because we're too busy blinding them and not caring to light their path.

When we build the relationship and walk along side the person we are like the light that is shining down and lighting the path. We are like the sun, warming the skin, helping someone to relax and breathe in and out. We don't blind people when we walk through life with and along side them (just as the flashlight that lights the way from above or behind), but we do blind them when we do a hit and run job when witnessing to them (just like the flashlight that shines directly in someone's eyes).

Well, those are my silly ramblings...food for thought. I love metaphors. Have a great night everyone.

Embarrassed

Have you ever been embarrassed to be a "Christian" by fellow Christians? For example, my husband went to the new Mormon temple, that opened up in Newport Beach, with some of his co-workers. Upon his arrival there, several protestors were outside the temple. As he got closer, he realized that these protestors were people claiming to be "Christians." As he was entering the temple, he saw the protestors wearing shirts that said, "Mormons go to hell," "Jesus is my Savior," "Read the Bible," etc. He also heard people shouting, "You're going to go to hell," "You're a sinner," "You're living in sin," etc.

Wow, now that isn't that something you'd want to claim to belong to? My goodness...and they wonder why people aren't just doing back flips at the gospel they are proclaiming, but if you can believe it...it gets worse. My husband had a conversation with these people.

Here is a little background before I share about the conversation my husband had with some of the protestors. My husband use to be Mormon. Now, he wasn't born into a Mormon family, like most who are Mormon. His mom converted when he was about 8 and he, too, began going with her to Mormon church. It wasn't until high school that my husband became a Christian...or for the sake of this entry a Jesus follower. He had just finished sharing all of this with his co-workers before they went to the temple.

Okay, back to the conversation at the temple:

As my husband exited the temple, he was approached by one of the protestors who was shouting at him and telling him he was going to go to hell. My husband then shared with this man that he was a Christian and that this scene the protestors were creating made him embarrassed to be in the same category with them. This man continued to ask him why he wasn't out there with them if he was as Christian. My husband told him that he wouldn't be caught dead at a rally like they were putting on. Then this man told him that he needed to start reading his bible, that John the Baptist was praised for doing what they were doing. My husband corrected him and told him how John the Baptist was not praised for telling people, no let me correct myself, yelling at people and telling them they were going to hell and that they were the scum of the earth, rather he was praised for telling people the time is near, repent. He also continued by asking, shouldn't we be living out Christ's example, which would be to LOVE all people, not bash them over the head with this false picture of Christianity that you're painting for them? This man had nothing to say except that apparently in his mind my husband didn't know the bible and that he should be reading it more often.

This guy, along with all the others that were with him, are an embarrassment to my faith. They turn people away from Christ rather than making the light Christ gives to us when we accept Him into our lives apparent. How dare these people think they have the right to judge others.

I went to visit my friend's new church plant yesterday and heard a simply amazing message that totally fit with where my heart is on this topic.

The message was focused on Ephesians 4:1-6

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

That protestor at the temple needs to reread this passage. This passage is simply amazing. I've read it several times before, but this time, hearing a very amazing, passionate teaching on it, I have a new understanding of exactly what it means. This passage is calling believers to step up to the plate and "walk the walk." We are to "live a life worthy of the calling we have received." Think about that. God has called us to a very specific calling...to live a life of love. In doing this, we are to be humble. We need to be doing things out of love, not to receive praise and attention from the church or fellow Christians for doing something that would be considered so "Christian."

We are called to be "gentle" or in other words meek and mild. We are called to be "patient with one another in love." This does not just mean that we are in waiting. It means that when we have a brother or sister in Christ, and I'm going to go as far as to say, anyone (Christian or not), who is struggling with something that we are patient to see them through and not quick to judge their actions. We need to walk along side people, not push them over a cliff and hope they find a rock to cling to in their desperation to save their life. Along with this, we are called to keep unity within the church, "unity of the Spirit." I think the church is very good about accepting anyone into their church so long as they are not saved, but become saved at their church. I feel that the church fails it's members once people become Christians. The bible doesn't preach that we are to become perfect the second we accept Christ into our heart, but that is how the church acts. When a brother or sister is struggling, many times the church points fingers or ridicules rather than coming along side the hurting person and helping them get their head above the water again. We need to not only stay unified in helping one another, but we need to also stay unified in not dividing churches over miniscule things. For instance, not everyone at a single church will 100% agree or like the style of worship at the church, but really, is it something so worthwhile that church be divided over it? No! It's not! This is just one example, but there are several more and I'm sure if you think of your church you could think of something that is a point of disagreement among several people within your congregation. According to Paul, we need to stay unified.

Just as Paul refers to the trinity, three entities being one, in these verses, we, as the church (many members), need to be united as one for Christ. For Paul finishes this set of verses by saying "God is over all, through all and in all."

Let's unite together as a loving body of Christ and not as an embarrassment to our Father in heaven. Through our love we will connect and make relationships that will allow us the opportunity to share who we are and why we are the way we are which will have more of an impact as we will have developed a relationship in which we will be living out what we are claiming to believe. This is the best witness of all!!!

Let me leave you with one final story that I heard the other day:

A man, who was totally on fire for God, wanted to witness to people. He had been trained in evangelism and felt well equipped to handle any situation. He knew the Gospel and was ready to teach it. He went up to a lady's door one evening. He knocked. She answered the door with a cigarette in her hand, a baby on her hip, and a scowl on her face. She asked, "What do you want?" The man said, "Sorry to disturb you," and turned around and left as she closed the door.

Distraught, this man sat on the curb and cried out to God, "God I'm trying to do Your work! I'm trying to save more people for you! They didn't teach me how to deal with people like her. What am I suppose to do? I was ready! I was willing to go up and knock on strangers doors for you." This man continued on like this for some time.

Finally, when the man was done, he knew what he needed to do. So, he went to the store and he bought a bag of diapers and a box of cigarettes. As he was walking back to this woman's house he was thinking about how the people at his church would probably ridicule him for having bought cigarettes for this woman, but he felt it was what he needed to do. As he approached her house, he went back to the woman's door and knocked again. This time when she answered, he held up the items and said that they were for her. She invited him in, being that she didn't have a free hand to take the items.

The two of them began talking and after about a half an hour, the woman asked why he would do something so nice for her, when she had not been very kind to him before. This opened the door, God opened the door for this man to share his story with her and to share who Christ was and how He was at work in his life.

***This story illustrates the importance of relationships as well as ceasing the moments God presents in our lives***

So, are we going to be like the protestors at the temple and bash people over the head, condemn them, and try to scare them into believing in Christ or are we going to build relationships with people so they can see Christ evident in our lives and grow to wonder how they, too, can have the hope that we find in Christ?

Thanks for listening...

Fun Quiz

I took the quiz that was on Wes' blog. Quite funny. According to the quiz I am just as much emergent/postmodern (63%) as I am fundamentalist (61%). Makes me laugh. I tried to post my results, but had some difficulty. Oh well...still thought it was pretty funny that I scored high in two opposite categories.

It's a funny quiz, you should take it just for laughs.

Thanks for the entertainment Wes!!! I love quizzes.

Christ is Love

Look at this picture and tell me the gospel isn't about love. Why else would someone do this for us?

I have been thinking a lot about how the gospel is portrayed to those who don't know the Lord, as well as how it is portrayed to those who are dechurched and I haven't been pleased with the message that is coming across.

I came across a post on my friend's blog. It's amazing. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. It says a lot of what I've been thinking and he says it so eloquently.

Let me know what you think and your thoughts on the whole topic. It has been on my mind and in my heart so much lately. I have so many friends that have left the church and my desire is to find a way to undue the damage that has been done to them by the church, which caused them to leave. I believe loving them is the first step and letting them know that Jesus wants them to be happy in the here and now, not just in the life to come.

A Work of Art Created and Adored By The Master Artist

This past weekend I spoke at our high school girls retreat. The focus/theme of our retreat was finding and acknowledging our own stories and owning them. All of the leaders shared there testimonies/stories. I was the speaker Saturday morning. I spoke about body image (a very important topic for high school girls). Here are some of the things that I covered when I spoke.

I began by reading a passage out of Captivating and then shared a little of my story with the girls. I have always struggled with the way my body looks. It is a constant, persisting thought that is always on my mind. I explained that I used to compare myself to models and then I began even criticizing their bodies. I continued by sharing that this led to having a critical heart towards myself, others, and God.

I began to realize how twisted my thoughts had been. God is my creator. He is The Master Artist and created me exactly how He wanted me to be. Who am I to disagree and to tell God that His Masterpiece isn't good enough? These thoughts really began to change my actions/thoughts toward myself.

I then went into the teaching component. I focused on Matthew 22 and discussed the second greatest commandment, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." I asked the girls how they were suppose to love their neighbor when they don't even love themselves? Then I followed up with asking them to turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7...the traditional Love passage. We read it aloud and discussed that this passage is typically used to show/teach us how to love others. I again pointed out that Christ tells us to "love others as we love ourselves," so indirectly the 1 Cor. passage is also telling us how we should love ourselves. Then we had some time to reflect and really see if we love ourselves according to the standards of this passage. What is it that is keeping us from seeing ourselves as God does? What is keeping us from loving ourselves the way we try to love others?

We had some great discussions and it was an amazing time. I love girls retreat and it was especially special this year because my high schoolers are now seniors and it was the last high school retreat we were going to get to go on together.

Thanks for listening...I'm excited to be back from my trips and blogging again. :)

Gone for a few days

I just wanted to let you all know that my husband is back and has finished the Bar exam...thank you for all of your prayers. I will post in November to let you know how he did...I can't believe it takes so long to get the results back.

I also wanted to let you know that I will be away for a few days. My husband and I are going to Seattle for my cousin's wedding. We will be back on Wednesday, August 3rd.

Talk to you all soon. We're off....

Happy Anniversary Sweetie

Today is my one year anniversary with my husband. I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful person. I would do it all over again without giving it a second thought. I am even happier today than I was the day I married Alex. He's amazing. So, sweetheart, happy anniversary and cheers to many more to come. I love you and good luck on the Bar Exam.

To My Blog Friends.....

During this upcoming week, my husband takes the California State Bar. The test is three days long: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The test is eight full hours of examination each day. If you could, please pray for my husband. Pray for a peace that overwhelms him, a clear mind, and the ability to recall all of the law he's been studying for months. This test is particularly important since he's in the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps gives its officers two chances to take it, when they're part of the JAG unit, before they redesignate their commission. This is his first attempt and hopefully the last. The thing that is especially difficult about this test is that they don't find out the results until sometime around Thanksgiving.

Thank you for your prayers. They are much appreciated.

His blog by the way is www.lawandordance.com

Captivating Part 4

We had another wonderful discussion on Monday with the high schoolers about the book Captivating. We actually revisited a lot of what we discussed last week since we had three new girls. There was a lot of self-discovery on their part. They became very open and vulnerable.

Here are the new questions that we discussed and sent home with the girls to reflect on:

In the story of Deborah, we see a woman confident in the position in which God has placed her. Does that seem normal or somewhat odd that society, at the time, resisted?

How do you think the Bible, our Culture/Society, and the church define Women?

How has your life defined you? Do you agree?

God is calling you out to a purpose. Not necessarily a specific career, but a purposeful life. What pulls at your heart? When you hear about it, something inside you says, "Here I am, send me!" What is that thing that tugs at your heart that is so hard to ignore?


I know it's hard. There's a voice in your head telling you "no" you're not good enough. And maybe you have stopped daring to think about that thing anymore. Ask God to show you what's in the way. Write it down and then remove the obstacles from your life. Dig out that invitation Jesus has given you and accept His invitation to dance.


Those of you who are reading the book? If you've had any thoughts triggered that you wouldn't mind sharing, I'd love to hear them. It helps to hear other's take on the book when creating our study. Thanks...Have a great day!!!

Wish Me Luck #2

I have another job interview tomorrow. It's for a 4th grade position. I really am stoked about this interview. I would love to teach at the school and at this grade level. Please pray that if it's God's will, I would make a good impression during this interview and that I would be offered the job. Thank you so very much!!!!

Seeking God

Last night at church the following question was posed:

" Do I seek God/give to God expecting that He then would owe me?"
"What is the spirit of my heart when I give or do something? What should it be?"

These questions are profound. They are things that I can never ask myself enough. These types of questions make sure I am always keeping myself in check.

Last night we looked over the scripture of 1 Samuel 4. We went through the whole chapter and afterwards there were some amazing discussions that came about.

We specifically looked at verse 4 ("So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. An Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.") and discussed how we, as Christians, should want to make a difference. We should want to make an impact!!!

We also discussed 2 Corinthians 4 and the glory of God (the presence of God). We need to make ourselves available to God!!! Let him use us in the way that He wants to use us.

We were also challenged with this question:

"How do I know when glory (presence of God) has departed my life?"

We know when:

~we lose more battles than we win
~we make decisions without consulting God
~we "use" the things of God (I did this for God, now he He owes me__________)
~wicked men do the things of the Lord (worshipping idols, half-hearted worship)
~the enemy no longer respects God
~lost people don't see the difference in MY life (I need to live above reproach)
~proven leaders begin to tremble and give up
~we stop looking for the glory ("I'm doing alright, I don't need anyone else")

Last night's message really triggered some good thoughts in my head, so I just thought I'd share the gist of the message with you all. Hope you all enjoy and are as moved to thought as I was!!!!

Christian Training Pants

It appears that there are several different view points on Christianity, but no matter what the view point, the big picture is that Christ came to save us, all of us. For some of us, we have accepted Christ into our heart and then make it our mission to build relationships with people and then through those relationships share the love of Christ and what that means. For others, they accept Christ into their hearts and then they aren't sure what to do, but it is usually not their fault. The Church has done a great job of expressing the need for evangelizing, it just hasn't done a very good job of correctly showing its people how to do that. So, as a result "Christians" have gone around sharing the 4 spiritual truths. This is great, but a lot of times it comes off in an offensive way. I mean can you honestly tell me that people coming up to you on your way to the fireworks, the mall, the coffee shop, the video store, etc and asking you or shouting from a street corner: "if you died tonight, do you know where you'd be going?" is an effective way to spread the gospel? Okay, so maybe you'll get a few people to accept Christ this way, but then what? They are left alone with this decision because they didn't know the person they were talking to from Adam. Thus my hypothesis that relationships are the key to sharing the gospel. Truth put into words may be helpful, but truth lived out through action is effective and an example of life application of the gospel and the truth that someone is accepting by asking Christ into their heart.

All of the above aside, I think that The Church has put emphasis on the wrong thing. Yes, salvation is important, I'm not denying that, but is that all Christ's message was about? If that was it, why would anyone accept Christ before they are were death's doorstep? Christ cares about how we live our life: feeding the poor, taking care of the environment, loving our neighbor, worshiping God, etc. If it was purely all about salvation there wouldn't be so much in the bible about how to treat others in the here and now.

Ugh....I hate labels

My friend in the blog world received a comment to one of her postings that I had some strong feelings about. Here is what I posted in reply:

"I have to address your comment:

"I know that it probably would not occur to the emergent folks or to those who do not ascribe to attending church...."

First of all, that is a rude comment. It is comments like that which divide the church. It appears to me that you have had a bad experience with the "emergent folks" and that you view them as "in the wrong" or "sinful." Why else would you blatenly segregate yourself from that group, who are also Christians and love Jesus?

I am a regular church attender and do not think pastors or elders are scary, nor would it be a bad idea to talk with them. If she wants to do that, she probably will, or her friends that actually know her outside of the "blogworld" will help walk with her to go meet with them.

Either way, what's wrong with telling someone "I'll be praying for you?" In my experience, people who have a problem with that are people who don't really believe the power of prayer changes things. That it's just a saying Christians use to make themselves feel like they're doing something with the least bit of effort.

Also, if you really do have a problem with "emergent folks" don't you think it would be more effective to approach them politely rather then belittle them? I don't think Christ ever belittled the people he disagreed with. In fact, he poured their love on them and made a point to do it publicly. Instead of taking, my guess is a bad experience, out on everyone else, why don't you go to the Lord and figure out why you are so against these people who just want to spread the love of Christ, as I'm assuming you do. Why are you so negative towards your own brothers and sisters in Christ?

Christ calls us to love people unconditionally, not to judge them. We are to be accepting and loving, not condemning and rejecting. It is not our place to make calls on the state of someone's heart, nor should we be trying to. It doesn't matter if someone is black, white; straight, gay; Mormon, Christian; young, old; criminal, citizen; poor, rich; modern, postmodern; etc., we, as Christians are called to love on all of God's creation, which include everyone in the above listed groups, not just Christians.

This is purely my opinion, but I suggest next time before you go and make comments that are rash, rude, and offensive that you think about how Christ would view those comments and that you decide if it is something that would help unify the kingdom or divide it. "

What do you guys think about this person's comment? I know you can't see the whole comment, but let me put it in context for you. This guy was saying that "emergent folks" and those that don't attend church would not think of recommending going to the pastors or elders of a church to someone who is struggling with something. I took offense to that and I don't even label myself "emergent." I am just someone who loves Christ and doesn't want to see the church divided any more over petty differences and I want The Church to be a place where people feel welcomed and not condemned.

Let me know what you all think....

Captivating Part 3

Well, we had a small group tonight, but we had some great discussions. We showed a clip from Hope Floats. For those who have seen the movie, it is the scene where Bernice is trying to tell her dad that he wants her...he wrote it in his letter, but he just drives off while he she is sobbing.

This scene parallels with the stories in chapter four of this book. Tonight, we discussed how we have to make sure that we know who we are, that we find out what we stand for and what makes us tick before we let others totally shape us and make us who they want to be. To follow up this conversation we showed a clip from runaway Bride. We showed the part right after the Luau when Julia Roberts runs outside is followed by Richard Gere. They then have a key conversation that explains why Julia keeps running. She doesn't know herself...she doesn't even know what kinds of eggs she likes.

It is so true...in this world it is easy to think you like something because other people do, but if you were by yourself would you still choose the same thing? We spent a long time talking about experiences that have helped us to become who we are today and what some of the high schoolers need to do to identify who they are and who they are becoming.

Some of the questions we left tonight with are as follows:

Eve was the crowning glory of creation; not least, not an afterthought, but truly the 'best for last.' The chapter suggests that we as women are the beauty of the image of God. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

As you watched the clip from "Hope Floats," how did your heart feel as your watched Bernice pack and then try to get into the car with her father? Have you ever had an experience in your life (doesn't have to be with your father) where you heart felt like Bernice did as her father drove away?

Define in your own words:

Seductive, Alluring, Inviting, and Captivating

In your mind, do these words have a positive or negative connotation? Would you want to be described by any of these words? Why or why not?

Read the story of Deborah in Judges 4-5. How does this story fit with, or challenge, your perception of women in the Bible?


Well, that sums up what we did and what we left our students with...hope you enjoy!

Captivating Part 2

Today my high school girls will be coming over for our first study on Captivating...we're starting with Chapter 4: Wounded. I am excited to see how it goes.

My co-leader and I are going to show the end scene from Hope Floats to open up our conversation.

I will post more later to let you know how the study goes and I will post our Journal/Reflection questions incase any of you are reading this book!

More to come...

Running

I have finally made time to get back to one of my favorite past times: running. I know many of you probably think I'm crazy for enjoying running, but seriously you should try it. It is so freeing and inspiring. In the last three days I have run about 12 miles. I don't say this to boost myself up, but rather to illustrate how much time I have spent to illustrate some points later.

I have had some of the best prayer times during my runs that I've had in weeks. There are no distractions around me, just God's beautiful creation and the wind blowing through my hair. Running is such a stress reliever and really one of my favorite times to connect with what I'm truly feeling deep inside, as well as to just talk with God.

Lately, I've felt a little depressed and not really sure why. Not sure if it's because I am a teacher and now on summer break with nothing to do. If it's because I am still dealing with the mess I mentioned earlier about losing my job for standing up for what I believe in. Not sure if it's because I am trying to figure out why God would give me a teaching job every year, but then take it away at the end of each year. I don't know why I'm feeling depressed, but I just simply have been. Well, last night I was really feeling like that and after my run, I felt so much better. I poured my heart out to God. I shared with him why I thought I might be depressed. I poured out my heart to Him. His presence was so strong.

Anyway, all this being said, just wanted to throw out one of my favorite ways to connect with God and to truly be alone to listen to what He has to say!

Have a great day!

Happy 4th of July

Last night at the fireworks I began looking around. Everyone was there. Didn't matter how people looked, dressed, talked, mingled, etc...all that mattered was that they were there helping to celebrate our country's freedom. Why can't church be just as accepting? We're suppose to belong to this all loving church body, yet half of those people last night probably wouldn't set foot inside a church. Partly because the church is so condemning (don't get me wrong, there are black and whites as to what is right and wrong, but we still need to be loving even to those who aren't perfect, which is all of us), and because it seems to be such a hypocritical place. We can change that.

I was so upset last night about the stupid tracks that were being handed out last night. To sum it up, these particular tracks were saying that we could rid the USA of cancer, poverty, AIDS, evil, etc if only people would turn from their sin and turn to God. It said it was our fault that little kids are dying from cancer. Now really, who would want to join somewhere that made them feel like all of the worlds' problems were their fault? Seriously!!! I would have gone up and said something to the people handing out these terrible things, but they were very young kids. The people who wanted these things handed out didn't even have the gull to do it themselves. They had to put innocent young children in their place on a street corner instead.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!

Today is my husband's 25th birthday. We have had so much fun. We have spent most of the day together. We watched the movie Murder at 1600. Awesome movie!!! We had a homemade lunch. Then we went to pick up our friend from the airport. Then we ran some fun errands together and finished up at Cheesecake Factory to have dinner with my husband's parents. To finish the night off we gave our kitties flee baths. They were actually really good and didn't make a fuss!!!

I love Alex so very much!!! Happy birthday babe!!! Can't wait to spend every birthday from here on out with you darling!!!

Following Up...

I am in the middle of the book: Captivating by John Eldridge and his wife Stasi.

Here is a section from the book that I felt was relevant to what I'd been discussing earlier:

"Take a deep look into the eyes of anyone and behind the smile or the fear, you will find pain. And most people are in more pain than even they realize. Sorrow is not a stranger to any of us, though only a few have learned that it is not our enemy either."

This passage comes from chapter four: Wounded. This is an amazing chapter. It deals with why we, as women, react the way we do. It deals with our need to feel wanted and depending on our childhood, affects the ways in which we desire to be needed as an adult.

Read the book...it's amazing. I am going to be using it as a jumping off point with my high schoolers this summer. A friend of mine and I are going to be meeting with high schoolers of all ages this summer and doing our best to dig deep and help them to understand who they are, where they come from, and who God calls us to be.

Culture Difference or Christian Intolerance

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. There has been so much talk and frustration over the words "post-modern." I wonder if the culture that we have been referring to as of late as the "post-modern" culture really isn't just a group of people screaming out for help as a result of all of the pain in their life. I have also been pondering the question: "Why does the church have such a problem with this "post-modern" culture?

Here are my thoughts:

I think that there has always been pain in the world, but the way it was handled has been different through the ages. I will use the topic of divorce to illustrate my point. Ages ago, divorce was unthinkable. It was avoided like the plague. Than it moved to place where divorce happened, but then the woman was considered unclean and unfit to remarry. Then divorce become more common, but something to try to be avoided. Now divorce has become the easy way out of a commitment that was not thought through completely. This being said, I agree, yes culture has changed....in that it is more accepting of things that once were looked down upon. This is both good and bad.

I say that this is both good and bad because our world is now promoting things that are unbiblical, when once our society had been founded in high morals and biblical truths. While this change in the world has been happening, there has also been a change in the church. Instead of existing to be among the people it was trying to shepherd toward Christ, it began closing it's walls trying to "protect" itself from the world, as if it was a deadly illness. This is where we find ourselves today.

We are in a world that is full of more pain than ever, but we are part of the church that has closed itself off so far from the world, that the people within the church even have trouble admitting their own faults, let alone accepting and loving those outside of the church.

I don't think the problem in the church is "modern" vs. "post-modern." The church has created a bubble effect. It's as if in order to be part of the church you have to fit in this bubble and somehow being in this bubble means that you can't have pain or struggles that cause you to sin. While we know that no matter how hard we try we will always sin, because the only perfect person to walk this earth was Christ, the church has made it hard for people to admit their faults, thus making us appear to be hypocrites because people on the outside hear the message being preached, but see that the lives being lived by the people preaching just don't match up.

It's time that we let people know that Christians aren't perfect and they don't have to be. What we do need to be is loving and accepting of all of God's children. This does not mean we have to promote unbiblical behavior, but it does mean we have to love unconditionally and walk along side our brothers and sisters and help them in whatever areas they need it.

If anyone had the right to hold their perfection over our heads it was Christ and He didn't even do that. Who are we to try to appear as if we've got it all together? It almost contradicts why we need Christ. The very reason we need him, is because we don't have it all together.

So, as mentioned earlier, I wonder: is the difference the church is resisting with this "post-modern" term really that it's too accepting or is it because the church would have to admit their inconsistent unconditional love that Christ calls us to? The church has become quite intolerant of many things and has done a bad job of loving the sinner and hating the sin. They have become very good at making the sinner feel like crap and unworthy to walk through the doors of what is suppose to be such a loving, welcoming place