Sunday, July 31, 2005
From Pakistan to the US
Today melissa and I went to Club 31 at The Living Center in Le Mars. The guest speaker was raised in Pakistan, a 98% Muslim country today. She basically talked about her childhood and some of the persecution she encountered as a Christian in Pakistan. Her grandfather became a Christian from missionaries stationed in their country. How cool is that?? She also talked about the difference in the Koran and the Bible, which was interesting as well. I learned so much- I am definetly interested in learning about the Muslim faith and what they believe. She also stated that Jesus was the only prophet to ever say "Love thine enemies." also very cool.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
dragging on
"When I lie down, I think, 'How long before I get up? The night drags on, and I toss till dawn." -Job 7:4
(granted, I'm not going through a trial like Job whatsoever) but sometimes I feel like the days and nights drag on forever. can this summer move any slower? actually, it probably could. i am kind of tired of it. i know, you might think it's weird, but i don't care. i am so excited for the fall, and i feel in a rut right now. i am so close to finishing my classes i just need to pull it together and get them done. hm. i think what i'm really missing is a hectic schedule. working only 20 hrs/week has been nice but it's left me with extra time and barely any cash. i'm definetly ready for a full class load and 5 million other things to do.
(granted, I'm not going through a trial like Job whatsoever) but sometimes I feel like the days and nights drag on forever. can this summer move any slower? actually, it probably could. i am kind of tired of it. i know, you might think it's weird, but i don't care. i am so excited for the fall, and i feel in a rut right now. i am so close to finishing my classes i just need to pull it together and get them done. hm. i think what i'm really missing is a hectic schedule. working only 20 hrs/week has been nice but it's left me with extra time and barely any cash. i'm definetly ready for a full class load and 5 million other things to do.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
I'm an egg.
Don't worry, you're an egg, too. In fact, in the great mind of C.S. Lewis, we are all eggs.
"And, you cannot go on indefinately being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad."
"The Christian way is different: harder and easier. Christ says, 'Give Me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I Want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it.' 'I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.' "
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. -Galations 2:20
Either you are an egg that is going to go bad (or has already gone bad), or you have given yourself up and have become hatched into a new creation in Christ. And that, folks, is a hard decision to make. It is very hard to give it up. But - "The cowardly thing to do is also the most dangerous thing." It's easy to back out of this 'giving everything up' business. But backing out, ignoring Christ, is the most dangerous thing a human being can ever do.
The sad thing is, I didn't realize I was doing it. I have been surrounded by wonderful people for the first 18.5 years of my life, but then I came to college. And I saw a group of people that were different than every one else I had ever met. This group was truly different, and it didn't take me too long to find out why. They were trying to live as Christ calls us to live. At first I wanted so desperately to be a part of that group that I did the same things they did, and acted as they did.
After awhile, I decided I was doing those things for the wrong motives. I took a look at myself. I took a look at my Bible. And I prayed that God would change me into the person he wanted me to be. The person he created me to be. God calls us to live a different life. To live a moral, righteous life. A life that is possible by accepting and having faith in his awesome gift of grace.
I'll say it again: either you are an egg that is going to go bad, or you have given yourself up and have become hatched into a new creation in Christ. There IS no middle ground. I used to think that because I went to church, participated in youth group events and lived a pretty decent life, I was ok. I didn't know that it was all or nothing. I didn't understand that inside I really wanted to give myself up. And this doesn't mean giving up, it means giving up my own selfish desires.
Handing it all over to Christ - it's terrible, almost impossible. "But it is far easier than what we are trying to do instead." We want "to keep personal happiness as our great aim in life and yet at the same time be 'good.' "
We try to keep "personal happiness as our great aim" - this is true. But, a person can be more joyful when they accept Christ and all that he has to offer them than when they are trying to make themself happy. This world is not perfect. Sometimes, it sucks. But even during the bad times, I can still be joyful that the Lord is here with me and wants the best for me. Even when bad things happen, I can have faith that they have happened for a reason that I may not understand.
"'In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.' " Giving up our wants and desires and seeking God's will is so important, I can't stress it enough. By living for Christ on this earth, I know that I can live forever in the kingdom of heaven. "He offers everything for nothing. The whole Christian life consists in accepting that very remarkable offer."
(the quotes in this text are from Mere Christianity by CS Lewis, which I recommend to everyone)
"And, you cannot go on indefinately being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad."
"The Christian way is different: harder and easier. Christ says, 'Give Me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I Want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it.' 'I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.' "
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. -Galations 2:20
Either you are an egg that is going to go bad (or has already gone bad), or you have given yourself up and have become hatched into a new creation in Christ. And that, folks, is a hard decision to make. It is very hard to give it up. But - "The cowardly thing to do is also the most dangerous thing." It's easy to back out of this 'giving everything up' business. But backing out, ignoring Christ, is the most dangerous thing a human being can ever do.
The sad thing is, I didn't realize I was doing it. I have been surrounded by wonderful people for the first 18.5 years of my life, but then I came to college. And I saw a group of people that were different than every one else I had ever met. This group was truly different, and it didn't take me too long to find out why. They were trying to live as Christ calls us to live. At first I wanted so desperately to be a part of that group that I did the same things they did, and acted as they did.
After awhile, I decided I was doing those things for the wrong motives. I took a look at myself. I took a look at my Bible. And I prayed that God would change me into the person he wanted me to be. The person he created me to be. God calls us to live a different life. To live a moral, righteous life. A life that is possible by accepting and having faith in his awesome gift of grace.
I'll say it again: either you are an egg that is going to go bad, or you have given yourself up and have become hatched into a new creation in Christ. There IS no middle ground. I used to think that because I went to church, participated in youth group events and lived a pretty decent life, I was ok. I didn't know that it was all or nothing. I didn't understand that inside I really wanted to give myself up. And this doesn't mean giving up, it means giving up my own selfish desires.
Handing it all over to Christ - it's terrible, almost impossible. "But it is far easier than what we are trying to do instead." We want "to keep personal happiness as our great aim in life and yet at the same time be 'good.' "
We try to keep "personal happiness as our great aim" - this is true. But, a person can be more joyful when they accept Christ and all that he has to offer them than when they are trying to make themself happy. This world is not perfect. Sometimes, it sucks. But even during the bad times, I can still be joyful that the Lord is here with me and wants the best for me. Even when bad things happen, I can have faith that they have happened for a reason that I may not understand.
"'In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.' " Giving up our wants and desires and seeking God's will is so important, I can't stress it enough. By living for Christ on this earth, I know that I can live forever in the kingdom of heaven. "He offers everything for nothing. The whole Christian life consists in accepting that very remarkable offer."
(the quotes in this text are from Mere Christianity by CS Lewis, which I recommend to everyone)
content
Tonight I feel very content.
Some things may not be certain,
Some things may not be known.
But here I sit and thank my Maker,
Whose love He has so greatly shown.
I am by no means rich,
I am not wise or perfect or strong.
But here I am in my Savior's arms-
He will keep me from all harm.
I have never been sure of
anything in my life until
the moment I knew I needed You.
True, I have a lot to love, to see, to do,
but my truest devotion remains to You.
Some things may not be certain,
Some things may not be known.
But here I sit and thank my Maker,
Whose love He has so greatly shown.
I am by no means rich,
I am not wise or perfect or strong.
But here I am in my Savior's arms-
He will keep me from all harm.
I have never been sure of
anything in my life until
the moment I knew I needed You.
True, I have a lot to love, to see, to do,
but my truest devotion remains to You.
Friday, July 22, 2005
blah
not an interesting enough day for a creative title. ahhh. another day, another dollar at the continuing ed. building on campus. Actually the whole building was out for a staff retreat today so I work a 9 hr day; not too bad but I am tired from getting up at 630am. Only bad thing was that I couldn't go to fast track for campus crusade, but my good ol' roommate melissa stepped in for me. I am getting even more excited for this fall each time I meet new freshmen. Big things are going to happen this year.
Monday, July 18, 2005
look out 2nd burgess
Well, it's (FINALLY) official: I will be a CA on 2nd floor in Burgess Hall for the 05-06 school year (unless they let me go for being too mean to students. ha, yeah right). AND you want to know the best part? of course you do: my dear roommie Joy is my Co! This year is going to be awesome.
Sidenote: this opportunity suddenly arose earlier this summer. Originally, Joy and I thought about being CA's, but decided against it for many reasons...well ok, she couldn't bear the thought of not living with me (ha!) No, seriously, we decided against it, but I guess God has other plans for us. I am excited to see what those are. AND lys will be over on 3rd Norton, just 4 floors and a hallway away. :] This is going to be an awesome experience not found anywhere else.
Sidenote: this opportunity suddenly arose earlier this summer. Originally, Joy and I thought about being CA's, but decided against it for many reasons...well ok, she couldn't bear the thought of not living with me (ha!) No, seriously, we decided against it, but I guess God has other plans for us. I am excited to see what those are. AND lys will be over on 3rd Norton, just 4 floors and a hallway away. :] This is going to be an awesome experience not found anywhere else.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
identity
No, i'm not talking mathematical identities here (not with the grade I earned in calc.) I'm talking about individuality; Who are you? What defines you? What's the number one most important thing in your life?
So how do I find this out? I used to have the standard general answer- "I'm me- I'm who I want to be. I am defined by my knowledge and kindness. The number one most important thing in my life...is me."
What's wrong with these answers? Nothing? First, how many times do I say "I?" I despise that letter (there it is again). There is too much focus on ourselves (this issue has already been attended to.) Second, I have been totally humbled the past year. I am not the most intelligent person i know (by far). I am also not the kindest person i know (i knew that all along). Third, it doesn't matter. Someone will always be more intelligent, more kind. I can't believe that I used to let these things define me. I can't believe I used to let success define me. It's easy to do- until you can't find success. What happens when the most important thing in your life is your career, and suddenly you become blind, or deaf, or paralyzed and you are no longer successful at that?
The answers to these questions are really important. Everyone must have at least one main goal or focus in life. If not, may I ask "what are you doing?!?" Even if the goal is to make it through life with no real goals, at least you have a main goal. (PS, that's a pretty bad goal).
Choose wisely. Keep in mind; this main focus should keep you going. It should be the reason you live and you should be willing to die for it. It should be your source of joy.
I think it's sooo cliche when people talk about "finding themselves," but I just have to force myself to focus on the importance of it. Maybe I think it cliche because I've already found myself. I know there will be hard times. I know there will be struggles in the midst of happiness. I also know I don't have to live this life alone. I've found my identity. I know who I am. I know the one most important thing in my life. I know what I live for and what I cherish. I hope you find it, too.
So how do I find this out? I used to have the standard general answer- "I'm me- I'm who I want to be. I am defined by my knowledge and kindness. The number one most important thing in my life...is me."
What's wrong with these answers? Nothing? First, how many times do I say "I?" I despise that letter (there it is again). There is too much focus on ourselves (this issue has already been attended to.) Second, I have been totally humbled the past year. I am not the most intelligent person i know (by far). I am also not the kindest person i know (i knew that all along). Third, it doesn't matter. Someone will always be more intelligent, more kind. I can't believe that I used to let these things define me. I can't believe I used to let success define me. It's easy to do- until you can't find success. What happens when the most important thing in your life is your career, and suddenly you become blind, or deaf, or paralyzed and you are no longer successful at that?
The answers to these questions are really important. Everyone must have at least one main goal or focus in life. If not, may I ask "what are you doing?!?" Even if the goal is to make it through life with no real goals, at least you have a main goal. (PS, that's a pretty bad goal).
Choose wisely. Keep in mind; this main focus should keep you going. It should be the reason you live and you should be willing to die for it. It should be your source of joy.
I think it's sooo cliche when people talk about "finding themselves," but I just have to force myself to focus on the importance of it. Maybe I think it cliche because I've already found myself. I know there will be hard times. I know there will be struggles in the midst of happiness. I also know I don't have to live this life alone. I've found my identity. I know who I am. I know the one most important thing in my life. I know what I live for and what I cherish. I hope you find it, too.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
priority
"The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does
food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all." -Ecclesiastes 9:11
'...time and chance happen to them all.' In essence, we are all the same. We are all here on this earth for a short time. Some of us are here longer than others. Life is a matter of identity (already hit that topic once) and a matter of priority. As my perspective on life and what I am doing with mine was changed last fall, I find myself slipping into a dull pattern of mediocrity. Work, Eat, Study, Sleep. Actually, my life isn't boring by any means, but this monotony has definitely hindered my perspective. It's even started to effect my priorities.
My priorities have been messed up for a long time. They have changed now, and they probably will change little by little, but the basics will always be there; I have a stronger sense of who I am and why I might possibly be here. They will never be fully changed again, no matter how rough life gets.
food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all." -Ecclesiastes 9:11
'...time and chance happen to them all.' In essence, we are all the same. We are all here on this earth for a short time. Some of us are here longer than others. Life is a matter of identity (already hit that topic once) and a matter of priority. As my perspective on life and what I am doing with mine was changed last fall, I find myself slipping into a dull pattern of mediocrity. Work, Eat, Study, Sleep. Actually, my life isn't boring by any means, but this monotony has definitely hindered my perspective. It's even started to effect my priorities.
My priorities have been messed up for a long time. They have changed now, and they probably will change little by little, but the basics will always be there; I have a stronger sense of who I am and why I might possibly be here. They will never be fully changed again, no matter how rough life gets.