Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Now.
"I'm not sure why it always goes down hill, why broken cisterns never could stay filled..."
I have a friend,Piper, she is the sweetest women I have ever met. She will give anyone a cavity in a matter of seconds. The crazy thing is that Piper hasn't had the easiest life but no one would ever know that about her. She just glows, she loves with so much compassion, with no judgement. She is like a girl Jesus. Sometimes when I think about who I would like to be like, I would have to say Piper. She reminds me of Melanie Hamilton from Gone with the Wind.
Someone near to her is in the hospital tonight. He is probably going to die. But you know, even though she knew all this, as we were hanging out tonight you would have never known. She still was uplifting as ever. She is strong, she has a strength that is tough as nails, three nails. I wonder if she knows that...
Tonight reminded me of something I once read. Back in Moses' day they would keep themselves focused on God by understanding a very important concept. That concept would be the concept of today. NOW. What is right now. Not tomorrow. Not the day after tomorrow. Not next month. Today.
I think that's a beautiful concept. God has given us this breath in our lungs. This breath, this oxygen that we are currently breathing. He has given it to us for a reason. It is blessing, overlooked and taken for granted.
I'm not God, but I don't think Jesus would want us to waste this precious gift on things that don't change the world. On things that don't have lasting impact. On things that aren't of eternity.
I mean, to dwell on the negative, to wish for what could have been, to gripe about what you don't have but NEED EVER SO DEARLY.
From experience, I like to believe these things erase "today." We are so focused on past or future events we completely forget that we posses a gift called "today." Which makes today have only one purpose, to pass time, until we are finally reach tomorrow.
But tomorrow isn't even promised. And if tomorrow isn't promised and we have this mindset, it makes today a waste of time.
Which leads me back to my story of Piper and the death of a loved one she might experience...
It's cliche, but we really aren't promised tomorrow. We should do something great in the now.
Something glorifying.
RIGHT NOW.
I have a friend,Piper, she is the sweetest women I have ever met. She will give anyone a cavity in a matter of seconds. The crazy thing is that Piper hasn't had the easiest life but no one would ever know that about her. She just glows, she loves with so much compassion, with no judgement. She is like a girl Jesus. Sometimes when I think about who I would like to be like, I would have to say Piper. She reminds me of Melanie Hamilton from Gone with the Wind.
Someone near to her is in the hospital tonight. He is probably going to die. But you know, even though she knew all this, as we were hanging out tonight you would have never known. She still was uplifting as ever. She is strong, she has a strength that is tough as nails, three nails. I wonder if she knows that...
Tonight reminded me of something I once read. Back in Moses' day they would keep themselves focused on God by understanding a very important concept. That concept would be the concept of today. NOW. What is right now. Not tomorrow. Not the day after tomorrow. Not next month. Today.
I think that's a beautiful concept. God has given us this breath in our lungs. This breath, this oxygen that we are currently breathing. He has given it to us for a reason. It is blessing, overlooked and taken for granted.
I'm not God, but I don't think Jesus would want us to waste this precious gift on things that don't change the world. On things that don't have lasting impact. On things that aren't of eternity.
I mean, to dwell on the negative, to wish for what could have been, to gripe about what you don't have but NEED EVER SO DEARLY.
From experience, I like to believe these things erase "today." We are so focused on past or future events we completely forget that we posses a gift called "today." Which makes today have only one purpose, to pass time, until we are finally reach tomorrow.
But tomorrow isn't even promised. And if tomorrow isn't promised and we have this mindset, it makes today a waste of time.
Which leads me back to my story of Piper and the death of a loved one she might experience...
It's cliche, but we really aren't promised tomorrow. We should do something great in the now.
Something glorifying.
RIGHT NOW.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
A Traveler's Tale
My friend Macy is obsessed with foreigners. Her love for them could actually be mistaken as exploitation.
Well this weekend she met a guy from Sri Lanka...
I was watching her and this man have a conversation. He didn't speak much English, but this guy could really tell a good story.
Not only could he tell a good story, but he was awesome at making himself look pretty epic in the process...
What was most fascinating to watch was when he would tell stories of epic duels he had taken part of.
With each story Macy's eyes would widen with fascination. Maybe a few heart strings might have been pulled too, a kind of Casanova, if you will.
But really, I am not doing him justice. His back story is pretty amazing...
Which lead me to thinking, there is a whole eastern part of this world that many have yet to come in contact with.
And we think we have all the answers?
Well this weekend she met a guy from Sri Lanka...
I was watching her and this man have a conversation. He didn't speak much English, but this guy could really tell a good story.
Not only could he tell a good story, but he was awesome at making himself look pretty epic in the process...
What was most fascinating to watch was when he would tell stories of epic duels he had taken part of.
With each story Macy's eyes would widen with fascination. Maybe a few heart strings might have been pulled too, a kind of Casanova, if you will.
But really, I am not doing him justice. His back story is pretty amazing...
Which lead me to thinking, there is a whole eastern part of this world that many have yet to come in contact with.
And we think we have all the answers?
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Despair
Broken beyond repair. This is the earth.
"For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases." - Ecclesiastes 1:18
So much confusion I could do without.
So much pain.
So much controversy.
"Absolute futility, everything is futile."
Lost. Lost. Lost.
But...
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Death will no longer exist;
grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer,
because the previous things have passed away." - Revelation 21:4
"To the one with distant eyes, all this crying has left you dry. Wait the light will come, wait the light will come."
"For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases." - Ecclesiastes 1:18
So much confusion I could do without.
So much pain.
So much controversy.
"Absolute futility, everything is futile."
Lost. Lost. Lost.
But...
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Death will no longer exist;
grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer,
because the previous things have passed away." - Revelation 21:4
"To the one with distant eyes, all this crying has left you dry. Wait the light will come, wait the light will come."
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Jolted.
Moments that shake you. When were jolted out of our everyday routine and for five seconds we become aware of what in life is truly important.
God thank you for this day, for it is indeed a gift.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Stir Crazy
"Some how we've gone and lost our way. This is where we are."
Here I am in Arizona. After a 13 hour trip that was more than eventful...exhausting. Our luggage is lost. My sister and I have been sitting around the house for what is now 48 hours.
Netflix has somewhat lost its entertainment value.
The last two days have been more than frustrating... especially when you get 3 ticked off women in a room. The atmosphere isn't exactly uplifting.
On the plus side the house looks great, Christmas decorations up and all.
I have nothing to REALLY complain about. I have what is necessary to live, and that should be enough. But it's not you know... human beings are complicated creatures.
Which leads me to my next thought. My frustrations, I have been taking them out on God.
Why is that I do that? I really haven't been able to bring myself to pray the past week. It's hard when He feels so far away.
On the plus side I got a 4.0 this semester. That rocks right? It really was by no doing of my own.
Purely mercy and grace.
As for next semester I have no idea what's going on. I know I am not taking any classes. I know I need a full time job to get me though April, then maybe I can take off to Peru. That would be great.
I guess this is where it's like "Ok God, direct me, even though I really don't want to even think about direction right now..."
I mean it's kind of Biblical to live for today, now. to Be Present. So I guess it's not such a bad thing.
Well I guess we shall see how it goes!
Here's to adventure, cheers!
Here I am in Arizona. After a 13 hour trip that was more than eventful...exhausting. Our luggage is lost. My sister and I have been sitting around the house for what is now 48 hours.
Netflix has somewhat lost its entertainment value.
The last two days have been more than frustrating... especially when you get 3 ticked off women in a room. The atmosphere isn't exactly uplifting.
On the plus side the house looks great, Christmas decorations up and all.
I have nothing to REALLY complain about. I have what is necessary to live, and that should be enough. But it's not you know... human beings are complicated creatures.
Which leads me to my next thought. My frustrations, I have been taking them out on God.
Why is that I do that? I really haven't been able to bring myself to pray the past week. It's hard when He feels so far away.
On the plus side I got a 4.0 this semester. That rocks right? It really was by no doing of my own.
Purely mercy and grace.
As for next semester I have no idea what's going on. I know I am not taking any classes. I know I need a full time job to get me though April, then maybe I can take off to Peru. That would be great.
I guess this is where it's like "Ok God, direct me, even though I really don't want to even think about direction right now..."
I mean it's kind of Biblical to live for today, now. to Be Present. So I guess it's not such a bad thing.
Well I guess we shall see how it goes!
Here's to adventure, cheers!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
LOVE
I know we can't define it. But we know what it looks like. Can't we show our love?
If you love Jesus, you should show others you love Him by loving everyone.
Frustrated. Sin. Destructs. I am frustrated that sin destructs our most important relationships.
That we allow sin in and allow it to take over our actions... take away our love.
Every person is alive on this earth once. That means we have ONE, hopefully long term chance to show everyone that they are loved. Not only by us, but by their Creator.
We need to serve, serve love.
Defend, hug, hold, lift up, support, sympathize, understand, forgive, aid, honor, compliment, nurture, thank, admire, talk to, listen to, write a note to, be loyal to, be gentle with, spend time with, laugh with, smile with, cry with, serve... someone...everyone.
"But Jesus called them over and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many." -Matthew 20: 25-28
If you love Jesus, you should show others you love Him by loving everyone.
Frustrated. Sin. Destructs. I am frustrated that sin destructs our most important relationships.
That we allow sin in and allow it to take over our actions... take away our love.
Every person is alive on this earth once. That means we have ONE, hopefully long term chance to show everyone that they are loved. Not only by us, but by their Creator.
We need to serve, serve love.
Defend, hug, hold, lift up, support, sympathize, understand, forgive, aid, honor, compliment, nurture, thank, admire, talk to, listen to, write a note to, be loyal to, be gentle with, spend time with, laugh with, smile with, cry with, serve... someone...everyone.
"But Jesus called them over and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many." -Matthew 20: 25-28
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wrestling with God
I've noticed that these past few months have been a constant wrestling match with God.
and today, I have become content with that.
People often think wrestling with God is a sin, but it's not. It's a sign of intimacy, because you can't wrestle with someone who is far away!
and today, I have become content with that.
People often think wrestling with God is a sin, but it's not. It's a sign of intimacy, because you can't wrestle with someone who is far away!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The Sting of Death Cuts Deep
The sting of death cuts deep.
However, not nearly as deep as her family will experience.
Tonight a young girl lost her life in a car crash.
It's in moments like this when I go to the Lord in prayer and I can't think of the words to say...
"God please uplift her family, be with them, comfort them, love on them, let them know you're near."
But not even this covers what this family needs at the present moment.
It is now when I reminded that God is God and I don't have to instruct Him in what to do.
He knows precisely what to do. He knows everything that needs to be done and He is doing it.
It is now when I am reminded of what is important. Not the two hour infuriating meeting I just sat through at work, but every single moment spent with the people I love. Every laugh, every tear, every conversation.
It is now that I remember what is most important, letting the world know that Jesus loves them. That He has conquered death. That He has promised to be with us. That He promises us healing. He promises us Heaven. He promises us unconditional love. He does not condemn, He simply loves everyone. His arms are open wide and He is ready to accept anyone and everyone.
We need to take every moment and live it. Take it in. Realize the beauty of life. We are here for a short time. We have a purpose, to let His light shine. Let us bring it to the masses. Change lives. Revive souls.
Lord, it is solely in you that I find strength.
You, Oh Lord, are eternal.
However, not nearly as deep as her family will experience.
Tonight a young girl lost her life in a car crash.
It's in moments like this when I go to the Lord in prayer and I can't think of the words to say...
"God please uplift her family, be with them, comfort them, love on them, let them know you're near."
But not even this covers what this family needs at the present moment.
It is now when I reminded that God is God and I don't have to instruct Him in what to do.
He knows precisely what to do. He knows everything that needs to be done and He is doing it.
It is now when I am reminded of what is important. Not the two hour infuriating meeting I just sat through at work, but every single moment spent with the people I love. Every laugh, every tear, every conversation.
It is now that I remember what is most important, letting the world know that Jesus loves them. That He has conquered death. That He has promised to be with us. That He promises us healing. He promises us Heaven. He promises us unconditional love. He does not condemn, He simply loves everyone. His arms are open wide and He is ready to accept anyone and everyone.
We need to take every moment and live it. Take it in. Realize the beauty of life. We are here for a short time. We have a purpose, to let His light shine. Let us bring it to the masses. Change lives. Revive souls.
Lord, it is solely in you that I find strength.
You, Oh Lord, are eternal.
A Mud Puddle
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I have a plan in mind.
His is different!
Isn't that how it always happens?
The sad thing is I know His plan is 100 times better than anything I could ever come up with.
I heard a story recently it goes something like this. " My son loves sand and the water so we were going to take him to the beach. As we are walking towards the hill that the ocean would be over, my son begins playing in a muddle puddle. We tried reasoning with him, explaining what was on the other side of the hill, but he insisted on playing in this puddle."
So that's a really dulled down version. But isn't it the truth? Instead of investigating God's plan for us, which is far bigger than we could ever imagine(the ocean), we would rather go forth with our own (the mud puddle).
I don't want to be stuck in this mud puddle. My purpose is to serve Him. He can guide my life.
I have a plan in mind.
His is different!
Isn't that how it always happens?
The sad thing is I know His plan is 100 times better than anything I could ever come up with.
I heard a story recently it goes something like this. " My son loves sand and the water so we were going to take him to the beach. As we are walking towards the hill that the ocean would be over, my son begins playing in a muddle puddle. We tried reasoning with him, explaining what was on the other side of the hill, but he insisted on playing in this puddle."
So that's a really dulled down version. But isn't it the truth? Instead of investigating God's plan for us, which is far bigger than we could ever imagine(the ocean), we would rather go forth with our own (the mud puddle).
I don't want to be stuck in this mud puddle. My purpose is to serve Him. He can guide my life.
Friday, December 2, 2011
I Serve a God Who Knows
It's good to know I serve a God who knows what it is like to carry the weightiness of this world.
And that He loves me. But not just me, He loves everyone.
He has given me freedom and a shoulder to lean on and I am thankful for that.
And that He loves me. But not just me, He loves everyone.
He has given me freedom and a shoulder to lean on and I am thankful for that.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Fail. I forgot to blog yesterday!
I saw this woman in Chipotle today who I believe was trying to steal my wallet. She was wearing this extremely thick and long winter jacket and a blue.and white crocheted beanie. She was looking at the art on the wall and when I walked back to my table from getting a drink she was taken back by my presence. She smiled, she was missing a few teeth but it was a pleasant smile. She was a mysterious woman. I would like to know her story.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Fail.
So I failed to blog a consistent 40 days.
BUT I mean I'm blogging right now right?
To be fair I was in North Carolina, unable to get to the computer...
BUT I mean I'm blogging right now right?
To be fair I was in North Carolina, unable to get to the computer...
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Rambling...
I'm learning how to play guitar, let's just say music is not one of my gifts.
I'm also realizing that I am a Jack of many trades, which makes it hard to focus on one thing and become really good at it. In other words I'm good at many things but great at nothing... fail.
I "committed" to eating treats ( chocolate, ice cream, cookies...)only 4 times a week. This may seem like a lot but for someone with the worlds largest sweet tooth it's quite the reduction. I'm also only going to eat out only twice a week. Ugh, I love Chipotle.
I also realized how much importance we put on money theses days. I was inserting my debit card into the gas pump and it dawned on me " this card makes life go round." I really don't like the idea of that. I mean you put it through a shredder and it is destroyed in five seconds. You light a bank vault on fire and POOF it's as if those millions of dollars never existed...
If money is your only goal, I strongly suggest you find a new one...
Tomorrow is going to be a loooong day.
I'm also realizing that I am a Jack of many trades, which makes it hard to focus on one thing and become really good at it. In other words I'm good at many things but great at nothing... fail.
I "committed" to eating treats ( chocolate, ice cream, cookies...)only 4 times a week. This may seem like a lot but for someone with the worlds largest sweet tooth it's quite the reduction. I'm also only going to eat out only twice a week. Ugh, I love Chipotle.
I also realized how much importance we put on money theses days. I was inserting my debit card into the gas pump and it dawned on me " this card makes life go round." I really don't like the idea of that. I mean you put it through a shredder and it is destroyed in five seconds. You light a bank vault on fire and POOF it's as if those millions of dollars never existed...
If money is your only goal, I strongly suggest you find a new one...
Tomorrow is going to be a loooong day.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Yearning
I want so much to be a part of what God is doing abroad.
Sometimes doing this everyday "American" life is so hard for me although I know I am used to it and although I know it will probably be difficult to do without.
Still my heart yearns for more. For something greater, for something more adventurous. I want to see God's miracles. I want to see His face. I want to completely, without any doubt experience Him.
I want to be rocked to the core by Grace, and I want His love to bring chills to my spine, I want sit without there being anything to notify me of His presence and know that He is there.
I want to be consumed, no more competition for my attention.
I want to fully immersed in Jesus.
I want to be head over heels in love.
Sometimes doing this everyday "American" life is so hard for me although I know I am used to it and although I know it will probably be difficult to do without.
Still my heart yearns for more. For something greater, for something more adventurous. I want to see God's miracles. I want to see His face. I want to completely, without any doubt experience Him.
I want to be rocked to the core by Grace, and I want His love to bring chills to my spine, I want sit without there being anything to notify me of His presence and know that He is there.
I want to be consumed, no more competition for my attention.
I want to fully immersed in Jesus.
I want to be head over heels in love.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Love
It's so amazing to know in this world where nothing is right there is one who IS. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by the amount of destruction taking place in the world, but there is one who is STRONGER and he WILL come. He loves us with a love unfathomable. A love we will not receive from someone here on earth. A love that is literally out of this world. One with no faults, no heartache, no struggle. A love that has always been, is, and always will be. He gives us the PERFECT love that we search for. He loves ALL. Literally, EVERYONE, no matter their ethnicity, no matter their religion, no matter their sexual preference, no matter their heart. HE IS LOVE. He wants our love. Every ounce of us, enthralled with Him. He asks for our lives so that we may show HIS love. Because He loves He has given us Grace.
No matter our mess up, He forgives. He is FORGIVNESS. PERFECT forgiveness. Not one which holds on to our wrongdoings but allows them to slip through his Hands, so that He may love use more. Jesus promises to TAKE AWAY our pain. He gives us NEW LIFE. Because of Him we are able to press the redo button. He is NEW LIFE.We are a CLEAN heart through Him. WE ARE NEW. A NEW PERSON. A LOVED PEOPLE. He will walk with us through FIRE. He will fight EVERY BATTLE for us. He will CALM our raging seas. WE ARE NOT ALONE. Ever. Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE for Him and through Him. If God is FOR US, who can be against us? He is HEALER. He is Guardian. He is Love. He is Savior. He is ALL we need.
He is JESUS CHRIST.
No matter our mess up, He forgives. He is FORGIVNESS. PERFECT forgiveness. Not one which holds on to our wrongdoings but allows them to slip through his Hands, so that He may love use more. Jesus promises to TAKE AWAY our pain. He gives us NEW LIFE. Because of Him we are able to press the redo button. He is NEW LIFE.We are a CLEAN heart through Him. WE ARE NEW. A NEW PERSON. A LOVED PEOPLE. He will walk with us through FIRE. He will fight EVERY BATTLE for us. He will CALM our raging seas. WE ARE NOT ALONE. Ever. Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE for Him and through Him. If God is FOR US, who can be against us? He is HEALER. He is Guardian. He is Love. He is Savior. He is ALL we need.
He is JESUS CHRIST.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Wilson Ramos
Wilson Ramos, catcher for the Washington Nationals was abducted in Venezuela earlier this week.
Which leads me to think who IS safe in this world? If a 24 year old major league baseball player can be abducted, what hope is there for the rest of us?
Why is everything so crazy!?
Ahhhhhhhh!
We should pray him.
Which leads me to think who IS safe in this world? If a 24 year old major league baseball player can be abducted, what hope is there for the rest of us?
Why is everything so crazy!?
Ahhhhhhhh!
We should pray him.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Consistency
It's been a while since I have posted...
But lately I have been faced with the fact that I extremely dislike commitment. I'm not consistent in anything either, except maybe Sunday morning services.
I want to try out this new commitment thing, so I will attempt to blog for 40 days straight, maybe this can get the commitment juices flowing.
Day 1:
I really need to learn how to speak Spanish.
I also got the ok to stay at an Orphanage (3-6 months) in Cusco, Peru today. I really am praying that I am able to go!
How exciting! Did I mention I was not doing my homework to blog? Yeaaaaaaah.
Ooops!
But lately I have been faced with the fact that I extremely dislike commitment. I'm not consistent in anything either, except maybe Sunday morning services.
I want to try out this new commitment thing, so I will attempt to blog for 40 days straight, maybe this can get the commitment juices flowing.
Day 1:
I really need to learn how to speak Spanish.
I also got the ok to stay at an Orphanage (3-6 months) in Cusco, Peru today. I really am praying that I am able to go!
How exciting! Did I mention I was not doing my homework to blog? Yeaaaaaaah.
Ooops!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Mind Dump
I am one life, one person rapped up in my own problems.
I am here today and gone tomorrow.
Unless I am impacting other lives my "legacy" will soon die out.
If I could stop focussing on the problems in my own life perhaps God could use me to focus on
helping His people and building up His kingdom.
After all I am not here to accomplish my own purposes but ONLY His.
If I am not changing the lives of others my life will have no lasting impact or value.
If I'm not doing the work of the kingdom, my life will mean nothing.
People will continue to perish without steadfast Kingdom Builders.
People will continue to Perish without the love of Christ.
Everyday is a battle between "the now" and eternity.
I am a clean sheet of paper, waiting to be written on by God.
It is He who I want to write my life story.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Choose Your "Tude".
Today I made the realization that we can let our circumstances affect our attitudes towards life or we can allow God. We need to realize that we have a God who loves us with a unconditional, endless, limitless love.
We also need to realize that He is here working among us, and that He will never leave. We can take these facts and ponder them and let them blow our minds...or we can allow our not so perfect circumstances pull us down and keep us feeling low. Today this realization made for me all the difference.
God is enough and He cares, so reach out and experience Him.
We also need to realize that He is here working among us, and that He will never leave. We can take these facts and ponder them and let them blow our minds...or we can allow our not so perfect circumstances pull us down and keep us feeling low. Today this realization made for me all the difference.
God is enough and He cares, so reach out and experience Him.
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