“Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.’”
Joshua 3:5
Today I’m watching my brothers stare ravenously at the mountain of Christmas presents spilling out from beneath the Christmas tree. All you have to do is look at their faces to tell they are not enjoying the wait. The suspense is almost killing them! Yet, they know the anticipated moment has not arrived.
Now imagine you’re an Israelite and Joshua has just told you that God is going to do something amazing tomorrow. There’s a catch, though. You must wait and consecrate yourselves. It’s almost as bad as being a nine-year-old taunted by the gifts under the tree! You know something exciting is about to happen, but you must be patient.
Consecration is the act of setting yourself apart for God’s purpose. It is a mental preparation for what God is about to do in your life. When Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves, he expected them to spend some quiet time in conversation with the Lord and prepare themselves to be used for his glorious plan.
Right now my brothers are mentally preparing themselves for the onslaught of presents. They are getting themselves ready for the long hours of playing with new toys. They might not be in the same situations as the Israelites, but the message is the same: before something big, a time of preparation is almost always necessary.
2011 is on the horizon and God is getting ready to do amazing things in our lives. Just like the Israelites and just like my brothers, we need to prepare ourselves for the spiritual challenges of the dawning year. God is going to do amazing things in your life and through your life, but that won’t happen on it’s own. A time of preparation is needed, and although we don’t like waiting, the wait will be worth the reward. How will you begin your preparation?
Prayer: Father, we love You so much. We know the work You will do in our lives will be great, but we also know you require a time of consecration and preparation. I pray you would give us the will to stick through the time of preparation, and that we would prepare in the correct ways for Your will in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Madelyn Leembruggen
Friday, December 24, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A Quick Thought
So if you've ever looked at a candle, you might have noticed a shadow directly at the base of the candle. Everything but that small ellipse is illuminated by the glow of the candle. Now what if the light of the candle is the light of God's truth and love? (Cheesy analogy, I know, but hold on for a sec.) Then even though we're really close to God's truth and love, we could still feel far away because we're within that shadow. I guess it's kinda like a 'dark before the dawn' thing. We're soo close to God's truth and love and we know in our core the light is still there. But we can't see it, so even though the warmth and light of God is evidenced all around us we forget He's there.
I guess what I'm trying to say is we can be so used to being in the light we forget darkness will come along. Being on God's path is one of the most dangerous places to be, because Satan knows you're following God and Satan knows that's bad news for him. On God's path, there is no 'Safe Zone' like there is in Sorry (at least not on this earth). Satan WILL attack you. You might find yourself in the dark, almost unable to remember God's warmth and light, but I promise it's there, even if you can't see it in the most direct way. Hold on, stay strong, and keep going.
I guess what I'm trying to say is we can be so used to being in the light we forget darkness will come along. Being on God's path is one of the most dangerous places to be, because Satan knows you're following God and Satan knows that's bad news for him. On God's path, there is no 'Safe Zone' like there is in Sorry (at least not on this earth). Satan WILL attack you. You might find yourself in the dark, almost unable to remember God's warmth and light, but I promise it's there, even if you can't see it in the most direct way. Hold on, stay strong, and keep going.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Lots From a Little Letter
So there is this neat little book called Philemon. It's tucked right into the middle of the New Testament and it's only 25 verses long, yet it is packed with some great insight! I read through it last night and thought, "Hey, I could share some of these thoughts!" So here goes. (My notes will be in italics)
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker-- also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier-- and to the church that meets in your home:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Man, what a cool greeting! Don't you wish we still greeted each other that way?)
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, (Paul had never met them. But he was still praying for them. Makes you wonder who's praying for you!) because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. (Paul moved around quite a bit during his time of ministry, and when he wasn't moving around he was in prison. In a time where most news traveled by word of mouth, isn't it amazing that Paul had heard of Philemon's great faith? Philemon must have been doing some pretty awesome things!) I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people. (So Paul was basically a celebrity in the time of the early church. Philemon was probably just a small town guy with a little house church, but the stuff he was doing in obedience to the Lord was encouraging one of the biggest encourage-ers of the time!)
Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul-- an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- (Wow! Who woulda thunk appealing on behalf of love could be just as powerful and convincing as an order?) that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
I am sending him-- who is my very heart-- back to you. (Sound familiar? Paul is sending his beloved son to aid Philemon in his evangelism. Kinda like how God sent Jesus so we would have a reason to evangelize!) I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. (Paul knows he is in chains because of what he preaches, but he doesn't back down, nor does he renounce his teachings.) But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever-- no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. (...Maybe sometimes things happen so they may be fixed and once again become whole...?) He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back-- not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. (Iron sharpens iron. Believers encourage other believers. Always remember that!) Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. (Paul has absolute belief that God will free him from his chains, because he is doing exactly what God told him to do. Because Paul now knows his life is no longer his own, he can completely trust God with the entirety of his being.)
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. (Other people knew that Paul was writing, and they knew who he was writing to. Paul wasn't quiet about all the work he was doing.)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (As always, Paul sends the blessing of the Holy Spirit with his letter.)
So that is the book of Philemon! There are a lot of things you can pull out of this little letter. I think it's really cool Paul knew about Philemon and decided to write him a letter. Philemon was just one man and he was doing work that was heard of countries away! Isn't that a great goal to work toward? I hope you learned as much as I did from these 25 verses. :]
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker-- also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier-- and to the church that meets in your home:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Man, what a cool greeting! Don't you wish we still greeted each other that way?)
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, (Paul had never met them. But he was still praying for them. Makes you wonder who's praying for you!) because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. (Paul moved around quite a bit during his time of ministry, and when he wasn't moving around he was in prison. In a time where most news traveled by word of mouth, isn't it amazing that Paul had heard of Philemon's great faith? Philemon must have been doing some pretty awesome things!) I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people. (So Paul was basically a celebrity in the time of the early church. Philemon was probably just a small town guy with a little house church, but the stuff he was doing in obedience to the Lord was encouraging one of the biggest encourage-ers of the time!)
Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul-- an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- (Wow! Who woulda thunk appealing on behalf of love could be just as powerful and convincing as an order?) that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
I am sending him-- who is my very heart-- back to you. (Sound familiar? Paul is sending his beloved son to aid Philemon in his evangelism. Kinda like how God sent Jesus so we would have a reason to evangelize!) I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. (Paul knows he is in chains because of what he preaches, but he doesn't back down, nor does he renounce his teachings.) But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever-- no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. (...Maybe sometimes things happen so they may be fixed and once again become whole...?) He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back-- not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. (Iron sharpens iron. Believers encourage other believers. Always remember that!) Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. (Paul has absolute belief that God will free him from his chains, because he is doing exactly what God told him to do. Because Paul now knows his life is no longer his own, he can completely trust God with the entirety of his being.)
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. (Other people knew that Paul was writing, and they knew who he was writing to. Paul wasn't quiet about all the work he was doing.)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (As always, Paul sends the blessing of the Holy Spirit with his letter.)
So that is the book of Philemon! There are a lot of things you can pull out of this little letter. I think it's really cool Paul knew about Philemon and decided to write him a letter. Philemon was just one man and he was doing work that was heard of countries away! Isn't that a great goal to work toward? I hope you learned as much as I did from these 25 verses. :]
Monday, November 15, 2010
Bigger Than My Body
Let me start by saying I believe in miracles. I believe miracles are not a thing of the past, and I believe God still performs miraculous works to this day. Now that this opinion has been stated, I may continue.
Ever since Brandon died I've really been struggling with God over something. If He can perform miracles and if He does perform miracles, how does he pick who gets a miracle? Why couldn't he have performed a miracle and made those bullets miss Brandon? Or why couldn't Jeff have a sudden change of heart? Why didn't God intervene? Couldn't he have achieved the same end results without Brandon dying?
I know the answers to all of these questions. I really do. So why am I still struggling with these questions? I think it's because I don't want to turn around and face the music. I know the answer, but I don't want to have to deal with the answer.
So what is the answer that I know but don't want to face? The answer is that there is something bigger than myself. God is almighty and knows exactly what he is doing. The answer is that I don't need to be asking these questions, I need to rest in the thought that God has supreme power and will work things out the way he wants them to work out.
There is nothing wrong with struggling with God. It is a necessary process that everyone goes through. Out of all my friends and mentors, the ones who struggled with God at least once are the closest to Him. Jacob wrestled with God, and on the other side he came out closer to God than ever before. However, we're never going to win when we struggle with God. There comes a time where we must admit defeat and take the lesson he's given us. I don't think I'm completely done wrestling with God over this, it will probably be a lifetime struggle for me. For now at least, I can take this lesson and start putting it into my life.
God is bigger than me. There, I've admitted it.There is something bigger than my body, and there's no way I'm gonna progress if I don't get out from under this shadow and get back to a place where I can grow once more.
Jeff Bedinger is being sentenced today. Please pray not only that proper justice will be served, but pray also that proper grace will be served. Please pray that God would remind everyone who has been affected by Brandon's death that God is willing to forgive Jeff as soon as Jeff asks for forgiveness. Pray that everyone affected will remember that they should forgive Jeff as well.
Ever since Brandon died I've really been struggling with God over something. If He can perform miracles and if He does perform miracles, how does he pick who gets a miracle? Why couldn't he have performed a miracle and made those bullets miss Brandon? Or why couldn't Jeff have a sudden change of heart? Why didn't God intervene? Couldn't he have achieved the same end results without Brandon dying?
I know the answers to all of these questions. I really do. So why am I still struggling with these questions? I think it's because I don't want to turn around and face the music. I know the answer, but I don't want to have to deal with the answer.
So what is the answer that I know but don't want to face? The answer is that there is something bigger than myself. God is almighty and knows exactly what he is doing. The answer is that I don't need to be asking these questions, I need to rest in the thought that God has supreme power and will work things out the way he wants them to work out.
There is nothing wrong with struggling with God. It is a necessary process that everyone goes through. Out of all my friends and mentors, the ones who struggled with God at least once are the closest to Him. Jacob wrestled with God, and on the other side he came out closer to God than ever before. However, we're never going to win when we struggle with God. There comes a time where we must admit defeat and take the lesson he's given us. I don't think I'm completely done wrestling with God over this, it will probably be a lifetime struggle for me. For now at least, I can take this lesson and start putting it into my life.
God is bigger than me. There, I've admitted it.There is something bigger than my body, and there's no way I'm gonna progress if I don't get out from under this shadow and get back to a place where I can grow once more.
Jeff Bedinger is being sentenced today. Please pray not only that proper justice will be served, but pray also that proper grace will be served. Please pray that God would remind everyone who has been affected by Brandon's death that God is willing to forgive Jeff as soon as Jeff asks for forgiveness. Pray that everyone affected will remember that they should forgive Jeff as well.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Eli-who?
Job 36:2
Bear with me a little longer and I will show you that there is more to be said in God’s behalf.
We all have the friend who won’t leave us alone even when we’re grumpy and keep telling them to go away. We all have that person who has talked sense into us when we’ve decided to be senseless. We all have that buddy who has stuck with us through everything, pushing us to the finish line. For Job, that person was Elihu.
Elihu is an awesome friend. In the lowest point of Job’s time of testing, Elihu is there encouraging Job. Even though Job was probably pretty cranky, Elihu stays faithful, persistent, and helps Job push through this difficult section of his life. Elihu offers encouraging words, such as, “But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering” to keep Job going. Elihu tells Job to “stop and consider God’s wonders” to remind him of the blessing he still possesses. Also, if we look into earlier chapters, we see this isn’t the first time Elihu has offered Job encouragement; this is the third speech Job has received from Elihu!
Not only was Elihu Job’s friend, but he was also a mediator for Job. Along with encouraging words, Elihu also rebukes. Elihu isn’t trying to beat up Job, but he is reminding Job that the Creator has a bigger plan in mind. During this point in Job’s life, he needs a friend, but he also needs someone to tell things to him straight. Elihu was helping Job keep things in perspective. Without Elihu, it is likely that Job would have lost himself during his season of trials.
Most importantly, Elihu gave Job strength to keep going. Through his encouraging words and mediation, Job was able to persevere to the end. Without Elihu, who knows if Job would have made it? In the time when Job most needed a friend, Elihu was there.
Who are your Elihus? Who is persistent to the edge of annoying, in the right ways? Who is your mediator? Who is your through-thick-and-thin friend? Just as we all need an Elihu in our lives, or maybe a couple, we also need Jesus for the very same reasons. In times when we don’t have access to a human companion, Jesus encourages us, rebukes us, and sticks with us through everything. Have you thanked Him for that recently?
Prayer: Thank You, Lord! Thank You for giving us those Elihus to keep us going and to keep us accountable. Thank You for sending Your Son not only to be here for us always, but also to save us by death on the cross.
Bear with me a little longer and I will show you that there is more to be said in God’s behalf.
We all have the friend who won’t leave us alone even when we’re grumpy and keep telling them to go away. We all have that person who has talked sense into us when we’ve decided to be senseless. We all have that buddy who has stuck with us through everything, pushing us to the finish line. For Job, that person was Elihu.
Elihu is an awesome friend. In the lowest point of Job’s time of testing, Elihu is there encouraging Job. Even though Job was probably pretty cranky, Elihu stays faithful, persistent, and helps Job push through this difficult section of his life. Elihu offers encouraging words, such as, “But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering” to keep Job going. Elihu tells Job to “stop and consider God’s wonders” to remind him of the blessing he still possesses. Also, if we look into earlier chapters, we see this isn’t the first time Elihu has offered Job encouragement; this is the third speech Job has received from Elihu!
Not only was Elihu Job’s friend, but he was also a mediator for Job. Along with encouraging words, Elihu also rebukes. Elihu isn’t trying to beat up Job, but he is reminding Job that the Creator has a bigger plan in mind. During this point in Job’s life, he needs a friend, but he also needs someone to tell things to him straight. Elihu was helping Job keep things in perspective. Without Elihu, it is likely that Job would have lost himself during his season of trials.
Most importantly, Elihu gave Job strength to keep going. Through his encouraging words and mediation, Job was able to persevere to the end. Without Elihu, who knows if Job would have made it? In the time when Job most needed a friend, Elihu was there.
Who are your Elihus? Who is persistent to the edge of annoying, in the right ways? Who is your mediator? Who is your through-thick-and-thin friend? Just as we all need an Elihu in our lives, or maybe a couple, we also need Jesus for the very same reasons. In times when we don’t have access to a human companion, Jesus encourages us, rebukes us, and sticks with us through everything. Have you thanked Him for that recently?
Prayer: Thank You, Lord! Thank You for giving us those Elihus to keep us going and to keep us accountable. Thank You for sending Your Son not only to be here for us always, but also to save us by death on the cross.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Knowing vs. Doing
Judges 14:3
His father and mother replied, “Isn't there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?’”
But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She's the right one for me.”
Samson knew what he wanted, and he thought he knew what he needed. But Samson was a human, and we humans have this awful habit of wanting things that aren’t good for us. We also have a tendency to know the right thing, yet refuse to act upon that right thing.
Situations requiring us to act occur many times everyday. Situations as easily solved as where you want to go for lunch. These situations usually don’t have a defined “right” or “wrong” answer. However, there are situations with right answers as variables.
Samson was an imperfect human being, just like we are. He was an immensely strong human, but still a human. That means he made a lot of the same mistakes we do. Probably one of the most common mistakes made by our species is the mistake of knowing the right thing, and not doing the right thing.
We often know the exact answer to a problem, yet we don’t act upon this answer. We tell ourselves we don’t want to step on any toes. Our answer might offend someone: we wouldn’t want that, now would we? So we refuse to act upon the right thing, thinking we’ll keep ourselves out of trouble that way. But guess what? Not acting upon what we know is right is just as much of a sin as acting upon what we know is wrong. The only remedy for this apathy is to seek the presence of God to gain a better understanding of what is right, and then allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us to do the right thing and act upon that truth.
Prayer: Lord, I pray we would seek time with You. I pray that You would expand our wisdom and knowledge of what is right. I pray that You would send Your Spirit to fill us and set us on fire with a holy conviction to act upon Your truth.
Madelyn Leembruggen
His father and mother replied, “Isn't there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?’”
But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She's the right one for me.”
Samson knew what he wanted, and he thought he knew what he needed. But Samson was a human, and we humans have this awful habit of wanting things that aren’t good for us. We also have a tendency to know the right thing, yet refuse to act upon that right thing.
Situations requiring us to act occur many times everyday. Situations as easily solved as where you want to go for lunch. These situations usually don’t have a defined “right” or “wrong” answer. However, there are situations with right answers as variables.
Samson was an imperfect human being, just like we are. He was an immensely strong human, but still a human. That means he made a lot of the same mistakes we do. Probably one of the most common mistakes made by our species is the mistake of knowing the right thing, and not doing the right thing.
We often know the exact answer to a problem, yet we don’t act upon this answer. We tell ourselves we don’t want to step on any toes. Our answer might offend someone: we wouldn’t want that, now would we? So we refuse to act upon the right thing, thinking we’ll keep ourselves out of trouble that way. But guess what? Not acting upon what we know is right is just as much of a sin as acting upon what we know is wrong. The only remedy for this apathy is to seek the presence of God to gain a better understanding of what is right, and then allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us to do the right thing and act upon that truth.
Prayer: Lord, I pray we would seek time with You. I pray that You would expand our wisdom and knowledge of what is right. I pray that You would send Your Spirit to fill us and set us on fire with a holy conviction to act upon Your truth.
Madelyn Leembruggen
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Anger
Anger. Gah. I get angry. A lot. Now anger isn't always a bad thing, but it's not always a good thing either. Anger can be turned into positive things if you choose to turn it into that. Anger is often the best motivator. But anger can also be unhealthy. Anger, depending on the kind, can drive us to do just as many bad things as good things.
What makes you angry? Does it make you angry when your little brother changes the channel when you were watching tv first? That makes me angry. Does it make you angry when someone tracks dirt all over the kitchen right when you just finished sweeping? That makes me angry. Does it make you angry when your neighbors decide they're going to party allll night? That makes me angry. But are these things good things to get angry about? Is this kind of anger productive? Will we change or fix anything by this anger?
You know, God gets angry, too. Some people try to say that God is a scary, unjust, unloving God simply because He gets angry. I get angry. Does that mean I'm incapable of love? I like the way Rob Bell says it: "Which is more disturbing? A god who gets angry, or a god who can see exploitation and abuse without getting angry?" See, God IS love. Love cannot exist apart from God. But God still gets angry. The only thing is He gets angry when one of His children kill another one of His children. He doesn't get angry when Jesus forgets to take out trash. See, God's anger is productive. It motivates in a way that will change and fix things. This is the kind of anger we need.
So along with the things mentioned before, what makes me angry? I get angry when people talk about things they know NOTHING about. You can talk politics all you want, but until you educate yourself on the subject, I don't want to hear a word of it. I get angry when people complain about their pizza being 5 minutes late while a child dies every 30 seconds from preventable malaria. I get angry knowing there are people who believe it is okay to kill your living, moving, unborn child. In the U. S. alone, nearly 4,000 heartbeats are silenced by surgical abortion every day. I get angry driving through the 70-75 intersection. why? Because the majority of drug and slave trafficking takes place right there. Did you know slavery is still active all around the world including the United States? Most of the humans trafficked are little girls. I get angry when I see little kids sitting on the street with no place to go. It makes me MAD when I think about how the average age of a homeless person is nine. I get furious!
I look at all these things and I want them to change. I want someone to change them. I want to change them. I'm willing, but it's hard! But I need other people to get angry, too! Not because someone ate your leftovers, but because there is so much injustice in our world.
What makes you mad? Little and big things. What are you going to do with this anger? Are you going to let it burn as a negative influence, or are you going to turn it around and creative positive motivation? It's your choice.
What makes you angry? Does it make you angry when your little brother changes the channel when you were watching tv first? That makes me angry. Does it make you angry when someone tracks dirt all over the kitchen right when you just finished sweeping? That makes me angry. Does it make you angry when your neighbors decide they're going to party allll night? That makes me angry. But are these things good things to get angry about? Is this kind of anger productive? Will we change or fix anything by this anger?
You know, God gets angry, too. Some people try to say that God is a scary, unjust, unloving God simply because He gets angry. I get angry. Does that mean I'm incapable of love? I like the way Rob Bell says it: "Which is more disturbing? A god who gets angry, or a god who can see exploitation and abuse without getting angry?" See, God IS love. Love cannot exist apart from God. But God still gets angry. The only thing is He gets angry when one of His children kill another one of His children. He doesn't get angry when Jesus forgets to take out trash. See, God's anger is productive. It motivates in a way that will change and fix things. This is the kind of anger we need.
So along with the things mentioned before, what makes me angry? I get angry when people talk about things they know NOTHING about. You can talk politics all you want, but until you educate yourself on the subject, I don't want to hear a word of it. I get angry when people complain about their pizza being 5 minutes late while a child dies every 30 seconds from preventable malaria. I get angry knowing there are people who believe it is okay to kill your living, moving, unborn child. In the U. S. alone, nearly 4,000 heartbeats are silenced by surgical abortion every day. I get angry driving through the 70-75 intersection. why? Because the majority of drug and slave trafficking takes place right there. Did you know slavery is still active all around the world including the United States? Most of the humans trafficked are little girls. I get angry when I see little kids sitting on the street with no place to go. It makes me MAD when I think about how the average age of a homeless person is nine. I get furious!
I look at all these things and I want them to change. I want someone to change them. I want to change them. I'm willing, but it's hard! But I need other people to get angry, too! Not because someone ate your leftovers, but because there is so much injustice in our world.
What makes you mad? Little and big things. What are you going to do with this anger? Are you going to let it burn as a negative influence, or are you going to turn it around and creative positive motivation? It's your choice.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
To Timothy, my True Son in Faith...
1 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I think it’s probably safe to say I am one of the youngest writers on the TJ devotional team. I’m actually only in high school! Because of my age, however, I find this passage of Scripture close to my heart.
Paul is writing a letter to a young man named Timothy. Paul is Timothy’s mentor. This means Paul is guiding Timothy in Timothy’s spiritual journey. Not only was this mentorship beneficial to Timothy, but it was beneficial to Paul, as well.
I have many mentors in my life. My teachers, my friends who are older than me, and my family members are my mentors, just to name a few. These people give me hints and tips, they help me make sense out of things that happen in my life, and they guide me and encourage me in my journey with Christ. Not only can I learn from my own mistakes, but I can learn from my mentors’ mistakes, too. In these mentoring relationships, I’m like Timothy.
However, there are times when I am like Paul. Even though I am still young and still being mentored, I have already begun to mentor others. I learn just as much, if not more, by mentoring others and not just being mentored. When you are a mentor, you have to constantly refresh your memory. You must remember all the basics, and you must have a firm understanding of the things you are teaching. This forces you to pay much more attention than you would if you did not mentor.
Iron sharpens iron. If you are in a mentoring relationship, you may think you’re the one doing the teaching. However, you may very well be doing a lot of learning! And if you aren’t mentoring, maybe God wants you to find someone to mentor. Even if you don’t believe so, there is so much you can teach someone, and so much that same person can teach you. Just look at Paul. He was in prison, yet he was still mentoring. Ask God how He can use you to teach others, hone your theologies, grow closer to Him, and watch His power transform in both directions.
Prayer: Lord, I pray You would show us the benefits and amazing things that result from mentorships. I pray You would guide us as we seek to do Your will, and I pray You would give us understanding as we try to help others gain understanding, as well.
Additional Scripture: Job 8:8-10
Madelyn Leembruggen
(All time favorite picture. Okay, maybe not all time, but most recent favorite picture. :])
To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I think it’s probably safe to say I am one of the youngest writers on the TJ devotional team. I’m actually only in high school! Because of my age, however, I find this passage of Scripture close to my heart.
Paul is writing a letter to a young man named Timothy. Paul is Timothy’s mentor. This means Paul is guiding Timothy in Timothy’s spiritual journey. Not only was this mentorship beneficial to Timothy, but it was beneficial to Paul, as well.
I have many mentors in my life. My teachers, my friends who are older than me, and my family members are my mentors, just to name a few. These people give me hints and tips, they help me make sense out of things that happen in my life, and they guide me and encourage me in my journey with Christ. Not only can I learn from my own mistakes, but I can learn from my mentors’ mistakes, too. In these mentoring relationships, I’m like Timothy.
However, there are times when I am like Paul. Even though I am still young and still being mentored, I have already begun to mentor others. I learn just as much, if not more, by mentoring others and not just being mentored. When you are a mentor, you have to constantly refresh your memory. You must remember all the basics, and you must have a firm understanding of the things you are teaching. This forces you to pay much more attention than you would if you did not mentor.
Iron sharpens iron. If you are in a mentoring relationship, you may think you’re the one doing the teaching. However, you may very well be doing a lot of learning! And if you aren’t mentoring, maybe God wants you to find someone to mentor. Even if you don’t believe so, there is so much you can teach someone, and so much that same person can teach you. Just look at Paul. He was in prison, yet he was still mentoring. Ask God how He can use you to teach others, hone your theologies, grow closer to Him, and watch His power transform in both directions.
Prayer: Lord, I pray You would show us the benefits and amazing things that result from mentorships. I pray You would guide us as we seek to do Your will, and I pray You would give us understanding as we try to help others gain understanding, as well.
Additional Scripture: Job 8:8-10
Madelyn Leembruggen
(All time favorite picture. Okay, maybe not all time, but most recent favorite picture. :])
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Three Things I Think I Know
Thing One: Now, I may be wrong about this, but I believe Peace, Love, and Happiness originate from and can be found in the glory and wonderfulness of God. That's the easy part-- finding where Peace, Love, and Happiness are. The hard part is achieving all three. It's hard because we have to be dedicated and willing to stick it through to the end. It's hard because we might not see any results while we're on our journey. It's hard because not everyone is willing to be as earnestly devoted to God as is required. It's hard because true Peace, Love, and Happiness will not come, nor will they be achieved, until Christ's kingdom is established once again, and we are all settled in for eternity. But like I said, that's just my view.
Thing Two: Tragedies do actually happen. I thought stuff like that only happened on the news until it happened to me. I didn't think that anything worse than a paper cut or a fight with a friend could happen in my small world. But then something worse did happen. And it can happen to you, too. All those stories you see in the magazines and on tv aren't just made up. They happen to real people. People like you and me suffer through them. So don't act apathetically and indifferently when you see horrible stuff happening. Our sisters and brothers are feeling real pain. Our neighbors need real help. And live! Live while you can! No human has any clue when life will be taken away. Unpredictable things happen. Things that are impossible to imagine. So enjoy life.
Thing Three: Why do we say we're alright when we aren't? I've decided that no matter what, I will not lie to someone when they ask me how I am. I don't care if they don't actually want to know how I am, and we don't have to go into the details of why I'm feeling that way. But what if someone who does care asks me? And if I ask someone how they are, I actually do want to know how they are! Why should I say that I'm 'good' when I'm really feeling lower than a worm's belly? (Ha, I bet you liked that analogy.) We'll never be able to help each other if we lie about how we are. How is our hurt supposed to heal if we continue to deny it's there? If you get a sun burn and you deny you have a sun burn, chances are you'll continue to do the same activities you were doing when you got said sunburn. How will your skin ever heal if you refuse to acknowledge the need for it's healing?
Thing Two: Tragedies do actually happen. I thought stuff like that only happened on the news until it happened to me. I didn't think that anything worse than a paper cut or a fight with a friend could happen in my small world. But then something worse did happen. And it can happen to you, too. All those stories you see in the magazines and on tv aren't just made up. They happen to real people. People like you and me suffer through them. So don't act apathetically and indifferently when you see horrible stuff happening. Our sisters and brothers are feeling real pain. Our neighbors need real help. And live! Live while you can! No human has any clue when life will be taken away. Unpredictable things happen. Things that are impossible to imagine. So enjoy life.
Thing Three: Why do we say we're alright when we aren't? I've decided that no matter what, I will not lie to someone when they ask me how I am. I don't care if they don't actually want to know how I am, and we don't have to go into the details of why I'm feeling that way. But what if someone who does care asks me? And if I ask someone how they are, I actually do want to know how they are! Why should I say that I'm 'good' when I'm really feeling lower than a worm's belly? (Ha, I bet you liked that analogy.) We'll never be able to help each other if we lie about how we are. How is our hurt supposed to heal if we continue to deny it's there? If you get a sun burn and you deny you have a sun burn, chances are you'll continue to do the same activities you were doing when you got said sunburn. How will your skin ever heal if you refuse to acknowledge the need for it's healing?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Bedtime
Cicadas come sing me my lullaby;
Clouds come serve as the most comfortable cradle.
Moon, be my guide through multiple dreams;
A safari, outer space... be my anchor-- my nightlight.
Frogs come read me a story of fairies;
Wind come comb all the knots from my hair.
Fireflies come kiss me, tuck me in, say you'll miss me
Until next time these paths of ours cross.
Owls come whisper some wisdom,
Stars come bring me a midnight snack.
Abba, Father, come hug me, tell me you love me,
And then I'll be ready for bed.
Clouds come serve as the most comfortable cradle.
Moon, be my guide through multiple dreams;
A safari, outer space... be my anchor-- my nightlight.
Frogs come read me a story of fairies;
Wind come comb all the knots from my hair.
Fireflies come kiss me, tuck me in, say you'll miss me
Until next time these paths of ours cross.
Owls come whisper some wisdom,
Stars come bring me a midnight snack.
Abba, Father, come hug me, tell me you love me,
And then I'll be ready for bed.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Judas Situation/Groove
The Judas SituationMatthew 27: 3-5
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
It seems like there are many selfish things we can do. Take the last yogurt, leave our dishes in the sink for someone else to do, put the blame upon a friend to avoid bringing trouble upon ourselves. But one of the most selfish things we can do is refuse to forgive ourselves.
As imperfect creations, we mess up – a lot. When we do mess up, we have to ask for forgiveness. We ask God for forgiveness, and He forgives us. If the sin we commit hurts a fellow human, we ask them for forgiveness and are forgiven by them, also. So God forgives us, our peers forgive us... we’re all forgiven and everything is dandy, right? It may seem that way, however there is still one person who needs to forgive you. Yourself.
We have all the tools we need to be forgiven completely. Through Christ we have the power to have our slate wiped clean. The only thing holding us back from absolute freedom is our selfishness.
Judas confessed his sin, and even if he didn’t know it, he was forgiven by God. But Judas could not move on because he did not forgive himself. It was selfish of Judas to hang himself, for he did not know what God had planned. God had already forgiven Judas and would have continued to use Judas in fruitful ways. But Judas couldn’t forgive himself and look past his mistakes long enough to ask for that forgiveness.
We get ourselves into a Judas-situation when our focus is in the wrong place. When we focus on ourselves, we can’t see the forgiveness God has for us. Then we become overwhelmed with our mistake, and not only can we not focus on God, but we can’t focus on others. If we were to stay in that Judas-situation, we would eventually destroy ourselves mentally and emotionally.
Judas didn’t know how to get out of that situation. He didn’t know that all he needed to do was rearrange his focus. When you focus on God’s forgiveness, the place originally intended for our focus, you suddenly have the power to forgive yourself. And with that forgiveness comes absolute freedom. When we stop being selfish and correct our focus, we can be selfless. We can serve God and do things for others, because we have been freed from our guilt and selfishness.
Prayer: Lord, guide us as we lose our selfishness. As we throw off the chains that keep us from being free, remind us why we are doing it. Father, it can be uncomfortable shifting our focus to something much greater than ourselves, but we know it is worth it. And Lord, after we have succeeded in rearranging our focus, lead us to the next steps. Show us things we can do for others in our attempts to be wholly focused on You.
Madelyn Leembruggen
Groove
I've been having a little trouble writing during the past couple weeks. Hopefully writing this TJ has helped me get back into my groove, but I'm still having a bit of trouble connecting. Prayers would be much appreciated.
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
It seems like there are many selfish things we can do. Take the last yogurt, leave our dishes in the sink for someone else to do, put the blame upon a friend to avoid bringing trouble upon ourselves. But one of the most selfish things we can do is refuse to forgive ourselves.
As imperfect creations, we mess up – a lot. When we do mess up, we have to ask for forgiveness. We ask God for forgiveness, and He forgives us. If the sin we commit hurts a fellow human, we ask them for forgiveness and are forgiven by them, also. So God forgives us, our peers forgive us... we’re all forgiven and everything is dandy, right? It may seem that way, however there is still one person who needs to forgive you. Yourself.
We have all the tools we need to be forgiven completely. Through Christ we have the power to have our slate wiped clean. The only thing holding us back from absolute freedom is our selfishness.
Judas confessed his sin, and even if he didn’t know it, he was forgiven by God. But Judas could not move on because he did not forgive himself. It was selfish of Judas to hang himself, for he did not know what God had planned. God had already forgiven Judas and would have continued to use Judas in fruitful ways. But Judas couldn’t forgive himself and look past his mistakes long enough to ask for that forgiveness.
We get ourselves into a Judas-situation when our focus is in the wrong place. When we focus on ourselves, we can’t see the forgiveness God has for us. Then we become overwhelmed with our mistake, and not only can we not focus on God, but we can’t focus on others. If we were to stay in that Judas-situation, we would eventually destroy ourselves mentally and emotionally.
Judas didn’t know how to get out of that situation. He didn’t know that all he needed to do was rearrange his focus. When you focus on God’s forgiveness, the place originally intended for our focus, you suddenly have the power to forgive yourself. And with that forgiveness comes absolute freedom. When we stop being selfish and correct our focus, we can be selfless. We can serve God and do things for others, because we have been freed from our guilt and selfishness.
Prayer: Lord, guide us as we lose our selfishness. As we throw off the chains that keep us from being free, remind us why we are doing it. Father, it can be uncomfortable shifting our focus to something much greater than ourselves, but we know it is worth it. And Lord, after we have succeeded in rearranging our focus, lead us to the next steps. Show us things we can do for others in our attempts to be wholly focused on You.
Madelyn Leembruggen
Groove
I've been having a little trouble writing during the past couple weeks. Hopefully writing this TJ has helped me get back into my groove, but I'm still having a bit of trouble connecting. Prayers would be much appreciated.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Rebuilding The Wall
Last month I read the biblical book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah is an amazing book. It gets a little dry toward the end, but if you dive into the text, it will change your way of thinking. Probably the best way to do this, is to share the notes I took on each chapter.
1: Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king. When he heard that the land of his people had been attacked and destroyed, he mourned and prayed.
2: The king noticed he was upset and inquired. Nehemiah explained that his forefather's city had been destroyed, and requested he be able to go to his forefather's home. God put a mission in Nehemiah's heart: He was going to rebuild Jerusalem. The king was gracious and allowed Nehemiah to go.
3: Jerusalem began to be repaired. People of all sorts gathered together to rebuild Jerusalem, and I mean all sorts of people. Jewelry makers, blacksmiths, tailors, all sorts of people.
4: The wall continued to be rebuilt, but they ran into people who wanted them to stop. Instead of getting discouraged by the enemy opposition, they prayed for help and stayed armed.
5: The government officials were taxing the people of Jerusalem so wrongly, that the people had to mortgage their fields and had to sell their children. So Nehemiah did something. He made the officials stop. And when Nehemiah himself became an official, he did not act in the despicable ways the others were acting, but instead focused on the wall.
6: Nehemiah's enemies kept trying to scare him off, but Nehemiah was not intimidated. The wall was finally finished and Nehemiah prayed throughout the entire ordeal.
7: God put a mission into Nehemiah's heart, and he didn't back down.
People from all sorts of roots and all sorts of professions joined together to do one thing: rebuild their city. Their city was dying and broken, yet they helped revive it. Nehemiah was an average person who managed to lead a group of revolutionaries. If Nehemiah could do that 3,000 or so years ago, how much more could we do that now?
Look at our cities. They are falling apart. They're dying, and we're doing hardly anything about it! It infuriates me, and it really should infuriate you, too. I want to change things. I want to rebuild the wall. Would you like to join me?
Bleeding Hearts
1: Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king. When he heard that the land of his people had been attacked and destroyed, he mourned and prayed.
2: The king noticed he was upset and inquired. Nehemiah explained that his forefather's city had been destroyed, and requested he be able to go to his forefather's home. God put a mission in Nehemiah's heart: He was going to rebuild Jerusalem. The king was gracious and allowed Nehemiah to go.
3: Jerusalem began to be repaired. People of all sorts gathered together to rebuild Jerusalem, and I mean all sorts of people. Jewelry makers, blacksmiths, tailors, all sorts of people.
4: The wall continued to be rebuilt, but they ran into people who wanted them to stop. Instead of getting discouraged by the enemy opposition, they prayed for help and stayed armed.
5: The government officials were taxing the people of Jerusalem so wrongly, that the people had to mortgage their fields and had to sell their children. So Nehemiah did something. He made the officials stop. And when Nehemiah himself became an official, he did not act in the despicable ways the others were acting, but instead focused on the wall.
6: Nehemiah's enemies kept trying to scare him off, but Nehemiah was not intimidated. The wall was finally finished and Nehemiah prayed throughout the entire ordeal.
7: God put a mission into Nehemiah's heart, and he didn't back down.
People from all sorts of roots and all sorts of professions joined together to do one thing: rebuild their city. Their city was dying and broken, yet they helped revive it. Nehemiah was an average person who managed to lead a group of revolutionaries. If Nehemiah could do that 3,000 or so years ago, how much more could we do that now?
Look at our cities. They are falling apart. They're dying, and we're doing hardly anything about it! It infuriates me, and it really should infuriate you, too. I want to change things. I want to rebuild the wall. Would you like to join me?
Bleeding Hearts
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Urban Plunge
Day 1 (Sunday): Jim's Donuts, the Fort, name games at the firehouse, then we headed out.
First stop: Dayton Art Institute. Our mission was to find a piece of artwork that related to us, or stuck out at us. My piece? Waters of Joy. It was a statue of a girl jumping into the water. No hesitation as she jumped in, no holding back. Only total commitment. That's where I want to be. I want to jump into the waters of God's joy, hiding nothing, no stopping to think.
Prayer walk: We went to a couple different places around Dayton, but the place that affected me the most was the park beside the library. Friends, I lost it. I broke down. We all spread out and began to pray, and sadness poured all over me. I felt like I had all the sadness and pain of the world on my shoulders. I felt like God had given me a glimpse, just a teeny little glimpse, into the pain he feels all the time. And I just cried.
I don't like to cry. It makes me feel weak. It makes me feel as if I can't take everything I should be able to take. But I just couldn't help it. I sat there in that park, and all I could think about was sadness. Every night, kids like my little brothers, Nathaniel and Jameson, sleep in parks just like that one. Everyday, there are little girls like Evalyn or Lillie who are hungry because their parents can't afford food. Adults aren't the only ones affected by homelessness and poverty. The average age of a homeless person is nine. Did you know that?
Day 2 (Monday): We went to New Hope Villa on Monday morning! (New Hope Villa is a place where middle-age or older adults with physical or mental disabilities can live. New Hope Villa helps their residents get back on their feet, so that eventually the residents will be able to move into an apartment on their own.) We did a couple different things, but my favorite thing is always hanging out with the residents.
This is Fran. Her favorite season is summer, she loves sweet tea, and wrapping presents at Christmas. She likes to take care of residential cat named Miss Kitty. She has her own apartment on the second story of the New Hope Villa building. She has lived at New Hope Villa since 1999.
This is Patsy. Her favorite season is also summer, she has lemonade every day, and loves to everything except pizza. Christmas is her favorite holiday and she shares a room on the first story with another resident named Mary.
After New Hope Villa, we went to Catholic Social Services. We worked with refugees from Rwanda, South Africa, Iraq, Yemen, and the less specified "Africa". This is going to sound really cheesy, but I learned something when I was playing with a little girl who was about 7 years old. It took me about two minutes, but I finally got her name out of her; Clere. She didn't really talk much, and sometimes she didn't seem to understand what I meant when I was telling her something. Turns out she didn't know English yet. Clere taught me that we don't have to speak the same language to have fun. She taught me how to communicate with smiles and laughter. I told you it was cheesy, but honestly, it's completely true.
Day 3 (Tuesday): On Tuesday we worked with a ministry called Floral Blessings. Volunteers come in to the Widow House, and partner with Floral Blessings to make floral arrangements for the Widow House residents. After we finished putting together our arrangements, we presented them to our assigned resident. A couple residents were asleep, a couple didn't know what was going on, but a few expressed immense gratitude. The resident that struck our group the most was probably Geanie.
Right when we were about to leave, Geanie started talking to us again. Even though we were about to be left, Mara, Alyssa, and I continued to listen to Geanie. Basically she said she thought it was awesome we were doing stuff for them. She told us that they tried to do stuff for us, but we didn't always try to do stuff for them. She showed her gratitude in a beautiful way. Her words came from her heart, and Geanie was definitely one of the sweetest people I have ever met.
Day 4 (Wednesday): Target: Dayton! bright (well, not so bright, rainy, to be accurate) and early Wednesday morning. My favorite part of the day was definitely praying with Charles. Right before the service started, we were all sitting down. Here's the conversation:
Charles: Are you the church group?
Me: Yes we are!
Charles: I wanna pray with you guys!
Us: *looking at each other*
Me: Okay, is there something specific you want prayer for...?
Charles: Nope, I just want to pray.
So we prayed together. And it was a beautiful thing. After we finished praying, Charles looks at all of us and exclaims 'I didn't think you guys would have the guts to do it!'
Day 5 (Thursday): We didn't do much on Thursday, we basically just painted a house and passed out fliers. I do have to say, though, painting was an interesting experience.
So we get to this house and we're told we're going to paint. So we get the paint and brushes out, and we start to work. The owner of the neighboring house comes out and kinda starts to stare at us... Then she comes over and tells us where her property line is. Then she says to us 'I don't want any ladders on my property, no one needs to step on my property, no flecks of paint better get on my plants or anything!' And then she called the cops on us... But when the cops got there, we could tell they thought she was crazy, too. They told us they'd seen groups of us around before and they thought we were doing a really great job and keep up the good work. So besides the crazy neighbor, painting was fun.
And there concludes my Urban Plunge week. The theme songs of our trip were Roots (http://theseedyseeds.bandcamp.com/track/my-roots-go-down) and Lean On Me. The official game was 'The Hand Game'. Our leaders were Sam Scott and Kaila Bowman. And it was the best week of Urban Plunge ever.
First stop: Dayton Art Institute. Our mission was to find a piece of artwork that related to us, or stuck out at us. My piece? Waters of Joy. It was a statue of a girl jumping into the water. No hesitation as she jumped in, no holding back. Only total commitment. That's where I want to be. I want to jump into the waters of God's joy, hiding nothing, no stopping to think.
Prayer walk: We went to a couple different places around Dayton, but the place that affected me the most was the park beside the library. Friends, I lost it. I broke down. We all spread out and began to pray, and sadness poured all over me. I felt like I had all the sadness and pain of the world on my shoulders. I felt like God had given me a glimpse, just a teeny little glimpse, into the pain he feels all the time. And I just cried.
I don't like to cry. It makes me feel weak. It makes me feel as if I can't take everything I should be able to take. But I just couldn't help it. I sat there in that park, and all I could think about was sadness. Every night, kids like my little brothers, Nathaniel and Jameson, sleep in parks just like that one. Everyday, there are little girls like Evalyn or Lillie who are hungry because their parents can't afford food. Adults aren't the only ones affected by homelessness and poverty. The average age of a homeless person is nine. Did you know that?
Day 2 (Monday): We went to New Hope Villa on Monday morning! (New Hope Villa is a place where middle-age or older adults with physical or mental disabilities can live. New Hope Villa helps their residents get back on their feet, so that eventually the residents will be able to move into an apartment on their own.) We did a couple different things, but my favorite thing is always hanging out with the residents.
This is Fran. Her favorite season is summer, she loves sweet tea, and wrapping presents at Christmas. She likes to take care of residential cat named Miss Kitty. She has her own apartment on the second story of the New Hope Villa building. She has lived at New Hope Villa since 1999.
This is Patsy. Her favorite season is also summer, she has lemonade every day, and loves to everything except pizza. Christmas is her favorite holiday and she shares a room on the first story with another resident named Mary.
After New Hope Villa, we went to Catholic Social Services. We worked with refugees from Rwanda, South Africa, Iraq, Yemen, and the less specified "Africa". This is going to sound really cheesy, but I learned something when I was playing with a little girl who was about 7 years old. It took me about two minutes, but I finally got her name out of her; Clere. She didn't really talk much, and sometimes she didn't seem to understand what I meant when I was telling her something. Turns out she didn't know English yet. Clere taught me that we don't have to speak the same language to have fun. She taught me how to communicate with smiles and laughter. I told you it was cheesy, but honestly, it's completely true.
Day 3 (Tuesday): On Tuesday we worked with a ministry called Floral Blessings. Volunteers come in to the Widow House, and partner with Floral Blessings to make floral arrangements for the Widow House residents. After we finished putting together our arrangements, we presented them to our assigned resident. A couple residents were asleep, a couple didn't know what was going on, but a few expressed immense gratitude. The resident that struck our group the most was probably Geanie.
Right when we were about to leave, Geanie started talking to us again. Even though we were about to be left, Mara, Alyssa, and I continued to listen to Geanie. Basically she said she thought it was awesome we were doing stuff for them. She told us that they tried to do stuff for us, but we didn't always try to do stuff for them. She showed her gratitude in a beautiful way. Her words came from her heart, and Geanie was definitely one of the sweetest people I have ever met.
Day 4 (Wednesday): Target: Dayton! bright (well, not so bright, rainy, to be accurate) and early Wednesday morning. My favorite part of the day was definitely praying with Charles. Right before the service started, we were all sitting down. Here's the conversation:
Charles: Are you the church group?
Me: Yes we are!
Charles: I wanna pray with you guys!
Us: *looking at each other*
Me: Okay, is there something specific you want prayer for...?
Charles: Nope, I just want to pray.
So we prayed together. And it was a beautiful thing. After we finished praying, Charles looks at all of us and exclaims 'I didn't think you guys would have the guts to do it!'
Day 5 (Thursday): We didn't do much on Thursday, we basically just painted a house and passed out fliers. I do have to say, though, painting was an interesting experience.
So we get to this house and we're told we're going to paint. So we get the paint and brushes out, and we start to work. The owner of the neighboring house comes out and kinda starts to stare at us... Then she comes over and tells us where her property line is. Then she says to us 'I don't want any ladders on my property, no one needs to step on my property, no flecks of paint better get on my plants or anything!' And then she called the cops on us... But when the cops got there, we could tell they thought she was crazy, too. They told us they'd seen groups of us around before and they thought we were doing a really great job and keep up the good work. So besides the crazy neighbor, painting was fun.
And there concludes my Urban Plunge week. The theme songs of our trip were Roots (http://theseedyseeds.bandcamp.com/track/my-roots-go-down) and Lean On Me. The official game was 'The Hand Game'. Our leaders were Sam Scott and Kaila Bowman. And it was the best week of Urban Plunge ever.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Lot To Go Over
I haven't blogged in a while. Bad, Madelyn! So, since I haven't blogged in a while, I have a lot to go over. All of this post will be my observations on the book of Isaiah, or maybe just some stuff from Isaiah I want to share. Isaiah is a pretty rad book. I like it. A lot.
Isaiah 50:6-9
"I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting."
Wow. That sounds pretty terrible. I mean, imagine just standing there, letting people whip and beat you. Willingly exposing your back, knowing the pain that is coming. How hard would it be to offer your face and head to those who wish to pull out your hair? I'm hesitant sometimes to even let someone brush my hair for fear they'll accidentally pull too hard. And why would anyone in their right mind let people mock them and spit in their face? I know I would find it difficult to refrain from hurling insults and spit right back at them. Heck, I would find it close to impossible to hold back! So really, why withstand this? Why take it from these people? Well...
"Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."
Isaiah 51:1-2a
"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth."
'Remember your roots', 'Remember where you came from', 'Always go back to your roots' are all phrases that were reiterated to me one day. I was told to stay loyal to where I had come from. I was told that if I ever had trouble, I should go back to my roots. If I ever forgot myself I needed to go back to my roots, back to where I came from. In the midst of this lesson, I found myself thinking about how I need to remember not only who I am, and where I came from, but also whose I am.
It's so easy to go off on your own tangent, completely forgetting your past. However, in these verses from Isaiah, we're being told we need to remember our roots. We need to look to the rock from which we were cut and the quarry from which we were hewn. Most importantly, we need to remember that we are God's. We can always find our identity and our hope in Him, should we ever lose either of those things.
Isaiah 56:4-7
"For this is what the Lord says: 'To the mutilated who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant-- to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant-- these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.' "
You don't have to be a certain age, race, or gender to be a follower of Christ. You don't have to be able to do a back flip, run a marathon, or know the entire bible by heart. There are only two requirements. 1: Pursue God and His will with all your heart. 2: Uphold God's commandments. It doesn't matter if you're broken. It's the sick who need the doctor, not the healthy. Anyone and everyone can be a follower of Christ.
Isaiah 61
Closely related to the subject of chapter 56, is chapter 61.
"The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me."
The author of Isaiah is saying that because the Spirit of God is upon him, and because God has anointed him, it is his duty to "preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon the prisoners" and much, much, more.
Now, if the author has all these responsibilities because he is anointed by God, wouldn't it only make sense for everyone who has been anointed by God to have the same responsibilities? And doesn't everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have the Spirit of God in and on them?
I am anointed by God. You are anointed by God. Your best friend is anointed by God. That means it's MY job to preach good news to the poor. That means it's YOUR job to heal the heart broken. That means it's OUR job to announce freedom to all captives and pardon the prisoners. We need to embrace these responsibilities and make sure we are performing and carrying out our tasks.
And thus ends my commentary on some chapters of Isaiah. I'm almost done with Isaiah, and I'm thinking about either reading Nehemiah or Habakkuk next. What say you?
Isaiah 50:6-9
"I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting."
Wow. That sounds pretty terrible. I mean, imagine just standing there, letting people whip and beat you. Willingly exposing your back, knowing the pain that is coming. How hard would it be to offer your face and head to those who wish to pull out your hair? I'm hesitant sometimes to even let someone brush my hair for fear they'll accidentally pull too hard. And why would anyone in their right mind let people mock them and spit in their face? I know I would find it difficult to refrain from hurling insults and spit right back at them. Heck, I would find it close to impossible to hold back! So really, why withstand this? Why take it from these people? Well...
"Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."
Isaiah 51:1-2a
"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth."
'Remember your roots', 'Remember where you came from', 'Always go back to your roots' are all phrases that were reiterated to me one day. I was told to stay loyal to where I had come from. I was told that if I ever had trouble, I should go back to my roots. If I ever forgot myself I needed to go back to my roots, back to where I came from. In the midst of this lesson, I found myself thinking about how I need to remember not only who I am, and where I came from, but also whose I am.
It's so easy to go off on your own tangent, completely forgetting your past. However, in these verses from Isaiah, we're being told we need to remember our roots. We need to look to the rock from which we were cut and the quarry from which we were hewn. Most importantly, we need to remember that we are God's. We can always find our identity and our hope in Him, should we ever lose either of those things.
Isaiah 56:4-7
"For this is what the Lord says: 'To the mutilated who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant-- to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant-- these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.' "
You don't have to be a certain age, race, or gender to be a follower of Christ. You don't have to be able to do a back flip, run a marathon, or know the entire bible by heart. There are only two requirements. 1: Pursue God and His will with all your heart. 2: Uphold God's commandments. It doesn't matter if you're broken. It's the sick who need the doctor, not the healthy. Anyone and everyone can be a follower of Christ.
Isaiah 61
Closely related to the subject of chapter 56, is chapter 61.
"The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me."
The author of Isaiah is saying that because the Spirit of God is upon him, and because God has anointed him, it is his duty to "preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon the prisoners" and much, much, more.
Now, if the author has all these responsibilities because he is anointed by God, wouldn't it only make sense for everyone who has been anointed by God to have the same responsibilities? And doesn't everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have the Spirit of God in and on them?
I am anointed by God. You are anointed by God. Your best friend is anointed by God. That means it's MY job to preach good news to the poor. That means it's YOUR job to heal the heart broken. That means it's OUR job to announce freedom to all captives and pardon the prisoners. We need to embrace these responsibilities and make sure we are performing and carrying out our tasks.
And thus ends my commentary on some chapters of Isaiah. I'm almost done with Isaiah, and I'm thinking about either reading Nehemiah or Habakkuk next. What say you?
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Exposed
What if people are like film? But Madelyn, how on earth could people be like film...? Well, think about it.
Film must be stored in a special canister. It must be kept in darkness until it is ready for use. When exposed to light, properly of course, it becomes a negative which later on becomes a photograph.
John 3:20 states 'Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.' People, like film, stay in darkness, for fear of being exposed or ruined. But the thing is, when film is exposed to light in the proper way, the potential is incredible! The film could be documenting a baby's first smile, or three generations of daughters. Or once developed, the film could be showing a beautiful landscape, or a fresh spring flower.
People stay in darkness for fear the light will expose them. But when they are introduced to the Light, they can become something wonderful. So why hide in a film canister, when you can become a resplendent work of art?
Film must be stored in a special canister. It must be kept in darkness until it is ready for use. When exposed to light, properly of course, it becomes a negative which later on becomes a photograph.
John 3:20 states 'Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.' People, like film, stay in darkness, for fear of being exposed or ruined. But the thing is, when film is exposed to light in the proper way, the potential is incredible! The film could be documenting a baby's first smile, or three generations of daughters. Or once developed, the film could be showing a beautiful landscape, or a fresh spring flower.
People stay in darkness for fear the light will expose them. But when they are introduced to the Light, they can become something wonderful. So why hide in a film canister, when you can become a resplendent work of art?
Friday, May 14, 2010
"Inconceivable!"
Review the past for me,
let us argue the matter together;
state the case for your innocence.
~Isaiah 43:26
My favorite movie is The Princess Bride. I can recite half the lines right along side the characters. I know the story front and back. One time, I even watched it four times in one week. That's how much I like this movie. One of my favorite scenes is when Fezzik and the Man in Black are fighting. The Man in Black is attempting to beat up Fezzik, however, Fezzik just stands there, letting the Man in Black 'punch' him. When questioned as to why he isn't fighting back, or even reacting, Fezzik answers "I just want you to feel like you are doing well!"
In Isaiah chapter 43, verse 26, God says "Let us argue the matter together". In the passage this verse is taken from, God is asking Israel why they seem to think they have no sin. We all know Israel must have had sin. God knew Israel had sin. But Israel still wanted to argue about it! So God says, Okay, lets sit down, I'll talk about it with you and we'll debate this out.
So how do Israel and the Man in Black relate? Neither of them had a chance. (Okay, so maybe the Man in Black did end up beating Fezzik at the end of the scene, but that's not what we're focusing on right now.) Fezzik knew there was no way the Man in Black could beat him in a fist fight, but he gave him a chance. Fezzik wanted him to feel like he had a shot. God, too, knew Israel didn't have a fighting chance, but He told them, you know, I'll let you have a try. I'll let you prove yourself wrong.
Sometimes I'm in an argumentative mood. I get to a spot where I just need to debate with someone. I need to get it all out. Maybe that's how Israel was feeling... For several years in a row. Anyway, Israel wanted to fight, so God replied "You want a fight? Okay, I'll give you a fight!"
I'm going to start calling them 'Israel days'. The days where I just need a fight. And, you know, Isaiah 43:26 made me realize God is always there for me to fight with. Maybe He will always end up being right, so what? It's yet another reminder that God is there for me. Even for the smallest, most petty things, He's there, ready for me 'fight' with.
One of my more recent pictures. I like this one. =]
let us argue the matter together;
state the case for your innocence.
~Isaiah 43:26
My favorite movie is The Princess Bride. I can recite half the lines right along side the characters. I know the story front and back. One time, I even watched it four times in one week. That's how much I like this movie. One of my favorite scenes is when Fezzik and the Man in Black are fighting. The Man in Black is attempting to beat up Fezzik, however, Fezzik just stands there, letting the Man in Black 'punch' him. When questioned as to why he isn't fighting back, or even reacting, Fezzik answers "I just want you to feel like you are doing well!"
In Isaiah chapter 43, verse 26, God says "Let us argue the matter together". In the passage this verse is taken from, God is asking Israel why they seem to think they have no sin. We all know Israel must have had sin. God knew Israel had sin. But Israel still wanted to argue about it! So God says, Okay, lets sit down, I'll talk about it with you and we'll debate this out.
So how do Israel and the Man in Black relate? Neither of them had a chance. (Okay, so maybe the Man in Black did end up beating Fezzik at the end of the scene, but that's not what we're focusing on right now.) Fezzik knew there was no way the Man in Black could beat him in a fist fight, but he gave him a chance. Fezzik wanted him to feel like he had a shot. God, too, knew Israel didn't have a fighting chance, but He told them, you know, I'll let you have a try. I'll let you prove yourself wrong.
Sometimes I'm in an argumentative mood. I get to a spot where I just need to debate with someone. I need to get it all out. Maybe that's how Israel was feeling... For several years in a row. Anyway, Israel wanted to fight, so God replied "You want a fight? Okay, I'll give you a fight!"
I'm going to start calling them 'Israel days'. The days where I just need a fight. And, you know, Isaiah 43:26 made me realize God is always there for me to fight with. Maybe He will always end up being right, so what? It's yet another reminder that God is there for me. Even for the smallest, most petty things, He's there, ready for me 'fight' with.
One of my more recent pictures. I like this one. =]
Monday, May 3, 2010
Fade
In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to The Holy One of Israel. They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made.
~Isaiah 17:7-8
This passage of Isaiah is directed toward the Assyrians. To fully understand what this passage meant at that time, I need to tell you a little bit about Assyria. Assyria was located in Mesopotamia, around current day Iraq. Assyria had a polytheistic religion. The Assyrians built Asherah poles and altars as monuments to their main god, Ashur.
This passage would have been highly relevant in the 8th century B.C. (the time frame Isaiah is estimated to have been written). You might say Assyrians were obsessed with their Asherah poles and incense altars. They must have spent tons of time building these altars, perfecting their Asherah poles. I'm sure they were impressive and beautiful creations. It was significant when it was predicted that the Assyrians would give up their pagan monuments.
What I got out of this passage of Isaiah, is that no matter how awesome or majestic something is, it pales in comparison with the Lord. After truly seeing Him, we won't want anything else.
Think of the most amazing and impressive thing you've seen in a while. It may be a car, a new cell phone model, or even something like an animal, or new spring flower. However, no matter what it is, the Lord is so much better! I know, it sounds cheesy, but it's true. Once we turn to our Maker and see how wonderful He is, everything else will fade.
When you concentrate on the Lord, focus on His amazing awesomeness, and make His will your priority, everything else will be taken care of. Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
I've seen the Lord's goodness and everything else has begun to pale in comparison. I hope that in time, God's mercy and greatness will be the only thing I see.
~Isaiah 17:7-8
This passage of Isaiah is directed toward the Assyrians. To fully understand what this passage meant at that time, I need to tell you a little bit about Assyria. Assyria was located in Mesopotamia, around current day Iraq. Assyria had a polytheistic religion. The Assyrians built Asherah poles and altars as monuments to their main god, Ashur.
This passage would have been highly relevant in the 8th century B.C. (the time frame Isaiah is estimated to have been written). You might say Assyrians were obsessed with their Asherah poles and incense altars. They must have spent tons of time building these altars, perfecting their Asherah poles. I'm sure they were impressive and beautiful creations. It was significant when it was predicted that the Assyrians would give up their pagan monuments.
What I got out of this passage of Isaiah, is that no matter how awesome or majestic something is, it pales in comparison with the Lord. After truly seeing Him, we won't want anything else.
Think of the most amazing and impressive thing you've seen in a while. It may be a car, a new cell phone model, or even something like an animal, or new spring flower. However, no matter what it is, the Lord is so much better! I know, it sounds cheesy, but it's true. Once we turn to our Maker and see how wonderful He is, everything else will fade.
When you concentrate on the Lord, focus on His amazing awesomeness, and make His will your priority, everything else will be taken care of. Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
I've seen the Lord's goodness and everything else has begun to pale in comparison. I hope that in time, God's mercy and greatness will be the only thing I see.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Imagine No Malaria
Did you know that every 30 seconds, a child in Africa dies from a preventable and curable disease? This means that in just one hour of your favorite television show, malaria will take the lives of 120 people. Did you know that mothers in Africa are often forced to watch their children die while they sit helplessly on the sidelines? Did you know that malaria is the deadliest plague in the history of mankind? Malaria takes the lives of over 1 million people every year, primarily pregnant women and children under the age of 5.
But also, did you know there is a cure for malaria? Did you know there are many effective malaria-preventative actions that can be taken? Did you know that just $10 can shield a family of four or five from malaria-carrying mosquitoes, potentially saving lives? Did you know Avatar brought in $75 million it's opening week? That's enough money to virtually eliminate malaria in Africa by 2015. And lastly, did you know my Lord and Savior is a miracle worker who has the power to heal Africa?
Today is World Malaria Awareness day. You may not have known all of these things before, but now you do. You have a chance to help save lives and serve God's children. Spread the word. Make a difference. Change the World by being the change.
www.imaginenomalaria.com
But also, did you know there is a cure for malaria? Did you know there are many effective malaria-preventative actions that can be taken? Did you know that just $10 can shield a family of four or five from malaria-carrying mosquitoes, potentially saving lives? Did you know Avatar brought in $75 million it's opening week? That's enough money to virtually eliminate malaria in Africa by 2015. And lastly, did you know my Lord and Savior is a miracle worker who has the power to heal Africa?
Today is World Malaria Awareness day. You may not have known all of these things before, but now you do. You have a chance to help save lives and serve God's children. Spread the word. Make a difference. Change the World by being the change.
www.imaginenomalaria.com
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Thumbin' A Ride/There Are No 'If's
Sometimes I can't stop the 'What if's and 'maybe's from getting into my mind.
At first they're polite and use the front door. They even knock. You invite them in and they sit down on your sofa. You offer them some coffee or tea, and you guys have a nice little chit-chat catch-up time. When your visit is over, you show them the door and they leave on cue.
Then they start to just walk straight in, uninvited. You're standing in the kitchen chopping vegetables when they just walk in and start talking your ear off. How rude of them? But you keep your opinions to yourself and politely shoo them out.
Just when you think they're gone, they resort to a slightly more deceptive way to enter. You walk up the stairs to get your reading glasses, and guess who's crawling in through an open window you forgot to close? Once again, you kick them out and go on to secure all openings; locking yourself in your own mind.
Next they hitch a ride with another thought. You open a door for a pleasant thought about that book you just read, and all of a sudden, there they are again. Yet another time you have to chase them away, hitting them over the head with a broom, yelling at them to leave you alone.
By now they are downright criminals. They lay in wait, sneaky little things they've become. When you step out the door for two seconds, just to grab the paper quickly, they attack you. Right when you're least expecting it. And you once again start doubting, and wondering, and worrying.
"What if I had waited?"
"Maybe if I hadn't said that..."
"What if they weren't so far away, then maybe..."
I wrote that almost a year ago. June 9th 2009 (this is why it's important to put dates on things =]). I was looking through my notebooks today and found 'Thumbin' A Ride'. At that point in my life, I was feeling pretty doubtful (if you couldn't tell). As I read my story today, I thought of a quote from a book I just finished.
The book I just finished is called The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. You might have heard of it. (If you haven't read it, I would encourage you to read it. Actually, I would bug you about it until you did read it. But that's beside the point.) Anyway, the quote that came to mind was said by Betsie Ten Boom. Betsie says 'There are no 'if's in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety-- Oh, let us pray that we may always know it!'
I had a minor epiphany today. There are no 'if's in God's world, and when I focus on what could have been, instead of what is, I'm being doubtful. God leaves nothing to doubt, and those 'What if's and 'Maybe's that are thumbing rides into my mind, those are Satan's little viruses. Satan programs those viruses to spread doubt through my entire body, until I'm not sure about anything anymore, including God's love.
If I focus on living completely in God's if-less world (diving all the way into His swimming pool), would it be harder for Satan's bugs to get at me? It seems like God would have a pretty effective bug spray for me to use. I think I'll try it.
Lord, help me remember that there are no 'if's in your world. Let me be secure in all I say and do. Strengthen me against Satan's viruses, and help me get rid of those bugs when they do succeed at getting inside my head.
At first they're polite and use the front door. They even knock. You invite them in and they sit down on your sofa. You offer them some coffee or tea, and you guys have a nice little chit-chat catch-up time. When your visit is over, you show them the door and they leave on cue.
Then they start to just walk straight in, uninvited. You're standing in the kitchen chopping vegetables when they just walk in and start talking your ear off. How rude of them? But you keep your opinions to yourself and politely shoo them out.
Just when you think they're gone, they resort to a slightly more deceptive way to enter. You walk up the stairs to get your reading glasses, and guess who's crawling in through an open window you forgot to close? Once again, you kick them out and go on to secure all openings; locking yourself in your own mind.
Next they hitch a ride with another thought. You open a door for a pleasant thought about that book you just read, and all of a sudden, there they are again. Yet another time you have to chase them away, hitting them over the head with a broom, yelling at them to leave you alone.
By now they are downright criminals. They lay in wait, sneaky little things they've become. When you step out the door for two seconds, just to grab the paper quickly, they attack you. Right when you're least expecting it. And you once again start doubting, and wondering, and worrying.
"What if I had waited?"
"Maybe if I hadn't said that..."
"What if they weren't so far away, then maybe..."
I wrote that almost a year ago. June 9th 2009 (this is why it's important to put dates on things =]). I was looking through my notebooks today and found 'Thumbin' A Ride'. At that point in my life, I was feeling pretty doubtful (if you couldn't tell). As I read my story today, I thought of a quote from a book I just finished.
The book I just finished is called The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. You might have heard of it. (If you haven't read it, I would encourage you to read it. Actually, I would bug you about it until you did read it. But that's beside the point.) Anyway, the quote that came to mind was said by Betsie Ten Boom. Betsie says 'There are no 'if's in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety-- Oh, let us pray that we may always know it!'
I had a minor epiphany today. There are no 'if's in God's world, and when I focus on what could have been, instead of what is, I'm being doubtful. God leaves nothing to doubt, and those 'What if's and 'Maybe's that are thumbing rides into my mind, those are Satan's little viruses. Satan programs those viruses to spread doubt through my entire body, until I'm not sure about anything anymore, including God's love.
If I focus on living completely in God's if-less world (diving all the way into His swimming pool), would it be harder for Satan's bugs to get at me? It seems like God would have a pretty effective bug spray for me to use. I think I'll try it.
Lord, help me remember that there are no 'if's in your world. Let me be secure in all I say and do. Strengthen me against Satan's viruses, and help me get rid of those bugs when they do succeed at getting inside my head.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Inevitable
The other day at church we were talking about why it's hard to talk to people about Jesus and your faith. We talked about how it can be hard to bring the subject up. Then if you do succeed in bringing the subject up, the conversation can become awkward. And if the conversation becomes awkward, it's hard to get the conversation back.
When people ask me about myself, the facts that I am a martial artist, a musician, and homeschooled inevitably come up. Those three things are huge parts of my life, so I don't find them difficult to talk about. But what about those tidbits of information that aren't commonly brought up? Like how I'm pro-life, or an adamant Christ-follower?
Recently, the Holy Spirit has been guiding me further and further out of my comfort zone. I have found myself sharing those little known facts about my relationship with my heavenly Father. It made me think about the discussion that went on in my Sunday school class. I used to have trouble sharing about Jesus, but I don't have much trouble any more. Why??
I continued to think about this all afternoon. And I came to a conclusion. I concluded that when I make Jesus the priority of my life, it's not hard to talk about Him. I'm simply talking about my life.
Now, I'm not saying I'm perfect. I'm not saying I keep Jesus the focus of my life indefinitely. Sometimes I find myself giving something unworthy the most priority, and that is when I have to step back and refocus. What I am saying, however, is that the times where I am thinking only of Jesus are the times where speaking of Him is the easiest.
When people ask me about myself, the facts that I am a martial artist, a musician, and homeschooled inevitably come up. Those three things are huge parts of my life, so I don't find them difficult to talk about. But what about those tidbits of information that aren't commonly brought up? Like how I'm pro-life, or an adamant Christ-follower?
Recently, the Holy Spirit has been guiding me further and further out of my comfort zone. I have found myself sharing those little known facts about my relationship with my heavenly Father. It made me think about the discussion that went on in my Sunday school class. I used to have trouble sharing about Jesus, but I don't have much trouble any more. Why??
I continued to think about this all afternoon. And I came to a conclusion. I concluded that when I make Jesus the priority of my life, it's not hard to talk about Him. I'm simply talking about my life.
Now, I'm not saying I'm perfect. I'm not saying I keep Jesus the focus of my life indefinitely. Sometimes I find myself giving something unworthy the most priority, and that is when I have to step back and refocus. What I am saying, however, is that the times where I am thinking only of Jesus are the times where speaking of Him is the easiest.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
A Reflection: My Journey to Black Belt
I started karate almost three years ago exactly. And for my first few weeks in class, I absolutely abhorred it! I did not like not knowing what was going on. I did not like feeling lost. And most of all, I did not like the fact that people who were younger than me knew what they were doing and what was being talked about, whereas I knew nothing. I cried and cried to my mom, begging her to not make me proceed with karate classes. Alas, she remained firm and unmoving in her verdict: We would continue to take karate until she decided otherwise. And now, I am eternally grateful to both my mother and her firmness in her decision.
Throughout my karate career, I experienced various leadership roles. Some leadership roles I encountered include leading stretching; teaching the class as a whole, and teaching students individually; giving opinions and ideas in meetings; and more recently, coaching. I learned some important life lessons through my leadership roles. I learned to be decisive and make up my mind quickly, but not rashly. I learned to be firm in those decisions.
The first time I ever led class, was as a blue belt. I was extremely surprised when I was told I would be leading stretches! I kind of turned around and looked behind me to make sure Mr. McCall was pointing to me. After we bowed in and the class was handed over to me, my mind went completely blank. I could not remember what came first, what to do next, and I think I even forgot how to count! I actually remember Cassidy giving me hints from her place in the front row. If I appeared to not remember what came after crunches, Cassidy would whisper "Push-ups".
As I look back on the first time I led stretching, I see how much my leadership has changed. I started as a confused blue belt who needed constant memory refreshers. Now, I am a second red belt who can lead class independently. And, if another student is leading class, sometimes I'm the one giving the hints now!
Another leadership 'first' came to me just a couple weeks ago. Both Mr. McCall and Mrs. Schaeffer were ill. I, being the Senior Assistant Instructor and highest underbelt rank, was put in charge of a Thursday night class. I had three other red belts helping me, but I was still the main leader to whom the other red belts were turning. The night went successfully without major mishaps or disasters. With a lot of help from my fellow red belts, I can honestly say that the endeavor we were given ended prosperously.
My leadership roles are currently changing and will continue to change more once I achieve the goal of black belt. A change that I am working on at the moment is asserting my authority. It has been brought to my attention that although I am the Senior Assistant Instructor and have more authority than any other underbelt, I am not properly asserting my authority. It is my own fault that until this point I have never exactly affirmed my authority and I plan on upholding it, and my trustworthiness within my authority, by paying more attention to situations that require action on my part.
Once I obtain my black belt, I expect my leadership to change drastically, for I will be an apprentice black belt until I am sixteen. As an apprentice black belt, other students who are of age will inevitably pass me and be a higher rank than me for the rest of our careers, if we progress at a steady rate. No matter what rank I am, or who outranks me, I plan on gaining and maintaining respect from my fellow martial artists. I plan on leading in a way that will make others want to respect and follow me, rather than them feeling obligated to respect and follow.
If someone is defined as 'responsible', it means they are reliable or dependable, and answerable or accountable. It is difficult to lead well if you are not responsible. And if you are irresponsible while leading, the results can be disastrous. 'Responsibility' is defined as a 'burden of obligation upon someone who is responsible'. In order for me to lead effectively, I need to recognize my obligations and responsibilities and handle them in a reliable manner. Within my Tae Kwon Do career, I have many responsibilities. Keeping students safe; being in class even on those days where I don't want to be; upholding a trustworthy attitude; and setting a good example are all my responsibilities. I believe that by having more responsibilities handed to me, I have learned to manage them efficiently, and I have become even more accountable than I was before.
Recently, my youth group went on a missions trip to St. Louis. When I found out about the trip, I was extremely excited, and wished to go. However, the trip coincided with my black belt test. I was immensely saddened at the fact that I would not be able to go. No matter how disappointed I was, though, I was under a burden of obligation and was required to be in class every night. I still regret not being able to go, for it sounds like it was an excellent trip. But I made a commitment when I started my black belt test, and I was reliable and accountable when it came to sticking with that commitment.
As a leader, one of my major responsibilities is keeping students safe. Often, I am responsible for leading stretching so the students are not injured. I am responsible for monitoring students in a way that will prohibit injuries while they are participating in activities. I am responsible for what students learn. If I teach something to a student incorrectly, I may prevent them from defending themselves properly in the future. It would be my own fault that the move was performed incorrectly, and I would be the author of the mistake.
While I progress in rank, I will continue to have more responsibilities handed to me. Already I have begun to have the responsibility of being a sparring coach, and I will most likely begin to coach members of my team at upcoming tournaments. I may even be called upon to be a judge, at some tournaments!
One responsibility that I already have, but expect to grow, is setting a good example. As a fourteen-year-old black belt, I imagine younger students will look up to me. It will be my responsibility to act in a competent manner, so that not only will younger students have a good example to look up to, but also so the parents of those students will know their children are surrounded by positive influences.
Along with responsibilities I have to others, I also have some responsibilities that I expect myself to uphold: my goals. I have had many past goals, which I have met, and I have many future goals that I thoroughly plan on accomplishing. I believe it is important to have goals. Without goals, I would have nothing to work toward, nor anything to measure how far I've come.
When I began karate (after I started liking it that is) I set a goal. My goal was to get my black belt before I started high school. Throughout my almost three years of karate, I have wondered several times if that was an obtainable goal. At times, I doubted if I would even get my purple belt. Then, I wondered if I would reach brown belt. And then, I wondered if I would make it to red. However, here I am, three-quarters of the way through eighth grade, almost done with my black belt test, sitting here writing my black belt essay. I know I don't have my belt yet, but just making it this far has fulfilled my goal.
The goal of getting my black belt before high school was a goal that was spoken out loud. A goal that I shared with others. But I had another goal. I didn't realize I had this goal until I looked back and reflected. My goal was to be an accomplished martial artist. It was more of an informal goal, but I still have managed to reach it: I am an accomplished martial artist. I have won first place multiple times at national tournaments in forms, weapons, and sparring. I have placed in the top five at one of the biggest tournaments in the world. I have traveled all over the nation to compete, and I have participated in quite a few demonstrations. However, I have also learned how to lose. I have learned that winning is, indeed, not everything. And the latter half of this paragraph is what makes me, in my own eyes, a truly accomplished martial artist.
Right beside my list of fulfilled goals is my list of goals I am working toward. My first goal on this list is to reach at least 4th degree. I know this is a goal that will take a while to achieve, but I am up for the task. I most definitely do not want to stay a first degree forever. I mean, black belt is just when it begins to get fun, right?
Partnering with my 4th degree goal, is my goal to stay in karate for as long as my situation allows. Karate is something I enjoy. Karate keeps me physically, mentally, and my team being the team it is, spiritually fit. My goal is to stay in karate so long, that I can win first place at international tournaments. My goal is to be such an excellent martial artist that people are afraid to fight when they see me walk in. I plan on continuing under the instruction of Mr. McCall for years to come, and I hope to broaden my martial arts spectrum with new styles.
Since I joined karate, I have learned so much. I have learned how to defend myself. I have learned to be a better leader. I have learned to handle my responsibilities more effectively. I went from being the person who thinks karate is the cheesiest thing on earth, to being a total karate geek. Karate has become one of the biggest parts of my life, and my life would be completely empty without it. I cannot imagine how my life would have been without all the friends, connections, and experiences that my karate career has given me. Once again, I am eternally indebted to my mother and her decision, for her choice started me on what became and is becoming one of the greatest journeys of my life.
Throughout my karate career, I experienced various leadership roles. Some leadership roles I encountered include leading stretching; teaching the class as a whole, and teaching students individually; giving opinions and ideas in meetings; and more recently, coaching. I learned some important life lessons through my leadership roles. I learned to be decisive and make up my mind quickly, but not rashly. I learned to be firm in those decisions.
The first time I ever led class, was as a blue belt. I was extremely surprised when I was told I would be leading stretches! I kind of turned around and looked behind me to make sure Mr. McCall was pointing to me. After we bowed in and the class was handed over to me, my mind went completely blank. I could not remember what came first, what to do next, and I think I even forgot how to count! I actually remember Cassidy giving me hints from her place in the front row. If I appeared to not remember what came after crunches, Cassidy would whisper "Push-ups".
As I look back on the first time I led stretching, I see how much my leadership has changed. I started as a confused blue belt who needed constant memory refreshers. Now, I am a second red belt who can lead class independently. And, if another student is leading class, sometimes I'm the one giving the hints now!
Another leadership 'first' came to me just a couple weeks ago. Both Mr. McCall and Mrs. Schaeffer were ill. I, being the Senior Assistant Instructor and highest underbelt rank, was put in charge of a Thursday night class. I had three other red belts helping me, but I was still the main leader to whom the other red belts were turning. The night went successfully without major mishaps or disasters. With a lot of help from my fellow red belts, I can honestly say that the endeavor we were given ended prosperously.
My leadership roles are currently changing and will continue to change more once I achieve the goal of black belt. A change that I am working on at the moment is asserting my authority. It has been brought to my attention that although I am the Senior Assistant Instructor and have more authority than any other underbelt, I am not properly asserting my authority. It is my own fault that until this point I have never exactly affirmed my authority and I plan on upholding it, and my trustworthiness within my authority, by paying more attention to situations that require action on my part.
Once I obtain my black belt, I expect my leadership to change drastically, for I will be an apprentice black belt until I am sixteen. As an apprentice black belt, other students who are of age will inevitably pass me and be a higher rank than me for the rest of our careers, if we progress at a steady rate. No matter what rank I am, or who outranks me, I plan on gaining and maintaining respect from my fellow martial artists. I plan on leading in a way that will make others want to respect and follow me, rather than them feeling obligated to respect and follow.
If someone is defined as 'responsible', it means they are reliable or dependable, and answerable or accountable. It is difficult to lead well if you are not responsible. And if you are irresponsible while leading, the results can be disastrous. 'Responsibility' is defined as a 'burden of obligation upon someone who is responsible'. In order for me to lead effectively, I need to recognize my obligations and responsibilities and handle them in a reliable manner. Within my Tae Kwon Do career, I have many responsibilities. Keeping students safe; being in class even on those days where I don't want to be; upholding a trustworthy attitude; and setting a good example are all my responsibilities. I believe that by having more responsibilities handed to me, I have learned to manage them efficiently, and I have become even more accountable than I was before.
Recently, my youth group went on a missions trip to St. Louis. When I found out about the trip, I was extremely excited, and wished to go. However, the trip coincided with my black belt test. I was immensely saddened at the fact that I would not be able to go. No matter how disappointed I was, though, I was under a burden of obligation and was required to be in class every night. I still regret not being able to go, for it sounds like it was an excellent trip. But I made a commitment when I started my black belt test, and I was reliable and accountable when it came to sticking with that commitment.
As a leader, one of my major responsibilities is keeping students safe. Often, I am responsible for leading stretching so the students are not injured. I am responsible for monitoring students in a way that will prohibit injuries while they are participating in activities. I am responsible for what students learn. If I teach something to a student incorrectly, I may prevent them from defending themselves properly in the future. It would be my own fault that the move was performed incorrectly, and I would be the author of the mistake.
While I progress in rank, I will continue to have more responsibilities handed to me. Already I have begun to have the responsibility of being a sparring coach, and I will most likely begin to coach members of my team at upcoming tournaments. I may even be called upon to be a judge, at some tournaments!
One responsibility that I already have, but expect to grow, is setting a good example. As a fourteen-year-old black belt, I imagine younger students will look up to me. It will be my responsibility to act in a competent manner, so that not only will younger students have a good example to look up to, but also so the parents of those students will know their children are surrounded by positive influences.
Along with responsibilities I have to others, I also have some responsibilities that I expect myself to uphold: my goals. I have had many past goals, which I have met, and I have many future goals that I thoroughly plan on accomplishing. I believe it is important to have goals. Without goals, I would have nothing to work toward, nor anything to measure how far I've come.
When I began karate (after I started liking it that is) I set a goal. My goal was to get my black belt before I started high school. Throughout my almost three years of karate, I have wondered several times if that was an obtainable goal. At times, I doubted if I would even get my purple belt. Then, I wondered if I would reach brown belt. And then, I wondered if I would make it to red. However, here I am, three-quarters of the way through eighth grade, almost done with my black belt test, sitting here writing my black belt essay. I know I don't have my belt yet, but just making it this far has fulfilled my goal.
The goal of getting my black belt before high school was a goal that was spoken out loud. A goal that I shared with others. But I had another goal. I didn't realize I had this goal until I looked back and reflected. My goal was to be an accomplished martial artist. It was more of an informal goal, but I still have managed to reach it: I am an accomplished martial artist. I have won first place multiple times at national tournaments in forms, weapons, and sparring. I have placed in the top five at one of the biggest tournaments in the world. I have traveled all over the nation to compete, and I have participated in quite a few demonstrations. However, I have also learned how to lose. I have learned that winning is, indeed, not everything. And the latter half of this paragraph is what makes me, in my own eyes, a truly accomplished martial artist.
Right beside my list of fulfilled goals is my list of goals I am working toward. My first goal on this list is to reach at least 4th degree. I know this is a goal that will take a while to achieve, but I am up for the task. I most definitely do not want to stay a first degree forever. I mean, black belt is just when it begins to get fun, right?
Partnering with my 4th degree goal, is my goal to stay in karate for as long as my situation allows. Karate is something I enjoy. Karate keeps me physically, mentally, and my team being the team it is, spiritually fit. My goal is to stay in karate so long, that I can win first place at international tournaments. My goal is to be such an excellent martial artist that people are afraid to fight when they see me walk in. I plan on continuing under the instruction of Mr. McCall for years to come, and I hope to broaden my martial arts spectrum with new styles.
Since I joined karate, I have learned so much. I have learned how to defend myself. I have learned to be a better leader. I have learned to handle my responsibilities more effectively. I went from being the person who thinks karate is the cheesiest thing on earth, to being a total karate geek. Karate has become one of the biggest parts of my life, and my life would be completely empty without it. I cannot imagine how my life would have been without all the friends, connections, and experiences that my karate career has given me. Once again, I am eternally indebted to my mother and her decision, for her choice started me on what became and is becoming one of the greatest journeys of my life.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Worship With Every Laugh
A couple nights ago I found one of my bibles that I hadn't read from in a while. It is a parallel bible, with the NIV translation next to The Message translation. As I was reading through Isaiah, I thought 'You know, it'd be cool to read The Message version after I'm done'. So, I read The Message translation of Isaiah chapter one. I came across a passage that sorta slapped me upside the head. I hadn't quite understood it while reading it in NIV, but The Message version made so much sense...
"When you come before me, who ever gave you the idea of acting like this, running here and there, doing this and that-- all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship? Quite your worship charades. I can't stand your trivial religious games: monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings-- meetings, meetings, meetings-- I can't stand one more!... I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I'll be looking the other way....And do you know why? Because you've been tearing people to pieces,and your hands are bloody....Clean up your act...Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless."
What God is saying here, is that we make a routine and tradition out of worship and prayer. We just go along with it because we always have. It's just a meaningless motion that we don't put our hearts into. He doesn't want us to just attend church on Sunday mornings, or only talk about Him in a church meeting. He doesn't want His way constrained to just one aspect of our life, He wants it in all aspects of our life.
The part of this passage that made me think most, was the very first part: All this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship? Do we over think worship? Shouldn't it just be a simple, pure, thoughtless, continuous praise? Aren't we supposed to praise and worship God not only with our mouths and hearts, but also with our lives? We don't need to stress and cause commotion over worship, we just need to do it. I mean, we were created to worship God. And if we were created to worship Him, doesn't it seem like we should be able to do what we were created to do without stress?
I think another thing God is trying to say is that He would much rather have us out helping the homeless and serving those in need, than have us sitting in a chair or pew! The best way to worship and praise God is by serving His children! When we serve others when they are in need, we are really serving Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46).
My purpose is to fulfill God's plans for me and worship Him. I plan on obeying every word He says to me. And I plan on worshiping Him with every action, breath, step, word, laugh, sneeze. Everything I do can be used for His glory, and I plan on making that clear.
Worship with every laugh.
"When you come before me, who ever gave you the idea of acting like this, running here and there, doing this and that-- all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship? Quite your worship charades. I can't stand your trivial religious games: monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings-- meetings, meetings, meetings-- I can't stand one more!... I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I'll be looking the other way....And do you know why? Because you've been tearing people to pieces,and your hands are bloody....Clean up your act...Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless."
What God is saying here, is that we make a routine and tradition out of worship and prayer. We just go along with it because we always have. It's just a meaningless motion that we don't put our hearts into. He doesn't want us to just attend church on Sunday mornings, or only talk about Him in a church meeting. He doesn't want His way constrained to just one aspect of our life, He wants it in all aspects of our life.
The part of this passage that made me think most, was the very first part: All this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship? Do we over think worship? Shouldn't it just be a simple, pure, thoughtless, continuous praise? Aren't we supposed to praise and worship God not only with our mouths and hearts, but also with our lives? We don't need to stress and cause commotion over worship, we just need to do it. I mean, we were created to worship God. And if we were created to worship Him, doesn't it seem like we should be able to do what we were created to do without stress?
I think another thing God is trying to say is that He would much rather have us out helping the homeless and serving those in need, than have us sitting in a chair or pew! The best way to worship and praise God is by serving His children! When we serve others when they are in need, we are really serving Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46).
My purpose is to fulfill God's plans for me and worship Him. I plan on obeying every word He says to me. And I plan on worshiping Him with every action, breath, step, word, laugh, sneeze. Everything I do can be used for His glory, and I plan on making that clear.
Worship with every laugh.
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