How does one guard their heart? and against what exactly? The book I am reading about dating is all about the purity and says that God places "keeping our hearts clean" at a top priority. The answers seem so obvious but they are not that easy to do sometimes. I personally have to guard against self-pity, critisism, gossiping, stubborness, and being luke warm. Its not just the big things that get us in trouble. Its the little things that eventually lead to the big things. And I realise that I need to take care of everything that I put into my heart and mind.
"Create in Me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" Psalm 51:10
Saturday, October 6
Tuesday, October 2
I don't need that brand new car to get me where I'm going - I need Jesus
.
I don't need that comfort ice cream or that Starbucks Latte - I need Jesus
.
I don't need that shopping day to fill my closet (and empty my wallet) - I need Jesus, to fill up the corners of my inner most being.
.
I want to get rid of those ill - fitting clothes and those boxes of old memorabilia, clean the clutter out of my garage... when what I really need to do is clean myself from the outside - in. To get rid of all the garbage, clutter and death that takes up space in my heart and mind.
.
Jesus is here and now - not after I've satisfied myself... He is the one who gets me where I'm going, The one who hits the spot. He is just what I needed.
.
Suddenly its a little bit easier to get where I am going.
.
I don't need that comfort ice cream or that Starbucks Latte - I need Jesus
.
I don't need that shopping day to fill my closet (and empty my wallet) - I need Jesus, to fill up the corners of my inner most being.
.
I want to get rid of those ill - fitting clothes and those boxes of old memorabilia, clean the clutter out of my garage... when what I really need to do is clean myself from the outside - in. To get rid of all the garbage, clutter and death that takes up space in my heart and mind.
.
Jesus is here and now - not after I've satisfied myself... He is the one who gets me where I'm going, The one who hits the spot. He is just what I needed.
.
Suddenly its a little bit easier to get where I am going.
Friday, September 28
The Journey Ahead
It's been awhile since anything has been published here... mainly because I have been away in a land far away... I have learned so much in the past month, done so much, and just seen so much that I'm ready to move on. I was expecting my trip to be full of close times with God, and growing with my sister spiritually, but I made it quite the opposite. I am back to reality and do not know where I am headed... in the long run that is. Filled with the general questions of life: What am I supposed to be doing, What does God want me to do with my life? and some maybe not so general but completely valid questions. I feel like I am completely unsatisfied with thing. Unsatisfied with Who i am - wanting to be like other people, with what I have - such as a car and house whatever, with my relationships - those special people that are always there to support you and give you that little nudge everyone in a while that you can share anything and everything with, and the boys - wishing that they would like me (at least the ones that I like would even notice me). And even though they are trivial... they sometimes start to consume me and get the best of me. Its so hard to not worry. But even the pastor said - that if you want a hectic and worry filled life - than worry about tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 14
Just a little Fun
Oh to be a newspaper editor...and it even has a moral that's pretty funny too.
The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won. The pastor was so pleased
with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.
The local paper read: ...
PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the
pastor not to enter the donkey in another race. The next day, the local paper
headline read:
BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.
This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the
donkey. The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.
The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next
day:
NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.
The Bishop fainted. He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the
donkey,so she sold it to a farmer for $10. The next day the paper read:
NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.
This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey
and lead it to the plains where it could run wild. The next day the headlines
read:
NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.
Alas, the Bishop was buried the next day.
MORAL OF THE STORY?
Being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery.
Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll live longer and be a lot
happier!
The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won. The pastor was so pleased
with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.
The local paper read: ...
PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the
pastor not to enter the donkey in another race. The next day, the local paper
headline read:
BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.
This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the
donkey. The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.
The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next
day:
NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.
The Bishop fainted. He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the
donkey,so she sold it to a farmer for $10. The next day the paper read:
NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.
This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey
and lead it to the plains where it could run wild. The next day the headlines
read:
NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.
Alas, the Bishop was buried the next day.
MORAL OF THE STORY?
Being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery.
Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll live longer and be a lot
happier!
Friday, August 10
Found - Hillsong United
Amazing love, now what else shall I need? Your name brings life Its's more than the air I breathe. My world has changed when your life you gave for me, My purpose found and all that you want for me. And I've found myself in you. And I've yound myself in you. Take me to a place where I can see you face to face, and all I wanna do, all I wanna do is worship you.
What do we live for?
I'm sure we have all come to this point in our lives where we ask ourselves this question... So where do we find the answer. Everyone seems to have their own version or own solution - even if they don't, when you ask them the question and 'force' them to think about it for a minute they come up with an answer... or sorts. But really what do we live for if not for God? I try and think about this with a non bias opinion, which is very difficult being brought up this way my whole life. Every Religion of course says that they have the answer - or the secret solution to how to live great or be happy - whatever. If not why would anyone stick with a religion? I am reading 'god is not great' - and I just can't seem to put my mind around it. Am I naive? or is it the author? I have grown up with Christianity and don't know any different. What kind of conclusions would I come to if I had not been taught anything at all? How would my life be? If there was no such thing as morals, or right and wrong, acceptable and not - where would I be? Surely only God knows the answer to that question. this is all I know, and being Jewish is all a jew really knows, and being muslim is all a muslim knows.... What kind of a conclusion would a person taught none of these opinions come too???? I don't know. I wish I knew these things. But then actually if you think about it, If i knew the answers to these questions then I would know too much. It would take away from the mystery and the beauty of life. But now I am going on a long tangent.... Sometimes- we have to search these things out four ourselves. I fell like I know so much, and yet.... so little at the same time. I know about what is right and wrong (in the eyes of a christian) and I know everything they taught me in highschool. I know what I want to be after school. I know what people are feeling when they dont sometimes. It is not wrong to question things. If we did not question things imagine how naive and blind we would be to everything around us. I can only imagine how much I don't know. Inside of me wants to burst because there is scarcely enough time to even begin to surface all the knowledge in this world. Im not quite sure where I am going with this.. but I will go. I feel like every christian needs to have a sit down in their own walk with God and ask why they believe...... like yeah, you can believe because of your parents - and we all know where that gets you.... absolutely nowhere. Because it is the cool thing to do? ya like thats really the case... well actually I think its pretty cool, but in the general public its not really. I wish I could tap into the brains of people and understand things better. Why is it goood to question what you believe... because if you don't... if oyu are afraid to dig in and get dirty then there is no solidness to it. Maybe its a cry from my own heart saying that I need too search it out. Because I have faith, but faith in what - my emotions? do I go to church just because.... emotions doesnt just inolve how it makes me feel better after the service, but how it feels when my parents look down on me for seeing things different, how my friends think, how I feel when I do things wrong and keep doing them wrong. What is in the sub conscience effects us very much. What am I scared of? What am I avoiding... what am I trying to prove and to whom??? Why am I here right now as opposed to somewhere else? Why am I so concerned with what my fellow graduates are up to? Why do I feel the need to prove anything to them? they don't care about me and what I am up to. and I shouldn't revolve my life around them. God's opinion is the only one that counts. Why do I go through drought seasons where I feel so alone?? and so in doubt about who I am and who God is. I am tired of trying to prove my self to anyone. God you have put me in this place for a reason... what it is -- I do not know right now. you are so real -- so very real that sometimes I fell like I can touch you.. I can feel you and your love surrounds me, and yet other times..... I can say to myself you are real you are the only thing that matters, but deep down you know that I struggle with making sure other people are happy tooo... I have such a hard time. I am tired of trying to prove things to people, to prove it to myself. I fell like everything is a constant struggle a constant pull that never tires. when lord is it going to end? when can I find peace. What do I have to do? I guess my question is what do I live for? Would I go to the ends of the earth for you? or will I cower in a corner when everyone else is against you? What am I defining my life by. This is the main question that I have to ask myself. I dont know where I am going with this. It feelsl ike a small thing maybe that I am just making a big deal out of. I know the world doesnt revolve around me, but its so hard. I wish that sometimes that I could make sense of everything. I know that life is always full of surprises and that Ihave to trust God in everything I do, but it is so hard. Everything is so unsure right now and I feel so mediocre. I can't be luke warm. We are now allowed or supposed to be mediocre - what am i doing"? what am I doing with my life.....
Home
Staring at an empty cup of understanding
Maybe you could fill it up and tell me why you left I don't want to be alone in this ocean Of people passing by rushing toward the end And I can see your soft reflection like a ghost in the mirror And I would do whatever I could for a chance to have you her and be home again Now that you're gone I can see that I was wrong Back in your arms I feel home again Now that you're gone I can see I was wrong Back in your arms again Even as the clouds roll by I swear they mock me Cause every one that fills the sky turns into your face Maybe it was heaven's fault they lost an angel I couldn't hold on and I let her get awayAnd I can see your soft reflection like a ghost in the mirror And I would do whatever it could for a chance to have you here
Maybe you could fill it up and tell me why you left I don't want to be alone in this ocean Of people passing by rushing toward the end And I can see your soft reflection like a ghost in the mirror And I would do whatever I could for a chance to have you her and be home again Now that you're gone I can see that I was wrong Back in your arms I feel home again Now that you're gone I can see I was wrong Back in your arms again Even as the clouds roll by I swear they mock me Cause every one that fills the sky turns into your face Maybe it was heaven's fault they lost an angel I couldn't hold on and I let her get awayAnd I can see your soft reflection like a ghost in the mirror And I would do whatever it could for a chance to have you here
Wednesday, August 1
God be my solution
So I haven't posted anything for awhile. I havent actually written anything for a while. I don't know why. I hate it when life gets busy you tend to neglect the things you love to do the most. Its so silly sometimes. I don't really want to have posts as 'diary entries' but I guess sometimes you can't help it. I mean alot has been going on - and it sort of tends to consume your life. Or atleast they consume my thoughts. Its funny because with everything going on, I tend to forget the most important thing - that God is in control of everything. But it seems like I have been having issues with that aswell. I tell you if its not one thing its another. I dont wnat to be more specific - I am seriously fighting every urge to be more specific but I might just have to because Im sure no one really reads this and cares =). I am sick right now so my emotions might be alittle out of wack. I don't know what I am trying to say. There is so much on my mind and I don't know how to put it down but I wish I could so I could pin point the solution or at least the problem. 1. Boyfriend 2. Smoking 3. Family 4. School 5. Money 6. Busyness of life
Lately I have had an attitude problem because I feel so depressed about somethings and that things are just impossibly chaotic. Oh well. Who am I kidding? a.kjdswhfbalkjreghaLHJ
Lately I have had an attitude problem because I feel so depressed about somethings and that things are just impossibly chaotic. Oh well. Who am I kidding? a.kjdswhfbalkjreghaLHJ
Wednesday, July 25
The Stupid Notion of "Intelligent" Design
It is the same old mumbo jumbo.... Quote on Quote from 'god is not great'
Reading this book makes me want to write some sort of letter to the author. I have mixed emotions towards this book and him. Sometimes I have to laugh because of his complete generalizations, and total lack of research. But then I must say to myself - well have I checked it out? Do I know that what he is saying is wrong? I know because I have been told. But If I were asked to point it out in scripture - would I be able to answer with confidence? Or asked to even point it out in history - would I be able? Somethings maye I think so. Sometimes I feel like writing a book - exact opposite of what he say. Not in a reactionary way but just I don't know.
Reading this book makes me want to write some sort of letter to the author. I have mixed emotions towards this book and him. Sometimes I have to laugh because of his complete generalizations, and total lack of research. But then I must say to myself - well have I checked it out? Do I know that what he is saying is wrong? I know because I have been told. But If I were asked to point it out in scripture - would I be able to answer with confidence? Or asked to even point it out in history - would I be able? Somethings maye I think so. Sometimes I feel like writing a book - exact opposite of what he say. Not in a reactionary way but just I don't know.
Thursday, July 19
Peace in the Midst
* 1 Corinthians 13:12
Does suffering prove that there is no God? - Judges 6:12
Two people quoting:
Templeton - If there is a God, why is there so much evil?
Augustine - If there is no God, why is there any good?
A Christian's answer/ explanation for suffering.
There are three reasons for suffering.
1. We live in a broken world.
God gave us freedom, a world without freedom is essentially a world without love. Real love means making a choice. God gave us the freedom for us to even thumb our noses at him.
The cosmos was invaded by evil. God warned Adam and Eve they would die the day they sinned. Life is not a right we deserve, it is a gift from God everyday.
Why am I still Alive, not why did that person die? is what we should be asking.
Evil things do not define the character of God - he didn't intend them in the first place.
2. Suffering can be caused by others - the result of greed and selfishness of others.
3. We bring it upon ourselves. - God gets the blame for the negligence of ourselves. Yet we demand our freedom, still wanting him to step in and prevent certain choices.
God isn't our enemy -> He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. - Take him out of the picture.
So - How do we find peace in the midst of suffering?
- Peace in the valley means to be still and rest
we fall apart in despair because we believe that this life is all there is. We would have a reason to be cynical. There is so much more than just this life - and that will change your whole perspective.
The purpose life is to be Godly and prepare for eternity.
2. Trust God's character.
Psalm 46:10 - " and know that I am God. when you trust someone you have to know them and their character first.
Colossians 1:17. The sun doesn't stop shining because there is a cloud covering it. the same when we are suffering that God isn't just looking the other way.
Matthew 28:20 and Proverbs 18:24
His presence becomes more real in the valleys of life.
John 19: 10, 11: "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.
see Romans 8:28
Does suffering prove that there is no God? - Judges 6:12
Two people quoting:
Templeton - If there is a God, why is there so much evil?
Augustine - If there is no God, why is there any good?
A Christian's answer/ explanation for suffering.
There are three reasons for suffering.
1. We live in a broken world.
God gave us freedom, a world without freedom is essentially a world without love. Real love means making a choice. God gave us the freedom for us to even thumb our noses at him.
The cosmos was invaded by evil. God warned Adam and Eve they would die the day they sinned. Life is not a right we deserve, it is a gift from God everyday.
Why am I still Alive, not why did that person die? is what we should be asking.
Evil things do not define the character of God - he didn't intend them in the first place.
2. Suffering can be caused by others - the result of greed and selfishness of others.
3. We bring it upon ourselves. - God gets the blame for the negligence of ourselves. Yet we demand our freedom, still wanting him to step in and prevent certain choices.
God isn't our enemy -> He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. - Take him out of the picture.
So - How do we find peace in the midst of suffering?
- Peace in the valley means to be still and rest
we fall apart in despair because we believe that this life is all there is. We would have a reason to be cynical. There is so much more than just this life - and that will change your whole perspective.
The purpose life is to be Godly and prepare for eternity.
2. Trust God's character.
Psalm 46:10 - " and know that I am God. when you trust someone you have to know them and their character first.
Colossians 1:17. The sun doesn't stop shining because there is a cloud covering it. the same when we are suffering that God isn't just looking the other way.
Matthew 28:20 and Proverbs 18:24
His presence becomes more real in the valleys of life.
John 19: 10, 11: "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.
see Romans 8:28
3. Just keep praying anyways.- He is our present help and refuge. Prayer makes a difference - it may not change your circumstance but it may change you. Alot of times we don't persevere in prayer. We need to trust. Do not feel inadequate or unworthy.
God sometimes just says no. Other times he just delays for reasons unknown to us at the time. Don't over analyse your prayers.
We may feel unworthy or inadequate or struggle with doubt, or better ways to say things , but just pray anyways. Just pray anyways because it changes and it makes a difference. God wants us to enjoy a relationship with him.
4. Refuse to give up on God. - Choose to believe. God is God and I am man. don't ask for an explanation. Despair or trust in God - those are your only two choices really. So Trust in him anyways.
Why should I believe in the Church
A. Jesus established the church. Matthew 16:18
If we are true believers we are part of the international faith.
B. It is the only place dealing with the eternal answers of life.
- It challenges us to number our days
C. It is God's vehicle to bring peace and healing
- Pope innocent III taught that if you faught in the crusades you would earn your salvation
- ephesians 2:8-9
-> Do not worship the church because it is made up of fallible people and leaders
-> When authentic Christianity is lived out it actually attracts people rather than deter
-> It is the conditions of the human hearts, not the faith and the scriptures.
*Matthew 15:18
Change in the World begins with one changed heart. The deepest part of who we are.
Change your heart you change a family. Change a family and you will change a community. Change the community you can change the world. And when you change a country you change the world.
1. Christianity brings value to human life ~ starting with children. Jesus blessed them and now we cherish them as vaulable life.
-> We brought an end to slavery and cannibalism (through people who had a change of heart)
Galatians 3:28
Each person matters to God
2. Ministers to the the needs of the poor. - a world with out Christ is a world with out Charities.
3. High value to education.
4. Cares for the physical needs of the people
- Despite the faliures, the church has taught that people are valuable. It has laid foundations
D. True community of love.
- We are sinners saved by grace who know they need one another.
Acts 2:44-47 They met regularly to spur one another on in love.
Relationships are built upon the authority and word of God
the church is there to support, encourage, restore people that are stuggling.
We are a family - drawing our strength from God.
The church has changed lives
Jesus is in the business of changing lives **luke 19
If we are true believers we are part of the international faith.
B. It is the only place dealing with the eternal answers of life.
- It challenges us to number our days
C. It is God's vehicle to bring peace and healing
- Pope innocent III taught that if you faught in the crusades you would earn your salvation
- ephesians 2:8-9
-> Do not worship the church because it is made up of fallible people and leaders
-> When authentic Christianity is lived out it actually attracts people rather than deter
-> It is the conditions of the human hearts, not the faith and the scriptures.
*Matthew 15:18
Change in the World begins with one changed heart. The deepest part of who we are.
Change your heart you change a family. Change a family and you will change a community. Change the community you can change the world. And when you change a country you change the world.
1. Christianity brings value to human life ~ starting with children. Jesus blessed them and now we cherish them as vaulable life.
-> We brought an end to slavery and cannibalism (through people who had a change of heart)
Galatians 3:28
Each person matters to God
2. Ministers to the the needs of the poor. - a world with out Christ is a world with out Charities.
3. High value to education.
4. Cares for the physical needs of the people
- Despite the faliures, the church has taught that people are valuable. It has laid foundations
D. True community of love.
- We are sinners saved by grace who know they need one another.
Acts 2:44-47 They met regularly to spur one another on in love.
Relationships are built upon the authority and word of God
the church is there to support, encourage, restore people that are stuggling.
We are a family - drawing our strength from God.
The church has changed lives
Jesus is in the business of changing lives **luke 19
My White Flag
Tonight - we sang a song saying "I surrender all". How many times do we catch ourselves just singing and not taking in the words? I don't want it to be another song. I was praying - let it not be just another prayer God
I surrender all
- my life
- my steps
- my future
- my family
- my pride
- my work
- my music
- my writing
- my actions, choices
- my thoughts, decisions
- my desires
- my way of doing things
- my trust
- my relationships
- my wants and needs
- my faults
It's so easy to say I surrender all, but what does that mean actually. Its a loaded phrase that shouldn't be thrown around. I need help from the almighty to make that decision daily. Every last single thing -- even my life....
2 Corinthians 3:2-5
You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. - 2 corinthians 3: 2-5
.
.
It's funny, or maybe amazing is the better word - but I was reading in my teen bible and there was a letter from a girl who was very lonely and the respone from Sam was 2 corinthians 1 verse 3 -4 which praises God for being all comfort. Not that I am lonely, but I liked the sound of the verse and went to read it. Being silly me I went tot he facing page automatically andl ooked for verses 3 - 4 not even checking the chapter. Anyhow - Read chapter 3 instead and how much more did I need to hear that. Almost like " don't feel sorry for yourself Erin. thats not your problem right now. You need to trust in me, put your coinfidence in your God, not yourself. You can't do it on your own. I am here for help, to be right by your side. Draw near to me and I will take care of you. I want you to takethat step Erin - take that step and let go ofyourself. I know you don't feel worthy to ask for help but you have to put your confidence in me and my way of doing things."I know the verses don't quite refer to that - but that is exactly what went through my brain as I read those verses - as well as this doesn't sound like anything about comfort. But in actual fact it was more comfort.
A Familiar Stranger
This is something I don't want to forget - yet I'm sure that anyone reading this will not have the same appreciation as I did.
I was in the elevator with my co-worker Irene and an elderly man. Let me get you into the mood here. Usually downtown elevators become sullen and awkwardly silent when two perfectly strange parties enter the same cramped quarters. Today though, This man was smiling away to himself. Irene broke the silence asking " did you win the lottery? your so happy today!"
"what that?" He replies with a bright smile -- pauses for not even a quarter of a second "the rain is stopped, how's that? - gotta savour the little things you know"
He was the cheeriest and lively old man I've seen. And it was so cute!
Maybe that is my inner girl coming out - but it rang so true. It seriously made my day. I will never see him again, and he will never see me again. He will probably not even remember my face - so oblivious to the fact that He made my day. Two perfect strangers, collide for not even a minute. How many times do we tend to forget that the little things are good too.
I get so busy with life sometimes that - what is it? - I forget to stop and smell the roses.
Stop - must have time to enjoy that little bird, or that special flower in the garden.. or that person who did something nice today - or do something small but spontaneous for another.
. How often is it that we can stop and just be happy for the sake of being happy. ?
I was in the elevator with my co-worker Irene and an elderly man. Let me get you into the mood here. Usually downtown elevators become sullen and awkwardly silent when two perfectly strange parties enter the same cramped quarters. Today though, This man was smiling away to himself. Irene broke the silence asking " did you win the lottery? your so happy today!"
"what that?" He replies with a bright smile -- pauses for not even a quarter of a second "the rain is stopped, how's that? - gotta savour the little things you know"
He was the cheeriest and lively old man I've seen. And it was so cute!
Maybe that is my inner girl coming out - but it rang so true. It seriously made my day. I will never see him again, and he will never see me again. He will probably not even remember my face - so oblivious to the fact that He made my day. Two perfect strangers, collide for not even a minute. How many times do we tend to forget that the little things are good too.
I get so busy with life sometimes that - what is it? - I forget to stop and smell the roses.
Stop - must have time to enjoy that little bird, or that special flower in the garden.. or that person who did something nice today - or do something small but spontaneous for another.
. How often is it that we can stop and just be happy for the sake of being happy. ?
Do you know any people like that - or have they crossed your path?
I want to be that person - I'll never know if they care or not.
But I want to be that familiar stranger that you possibly pass by
and remember that funny thought, that good thought.
Or that little gesture
Love Life.
Live It.
Wednesday, July 18
Heart Full of Sky
Quite Possibly - I feel like I am sort of getting older. wow that was an interesting sentence. We all are getting older moment by moment... and what are we doing with ourselves?
. I was remembering back to a time when I made a website about parrots in grade seven. I then ventured to ponder the thought that high school years were definitely short lived. Thankfully but still short. It makes me sad, here I am yes I know I'm not yet 20 but I have been out of school for two years now and the past two years have flown by. Probably the most eventful years of my life. And without a doubt the two hardest years of my life so far. I want to rant and rave about them, explain them, share them, make sense of them. But that will take to long. I guess really I feel the need to explain them to myself. I am not mad about them, nor do I totally regret them. I mean I can't do anything about the past because it is already done.
It is actually quite freeing to think about the fact that there is nothing you can do about the past - like ya maybe it sucked, maybe it was difficult but what good does that do for today - and even tomorrow. Are we going to let yesterdays mistake become tomorrow's disaster?
. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying to learn from past experiences... because they are indubitably valuable to making wise decisions here and now - but to dwell on things that can't be changed gets us absolutely no where - at least I speak for myself. I mean look at the bright side - there are endless possibilities... we just have to switch our train of thought onto the right track.
I feel like I don't even know where to start. My life definately feels like it can't possibly get more confusing. I'm sure there is worse situations than mine - and I don't want to sound self centered. But I think its just me that makes things confusing. I try and convince myself of things - when they don't really need convincing at all. It's beenhard - to say the least - to think for myself. Well, think for God more like. or no that doesnt sound right... Think about things in the same light that God would. although it is impossible to even fathom the knowledge of God.
. I was remembering back to a time when I made a website about parrots in grade seven. I then ventured to ponder the thought that high school years were definitely short lived. Thankfully but still short. It makes me sad, here I am yes I know I'm not yet 20 but I have been out of school for two years now and the past two years have flown by. Probably the most eventful years of my life. And without a doubt the two hardest years of my life so far. I want to rant and rave about them, explain them, share them, make sense of them. But that will take to long. I guess really I feel the need to explain them to myself. I am not mad about them, nor do I totally regret them. I mean I can't do anything about the past because it is already done.
It is actually quite freeing to think about the fact that there is nothing you can do about the past - like ya maybe it sucked, maybe it was difficult but what good does that do for today - and even tomorrow. Are we going to let yesterdays mistake become tomorrow's disaster?
. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying to learn from past experiences... because they are indubitably valuable to making wise decisions here and now - but to dwell on things that can't be changed gets us absolutely no where - at least I speak for myself. I mean look at the bright side - there are endless possibilities... we just have to switch our train of thought onto the right track.
I feel like I don't even know where to start. My life definately feels like it can't possibly get more confusing. I'm sure there is worse situations than mine - and I don't want to sound self centered. But I think its just me that makes things confusing. I try and convince myself of things - when they don't really need convincing at all. It's beenhard - to say the least - to think for myself. Well, think for God more like. or no that doesnt sound right... Think about things in the same light that God would. although it is impossible to even fathom the knowledge of God.
Tuesday, July 17
someone just asked me if you could be remember after you died what do you want people to remember you by? - I would be remembered hopefully by my personality, and how much I tried to be like Christ... I'm not very good at it - and I actually hate this question because I start thinking and then I feel inadequate. I feel like I want to be something Im not. I want people to remember me for my kindness - but am I really kind? I want people to remember me for being Godly - but am I really Godly? I want to be friendly and outgoing - and never a downer for any one - and I want to beknown for my encouragement - but am I really an encouraging person?
and this if you could accomplish one thing before you die, what would it be and why? To strive to be all of the above...
and this if you could accomplish one thing before you die, what would it be and why? To strive to be all of the above...
The Wise Man According to Proverbs pt. 2
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"
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So easy to read and say that this is a beautiful verse. But when it comes down to the grind - its always easier said than done.
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My study bible refers to Caleb, following God wholeheartedly. (Numbers 14:24) - I think that it is referring to when the Israelites sent the spies into the promised land and all of them were afraid of the Canaanites - they all doubted what God could do except Caleb and Joshua. At least I think that's the story. I am not familiar with the story, but If that is correct, then I'm assuming that he was probably scared too, but he trusted God to deliver the enemy. So far as interpretation of the actual verse goes -- it's pretty straight forward. But what about the second part of that? "in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight"
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So easy to read and say that this is a beautiful verse. But when it comes down to the grind - its always easier said than done.
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My study bible refers to Caleb, following God wholeheartedly. (Numbers 14:24) - I think that it is referring to when the Israelites sent the spies into the promised land and all of them were afraid of the Canaanites - they all doubted what God could do except Caleb and Joshua. At least I think that's the story. I am not familiar with the story, but If that is correct, then I'm assuming that he was probably scared too, but he trusted God to deliver the enemy. So far as interpretation of the actual verse goes -- it's pretty straight forward. But what about the second part of that? "in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight"
OK - acknowledge him. Study bible says = be ever mindful of God and serve him with a willing heart and a faithful heart.
1 Chronicles 28:9 " And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you..."
So I thought that this verse was really powerful - not so much in regards to Proverbs - but the second part of the verse - "for the Lord searches" It kind of prompted me to do two things.
1. to look at my own motives for everything I do
2. not to worry about why others choose to do things differently.
why? because God, who knows everything, understands the reasons and in the end what does it truly benefit me to worry about others? - So actually I guess it does tie in with proverbs. When you are leaning on God's understanding then your motives would have to be in the right place anyways.
"He will make my path straight.... meaning?
the bible note says " he will remove obstacles from your pathway - and bring you to your appointed goal. Do I agree with that? I don't know. I guess the first question I would ask is what exactly is meant by obstacles? - well let's check out the verse references given to us. (This is going to jump around for a bit)
Proverbs 11:5 - skipping ahead a little bit " The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness" ok - that doesnt really make sense? the note says 'enables them to reach their goals" see verse 3 and 10:9 Proverbs 11:3 " The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity" - right--- no what? note! see the actions of Joseph in Genesis 39: 6-12. I had a reveltaion but I couldn't write fast enough and now its gone. But we had a sermon about Joseph earlier. It makes perfect sense. So after that lovely tangent I have come to a conclusion that obstacles? they are not meant to be removed and not meant here as every day difficulties. But God will not make it impossible and he will keep us going in the right direction. There will still be 'bumps in the road' - like Joseph had - but if we wholeheartedly trust and completely let ourselves go - our pride and our finite knowledge - cling to the understanding of God - then our paths will go to the right destination. We might still go around a few trees or bumps, but we will get there. I wish I had a hebrew bible and greek - because I'll bet straight has a different meaning. How do we follow our path with God as our lamp. And besides, If God knows my plan - shouldn't that be good enough for me?
The Wise Man According to Proverbs
Chapter One verse Seven
" The fear to the Lord is the beginning of knowledge"
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--> How do I fear God?
- by truly trusting and believing God, honoring and Glorifying Him in everything I do. Such and easy answer to say but what does it really mean? Somehow I think there is way more to it.
My study bible says: " A loving reverence for God that includes submission to His lordship and to the commandments of his word. (see Ecc. 12:13)
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Ecclesiastes 12:13 " Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of Man."
What are Gods commandments? Exodus 20:6 " but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments"
" The fear to the Lord is the beginning of knowledge"
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--> How do I fear God?
- by truly trusting and believing God, honoring and Glorifying Him in everything I do. Such and easy answer to say but what does it really mean? Somehow I think there is way more to it.
My study bible says: " A loving reverence for God that includes submission to His lordship and to the commandments of his word. (see Ecc. 12:13)
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Ecclesiastes 12:13 " Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of Man."
What are Gods commandments? Exodus 20:6 " but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments"
The ten commandments:
1. No other Gods
2. Do not make Idols
3. Do not misuse God's name
4. Remember the sabbath
5. Honor your father and mother
6. No murdering
7. No adultry
8. No stealing
9. No lying
10. No coveting
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Note in my bible: " in the treaty language of the ancient Near East the 'love' owed to the great king was a conventional term for total allegiance and implicit trust expressing itself in obedient service.".
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Mark 12: 28-34
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
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Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
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Chapter two: " we will inderstand the fear of the Lord when we accept his words and obey his commands."
"Search for wisdom like you would silver and hidden treasure."
Job 28:20 and 23
"Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, even from the birds of the air. God understands the way to it and He alone knows where it dwells"
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*Fearing God also involves a personal relationship with him.
Philippians 3:10 - " I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings" note: this knowledge is not only factual but includes the experience of the power of his resurrection.
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1 - 8
"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up...."
This is a simple parable - that I don't actually ever remember reading before. It's cool though (I just flipped right to it) Even just the first verse though. So laid out there. Nothing to read into, no circumstances, or situations - just a parable. And then the last verse: " I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Is there faith in me? do I have faith?
What is my faith in? Do I always pray and never give up?
It's so easy to give up when things arent completely peachy keen. So easy to forget that God is in control.
I have to ask myself... When do I feel most at peace?
- when I actually communicate with God and try at our relationship.
It's so obvious a solution.
And when things are going badly I know that I should start talking to God, but its my stubborness that gets in the way. I get so down in the dumos - but actually how hard is it? -- to take even five minutes to sit down and make time for my loving father? I have to pick myself up - or rather, just reaffirm that God is my strength and I am not. I have to kneel down
and make that choice to bring myself to God's feet.
I don't know why I get so stubborn - because in reality - it is easier to pray then it is to get stressed out.
But its a choice - and it takes practice and persistence.
I have to choose to be joyful
and accept God's control over situations in my life.
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Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Monday, July 16
You'd Never Know It By Looking
At first glance, people seem like very simplistic creatures. You sit at the bus stop watching people go by... walk around the mall and everyone is doing their own thing. It's so simple. I always wonder what is underneath all the layers. What is their story? Where did they come from? What is important to them? why are tehy who they are today? Where are they going?
Its just like me.... I can walk around pretending like everything is ok... no one would have a clue. And sometimes I like that. No one needs to know about my life. But right now I feel like everyone who walks by and wonders, would actually care. I want someone to actually know everything.. everything about me. To listen and comunicate. I want to open up but I feel like I've been locked up and bound. Or that I haven't been unlocked - I know its me that has to unlock and unleash --- but no one want's to listen. Or do they?
Its just like me.... I can walk around pretending like everything is ok... no one would have a clue. And sometimes I like that. No one needs to know about my life. But right now I feel like everyone who walks by and wonders, would actually care. I want someone to actually know everything.. everything about me. To listen and comunicate. I want to open up but I feel like I've been locked up and bound. Or that I haven't been unlocked - I know its me that has to unlock and unleash --- but no one want's to listen. Or do they?
Original Thought Process
So I don't know if I actually ever had an original thought in my life. A lot of our wisdom comes from things previously known to man - just forgotten, and then discovered again.We must think highly of ourselves sometimes............
Thursday, July 12
Life is what you make it...
So, I was thinking.... I know a lot of complainers, worriers and criticizers. It actually relates back to the "sovereignty" sermon. But anyways. I include myself in this category - not proudly but honestly.
I notice also - that when I look deep down into myself - and why I actually am complaining
I see that it stems down from inside me
Not all from the other party involved.
Why do we hurt people we know - to make ourselves feel better? wow that's really mature.
It's an inner cry - saying that we're not happy with what God has given or taken from us.
We are essentially saying that God hasn't put us in the right place.... He wasn't thinking, or that he made a mistake putting us here.
We are saying that He didn't make that other person right...
He didn't?
Since when did we ever stop trusting God
and the fact that he is in control...
It will be OK in the end.
We shouldn't be worrying about what other people are doing... why?
what is the point?
We are all accountable to God - individually
I won't be able to say -- well God, you see - billy wasn't doing his fair share
so I can't help it that it didn't get done.
I will not be able to say - my parents didn't set a good example for me growing up... so its not my fault.
How stupid does that sound?
When am I going to stop sitting here, and worrying about other people?
God made billy the way he is
and God made me the way I am
I should love him for who he is, and be thankful that we are not all the same
What kind of disaster would that be?
So say for instance, you all of a sudden are in an accident and you can't write with your right hand anymore (left in my case)
Are you going to sit there and complain about it?
or are you going to learn to write with your other hand?
When I criticize others - is it because I want to hurt them?
Is it because I want to feel superior?
Or divert the attention from my own flaws to someone Else's?
When I complain about something -
why am I complaining?
basically, I am implying that God's plan is no good.
- he made me badly.
God made a mistake...
Or did he.
So, pretty much, I have two choices when it comes to some situation that I am unhappy with.
I can complain - which gets me absolutely nowhere
or I can choose to embrace it for what it actually is.
Its life.
It happens
- quite regularly actually.
So lets start doing what were supposed to and enjoying every moment of it
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we don't give God enough credit
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Matthew 6:25-34
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Wednesday, July 11
100 Facts about me
Haha - MMKay, so I saw this in someone elses blog he sure had alot of interesting things to say -- kind of... so I kept his origianal draft and now Im going to try it.. no I'm not a stalker. This guy took like 3 years to finish this post.... what a dork. Lets see how long this takes - and don't bother reading it haha unless you absolutely want to. I'm not sure what to qualify as facts but anyways, here it goes...
1.Name: Erin Nicole W
2.Sex: Female
1.Name: Erin Nicole W
2.Sex: Female
3.Birthday: December 6th '87
4.Nationality: Dutch-Canadian
5.Languages I can Speak: English -- and a little french
6.Religion: Jesus Follower - as you have probably noticed?
7.Sexual Orientation: Straight
8.Relationship Status: don't know right now
9.Children: No
10.Drinking: none
11.Currently Doing: Administration Wrok at Great west Life -- its a party
4.Nationality: Dutch-Canadian
5.Languages I can Speak: English -- and a little french
6.Religion: Jesus Follower - as you have probably noticed?
7.Sexual Orientation: Straight
8.Relationship Status: don't know right now
9.Children: No
10.Drinking: none
11.Currently Doing: Administration Wrok at Great west Life -- its a party
12. I want to be a teacher one day.
13. I want to be a missionary in a foreign country
14. I like the colour orange and yellow too.
15. Reading books is really 'fun' - enjoy the religious and theological section the best.
16. Tea drinker all the way - never really enjoyed coffee.
15. Reading books is really 'fun' - enjoy the religious and theological section the best.
16. Tea drinker all the way - never really enjoyed coffee.
17. Learning to garden - kind of haha, I have my first real garden this year.
18. If I never could become a teacher/missionary I would open a coffee shop with a live stage.
19. Listen to Jazz and enjoy the old classics, but hit me up with almost any style of music and I love it... preferably Christian music though.
20. Secretly want to become a song writer, well I guess its no secret.
20. Secretly want to become a song writer, well I guess its no secret.
21. I play piano and Saxaphone (thats probably more of a secret) and learning the guitar... I dig anybody that plays the guitar
22. I can beat you at Crash Bandicoot Racing anyday of the week (PS1)
23. I love photography - especially the really capturing pictures .. its this thing I love. I want to do it one day.
24. Yes I like to eat at McDonald's only sometimes - right now actually its churning my stomach, but I'm not ashamed to say I eat at McD's
25. I love Google - anything interesting I want to know or see I Google it! haha
26. I have three siblings - one sister and two brothers and I am the oldest.
27. There's this fascination with birds - I think they are so cool
28. I used to hate cats -- but kittens are so cute that I want one now.
29. I want to travel the world - so many places so little time.
29. I want to travel the world - so many places so little time.
30. Talking to people is so fun. I love meeting new people and getting to know them.
31. I like baking - give me a recipe that's good and I will try and make it - though not necessarily eat it.
32. I am a VERY picky eater
33. Roller coasters are thrilling - although I think I am getting old =(
34. I have blonde hair, blue eyes and I am 5'11
35. I like rain, thunderstorms, and lightning
36. I am a nerd and I love blogging - clearly. haha I just started - I'm no pro.
37. I have six piercings and want to get my eyebrow done. (My mom will kill me)
38. Church is like the coolest thing on my calendar! haha whatever I love it.
39. I weigh 110 lbs no i think its 120 now but I am technically underweight - which is what I'm told ALL the time
40. Not very good at sports - but I enjoy Frisbee, tennis, Squash and.... um rollerblading
40. Not very good at sports - but I enjoy Frisbee, tennis, Squash and.... um rollerblading
41. My favourite book besides the B.I.B.L.E (yes that's the book for meeee) **bursts into song** is probably "Velvet Elvis - Rob Bell" right now anyways
42. I want to help at least one person and make a difference in their lives
43. My friend Janet made a vow for no boyfriends until September 2008 - I think i will do the same
43. My friend Janet made a vow for no boyfriends until September 2008 - I think i will do the same
44. I wanted a pet sheep when I was little - but that's because we were going to move onto an acreage. One day..... you'll see
45. I like sour candies and slurpees... ha ha Warheads and Sour Apple to be exact
46. My biggest fear is.... ummm probably falling down the stairs - I don't know, I always envision what could happen
46. My biggest fear is.... ummm probably falling down the stairs - I don't know, I always envision what could happen
47. Chocolate Ice cream better than Vanilla
48. One day I am going to go to a nudist beach... for kicks
48. One day I am going to go to a nudist beach... for kicks
49. I drink 4% milk -- nothing less
50. The first CD i ever owned was Steven Curtis Chapman - Greatest Hits and I didn't even have a CD player.... It was a Christmas gift.
51. I grew up in Calgary, AB
52. I think prank calls are hilarious - I don't care how old I am
53. I love to write in my notebook - it almost never leaves my side.
54. My hair is short - and I intend to keep it that way - and I want to dye it brown...
55. I tend to be a quiet person - until I get to know you, then I don't care - but I am not very open about personal stuff. Hardly anybody knows me that well.
56. I will never eat sushi and I don't like seafood
57. I have size 10 shoes
51. I grew up in Calgary, AB
52. I think prank calls are hilarious - I don't care how old I am
53. I love to write in my notebook - it almost never leaves my side.
54. My hair is short - and I intend to keep it that way - and I want to dye it brown...
55. I tend to be a quiet person - until I get to know you, then I don't care - but I am not very open about personal stuff. Hardly anybody knows me that well.
56. I will never eat sushi and I don't like seafood
57. I have size 10 shoes
58. I like fast cars - I want a skyline one day
59. Next summer I hope to get my bike licence - we will see how that goes - I love going really really fast on a crotch rocket
59. Next summer I hope to get my bike licence - we will see how that goes - I love going really really fast on a crotch rocket
60. How could I forget!!!!! I love to snowboard and snowmobile and build snow forts
61. I have been asked to model 7 times professionally - and never once have...
62. This thing is hard because I don't like talking about myself -- but its fun because it makes you think about a part of who you are. even 100 facts is only the nutshell of anyone person.
63. My favourite flowers are Gerbers, Daisies and Bleeding Hearts
64. I like Zellers better than Walmart
65. People think that i will break if they hurt me or if i lift stuff that is heavy - but I won't - i like to think I'm pretty strong ha ha but they are probably close to the truth
66. Ikea is a cool store and I would use them to decorate my home =)
67. MY favourite movie is Gladiator - Blood Diamond comes in second place
68. Indiana jones is a classic
69. I was cut from the basketball team in grade nine - so I became a band geek. Jazz band, Concert Band, Regular Band Class and choir.
70. I want to have five kids when I get married - ha ha
71. Rainbows are a work of art -- I love them
72. If I see a notebook that looks cool I will buy it - I have like 5 that I still need to fill.
73. Pens are also one of my fettishes - I have to have the right Pen... and I have a million - I don't like the Idea of needing a writing utensil and not having one!
74. I don't believe in Love at first sight - i think its silly - and it probably sounds cliche but I'm not your typical gal.... I wouldn't try and figure me out haha
75. I like T-shirts and Jeans and sometimes my cowboy hat - and definately my skater shoes
76. I love to laugh my head off until I can't breathe - and I've only met two people that are able to do that - and I love them to death!
77. I usually resort to sarcasm or deathly silence when I am mad
78. My Favourite hang out spots are the devonian gardens and Steeps Teahouse
79. I don't like the calgary Stampede - even though I've grown up with it --- maybe that's why.
80. ummm ok now Im running out of random things - My favourite smell is fresh baked bread --- absolutely nothing can beat that smell
81. I have never worn nail polish on my fingers - i think it feels absolutely gross
82. I have only been to two concerts in my life -- TFK and Relient K they were fun
83. If I could meet anyone in the world that is living right now - it would be Donald Trump or Bill gates or Angelina Jolie - only because I want to know what they are like as normal people - not glamourized by the media.... but any one in the world living or dead would be of course Jesus - but I will meet him, Mother Theresa and Ghandi
84. If I could have any one super power in the world it would be to read peoples minds....
85. I like to procrastinate - and I work better when I have lot's on the go....
86. I have never been drunk or tipsy in my life -- well maybe a little tipsy -- but never drunk
87. I have smoked weed on a couple of occasions - so there
88. I dont know how this guy ever took three years to do this survey -- he said that he was online for 16 hours a day - ridiculous (sorry if he ever finds this) but im almost done -- yeah its hard but not three years worth --
- How could I forget!!!! MY favourite food is Broccoli Soup! I want some right now.. lol
89. Everyone says cheez-whiz is gross but I like it on my toast
90. I love to climb trees - I havent done that for a long time, maybe I will go do that soon
91. My Favourite Disney Movie is Pocahontas - I don't know why
92.I like Coke - I will not drink Pepsi
93. and my favourite drink is Lemonade - Im a sour person haha
94. I have never been to Disneyland nor do I have any desire to go there
95. I like to add random quotes from movies and songs i know into conversations I'm having - and usually if you know me well and the movies and stuff I watch then you are probably the only one to get it haha. Sometimes i Even burst out into song.
96. My favourite Chocolate bar is Mr. Big
97. But I hate peanuts even though I sometimes like peanut butter cookies
98. I my favourite candy is Jelly Tots but they don't make those anymore
99. I hate popping balloons
100. I like to do sudokus haha I can do the hardest level mostly in 15-20 minutes
Multi - Faith Conversation Pt. 1
I can't take credit for this --- but I love reading this conversation The second one is completely different -- or a different occurence - same pastor
It was the first time I’d done this – joined a Rabbi and an Imam in answering and dialoguing around the central areas of our faiths. But let me give you a brief taste with a few summary-type quotes.
Jewish Rabbi: “You ask how a Jew comes to know God? And I say that’s a distinctly Christian question. Many Jews don’t even really believe in God. It’s not so much about knowing God as it is about being Jewish – kibbutzing together, living well, joining in prayers, sending money to Israel. It’s something we do together”
He was a beautiful man. Honest – and without worry about ‘protecting’ his religion. He simply called it as he sees it. Now, I know he doesn’t represent all Jews in the world, but that quote was amazing to me. Absolutely fascinating – because it’s so similar to how many of us might think about our Christian faith. It’s about doing what we do together – going to church, singing songs, working at the Seed.
Muslim Imam: “My life is lived out of gratitude for being created by Allah. Every breath I take, I say “Thank you Allah.” I couldn’t roll over in bed without Allah. And so I try to live life in thankful response to Allah for his creating love and grace.”
I was stunned by how similar our thoughts on life were. For I would say those same things. The picture of a grateful life was stunning. And I made a comment about how similar his picture was to that of a Christian. And then I asked a question:
Christian Pastor (me): “What does that grace look like for you? In the Christian faith, we are called to live out of gratitude – not only for being created by God, and for having the privilege of living in this beautiful and diverse world. We also live thankfully because Jesus has paved the way to God for us by taking our sins with him to the grave and set us free to live a faithful life without worrying about absolute obedience to the law as a litmus test of worthiness. Where does that grace come from in Islam?”
The Jewish Rabbi interrupted, and responded with a stunning comment:
Jewish Rabbi: “That’s where you’re different from us. A Jew lives a good life out of anxiety – a nervousness that pushes us to live rightly. You don’t have that. But I want that. I want to be more anxious. I think it pushes me to be more effective.”
(The Imam never got a chance to answer my question directly – but I know that Allah is known as ‘most merciful.’ And the Imam spoke of repentance and forgiveness – though he also said that Islam has no doctrine of Original Sin – so that humans can actually live a perfect life, like the prophets. So I imagine his answer would have included some of those ideas.)
But here’s what the Rabbi’s response made me wonder: Is living out of Freedom, living out of a radical grace that doesn’t require anything from us to be right with God, does it make us more lazy or more effective in this world?
It was the first time I’d done this – joined a Rabbi and an Imam in answering and dialoguing around the central areas of our faiths. But let me give you a brief taste with a few summary-type quotes.
Jewish Rabbi: “You ask how a Jew comes to know God? And I say that’s a distinctly Christian question. Many Jews don’t even really believe in God. It’s not so much about knowing God as it is about being Jewish – kibbutzing together, living well, joining in prayers, sending money to Israel. It’s something we do together”
He was a beautiful man. Honest – and without worry about ‘protecting’ his religion. He simply called it as he sees it. Now, I know he doesn’t represent all Jews in the world, but that quote was amazing to me. Absolutely fascinating – because it’s so similar to how many of us might think about our Christian faith. It’s about doing what we do together – going to church, singing songs, working at the Seed.
Muslim Imam: “My life is lived out of gratitude for being created by Allah. Every breath I take, I say “Thank you Allah.” I couldn’t roll over in bed without Allah. And so I try to live life in thankful response to Allah for his creating love and grace.”
I was stunned by how similar our thoughts on life were. For I would say those same things. The picture of a grateful life was stunning. And I made a comment about how similar his picture was to that of a Christian. And then I asked a question:
Christian Pastor (me): “What does that grace look like for you? In the Christian faith, we are called to live out of gratitude – not only for being created by God, and for having the privilege of living in this beautiful and diverse world. We also live thankfully because Jesus has paved the way to God for us by taking our sins with him to the grave and set us free to live a faithful life without worrying about absolute obedience to the law as a litmus test of worthiness. Where does that grace come from in Islam?”
The Jewish Rabbi interrupted, and responded with a stunning comment:
Jewish Rabbi: “That’s where you’re different from us. A Jew lives a good life out of anxiety – a nervousness that pushes us to live rightly. You don’t have that. But I want that. I want to be more anxious. I think it pushes me to be more effective.”
(The Imam never got a chance to answer my question directly – but I know that Allah is known as ‘most merciful.’ And the Imam spoke of repentance and forgiveness – though he also said that Islam has no doctrine of Original Sin – so that humans can actually live a perfect life, like the prophets. So I imagine his answer would have included some of those ideas.)
But here’s what the Rabbi’s response made me wonder: Is living out of Freedom, living out of a radical grace that doesn’t require anything from us to be right with God, does it make us more lazy or more effective in this world?
Multi - Faith Conversation pt. 2
I don’t know. For me, spirituality is more of an awareness, what you’re particularly aware of. That’s your spirituality. What you do to keep yourself aware of it are your practices. I think the experiential stuff we do – like the labyrinth, meditation, drumming – open doors for other people. There’s very little ‘content’, so you can fill that in yourself. As a Christian, I find that when we step down from our past position of prominence to include and enjoy other traditions, it elevates your own position. - Christian Pastor
In Judaism, spirituality is not something in your head. It’s something you do. Social justice and healing the world. Tikkun Olam. This is the foundation of liberal Judaism – you are there to make the world a better place. Secular Jews might say they don’t believe in God, but their actions show that they do. Even if people don’t like the traditional idea of God, I can agree. I say, “The God you don’t believe in, I don’t believe in either.” - Jewish Rabbi
It connects to an aspect of the sacred, we all experience it in one form or another. A reverent kind of thing. People seem to thirst for it, and look for a way to connect themselves to it. Many people thirst for something, and there always seems to be this piece of reverence. - Christian Priest
In Islam, there are the 5 daily prayers, but many more are possible. We have these mini-prayers for every little action. Everything is covered from the moment that you wake up until the moment that you fall asleep; everything has some connectedness through these daily mini-prayers. Many in my tradition that speak of spirituality are participating in Sufi, or visiting tombs or something. Some would say there is no spirituality in Islam, and others to say that there is only spirituality in Islam. - Muslim woman/leader
I don’t have a lot of programming. But my role in terms of spirituality is to practice an unconditional regard and acceptance. The grace and love of God. People come in to see us and they say, “Wow – thanks, though I’ve been in therapy, but this was different.” We bring an incarnational spirit – we bring with us a presence of the divine. I feel spirituality in terms of unconditional regard. - Christian Pastor
A phrase – ‘our innermost request.’ If there’s anything I can offer, it’s that I’m offering a time and a space that is welcoming and set aside for nothing but a time for that innermost request to have some time and some play in your life. Busy-ness can crowd it out. We often end up running on assumptions, and until there’s a time and place for stillness – we’re just running around. But if we stop to be present in the midst of our lives, to evaluate what that innermost request is, then we might understand why we’re running around. When people come to a prayer cushion, it’s their innermost request that brings them there. - Zen Buddhist Monk
In Judaism, spirituality is not something in your head. It’s something you do. Social justice and healing the world. Tikkun Olam. This is the foundation of liberal Judaism – you are there to make the world a better place. Secular Jews might say they don’t believe in God, but their actions show that they do. Even if people don’t like the traditional idea of God, I can agree. I say, “The God you don’t believe in, I don’t believe in either.” - Jewish Rabbi
It connects to an aspect of the sacred, we all experience it in one form or another. A reverent kind of thing. People seem to thirst for it, and look for a way to connect themselves to it. Many people thirst for something, and there always seems to be this piece of reverence. - Christian Priest
In Islam, there are the 5 daily prayers, but many more are possible. We have these mini-prayers for every little action. Everything is covered from the moment that you wake up until the moment that you fall asleep; everything has some connectedness through these daily mini-prayers. Many in my tradition that speak of spirituality are participating in Sufi, or visiting tombs or something. Some would say there is no spirituality in Islam, and others to say that there is only spirituality in Islam. - Muslim woman/leader
I don’t have a lot of programming. But my role in terms of spirituality is to practice an unconditional regard and acceptance. The grace and love of God. People come in to see us and they say, “Wow – thanks, though I’ve been in therapy, but this was different.” We bring an incarnational spirit – we bring with us a presence of the divine. I feel spirituality in terms of unconditional regard. - Christian Pastor
A phrase – ‘our innermost request.’ If there’s anything I can offer, it’s that I’m offering a time and a space that is welcoming and set aside for nothing but a time for that innermost request to have some time and some play in your life. Busy-ness can crowd it out. We often end up running on assumptions, and until there’s a time and place for stillness – we’re just running around. But if we stop to be present in the midst of our lives, to evaluate what that innermost request is, then we might understand why we’re running around. When people come to a prayer cushion, it’s their innermost request that brings them there. - Zen Buddhist Monk
In this....
I had this stellar idea for a blog..... well I felt the urge to write something, but I can't remember what it was. I'm reading like three books right now -- yeah yeah nerdish I know... or maybe not.
They all have the same theme - although they are completely different in genre, motives and everything else possibly in the book realm. Okay - maybe theme is the wrong word... but underneath everything there is always a tone of religion.... "god is not great" of course is straight out pure attack on religion. I am having a hard time reading this book with an UN-biased mind because of course, being christian I want to jump out of my chair and go have a conversation with this guy and tell him what I think... but I'm sure hes got a million letters to read and hundreds of people to see so why would my letter even make a difference... I wouldn't even want to try and convince this man of anything -- just kind of talk to him. It blows my mind away.. I cannot wrap my finger around it. But i still have half the book to go. So we will see....
"the life of Pi" is well - the beginning part is - this boy's journey in being a Christian, Muslim and Hindu all at the same time. His thoughts and perspectives on religion were quite interesting --- these coming from a 15 year-old boy.
"the girl who loved the swastika" - I can't say much about this one yet as I have only started it... But the review on the back talks about atheism and such.
Religion - is a huge part of everyone's life. Well atleast underneath I think. Look around -- see if you can even see religion in the background.
They all have the same theme - although they are completely different in genre, motives and everything else possibly in the book realm. Okay - maybe theme is the wrong word... but underneath everything there is always a tone of religion.... "god is not great" of course is straight out pure attack on religion. I am having a hard time reading this book with an UN-biased mind because of course, being christian I want to jump out of my chair and go have a conversation with this guy and tell him what I think... but I'm sure hes got a million letters to read and hundreds of people to see so why would my letter even make a difference... I wouldn't even want to try and convince this man of anything -- just kind of talk to him. It blows my mind away.. I cannot wrap my finger around it. But i still have half the book to go. So we will see....
"the life of Pi" is well - the beginning part is - this boy's journey in being a Christian, Muslim and Hindu all at the same time. His thoughts and perspectives on religion were quite interesting --- these coming from a 15 year-old boy.
"the girl who loved the swastika" - I can't say much about this one yet as I have only started it... But the review on the back talks about atheism and such.
Religion - is a huge part of everyone's life. Well atleast underneath I think. Look around -- see if you can even see religion in the background.
Sunday, July 8
Normality
Where, or maybe how do you begin to define normal?? Like What is a normal life?? I don't know.. it seems like I have forgotten how to do life. How to be normal... hence the reason I ask what normal is=... because maybe I am living normal? But for some reason I have a hard time believing that this is completely normal... Anyways, I guess that these are the times where I have to trust God more than I actually really feel like trusting. Rather than sitting feeling sorry for myself, or confused. Because even if things seem to get mumbled up that doesnt mean we start worrying. Whats the point in faith if we are not going to trust and actually put our faith into action. afterall Faith n. trust; belief without proof; religion; promise; loyalty; constancy.
It's not enough to say " I trust you" when things are going good -- Its not even really good to just say the words when things are going bad either. But if I actually trust and stop worrying - which is hard to do sometimes - But if I let go and let you-- God-- control, then even if things aren't going smoothly or the way I had hoped for - I can say 'its's all good'.
Thankyou Lord for bring in conrtrol. Help me to believe that very thing, and remember that aated and worried and confused - as life goes on. Even though I get frustrated, and worried, and confused, - and even disappointed sometimes please help me to remember that you love me and want me to grow into the best that I can be - and that I need to trust that you are taking care of me.....
2 Corinthians 12:9
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me"
It's not enough to say " I trust you" when things are going good -- Its not even really good to just say the words when things are going bad either. But if I actually trust and stop worrying - which is hard to do sometimes - But if I let go and let you-- God-- control, then even if things aren't going smoothly or the way I had hoped for - I can say 'its's all good'.
Thankyou Lord for bring in conrtrol. Help me to believe that very thing, and remember that aated and worried and confused - as life goes on. Even though I get frustrated, and worried, and confused, - and even disappointed sometimes please help me to remember that you love me and want me to grow into the best that I can be - and that I need to trust that you are taking care of me.....
2 Corinthians 12:9
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me"
Friday, July 6
Resting in the Soveriegnty of God
1. Truths about God
-- Our God is absolutely Sovereign
Romans 9:20 -- 'who are you oh man to talk back to God"
-- Our God is gracious
which causes us to question. We are taught that if we want something that we have to work for it. We naturally keep tabs. We have a deep sense of fairness ingrained in us. God wont be put into a box - instead of keeping tabs (blessing the good and punishing the bad) He blesses the undeserving.
Matthew 20 - the vineyard parable
Justice = getting what you deserve
Grace = getting what you dont deserve
--God is on a mission
- because he is a gracious God, he is pursuing us, wanting to extend his grace to us all, Its all about a father calling out to his children to come back into a relationship with him. remember this while you read through the bible. - God has the right to choose who is saved or not. * 2 Peter 3:9
* Predestination
* Matthew 28 - why make disciples D.L. Moody.
The issue is who he will use to bring those to Christ (not who is saved and who isn't) God chooses people to accomplish his mission.
- Why did God choose the Isrealites as opposed to other nations? He chose them for a purpose. Not necessarily to be saved. You could be a Jew - but that doesn't mean you are going to heaven. God chose the Isrealites to be missionaries. Just like God called the church to be his missionaries.
There are also times where he will use evil to work together for good.
* James 1:13
God did not make Pharoh do anything that he didn't already want to do.
* Romans 1:24,26,28
* John 3:16 "God so loved the world....."
not just certain people but everyone.
Although we are not all treated the same by God, doesn't mean we aren't loved the same. God works though and with people that are willing to allow him to.
If you are a child of God, he has a purpose for you. It might now be significant to humans but it will be equal in the sight of God
-- Are you contenet with an audience of one?? Are you content with the Idea of just Serving God?
God gives us a measure of freedom (vs.19) We have the capacity to choose, and love, and create things. We will reap what we sow. We can live anyway we want, but God's purposse will ultimately be accomplished. ( I would rather be a part of that than not)
God's way is trustworthy. He will never act contrary to his promises and character. What we see so clearly in others is often what we are so blind to in ourselves. Monitor your conversations this week and notice..... (how often do we complain.) You can go through the wilderness - with or without God, Complaining so often shows our discontent and doubt in God's plan. Resting in the sovereignty is coming to that place where you can honestly say that serving God is better than anything else and trusting in his plan -- even through the wilderness
-- Our God is absolutely Sovereign
Romans 9:20 -- 'who are you oh man to talk back to God"
-- Our God is gracious
which causes us to question. We are taught that if we want something that we have to work for it. We naturally keep tabs. We have a deep sense of fairness ingrained in us. God wont be put into a box - instead of keeping tabs (blessing the good and punishing the bad) He blesses the undeserving.
Matthew 20 - the vineyard parable
Justice = getting what you deserve
Grace = getting what you dont deserve
--God is on a mission
- because he is a gracious God, he is pursuing us, wanting to extend his grace to us all, Its all about a father calling out to his children to come back into a relationship with him. remember this while you read through the bible. - God has the right to choose who is saved or not. * 2 Peter 3:9
* Predestination
* Matthew 28 - why make disciples D.L. Moody.
The issue is who he will use to bring those to Christ (not who is saved and who isn't) God chooses people to accomplish his mission.
- Why did God choose the Isrealites as opposed to other nations? He chose them for a purpose. Not necessarily to be saved. You could be a Jew - but that doesn't mean you are going to heaven. God chose the Isrealites to be missionaries. Just like God called the church to be his missionaries.
There are also times where he will use evil to work together for good.
* James 1:13
God did not make Pharoh do anything that he didn't already want to do.
* Romans 1:24,26,28
* John 3:16 "God so loved the world....."
not just certain people but everyone.
Although we are not all treated the same by God, doesn't mean we aren't loved the same. God works though and with people that are willing to allow him to.
If you are a child of God, he has a purpose for you. It might now be significant to humans but it will be equal in the sight of God
-- Are you contenet with an audience of one?? Are you content with the Idea of just Serving God?
God gives us a measure of freedom (vs.19) We have the capacity to choose, and love, and create things. We will reap what we sow. We can live anyway we want, but God's purposse will ultimately be accomplished. ( I would rather be a part of that than not)
God's way is trustworthy. He will never act contrary to his promises and character. What we see so clearly in others is often what we are so blind to in ourselves. Monitor your conversations this week and notice..... (how often do we complain.) You can go through the wilderness - with or without God, Complaining so often shows our discontent and doubt in God's plan. Resting in the sovereignty is coming to that place where you can honestly say that serving God is better than anything else and trusting in his plan -- even through the wilderness
God is good
Wednesday, July 4
Call On Jesus - Nicole C Mullen
I'm so very ordinary
Nothing special on my own
I have never walked on water
I have never calmed a storm
Sometimes I'm hiding away
from the madness around me
Like a child who's afraid of the dark
Nothing special on my own
I have never walked on water
I have never calmed a storm
Sometimes I'm hiding away
from the madness around me
Like a child who's afraid of the dark
But when I call on Jesus
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles and soar
When I call on Jesus
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth
to come rescue me when I call
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles and soar
When I call on Jesus
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth
to come rescue me when I call
Weary brother
Broken daughter
Widowed, widowed lover
You're not alone
If you're tired and scared of the madness around you
If you can't find the strength to carry on
Call Him in the mornin' In the afternoon time
Late in the evenin'He'll be there
When your heart is broken
And you feel discouraged
You can just remember that He said
He'll be there
I'm For You - Toby Mac
Tell me where its hurting Are you burning? Running just to catch your breathAnd going nowhere It's getting old when you feel like you got nothing left Well it ain't over 'til it's overI told you since the day we met So let me be the voice through all the noise Whatever I gotta be I'll be for you Whatever you need from me To see you through Everyone of us has stumbled Everybody's humbled We hit the ground and our lives crumble Whatever I gotta be I'll be for you I'm for you If you never knew If you never knew I'm for you You know it's true I know the feeling I know it's real when the drama's all in your faceYou see a mountain I hear a promise - it's never more than we can takeWell it ain't over, 'til it's overWe can learn from our mistakesSo let me be the voice through all the noiseEveryone of us will fallHave our backs against the wallAnd everyone shares a need to be lovedYou've always been for meSo I will be for youThat's just what it means to loveWhatever I gotta beI'll be for youI'm for you If you never knewIf you never knewI'm for youYou know it's trueWhatever I gotta beI'll be for youI'm for you If you never knewIf you never knewI'm for youYou know it's trueEverytime you fall, I'll be for you,If you back's against the wall, I'll be for you,Cause you've always been for me, I'll be for you,I'll be for you, I'm for you.If you never knew,If you never knew, I'm for you.I'm for you, like your for me, like I'm for you,I'm for you, like your for me, like your for me, like I'm for you,I'm for you like your for me, like I'm for you,I'm for you like your for me, like your for me, like I'm for you,I'm for you like your for me, like your for me, like I'm for you,I'm for you
Cry in My Heart - Starfield
There's a cry in my heart
For Your glory to fall
For Your presence to fill up my senses
There's a yearning again
A thirst for discipline
A hunger for things that are deeper
Could You take me beyond?
Could You carry me through?
If I open my heart?
Could I go there with You?
For what do I have
For Your glory to fall
For Your presence to fill up my senses
There's a yearning again
A thirst for discipline
A hunger for things that are deeper
Could You take me beyond?
Could You carry me through?
If I open my heart?
Could I go there with You?
For what do I have
If I don't have You, Jesus?
What in this life
Could mean any more?
You are my rock
You are my glory
You are the lifter Of my head
There's a cry in my heart
There's a cry in my heart
For Your glory to fall
For Your presence to fill up my senses
There's a yearning again
A thirst for discipline
A hunger for things that are deeper
Could You take me beyond?
Could You take me beyond?
Could You carry me through?
If I open my heart?
Could I go there with You?
For I've been here before
But I know there's still more
Oh, Lord, I need to know You
For I've been here before
But I know there's still more
Oh, Lord, I need to know You
Friday, June 22
I am ------?
It's funny - I was watching a little bit of television last night and a commercial came on with five different people doing different things and they all stopped, looked at the camera and said -- "i am the oil and gas industry" ..... OK? that makes you special why?
So I didn't think much of it really - then this morning I saw a picture add on my way to work with a working mother in an apron and a great bi smile - " I am Starbucks " ..... OK? wouldn't you rather be defied be yourself? or even something better than a coffee shop? - I'm probably the only one who took notice - don't know why.
So anyways I was thinking --- How am I defining myself? How do I want define myself? How should I be defining myself?
- I know
that i should be defining myself according to God and His word in every step I take.
Get it through my brain.
I want to live for Jesus
- meaning not just the big things - but the little ones too.
What can I do for you Lord?
So I didn't think much of it really - then this morning I saw a picture add on my way to work with a working mother in an apron and a great bi smile - " I am Starbucks " ..... OK? wouldn't you rather be defied be yourself? or even something better than a coffee shop? - I'm probably the only one who took notice - don't know why.
So anyways I was thinking --- How am I defining myself? How do I want define myself? How should I be defining myself?
- I know
that i should be defining myself according to God and His word in every step I take.
Get it through my brain.
I want to live for Jesus
- meaning not just the big things - but the little ones too.
What can I do for you Lord?
John 15 - 16
Chapter 15 verse 12Jesus said to love eachother as he loved us. If we even knew the depth of his love and even understood one little bit of it - we would be brought to our knees. We should want that love to flow out of ourselves all the time so that others might want what we have. I get this feeling even just thinking about it - He died for us, his human life - pretty much torture, Even though we deny him, insult, him, sin to no end - he still loves us enough. So how much more should we be willing to put up/ forgive others for the very minor things that we are offended by. So often I forget what's truly important - and let th little things get to me. Rather than being more Christ like. Again in verse 17 He commands us to love eachother - I'd say thats pretty straight forward. And I want that love to show in me. the next 9 verses go on to say how the world hates Jesus for no reason - even after all those miracles. But it also says they have no excuse. (Neither do we)
Chapter 16 --> speaks about the spirit of truth and how he will guide us into all truth - and so then if we are really seeking truth and guidance (which is related) we need to rely on the Holy Spirit and believe that he will help us and convict us of the right thing. We only have human minds and our knowledge (if you can even really call it knowlegde) only goes so far. The Holy Spirit is the one that fills us up and is our guide and conscience - in this world of no real morals.
Chapter 16 --> speaks about the spirit of truth and how he will guide us into all truth - and so then if we are really seeking truth and guidance (which is related) we need to rely on the Holy Spirit and believe that he will help us and convict us of the right thing. We only have human minds and our knowledge (if you can even really call it knowlegde) only goes so far. The Holy Spirit is the one that fills us up and is our guide and conscience - in this world of no real morals.
Colossians 3
This is actually a really short chapter - but its like our job description. I guess now that I read the heading " Rules for Holy living"Just sitting here - reading the list over and over again blows me away. I fall short almost every single time. But its written so beautifully - that it makes me want to strive harder to be those qualities. Verse Two starts by saying "set your minds on things above, not earthly thing". So - when we start with step one - so to speak - we have to ask ourselves: what is truly important in my life? Honestly examine ourselves and going deeper than just surface level issues and asks - what really matters to me?Verses 9 and 10 tells us that we have taken off the old self and put on the new self. Doesn't matter who we are - because Christ is in us all which is pretty cool. So then as God's chosen people we are to 'clothe' ourselves, cover ourselves, fill ourselves with all these traits:
- compassion
- gentleness
- kindness
- patience
- humility
- forgiveness
"forgive as the Lord forgave you"Such a powerful statement - and it makes complete sense - but how often do we actually remeber when it comes down to it? we usually forget, or come up with reasons and circumstances for why we don't have to forgive." And love binds tehse together perfectly" - If I could have this love - I could make such a difference - but that's silly, because I can make a difference even if I am not perfect. It's all how you look at things and choose to do things.I have to quote this whole next section. It is so beautiful.
" Let the peace of Christ rule
Let the word of Christ dwell
Teach and Admonish one another with all wisdom
Sing songs, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude
-Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God."
So, anything I do - everything I do - is all - should be all in Jesus name -
Makes you think twice sometimes....
Ecclesiastes 3:17
"I thought in my heart
God will bring judgement
both the righteous and the wicked
for there will be a time
for every activity
a time forevery deed"
Thursday, June 21
Joseph the Dreamer
March 25th 2007
- God has a plan for your life: Jerimiah 29:11
When we commit to God, he predesintes us. God doesnt play favourites - He chooses us because He needs the job done - and He knows that we are adequate to complete the task at hand.
- Even though God's ultimate plan is a good plan - He deepens our character by giving us bumps in the road. He is always at work in us.
- Sometimes you can't feel the hope because you have been hoping and praying for so long.
- Joseph made a decision totrust God - No matter what. Whethere he saw God's plan or no. It nurtured hope in the deep disappointments
- Joseph refused to give up. " God was with Joseph" Genesis 39:2 - he was faithful and obedient with what God gave him.
- God has chosen you (me) to play a unique role. Do you quit when you are hurt or dissappointed? - Quitting chisels away at your character slowly but surely.
- I want to be like Joseph. God is working behind the scenes foraging your character.
- Joseph refused to give into temptation
- When your life does not turn out the way you planned - sin will start to look really good.
1 Timothy 6:11 "Flee from immorality"
- within hours - he came from the pits into power.
- Joseph refused to care less for others, when we reach out to others we are opening networks & channels to deepen others and our own lives.
- Joesph refused to seek revenge. He realised that God takes our choices and makes them into good. God sees the whole picture.
-Surrender and God will paint the picture of our lives. He is soveriegn and in charge.
We have a choice to make
1. To be bitter and angry (which accomplishes nothing)
2. Or to believe in God's plan. Long for the Lord because as long as we are with him it is going to be ok.
If God knows my plan -- shouldn't that be good enough for me?
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