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!
Monday, April 20, 2009
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!
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