I have gotten to where I basically run every day. Some days I am really excited about getting to run, other days its work; yet I know that when I get done I will feel so good, so I try to push through. There are also some days when I think I'm excited about running but it’s hard for me to stay focused long enough to get done what I want (or need to) get done. (Especially if I'm training for a distanced run). See most the time I run on a treadmill, in a house (that's the workout gym in the boonies) with no tv, I stare at a wall. Thank goodness for my ipod- I on most days get lost in song or thought and the time has passed before I even know it. I've had days that I easily spent 2 hours on the treadmill without even coming close to feeling like 2 hours were gone. Yet still, there are days when I can barely last 20 minutes.. I get bored.. I don't feel like running, quite frankly I'd rather be somewhere else, doing something else.
Yesterday, I had a really good run and some really good thoughts in the process. Because the run was good, it was easy, freeing, etc I was in no hurry to get off the treadmill. I only ran 5 miles, but I could have easily stayed on there for hours and loved every minute of it. This contentment made me stop and think about the other runs (like the ones listed above) which were so hard, when I couldn't help but be ready to get off the treadmill- and let’s be honest sometimes in those moments I've bowed out WAY before reaching my goal. After getting off the treadmill I often wish I'd stuck it out. Fighting boredom would be more worthwhile to me than the feeling of not doing what I set out to accomplish in the first place..
This made me start thinking about life. How often do we get in a place and when it’s not exactly what we thought it would be we want to hurry on to the next thing? I remember growing up and hearing my Mom talk to kids about growing up and how often we go from elementary school thinking life was going to be great in Junior High, or even High School. I'm sure there is some thinking that ah, I just can't wait to be on my own, independent, or life will be perfect when I get married, then the next think you know you are thinking you need kids to make things better. Or even, you think my career will be absolutely perfect if I could just get to this point, or if I'd win this price. Some might even say, Lord- I will not ask for another thing if I could just get to this point and Lord you will get the glory! Granted, all these things are wonderful. Marriage and children are definite desires of my heart- but they will never make life complete... they are blessings from the Lord, over and above what He has already given us.
John 10:10 says, "The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, yet I have come to give life, and give it to the full."
When Jesus was at the well in John 4, He talks about being the living water:
”So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
The Lord, unlike the world, provides us a way to become completely satisfied in Him. The world likes to offer us many things, many pleasures, and in all honesty not all these things are bad. Yet how often do we look to these things to base our feelings, actions, or emotions? At the end of the day, will that provide the consistency we are all looking for, or even seeking in life?
We are told in Hebrews that Jesus is the same, yesterday today and forever. When you look at the Bible from the beginning to end (even on a surface level- side note is that a friend and I were talking about how the more you study the Word, the more you realize you don't know- so I'm not claiming to know it all, just telling you what I've seen.) there is never a flaw, or inconsistency in the Character of Christ. This is completely unbelievable- the Lord will provide, protect, comfort, discipline, redeem, free, satisfy, etc .. Over and over again, that’s what He’s been doing from the beginning of time!
Why then do we constantly get distracted? Lose focus, and forget what we had set out to do? In conversation I had a friend tell me one time, “Andrea- last fall I was completely certain of what I was supposed to do, and was at peace with my decision. Now- I’m not so sure.” All I could really say in that moment… well what has changed? Has your focus changed? Have you let yourself get distracted? I can’t speak into what the Lord is telling you other than to say, seek- pray- search your heart and see if something has come in the way to make your thoughts change. Because I don’t believe the Lord will give us a desire, and a peace that He won’t fulfill.
As we run, we get distracted (like I do so easily on the treadmill). We lose our focus, which also causes us to miss out on what the Lord has for us. Maybe we miss out on growth, maybe we miss on the experience of seeing the Lord move, and even the experience of Him using us for His glory! All these things are challenging yes, and sometimes we want to jump off the treadmill- Especially when we can’t see exactly what the Lord is working on. However, I know for certain He is always working. If you don’t know Him yet.. He wants to do a work within you. He wants to change your world! And if you do know Him, He wants to continue working in you! He wants to work through you, to work in others. We serve an individual God, whose come to save the world... its not about US, its about HIM, and people coming to know HIM.
How often in this world are we waiting for or wanting the next big thing? When in all honesty if you know Jesus, you have the ONLY THING we need. Sure we'll recieve blessings (Ps. 128:5), but He is the ULTIMATE blessing. Don't jump ship in the middle of a great run, because you get distracted by something at the time that seems better... there is no better. There isn't anything that compares! Let the Lord be your focus, your ONLY THING needed. When He is the ONLY THING we need, everything else seems to look completely different. Experience that joy today.. Be blessed!
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Ps. 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
MUCHNESS
So this morning as I was driving to work, I thought a lot about a movie I had seen last week. A week ago I went to go see Alice in Wonderland with a friend.. I didn't realize until I started watching the movie though, that I had actually not ever seen the original (oops, don't tell Homeboy). It was a cute little movie, that I didn't go see for a deep meaning, yet simply enjoyment. Like I said though, today I couldn't help but think of the movie and how I can relate to where Alice is in life. She continually has the same dream, yet cannot overcome it because she gets frighened in the middle, or doesn't think she can handle the situation at hand. The Mad Hatter tells her at one point, "You used to be much more..."muchier." You've lost your muchness." Such funny wording, yet I got exactly what he meant.
Due to somethings that have happened in my past I too had lost my "muchness" (sounds funny doesn't it? I can't believe I'm really using Alice in Wonderland to explain this). The missing muchness is an area of my life that has needed a major overhaul for sometime. Because: muchness is like the ump to get things going, the bait that catches the fish, the wings that fly the bird (?) haha. See the happenings of my past allowed me to come up short in a lot of different situations, frustrating situations, which after experiencing a couple times you just want to go through the motions of doing things so you don't have to deal with the hurt and frustrations anymore. And because of this attitude you quit looking to see what the Lord is doing in the midst of these situations which could help grow you into the person He has you to become. (Romans 8:28).
Through the process of the movie Alice in Wonderland, she is faced with many situations inwhich she has to overcome fears, doubts, etc. I found it interesting that usually she'd be timid approaching these situations, yet after remember something that her father had told her as a child- she would charge on and conquer. I spent a year at the Institute being taugth the Word daily which added depth to the foundation on which I stand. It also provided me Words from my Heavenly Father to face situations in the past in which I have usually ran from. Verses that tell me who He is, and who I am in Him. It's not easy to face stones left unturned, yet amazing to me that just like in Alice's case, the more that I listen to Him and His Word's and let them infiltrate my life- the stronger the force behind the way inwhich I live. I guess what I'm telling you is that the "muchness" is returning. :) As Alice would say, "How's this for muchness?" I'm living in the boonies (by myself), and the Lord is blessing my socks off daily, He is moving in me teaching me, growing me... restoring me in ways I never knew imaginable. The Lord knew I needed to be placed here, so that I could only focus on Him and allow Him to teach me knew things.
I will finish with this thought: Alice at the end has to overcome a jabawake (sorry if I spelled that wrong), and she has to use a special sword. She was basically told she just had to show up and the sword would know what to do. What a great reminder to us the Lord will fight the battle for us, we just have to pick up the sword. We basically just have to be willing to let Him lead, be willing to take action in what He is doing, and let Him do it. HE''S ALREADY WON THE BATTLE! This could apply to a lot of different areas in my life right now, and daily the Lord and I are conquering these things. It feels good to desire to do things, to see the Lords purpose throughout, and to want to be a part of it. Yet in the midst of those desires, I still get destracted. Don't we all? Since January I've been asking the Lord to show me what needs to be a part of my life and He has consistantly shown me- yet I haven't always followed through with everything. Something I have wanted to take time to do for awhile now is to work on a chidren's devotional book that I started this summer while working at Kanakuk.. Therefore with great MUCHNESS for the next 52 days (random number I know- its just the one I feel like fits the best for the plan) I will work on this devotional book and see what the Lord plans to do through it.
Do you desire more muchness in your life? Its been a long process but the Lord most certainly provides when we ask. The Lord wants to fill you up, heal your wounds, and minister to you in a new way. He wants to be behind (well and in front of) your every move. Will you let Him be? Serve Him with a new found MUCHNESS today! Be blessed!
Due to somethings that have happened in my past I too had lost my "muchness" (sounds funny doesn't it? I can't believe I'm really using Alice in Wonderland to explain this). The missing muchness is an area of my life that has needed a major overhaul for sometime. Because: muchness is like the ump to get things going, the bait that catches the fish, the wings that fly the bird (?) haha. See the happenings of my past allowed me to come up short in a lot of different situations, frustrating situations, which after experiencing a couple times you just want to go through the motions of doing things so you don't have to deal with the hurt and frustrations anymore. And because of this attitude you quit looking to see what the Lord is doing in the midst of these situations which could help grow you into the person He has you to become. (Romans 8:28).
Through the process of the movie Alice in Wonderland, she is faced with many situations inwhich she has to overcome fears, doubts, etc. I found it interesting that usually she'd be timid approaching these situations, yet after remember something that her father had told her as a child- she would charge on and conquer. I spent a year at the Institute being taugth the Word daily which added depth to the foundation on which I stand. It also provided me Words from my Heavenly Father to face situations in the past in which I have usually ran from. Verses that tell me who He is, and who I am in Him. It's not easy to face stones left unturned, yet amazing to me that just like in Alice's case, the more that I listen to Him and His Word's and let them infiltrate my life- the stronger the force behind the way inwhich I live. I guess what I'm telling you is that the "muchness" is returning. :) As Alice would say, "How's this for muchness?" I'm living in the boonies (by myself), and the Lord is blessing my socks off daily, He is moving in me teaching me, growing me... restoring me in ways I never knew imaginable. The Lord knew I needed to be placed here, so that I could only focus on Him and allow Him to teach me knew things.
I will finish with this thought: Alice at the end has to overcome a jabawake (sorry if I spelled that wrong), and she has to use a special sword. She was basically told she just had to show up and the sword would know what to do. What a great reminder to us the Lord will fight the battle for us, we just have to pick up the sword. We basically just have to be willing to let Him lead, be willing to take action in what He is doing, and let Him do it. HE''S ALREADY WON THE BATTLE! This could apply to a lot of different areas in my life right now, and daily the Lord and I are conquering these things. It feels good to desire to do things, to see the Lords purpose throughout, and to want to be a part of it. Yet in the midst of those desires, I still get destracted. Don't we all? Since January I've been asking the Lord to show me what needs to be a part of my life and He has consistantly shown me- yet I haven't always followed through with everything. Something I have wanted to take time to do for awhile now is to work on a chidren's devotional book that I started this summer while working at Kanakuk.. Therefore with great MUCHNESS for the next 52 days (random number I know- its just the one I feel like fits the best for the plan) I will work on this devotional book and see what the Lord plans to do through it.
Do you desire more muchness in your life? Its been a long process but the Lord most certainly provides when we ask. The Lord wants to fill you up, heal your wounds, and minister to you in a new way. He wants to be behind (well and in front of) your every move. Will you let Him be? Serve Him with a new found MUCHNESS today! Be blessed!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Change.
A scary, daunting task,
One that never seems to end.
Am I making the progress I need to make?
Or is my goal just seemingly too grand.
Day by day the steps are made,
Hoping for success.
The process still seems so slow,
Maybe I should re-evaluate?
Looking back on the course of the time,
Though it seems so long,
I turn to Jesus, & gain courage to say
"Lord give me strength to finish this walk,
Even when it feels like it's a crawl."
It’s amazing how quick He can change our view,
Because suddenly I see-
This slow process that I’ve seen
Is creating depth deep within me.
In Psalm 1 it says "Blessed is the man or woman,
Whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
They are like a tree planted by streams of water,
Producing fruit when the seasons call."
Lord, so in this time of change for me,
Planting my roots in further deep.
Let my focus be only on you,
letting your Words be what lead me.
You are the life, the living stream
this Psalm is talking about.
You offer water to those who thirst &
Promise when we seek you there will be no drought.
I need your living water, Lord
To fill me daily, you see.
Your living water filling me up,
Is what's producing the change in me...
Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. "
One that never seems to end.
Am I making the progress I need to make?
Or is my goal just seemingly too grand.
Day by day the steps are made,
Hoping for success.
The process still seems so slow,
Maybe I should re-evaluate?
Looking back on the course of the time,
Though it seems so long,
I turn to Jesus, & gain courage to say
"Lord give me strength to finish this walk,
Even when it feels like it's a crawl."
It’s amazing how quick He can change our view,
Because suddenly I see-
This slow process that I’ve seen
Is creating depth deep within me.
In Psalm 1 it says "Blessed is the man or woman,
Whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
They are like a tree planted by streams of water,
Producing fruit when the seasons call."
Lord, so in this time of change for me,
Planting my roots in further deep.
Let my focus be only on you,
letting your Words be what lead me.
You are the life, the living stream
this Psalm is talking about.
You offer water to those who thirst &
Promise when we seek you there will be no drought.
I need your living water, Lord
To fill me daily, you see.
Your living water filling me up,
Is what's producing the change in me...
Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. "
Thursday, February 4, 2010
He always know when to answer...
I have now been in the "boonies" for a week and a half straight. I think this is a record for the longest amount of time I've been here in one stint. In trying to really seek the Lord in His direction I have really had a positive attitude about my time here, and really just relishing in the fact that the Lord has put me here to continue teaching and growing me. Then yesterday happened. :-). Waking up very excited it is Wednesday and that in 2 days I get to go home and see my family I charge on with my day.
Now I'm not sure if you all are aware but it's iced/snowed a little over the weekend, and yesterday afternoon we realized our roof was saggin' a little. At the same time, I begin hearing news that it is once again going to snow/ice (which ever way you want to put them in order) again this weekend. I automatically thought- if I have to stay here over the weekend again... grrrr.... I was not a happy girl- at all.
I was excited however because we got off work early and therefore I got to go run early. On a funny sidenote, I have made it a competition to try to beat a lady to the treadmill daily (there is only one at the place I workout). So if I make it there first I don't have to stay as late. So yesterday I was done with my 6 miles before she even showed up. So that was a blessing- but that didn't mean I had a good attitude at the beginning. My attitude at the beginning of the run was horrible. I began expressing my thoughts with the Lord. (aren't you so glad you can present anything to the Lord?) The Lord and I wrestled with my thoughts of frustration, the chance of snow, and why I couldn't just be content with being here.
Lately the Lord has showed me so interesting things about life. One of those things being that He's always provided me a "getaway" from the world. When I was young it was the tumbling gym, in jr. high and high school it was the tumbling gym and going to Edmond for cheerleading, then in college it was my summers spent at Kanakuk. I have been thinking about these places, and what made them be such an oasis for me- so I can figure out how to make those oasis' a way of life for me everyday. Yesterday the picture was taken a little further.
Aggravated that I had been so positive all week, and now was struck with a bad attitude I was thinking about "oasis" of the tumbling and realized that everyday I went into the gym didn't produce a good tumbling day. Sometimes it just didn't happen. Frustrated yes- but that didn't keep me from tumbling I continued to tumble even when practice wasn't going the way I wanted to. Interesting now that when I think about the time at the gym I don't think about the number of "bad" tumbling days were in the midst of all the good ones. I wonder if my time here in the "boonies" could be the same?
I then thought about how I started tumbling at a very young age. I was easily doing backhandsprings by age 5. There was a rule at my house, that you had to continue tumbling (competitively or in a class) until we were old enough to cheer, or some other sport. My mom knew that if you learned to tumble young you had to continue tumlbing through your growth. If you don't tumble through your growth- then you decide you are ready to tumble again things are hard, really really hard. After growing you're having to get used to a whole new body, taller, longer, etc. Here's what's cool though is as I thought about that I realized that even tumbling through growth is awkward, and hard. Its just easier to keep tumbling through the growth rather than to stop and try to pick it up on the other side.
Just like I am learning in life. Growth, being stretched, is not comfortable, it's awkward- it'd hard. But I would rather treck on and continue growing and learning on the truth I know. I know that at the end I will be strengthened, and that this time is set up for me to grow and to prepare for what is to come next.
What a resolved peace I had after leaving the treadmill yesterday. What was frustration was brought in front of the Lord, we wrestled, I spoke honestly about my feelings. And He answered every so sweetly helping me understand what He is doing in my life right now. What do you need to bring before the Lord? Are you prepared to fight through those "no good tumbling" days that make you want to quit? Take time to give it to the Lord, He will not miss an opportunity to speak to you when you are ready to listen. Be blessed.
1 Peter 5:7 " Cast your cares on the Lord for He cares for you."
Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Psalm 145:8 "The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love."
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Now I'm not sure if you all are aware but it's iced/snowed a little over the weekend, and yesterday afternoon we realized our roof was saggin' a little. At the same time, I begin hearing news that it is once again going to snow/ice (which ever way you want to put them in order) again this weekend. I automatically thought- if I have to stay here over the weekend again... grrrr.... I was not a happy girl- at all.
I was excited however because we got off work early and therefore I got to go run early. On a funny sidenote, I have made it a competition to try to beat a lady to the treadmill daily (there is only one at the place I workout). So if I make it there first I don't have to stay as late. So yesterday I was done with my 6 miles before she even showed up. So that was a blessing- but that didn't mean I had a good attitude at the beginning. My attitude at the beginning of the run was horrible. I began expressing my thoughts with the Lord. (aren't you so glad you can present anything to the Lord?) The Lord and I wrestled with my thoughts of frustration, the chance of snow, and why I couldn't just be content with being here.
Lately the Lord has showed me so interesting things about life. One of those things being that He's always provided me a "getaway" from the world. When I was young it was the tumbling gym, in jr. high and high school it was the tumbling gym and going to Edmond for cheerleading, then in college it was my summers spent at Kanakuk. I have been thinking about these places, and what made them be such an oasis for me- so I can figure out how to make those oasis' a way of life for me everyday. Yesterday the picture was taken a little further.
Aggravated that I had been so positive all week, and now was struck with a bad attitude I was thinking about "oasis" of the tumbling and realized that everyday I went into the gym didn't produce a good tumbling day. Sometimes it just didn't happen. Frustrated yes- but that didn't keep me from tumbling I continued to tumble even when practice wasn't going the way I wanted to. Interesting now that when I think about the time at the gym I don't think about the number of "bad" tumbling days were in the midst of all the good ones. I wonder if my time here in the "boonies" could be the same?
I then thought about how I started tumbling at a very young age. I was easily doing backhandsprings by age 5. There was a rule at my house, that you had to continue tumbling (competitively or in a class) until we were old enough to cheer, or some other sport. My mom knew that if you learned to tumble young you had to continue tumlbing through your growth. If you don't tumble through your growth- then you decide you are ready to tumble again things are hard, really really hard. After growing you're having to get used to a whole new body, taller, longer, etc. Here's what's cool though is as I thought about that I realized that even tumbling through growth is awkward, and hard. Its just easier to keep tumbling through the growth rather than to stop and try to pick it up on the other side.
Just like I am learning in life. Growth, being stretched, is not comfortable, it's awkward- it'd hard. But I would rather treck on and continue growing and learning on the truth I know. I know that at the end I will be strengthened, and that this time is set up for me to grow and to prepare for what is to come next.
What a resolved peace I had after leaving the treadmill yesterday. What was frustration was brought in front of the Lord, we wrestled, I spoke honestly about my feelings. And He answered every so sweetly helping me understand what He is doing in my life right now. What do you need to bring before the Lord? Are you prepared to fight through those "no good tumbling" days that make you want to quit? Take time to give it to the Lord, He will not miss an opportunity to speak to you when you are ready to listen. Be blessed.
1 Peter 5:7 " Cast your cares on the Lord for He cares for you."
Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Psalm 145:8 "The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love."
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
"Sleek and slim in 2010, simplifying your life so you can let more of the things that matter come it!"
This is my motto for 2010. Cheesy, yes probably... but really lets be honest who wouldn't be okay with slimming somethings in our lives so we could whole heartedly focus on the things that really matter? We live in a world that LOVES the idea of multi-tasking, overwhelming ourselves "having" lists of things to do. Do we have responsibilities? Yes. Does that sometimes cause us to multitask? Yes. So what am I trying to say? I'm simply saying that 2010 is the year that I am going to evaluate what I do, and why I do it.
I want to look at my life from a spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional stand point and see what the Lord is asking me to do in and for each area of my life. A holistic serving of the Lord, a life that is continually growing and being used for the purpose of the Kingdom. Jesus loved me so much that He sent His only son, that I could have a relationship with Him- yes. But He did the same for everyone else on this planet as well. We are such a small part in the midst of a HUGE purpose, yet were a BIG part when we let the Lord have complete control. I think this is going to be the direction of my blog for a little bit. Exploring the different areas of life, looking at desires the Lord has given me, and asking Him how He'd like them to be used- while getting rid of the things that don't need to be there... let's get back to the basics folks! Be blessed!
I want to look at my life from a spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional stand point and see what the Lord is asking me to do in and for each area of my life. A holistic serving of the Lord, a life that is continually growing and being used for the purpose of the Kingdom. Jesus loved me so much that He sent His only son, that I could have a relationship with Him- yes. But He did the same for everyone else on this planet as well. We are such a small part in the midst of a HUGE purpose, yet were a BIG part when we let the Lord have complete control. I think this is going to be the direction of my blog for a little bit. Exploring the different areas of life, looking at desires the Lord has given me, and asking Him how He'd like them to be used- while getting rid of the things that don't need to be there... let's get back to the basics folks! Be blessed!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Get yo ARMOR on... I got Yo BACK!
Once upon a time, I was a junior in high school (I won't tell the year, that will reveal my age) I would say I was a typical high school kid, but this is hardly true. My life at this point consisted of a couple of avenues, school, tumbling, all-star cheer, and Church (or my relationship with the Lord). If I wasn't at home, I was at one of these places. Tumbling took up a lot of my time, and I loved life that way. I think I've mentioned before how much the Lord taught me through my power tumbling career (that sounds funny to say). Here is a trip which really stands out in my mind where the Lord taught me something that I'm daily still reminded of today.
Like I said, I was a junior in high school- and was about to start competing to be on the USA World Power Tumbling team. I didn't talk to people about tumbling much, not really sure why, but it was something that I was really pretty good at. I however, felt that it was wrong to be confident in these abilities (I've now learned its not wrong to be confident in abilities when the Lord blessed you with them- the wrong is taking credit for them yourself). I continually went into competitions doubting my abilities (duh, you can't trust yourself- I've let myself down a lot of times). By doubting myself, I essentially was doubting the Lord and that got me no where real fast. As I approached the first of three meets to try out for the world team, I decided I was going to do things differently. I was going to hand this over to the Lord, I was going to trust Him, and I was going to stand on His promises. For the first time (ever) I told people what I was doing, and that I would appreciate them praying for me. When it was time, I hopped on an airplane and went to Las Vegas to compete.
I practiced well, I felt confident, yet I would continually have thoughts of oh what if this happens, or what if I do like I have at most competitions (and mess up). I would fight these thoughts with scripture thinking on things that were true, noble, honerable, etc. But that didn't seem to be enough... then the Holy Spirit gently reminded me of my friends and family back home, that were praying for me. I wasn't in the battle alone!
In Ephesians 6:10-18 we are told to put on the armor of God.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
On this trip in Vegas I had put on my armor :-) I was ready to fight...
Like I said, I was a junior in high school- and was about to start competing to be on the USA World Power Tumbling team. I didn't talk to people about tumbling much, not really sure why, but it was something that I was really pretty good at. I however, felt that it was wrong to be confident in these abilities (I've now learned its not wrong to be confident in abilities when the Lord blessed you with them- the wrong is taking credit for them yourself). I continually went into competitions doubting my abilities (duh, you can't trust yourself- I've let myself down a lot of times). By doubting myself, I essentially was doubting the Lord and that got me no where real fast. As I approached the first of three meets to try out for the world team, I decided I was going to do things differently. I was going to hand this over to the Lord, I was going to trust Him, and I was going to stand on His promises. For the first time (ever) I told people what I was doing, and that I would appreciate them praying for me. When it was time, I hopped on an airplane and went to Las Vegas to compete.
I practiced well, I felt confident, yet I would continually have thoughts of oh what if this happens, or what if I do like I have at most competitions (and mess up). I would fight these thoughts with scripture thinking on things that were true, noble, honerable, etc. But that didn't seem to be enough... then the Holy Spirit gently reminded me of my friends and family back home, that were praying for me. I wasn't in the battle alone!
In Ephesians 6:10-18 we are told to put on the armor of God.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
On this trip in Vegas I had put on my armor :-) I was ready to fight...
Well I thought I was ready to fight, yet even when I was fighting things kept sneaking up on me. They'd come when I least expected it. As if they were coming from behind me, where I couldn't see where they were coming from. BUT then I remembered people were praying for me, they were fighting for me too! The Lord showed me a real cool visual in the process of this viola! moment, and it looks something like this...
Sorry this was the only picture that would come close to showing my next thought. I wish I could have found two people back to back in the armor then the point would have been very clear. Have you ever used or heard the phrase, "I've got your back!"? I was told, that this phrase came about years ago while guys were fighting in a war. They would pair up and go out into the fields, they would sit back to back so that they could help protect one another. Together, nothing could come towards them without one of them knowing. Are you ready for the ah ha? Here's the thought, we are all called to put on the armor (Genesis 4:7 says, "If you do well will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.") We have to be prepared to go to battle... but what if we put into effect the idea of accountability and went back to back with someone to fight the battle? What if I told a friend my weak areas, and she mine and they could help me be on the look out on the battle field of life?
Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Hebrews 3:13, "but encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "today" lest anyone of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin"
James 5:16, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righeous man can accomplish much."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him!"
Whose got your back? Who is ready to help you fight the battle? Whose ready to help you keep your eyes completely on the Lord? This day was monumental for me in realizing the purpose of accountability in my life, I put on my armor, I was ready to fight,and still needed more. THEN, I remember my friends that had my back, they knew I doubted and they were going to battle for me so that the Lord would be glorified. And guess what, He was! It was not only one of my best meets, ever, but it was a wonderful growing experience in my walk with the Lord. Did you put your armor on today? Are you ready to fight? Cause I got your back.. Praying for you! Be blessed!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Have you ever...
walked a mile? done a backhandspring? jumped on a trampoline? been repealng? been nervous? experienced doubt? been in a place where you had no choice to only lean on the Lord?
Over the past couple months, even though things might have been frustrating for me- the Lord has continually taught me & grown me through the process of living in a new place (out in the middle of nowhere). In a place where I only had the Lord to lean on. Somethings I've learned and have been reminded of in the past couple months are:
1. I daily wake up feeling refreshed and full of joy, ready to take on another day.
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
2. I am constantly reminded of what the will of the Lord is.
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-18
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:17-18
3. There is a difference between being filled with JOY and being happy- yet essentially they are still connected. Do we really need more than the Lord??
The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10
4. I was reminded this weekend that David was proclaimed as King way before it was actually fulfilled in his life. What a promise from the Lord in Psalms that says if we "Delight in the Lord He will give us the desires of our hearts." We are wired by the Lord, He knows exactly what we need and desire- we must walk with Him and seek Him. Our desires come from Him when we are at that place, He will fulfill them- for He is to be glorified in them.
5. In my weakness' He is strong.
He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Doubt, takes hold of my thoughts quick frequently. I tell myself I trust the Lord, but honestly I don't trust myself or my skills. Crazy how that happens- but who gave me my skills, who makes me who I am? Hence the reason for this verse. Let the Lord take control, IN ALL THINGS, He's blessed you with your gifts- move out of th way and let Him use them in you!
Have you ever stopped to think what you've been learning lately?? Take some time to think what the Lord is teaching you, speaking to you, and telling you what to do. Then take action! I know the start of the new year has allowed me to reflect, redirect, and recharge as I am ready to take part in what the Lord is doing around me. Will you do the same?? Be blessed!
Over the past couple months, even though things might have been frustrating for me- the Lord has continually taught me & grown me through the process of living in a new place (out in the middle of nowhere). In a place where I only had the Lord to lean on. Somethings I've learned and have been reminded of in the past couple months are:
1. I daily wake up feeling refreshed and full of joy, ready to take on another day.
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
2. I am constantly reminded of what the will of the Lord is.
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-18
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:17-18
3. There is a difference between being filled with JOY and being happy- yet essentially they are still connected. Do we really need more than the Lord??
The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10
4. I was reminded this weekend that David was proclaimed as King way before it was actually fulfilled in his life. What a promise from the Lord in Psalms that says if we "Delight in the Lord He will give us the desires of our hearts." We are wired by the Lord, He knows exactly what we need and desire- we must walk with Him and seek Him. Our desires come from Him when we are at that place, He will fulfill them- for He is to be glorified in them.
5. In my weakness' He is strong.
He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Doubt, takes hold of my thoughts quick frequently. I tell myself I trust the Lord, but honestly I don't trust myself or my skills. Crazy how that happens- but who gave me my skills, who makes me who I am? Hence the reason for this verse. Let the Lord take control, IN ALL THINGS, He's blessed you with your gifts- move out of th way and let Him use them in you!
Have you ever stopped to think what you've been learning lately?? Take some time to think what the Lord is teaching you, speaking to you, and telling you what to do. Then take action! I know the start of the new year has allowed me to reflect, redirect, and recharge as I am ready to take part in what the Lord is doing around me. Will you do the same?? Be blessed!
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