Back From China!

7 Jan

I had the amazing opportunity to visit Changsha, China for New Years with Rhema Marvanne. There, she was on two of the largest TV Shows in China: Day Day Up and Mango & Friends.  Rhema is an absolutely amazing eight year old, with an incredible voice that is out of this world!  Almost every time she sang I cried.

I had the privilege of accompanying her and doing just some of her hair and makeup.  The TV Shows were unlike anything we expected– with over 300 million viewers (that’s about as many Americans) out of China’s 1.2 billion population.  It was an incredible opportunity for Rhema to share God’s love with the Chinese people!

You can check out more about Rhema and hear her incredible story online at:

www.rhemamarvanne.com

Here are just a few photos from our trip:

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Thank you China!  We had an amazing experience!

 

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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

 

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Pray, Pursue, Appreciate.

15 Oct

When it comes to Christian girls; What works and what doesn’t? My little brothers, cousins and friends have asked me this.   Which is what has sparked this blog.  This is my attempt at explaining my personal opinions and feelings when it comes to guy+girl drama.  Please understand that I am by no means putting all the blame on men.  I’m simply addressing some of what I’ve personally experienced to be the problem.  So, on behalf of myself and some  (hopefully most) Christian girls;  I’ll attempt to break it down for you guys who might need a little extra practical help and encouragement.

It’s your job! Marriage is supposed to reflect the relationship between God and His church (Ephesians 5:25).  So,  just as God pursued us first, (1 John 4:19) it’s a boy’s job to pursue the girl.  I would also like to advise that girls who pursue men are usually bad news.  A girl who is confident and secure about who she is in Christ won’t go around throwing herself at men.  She’ll have enough self respect to sit back and wait to be pursued as she follows God.

Don’t be a flirt. I feel strongly about this one.  Girls are usually closely knit, and 80% of what we do is talk.  So, we pay attention to who you do or don’t talk to.  Don’t assume two different girls  are unassociated– They might be friends or even neighbors.  You’d be surprised how many friends of mine have been hit on by the same thoughtless guy.  It might be okay to some, but I personally  don’t want to date my roommate’s ex.  Just throwing this out there, but if I’ve seen you talk to a million girls, I’m going to assume that I’m no different.  DON’T message a gabazillion girls on facebook.  If you’re throwing out a ton of bait waiting for one to bite, I’d dare to say that you’re impatient and desperate. I don’t want to be the 5th “girl of the day”.   If you seem to go from girl to girl, I would suggest actually praying about a girl before talking to any.  God doesn’t to direct you to waste time with thirty different attractive females.  So, in doing so, you’re reflecting your prayer life- or lack thereof.

Eyecontact- for crying out loud! This should go without saying, but we also watch your eyes.  Like my mother likes to say;  “Don’t have have ‘loose eyes.’”  It baffles me how many times I’ve seen this happen.  We’re looking for someone who looks a girl in the eyes and doesn’t check others out while doing so. That being said, throw a few blinks in there while you’re talking to us.  Be casual, sincere, and responsive.  The more natural and comfortable you are, the more likely we are to let our walls down.  Talking to an awkward, non-blinking, stiff person is just–well, awkward.

Be patient, not pushy. If you leave us a voice mail, we might not return your call anywhere from 1hour-3 days.  If we don’t call after two weeks, I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’re not interested.  Sure, let us know that you’re thinking about us, but don’t give us reasons to think you’re obsessed.  I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a firm believer in playing “hard to get”.  But an interested girl will respond at the very least .  Please don’t be naggy in the midst of your insecurity and continue to blow up the various communication options if we haven’t responded.  Chances are that our phones are working and our facebooks are functioning.  Exercise  some self control, resist excessive contact and wait.  Otherwise, it’s awkward.  Trust that you won’t have to convince “the one” into liking you.

Ask questions. This shows us that you’re interested and not self absorbed.  There’s nothing more unattractive than a guy who’s obsessed with himself.  Ask caring, probing questions that don’t result in a yes or no answer.  For an example “How are you doing today?” as opposed to “You doin okay?”

Be consistent. Whether you’re interested, or actually dating someone.  Be consistent.  We want to know that you’re reliable.  If you’re interested, at least say hi if you cross paths.  Girls take mental notes of who does or doesn’t say hi.  Especially if we like you back!  So PLEASE, say hi!  It can’t hurt to simply smile and say hello.  Most girls won’t approach you first because we’re trying to give you an opportunity! Plus, if you eventually do ask us out, “all those times” you said hi will reassure us that you’ve thought about us before and been actively leading up to this moment.  Also, realize if you tell us that you’re going to do something– We’re expecting you to do it!  We and our elephant brains won’t forget what you promise–even if it’s an off the hand comment.  Being five minutes early speaks volumes about you.  Likewise, being five minutes late not only talks poorly about you, but it’s also a rude awakening that we don’t mean all that much to you.

Be yourself. Please, pretty, pretty please.  We aren’t looking for fakes and phonies.  Be yourself.  If you’re dating, I hope that you’re only doing so because you’re headed towards marriage.  So, be yourself, because we’d like to know what we’re getting ourselves into.  If you plan on being married for the rest of your life, you’d better believe we’ll eventually see the real you.  We want to have a grasp on your personality and the ways in which you cope.  The good.  The bad.  And the ugly.  Don’t fake it!

Honesty is a rarity. Which is why we’ll think the world of you if you respect us by being genuine.  We don’t want to be defensive, but a lot (if not most) of us have been hurt in the past.  So our hearts might be calloused and closed off because they’ve been stuck in survival mode.   Trust is earned. At the end of the day, one of our greatest desires is that we can lay all games aside and just be real.  This doesn’t come automatically.  We don’t want to have to walk on eggshells around you, but please let us in a little about whats going on in your brain. 

Be funny. According to a recent survey of over 700 women, only 30% appreciated romantic compliments.  I don’t know how true this is.  I have friends who are hopeless romantics and then others who are more like myself.  I personally don’t appreciate sappy comments such as “Your eyes have as many colors as the sky”.  My sarcastic response to this was– “Is it night time?  Because my eyes are definitely black.”   Please, make us smile.  I want to laugh until my stomach hurts.  I promise it’s not that hard.  If we like you, we’ll laugh even if it’s the most insanely dumb joke we’ve heard in our entire life.  Lighthearted conversations make my day.  Find a common denominator and have fun with it!  But don’t make fun of people, this paints a picture of insecurity.  Which brings me to my next thought:

Be confident! We don’t want to be the reason why you’re secure in yourself.  If you aren’t bold enough to approach us because you’re worried you don’t have what it takes, we’ll think you might be right.  At the same time, please don’t be cocky.  Pride and egos are a huge letdown.  You should be secure about who you are in Christ, but not so prideful that you think you have it made.  Be confident in asking us out, but don’t imply that it’s a give in or done deal to date you.  We want to know that you treasure us and don’t take us for granted as if you’re God’s gift to women.

Put God first. We want to know that you can lead.  Not just relationally, but spiritually.  We don’t want to be the center of your universe.  We want to follow you as you follow hard after God.  We shouldn’t take up all of your time, energy, or weekend.  Set some time aside to make sure you’re still cultivating your relationship with the Lord.  While we’re on the subject; not all of your time should be devoted to us.  Make sure you’re still setting time aside to do guy stuff.  You know, “man time” with your friends.  Try to pick a night when you can be with the boys and us ladies can have a girl’s night.  A confident girl will appreciate this.

Talk don’t text. If at all possible, talk to us in person.  Second resort should be on the phone.   Texting third, and facebook–LAST.  You should be MORE confident in person than in your texts or comments.  We don’t want you to cower behind a computer desk or on your cell phone. I feel like I can’t stress this enough; please, PLEASE, don’t ask us out on facebook- we didn’t sign up for an online dating service.

Be intentional in your relationships. I’ve heard so many guys say that they’re “just friends” with several so and so’s.  But realize that we’re looking for someone serious.  We’re not going to give you a fighting chance if we’re worried about coming in second, or even third place.   We are aware of your facebook comments, gestures and mannerisms.  A good question to ask yourself if you really are “just friends” with a girl is– “If I was married, would I still be friends with this person?”. If the answer is no, then you should either pray about pursuing the girl, make some changes, or say goodbye.  Uncommitted relationships with hidden motives are sloppy and lower your chances of actually being with the real deal.  The way I see it, you shouldn’t have to throw out a million “friendships”  once you get a girlfriend.  You should be all set to go and ready for commitment!

Avoid being an extremest. I know this one’s tough.  But please realize that not all girls are either flirts or jerks. Yes, there are many cases where girls are flirting and flaunting for all the wrong reasons and they shouldn’t be (this drives me crazy too).  But sometimes, girls are just being friendly not flirty.  I decided some time ago that I’d rather be considered “quiet and unfriendly” than “flirty and misleading”.  But then I found that guys were referring to me as “cold-hearted and rude”.  I wanted to scream– “I’M JUST SHY AND WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND!”  You get to choose who you talk to, we have to sort through the no’s to get to the yes. Sometimes, a girl’s just trying to be honest with you and tell you she’s not interested.  A girl denying you DOES NOT make her a jerk.  Give us a break! You might be the umpteenth guy to approach us that day.  Be understanding that it might be out of the blue for us.  Yes, it’s our job to let you down easy and be gracious, but we can be pretty taken back and clueless at times.  It’s not fair to say that we are either one or the other.  We shouldn’t have to pick.  Take a different perspective.  Be understanding.  Put yourself in our shoes.  Good luck walking in heels!

Men, it saves us ladies a lot of trouble if you’ll just pray, seek counsel, swallow your pride, and take a chance.  We can’t read minds, especially yours. Taking responsibility and being the guy frees us women to be the girl.


Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

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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

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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.

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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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Consider This:

15 Aug

Obedience is the outward expression of your love for God.
If you have an obedience problem, you have a love problem.  It’s more important to understand what God is doing where you are than telling God what you want to do for Him.

Luke 11:28,  John 14:15,  1 John 5:3,  Micah 6:6-8

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Must Read: Mirror to the Church

30 Jul

Author: Emmanuel Katongole was raised in Uganda and is of  Hutu-Tutsi descent. He currently lives in the US, and teaches at Duke University.

Quotes: “The point of Genesis 3 is not to blame Adam and Eve for original sin so the rest of us are free not to worry about the sins we commit. It is, rather, to help us see our own lives, desires, and temptations reflected in the story of Adam and Eve.”

“We do not seek to understand the pattern of this world so we can blame someone else for the mess we’re in. We need to know how to name this pattern so we can recognize God’s alternative and live into it.”

“The question is not so much whether Jesus’ message has been proclaimed in all the earth. The real question is, what difference has the gospel made in people’s lives?”

“Christian mission is not so much about delivering aid or services as it is about the transformation of identity.”   -

“It is easy to believe in the survival of the fittest when you are born economically ‘fit.’”

“Maybe the church is compromised. Maybe Christ’s body is broken. But the longer I cry out to God, the more certain I am that Jesus is our only hope.”   -

“Justice too long delayed is justice denied.”

“We who play the role of Good Samaritan do not often stop to ask how we might improve conditions on the road  to Jericho so that the next person who comes along won’t get jumped by a band of robbers. We must allow our compassion to lean  into the conditions that create people’s need.”

Review: This book is about bodies. A different perspective on the horrific 1994 genocide that tragically took place in Rwanda.

Emmanuel boldly asks; “What is the relationship between my own body, the body politic of the nation to which I belong, and the body of Christ?” He challenges you to question your identity; as an American, as a human, as a Christian. Ultimately, to whom does your body belong?

Christian faith is fundamentally about identity, who we are as an embodied people. The horrific story of the Rwanda Genocide paints a startling mirror to the church in it’s often state- attacking brothers and sisters, and ultimately killing it’s own.

This book has inspired, challenged, and forced me to ask myself– To who does my body owe it’s allegiance? I’ve found myself asking others for forgiveness. With hefty spiritual and political parallels, this is an overall incredible book!

You can buy this book for under fifteen bucks at Mardels, Barnes & Nobles, and Amazon.com.

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Little Miss Know It All

29 Jul

Patience:  The ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.

Driving on Costa Rica’s narrow roads. Like sardines, packed in a fifteen-seat tour bus. With my best friend, mother, aunt, four cousins, Abuelita, and six siblings. We were beach-bound. For the duration of this two hour journey, there was an unmistakable, echoing chorus of “Are we there yet?”.

I’ve often heard myself chiming in, asking my seemingly “slow-moving” life the same question. As if knowing how much more there is to go will make the delay go by faster. I’ll openly admit that patience hasn’t ever really been my forte. Those who know me well can attest to this.  Somehow, I always manage to think up a million other ways I’d rather spend my time. I believe this is called impatience. Yes, for me, waiting without discontentment is typically a fight.

Anxious to reach the next level. Always anticipating a new season. As if I’m always in between seasons. Not really living here, yet not quite there either. So obsessed with God’s ultimate plan for life that I forget about His plan for today. Overlooking the daily mundane things that could be viewed as potential opportunities to live for Him while showing His glory, power, and love. I ignorantly turn what should be adventure into routine. I mistakenly look at today as the obstacle keeping me from tomorrow.

Sometimes, I catch myself pretending I’ve arrived. Daydreaming; not embracing today for what it is and everything it has to offer. It seems that the more I think I know about the future, the more I want it to happen today. Whether its practical, needed, or simply wishful thinking. I’m sure everyone has a different dream. It could be as simple as the weekend, or as complex as your wedding day. But God doesn’t give us a fast-lane. He desires for us to embrace the journey. Anyone can be passionate about a dream to be obtained, or excited about earning the prize. The getting there, is a different story. This is more difficult.

My vision of the goal at times will complicate the necessary journey in order to obtain it. My impatience trips me up. We all love payday. It’s the actual work leading up to it that seems the be the problem. Through my failed attempts to speed up the process in a frantic search for a magic fast forward button; I’ve learned there is no way to get around the necessity of patience. I’ve learned that understanding what God is doing where you are is more important than telling God what you want to do for Him.

He is patient. I believe Jesus exemplified patience while He was here on earth. Being the son of God, he could have simply snapped his fingers, appeared as a grown man, done his duty and ascended. But even He took the time to grow up. His whole life leading up to the very act that would change the whole world. He didn’t cut any corners. He enjoyed every day, living life to its fullest. He understood the importance of one day, one hour, one minute, one moment. He didn’t hit the fast forward button. Basically, thank God I’m not Him, because I couldn’t have done it.

I suppose that is why patience is a fruit of the spirit.  Because there is no way on earth patience is a fruit of the flesh. I don’t find any part of me screaming “yay, I get to wait!” At least not without sarcasm. I need help in order to be patient. I can’t do it alone. Thank God He has made provision. In Him, He empowers me to be still and know that He is at work in my life. In every moment, He is there. He doesn’t desire for me to simply get through my life. Making lists and checking them off; living from one exciting event to the next.

Despite my pretending I do; He doesn’t let me know it all. He wants life to be an adventure, full of unanticipated surprises.   Who wants a predictable life anyway? So don’t skip out on today, live it out.

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True Love Waits-Or Does It?

22 Jul

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6

Growing up, Mr. Martin was my best friend’s dad and I considered him mine as well. Whenever we talked about boys (which was often because we were boy crazy) he always reminded us that we were like pearls. He explained that one day, a man would fight to win our hearts, and that’s how it was supposed to be. He would marry us and only he would be deserving of our whole hearts. If his intentions were pure, he would want to fight and wouldn’t settle for anything less. Because a woman who knows her worth wasn’t easy.

Unfortunately, this typically went in one ear and out the other, because it wasn’t cool and I wasn’t necessarily looking to get hitched that exact moment. But I heard it frequently enough for it to take root in my heart. Looking back, I understand and appreciate his words today more than ever. Although he passed last year and is in heaven, what he taught us girls will remain in our hearts. His daughter is proof of what he instilled in us. An incredible man prayed her in, fought for her heart, and swept her off her feet. Now married, they portray a beautiful visual aid of what True Love Waiting looks like.

Most people today teach us to get what you can, and see how far you can go. I’m not going to sit her and tell you that this-that-and-the-other is wrong, or not to do “it”. Because Christian or not, no matter how great whatever with whomever is outside of marriage, you’ll always feel deep down that you deserve better. And deep down, you’re right. Temporary highs and fleeting passions aren’t enough to make anyone truly content. No matter how good you are at lying to yourself, “there must be more than this” will resound in your head and the fear of settling will echo in your heart. God built us this way. We each have a conscience that won’t be satisfied with phony mockeries of what’s supposed to be very real. No matter how good you think you’ve got it, you’ll always feel empty.

Purity isn’t about what you will or won’t do. It is a state of being. Purity is a byproduct of a satisfied heart. There’s a self value and inner confidence that comes only when you’re fully whole and completely content in Him. Without this, you’re simply saying no out of habit. Or maybe you aren’t saying no at all. But it’s so much easier to walk away when you know your worth. Your true value. If you’re aware of the great price on your life, you won’t waste it on meaningless detours. When you know who you are in Him because of who He’s made you, you won’t ever desire to settle for second best. Because you’re the real deal, and phony is simply not good enough.

So, hold your head high in the arms of Jesus.  In Him there are no pasts. He wipes away the hurts and only sees the future in your eyes. Surrender your unspoken expectations. Set your eyes on Him. And, above all else, guard your heart.

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