This week has been a busy one! Tuesday - Thursday I was at the Territorial Social Services Conference. There I attended different workshops like "Immigration 101," "Cultural Competency," "Working with Challenging Children," and "Recovery Models in Behavioural Health." I really enjoyed my time there and learned a great deal.
Friday-Sunday (Today) were spent involving my beautiful cousin Sarah (now) Dawson's wedding. Friday was the rehearsal, Saturday the wedding, Sunday the traveling.
All in all it was a wonderful week. I had the privilege of officiating for Sarah's wedding. She looked so beautiful. :)
However, there was one downer. I saw a side of myself come out that I haven't seen in quite some time. I don't know why my nerves were so high, but I could not get them under control this weekend. The result was a short fuse, a temper, and unkindness shown especially to my siblings and mother. How very embarrassing. As we rode in the car to and from Clinton I kept thinking to myself, "Aubrey Ann, what in the world were you doing?!". Pieces of me were shown that I don't want to even exist within myself: an immaturity, pride, a flippant attitude...the list goes on. The worst was that my family had to witness such gross behaviour.
God, please forgive me for behaviours, thoughts, and actions that did not glorify You. Forgive me for the way I treated my family. And God, make me new again. You are faithful and just. I trust in You.
"God of Elijah, hear our spirits cry; to make us fit for You to live or die, to burn up every trace of sin, to let the light and glory in. Lord, let the glorious revolution now begin. Send the fire! Send the fire, O Lord, to magnify Your name, to never be the same. We need Your holy flame; send the fire!" - trans:Missions adaptation of "Send the Fire"
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Random
Oh my, I haven't posted in a bit!
Here are some entirely random thoughts/schedule bits:
1 week until Territorial Social Services Conferences.
10 days until my beautiful cousin, Sarah, gets married.
2 weeks until Divisional Business Seminar.
20 days until SACEP (+ I get to see the best friend - Chrissy).
My mind has been swimming with the events of the news in the recent hours, days, and weeks. I do not know how to process them all. I can become lost in my thoughts if I am not careful.
Yet Lord, through all of the days, may my heart focus Heavenward. May I not allow myself to be swept up in the sensationalism of this world. May I always remember who I am and Whose I am.
William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, once wrote the following:
"For Thy sake I once more separate myself from the world, from its amusements, from its friendships, from its fashions, from its sins-and here and now in the presence of my General and of my comrades I promise that , as a Salvation Army officer, I will follow Thee with all my heart."
"Search me and know my heart, O God. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the road everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
Here are some entirely random thoughts/schedule bits:
1 week until Territorial Social Services Conferences.
10 days until my beautiful cousin, Sarah, gets married.
2 weeks until Divisional Business Seminar.
20 days until SACEP (+ I get to see the best friend - Chrissy).
My mind has been swimming with the events of the news in the recent hours, days, and weeks. I do not know how to process them all. I can become lost in my thoughts if I am not careful.
Yet Lord, through all of the days, may my heart focus Heavenward. May I not allow myself to be swept up in the sensationalism of this world. May I always remember who I am and Whose I am.
William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, once wrote the following:
"For Thy sake I once more separate myself from the world, from its amusements, from its friendships, from its fashions, from its sins-and here and now in the presence of my General and of my comrades I promise that , as a Salvation Army officer, I will follow Thee with all my heart."
"Search me and know my heart, O God. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the road everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
Monday, April 18, 2011
Seasons of Love
Perhaps it's because it's currently wedding season, but I can't get the following thought out of my head...
I love watching young and old couples alike holding hands in the grocery store, opening the door for one another, referring to each other as "My Beautiful Bride" or "My Love." I enjoy seeing newlyweds that can't sit farther than a few inches apart at church. I love hearing "how we met" stories at the nursing homes. I find beauty in hearing that my best friend misses her husband when he's been gone but a day.
I'm beginning to sound like a creeper, so let me cut to the point...
While I am not another person's bride (yet), I still have an identity as a bride. I am part of the Bride of Christ. I want to live each day craving to be close to the Bridegroom - Christ. I want to draw nearer to Him everyday. I want to cling to Him when my world shakes. I want to tell those with open ears how we met. And yes, I miss Him even now, though He is not gone. I look so very forward to the day when I can be with Him in His kingdom.
Remedy Drive has a song called "Daystar" (from their "Magnify" album). Here are a few lines from it:
Hasten the day You come take Your Bride away. Send your cherubim chariots to carry the conquering children home to the Promised Land. Bright and Morning Star paint the sky so far with the colors from a dawn of an eternal dawn that will chase shadows away that will set up light upon a throne in the center of it all. So hear me call: "Heaven open. Sprinkle stardust in my eyes from the day that's dawning. Hear me call. Rise the Daystar in my heart. My King is coming!"
I love it. :)
I love watching young and old couples alike holding hands in the grocery store, opening the door for one another, referring to each other as "My Beautiful Bride" or "My Love." I enjoy seeing newlyweds that can't sit farther than a few inches apart at church. I love hearing "how we met" stories at the nursing homes. I find beauty in hearing that my best friend misses her husband when he's been gone but a day.
I'm beginning to sound like a creeper, so let me cut to the point...
While I am not another person's bride (yet), I still have an identity as a bride. I am part of the Bride of Christ. I want to live each day craving to be close to the Bridegroom - Christ. I want to draw nearer to Him everyday. I want to cling to Him when my world shakes. I want to tell those with open ears how we met. And yes, I miss Him even now, though He is not gone. I look so very forward to the day when I can be with Him in His kingdom.
Remedy Drive has a song called "Daystar" (from their "Magnify" album). Here are a few lines from it:
Hasten the day You come take Your Bride away. Send your cherubim chariots to carry the conquering children home to the Promised Land. Bright and Morning Star paint the sky so far with the colors from a dawn of an eternal dawn that will chase shadows away that will set up light upon a throne in the center of it all. So hear me call: "Heaven open. Sprinkle stardust in my eyes from the day that's dawning. Hear me call. Rise the Daystar in my heart. My King is coming!"
I love it. :)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
There are days when I wish I could simply jump back in time a few hundred years. I'd love to live in a time where families lived close, evenings were spent together, education and manners were taught at home, and the church was the social hub of society. Obviously this wasn't the case "back in the day" all the time and there were many "cons" as well, but I'm sick of everything that is not from the last five seconds being considered out of date and unimportant.
Solomon said, "There's nothing new under the sun." SO true! Even with technology advancing every second of every minute of every hour of every day, the ideas behind them are the same. Social Media? Wanting to connect to one another! Aka...God's idea behind creating relational beings.
You want to know the real reason for this rant (GRR)?
Respect your elders. Don't regard every thing they say as stupid or out-of-touch with reality. Many of them have seen heights and depths of humanity you cannot imagine. And for Heaven's Sake....quit ignoring them!
Solomon said, "There's nothing new under the sun." SO true! Even with technology advancing every second of every minute of every hour of every day, the ideas behind them are the same. Social Media? Wanting to connect to one another! Aka...God's idea behind creating relational beings.
You want to know the real reason for this rant (GRR)?
Respect your elders. Don't regard every thing they say as stupid or out-of-touch with reality. Many of them have seen heights and depths of humanity you cannot imagine. And for Heaven's Sake....quit ignoring them!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Tis a gift..
One of the first songs I learned to play on piano was simple gifts. It has a sweet little melody and folk-y words. I never thought much of it before, but ironically while the words are simple, the message is deep:
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.
It was originally written by an elder Shaker. (They were an interesting group!)
Maybe it's just the small-town girl in me aching for a bit of familiarity and simplicity, but there are days I just can't wait for Heaven. No paperwork, no schedules that are filled beyond capacity, no attempts to do so much in order to "feel" likes something. Heaven is sure to be much simpler, for we will have but one focus - worshiping the King.
Yet, should that not be our one focus here? In all of our busyness and chaos, worship should be the one focus. Can I not worship God by living a holy life, by remember the mission He has called me to? Sometimes this involves being involved in complicated things, for life itself can be complicated. I suppose the question is what in life is made up of unnecessary complication and what in life am I trying to bury with all of those other things?
Enough rambling....just some random mid-afternoon thoughts to get out of my head. ;)
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.
It was originally written by an elder Shaker. (They were an interesting group!)
Maybe it's just the small-town girl in me aching for a bit of familiarity and simplicity, but there are days I just can't wait for Heaven. No paperwork, no schedules that are filled beyond capacity, no attempts to do so much in order to "feel" likes something. Heaven is sure to be much simpler, for we will have but one focus - worshiping the King.
Yet, should that not be our one focus here? In all of our busyness and chaos, worship should be the one focus. Can I not worship God by living a holy life, by remember the mission He has called me to? Sometimes this involves being involved in complicated things, for life itself can be complicated. I suppose the question is what in life is made up of unnecessary complication and what in life am I trying to bury with all of those other things?
Enough rambling....just some random mid-afternoon thoughts to get out of my head. ;)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Oh my.
Friends, I just need some space to process a few things. Here goes:
In the month of May I will only have 3 full days available to be in the office. Next month I will be on Emergency Disaster Services, going as a delegate to the territorial social services seminar, doing my cousin Sarah's wedding (yeah!), attending the divisional business seminar, and going to SACEP. Mind you, I am looking forward to all of these things, however, I feel quite guilty for not being in the office more. Additionally, in June, I will be attending the pre-Jamboree, Commissioning, and music camp. This takes me away from the corps three Sundays in a row. July brings the Jamboree and Pilgrimage (2 Sundays) and August brings SACEP, brief furlough, and returning my family to CFOT. October brings the Scandinavian Jubilee with the divisional youth band and Officers Councils. November begins kettles.
Oh. my.
Quite simply, I will not neglect the responsibilities I have assumed in the next months. However, I am painfully aware that when August comes I will have to do some serious pruning of activities I'm involved in. Army though they may be, they do not all have direct correlation to my corps. I want to be more available for my people. I do not want them to always assume that I am too busy for them.
Dear Lord,
Grant me wisdom. Show what to do (and not to do). Teach me how to be in Your presence. Teach me Sabbath - not laziness - but Sabbath.
Amen
"In the chaos, in confusion I know You're sovereign still. In the moment of my weakness You give me strength to do Your will. So when You call I won't refuse. Each new day again I'll choose. There is no one else for me. None but Jesus. Crucified to set me free. Now I live to bring Him praise." - Hillsong
In the month of May I will only have 3 full days available to be in the office. Next month I will be on Emergency Disaster Services, going as a delegate to the territorial social services seminar, doing my cousin Sarah's wedding (yeah!), attending the divisional business seminar, and going to SACEP. Mind you, I am looking forward to all of these things, however, I feel quite guilty for not being in the office more. Additionally, in June, I will be attending the pre-Jamboree, Commissioning, and music camp. This takes me away from the corps three Sundays in a row. July brings the Jamboree and Pilgrimage (2 Sundays) and August brings SACEP, brief furlough, and returning my family to CFOT. October brings the Scandinavian Jubilee with the divisional youth band and Officers Councils. November begins kettles.
Oh. my.
Quite simply, I will not neglect the responsibilities I have assumed in the next months. However, I am painfully aware that when August comes I will have to do some serious pruning of activities I'm involved in. Army though they may be, they do not all have direct correlation to my corps. I want to be more available for my people. I do not want them to always assume that I am too busy for them.
Dear Lord,
Grant me wisdom. Show what to do (and not to do). Teach me how to be in Your presence. Teach me Sabbath - not laziness - but Sabbath.
Amen
"In the chaos, in confusion I know You're sovereign still. In the moment of my weakness You give me strength to do Your will. So when You call I won't refuse. Each new day again I'll choose. There is no one else for me. None but Jesus. Crucified to set me free. Now I live to bring Him praise." - Hillsong
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Let's Start Again - Extreme Couponing
Hello, Friends!
At the end of this month I'll be doing a Women's Ministries program at the corps on couponing (how to get the things you need for the least money). Until then (and perhaps after) I'll be posting the biggest deals I've found as well as some tips for good couponing. On the page you'll also find a couponing widget from www.thegrocerygame.com. I recommend checking it out!
To start, here are some basic tips (that I recently posted on a friend's FB):
This website compares store circulars with coupons that have not yet expired so that you can get the best deal (sometimes FREE): couponmom.com
She also has links to printable coupons.
I've set up coupon binder to help with the organization a...nd finding of coupons faster. Here's a website with some help for that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3byETfcMXc
I have different categories than this woman does, my categories are:
laundry, cleaning products, toothpaste, toiletries, paper products, baby items, medicine, freezer, baking needs, grains, meat, canned, breakfast, dairy, snacks, condiments, restaurants.
You will DEFINITELY want to check out www.thegrocerygame.com
I still like the coupon binder though...
Probably the 2 most important things to know are:
1. GET THE SUNDAY PAPER!!! Start clipping away and SAVE - DON'T throw the coupons out the next week - keep until the expiration date.
2. Store coupons and manufacturer coupons can be combined at most places. For example, if Colgate total is on sale for $1.75 at Walgreens and you have $1/1 ($1 off of one) coupon from a manufacturer insert (Proctor & Gamble, Red Plum, Smart Source, etc.) and a $.75/1 coupon from Walgreens...you get the item FREE!!!
I'm still learning couponing too, but I'll let you know if I find any more helpful websites. :) I'm preparing a Women's Ministries program on it for the end of the month.
Oh yes, and if you see it coming on TV, watch the TLC special "Extreme Couponing." Good stuff...as long as it doesn't consume your world. Happy Couponing! :)
At the end of this month I'll be doing a Women's Ministries program at the corps on couponing (how to get the things you need for the least money). Until then (and perhaps after) I'll be posting the biggest deals I've found as well as some tips for good couponing. On the page you'll also find a couponing widget from www.thegrocerygame.com. I recommend checking it out!
To start, here are some basic tips (that I recently posted on a friend's FB):
This website compares store circulars with coupons that have not yet expired so that you can get the best deal (sometimes FREE): couponmom.com
She also has links to printable coupons.
I've set up coupon binder to help with the organization a...nd finding of coupons faster. Here's a website with some help for that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3byETfcMXc
I have different categories than this woman does, my categories are:
laundry, cleaning products, toothpaste, toiletries, paper products, baby items, medicine, freezer, baking needs, grains, meat, canned, breakfast, dairy, snacks, condiments, restaurants.
You will DEFINITELY want to check out www.thegrocerygame.com
I still like the coupon binder though...
Probably the 2 most important things to know are:
1. GET THE SUNDAY PAPER!!! Start clipping away and SAVE - DON'T throw the coupons out the next week - keep until the expiration date.
2. Store coupons and manufacturer coupons can be combined at most places. For example, if Colgate total is on sale for $1.75 at Walgreens and you have $1/1 ($1 off of one) coupon from a manufacturer insert (Proctor & Gamble, Red Plum, Smart Source, etc.) and a $.75/1 coupon from Walgreens...you get the item FREE!!!
I'm still learning couponing too, but I'll let you know if I find any more helpful websites. :) I'm preparing a Women's Ministries program on it for the end of the month.
Oh yes, and if you see it coming on TV, watch the TLC special "Extreme Couponing." Good stuff...as long as it doesn't consume your world. Happy Couponing! :)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, Thursday, oh so crazy!
Today has been insane. Office from 9-10:10ish. Diane trained me in on the front desk so that I would know what to do while she's on vacation next week. (I'm so happy for her...she needs a break!) 10:10 - I ran home to grab my uniform skirt and tunic (I wore pants today, forgetting about Fall Festival for Older Adult Ministries). 11:00-2:00 - Fall Festival 2:00-2:45 - Drop offs (great conversation with one of our ladies in the car). 2:30 - home which included cleaning, laundry, a load of dishes and making dinner - teriyaki steak. SO good! I'll be making that pretty often in the future. :) 5:00-6:00 - eating and doing Bible Study Fellowship Homework. They ran out of assignments last week, so I had to get mine off the internet. 6:00 - left for BSF. Just got home at 9:30. I try not to leave the office until after four, but today it would have been silly to go in for and hour and a half...it takes me a little while to focus. ;) So I checked Lotus at home and answered emails.
I had a banana and some unsweetened applesauce for breakfast.
I planned my lunch, but forgot about Fall Festival. There I ate baked chicken breast (with a little sauce), vegetables, and yukon gold potatoes ...probably shouldn't have dived into them...potatoes can be a downfall for me. ;) Admittedly, I ate two bites of cake, then stopped myself.
For dinner I had teriyaki steak, string cheese, and a glass of organic vanilla milk (Horizon or something like that - no artificial sweetener, all organic ingredients).
I'm finding that the most difficult part of this challenge is coming up with the time to make everything. I enjoy it when I am cooking, but simply haven't enough time to do as much as I wanted to. :(
I now need to vacuum my room as I left carpet sprinkles on the floor. (Smells good!)
Blessings to you, my friends!
FYI - I HATE box elder bugs. I do not understand God's purpose for them in this world.
I had a banana and some unsweetened applesauce for breakfast.
I planned my lunch, but forgot about Fall Festival. There I ate baked chicken breast (with a little sauce), vegetables, and yukon gold potatoes ...probably shouldn't have dived into them...potatoes can be a downfall for me. ;) Admittedly, I ate two bites of cake, then stopped myself.
For dinner I had teriyaki steak, string cheese, and a glass of organic vanilla milk (Horizon or something like that - no artificial sweetener, all organic ingredients).
I'm finding that the most difficult part of this challenge is coming up with the time to make everything. I enjoy it when I am cooking, but simply haven't enough time to do as much as I wanted to. :(
I now need to vacuum my room as I left carpet sprinkles on the floor. (Smells good!)
Blessings to you, my friends!
FYI - I HATE box elder bugs. I do not understand God's purpose for them in this world.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Oh, Wednesday!
Today was tougher on the challenge. Wednesdays = insanity. Breakfast was oatmeal (no sweetener) with frozen berries and fresh sliced banana. Lunch was during a meeting at DHQ (Christmas planning - Coat's for Kids, Adopt-A-Family, Toy Shop, etc.), so I tried to make good choices. All veggies from the veggie platter and then three pieces of Roast Beef lunch meet and one piece of cheese (no bun).
During dinner I was very tempted to give in to the good smelling pizza that was served at youth/family activities - but I had some leftover Acorn Squash soup and carrots with dip. When I came home I had grapes and I think I'm about to go for some unsweetened applesauce. :)
Tomorrow morning .... pancakes!
Sleep well, friends.
During dinner I was very tempted to give in to the good smelling pizza that was served at youth/family activities - but I had some leftover Acorn Squash soup and carrots with dip. When I came home I had grapes and I think I'm about to go for some unsweetened applesauce. :)
Tomorrow morning .... pancakes!
Sleep well, friends.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Alison's Healthy Eating Plan Pour Moi! :)
Well friends, I have joined a challenge put on by my friend Alison. You should check out her blog (click on her name), she has more information on the challenge and YUMMY recipes.
This week, I am eating only foods that I've prepared. In addition, no artificial sweeteners, canned/boxed foods, and...wait for it....no Diet Coke. I will admit that the lack of Diet Coke has been by far the hardest. I drank about 11 bottles of water yesterday. So far I've had 8 today and about 32 oz of iced green tea. There have been a few casualties - including a burnt stomach from splashing acorn squash, but over all it's been good. I'm trying foods I haven't eaten before - and loving them!
I started Monday with breakfast - Soaked Whole Wheat Muffins with Berries. Here's a picture of them before they were cooked:
I ate a bajillion carrots with ranch for a late lunch. Dinner took a while to make from scratch.
Chicken Tetrazinni:
For snacking - I tend to be hungry more often since I'm not eating a ton of meat at breakfast like usual - I eat carrots or unsweetened applesauce (which is my FAVORITE).
Breakfast today consisted of oatmeal with frozen mixed berries and sliced banana. Yum!
I had leftover chicken tetrazinni for an early lunch.
Dinner was Acorn Squash Soup. Admittedly, I didn't think I'd like it. I'm not a huge squash person, but I LOVED it! Plus I have about two servings left for later!
I'm about to go eat some grapes! :) I'll try to keep posting during the week so you can see what's up!
Oh yes, and if you'd like the recipes, just email me - or check out Alison's Blog.
Blessings!
This week, I am eating only foods that I've prepared. In addition, no artificial sweeteners, canned/boxed foods, and...wait for it....no Diet Coke. I will admit that the lack of Diet Coke has been by far the hardest. I drank about 11 bottles of water yesterday. So far I've had 8 today and about 32 oz of iced green tea. There have been a few casualties - including a burnt stomach from splashing acorn squash, but over all it's been good. I'm trying foods I haven't eaten before - and loving them!
I started Monday with breakfast - Soaked Whole Wheat Muffins with Berries. Here's a picture of them before they were cooked:
I ate a bajillion carrots with ranch for a late lunch. Dinner took a while to make from scratch.
Chicken Tetrazinni:
For snacking - I tend to be hungry more often since I'm not eating a ton of meat at breakfast like usual - I eat carrots or unsweetened applesauce (which is my FAVORITE).
Breakfast today consisted of oatmeal with frozen mixed berries and sliced banana. Yum!
I had leftover chicken tetrazinni for an early lunch.
Dinner was Acorn Squash Soup. Admittedly, I didn't think I'd like it. I'm not a huge squash person, but I LOVED it! Plus I have about two servings left for later!
I'm about to go eat some grapes! :) I'll try to keep posting during the week so you can see what's up!
Oh yes, and if you'd like the recipes, just email me - or check out Alison's Blog.
Blessings!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Faithfulness, Faithfulness is What I Long For
God has been speaking to my heart a lot lately concerning faithfulness.
So many times I have found myself paralyzed by the thought/"feeling" of something not being the way it should be. Logically, as a believer, this should spurn me on to make good of it. Yet, I have often whined and complained about "my lot" instead.
I was speaking with a good friend about a situation I have currently found myself in. I told her of how I have been tempted to just throw my hands in the air and give up. She reminded me of Jeremiah 29. Yes, the eleventh verse ("For I know the plans I have....) is important, but have you ever looked at the context of the chapter? Verse 4 begins a letter sent King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It says
This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem
to Babylon...
Notice especially "those I carried into exile." The people of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. What else? God placed them there! Admittedly, my first reaction when I see these things is to ask, "Why, Lord? Why? Are you not the God of freedom?"
The letter continues with exhortations to the captive Israelites to "build houses and settle down," marry, plant gardens, have children, and seek peace. Seemingly strange. You are in captivity; now, take your coat off and stay a while. In fact, this while was to be a period of seventy years (v. 10). During this time the Israelites were to "Pray to the LORD for [Babylon], because if it prospers, [they would] too" (v. 7).
When I think about the times that I have felt taken captive (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), I realize the farthest thought from my mind was to stay a while. Instead my body jumps into immediate panic mode. All of my senses become hyper-sensitive. There is no fight response, it is all flight. My mind screams, "ESCAPE. NOW!" How dare I become captive? Yet, here God is saying to pray for what I am held captive by, because if it prospers I will too.
Then, the ever-so-popular verse 11 appears; "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to vie you hope and a future." So often, we quote this verse to people when they are worried, uncomfortable, in poor situations. Is this wrong? Not necessarily, but should we not be aware of the context? Verse 12 explains the captivity and why God told His people to continue on in life. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." The "then" is so important. God allows us to be taken captive (not out of His reach though) so that we will realize our need for Him.
God does not waste moments of our life. He does not waste trials. God is not wasteful. Period.
I believe this passage is a call to faithfulness for God's people. He knows that we will find ourselves "captive" in one form or another during our life. And, ironic as it may be, He knows that if we spend all of our energy and resources on trying to escape we will find ourselves more bound up than before. Instead, He tells us to trust Him, to be faithful to Him and to doing what He has called us to do [live life abundantly], and to yearn for Him. He tells us to use all of our energy and resources on seeking Him - our true escape.
Verse 13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
I'm currently reading "Uprising" by Erwin Raphael McManus. He relates the importance of faithfulness to God-given potential. Just like God gave the resources while they were in captivity to be cared for and expected them to use them, He asks the same of us.
If you want to really understand the next quote, you'll need to read the parable of the talents. (The link goes to a copy of Matthew 25:14-30.
McManus says the following:
"This parable establishes God's measure for our lives. God sees not only who we are, but who we can become. When we neglect our God-given capacity, when we refuse to maximize our God-given potential, it is wickedness in the sight of God. How would it change the work of the church if our measure of effectiveness was not how little sin was being done, but how much good was being accomplished? We have seen with clarity that a life lived against God is wicked, but have we ever seen as clearly that to live a life beneath our divine capacity is equally dishonoring to God? To not have that opportunity is tragic. To relinquish it, to neglect it, to reject it is wicked in the sight of God (pg. 185).
So basically, if I'm not moving forward, I'm moving backward. What's my job, even when I'm in captivity? To be faithful. To embrace my God-given capacity and to run forward in His calling.
"Faithfulness, faithfulness if what I long for..."
He sure must love me if He hasn't given up on me by now. Did you know He loves you too?
So many times I have found myself paralyzed by the thought/"feeling" of something not being the way it should be. Logically, as a believer, this should spurn me on to make good of it. Yet, I have often whined and complained about "my lot" instead.
I was speaking with a good friend about a situation I have currently found myself in. I told her of how I have been tempted to just throw my hands in the air and give up. She reminded me of Jeremiah 29. Yes, the eleventh verse ("For I know the plans I have....) is important, but have you ever looked at the context of the chapter? Verse 4 begins a letter sent King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It says
This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem
to Babylon...
Notice especially "those I carried into exile." The people of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. What else? God placed them there! Admittedly, my first reaction when I see these things is to ask, "Why, Lord? Why? Are you not the God of freedom?"
The letter continues with exhortations to the captive Israelites to "build houses and settle down," marry, plant gardens, have children, and seek peace. Seemingly strange. You are in captivity; now, take your coat off and stay a while. In fact, this while was to be a period of seventy years (v. 10). During this time the Israelites were to "Pray to the LORD for [Babylon], because if it prospers, [they would] too" (v. 7).
When I think about the times that I have felt taken captive (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), I realize the farthest thought from my mind was to stay a while. Instead my body jumps into immediate panic mode. All of my senses become hyper-sensitive. There is no fight response, it is all flight. My mind screams, "ESCAPE. NOW!" How dare I become captive? Yet, here God is saying to pray for what I am held captive by, because if it prospers I will too.
Then, the ever-so-popular verse 11 appears; "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to vie you hope and a future." So often, we quote this verse to people when they are worried, uncomfortable, in poor situations. Is this wrong? Not necessarily, but should we not be aware of the context? Verse 12 explains the captivity and why God told His people to continue on in life. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." The "then" is so important. God allows us to be taken captive (not out of His reach though) so that we will realize our need for Him.
God does not waste moments of our life. He does not waste trials. God is not wasteful. Period.
I believe this passage is a call to faithfulness for God's people. He knows that we will find ourselves "captive" in one form or another during our life. And, ironic as it may be, He knows that if we spend all of our energy and resources on trying to escape we will find ourselves more bound up than before. Instead, He tells us to trust Him, to be faithful to Him and to doing what He has called us to do [live life abundantly], and to yearn for Him. He tells us to use all of our energy and resources on seeking Him - our true escape.
Verse 13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
I'm currently reading "Uprising" by Erwin Raphael McManus. He relates the importance of faithfulness to God-given potential. Just like God gave the resources while they were in captivity to be cared for and expected them to use them, He asks the same of us.
If you want to really understand the next quote, you'll need to read the parable of the talents. (The link goes to a copy of Matthew 25:14-30.
McManus says the following:
"This parable establishes God's measure for our lives. God sees not only who we are, but who we can become. When we neglect our God-given capacity, when we refuse to maximize our God-given potential, it is wickedness in the sight of God. How would it change the work of the church if our measure of effectiveness was not how little sin was being done, but how much good was being accomplished? We have seen with clarity that a life lived against God is wicked, but have we ever seen as clearly that to live a life beneath our divine capacity is equally dishonoring to God? To not have that opportunity is tragic. To relinquish it, to neglect it, to reject it is wicked in the sight of God (pg. 185).
So basically, if I'm not moving forward, I'm moving backward. What's my job, even when I'm in captivity? To be faithful. To embrace my God-given capacity and to run forward in His calling.
"Faithfulness, faithfulness if what I long for..."
He sure must love me if He hasn't given up on me by now. Did you know He loves you too?
Monday, March 29, 2010
Me and Jesus in the Office
Today Jesus and I sat for a spell in the office. I just purchased a copy of "Skeleton Bones" by John Mark McMillan and it came with a free copy of the "How He Loves" video recently released.
I watch this video and hear the words - I hear the cries out to a living God who does more than satisfy, a God who LOVES beyond all understanding - and I find it almost impossible to continue on with anything else. Instead I feel this halt in my thoughts, a silence in my ears of everything else that surrounds - cars, wind, people - and a violent turn in my chest like a wave that sweeps over the shore and takes everything back with it. I am swept into this ocean of God's agape love - love that does not ignore my sin, but instead reveals it to me. Love that tells me to let go of my chains and hold fast to this God-man who gave His very life for me.
He wasn't a "pretty" blonde hair, blue-eyed fella on a smooth, sanded cross. No! He was a Middle-Eastern man that was battered, bruised, crushed, bloody, torn and tattered on a cross that was hideous. He was a man that endured so much pain and torment - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - for me. He wasn't just a peaceful "pretty" guy. He was a warrior! He is my warrior! He loves FIERCELY and PASSIONATELY and UNCONDITIONALLY.
So yes, as I sit in my office in the midst of the work of the day - finances, cleaning, project planning - this warrior King comes and sits a spell with me. He floods my heart with raw emotion and passion and reminder of this beautifully violent love He has for me. It is so good to know of His love for others, but sometimes He also just reminds me that He loves me.
Goodness, John Mark, thank you for listening to the Spirit's leading! Your lyric sums it up: "I don't have time to maintain these regrets / When I think about / The way / He loves [me]!"
Even in my messy office, He meets me here. We sit for a spell and He fills my cup; "it runneth over." He reminds me of this: His passionate, fierce love is not just during emotional songs on Sundays, not just at 11:00 pm during devotions, not just during a traumatic event, but always. Unconditional and infinite. Goodness, help me come closer, Lord.
And just so it's said, I love you too, Lord. Fiercely.
I watch this video and hear the words - I hear the cries out to a living God who does more than satisfy, a God who LOVES beyond all understanding - and I find it almost impossible to continue on with anything else. Instead I feel this halt in my thoughts, a silence in my ears of everything else that surrounds - cars, wind, people - and a violent turn in my chest like a wave that sweeps over the shore and takes everything back with it. I am swept into this ocean of God's agape love - love that does not ignore my sin, but instead reveals it to me. Love that tells me to let go of my chains and hold fast to this God-man who gave His very life for me.
He wasn't a "pretty" blonde hair, blue-eyed fella on a smooth, sanded cross. No! He was a Middle-Eastern man that was battered, bruised, crushed, bloody, torn and tattered on a cross that was hideous. He was a man that endured so much pain and torment - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - for me. He wasn't just a peaceful "pretty" guy. He was a warrior! He is my warrior! He loves FIERCELY and PASSIONATELY and UNCONDITIONALLY.
So yes, as I sit in my office in the midst of the work of the day - finances, cleaning, project planning - this warrior King comes and sits a spell with me. He floods my heart with raw emotion and passion and reminder of this beautifully violent love He has for me. It is so good to know of His love for others, but sometimes He also just reminds me that He loves me.
Goodness, John Mark, thank you for listening to the Spirit's leading! Your lyric sums it up: "I don't have time to maintain these regrets / When I think about / The way / He loves [me]!"
Even in my messy office, He meets me here. We sit for a spell and He fills my cup; "it runneth over." He reminds me of this: His passionate, fierce love is not just during emotional songs on Sundays, not just at 11:00 pm during devotions, not just during a traumatic event, but always. Unconditional and infinite. Goodness, help me come closer, Lord.
And just so it's said, I love you too, Lord. Fiercely.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Your Love is Strong
Admittedly, sometimes I feel like crap. Today seems to be one of those days. Sometimes I just want to scream, "Lord, what's the point!!!" And yet, I am reminded that He's got it under control. He's not leaving me. He's not forsaking me. He's there. In fact, He's holding me. Goodness, I'm just beginning to learn what "Jesus loves me, this I know" really means. 18 years after I learn the song and it's just beginning to click. My head always knew, but now my heart understands.
Goodness, Lord, when I have no idea what I'm doing on a grant request, You love me.
When I feel so very incompetent to do anything, You love me.
When I feel imprisoned in life, You love me.
When I am shackled in sin, You love me.
When I break free, You love me.
I WANT TO LOVE LIKE YOU. I want to live in Your love every moment of my life and never forget You or Your mission. I want to be with You where You are, Lord!
Sometimes Lord, the only word I can seem to utter is, "Help." Even then, You know what my heart is trying to say (Romans 8:26-28). Even then, You know how You will work it for my good.
So Lord, even when I "feel" like crap; thank You. Thank You for loving me and holding me close to Your heart.
Your Love is Strong - Jon Foreman
Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one
I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I look at the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day
So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Will you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found?
Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Our God in heaven
Hallowed be
Thy name above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us wicked sinners
Lead us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons
Goodness, Lord, when I have no idea what I'm doing on a grant request, You love me.
When I feel so very incompetent to do anything, You love me.
When I feel imprisoned in life, You love me.
When I am shackled in sin, You love me.
When I break free, You love me.
I WANT TO LOVE LIKE YOU. I want to live in Your love every moment of my life and never forget You or Your mission. I want to be with You where You are, Lord!
Sometimes Lord, the only word I can seem to utter is, "Help." Even then, You know what my heart is trying to say (Romans 8:26-28). Even then, You know how You will work it for my good.
So Lord, even when I "feel" like crap; thank You. Thank You for loving me and holding me close to Your heart.
Your Love is Strong - Jon Foreman
Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one
I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I look at the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day
So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Will you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found?
Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Our God in heaven
Hallowed be
Thy name above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us wicked sinners
Lead us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Insomniac.
rest - noun
I spent last night staring at a ceiling...for hours. Turned out the lights at 11...pretty sure my eyes didn't close the first time until about 2:00. Three hours later, wide awake for another 30-45 minutes. If I'm being completely honest, I find this sleeplessness more annoying than anything else. If you haven't already read the little blurb on the left side of this blog...you should.
For years I have looked to sleep, this time of rest, as my hideaway. How easy to escape the pressures and terrors of this world by simply shutting down for a period of time. Yet the mind wanders, even in sleep - it is not a true escape...reality is still there. Every day would consist of waking up, fighting through the day, and finally "resting" in sleep. Not life at all.
Perhaps my attention needs to be redirected to my true Escape.
In the words of Relient K:
And yes, these have been the ramblings of a sleep deprived person. :)
And even as I lie awake, staring at the ceiling, my God is there. Bringing me the rest I need, rest in Him, rest in my Saviour's arms.
| 1. | the refreshing quiet or repose of sleep: a good night's rest. |
| 2. | refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor: to allow an hour for rest. |
| 3. | relief or freedom, esp. from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs. |
| 4. | a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquillity: to go away for a rest. |
| 5. | mental or spiritual calm; tranquillity. |
| 6. | the repose of death: eternal rest. |
| 7. | cessation or absence of motion: to bring a machine to rest. |
I spent last night staring at a ceiling...for hours. Turned out the lights at 11...pretty sure my eyes didn't close the first time until about 2:00. Three hours later, wide awake for another 30-45 minutes. If I'm being completely honest, I find this sleeplessness more annoying than anything else. If you haven't already read the little blurb on the left side of this blog...you should.
For years I have looked to sleep, this time of rest, as my hideaway. How easy to escape the pressures and terrors of this world by simply shutting down for a period of time. Yet the mind wanders, even in sleep - it is not a true escape...reality is still there. Every day would consist of waking up, fighting through the day, and finally "resting" in sleep. Not life at all.
Perhaps my attention needs to be redirected to my true Escape.
In the words of Relient K:
Cause I’ve been housing all this doubt and insecurity andI stumbled across the following verses in Proverbs 3:
I’ve been locked inside that house all the while you hold the key
And I’ve been dying to get out and that might be the death of me
And even though, there’s no way in knowing where to go, promise I’m going because
I’ve gotta get outta here
I’m stuck inside this rut that I fell into by mistake
I’ve gotta get outta here
And I’m begging You, I’m begging You, I’m begging
You to be my escape.
My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
Sweet sleep...that's what I'm looking forward to. Sleep can no longer be my confidence - the LORD must. Yes, sleep is important - our bodies were created to need rest. However, not every form of rest will come from sleep.
And yes, these have been the ramblings of a sleep deprived person. :)
And even as I lie awake, staring at the ceiling, my God is there. Bringing me the rest I need, rest in Him, rest in my Saviour's arms.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
