What exactly is a Christian? I have been asking myself this question over the last several weeks. My intent is not to open a can of worms here simply because this topic could go on forever. But I will simply define it as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary:
A Christian is:
A: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ
B: (1) disciple (2) a member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples of Christ in 1906 (3) a member of the Christian denomination having part in the union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 1961
I can’t help but think that if you truly believe something your actions are going to show this. After all, why would you do something that you do not believe in and why would you believe in something if you do not show it? It has been discouraging to me that I have come across several “Christians” that have claimed to be believers, but were not ‘practicing’ or did not want to live their life according to some ‘words on paper’ (this would be referring to the Bible). I guess I get so worked up about this because I’m going on a full year of my crazy journey with God and I just don’t want others to miss out on what I did. Although I had been a Christian and professed my belief nearly 23 years ago, it was not until recently that I actually believed what I believed and acted on it. Did you get that? I believe what I say I believe in. My fear is this: “Christians” are going to continue to settle for less than what we deserve and we will not experience the power of His Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Yes, I said daily lives. For many years, I did not realize that He could work out the smallest of details every single day in my life if I would just let Him and expect Him to do it. Wait. I digress. I’m going in the direction of getting on a soap box, so let me step down and get back on track.
So if being a Christian is defined as the belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ, my question is this: What do you do with that belief? It is my personal experience that you take action in what you believe. Look at all of the other religions that are out there. You have people that are so devoted to their beliefs that they would die for what they believe in. Yes, we do have Christians that are in lands being persecuted and in harm’s way and even make the ultimate sacrifice of death. But think about it. Would you take that step of faith and profess your belief if you knew that you were for sure going to die? My point is proven. So here’s what I propose we do to fix it. Those that claim to be Christians need to step up to the plate and start showing they believe what they claim they believe. I’m so passionate about this subject right now I feel myself making my way to that soap box again so I’m going to conclude my thoughts now.
What are we (Christians) doing to show others that we have a passion so deep for what we believe we cannot even begin to explain it? I’m not preaching to the choir here. I’m speaking to myself. I have this deep, deep longing and desire to start taking action. I have been able to enjoy and experience His many blessings the last 11 months that I have decided it is time for me to start taking action in what I believe and have experienced. I’m not saying I know what that action is yet, but I know it is going to be more than the expected Christian response of “I’ll pray for you.” I want to take the prayer farther and take it into action so I’ll let ya know what happens.
Finally, I’ll leave you with this: “Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet”
February 10, 2011
January 26, 2011
Greater Expectations
" Nobody succeeds beyond his or her wildest expectations unless he or she begins with wild expectations”
Once again, it’s been too long since I’ve been on here so let’s jump right in!
Ready or not the New Year is here and I’m sayin’ Bring It On 2011!!! I am so excited and ready for this New Year and new adventure I’ve been traveling on to continue. Don’t think I’m getting ready to share some amazing New Year’s resolution with you that I’ve come up with. That is far from the agenda; however, I do want to share some thought’s I’ve been pondering about expectations. How many times have you been told to not get your hopes up or not to expect too much only so you won't be let down? I can’t help but wonder why we should focus on such things of disappointment. I guess it’s one of those many lies you are feed from society that you eventually have to break down and let the truth be revealed to you. And the truth of the matter is that I have definitely got my hopes up to have an amazingly New Year this year and my expectations of what will happen are greater than ever!! Why am I so enthusiastic about the matter? I guess it’s simply because I know my God has something up His sleeve that He is going to share with me and my expectations for Him are beyond measure. You see- I think He wants us to expect great things from Him simply so He can do greater things. I’ll get back with ya on if my expectations were too high, but I have a feeling they’re right on track!!
Once again, it’s been too long since I’ve been on here so let’s jump right in!
Ready or not the New Year is here and I’m sayin’ Bring It On 2011!!! I am so excited and ready for this New Year and new adventure I’ve been traveling on to continue. Don’t think I’m getting ready to share some amazing New Year’s resolution with you that I’ve come up with. That is far from the agenda; however, I do want to share some thought’s I’ve been pondering about expectations. How many times have you been told to not get your hopes up or not to expect too much only so you won't be let down? I can’t help but wonder why we should focus on such things of disappointment. I guess it’s one of those many lies you are feed from society that you eventually have to break down and let the truth be revealed to you. And the truth of the matter is that I have definitely got my hopes up to have an amazingly New Year this year and my expectations of what will happen are greater than ever!! Why am I so enthusiastic about the matter? I guess it’s simply because I know my God has something up His sleeve that He is going to share with me and my expectations for Him are beyond measure. You see- I think He wants us to expect great things from Him simply so He can do greater things. I’ll get back with ya on if my expectations were too high, but I have a feeling they’re right on track!!
December 12, 2010
He Provides for Us
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Many months ago I mentioned to you that I would post on the way He has provided for me specifically over the last 10 – 12 months. I’m not exactly sure why, but this has been one of the hardest things to write about thus far. Is that bad? I’m going to argue that it’s not necessarily a bad thing…. It confirms to be that I have finally come to the point to where I am amazed and completely and totally awe struck by His Grace. And I’m going to conclude that is a good thing. I’ll leave you with the idea of Grace and let you ponder and sort through the idea on your own. For now, I’ll give you this link and let you listen to the song that has been singing in my heart: “Amazed” by the Desperation Band. It’s simple, but sums up my hearts song very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQAPMRpNoe8&feature=related
Many months ago I mentioned to you that I would post on the way He has provided for me specifically over the last 10 – 12 months. I’m not exactly sure why, but this has been one of the hardest things to write about thus far. Is that bad? I’m going to argue that it’s not necessarily a bad thing…. It confirms to be that I have finally come to the point to where I am amazed and completely and totally awe struck by His Grace. And I’m going to conclude that is a good thing. I’ll leave you with the idea of Grace and let you ponder and sort through the idea on your own. For now, I’ll give you this link and let you listen to the song that has been singing in my heart: “Amazed” by the Desperation Band. It’s simple, but sums up my hearts song very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQAPMRpNoe8&feature=related
November 14, 2010
Running on Fumes
How many of you actually find pleasure in stopping to fill your automobile’s tank with gas? I’m not sure I know anyone that really gets excited or joyful about this activity, but it is absolutely necessary if we want to continue moving forward in our automobile. Some of you are wondering where in the heck I’m going with this, but please bare with me; I promise I have a legitimate point here. It’s just gonna take a minute to get there so hang tight with me.
I’m typically not one that likes to see how far I can push or stretch things. I guess you could say I prefer to be prepared for the things of life. So, naturally it is a rare occurrence that I would let my gas gage go below a ¼ of a tank. However… the other day I found myself in a pretty dangerous position. I had allowed myself to get to the point to where I was literally running on fumes. My gas light had come on while I was on my way to work, but I pushed away the inconvenience of stopping on a cold morning to fill up my tank. I told myself that I would just stop on my way home. All the while I was just hoping I would be able to make it to work. During this time, I turned off the radio and heat in an effort to stretch the energy (and to be honest I was not sure if this was even going to work or not).
For the 8 hours while I was at work, I was able to completely forget about the bad situation I had put myself in. That is; until it was time to head home and I was back in the dreaded position of hoping I made it to the gas station in time. And of course, I got stuck in the 5:00 traffic (with the radio off again in an attempt to ‘save energy’). The gas station was in sight; it was just a matter of getting there. You’ll be happy to know that indeed I made it and got a good complete fill up of the stuff that makes my car go.
By now, you are probably wondering what the significance of this story is. Well, you are about to find out. I find it humorous how God can use something as simple as almost running out of gas to teach me a simple lesson. After I had filled up my car and was able to breathe a sigh of relief I couldn’t help but relate the situation to my spiritual ‘fill ups’ per say. I love it how he uses the simple day to day life happenings to teach us more about ourselves and Him. He is so good at that!
Here’s my though process in it all… Our cars need gas to run. Most of us don’t particularly enjoy stopping to fill our cars with gas, but we do it because it is absolutely necessary. And not only that, but it is necessary on a consistent basis. When I think about my spiritual life and what keeps me going, I wonder why I get low on fumes and have a hard time running sometimes. Light bulb moment!! Perhaps it is because I am not stopping to fill up my spiritual tank with the gas that it needs. My excuses tend to be I’m too tired, I can find something better to do with my time, blah, blah, blah. But eventually, I’m going to run out of steam and at some point will realize I need to STOP and fill up my tank again. Perhaps it would work out better if I filled that tank up on a regular basis just like I fill up my car tank.
I’m typically not one that likes to see how far I can push or stretch things. I guess you could say I prefer to be prepared for the things of life. So, naturally it is a rare occurrence that I would let my gas gage go below a ¼ of a tank. However… the other day I found myself in a pretty dangerous position. I had allowed myself to get to the point to where I was literally running on fumes. My gas light had come on while I was on my way to work, but I pushed away the inconvenience of stopping on a cold morning to fill up my tank. I told myself that I would just stop on my way home. All the while I was just hoping I would be able to make it to work. During this time, I turned off the radio and heat in an effort to stretch the energy (and to be honest I was not sure if this was even going to work or not).
For the 8 hours while I was at work, I was able to completely forget about the bad situation I had put myself in. That is; until it was time to head home and I was back in the dreaded position of hoping I made it to the gas station in time. And of course, I got stuck in the 5:00 traffic (with the radio off again in an attempt to ‘save energy’). The gas station was in sight; it was just a matter of getting there. You’ll be happy to know that indeed I made it and got a good complete fill up of the stuff that makes my car go.
By now, you are probably wondering what the significance of this story is. Well, you are about to find out. I find it humorous how God can use something as simple as almost running out of gas to teach me a simple lesson. After I had filled up my car and was able to breathe a sigh of relief I couldn’t help but relate the situation to my spiritual ‘fill ups’ per say. I love it how he uses the simple day to day life happenings to teach us more about ourselves and Him. He is so good at that!
Here’s my though process in it all… Our cars need gas to run. Most of us don’t particularly enjoy stopping to fill our cars with gas, but we do it because it is absolutely necessary. And not only that, but it is necessary on a consistent basis. When I think about my spiritual life and what keeps me going, I wonder why I get low on fumes and have a hard time running sometimes. Light bulb moment!! Perhaps it is because I am not stopping to fill up my spiritual tank with the gas that it needs. My excuses tend to be I’m too tired, I can find something better to do with my time, blah, blah, blah. But eventually, I’m going to run out of steam and at some point will realize I need to STOP and fill up my tank again. Perhaps it would work out better if I filled that tank up on a regular basis just like I fill up my car tank.
October 16, 2010
Paraprosdokian Sentences....
Geeeeeez.... It's been over a month since I've been on here??? I'm getting ready to post the long awaited post about how I've been receiving much provision but untill then sit tight with this one:
So I got this forwarded email the other day. Most of you probably think I'm getting ready to make a complaint, but quite the contrary is true. I'm one of the wierd-o's that doesn't mind all your crazy fowards. Soooo... bring em on! They often provide me with a laugh that is much needed and that is exactly what this one did. Check it out and if you can get to the bottom, I'll bet you got a few smirks on your face too. Take time to think about a few of them too. Here it is:
Paraprosdokian sentences
A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a
sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the
reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is
frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect. If you Google
paraprosdokian you will probably find (as I did) a Wikipedia page with
some famous examples. Perhaps some of the most well known attributed to
Groucho Marx; “I've had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't
it." Here are a few others.
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way; so I
stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with an idiot, he will drag you down to his level and beat
you with experience.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in
a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a
fruit salad.
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening,' and then proceed
to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is
research.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train
stops. My desk is a work station.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a
whole box to start a campfire
I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted paychecks.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If
an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR."
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars,
but check when you say the paint is wet?
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street
with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and
50 for Miss America?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a
successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to
skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that
you will look forward to the trip
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you
wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
Some cause happiness wherever they go….others whenever they go.
I used to be indecisive; now I'm not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt... plus a slice of lemon... and
a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department
usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit
the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as
when you are in it.
If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people
have more than one child?
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
So I got this forwarded email the other day. Most of you probably think I'm getting ready to make a complaint, but quite the contrary is true. I'm one of the wierd-o's that doesn't mind all your crazy fowards. Soooo... bring em on! They often provide me with a laugh that is much needed and that is exactly what this one did. Check it out and if you can get to the bottom, I'll bet you got a few smirks on your face too. Take time to think about a few of them too. Here it is:
Paraprosdokian sentences
A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a
sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the
reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is
frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect. If you Google
paraprosdokian you will probably find (as I did) a Wikipedia page with
some famous examples. Perhaps some of the most well known attributed to
Groucho Marx; “I've had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't
it." Here are a few others.
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way; so I
stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with an idiot, he will drag you down to his level and beat
you with experience.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in
a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a
fruit salad.
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening,' and then proceed
to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is
research.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train
stops. My desk is a work station.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a
whole box to start a campfire
I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted paychecks.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If
an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR."
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars,
but check when you say the paint is wet?
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street
with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and
50 for Miss America?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a
successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to
skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that
you will look forward to the trip
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you
wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
Some cause happiness wherever they go….others whenever they go.
I used to be indecisive; now I'm not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt... plus a slice of lemon... and
a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department
usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit
the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as
when you are in it.
If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people
have more than one child?
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
September 12, 2010
The Irony of It All
So, I sit here and reflect on everything that God has provided for me, specifically in the last six months, and am dumbfounded on just one of my many epiphanies as I like to call it when the light bulb comes on in the room upstairs. Hold on for this one; it may just very well blow your socks off. Here it is: The more 'history' I have with Him- that is the more I see that He really does what He says He will do, the more I love Him and want to seek His will and honor and glorify His great name! Not rocket science; I know. You build that trust with someone the more they give you the opportunity to put your trust in them and you see they won't let you down. And how is that ironic you may ask yourself. Well, you see; the irony of it all comes when the other epiphany hits and I realize that HE does not have to have a 'history' with me to have the desire to give me what is His best. He wants to give it to me and does it out of His grace even when His 'history' with me is not 100%. If He did it because He had a history with me and I was as faithful to Him as He is to me, I would never experience His many and wonderful provisions He so graciously gives. As the chorus in Kari Jobe's song, You Are For Me, states:
"Lord, I know that You are for me; I know that You are for me.
I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness.
I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness.
I know that You have come now, even if to write upon my heart.
To remind me of who You are."
I find myself clinging to the part where it says that He will never forsake me in my weakness. I know I'm gonna screw things up again, and I will for sure go through another drought and drift from His stream of living water. BUT, He says he will for sure be there with me holding me up through that weakness I have.
I'm still working on putting the post together about how God has and is providing so stay tuned, but I wanted to share my epiphany real quick with ya.
Be back soon
September 5, 2010
He is Listening
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him,
that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
I John 5:14-15
My aunt reminded me today that we are just 3 ½ months away from Christmas! Yes, Christmas I said! As we draw near to the end of yet another year, I can’t help but reflect over the last 9 months and be awestruck by my awesome God’s faithfulness. I don’t think that I have ever had a year that had so many bad and good things that happened all at once and the year is not even over yet. Indeed, all things work together for good!!
I mentioned in an earlier post that I’d post in bits and pieces what all He was doing and once again, I have let more time pass than I would have preferred. But I’m gonna try and get a big picture recap in here as best I can. Here goes.
For those of you that want a quick bird’s eye view… Here’s how it all went down:
January- I left the corporate world and reduced my salary greatly.
February- I started my dream job of Nanning for a family.
March- I called off my wedding set for June.
June- I went on an amazing family vacation with the ENTIRE family.
July- I ended my dream job and entered back into the corporate world times two.
August- I was informed that my mom has been diagnosed with a liver disease with an unknown prognosis
And now for those of you that would like the details…
In January I left a pretty stable job (considering the state of the economy) in an effort to pursue the non-corporate lifestyle and begin my dream job of Nanning for a family. Well, maybe not dream job… because the dream would be for it to be my family, but it got me as close to that as I could get at the time. Just months later, I made the decision (or better stated it was revealed to me that it would be best ) to cancel my wedding that was set to take place in June. Call me crazy; and yes to outsiders it would seem to be not the smartest decision in the world considering I had just reduced my salary drastically with the career change and had no guarantee of re-entering the corporate world anytime soon. On March 5, however, I had an encounter with God like I had never experienced before. Did you know that all you have to do is ask and He will answer??? Let me say that again to make sure you got what I’m saying. ALL you have to do if you are a child of God is ASK your Father for what you need and He will GLADLY provide!! In my 23 years of being a believer, I was the Dumb A that had the resources and did not use them as they were intended. That is… until I was at a desperation that I had never experienced before. On that night, I had a conversation with God that I had never had before. We conversed for hours and as usual I would fight against what I knew was His truth. It was in this extreme desperation that I begged and pleaded Him to reveal the truth and if He did just that, I promised Him I would do whatever He wanted me to do.
During this time and for many months to come and even still to this day I ask Him to never let me be stupid enough to let Him leave my side again. Just a couple days later, the decision was made final and we proceeded with canceling the wedding contracts and lost many, many thousands of dollars. Naturally, some days were better than others and I would have to bring myself back to that night when I had my encounter with Him and would again ask Him to be my provider.
What?!?! Provide??? Who am I to think that He will not provide now when He has always provided before and even provided when I have not asked Him to??? Stay tuned to see how He has been providing in more ways than one the last several months.
that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
I John 5:14-15
My aunt reminded me today that we are just 3 ½ months away from Christmas! Yes, Christmas I said! As we draw near to the end of yet another year, I can’t help but reflect over the last 9 months and be awestruck by my awesome God’s faithfulness. I don’t think that I have ever had a year that had so many bad and good things that happened all at once and the year is not even over yet. Indeed, all things work together for good!!
I mentioned in an earlier post that I’d post in bits and pieces what all He was doing and once again, I have let more time pass than I would have preferred. But I’m gonna try and get a big picture recap in here as best I can. Here goes.
For those of you that want a quick bird’s eye view… Here’s how it all went down:
January- I left the corporate world and reduced my salary greatly.
February- I started my dream job of Nanning for a family.
March- I called off my wedding set for June.
June- I went on an amazing family vacation with the ENTIRE family.
July- I ended my dream job and entered back into the corporate world times two.
August- I was informed that my mom has been diagnosed with a liver disease with an unknown prognosis
And now for those of you that would like the details…
In January I left a pretty stable job (considering the state of the economy) in an effort to pursue the non-corporate lifestyle and begin my dream job of Nanning for a family. Well, maybe not dream job… because the dream would be for it to be my family, but it got me as close to that as I could get at the time. Just months later, I made the decision (or better stated it was revealed to me that it would be best ) to cancel my wedding that was set to take place in June. Call me crazy; and yes to outsiders it would seem to be not the smartest decision in the world considering I had just reduced my salary drastically with the career change and had no guarantee of re-entering the corporate world anytime soon. On March 5, however, I had an encounter with God like I had never experienced before. Did you know that all you have to do is ask and He will answer??? Let me say that again to make sure you got what I’m saying. ALL you have to do if you are a child of God is ASK your Father for what you need and He will GLADLY provide!! In my 23 years of being a believer, I was the Dumb A that had the resources and did not use them as they were intended. That is… until I was at a desperation that I had never experienced before. On that night, I had a conversation with God that I had never had before. We conversed for hours and as usual I would fight against what I knew was His truth. It was in this extreme desperation that I begged and pleaded Him to reveal the truth and if He did just that, I promised Him I would do whatever He wanted me to do.
During this time and for many months to come and even still to this day I ask Him to never let me be stupid enough to let Him leave my side again. Just a couple days later, the decision was made final and we proceeded with canceling the wedding contracts and lost many, many thousands of dollars. Naturally, some days were better than others and I would have to bring myself back to that night when I had my encounter with Him and would again ask Him to be my provider.
What?!?! Provide??? Who am I to think that He will not provide now when He has always provided before and even provided when I have not asked Him to??? Stay tuned to see how He has been providing in more ways than one the last several months.
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