We've all heard Miley Cyrus sing about 'The Climb' (unless your head has been in the sand for a year). You've heard it, but have you thought about it? Life is a long hike...lots of climbing the mountains, just to get to the top, enjoy the view ever so briefly, and then realize your peak is overshadowed by an even bigger mountain waiting to be scaled.
Though I am a girly-girl, I love to hike. I relish the feel, the smell, almost (not the bugs) everything about being outside. However, I have never, never wanted to be a mountain climber. Hanging on a rope, trying to get these short arms and legs up into the high crevices, clinging to loose rocks for dear life...maybe I don't know what I'm missing, but it doesn't appeal to me in the least. You spend all that time sweating it out, wanting to give up, scratching your knees, breaking nails, just to see a view you could way more easily see from an airplane.
But, unfortunately for our 'I want it now' human nature, that's a lot like life. We spend the majority of our years waiting. Waiting to get our driver's license, waiting to graduate high school, waiting to get a career, waiting to meet 'the one,' waiting to have kids, waiting to retire. Whew! That's a lot of waiting. Every time you get to the top of your mountain, there's something else to 'wait' for. It dawned on me as I was thinking about this, that the LIFE is in the waiting. The view that we crave so much is brief, and then we start sweating and climbing again.
My life lately has been all about waiting. I called one of my confidantes earlier this week and cried to her, 'how long do I have to wait?!' 'When have I waited enough?!' I pray every day for God to show me where to go, what to do, to give me a yes, or even a no - just a sign or direction. Just no more waiting, anything but that!
But we know that when we are the weakest that's when He's the strongest. In this time of waiting in my life, He's been showing me some things. If we're not happy in the waiting, we will not be happy when we get whatever it is that we've been waiting for. No job or significant other or goal reached will do more for us than has already been done. We are to be content in all circumstances because Jesus has already given us all we could ever need. Even in the waiting. Especially in the waiting.
God uses these waiting periods to develop our perseverance, which leads to character, that blossoms into hope. It's only when we are in the fire, the hottest, most uncomfortable part, that we are soft enough to be molded into what we were made to be. The Bible says He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Mal. 3:3). He may hold us in that uncomfortable position, but He will never take His eyes off of his, will never drop us in the flames to be devoured. It's in that waiting that He will teach and grow us.
For me, this waiting has been the hardest thing I've ever gone through. But, I've never been closer with God. I would give up anything not to have wait anymore. Anything but that. This new level of intimacy with God is worth the wait.
A friend told me about this poem and I love it. Maybe you will too! :)
Wait
by Russell Kelfer
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Heart of the Matter
Do you ever find that you've become cynical about people? That, instead of expecting the best in others, you expect them to let you down? I didn't realize how jaded my thinking had become until I met someone who surprised me - in a good way. This weekend my cousin, who I haven't seen in at least 15 years, stayed at our house. When we first picked him up from the military base, Ft. Gordon, he seemed like the average 21-year-old guy. Or, at least, the average s-l-o-w talllkkkkiiinnn Alabama country boy.
Of course, I asked him a million questions about life on the military base. And as I would cringe thinking being under the 24/7 control he and his bunk-mates are under, he only had a good attitude. He had joy no matter that he was painting barracks, running in the rain, or doing his yard duties. He kept saying that He felt like he was called to be an army chaplain and that if God wanted him there, he knew God would take care of him every minute. Still, this wasn't what got to me...
He wasn't preachy. He wasn't in your face. He was humble, he was straight up. He would answer questions by saying, 'God says...' but it wasn't pretentious or judgmental, it was real. Still, this wasn't what got to me...
If you know me well at all, you know that I ask lots of questions. My curiosity combined with the fact that I hadn't seen this cousin in more than a decade and the poor kid was probably wondering if I was going to ask how he brushes his teeth or something. Even though I know guys aren't always big on gushing about their love lives, I had to ask about his girlfriend.
Me: "So how'd you meet?"
Cousin: "I met her in school. She was friends with my ex-girlfriend."
Me: "Hmmm...interesting. Does your Mom like her?"
Cuz: "She doesn't really know her, but she worries a little about how I would take care of her in the future."
Me: "Oh...is she high maintenance or something?"
Cousin: "No. She's in a wheel chair for life. She has spinal bifida."
Me: "Oh...wow...is that hard for you?"
Cousin: "Well, people wonder how we could have a future together, but I think I could take care of her, especially through the Army. And I don't really care about how she looks, the physical part. I care more about what kind of character she has, and if she's really living for God."
Me: That shut me up.
We were in the car on the way home from dinner, so I was quiet for awhile as I let that sink in. That God looks at the heart (Gal. 2:6,7)of a person was something I'd studied just this past week in my quiet times. I had been in prayer already this week, asking God to help me value hearts more than anything else. I'd been thinking that I was doing a good job of it...until this. Conviction hit me like a hammer. Would I be willing to overlook the physical that much? Would I follow God if that's where He led me? And that's what got to me. This sweet Alabama boy was simply being a disciple to the core. Valuing what God values.
In two weeks, my cousin (Derek McReynolds) is being deployed to Korea for a year. He's going with a great attitude, a willingness to serve, and a readiness to respond to God. I know he's appreciate it if you sent your prayers with him, too.
Of course, I asked him a million questions about life on the military base. And as I would cringe thinking being under the 24/7 control he and his bunk-mates are under, he only had a good attitude. He had joy no matter that he was painting barracks, running in the rain, or doing his yard duties. He kept saying that He felt like he was called to be an army chaplain and that if God wanted him there, he knew God would take care of him every minute. Still, this wasn't what got to me...
He wasn't preachy. He wasn't in your face. He was humble, he was straight up. He would answer questions by saying, 'God says...' but it wasn't pretentious or judgmental, it was real. Still, this wasn't what got to me...
If you know me well at all, you know that I ask lots of questions. My curiosity combined with the fact that I hadn't seen this cousin in more than a decade and the poor kid was probably wondering if I was going to ask how he brushes his teeth or something. Even though I know guys aren't always big on gushing about their love lives, I had to ask about his girlfriend.
Me: "So how'd you meet?"
Cousin: "I met her in school. She was friends with my ex-girlfriend."
Me: "Hmmm...interesting. Does your Mom like her?"
Cuz: "She doesn't really know her, but she worries a little about how I would take care of her in the future."
Me: "Oh...is she high maintenance or something?"
Cousin: "No. She's in a wheel chair for life. She has spinal bifida."
Me: "Oh...wow...is that hard for you?"
Cousin: "Well, people wonder how we could have a future together, but I think I could take care of her, especially through the Army. And I don't really care about how she looks, the physical part. I care more about what kind of character she has, and if she's really living for God."
Me: That shut me up.
We were in the car on the way home from dinner, so I was quiet for awhile as I let that sink in. That God looks at the heart (Gal. 2:6,7)of a person was something I'd studied just this past week in my quiet times. I had been in prayer already this week, asking God to help me value hearts more than anything else. I'd been thinking that I was doing a good job of it...until this. Conviction hit me like a hammer. Would I be willing to overlook the physical that much? Would I follow God if that's where He led me? And that's what got to me. This sweet Alabama boy was simply being a disciple to the core. Valuing what God values.
In two weeks, my cousin (Derek McReynolds) is being deployed to Korea for a year. He's going with a great attitude, a willingness to serve, and a readiness to respond to God. I know he's appreciate it if you sent your prayers with him, too.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Mean What You Say
Jason DeRulo got it right with his popular song 'Whatcha Say.' It speaks to the power of words. Whoever came up with the 'sticks and stones' phrase was wayyy off track. Words do hurt. We've all experienced that. But they also unleash power.
Late last year I did the Beth Moore 'Believing God' Bible study. I had always heard that our words have power, but don't think I quite knew the extent of it. It seems silly, doesn't it, that just by opening our mouths we can change things? But that's exactly what the Word says! Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." It doesn't say only if you speak right, will you reap what you sow, but when you speak defeat you reap that, too!
Ephesians 5:1 tells us to be imitators of God. What does that mean? Look at how we, as children, imitate our parents. Words and deeds. Babies start trying to make sounds like their parents from a very young age. Likewise, we are to imitate God. Our words should be His words! This means we are to KNOW the scriptures and their contexts, we are to speak things that are not as though they were!
That doesn't mean it won't be scary. When you're stepping out in faith, you're being vulnerable, opening yourself up to attacks from the world. But Jesus tells his disciples in Mark 11: 22-24 to have FAITH. He says when we live by faith, we can SAY to the mountain 'MOVE!' and it has to listen! But how often do we see that happening in our modern world? I don't know about you, but from where I'm sitting, the mountains ain't movin. Does that mean the time for miracles has passed? Some would like to think so because it scares them and because hoping for them would mean to leap out of one's comfort zone. But Jesus said we are capable of not only miracles, but even more than He did! John 14:12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the father." So why don't we see them? Jesus says we cannot have doubt in our hearts. And we ask for all things in His name - which means not just simply saying 'In Jesus' name,' at the end of prayers. When we say things in Jesus' name, it means it lines up with His word and His purposes. Miracles aren't simply for our comfort or our gain, but must glorify His kingdom.
So how do we unleash that power? Our words! There is power in the tongue! Jesus SPOKE to the wind and the sea, the fig tree, the demons and even to dead men. Sure, he could've just pointed at them, but he SPOKE. God SPOKE the earth into existence. The Bible says faith is HEARING the word. Jesus says Christians are given the keys to the kingdom - whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven and whatever we bind on earth will be bound in Heaven. (Matt 16:19)
Charles Capps said, "Words are containers, they carry faith or fear, and they produce after their kind." Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself! When worry tries to take over my mind, I speak scripture to it. Confess victory in the face of apparent defeat! Confess abundance in the face of apparent lack! Jesus tells us that we can have what we say (Mark 11:23), but we are saying what we have. Circumstances should not dictate our theology, but our theology should dictate our circumstances! Mean what you say and make it happen.
Late last year I did the Beth Moore 'Believing God' Bible study. I had always heard that our words have power, but don't think I quite knew the extent of it. It seems silly, doesn't it, that just by opening our mouths we can change things? But that's exactly what the Word says! Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." It doesn't say only if you speak right, will you reap what you sow, but when you speak defeat you reap that, too!
Ephesians 5:1 tells us to be imitators of God. What does that mean? Look at how we, as children, imitate our parents. Words and deeds. Babies start trying to make sounds like their parents from a very young age. Likewise, we are to imitate God. Our words should be His words! This means we are to KNOW the scriptures and their contexts, we are to speak things that are not as though they were!
That doesn't mean it won't be scary. When you're stepping out in faith, you're being vulnerable, opening yourself up to attacks from the world. But Jesus tells his disciples in Mark 11: 22-24 to have FAITH. He says when we live by faith, we can SAY to the mountain 'MOVE!' and it has to listen! But how often do we see that happening in our modern world? I don't know about you, but from where I'm sitting, the mountains ain't movin. Does that mean the time for miracles has passed? Some would like to think so because it scares them and because hoping for them would mean to leap out of one's comfort zone. But Jesus said we are capable of not only miracles, but even more than He did! John 14:12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the father." So why don't we see them? Jesus says we cannot have doubt in our hearts. And we ask for all things in His name - which means not just simply saying 'In Jesus' name,' at the end of prayers. When we say things in Jesus' name, it means it lines up with His word and His purposes. Miracles aren't simply for our comfort or our gain, but must glorify His kingdom.
So how do we unleash that power? Our words! There is power in the tongue! Jesus SPOKE to the wind and the sea, the fig tree, the demons and even to dead men. Sure, he could've just pointed at them, but he SPOKE. God SPOKE the earth into existence. The Bible says faith is HEARING the word. Jesus says Christians are given the keys to the kingdom - whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven and whatever we bind on earth will be bound in Heaven. (Matt 16:19)
Charles Capps said, "Words are containers, they carry faith or fear, and they produce after their kind." Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself! When worry tries to take over my mind, I speak scripture to it. Confess victory in the face of apparent defeat! Confess abundance in the face of apparent lack! Jesus tells us that we can have what we say (Mark 11:23), but we are saying what we have. Circumstances should not dictate our theology, but our theology should dictate our circumstances! Mean what you say and make it happen.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Over Tomato Pie...
Been awhile since I've blogged. I love to write, just not usually about myself. I love to read mothers' blogs...ha, what an unfair advantage they have in blogging about cute kids! Ya'll just wait, my Mom says one day I'll have a 'payback-kid' who will embarass me in public and say anything she thinks to whoever is listening, just like I did to her. Frequently. (Just ask my friends. They just looove to mortify me in front of new people by telling stories of when I was little.) But, until I have kids to write about, thanks for reading about plain ole me. :)
I haven't been blogging as much because I've been waiting on something exciting or big to tell ya'll about. But, the 'little things' in life are far more frequent and can make the best memories anyways. Kinda like last night.
I'm staying in Columbia at my friend Mallori's house for a few days, as I'm in town to do some FCA work and go to Bible study Tuesday night. So yesterday, after finishing my work, I made a tomato pie for us for supper.
Though I could probably eat an entire pie by myself (sadly, this is not an attempt at being funny), we decided we had enough food to invite Stacey over to join us (home girl can throw back some grub, as well).
So Stacey and baby Ella Kate came...and her poor husband, Josh. (Who ate cheerios and listened to us talk about boobs and boys. We cured him of girl-time.)
It was just a regular, hum-drum night - except it wasn't. I 'made' them watch THREE HOURS of the bachelor with me (they gagged and made snarky comments at all the right places, of course, and Josh kept saying it was the worst night of his life), and they had to sneak and eat M&M's so I wouldn't tackle them for a bite of chocolate (which I quit, thank you very much). Baby Ella (who normally loves fun time with her 'aunts' Lindsay and MalMal) wasn't happy with anyone but her Momma and kept spewing out the food she needed to eat. Just a boring night in - except it wasn't.
It was a 'little' night. But, to me, it was much more fun that a 'big' night out somewhere. Because we laughed the whole time, made fun of each other, and had some good 'girl-talk.' (Again, poor Josh.) And it helps, of course, that it was all over a plate of tomato pie. Try some...no way you'll dislike it! It's easy to make and maybe you can invite some friends over and make it a 'tomato pie' night like we did!
TOMATO PIE RECIPE:
Ingredients:
-4 BIG tomatoes
-1 frozen pie crust
-1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
-1 cup sharp mozzarella cheese
-1 cup mayo (yes, I know, but even if you don't like it, it's good in this!)
Preparations:
Peel all the tomatoes, cut into big chunks and drain. Then mix the cheeses and the mayo together in a bowl. (I usually add herbs and spices...basil, oregano, garlic, onion salt, chives, salt and pepper, etc.) Use a fork to poke holes in the pie crust. Put the tomatoes in the pie crust. Lather the cheese mix on top, covering all signs of tomatoes. Bake at 350 for 30 mins or until cheese is brownish on edges. Enjoy!
I haven't been blogging as much because I've been waiting on something exciting or big to tell ya'll about. But, the 'little things' in life are far more frequent and can make the best memories anyways. Kinda like last night.
I'm staying in Columbia at my friend Mallori's house for a few days, as I'm in town to do some FCA work and go to Bible study Tuesday night. So yesterday, after finishing my work, I made a tomato pie for us for supper.
Though I could probably eat an entire pie by myself (sadly, this is not an attempt at being funny), we decided we had enough food to invite Stacey over to join us (home girl can throw back some grub, as well).
So Stacey and baby Ella Kate came...and her poor husband, Josh. (Who ate cheerios and listened to us talk about boobs and boys. We cured him of girl-time.)
It was just a regular, hum-drum night - except it wasn't. I 'made' them watch THREE HOURS of the bachelor with me (they gagged and made snarky comments at all the right places, of course, and Josh kept saying it was the worst night of his life), and they had to sneak and eat M&M's so I wouldn't tackle them for a bite of chocolate (which I quit, thank you very much). Baby Ella (who normally loves fun time with her 'aunts' Lindsay and MalMal) wasn't happy with anyone but her Momma and kept spewing out the food she needed to eat. Just a boring night in - except it wasn't.
It was a 'little' night. But, to me, it was much more fun that a 'big' night out somewhere. Because we laughed the whole time, made fun of each other, and had some good 'girl-talk.' (Again, poor Josh.) And it helps, of course, that it was all over a plate of tomato pie. Try some...no way you'll dislike it! It's easy to make and maybe you can invite some friends over and make it a 'tomato pie' night like we did!
TOMATO PIE RECIPE:
Ingredients:
-4 BIG tomatoes
-1 frozen pie crust
-1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
-1 cup sharp mozzarella cheese
-1 cup mayo (yes, I know, but even if you don't like it, it's good in this!)
Preparations:
Peel all the tomatoes, cut into big chunks and drain. Then mix the cheeses and the mayo together in a bowl. (I usually add herbs and spices...basil, oregano, garlic, onion salt, chives, salt and pepper, etc.) Use a fork to poke holes in the pie crust. Put the tomatoes in the pie crust. Lather the cheese mix on top, covering all signs of tomatoes. Bake at 350 for 30 mins or until cheese is brownish on edges. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Better than Chocolate...
As I've been on this topsy-turvy journey of 'what in the world should I do with this life?' I've realized a few things about happiness.
I've always heard that money doesn't make a person happy. But, I always thought that was just something parents told their children so they wouldn't be disappointed if they weren't rich one day. 'Ah, you don't wanna be rich like them. Money doesn't make you happy anyways.' Riiiight. But, I honestly now believe it. And not just because I don't have much money. Or I think that's why anyways. :) All you gotta do is just take a look at the lives of many celebrities...chaos. Or all those people who win the lottery...divorce, family feuds, murder! Now don't get me wrong, money can help solve many problems and make life easier, but it alone doesn't make people happy.
And you and I both know those people who are 'married to' their jobs. Workin 100 hours a week to be the best, or to get rich (come on folks, did you not read the above paragraph?!), and to move up the corporate power ladder. It's actually kinda sad the way work can consume one's life and become one's all in all. I was headed in that direction myself and know that it doesn't make one happy.
So what is it? What's the key to happiness? Obviously, if you've read my blog before you know I'm going to say that salvation, and thus knowing that God has already won the battles we face, is the only way to true joy. That even in the darkest of times, where it seems there's no hope, that you can know that there IS hope, indeed. And that can lend happiness to the bleakest of days.
But, I've also discovered something else this year. Being surrounded by those who you love and who love you back is important to happiness. We were put on this earth to fellowship. With God ultimately. And with those around us.
I think we are the happiest when we are with people who are like-minded. I even read (msn.com) that spending quality time with people you love can strengthen your immune system! I don't doubt it for a second. who has time to be sick when you can't stop laughing and smiling?
My happiest times are easy to create. Hanging out at a friend's house just talking with my best girl friends, road trips with Robyn, laughing with my sister, visiting family on holidays, or eating dinner with my parents. They're happy times because these people love me and make me smile. These are people I know I can count on, trust, and share secrets with.
Loneliness is one of the worst feelings in the world. So if you don't have someone who loves you, who makes you smile...then be that person to someone around you who is lonely. I guarantee you, you will make a fast friend. I'm not trying to offer 'Lessons On Life by Lindsay' or anything, but I am excited to share about something that could help with your happiness! You all know how much I LOVE CHOCOLATE. Creme-filled. Fruit-filled. Nougat-filled. Peanutbutter-filled. Cakes, cookies, brownies, pies...but being around people who love you, well, that's even better than chocolate.
I've always heard that money doesn't make a person happy. But, I always thought that was just something parents told their children so they wouldn't be disappointed if they weren't rich one day. 'Ah, you don't wanna be rich like them. Money doesn't make you happy anyways.' Riiiight. But, I honestly now believe it. And not just because I don't have much money. Or I think that's why anyways. :) All you gotta do is just take a look at the lives of many celebrities...chaos. Or all those people who win the lottery...divorce, family feuds, murder! Now don't get me wrong, money can help solve many problems and make life easier, but it alone doesn't make people happy.
And you and I both know those people who are 'married to' their jobs. Workin 100 hours a week to be the best, or to get rich (come on folks, did you not read the above paragraph?!), and to move up the corporate power ladder. It's actually kinda sad the way work can consume one's life and become one's all in all. I was headed in that direction myself and know that it doesn't make one happy.
So what is it? What's the key to happiness? Obviously, if you've read my blog before you know I'm going to say that salvation, and thus knowing that God has already won the battles we face, is the only way to true joy. That even in the darkest of times, where it seems there's no hope, that you can know that there IS hope, indeed. And that can lend happiness to the bleakest of days.
But, I've also discovered something else this year. Being surrounded by those who you love and who love you back is important to happiness. We were put on this earth to fellowship. With God ultimately. And with those around us.
I think we are the happiest when we are with people who are like-minded. I even read (msn.com) that spending quality time with people you love can strengthen your immune system! I don't doubt it for a second. who has time to be sick when you can't stop laughing and smiling?
My happiest times are easy to create. Hanging out at a friend's house just talking with my best girl friends, road trips with Robyn, laughing with my sister, visiting family on holidays, or eating dinner with my parents. They're happy times because these people love me and make me smile. These are people I know I can count on, trust, and share secrets with.
Loneliness is one of the worst feelings in the world. So if you don't have someone who loves you, who makes you smile...then be that person to someone around you who is lonely. I guarantee you, you will make a fast friend. I'm not trying to offer 'Lessons On Life by Lindsay' or anything, but I am excited to share about something that could help with your happiness! You all know how much I LOVE CHOCOLATE. Creme-filled. Fruit-filled. Nougat-filled. Peanutbutter-filled. Cakes, cookies, brownies, pies...but being around people who love you, well, that's even better than chocolate.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
when the WAITING is the hardest...
Does your mood ever echo the weather? Like yesterday when it was B-E-A-UTIFUL outside, it was easy to feel weightless and carefree. Ready to laugh and have fun. Then today...ick. Gray skies. Brown grass. Trees with no leaves. Colllddd. It's easy to want to mope and be lazy. Weather really does affect how we feel a lot.
It's the same way when everything seems to be going wrong in your life. It can feel like gray skies all the time. Many of you know I was laid off from my job as a news reporter. So, at the age of 25 (it really does feel old!) I had to move home with my parents. Away from most of my friends and all the 'action.' I've sort-of been having a 'career-crisis,' as I'm not sure where God would have me go next.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a job pretty much constantly since then, but as far as a 'career,' I'm still trying to decide what to do. It has been really hard. There are so many things I've never considered before, and lots of jobs that I think I could do well and enjoy. How to choose which direction to take your life in, when there are so many that could be right?
By praying. Tilling the soil (aka doing the work: applying for jobs, trying new things) and trying the doors God opens. Sounds so simple. Unless there are no open doors. You've heard it said,'the waiting is the hardest part.'
Geesh! It's true. In a society where we all want it NOW, or where you're only as good as the job you hold...it's hard to slow down and take a look around. It's tough to say no to the quick and easy, while waiting on the best.
A couple of years ago, before I got my job at WPDE, NewsChannel 15 I was offered a good job at a bank. I had no other job offers at the time. Everything in the world said I should've taken the job. But, as soon as the man offered it to me, I had a feeling (Holy Spirit) that it wasn't right for me. That was it, a feeling.
BUT, I had been praying about it a lot. That 'feeling' was my answer. I knew God's will was for me to be a reporter. More waiting. Trusting. Hoping. I felt like an idiot when I told my Dad I turned the job down. I knew people thought I was crazy. But I KNEW God had something else for me.
Not too long afterwards, I sent my tape in to NewsChannel 15. The rest is history. If I had taken that job at the bank, I probably wouldn't have even applied at the TV station. And I would've gone to work every day knowing I wasn't in God's will.
At almost the very second my boss told me they couldn't afford to pay me anymore, I knew I was supposed to come home. It wasn't easy going from working a great job, being totally independent to coming home with nothing. It's still not fun to tell people I live at home right now.
It's easy to get discouraged about my future and see only gray skies ahead. But, since I've been here I've had several confirmations that this is where I'm supposed to be right now. This 'waiting' has been longer and harder than the last one, but God was faithful then and He never changes.
Some verses that help me:
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a futre.'
Romans 8:28
'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, for those who have been called according to His purpose.'
Deuteronomy 4:31
'For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.'
2 Timothy 2:13
'if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.'
It's the same way when everything seems to be going wrong in your life. It can feel like gray skies all the time. Many of you know I was laid off from my job as a news reporter. So, at the age of 25 (it really does feel old!) I had to move home with my parents. Away from most of my friends and all the 'action.' I've sort-of been having a 'career-crisis,' as I'm not sure where God would have me go next.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a job pretty much constantly since then, but as far as a 'career,' I'm still trying to decide what to do. It has been really hard. There are so many things I've never considered before, and lots of jobs that I think I could do well and enjoy. How to choose which direction to take your life in, when there are so many that could be right?
By praying. Tilling the soil (aka doing the work: applying for jobs, trying new things) and trying the doors God opens. Sounds so simple. Unless there are no open doors. You've heard it said,'the waiting is the hardest part.'
Geesh! It's true. In a society where we all want it NOW, or where you're only as good as the job you hold...it's hard to slow down and take a look around. It's tough to say no to the quick and easy, while waiting on the best.
A couple of years ago, before I got my job at WPDE, NewsChannel 15 I was offered a good job at a bank. I had no other job offers at the time. Everything in the world said I should've taken the job. But, as soon as the man offered it to me, I had a feeling (Holy Spirit) that it wasn't right for me. That was it, a feeling.
BUT, I had been praying about it a lot. That 'feeling' was my answer. I knew God's will was for me to be a reporter. More waiting. Trusting. Hoping. I felt like an idiot when I told my Dad I turned the job down. I knew people thought I was crazy. But I KNEW God had something else for me.
Not too long afterwards, I sent my tape in to NewsChannel 15. The rest is history. If I had taken that job at the bank, I probably wouldn't have even applied at the TV station. And I would've gone to work every day knowing I wasn't in God's will.
At almost the very second my boss told me they couldn't afford to pay me anymore, I knew I was supposed to come home. It wasn't easy going from working a great job, being totally independent to coming home with nothing. It's still not fun to tell people I live at home right now.
It's easy to get discouraged about my future and see only gray skies ahead. But, since I've been here I've had several confirmations that this is where I'm supposed to be right now. This 'waiting' has been longer and harder than the last one, but God was faithful then and He never changes.
Some verses that help me:
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a futre.'
Romans 8:28
'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, for those who have been called according to His purpose.'
Deuteronomy 4:31
'For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.'
2 Timothy 2:13
'if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.'
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
God loves sinners!
It's true. We tend to have the mindset that God loves us more when we are more righteous, when we don't make mistakes, and always walk in His will. Especially in the South, legalism and 'religion' can play a big part in our beliefs. We surely please God more when we walk in His will and the benefits to our lives are much greater,but we can't earn our way into Heaven by not sinning. God knew us before we were born and decided He loved us enough to let His son, Jesus, die a horrible death for us. We've heard about it and read it so many times that it's easy to be like, 'yeah, yeah, I know, He was crucified for my sins,' and go on with our lives.
But think about it from our 'modern' perspective. So let's say your boyfriend cheated on you with your best friend. Ouch. And she told everyone bad things about you and turned people against you. Then she was held at gunpoint and the only way to save her was if you took her place. Would you do it?
We are like that girl. We tell God we are His, then we cheat on Him and break His heart constantly. We ignore Him or put Him on our 'to do' list after Wal-Mart. Yet every single time we repent (ask for forgiveness and truly mean to flee from that sin) He takes us back and washes us clean with His son's blood.
At NewSpring's Christmas Eve service, Pastor Perry Noble reminded me of the story of the prodigal son. This kid had everything. A loving family, a big house, servants, tons of food, a job. But he didn't like his job. His family was getting on his nerves. We've all been there before. So Mr. Prodigal asks His father for his inheritance (before his Dad has even passed away! selfish much?), takes his money and goes to Europe to party. Surprise, surprise, he squanders it all. Then the economy in his new hometown takes a dive. The Bible says the former rich kid was so poor he had to get a job as a servant feeding pigs, when before he had servants who had servants to do that!
Why did he do all of this? Because his focus was on the wrong thing. He never realized what was important, what he had. I know I can identify with being stubborn and prideful and selfish. It took Mr. Prodigal reaching the very bottom before he realized it.
In Luke 15: 17 - 20 the Bible says, "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father." Mr. Prodigal wasn't just sorry he ran out of money, he understood how he needed to change and how he had broken his father's heart.
So Mr. Prodigal starts his long trek home. When I was younger I was mad that his Dad didn't punish him more. It wasn't fair that the other son had to stay at home and work while Mr. Prodigal got to party and have all that time to realize he needed to go home. And he was welcomed back just like that with open arms.
But now I realize that this is a picture of God's heart for us. Back in the old days when this story would've happened, what Mr. Prodigal did to his family was punishable by death. So his journey back to his family was a dangerous one for him, and anyone who welcomed him back. Not only did his father welcome him back, he ran to meet him where he was!!!
Coming back home required Mr. Prodigal to realize his wrongs, truly change his ways (he left the country!), give up his selfish living, and ask his father to forgive him. God wants to forgive us, to welcome us back with open arms, no matter how far we've strayed, what we've done, or how long we've been gone. Just like Mr. Prodigal was separated by countries,sin separates us from God. But, He knew what we would do before we were born. He still chose to love us and create each of us. Because you see, God has a heart for sinners. He's willing to meet us where we are, but he loves us too much to let us stay in that sin.
But think about it from our 'modern' perspective. So let's say your boyfriend cheated on you with your best friend. Ouch. And she told everyone bad things about you and turned people against you. Then she was held at gunpoint and the only way to save her was if you took her place. Would you do it?
We are like that girl. We tell God we are His, then we cheat on Him and break His heart constantly. We ignore Him or put Him on our 'to do' list after Wal-Mart. Yet every single time we repent (ask for forgiveness and truly mean to flee from that sin) He takes us back and washes us clean with His son's blood.
At NewSpring's Christmas Eve service, Pastor Perry Noble reminded me of the story of the prodigal son. This kid had everything. A loving family, a big house, servants, tons of food, a job. But he didn't like his job. His family was getting on his nerves. We've all been there before. So Mr. Prodigal asks His father for his inheritance (before his Dad has even passed away! selfish much?), takes his money and goes to Europe to party. Surprise, surprise, he squanders it all. Then the economy in his new hometown takes a dive. The Bible says the former rich kid was so poor he had to get a job as a servant feeding pigs, when before he had servants who had servants to do that!
Why did he do all of this? Because his focus was on the wrong thing. He never realized what was important, what he had. I know I can identify with being stubborn and prideful and selfish. It took Mr. Prodigal reaching the very bottom before he realized it.
In Luke 15: 17 - 20 the Bible says, "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father." Mr. Prodigal wasn't just sorry he ran out of money, he understood how he needed to change and how he had broken his father's heart.
So Mr. Prodigal starts his long trek home. When I was younger I was mad that his Dad didn't punish him more. It wasn't fair that the other son had to stay at home and work while Mr. Prodigal got to party and have all that time to realize he needed to go home. And he was welcomed back just like that with open arms.
But now I realize that this is a picture of God's heart for us. Back in the old days when this story would've happened, what Mr. Prodigal did to his family was punishable by death. So his journey back to his family was a dangerous one for him, and anyone who welcomed him back. Not only did his father welcome him back, he ran to meet him where he was!!!
Coming back home required Mr. Prodigal to realize his wrongs, truly change his ways (he left the country!), give up his selfish living, and ask his father to forgive him. God wants to forgive us, to welcome us back with open arms, no matter how far we've strayed, what we've done, or how long we've been gone. Just like Mr. Prodigal was separated by countries,sin separates us from God. But, He knew what we would do before we were born. He still chose to love us and create each of us. Because you see, God has a heart for sinners. He's willing to meet us where we are, but he loves us too much to let us stay in that sin.
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