Well the last couple blogs have been a bit tense, life has been pretty crazy lately. The past couple days I've been trying to get my mind and heart straight, and I think I'm finally just about settled on where I'm going to college. I don't know exactly who I heard all those fun stories of senior year from, but they must have had a couple personal assistants because there is way to much work to be having as much fun as there was in their stories. Seriously, it is crazy. Why is there so much to do? I don't really care about all this other stuff, I just want that diploma! So I guess I'll just keep making myself crazy 'till I get it.
But today was great! So nice to have one of these days, or really just this one little moment in the day that brightens every thing up and reminds you what is really important in the madness.
I went with my mom and little sister for a 'quick' run to get a few grocery things. I walked into the house, which was great because it was freezing and snowing out side, and my little brother, Will, gives me a hug. Awww. Then, he gives me M&M's, M&M's he bought with his own money just for me. Awww again! He didn't even ask me to share them with him! So sweet in every way, I'm very blessed to have such an awesome little brother. He also just got his very own little guitar today. I'm so proud of him! He's a prodigy I tell you!
So today I'm learning to appreciate the simple things again. My little brother saves and saves change and dollar bills in his little safe, then he used his money to buy me something. It wasn't anything extravagant, but I know for his little six year old heart it was a great, big, loving gift. He's learned about one thing to play on the guitar, it's so simple and repetitive but the most beautiful music to this big sister's ears. It doesn't really matter what you give or share with some one, the truly great and special thing we give is the love that is represented in what we give. Love is the only thing that gives anything real, beyond material value.
One last thing. My little sister said yes ma'am to me earlier! How cool is that? Despite all my goofiness I actually had a little authority for a minute. Awesomeness is my life at this moment.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
life, an update
Right now I could be working madly on school, getting college worked out, graduation all registered for, and figuring out if I'm going on any international or long distance mission trips this summer. But instead, I'm writing a blog. Brilliant, eh? Hmmm...anyway.
With all the madness that usually goes on in my life and the added list from above, which quite honestly are all really MAJOR decisions to be made, there's a lot of extra things to deal with as if they aren't enough on their own and it's all been really crazy. Yesterday I was ready to seriously knock out the next person who asked me about anything college/future related. One of the guys on the worship team asked me where I was going as I walked toward the stage steps and I stopped, went back to where he was at the back of the stage and stood in front of him and was just like "what do you mean where am I going?" He didn't realize it, but if he hadn't been referring to me walking off the stage instead of anything past the next five minutes he'd probably be waking up in ICU right now. Anyway, hang with me here as I sort it all out and share what's going on with me and how in the midst of all the craziness I'm actually learning a bit still.
I'm trying to sort out everything in my life right now, figuring out where to go to college, where or if I'm supposed to be going somewhere to work for the summer in missions, finalizing everything for graduation, and somehow finding all the finances for it all. I'm the kind of person who has had to battle questions and doubts my entire life, so it basically sucks when I am finally getting to the place where I can trust God with every thing a bit easier and then everyone around me seems to be bringing back every question I've already trusted him with and trying to ask it again. Ugghh. It's hard to keep focused when people you should be able to trust to trust in God with you are actually trying to make you question again. It's hard to answer their worried questions about your future with you're not sure yet, you're just trusting God, even though it's the right answer, all of our great 'logic' and 'knowledge' would have us second guess a faith based answer.
What I'm learning through all of this? I'm reminded of the verses that talk of not putting your trust in men, even in princes or riches, but instead to put your trust in God. My God hasn't made everything clear to me yet, but what I have felt in my soul is simply to work and accomplish what I can today with what He provides. What exactly am I supposed to do with the things I'm planning to study? I don't know how exactly I'm going to work or serve in the areas I'm going to study, I'm not even 100% sure that's where I'm supposed to be yet. I do know that no matter how many times I stumble I'm chasing my Lord's heart and He said He knows the plans He has for me, plans for hope and a future, to prosper and not to harm me. I'm learning that this life is so temporary, so quickly passing by. I don't want to waste it chasing after material things, I don't want to let the worry of anything of this world keep me from seeing the One who provides all my needs, who knows every crazy hair on my head, who gave the most precious thing He had to break the walls of sin between us. And I don't want to let my wants or needs keep me from seeing others'. The love of Christ in me has the power to change this world, to change the people I meet so I want to be wherever it is that He wants me no matter how long I have to wait for him to tell me or where I may have to go. And I need to be where He wants me, with who He wants me to be with, because I'm really learning more every day how much I need Christ.
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14
I'm so thankful that through grace the strongholds of doubt, questions, and distractions are broken and will be forever, continually brought down so that I am able to serve my God.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16
What have we to fear? How amazing that our God saw us and loved us before we were even born, how amazing that He knew our sins already, and still chose to love us!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
He has DECLARED that. God has plans for us. That He has plans for us is amazing enough alone, but He says that they are plans to prosper and not to harm, to give us hope and a future. No circumstance or pressure of this world could ever take that if we rely and believe in God.
O God, quicken to life every power within me, that I may lay hold on eternal things. Open my eyes that I may see; give me acute spiritual perception; enable me to taste Thee and know that Thou are good. Make heaven more real to me than earthly thing has ever been. A.W. Tozer 'The Pursuit of God'
I am really liking this book, and this has definitely been a prayer that I need daily. I think it's a prayer we all need to take as our own more often.
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.....But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. Psalm 94:18-19,22
Yes I get nervous, I get stressed out and frustrated. But as I continue to take my tear soaked heart to God, I find that it's usually the tears and the storms that soften my heart to be molded by the Potter ever more like his own heart. Does everything in my life feel like more than I can take? I know it's more than I can handle, so I'm so so thankful that I have the love and strength of Christ and not just my own fragility to rely on.
You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the earth and of the farthest seas, Psalm 66:5
Love.
With all the madness that usually goes on in my life and the added list from above, which quite honestly are all really MAJOR decisions to be made, there's a lot of extra things to deal with as if they aren't enough on their own and it's all been really crazy. Yesterday I was ready to seriously knock out the next person who asked me about anything college/future related. One of the guys on the worship team asked me where I was going as I walked toward the stage steps and I stopped, went back to where he was at the back of the stage and stood in front of him and was just like "what do you mean where am I going?" He didn't realize it, but if he hadn't been referring to me walking off the stage instead of anything past the next five minutes he'd probably be waking up in ICU right now. Anyway, hang with me here as I sort it all out and share what's going on with me and how in the midst of all the craziness I'm actually learning a bit still.
I'm trying to sort out everything in my life right now, figuring out where to go to college, where or if I'm supposed to be going somewhere to work for the summer in missions, finalizing everything for graduation, and somehow finding all the finances for it all. I'm the kind of person who has had to battle questions and doubts my entire life, so it basically sucks when I am finally getting to the place where I can trust God with every thing a bit easier and then everyone around me seems to be bringing back every question I've already trusted him with and trying to ask it again. Ugghh. It's hard to keep focused when people you should be able to trust to trust in God with you are actually trying to make you question again. It's hard to answer their worried questions about your future with you're not sure yet, you're just trusting God, even though it's the right answer, all of our great 'logic' and 'knowledge' would have us second guess a faith based answer.
What I'm learning through all of this? I'm reminded of the verses that talk of not putting your trust in men, even in princes or riches, but instead to put your trust in God. My God hasn't made everything clear to me yet, but what I have felt in my soul is simply to work and accomplish what I can today with what He provides. What exactly am I supposed to do with the things I'm planning to study? I don't know how exactly I'm going to work or serve in the areas I'm going to study, I'm not even 100% sure that's where I'm supposed to be yet. I do know that no matter how many times I stumble I'm chasing my Lord's heart and He said He knows the plans He has for me, plans for hope and a future, to prosper and not to harm me. I'm learning that this life is so temporary, so quickly passing by. I don't want to waste it chasing after material things, I don't want to let the worry of anything of this world keep me from seeing the One who provides all my needs, who knows every crazy hair on my head, who gave the most precious thing He had to break the walls of sin between us. And I don't want to let my wants or needs keep me from seeing others'. The love of Christ in me has the power to change this world, to change the people I meet so I want to be wherever it is that He wants me no matter how long I have to wait for him to tell me or where I may have to go. And I need to be where He wants me, with who He wants me to be with, because I'm really learning more every day how much I need Christ.
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14
I'm so thankful that through grace the strongholds of doubt, questions, and distractions are broken and will be forever, continually brought down so that I am able to serve my God.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16
What have we to fear? How amazing that our God saw us and loved us before we were even born, how amazing that He knew our sins already, and still chose to love us!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
He has DECLARED that. God has plans for us. That He has plans for us is amazing enough alone, but He says that they are plans to prosper and not to harm, to give us hope and a future. No circumstance or pressure of this world could ever take that if we rely and believe in God.
O God, quicken to life every power within me, that I may lay hold on eternal things. Open my eyes that I may see; give me acute spiritual perception; enable me to taste Thee and know that Thou are good. Make heaven more real to me than earthly thing has ever been. A.W. Tozer 'The Pursuit of God'
I am really liking this book, and this has definitely been a prayer that I need daily. I think it's a prayer we all need to take as our own more often.
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.....But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. Psalm 94:18-19,22
Yes I get nervous, I get stressed out and frustrated. But as I continue to take my tear soaked heart to God, I find that it's usually the tears and the storms that soften my heart to be molded by the Potter ever more like his own heart. Does everything in my life feel like more than I can take? I know it's more than I can handle, so I'm so so thankful that I have the love and strength of Christ and not just my own fragility to rely on.
You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the earth and of the farthest seas, Psalm 66:5
Love.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
February 14 and Worth on My Mind
So, last night it was really late and I'd had a long day and my thoughts were very scattered when they were coming so hopefully I can sort through, remember and re-attempt at posting them today. OK, let's see.......
Girls talk about everything pretty much all the time, but guys have got to be one of the most talked about of all, and maybe shoes. But mostly guys. Even though I'm single and love it, I end up in the never ending guy talk constantly. Last night I was thinking about some of the expectations and opinions on guys and dating that I've heard. I've heard girls say that every guy is into drinking and partying and such, so that was all that was expected from them and was accepted. I've seen girls who stay with guys who practically walk all over them or neglect but are afraid they won't find anyone else, so they stay with them. Then I think about those guys, and we all know a few of those guys. They cheat, manipulate, and are some how with the few girls who are as close to saints as you can get.
As I see all this messed up 'love' around the people I've known I just wonder 'why?' Why are so many girls, and guys, in bad relationships when they deserve much better? I understand loving some one, but not really wanting to be trampled on. Even if I do love and care about some one who doesn't treat me right I generally avoid any situation with them that would make that easier for them to hurt me. Maybe I'm a bit crazy though as it seems to be the thing to do, I'm the single one so what do I know? Anyway....
So I was thinking about how people could be so unfair to those who love them so much. And I thought last night, about how so many people can't see how precious and unique they are, how much they need to be truly loved. Then I thought about my God. I realise that so many times, I'm just like the guys who break my friends hearts. I'm the one who tells him he is everything to me and can't even remember to acknowledge him in my life ten minutes later. Then I think about how I view my friends, how I know how unique and fun and bright each one is, how through God I have and am learning how precious each one is through him. Then I think about how much more God must see me that way. Then I think about things a different way again and I'm like that loser boyfriend I've met too many times, and I can't keep my heart focused on him, I'm distracted and chasing after other people or things before him. I think about how much it hurts my friends and me to see someone lie to you and turn their back on you, and I think about how many times I've done that to my Savior.
Then an old truth that I've know for a long time suddenly becomes so much more personal and real to me than ever before. God is worth my attention, he's worth pressing in a bit more to hear his words, holding on for a while 'till he's ready to speak. He is worth waiting for, he's worth living and dying for. He is more than worthy of having all of me. And I don't really know why (except that his love is crazy out of this world for me) that he would give his perfect, only Son for me to be washed clean of all I've done and will do wrong. But I know that through grace God can see me as his child and I can know his love. Without him I know that I'm totally lost and worthy of nothing, and still so many times I stumble away from him, but I'm so thankful for his love that gives me purpose and life.
This Valentine's Day please remember how unworthy we were,and often still are, but that the grace that we've been given has made us precious in his sight. Let's remember how worthy of attention God is, how worthy of praise he is, how worthy of devotion he is. And let's strive to live in a way that shows him that we love and know him to be more than worthy of what we can only give through what we were first given.
Girls talk about everything pretty much all the time, but guys have got to be one of the most talked about of all, and maybe shoes. But mostly guys. Even though I'm single and love it, I end up in the never ending guy talk constantly. Last night I was thinking about some of the expectations and opinions on guys and dating that I've heard. I've heard girls say that every guy is into drinking and partying and such, so that was all that was expected from them and was accepted. I've seen girls who stay with guys who practically walk all over them or neglect but are afraid they won't find anyone else, so they stay with them. Then I think about those guys, and we all know a few of those guys. They cheat, manipulate, and are some how with the few girls who are as close to saints as you can get.
As I see all this messed up 'love' around the people I've known I just wonder 'why?' Why are so many girls, and guys, in bad relationships when they deserve much better? I understand loving some one, but not really wanting to be trampled on. Even if I do love and care about some one who doesn't treat me right I generally avoid any situation with them that would make that easier for them to hurt me. Maybe I'm a bit crazy though as it seems to be the thing to do, I'm the single one so what do I know? Anyway....
So I was thinking about how people could be so unfair to those who love them so much. And I thought last night, about how so many people can't see how precious and unique they are, how much they need to be truly loved. Then I thought about my God. I realise that so many times, I'm just like the guys who break my friends hearts. I'm the one who tells him he is everything to me and can't even remember to acknowledge him in my life ten minutes later. Then I think about how I view my friends, how I know how unique and fun and bright each one is, how through God I have and am learning how precious each one is through him. Then I think about how much more God must see me that way. Then I think about things a different way again and I'm like that loser boyfriend I've met too many times, and I can't keep my heart focused on him, I'm distracted and chasing after other people or things before him. I think about how much it hurts my friends and me to see someone lie to you and turn their back on you, and I think about how many times I've done that to my Savior.
Then an old truth that I've know for a long time suddenly becomes so much more personal and real to me than ever before. God is worth my attention, he's worth pressing in a bit more to hear his words, holding on for a while 'till he's ready to speak. He is worth waiting for, he's worth living and dying for. He is more than worthy of having all of me. And I don't really know why (except that his love is crazy out of this world for me) that he would give his perfect, only Son for me to be washed clean of all I've done and will do wrong. But I know that through grace God can see me as his child and I can know his love. Without him I know that I'm totally lost and worthy of nothing, and still so many times I stumble away from him, but I'm so thankful for his love that gives me purpose and life.
This Valentine's Day please remember how unworthy we were,and often still are, but that the grace that we've been given has made us precious in his sight. Let's remember how worthy of attention God is, how worthy of praise he is, how worthy of devotion he is. And let's strive to live in a way that shows him that we love and know him to be more than worthy of what we can only give through what we were first given.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Solution
It is not too far a cry, Too much to try and help the least of these. Politics will not decide if we should rise and be your hands and feet. Hey now, fill our hearts with Your compassion. Hey now, as we hold to our confession.....God be the solution.
From 'Solution' by Hillsong United*
I was listening to 'Solution' on my way home from church this evening, and as music (particularly from some one like Hillsong) always really sets my mind to running with the lyrics and such, I'm sharing my thoughts that the above lines set my heart on.
I've been thinking about our economy here in the States, and I guess really world wide things aren't looking to great. These are hard times on everyone really, especially the Least. For too many people, even the Christians who are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, sponsorships and charity is just a nice thing to do with left over cash. But the Least are not just some minority off to the side, only to be acknowledged and loved in our spare time and fortune. In the book of Mathew, Christ says he is among the Least and that to serve them, is to serve him.
God never asked us to give out of convenience, out of comfort, out of left overs. In fact he wants all of us, he said we ought to lay down our lives for others. He didn't say to love when there is no economic down turn, when politicians allow it. He never said it would be easy, that there would be no trials. But, he did say that he has over come this world (our trials,) that he would never leave nor forsake us, and that we ought to follow the example of love and sacrifice already set by Christ. Why do we fear to give, to reach out? Our God has everything at his feet and in his hands, there is nothing he could ask us to give that he hasn't provided to be given in the first place. We are not alone or without no matter how shaky our world seems. No matter who you are or what your circumstance is, when we accept the love and grace of Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are called to be like him. We can all do something, we are all created for purpose and Love. We are meant to be his hands and feet in all times of our lives.
As the song says, "God be the solution." We are not the answer, only God in his love and grace can heal and restore. But we can't forget that no matter the circumstance we have his love and perfect strength in us through salvation, and we are to be his hands and feet to the Least.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Hebrews 12:12-13
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
*Solution is on my playlist at the bottom of this blog if you want to hear it. It's pretty much one of the greatest songs EVER!
From 'Solution' by Hillsong United*
I was listening to 'Solution' on my way home from church this evening, and as music (particularly from some one like Hillsong) always really sets my mind to running with the lyrics and such, I'm sharing my thoughts that the above lines set my heart on.
I've been thinking about our economy here in the States, and I guess really world wide things aren't looking to great. These are hard times on everyone really, especially the Least. For too many people, even the Christians who are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, sponsorships and charity is just a nice thing to do with left over cash. But the Least are not just some minority off to the side, only to be acknowledged and loved in our spare time and fortune. In the book of Mathew, Christ says he is among the Least and that to serve them, is to serve him.
God never asked us to give out of convenience, out of comfort, out of left overs. In fact he wants all of us, he said we ought to lay down our lives for others. He didn't say to love when there is no economic down turn, when politicians allow it. He never said it would be easy, that there would be no trials. But, he did say that he has over come this world (our trials,) that he would never leave nor forsake us, and that we ought to follow the example of love and sacrifice already set by Christ. Why do we fear to give, to reach out? Our God has everything at his feet and in his hands, there is nothing he could ask us to give that he hasn't provided to be given in the first place. We are not alone or without no matter how shaky our world seems. No matter who you are or what your circumstance is, when we accept the love and grace of Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are called to be like him. We can all do something, we are all created for purpose and Love. We are meant to be his hands and feet in all times of our lives.
As the song says, "God be the solution." We are not the answer, only God in his love and grace can heal and restore. But we can't forget that no matter the circumstance we have his love and perfect strength in us through salvation, and we are to be his hands and feet to the Least.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Hebrews 12:12-13
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
*Solution is on my playlist at the bottom of this blog if you want to hear it. It's pretty much one of the greatest songs EVER!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
My 'self' in a Fight
I talked to a friend (ahem, meaning Julee Hartmeyer! you should check out her blog 'Defending the Fatherless' cause it's basically GREAT) recently about going to do volunteer/mission work for the summer this year. I told her about my struggle with where I was supposed to be, and then I said one of those things that even though it's good, it sets a standard and you can't forget it. I said "I'd rather be wrestling and struggling through to find where God is leading than to not be doing anything," or something like that. Anyway, now as I'm struggling to focus my heart and thoughts on God's, those words are ringing in my mind, "I'd rather be wrestling with this" and I know I've got to stay in this battle against my own flesh that would have me living only for it's gratification.
I want to know God's heart, not just the appearance and emotions of knowing. I'd rather come to Christ knowing that the cross is the only thing that can rip this pride from me, and knowing it's going to be a painful, tough fight to wrestle that mindset away than to stumble on with all my self and pride between me and him. I want to die daily to this flesh, because one day this flesh and it's world will die, and I don't want to let this life that is so short cause my soul to miss what I was meant for. So that's what I'm going through, and in the grace and love of my Savior I will make it through. And it's only through him, who else could? I know I can't and never will be able to on my own.
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love towards me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. Psalm 86:11-13
Not that I have already obtained all of this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12
I want to know God's heart, not just the appearance and emotions of knowing. I'd rather come to Christ knowing that the cross is the only thing that can rip this pride from me, and knowing it's going to be a painful, tough fight to wrestle that mindset away than to stumble on with all my self and pride between me and him. I want to die daily to this flesh, because one day this flesh and it's world will die, and I don't want to let this life that is so short cause my soul to miss what I was meant for. So that's what I'm going through, and in the grace and love of my Savior I will make it through. And it's only through him, who else could? I know I can't and never will be able to on my own.
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love towards me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. Psalm 86:11-13
Not that I have already obtained all of this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Abandonment and Hope
I was talking to my mom earlier today, about a very dear and frequently talked about topic with us. Orphans. And it's set my mind thinking about them and I can't stop now, as usual. So tonight I'm writing about my thoughts after our little conversation about orphans who are abandoned.
Orphans hold such a special place in my heart, a place that is constantly being broken but by God's grace always filled with his love. Earlier I was thinking about kids who wait for parents who never return. I can't imagine the pain of knowing that you've been left but still wishing to hope that they could return someday. When I ponder these situations and the stories I've heard of abandonment and the children I've met who were left, it's so easy to get discouraged. It's easy to hear a statistic like '143 million orphaned children in the world today' and simply feel like there's nothing good enough to be done. But it's then that I'm reminded that though this is an incredible, tragic number of orphans, they are each people. They are not just a number in a survey, this fact represents beautiful little souls and each have names, personalities and interests and a need to be loved . I'm also reminded that no matter who may ever leave anyone, we can all have a Father who said he would never leave nor forsake us, and that his Spirit is here to comfort and guide us. I remember that the Savior who gave his very own life, who was perfect and blameless yet took on every sin I would ever make before I'd even breathed his name, he has gone to prepare a perfect, loving, and truly forever home for me. And it's in this that I find hope, knowing that I am loved by this awesome God, and that these kids are loved by him.
I am so small in the picture of what I could do in this world for orphans, but his love is mighty in my heart and soul. He said he would never leave nor forsake us, and he said we are to share the love he's given us. That love is something we know because Christ laid down his life for us and now we are to do the same, put our comfort and preferences aside and wrap our arms and hearts around those he has created to know his love. When I think of the heart breaking and embarrassing number of orphans that we have simply neglected in a world where we are meant to be the image and body of Christ, it's easy to feel so many things. And it's good to feel those emotions, we should be upset and should cry out to our Father for mercy and for justice in this tragedy. But let's not ever let the heart ache that surely comes in opening our eyes to the orphaned shut off our hearts, let's open them all the more for God's love and grace to fill so that when we are broken, what they truly need will pour out.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:23-24
Orphans hold such a special place in my heart, a place that is constantly being broken but by God's grace always filled with his love. Earlier I was thinking about kids who wait for parents who never return. I can't imagine the pain of knowing that you've been left but still wishing to hope that they could return someday. When I ponder these situations and the stories I've heard of abandonment and the children I've met who were left, it's so easy to get discouraged. It's easy to hear a statistic like '143 million orphaned children in the world today' and simply feel like there's nothing good enough to be done. But it's then that I'm reminded that though this is an incredible, tragic number of orphans, they are each people. They are not just a number in a survey, this fact represents beautiful little souls and each have names, personalities and interests and a need to be loved . I'm also reminded that no matter who may ever leave anyone, we can all have a Father who said he would never leave nor forsake us, and that his Spirit is here to comfort and guide us. I remember that the Savior who gave his very own life, who was perfect and blameless yet took on every sin I would ever make before I'd even breathed his name, he has gone to prepare a perfect, loving, and truly forever home for me. And it's in this that I find hope, knowing that I am loved by this awesome God, and that these kids are loved by him.
I am so small in the picture of what I could do in this world for orphans, but his love is mighty in my heart and soul. He said he would never leave nor forsake us, and he said we are to share the love he's given us. That love is something we know because Christ laid down his life for us and now we are to do the same, put our comfort and preferences aside and wrap our arms and hearts around those he has created to know his love. When I think of the heart breaking and embarrassing number of orphans that we have simply neglected in a world where we are meant to be the image and body of Christ, it's easy to feel so many things. And it's good to feel those emotions, we should be upset and should cry out to our Father for mercy and for justice in this tragedy. But let's not ever let the heart ache that surely comes in opening our eyes to the orphaned shut off our hearts, let's open them all the more for God's love and grace to fill so that when we are broken, what they truly need will pour out.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:23-24
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Love part 2
This is what’s on my heart and burning up in my soul. The need I’ve seen all around this world, weather in person or on TV or through others stories and memories. The more I seek Christ, the more I’m meeting the least. And it’s in the obvious places that I’d been calloused to and then the more shocking places that are right in front of me that I‘m seeing need. There is need all around us, people in desperate poverty of all different kinds. As I see the church today honestly over flowing here in America with all kinds of wealth, I’m more and more frustrated by the growing amount of need, and also fearful for us that have much, because if we go on like this we’ll be the ones in poverty of some kind.
Is it wrong that we have food in our pantry and plenty of clothes in the closet and a car in the garage? NO. That's a question with an obvious answer, a question I think we ask to further avoid the reality we are afraid to see. The wrong is not in having things, having our needs met and being blessed with more than that. The wrong is in our ignorance of others needs, in our going about our gluttonous lives while people starve simply for lack of food or clean water. The wrong is in our pride and constant craving for more; more money for ourselves, more time to ourselves, more luxury and convenience. The wrong is in our ability and desire to remain comfortably in the selfish states of living that I've just listed.
Who do we think we are? To let people thirst to death simply because it's a few hours flight away and not on our door step. To let souls starve in the excuse that an organization might keep part of the measly few dollars we toss their way on a guilt trip. To pass by and avoid the beggar, drunk, or lost in the excuse that they and their circumstances are hopeless, that they’ve had their chances. People are dying or falling closer to death every day, they are not just statistics or pictures on our plasma TV screens, they are living, breathing, created souls. Souls created and loved and meant for lives of purpose by the same God who made you and I.
Where do we get this mentality that our faith is simply about us and what we get out of it? It’s that mentality that is spiritual suicide. When we turn away from the least and needy, we turn away from Christ. When we begin to shun or refuse those in need and hold back the love of God that we've been given, we are doing those same things to Jesus.
Love, I say this often now and am beginning to hear it often from some others too, but it still isn’t said enough. Actually, it isn’t lived enough. Love, love, love. Love of God to us, love to our God, and love to others. LOVE. We need to give and reflect the love of God just as we need to receive it, because it’s not something to be contained, it’s something to be continually shared and given. We should not wait any longer, it's not about convenience or comfort, Love is what we're created for.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18
Is it wrong that we have food in our pantry and plenty of clothes in the closet and a car in the garage? NO. That's a question with an obvious answer, a question I think we ask to further avoid the reality we are afraid to see. The wrong is not in having things, having our needs met and being blessed with more than that. The wrong is in our ignorance of others needs, in our going about our gluttonous lives while people starve simply for lack of food or clean water. The wrong is in our pride and constant craving for more; more money for ourselves, more time to ourselves, more luxury and convenience. The wrong is in our ability and desire to remain comfortably in the selfish states of living that I've just listed.
Who do we think we are? To let people thirst to death simply because it's a few hours flight away and not on our door step. To let souls starve in the excuse that an organization might keep part of the measly few dollars we toss their way on a guilt trip. To pass by and avoid the beggar, drunk, or lost in the excuse that they and their circumstances are hopeless, that they’ve had their chances. People are dying or falling closer to death every day, they are not just statistics or pictures on our plasma TV screens, they are living, breathing, created souls. Souls created and loved and meant for lives of purpose by the same God who made you and I.
Where do we get this mentality that our faith is simply about us and what we get out of it? It’s that mentality that is spiritual suicide. When we turn away from the least and needy, we turn away from Christ. When we begin to shun or refuse those in need and hold back the love of God that we've been given, we are doing those same things to Jesus.
Love, I say this often now and am beginning to hear it often from some others too, but it still isn’t said enough. Actually, it isn’t lived enough. Love, love, love. Love of God to us, love to our God, and love to others. LOVE. We need to give and reflect the love of God just as we need to receive it, because it’s not something to be contained, it’s something to be continually shared and given. We should not wait any longer, it's not about convenience or comfort, Love is what we're created for.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18
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