God Blessed the Broken Road that led me...up this mountaintop to tell the world about it!

At the beginning of service where I attend church, generally they open up the floor and ask if there are any testimonies/praise reports/special singing. This morning when they asked, I spoke up just thanking God for an awesome week (this week, one thing I've been praying for for a good while started to work through a process of coming about--plus it was just an enjoyable week with great weather). But after I got done speaking, I thought--why do I limit God to just that?...He's done vastly SO much more than that for me. Why is it that we are ready to praise God on Sundays during 'praise report time,' but we don't always take it to the streets in our everyday lives? As Christians, why/how/when did we let praising God constantly and consistently as part of our everyday routine become less than the social norm?--almost counter cultural to do this? When this world of sinners has been so blessed with the opportunity of salvation, why don't we give God praise more often--especially if we've accepted Him into our heart and know Him as a personal friend, leader, and savior?

Think about it like this: when we recieve salvation, God grants us eternal life in Heaven..so essentially, your life has been saved. Now, imagine that John Doe and you are out fishing one day, the boat flips, you knock you head unconscious on a rock, and he saves you life by pulling you out of the water to safety...would you not then tell everyone you know--John Doe saved my life!! God's done that and SO much more for us--we should be constantly praising Him, and full of His joy for all that He's done for us--so much so it bubbles over and we have to tell someone. Imagine the following scenarios and how you have/do/would react to them:
-you get a new car/new accessories or rims for your car (guys night out becomes the 'gather round my rims' social)
-you get engaged/new boyfriend or girlfriend ($500 engagement pictures, perhaps)
-you get promoted at work (brag, brag, brag?)
-you win the Nobel Peace Prize or some other phenomenal award (even the newspapers would cover this)
-your kids get Honor Roll (...bumper stickers last forever)
-you're pregnant! ('let me show you my ultrasound!')
-you buy a new house (house warming party anyone?)
...so do you see that? You spread the word! Why? Because you're excited! Because life is good, things are happening, goals are being met! I will tell you I have yet to experience some of those situations, but you better believe my girl pals stay up to date on whether or not the guy I'm interested in has finally asked me to be his girlfriend (btw, hasn't happened yet...see, I'm even telling my blog readers...). Love makes us giggly and silly and excited, etc. I declare that a relationship with Christ is a love relationship--it makes us feel special and requires effort just like a dating/marriage relationship. So why don't we get giggly for God? Why don't we just bubble over to the point where its like--"I don't care if I've told you this story 6 times, I'm just so excited about it, I want to tell it again!" (ever done that with any of the issues above)...even better though is that God is constantly blessing us and providing us with new things to get excited about...each day of life brings new stories. If you are sitting there thinking you are not blessed, look around you at health, family, food...internet access (yeah, we don't realize this sometimes, but that's a huge luxury--even if it's coming from a local library). Point is we are blessed each day with new breath and new life...and new opportunities to tackle more ground for God--so let's get excited, people of God, let's spread the word and joy that we have. Once you've accepted Christ into your life and recieved salvation, you've got something AWESOME! (the most awesome thing, out of this world!)...don't you want others to see how awesome it is so that they can grab onto the opportunity as well? Therefore, doesn't it make us selfish if we don't share it and let everyone know about it?

Recently on the Living Word with Dave Stone (a Southeast Christian radio ministry), Dave related a story about a couple that accepted Christ into their life, and as new Christians were so excited and telling all of their friends--they were relating their new lives with another couple who replied that they knew, they were Christians too and had been for a while. The newly saved couple was completely shocked and almost offended and upset that their friends who were Christians had never told them about this awesome thing that they had in their lives. Don't let that be you. Don't live in your little shell and carry your Christianity in a sealed bag, only to let it out in the church building, and to quickly conceal it again after service is over. You have been blessed beyond compare (even better than $2000 rims or a new baby) you've got eternal life--you've got a love worth sharing, so get out there and get to it!

I leave you with some scripture to reflect on--Philippians 4:4 which tells us to ALWAYS be full of joy in the Lord, and to always rejoice in Him (mind you that doesn't mean that you are always happy, for trials will come, but rather be full of joy in God and what He's done for you--knowing there are better days promised ahead if you've accepted salvation through Christ). Also, take a look at Matthew 9:27-31. This is the story of where Jesus heals 2 blind men because of their faith and then tells them to go and tell no one...yet they spread the news all over the region. Just imagine someone gives you back your sight after years of blindness, and their request is that you keep it to yourself...yet, you go and tell everyone...these men were so excited and so confident in their healer that they wanted EVERYONE to know about Him and His wonderous powers. We should be that way every day--it should not take sickness, near death experiences, a new car, or what have you for us to shout it from the rooftops that our God IS great--in fact, the greatest!

Rascal Flatts, a popular country group said it well about a dating/marriage relationship when they said "I'm gunna stand on a rooftop, climb up a mountaintop, baby, scream and shout. I want to sing it on the radio, show it on a video, baby, leave no doubt. I want the whole world to know, just what I'm all about. I love to love you out loud!" Christ is coming back for His bride (an illustration used throughout the Bible symbolizing the church--the entire body of Christian believers throughout the world), thus, we sould be singing about this marriage relationship just like Rascal Flatts did--whether you have to climb a mountain, stand on a roof (be careful!), etc...do whatever it takes and whatever God leads you to do to let His love for all and your love for Him be known.

without a pillow, there would be no pillow fights.

Why is it that it takes so much effort to get us to rest? It seems so often our bodies have to get sick and cry out, "hey, I'm worn out here," in order for us to take a break, take a breather, and take a step off the playing field. In today's fast paced world of success driven society, we sell ourselves for our desires...seriously (here me out before you get all offended). Every hour you give to work is in hopes for compensation/promotion/something of value. So say you were alloted 70 years of life (assuming you actually could know)...then each hour you give to something (i.e. work) would not just be a simple hour, but rather a fraction of your life. The more time you put into something, the more valuable it is to you. I understand that it's hard to balance a schedule and all the things you'd like to do--sacrifices have to be made. Just keep in mind that what you devote the most time to is your priority...So ask yourself--how much of a fraction of your life is God worth? What about your kids, family, friends? Your health depends on your rest--and our brilliant Creator knew this...I believe He made us easily worn out on purpose. Isn't it true that in the times we take to step back from the world that we tend to draw closer to Him? Not only that, but that we require Him for rest from stresses and worries in life. Most Christians are familiar with the creation story and how God worked 6 days and rested on the 7th as an example for what we should do...set aside a day just for the Lord. Ezekiel 20:20 tells us "Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. That you will know that I am the LORD your God."...God is speaking to the Israelites after being led out of Egypt--out of slavery and bondage--here. Just imagine if you had been rescued from a life of pain and misery, from bondage by the most powerful nation at that time--don't you think you would be in awe of whomever had saved you?? And yet, even with that, God knew that the worries and cares of this world would distract people from Him if He did not command them to set aside one of seven days as holy. Let God know how important He is to you by investing time in that relationship--remember you will reap what you sow..don't you want to sow a rich relationship with God? One that endures through trials? In my experience, He's the best friend to have in trials (psst, He's gt all the answers, and your best interest in mind). Matthew 11:28 tells us to come to Christ with our burdens and have rest...whatever you are facing today, don't wait until it's too late to rest--our bodies are not perfect and break down for a reason. Slow down, enjoy the view, and talk to God. He commanded this so that you will spend time with Him.

What are you priorities and what does your life reveal is important to you? If there's something you need to change, don't wait until it's too late.

If your Spiritual life were a tree, would you water it?

What is effort? Really, think about it. Effort in my eyes is something we put forth to accomplish something we find worthwhile. Why, then, is it sometimes so hard to put forth effort in our Spiritual life?--isn't it something we can deem worthwhile? I will be the first to admit that I find my relationship with Christ very worthwhile--even if He had never done anything for me but save me from my sins (aka spare me from the awful pits of eternity in Hell), I would still be indebted to Him. But it's even more than just His salvation, but the fact that He's a constant companion (Joshua 1:9), that He desires to hear my heart's desires and to talk to me (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)..That's not something you get all the time in friends these days. We're busy, and don't make time for a lot of things, but God's never too busy for us (even though He's in control of everything--awesome, I know, it's like He's the Creator or something...). I find that when it comes to "devo time," "quiet time" or whatever you want to call it, sleeping or doing something more entertaining sounds so much more appealing sometimes. This is not without good reason. The Bible tells us that our flesh/sinful nature desires different things than our Spirit (Galatians 5: 16-17). But let's go back to the original thought--can we truthfully say it is worth the effort? If we believe that Christ has came and died for our sins and have made a commitment to serving Him, it should be an easy 'yes, it is worth the effort.' Now it's just applying it.

I have found throughout the course of my 12 years since I accepted Christ, that different people have different needs for quiet time and that, while it's important to spend time with God, there's no rulebook on how best to do it. At some points I have done the nightly devotion before I go to bed, setting it aside with my toothbrushing and other habits of the evening. I have found throughout the course of doing this though that I tend to be ready to sleep when I head to bed, and so, even if I put aside the time to do it, I had less energy, was more drowsy, and seemed to get less out of it/put less into it. Then, previously I had a schedule that allowed me to wake up in the morning and spend time with God before I went into classes. This worked really well because by the time I drove into school, I was awake, and it was a great starter to get me in the right midset for my day. Currently, I have decided to set aside a specific time at night (i.e. 10:00) where I do my devotion, whether I am going to bed immediately afterward or several hours later. This way, I have the time blocked off in my mind as if I can't do other things at that time--kinda like having a date with God.

As far as recommendations on what to read/resources/etc, I have also found myself going through different phases. I really enjoy Max Lucado's books--a good one to start you on getting your devo time into place is "Every Day Deserves a Chance"--it's about slowing down and appreciating things in a fast paced life. Other than that, I would suggest reading the book of Proverbs in a 31 day month also..a chapter a day gets a whole book done in a month. Perhaps pick up a Bible study and work through it (you don't have to have a group to do these great resourceful books--Beth Moore has been highly recommended by many, though I've never read her myself). Other ideas to include in your day are radio ministries. Although I believe it's important to read the Bible yourself and talk with God personally, sometimes listening to ministries like Chip Ingram's Living on the Edge (7 am, 94.7 FM), or Southeast Christians' The Living Word (7:30 AM, 94.7 FM) can be a good boost to the morning. Last fall, I listened to The Living Word on my commute in every morning, now I listen to it in the shower and while I'm getting ready. Talk to God as you walk, as you drive, as you shower..pray and communicate consistently and constantly, like it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

God wants a relationship, and though I know it's sometimes hard to find the time--remember, it IS worth the effort, and if you really desire to make time for it, God will provide a way--it may take change and sacrifice..but just remember, in the end, you'll make time for what's important to you. Need to revamp something in your life? That, my friend, is between you and God; something to which I do not have the answer. My advice: don't say no to the best friend you'll ever have (God).

get out your hair brush, it's time to tame that fro.

Today I wore my hair curly. But seriously, what inspiring thing can come from having your hair one way or the other? Well it's not so much that as the fact that I just looked in the reflection of my laptop screen and saw myself (specificaly my curly hair that looks like a lion's mane in the wind), and I laughed. This brought to mind the scripture in James 1:23-25 that references a man seeing himself in the mirror and then walking away and forgetting his appearance. Now, I'm not condoning that you constantly look at yourself in the mirror or are always concerned with your physical appearance for that would be vanity..instead I am referencing your spiritual appearance--what we are to look like as reflections of God. We are made in His image--but to carry this a little further, we should be attempting to become like the image of God (that is, Him as a Being, His actions, His wisdom and ways, etc.). Specifically this passage in James is talking about being doers of the Word and not hearers only. And the Word is our source to uncover the image of God and Christ and how we are supposed to be. So, no, do not walk around thinking about your curls and tan (or lack of, like myself), but rather think about Christ, His life, and how we can mimic His life and His actions as our own. I challenge you not to make your life a Bible-on-Sunday-only lifestyle, but strive to reflect on this "mirror" of the Word daily--make sure that you're keeping everything tidy in that reflection--and most importantly, when you use this word daily don't just make it a momentary glance, but a lifestyle. I can at least say for my life that if I'm not constantly reminding myself of what I'm striving for and what I'm supposed to look like as this 'reflection in the mirror' through the Word, I find it more challenging to react as I should in challenging situations (like pride, temptation, anger, revenge, gossip, etc...the things we deem 'little' sins which are not so little--as all sin separates us from God and keeps us from the image we should be reflecting. [a big one for me is James 1:26]) We are human, yes. We err, yes. But we are called to reflect/mimic/become like something much greater and to try to err as little as possible--applying the Word helps us to accomplish this...yes.

Onward.

Once you pop you just can't stop. This doesn't apply only to Pringles.

Tonight I went to blog. After some attempts to construct an idea I had earlier, half of it got accidentally deleted by a mistake of one key and the autosave. So instead of making this lengthy or expressive, I will let the Bible speak for itself. I leave you with Proverbs 5 [btw, if you have ever wanted a simple reading cycle, Proverbs has 31 chapters and is a great idea to read the chapter that coincides with the day on a 31 day month].

Proverbs 5 speaks of the cycle that results from adultery...What starts out as seduction ends in destruction. Even if adultery seems like something that would never tempt you or happen to you, any temptation can follow this path--what at first seems harmless, or just that the 'good' or awesome feelings outweigh the bad, quickly reveals its true identity, with the damages to reap.

Just remember to think...and think...and pray...and think before you act. It's not just you who feels your consequences. There are people watching you and your walk--children, coworkers, family, and friends, etc...when you consider the costs and damage consider not only yourself but also others you may be unaware of. After all, no man is an island...

Be strong--1 Corinthians 10:13 says this one's not to big for you to battle. And with Christ, I believe you can conquer anything. :) (Philippians 4:13, Romans 8:37).

giving credit where credit is due...in this credit market, there's lots of debt.

Where I work there are a certain amount of goals we have to meet as far as sales--which makes sense since it's a small business. So we have these certain items that we have to meet a certain goal for number wise. Often before I go into work, I will say a little prayer that God would help me to reach these goals. When I do meet these goals or exceed them, I tend to get prideful and over-confident in MY abilities. Now it's not that I feel that confidence is a bad thing--otherwise I'm in trouble for I may be one of the most confident people you'll meet--but rather it's realizing why I can be confident, who I am confident in, and that when I am successful (especially in answer to prayer), it is not because of myself but because of God. I hope that I can improve on being a beacon of what God has done through and for me. I have been blessed with many talents, and will admit that for the majority of my life I have used these talents to glorify myself...valedictorian, most rebounds in basketball, leadership positions and conferences galore...I gave my parents bragging rights and have boasted in and of myself multiple times. But I recognize this--Proverbs 27:2 says, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips."...so there's not really any wiggle room there. I need to just keep it shut when it comes to 'me me me' time. What I'm trying to drive home here is remember where the glory comes from. We are made in the image of God, the image of Christ--we are reflections of His handiwork and everything we are able to do is through and by the power He provides (Philippians 4:13). We can do nothing on our own (John 15:1-8). So when God blesses us with abilities, with beauty, with brains, with honor, with talent, etc. we need to appreciate and credit the source [God, our Creator]. In the same vein, when we see other's talents it is also important that we give God the credit for their talents and see His glory in them, that we are not jealous of them and do not covet their talents. He has given each of us a divine purpose, and we need to seek that and not feel down when we aren't the best singers, writers, speakers, etc. We each have our strengths and weaknesses--but hey, if we all spoke well, there'd be no one to listen, and then speaking would be quite pointless. When we fall short of our goals, it is also important that we seek to understand God's purpose in that. Sometimes it's that He wants us to be good, but that He wants more of our heart in the situation and more effort put forth. Sometimes our failures are to humble us when pride overtakes our ability to be good witnesses for Him. Other times we fail because God is trying to point us in another direction, and failure is sometimes the only way our stubborn minds will look to His will and not our own. He's got a great story for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), and when He allows you to be a success in something, make sure you remember to credit the Big Guy (God). Fortunately, He charges no interest, but He does have an interest in you :)

bowing down requires joints

what is one way to distract yourself from a goal? find something that becomes more interesting and more captivating than the goal. perhaps this has happened in your life?--prayer life comes second because boyfriend is AWESOME (of course, you wouldn't date anyone who wasn't), church takes a backseat because Sunday is homework catch up day...etc. You know your situation, I don't need to guess at it or point things out. This I will make brief and leave you with.

Exodus 20:3-4--no one should come before God.
Mark 12:30--we are to love God with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Self check: (because you and God are the only ones that know 100% what's going on between the 2 of you)...are you doing what these scriptures say or has something else become the object of your attention and worship?