IJP4U - I just prayed for you. My mom texts me this often and I cannot tell you how good it makes me feel! It is better than an "I love you" or an "I miss you." It is the ultimate expression of love in my eyes. Think about it. My mom just stopped her day to enter the throne room of the living God and instead of asking for something for herself or for world peace, she asked God to think of me. The very same God that knows the names of all the stars and the number of grains of sand lining the ocean.
I think we as Christians tend to say we will pray for people rather flippantly. How many times have I told someone I would pray for them and never did? How many times have I thought, "I really don't want to get myself involved in that situation so I will just tell them I am praying instead of actually helping." The truth is, truly praying for a situation is the ultimate act of service, IF you actually do the praying. On the flip side of that, saying we will pray for someone and not actually doing it is the ultimate act of betrayal. It's like telling someone who just lost their job that you will hand deliver their resume to the owner of a company that you have an intimate relationship with and then never actually doing it, but saying you did. What kind of friend does that? And yet, I have to admit I am guilty. I have told people I would pray and never done it. I have asked people to pray for me knowing full well they would not do it either.
I found that the answer goes back to that text from my mom. My mom once told me to never tell someone that you are going to pray for them, only tell them after you have done it. This way, you aren't setting yourself up for failure before it even happens and when you do deliver the news, that you have prayed, they don't have to wonder, "Are you really going to pray for me?"
Prayer is the single most important tool we have as Christians. Only God changes hearts, only God controls the consequences of life that is around us and only God is in charge of the universe. Going to Him for help, comfort, provision and support is the most effective thing we can do to help those around us. Thanking Him for caring about us is vital to our own well being.
Don't lie about praying. REALLY PRAY! IJP4U
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Christianity should not be safe
There is a local Christian radio station who's tag line is "safe for the whole family." I totally understand what they mean and I love the station, but when I hear that, I automatically think, "my brother wouldn't think so." My brother is not a Christian and so all things Christian or even things about God get him fired up. When my nephew was young, my brother would not let my mom take him to bible study with her because my nephew would then come home and start asking his dad questions that my brother was not ready to answer.
This got me to thinking. Christianity is not safe and quite frankly, it shouldn't be! Jesus was crucified on a cross! Peter was crucified upside down for being a Christian. Stephen was stoned to death, Paul spent most of his life in jails. Ask the Christian in China how safe it is. Jesus himself said that they persecuted me, they will persecute you.
So why is it that we tell people to come to Jesus and your life will be great! That is a lie! What we should be saying is come to Jesus, life will be harder, you will experience pain, hardship, persecution and probably die because of it, but it's so worth it! Because your life will have purpose, meaning and your soul will be filled. You will realize that this life is just a game and the real deal is coming after death.
I feel sorry for people who wear Jesus like a suit. They just put Him on when they need to look good or get out of a particular situation and then put Him back in the closet when they want to do things their own way. I know, I used to be that person. What an empty, sad life! How alone they feel. I pray that every person who lives this way will have something major rock their world so they can come face to face with the true power of Christ and they can learn to live authentically through Him.
I pray that we as Christians will stop lying to people to try and get them "on the side of God" and start telling them the truth so they too can have a real relationship with the one true living God. It is a dangerous life to live, but I for one like danger! Especially when I know we already won.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Immigration
I am not very political but I feel strongly about immigration. It seems that the liberals are up in arms about the new Arizona immigration law and the conservatives are somehow offended that the liberals don't like the law. First, I want to point out that on a scale, I lean more liberal than I do conservative on many things, I am a tree-hugging recycler who thinks we should care about people, all people, so I am not about to bash anyone, liberal or conservative, but I want to say my opinion.
The truth is, it has nothing to do with this law. It is the fact that this law got passed and real reform is at a stand still. As it has been pointed out by many, there is no real need for this law. It is already a Federal crime to be in this country illegally. I mean really, what part of Illegal don't we understand? If Arizona, and all states would simply enforce the laws we have on the books, they would be able to detain and deport who ever they wanted. The problem is, no one wants to pass or enforce a law that punishes the companies that actually employ illegals. We get very self righteous about this topic and say that if someone wants to be in this country they should go through the proper channels, and fundamentally, I agree with that, but our ridiculously screwed up immigration system makes that nearly impossible for the average person. If you are face to face with an actual person who is here illegally and they tell you their story, it will most likely be that they are here to work, to provide food, clothing and shelter for their family and an education for their children. Most people are not here to become drug dealers or to blow anything up, yet we are making them the enemy, when in fact the enemy is already a US citizen. It is the person who employs the people who are here illegally. They employ them for less than minimum wage, don't provide them benefits and don't pay taxes for them. They do it because if the company gets caught, they might get fined, but the fine is far less than what they would have to pay if they had to pay each person what they were worth. How is it that we can say we care about people, and also say it is OK for employers to treat them like, well, slaves?
I have heard the argument that we need these laborers, who else would spend all day picking strawberries, avocados, onions, etc., but if we need then, then lets make the process of getting into this country legally accessible to all people and then let's pay them as if they are a real person, not just a "laborer." Instead, we want them to come here and pick our strawberries for $2 an hour but don't want to provide them with health care, education or basic human rights? How is that respecting human life? How is that treating everyone with dignity? I have heard that if we don't use this cheap labor force then our economy will collapse. All I have to say about this is that is the EXACT same argument that the south used to try and keep slavery alive.
If every person who is here illegally and is working had to go through a process to get documented, and then paid taxes and then every company had to provide at least minimum wage, pay taxes and pay for basic benefits, we would probably solve most our economic woes.
I think the problem is we are trying to correct this problem by punishing the people on the bottom of the problem instead of the top. I understand why, the people on the bottom don't contribute to political campaigns and they don't vote. That, however, doesn't make it right, and it certainly doesn't make the problem go away.
The truth is, it has nothing to do with this law. It is the fact that this law got passed and real reform is at a stand still. As it has been pointed out by many, there is no real need for this law. It is already a Federal crime to be in this country illegally. I mean really, what part of Illegal don't we understand? If Arizona, and all states would simply enforce the laws we have on the books, they would be able to detain and deport who ever they wanted. The problem is, no one wants to pass or enforce a law that punishes the companies that actually employ illegals. We get very self righteous about this topic and say that if someone wants to be in this country they should go through the proper channels, and fundamentally, I agree with that, but our ridiculously screwed up immigration system makes that nearly impossible for the average person. If you are face to face with an actual person who is here illegally and they tell you their story, it will most likely be that they are here to work, to provide food, clothing and shelter for their family and an education for their children. Most people are not here to become drug dealers or to blow anything up, yet we are making them the enemy, when in fact the enemy is already a US citizen. It is the person who employs the people who are here illegally. They employ them for less than minimum wage, don't provide them benefits and don't pay taxes for them. They do it because if the company gets caught, they might get fined, but the fine is far less than what they would have to pay if they had to pay each person what they were worth. How is it that we can say we care about people, and also say it is OK for employers to treat them like, well, slaves?
I have heard the argument that we need these laborers, who else would spend all day picking strawberries, avocados, onions, etc., but if we need then, then lets make the process of getting into this country legally accessible to all people and then let's pay them as if they are a real person, not just a "laborer." Instead, we want them to come here and pick our strawberries for $2 an hour but don't want to provide them with health care, education or basic human rights? How is that respecting human life? How is that treating everyone with dignity? I have heard that if we don't use this cheap labor force then our economy will collapse. All I have to say about this is that is the EXACT same argument that the south used to try and keep slavery alive.
If every person who is here illegally and is working had to go through a process to get documented, and then paid taxes and then every company had to provide at least minimum wage, pay taxes and pay for basic benefits, we would probably solve most our economic woes.
I think the problem is we are trying to correct this problem by punishing the people on the bottom of the problem instead of the top. I understand why, the people on the bottom don't contribute to political campaigns and they don't vote. That, however, doesn't make it right, and it certainly doesn't make the problem go away.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Bake him a cake!
I strive to be a good wife to my husband and a good mother to my children. I have found that for most women, those are our two top goals! So I have decided to start writing the things I have learn about marriage and family in my blog. I hope this can be a blessing to you!
Two of my friends, Naomi and Tina, went to the pool together and were talking. Tina said she had to go home to bake a cake, Naomi asked what was the special occasion. Tina said, "There is no occasion, but my husband has been out of town and comes home today, so I want him to come home to the house smelling good so I am going to bake a cake."
When Naomi was telling me the story, she said she felt bad because she had never baked a cake for her husband when he came home from being out of town. But I told her that I beg to differ! She has "baked a cake" for him plenty of times! When he is out of town, she weeds his garden, keeps his tomato plants in their cages and ensures he comes home to a clean house. For Naomi's husband, that is what speaks love to him. For my hubby, when he comes home to a house that smells like bleach, that speaks love to him. I have another friend who's husband smiles from ear to ear when he comes home to a house that smells like dinner and the kids are playing together because they have all finished their homework.
I think the lesson is, it's not about trying to become someone else and mimicking their actions, but about seeing someones biblical character traits and reflecting that.
So I ask you, how do you bake your husband a cake?
(Thanks for being an inspiration, Tina!)
Two of my friends, Naomi and Tina, went to the pool together and were talking. Tina said she had to go home to bake a cake, Naomi asked what was the special occasion. Tina said, "There is no occasion, but my husband has been out of town and comes home today, so I want him to come home to the house smelling good so I am going to bake a cake."
When Naomi was telling me the story, she said she felt bad because she had never baked a cake for her husband when he came home from being out of town. But I told her that I beg to differ! She has "baked a cake" for him plenty of times! When he is out of town, she weeds his garden, keeps his tomato plants in their cages and ensures he comes home to a clean house. For Naomi's husband, that is what speaks love to him. For my hubby, when he comes home to a house that smells like bleach, that speaks love to him. I have another friend who's husband smiles from ear to ear when he comes home to a house that smells like dinner and the kids are playing together because they have all finished their homework.
I think the lesson is, it's not about trying to become someone else and mimicking their actions, but about seeing someones biblical character traits and reflecting that.
So I ask you, how do you bake your husband a cake?
(Thanks for being an inspiration, Tina!)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
John - 7 Signs
The book of John has 7 miracles, which John call signs. Each miracle highlights a different aspect of Jesus’ character as well as proving that He is in fact the Christ, the True Messiah. I focused on the character traits of Christ and what they meant to me. I hope they will bless you to see Jesus in this way as well.
1. Jesus the Problem Solver – John 2:1 - 11 – Jesus turns water into wine
- He meets us at our shortcomings and completely satisfies the need with excellence.
- The only people who knew what Jesus had done were the servants, the disciples, Mary and the host. Jesus performed this miracle, not to prove his deity to the wedding party, but to the disciples. Sometimes Jesus does big things for just a few people. That is how important we are to Him.
2. Jesus the Healer – John 4:43-54 – Jesus heals the official’s son
- There is no medicine like His Living Water
- He shows he can heal anytime, anywhere. He doesn’t have to be present to heal, and the person receiving the healing doesn’t have to meet a certain criteria. The official and his son were not Jews.
- Jesus says that He knows that people won’t believe unless they see miraculous signs and wonders and so He does just that.
- The official took Jesus at His word and took the two day journey home. He didn't have any proof that Jesus had done anything. He just believed Him. Do I do that?
3. Jesus the Merciful – John 5:1-15 – Jesus Heals at the Pool
- We are not deserving and yet He gives
- Jesus shows mercy to a random person who is so busy complaining about his circumstances, he doesn’t even see that Jesus is there to make him well.
- Jesus abolishes the religious tradition that interferes with the spirit of the law.
- this is also the first time He says plainly that He is the Son of God.
4. Jesus the Provider – John 6:1-15 – Jesus feeds 5,000
- He is able and wants to provide for all our needs in abundance!
- If we will give Him everything, no matter how big or how small, Jesus will use it in a great and mighty way to meet our needs and to do great things!
- Only 2 people had faith that Jesus could solve the problem – The little boy and the disciple Andrew – but Jesus used the faith of those 2 to bless everyone and increase the faith of everyone. I wonder if that little boy knew he would have such a huge impact on eternity when he took that food with him to hear a new teacher speak?
5. Jesus the Deliverer – John 6:16-24 – Jesus walks on water
- He meets us in the middle of the storm.
- The disciples were afraid, but that didn’t stop Jesus from saving them. Once we are in His hands, our fear and even our lack of faith cannot stop Jesus from delivering me from evil.
6. Jesus the Authority – John 9:1-12 – Jesus heals the man born blind
- His words, His rules come before all else.
- Jesus had already proven he could heal people, this time it wasn’t about the healing, but about getting rid of false doctrine and tradition. Jesus once again healed on the Sabbath, and he healed a man that was born blind. It was widely thought that a person born with an illness or disability were that way because of the sins of their parents. Jesus corrects this thought as well.
7. Jesus the Savior – John 11:1-44 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead
- He brings us from death to life.
- John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
- This shows Jesus’ authority over death and is the end of His public ministry. After this, He is preparing for His own death and resurrection.
We serve an amazing and mighty God. He truly does supply every need. Do I allow Him to do so? Do I really live as if I serve a God with all of these characteristics? There is an amazing Hymn that comes to mind:
"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word,
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know thus sayeth the Lord."
1. Jesus the Problem Solver – John 2:1 - 11 – Jesus turns water into wine
- He meets us at our shortcomings and completely satisfies the need with excellence.
- The only people who knew what Jesus had done were the servants, the disciples, Mary and the host. Jesus performed this miracle, not to prove his deity to the wedding party, but to the disciples. Sometimes Jesus does big things for just a few people. That is how important we are to Him.
2. Jesus the Healer – John 4:43-54 – Jesus heals the official’s son
- There is no medicine like His Living Water
- He shows he can heal anytime, anywhere. He doesn’t have to be present to heal, and the person receiving the healing doesn’t have to meet a certain criteria. The official and his son were not Jews.
- Jesus says that He knows that people won’t believe unless they see miraculous signs and wonders and so He does just that.
- The official took Jesus at His word and took the two day journey home. He didn't have any proof that Jesus had done anything. He just believed Him. Do I do that?
3. Jesus the Merciful – John 5:1-15 – Jesus Heals at the Pool
- We are not deserving and yet He gives
- Jesus shows mercy to a random person who is so busy complaining about his circumstances, he doesn’t even see that Jesus is there to make him well.
- Jesus abolishes the religious tradition that interferes with the spirit of the law.
- this is also the first time He says plainly that He is the Son of God.
4. Jesus the Provider – John 6:1-15 – Jesus feeds 5,000
- He is able and wants to provide for all our needs in abundance!
- If we will give Him everything, no matter how big or how small, Jesus will use it in a great and mighty way to meet our needs and to do great things!
- Only 2 people had faith that Jesus could solve the problem – The little boy and the disciple Andrew – but Jesus used the faith of those 2 to bless everyone and increase the faith of everyone. I wonder if that little boy knew he would have such a huge impact on eternity when he took that food with him to hear a new teacher speak?
5. Jesus the Deliverer – John 6:16-24 – Jesus walks on water
- He meets us in the middle of the storm.
- The disciples were afraid, but that didn’t stop Jesus from saving them. Once we are in His hands, our fear and even our lack of faith cannot stop Jesus from delivering me from evil.
6. Jesus the Authority – John 9:1-12 – Jesus heals the man born blind
- His words, His rules come before all else.
- Jesus had already proven he could heal people, this time it wasn’t about the healing, but about getting rid of false doctrine and tradition. Jesus once again healed on the Sabbath, and he healed a man that was born blind. It was widely thought that a person born with an illness or disability were that way because of the sins of their parents. Jesus corrects this thought as well.
7. Jesus the Savior – John 11:1-44 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead
- He brings us from death to life.
- John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
- This shows Jesus’ authority over death and is the end of His public ministry. After this, He is preparing for His own death and resurrection.
We serve an amazing and mighty God. He truly does supply every need. Do I allow Him to do so? Do I really live as if I serve a God with all of these characteristics? There is an amazing Hymn that comes to mind:
"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word,
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know thus sayeth the Lord."
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve
I woke up this morning with the wonderful song "For unto us a Child is born," in my head. I was blessed to be able to sing this song when I was in college and was a member of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Choir, and that is always the version I hear in my head. It got me thinking about Jesus as a baby and how utterly amazing it is that God decided to enter the world this way.
The God of all creation chose to come into the world helpless, unable to even feed himself. Mary not only birthed him, (without an epidural, mind you!) but she also fed him, changed his diaper, rocked him to sleep when he was crying (And yes, despite the Christmas Carol, of course baby Jesus cried! It is not a sin to cry so why wouldn't he?). I will admit, I have control issues, but this is truly amazing: God gave up ALL control, even of His basic needs, so I started to think, why?
I believe everything Jesus did on earth was to teach or show us something. He could have simply come as a man, appeared on the scene and still lived a sinless life and died on the cross for our sins, but He chose to live a whole life, why? What do we learn from this?
1. Dependency - God asks us for complete dependency. He says, "die to yourself, and give me everything. Trust me completely with everything you are and want to do with your life." I think that is somehow easier to take from someone who understands the feeling of letting go all control. He also let go all control on the cross, but maybe His earthly body was better able to do that because He had practiced as a child. Which is my second point,
2. Practice - The hard things usually do take practice. A good athlete doesn't get to be good without a lot of practice. Look at Gideon. It took him a lot of practice to get to the point where he could just obey God without question. If Jesus was fully God AND fully man when He walked on earth, then I would think that getting Himself to the cross in complete obedience and letting go of all control would take practice. He often says in the book of John that He can only do the will of the one who sent Him. That kind of obedience and dependency takes practice.
3. Connection through shared experience - I have noticed that if I am trying to get to know someone better and get to point of true friendship that it comes easier with shared experiences. If we have both been to Yosemite or have both done the same embarrassing thing, it is somehow easier to then get deeper with that person. Maybe this is why God came as a baby too. I mean, seriously, He's God. He already knows every human experience and emotion without having to experience them in the flesh, but I somehow feel better praying to Jesus about my temptations, fears and struggles knowing He has felt them in the flesh. Maye just because my finite mind can't wrap around the infiniteness (probably not a real word) of God, but even so, I am comforted by Christ's humanness.
The fact that Jesus was a baby, helpless and fully dependant is convicting for me. Who am I to try and control anything? Jesus later says that to be the greatest in heaven, you must be the least. He was born to a poor family, in a stable, laid in a feeding troth. He grew up and died a criminal's death. He truly was the least and He truly is the greatest.
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas
The God of all creation chose to come into the world helpless, unable to even feed himself. Mary not only birthed him, (without an epidural, mind you!) but she also fed him, changed his diaper, rocked him to sleep when he was crying (And yes, despite the Christmas Carol, of course baby Jesus cried! It is not a sin to cry so why wouldn't he?). I will admit, I have control issues, but this is truly amazing: God gave up ALL control, even of His basic needs, so I started to think, why?
I believe everything Jesus did on earth was to teach or show us something. He could have simply come as a man, appeared on the scene and still lived a sinless life and died on the cross for our sins, but He chose to live a whole life, why? What do we learn from this?
1. Dependency - God asks us for complete dependency. He says, "die to yourself, and give me everything. Trust me completely with everything you are and want to do with your life." I think that is somehow easier to take from someone who understands the feeling of letting go all control. He also let go all control on the cross, but maybe His earthly body was better able to do that because He had practiced as a child. Which is my second point,
2. Practice - The hard things usually do take practice. A good athlete doesn't get to be good without a lot of practice. Look at Gideon. It took him a lot of practice to get to the point where he could just obey God without question. If Jesus was fully God AND fully man when He walked on earth, then I would think that getting Himself to the cross in complete obedience and letting go of all control would take practice. He often says in the book of John that He can only do the will of the one who sent Him. That kind of obedience and dependency takes practice.
3. Connection through shared experience - I have noticed that if I am trying to get to know someone better and get to point of true friendship that it comes easier with shared experiences. If we have both been to Yosemite or have both done the same embarrassing thing, it is somehow easier to then get deeper with that person. Maybe this is why God came as a baby too. I mean, seriously, He's God. He already knows every human experience and emotion without having to experience them in the flesh, but I somehow feel better praying to Jesus about my temptations, fears and struggles knowing He has felt them in the flesh. Maye just because my finite mind can't wrap around the infiniteness (probably not a real word) of God, but even so, I am comforted by Christ's humanness.
The fact that Jesus was a baby, helpless and fully dependant is convicting for me. Who am I to try and control anything? Jesus later says that to be the greatest in heaven, you must be the least. He was born to a poor family, in a stable, laid in a feeding troth. He grew up and died a criminal's death. He truly was the least and He truly is the greatest.
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
My song of praise
All creation cries out your Name
Singing glory hallelujah
when I feel the wind on my face
I am reminded of Your gentle power
And loving grace
Your strong Tower
and warm embrace
That you beg me to rest under Your wing
And bask in your true beauty and light
In Your presence I hear salvations ring
and see your promises become light
Although I am rebelious and immature
You are constant and pure
Your justice is tempered only by Your grace
And I am humbled and thankful to be allowed
a glimpse of Your face
Who am I that You would think of me?
And yet you call me precious and princess
Who and I that You would consider me?
And yet you died for me.
My king who washes His disciples feet
And willfully goes to the cross in percieved defeit
yet death has no sting
no victory
You hold the universe in one hand
and me in the other....me, You love
Me...You hear
Me...You save
What can I do but praise
What can I say but thank you
I rest at the foot of the cross
And in the shadow of Your wing
Singing glory hallelujah
when I feel the wind on my face
I am reminded of Your gentle power
And loving grace
Your strong Tower
and warm embrace
That you beg me to rest under Your wing
And bask in your true beauty and light
In Your presence I hear salvations ring
and see your promises become light
Although I am rebelious and immature
You are constant and pure
Your justice is tempered only by Your grace
And I am humbled and thankful to be allowed
a glimpse of Your face
Who am I that You would think of me?
And yet you call me precious and princess
Who and I that You would consider me?
And yet you died for me.
My king who washes His disciples feet
And willfully goes to the cross in percieved defeit
yet death has no sting
no victory
You hold the universe in one hand
and me in the other....me, You love
Me...You hear
Me...You save
What can I do but praise
What can I say but thank you
I rest at the foot of the cross
And in the shadow of Your wing
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