I used to think of adults as the people who had it all together. It never occured to me that my teacher was only pretending to be impressed when I learned to multiply double-digits or write my name in cursive. It never occured to me that perhaps she even rolled her eyes when I walked away, annoyed that I always had to be a show-off. I thought all adults were honest and kind and caring. After all, they were always telling us to treat other the way we would want to be treated, and adults always practice what they preach.
....Riiiiiight.
I'm 24 now, and I'm realizing that adults don't always do what's right either. In fact, if there were a time-out corner for adults, I'd bet it fill up quicker and stay full longer than the kiddie corner. Sure, most of us don't go around flinging boogers at our enemies or throwing ourselves on the ground in a fit when we don't get our way, but that's just because we don't have the nerve. Kids are, for the most part, innocent and untarnished. They just don't know any better than to act on raw emotions. We are conditioned, as we get older, to uphold certain standards. In other words, you gotta act like you got some sense!
I'm thankful for that. Really, I am. I can't imagine what kind of world we'd be in if every adult acted like a child in every situation. We all know a few who do, and I think we can agree that the world doesn't need anymore. Adulthood requires the ability to hold it all together while your world is falling apart. Still, imagine a world filled with people who had the HEART of a child...
I work with kids every day. I must tell a dozen kids every hour to tell another kid they're sorry. The crimes range from stealing a sand bucket to calling another child a name. Where I work, the rule of thumb is that every apology is followed by a hug. The impact that an apology and a hug has on a child is incredible. I witness this over and over, day after day, and it still never ceases to amaze me. A child will instantly stop crying after his friend hugs him and apologizes for pushing him. Two girls frolic to the swingset holding hands after they share an apology for fighting over a doll. Once you seek an apology from a child, the war is over.
I watch these kids in awe on a daily basis. They drive me absolutely crazy, but there is nothing more rewarding than hearing a slurred "I love you" at the end of the day from a snotty-nosed three-year-old, despite the fact that you've put him in time-out 18 times since lunch. He doesn't even care. Chances are, he doesn't even remember. Kids remember what's important about us. They know who takes care of them, loves them, and makes peace in their classroom, and that's all they really care about at the end of the day.
We could all stand to learn a few things from the children. It's easy to let the responsibilities of adulthood replace the fundamentals from childhood. Just because we're older now doesn't mean it's any less important to "follow the rules." Forgive and forget. Apologize when you need to. Follow the Golden Rule. Do everything you did when you were a kid. Just do it a little smarter now that you're older!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
greedy hearts
I am trying to understand that God has a plan for me that is so much bigger than me! I have a strong desire to communicate with the world, and I want Christ to work through me to change the lives of those around me. In a very abstract way, I have total faith in His mysterious plan. I pray constantly for His will to be done in my life; still, at the end of the day, I am burdened with the troubles of this place.
I was an English major in college. You wouldn't know it from reading my blogs, but I like to think I'm a pretty good writer when I'm trying to be. I've had a few things published, and I've written for a few newspapers and magazines. I had all of this professional experience in addition to a college education. I thought I'd be set after I graduated, but things haven't really turned out that way. I'm working two full-time jobs just to pay my bills on time. I've applied for every reporting job within a 200-mile radius from home, and I haven't been made a single offer.
It's frustrating. I'm annoyed. I know I am qualified for these jobs. I know they wouldn't regret hiring me if they'd give me a shot. There's no reason they wouldn't at least offer me an interview. At least no reason that I can understand.
I reach a certain level of frustration every night before I have to hand it all over to God. I am down about it for an hour or so every day, generally while I'm working these jobs that I hate. I always feel convicted about this time though...about the time I start thinking about how much I "hate" the jobs that other people are dying to have. There are people out there who are looking for just one job, and I'm complaining because I have two.
I have a plan for my life that's bigger than what I'm doing now though. What's fascinating, though, is that God has a plan that's even bigger than my plan. There's a reason why I'm not getting these jobs I keep applying for. God has a plan that's bigger than what I want to do. This isn't the first time I haven't gotten something that I wanted. That's the story of my life (and yours too, I bet). It's all worked out for the best so far though. I don't always understand it, but I know that I LOVE the life God has created for me so far, and I trust that there is a reason He is setting up my future the way He is right now.
I wish He would just tell me what He was doing with my life, but the added element of surprise does make things a little more exciting. Besides, it's not MY life anyway. That's my problem. I keep trying to figure out what the world can offer me. I should be asking myself what I have to offer the world. (Oh boy...that was cheesy, and a little too close to JFK's quote, but it's TRUE!)
I'll be praying tonight that God will allow my greedy heart to fully trust that His plan really is bigger than mine. That's my prayer for the rest of you too. It's too easy to get caught up in the world and forget that we aren't doing this alone. We don't have to handle our problems. We just have to give them to God.
It's so exciting to think that I could be WORRY FREE! :)
I was an English major in college. You wouldn't know it from reading my blogs, but I like to think I'm a pretty good writer when I'm trying to be. I've had a few things published, and I've written for a few newspapers and magazines. I had all of this professional experience in addition to a college education. I thought I'd be set after I graduated, but things haven't really turned out that way. I'm working two full-time jobs just to pay my bills on time. I've applied for every reporting job within a 200-mile radius from home, and I haven't been made a single offer.
It's frustrating. I'm annoyed. I know I am qualified for these jobs. I know they wouldn't regret hiring me if they'd give me a shot. There's no reason they wouldn't at least offer me an interview. At least no reason that I can understand.
I reach a certain level of frustration every night before I have to hand it all over to God. I am down about it for an hour or so every day, generally while I'm working these jobs that I hate. I always feel convicted about this time though...about the time I start thinking about how much I "hate" the jobs that other people are dying to have. There are people out there who are looking for just one job, and I'm complaining because I have two.
I have a plan for my life that's bigger than what I'm doing now though. What's fascinating, though, is that God has a plan that's even bigger than my plan. There's a reason why I'm not getting these jobs I keep applying for. God has a plan that's bigger than what I want to do. This isn't the first time I haven't gotten something that I wanted. That's the story of my life (and yours too, I bet). It's all worked out for the best so far though. I don't always understand it, but I know that I LOVE the life God has created for me so far, and I trust that there is a reason He is setting up my future the way He is right now.
I wish He would just tell me what He was doing with my life, but the added element of surprise does make things a little more exciting. Besides, it's not MY life anyway. That's my problem. I keep trying to figure out what the world can offer me. I should be asking myself what I have to offer the world. (Oh boy...that was cheesy, and a little too close to JFK's quote, but it's TRUE!)
I'll be praying tonight that God will allow my greedy heart to fully trust that His plan really is bigger than mine. That's my prayer for the rest of you too. It's too easy to get caught up in the world and forget that we aren't doing this alone. We don't have to handle our problems. We just have to give them to God.
It's so exciting to think that I could be WORRY FREE! :)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Easter in an Egg Shell
Yesterday was Easter Sunday, and probably my most favorite Easter yet. When I was younger, I never really liked Easter. I don't know why. I just sort of thought it was boring, and the Easter bunny was cheap compared to Santa. The one thing I looked forward to every year was going to the passion play with my family the weekend before. The reason for celebrating Easter was the only thing I actually did enjoy celebrating.
This year was different than any other year though. I've been going to church more often than in years past, and I have really been longing for a closer relationship with Christ. This year, I heard two different Easter messages from two different pastors at different churches. In each one, when they spoke of Christ's death on the cross, I felt like He was speaking to my heart. For the first time in a long time, it didn't feel like just a story. I was beginning to comprehend His love for me, or at least as much as my wicked heart can understand that kind of pure love.
When I sang the worship songs at church, I meant what I was saying for the first time in a long time. When the pastor talked about how much God loves us, I believed it. When I went home and thought about how I am called to go beyond my comfort zone to serve Him, I was at peace with that. My heart was where it needed to be, and I received a message that I've needed for a long time.
Beyond that, I just had an amazing, relaxing day with my family. For those of you who don't know much about me, I work 7 days a week (literally). I wake up to an alarm clock every single day of the week for an 8 or 9 hour work day. I still had to work this Sunday, but I was able to work it out to where I got a night shift so that I could spend the afternoon with my family. We went to church and had lunch and went for a Sunday afternoon drive...it was just fun. It reminded me of the days that I miss so much now, the days when all I really had to do was sit at home with my family.
The night before, I was able to attend a Saturday church service with my brother and ride around checking out nice houses and indulge in a homestyle buffet. We went "home" (to my mom's house where I no longer live, but will always call home), and watched a scary movie and ate tons of goodies that my mom had stocked up on in preparation for our weekend there. That Saturday and Sunday combined were just the best two days I've had in a while. I've been really homesick since I've been working too much to spend much time with my family, and I was genuinely thrilled to go home for Easter.
Some people dread holidays. Their families drive them crazy, and they look forward to the days they get to spend away from them. I'm so lucky to have a family that I can lean on for support, and that is filled with people who are just as crazy as I am! They love me unconditionally, and that is just a portion of how much Christ loves us...wow!
Anyway, after work last night, I was reflecting on the weekend. My cup runneth over. Sometimes I forget how blessed I am. I am so thankful that I was reminded of Christ's love for us through excellent preaching, music, and time with my family. Oh, and a very impressive Easter basket! :) (You know you're lucky if the Easter bunny still leaves you candy at the age of 24! lol)
God bless you and may we never take for granted the many, many blessings that are bestowed upon us every day!
This year was different than any other year though. I've been going to church more often than in years past, and I have really been longing for a closer relationship with Christ. This year, I heard two different Easter messages from two different pastors at different churches. In each one, when they spoke of Christ's death on the cross, I felt like He was speaking to my heart. For the first time in a long time, it didn't feel like just a story. I was beginning to comprehend His love for me, or at least as much as my wicked heart can understand that kind of pure love.
When I sang the worship songs at church, I meant what I was saying for the first time in a long time. When the pastor talked about how much God loves us, I believed it. When I went home and thought about how I am called to go beyond my comfort zone to serve Him, I was at peace with that. My heart was where it needed to be, and I received a message that I've needed for a long time.
Beyond that, I just had an amazing, relaxing day with my family. For those of you who don't know much about me, I work 7 days a week (literally). I wake up to an alarm clock every single day of the week for an 8 or 9 hour work day. I still had to work this Sunday, but I was able to work it out to where I got a night shift so that I could spend the afternoon with my family. We went to church and had lunch and went for a Sunday afternoon drive...it was just fun. It reminded me of the days that I miss so much now, the days when all I really had to do was sit at home with my family.
The night before, I was able to attend a Saturday church service with my brother and ride around checking out nice houses and indulge in a homestyle buffet. We went "home" (to my mom's house where I no longer live, but will always call home), and watched a scary movie and ate tons of goodies that my mom had stocked up on in preparation for our weekend there. That Saturday and Sunday combined were just the best two days I've had in a while. I've been really homesick since I've been working too much to spend much time with my family, and I was genuinely thrilled to go home for Easter.
Some people dread holidays. Their families drive them crazy, and they look forward to the days they get to spend away from them. I'm so lucky to have a family that I can lean on for support, and that is filled with people who are just as crazy as I am! They love me unconditionally, and that is just a portion of how much Christ loves us...wow!
Anyway, after work last night, I was reflecting on the weekend. My cup runneth over. Sometimes I forget how blessed I am. I am so thankful that I was reminded of Christ's love for us through excellent preaching, music, and time with my family. Oh, and a very impressive Easter basket! :) (You know you're lucky if the Easter bunny still leaves you candy at the age of 24! lol)
God bless you and may we never take for granted the many, many blessings that are bestowed upon us every day!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Eating My Words
I love nights like tonight. I made it to bed before midnight. The sun is still setting, and I'm laying here watching Dateline, and I'll probably begin to doze off as soon as I close the laptop. I couldn't do this every night because I'm a night owl, but I like doing it every now and then. It makes me feel like I'm taking charge of my sleep deprivation, and I also feel like I'm preparing to have an awesome day ahead. Here's to hoping anyway! :)
That's not really the point of this blog though. Since last night at midnight, I've been on a food fast. I haven't eaten anything. I've drank lots of water. Surprisingly, it hasn't been so bad. Maybe I can ignore what's on my heart, but I can't ignore God when a growling stomach and a severe hunger headache are reminding me that I have been called to witness to my lost friends and family members.
Uh...I'm not sure that made sense in writing. Anyway, I guess the reason I'm writing this is to ask you to join me in prayer. Even though I am hungry, please pray that God will use this experience to make me a more disciplined Christian and that He will give me the words and timing to speak to the lost people I'm fasting for this week. If you're reading this and have lost people in your own life, I pray that God will bless you with the same thing.
Anyway, I'm gonna stick to my word about getting to bed early. I'll talk more about the experience when it's over. Hopefully I'll get to sleep tonight before hunger sets in again!! :)
'Night guys!! :)
That's not really the point of this blog though. Since last night at midnight, I've been on a food fast. I haven't eaten anything. I've drank lots of water. Surprisingly, it hasn't been so bad. Maybe I can ignore what's on my heart, but I can't ignore God when a growling stomach and a severe hunger headache are reminding me that I have been called to witness to my lost friends and family members.
Uh...I'm not sure that made sense in writing. Anyway, I guess the reason I'm writing this is to ask you to join me in prayer. Even though I am hungry, please pray that God will use this experience to make me a more disciplined Christian and that He will give me the words and timing to speak to the lost people I'm fasting for this week. If you're reading this and have lost people in your own life, I pray that God will bless you with the same thing.
Anyway, I'm gonna stick to my word about getting to bed early. I'll talk more about the experience when it's over. Hopefully I'll get to sleep tonight before hunger sets in again!! :)
'Night guys!! :)
Monday, March 29, 2010
Day 2: Singing a Different Tune
What is it about facebook that is so addicting? It's like a cyber drug for our generation. In college, it was a major social climbing device. If you got tagged in lots of pictures or had more than a few wall posts in a day, you appeared a little more popular, even if only online. For me now, it's mostly a passifier of time. I get on several times a day just because I'm bored and I have easy access to it from my phone. I hardly ever get on from my home computer anymore, but it's conveniently right at my fingertips throughout the day when I need something to do.
The ironic thing is that I never feel like I have enough time. I work two jobs, and I do a lot of freelance writing too. I literally feel like I'm overbooked at every second of the day. On numerous occassions, I've fallen asleep before I thanked God for a day filled with little blessings. I've had lost people on my heart, and I haven't talked to them yet because I just "haven't gotten around to it." Still, somehow, I always manage to find time for facebook.
That's the awesome thing about doing the facebook fast. It has given me an opportunity to focus on other things that could be passifying my time. Facebook has become a habit, and when I completely removed the option of getting on every 5 minutes while I'm at work or sitting on the couch at home, I managed to let a lot of other thoughts sink it. I'm not saying I'll do this forever. Actually, I fully intend to log on at midnight if I'm still awake. I like social networking sites. I think it is an incredible way of having regular conversation with people we wouldn't normally stay in touch with. That in itself can be a blessing if we use it correctly.
Anyway, I had been praying that God would soften my heart so that I could have the compassion I needed to really dive into this and be a living example to those who needed one. He did that for me to today. He also opened my eyes to a lot of things that I knew in a technical sense, but had never really experienced for myself. In particular, I was reminded of how empty a life is without Him, regardless of our profession, relationship status, financial stability, etc. You can have the best of the best, but a life governed by people and wealth will always keep you chasing after more.
Day one of my fast is almost complete. I plan to transfer my focus to my "day two person" at midnight, and also my fast. That isn't to say I will not continue to pray for the others own my heart. I will just dedicate a day of sacrifice to this person. I have chosen not to add names for the sake of their privacy, but please join me in prayer anyway. I am sure there are people in your own life that you could be praying for as well.
Tomorrow, I will be "fasting" from secular music. I know there are a lot of different opinions about what music is or isn't acceptable to listen to. I enjoy a lot of Christian music, but I also enjoy a lot of non-worship music, and I think that's okay too (like I say about a lot of things, this is another issue for another blog!) This may be something easy for some people, but 24 hours without freedom to listen to any song on any station is complete torture for me! I live for good music!
I hope that by listening to nothing but Christian music tomorrow, I will be uplifted and encouraged. I also hope that it will help me remained focused on my goal, which is to bring people to God. Something about listening to music inspires me, and when I listen to good worship music, I just want to shout out for God!
Anyway, I'm tired, so I'm going to wrap it up for the night. For those of you who are keeping up with me faithfully during this "fasting week," thank you for being patient with me. I nearly always wait until I'm close to passing out from lack of sleep before I write. This can't make for artfully written things for any of you to read, but I am thankful for your encouraging and insightful comments, no less.
God bless, good night, and happy Tuesday! I pray that we'll all remember to live out tomorrow like it's on purpose, and remember that it is the day that The Lord has made!
The ironic thing is that I never feel like I have enough time. I work two jobs, and I do a lot of freelance writing too. I literally feel like I'm overbooked at every second of the day. On numerous occassions, I've fallen asleep before I thanked God for a day filled with little blessings. I've had lost people on my heart, and I haven't talked to them yet because I just "haven't gotten around to it." Still, somehow, I always manage to find time for facebook.
That's the awesome thing about doing the facebook fast. It has given me an opportunity to focus on other things that could be passifying my time. Facebook has become a habit, and when I completely removed the option of getting on every 5 minutes while I'm at work or sitting on the couch at home, I managed to let a lot of other thoughts sink it. I'm not saying I'll do this forever. Actually, I fully intend to log on at midnight if I'm still awake. I like social networking sites. I think it is an incredible way of having regular conversation with people we wouldn't normally stay in touch with. That in itself can be a blessing if we use it correctly.
Anyway, I had been praying that God would soften my heart so that I could have the compassion I needed to really dive into this and be a living example to those who needed one. He did that for me to today. He also opened my eyes to a lot of things that I knew in a technical sense, but had never really experienced for myself. In particular, I was reminded of how empty a life is without Him, regardless of our profession, relationship status, financial stability, etc. You can have the best of the best, but a life governed by people and wealth will always keep you chasing after more.
Day one of my fast is almost complete. I plan to transfer my focus to my "day two person" at midnight, and also my fast. That isn't to say I will not continue to pray for the others own my heart. I will just dedicate a day of sacrifice to this person. I have chosen not to add names for the sake of their privacy, but please join me in prayer anyway. I am sure there are people in your own life that you could be praying for as well.
Tomorrow, I will be "fasting" from secular music. I know there are a lot of different opinions about what music is or isn't acceptable to listen to. I enjoy a lot of Christian music, but I also enjoy a lot of non-worship music, and I think that's okay too (like I say about a lot of things, this is another issue for another blog!) This may be something easy for some people, but 24 hours without freedom to listen to any song on any station is complete torture for me! I live for good music!
I hope that by listening to nothing but Christian music tomorrow, I will be uplifted and encouraged. I also hope that it will help me remained focused on my goal, which is to bring people to God. Something about listening to music inspires me, and when I listen to good worship music, I just want to shout out for God!
Anyway, I'm tired, so I'm going to wrap it up for the night. For those of you who are keeping up with me faithfully during this "fasting week," thank you for being patient with me. I nearly always wait until I'm close to passing out from lack of sleep before I write. This can't make for artfully written things for any of you to read, but I am thankful for your encouraging and insightful comments, no less.
God bless, good night, and happy Tuesday! I pray that we'll all remember to live out tomorrow like it's on purpose, and remember that it is the day that The Lord has made!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Facebook Fast
Before I begin, I feel that I should add this disclaimer: I did not write this to endorse NewSpring. In fact, I must admit that I happen to find some of Pastor Perry's frequently bold statements very off-putting; nonetheless, I've decided to start visiting the church (for numerous reasons which I'll be glad to discuss with you if you're curious), and I have been getting a lot out of the services. So if you're one of my many, many friends/acquaintances/family members who are still not really into NewSpring, please put aside your preconceived notions. After all, the church itself is not the intended focus of this blog. It just happens to be the place that God chose for me to be when He challenged me tonight.
Having said that...
Tonight I attended NewSpring Church for the fifth consecutive week (give or take). They are wrapping up a series called "Practical Atheists," which has had me particularly convicted on several counts. I especially appreciated tonight's message (minus the coarse language, but I'll discuss that another time as not to take away from the reason for posting this), in which Pastor Perry Noble encouraged the church to reach out to people who need Jesus. He reminded us that the people in our lives are not there by accident. If we know someone who doesn't know God, that's no accident either. Maybe God placed us in their lives, and them in ours, because we are the only person capable of touching them in a way that leads them to Christ.
There are two people whose names have been on my heart for a couple of months now. They don't know God, and I happen to know that neither of them are regularly surrounded by people that do. I might be their only chance at salvation. I know I have to talk to them, but I have been putting it off for fear of seeming judgemental or hypocritical. Maybe I'm also a little afraid that I won't have answers to all of their questions. I'm afraid I'll screw this up and that I'll ruin the one opportunity I had to bring either of them to Christ. It's a delicate situation, and I've been afraid to handle it.
Perry reminded us that it is not our fault if someone does not receive Christ. All we can do is work on the person's heart, but ultimately, it is their decision to seek a relationship with Christ. ("You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink"). Furthermore, we aren't really called to do anything alone. My words alone may not be powerful enough, but with God, all things are possible. With God, who I should ask for the right words, the right timing, and the right amount of compassion, I might just be able to save a life. I just have to pray that His will be done, and understand that it has been, no matter the outcome.
At the end of the service, Perry had us write down names of people that God had placed on our hearts. I felt like this message was made for me. These two people immediately came to my mind again, and I wrote them down. As I was leaving, I was burdened by the names I did not write down. I decided I'd write them down when I got home, and that I'd pray for them all week as well. (The challenge was to pray for these people all week and to beg God to shed light on us so that we can be the witness He has called us to be to these non-believers).
I could not be more excited about this. I really felt like I needed to be challenged to do this. I've been putting it off for too long, and a weight is being lifted off of my shoulders now that I have decided to trust God to guide me in talking to others about Him.
But what does this have to do with a 24-hour facebook fast, you might wonder. Perry had asked the congregation to participate in a 24-hr fast from something that they love, and I was thinking about the animal sacrifices in the OT, and about how something pure had to be sacrificed to save someone who was impure. I cannot offer myself as a sacrifice for a couple of reasons: My heart is naturally wicked, for one, and because Jesus became the eternal sacrifice when He died on the cross for our sins. Still, I am fasting from facebook as a symbolic sacrifice of someone whose life I'd like to save.
I decided that I'd "fast" from something each day for the people that I'm praying for this week. Two people have been on my heart for a while, but three more people came to mind today. For each of these five people, I will dedicate one day this week. I will pray for this person, I will sacrifice something that I love to symbolize my dedication to this person's salvation.
For my "Day One Person," I am giving up facebook. I'll keep you guys posted throughout the week on what else I decide to give up. (I laugh at myself as I read this...I make it sound as if I have a million followers-ha!) If this is something that will encourage you as well, I'd like to invite you to join me. If it's not, I'd still ask that you join me in praying for the lost, and for the continued strength and faith for the found.
I'll end with the verse that spoke to me tonight:
"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
'Night guys! See you on facebook at approx. 12 am tomorrow!! :)
Having said that...
Tonight I attended NewSpring Church for the fifth consecutive week (give or take). They are wrapping up a series called "Practical Atheists," which has had me particularly convicted on several counts. I especially appreciated tonight's message (minus the coarse language, but I'll discuss that another time as not to take away from the reason for posting this), in which Pastor Perry Noble encouraged the church to reach out to people who need Jesus. He reminded us that the people in our lives are not there by accident. If we know someone who doesn't know God, that's no accident either. Maybe God placed us in their lives, and them in ours, because we are the only person capable of touching them in a way that leads them to Christ.
There are two people whose names have been on my heart for a couple of months now. They don't know God, and I happen to know that neither of them are regularly surrounded by people that do. I might be their only chance at salvation. I know I have to talk to them, but I have been putting it off for fear of seeming judgemental or hypocritical. Maybe I'm also a little afraid that I won't have answers to all of their questions. I'm afraid I'll screw this up and that I'll ruin the one opportunity I had to bring either of them to Christ. It's a delicate situation, and I've been afraid to handle it.
Perry reminded us that it is not our fault if someone does not receive Christ. All we can do is work on the person's heart, but ultimately, it is their decision to seek a relationship with Christ. ("You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink"). Furthermore, we aren't really called to do anything alone. My words alone may not be powerful enough, but with God, all things are possible. With God, who I should ask for the right words, the right timing, and the right amount of compassion, I might just be able to save a life. I just have to pray that His will be done, and understand that it has been, no matter the outcome.
At the end of the service, Perry had us write down names of people that God had placed on our hearts. I felt like this message was made for me. These two people immediately came to my mind again, and I wrote them down. As I was leaving, I was burdened by the names I did not write down. I decided I'd write them down when I got home, and that I'd pray for them all week as well. (The challenge was to pray for these people all week and to beg God to shed light on us so that we can be the witness He has called us to be to these non-believers).
I could not be more excited about this. I really felt like I needed to be challenged to do this. I've been putting it off for too long, and a weight is being lifted off of my shoulders now that I have decided to trust God to guide me in talking to others about Him.
But what does this have to do with a 24-hour facebook fast, you might wonder. Perry had asked the congregation to participate in a 24-hr fast from something that they love, and I was thinking about the animal sacrifices in the OT, and about how something pure had to be sacrificed to save someone who was impure. I cannot offer myself as a sacrifice for a couple of reasons: My heart is naturally wicked, for one, and because Jesus became the eternal sacrifice when He died on the cross for our sins. Still, I am fasting from facebook as a symbolic sacrifice of someone whose life I'd like to save.
I decided that I'd "fast" from something each day for the people that I'm praying for this week. Two people have been on my heart for a while, but three more people came to mind today. For each of these five people, I will dedicate one day this week. I will pray for this person, I will sacrifice something that I love to symbolize my dedication to this person's salvation.
For my "Day One Person," I am giving up facebook. I'll keep you guys posted throughout the week on what else I decide to give up. (I laugh at myself as I read this...I make it sound as if I have a million followers-ha!) If this is something that will encourage you as well, I'd like to invite you to join me. If it's not, I'd still ask that you join me in praying for the lost, and for the continued strength and faith for the found.
I'll end with the verse that spoke to me tonight:
"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
'Night guys! See you on facebook at approx. 12 am tomorrow!! :)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Happiness on a Budget
It's been a while, I know. If anyone's actually reading these things, you'll have to forgive me for neglecting my blog. I've just been busy. It isn't really by choice. I've been working non-stop to keep up with the never-ending stack of bills. They just keep coming, month after month. There's no end in sight.
I lived in an older, smaller house before the one I'm in now. I wasn't making quite as much money then though (not that I make a lot now), and I kept thinking "if I just made a decent salary, I'd be able to afford things that I want." I finally got a job making more money nearly a year ago. Soon after that, I decided it was time to move.
I don't regret moving out of that house. I loved it, and I have lots of fond memories of my time there, but the move was inevitable. It was old, and the house required more maintenance than I was able to keep up with. Nonetheless, I moved to a more expensive house. And why? Because I could afford it...at least in theory.
The problem with number-crunching though is that it never accounts for the money we blow every month. My numbers assume I'm paying my bills on time and that I'm making purchases primarily out of necessity. It doesn't account for emergencies either, or unexpected expenses. I finally got more money, and I assumed that meant I could afford more house. You'd think I'd have known better, seeing as how I was just getting comfortable in the old house with the new salary, but nope. I had more money, so I wanted more ways to spend it. And I got it.
So lately, I've been looking for a third roommate. (I have a roommate now, but we have a third bedroom that's basically being used for storage right now). It would cut some costs, and then I'd be able to buy a car. At least in theory, but again, that's assuming that I wouldn't blow the money I saved. Don't worry--I've also been looking for a better-paying job.
There's a pattern here, if you haven't noticed. The more I have, the more I want. I've realized that it may not be possible for me to ever be satisfied. I'm trying very hard now to change my mentality. I'm trying to embrace the present. It's not that I believe in settling. I believe there's actually something admirable about a need for constant improvement. Still, I think it's also important to appreciate where we are now and all that God has blessed each of us with rather than to act like it's never enough. That's an insult to our creator.
At NewSpring this Sunday, Pastor Perry Noble challenged his church with this question: if we aren't able to manage a little bit of money, why would God trust us with a lot?
...So true. I have a tendency to spend money. I also have a tendency to be broke. I have a tendency to want more money. I have a tendency to accidently spend money that belongs to God. I have a tendency to be irresponsible with my money, especially for someone who is on such a small budget.
I've got to learn to be careful with the money I have. I need to act like an adult. I need to act like an accountant for God. I always think I need more money to be happy, but what I actually need is to stop allowing money to govern my life. I need to budget and manage more wisely. I want to let God see what an excellent accountant I am, and then, he just might promote me to something that pays more.
I lived in an older, smaller house before the one I'm in now. I wasn't making quite as much money then though (not that I make a lot now), and I kept thinking "if I just made a decent salary, I'd be able to afford things that I want." I finally got a job making more money nearly a year ago. Soon after that, I decided it was time to move.
I don't regret moving out of that house. I loved it, and I have lots of fond memories of my time there, but the move was inevitable. It was old, and the house required more maintenance than I was able to keep up with. Nonetheless, I moved to a more expensive house. And why? Because I could afford it...at least in theory.
The problem with number-crunching though is that it never accounts for the money we blow every month. My numbers assume I'm paying my bills on time and that I'm making purchases primarily out of necessity. It doesn't account for emergencies either, or unexpected expenses. I finally got more money, and I assumed that meant I could afford more house. You'd think I'd have known better, seeing as how I was just getting comfortable in the old house with the new salary, but nope. I had more money, so I wanted more ways to spend it. And I got it.
So lately, I've been looking for a third roommate. (I have a roommate now, but we have a third bedroom that's basically being used for storage right now). It would cut some costs, and then I'd be able to buy a car. At least in theory, but again, that's assuming that I wouldn't blow the money I saved. Don't worry--I've also been looking for a better-paying job.
There's a pattern here, if you haven't noticed. The more I have, the more I want. I've realized that it may not be possible for me to ever be satisfied. I'm trying very hard now to change my mentality. I'm trying to embrace the present. It's not that I believe in settling. I believe there's actually something admirable about a need for constant improvement. Still, I think it's also important to appreciate where we are now and all that God has blessed each of us with rather than to act like it's never enough. That's an insult to our creator.
At NewSpring this Sunday, Pastor Perry Noble challenged his church with this question: if we aren't able to manage a little bit of money, why would God trust us with a lot?
...So true. I have a tendency to spend money. I also have a tendency to be broke. I have a tendency to want more money. I have a tendency to accidently spend money that belongs to God. I have a tendency to be irresponsible with my money, especially for someone who is on such a small budget.
I've got to learn to be careful with the money I have. I need to act like an adult. I need to act like an accountant for God. I always think I need more money to be happy, but what I actually need is to stop allowing money to govern my life. I need to budget and manage more wisely. I want to let God see what an excellent accountant I am, and then, he just might promote me to something that pays more.
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