Tag Archives: Allish

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

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.

Visionless Trails

27 Jun

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

I’m learning to trust. Wholeheartedly. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Recently, I’ve found myself smack dab in the middle of transformation. Growing inwardly, yet not necessarily moving forward or backwards. Just different. I’m simply changing. God is removing old habits and creating new ones. He’s altering my thought patterns and challenging my routines. He’s destroying fear and anxiety and exchanging them with peace. It’s refreshingly fresh. Yes, it’s new, but it’s only just begun.

I’m living with my family for the summer, but I’m fairly familiar with the area. Last week, I opted out of going to the gym and decided to run through the neighborhood for a little more scenery than the typical treadmill. In order to get a good run in, I usually run as far and fast as I can. This way, I have no choice but to finish the distance back. Headphones in, with Cory Asbury and Rick Peno blasting, I started my day right. About forty-five minutes in, I realized I had lost track of time and ended up a few miles from my house. I was running full force in a random direction when out of no where, it started to rain. This wasn’t your typical cute little downpour either. It was the tropical storm kind. The clouds rolled in, there was thunder and lightning and I panicked. I couldn’t see where I was going, and I couldn’t remember where I had been. I had no idea where I was.

So here I was, drenched from head to toe, in hot pink shorts and a yellow tank top. Running nearly blind, in an area which I no longer recognized, doing my best to keep my phone dry. A pathetic sight I’m sure. A few cars stopped out of pity and tried to lend a helping hand, but “stranger danger” was faithfully engraved in my head and kindly reminded me to steer clear. I did eventually find my way home, and thankfully, I didn’t fall on my face in the process.

This somewhat comical experience has reminded me of a few things. Like it says in Proverbs– I can’t be wise in my own eyes. You see, the very environment I knew to be familiar, instantaneously changed and seemed to be entirely different. The tools I formerly leaned on for guidance failed me– miserably. And the atmosphere changed, dramatically. It all happened in one quick motion, and just like that, all confidence in myself was obliterated. I didn’t lack determination; that I had. What I lacked was direction.

Sometimes, it takes an engine failure to realize just how much we’ve relied on a spark plug. You never really think about what you’ve leaned on until it crumbles.  It’s funny really. The old song ”you never know what you’ve got til’ its gone” is fairly relative. It always seems to be the little things that fight to ruin my day.Whenever I get a papercut (I seem to get these often at work) I’m always shocked at how suddenly aware I am of my pinky. I never really notice it unless it’s injured. In one way or another, everyone and everything will eventually fail us. But we decide how much the gravity of the failure will affect us. It’s all relative to how closely we’ve trusted or depended on them.

The storms of life test our vision. They reveal to us what we’ve truly set our eyes on. They show us who our heart has clung to. Maybe God allows people, circumstances, or environments to fail us so that we will recognize how reliant on them we truly are. He desires for us to take our eyes off of the counterfeit, remove all false security, and trust in Him. Only Him, above everyone and anything else. Without Him we are running through the storms of life blind without direction. This is no way to live.

So, if you find yourself in a panic, ask yourself; why am I frazzled? He is incapable of stress, anxiety, fear and failure. He is stable. Through the madness, chaos, and confusion. He will not be shaken. Check your eyes– What are they focused on?

Rickshaws, Curry & Other Indian Lingo

12 Jun

I thought I’d share a little about the more “adventurous” side of the trip. For those of you who don’t know me, I’ve never been the camping type. That is, until now. Funny how I’ve discovered that I actually love being entirely out of my element. It’s terrifying, but I’m learning to enjoy things that I never thought I’d like. With the exception of curry–I can’t do the whole spicy food thing.

So, for those of you who haven’t ever watched National Geographic. Let me introduce you to the Rickshaw. Not known for it’s spacious back seat, this cute little buggy fits four comfortably but rarely carries less than six. It has only three wheels, and I think it runs on a go-cart engine. It can convienently squeeze in between virtually anything, whether it be two cows or two crate trucks. We had a blast. Also, if you find yourself on the “right” side of the road– It’s actually the wrong side. Apparently, the speed demon drivers enjoy passing everyone that’s stuck on the left side. So we often found ourselves headed in the wrong direction on the right.

In a nutshell, Curry is to India what Tabasco is to Mexico. I don’t particularly know or understand what curry is exactly. But  I do know that it’s hot. Like way hot- but that’s coming from someone who barely likes mild hotsauce. It goes on everything. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. It’s all the same. I wish my tastebuds could have morphed into the kind that likes hotness. But I suppose they’re set on being panzies. I don’t consider myself a picky eater, but I don’t like banannas- at all, nor do I often eat rice (carbs-ew!). But, they were my saving grace on this trip. Really. Three meals a day. So it worked out great!  I cannot believe how much work goes into cooking! Old school firepits, and buckets to wash dishes with– and I have a hard enough time cooking with a stove and dishwasher. These people are amazing!

So, this is somewhat self explanitory right? Squatty Potty. Yep. Basically just what it sounds like. No toilets. Not even in the “Mall” in Chennai. They still had squatties and “Leg Wash” signage above buckets with water. Believe it or not, this is actually one of the nicest ones we saw while in India. And handsoap isn’t available. Not even in the mall. Shocker. While we’re on the topic of cleanliness, it was so crazy to me that our whole trip I counted a total of one (1) trash can. It was pretty different! When some of the children from the slums came to our compound, a few of the girls had to use the restroom. No biggie, Rachel doesn’t need a translator to take seven pre-teen girls to the bathroom. Right? Wrong. I stood outside the restroom and waited for the girls to finish, and I noticed something. Water was spilling out of the restroom and on to the road. Except it wasn’t water. I stepped into the restroom, my feet and flipflops now wet. And to my pleasant surprise, it wasn’t water. The girls hadn’t ever seen a toilet before, so they were peeing in front of the commodes. I was so stunned, I shreaked. Poor girls, I scared them half to death and thought they were in trouble. They are so precious. It just broke my heart.

Why shower when you can use a bucket! I grew quite fond of Bucket Baths. I was drenched in one quick motion. Forget weak water pressure. There’s nothing like a freezing bucket bath at 6am and11pm. Don’t be alarmed if your skin stays soaked and sticky all day, it’s just the heat.

So, these cot-style beds don’t have a cool Indian name. But they should because they definitely don’t sleep like a mattress. This was my room at the church. It was a blast! The only downside were the mosquitos and 115+ temperature. At night the power would shut off, and so would our fans. So, you could typically find me crying on the roof at 3am. The pillows were a little different, so I used my airplane neck pillow. My sheet stained my arms blue (I think my sweat pulled the color out). So, I used my towel for a sheet.

On days when it was too hot, we slept on the Rooftop of the fifth floor. We had a killer view every morning! Devos+agreatview+Indian sunrise = Amazing.

I might joke a lot, but this trip really did challenge me to break out of my bubble and outside of my comfort zones. It was so good for me! I learned so much!

Back From India

8 Jun

I just returned from my trip to Chennai, India. I feel so incredibly blessed to have been able embark on this amazing experience of a lifetime. Thank you SO much to everyone for your support, prayers, and encouragement. I couldn’t have done it without you!

There is so much to write! I thought I would first post a few of my favorite pictures to give some perspective!

Almost There-INDIA 2010

3 Apr

“Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished.  If you’re alive. It isn’t. -Richard Bach

Thirty-Six days away! (That’s only four more weekends!) And $1850.00 to go!

A special thank-you to everyone who has been such a huge part of this process! And a special thank you to the gorgeous, anointed, and talented speaker-Barb Pruitt. She graciously fedexed several ankle-length skirts that fit perfectly! :)

Everything is coming together, and God’s faithfulness is becoming more and more evident through everyone’s prayers and support! Thank you!

I am so excited to leave, as we are only about one month away from take off. This next month is going to be pretty crazy! I graduate from the two-year program with a Diploma in Practical Theology at Christ for the Nations on May 7th. Shortly after on May 8th, I’ll move out of my apartment and pack any last minute things. The following day, May 9th, we will board for a long (but worth it) three days of travel to Channai, India.

This next month will be full of preparation & planning, drama/dance practices, writing, team-building, meetings, and training. It’s becoming more and more real every day!

If you itemize your deductions for income tax purposes, your gift will be tax deductable. If you wish to make a donation online please visit: ttps://www.cfni.org/outreach/?code=8e6d5362e5be9fea678268fcb056c5a6

INDIA 2010

20 Feb

“We must become the change we want to see.” Ghandi 

I was recently presented with the opportunity of a lifetime to work with a local group that rescues and rehabilitates children from sex slavery and labor camps. I am extremely excited to share with you that I will be traveling to India this summer. Though this might seem like an impossible task for a college student; I see the need and I’m absolutely certain I’m supposed to go. 

I refuse to become too overwhelmed to help. Every little bit counts- I am convinced of this. We must fight against becoming desensitized. The world WILL change, even if it’s one person at a time. This is our mission, this is my cause.

India is located on the southern-most part of the Asian continent. It is one of the most populated countries relative to its size and is in desperate need of freedom. On May 9th, 2010, twenty students and I will leave Dallas and board an 18 hour flight to Chennai, India for three weeks.

In order to make this possible, I am reaching out to anyone who will support me in taking this vision to India. I need to raise $3,800 to cover the cost of travel, food, and housing for this 21-day mission. I am trusting God to lead the people to help.

Would you prayerfully consider helping me go to India? If you itemize your deductions for income tax purposes, your gift will be tax deductable. If you wish to make a payment online please visit: ttps://www.cfni.org/outreach/?code=8e6d5362e5be9fea678268fcb056c5a6

I also ask that you please keep us in your prayers not only for the finances but for safety and guidance as well. Thank you for partnering with me to fight against child slavery and impact India. Together, we can see an end to this horrific industry.

“Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Just Decorate Your Bandaids

17 Jan

 

Abusive, Addicted, Aggressive, Angry, Anxious, Bipolar, Chemically Unbalanced, Depressed, Disturbed, Restless, Stressed, Overweight, Over-Worked, Sleep Deprived, Suicidal, Unhappy, Unsatisfied, Unstable. 

These are just some of the words used to describe our world as we know it. Apparently, life seems to be a bit overwhelming for society at large. Sadly enough, these words hardly do justice to some of the things we’ve witnessed recently throughout popular culture. Due to our overwhelming lifestyles, whether they’re hidden or put on display; emotions seem to be getting the best of us–and it shows. 

Why? Death, tragedy, accidents. Haven’t they always been around? My only conclusion is that the way in which we’ve been taught to cope is skewed. You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to figure this one out. We may have been taught how to be successful in life, and how to achieve, but we’ve failed to learn how to take a hit. We learn that one plus two equals three. But when you throw an unexpected variable in the mix, we’re thrown off and fail to react properly. 

Emotions are not the issue; they are merely evidence that something is wrong. They are the blood that proves the underlying wound. At times, these wounds will never be realized completely because they’ve been hidden behind a lifestyle of addiction, or emotional imbalance. Emotions are like weeds, they are easily cut off, ignored, trampled, or hidden. But, without addressing the root, they will continue to resurface. 

Eventually, after dealing with pain the same way for so long, our coping mechanisms become a part of a character and personality. Almost by default, it looks like this is what’s happened to a lot of hurting people. 

We live in the land of the free, the home of the brave, where the “American dream” is tangible. Where everything is accessible, and possibilities are endless. Yet, it seems that suicide is normality, and escapism is the fast-track to an enjoyable life. Some of us were taught to treat the wounds, to rejoice in suffering, and press onward. While others, were taught to cover it up, and cope as the ones before them did. 

Our society isn’t taught to rip of the old blanket, and examine the wound. Instead, we’ve adorned our band-aids; decorating them, and making them a mere accessory. We have learned to live with them, and even worse, it’s become popular to show them off. Turning what used to be ugly, into a fad. Emotional pain has been covered up with drugs, sex, alcohol, prescriptions, depression, and recklessness. All to be dubbed as “just what you do” or “common”.

I love learning from Job, if anyone has the right to talk about hardship it’s definitely him. It seems as though Job’s life proves Murphy’s law; “Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” The only way I could picture it being worse is if it was it was blasted across the tabloids and national television for society to examine and scrutinize. I wonder what our judgment would have been. 

Job was in a place I often find myself in. Confused, frustrated, and wondering what I’ve done wrong to deserve circumstances. It’s sad how easily we embrace blessings, without even a second thought of gratitude, while we immediately reject hardship and calamity; the complaints and blame seem to come easily. If you haven’t read from the book of Job in the Bible, I highly suggest it. Just make sure you get through the whole thing; without God’s sovereignty at the end, it would be a lost cause and an entirely depressing story. Instead of turning to suicide, or indulgences, Job turns to God. 

God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but He does want us to learn to lean on Him. Oftentimes He uses our low points to show us Himself in ways we might not see when life feels okay. Our job is not to miss those growth lessons. No matter what God allows you to experience, He wants to deepen your faith in Him. The journey often carries pain. That’s growth. Don’t waste the pain, but let Him sift and refine your character. 

“Your struggles will either reveal ugliness or develop character. Fight Him, and watch ugliness fester. Or lean into Him, and let Him develop godliness in you.” – Erin Keeley Marshall (Currently reading her book =]) 

I refuse to let my wounds fester while running to my escape of choice. Conflicts, hardships, troubles, and everyday stresses are at times unavoidable, but throughout them, we must choose to draw near to God instead of away from Him. He is the only answer, and the only One with the power and authority to address the real issue; the heart of the problem; the root of emotional pain.  He doesn’t run out, give up, leave you, or cause heartache. 

My heart will turn to the Lord, and I know He will respond. 

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-”- Psalm 103:1-2

Get Yours

24 Nov

The necessary keys in order to reap what you’ve sown.

“And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” -Galatians 6:9

We often hear about both reaping and sowing, but we often overlook the essential steps in between. Galatians 6:9 shows us that we must have persistence, patience, and perseverance in order to reap what we have sown.

 

I. Persistence

Paul tells to “Not grow weary in well doing”. The Strong’s definition of weary is: “Physically or mentally exhausted after growing impatient or dissatisfied with something.” It’s easy to get frustrated in our day to day seemingly insignificant tasks and activities. But we must remember that no task is unimportant to the Lord. If you’re faithful in the little, He’ll make you ruler over much (Matthew 25:23) Our God is a good book keeper, He is faithful to His word and will honor your diligence!

Today, we look at magnificent structures in Europe with admiration. We look at prestigious works of art which stand alone clothed in their dignity and splendor. We might realize in part how much work and dedication went into the building of the jaw-dropping cathedrals. What we don’t realize is the magnitude of devotion which was required. Cathedrals aren’t like churches, or houses, which can be designed, and obtained within years, or even months. Men who began working on the awe-inspiring cathedrals recognized that they would spend the entire duration of their lives building. Only to accomplish a portion or section of the finished creation. They realized that they themselves were working towards something which their grandchildren might not even live long enough to enjoy. Very rarely, would anyone have the privilege of seeing the cathedral completed. Possibly first started by one of the builder’s grandfathers, each generation devoted their entire life to further its completion; it was a family affair.

As a believer, you must continue in the things that the Lord has called you to, even if you never see the task completed, or receive the credit. You must continue to work even in the day to day activities that can at times seem repetitive and redundant. You must realize that you are only part of the process in God’s grand scheme of things. You see only in part.  He is sovereign. We must be worthy of being entrusted with the work He has given us. Even if we don’t think it is significant, or big enough. We aren’t the ones with the vision of the completed cathedral, only He knows what the finished product will look like.

II. Patience

Paul explains that “In due season we shall reap”.  This tells us that there are appointed seasons which we must wait for. This verse shows that it’s not enough to simply do the work; patience is required.  So, we’ve put for the effort; we’ve tilled the soil, purchased the necessary supplies, and planted the seed.  This portion of the passage reminds us, that sometimes it’s not about us, or our actions. It is simply that the environment, circumstances, or “cooking stage” simply isn’t finished. We must learn to “Be still and know that He is God.” (Psalm 46:10)

I recently visited the Texas State Fair back in October. I was lost. So, so lost. I was running around trying to find one of the gates to meet up with my friends. I realized that it would be so much easier if I could just find a map. After about 15 minutes of my vigorous search for a pamphlet, I finally found one. I opened it up and immediately began looking for the “You Are Here” circle in bold red ink; because it would be the fastest way to figure out where I was. It took me a few minutes to realize, that it was nowhere on the map. In my impatience, I didn’t realize that it was a handout, unlike the giant maps at the mall or various theme parks. I was so impatient.

These days, it’s so easy to obtain instant gratification. I know you’ve heard it; we live in a microwave oven, elevator instead of stairs, society. We’re used to taking the necessary steps in order to receive the benefits. Bottom line, we don’t like to wait. But, we must remember; You can’t rush the process of a dying seed and a growing plant; you must learn to have patience and wait for the appointed season to reap.

III. Perseverance

Paul didn’t fail to mention that, “We shall reap, if we faint not”. That “IF” is key. You will reap, but only if you don’t faint.  Fainting must be averted! We should learn to stay hydrated and persevere through the Word of God. Ephesians 5:26 tells us that the Word of God is like water. It gives us the strength to continue! Water is a necessity! Our bodies are composed of over 60% water. The Word of God must become a part of us in order for us to persevere through His strength!  His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

There is a legendary race which takes place annually in Canada. It’s known to be so life threatening, that its official name has recently been changed to “The Death Race”. It earned its reputation after hundreds of men passed out along the way. This race isn’t for the faint of heart. The vigorous race’s brave contestants train for months at a time both mentally and physically. After loosing so many men, they installed a “scan in” system, every hundred feet or so that they could keep track of those who were still in the race; and send help to those who weren’t. Nic Southwell was one of the first men who determined that he would make it across the finish line no matter the cost. He refused to pass out. He pushed pass any and all odds, making him the first man to ever make it that far. He passed out across the finish line. This is a beautiful picture of what perseverance looks like. Immediately after collapsing across the finish line, he was rushed to ER, and put in critical condition where both of his kidneys failed, and he ultimately ended up in a coma. Yet, still, he fought to live. After fully recovering, he explained that while he won the race, he could have avoided further complications if he would have stayed better hydrated along the way.

You must persevere; don’t make the race any more difficult by not taking the proper steps to stay hydrated and healthy as a believer through Jesus Christ- He is the source! The “if”, in this verse cannot be overlooked. What good is an athlete who runs faster, jumps higher, swims further, and hits harder—only to pass out, or cheat merely seconds before the finish line. He’s worthless. We must be more stubborn than our circumstances or obstacles. We are in a war with the enemy, and we cannot back down!

 

The Lord goes before us! He sees the finish line. You can’t fake, cheat, or explain victory. There is no greater feeling than to know that all of your hard earned work finally paid off. No cheating, no shortcuts, no tapping out. Victory is yours—and it’s sweet.

When you race with Persistence, cling to Patience, and embrace Perseverance through the Word of God; You will reap what you’ve sown!

So, Get Yours!!

Everlasting Love & Temporary Fairy Tales

17 Oct

Fairy Tales & Everlasting Love

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. -Jeremiah 31:3b

I distinctly remember my first crush. Ah preschool; running around in a plaid shirt, coveralls, boots and a cowboy hat– his name was Riker. Throughout the duration of my preschool career, he was the only boy taller than me. From the moment I met him, he instantly caught my eye and I thought he was amazing. Despite the fact that he couldn’t spell, I whole-heartedly cherished his letters. I didn’t care that his mother had to translate over half of them. Reading them now, they honestly look more like finger-painted hieroglyphics. It was at this stage in life that I didn’t care about his spiritual beliefs, personality, calling, family, or background. I was more interested in regular playground activities; playing tag, making mud pies, and jumping rope. And he stood far above the rest when it came to them.

Despite our obvious connection; our relationship was cut short when he moved out of state. For a little while, I still received letters. It was an exciting “pen-pal” kind of relationship. While I’m sure long-distance relationships can work for others, in our case, the letters eventually stopped. I remember this gut-wrenching, heart-breaking reality. He was no longer mine. I seemed to be somewhat of a quiet drama queen- Holding my breath when I was angry, until I passed out. Writing depressing songs that consisted of phrases such as “all it is to you is another heart beating, another person breathing.” Yes, I was a rather odd child, crammed into a glass case of emotion, with no sense of reality, and a peculiar passion for life.

Though I may no longer be attracted to coveralls, care for mud pies, or pass out for attention, some things still remain the same.  After talking to some of my girlfriends, I’ve found a few feelings of ownership which we claim to have the right to. I’ve discovered, whether the dumper, or dumpie; we seem to think that the particular boy we are no longer with shouldn’t ever move on. As if, we are God’s special gift to them or something.

We think to ourselves; “Surely, they will never be blessed with another girl as good-or God forbid- better, than us.” For instance, if our best friend gets harshly (or nicely) dumped, we assure her that he has made a mistake. We convince our poor & miserable friend not to worry, that he will never find anyone as talented, beautiful, or caring. After talking to some of my small group girls, I found a few things we had in common. Whether we were responsible for the heartbreaking or not- in both scenarios we were still bitter and confused when they moved on. Over and over in our heads, we think to ourselves- “What, how could he move on just like that, that’s impossible, he’s not actually happy.”

We allow those around us to determine the weight of our self esteems. We build our confidence on people who were never created to define our value. Lets face it ladies, this is a pathetic attempt to justify building our worth on something which should never have been built on to begin with. We have a tendency to immediately compare and evaluate ourselves. Somehow, we weren’t enough; we didn’t cut it. Not pretty enough, not nice enough, not funny enough, not caring enough, not skinny enough, not talented enough, etc…Because if we were, he would be incapable of moving on and thus, he would still be madly in love with us until the day we die. This is painfully pitiful.

Or, maybe you were more like me in another sense; known to have “daddy issues” as a highschooler. I grew up with an abusive father who eventually walked out of my life completely. I lived trying to earn a father’s love and attention which seemed to come so easily for other girls. Growing up, this drastically influenced me to answer the question; “why am I unlovable, and what will make me likeable”. As a girl, this was a dangerous question to wrestle with- especially in our society.

At a young age, I realized that I wasn’t able to get my dad to love me but I could get guys to like me. I grew comfortable with wearing a mask on the outside which displayed an inaccurate picture of a girl whose life was perfect and had it all together. I became the unattainable tease that was never broken up with first. I vowed I would never be hurt again. I went to any length to be assured of it and have my way. Break up first; this was my motto. Unfortunately, just because I broke up first and hurt others, it never made me feel any better- or made life any easier. I was now the one hurting not only myself, but others as well. The fairy tales I read as a child- and my life had absolutely nothing in common.

I remember skipping meals, throwing up, and working out for hours at a time to keep up with models in the industry and the plastic barbies on TV. All this in hopes of being prettier, in order to gain power to get any guy I wanted. But then again, I also remember trying to gain acceptance from my own father. Dancing my heart out in order to receive approval from him. The few times he was able to make it to my performances, it made the 40-hour rehearsal weeks in point shoes worth it all. I was manipulating everything on the outside, in order to fix a deep wound on the inside.

Whether you’ve been hurt, hurt others, both, or are simply human. I believe we all feel the need to belong. We each desire to be wanted. This world shoves diet pills, sex, plastic surgery, and success, in our faces- implying that if we follow their easy step plan for lovability; we’ll be happy. However, at the end of the day, while our attempts at improvements might grow our likeability; true love’s essence is hard to come by. We eventually rationalize that we aren’t like the characters in a storybook. And, somehow, we are to blame for being unlovable.We forget that as humans, we are incapable of loving someone fully, extensively, and exclusively apart from God and His love. Unfortunately, because of our naivety, we still do our best to earn other’s love and approval by any and all means possible.

I believe that true Love doesn’t fade, grow weary, die, or ever give up. This is what it’s supposed to look like. And I believe True Love Himself, died on a cross in order to prove just how long suffering REAL LOVE is; any length, any width, any depth, any height. When we realize just how everlasting HIS love is for us, man’s version of fake and phony love pails in comparison. Cheap imitations aren’t and won’t ever be enough to fill the void. No person, job, fame, weight, hobby, or relationship will ever bring as much fulfillment as acknowledging and accepting His exclusive love. His love doesn’t hinge on our actions. He just simply loves us. Forever. It’s that simple. It’s this simplicity which makes God’s love so hard to understand. Why? Why, does He love us this way? He just does. Because He wants to. And that’s all there is to it.

I was set free when I recognized that He is the only one with the capabilities of this powerful love. It makes sense that others fail me. It is not because of what I am, or am not. It is because we are simply incapable of loving others unless we ask God for His innate ability to love. This agape love is the glue originally designed to hold marriages together. Marriages fail, not because they are supposed to, but because the relationship is most likely founded upon man’s feeble desires and indecisive “feelings”. While man’s heart can be fickle and untrustworthy at times, there is a Love worth absolutely everything in my being. This love chooses by its own will to love me steadfastly, exclusively, and despite any obstacle. When we accept that God is the only one capable of loving, and offering this kind of love—we take our eyes off of ourselves in having to earn love. I choose to rest in His unending, everlasting love that will stand against any and all odds. Who needs likeability when you have True Love?

I hope this has inspired you to embrace the One who will love you more than any one person ever will. Walk in confidence; you are loved with an everlasting love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. -1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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