I'm not quite sure why this phrase has been in my head lately. However, me being, a girl whom has never been "in love" has been thinking about this phrase trying to figure out if there is any truth to it. Can you really become more fond or "in love" with someone when they aren't even around? I’ve thought about this thought for a couple days now- deep, pondering thoughts. (funny & dangerous you might think for someone whom will say she's never been "in love" I know). My mind immediately went into scenarios of situations I could place myself in to understand the truth (if there was any to this statement). After some thought (or a lot of thought), I decided that IF absence was to make the heart fond a couple things would probably have to happen.
1. You would have to know the person.(by know I mean REALLY know the person- not just an acquaintance)
2. Missing the person would cause you to appreciate who the person is.
3. Appreciating the person, for who they are, would most likely cause you to dwell on them and their characteristics.. You'd live like they were still with you- though you knew they weren't there, and...
4. because of the above 3 things you're heart would deepen in feelings for this person for the simple fact that you miss them for who they really are- and you see the void in your life without them.
Cheesy? Ya maybe. But think of it this way.. if all that is true- if we as humans can comprehend how to love someone from far away or even fall more in love with someone from far away.. why on Earth have we allowed our society to get to the place it has now. Because here is the deal.. Jesus lived on this Earth for 33 years, teaching equipping, living, and dying for us. SHOWING US how we are to live, and what we are to live for.. and yet.. somehow we've lost it all. 2000 years later we should be madly in LOVE with Jesus, and honestly speaking we find ourselves living in a World that rarely recognizes HIM in the simple beauty of the world we live in. At what point did we lose focus, and how on Earth do we get back to the place of recognizing Christ for who He is as if we lived right next to His time.
I think to really get an answer of how to get back there we have to look at the examples Jesus allows us to have in our lives to understand how our relationship with Him is to look. The Lord really is a genius- I love how He designed us to experience relationships in life that would help us better understand what our relationship with Him should look like. I think about marriages, parenting, and friendships and how their purpose in our lives really are two fold, an obvious blessing from the Lord but also a way for us to understand (a little better) how we are to interact with Jesus while living on this Earth. The Bible calls the Church (the body of Believers) the bride of Christ, and we get to learn what that is to look like through an Earthly marriage here on Earth. These same marriages allow us to have children, or raise kids which allows us to have a GLIMPSE of what Jesus feels for us a His child. Yet some how in the midst of those examples we've still (as a society) lost our footing and completely lost our focus of Jesus, the SAVIOR of the World, and what He's came to do for us! Personally I think this has happened because we tend to see our relationship with Jesus as a lists of cans and can'ts of living instead of constantly remembering WHY we should choose to live the way we are CALLED to live, loving and glorifying Jesus in our RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM, so often we are left feeling bitter about lives circumstances & what the World tells us we are missing out on instead of feeling FULL OF LIFE, like Jesus’ Word promises. We are feeling the absence of JESUS because we are looking to all the wrong things to fulfill us.
A great modern day example of feeling the absence of someone is looking at someone’s life who has served our country in the war. So many people over the course of our countries history has left their families to go fight for a cause they believed in. These families feel the absence of a person whom they love, know, and care for; for a period of time. These families know their loved one is going to come back in a year and integrate back into their lives (knowing so much time has passed- yet wanting to be able to live like the absence never happened). So what do they do? For the point I’m going for I’ll explain it this way. While they Father is away, the Mom must daily remember & dwell on who her husband is within that household, as her leader, her best friend and a father to her children so she doesn’t forget & begin to lose focus of life with him being physically present... She must also speak of her husband to her children so they too can continue to grown in their relationship with their Father even when he is away (as well as providing opportunities for the kids to speak with their father- in whatever way maybe possible)...so that when he comes home, everyone has grown (and though life has happened) they can continue to live as a family unit when their Father returns.
This scenario is so parallel to what our experience on Earth right now should be like as believers in our walks with the Lord. Though Jesus left the Earth over 2000 years ago, we as Believer’s are like those whose Father’s go off to war - waiting anxiously for His return. We need to remember what He taught while living on Earth and apply it to how we are living now. We need to daily spend time with Him- dwelling with Him in every aspect of life letting Him continue to sanctify us (change us) to become more like Him. (Philippians 1:6) Because like the kids at home, who were able to correspond with their Father, via email/ skype, we as Believer’s have been given the avenue of the Word, Prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. So, though Jesus’ physical body is not on Earth to be seen, He is indeed in the midst of EVERYTHING we do. We need to speak of who He is at all times (Duet 6)- teaching those around us who He is, so that though they may not have encountered Him (2 Cor 3:18) yet they can see & understand WHO HE is to us and want to KNOW HIM personally.
If absence makes the heart grow fond....with this instance we might be in trouble...We might be in trouble because if you look around at society, you’ll see a people who are looking to anything to fulfill a void that is completely empty. It's time to we (as believers) help people understand what can & will fulfill them every day of their life. (John 10:10). We need to be like the wife above who lived everyday in a way that caused her to grow in love with a man who wasn’t physically with her, so that when he returned they were united like he’d never left- a woman who taught her children about who their father was so they too would be fulfilled. We need to see our role in this WORLD to show people the LOVE of JESUS, living everyday to seek, teach, and lead people to the cross- so they in turn realize the absence they now feel doesn’t have to be with them forever. That they too can grow in their relationship with Jesus, living guided by His spirit until He comes back for His bride. BELIEVE IT, LIVE IT, TEACH IT. Be blessed!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
LIVE BY FAITH- my look at John 5.
Do you ever have passages or stories of scriptures that are continually on your mind. They just get stuck there and you can't quit thinking about the logistics of the story and how the people must have felt or why they did what they did. I try to sit and think about how they must of felt or what I would have done if I was in their shoes. It's an interesting thing when you put things in those perspectives and really dissect the situations they were in.
About a week ago I was reminded of the story in John 5, and honestly it keeps popping back up in my head over and over again. The story is about a pool called Bethesda where every so often the Angel of the Lord would come upon the water, the water would ripple, and those who got there first would be healed. Well, there is a man who found his home near the water, waiting for the chance to touch the water and receive healing. He had been sick for 38 YEARS! I'm not so sure how long he had laid by the pool wishing to be healed, but I wondered what kept him there thinking at one point he would get the opportunity to touch the water. Maybe it was simple the thought that the chance for healing was better than not ever having the chance. Maybe he'd heard about the power of the Lord & knew at one time he would get the chance to experience the healing power. Maybe it was just the ill man had faith...faith when things seemed impossible.
When I looked up the definition of faith a lot of different phrases came up. Everything came up from a belief in, a dedication to, an alligance to or duty to a person, or simply trust. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." In James 1:3 were told, "The testing of your faith produces endurance, " and in Luke 7:50, "He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
I think about all these verses as I think about the ill man who was lying by the pool desiring to be made well. I don't know for sure but I believe that he stayed by the pool because he had faith that at one point he was going to experience the healing he seen everyone else experience. He believed it would happen & he did his part (as much as he could to place himself in a position to be healed). What makes this story even more crazy to me though is the fact that he expected healing, but the healing he received didn't happen the way he expected it to. I can guarantee you, the ill man never expected Jesus to approach him and to ask him if he wanted to get well. Sure, he apparently wanted to get well, but how was he going to get to the pool?? He told Jesus (the man was unaware it was Jesus at the time though) "yes, I'd like to be healed yes! But I need help- I can't get to the pool by myself. I need help- and honestly I have no help." I bet the mans jaw dropped when Jesus replied, "get up, pick up your pallet, and walk." So as simple as that the man picked up the pallet and began to walk.
I think about the man who was now well, and able to experience life in a completely different way than he had the 38 years prior. I'm sure he was shocked with what had just happened to him- overjoyed with being healthy!! Overwhelmed by the healing that had just taking place as well as in awe of how the Lord chose to heal him. A man who had laid by the pool for years expecting for the ruffling of the water by the touch of the Angel of the Lord to be the solution to his situation- yet in the process of patiently waiting for a small chance the Lord chose to heal him in a way that would knock his socks off. I highly doubt that the man (after being healed) wished the Lord would have chose to do it in a different way. I can almost guarantee he would say the time he spent sick (though hard) increased his faith especially when the Lord did heal him. I bet he walked alway with a new found since of peace.
I am encouraged by this man and his persistance to stay right by the pool waiting for healing. Maybe you don't think you need to experience a healing like this man, maybe you're worn down by life and what it's thrown at you. STAND STRONG. Wait with expectancy for the Lord to show up and show off in the midst of your situation...this man had faith enough in who Jesus was and the power which the Holy Spirit could bring to the water that he waited for a long time without even knowing how he was going to get in the water- he simply did everything he knew to do which was to stay by the pool... when it came down to it though he didn't even have to get in the water because the Lord provided a completely different way. The Lord knows you, He knows where you are and what you need. TRUST HIM to provide you a way in the water, or to open a door that you can simple walk through. It's not up to us to know the how's or why's we're just simply called live by FAITH.
About a week ago I was reminded of the story in John 5, and honestly it keeps popping back up in my head over and over again. The story is about a pool called Bethesda where every so often the Angel of the Lord would come upon the water, the water would ripple, and those who got there first would be healed. Well, there is a man who found his home near the water, waiting for the chance to touch the water and receive healing. He had been sick for 38 YEARS! I'm not so sure how long he had laid by the pool wishing to be healed, but I wondered what kept him there thinking at one point he would get the opportunity to touch the water. Maybe it was simple the thought that the chance for healing was better than not ever having the chance. Maybe he'd heard about the power of the Lord & knew at one time he would get the chance to experience the healing power. Maybe it was just the ill man had faith...faith when things seemed impossible.
When I looked up the definition of faith a lot of different phrases came up. Everything came up from a belief in, a dedication to, an alligance to or duty to a person, or simply trust. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." In James 1:3 were told, "The testing of your faith produces endurance, " and in Luke 7:50, "He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
I think about all these verses as I think about the ill man who was lying by the pool desiring to be made well. I don't know for sure but I believe that he stayed by the pool because he had faith that at one point he was going to experience the healing he seen everyone else experience. He believed it would happen & he did his part (as much as he could to place himself in a position to be healed). What makes this story even more crazy to me though is the fact that he expected healing, but the healing he received didn't happen the way he expected it to. I can guarantee you, the ill man never expected Jesus to approach him and to ask him if he wanted to get well. Sure, he apparently wanted to get well, but how was he going to get to the pool?? He told Jesus (the man was unaware it was Jesus at the time though) "yes, I'd like to be healed yes! But I need help- I can't get to the pool by myself. I need help- and honestly I have no help." I bet the mans jaw dropped when Jesus replied, "get up, pick up your pallet, and walk." So as simple as that the man picked up the pallet and began to walk.
I think about the man who was now well, and able to experience life in a completely different way than he had the 38 years prior. I'm sure he was shocked with what had just happened to him- overjoyed with being healthy!! Overwhelmed by the healing that had just taking place as well as in awe of how the Lord chose to heal him. A man who had laid by the pool for years expecting for the ruffling of the water by the touch of the Angel of the Lord to be the solution to his situation- yet in the process of patiently waiting for a small chance the Lord chose to heal him in a way that would knock his socks off. I highly doubt that the man (after being healed) wished the Lord would have chose to do it in a different way. I can almost guarantee he would say the time he spent sick (though hard) increased his faith especially when the Lord did heal him. I bet he walked alway with a new found since of peace.
I am encouraged by this man and his persistance to stay right by the pool waiting for healing. Maybe you don't think you need to experience a healing like this man, maybe you're worn down by life and what it's thrown at you. STAND STRONG. Wait with expectancy for the Lord to show up and show off in the midst of your situation...this man had faith enough in who Jesus was and the power which the Holy Spirit could bring to the water that he waited for a long time without even knowing how he was going to get in the water- he simply did everything he knew to do which was to stay by the pool... when it came down to it though he didn't even have to get in the water because the Lord provided a completely different way. The Lord knows you, He knows where you are and what you need. TRUST HIM to provide you a way in the water, or to open a door that you can simple walk through. It's not up to us to know the how's or why's we're just simply called live by FAITH.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Exercise Gives You Endorphins. Endorphins Make You Happy...
and happy people don't just shoot their husbands! (Can anyone name this movie??)
I will be the first to admit that my life is TONS better when I am taking the time to run every day. With lives crazy seasons, sometimes I do a good job of making this a priority and other times I do not. You can actually tell this by looking at this blog- when I am running more frequently blogs updates come more frequently, when I'm not running there is a dry spell. It really is crazy how the two go hand in hand.
As I jumped on the treadmill today, and I began thinking/ praying/ talking to Jesus He reminded me of two conversations I had yesterday with two friends. Both these conversations were about running. The first started when someone asked me why I had started running, or how I began to feel so strongly about it. I rambled quite a bit to answer this question, but I think she got the jist because her response was, "Man, I wish my runs would feel like that." The second conversation was sparked when one of my friends had decided to go for a run last night. I asked him what had sparked the desire to go for a run his respons was as such, "Your blog. It made running sound like a great idea. It reminded me of how I used to love to run in Stillwater. How it made me release all my stress and relax. I figured if you do it and it makes you think as clearly as you do then... where's my shoes?" As I thought about these conversations (while running today) I thought about how I often tell about what I learn while I'm running but I've never really explained why running needs to be a constant thing in my life, and ironically enough- it really has NOTHING to do with running... (am I saying we aren't called to take care of the temple of the Lord -our bodies- no! I'm just not saying that's not the sole purpose for which I run).
Simply put, I run to spend time with Jesus. It's the place I can find a good chunk of time where I can lay EVERYTHING out at His feet, UNINTERRUPETED, just me and Him. This is what makes life better when I "run" consistently. So technically what I do on the treadmill, YOU, my friend can do anywhere- it just so happens that I have found when I place myself in a position of exhausting myself it's a must easier place for me to literally let go of everything, approaching Jesus with all I've got, humbly asking for His help and His guidance. Because you know, as well as I do- we can do this life alone. It's His grace, His mercy, and His strength that gets us up and keeps us going.
Running is the place where I find the balance of being a Mary and a Martha. We need to be both! We need to be active in being a part of what the Lord is doing, but we must realize to do that we must take time to "sit and be still" in front of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. It is His guiding hand, and His Word that directs our feet- without the time with Him how will we ever know what we need to be actively doing?
So I ask you, what does your time with Jesus look like daily? You might not be hopping on a treadmill like me, but do you have a place where you are still before the Lord? (Ps. 46:10). Maybe it's in your car on the way to work, or while sitting at your desk over lunch, or while you lay in bed at night. It could be anywhere! A place where you can COME TO HIM (Matthew 11:28), CAST YOUR CARES (1 Peter 5:7), CALL OUT TO HIM (2 Chronicles 7:16). This place will allow you to HEAR from Jesus (John15:26) and be TRANSFORMED (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I believe the Lord knew exactly what He was doing when He created mankind- A people in need of a Savior, a people who He knew would be living in a fallen world. He sent HIS Son, the ONLY PERFECT being on Earth to live & experience life on Earth before dying on a cross for you- He was and is the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. He knew that in this world we'd experience trouble, (though He knew He'd overcome the world) so He provided His Word to help guide us, lead us, and direct us. A Word that is living and active, without flaw or imperfection, written by man, yet through the DIVINE presence of the Lord. Lastly, He knew that though we were growing in our relationship with Him, and learning His Word that sometimes we would still struggle in life, and therefore He created us with a longing for relationships- to do life together with people. People who would better help us understand who Jesus is and what He is doing when we get distracted and place our focus somewhere else. People who will remind us of what the Word says when we can't recall anything that would fit in our situations, and lastly (but not least) people who help us to live out the calling of Jesus so that we can LIVE in a way that impacts the KINGDOM for Christ. I LOVE how the Lord provides so many layers of defense for us in the midst of HIM calling US to be a part of what HE is doing on Earth.
Simply put. My time on the treadmill is great because it's where I get to meet Jesus, where I get to spend time with Him. Where He speaks to me, strengthens me, and prepares me for the day at hand. The treadmill is where I express my greatest thoughts, fears, and needs- the place where He reminds me of His Word and who He is in the midst of everything I've just expressed. Jesus is my Counselor.
Now, I will add. In addition to all that great stuff listed above- I think there has been some scientific evidence that exercising does boost your mood. That is why in Legally Blonde Elle said, "Excersice give you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't just shoot their husbands." Happiness though is built a lot on our circumstances which we don't always have that much control over. Spending time with Jesus though provides us a lasting JOY that transcends ANY circumstance- which is better than any amount of endorphins excercising might provide. Be blessed!
I will be the first to admit that my life is TONS better when I am taking the time to run every day. With lives crazy seasons, sometimes I do a good job of making this a priority and other times I do not. You can actually tell this by looking at this blog- when I am running more frequently blogs updates come more frequently, when I'm not running there is a dry spell. It really is crazy how the two go hand in hand.
As I jumped on the treadmill today, and I began thinking/ praying/ talking to Jesus He reminded me of two conversations I had yesterday with two friends. Both these conversations were about running. The first started when someone asked me why I had started running, or how I began to feel so strongly about it. I rambled quite a bit to answer this question, but I think she got the jist because her response was, "Man, I wish my runs would feel like that." The second conversation was sparked when one of my friends had decided to go for a run last night. I asked him what had sparked the desire to go for a run his respons was as such, "Your blog. It made running sound like a great idea. It reminded me of how I used to love to run in Stillwater. How it made me release all my stress and relax. I figured if you do it and it makes you think as clearly as you do then... where's my shoes?" As I thought about these conversations (while running today) I thought about how I often tell about what I learn while I'm running but I've never really explained why running needs to be a constant thing in my life, and ironically enough- it really has NOTHING to do with running... (am I saying we aren't called to take care of the temple of the Lord -our bodies- no! I'm just not saying that's not the sole purpose for which I run).
Simply put, I run to spend time with Jesus. It's the place I can find a good chunk of time where I can lay EVERYTHING out at His feet, UNINTERRUPETED, just me and Him. This is what makes life better when I "run" consistently. So technically what I do on the treadmill, YOU, my friend can do anywhere- it just so happens that I have found when I place myself in a position of exhausting myself it's a must easier place for me to literally let go of everything, approaching Jesus with all I've got, humbly asking for His help and His guidance. Because you know, as well as I do- we can do this life alone. It's His grace, His mercy, and His strength that gets us up and keeps us going.
Running is the place where I find the balance of being a Mary and a Martha. We need to be both! We need to be active in being a part of what the Lord is doing, but we must realize to do that we must take time to "sit and be still" in front of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. It is His guiding hand, and His Word that directs our feet- without the time with Him how will we ever know what we need to be actively doing?
So I ask you, what does your time with Jesus look like daily? You might not be hopping on a treadmill like me, but do you have a place where you are still before the Lord? (Ps. 46:10). Maybe it's in your car on the way to work, or while sitting at your desk over lunch, or while you lay in bed at night. It could be anywhere! A place where you can COME TO HIM (Matthew 11:28), CAST YOUR CARES (1 Peter 5:7), CALL OUT TO HIM (2 Chronicles 7:16). This place will allow you to HEAR from Jesus (John15:26) and be TRANSFORMED (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I believe the Lord knew exactly what He was doing when He created mankind- A people in need of a Savior, a people who He knew would be living in a fallen world. He sent HIS Son, the ONLY PERFECT being on Earth to live & experience life on Earth before dying on a cross for you- He was and is the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. He knew that in this world we'd experience trouble, (though He knew He'd overcome the world) so He provided His Word to help guide us, lead us, and direct us. A Word that is living and active, without flaw or imperfection, written by man, yet through the DIVINE presence of the Lord. Lastly, He knew that though we were growing in our relationship with Him, and learning His Word that sometimes we would still struggle in life, and therefore He created us with a longing for relationships- to do life together with people. People who would better help us understand who Jesus is and what He is doing when we get distracted and place our focus somewhere else. People who will remind us of what the Word says when we can't recall anything that would fit in our situations, and lastly (but not least) people who help us to live out the calling of Jesus so that we can LIVE in a way that impacts the KINGDOM for Christ. I LOVE how the Lord provides so many layers of defense for us in the midst of HIM calling US to be a part of what HE is doing on Earth.
Simply put. My time on the treadmill is great because it's where I get to meet Jesus, where I get to spend time with Him. Where He speaks to me, strengthens me, and prepares me for the day at hand. The treadmill is where I express my greatest thoughts, fears, and needs- the place where He reminds me of His Word and who He is in the midst of everything I've just expressed. Jesus is my Counselor.
Now, I will add. In addition to all that great stuff listed above- I think there has been some scientific evidence that exercising does boost your mood. That is why in Legally Blonde Elle said, "Excersice give you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't just shoot their husbands." Happiness though is built a lot on our circumstances which we don't always have that much control over. Spending time with Jesus though provides us a lasting JOY that transcends ANY circumstance- which is better than any amount of endorphins excercising might provide. Be blessed!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Seek Jesus, Join hands. Now let's get running!
So the other day I went to the gym to run. I was so stinking excited about getting to run (I was wearing my new shoes!) climbed on the treadmill and started running, my sister on one side, my mom on the other. As we started our run, another fella came in (a guy who I went to high school with & now he & his wife live in Chickasha where he is a youth pastor at a Church) and he began running' on the 4th treadmill. Often when I am running my mind drifts into another place, this time was no different. I began thinking about how the 4 of us love Jesus, I thought about how cool & how rare it was that we were all "in the same business." My mom teaches school/ coaches cheer, Kara (my sister) coaches cheer/ works at Kanakuk, I work in kids ministry/ coach cheer, and he works in youth ministry- though all may be different venues, the goal is still the same loving people to Jesus & helping them grow in that walk. I was stuck in that thought for a moment- we are all working for the Kingdom, so cool!
As I continued on my run, I began to notice something else about us all being on the treadmills. We weren't all running at the same pace. Not a big deal, right? Well on this particular day it wasn't a big deal to me- I was just excited to be running. However, on some days when running isn't super easy this would have been a major problem & maybe even a detriment to my run. I probably would have started focusing more on the fact that it seemed like the other 3 might have been running faster than me, or longer than me, so on so forth. I'm sure on those days I could come up with quite a few different things to whine about instead of actually just focusing in on the task at hand and running. My mind drifted again. Man, how often do we do that in our life- in our walk with the Lord?? Instead of focusing on the task at hand, what the Lord has called us to do we get caught up in not feeling equipped, not feeling worthy, thinking someone else has the better gifts. And what happens at the end of those seasons of life?? We get the hard lesson of realizing what we missed out of letting the Lord use us in because we were so focused on ourselves, or those around us to join in. The Word tells us we all have GIFTS (1 Corinthians 12:1-11), we are CALLED to live in PEACE & to do EVERYTHING for JESUS (Colossians 3:12-17), we are to PRESS ON (Philippians 3:12-14). However, how often in life as we are "running" do we look over and see someone else charging on ahead and all the sudden forget EVERYTHING we've read in the Word?? Then I had another visual....
See, when I'm running on the treadmill I'm usually watching tv. In Chickasha, they have a great channel that scrolls Bible verses all day long. I LOVE IT, and I LOVE getting to read this while I run. As I'm running on the treadmill, I can't "see" where I'm going, I'm focused on reading the scriptures (and secretly trying to guess where they are located before it tells me on the screen-ha!) Isn't that so how we should be in life too, so focused on Jesus, impacting His Kingdom, and submerged in His Word, that though that is all we see it simply guides EVERY step we take. (Proverbs 16:9). Because at the end of the day all that REALLY MATTERS is that you, me, my mom, sister, other fella, are making an impact for the Kingdom. Its not a race to see whom gets there first, or even who crosses the line last. We're told in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord wants ALL to come to repentance, and we know in Matthew 28:19 that once we know Jesus we are to make disciples. It’s not about who finishes first its simply who RAN, and who RAN well. SO PEOPLE WE JUST NEED TO SEEK JESUS & RUN! Not looking to the right or the left, only straight forward because we are ALL CALLED, were ALL GIFTED, and our STRENGTH comes from the Lord. The strength comes from those who are running alongside you, paving the way, sharing knowledge and wisdom along the way- HEROES OF THE FAITH (Hebrews 11)
I feel like this is sort of a mess of thoughts- but running on the treadmill that day it was the coolest visual of us all running towards Christ and what could be if we would simply focus on Jesus FIRST, and use those around us as support rather than LOOKING to those around us FIRST (which usually leads to comparing etc) and using Jesus as support. I pray that today you will run whole heartedly to the Lord, slowing down when He allows you the needed time to rest and rejuvenate, and charging on when He speeds up. Seek JESUS first, and join hands with those around you and TOGETHER let’s make a HUGE impact for His Kingdom… Be blessed!
As I continued on my run, I began to notice something else about us all being on the treadmills. We weren't all running at the same pace. Not a big deal, right? Well on this particular day it wasn't a big deal to me- I was just excited to be running. However, on some days when running isn't super easy this would have been a major problem & maybe even a detriment to my run. I probably would have started focusing more on the fact that it seemed like the other 3 might have been running faster than me, or longer than me, so on so forth. I'm sure on those days I could come up with quite a few different things to whine about instead of actually just focusing in on the task at hand and running. My mind drifted again. Man, how often do we do that in our life- in our walk with the Lord?? Instead of focusing on the task at hand, what the Lord has called us to do we get caught up in not feeling equipped, not feeling worthy, thinking someone else has the better gifts. And what happens at the end of those seasons of life?? We get the hard lesson of realizing what we missed out of letting the Lord use us in because we were so focused on ourselves, or those around us to join in. The Word tells us we all have GIFTS (1 Corinthians 12:1-11), we are CALLED to live in PEACE & to do EVERYTHING for JESUS (Colossians 3:12-17), we are to PRESS ON (Philippians 3:12-14). However, how often in life as we are "running" do we look over and see someone else charging on ahead and all the sudden forget EVERYTHING we've read in the Word?? Then I had another visual....
See, when I'm running on the treadmill I'm usually watching tv. In Chickasha, they have a great channel that scrolls Bible verses all day long. I LOVE IT, and I LOVE getting to read this while I run. As I'm running on the treadmill, I can't "see" where I'm going, I'm focused on reading the scriptures (and secretly trying to guess where they are located before it tells me on the screen-ha!) Isn't that so how we should be in life too, so focused on Jesus, impacting His Kingdom, and submerged in His Word, that though that is all we see it simply guides EVERY step we take. (Proverbs 16:9). Because at the end of the day all that REALLY MATTERS is that you, me, my mom, sister, other fella, are making an impact for the Kingdom. Its not a race to see whom gets there first, or even who crosses the line last. We're told in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord wants ALL to come to repentance, and we know in Matthew 28:19 that once we know Jesus we are to make disciples. It’s not about who finishes first its simply who RAN, and who RAN well. SO PEOPLE WE JUST NEED TO SEEK JESUS & RUN! Not looking to the right or the left, only straight forward because we are ALL CALLED, were ALL GIFTED, and our STRENGTH comes from the Lord. The strength comes from those who are running alongside you, paving the way, sharing knowledge and wisdom along the way- HEROES OF THE FAITH (Hebrews 11)
I feel like this is sort of a mess of thoughts- but running on the treadmill that day it was the coolest visual of us all running towards Christ and what could be if we would simply focus on Jesus FIRST, and use those around us as support rather than LOOKING to those around us FIRST (which usually leads to comparing etc) and using Jesus as support. I pray that today you will run whole heartedly to the Lord, slowing down when He allows you the needed time to rest and rejuvenate, and charging on when He speeds up. Seek JESUS first, and join hands with those around you and TOGETHER let’s make a HUGE impact for His Kingdom… Be blessed!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Contentment. Is the glass really 1/2 empty or 1/2 full??
Half empty or half full? Which side do you tend to lean to? There was a time I would have answered you half full yet probably lived a litte more along the lines of hoping the glass was half full- yet preparing myself for it to be half empty. See, I have had quite a few experiences in life that didn't pan out exactly like I expected them to. It's these experiences that have led me to question whether the glass is really half full, or how I should approach a situation- would a half full glass veiw change my outcome or do I need to approach not really expecting anything... more of a half empty glass view. So I began asking people what they thought. Most people gave me direct answers- then I asked one fella. I asked him what he thought, half empty or half full... I think I about fell off my bed when he replied with neither of the options I gave him he said, "the cup just is." What do you mean it just is?? I couldn't wrap my head around that thought... since then I've been dissecting what that really might look like to realize the cup just is.
I know that in life, our formed expectations are what cause our disappointments. When we go into a situation thinking that x, y, and z will happen and get there and a, b, and c actually happen- we get frustrated. In a friendship when we state one thing and a friend doesn't respond exactly like we'd had planned they would we get aggravated. Then we begin asking WHY?! As believers, we say, Lord, WHY!?? If you are anything like me you've probably taken it to step (at some point) thinking Lord, but I've been so good- I've been reading my Bible, I've brought people to Church, etc. Why couldn't you just let me win this or experience that. WHY, WHY, WHY??!
But then, I started thinking about the idea that the cup just is. If something just is, do you expect something from it or do you just let it be? And what does that truely look like. I know that in the Bible the Lord tells us He has given us EVERYTHING we need (2 Peter 1:2-9) for life and goodliness, He has come to give us LIFE (John 10:10), that those who hear His word do it will be BLESSED (James 1:22-25), that our cup OVERFLOWS (Ps. 23:5), and when we DELIGHT in Him, our hearts DESIRES will be met. Then why on Earth do we sometimes feel like He's still not giving us enough?
Seriously- how selfish are we? Nothing compares to what He gave while on the cross- there is nothing more anyone could give. He was and is the perfect sacrifice for YOU, for ME (2 Cor. 5:21). He is the BLESSING, every part of WHO He is and WHAT HE'S done for us. Here's the cool thing though...
Once we've realized WHAT He's done, we get to be part of WHAT HE IS TO DO. We are so incredibly blessed to get to be a part of HIStory- seeing changed lives, and when we see changed lives He propels us on to do MORE for Him. Sometimes we run into those situations (like I mentioned above) that don't work out quite the way I wanted them to. THANKgoodness for a Lord who loves me enough to continually teach me, and grow me- because hind sight shows I needed those experiences to know and understand Him more, for Him to fine tune who He wants me to be.
To end I should probably go back to the inital thought. "Is the glass really 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?" How about it just is. As we approach life I pray we understand that the Lord is not our genie in a bottle to grant us Earthly pleasures but that He wants to bless us with the opportunity to TAKE PART in what He is doing- changing lives for Him. Live life expecting the Lord to do big things, allowing you to experience things that propel you to further His KINGDOM. FIND the middle ground of contentment stretching both arms out to the sides palms up on one side expecting the Lord to do BIG things, and in the other hand holding EVERY thought, desire, passion you have for life. If you are really doing this you'll notice that leaves you directly in the middle, the place where contentment is found. I pray you walk in it today :) Be blessed!
I know that in life, our formed expectations are what cause our disappointments. When we go into a situation thinking that x, y, and z will happen and get there and a, b, and c actually happen- we get frustrated. In a friendship when we state one thing and a friend doesn't respond exactly like we'd had planned they would we get aggravated. Then we begin asking WHY?! As believers, we say, Lord, WHY!?? If you are anything like me you've probably taken it to step (at some point) thinking Lord, but I've been so good- I've been reading my Bible, I've brought people to Church, etc. Why couldn't you just let me win this or experience that. WHY, WHY, WHY??!
But then, I started thinking about the idea that the cup just is. If something just is, do you expect something from it or do you just let it be? And what does that truely look like. I know that in the Bible the Lord tells us He has given us EVERYTHING we need (2 Peter 1:2-9) for life and goodliness, He has come to give us LIFE (John 10:10), that those who hear His word do it will be BLESSED (James 1:22-25), that our cup OVERFLOWS (Ps. 23:5), and when we DELIGHT in Him, our hearts DESIRES will be met. Then why on Earth do we sometimes feel like He's still not giving us enough?
Seriously- how selfish are we? Nothing compares to what He gave while on the cross- there is nothing more anyone could give. He was and is the perfect sacrifice for YOU, for ME (2 Cor. 5:21). He is the BLESSING, every part of WHO He is and WHAT HE'S done for us. Here's the cool thing though...
Once we've realized WHAT He's done, we get to be part of WHAT HE IS TO DO. We are so incredibly blessed to get to be a part of HIStory- seeing changed lives, and when we see changed lives He propels us on to do MORE for Him. Sometimes we run into those situations (like I mentioned above) that don't work out quite the way I wanted them to. THANKgoodness for a Lord who loves me enough to continually teach me, and grow me- because hind sight shows I needed those experiences to know and understand Him more, for Him to fine tune who He wants me to be.
To end I should probably go back to the inital thought. "Is the glass really 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?" How about it just is. As we approach life I pray we understand that the Lord is not our genie in a bottle to grant us Earthly pleasures but that He wants to bless us with the opportunity to TAKE PART in what He is doing- changing lives for Him. Live life expecting the Lord to do big things, allowing you to experience things that propel you to further His KINGDOM. FIND the middle ground of contentment stretching both arms out to the sides palms up on one side expecting the Lord to do BIG things, and in the other hand holding EVERY thought, desire, passion you have for life. If you are really doing this you'll notice that leaves you directly in the middle, the place where contentment is found. I pray you walk in it today :) Be blessed!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A Desire He's Put in You
Have you ever..
Felt like you heard a voice or stirring in your Spirit,
telling you to do a simple task in the midst of a busy season.
Lord, but why? I don't have time.
But deep down you know you do.
Because when you take time to think about it,
what He's saying is actually a desire He's put in you.
It's been awhile, since I've done this Lord
I don't know if I have things to say.
I hear Him whisper once again
Your obedience will pave the way.
I sit at the computer,
I draw a blank- Lord its time to deliver.
With no certain thoughts I begin to move my fingers
and the words begin to paint the page.
I write about His Love,
His Word,
His Life,
and the Cross...
How His forgiveness bring life to you, to me, to us- the lost.
I sat and ponder how the words just flowed
once I gave Him control.
Why do we continually wait to stop
and simply let things go?
Were told His ways are not our ways,
His thought we can't comprehend.
Why would we wait another second
to give everything to Him?
Don't wait to move when He asks you to,
You don't wanna miss out on what He has planned.
So I'll ask this simple question once again,
to bring this poem to an end.
Have you ever..
Felt like you heard a voice or stirring in your Spirit,
telling you to do a simple task in the midst of a busy season.
Lord, but why? I don't have time.
But deep down you know you do.
Because when you take time to think about it,
You know it's a desire He's put in you.
Felt like you heard a voice or stirring in your Spirit,
telling you to do a simple task in the midst of a busy season.
Lord, but why? I don't have time.
But deep down you know you do.
Because when you take time to think about it,
what He's saying is actually a desire He's put in you.
It's been awhile, since I've done this Lord
I don't know if I have things to say.
I hear Him whisper once again
Your obedience will pave the way.
I sit at the computer,
I draw a blank- Lord its time to deliver.
With no certain thoughts I begin to move my fingers
and the words begin to paint the page.
I write about His Love,
His Word,
His Life,
and the Cross...
How His forgiveness bring life to you, to me, to us- the lost.
I sat and ponder how the words just flowed
once I gave Him control.
Why do we continually wait to stop
and simply let things go?
Were told His ways are not our ways,
His thought we can't comprehend.
Why would we wait another second
to give everything to Him?
Don't wait to move when He asks you to,
You don't wanna miss out on what He has planned.
So I'll ask this simple question once again,
to bring this poem to an end.
Have you ever..
Felt like you heard a voice or stirring in your Spirit,
telling you to do a simple task in the midst of a busy season.
Lord, but why? I don't have time.
But deep down you know you do.
Because when you take time to think about it,
You know it's a desire He's put in you.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Two worlds of blue
Sitting in this boat,
What can be seen?
A world of blue a world of green.
Okay, no green but double blue,
Two worlds of blue I see.
The blue of the air,
The blue of water
Meet together at the sun.
As I sit I ponder,
how these two worlds of blue begun.
In the beginning our God He spoke
Creation had began,
He created the birds of the air,
The mammals in sea & on land.
Back to reality in these worlds of blue
I remember I’m on a boat.
Time to stop & gaze on the beauty
That surrounds me with every stroke.
Guided through the water
Each stroke a new sight to see,
Whether the birds or the fish,
The beautiful blue worlds surround me.
Most view the world in blue and green,
Yet in a boat you’ll find,
There is no green, but double blue
Two worlds of blue I see.
What can be seen?
A world of blue a world of green.
Okay, no green but double blue,
Two worlds of blue I see.
The blue of the air,
The blue of water
Meet together at the sun.
As I sit I ponder,
how these two worlds of blue begun.
In the beginning our God He spoke
Creation had began,
He created the birds of the air,
The mammals in sea & on land.
Back to reality in these worlds of blue
I remember I’m on a boat.
Time to stop & gaze on the beauty
That surrounds me with every stroke.
Guided through the water
Each stroke a new sight to see,
Whether the birds or the fish,
The beautiful blue worlds surround me.
Most view the world in blue and green,
Yet in a boat you’ll find,
There is no green, but double blue
Two worlds of blue I see.
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