Today I learned something worth sharing. Unfortunately it wasn't something that will make you jump out of your seat, etc., but hopefully something that you will keep in mind, pray about, and that will motivate you to move. Someone I know was raised by a missionary family in the Philippines. I was reflecting to them today about a book I recently found at an antique/used book store called, "Am I Going to Heaven?" Don't let the title decieve you though, the book is written by a nun in New York in the 1990s. The nun writes stories of the children who come in off the street to Covenant House, a homeless shelter. These children come from situations where they are forced to be 'mules,' they are raped, drug dealers, etc. The stories are heartwrenching.
As I was telling my friend raised in the Philippines about this book, she related a personal experience. Sniffing glue is prevalent among children in the Philippines, and not for reasons you might imagine. Instead of just seeking a high as seen commonly here, children use glue over there to alleviate some of the pain of hunger. Yeah.
A verse that I often reflect on and feel motivated by is James 1:27, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Moral of the story: there are children out there seeking alleviation from an empty stomach and children out there seeking alleviation from an empty heart. There is something we can all do, and as far as I'm concerned it's a call. What part will you play?
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
your stomach growls when it needs something, but what does your heart sound like when it needs something...a heart growl?
So I wrote this like 2 months ago incomplete and saved it to my drafts. Found it today, added a bit. Interesting how God completes things in His timing...and that's another blog on it's own.
Cold chills. That's what I get when I think about it. My heart breaks, my mind wanders and wonders. Sometimes I break out into tears. It's that intense, but some will never understand. The reactions I describe are all in response to the feelings I get when some of those I love dearest come to mind. What is it, you ask, that would cause such a response--quite surely something must be wrong with those that I love then? I'd rather not put it that something is 'wrong', but that all is not 'right' with them. Follow my train of thought.
I am a Christian. As a Christian, one of the fundamental beliefs is that ALL have fallen short of the glory of God and need Christ's forgiveness through His blood sacrifice on the cross to cover our sins. There are only 2 options to this one--either you have been covered by the blood (that is to say, you've accepted Christ's forgiveness for your sins) or you have not. One leads to Hell and one to Heaven. So the reason why I sometimes hurt inside or get down is because some of those I love dearest have not accepted Christ. This means the worst case scenario and eternal separation.
I try my best to be a beacon of hope, of light, and an example of endurance to them, but no matter how hard I try I will never have control over whether or not they accept Christ. And though that's painful to think about, that's the beauty of the Gospel of Christ--free will. It's your choice...each of us get a chance to decide our future and our fate. So, though sometimes it's hard for me to understand that I can't fix the pain, suffering, and future fate of those around me, I have to appreciate that I had the same choice and to continue to pray that they make the right one.
I'll admit, and it may sound silly to some, but I have shed tears when I watch those I love most make horrible choices. I don't cry in pain for them because they haven't chosen 'my set of beliefs' as some may call it. In fact, it's not nearly selfish at all. If I truly believe that there are consequences for me if I do not accept Christ, and I believe that it applies to ALL people, not just one group or those people I have odds against, etc., then logically that means even those I love, even those I consider fantastic people, will be exposed to the same fate. So, that is why it hurts me. I have learned that I can never change a person but only hope to influence them to change theirself. And that is what I strive to do, day in and day out. Because I love people so hard it hurts my insides and squeezes tears out. I just want the best for you...not to strap some set of rules and regulations on you, not to take all the fun away (I don't think Christianity does that at all, in fact, I have a rather fun life)...I'm pulling for your best. I hope each and every one of those around me see that, and I hope someday you'll make the right choice. If all works out for us, I really want to party with you in Heaven :)
Neat enough too... on my way home today I heard this verse on the radio Psalm 126:5, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" Kind of ties in perfectly, for in Heaven, whether everyone makes it there or not, there will be no more tears for those that do.
Cold chills. That's what I get when I think about it. My heart breaks, my mind wanders and wonders. Sometimes I break out into tears. It's that intense, but some will never understand. The reactions I describe are all in response to the feelings I get when some of those I love dearest come to mind. What is it, you ask, that would cause such a response--quite surely something must be wrong with those that I love then? I'd rather not put it that something is 'wrong', but that all is not 'right' with them. Follow my train of thought.
I am a Christian. As a Christian, one of the fundamental beliefs is that ALL have fallen short of the glory of God and need Christ's forgiveness through His blood sacrifice on the cross to cover our sins. There are only 2 options to this one--either you have been covered by the blood (that is to say, you've accepted Christ's forgiveness for your sins) or you have not. One leads to Hell and one to Heaven. So the reason why I sometimes hurt inside or get down is because some of those I love dearest have not accepted Christ. This means the worst case scenario and eternal separation.
I try my best to be a beacon of hope, of light, and an example of endurance to them, but no matter how hard I try I will never have control over whether or not they accept Christ. And though that's painful to think about, that's the beauty of the Gospel of Christ--free will. It's your choice...each of us get a chance to decide our future and our fate. So, though sometimes it's hard for me to understand that I can't fix the pain, suffering, and future fate of those around me, I have to appreciate that I had the same choice and to continue to pray that they make the right one.
I'll admit, and it may sound silly to some, but I have shed tears when I watch those I love most make horrible choices. I don't cry in pain for them because they haven't chosen 'my set of beliefs' as some may call it. In fact, it's not nearly selfish at all. If I truly believe that there are consequences for me if I do not accept Christ, and I believe that it applies to ALL people, not just one group or those people I have odds against, etc., then logically that means even those I love, even those I consider fantastic people, will be exposed to the same fate. So, that is why it hurts me. I have learned that I can never change a person but only hope to influence them to change theirself. And that is what I strive to do, day in and day out. Because I love people so hard it hurts my insides and squeezes tears out. I just want the best for you...not to strap some set of rules and regulations on you, not to take all the fun away (I don't think Christianity does that at all, in fact, I have a rather fun life)...I'm pulling for your best. I hope each and every one of those around me see that, and I hope someday you'll make the right choice. If all works out for us, I really want to party with you in Heaven :)
Neat enough too... on my way home today I heard this verse on the radio Psalm 126:5, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" Kind of ties in perfectly, for in Heaven, whether everyone makes it there or not, there will be no more tears for those that do.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
no matter how big your bark or bite...
Often when I watch movies, I try to watch it with a lens or perspective from which I can gain life wisdom, reinforce morals, or understand different cultures and views. Many times I parallel movie plots to Biblical stories and find that this helps them come to life more and-as I said before-reinforce a lesson. Tonight I watched the movie Hachi about a dog and his master. For those of you who haven't seen it (and I don't recommend it if you haven't), it is about a bond between a dog and his owner. The dog waits each day at the train station for his master to return home. When the master doesn't come [because he died--no I'm not ruining the movie, the previews tell you that much], the dog continues to wait in the same spot for 9 years. This movie is based on a true story and has caused many people to cry. There's something about true loyalty that we find awe inspiring and moving. As I was getting ready for bed tonight and reflecting on the movie I realized Hachi parallels another Biblical principle/theme. The truth is that each of us have someone that waits on us everyday, someone who will face the odds (come rain, wind, snow, etc.) to meet us, and someone who when everyone else has given up on us they still hang in there and hope...that someone is Jesus Christ. Although the master-servant roles have been switched in the movie, I found it interesting to reflect on the loyalty of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He died so that we might be forgiven and set free. Many come to know the Lord, but then give into temptation and turn their backs--leaving Christ for the world. But He waits and He is patient, He is loving and loyal--just like Hachi was. Of course, if you die apart from the Lord, it's just like in the movie--you will not get another chance to be with Him. But there is so much opportunity and hope and faith to return while your days are still here--and to such a loyal friend who truly loves you. Now, that's a true story that should make you want to cry.
If you feel like you've gone too far or fallen into too much that Christ won't take you back, you're wrong. He's there, and He patiently awaits your return. Make the right choice.
1 Corinthians 10:13
If you feel like you've gone too far or fallen into too much that Christ won't take you back, you're wrong. He's there, and He patiently awaits your return. Make the right choice.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Necessity of Risk via J. Egly
My word to the wise of today, check this out:
www.chroniclesofaplanter.com/2010/07/necessity-of-risk.html
www.chroniclesofaplanter.com/2010/07/necessity-of-risk.html
Monday, July 19, 2010
if your mouth is zipped, does that mean your jacket is shut?
Working at Starbucks has been a great and adventurous experience. There are the days I burn my fingers for the nth time when rinsing out the expresso shot glasses. There are the days I stand behind the register and watch the same little old man come buy a prebottled Frappucino and sit at a table by himself sipping away at what his morning is dedicated to. Other days hold talking to my coworker about her pregnancy and the wonder of life inside of her--how it's changed her and molded her desires to that of benefiting the child. And still other days involve conversations with a coworker where I ask him about his father and he mentions that his dad passed 4 years ago. And what do you say to that? On this adventure that I call work and my life, often I find myself at a loss for words....
Ever had a moment like that--where you weren't quite sure what to say? Hmm. Happens to a husband when his wife asks about the dress that (although he finds her gorgeous) is not pleasing to the eye. Speechlessness happens when a mother gives birth to a child and can't find the first words to explain what a beautiful miracle has entered her life. But aside from these funny and breathtaking moments, there are those moments where as hard as you may try, you may never know the answer, the explanation, or the words to say.
Why is it that my coworker had to loose his dad at the age of 20? why did another friend lose her mom when she was in 5th grade? what do I say to my mother that just lost her grandmother? I don't know. This I admit very openly: I do not know all the answers. And as cheesey, or 'hymnal book' as it may sound.., though I don't know the answers, I know Who does--God. Does this mean that if you follow God you'll automatically know all the answers. Nope. But as you seek God, talk with Him, and read His word, I can guarantee that you will begin to know His will and to understand Him better. And though you'll likely always have questions of why things happen in your life, there is the promise that He cares for you and wants what's best for you, and there is the hope that you may see some of your loved ones again. There's the hope that you can help others find the longevity--the eternal peace--that comes with knowing Jesus Christ.
In the vein of loss and those we love around us, I'd like to tell the story of a dear friend of mine, Penny Lawson, who passed away a year ago last week. Penny Lawson's climactic story begins when she was in her 20s I believe, for this was before I knew her, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Everything's good, right? It was, until her baby April passed away due to SIDS. April was not here on this Earth for long, and as far as I know, Penny did not have a relationship with Christ at that time to pull her through this very tough situation. So Penny did what a lot of people try to do--she looked for something in this world to at least briefly alleviate her pain--she turned to drugs and alcohol. This lifestyle, though seeming to have some rewards at the time, led Penny to prison.
Into the picture steps a valient prayer warrior, her brother/my assistant pastor, Bro. Terry Rowe. Penny faced a 20 year sentence, and Terry would go and minister to her. Some people would have given up at this point--after all, an addict or someone in prison is too far gone or not worth the effort, right? wrong. The person at your work that God keeps telling you to talk to, your family member that rides the fence, or that guy that went to Bible college only to drop out and decide all Christians must be hypocrites-none of them are beyond hope. If Terry was willing to minister to his sister in prison, you most certainly can tackle your battles. And he didn't stop there...Penny accepted Christ, and also her sentence somehow got cut back quite a bit. Before long, she was in a halfway house, where she was able to check out for a short amount of time. Terry and his wife would come to church for Sunday School, and then drive to the halfway house to pick Penny up. Because of her limited time, she was only able to stay for a majority of the service, but often not the whole service. Some people might have written this off as a waste of time to drive and get her for only part of the service, but not the Rowes.
Penny eventually got out of the halfway house and was able to come to church on her own. She began to become very involved in our church--yes, that's right an ex-con found Jesus and was completely transformed. Her dream after she had gotten saved was to work with the kids program in church--and that she did. She was able to make a huge impact on the lives of our growing children's program. All was going extremely well, she was engaged to be married, when she started having back problems. By the time she got it checked out, it was 4th stage cancer in her liver and lungs. And, as was expected, she passed within about 3 weeks of the initial diagnosis.
In her last days, Penny lived with such a peace and boldness like I've never seen. She was content with going to meet her Maker, and she was also courageous in letting her family members (many of which had fallen far from their faith) know that they needed to find this great relationship with Christ.
Penny died. That's it, right? Why? To this day I don't 100% know the answer, but I do know that in the following weeks, her sister and brother-in-law started coming to our church and rededicated their lives. Praise God--2 lives saved! Not only that, many of Penny's family visited, and her mother and 4 other relatives attend regularly now. I've been told that Roger, who rededicated his life to Christ, saw what was in Penny's eyes and knew he wanted what she had--that wonderful peace and excitement that comes from knowing Christ. [Our faith should be that contagious that people want what we have.] We all will die at some point, and though I still mourn occasionally over the loss of Penny, her life and death were not without purpose. One life went to be with her Heavenly Father, and hopefully that helped at least 2 other lives to follow.
So when things go crazy in your life, or you feel like you're holding onto your last thread; when you can't explain what, when, or why, just hold onto the faith that sometimes you don't have to have all the right words to say or have all the answers. Psalm 46:10-11 reminds us to "Be still and know that [He is] God; [He] will be exalted among the nations, [He] will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge." So when you don't have the words to say and you're surrounded with questions and unknowns, know this: God is in control. In our weakest moments, He becomes His strongest because we let Him. He's given you free will, so you've got to let Him if any of your questions are ever to be answered or your problems to be solved. Hard as we try, we can't do it alone. I continue to believe and encourage that God brings good from all the bad--even if we may never see it.
Seek God's wisdom in your words and ways today, but when you're speechless, know that can glorify Him as well.
Ever had a moment like that--where you weren't quite sure what to say? Hmm. Happens to a husband when his wife asks about the dress that (although he finds her gorgeous) is not pleasing to the eye. Speechlessness happens when a mother gives birth to a child and can't find the first words to explain what a beautiful miracle has entered her life. But aside from these funny and breathtaking moments, there are those moments where as hard as you may try, you may never know the answer, the explanation, or the words to say.
Why is it that my coworker had to loose his dad at the age of 20? why did another friend lose her mom when she was in 5th grade? what do I say to my mother that just lost her grandmother? I don't know. This I admit very openly: I do not know all the answers. And as cheesey, or 'hymnal book' as it may sound.., though I don't know the answers, I know Who does--God. Does this mean that if you follow God you'll automatically know all the answers. Nope. But as you seek God, talk with Him, and read His word, I can guarantee that you will begin to know His will and to understand Him better. And though you'll likely always have questions of why things happen in your life, there is the promise that He cares for you and wants what's best for you, and there is the hope that you may see some of your loved ones again. There's the hope that you can help others find the longevity--the eternal peace--that comes with knowing Jesus Christ.
In the vein of loss and those we love around us, I'd like to tell the story of a dear friend of mine, Penny Lawson, who passed away a year ago last week. Penny Lawson's climactic story begins when she was in her 20s I believe, for this was before I knew her, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Everything's good, right? It was, until her baby April passed away due to SIDS. April was not here on this Earth for long, and as far as I know, Penny did not have a relationship with Christ at that time to pull her through this very tough situation. So Penny did what a lot of people try to do--she looked for something in this world to at least briefly alleviate her pain--she turned to drugs and alcohol. This lifestyle, though seeming to have some rewards at the time, led Penny to prison.
Into the picture steps a valient prayer warrior, her brother/my assistant pastor, Bro. Terry Rowe. Penny faced a 20 year sentence, and Terry would go and minister to her. Some people would have given up at this point--after all, an addict or someone in prison is too far gone or not worth the effort, right? wrong. The person at your work that God keeps telling you to talk to, your family member that rides the fence, or that guy that went to Bible college only to drop out and decide all Christians must be hypocrites-none of them are beyond hope. If Terry was willing to minister to his sister in prison, you most certainly can tackle your battles. And he didn't stop there...Penny accepted Christ, and also her sentence somehow got cut back quite a bit. Before long, she was in a halfway house, where she was able to check out for a short amount of time. Terry and his wife would come to church for Sunday School, and then drive to the halfway house to pick Penny up. Because of her limited time, she was only able to stay for a majority of the service, but often not the whole service. Some people might have written this off as a waste of time to drive and get her for only part of the service, but not the Rowes.
Penny eventually got out of the halfway house and was able to come to church on her own. She began to become very involved in our church--yes, that's right an ex-con found Jesus and was completely transformed. Her dream after she had gotten saved was to work with the kids program in church--and that she did. She was able to make a huge impact on the lives of our growing children's program. All was going extremely well, she was engaged to be married, when she started having back problems. By the time she got it checked out, it was 4th stage cancer in her liver and lungs. And, as was expected, she passed within about 3 weeks of the initial diagnosis.
In her last days, Penny lived with such a peace and boldness like I've never seen. She was content with going to meet her Maker, and she was also courageous in letting her family members (many of which had fallen far from their faith) know that they needed to find this great relationship with Christ.
Penny died. That's it, right? Why? To this day I don't 100% know the answer, but I do know that in the following weeks, her sister and brother-in-law started coming to our church and rededicated their lives. Praise God--2 lives saved! Not only that, many of Penny's family visited, and her mother and 4 other relatives attend regularly now. I've been told that Roger, who rededicated his life to Christ, saw what was in Penny's eyes and knew he wanted what she had--that wonderful peace and excitement that comes from knowing Christ. [Our faith should be that contagious that people want what we have.] We all will die at some point, and though I still mourn occasionally over the loss of Penny, her life and death were not without purpose. One life went to be with her Heavenly Father, and hopefully that helped at least 2 other lives to follow.
So when things go crazy in your life, or you feel like you're holding onto your last thread; when you can't explain what, when, or why, just hold onto the faith that sometimes you don't have to have all the right words to say or have all the answers. Psalm 46:10-11 reminds us to "Be still and know that [He is] God; [He] will be exalted among the nations, [He] will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge." So when you don't have the words to say and you're surrounded with questions and unknowns, know this: God is in control. In our weakest moments, He becomes His strongest because we let Him. He's given you free will, so you've got to let Him if any of your questions are ever to be answered or your problems to be solved. Hard as we try, we can't do it alone. I continue to believe and encourage that God brings good from all the bad--even if we may never see it.
Seek God's wisdom in your words and ways today, but when you're speechless, know that can glorify Him as well.
Monday, July 12, 2010
exactly how sneaky are sneakers?
Tonight I volunteered at my cousin's VBS. We worked in crafts and were helping the kids figure out what flip flop size they needed for an upcoming craft during the week. As we were fitting the kids shoes, one girl who seemed a little less well kempt and socially unsure of herself took off her shoe to reveal a foot that had fungus eating away at the toenails and toes that were bent to the shape of a shoe. Immediately my heart broke for this child. It was clear that the shoes she had were ones she'd worn for quite some time, and I imagine the twisting of her toes was from wearing shoes that were too small as a child. I wanted to snatch that child up, hug her, and buy her a pair of beautiful new shoes. Shoes are something that I sometimes take so for granted. I have probably 20+ pairs between my flip flops, boots, tennis shoes, walking shoes, high heels, etc...and I'm not even that interested in shoes--it just seems you 'need' a pair for different seasons, dressiness, outfits, etc. What broke my heart even more was thinking about how you could easily get a pair of shoes at Walmart for $10-15 for a child...$10-15 is less than I spent on movie tickets last week and not much more than I spent on ice cream.
Sometimes I feel selfish, I'll admit it, that I spend the money I do on myself. It's not so much that I think the Bible says you have to give everything you own to the poor and be miserable yourself...not at all. But I do often struggle when it says to care for the poor, just how far I am supposed to go. I want to give, give, give...but to what end is it realistic, and how much more can I help if I invest some now and save to help more at a later date? That child will live the rest of her life with feet that she will look at and probably feel ugly because of, she may get made fun of because of it come high school, etc. All because when her little precious body was growing, mom and dad probably either couldn't afford shoes for her, or perhaps even didn't care. I'm not sure what her story is, but I know what it could be, and it breaks my heart.
Along the same lines, I was watching TV briefly tonight and it was Dateline or some similar real life crime story show. It was speaking, I believe, about a little girl who had been mistreated. This was after I heard this morning and again this afternoon about the little boy who has disappeared in another state and they are blaming his stepmother. Why would anyone injure a child? Why would anyone mistreat or abuse or sexually assult a child--an innocent child? These things boggle my mind. But, as with any other sin, the devil has his ways of tempting us and making something ugly and horrendous look appealing--so to the person that did whatever to some child out there, for at least a moment, they believed it would fix something or satisfy something within themselves. Oh, the wretched evil one.
So, bad things happen, people mistreat children, people are unable to provide for them, etc. We live in a world, in a country, in a neighborhood full of hurting people that just want to know they are loved. I think that is one of the reasons I find Christ so appealing---no matter who you are, He offers you His love. No one else does that. That's legit. Christ loves all peoples of all colors and all nations, and He has called us to walk in His footsteps and act in His likeness. Oh, what a calling that is. A call to help little ones get the hugs they need a day, to play spades with the homeless in Chicago, IL, to listen to that 14 year old girl that talks your ear off about boys so that she'll know someone cares.
The back of the cereal box shows us a picture of a family that eats together, smiles together, prospers together, etc., but for so much of our country this picture isn't true. So when the home fails, the church needs to be stepping in. And I don't mean the church in the sense of First Baptist at 1001 Such and Such Blvd. No, I mean the church as the whole entire body of Christians that is Christ (1 Corinthian 12:12 tells us we each have a different part to play). We are called to love on orphans, widows, the sick, and the needy. We are called to providing a greater hope to those that do not know the awesomeness that is Jesus Christ. This world needs love in the form of Jesus Christ that is displayed through His people. We need to stop piling on self-help solutions to our problems and get help from ourselves through Jesus Christ. We are a team...after all, this is the battle of good versus evil in the world, and as evil tries to snatch up our babies, our timid, and our unsure brothers and sisters, we are not called to sit back and watch hoping that we do not invade their privacy or offend them; rather, we are called to try our best to help them, knowing that we may sometimes fail, but we will also never succeed if we do not try.
There is a hurting world out there. It gets worse with each passing day for many people, as the burdens pile on and nothing seems to relieve the weight, the pain, or the lack of love. Matthew 11:28 promises that Christ will carry the burdens of His people when they are given to Him. If you believe this to be truth [and if you claim to be Christian I sure hope you do] then by not sharing this reality with your friends, family, and even strangers, you are admitting that their pain and frustration is not worth your effort. And when it's put like that, doesn't it feel a little selfish?
You've got something to do. You've got someone to bless. Perhaps you'll even change the world. My suggestion: ask God what you can be doing for Him today. And at the very least, put forth the effort to make sure one person in your circle today has an absolutely fantastic day. You never know when that extra 'umph' of effort could change or save a life.
You are loved, go love on somebody.
Sometimes I feel selfish, I'll admit it, that I spend the money I do on myself. It's not so much that I think the Bible says you have to give everything you own to the poor and be miserable yourself...not at all. But I do often struggle when it says to care for the poor, just how far I am supposed to go. I want to give, give, give...but to what end is it realistic, and how much more can I help if I invest some now and save to help more at a later date? That child will live the rest of her life with feet that she will look at and probably feel ugly because of, she may get made fun of because of it come high school, etc. All because when her little precious body was growing, mom and dad probably either couldn't afford shoes for her, or perhaps even didn't care. I'm not sure what her story is, but I know what it could be, and it breaks my heart.
Along the same lines, I was watching TV briefly tonight and it was Dateline or some similar real life crime story show. It was speaking, I believe, about a little girl who had been mistreated. This was after I heard this morning and again this afternoon about the little boy who has disappeared in another state and they are blaming his stepmother. Why would anyone injure a child? Why would anyone mistreat or abuse or sexually assult a child--an innocent child? These things boggle my mind. But, as with any other sin, the devil has his ways of tempting us and making something ugly and horrendous look appealing--so to the person that did whatever to some child out there, for at least a moment, they believed it would fix something or satisfy something within themselves. Oh, the wretched evil one.
So, bad things happen, people mistreat children, people are unable to provide for them, etc. We live in a world, in a country, in a neighborhood full of hurting people that just want to know they are loved. I think that is one of the reasons I find Christ so appealing---no matter who you are, He offers you His love. No one else does that. That's legit. Christ loves all peoples of all colors and all nations, and He has called us to walk in His footsteps and act in His likeness. Oh, what a calling that is. A call to help little ones get the hugs they need a day, to play spades with the homeless in Chicago, IL, to listen to that 14 year old girl that talks your ear off about boys so that she'll know someone cares.
The back of the cereal box shows us a picture of a family that eats together, smiles together, prospers together, etc., but for so much of our country this picture isn't true. So when the home fails, the church needs to be stepping in. And I don't mean the church in the sense of First Baptist at 1001 Such and Such Blvd. No, I mean the church as the whole entire body of Christians that is Christ (1 Corinthian 12:12 tells us we each have a different part to play). We are called to love on orphans, widows, the sick, and the needy. We are called to providing a greater hope to those that do not know the awesomeness that is Jesus Christ. This world needs love in the form of Jesus Christ that is displayed through His people. We need to stop piling on self-help solutions to our problems and get help from ourselves through Jesus Christ. We are a team...after all, this is the battle of good versus evil in the world, and as evil tries to snatch up our babies, our timid, and our unsure brothers and sisters, we are not called to sit back and watch hoping that we do not invade their privacy or offend them; rather, we are called to try our best to help them, knowing that we may sometimes fail, but we will also never succeed if we do not try.
There is a hurting world out there. It gets worse with each passing day for many people, as the burdens pile on and nothing seems to relieve the weight, the pain, or the lack of love. Matthew 11:28 promises that Christ will carry the burdens of His people when they are given to Him. If you believe this to be truth [and if you claim to be Christian I sure hope you do] then by not sharing this reality with your friends, family, and even strangers, you are admitting that their pain and frustration is not worth your effort. And when it's put like that, doesn't it feel a little selfish?
You've got something to do. You've got someone to bless. Perhaps you'll even change the world. My suggestion: ask God what you can be doing for Him today. And at the very least, put forth the effort to make sure one person in your circle today has an absolutely fantastic day. You never know when that extra 'umph' of effort could change or save a life.
You are loved, go love on somebody.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
If there was a needle in a haystack, a cow might end up with a tongue piercing
How far would you go? What is it worth it to you?...
Today I was driving home and got stopped at a red light on a somewhat busy street. I always enjoy looking around at red lights and seeing who's dancing in their car, who is digging for gold, and what other little treasures I may find in my surroundings. Today, I was surprised to see a man who seemed to be in his mid-40s walking up the street to the new Cheddars that's opening soon and now hiring. He was wearing khakis and a white oxford that was so drenched on his back from the sweat that it showed through to his wife beater. I could only imagine what distance he had walked to get there, as there aren't houses for a good piece. Then I began to reflect on motivation. I tried to imagine this man's situation... Perhaps he had a family at home to provide for and couldn't find a job. He'd lost his car because he couldn't afford it unemployed, and so he had done all he could to get to the interview at Cheddar's by walking there on a day where the temperature reached 102 degrees. Maybe that was his story. Maybe it wasn't. It made me reflect on my motivation to do things in life--how far I would go to make certain things happen--and how ungrateful I am sometimes for things like my air conditioned vehicle.
Also today, I was talking to my grandmother about how I have so much stuff in my room that I am very challenged to keep it organized. Seeing as I still live under the parents' roof for free rents, they have been a little upset that I can't keep it pristine looking. So I was venting to my grandmother about where to put ALL the stuff I had. She didn't say anything. She didn't have to. I felt silly really because I was venting to a woman who survived the end of the Depression about having too much. Words did not come from her mouth, she had that ever caring grin, but her eyes spoke and cut deeply, "child, if you only knew how blessed you are." I complain about having to organize my 'too much.' All this after returning from a poverty stricken nation. Oh golly.
This seems like a series of confessions here, and perhaps it is, but follow me--there's a reason for all of this. When I was in middle school, my best friend shared with me her love for reading the Bible and how she didn't understand how people could go without reading it everyday. Something clicked when she said that, in fact I hadn't ever thought about reading it daily before even though I was raised in church. Since then, I've tried to read my Bible most every day. Of course I've had spells now and then where I didn't read it for a bit, but have always gone back to it. I'll admit that recently I've been in one of those spells where it's been less than everyday. No, I don't think people who don't read the Bible everyday go to Hell...etc, etc. Don't stretch what I'm saying--I just think that true love is proven by making something a priority (for example, when you love your wife, she gets more love, time, and attention than your buddies whom [you should]love less). So I think, if I love Christ, I should be willing to take time to spend with Him above my other activities. Reading the Bible is part of this 'taking time' and 'showing love' for me.
Someone spoke with me today about how they've fallen out of church a bit--something that was brought to their attention because of a bad day. So the bad day happened for a reason. What's interesting and that they may not have known at the time is that the venting that resulted from the bad day was a blessing to me. Perhaps the boost I needed to pick back up where I'd left off in blogging, in reading the Word, in being more grateful for what I have, and in realizing the potential to not be as blessed as I am (reflecting on the man I saw earlier). Imagine that, another domino effect of events that comes out to good. As bad things continue to happen around us, as we see the evil, injustice, unforgiveness, etc. that fills this world--and perhaps we're hurt, confused, and don't know where to turn--I hope that we can reflect on the fact that God always makes good come from the bad (whether we see it or not, whether in this life or in Heaven) and that we'll turn to the Healer of all wounds big and small, Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work to the good of those that are the called according to His purpose. You have a purpose. You have potential. With Christ, you can make it happen cap'n. So what are you waiting for? Ask yourself- if you knew how to get eternal bliss, perfect happiness, potential to bless others and feel fulfilled, forgiveness for all those things you regret, etc...how far would you go? What is it worth to you? Would you be sitting on the side of the road waiting for the opportunity to come to you (which probably isn't going to happen in the pity pond), or perhaps you'll soak your shirt with sweat and you'll make that happen. Be determined. And never forget--no man is an island. You are the bearer of many small 'stones' of life; as you skip them, they will ripple and impact other, make it a positive ripple..and see just how far you can reach to change more someones' lives for the good.
Thanks to that pick me up I needed today. Thanks to those of you who continue to strive. Never feel your work for good goes unwatched or unappreciated. Whether it's sneaking 10 yuan into a crippled Chinese alms cup (yes, I saw that) or hugging that 15 year old who just wants to commit suicide, you have the ability to make a difference wherever you are. So get to it.
Today I was driving home and got stopped at a red light on a somewhat busy street. I always enjoy looking around at red lights and seeing who's dancing in their car, who is digging for gold, and what other little treasures I may find in my surroundings. Today, I was surprised to see a man who seemed to be in his mid-40s walking up the street to the new Cheddars that's opening soon and now hiring. He was wearing khakis and a white oxford that was so drenched on his back from the sweat that it showed through to his wife beater. I could only imagine what distance he had walked to get there, as there aren't houses for a good piece. Then I began to reflect on motivation. I tried to imagine this man's situation... Perhaps he had a family at home to provide for and couldn't find a job. He'd lost his car because he couldn't afford it unemployed, and so he had done all he could to get to the interview at Cheddar's by walking there on a day where the temperature reached 102 degrees. Maybe that was his story. Maybe it wasn't. It made me reflect on my motivation to do things in life--how far I would go to make certain things happen--and how ungrateful I am sometimes for things like my air conditioned vehicle.
Also today, I was talking to my grandmother about how I have so much stuff in my room that I am very challenged to keep it organized. Seeing as I still live under the parents' roof for free rents, they have been a little upset that I can't keep it pristine looking. So I was venting to my grandmother about where to put ALL the stuff I had. She didn't say anything. She didn't have to. I felt silly really because I was venting to a woman who survived the end of the Depression about having too much. Words did not come from her mouth, she had that ever caring grin, but her eyes spoke and cut deeply, "child, if you only knew how blessed you are." I complain about having to organize my 'too much.' All this after returning from a poverty stricken nation. Oh golly.
This seems like a series of confessions here, and perhaps it is, but follow me--there's a reason for all of this. When I was in middle school, my best friend shared with me her love for reading the Bible and how she didn't understand how people could go without reading it everyday. Something clicked when she said that, in fact I hadn't ever thought about reading it daily before even though I was raised in church. Since then, I've tried to read my Bible most every day. Of course I've had spells now and then where I didn't read it for a bit, but have always gone back to it. I'll admit that recently I've been in one of those spells where it's been less than everyday. No, I don't think people who don't read the Bible everyday go to Hell...etc, etc. Don't stretch what I'm saying--I just think that true love is proven by making something a priority (for example, when you love your wife, she gets more love, time, and attention than your buddies whom [you should]love less). So I think, if I love Christ, I should be willing to take time to spend with Him above my other activities. Reading the Bible is part of this 'taking time' and 'showing love' for me.
Someone spoke with me today about how they've fallen out of church a bit--something that was brought to their attention because of a bad day. So the bad day happened for a reason. What's interesting and that they may not have known at the time is that the venting that resulted from the bad day was a blessing to me. Perhaps the boost I needed to pick back up where I'd left off in blogging, in reading the Word, in being more grateful for what I have, and in realizing the potential to not be as blessed as I am (reflecting on the man I saw earlier). Imagine that, another domino effect of events that comes out to good. As bad things continue to happen around us, as we see the evil, injustice, unforgiveness, etc. that fills this world--and perhaps we're hurt, confused, and don't know where to turn--I hope that we can reflect on the fact that God always makes good come from the bad (whether we see it or not, whether in this life or in Heaven) and that we'll turn to the Healer of all wounds big and small, Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work to the good of those that are the called according to His purpose. You have a purpose. You have potential. With Christ, you can make it happen cap'n. So what are you waiting for? Ask yourself- if you knew how to get eternal bliss, perfect happiness, potential to bless others and feel fulfilled, forgiveness for all those things you regret, etc...how far would you go? What is it worth to you? Would you be sitting on the side of the road waiting for the opportunity to come to you (which probably isn't going to happen in the pity pond), or perhaps you'll soak your shirt with sweat and you'll make that happen. Be determined. And never forget--no man is an island. You are the bearer of many small 'stones' of life; as you skip them, they will ripple and impact other, make it a positive ripple..and see just how far you can reach to change more someones' lives for the good.
Thanks to that pick me up I needed today. Thanks to those of you who continue to strive. Never feel your work for good goes unwatched or unappreciated. Whether it's sneaking 10 yuan into a crippled Chinese alms cup (yes, I saw that) or hugging that 15 year old who just wants to commit suicide, you have the ability to make a difference wherever you are. So get to it.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
If I had tentacles, I would try not to sting you.
The following is a collection of quotes from an article in InTouch magazine about Phil Vischer, the CEO of Big Idea productions (most popularly known for VeggieTales) that recently went out of business after a lawsuit. Phil reflects in the article on how he went through a phase of 'why God, if this was Your will' to 'got it, I transformed it to my own,' and his growth through the process.
-In talking about serving God, and desiring to change the world at one time--"And we're so obsessed with our ambition that we're almost useless. I realized I was so wrapped up in my ambition that I didn't even have the energy to make eye contact with the girl at the grocery store who was bagging my groceries" [perhaps there was an opportunity there]
...here he reflects on how we can be so focused on working for God that we miss what God is telling us to do...don't just seek to do good, seek to do God's.
-Phil's newest venture post-VeggieTales, pay attention to why it's called this--" Well, my new company is called Jellyfish Labs--very intentionally, because jellyfish can't choose their own course. They can't locomote. They are carried by the current. And they have to trust the current will take them where they need to be to keep them alive...for a jellyfish to make a 20-year plan-it's humorous. It's lunatic. I had viewed myself as a big macho barracude in the ocean of life. In reality, I was a jellyfish--basically, a spineless bag of goo that has no form."
--What he learned, to sum up: "In reality, if I've given Christ lordship of my life, and if I understand the concept of lordship, where I am in 20 years is really none of my business. It's my business to say,'okay, God, what have You called me to do today.' And that may have more to do with how I treat the girl who's bagging my groceries than my big plans to change the world."
This article is timely. As I sit and think about what I will be doing in a year when I graduate there are lots of options on my plate--Do I want to travel, further my education, get married and settle down, start a career, etc.? And at the top of my to do list in life seems to be this deep desire to change the world. I want-- that part at the end of a movie where everyone is happy, and hugging, and the joyous triumphant music plays--I want to make that happen. My heart breaks for all the pain in the world--here at home and abroad, and I realize more and more everyday that I cannot fix it all. In fact, sometimes I have problems even fixing that which is directly in front of me. Quite frankly, I don't deal well with failure. I am coming to realize though, as it seems Phil Vischer did when his company and life investment crashed, that I cannot fix everything and I cannot change the world. In fact, I can't even get up in the morning without the help of my Heavenly Father. I'm completely useless--and I'd be completely lifeless without Him.
I just returned from a trip to China where I was faced with poverty, lower conditions of living (even for the wealthier), different traditions, and a large amount of hopelessness. Some of these people travel to and from work everyday with nothing on their mind but survival, others have no concept of why they do what they do--they just don't want to be rejected socially, and still others are depressed and lonely, longing to feel truly loved and known by someone. While we are in a world filled with people who are flawed and make mistakes, there is one love that cannot be a mistake, that doesn't leave a person, and that guides people to help them figure out just what exactly they are doing here...that love is from Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful that I know Him. I'm grateful that I can acknowledge that though I am a screw up in so many ways and I certainly have my faults, He still takes me, is patient with me, loves me and forgives me.
I'm still figuring out what I want to do in a year. I'll be honest to say that I'm uncertain at times about my investments in this life--be it relationships, money, career, or school. But I'm learning slowly and often painfully that I'm not God's gift to the whole world, I can't fix the whole world, and I can't do very much at all without Him. I ask that you pray for me as I come to make these decisions, that I'll impact the right people at the right times, and that I will have patience along the way. May you each, also, be satisfied with where you are today---take Phil's advice and trust the current to take you where you need to be. That current is Jesus Christ.
-In talking about serving God, and desiring to change the world at one time--"And we're so obsessed with our ambition that we're almost useless. I realized I was so wrapped up in my ambition that I didn't even have the energy to make eye contact with the girl at the grocery store who was bagging my groceries" [perhaps there was an opportunity there]
...here he reflects on how we can be so focused on working for God that we miss what God is telling us to do...don't just seek to do good, seek to do God's.
-Phil's newest venture post-VeggieTales, pay attention to why it's called this--" Well, my new company is called Jellyfish Labs--very intentionally, because jellyfish can't choose their own course. They can't locomote. They are carried by the current. And they have to trust the current will take them where they need to be to keep them alive...for a jellyfish to make a 20-year plan-it's humorous. It's lunatic. I had viewed myself as a big macho barracude in the ocean of life. In reality, I was a jellyfish--basically, a spineless bag of goo that has no form."
--What he learned, to sum up: "In reality, if I've given Christ lordship of my life, and if I understand the concept of lordship, where I am in 20 years is really none of my business. It's my business to say,'okay, God, what have You called me to do today.' And that may have more to do with how I treat the girl who's bagging my groceries than my big plans to change the world."
This article is timely. As I sit and think about what I will be doing in a year when I graduate there are lots of options on my plate--Do I want to travel, further my education, get married and settle down, start a career, etc.? And at the top of my to do list in life seems to be this deep desire to change the world. I want-- that part at the end of a movie where everyone is happy, and hugging, and the joyous triumphant music plays--I want to make that happen. My heart breaks for all the pain in the world--here at home and abroad, and I realize more and more everyday that I cannot fix it all. In fact, sometimes I have problems even fixing that which is directly in front of me. Quite frankly, I don't deal well with failure. I am coming to realize though, as it seems Phil Vischer did when his company and life investment crashed, that I cannot fix everything and I cannot change the world. In fact, I can't even get up in the morning without the help of my Heavenly Father. I'm completely useless--and I'd be completely lifeless without Him.
I just returned from a trip to China where I was faced with poverty, lower conditions of living (even for the wealthier), different traditions, and a large amount of hopelessness. Some of these people travel to and from work everyday with nothing on their mind but survival, others have no concept of why they do what they do--they just don't want to be rejected socially, and still others are depressed and lonely, longing to feel truly loved and known by someone. While we are in a world filled with people who are flawed and make mistakes, there is one love that cannot be a mistake, that doesn't leave a person, and that guides people to help them figure out just what exactly they are doing here...that love is from Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful that I know Him. I'm grateful that I can acknowledge that though I am a screw up in so many ways and I certainly have my faults, He still takes me, is patient with me, loves me and forgives me.
I'm still figuring out what I want to do in a year. I'll be honest to say that I'm uncertain at times about my investments in this life--be it relationships, money, career, or school. But I'm learning slowly and often painfully that I'm not God's gift to the whole world, I can't fix the whole world, and I can't do very much at all without Him. I ask that you pray for me as I come to make these decisions, that I'll impact the right people at the right times, and that I will have patience along the way. May you each, also, be satisfied with where you are today---take Phil's advice and trust the current to take you where you need to be. That current is Jesus Christ.
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