I wrote this and it is on the Conference website. Is it a sin to be proud of myself? :)
http://www.northalabamaumc.org/news/detail/601
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Experiencing God and "Gettin' Saved"
Tonight, I came across a blog that is written by a lady who goes to the church where I teach preschool (she's a truck driver - which, for some reason, I think is really cool!). I have never met her, but the internet is exciting like that - it lets you get to know people you never would have otherwise. Anyway, her blog entry, HERE, compares the different types of learning to different ways of experiencing God. Everyone learns differently; some people can hear something and remember it right off, some people learn by seeing, and some need to write things down. Experiencing God in one's life is like that. Not everyone is touched by Him in the same way. Jacob had a vision of God and wrestled with Him. Elijah heard a still, small, voice. I experience God every day through my relationships with people that He has put into my path.
Junebug56 told a story on her blog about when she was a teenager and a friend told her about "getting saved." As hard as she prayed, the sixteen-year-old didn't feel a difference in her relationship with God. Then she realized that not everyone will experience that heady rush of feeling that some get when they are in God's presence. She interacts with God in her own way. I love what she says about being in a relationship with Him. "God loves me. He knows me. He does speak to me. In His own way and in mine."
Her story reminded me of a funny tale my cousins told at Thanksgiving last week. When Betsy and Cindy were teenagers, they went to a church event with a Baptist friend of theirs. When they got home, they told their mom that they had been "saved." A devoted Methodist, my aunt said "no, you did NOT get saved! You go back to school and tell those people that you did NOT get saved!" My whole family hooted as my cousins told us the story, but we related to it, too. Of course, my aunt didn't object to her daughters accepting Jesus into their hearts. I think she just objected to the public declaration of being "saved." She knew that our neighbors are not the judges of our salvation; our relationships with Christ are very personal and individual. As for me, I can't name a specific event when I "got saved." I have gradually grown in my relationship with Jesus Christ as I go throughout life, having adventures, making mistakes, and experiencing God's grace every time he forgives me yet again. (I'm so glad Jesus wasn't speaking literally when he said to forgive your neighbor 490 times. I am WAY over that benchmark, and he just keeps on forgiving me!) He speaks to me daily through my jobs, my family and friends, and sometimes through a stranger's blog. Isn't that just awesome of Him?!
Junebug56 told a story on her blog about when she was a teenager and a friend told her about "getting saved." As hard as she prayed, the sixteen-year-old didn't feel a difference in her relationship with God. Then she realized that not everyone will experience that heady rush of feeling that some get when they are in God's presence. She interacts with God in her own way. I love what she says about being in a relationship with Him. "God loves me. He knows me. He does speak to me. In His own way and in mine."
Her story reminded me of a funny tale my cousins told at Thanksgiving last week. When Betsy and Cindy were teenagers, they went to a church event with a Baptist friend of theirs. When they got home, they told their mom that they had been "saved." A devoted Methodist, my aunt said "no, you did NOT get saved! You go back to school and tell those people that you did NOT get saved!" My whole family hooted as my cousins told us the story, but we related to it, too. Of course, my aunt didn't object to her daughters accepting Jesus into their hearts. I think she just objected to the public declaration of being "saved." She knew that our neighbors are not the judges of our salvation; our relationships with Christ are very personal and individual. As for me, I can't name a specific event when I "got saved." I have gradually grown in my relationship with Jesus Christ as I go throughout life, having adventures, making mistakes, and experiencing God's grace every time he forgives me yet again. (I'm so glad Jesus wasn't speaking literally when he said to forgive your neighbor 490 times. I am WAY over that benchmark, and he just keeps on forgiving me!) He speaks to me daily through my jobs, my family and friends, and sometimes through a stranger's blog. Isn't that just awesome of Him?!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ok God, I Get It. I'm a Chicken! Cluck, Cluck!
There's not much point in me having two blogs if I'm just going to repost everything I write on my bible blog onto this one, but I'm going to do it anyway because I'm excited about it!
Luke 19:26 (The Message). Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.
This verse is the moral of Jesus' parable about the rich man who gave his servants money to hold for him. The servants who invested it and made more money were rewarded, but the one servant who buried his in the ground was punished. I'm not sure if I really understand what Jesus was getting at - some of the parables are a bit beyond me - but I take it as a reflection on our lives as Christian. If you are a "safe" Christian, you just go about your life loving Jesus, but you don't get out into the world and spread his message of love and forgiveness. If you are the type of person that Jesus wants you to be, you do everything you can to spread the word about him, even at risk to your comfortable life.
I will readily, though not proudly, admit that I am a safe Christian. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I am not a brave or strong person at all. I'm pretty average on the courage front, even leaning a little bit towards chicken. I don't stand on high things, ride roller coasters, touch bugs, or tell strangers about Jesus. Heck, I rarely even tell my friends about Jesus! I have definitely been a chicken when it comes to following God's wishes. I always have some excuse, but usually the truth is that I'm just plain scared! It might seem to some people that this way would be the most comfortable way to live, and that is the truth! But who really wants a totally comfortable life? For all my fears, I really like adventure! I love to travel and try new things. I can't think of any greater excitement than following God's perfect plan and being his disciple. Think about the prophets. Do you think Moses, Daniel or Paul wished for a more comfortable, dull life? No! Their lives were exciting and fulfilling because of what God did through them. They weren't scared, or if they were, they didn't let it stop them! I want to let God take me on my life's greatest adventures, and with him at my side, who could be afraid?
Lord, you are the king of excitement! I don't want to be a safe Christian and only do comfortable things. I want to have adventures with you! The problem is, I'm scared. I have gotten too comfortable in my own life. I need you to shake things up! Use me for your will! I'm terrified as I'm writing this, but I know that you will give me the strength to do whatever needs to be done. Thank you so much, Father! Amen!
Luke 19:26 (The Message). Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.
This verse is the moral of Jesus' parable about the rich man who gave his servants money to hold for him. The servants who invested it and made more money were rewarded, but the one servant who buried his in the ground was punished. I'm not sure if I really understand what Jesus was getting at - some of the parables are a bit beyond me - but I take it as a reflection on our lives as Christian. If you are a "safe" Christian, you just go about your life loving Jesus, but you don't get out into the world and spread his message of love and forgiveness. If you are the type of person that Jesus wants you to be, you do everything you can to spread the word about him, even at risk to your comfortable life.
I will readily, though not proudly, admit that I am a safe Christian. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I am not a brave or strong person at all. I'm pretty average on the courage front, even leaning a little bit towards chicken. I don't stand on high things, ride roller coasters, touch bugs, or tell strangers about Jesus. Heck, I rarely even tell my friends about Jesus! I have definitely been a chicken when it comes to following God's wishes. I always have some excuse, but usually the truth is that I'm just plain scared! It might seem to some people that this way would be the most comfortable way to live, and that is the truth! But who really wants a totally comfortable life? For all my fears, I really like adventure! I love to travel and try new things. I can't think of any greater excitement than following God's perfect plan and being his disciple. Think about the prophets. Do you think Moses, Daniel or Paul wished for a more comfortable, dull life? No! Their lives were exciting and fulfilling because of what God did through them. They weren't scared, or if they were, they didn't let it stop them! I want to let God take me on my life's greatest adventures, and with him at my side, who could be afraid?
Lord, you are the king of excitement! I don't want to be a safe Christian and only do comfortable things. I want to have adventures with you! The problem is, I'm scared. I have gotten too comfortable in my own life. I need you to shake things up! Use me for your will! I'm terrified as I'm writing this, but I know that you will give me the strength to do whatever needs to be done. Thank you so much, Father! Amen!
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Stuff Challenge!
I am copying this from my bible study blog so you can see it.
Luke 18:29-30 No one who has sacrificed home, spouse, brothers and sisters, parents, children—whatever—will lose out. It will all come back multiplied many times over in your lifetime. And then the bonus of eternal life!
Jesus has been telling a rich man that the way for him to have eternal life is to give up all of his possessions. Peter, being the suck-up that he always is, chimes in with "We left everything we owned and followed you, didn't we?" Jesus tells him that they will be rewarded for their sacrifice while they're on earth, but even better, they will live forever in heaven!
The issue of material possessions is a hot one in this day and age. We are so obsessed with wealth and stuff. I love stuff. Only a few minutes ago, I caught myself getting mesmerized by a Target commercial! Stuff is a big stumbling block for me. I don't have a problem with money — I can give it away just as easily as I can spend it. It's the stuff I can buy with the money that really gets me. Oh, I know that possessions shouldn't be so important to me. I know I can't take my new shoes to heaven with me. But somehow I always turn back to shopping for a feel-good outlet. Recently, God has been putting this on my heart. One of our scriptures last week talked about worldly things and our preoccupation with them. It was Luke 12:29-32- "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works." I woke up the next morning, which happened to be pay day, and thought, "I am not going to buy anything this month and see what happens." I knew that God had put this challenge on my heart for a reason. I was up for it, but before I could stop myself I started thinking about what cool things I could buy at the end of the month with the money I had saved. Then I heard a very distinct voice in my head say "No. Give it away." I rolled my eyes in disgust at myself. Of course, give it away! What good would it do me to go the whole month without shopping, just to blow it on November 1? So, I made a commitment to refrain from buying all the extras I usually would scoop up this month (obviously, I will need to buy things like gas and food). So far, it has been difficult but I am doing pretty well. Of course, I'm only five days in! I am definitely going to need to do a lot of praying to succeed with this challenge. I can't wait to see what God is going to accomplish in me this month!
Father God, I have read your words about not letting the things of this world take precedence over you. Then I heard it straight from you. I will need your help to accomplish the task you have given me. Thank you for not giving up on weak, material, human me. I love you so much. Amen.
Luke 18:29-30 No one who has sacrificed home, spouse, brothers and sisters, parents, children—whatever—will lose out. It will all come back multiplied many times over in your lifetime. And then the bonus of eternal life!
Jesus has been telling a rich man that the way for him to have eternal life is to give up all of his possessions. Peter, being the suck-up that he always is, chimes in with "We left everything we owned and followed you, didn't we?" Jesus tells him that they will be rewarded for their sacrifice while they're on earth, but even better, they will live forever in heaven!
The issue of material possessions is a hot one in this day and age. We are so obsessed with wealth and stuff. I love stuff. Only a few minutes ago, I caught myself getting mesmerized by a Target commercial! Stuff is a big stumbling block for me. I don't have a problem with money — I can give it away just as easily as I can spend it. It's the stuff I can buy with the money that really gets me. Oh, I know that possessions shouldn't be so important to me. I know I can't take my new shoes to heaven with me. But somehow I always turn back to shopping for a feel-good outlet. Recently, God has been putting this on my heart. One of our scriptures last week talked about worldly things and our preoccupation with them. It was Luke 12:29-32- "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works." I woke up the next morning, which happened to be pay day, and thought, "I am not going to buy anything this month and see what happens." I knew that God had put this challenge on my heart for a reason. I was up for it, but before I could stop myself I started thinking about what cool things I could buy at the end of the month with the money I had saved. Then I heard a very distinct voice in my head say "No. Give it away." I rolled my eyes in disgust at myself. Of course, give it away! What good would it do me to go the whole month without shopping, just to blow it on November 1? So, I made a commitment to refrain from buying all the extras I usually would scoop up this month (obviously, I will need to buy things like gas and food). So far, it has been difficult but I am doing pretty well. Of course, I'm only five days in! I am definitely going to need to do a lot of praying to succeed with this challenge. I can't wait to see what God is going to accomplish in me this month!
Father God, I have read your words about not letting the things of this world take precedence over you. Then I heard it straight from you. I will need your help to accomplish the task you have given me. Thank you for not giving up on weak, material, human me. I love you so much. Amen.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Another new blog!
I know, I already have so many blogs that I don't even use! But this new one is for my daily bible study that we at The Bridge staff have started. It is an intensive program that uses the SOAP method developed by Wayne Cordeiro of the New Hope Church in Hawaii. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. We use a scripture journal (or blog) to study a passage every day. My bible blog is http://www.thebookforrachel.blogspot.com The goal is to have a new post every day. Some days, if I can't get to the computer, I journal in a notebook instead of my blog. I am excited to gain more knowledge and insight into God's word and hopefully develop discipline that I can use in other areas of life. Yay!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Latvia in Pictures
Me, my uncle Bob, Anna, James, Mitchell and John Carl
Our amazing group! I didn't know any of them, other than Bob, before the trip, but I consider myself blessed to have been included in their merry band!
WHAT?
A Worship Workshop for leaders of the Latvian United Methodist Church. We spent four days teaching the workshop and spent the rest of our time in the Baltic States traveling and sightseeing!
Preparing for Worship. I sang! I was very nervous at first because everyone else in the band is a very talented musician, but during our time there the Lord gave me more confidence. By the end, I may not have been singing better, but I was certainly singing louder!
WHERE?
The workshop was at Wesley Camp -- near Liepaja, Latvia. Only a ten minute walk from the Baltic Sea!
The Alabama group with our new Latvian friends! I would tell you their names, but there's no way I could spell them correctly!
Later, during the sightseeing part of our trip, we spent a few hours at the Hill of Crosses near Siauliai, Lithuania. This monument to Christianity possibly began as early as the 1800s, but it gained more significance during the Soviet occupation, when the Soviets tried to remove the crosses, even bulldozing the hill three times! The Lithuanians and other Christians always came back to replace the crosses, and today there are more than 200,000 crosses on the hill!
Mitchell placed a cross for his church in Tuscaloosa, and we had a mini-prayer service to consecrate it.
This was the view from our hotel room in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. A beautiful and interesting city with very little nightlife. :-D
One of the most unusual and disconcerting characteristics of the Baltic states is the daylight. In the summer the sun doesn't down until 11 PM or midnight, and then it "bounces" right back up! Our schedules got very mixed up because of this. I think I took this picture at around 10:00 PM!
One of the most special parts of our trip was meeting Ceara Randall, the newborn daughter of missionaries Dan and Courtney Randall. She was only ten days old when we met her! She is such a precious gift from God. Her parents' blog is linked on the side of this page.
Some more favorite memories from the trip:
Nocturnal Eyepluckers (aka storks)
Kefirs (think liquid sour cream). Delish! :P
Mitchell's "tuberculosis"
Anna thinking John Carl's foot was a pigeon and nearly upsetting the restaurant table
A much-needed fancy steak dinner
Staying up late chatting about past, present and future
Singing at the orphanage in Siauliai
Getting lost in every city we visited, made fun by the boys and their goofy accents (Hello, lady!)
The Angels, "WhiteBread" and the MultiLux
Being street performers for a few hours and making about $2 (if that)
Adventures on Frankfurt, Germany's public transportation system
Getting to know new friends and having new experiences
I've written about the Who, What, and Where. What about the WHY?
WHY ELSE BUT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD?
It didn't hurt that it was super fun, too!
Want to see more pictures? Try here and here.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Latvia!
Hi! Quick note to say that I'm going to Latvia on a mission trip tomorrow! I'm going with my uncle Bob Bentley and a team of young people from Lester Memorial UMC in Oneonta. We're going to be doing a Worship Workshop at Camp Wesley. I'm sooooo excited! It was a spur of the moment decision for me, as I have only known about the trip for about 10 days! My bosses are amazing and worked it out so that I can miss two weeks of work for it! I get back on July 3, and then the next day I head to Camp Sumatanga to be a counselor at Sr. High Week 2! I'm going to be tired but super blessed by the end! Please pray for me and the team as we travel and minister. Hopefully we will share God's love to many people in Latvia!
Thanks!
~Rachel
Thanks!
~Rachel
Monday, June 1, 2009
A plethora of onomatopoeia!
Man alive, I have not updated this blog in forever! I apologize to my dedicated readers (insert un-ladylike snort of disbelief here). Sooo many things have happened since the last time I wrote. I'll give you an update about the good things first, before moving on to family troubles. Ready for the good news?
*Dum da da DAAA!* (That's my attempt at writing a trumpet fanfare phonetically)
I GOT A JOB!!
*And the crowd goes wild!* HHHHHHHHHAAAA!!
(I don't know why I keep attempting the onomatopoeia. It's obviously not working)
More to the point, I got a job that will actually help me with my calling. I'm the new Children's Minister for The Bridge UMC. It's a new church plant in Huntsville. It's a part time job - Sunday morning and Tuesday nights - but it will grow as the church grows. I wish I could put aside my worldly and selfish wants, but since I am not the thriftiest girl, working just a part-time job isn't going to cut it for me. So I'm also working full time at Latham UMC in the daycare and preschool. I started at the daycare this week, and I'm loving it! Tomorrow will be my first Sunday at The Bridge. I met many of the church members at a cookout on Tuesday; they seem like a close, caring group of people. I'm pumped to get started!
I moved back to Hartselle to live with Mom and Dad, and we're all adjusting to being under the same roof again. There's something comforting about being back home! :-)
This post has been sitting as a draft for over a week, so I guess I should finally post it!
*Dum da da DAAA!* (That's my attempt at writing a trumpet fanfare phonetically)
I GOT A JOB!!
*And the crowd goes wild!* HHHHHHHHHAAAA!!
(I don't know why I keep attempting the onomatopoeia. It's obviously not working)
More to the point, I got a job that will actually help me with my calling. I'm the new Children's Minister for The Bridge UMC. It's a new church plant in Huntsville. It's a part time job - Sunday morning and Tuesday nights - but it will grow as the church grows. I wish I could put aside my worldly and selfish wants, but since I am not the thriftiest girl, working just a part-time job isn't going to cut it for me. So I'm also working full time at Latham UMC in the daycare and preschool. I started at the daycare this week, and I'm loving it! Tomorrow will be my first Sunday at The Bridge. I met many of the church members at a cookout on Tuesday; they seem like a close, caring group of people. I'm pumped to get started!
I moved back to Hartselle to live with Mom and Dad, and we're all adjusting to being under the same roof again. There's something comforting about being back home! :-)
This post has been sitting as a draft for over a week, so I guess I should finally post it!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Minor Miracles
A few posts ago, I talked about my friend who just lost her dad. I wanted to share a story from that situation and what it meant to me.
I went to church with her only a couple of days after her dad had passed, and we attended the young adult class at her church (that used to be my church in high school). The two of us were the only people who attended the class that day, besides the teacher that neither of us had met before. He left the room to pick out the video for the lesson that day. My friend and I were just talking, and she mentioned that she didn't feel like she was doing a good job of grieving. She felt guilty because it hadn't really sunk in that her dad was gone. The teacher came back in and gave us two videos to choose from. They were lessons from the Nooma series (which are awesome). My friend read the summary on the back of one of the dvds and simply handed it to me without a word. It was a lesson on dealing with grief. The Sunday School teacher had never met my friend or me and didn't know that she was going through a loss. He just happened to pick that video out of 15 others (of course, we know it was God that guided his hand)! We watched the video, and the man in it said so many things that were amazing for Katie to hear. I'm paraphrasing, but he said "you may have lost someone two weeks ago or two days ago (her dad had died on Friday). You may be feeling sad, angry, or nothing at all. I'm here to tell you that whatever you're feeling, it's ok. God is going to be with you, and He's going to heal all of your hurts." We were so amazed at how God had given us that message, and it touched my friend deeply. She took the dvd home for her family to watch.
Before Chrysalis, I never really noticed God actively working in my life, but since I felt him in that weekend, I am seeing Him all over the place. It was incredible to feel the Joy of the Lord in the middle of that sad situation, and I consider it a minor miracle that He could bring comfort to my sweet friend in that time.
Make sure you watch out for God in the little moments of your life!
I went to church with her only a couple of days after her dad had passed, and we attended the young adult class at her church (that used to be my church in high school). The two of us were the only people who attended the class that day, besides the teacher that neither of us had met before. He left the room to pick out the video for the lesson that day. My friend and I were just talking, and she mentioned that she didn't feel like she was doing a good job of grieving. She felt guilty because it hadn't really sunk in that her dad was gone. The teacher came back in and gave us two videos to choose from. They were lessons from the Nooma series (which are awesome). My friend read the summary on the back of one of the dvds and simply handed it to me without a word. It was a lesson on dealing with grief. The Sunday School teacher had never met my friend or me and didn't know that she was going through a loss. He just happened to pick that video out of 15 others (of course, we know it was God that guided his hand)! We watched the video, and the man in it said so many things that were amazing for Katie to hear. I'm paraphrasing, but he said "you may have lost someone two weeks ago or two days ago (her dad had died on Friday). You may be feeling sad, angry, or nothing at all. I'm here to tell you that whatever you're feeling, it's ok. God is going to be with you, and He's going to heal all of your hurts." We were so amazed at how God had given us that message, and it touched my friend deeply. She took the dvd home for her family to watch.
Before Chrysalis, I never really noticed God actively working in my life, but since I felt him in that weekend, I am seeing Him all over the place. It was incredible to feel the Joy of the Lord in the middle of that sad situation, and I consider it a minor miracle that He could bring comfort to my sweet friend in that time.
Make sure you watch out for God in the little moments of your life!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sent from my phone! Yay!
I was praying "Lord, I need to get my life back on track." Then I realized, I don't have a track to get back upon! I'm trackless! I know I'm supposed to be serving Him, but I haven't started yet. Really, I have no idea how to start. It's like I'm waiting for something. I don't know what. I like change, but I don't like this transition period I'm in right now.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sadness...
One of my very best friends called me this morning to tell me that her dad passed away of a heart attack last night. All I could think to say is I'm sorry and I'll be praying. What else can you say that will mean anything? When this same thing happened to another best friend a couple of years ago, I felt like I didn't know how to be a good friend in that situation. I don't know if I'm any better prepared to give comfort now than I was back then. In the face of incredible sadness, what can a friend do besides give as much love as possible?
Another thing that is bothering me about this is that I was awake praying around the time that my friend got the call from her mom. I know there isn't really any way I could have known, but I wish I had had some sort of hunch to pray specifically for the McGlawns. If I was talking to God already, couldn't he have put a thought in my head to pray for them? I don't know if it would have done any good, but it would have made me feel better. At least I can pray now.
During that time of prayer, I read Psalm 130. It seems to fit now.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
Another thing that is bothering me about this is that I was awake praying around the time that my friend got the call from her mom. I know there isn't really any way I could have known, but I wish I had had some sort of hunch to pray specifically for the McGlawns. If I was talking to God already, couldn't he have put a thought in my head to pray for them? I don't know if it would have done any good, but it would have made me feel better. At least I can pray now.
During that time of prayer, I read Psalm 130. It seems to fit now.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Boo Mono!
Have you ever noticed how hard it is to pray when you don't feel good?
I've been sick for the past week or so -- it might be mono, but I'm too cheap to pay for the test -- and I've pretty much been sitting around doing nothing. Now, one might think that I would be using this time to get in some bible study, or at least some prayer. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Besides a few times when I've thought "God, can you just heal me already?!," there has not been any noticeable difference in my godliness (especially as it relates to cleanliness). I consider that a shame. A shame, I tell you! This is the perfect opportunity to spend some time with the Lord; maybe He'll even help me feel better sooner! So, this is just a reminder to myself -- get off the computer, already! Go pray or something!
:)
I've been sick for the past week or so -- it might be mono, but I'm too cheap to pay for the test -- and I've pretty much been sitting around doing nothing. Now, one might think that I would be using this time to get in some bible study, or at least some prayer. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Besides a few times when I've thought "God, can you just heal me already?!," there has not been any noticeable difference in my godliness (especially as it relates to cleanliness). I consider that a shame. A shame, I tell you! This is the perfect opportunity to spend some time with the Lord; maybe He'll even help me feel better sooner! So, this is just a reminder to myself -- get off the computer, already! Go pray or something!
:)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I'll take Chrysellaneous for 50, Bob!
Such a silly title for possibly the most important post I'll ever make! But hey, that's how I roll! :P
Apparently, people have actually read this blog, so I guess I need to send this out there to the internets.
As you may remember if you've read my blog before, for the past few months I have been struggling with finding my calling. I didn't know what God's plan was for me, so I was sort of putting my whole life on hold until I figured it out. That sounds bad, but what are you supposed to do if you have no idea what you're supposed to be doing? I made a promise for Lent that I was going to try and put God first in my life. I'll be honest, the first few weeks did not go so well. That's the main reason I haven't updated this blog since the last post. I felt bad for letting the world get the best of me. However, even though I had not done the greatest job with my Lent promise, God apparently agrees that "it's the thought that counts." This weekend he gave me the greatest blessing of all: he showed me His plan.
Friday morning I headed to Camp Sumatanga for a Chrysalis weekend. Chrysalis is a retreat for young adults that is done through the Methodist church. We spent three days at the most beautiful place on earth (in my humble opinion) hearing talks, worshipping and fellowshipping with other Christians. I went into the weekend feeling guilty because of my failure to keep my Lent plan. I told my group (Table of the Valiant, woot!) about my struggles to figure out God's plan for me, and they agreed to pray for me.
Every single talk for the rest of the weekend felt like it was directed right at me. Every word went straight to my heart. I started to feel uncomfortable. I remembered a Behold retreat I had attended way back during my senior year of High School. I had felt a nudge in my heart that weekend that had pointed me toward God as a vocation. I quickly decided ministry was not in the works for me, no matter what God said. No PK who has seen the inner workings of a pastor's life says "ooh! I want to be a preacher when I grow up!" So I put that little nudge away on the top shelf in a tiny closet in my heart and went on to get a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I figured teaching kids was a noble job, maybe God would just leave me alone. But obviously, I wasn't satisfied as a teacher, and God definitely did not leave me alone.
As I was remembering these events in my life that had brought me to this uncertain and stressful point, I kept hearing these inspiring talks from amazing people. They said "forget about your plan -- God's plan is the one that counts." Wow. Can it get any more straightforward than that?
During a group prayer session on Saturday, I burst into tears and told my group "y'all, I am going to be so pissed off if I have to be a preacher!" They obviously thought this was hilarious (I was told it was the best quote from the weekend), but it showed the way my heart was headed. Saturday night was a candlelight and prayer service. I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil any surprises for people who haven't been on a Chrysalis flight (you should definitely go), but I will say it was an extremely powerful service. I wound up sobbing on a back row because I felt God so strongly, and in my head I could hear one of the pastors telling me that you can't ignore God's call, he will just keep coming back over and over. I told God then and there that I wasn't going to ignore Him anymore. I told Him that I will do everything in my power to follow His plan and carry out whatever it is He needs me to do in my life. Whatever is not in my power is definitely in His.
The rest of the weekend just confirmed that I was reading God's signs correctly. He wants me in His service, and I am overjoyed to be there. I hope to go to seminary in a year or so. Taking this time to work and save up some money will also give me a chance to discern what kind of ministry will be my life's work.
I swore back in the day that I would never be a minister like my Dad. I thought I would be mad if God called me to the ministry, but of course I'm not angry. I feel so relieved to finally know what it is I am supposed to be doing with my life. I was Rachel at the well, waiting for something to happen. Now God has come to take me out into the world and show me the rest of my life, and I couldn't be more excited to start the adventure!
Apparently, people have actually read this blog, so I guess I need to send this out there to the internets.
As you may remember if you've read my blog before, for the past few months I have been struggling with finding my calling. I didn't know what God's plan was for me, so I was sort of putting my whole life on hold until I figured it out. That sounds bad, but what are you supposed to do if you have no idea what you're supposed to be doing? I made a promise for Lent that I was going to try and put God first in my life. I'll be honest, the first few weeks did not go so well. That's the main reason I haven't updated this blog since the last post. I felt bad for letting the world get the best of me. However, even though I had not done the greatest job with my Lent promise, God apparently agrees that "it's the thought that counts." This weekend he gave me the greatest blessing of all: he showed me His plan.
Friday morning I headed to Camp Sumatanga for a Chrysalis weekend. Chrysalis is a retreat for young adults that is done through the Methodist church. We spent three days at the most beautiful place on earth (in my humble opinion) hearing talks, worshipping and fellowshipping with other Christians. I went into the weekend feeling guilty because of my failure to keep my Lent plan. I told my group (Table of the Valiant, woot!) about my struggles to figure out God's plan for me, and they agreed to pray for me.
Every single talk for the rest of the weekend felt like it was directed right at me. Every word went straight to my heart. I started to feel uncomfortable. I remembered a Behold retreat I had attended way back during my senior year of High School. I had felt a nudge in my heart that weekend that had pointed me toward God as a vocation. I quickly decided ministry was not in the works for me, no matter what God said. No PK who has seen the inner workings of a pastor's life says "ooh! I want to be a preacher when I grow up!" So I put that little nudge away on the top shelf in a tiny closet in my heart and went on to get a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I figured teaching kids was a noble job, maybe God would just leave me alone. But obviously, I wasn't satisfied as a teacher, and God definitely did not leave me alone.
As I was remembering these events in my life that had brought me to this uncertain and stressful point, I kept hearing these inspiring talks from amazing people. They said "forget about your plan -- God's plan is the one that counts." Wow. Can it get any more straightforward than that?
During a group prayer session on Saturday, I burst into tears and told my group "y'all, I am going to be so pissed off if I have to be a preacher!" They obviously thought this was hilarious (I was told it was the best quote from the weekend), but it showed the way my heart was headed. Saturday night was a candlelight and prayer service. I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil any surprises for people who haven't been on a Chrysalis flight (you should definitely go), but I will say it was an extremely powerful service. I wound up sobbing on a back row because I felt God so strongly, and in my head I could hear one of the pastors telling me that you can't ignore God's call, he will just keep coming back over and over. I told God then and there that I wasn't going to ignore Him anymore. I told Him that I will do everything in my power to follow His plan and carry out whatever it is He needs me to do in my life. Whatever is not in my power is definitely in His.
The rest of the weekend just confirmed that I was reading God's signs correctly. He wants me in His service, and I am overjoyed to be there. I hope to go to seminary in a year or so. Taking this time to work and save up some money will also give me a chance to discern what kind of ministry will be my life's work.
I swore back in the day that I would never be a minister like my Dad. I thought I would be mad if God called me to the ministry, but of course I'm not angry. I feel so relieved to finally know what it is I am supposed to be doing with my life. I was Rachel at the well, waiting for something to happen. Now God has come to take me out into the world and show me the rest of my life, and I couldn't be more excited to start the adventure!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Let the Blessings... Begin!
Permit me to make a joyful noise for a little while...
Today was Ash Wednesday, which is supposed to be a somber day in the Christian calendar. It's the first day of Lent, which is the 40 days leading up to Easter. I was all set to be serious today in preparation for my Lent promises (see entry below), but apparently God had other plans. I have barely started on my goal to get closer to God by putting Him first, and already I find myself being blessed! No one big event stands out from today as especially divine, but there were so many little things that added up to a totally God-filled day!
I started out the day with an appointment with my doctor in Hartselle. I have been discouraged for the past few years by my attempts to lead a healthier lifestyle and conquer some health problems that I have. I went to the doctor to check-up on my health and do some blood work. In addition I got a "pep talk," and I walked out of his office feeling hopeful and remembering that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" I drove straight to my dad's church so that we could go eat lunch together before I headed back to Birmingham. I got to go eat at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Las Vias!
At the restaurant we ran into a church member (it's really inevitable) and her husband. I had never met her before, but as soon as my dad introduced us she gave me the biggest hug and told me she was thrilled to meet me! If that doesn't make you feel good, then you need some Prozac! As we talked to her, we found out that her grandchildren go to the same "mother's day out" program where I work in Birmingham! As we exclaimed over the coincidence, her husband and my dad stood off to the side and discussed hunting. Every once in a while my new friend would look over and whisper to me "I'm just so happy! He refuses to come to church with me, but I know God is working in this moment!" We all talked for a while and then went our separate ways, and later I found out that she had been really sick, and it is a miracle that she is even alive! I felt so lucky to meet her and get to talk with her today, and I hope that the encounter will help bring her husband to the Lord.
As I was walking to the car I thought about the blessings I had already received today. Apparently God wasn't done with me yet! I opened the door to my dad's car and let out a squeal! There on the front passenger seat was my iPod that I thought was lost! I know this sounds materialistic of me, but I was soooo excited to have it back! I jumped up and down and did a little jig! My dad later told my mom that I acted just like a little kid. Dad pointed out to me that this was God working because I hate exercising without my ipod, and that is one of the things I have to do to fix the aforementioned health problems! It may be sort of a silly blessing, but it's a blessing nonetheless!
Whew! I told you today was a full one, and I'm not even done yet! After lunch I went back to the church with Dad. At the church, I got to talk with a friend who gave me some really good insights about how to find my calling. Then I went for a walk on the track to use my beloved ipod! I went home and had a very uplifting conversation with a new friend :-) and then I left for Birmingham.
I attended the Ash Wednesday service with my aunt. Then I was able to speak to the pastor who influenced me so much last Sunday (see the last post) and tell her how much her sermon meant to me. Lastly, I took a Prayer Walk that the youth of the church had set up. It was a very meaningful time. I got to walk through the last few weeks of Jesus' life and apply the lessons to my own faith journey. It was a wonderful way to end Ash Wednesday.
Sorry this post is so long. I have been blessed already this Lenten season, and I pray that God continues to bless you and touch you with His love. Here are the lyrics to a hymn we sang in church tonight.
Today was Ash Wednesday, which is supposed to be a somber day in the Christian calendar. It's the first day of Lent, which is the 40 days leading up to Easter. I was all set to be serious today in preparation for my Lent promises (see entry below), but apparently God had other plans. I have barely started on my goal to get closer to God by putting Him first, and already I find myself being blessed! No one big event stands out from today as especially divine, but there were so many little things that added up to a totally God-filled day!
I started out the day with an appointment with my doctor in Hartselle. I have been discouraged for the past few years by my attempts to lead a healthier lifestyle and conquer some health problems that I have. I went to the doctor to check-up on my health and do some blood work. In addition I got a "pep talk," and I walked out of his office feeling hopeful and remembering that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" I drove straight to my dad's church so that we could go eat lunch together before I headed back to Birmingham. I got to go eat at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Las Vias!
At the restaurant we ran into a church member (it's really inevitable) and her husband. I had never met her before, but as soon as my dad introduced us she gave me the biggest hug and told me she was thrilled to meet me! If that doesn't make you feel good, then you need some Prozac! As we talked to her, we found out that her grandchildren go to the same "mother's day out" program where I work in Birmingham! As we exclaimed over the coincidence, her husband and my dad stood off to the side and discussed hunting. Every once in a while my new friend would look over and whisper to me "I'm just so happy! He refuses to come to church with me, but I know God is working in this moment!" We all talked for a while and then went our separate ways, and later I found out that she had been really sick, and it is a miracle that she is even alive! I felt so lucky to meet her and get to talk with her today, and I hope that the encounter will help bring her husband to the Lord.
As I was walking to the car I thought about the blessings I had already received today. Apparently God wasn't done with me yet! I opened the door to my dad's car and let out a squeal! There on the front passenger seat was my iPod that I thought was lost! I know this sounds materialistic of me, but I was soooo excited to have it back! I jumped up and down and did a little jig! My dad later told my mom that I acted just like a little kid. Dad pointed out to me that this was God working because I hate exercising without my ipod, and that is one of the things I have to do to fix the aforementioned health problems! It may be sort of a silly blessing, but it's a blessing nonetheless!
Whew! I told you today was a full one, and I'm not even done yet! After lunch I went back to the church with Dad. At the church, I got to talk with a friend who gave me some really good insights about how to find my calling. Then I went for a walk on the track to use my beloved ipod! I went home and had a very uplifting conversation with a new friend :-) and then I left for Birmingham.
I attended the Ash Wednesday service with my aunt. Then I was able to speak to the pastor who influenced me so much last Sunday (see the last post) and tell her how much her sermon meant to me. Lastly, I took a Prayer Walk that the youth of the church had set up. It was a very meaningful time. I got to walk through the last few weeks of Jesus' life and apply the lessons to my own faith journey. It was a wonderful way to end Ash Wednesday.
Sorry this post is so long. I have been blessed already this Lenten season, and I pray that God continues to bless you and touch you with His love. Here are the lyrics to a hymn we sang in church tonight.
Lord, who throughout these forty days,
For us did fast and pray,
Teach us with you to mourn our sins,
And close by you to stay
| And you with Satan did contend, |
| As you did hunger bear and thirst, |
| And through these days of penitence, |
| Abide with us so that this life |
Amen!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Lent!
At church last Sunday, the pastor (not my dad, this was a different church) issued a challenge at the end of her sermon. She basically dared us to use this Lenten season to make God #1 in our lives. She used the book "Jesus for President" as an example, and helped me see how our world is so secular that it will take the focus off of God every time! I haven't read the book, but apparently it is fairly controversial and will "change your world."
The sermon inspired me to make God first in my life during this Lent season. It is going to be hard, and I don't expect 100% perfection. I am going to have to give up a lot of things that fill my life, like secular books, music and tv. I'm also going to try to cut down on other wordly things like drinking and Facebook. I'm even going to try to do less boy-watching! :-) These different things take up so much of my life that I will have a ton of free time left over; That's where God comes in! I am going to fill those gaps in my life with prayer, meditation and bible study. Hopefully I'll come out of it on Easter morning a stronger Christian and a more balanced person. I would appreciate your prayers during Lent and beyond!
The sermon inspired me to make God first in my life during this Lent season. It is going to be hard, and I don't expect 100% perfection. I am going to have to give up a lot of things that fill my life, like secular books, music and tv. I'm also going to try to cut down on other wordly things like drinking and Facebook. I'm even going to try to do less boy-watching! :-) These different things take up so much of my life that I will have a ton of free time left over; That's where God comes in! I am going to fill those gaps in my life with prayer, meditation and bible study. Hopefully I'll come out of it on Easter morning a stronger Christian and a more balanced person. I would appreciate your prayers during Lent and beyond!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Rachel of the Well
I've always felt an affinity with the story of Rachel from the Bible. It may have begun because we share the same name, but as I get older and start to wonder where my life is headed, I take comfort from her story. I can picture Rachel taking her father's sheep to the well to drink. She probably had no particular passion for watering sheep, but she did it every day because her father asked her to. One day as she was fulfilling the task her father gave her, she met a man that would change her life. His name was Jacob, and he fell in love with her immediately. After a very long courtship that involved lots of hard work and trickery, they finally got married and started their (huge) family.
What I take from this story is not really about meeting the perfect man (although I hope that will happen one day); instead, I choose to take it as a message of hope and encouragement. If I do what my Father asks of me, the opportunities that will change and enrich my life will find me. Rachel did her job, and she was rewarded. We all have to do what God asks of us, and we too will be fulfilled.
Rachel was lucky: her dad just came out and said "Rachel, go water the sheep," much like my earthly father tells me "Rachel, go get a job!" Hearing our heavenly Father's commands is a lot trickier. Does he want me to continue with the career path that my education and experience offers me, or should I be pursuing something completely different? And what should I do while I'm trying to figure it out? Obviously I am going to have to listen to my earthly father on the latter question.
Eventually -hopefully soon- I am going to discover what my Father has planned for me, and he will reward me and fulfill me. Until then I'll do what I can, like Rachel at the well.
What I take from this story is not really about meeting the perfect man (although I hope that will happen one day); instead, I choose to take it as a message of hope and encouragement. If I do what my Father asks of me, the opportunities that will change and enrich my life will find me. Rachel did her job, and she was rewarded. We all have to do what God asks of us, and we too will be fulfilled.
Rachel was lucky: her dad just came out and said "Rachel, go water the sheep," much like my earthly father tells me "Rachel, go get a job!" Hearing our heavenly Father's commands is a lot trickier. Does he want me to continue with the career path that my education and experience offers me, or should I be pursuing something completely different? And what should I do while I'm trying to figure it out? Obviously I am going to have to listen to my earthly father on the latter question.
Eventually -hopefully soon- I am going to discover what my Father has planned for me, and he will reward me and fulfill me. Until then I'll do what I can, like Rachel at the well.
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