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Pauper Christian

19 Mar

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.   Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” – Ghandi

Growing up, my mom always taught me not to use the word ‘hate’.  She would caution, “hate is such a strong, harsh, and unforgiving word…”  Bumper-to-bumper traffic, windshield wipers on overdrive, music off, with both hands on the steering wheel; ten-and-two.  Every thing inside me cringes at the thought of having to drive through Dallas in a storm.  And with all that it implies, I can honestly say that I hate driving in the rain.

A few weeks ago, while turning onto a residential street in Dallas, my reaction time was put to the test.  He came out of nowhere, in the middle of down-pour, and in front of my car…brake-check…they worked.  I missed him by what seemed like inches. I felt absolutely terrible.  As I rolled down my window to make sure he was okay, a very startled, elderly homeless man smiled and waved. He was carrying a bundle of clothes, and was wearing a tattered, white t-shirt. Ironically enough, the back of his shirt read, “Living The Dream.”  Who in their right mind would give a homeless man such a thing.  Was this some mean, practical joke?

I couldn’t help but think to myself: What an incredible visual aid. To some, this is what Christians must look like when we don’t walk in the authority and freedom we’ve been given.  Their picture of Jesus is nothing more than a Pauper Christian.

We sit in our cardboard boxes built of competition, depression, and shallow legalism.  We aimlessly walk around without a home, with grocery carts full of trash, in pauper clothing.  Carrying bitterness, ruining relationships, swimming in debt, cheating our neighbors, and drowning in emotional poverty. The world looks at us like we’re a practical joke. Why would they want our lives? What about a homeless man on the street looks appealing?  We promote Jesus like He’s the fix-all, end-all, solution-to-all.  We say one thing, but represent another.  Surely, we didn’t start out this way.  How did we get here? Why is our fruit so different from Christ’s?

I dare say that the problem isn’t God; it’s us.  Somehow, we’ve lost sight of who we are in Christ, forgotten His irreplaceable Love, neglected our place on earth, and abandoned our role in society.

And we aren’t fooling anyone.  You see, our generation is unlike any other. This generation doesn’t give into fake.  We struggle selling something that we won’t buy ourselves. We spend over 23% of our time interacting on “social” media. We want to be real.  To sum it up, our generation is relational.  Sure, you could say that we’ve lost our edge.  Ruined our reputation. Tainted the church. We’re more often the excuse instead of the example. The list goes on and on about how ‘Christians” have misrepresented Christ.

The good news is that Jesus can still get to hearts without our help.  And, I believe that there is a remnant arising. It’s not too late.  There is hope!  There is an army that yearns to represent Jesus Christ in every aspect of their lives: At home, amongst friends, in the workplace, and to strangers.  We desperately desire that everything about our life mirrors Christ for every thing that He is.  We want to walk in all that Christ has bought and made provision for.  We want to be like Him.  We desire to make His Name great in the earth.

When we keep our eyes on Christ, we can abide in unconditional Love, stand in freedom, and walk in authority.   So run to Jesus.  Throw off your pauper clothes. Rise above your present circumstances.  Stop wallowing in self-pity.  Love lives within you.  Look to Him for validation.  You were built to win.  You have a direct- line to Joy.  You were made to prosper.  Declare your freedom.  Change your perspective.  You were destined to reign.  You were made in His image. Your Daddy is King.

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.  Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” John 13:35, Matt 28:18-20

Project: 101 in 1001

7 Mar
Start Date:            My Birthday: April 13, 2012
End Date:              Friday, January 9, 2015
The Challenge:   Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

Goals are good for you; they remind you about tomorrow, and encourage you to do something about it today. My desire is that I live in forward motion. If you’re not growing; you’re dieing. And I’ve decided that I’m too young to die. I encourage you to take the 101 in 1001 challenge. Why not; what do you have to lose? (Calculating +1001 days can be done easily here: http://bit.ly/yMOZ1k)

in progress
completed
1.  Read the Bible cover to cover twice [1] [2]
2.  Get back into shape, size 3: [5] [4] [3]
3.  Read 1 book per month. [24] [23] [22] [21] [20] [19] [18] [17] [16] [15] [14] [13] [12] [11] [10] [9] [8] [7] [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1]
4.  Stop complaining
5.  Get back into rock climbing. [Climb water tower in Carrollton.]
6.  Write an article each month. [24] [23] [22] [21] [20] [19] [18] [17] [16] [15] [14] [13] [12] [11] [10] [9] [8] [7] [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1]
7.  Pay off all debt. [PP] [BC] [JC] [MB] [MC]
8.  Go to India
9.  Redesign Website
10. Start Non-Profit
11. Raise over 50,000
12. Learn to cook, then a FULL meal 3 times. [3] [2] [1]
13. Finish Decorating Apartment
14. Paint 6 paintings [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1]
15. Frame all paintings (new and old) [9] [8] [7] [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1]
16. Get back into running [5k] [10k] [1/2 marathon]
17. Go light auburn/blonde– just for kicks and giggles.
18. Buy a professional camera, learn/workshop [buy] [workshop]
19. Take voice lessons
20. Buy new Pointe shoes
21. Take advanced ballet class
22. Break coffee addiction. [Only drink coffee twice a week]
23. Take grammar class.
24. Recording Project, 3 songs with Mom/Cara. [3] [2] [1]
25. Officially join a church
26. Buy an iphone — You gotta let go of the Blackberry!!
27. Book a commercial
28. Complete voice-over class
29. See extended family. [London/Leah/Kirstie/Bruin/Auntie T] [Zamora's] [Auntie P]
30. Grow hair out past shoulders.
31. Stop biting nails– for the love of all that is sacred!
32. Get credentialed [The Fellowship]
33. Go to NY.
34. Go to California.
35. Update Portfolio.
36. Update Resume.
37. Update Modeling Resume.
38. Save 3 months worth of expenses. [3] [2] [1]
39. Photobook India 2010.
40. Have new retainer made.
41. Laser Hair Removal
42. Establish family night.
42. Begin tithing 15%
43. Take a 1 month Social Media Break
44. Give blood, at least once.
45. Learn more about football. [Join FFTeam]
46. Purchase Gold Dalla Nonna necklace.
48. Volunteer with HelloSomebody at least 4 times. [4] [3] [2] [1]
49. Complete the walk around White Rock Lake, twice. [2] [1]
50. Memorize Psalm 1
51. Learn to knit, [knit one scarf.]
52. Discover Favorite Baking Recipe
53. Find a good chiropractor, get adjusted at least 2 times. [1] [2]
54. Buy new heavy bag.
55. Train with Rudy 6 more times. [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1]
56. Be able to do at least 25 boy push-ups.
57. Be able to do 10 chin-ups.
58. Share my story with someone new.
59. Bless 6 random people. [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1]
60. Join a small-group at church.
61. Have a Live-Laugh-Love Small Group Girls Reunion.
62. Have co-workers over at least twice. [1] [2]
63. Take a hair-cutting workshop.
64. Take cosmetology workshop.
65. Delete all unwanted music from Itunes playlist.
66. Go sky-diving OR bungee jumping
67. Create a working budget.
68. Bake a new dessert recipe, at least six. [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1]
69. Take family to the circus
70. Learn to wake-board.
71. Learn to long-board/rib-stick.
72. Take an art class.
73. Get over raw-meat-phobia. [gut a turkey/chicken]
74. Send a quarterly package to Jagon in India. [8] [7] [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1]
75. Purchase LIVE plants for apartment.
76. Go to Sixflags
77. Photo-book vacations
78. Get scuba Certification
79. Go skiing in Vail
80. Go sailing
81. Go fishing [bait a hook]
82. Pay off Car
83. Not work on Weekends
84. See a live Broadway show
85. Establish a set quiet time everyday.
86. Buy cowboy boots
87. Get over hate for jeans, and buy 4 new pairs. [4] [3] [2] [1]
88. Get an eye exam
89. Title and start writing book.
90. Establish a weekly workout routine, at least 5x weekly, for three weeks straight. [3] [2] [1]
91. Get a hearing exam.
92. Buy new Hair-cutting kit.
93. Fly a kite
94. Keep a daily journal. [100+ entries]
95. Invite 6 strangers to church/event. [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1]
96. Create a space organizer for accessories: scarfs/purses/hats/belts
97. Complete Bike Trial at Arbor Hills.
98. Download Graphic Design suite, and learn!!
99. Purchase new art supplies / easel.
100. Get back into swimming. [Swim 25 laps]
101. Donate $10 for every list item incomplete after 1001 days.

Sloppy Seconds

16 Jan

“…With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”  Jeremiah 31:3

Six hours worth of chatting, music, and highways; my best friend and I were off to Galveston’s port. Two weeks ago, I found myself Caribbean-bound.  With over 45 different outfit combinations neatly stowed away in my hot-pink luggage, I was looking forward to seven days of brainless activity while on the cruise.

Jamaica, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman awaited a boat full of 5,000 eager vacationers.  With my Blackberry useless on airplane mode, my Mac-book was also collecting dust back in Dallas, safely tucked away on a bookshelf.  No phone calls, voice mails, text messages, emails, or notifications would be interrupting this trip.  After all, this was vacation– my one excuse to cut all ties with the outside world.

In my book, the definition of vacation is actually just a shorter way to say “Laying out, sleeping, shopping, dressing up, and eating.” However, due to the unexpected cold front, I quickly realized that this cruise did not guarantee a tan, and laying out would require a sweater.  Not only was the weather below 65 degrees, the water was rough, the waves were huge, and according to the crew, conditions were “worse than they had been in over 8 years.”

Awesome.

First cruise, first day, and to my horror, I started to realize that I was one of those panzies that gets sea-sick. I was dizzy just getting out of bed.  This was not how I wanted to spend my PTO. I thought to myself; “God, Really? I just wanted a vacation.  That’s why I’m on a cruise.  I needed time away.  I wanted a break.  I needed the world to slow down for more than 5 seconds.  Now, I just feel like a lame, 85 year old woman in bed and on sleeping aids.” This would turn out to be an incredibly annoying week.

And then, in the middle of the night and out of nowhere, like a steady whisper above the choppy waves; “I’m jealous for your attention. I desire your heart. It’s quiet here. You’re still here. I just want to love on you.”  That was it. That’s all it took and I was on my face and in tears.  In an instant, I realized how non-stop my life had been the last several months, I missed Him.  I need Him. What I thought would ruin my vacation, ended up refocusing my life.  It’s funny how quickly everything falls into perspective when God’s the only one to talk to– even at 3AM.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day affairs of life. It seems like everything fights for our attention, competing to steal our time and suck the life out of us. Even good things become distractions. “Quiet time” gets caught up in busy time, and before you know it, you find yourself giving God sloppy seconds.  All the while, we’re supposed to be giving Him our first, our best.  This “busy-ness” not only cheapens our lives, but robs us of the peace and blessing God gives when we are in a constant, steady, state of surrender.

I can tell where my heart is by looking at my planner.  It’s pretty safe to say that my time is spent on the things I care most about. Two weeks ago, I had to make some changes, and that was okay.  If you find yourself realizing that God hasn’t taken priority in your life, don’t focus on how you’ve fallen short — just do what you were supposed to do to begin with, and make time for Him!  I’ve learned, and now– had to relearn, that for me personally, it doesn’t work to try and “fit God in my day.” I have to wake up early — 6AM on weekdays, and 5AM on the weekends.  Yes, it’s a sacrifice, but the reward is well worth it.  When you intentionally put God first every day, a life of purpose will follow.

On this trip, I fell in love with Jesus all over again.  It’s never too late, you’re never too far, He’s always just one intention away. He doesn’t force you to love Him. He speaks peace over our lives and wins us over with His goodness. Our only reasonable response is to give Him our best, sloppy seconds just don’t cut it. Regardless of who I am or what I do; He loves me. This reckless faithfulness is what brings me back, without fail, every time.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”  Psalm 34:8

The Right To Rest

9 Nov

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army.”    2 Samuel 11:1

Spring was a good time to go to war because the roads were dry, making travel easier for troop movement. David had just successfully defeated the Ammonites. But immediately following victory, David abandoned his purpose, passed off his responsibility, and stayed home to soak in the victory instead of being alongside his army in battle.

I’m sure David was simply enjoying the many luxuries of being king.  It seems as though he began to build security on his own strength. Forgetting that it was the Lord who enabled him to win in the first place. Instead of being forward thinking, He began to rely on his previous victory. His priorities were out of line, and he failed to face the next task at hand. While most of us think of David as a man with a worshiper’s heart and a warrior’s will; this story portrays him as someone entirely different.

Distraction comes easily if you aren’t focused on your purpose. And distraction precedes failure. I remember the first (and hopefully the last) time I played dodge ball. Six fellow peers of mine dragged me onto their team after realizing that they had to have at least one girl on their team in order to play. I told them I wasn’t too grand at sports, but they were convinced otherwise- and wow were they ever wrong.

I was a miserably pathetic throw and exhibited incredibly poor hand-eye coordination skills to boot. But, for a split second, I experienced my fair share of glory. Three or so minutes into the game, (The anxiety made it feel more like 40) one of the styrofoam balls was launched up in the air, luckily high enough so I could catch it. I caught it, everyone cheered, and my opponent was out. But, I was so overcome with the pride of my new found victory, that I failed to notice the second ball. Lethally headed in my direction. Being entirely distracted made me an easy target. And that was the end of my dodgeball career; just as soon as I had tasted victory; I was out.

I’ve since learned that looking back to soak on your victory too often will only distract you from the next challenge at hand. I don’t know of a time in the Bible where Jesus used his energy recalling all that He had done. He was always forward thinking. Looking for the next person to touch, heal, or save. He had bigger fish to fry than to use his valuable time thinking, praying, or addressing the past. He was always in the Spirit, always in warfare, always on call, accessible, and ready.

“One evening, David got up from his bed and walked around the roof…and saw a woman bathing. David sent someone out to find her…she came to him and he slept with her.” 2 Samuel 11:2-4

Like me, in light of victory, David had let his guard down. I’m sure he did indeed deserve some R&R. After all, he’d served diligently, patiently, and  faithfully all those years. He’d single-handedly killed the giant, destroyed opposing armies, and remained in communion with God. So, hadn’t he earned it?

We mustn’t depend on our past victories to pull us through tomorrow’s challenges, we still have to face them. Every war has a price.  Anytime you lose sight of your mission, you can rest assured that distraction is lying on the next rooftop.  Opportunity is always knocking, and if you don’t have a worthwhile cause to obtain your focus, your own desires will overcome your purpose.

You see, this snowball effect began as a decision; to fight, or not to fight. Never underestimate what hiding from your battles will cost. No matter how great the recent victory is, we should never feel entitled to lay aside our weapons. A friend of mine put it this way “As Christians, we shouldn’t ever feel as though we have the right to rest spiritually.” We can’t let up, give in, or back down. There’s a task that has been assigned to us. The moment we lose sight of it, we will fall, and eventually distraction will destroy us.

If you feel as though you’ve lost sight of your purpose, don’t worry! David blew it- royally at that. Yet, he turned his life around and we still speak of him today. God will honor a man who returns. It’s never too late to come back.

So, let’s face tomorrow. Let’s kick the crud out of our lives. Let’s become so overwhelmingly consumed with the God who loves us, and the task at hand, that distraction has no place in our lives. Contend; it’s what we’re born to do.

“The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12

Just Do It.

18 May
 

“’Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still…Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.’”   Exodus 14:13-16 NIV

How many times have I found myself at what looks like a dead-end of disappointment.  Failures and screw-ups can be explained but when I’m led in what looks like the wrong direction, it seems unfair, unjustified, undeserved.   At times life is simply unreasonable.  Like the universe pays no attention to what I want or what has been promised.  In moments like these, I can’t help but look back to double check that I heard God correctly… did I miss something?   Was I mistaken?   Because the circumstances don’t line up with the promises.  Before I know it, doubt begins to take root in my heart.

Just when I feel like I’ve been driven into the ground– like a knight in shining armor, God comes through– and not a moment too soon.  A word, an inkling, a still small voice, a verse, something somehow manages to keep the promise alive and my soul from withering away with disappointment.

After ten plagues, countless firstborns slain, and a king who was fed up; the Israelites were free.   Moses led them out of Egypt and into the desert.  Then, after all of God’s sovereign intervention– He directed them straight into the sea.    Most of us would have thrown the towel in due to the obvious circumstances.  A slow-moving crowd of men, women, and children don’t stand much of a chance against an army of infuriated Egyptians in merciless pursuit.  And, needless to say, the Red Sea wasn’t exactly a great option either.  Had He led them all this way only to kill them off in some miserable, pathetic way?

You’ve probably heard the story, so you already know that the Israelites didn’t drown.  God kept His end of the bargain.  Moses stood as the people walked through the Red Sea as if it were a water park’s drained wave pool.  Sometimes, God will lead us straight into a dead-end simply to show that He is with us.  In times like these, fighting is worthless and swimming is hopeless.  We must stand so that He can act on our behalf and transform the very obstacles we face.  Despite all barriers, against all odds, come hell or high water; He proves that He is with us.

 “And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.  Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant:  When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river…and its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.”   Joshua 3:7-13 NIV

Fast-forward a few years and Israel’s next leader, Joshua, is faced with a similar setback.  I’m sure Joshua remembered the Red Sea dilemma and how God came through.  Surely, he wasn’t ignorant of God’s sovereignty.  Yes, the Red Sea was slightly chancy, but this was different.

Now, I’m reading in between the lines here a bit, but I can almost hear what Joshua might have said: “Isn’t this where I just raise my hands and You split the river like you did the sea?”  Or telling the Priests; “Men, I know this ark is our most valuable possession and I know you’re the holiest among us all, but I want you to march it straight into the river.”

He couldn’t simply do what Moses had done and watch the water split wide open.  No, not Joshua, he was directed to order his best men, the cream of the crop and their sacred treasure, their promise of God’s presence;  straight into the river.  God had stepped it up a notch, a raised hand could have gone unnoticed, but a full throttle priestly processional into the Jordan wasn’t exactly discreet.  This required more participation.  This was risky.  This made absolutely no sense– this was crazy.

I can’t even tell you how many times it feels like God is trying to murder His promises—the very same ones He’s given me.  “Just march into the river Rachel, take a step of faith, and then I’ll take it from there.”   Sometimes, God will ask you to carry the very things He’s given you into what seems like suicide.  In times like these, standing in faith isn’t enough.  Only after obediently marching straight  into the chaos He called you to, will He split the river.

If You’ve Been Asked To Stand:  Stand in confidence and ignore those who threaten to kill God’s plan of destiny for your life.  He is fully capable to fight for you and doesn’t need your help.  Remember, He has promised to never forsake us and you aren’t an exception.  Rest assured that He is ready and able to carry out to completion whatever He said He would accomplish.  Stand, be still, and watch as God sovereignly kisses earth as He acts on your behalf.  

When You’re Told To March:  Depend on the Lord’s instructions, no matter how crazy they sound and regardless of how much better yours seem.  Don’t wait for it to get easy before you move.  Go full speed ahead and trust that He sees the bigger picture and can always change your circumstances.    Remember, failing isn’t His thing; He isn’t out to drown you and your dreams.   March, step out in faith and watch what once were obstacles clear out of the way.  

Don’t drown in disobedience— whether you’ve been told to stand still in faith or march forward in confidence;  Stare your obstacles square in the face and  Just Do It.

Polished Perfect

2 Feb

“Whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones…”  -Matthew 23:27

As silly as it sounds, every time I paint my nails I’m reminded of the horrific events that took place last spring.  One of my best friends left her apartment, checked into a hotel and consumed an entire bottle of 500mg Extra-Strength  Excedrin, another of Tylenol and a 2-liter energy drink.  When we found her, she was hardly responsive and her skin had green undertones.  As tears were falling from her face faster than her sleeves could catch them, my other friend, Cara, called an ambulance.

I couldn’t even function.  I just sat there in silence at the foot of the bed, blankly starring at my gorgeous friend’s near lifeless body.  As I picked up her hand, I noticed her fingernail polish was chipped.  Not knowing what else to do, I grabbed a bottle of polish and tried my best to paint her nails.  Looking back on this, we all laugh at how stupid I was to paint her nails in such a time of absolute crisis.  I still kick myself for doing something that was so entirely irrelevant to the situation.

You will be relieved to know and I am thrilled to report that after three days in the ICU, my friend survived and was released without any stomach or liver damage.  God is sovereign.  She is an incredible woman and has a jaw-dropping testimony nothing short of an amazing miracle.

As I was thinking back on all this the other day, I realized that I’ve been painting my nails in the midst of crisis for as long as I can remember.  My coping mechanisms have always been to hold everything together.  Be perfect.  Or at least act and appear to be put together.  Maybe, if I looked whole on the outside, something would transform on the inside to match.  The more I struggled internally, the more I tightened the mask strings.  But inside, beneath the image was always a little girl—and she was completely falling apart.

Image: An imitation of a person or thing; a representation, likeness, impression or conception of oneself; an illusion.

I learned at a young age that the world doesn’t care about how the girl in the pictures really feels.  I quickly learned to have a positive outlook, stuff my emotions, and fight for a flawless reflection.  But this was never a lasting identity, it was only an image.  The more pain, loneliness, rejection and insecurity I felt; the more I strived to paint an inaccurate picture of a girl who had it all together.

Beneath the facade I had no idea who I was or where my value was found.  I fought my hardest to maintain an image that had absolutely no relationship with reality.  But the outside couldn’t fix what was happening inside.

We live in a world that applauds, endorses, and super glues on the masks.  Our world worships images.  We’ve learned by example to push the limits and see how far we will go to maintain the image we want others to see.  We want people to view us superficially so they won’t look past the masks, or God forbid, stick around long enough to see how we really are.

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  -1 Samuel 16:7

Thankfully, God doesn’t buy into “fake”.  He isn’t fooled by facades, intimidated by masks, or takes us at our word when we say that we’re “doing great!”  He sees past the act and speaks to our hearts.  He sees us falling apart and breathes life into us.  Like the woman with the alabaster jar, sitting at Jesus’ feet in the midst of her filth, mess, insecurity and pain.  This kind of vulnerability pulls on His heart strings.  He faithfully seeks us out to break off the things that hold us back, threatening to hold us captive.

“All of us then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces.” –2 Corinthians 3:18

This kind of matchless beauty is so raw and undone it scares those who are still in chains.  This reckless transparency with messy hair, mascara running, bent knees and a heart of flesh cannot be fabricated.  It’s as real as they come.  This absolute humility is so authentic it makes others uncomfortable.  But it’s the imperfect that the Lord chooses to use.  Our weakness allows Him to be our perfect strength.

When your need for approval is fulfilled through imperfect people, you will always be left desiring more.  I encourage you; Run to the One whose perfection isn’t painted on with brushes, designed by the fashion elite, studied in Ivy League classes, or worn as couture. He is simply perfect so we won’t have to be.  He is the answer to our imperfection.  The sooner we take off our masks and come face to face with who we’ve become, the sooner He can intervene and make us who we were born to be.  It’s still a daily struggle to be real,  but I’m learning how to walk in freedom of who He has created me to be.

His absolute security beckons me to be renewed.  He loves me just as I am.  Broken, hurting, confused, crumbling; real.  And He desires to make me whole and lacking nothing.

So, which is more important to you—your outward persona or your inward well being?  Don’t paint your nails while dying—it’s senseless.

 

“He said to me… ‘My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.” –2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Yours is Green; Mine is Red

15 Dec

Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left… Proverbs 4:24-27 (The Message)

I’m always surprised at how simple little happenings throughout my day teach me lessons. These lessons always seem to correlate with what’s occurring in my life. The other day, I was stuck at a red light. I was happily on my way to work at five in the morning. But despite how much I enjoy mornings; red lights are never fun. In front of me was a little red mustang and to it’s left sat a big green truck patiently awaiting the left-turn arrow.

Now, I completely understand that at 5am, most people are still waking up. And apparently, the mustang’s owner in front of me wasn’t well prepared for the day. The green truck got his turn signal and proceeded to turn left. I still had a red light. But the mustang must have missed the memo. The red light camera went off, and he barely got across the intersection as  an oncoming car swerved out of his way avoiding an accident. Mere inches spared the sleepy red-light runner.

Instead of focusing on the light in front of him, Mr. Mustang’s eyes were set on the left-turning truck beside him. They were both sitting at the same light but they were headed in two completely different directions. Not only were they taking perpendicular routes; they were supposed go at different times.

I often find myself doing the same thing with my friends. Instead of focusing of what pertains to me, I justify the direction and timing with what’s going on in the lives of those around me.  But I’ve learned the hard way. Justifying my life because of someone else’s  is like running a red light- It’s simply wrong, and it’s always messy.

Just because one of my friends has graduated school and is moving out of state- does not mean I should or ever will. I’m still in school. Just because one of my friends is happily married to a pastor, and serving there as a newlywed- doesn’t mean I’m prepared, or called to do the same. I’m still single. Just because a friend of mine is pursuing her life long dream to study abroad in Europe- doesn’t mean I should pack up and move. I still reside a mere 35 minutes from home.

No, I’ve learned to stay put where God’s placed me. Maybe in time, some, or even all of these things will happen for me.  After all, while I’m stuck at a red light there will always be someone, somewhere else going full speed ahead. It can be hard not to become jealous or anxious.But I will keep my eyes focused on what the Lord has set before me.

Life is full of stops and goes. Following someone else’s path will only keep me off mine. Sometimes, I’ll be waiting. Other times,  it will be my turn to proceed through the green light as people wait across the intersection. It’s life.

 

To everything there is a season; a time for every purpose under heaven…He has made everything beautiful in its time.  Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11a

 

Mind Maps & Mental Manuals

16 Sep

I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work…The way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.   Isaiah 55:9-10 (The Message)

I’ve seen this before.  It’s all the same.  A + B = C.  You memorize the formula and put it into practice the next time you’re faced with the same problem… right?

So, who determines if the problems are the same?  Who decides which options are better.  Should you always apply learned formulas from previous circumstances?

There’s something about me and roads—God has a funny way of talking to me while I’m on them.  I’ve had the same job for three years now so, I’ve gotten used to taking the same route everyday.  It’s a straight shot and at 5am, it’s about a ten minute drive.  The speed limit is generally 45mph.  Yesterday, me and my daredevil self were going about 3mph over the limit.  (That’s 48mph for the mathematically challenged.)

Without notice, one of the streets dropped off due to construction and I had to quickly merge into the remaining lane.  I was immediately flustered and frustrated.  My instant reaction was, “People are so irresponsible! This is so dangerous—it’s ridiculous. Don’t they know that we’re not used to this!”  I slowed down and then I saw it.  Eureka.  Even this gloomy morning’s fog couldn’t hide those multiple giant signs in bright neon orange; “CONSTRUCTION- SLOW TO 30MPH.”

Oops.  God gently whispered to me, “just because it’s familiar, doesn’t mean it’s the same as before.” This road was all too common for me.  I just simply did what I had always done before.  I hadn’t slowed down enough to realize it was different.  I was entirely unaware and completely oblivious.  I missed all the signs.

It’s mere human nature for us to identify and categorize situations or circumstances based on what we’ve seen before.  We can think back on what we did or didn’t do and act accordingly.  After all, that’s how we learn not to put our hand on the stove or boil eggs in a microwave.   Many times, we achieve our education due to trial and error.

Just because I’ve been down a road already, doesn’t mean it’s just the same as before.  When we’re in the middle of a situation, what previously worked doesn’t always work again.  Life isn’t all one big reoccurring day.  Circumstances change.  Situations shift.  Variables vary.

Too often I find myself sorting through files stored in the cabinets of my mind.  Pulling each case out and finding the one most like my present circumstance. Pray the same prayer; Find the same faith; Take the same action. Get the same results—right?

But God doesn’t always administer healing, bring deliverance, show confirmation or build relationships the same way each time.  He has no formula.  Predictable isn’t quite the best adjective to describe this supernatural Being.  He specializes in doing the unpredictable and entirely unconventional.  He just simply does what’s best for each circumstance.

For Noah, rescue would mean building an ark.  For Moses, deliverance was raising a staff to split the sea.  For Joshua, victory was won by circling a city.  For Isaac, love was prearranged by a trusted servant. For Jonah, purpose was found in the belly of a whale.  For Mary, destiny was birthed within.

Don’t allow yourself to be led by tradition, methods, or formulas. We shouldn’t be led by life experiences alone.  God wants us to cling to Him for directions while being entirely dependent on His word.  We shouldn’t try to skip over our relationship with Him to start doing something.  He may not tell you everything you want to know right off the bat- but He will tell you just enough to keep you in His perfect will.  Trust that He knows when you should know what He knows… kapeesh?

So, throw out your mental manuals and shred your mind maps. Yes, learn from your mistakes, but don’t try to make your walk with the Lord one big formula. God doesn’t destine us according to what we feel is best or what we think makes sense.  He doesn’t play by our rules or fit into our convenient little brain boxes.  Trust Him.  He’ll show you exactly what you need to know.

“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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.”  Jeremiah 29:11-13

Consider This:

3 Sep

Those who gossip with you, gossip about you.
Gossiping is like swallowing a grenade and waiting for someone else to drop dead. What you don’t see with your eyes, don’t witness with your mouth.

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man [or woman] who talks too much. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.   Proverbs 20:19, 16:28, Galatians 6:7.

Call Me Crazy

22 Aug

Fight for what you want.  It’s a dog eat dog world.  Do anything and everything to succeed. Only the strong survive. Kill or be killed. Second place is second best. Get what’s yours. Play to win. It’s survival of the fittest; so get in shape and kick it in high gear.

The movie, “Rat Race”, though a comedy, successfully portrays our society in a lot of of ways. Today it seems that everyone is trying to build a name for themselves. Overall, our environment breeds competition,  egotistical living, and promotes an ongoing battle for fame and success. Humans are self preserving by nature. In our “do or die” atmospheres, it’s hard not to jump on the bandwagon.

I’ve recently found myself re-evaluating my life. How do my dreams and goals differ from the worlds? What sets me apart? Ultimately, at the end of the day,  who am I living for?  Who gets the credit?

By default, it’s easy to fall into the worlds pattern of pride, competition, and greed. So, the question is, how do we live for God in a world that’s completely wrong for someone who’s trying to live entirely right? Mary, Jesus’ mother had it right. I know it’s a little early for Christmas-ie verses, but just bear with me:

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 31,37

In the days of Mary, an unwed woman who became pregnant would be put to death. Punishable by stoning; this was procedure. For crying out loud, this was social suicide! Surely, she was aware of this. So, what was her gain?  Mary wasn’t guaranteed anything. She didn’t know the outcome. And she didn’t ask to see the fine print before accepting.  She didn’t negotiate; “The law requires that I be killed. So, what am I getting out of this?”  Without even seeing the benefits or perks, Mary counted the cost and accepted.  She simply answered yes. Mary knew that God was literally at work within her, and that alone was enough. Mary wasn’t self seeking or self promoting. Despite her instincts screaming “you shall surely die”, she pushed past the voices of common sense. This was her destiny. Even if it meant self-sacrifice. Nothing else in her life would ever make so much sense.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” -Luke 1:38

How many times does God ask us to do something that makes absolutely no sense. He always seems to challenge the very laws of nature, order, and common sense. While God isn’t going to ask any of us to birth and raise His One and Only Son- He does request and require other things of us.  It might be as simple as talking to someone about their day at the bank, or smiling at a rude stranger. Sometimes, He’ll challenge our comfort zones and force us to trust Him outside the confines of our average little box.

When Mary accepted, she didn’t know about the tremendous opportunity she would have. She only knew that God was asking her to serve him. And she willingly obeyed. Today, Mary is known as one of the greatest women in the Bible. Admiration for Mary is so great that some go as far as worshiping and praying to her. I bet she never saw that one coming.

You can spend all your energy. Use each breath. And devote every resource. But when you close your eyes for the last time. What was it worth? Was it all for nothing?

Apart from God, ultimately, you won’t  amount up anything more than a pile of bones. So, don’t wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to Him. Offer yourself willingly, even when the outcome seems disastrous. Many times, He’ll request something of us that makes absolutely no sense in the natural. Something so daring that it leaves no room for us to get the credit.  Some folks will laugh at you. Yes, others might even call you crazy. But He isn’t confined to our circumstances, laws of nature, or ethical solutions. He just asks us to trust Him.

Those who offer their lives, will be granted their destiny. Accepting Gods plan-along with the risks, can turn a simple and ordinary woman into one of the greatest women in history. Not because of who she was, or what she could do, but because of Who she was willing to carry.

So, call me crazy.

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?” -Matthew 16:24-26 (The Message)

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