It seems as though in summer time...thunderstorms are a regular occurrence. Especially here in the South. You can almost set your watch by them. It's crazy to me how the beginning of the day could be so beautiful, and then by four o'clock on the dot, BAM...thunder, lightning, and Forrest Gump style "big ole fat rain."
I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel as though I have a thunderstorm curse. If I remember to bring my umbrella along with me, it absolutely will not rain when I'm outside. However, the second I leave it at home, the rain ALWAYS comes if I need to be outside.
And cars? Yeah to people in cars it's funny to see us walking in the rain without an umbrella. We almost become walking targets in the "let's drive through this puddle as fast as possible so as to soak the walking person" game.
Let's be real here...getting caught in a thunderstorm can ruin a perfectly good day. Once you get rained on...your clothes feel heavier...your hair is a mess...your shoes soggy...there's nothing good about getting caught in the rain.
Yesterday, as 5 o'clock came and I triumphantly neared the door to make my glory march to the car...I quickly stopped in my tracks. Rain...and I had no umbrella...and my car was three blocks away.
But then, something happened that doesn't usually happen. A nice lady who I'd seen before in the office offered me her umbrella. She said she was parked in the garage and didn't even need to go outside, and I could bring it back to her the next day.
Isn't life like that so many times?
Some people are in a perpetual state of thunderstorms. They feel weighed down...their life is a mess...and they feel like everyone who sees them is out to get them.
That lady who gave me her umbrella yesterday made my day. Momentarily, she took away my rain.
In the Bible, Jesus tells a parable in which he describes how we'll be identified as Christians.
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says,
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Whenever we do things for others, we need to realize that we are doing those things for Jesus. What "umbrellas" have you given to others lately?
Our acts that seem as insignificant as lending out an umbrella could have effects far beyond what we can imagine. Taking away somebody's rain for a day could lead to big changes in their life. God brought that person to you for a purpose.
Give somebody an "umbrella" today...you may be the one key person who God wants to use to take away that person's rain in their life.
Remember...many many years ago, God sent us His son Jesus to be our umbrella to save us from an eternal thunderstorm. Let's follow His example.
Until next time,
ST
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Big Picture
Three words: God...is...faithful.
I'm sure after reading my latest few entries, I've had a pretty big burden on my heart: fear of the unknown. This fear combined with anxiousness resulting from waiting for an answer caused me to complete and utterly FREAK OUT.
Let me tell you a little story about myself that is rather humorous...but I have a point.
When I was six years old...I was deemed old enough by my parents to be worthy of getting my ears pierced. I was a big girl. I could handle the responsibility of earrings. I wanted these glistening gold balls in my ears so badly I could hardly stand it. So one afternoon, my dad brought home his ear piercing gun from the jewelry store, and he was going to give me the thing that I so desperately wanted...earrings. He wanted to make his daughter happy.
I was so excited about getting these earrings I couldn't WAIT to get started.
And then...it hit me. I had to go through BIG PAIN in order to get these shiny things in my ears! And then...the freak out began. Two hours of INTENSE, fluid flowing from all areas of my face, hard to breathe CRYING. I knew what I wanted, but the idea of the pain I'd have to go through was more than my six year old self could bear.
Then, my dad sadly decided that I wasn't ready. I wasn't prepared for getting earrings. He was going to put the tools away, and we'd wait til I was more mature to pierce my ears.
WHAT?! No earrings!!? I couldn't have this!! These things were my GOAL! I wanted them so badly I had been dreaming about them! I begged and pleaded with my dad to PLEASE pierce my ears...I promise I'll be still!
I swallowed my fear and closed my eyes. Two clicks and a surprising "that didn't hurt" later, I had my earrings!!!! The pain I had anticipated wasn't NEARLY as bad in reality as I had made it out to be in my head!
..........We do this a lot with many aspects of our lives, don't we? We ask God to bless us in our finances...in our careers...in our relationships...in our families...but then the first sight of pain or struggle we lose our minds entirely.
Do you think that if God told us we'd have to go through struggle in order to get what we want, we'd still ask for it? We want things to be easy...we want God to give us everything we want, right when we want it, no questions asked.
But God sees the bigger picture. Just like my dad did with my earrings. He knew it would only feel like a pinch. But I had to be the one to decide I still wanted the things I had asked for. God knows that we'll be okay at the end of the day, He knows He wants to shower us with blessings, but sometimes He wants to teach us important life lessons first: humility, patience, perseverance.
And when we look back on the struggles in our lives, and then where we stand today, we (more often than not) are able to say, as I did, "wow...that didn't hurt."
God sees the bigger picture. He is faithful. If you're in the struggle or pain phase of this process, just remember, it's all for a reason, and God is holding us in His hands. He won't let us fall.
Here's a video that Rob Bell did about this same topic...we can learn a lot about God's sight of the bigger picture by watching parents' relationship with their children. Check it out.
"Kickball"
Feel free to leave comments...I love reading what you all think.
ST
I'm sure after reading my latest few entries, I've had a pretty big burden on my heart: fear of the unknown. This fear combined with anxiousness resulting from waiting for an answer caused me to complete and utterly FREAK OUT.
Let me tell you a little story about myself that is rather humorous...but I have a point.
When I was six years old...I was deemed old enough by my parents to be worthy of getting my ears pierced. I was a big girl. I could handle the responsibility of earrings. I wanted these glistening gold balls in my ears so badly I could hardly stand it. So one afternoon, my dad brought home his ear piercing gun from the jewelry store, and he was going to give me the thing that I so desperately wanted...earrings. He wanted to make his daughter happy.
I was so excited about getting these earrings I couldn't WAIT to get started.
And then...it hit me. I had to go through BIG PAIN in order to get these shiny things in my ears! And then...the freak out began. Two hours of INTENSE, fluid flowing from all areas of my face, hard to breathe CRYING. I knew what I wanted, but the idea of the pain I'd have to go through was more than my six year old self could bear.
Then, my dad sadly decided that I wasn't ready. I wasn't prepared for getting earrings. He was going to put the tools away, and we'd wait til I was more mature to pierce my ears.
WHAT?! No earrings!!? I couldn't have this!! These things were my GOAL! I wanted them so badly I had been dreaming about them! I begged and pleaded with my dad to PLEASE pierce my ears...I promise I'll be still!
I swallowed my fear and closed my eyes. Two clicks and a surprising "that didn't hurt" later, I had my earrings!!!! The pain I had anticipated wasn't NEARLY as bad in reality as I had made it out to be in my head!
..........We do this a lot with many aspects of our lives, don't we? We ask God to bless us in our finances...in our careers...in our relationships...in our families...but then the first sight of pain or struggle we lose our minds entirely.
Do you think that if God told us we'd have to go through struggle in order to get what we want, we'd still ask for it? We want things to be easy...we want God to give us everything we want, right when we want it, no questions asked.
But God sees the bigger picture. Just like my dad did with my earrings. He knew it would only feel like a pinch. But I had to be the one to decide I still wanted the things I had asked for. God knows that we'll be okay at the end of the day, He knows He wants to shower us with blessings, but sometimes He wants to teach us important life lessons first: humility, patience, perseverance.
And when we look back on the struggles in our lives, and then where we stand today, we (more often than not) are able to say, as I did, "wow...that didn't hurt."
God sees the bigger picture. He is faithful. If you're in the struggle or pain phase of this process, just remember, it's all for a reason, and God is holding us in His hands. He won't let us fall.
Here's a video that Rob Bell did about this same topic...we can learn a lot about God's sight of the bigger picture by watching parents' relationship with their children. Check it out.
"Kickball"
Feel free to leave comments...I love reading what you all think.
ST
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Strength
It seems as though these days everyone is tired. Whether we're in class, working on homework, going to our jobs, or taking care of things around home...there never seem to be enough hours in the day......and it's exhausting.
On top of all the things we have to do...throw on all kinds of emotional stress on top of that. Dealing with siblings, parents, friends, neighbors, boyfriends, girlfriends...sometimes the drama can be overwhelming.
If this description fits you and your day to day dealings...just remember these verses...they're pretty appropriate:
Isaiah 40: 28-31
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
These were the verses of the day that popped up on my screen this morning. Nothing is coincidental. God knew that these verses needed to be read today. He is so good!!
I love the beginning part..."Do you not know? Have you not heard?" It's like they're saying, "HELLOOOOO! Don't you realize??? The EVERLASTING GOD doesn't get tired like we do!!" We should take comfort in this part from verse 28....HE will not grow tired or weary. So when we're worn out and we feel like we've got nothing left, God is still going strong. The God who created the universe just by speaking that it be so, is on our team, and wants to renew our strength. Just trust Him.
Feel free to leave comments,
ST
On top of all the things we have to do...throw on all kinds of emotional stress on top of that. Dealing with siblings, parents, friends, neighbors, boyfriends, girlfriends...sometimes the drama can be overwhelming.
If this description fits you and your day to day dealings...just remember these verses...they're pretty appropriate:
Isaiah 40: 28-31
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
These were the verses of the day that popped up on my screen this morning. Nothing is coincidental. God knew that these verses needed to be read today. He is so good!!
I love the beginning part..."Do you not know? Have you not heard?" It's like they're saying, "HELLOOOOO! Don't you realize??? The EVERLASTING GOD doesn't get tired like we do!!" We should take comfort in this part from verse 28....HE will not grow tired or weary. So when we're worn out and we feel like we've got nothing left, God is still going strong. The God who created the universe just by speaking that it be so, is on our team, and wants to renew our strength. Just trust Him.
Feel free to leave comments,
ST
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Be Still
Today I want to tell you about one of my favorite words. It's not a word that you hear every day. In fact...many of you probably haven't ever heard of it, much less said it. I don't even say this word that often, but it's not about saying it, it's about what this word means, and how it's done.
I know...cut to the chase, Sarah. But forreal, I want you to know how amazing this word is before I tell it to you. It totally re-vamped my life and gave me a new perspective on things that happen in life.
Selah. That's my word. Heard of it? It is used seventy-four times in scripture: mostly in the book of Psalms and a few times in Hebrews. Here's one definition I found for Selah:
Selah (Hebrew: סֶלָה, also transliterated as selāh) is a word used frequently in the Hebrew Bible, often in the
Psalms, It is probably either a liturgico-musical mark or an instruction on the reading of the text, something like
"stop and listen". "Let those with eyes see and with ears hear" is most concise. "Selah" can also be used to
indicate that there is to be a musical interlude at that point in the Psalm.
Here are some instances in the book of Psalms where Selah is used:
Psalm 46: 1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah
Psalm 46: 10-11
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
This chapter is a song. These people are praising God and singing about how good God is and how BIG God is! But yet, after the big song, they take a pause, a Selah. They stop the noise of their lives, even if it's singing and praising God, and they take the time to hear God's still small voice.
Stop and listen.
It is an act of worship. Worship doesn't always mean singing your guts out, it can be silent. An act of obediently listening to God's voice. After all, how can you have a conversation without listening? You can't have a relationship if you're the one doing all the talking.
Stop and listen.
Check out this video by Rob Bell, same guy from the video yesterday, he has a great video about being silent before God. Check it out, its worth the 10 minutes.
"Noise"
The next time your life gets crazy...be still. Know that HE IS GOD. Selah.
Let me know what you think of the video :)
-ST
I know...cut to the chase, Sarah. But forreal, I want you to know how amazing this word is before I tell it to you. It totally re-vamped my life and gave me a new perspective on things that happen in life.
Selah. That's my word. Heard of it? It is used seventy-four times in scripture: mostly in the book of Psalms and a few times in Hebrews. Here's one definition I found for Selah:
Selah (Hebrew: סֶלָה, also transliterated as selāh) is a word used frequently in the Hebrew Bible, often in the
Psalms, It is probably either a liturgico-musical mark or an instruction on the reading of the text, something like
"stop and listen". "Let those with eyes see and with ears hear" is most concise. "Selah" can also be used to
indicate that there is to be a musical interlude at that point in the Psalm.
Here are some instances in the book of Psalms where Selah is used:
Psalm 46: 1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah
Psalm 46: 10-11
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
This chapter is a song. These people are praising God and singing about how good God is and how BIG God is! But yet, after the big song, they take a pause, a Selah. They stop the noise of their lives, even if it's singing and praising God, and they take the time to hear God's still small voice.
Stop and listen.
It is an act of worship. Worship doesn't always mean singing your guts out, it can be silent. An act of obediently listening to God's voice. After all, how can you have a conversation without listening? You can't have a relationship if you're the one doing all the talking.
Stop and listen.
Check out this video by Rob Bell, same guy from the video yesterday, he has a great video about being silent before God. Check it out, its worth the 10 minutes.
"Noise"
The next time your life gets crazy...be still. Know that HE IS GOD. Selah.
Let me know what you think of the video :)
-ST
Monday, June 21, 2010
Fear, Part 2
What is it about waiting that makes us lose our minds? This idea of not knowing something and having to wait to find out the answer...it's enough to make most people go batty.
And if anyone tells you that they don't mind waiting...that it doesn't bother them...chances are they're lying.
I was at the Doctor's office on Friday. I waited for THREE HOURS before I was even seen. Everyone I talked to was just in shock of how long it was taking me to get seen. I waited for so long that by the time I was seen by someone, I missed my window of opportunity to get to the nurse I needed to see. So after all that waiting, I didn't get what I needed. I then had to travel to ANOTHER Doctor's office that was still open, wait some more, and finally I accomplished what I came to do.
Now, after all that waiting, I'm STILL waiting to hear back from my checkup. And yes, I'm losing my mind.
But it's kinda crazy...amidst all this waiting and heart racing madness...I hear a still small voice deep within me speaking to me, "Peace my daughter, I know the plans I have for you, Peace, Peace, Peace."
God is so good. I can feel Him holding me as I worry. When I am weak, He is strong.
Here is a link to one of my favorite depictions of God's love for us during our darkest times and our fiercest storms in life. I pray you take the time to check it out, it makes me cry every time.
"Rain"
Until next time,
ST
Let me know what you think about this video or how it touched your heart. Cause it will.
And if anyone tells you that they don't mind waiting...that it doesn't bother them...chances are they're lying.
I was at the Doctor's office on Friday. I waited for THREE HOURS before I was even seen. Everyone I talked to was just in shock of how long it was taking me to get seen. I waited for so long that by the time I was seen by someone, I missed my window of opportunity to get to the nurse I needed to see. So after all that waiting, I didn't get what I needed. I then had to travel to ANOTHER Doctor's office that was still open, wait some more, and finally I accomplished what I came to do.
Now, after all that waiting, I'm STILL waiting to hear back from my checkup. And yes, I'm losing my mind.
But it's kinda crazy...amidst all this waiting and heart racing madness...I hear a still small voice deep within me speaking to me, "Peace my daughter, I know the plans I have for you, Peace, Peace, Peace."
God is so good. I can feel Him holding me as I worry. When I am weak, He is strong.
Here is a link to one of my favorite depictions of God's love for us during our darkest times and our fiercest storms in life. I pray you take the time to check it out, it makes me cry every time.
"Rain"
Until next time,
ST
Let me know what you think about this video or how it touched your heart. Cause it will.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Short and Sweet
Don't you hate it when you're always the one who works works works to do things for other people and they never say so much as a thank you? Or even acknowledge what you've done for them?
That's how we treat God, ALL the time. We beg beg beg for Him to do things for us, whine when we don't get them, and when we do get them, we just sigh and say "it's about time." So tell Him thank you today for something He's done for you. Bet it'll make you feel real good, and Him too!
Have a great Tuesday, blog land!
ST
That's how we treat God, ALL the time. We beg beg beg for Him to do things for us, whine when we don't get them, and when we do get them, we just sigh and say "it's about time." So tell Him thank you today for something He's done for you. Bet it'll make you feel real good, and Him too!
Have a great Tuesday, blog land!
ST
Friday, June 11, 2010
Fear
Let's face it: no one likes being afraid. Being afraid isn't fun. Your heart rate pumps up, your palms start to sweat, you begin to breathe heavily. Your eyes dart back and forth quickly. And eventually, if you let it get the best of you, the thing you fear can start to consume your every thought, to where you can focus on nothing else.
The past couple of weeks I've had some fear in my life. For me, it's fear of something unknown. And I think the scariest part is, the unknown will become known next weekend...and I'm afraid to find out what it is. I had a breakdown at work yesterday about it. Just cried and cried in my office.
Why is it that something can be so scary and consume our entire thought process, even before we know if it's true? For all I know, the thing I'm afraid of could turn out to be nothing at all.
I think the devil uses fear to try and distract us from focusing on God.
But in Isaiah 41:10, God tells us just what He wants us to do with fear:
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
And in Romans 8:15, God tells us that fear is DEFINITELY not from Him:
15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear,
but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
This verse gives me chills. God didn't give us fear, He adopted us into His family as His children. So when we become afraid, we must get rid of that fear, give it to our Heavenly Daddy...as this verse says, and we cry "Abba, Father."
Dear God, take away my fear. Make it all better. You're such a good and loving Daddy.
The past couple of weeks I've had some fear in my life. For me, it's fear of something unknown. And I think the scariest part is, the unknown will become known next weekend...and I'm afraid to find out what it is. I had a breakdown at work yesterday about it. Just cried and cried in my office.
Why is it that something can be so scary and consume our entire thought process, even before we know if it's true? For all I know, the thing I'm afraid of could turn out to be nothing at all.
I think the devil uses fear to try and distract us from focusing on God.
But in Isaiah 41:10, God tells us just what He wants us to do with fear:
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
And in Romans 8:15, God tells us that fear is DEFINITELY not from Him:
15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear,
but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
This verse gives me chills. God didn't give us fear, He adopted us into His family as His children. So when we become afraid, we must get rid of that fear, give it to our Heavenly Daddy...as this verse says, and we cry "Abba, Father."
Dear God, take away my fear. Make it all better. You're such a good and loving Daddy.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Real World...not MTV style.
So this summer I decided to stay here in Columbia and work full-time at the place where I've been working for a couple years now. I really love my job. I get to do fun things and work with really cool people and actually use the skills that I've learned in school! Not too many people get to use what they went to college for, so I feel lucky that my education is paying off.
Anyway, I am directing this blog to all of you grownups out there in blog land...
How does ANYONE get ANYTHING done in their lives when they have to work a 9-5 job?! I mean, it is so hard to get anything done when the rest of the world goes to work the same time you do, they all get off the same time you do, and by the time you can actually have time to think in the afternoons, everyone is closed!
It seems that the only way some of these things can get done is by taking time off work and losing money so as to get your personal stuff done while the corporate world is still awake and functioning for the day. Why does it have to be that way? Why can't the rest of the world be open for business when it's convenient for me? Gosh, it is all about me after all (totally kidding...but really, it is.........kidding again).
Anyway, do any of you adults out there in this world have any advice? Lord, I can hardly take care of myself, I can't imagine taking care of a family on top of all this.
Mom and Dad...I have gained a new appreciation for what you do. I don't know how you did it, but you guys are amazing...and this further proves my theory from when I was little that yall have to be superheroes. Just no other way it's possible.
Be jealous, world. I have superhero parents.
Anyway, I am directing this blog to all of you grownups out there in blog land...
How does ANYONE get ANYTHING done in their lives when they have to work a 9-5 job?! I mean, it is so hard to get anything done when the rest of the world goes to work the same time you do, they all get off the same time you do, and by the time you can actually have time to think in the afternoons, everyone is closed!
It seems that the only way some of these things can get done is by taking time off work and losing money so as to get your personal stuff done while the corporate world is still awake and functioning for the day. Why does it have to be that way? Why can't the rest of the world be open for business when it's convenient for me? Gosh, it is all about me after all (totally kidding...but really, it is.........kidding again).
Anyway, do any of you adults out there in this world have any advice? Lord, I can hardly take care of myself, I can't imagine taking care of a family on top of all this.
Mom and Dad...I have gained a new appreciation for what you do. I don't know how you did it, but you guys are amazing...and this further proves my theory from when I was little that yall have to be superheroes. Just no other way it's possible.
Be jealous, world. I have superhero parents.
Monday, June 7, 2010
With Arms Wide Open
Today, I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and we were talking about different churches in our area.
During our conversation, we chatted about people we know who have been turned off from going to church because of the people in that particular church.
This breaks my heart. I just wanna get this off my chest. I get very VERY upset when I hear of someone having a horrible experience in a church because someone was ugly to them or what have you. It's OUR job as followers of Christ to point people to the Lord. To some people in this world, we might be the only Jesus they ever come into contact with. Would Jesus be ugly to a person because they aren't wearing a tie to church? Would Jesus treat that person differently because they didn't grow up in a church and go to Sunday School their whole childhood? Would Jesus love someone less if they didn't know all the Bible stories? OF COURSE NOT!
It's our responsibility as followers of Christ to welcome everyone with open arms. Sacrifice for them to show them the true meaning of God's love for us. Remember, we are called to love people "as Christ loved the Church." And don't forget, Christ's love for the church was shown in death on a cross.
People shouldn't be turned off from going to ANY church because of the people in it. The point of the Church is to share the Gospel with everyone...to the ends of the earth. Why would we turn anyone away? Or treat anyone badly? He who has ears, let him hear! Remember?!
So on that note, if anyone wants to come to church with me, I don't care what your background is. I don't care how you grew up, I don't care what you wear, what your hair looks like, what kind of shoes you are wearing. If ANYONE wants to come to church with me, call me, send me an email, facebook message, anything, and you're more than welcome to come.
Let's remember why we're here folks, to share the love of Christ with PEOPLE. Not to scare them away from a chance to hear His message.
And if you've been burned by a church before or someone in a church, remember this. We are all HUMAN. We screw up. People mess up. That's why we need a Savior. No one is perfect, but Jesus is! So don't get turned off from going to church because one person was a hypocrite, or one person treated you badly...because Jesus died for that person too. In the end, it's all about Him and His grace and love!
During our conversation, we chatted about people we know who have been turned off from going to church because of the people in that particular church.
This breaks my heart. I just wanna get this off my chest. I get very VERY upset when I hear of someone having a horrible experience in a church because someone was ugly to them or what have you. It's OUR job as followers of Christ to point people to the Lord. To some people in this world, we might be the only Jesus they ever come into contact with. Would Jesus be ugly to a person because they aren't wearing a tie to church? Would Jesus treat that person differently because they didn't grow up in a church and go to Sunday School their whole childhood? Would Jesus love someone less if they didn't know all the Bible stories? OF COURSE NOT!
It's our responsibility as followers of Christ to welcome everyone with open arms. Sacrifice for them to show them the true meaning of God's love for us. Remember, we are called to love people "as Christ loved the Church." And don't forget, Christ's love for the church was shown in death on a cross.
People shouldn't be turned off from going to ANY church because of the people in it. The point of the Church is to share the Gospel with everyone...to the ends of the earth. Why would we turn anyone away? Or treat anyone badly? He who has ears, let him hear! Remember?!
So on that note, if anyone wants to come to church with me, I don't care what your background is. I don't care how you grew up, I don't care what you wear, what your hair looks like, what kind of shoes you are wearing. If ANYONE wants to come to church with me, call me, send me an email, facebook message, anything, and you're more than welcome to come.
Let's remember why we're here folks, to share the love of Christ with PEOPLE. Not to scare them away from a chance to hear His message.
And if you've been burned by a church before or someone in a church, remember this. We are all HUMAN. We screw up. People mess up. That's why we need a Savior. No one is perfect, but Jesus is! So don't get turned off from going to church because one person was a hypocrite, or one person treated you badly...because Jesus died for that person too. In the end, it's all about Him and His grace and love!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Stop and Smell the Roses
Okay folks, so let's just face the fact right off the top: today's society is OBSESSED with technology.
Blackberrys, iPhones, Droids, texts, phone calls, emails, twitters (or tweets? I'm not into all that twitter nonsense...), notes, wall posts, instant messages, Skype, ooVoo, and yes, even blogs...we're immersed in a world of constant communication and connection with anyone we want, anywhere in the world.
We even have such things as 24-hour news stations where you can turn your television on at 4am (Lord knows I don't know why you'd want to watch news at 4am, but hey, to each his own) and find out what's going on in the world!
And this can be a good thing!
First obvious pro about technology is, its EASY. Let's be real, we all like things to be easy. No person in their right mind, given the choice between two options, will choose one because it's hard. We like easy. Second, it's convenient! You can access pretty much any information you want, whenever you want it. You can contact whomever you want, whenever you want them. And third, you can be in constant communication with people who you just can't go five minutes without talking to them.
But the con list...oooh boy the con list is HUGE in comparison.
And mostly I'm speaking to the ladies out there in blog land...show of hands, how many of us have our phones within a one foot radius of ourselves at all times? (*I'm raising my hand proudly*) And some of you gentlemen, you are guilty of this too, you're not getting away that easily. Here's a few phrases from my con list that I made: too easy, no excitement, become too dependent, constant worry, become consumed. How many of you know exactly what I'm talking about?
I think many of you would agree with me that technology has ruined dating. Imagine how exciting and thrilling dating would be if you had to wait around for a letter from your love, because it was your only form of communication? Or how excited would you be if after a month of not seeing your love, you see them riding up to your house in their carriage that they rode in for a week to see you? My heart is pounding just thinking about it. Instead, we have cell phones and text messages that if they aren't responded to instantly, the other person is rude or inconsiderate. You sit around all day consumed with worry about WHY DIDNT THEY TEXT ME BACK?! DONT THEY WAAAANT TO TALK TO ME?!?! Let's face it girls, how many of us need to check into "text rehab" for a little while? I think it'd do many of us a world of good.
I can't tell you how good it feels sometimes to just turn my phone off, and to know that if someone wants to find me, they can't! I like taking time to stop and smell the roses. You should try it. It's pretty freeing.
On a larger scale, our obsession with technology is basically a need for instant gratification. If we text someone, we expect an answer. If we call someone, we expect a return call immediately. If we don't get this instant gratification, the other person is rude or inconsiderate or doesn't like us, etc etc etc.
I think this problem with a need for instant gratification goes way bigger than in the technology aspect, though. I think we can see this problem in our spiritual lives also. When we pray, it's like we are making a phone call up to God, expecting an answer right away. And if we don't hear from Him that second, He has forgotten about us. He doesn't love us enough. This couldn't be farther from the truth. The Bible says that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Why do we always want an instant answer right away? Because that's easy. Waiting for God's timing isn't easy.
But God even tells us not to worry! In the book of Matthew, chapter 6, verse 25, it says:
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
So in this world of constant communication and instant gratification, take a pause. Breathe. Put the cell phone away. Say a prayer, and leave it be. Take time to stop and smell the roses. They smell really good if we actually pay attention to them :)
Blackberrys, iPhones, Droids, texts, phone calls, emails, twitters (or tweets? I'm not into all that twitter nonsense...), notes, wall posts, instant messages, Skype, ooVoo, and yes, even blogs...we're immersed in a world of constant communication and connection with anyone we want, anywhere in the world.
We even have such things as 24-hour news stations where you can turn your television on at 4am (Lord knows I don't know why you'd want to watch news at 4am, but hey, to each his own) and find out what's going on in the world!
And this can be a good thing!
First obvious pro about technology is, its EASY. Let's be real, we all like things to be easy. No person in their right mind, given the choice between two options, will choose one because it's hard. We like easy. Second, it's convenient! You can access pretty much any information you want, whenever you want it. You can contact whomever you want, whenever you want them. And third, you can be in constant communication with people who you just can't go five minutes without talking to them.
But the con list...oooh boy the con list is HUGE in comparison.
And mostly I'm speaking to the ladies out there in blog land...show of hands, how many of us have our phones within a one foot radius of ourselves at all times? (*I'm raising my hand proudly*) And some of you gentlemen, you are guilty of this too, you're not getting away that easily. Here's a few phrases from my con list that I made: too easy, no excitement, become too dependent, constant worry, become consumed. How many of you know exactly what I'm talking about?
I think many of you would agree with me that technology has ruined dating. Imagine how exciting and thrilling dating would be if you had to wait around for a letter from your love, because it was your only form of communication? Or how excited would you be if after a month of not seeing your love, you see them riding up to your house in their carriage that they rode in for a week to see you? My heart is pounding just thinking about it. Instead, we have cell phones and text messages that if they aren't responded to instantly, the other person is rude or inconsiderate. You sit around all day consumed with worry about WHY DIDNT THEY TEXT ME BACK?! DONT THEY WAAAANT TO TALK TO ME?!?! Let's face it girls, how many of us need to check into "text rehab" for a little while? I think it'd do many of us a world of good.
I can't tell you how good it feels sometimes to just turn my phone off, and to know that if someone wants to find me, they can't! I like taking time to stop and smell the roses. You should try it. It's pretty freeing.
On a larger scale, our obsession with technology is basically a need for instant gratification. If we text someone, we expect an answer. If we call someone, we expect a return call immediately. If we don't get this instant gratification, the other person is rude or inconsiderate or doesn't like us, etc etc etc.
I think this problem with a need for instant gratification goes way bigger than in the technology aspect, though. I think we can see this problem in our spiritual lives also. When we pray, it's like we are making a phone call up to God, expecting an answer right away. And if we don't hear from Him that second, He has forgotten about us. He doesn't love us enough. This couldn't be farther from the truth. The Bible says that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Why do we always want an instant answer right away? Because that's easy. Waiting for God's timing isn't easy.
But God even tells us not to worry! In the book of Matthew, chapter 6, verse 25, it says:
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
So in this world of constant communication and instant gratification, take a pause. Breathe. Put the cell phone away. Say a prayer, and leave it be. Take time to stop and smell the roses. They smell really good if we actually pay attention to them :)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
No Pain, No Gain
So recently I've been on a big "get in shape" kick. I'm tired of seeing people more fit than me and wishing I could be them. This time, I want to make results happen. So the famous words of coaches everywhere keep echoing in my head...NO PAIN NO GAIN!
Yesterday, I decided to ask my friend to go on a run with me. This friend of mine is very athletic, so in my mind this was a good choice. WRONG. My first mistake was asking a seasoned athlete to go on a run with me. Who was I kidding? I can't keep up with this guy! Well, I tried to keep up with him...only had to stop twice. And by the end of the 30 minutes of running, I was certain my lungs were going to collapse. Motivation to keep going? Yes. Pain? YES. I am sore beyond belief today. But that soreness will allow me to hopefully keep getting better every time I go out (if my legs don't fall off first).
I was thinking about it though, "no pain, no gain" can be applied to lots of areas. It can be applied in the way I've just stated...that without a little bit of pain and muscle tearing, your muscles won't grow bigger and get stronger. Without the pain and hard work of tending to a garden, you won't get food out. Without going through pain and hurt in life, you won't know what true joy is when something extremely great happens.
But the main "no pain, no gain" example that just crossed my mind was that, without the pain and suffering Jesus went through on the cross, we wouldn't be able to receive eternal life and spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
So next time you're feeling a little pain, whether it be stress at work, pain from a hard workout, or whatever context you are feeling pain, remember that sometimes pain can be a good thing...I mean, we owe our lives to the pain that Jesus felt on the cross. Kinda puts it all in perspective a little, right?
What are some ways that you feel pain? Give them all to Jesus! He's a good Daddy like that, he likes to take away his children's pain. So write them all on here and give them to Him!
Yesterday, I decided to ask my friend to go on a run with me. This friend of mine is very athletic, so in my mind this was a good choice. WRONG. My first mistake was asking a seasoned athlete to go on a run with me. Who was I kidding? I can't keep up with this guy! Well, I tried to keep up with him...only had to stop twice. And by the end of the 30 minutes of running, I was certain my lungs were going to collapse. Motivation to keep going? Yes. Pain? YES. I am sore beyond belief today. But that soreness will allow me to hopefully keep getting better every time I go out (if my legs don't fall off first).
I was thinking about it though, "no pain, no gain" can be applied to lots of areas. It can be applied in the way I've just stated...that without a little bit of pain and muscle tearing, your muscles won't grow bigger and get stronger. Without the pain and hard work of tending to a garden, you won't get food out. Without going through pain and hurt in life, you won't know what true joy is when something extremely great happens.
But the main "no pain, no gain" example that just crossed my mind was that, without the pain and suffering Jesus went through on the cross, we wouldn't be able to receive eternal life and spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
So next time you're feeling a little pain, whether it be stress at work, pain from a hard workout, or whatever context you are feeling pain, remember that sometimes pain can be a good thing...I mean, we owe our lives to the pain that Jesus felt on the cross. Kinda puts it all in perspective a little, right?
What are some ways that you feel pain? Give them all to Jesus! He's a good Daddy like that, he likes to take away his children's pain. So write them all on here and give them to Him!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Gobble gobble gobble
Hello all of you people out there in blog-land!
I am sorry I have not posted anything in over a month! I have nothing but horrible excuses, but here they are anyway:
-Final exams
-Final projects
-Working full time
-Brother's Graduation
-Boyfriend's Graduation
-Moving into a new apartment
-Moving out of an old apartment
So there we have it! Anyway, I am going to get better about posting pretty regularly. I know all of you are just dyyyying to read my thoughts on life...(even if you're not, just humor me).
Recently, as my roommate and I moved into our new apartment, we have encountered MANY stressful obstacles and hurdles to cross in order to make this move happen. But amidst all the stress, we keep realizing that we have SO much to be thankful for.
I know that the third Thursday in November is really far away, but I thought I'd take this time and this blog entry to say a few things that I am very thankful for that sometimes go unnoticed and forgotten.
I'm thankful for:
-A Mom who puts up with my calling her 9,000 times a day to complain or chat about anything
-A dog who is, well, perfect
-A Dad who always "checks my car for strange noises" every time I go home
-Really cool travel coffee mugs
-A Brother who I can tell anything to and he'll still love me the same no matter what
-Bathroom floor mats so my feet aren't cold
-A Boyfriend who loves me because I'm me, not because I pretend to be anybody else
-A really awesome apartment that's cooler than anything my parents lived in during college :)
-A roommate who drinks coffee with me every morning
-Remote controls
-Finding old cards that belonged to my Grandma right when I was missing her the most
-An amazing prayer partner, even if she's all the way in Canada
-The ability to TALK to my friend in Canada!
-Skype!
-Cell phones
-The best friends any girl could ever ask for
-Romantic movies
-Spain (Sevilla, more specifically)
-Locks on our doors to keep bad guys out
-Men and women who fight for our freedom every day
-Really cool apps on my iPod touch
-MUSIC
-Local Law Enforcement who protect us right here in our cities
-The candles in my room and bathroom that smell SO good
-Hugs
-Kisses
-Smiles
-My Camelbak water bottle
-An amazing Church where God is DOING THINGS
-An amazing God who LOVES US INTENSELY and gives us all these things we need to be thankful for!
Thank you God for blessing me so so so much.
Don't forget to thank God for the things He's given you. If you gave someone lots of things wouldn't you want them to thank you every once in a while? Amidst the stress of life, don't forget all we have to be thankful for.
Until next time,
ST
I am sorry I have not posted anything in over a month! I have nothing but horrible excuses, but here they are anyway:
-Final exams
-Final projects
-Working full time
-Brother's Graduation
-Boyfriend's Graduation
-Moving into a new apartment
-Moving out of an old apartment
So there we have it! Anyway, I am going to get better about posting pretty regularly. I know all of you are just dyyyying to read my thoughts on life...(even if you're not, just humor me).
Recently, as my roommate and I moved into our new apartment, we have encountered MANY stressful obstacles and hurdles to cross in order to make this move happen. But amidst all the stress, we keep realizing that we have SO much to be thankful for.
I know that the third Thursday in November is really far away, but I thought I'd take this time and this blog entry to say a few things that I am very thankful for that sometimes go unnoticed and forgotten.
I'm thankful for:
-A Mom who puts up with my calling her 9,000 times a day to complain or chat about anything
-A dog who is, well, perfect
-A Dad who always "checks my car for strange noises" every time I go home
-Really cool travel coffee mugs
-A Brother who I can tell anything to and he'll still love me the same no matter what
-Bathroom floor mats so my feet aren't cold
-A Boyfriend who loves me because I'm me, not because I pretend to be anybody else
-A really awesome apartment that's cooler than anything my parents lived in during college :)
-A roommate who drinks coffee with me every morning
-Remote controls
-Finding old cards that belonged to my Grandma right when I was missing her the most
-An amazing prayer partner, even if she's all the way in Canada
-The ability to TALK to my friend in Canada!
-Skype!
-Cell phones
-The best friends any girl could ever ask for
-Romantic movies
-Spain (Sevilla, more specifically)
-Locks on our doors to keep bad guys out
-Men and women who fight for our freedom every day
-Really cool apps on my iPod touch
-MUSIC
-Local Law Enforcement who protect us right here in our cities
-The candles in my room and bathroom that smell SO good
-Hugs
-Kisses
-Smiles
-My Camelbak water bottle
-An amazing Church where God is DOING THINGS
-An amazing God who LOVES US INTENSELY and gives us all these things we need to be thankful for!
Thank you God for blessing me so so so much.
Don't forget to thank God for the things He's given you. If you gave someone lots of things wouldn't you want them to thank you every once in a while? Amidst the stress of life, don't forget all we have to be thankful for.
Until next time,
ST
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