I have just re-entered the blogging world.
I love blogging.
But - to be fair - I have to tell you guys that I won't be posting as often. Nope. I am starting NaNo on Monday! *screams with excitement* I'll do my best to post every other day. At least a verse or something. Have no fear. I have not died. :)
Thanks for being amazing.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Dear Christian....
I have been pondering this verse a lot lately. It really has started to convict me.
1 Peter 3: 15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always been ready to give an answer to anyone who asks of the hope within you, with meekness and fear."
This is a command from scripture! Why do you treat it like an option and not prepare yourself? I've done it too. But recently I have been trying to find answers to common questions about the Lord so when I do come across them, I'll be ready.
Here are so good one's to start with.
Why are you so different?
If God is loving, why does He allow me to suffer?
How are you even sure God is real?
How do I be saved?
Why do you know the Bible is true?
I'm looking into some of the answers to these questions. So as I (hopefully) find answers, I'll post them and all that jazz. I would love feedback!
Peace, love and tacos!
1 Peter 3: 15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always been ready to give an answer to anyone who asks of the hope within you, with meekness and fear."
This is a command from scripture! Why do you treat it like an option and not prepare yourself? I've done it too. But recently I have been trying to find answers to common questions about the Lord so when I do come across them, I'll be ready.
Here are so good one's to start with.
Why are you so different?
If God is loving, why does He allow me to suffer?
How are you even sure God is real?
How do I be saved?
Why do you know the Bible is true?
I'm looking into some of the answers to these questions. So as I (hopefully) find answers, I'll post them and all that jazz. I would love feedback!
Peace, love and tacos!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Another great example video.....
Whoops! I posted the wrong video at first!
This is a great video that shows what Jesus did for me. (See post from October 25th)
I sin (though not necessarily the same sins as the girl in the video) and God came and took the punishment for me so I can have peace with Him again. I can be at peace with God because He can look on me ans see someone sinless because of His Son's payment.
Beautiful!
This is a great video that shows what Jesus did for me. (See post from October 25th)
I sin (though not necessarily the same sins as the girl in the video) and God came and took the punishment for me so I can have peace with Him again. I can be at peace with God because He can look on me ans see someone sinless because of His Son's payment.
Beautiful!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
My first ever script!
A Different Kind of Blind Written by Ashley Jones and taken from John 9
Man: [ecstatic] Can you believe it? I can actually see! I can’t believe things look the way they look! The colors, the people…the…That man! He healed me. I have to find him…”
Pharisee: Okay, okay…I know you’re excited but give the glory to our God in Heaven. That man…He’s a mere sinner.
Man: I don’t know who He is. But there is one thing I can tell you. [last sentence hang]
Pharisee: Yesss?
Man: I was blind, but now I see.
Pharisee. [rubbing temples] Yes! I know…we’ve established that 29,000 times.
Man: Sheesh! Give me some slack. You’d be excited too, Mr. Anti-Emotional.
Pharisee: Now for the last time, tell me what happened. How did He get you to see?
Man: Well, He was passing by me. I was sitting by that road on the side vineyard at I-40. Ya know where I’m talking about?
Pharisee: [nods]
Man: Well it was a lovely morning. I was just minding my own business, begging. The normal. I could feel the sun shining on my skin. It was so warm. If I could’a picked a day to receive my sight – I would have picked a day like this, with all the birds chirping and people running around the vineyard….
Pharisee: [annoyed] Please, I have a meeting to attend. [pretends to look at watch] Oh, now! Spare me the details.
Man: Oh right. Okay, well basically what happened…to cut a long story short. Jesus passed by me and I heard Him talking to His disciples about me, which I thought wasn’t very nice – I mean, I was blind and all but not deaf. But after I listened to what they were saying I didn’t mind as much. His disciples asked, “Who sinned? This man or his parents that he should be born blind?” Then Jesus said, “Neither. It is so the work of Christ can be shown in His life.”
Pharisee: Is that so? Work of Christ? [shakes head in disgust]
Man: I remember the exact words Jesus said before He speaking to me. He said, “While I am in the World – I am the light of the World.”
Pharisee: He said that huh? Wonder what He meant by that. [calling over shoulder] Bill, take a note of it. Then what?
Man: Then He spit on the ground, mixed the dirt with His spit and said, “Go wash in the pool of Siloam.”
[Man stops]
Pharisee: Is that all?
Man: Yes. I made my way to the pool of Siloam and I see.
Pharisee: Ridiculous heretic! He calls himself the Light of the World!
Man: I don’t see why you’re so upset He gave me my sight! What is there to find fault in?
Pharisee: This ‘Jesus’ has been calling God His Father. He blasphemes. [thinking] What do you think about the man?
Man: I think He is a prophet at least. I think He could be the Mess-
Pharisee: That’s quite enough! Now, tell me one more time what happened.
Man: [motioning] He came. Spit. Put mud on eyes. Told me “Go.” I wash. I see.
Pharisee: I need details!
Man: You told me to cut the details…
Pharisee: Well, un-cut them!
Man: Look I already told you and you did not listen. Wait, do you want to be His disciple too?
Pharisee: His disciple? Oh—I will avoid being seen with that man at all cost. He is a sinner, deserving death! [pointing at blind man] You’re His disciple! I am a disciple of Moses.
Man: Moses? But He-
Pharisee: God spoke directly to Moses. But this man? This carpenter? This magic man? This lowly being with no place to rest His head? Is not from Heaven.
Man: Now that is remarkable!
Pharisee: What?
Man: You are confused about where He came from but He opened my eyes! I see! No one…NO ONE has ever heard of a man’s blind-from-birth eyes being opened. And yet, He’s not of Heaven?
Pharisee: You sinner! You were born in sin and you are trying to teach me? A Pharisee? My position is one of superior knowledge. You have no right!
Man: But why can’t you see?
Pharisee: See? Why can’t I see? Are you suggesting that I’m blind too? You’re one to ask! He breaks the law…healing on the Sabbath, preparing food on the Sabbath and worst of all – eating with sinners. This man is not who you think He is.
Man: Then explain the miracles.
Pharisee: He’s of the devil.
Man: But He casts out demons. What demon would cast out another demon?
Pharisee: You have no right to be challenging me in this way. You’re out of line!
[Pharisee throws Him out]
Man: [struggling to get out] You’re the blind one!
[Man straightens up]
[pause]
Lord, I believe. Though the rest off the world may not understand, I do. You’ve opened my eyes. I know that you are the promised Messiah. It’s plain as day. [looking up and holding out arms] Plain as the sun. Well, it wouldn’t have been unless you showed me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. I was blind…but now I see.
Monday, October 25, 2010
What I believe and videos....Rock on!
I randomly decided that I am going to post a few posts about what my Christian life is all about. I've been reading about how I need to always be ready to give a defense for the faith that I have in Jesus Christ. So I am going to be posting my testimony, what Christ actually did for us, what He can do for you and what I am trying to do for Him. I am going to be adding videos too. If you're like me....nothing explains how you feel more than a song (bonus points if it's a you tube official music video :p).
This will be good practice for me. i always post about stuff He is doing in my life and stuff but I forget about the most important thing He HAS ALREADY done. The one thing that people will remember till the end of the earth when Christ comes back to reign.
Here goes nothin. I guess I'll start with what Christ did for me and you. That's the best place to place in the beginning...well, in the middle too, and actually...why don't we end there as well? Haha. I guess it all centers around the cross.
Now for a few gooooood songs! That explain it pretty well.
I think these songs do a good job explaining what Christ did.
Here's the story...paraphrased. God, the God of the universe created Man and the world and the stars and the animals. But his greatest creation of all was the first man, Adam, because He made Adam in His image. He also made Adam a partner, Eve. Everything that God made was perfect. There weren't any thorns on the earth, no blood was shed, the carnivorous animals that we know now ate plants. Everything was PERFECT. No death, no pain, no tears.
Adam and Eve lived in a garden where they walked and talked and shared a speial relationship with God. Now, there was only one thing that God told them not to do and that was to eat the fruit from one tree in the garden, The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil or they would surely die. That was the only rule! But one day, Adam and Eve were walking through the garden and a serpent was in the Tree of Knowledge and he enticed Eve. He made her question God. He said, "You don't really think that eating this fruit will make you die? Do you? If you eat this fruit it will make you like God - All knowing. That's why He doesn't want you to eat it. He doesn't want you to be like Him."
Eve believed and she ate of the tree.
The first sin had been committed. Nothing would be the same. From then on, the race of man is fallen and sinful. We will never be in perfect communion with God again. If you were born, which since you are reading this post it's safe to say that you are, then are born into a sinful nature.
Sinful nature? Why does that matter? Who cares? Yeah, we sin now and then, but it isn't a big deal right? Because the human race fell, in order to be able to spend eternity in heaven with God and have that communion with Him again a perfect sacrifice had to be made OR humans would have to be perfect - and that just isn't possible. If you have ever told a lie, or lusted, or said or even THOUGHT something unkind....you're a sinner. So that's all of us. We cannot be perfect, so someone had to come and be that perfect sacrifice for us if we were to ever have hope again.
The same God who created the universe, years later, left His perfect home in heaven and became a helpless baby in a virgin's womb. He grew up sinless. SINLESS people! He was the only person to ever be sinless since the fall of Adam and Eve. Can you imagine having a perfect son? One that didn't have temper tantrums or be smart every once in a while?
This boy, named Jesus, teaching the 'teachers' of the land about His Father in heaven. Everyone was astonished, but He knew what His heavenly Father had planned for Him.
At the age of thirty years old Jesus began His ministry. He performed many miracles, healing, baptizing, performing miracles, and teaching the people of Israel about the way to heaven, the Father in Heaven and His will.
The people were taken with His words and many many became His disciples. But the Pharisees of the land were upset. They had heard the old prophesies about man who would be the "Messiah" the "Coming King" and the "Son of God" but they scoffed at Jesus because He came as a lowly servant. The Pharisees were outraged that He called Himself the Son of God because they expected the Son of God to be a rich and mighty King not a servant.
Claiming to be the "Son of God" was a crime deserving of death in those days. So they beat Jesus and hung Him on a cross. On the cross Jesus suffered emotional pain as well as physical. Because God looked upon Jesus and saw our sin. By going to the cross, Jesus took our sins upon Himself. So when God looks at me? He sees a sinless girl because my sin was KILLED that day on the cross with Jesus Christ!
Why does this matter?
Jesus was the only sinless man. And innocent blood was needed to pay for us. The reason Jesus went to the cross was because it was the only way we could be saved and reconciled with God!!!!
ROMANS 5: 12-15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
By one person, sin entered the world, but by one man (GOD) there is now an escape!
This is the best part of the story. Three days after they killed Jesus, he rose again! They buried him in a tomb but He arose!!! HE was the only person who could conquer death! DEATH HAS BEEN CONQUERED! The powers of Satan and the power of evil was conquered! And we can experience that victory in Christ.
If we put our faith in Christ - if we believe that He is Lord and give our lives to Him we can experience that victory. That victory over sin - knowing that it was crucified with Jesus. That victory over death - knowing that because Jesus defeated death, we can spend eternity with Him in heaven.
Isn't that beautiful?
Here is another way to explain it! Ever seen Narnia? My favorite character was Edmund because I feel like I can identify with Edmund. Edmund was the selfish little brat no one liked because he was constantly thinking of himself! He betrayed his brothers and sisters and friends so many times.
He meets the white witch and is taken with her and her beauty. He willingly does anything she asks of him. But soon, the witch's ugliness starts to show and he is afraid because there is nothing he can do.
Soon, Aslan's (the good King, also the lion in the video) comes to save Edmund. They bring him to Aslan. Aslan tells Edmund that He is guilty of betrayal. The worst thing of all. The White Witch (Aslan's worst enemy) comes back to claim Edmund, because according to the black magic of the land all the traitors belong to her and must be put to death on the stone table.
Naturally, Edmund was terrified. He WAS a traitor and there was nothing he could do to save himself.
But, with out telling Edmund, Aslan offers Himself as a replacement for Edmund. the White Witch is overjoyed! She has wanted to see Aslan dead for years. So she gives grace to Edmund and takes Aslan to the stone table to be killed.
But the story ends when Aslan rises from the dead! Because the black magic said that any person who is innocent that is killed on the stone table shall rise again!
That's what Christ did for us, you know. I was a traitor. I had done wrong and thought about only myself, but Jesus took my sins and died with them.
If you are reading this and are not sure if God has taken your sins....be cheered because He can and He will. Believe. This information can change your life.
At the end of the video is my favorite part. You see Edmund and all his siblings recieving crowns and sitting on thrones.
That what is promised those who give their life to Christ. Eternal life reigning with Christ.
And that's just the beginning of the benefits. I'll get into the others in the coming posts.
This will be good practice for me. i always post about stuff He is doing in my life and stuff but I forget about the most important thing He HAS ALREADY done. The one thing that people will remember till the end of the earth when Christ comes back to reign.
Here goes nothin. I guess I'll start with what Christ did for me and you. That's the best place to place in the beginning...well, in the middle too, and actually...why don't we end there as well? Haha. I guess it all centers around the cross.
Now for a few gooooood songs! That explain it pretty well.
I think these songs do a good job explaining what Christ did.
Here's the story...paraphrased. God, the God of the universe created Man and the world and the stars and the animals. But his greatest creation of all was the first man, Adam, because He made Adam in His image. He also made Adam a partner, Eve. Everything that God made was perfect. There weren't any thorns on the earth, no blood was shed, the carnivorous animals that we know now ate plants. Everything was PERFECT. No death, no pain, no tears.
Adam and Eve lived in a garden where they walked and talked and shared a speial relationship with God. Now, there was only one thing that God told them not to do and that was to eat the fruit from one tree in the garden, The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil or they would surely die. That was the only rule! But one day, Adam and Eve were walking through the garden and a serpent was in the Tree of Knowledge and he enticed Eve. He made her question God. He said, "You don't really think that eating this fruit will make you die? Do you? If you eat this fruit it will make you like God - All knowing. That's why He doesn't want you to eat it. He doesn't want you to be like Him."
Eve believed and she ate of the tree.
The first sin had been committed. Nothing would be the same. From then on, the race of man is fallen and sinful. We will never be in perfect communion with God again. If you were born, which since you are reading this post it's safe to say that you are, then are born into a sinful nature.
Sinful nature? Why does that matter? Who cares? Yeah, we sin now and then, but it isn't a big deal right? Because the human race fell, in order to be able to spend eternity in heaven with God and have that communion with Him again a perfect sacrifice had to be made OR humans would have to be perfect - and that just isn't possible. If you have ever told a lie, or lusted, or said or even THOUGHT something unkind....you're a sinner. So that's all of us. We cannot be perfect, so someone had to come and be that perfect sacrifice for us if we were to ever have hope again.
The same God who created the universe, years later, left His perfect home in heaven and became a helpless baby in a virgin's womb. He grew up sinless. SINLESS people! He was the only person to ever be sinless since the fall of Adam and Eve. Can you imagine having a perfect son? One that didn't have temper tantrums or be smart every once in a while?
This boy, named Jesus, teaching the 'teachers' of the land about His Father in heaven. Everyone was astonished, but He knew what His heavenly Father had planned for Him.
At the age of thirty years old Jesus began His ministry. He performed many miracles, healing, baptizing, performing miracles, and teaching the people of Israel about the way to heaven, the Father in Heaven and His will.
The people were taken with His words and many many became His disciples. But the Pharisees of the land were upset. They had heard the old prophesies about man who would be the "Messiah" the "Coming King" and the "Son of God" but they scoffed at Jesus because He came as a lowly servant. The Pharisees were outraged that He called Himself the Son of God because they expected the Son of God to be a rich and mighty King not a servant.
Claiming to be the "Son of God" was a crime deserving of death in those days. So they beat Jesus and hung Him on a cross. On the cross Jesus suffered emotional pain as well as physical. Because God looked upon Jesus and saw our sin. By going to the cross, Jesus took our sins upon Himself. So when God looks at me? He sees a sinless girl because my sin was KILLED that day on the cross with Jesus Christ!
Why does this matter?
Jesus was the only sinless man. And innocent blood was needed to pay for us. The reason Jesus went to the cross was because it was the only way we could be saved and reconciled with God!!!!
ROMANS 5: 12-15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
By one person, sin entered the world, but by one man (GOD) there is now an escape!
This is the best part of the story. Three days after they killed Jesus, he rose again! They buried him in a tomb but He arose!!! HE was the only person who could conquer death! DEATH HAS BEEN CONQUERED! The powers of Satan and the power of evil was conquered! And we can experience that victory in Christ.
If we put our faith in Christ - if we believe that He is Lord and give our lives to Him we can experience that victory. That victory over sin - knowing that it was crucified with Jesus. That victory over death - knowing that because Jesus defeated death, we can spend eternity with Him in heaven.
Isn't that beautiful?
Here is another way to explain it! Ever seen Narnia? My favorite character was Edmund because I feel like I can identify with Edmund. Edmund was the selfish little brat no one liked because he was constantly thinking of himself! He betrayed his brothers and sisters and friends so many times.
He meets the white witch and is taken with her and her beauty. He willingly does anything she asks of him. But soon, the witch's ugliness starts to show and he is afraid because there is nothing he can do.
Soon, Aslan's (the good King, also the lion in the video) comes to save Edmund. They bring him to Aslan. Aslan tells Edmund that He is guilty of betrayal. The worst thing of all. The White Witch (Aslan's worst enemy) comes back to claim Edmund, because according to the black magic of the land all the traitors belong to her and must be put to death on the stone table.
Naturally, Edmund was terrified. He WAS a traitor and there was nothing he could do to save himself.
But, with out telling Edmund, Aslan offers Himself as a replacement for Edmund. the White Witch is overjoyed! She has wanted to see Aslan dead for years. So she gives grace to Edmund and takes Aslan to the stone table to be killed.
But the story ends when Aslan rises from the dead! Because the black magic said that any person who is innocent that is killed on the stone table shall rise again!
That's what Christ did for us, you know. I was a traitor. I had done wrong and thought about only myself, but Jesus took my sins and died with them.
If you are reading this and are not sure if God has taken your sins....be cheered because He can and He will. Believe. This information can change your life.
At the end of the video is my favorite part. You see Edmund and all his siblings recieving crowns and sitting on thrones.
That what is promised those who give their life to Christ. Eternal life reigning with Christ.
And that's just the beginning of the benefits. I'll get into the others in the coming posts.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
My 24 Commandments of NaNoWriMo
Yep, it is what it looks like. My own personalized 23 Commandments strictly about NaNo (see previous post). It wasn't until I wrote these did I realize the magnitude of my commitment. Bring....it.....on!
1: Thou shalt leave sanity behind. Embraceth the insanity on thy insane mission.
2: Thou shalt shout on the streets and by-ways what thee are doing.
3: Thou shalt make a covenant with thy mother to finish the novel or wash the dishes every night for a fort-night.
4: Thou shalt reward thyself upon finishing with a new CD.
5: Thou shalt not, absolutely NOT, let thyself think that anything is more important than thy novel.
6: Thou shalt think often of thy finished product.
7: Thou shalt act out the scenes as thou writeth them.
8: Thou shalt never read over what thou hast written.
9: Thou shalt never listen to Eddie.
10: Thou shalt always drink tea.
2: Thou shalt shout on the streets and by-ways what thee are doing.
3: Thou shalt make a covenant with thy mother to finish the novel or wash the dishes every night for a fort-night.
4: Thou shalt reward thyself upon finishing with a new CD.
5: Thou shalt not, absolutely NOT, let thyself think that anything is more important than thy novel.
6: Thou shalt think often of thy finished product.
7: Thou shalt act out the scenes as thou writeth them.
8: Thou shalt never read over what thou hast written.
9: Thou shalt never listen to Eddie.
10: Thou shalt always drink tea.
11. Thou shalt not procrastinate.
12. Thou shalt writeth the daily word count or thee will be smote with fire.
13. Thou shalt keep up with thy devotions and thy homework.
14. Thou shalt write whileist babysitting.
15. Thou shalt write on Friday night until thy glow stick dims.
16. Thou shalt day-dream about thy novel when thee should be doing other things.
17. Thou shalt encourage plot bunnies.
18. Thou shalt be random in all thee writeth.
19. Thou shalt not get on the forum until thy daily word quota is achieved.
20. Thou shalt kill a character with thee traveling shovel of death in some way.
21. Thou shalt write while eating.
22. Thou shalt not forgeteth to exercise or thou willst gain pounds.
23. Thou shalt dream up conflicts.
24. Thou shalt have fun!
My Insane Endeavor...
First off, thanks for the Post Ryan! That was a fun-sized awesome reminder. We do serve an awesome God. I am so undeserving of Him!
Now, for the real reason I'm posting. For those of you who know me, you know that I'm am stupidly random (an unfortunate family gene - seriously) and do weird things at odd times. If you didn't know that about me....well, welcome to the story of my life.
Okay, I'm exaggerating. I AM random but the real thing is I looove challenges and will take one in a heartbeat.
So, I normally try to post only spiritual related things on this blog but I was told to tell you guys about this, so I have to. It's part of the challenge.
I am doing what many refer to as NaNoWriMo. It's called the National Novel Writing Month. In a nut shell NaNoWriMo is about trying to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. And you can't write any of it until November 1st. Then come the 30 days and night of literary abandon. You write while you eat, sleep, and take a shower. The daily word quota to complete the novel is 1,667 words. Doesn't seem like a lot, but if you miss a few days....*low whistle* You live and breathe your story for one month. about 160,000 people did it last year but only 50,000 succeeded. I'm going to try. I have a complete outline of what I want to happen in my story (see the page on this blog called, "A Piece of My Insanity". It's the first synopsis I'll be doing.). Now, I await the dawn of November 1st.
I know, it's insane. But I'm insane, so it works out.
Plus, meh love to write! *creepy grin*
Why I had to tell you guys is because public pressure helps. It will help me knowing that all my readers know about this endeavor and that they are expecting me to finish. And if I don't....well, who likes public humiliation?
If I don't finish, you each have permission to torment me till I die. In fact, I want you to. That will be my punishment from y'all. Feel free to check on me to see how I'm doing. The more pressure the better. 8)
Now, for the real reason I'm posting. For those of you who know me, you know that I'm am stupidly random (an unfortunate family gene - seriously) and do weird things at odd times. If you didn't know that about me....well, welcome to the story of my life.
Okay, I'm exaggerating. I AM random but the real thing is I looove challenges and will take one in a heartbeat.
So, I normally try to post only spiritual related things on this blog but I was told to tell you guys about this, so I have to. It's part of the challenge.
I am doing what many refer to as NaNoWriMo. It's called the National Novel Writing Month. In a nut shell NaNoWriMo is about trying to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. And you can't write any of it until November 1st. Then come the 30 days and night of literary abandon. You write while you eat, sleep, and take a shower. The daily word quota to complete the novel is 1,667 words. Doesn't seem like a lot, but if you miss a few days....*low whistle* You live and breathe your story for one month. about 160,000 people did it last year but only 50,000 succeeded. I'm going to try. I have a complete outline of what I want to happen in my story (see the page on this blog called, "A Piece of My Insanity". It's the first synopsis I'll be doing.). Now, I await the dawn of November 1st.
I know, it's insane. But I'm insane, so it works out.
Plus, meh love to write! *creepy grin*
Why I had to tell you guys is because public pressure helps. It will help me knowing that all my readers know about this endeavor and that they are expecting me to finish. And if I don't....well, who likes public humiliation?
If I don't finish, you each have permission to torment me till I die. In fact, I want you to. That will be my punishment from y'all. Feel free to check on me to see how I'm doing. The more pressure the better. 8)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
=]
God is pleased with those who strive to have a relationship with Him and want to live by His word. Isn't that such a wonderful thing to know? That God loves us and is pleased with us even though we have sinned and still fail Him? Wow. What an amazing God!
Because He Loves Me
Prince Charming loves us. It's a dream come true. He is everything we've ever wanted and he constantly pushes and inspires us to be better than we are.
This is true. When we know that someone loves us...a lot. It brings the best out of us. It makes us want to be more than we are.
I know that I lack that steam when it comes to Christ's love for me and my desire to become more like Him. His great inspiring love SHOULD inspire me to become more than I am. And it does, but not liek it should.
This is an area for examining ourselves. How do we react to being 'our best' for other people compared to how we are inspired by God 's love for us?
This is short...but they are jsut my thoughts all compiled into a short little, fun-sized post.
Ciao!
This is true. When we know that someone loves us...a lot. It brings the best out of us. It makes us want to be more than we are.
I know that I lack that steam when it comes to Christ's love for me and my desire to become more like Him. His great inspiring love SHOULD inspire me to become more than I am. And it does, but not liek it should.
This is an area for examining ourselves. How do we react to being 'our best' for other people compared to how we are inspired by God 's love for us?
This is short...but they are jsut my thoughts all compiled into a short little, fun-sized post.
Ciao!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
This is Love.
A woman. Is flawlessly faithful with her husband. Perfect. Is everything a man could ask for, works hard, beautiful, submits to him and loves him unconditionally. But tragically, she finds out that her husband has been unfaithful. She is heart-broken. Naturally.
Jesus. Is flawlessly faithful with His bride. He is everything she could ask for. He died for her. He provides for her in a way no man ever could. A constant companion, shelter, protection and lover. Tragically, his bride is constantly unfaithful and disregards the precious gift that He is. She spits on His gift, and doesn't obey His requests. He asks so little. He gave His life and she can't even serve Him. He is heart-broken. Naturally?
Why do I have this mental picture that God doesn't really get hurt when we reject Him?
I'm everything no one would ask for. Not even a human. But God, my God, my Savior, the Lord, the King - serves, loves, protects, clothes, feeds, spiritually nourishes, comforts, helps, teaches, and enjoys being with me.
I have a fantasy-like happiness waiting in the relationship with my God - one many only can dream about. I have someone to run to. I have someone to bear my burdens with me. I have someone to talk to when I'm alone. I have someone who never tires of hearing my voice. I have someone will provide for all my needs according to His riches in glory. I have someone to sing to in the night. I have someone to be close to. I have someone to share my thoughts with - the silly and serious ones. I have someone who will always understand no matter what my situation is. I have someone who embraces me with the sunshine. I have some who kisses me with the wind. I have someone who sings back to me with cricket symphonies. I have someone who has sent me infinite love letters. I have someone who never gets impatient. I have someone who loves me - ME - despite the fact that I - I - put Him on the cross. I have someone who payed for my sin, so when He looks at me He sees Himself. I have someone who lifts my chin when I'm downcast. I have someone to celebrate with when I am happy. I have someone to share my deepest thoughts and desires with. I have someone who calms my temper and whispers "shhhhhh" softly in my ear. I have someone who -even- when I fail miserably will still hold open His arms for me to jump back in.
What am I doing with my life? Why am I holding back? Why am I not giving Him my all? What is so important that I keep hanging on to? Why am I still looking for love?
THIS IS LOVE!
God forgive me. I am a fool.
Jesus. Is flawlessly faithful with His bride. He is everything she could ask for. He died for her. He provides for her in a way no man ever could. A constant companion, shelter, protection and lover. Tragically, his bride is constantly unfaithful and disregards the precious gift that He is. She spits on His gift, and doesn't obey His requests. He asks so little. He gave His life and she can't even serve Him. He is heart-broken. Naturally?
Why do I have this mental picture that God doesn't really get hurt when we reject Him?
I'm everything no one would ask for. Not even a human. But God, my God, my Savior, the Lord, the King - serves, loves, protects, clothes, feeds, spiritually nourishes, comforts, helps, teaches, and enjoys being with me.
I have a fantasy-like happiness waiting in the relationship with my God - one many only can dream about. I have someone to run to. I have someone to bear my burdens with me. I have someone to talk to when I'm alone. I have someone who never tires of hearing my voice. I have someone will provide for all my needs according to His riches in glory. I have someone to sing to in the night. I have someone to be close to. I have someone to share my thoughts with - the silly and serious ones. I have someone who will always understand no matter what my situation is. I have someone who embraces me with the sunshine. I have some who kisses me with the wind. I have someone who sings back to me with cricket symphonies. I have someone who has sent me infinite love letters. I have someone who never gets impatient. I have someone who loves me - ME - despite the fact that I - I - put Him on the cross. I have someone who payed for my sin, so when He looks at me He sees Himself. I have someone who lifts my chin when I'm downcast. I have someone to celebrate with when I am happy. I have someone to share my deepest thoughts and desires with. I have someone who calms my temper and whispers "shhhhhh" softly in my ear. I have someone who -even- when I fail miserably will still hold open His arms for me to jump back in.
What am I doing with my life? Why am I holding back? Why am I not giving Him my all? What is so important that I keep hanging on to? Why am I still looking for love?
THIS IS LOVE!
God forgive me. I am a fool.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Wow. How many of us are more horrified that other people know our sins than God? Isn't it God that we should be afraid of?
Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
I'm posting the lyrics to the Tenth Avenue North Song "Healing Begins". The video was the lead singer of Tenth Avenue...btw.
So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside
So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear
So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
What are you trying to hide form other people. Confess to others and God. I know it's hard. But I've been encouraged to do this, and it is very freeing. Try it!
What In the World Do You Want?
I was blessed with a amazing opportunity to go to a women's conference in Indianapolis. You guys know about Revive our Hearts with Nancy Leigh Demoss? Yeah...it was good.
Well, the first sermon was actually by a guy, Crawford Loritts. I'm going to tell you about it. :) It's been a long time since I heard this...and I can't form the sermon in my head from the notes. I'll just give you the bullet points and you can think on them yourself. they are pretty convicting anyways. And I'm adding some of my words too. Just thought I should let you know so I'm not putting words in his mouth.
1 John 2:15-17
15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
How should we relate to the world? Verse 15 tells us don't love it. Don't love and desire the things in the world. Ultimately they cannot fulfill us. It is like a fire. Hot, attractive, tempting to touch but will burn you the moment you touch it.
How do we relate to the worlds system? See it for what it is. It is a corrupt world needing the love of Jesus Christ!
Worldliness is really 'self-obsession'. The world is worried about one person. "me, myself and I'. If we get involved in the things of the world we are just trying to self-satisfy, self-gratify or identify ourselves. When we love the world God is excluded from our heart, eyes and lusts. We begin to identify ourselves with the world. If we love things of the world we are letting the world define us. What we love will define us!
We must decide who and what defines us! Is it fashion, wealth, prestige, sexuality, possessions, or Christ?
I found this saying very convicting. I have always thought that I have things in my life that I put before God now and then but nothing I would call a serious 'idol'. Well, I did think that until I read this statement that put things in a new light.
"Anything that causes us to lose the enjoyment of the Father's love or the desire to do the Father will is worldly."
Now ask yourself, "What defines me?" I was soooo challenged by this? What does define me? Am I living a Christian life worth exploiting? Am I putting my value in how I measure on the worlds yard-stick?
I found two things that I know pull me away from God and are worldly.Think about it. What are they for you? What is defining you, whether in your private or public life? Hypocrisy? Anger? Bitterness? Lust? The Media? Good novels? School-work (a biggy for us students I know)?
Pray and ask God to reveal those things in your life and to help you conquer them. He will. He is helping me every day. What a mighty God we serve.
Well, the first sermon was actually by a guy, Crawford Loritts. I'm going to tell you about it. :) It's been a long time since I heard this...and I can't form the sermon in my head from the notes. I'll just give you the bullet points and you can think on them yourself. they are pretty convicting anyways. And I'm adding some of my words too. Just thought I should let you know so I'm not putting words in his mouth.
1 John 2:15-17
15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
How should we relate to the world? Verse 15 tells us don't love it. Don't love and desire the things in the world. Ultimately they cannot fulfill us. It is like a fire. Hot, attractive, tempting to touch but will burn you the moment you touch it.
How do we relate to the worlds system? See it for what it is. It is a corrupt world needing the love of Jesus Christ!
Worldliness is really 'self-obsession'. The world is worried about one person. "me, myself and I'. If we get involved in the things of the world we are just trying to self-satisfy, self-gratify or identify ourselves. When we love the world God is excluded from our heart, eyes and lusts. We begin to identify ourselves with the world. If we love things of the world we are letting the world define us. What we love will define us!
We must decide who and what defines us! Is it fashion, wealth, prestige, sexuality, possessions, or Christ?
I found this saying very convicting. I have always thought that I have things in my life that I put before God now and then but nothing I would call a serious 'idol'. Well, I did think that until I read this statement that put things in a new light.
"Anything that causes us to lose the enjoyment of the Father's love or the desire to do the Father will is worldly."
Now ask yourself, "What defines me?" I was soooo challenged by this? What does define me? Am I living a Christian life worth exploiting? Am I putting my value in how I measure on the worlds yard-stick?
I found two things that I know pull me away from God and are worldly.Think about it. What are they for you? What is defining you, whether in your private or public life? Hypocrisy? Anger? Bitterness? Lust? The Media? Good novels? School-work (a biggy for us students I know)?
Pray and ask God to reveal those things in your life and to help you conquer them. He will. He is helping me every day. What a mighty God we serve.
The Long Forgotten Ex-Poster Arises From The Ashes...Rawr!
Wow. I haven't posted in forever. I'm turning out to be pretty lousy at this. I'm so sorry. I'm going to try to do better. I have sooooo mannnny things to tell you guys. I don't think I'll ever catch up!
*applause* Thank you Ryan for picking up my slack and posting something. :D
I really have been incredibly busy!
But anyways. I guess I'll go post something. Stay tuned....I will be back!
*applause* Thank you Ryan for picking up my slack and posting something. :D
I really have been incredibly busy!
But anyways. I guess I'll go post something. Stay tuned....I will be back!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Reaching Out
I recently watched a movie called, "To Save A Life". You might have seen it, you might not. It's supposed to be a Christian movie, although when I watched it I was like, "This is a Christian movie?" I mean, the first 25 minutes you would not think this is a Christian movie. At all.
I mean, first there is a suicide scene, although no gore is shown, then the few curse words, the party's and drunkenness, then the main character and his girlfriend have sex. For the record, they kiss and he takes his shirt off and then lays her down, then it skips to later and he is seen with sheets and she's leaving fully dressed, but it's obvious that they did it with his words. Anyhow, I was like, "Christian movie?"
Then the rest of the movie happened. I mean, it was pretty eye-opening. The boy started asking deeper questions, and with the help of a youth pastor, he started to make sense of it all. Now, I don't really want to say anything else if you have not seen it, but what was most prominent about this movie is reaching out to the unlovable, the outcasts, and the forgotten.
I was just smacked in the face when I watched this. I was like, "How many people have felt alone simply because I never took the time to talk to them?" I usually didn't, because those people weren't considered "in". What kind of Christian are we if we can't show God's love to everyone? I was just...Wow. I was sick with myself. I realized I don't know what it means to love people.
What about you? Do you stay away from certain people because they make you feel uncomfortable, or they aren't cool enough, or aren't worth it? How can we as Christians even do this? If we are Christians, the love of God is in us! Why aren't we showing it to the world?
Tonight I was at church, and there's this kid that has started coming recently. He has some problems mentally and physically, but he understands everything you say to him, and he can read, write, and think, but there is something wrong with him. Now, I have not really tried to befriend this kid, because I think he's weird and he wouldn't care either way.
Well, the Lord has been showing me what it means to reach out, and I have asked him for opportunities. Tonight, I won't mention any names, but someone said, "Here comes...Let's get out of here." I was angry. This kid cannot help how he is. He's not right, but one time in youth class I heard him say, "I don't have a family that loves me. No one does." Now that makes me extremely sad, and guilty, because I never even tried to reach out to him.
Most of us stay away from him. I can sort of understand why the girls do, because he is flirty and he says random things, and puts his arm around them, but he can't help himself. He's not right in the head. As the service started, he was in a pew in front of us kids and he was by himself. Then he got up and sat next to his mom, and I felt really guilty. I felt like I was a failure to this kid. Then all of a sudden I felt something telling me to go sit with him. I was kind of afraid, because I didn't know what would happen, or what the others would think, but then I was like, "This it it. These people are back here talking and laughing, not even listening, and that boy is sitting with his mom because no one would sit with him. Who cares what they think? Disobey God or stay in my comfort zone?" So I stepped out. Sure I felt nervous for a second, but then I was at peace. I don't know what the boy thought, but I hope it did something.
I'm not trying to say I'm better than people, or trying to praise myself in any way, because I am just as guilty and would not have done it if I hadn't felt God pulling at my heart, but after I did, I think I understood just a little bit what it means to value all people, and to reach out to others. I hope God does bigger things with me, because I want to please Him and glorify Him as much as I can, even if it's as simple as reaching out and showing God's love to others. That's all that's on my mind as of right now.
I mean, first there is a suicide scene, although no gore is shown, then the few curse words, the party's and drunkenness, then the main character and his girlfriend have sex. For the record, they kiss and he takes his shirt off and then lays her down, then it skips to later and he is seen with sheets and she's leaving fully dressed, but it's obvious that they did it with his words. Anyhow, I was like, "Christian movie?"
Then the rest of the movie happened. I mean, it was pretty eye-opening. The boy started asking deeper questions, and with the help of a youth pastor, he started to make sense of it all. Now, I don't really want to say anything else if you have not seen it, but what was most prominent about this movie is reaching out to the unlovable, the outcasts, and the forgotten.
I was just smacked in the face when I watched this. I was like, "How many people have felt alone simply because I never took the time to talk to them?" I usually didn't, because those people weren't considered "in". What kind of Christian are we if we can't show God's love to everyone? I was just...Wow. I was sick with myself. I realized I don't know what it means to love people.
What about you? Do you stay away from certain people because they make you feel uncomfortable, or they aren't cool enough, or aren't worth it? How can we as Christians even do this? If we are Christians, the love of God is in us! Why aren't we showing it to the world?
Tonight I was at church, and there's this kid that has started coming recently. He has some problems mentally and physically, but he understands everything you say to him, and he can read, write, and think, but there is something wrong with him. Now, I have not really tried to befriend this kid, because I think he's weird and he wouldn't care either way.
Well, the Lord has been showing me what it means to reach out, and I have asked him for opportunities. Tonight, I won't mention any names, but someone said, "Here comes...Let's get out of here." I was angry. This kid cannot help how he is. He's not right, but one time in youth class I heard him say, "I don't have a family that loves me. No one does." Now that makes me extremely sad, and guilty, because I never even tried to reach out to him.
Most of us stay away from him. I can sort of understand why the girls do, because he is flirty and he says random things, and puts his arm around them, but he can't help himself. He's not right in the head. As the service started, he was in a pew in front of us kids and he was by himself. Then he got up and sat next to his mom, and I felt really guilty. I felt like I was a failure to this kid. Then all of a sudden I felt something telling me to go sit with him. I was kind of afraid, because I didn't know what would happen, or what the others would think, but then I was like, "This it it. These people are back here talking and laughing, not even listening, and that boy is sitting with his mom because no one would sit with him. Who cares what they think? Disobey God or stay in my comfort zone?" So I stepped out. Sure I felt nervous for a second, but then I was at peace. I don't know what the boy thought, but I hope it did something.
I'm not trying to say I'm better than people, or trying to praise myself in any way, because I am just as guilty and would not have done it if I hadn't felt God pulling at my heart, but after I did, I think I understood just a little bit what it means to value all people, and to reach out to others. I hope God does bigger things with me, because I want to please Him and glorify Him as much as I can, even if it's as simple as reaching out and showing God's love to others. That's all that's on my mind as of right now.
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