My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, and blood support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found-
Clothed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
perspective.
I had a small, hopeful thought that life after graduation was a glamorous, fun-filled adventure. I'm positive my life will have these moments, and I'm excited for those. For now, life is very ho-hum, daily routine, eat-sleep-work. I used to think my life is not going to end up like that- I will be so much more motivated and decisive and not monotonous. But that's just life. It happens- and it's not necessarily a bad thing, as long as lethargy/apathy don't sneek in with it. Self-control and patience are prized possessions.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
offense.
For months I've been writing and pondering about the idea of being on offense as opposed to being on defense in living the Christian life. I've mentioned it to friends, only to receive strange and confused looks. But after reading Romans 6, I hope to make it make sense now.
As a Christian, you're going to sin. It's inevitable, and unrealistic to think you won't. Romans 6 tells us not to sin so that grace may abound, but to live a new life in Christ, no longer slaves to sin. There have been several times when I've felt the need to change an area of my life, whether something simple like the amount of time spent watching TV (not that this habit is necessarily a sin...) or more complex things.
So, if you have the sincere desire to change an area in your life, what do you do? I will use an example: watching too much football (again, not necessarily a sin, unless you make it an idol...which it's probably been a few times in my life.) I know what I'd do; I would research the issue and read up about it, talk to others about it, get advice from my friends, probably blog about it, etc. I would consider my motives in watching so much football. When I feel the need to watch it, I would think long and hard about the reprecussions of watching a game. Do I need to watch it? What are my motives?
While these actions are not necessarily bad in and of themselves, soon I find myself spending all my extra time devoted to micro-managing my Vikings obession.
Wendy Horger Alsup writes "many Christians focus so much on the minute details of their problems that they lose sight of the fundamental concepts that govern life for a believer in Christ."
When all you think about is overcoming a specific issue/area of sin, you run the risk of micro-managing your life. This is playing defense. You are constantly consumed by something else. You are being controlled by something you don't want to be controling you.
Instead, be on offense. Love God. So simple, yet so difficult sometimes. You may sin along the path of following God- but focus on loving Him, walking closely with Him, and depending on Him. You'll find it's much easier to have control of your thoughts and actions when you are right with God. And offense is much more fun!
A wise woman once told me that I would be able to be more productive and useful if I worked on perfecting my strengths instead of harping on my weaknesses. While I think it's important to address weaknesses and evaluate them, I agree with her. Perfect your biggest strength- trust in Christ- and you are on to something.
*Disclaimer: I know defense wins games, but that doesn't apply to this example!! :)
PS here's Romans 6:1-23 in the NLT version. so good!
"Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace.
Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
As a Christian, you're going to sin. It's inevitable, and unrealistic to think you won't. Romans 6 tells us not to sin so that grace may abound, but to live a new life in Christ, no longer slaves to sin. There have been several times when I've felt the need to change an area of my life, whether something simple like the amount of time spent watching TV (not that this habit is necessarily a sin...) or more complex things.
So, if you have the sincere desire to change an area in your life, what do you do? I will use an example: watching too much football (again, not necessarily a sin, unless you make it an idol...which it's probably been a few times in my life.) I know what I'd do; I would research the issue and read up about it, talk to others about it, get advice from my friends, probably blog about it, etc. I would consider my motives in watching so much football. When I feel the need to watch it, I would think long and hard about the reprecussions of watching a game. Do I need to watch it? What are my motives?
While these actions are not necessarily bad in and of themselves, soon I find myself spending all my extra time devoted to micro-managing my Vikings obession.
Wendy Horger Alsup writes "many Christians focus so much on the minute details of their problems that they lose sight of the fundamental concepts that govern life for a believer in Christ."
When all you think about is overcoming a specific issue/area of sin, you run the risk of micro-managing your life. This is playing defense. You are constantly consumed by something else. You are being controlled by something you don't want to be controling you.
Instead, be on offense. Love God. So simple, yet so difficult sometimes. You may sin along the path of following God- but focus on loving Him, walking closely with Him, and depending on Him. You'll find it's much easier to have control of your thoughts and actions when you are right with God. And offense is much more fun!
A wise woman once told me that I would be able to be more productive and useful if I worked on perfecting my strengths instead of harping on my weaknesses. While I think it's important to address weaknesses and evaluate them, I agree with her. Perfect your biggest strength- trust in Christ- and you are on to something.
*Disclaimer: I know defense wins games, but that doesn't apply to this example!! :)
PS here's Romans 6:1-23 in the NLT version. so good!
"Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace.
Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Saturday, November 29, 2008
the twenty-first time.
Nowhere to live, nowhere to fall
He used to have money, but he’s wasted it all.
His face is a photograph burned in my mind,
but I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time
He sleeps under stars, that’s all he can afford
His blanket’s an old coat he’s had since the war
He stands on the corner of Carter and Vine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time
He may be a drifter, he’s grown old and gray
But what if he’s Jesus and I walk away?
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time
She’s twenty-nine but she feels forty-eight
She can’t raise three kids on minimum wage
She’s cryin’ in back of the welfare line
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time
She may be a stranger tryin’ to get through the day
But what if it’s Jesus and I walk away?
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time
This is a call for a change in my heart
I realize that I’ve not been doin’ my part
When I needed a Savior, I found it in Him
He gave to me, now I’ll give back to them
Drifter or stranger, father or son
I’ll look for Jesus in every one
'Cause I am the body and drink of the wine
And I’m thankful there’s more than the twenty-first time
Monk & Neagle // twenty-first time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvqwHGH3Tlw&feature=related
reminds me of Crazy Love, thought I'd share it with ya'll
He used to have money, but he’s wasted it all.
His face is a photograph burned in my mind,
but I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time
He sleeps under stars, that’s all he can afford
His blanket’s an old coat he’s had since the war
He stands on the corner of Carter and Vine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time
He may be a drifter, he’s grown old and gray
But what if he’s Jesus and I walk away?
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time
She’s twenty-nine but she feels forty-eight
She can’t raise three kids on minimum wage
She’s cryin’ in back of the welfare line
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time
She may be a stranger tryin’ to get through the day
But what if it’s Jesus and I walk away?
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time
This is a call for a change in my heart
I realize that I’ve not been doin’ my part
When I needed a Savior, I found it in Him
He gave to me, now I’ll give back to them
Drifter or stranger, father or son
I’ll look for Jesus in every one
'Cause I am the body and drink of the wine
And I’m thankful there’s more than the twenty-first time
Monk & Neagle // twenty-first time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvqwHGH3Tlw&feature=related
reminds me of Crazy Love, thought I'd share it with ya'll
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
"A normal life is a wasted life."
Picture a husband and wife who are attenting a good church that preaches the Gospel- that provides chances to serve the congregation and community, along with the chance to join a small group and grow in faith. They tithe, they spend time in the Word daily, and they talk to others about God. They read popular Christian books. They have kind children, a great marriage, and dream jobs.
Of this example, Will Walker says, "Does that sound like the life you're planning? If so, you may well be on your way to the Christian good life, which amounts to slapping a Christian label on the same old earth-life pursuits. You don't have to die to yourself, you just have to spiritualize your pursuit of things like importance and comfort and ease. The only problem is that the Christian good life is also not very good.
Jesus said that if we hold on to our idea of life-- in this case, "the good life" or "the Christian good life" -- we will lose it. I think He means that we will end up holding on to a mere idea while real life passes us by. In other words, we will have to pretend that normal life is really what we want in order to think we are doing okay. According to Jesus, the way to discover real life-- a life interactive with God, alive to the reality of His kingdom- is to repent of our desires for a normal life. That is, we need to make better plans and want different things. In Jesus' words exactly: 'Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.'
I assume that this is what you really want when you think about it-- a life given to Jesus. I think this is what a lot of people in your shoes want. So, how do authentic, energetic Christian students end up settling for a normal life, Christian or otherwise?"
These are my thoughts:
Are a 'normal life' (in the author's words) and a life honestly surrendered to God mutually exclusive? Maybe no one who truly dies to their own desires ends up with a 'normal life.' I don't think we can judge that though...maybe it all comes down to motives. If I'm pursuing God the best I can, if I've given my life to Jesus, I should not work for material goods or a hefty savings account- I should work for God. So what if I do that and he blesses me financially any way? I give more away, but I do not do so to gain attention or praise from others- I try not to worry what others think about me.
One day a year or two ago, I was talking w/a friend about the verse "It is easier for a camel to pass thru an eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." I remember attempting to stick up for the rich man. I didn't put up a very good fight but I did think I was right. Since, my thoughts have definitely changed. I don't think it's impossible for the rich man, but yes I do think it's very hard. Money and power corrupt, (love of money is the root of all evil, etc). It's so much harder to remain a humble, willing servant who trusts God when you have lots of money.
I'm interested in your opinion, because for some reason I am not getting that a 'normal life' is bad if you have an honest, sincere heart.
[the multiple paragraph quote is an excerpt from the article "Cellular" by Will Walker, page 56 from the CRU2 In Transistion Magazine].
Of this example, Will Walker says, "Does that sound like the life you're planning? If so, you may well be on your way to the Christian good life, which amounts to slapping a Christian label on the same old earth-life pursuits. You don't have to die to yourself, you just have to spiritualize your pursuit of things like importance and comfort and ease. The only problem is that the Christian good life is also not very good.
Jesus said that if we hold on to our idea of life-- in this case, "the good life" or "the Christian good life" -- we will lose it. I think He means that we will end up holding on to a mere idea while real life passes us by. In other words, we will have to pretend that normal life is really what we want in order to think we are doing okay. According to Jesus, the way to discover real life-- a life interactive with God, alive to the reality of His kingdom- is to repent of our desires for a normal life. That is, we need to make better plans and want different things. In Jesus' words exactly: 'Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.'
I assume that this is what you really want when you think about it-- a life given to Jesus. I think this is what a lot of people in your shoes want. So, how do authentic, energetic Christian students end up settling for a normal life, Christian or otherwise?"
These are my thoughts:
Are a 'normal life' (in the author's words) and a life honestly surrendered to God mutually exclusive? Maybe no one who truly dies to their own desires ends up with a 'normal life.' I don't think we can judge that though...maybe it all comes down to motives. If I'm pursuing God the best I can, if I've given my life to Jesus, I should not work for material goods or a hefty savings account- I should work for God. So what if I do that and he blesses me financially any way? I give more away, but I do not do so to gain attention or praise from others- I try not to worry what others think about me.
One day a year or two ago, I was talking w/a friend about the verse "It is easier for a camel to pass thru an eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." I remember attempting to stick up for the rich man. I didn't put up a very good fight but I did think I was right. Since, my thoughts have definitely changed. I don't think it's impossible for the rich man, but yes I do think it's very hard. Money and power corrupt, (love of money is the root of all evil, etc). It's so much harder to remain a humble, willing servant who trusts God when you have lots of money.
I'm interested in your opinion, because for some reason I am not getting that a 'normal life' is bad if you have an honest, sincere heart.
[the multiple paragraph quote is an excerpt from the article "Cellular" by Will Walker, page 56 from the CRU2 In Transistion Magazine].
Sunday, August 31, 2008
memories.
I spent the weekend at home. To celebrate the labor day holiday, I decided to be fairly ambitious and clean out my closet, which mainly held a ton of old clothes, and a bookcase, which held a bunch of stuff from high school I haven't looked at in 4 years. Treasures included my Junior and Senior yearbooks, some Earth Science notes from Freshman year at USD, and a hilarious graduation card that Mindy made me. I also found the copies of the websites that I made in BPA (Business Professionals of America) with a few friends; Junior year we made a how-to guide to learning bass guitar (which is hilarious because I'm probably going to learn to play one this year); Senior year we made a guide to preparing for the future- choosing a career, interviewing tips, and resume do's and don'ts. Hilarious!!! It's so funny to me that two huge interests of mine in high school still matter to me, in different ways: serving as a worship leader, and (hopefully) working in HR.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
life. [what a vague title]
I am in a very serious sort of mood tonight. Probably from realizing life is so much more than the latest iphone, kitchen techonology, art to hang on the wall, song to download. the struggle w/materialism is one so many fight. but that is only one line on a list of everything I work for that I shouldn't. Even if God never gave me a single thing - if he never gave me my dream job, dream house, dream husband and dream children, He'd still be good. I know I'd have a hard time glorifying Him with my life...but that should be what I strive for no matter the circumstances.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Cure for the Common Life [2]
Use your uniqueness [2] TO MAKE A BIG DEAL OUT OF GOD every day of your life.
"don't waste years embellishing your own image. no disrespect, but who needs to see your face? who doesn't need to see God's?"
Take big risks for God. He wants us, not to be shy, but to be bold and loving and sensible.
-Matthew 25:14-15 is the parable of the talents. A talent = 10,000 denarii, and was in that day the biggest unit of Greek currency. 1 denarii was also a typical days' wages. To put it into perspective, Lucado suggests taking your daily wage and multiplying it by 10,000. For one who makes $100/day, that's $1,000,000 a day. Huge. Therefore, consider yourself a million-dollar investment. God gives gifts abundantly & carefully. He will say 'welldone good and faithful' someday - not good and famous, or good and fruitful. In the parable, God gives equal praise to both the 5 talent and 2 talent men- not more to the man who was given more. Do what you can with what you have. The only mistake is not to risk making one. "For fear of messing up, you'll miss out."
Come to the sweetest spot in the universe. This chapter was all about loneliness. We think no one knows me, no one's near me, no one needs me. How do you deal? "Some stay busy, others stay drunk. Some buy pets, others buy lovers. Some seek therapy. And a few seek God," explains Lucado. He invites us to. Even his name is comfort enough: Immanuel, God with us. Not God above us, God with the rich, God with the religious. Not 'I'll be with you when you behave.' God (not angels or prophets or apostles) with (near, present, alongside) us (lowly, lonely sinners). And, Christ takes away our sins, and in doing so, takes away our commoness.
Applaud God- Loud and often. This is chapter and the last one are my favorites thus far. "We suffer from poor I-sight. It blurs your view, not of the world, but of yourself. So often I waver between viewing myself too highly or lowly; but the truth is smack-dab in the center of these extremes- I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength (phil 4:13). I get this. And I have always struggled with self-confidence and pride: but this chapter actually goes on to explain HOW to get to the safe, good middle ground. Worship. Perfect!!! No wonder Vespers and music in general has affected me so much. 'Honest worship lifts eyes off self and sets them on God.' Lucado reminds the reader that worship is not just music, but can be present in everything we do. And it should be. 1 Chron 29:10-14 is a great example of a prayer of worship. Worship helps us keep on target in life. It lifts our eyes off our present situation and sets them on the 'realities of heaven' which is what this is really all about. We worship God because we need to. But Lucado also reminds us of the biggest and most important reason to worship: "the chief reason for applauding God is that he deserves it."
Join God's family of friends. Lucado claims that the phrase 'brothers' or 'brothers & sisters' appears in the epistles 148 times...pretty important. God's family will outlive the universe. 'Common belief identifies members of God's family. Common affection unites them.' The church is a key part of this - a place of family and friends. But don't date the church. Commit. 'All together make up the body of Christ' (1 Co 12:6). God's body has no nobodies.' :) I like that. And, we find our meaning and function as part of the body of Christ (Romans 12:5).
Tank your reputation. This is one of the best chapters the first time I read it. It hits me less hard the second time around, oddly enough. Philippians 2:5, 7-8 is highlighted here. Love this quote: "God grants us an uncommon life to the degree we surrender our common one." Jesus' earthly father, Joseph, tanked his reputation. He could've divorced Mary quietly and went on his way. He was an educated, respected man in Nazareth. Mary's pregnancy jeopardized his reputation and he tanked it. And Jesus- "no one in Nazareth saluted him as the Son of God." "Deflating egos is so important to God that he offers to help." "When you're full of yourself, God can't fill you." Lucado points out several examples of Biblical authors who tank their reputations:
-Matthew mentions his name twice in his Gospel account- only as a tax collector. and he gives himself the eighth spot in his list of apostles.
-John doesn't mention his name ('John' refers to the Baptist each time)
-Luke wrote two of the most important books in the Bible but not once penned his own name
-Paul calls himself: a fool, the least of the apostles, less than the least of all saints, cheif of sinners. as he grew older, his ego grew smaller
Cure for the Common Life [3]
Use your uniqueness to make a big deal out of God [3] EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE.
Take your job and love it. One third of Americans hate their job. (there were most stats here that hit me hard - there are a lot of unhappy people out there!) Instead of running out and change professions, change your attitude toward your profession. In Luke 5, Jesus climbs into Peter's boat and asks him to sail out to sea a bit so he can continue to preach to the masses on the beach. We all have a boat- whether that's a cubicle, dump truck, courtroom or hospital wing. Jesus claims our workspaces. And our Wednesdays matter to Him as much as our Sundays do. Jesus showed Peter where to cast the nets later in Luke 5 - He can show us what to do while we are at work, if we invite Him there with us.
Pause on purpose. Mark 6:31 says 'come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.' To stay in the sweet spot, we must step away from the game periodically. (that's what I love about christmas/summer break...and weekends). In Luke 4:42 the crowd tries to keep Jesus from leaving the area after healing and preaching. If Jesus stayed, the crowd would end up dictating Jesus' steps and actions- we'll tell you where to preach and who to heal. So often in the Gospels we see Jesus retreat to a lonely place. Escape the noise of the crowd in order to hear the voice of God. Resist the undertow of our society and anchoring to the rock of your purpose. Sometimes, you may have to say no to good things so you can say yes to the right thing. (ooo. could that be no to a good job after college and yes to crusade...hm).
Trust little deeds. What begins minutely may end massively. The mustard seed parable, stone-weilding David, the two widow's coins in the offering- there are numerous examples. "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."
Decode your kids' code. Great chapter, tho I don't have kids. Proverbs 22:6 says 'train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.' this actually isn't necessarily talking about salvation; 'view each child as a book, not to be written, but to be read.' That's so cool. Sometimes I think I'm great at reading myself and at other times I'm not so great. "God gave you an eighteen year research project." Lol, that's so great. Childhood tendencies forecast adult abilities. Know your children's S.T.O.R.Y.'s. "The greatest gift you can give your children is not your riches, but revealing to them their own."
Don't be too big to do something small. "God's cure for the common life includes a strong dose of servanthood...Don't so focus on what you love to do that you neglect what needs to be done." Jesus is the supreme examples. None of the apostles ever washed his feet, but he washed theirs. It was what he came to do, and we can follow suit no matter what. Servanthood requires no unique skill or seminary degree. Love the overlooked. Wave a white flag. Do something every day that you don't want to do.
Take your job and love it. One third of Americans hate their job. (there were most stats here that hit me hard - there are a lot of unhappy people out there!) Instead of running out and change professions, change your attitude toward your profession. In Luke 5, Jesus climbs into Peter's boat and asks him to sail out to sea a bit so he can continue to preach to the masses on the beach. We all have a boat- whether that's a cubicle, dump truck, courtroom or hospital wing. Jesus claims our workspaces. And our Wednesdays matter to Him as much as our Sundays do. Jesus showed Peter where to cast the nets later in Luke 5 - He can show us what to do while we are at work, if we invite Him there with us.
Pause on purpose. Mark 6:31 says 'come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.' To stay in the sweet spot, we must step away from the game periodically. (that's what I love about christmas/summer break...and weekends). In Luke 4:42 the crowd tries to keep Jesus from leaving the area after healing and preaching. If Jesus stayed, the crowd would end up dictating Jesus' steps and actions- we'll tell you where to preach and who to heal. So often in the Gospels we see Jesus retreat to a lonely place. Escape the noise of the crowd in order to hear the voice of God. Resist the undertow of our society and anchoring to the rock of your purpose. Sometimes, you may have to say no to good things so you can say yes to the right thing. (ooo. could that be no to a good job after college and yes to crusade...hm).
Trust little deeds. What begins minutely may end massively. The mustard seed parable, stone-weilding David, the two widow's coins in the offering- there are numerous examples. "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."
Decode your kids' code. Great chapter, tho I don't have kids. Proverbs 22:6 says 'train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.' this actually isn't necessarily talking about salvation; 'view each child as a book, not to be written, but to be read.' That's so cool. Sometimes I think I'm great at reading myself and at other times I'm not so great. "God gave you an eighteen year research project." Lol, that's so great. Childhood tendencies forecast adult abilities. Know your children's S.T.O.R.Y.'s. "The greatest gift you can give your children is not your riches, but revealing to them their own."
Don't be too big to do something small. "God's cure for the common life includes a strong dose of servanthood...Don't so focus on what you love to do that you neglect what needs to be done." Jesus is the supreme examples. None of the apostles ever washed his feet, but he washed theirs. It was what he came to do, and we can follow suit no matter what. Servanthood requires no unique skill or seminary degree. Love the overlooked. Wave a white flag. Do something every day that you don't want to do.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
sin.
This is random (I need to stop prefacing every opening blog line with that statement): I think sin is a tricky thing. There so many ways I can go with this statement but I think what I want to get across is that it's all the same. Our views, reactions, the importance of it, no matter the sin, should be the same. So many times I hear Christians talk about varying degrees of sins. I understand that sins in and of themselves are technically different, but the act of sin is the same.
Ok, I may not be getting my point across... sin, no matter how 'bad or big' - has reprecussions. Obviously different sins have different effects and consequences for each person. A person struggling with pride and one struggling with drinking are both living a sinful life. We all are. The difference is a person making an effort to change this thing in their lives.
Anyway...I hope that makes sense? I wrote that awhile ago and had a good chat with Jordan Jules and Megs about it. I miss deep conversations.
Ok, I may not be getting my point across... sin, no matter how 'bad or big' - has reprecussions. Obviously different sins have different effects and consequences for each person. A person struggling with pride and one struggling with drinking are both living a sinful life. We all are. The difference is a person making an effort to change this thing in their lives.
Anyway...I hope that makes sense? I wrote that awhile ago and had a good chat with Jordan Jules and Megs about it. I miss deep conversations.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Cure for the Common Life [1]
The other day in the bargain books section of Wal-mart I purchased "Cure for the Common Life" by Max Lucado (only 4 bucks). I love to read, but most of what I do take in escapes me quite quickly. So, possibly blogging about the book will help my memory. Or not. Here goes!
The basic premise of the book is this:
"Use your uniqueness
to make a big deal out of God
every day of your life."
The 'cure' for the common life is found at the intersection of three circles, like a Venn Diagram:
1-my everyday life
2-God's glory
3-my strengths
A combination of these elements, is your own personal sweet spot. Lucado uses a lot of analogies and examples in the first few chapters about this, which I appreciate as a golfer and tennis player.
So. This book is broken into sections. On with it:
[1] USE YOUR UNIQUENESS
to make a big deal out of God
every day of your life
Unpack your bag of tricks and skills, which God prepackaged in you to glorify Him. Lucado includes several statistics about the number of Americans unhappy with their work, employers, and lives. From an HR perspective, yikes! You cannot be anything you want to be. but you can be everything God wants you to be.
Read your life backward. God is working in you to help you want to do what pleases Him and to be able to do what pleases Him. Our past presents our future. if you want direction for your future, read your life backward. What do you love to do when you don't have to do anything? Is there a common theme or thread running through activities you love to do? God's design of you defines your destiny. "You didn't exit the womb with your intended career tattooed on you" (so what does this big 'HR' tattoo on my leg mean?? :) You are the only you God made. If you aren't you, we don't get you. the world misses out.
Study your STORY
The basic premise of the book is this:
"Use your uniqueness
to make a big deal out of God
every day of your life."
The 'cure' for the common life is found at the intersection of three circles, like a Venn Diagram:
1-my everyday life
2-God's glory
3-my strengths
A combination of these elements, is your own personal sweet spot. Lucado uses a lot of analogies and examples in the first few chapters about this, which I appreciate as a golfer and tennis player.
So. This book is broken into sections. On with it:
[1] USE YOUR UNIQUENESS
to make a big deal out of God
every day of your life
Unpack your bag of tricks and skills, which God prepackaged in you to glorify Him. Lucado includes several statistics about the number of Americans unhappy with their work, employers, and lives. From an HR perspective, yikes! You cannot be anything you want to be. but you can be everything God wants you to be.
Read your life backward. God is working in you to help you want to do what pleases Him and to be able to do what pleases Him. Our past presents our future. if you want direction for your future, read your life backward. What do you love to do when you don't have to do anything? Is there a common theme or thread running through activities you love to do? God's design of you defines your destiny. "You didn't exit the womb with your intended career tattooed on you" (so what does this big 'HR' tattoo on my leg mean?? :) You are the only you God made. If you aren't you, we don't get you. the world misses out.
Study your STORY
- Strengths
What do you do well? what are your 'verbs' in a sense? - Topic
What so you enjoy working with? what is/are your noun(s) - Optimal conditions
What motivates you? in what environment do you thrive? - Relationships
How do you relate to people?
Do you work best alone, in a team, or leading the group? - Yes!
When do you have that feeling? 'i was MADE to do this!'
*God never called you to be anyone other than you
Don't 'consult' your greed. Success is defined by doing the most what you do the best - not by how many cars or houses you own. Do I have the mentality that I am rich enough? Greed can seduce you out of your sweet spot (ohhhh so true). In a desire to be great, one might cease being any good. Follow david's example: just because the king gives you armour doesn't mean you have to wear it. What fits others might not fit you. Know your capabilities & strengths; examine your gifts. Stick to your STORY.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
life!
Well I haven't blogged much at all lately. Life is crazy busy and crazy good. In the past month, I had two roommates graduate, one get married, one get engaged. YIKES! And we all moved out of the Farm House. Life looks different now than it did even a month ago, but yet in so many ways it is still the same.
I'm sick of wanting things I don't have and tired of never having enough to make me happy. I can't get my happiness from material things, a great house, money, etc etc etc (boy how many times do I need to learn that lesson). I don't have much but I have what I need. I'm happy where I am at because it's where God wants me to be. I'm content.
It's been a hard transition to this point. Probably because I don't have much to transition to. I feel a bit lost in the shuffle- I didn't graduate, I have a job and I don't have a boyfriend to plan a future with. So in the midst of working and waiting to graduate, I will enjoy another summer, and look forward to my final semester of class. My worries are few and my future is wide open. And I'm content flying solo. I'm not going to sit around waiting for life to happen, to drop by on my doorstep. It probably would get lost trying to find my new apartment. :)
I'm sick of wanting things I don't have and tired of never having enough to make me happy. I can't get my happiness from material things, a great house, money, etc etc etc (boy how many times do I need to learn that lesson). I don't have much but I have what I need. I'm happy where I am at because it's where God wants me to be. I'm content.
It's been a hard transition to this point. Probably because I don't have much to transition to. I feel a bit lost in the shuffle- I didn't graduate, I have a job and I don't have a boyfriend to plan a future with. So in the midst of working and waiting to graduate, I will enjoy another summer, and look forward to my final semester of class. My worries are few and my future is wide open. And I'm content flying solo. I'm not going to sit around waiting for life to happen, to drop by on my doorstep. It probably would get lost trying to find my new apartment. :)
Friday, April 04, 2008
yikes!
a whole month has gone by, and no post of my blog! whoa!
life has been crazy as usual. i'm trying to decide if my overcommitment/can't-say-no issues are can be worked out, or if they are just weaknesses i should ignore. for the time being, i will get through this semester and revel in the fact that i have only 16 more credits...4 of those internship credits...to complete before i am a college GRADUATE.
as of now, i am sort of jobless and homeless for the summer. what more could one ask for? :)haha. it will work out. once i know where i'm working, the rest will fall into place. i'm playing the waiting game to find out about internships. in the mean time, i am applying to join staff with Campus Crusade for Christ after graduation. woohoo! i hung out at the CCC Midwest regional office over my spring break - and LOVED it. i can see myself there after graduation, for sure. in general, i have a huge heart for the business world- reaching it, serving in it with a non-profit, whatever the Lord calls me to.
life has been crazy as usual. i'm trying to decide if my overcommitment/can't-say-no issues are can be worked out, or if they are just weaknesses i should ignore. for the time being, i will get through this semester and revel in the fact that i have only 16 more credits...4 of those internship credits...to complete before i am a college GRADUATE.
as of now, i am sort of jobless and homeless for the summer. what more could one ask for? :)haha. it will work out. once i know where i'm working, the rest will fall into place. i'm playing the waiting game to find out about internships. in the mean time, i am applying to join staff with Campus Crusade for Christ after graduation. woohoo! i hung out at the CCC Midwest regional office over my spring break - and LOVED it. i can see myself there after graduation, for sure. in general, i have a huge heart for the business world- reaching it, serving in it with a non-profit, whatever the Lord calls me to.
Friday, February 29, 2008
the world.
I've been thinking...(yikes!) The differences between american college students and those from other countries are very interesting. Today for some reason I was thinking about it. America is a good country- a great country- but we could be so much better. I as a person could be so much better - definitely not exempt. The present group of college students is the future of our country, which honestly scares me sometimes. Are we really equipped to lead? The often present lack of values, beliefs, ethics and just motivation in general would cause me to worry a lot more except for the faith I have in a higher sovereign being. India has figured a lot of things out, China basically owns us and students from other countries know a lot more about what's going on in the world than we do. They are more productive, driven, focused, goal-oriented. If you are wondering who will change the world someday, it will be someone with those characteristics. My hope is that they have values, ethics, beliefs in something other than their own ability to control their own destiny.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
article.
http://www.pulitzer.org/year/2006/feature-writing/works/sheeler01.html
I don't know the words to use to describe this article. amazing, awful, astounding. heart-wrenching.
I teared up the first time I read it on Wednesday morning, before class. When I picked it back up halfway through later in the day, I cried. Still haven't finished it. If you've got 20-30 minutes, check it out.
I don't know the words to use to describe this article. amazing, awful, astounding. heart-wrenching.
I teared up the first time I read it on Wednesday morning, before class. When I picked it back up halfway through later in the day, I cried. Still haven't finished it. If you've got 20-30 minutes, check it out.
Monday, February 18, 2008
weekend.
This whole three-day weekend thing was sweet, especially considering I don't have class tuesdays so it was a 5 day weekend. As if that means I didn't have a thing to do. But Mondays I have 7 hours of class, which is more than half of my total hours each week, so it was a blessing to not have class today. Thank you awesome US presidents.
It was a pretty weird weekend, but good. Friday night we went to Julie & Jena's art show, then they hung out with their boyfriends afterward, and Lys, Megs and I came home, made cookies, watched TV, and went to bed at 11pm. Ahh, the freedom and joy of singleness. Kind of funny that I went to bed earlier on a Friday night than any other night of the week....
Saturday morning we picked up Amber who was visiting for the weekend. We were going to run into Verm. in the afternoon to shop at the Civ, but being the crazy driver I am, I lost control on a patch of ice about 50 feet from the house (in the DRIVEWAY nonetheless) and got my car stuck in the ditch. Amber and Megs were troopers- we tried for 30 minutes to get my car out. Lys was working but had a tow rope in her truck, so we conned Jules into driving us to the Point to get it. We stormed into Jones' Food Center with a good story to tell- Megs in her bell-bottom jeans tucked into her snow boots, me in ripped jeans, a vest and Lys' cowboy boots. Definite white trash outfits without even trying. By the time we got home, we decided to forgoe the tow ropes (because we didn't know how to hook it up to my car without ripping off the bumper). I swallowed my pride and called Chad, our landlord, to come pull me out.
We then decided to stay home and play a few simple games of yahtzee, which I dominated, and then made supper and went to Step Up 2 in Sioux City. Good times all around.
Sunday we skipped church (gasp!) and met up with Maria and AJ for breakfast at Perkins in Sioux Falls. They were driving cross country from Michigan to Utah and stopped by to see us after spending a week at home in MN. Great to see them- and nothing beats a Maria hug. Weird to say hi and bye so quickly, because I'm not sure the next time I will see them. Thus begins the period of my life when
We then dropped Amber off at the airport and said another good-bye...only to turn around and pick her back up because her flight into Chicago was cancelled due to weather. We headed home, jamming to a little Barlow Girl, with the backseat looking pretty sleepy, when out of no where we came up on a huge patch of icey-slush. I only had time to slow down to 70 mph before hitting it. Luckily I held on- I thought for sure that we were going to hit the ditch and kiss the car in front of us that had slid in minutes before. Thank you Jesus for keeping us on the road! The last 20 minutes was pretty tense driving.
Sunday night was Vespers, another great set even though Jim (drummer) and Holly (bass) were gone. I worked all day and am trying to get motivation to finish (ok, start) my homework. This week is cake, then Friday night we head to Kansas City for a girls' weekend! Super pumped. I think I'm driving. If my roommates still trust me after this weekend!
It was a pretty weird weekend, but good. Friday night we went to Julie & Jena's art show, then they hung out with their boyfriends afterward, and Lys, Megs and I came home, made cookies, watched TV, and went to bed at 11pm. Ahh, the freedom and joy of singleness. Kind of funny that I went to bed earlier on a Friday night than any other night of the week....
Saturday morning we picked up Amber who was visiting for the weekend. We were going to run into Verm. in the afternoon to shop at the Civ, but being the crazy driver I am, I lost control on a patch of ice about 50 feet from the house (in the DRIVEWAY nonetheless) and got my car stuck in the ditch. Amber and Megs were troopers- we tried for 30 minutes to get my car out. Lys was working but had a tow rope in her truck, so we conned Jules into driving us to the Point to get it. We stormed into Jones' Food Center with a good story to tell- Megs in her bell-bottom jeans tucked into her snow boots, me in ripped jeans, a vest and Lys' cowboy boots. Definite white trash outfits without even trying. By the time we got home, we decided to forgoe the tow ropes (because we didn't know how to hook it up to my car without ripping off the bumper). I swallowed my pride and called Chad, our landlord, to come pull me out.
We then decided to stay home and play a few simple games of yahtzee, which I dominated, and then made supper and went to Step Up 2 in Sioux City. Good times all around.
Sunday we skipped church (gasp!) and met up with Maria and AJ for breakfast at Perkins in Sioux Falls. They were driving cross country from Michigan to Utah and stopped by to see us after spending a week at home in MN. Great to see them- and nothing beats a Maria hug. Weird to say hi and bye so quickly, because I'm not sure the next time I will see them. Thus begins the period of my life when
We then dropped Amber off at the airport and said another good-bye...only to turn around and pick her back up because her flight into Chicago was cancelled due to weather. We headed home, jamming to a little Barlow Girl, with the backseat looking pretty sleepy, when out of no where we came up on a huge patch of icey-slush. I only had time to slow down to 70 mph before hitting it. Luckily I held on- I thought for sure that we were going to hit the ditch and kiss the car in front of us that had slid in minutes before. Thank you Jesus for keeping us on the road! The last 20 minutes was pretty tense driving.
Sunday night was Vespers, another great set even though Jim (drummer) and Holly (bass) were gone. I worked all day and am trying to get motivation to finish (ok, start) my homework. This week is cake, then Friday night we head to Kansas City for a girls' weekend! Super pumped. I think I'm driving. If my roommates still trust me after this weekend!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Strength Finder!
Strength Finder Results: (which I think are pretty accurate)
Analytical
People who search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation.
Individualization
People who are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.
Strategic
People who create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
Input
People who have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.
Significance
People who want to be very important in the eyes of others. They are independent and want to be recognized.
Analytical
People who search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation.
Individualization
People who are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.
Strategic
People who create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
Input
People who have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.
Significance
People who want to be very important in the eyes of others. They are independent and want to be recognized.
Monday, February 04, 2008
human captial.
I love HR. I just really, really love it. I'm sooo happy to have it be a part of my life, lol. I love that I've found SOMETHING in the business world that interests me. woohoo!
My Monday night class this semester is entitled "Strategic HR." SUPER excited for it! After only one class, it is already dealing with theories and such behind HR methods - more analytical than practical I guess, which is really what I want.
So many people ask me what 'HR' really is. Human Resources, I say, is a sort of everyone-behind-the-scenes of a business. HR exists to ensure the organization is able to acheive success through its people. It's about managing human capital so that the organization can obtain the best product from this resource- while taking into account the resource has needs and feelings and sometimes is crabby on Mondays. That all sounds so exciting to me! Our second class is tonight; I'm super pumped.
My Monday night class this semester is entitled "Strategic HR." SUPER excited for it! After only one class, it is already dealing with theories and such behind HR methods - more analytical than practical I guess, which is really what I want.
So many people ask me what 'HR' really is. Human Resources, I say, is a sort of everyone-behind-the-scenes of a business. HR exists to ensure the organization is able to acheive success through its people. It's about managing human capital so that the organization can obtain the best product from this resource- while taking into account the resource has needs and feelings and sometimes is crabby on Mondays. That all sounds so exciting to me! Our second class is tonight; I'm super pumped.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
needs.
The latest knowledge learned in the HR compenstation realm dealt with motivation theories. SUPER interesting! (FYI, no sarcasm here -- I know I can be hard to read through words). I'm pretty sick of hearing about maslow's hierarchy of needs. But this week my prof lectured on a couple different motivation theories that were pretty interesting.
Maslow's pyramid of needs starts with the most basic at the bottom, physical. As needs at the bottom level are met, a person is able to move on to other needs until they are all filled (except for the highest one, self-actualization. I don't think you can fully meet that need. Maybe I need to study this more (sarcasm-> gee, can I?). He proposed the idea that compensation and fulfilling these needs are correlated. Compensation provides a means to filling these needs - especially the first two levels of needs- physical and safety needs. Fine, I give you that.
But he went on to say that compensation can get you all the needs, with the exception of self-actualization (which he thought could, to a point). I think I have a problem with the fact that business people think money can buy anything and everything. Yes it can buy a place to live, food, water, etc. But self-esteem? Hmm.
As you move up the pyramid, the influence compensation has decreases. In our society, it's very common for business-people, and people in general, to equate wealth with feelings of self-esteem, happiness, etc. I have a problem with this, and an obviously different viewpoint on it because I am a Christian. But I think this topic is interesting, and I'd like to study these motivation theories more.
Maslow's pyramid of needs starts with the most basic at the bottom, physical. As needs at the bottom level are met, a person is able to move on to other needs until they are all filled (except for the highest one, self-actualization. I don't think you can fully meet that need. Maybe I need to study this more (sarcasm-> gee, can I?). He proposed the idea that compensation and fulfilling these needs are correlated. Compensation provides a means to filling these needs - especially the first two levels of needs- physical and safety needs. Fine, I give you that.
But he went on to say that compensation can get you all the needs, with the exception of self-actualization (which he thought could, to a point). I think I have a problem with the fact that business people think money can buy anything and everything. Yes it can buy a place to live, food, water, etc. But self-esteem? Hmm.
As you move up the pyramid, the influence compensation has decreases. In our society, it's very common for business-people, and people in general, to equate wealth with feelings of self-esteem, happiness, etc. I have a problem with this, and an obviously different viewpoint on it because I am a Christian. But I think this topic is interesting, and I'd like to study these motivation theories more.
Monday, January 28, 2008
rewards.
I have a couple of sweet classes this semester -- one whole HR class on Compensation, and only compensation. Wages, rewards, benefits, etc. How exciting! Already on the first actual day of lecture we discussed something very applicable to my life - value.
There are two main facets to a compensation plan. Extrinsic and intrinsic rewards combine to form compensation for employees. In general, business students are often after the extrinsic value found in a job - ie, money (good salary, excellent benefits, etc). The intrinsic rewards include a sense of accomplishment, a challenge, value to the organization, etc.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, just not with this concise wording (which is why i love blogging because my written words sound a lot smarter compared to my verbal words...i digress). Over the past few months, not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about my future. I've been attempting to put into words my feelings towards the differences in working in HR and working for Crusade.
One HUGE element that I didn't realize I put a lot of emphasis on is in the area of rewards/benefits. Yes, raising support to go work in the regional office would be tough, but is doable. I would be able to earn enough money to live a moderately comfortable life- at least it seems that way in looking at others on staff.
Or I could find a company who needs a new face in their HR Dept. and earn the big bucks - not sure on the average for a recent college grad, but for sure $35-45,000 starting out. I could handle those extrinsic rewards, for sure.
But one thing I'm noticing when comparing me and the average business student at USD is the level of importance of intrinsic rewards. I need them. The tough days at work are those that I just don't care about people who need a wireless driveway alarm. The days I get to work in shipping (thus completing the cycle of raw materials to ultimate finished & shipped product)- or talk to people on the phone who love our products provide the insight into the importance of our products. And, you can't beat the highest exntrinsic rewards I've ever earned in my life.
And yet, even providing feelings of safety and security for little old ladies who live all alone gets old. The effect our products have is minimal when you're thinking of eternity.
-> I can compensate for lower extrinsic rewards when
very high intrinsic rewards are present.
There are two main facets to a compensation plan. Extrinsic and intrinsic rewards combine to form compensation for employees. In general, business students are often after the extrinsic value found in a job - ie, money (good salary, excellent benefits, etc). The intrinsic rewards include a sense of accomplishment, a challenge, value to the organization, etc.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, just not with this concise wording (which is why i love blogging because my written words sound a lot smarter compared to my verbal words...i digress). Over the past few months, not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about my future. I've been attempting to put into words my feelings towards the differences in working in HR and working for Crusade.
One HUGE element that I didn't realize I put a lot of emphasis on is in the area of rewards/benefits. Yes, raising support to go work in the regional office would be tough, but is doable. I would be able to earn enough money to live a moderately comfortable life- at least it seems that way in looking at others on staff.
Or I could find a company who needs a new face in their HR Dept. and earn the big bucks - not sure on the average for a recent college grad, but for sure $35-45,000 starting out. I could handle those extrinsic rewards, for sure.
But one thing I'm noticing when comparing me and the average business student at USD is the level of importance of intrinsic rewards. I need them. The tough days at work are those that I just don't care about people who need a wireless driveway alarm. The days I get to work in shipping (thus completing the cycle of raw materials to ultimate finished & shipped product)- or talk to people on the phone who love our products provide the insight into the importance of our products. And, you can't beat the highest exntrinsic rewards I've ever earned in my life.
And yet, even providing feelings of safety and security for little old ladies who live all alone gets old. The effect our products have is minimal when you're thinking of eternity.
-> I can compensate for lower extrinsic rewards when
very high intrinsic rewards are present.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
impulsive.
Some of the speakers at TCX talked about Peter- his life, the denial, walking on water, etc. I really enjoyed reading about his interactions w/Jesus in the Gospels, and what I learned about TCX stuck out in my brain for some reason. So when I met w/jessica and kari wednesday for discipleship, we talked about Peter's life.
We spent a lot of time on one specific event in his life- walking on water. What a crazy thing to do! We all shared feelings of awe at the things we can do when we are focused on Christ and not on the fact that we shouldn't be able to do what we are actually doing. Logic gets in the way so often...ugh. One interesting thing about this act was Peter's impulsiveness. The rest of the disciples just sat in the boat watching as Peter jumped out. If I were one of the disciples, I would probably be sitting there, super jealous, wondering why Jesus didn't single me out of group. It seems as though any of the men could have done it, if they took the step of faith. Hm. I compare myself a lot to others, and tend to get jealous when they do impulsive things for God - which I could do, too. I just need to get out of the boat.
We spent a lot of time on one specific event in his life- walking on water. What a crazy thing to do! We all shared feelings of awe at the things we can do when we are focused on Christ and not on the fact that we shouldn't be able to do what we are actually doing. Logic gets in the way so often...ugh. One interesting thing about this act was Peter's impulsiveness. The rest of the disciples just sat in the boat watching as Peter jumped out. If I were one of the disciples, I would probably be sitting there, super jealous, wondering why Jesus didn't single me out of group. It seems as though any of the men could have done it, if they took the step of faith. Hm. I compare myself a lot to others, and tend to get jealous when they do impulsive things for God - which I could do, too. I just need to get out of the boat.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
strength.
I had a super long day - definitely the busiest since last semester. And just going into it with a different attitude really, really helped me. There were annoying classmates, long lectures, pointless conversations and a ridiculous traffic jam (in Vermillion...i know). And yet I stayed pretty positive about it all -- and it was windy and about 0* all day, with snow in the morning. yuck.
I don't want a repeat of last semester in any shape or form. This is a bit tricky, as my schedule is about the same. Nehemiah 8:10 becomes my lifeline on days like this. "The joy of the Lord is my strength." I don't even have the energy to blog more about the magnitude of this verse. It's a good one.
I don't want a repeat of last semester in any shape or form. This is a bit tricky, as my schedule is about the same. Nehemiah 8:10 becomes my lifeline on days like this. "The joy of the Lord is my strength." I don't even have the energy to blog more about the magnitude of this verse. It's a good one.
Monday, January 21, 2008
throw your responsibilities.
the last chapter in battlefield of the mind was about worry -- super good chapter. on a sidenote, i've been reminding myself i need to take the things joyce meyer has to say w/a grain of salt. her most charismatic moments do a good job of reminding me.
the last part of that chapter talked about the popular verse in 1 peter that deals with worry; "cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." i've got a photo in my room of that verse underlined in my bible. 1 peter is one of my favorite books of the Bible, and 5:7 is a solid verse. at vespers, we always close with a quiet song that gives everyone a chance to refocus for the upcoming week. last sunday's song was turn your eyes upon jesus. good stuff. often we do the song 'cares chorus'
I cast all my cares upon you.
I lay all of my burdens down at your feet.
And, anytime that I don't know what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon you.
I used the handy website blueletterbible.org (thanks wendy) to check out the Greek words in the verse from 1 peter. the meaning of care is similar to the word anxiety. the meaning of cast is similar to throw or place.
Don't just cast -- THROW. Hm. Interesting word usage. Joyce had the same idea. I think of walking thru the front door at the end of the day. The first thing I do is throw my bag on the floor, counter, chair, etc. Someplace except my weary shoulder. (Ok, actually the first thing I do is take off my shoes (especially in the winter) because I hate walking around on the wood/carpet with dirty/wet shoes, and then later when you just have socks on, your socks then get dirty/wet).
I like the idea of throwing my cares on God. It sounds sort of wreckless, which probably isn't a good thing. But moreso, it just sounds like the perfect way to releave the things I've been caring.
To make the point, another word choice of Joyce (hehe that rhymes) was to use reponsibilities to describe cares. In my mind, cares and anxieties are pretty much the same thing. But responsibilities ... that's great. There are a lot of things I worry about in my life that I wouldn't think of as cares/anxieties. Thinking of this verse in terms of responsibilities helps me realize that even those things I HAVE to do, my obligations, the things I really don't want to do along with the things I do, can also be cast on God. I'm happy that I can also cast on God the things I really don't want to do, the things I don't care about. Maybe it's not fair or right to say but it's how I feel.
the last part of that chapter talked about the popular verse in 1 peter that deals with worry; "cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." i've got a photo in my room of that verse underlined in my bible. 1 peter is one of my favorite books of the Bible, and 5:7 is a solid verse. at vespers, we always close with a quiet song that gives everyone a chance to refocus for the upcoming week. last sunday's song was turn your eyes upon jesus. good stuff. often we do the song 'cares chorus'
I cast all my cares upon you.
I lay all of my burdens down at your feet.
And, anytime that I don't know what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon you.
I used the handy website blueletterbible.org (thanks wendy) to check out the Greek words in the verse from 1 peter. the meaning of care is similar to the word anxiety. the meaning of cast is similar to throw or place.
Don't just cast -- THROW. Hm. Interesting word usage. Joyce had the same idea. I think of walking thru the front door at the end of the day. The first thing I do is throw my bag on the floor, counter, chair, etc. Someplace except my weary shoulder. (Ok, actually the first thing I do is take off my shoes (especially in the winter) because I hate walking around on the wood/carpet with dirty/wet shoes, and then later when you just have socks on, your socks then get dirty/wet).
I like the idea of throwing my cares on God. It sounds sort of wreckless, which probably isn't a good thing. But moreso, it just sounds like the perfect way to releave the things I've been caring.
To make the point, another word choice of Joyce (hehe that rhymes) was to use reponsibilities to describe cares. In my mind, cares and anxieties are pretty much the same thing. But responsibilities ... that's great. There are a lot of things I worry about in my life that I wouldn't think of as cares/anxieties. Thinking of this verse in terms of responsibilities helps me realize that even those things I HAVE to do, my obligations, the things I really don't want to do along with the things I do, can also be cast on God. I'm happy that I can also cast on God the things I really don't want to do, the things I don't care about. Maybe it's not fair or right to say but it's how I feel.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
worry/peace
I've been reading Battlefield of the Mind for the past few weeks. Great book, I like it a lot. There's a lot that goes on in my mind, which you probably know if you've read my blog for awhile now. The current chapter I'm on is about worrying. Pretty good chapter for me to read at this point in my life- with graduation comes big decisions, many of which I've already started worrying about. I won't get in to much of the actual advice Joyce Meyer provides to live a life free from worry. One thing she comments on is finding rest in God. I know it's easier for me to be at peace when things are a bit quiter in my life. That's probably true for many people. But the fact that I can have rest even in trying times is very promising. Loosly paraphrased, Meyer writes:
His rest is one that operates in the midst of the storm, not in the absence of one. Jesus did not come to remove all opposition from our lives.
There is no guarentee that life is easy, especially not the Christian life. Two quick thoughts on this: 1-a lot of non-christians don't get that, 2-a lot of new christians don't know yet (or don't understand). I think it's a fundamental principle for a new believer to learn. Probably one they will have to learn on their own.
I forget this- that Jesus isn't just going to take away all my cares and worries. I can cast them on Him, and I should, but how I handle the oppositions in my life is really important. It's a chance for me to have faith that God is working in the situation, no matter the current problems or potential outcomes. it's a chance to give Him glory.
His rest is one that operates in the midst of the storm, not in the absence of one. Jesus did not come to remove all opposition from our lives.
There is no guarentee that life is easy, especially not the Christian life. Two quick thoughts on this: 1-a lot of non-christians don't get that, 2-a lot of new christians don't know yet (or don't understand). I think it's a fundamental principle for a new believer to learn. Probably one they will have to learn on their own.
I forget this- that Jesus isn't just going to take away all my cares and worries. I can cast them on Him, and I should, but how I handle the oppositions in my life is really important. It's a chance for me to have faith that God is working in the situation, no matter the current problems or potential outcomes. it's a chance to give Him glory.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
jonnie mic
i like making up nick names for singers, like they're my friends or something-
bethany dillon = b.dill
shawn mcdonald = shawny mac
and now
jon mclaughlin = jonnie mic
here are lyrics to one of his songs-
I can't find my watch
I can't find my wallet
So how in the hell am I supposed to find
The one that I love
The one that I need
Hidden so high
Buried so deep
Somewhere to run
Somewhere to go
And if I ever find her,
How will I know? How will I know?
it's good to know a guy out there is looking for the love of his life. i guess john mayer writes a few good ones, too- love song for no one is a decent one. i'm sure a lot of guys out there are looking, but you just don't hear about it. maybe because there's probably always a woman talking about it.
bethany dillon = b.dill
shawn mcdonald = shawny mac
and now
jon mclaughlin = jonnie mic
here are lyrics to one of his songs-
I can't find my watch
I can't find my wallet
So how in the hell am I supposed to find
The one that I love
The one that I need
Hidden so high
Buried so deep
Somewhere to run
Somewhere to go
And if I ever find her,
How will I know? How will I know?
it's good to know a guy out there is looking for the love of his life. i guess john mayer writes a few good ones, too- love song for no one is a decent one. i'm sure a lot of guys out there are looking, but you just don't hear about it. maybe because there's probably always a woman talking about it.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
a call.
The last night of tcx they played some music and flashed some quotes on screen before the speaker. They were the typical inspirational, go-to-the-ends-of-the-earth-with-the-gospel quotes.
And they are great. I could try to expound on them, give you my opinions about them, or arguments supporting them, but i'll just leave you with wise words that cannot be said any better way:
- "And people who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives… and when the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted." - Nate Saint
- "Had I cared for the comments of people, I should never have been a missionary." - C.T. Studd
- "You can do something other than working with God in His purpose, but it will always be something lesser, and you couldn't come up with something better." - Steve Hawthorne
- "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." - C.T. Studd
- "The more obstacles you have, the more opportunities there are for God to do something." - Clarence W. Jones
- "Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn't." - John Piper
- "It will not do to say that you have no special call to go to China. With these facts before you and with the command of the Lord Jesus to go and preach the gospel to every creature, you need rather to ascertain whether you have a special call to stay at home." - J. Hudson Taylor
Ok I lied. After reading them again, I do want to highlight this final quote by J. Hudson Taylor. This summer on project, a staff intern challenged the way we think about missions. I honestly didn't know the guy very well at the time, and don't remember everything he said that night. Whether they were his words or he borrowed them from a famous writer, he said this: Don't do missions when God tells you 'yes.' Go until he says 'No.'
Immediately, my paranoid mind says, there's no way I can apply that to my life. If I tell God I'll go until He says No, He will end up calling me to missions for the rest of my life. Paranoid.
But the guy had a point. While this has been in the back of my mind since Brasil, I've actually begun to think about it recently and consider the ways I could 'go' until God says no. I'm expecting that God has a specific plan for me after graduation. I don't know what it is yet. I'm ok with not knowing, probably only because graduation is still 11 months away. So I don't feel this special call on my life right now to do any specific thing after graduation. Will I let that get in the way of being involved in Christian ministry?
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
a lot
quite a few thoughts flying around in my head right now. i learned a lot of good stuff last week at tcx. God is so faithful in showing me things i need to know about myself. And providing the strength i need to just get through life. it's funny how much last semester sucked, and while this one doesn't look much different on the outside, i know that it will be a lot better. i'm stronger, more determined, and ready to tackle anything that comes my way. even if a lot comes my way.