Our topic in college group has been social justice. We've talked about the poor, poverty, abortion, and slavery. Honestly, it is utterly overwhelming. I feel bogged down by the vastness of things that need to be done to combat the injustice happening around the world. I feel like a little ant on the ground that can't do anything. Fortunately, I know that as an individual, I can stand up and others will stand with me. We can make a difference.
Worry, anxiety, frustration, anger, bitterness and so many more, threaten our livelihood. I catch myself throughout the day worrying about something or planning ahead. What does it matter? There are children who haven't eaten today.
The plan didn't work out. I'm frustrated. What does it matter? Slaves are being worked to the bone today.
I don't know the right answer. I have no words to say. It doesn't matter. Some homeless people didn't get lunch today.
When you are dealing with stuff, ask yourself if it really matters. Cause most likely, it doesn't. We live a rich life in comparison to most. Whenever I start worrying, I remind myself that it doesn't matter. It simply doesn't matter.
What matters is ridding this world of injustice.
How did you do that today?
Perspective changes everything.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Spending Time
Sit and listen.
Be still and know that He is God.
Surrender your heart, your mind, your thoughts.
Let Him be.
Let Him fill you.
It hits me sometimes, just how broken I am. How much I need the Father. I'm in a funk. And I can't figure it out. I'm so frustrated on so many levels. But on the same note, I know that God is here. He is with me.
The funny thing is that there have tremendous things happening lately.
God has finally given me vision for this year.
He is allowing me to go to N. Ireland and Thailand.
He has given me time to get all of my school work done.
He has provided opportunity for jobs, house sitting, baby sitting, and other things.
He's given me random amounts of money at times that I never expected it.
So, what do I need to do?
Simply spend more time with Jesus. I need to set aside time to do that. He's my first relationship. He takes precedence over everyone else.
Do you need to do the same?
Be still and know that He is God.
Surrender your heart, your mind, your thoughts.
Let Him be.
Let Him fill you.
It hits me sometimes, just how broken I am. How much I need the Father. I'm in a funk. And I can't figure it out. I'm so frustrated on so many levels. But on the same note, I know that God is here. He is with me.
The funny thing is that there have tremendous things happening lately.
God has finally given me vision for this year.
He is allowing me to go to N. Ireland and Thailand.
He has given me time to get all of my school work done.
He has provided opportunity for jobs, house sitting, baby sitting, and other things.
He's given me random amounts of money at times that I never expected it.
So, what do I need to do?
Simply spend more time with Jesus. I need to set aside time to do that. He's my first relationship. He takes precedence over everyone else.
Do you need to do the same?
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Salt and Light
There are moments that the kids around me simply amaze me. One of those moments was Sunday. I was speaking that day to the kids about being Salt and Light. You know that passage right?
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
I got the passage about a week before I was speaking on it, so I started looking at it. I'm 21. It's been a few years since I was in 5th or 6th grade. But I thought back about how I would've understood it best when I was younger.
As I started speaking to the kids about it, they became quiet. They listened. They understood. At 10 or 11, these kids could understand what it means to be salt and light to the world. It wasn't due to me at all, it was all Jesus. One of the leaders after small group told me that he girls got it. They knew what it meant. It doesn't mean their always going to do it, but at least they get it. (To listen to my whole talk, go to http://my.ekklesia360.com/Clients/player/videoplayer.php?sid=2091&url=http://www.thegroveaz.org/mediafiles/kaos-1-29-12.mp3&mediaBID=1335561&template=http://my.ekklesia360.com/Clients/player/videoplayer.php&type=sound&CMSCODE=EKK&CMS_LINK=http://my.ekklesia360.com&width=400&height=300&autostart=true&playlist=false&target=MediaPlayer)
God didn't intend for us to struggle with the concepts, he knew we would get it. If kids at 4 and 5 years old know what it means to accept Jesus in their heart, then salt and light is an easy concept.
What gets me is the fact that we don't expect kids to do great things. They understand better what faith is. They are children. They are not jaded by this world. But we choose to expect them to do nothing of importance. I read about a kid the other day who had a passion, and he went door to door collecting money. He was collecting money to put a well in an African village that only drank dirty water. He was not any older than 12. He raised the money. All by himself. He went door to door making a difference.
How much more could we, as young people do? This world does revolve around us and our problems. Oh no, we are simply here for Jesus. We are here to live differently, to change lives, and change the world.
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
I got the passage about a week before I was speaking on it, so I started looking at it. I'm 21. It's been a few years since I was in 5th or 6th grade. But I thought back about how I would've understood it best when I was younger.
As I started speaking to the kids about it, they became quiet. They listened. They understood. At 10 or 11, these kids could understand what it means to be salt and light to the world. It wasn't due to me at all, it was all Jesus. One of the leaders after small group told me that he girls got it. They knew what it meant. It doesn't mean their always going to do it, but at least they get it. (To listen to my whole talk, go to http://my.ekklesia360.com/Clients/player/videoplayer.php?sid=2091&url=http://www.thegroveaz.org/mediafiles/kaos-1-29-12.mp3&mediaBID=1335561&template=http://my.ekklesia360.com/Clients/player/videoplayer.php&type=sound&CMSCODE=EKK&CMS_LINK=http://my.ekklesia360.com&width=400&height=300&autostart=true&playlist=false&target=MediaPlayer)
God didn't intend for us to struggle with the concepts, he knew we would get it. If kids at 4 and 5 years old know what it means to accept Jesus in their heart, then salt and light is an easy concept.
What gets me is the fact that we don't expect kids to do great things. They understand better what faith is. They are children. They are not jaded by this world. But we choose to expect them to do nothing of importance. I read about a kid the other day who had a passion, and he went door to door collecting money. He was collecting money to put a well in an African village that only drank dirty water. He was not any older than 12. He raised the money. All by himself. He went door to door making a difference.
How much more could we, as young people do? This world does revolve around us and our problems. Oh no, we are simply here for Jesus. We are here to live differently, to change lives, and change the world.
How are you living differently?
How are you changing lives?
How are you changing the world?
Monday, January 23, 2012
Broken
I am broken.
You are broken.
We are all living in the brokenness that threatens to consume us every day. It is a cry of sadness that is always there. It never stops. We have someone stronger than that though. We have the King, who came to give us life and give it to the fullest.
There are so many who are broken but have taken steps to seek God. I have found more and more how broken I am. And in comparison to some, my life has been a cake walk.
I have much compassion for the people who live in their brokenness every single day. I honestly don't know what that's like. I do know that as Christ followers, we are called to love the broken. To come to their aide. Are you doing that?
If you are broken, sad or alone, please ask for help. Don't keep it to yourself. You don't have to handle it on your own. It is not your burden to carry alone.
You are broken.
We are all living in the brokenness that threatens to consume us every day. It is a cry of sadness that is always there. It never stops. We have someone stronger than that though. We have the King, who came to give us life and give it to the fullest.
There are so many who are broken but have taken steps to seek God. I have found more and more how broken I am. And in comparison to some, my life has been a cake walk.
I have much compassion for the people who live in their brokenness every single day. I honestly don't know what that's like. I do know that as Christ followers, we are called to love the broken. To come to their aide. Are you doing that?
If you are broken, sad or alone, please ask for help. Don't keep it to yourself. You don't have to handle it on your own. It is not your burden to carry alone.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Lavishing Grace
Passionately moved.
This is the awesome way that God moves people. He knows I'm passionate. He knows exactly how to change my perspective. He knows what I need, when I need it and how much I need. He is my God. My king. My Savior. My direction.
I was telling the girls at Bible study how directionless I have felt for a number of months. But now, in this moment, I have direction. I've always had purpose. Now I have directional purpose. I have seriously screamed with joy multiple times because of this fact. How long has it been? How many times have I prayed I would feel this?
Yet, a warning comes. A warning that God has spoken to my heart so many times. Rest in me.
What, Lord?
Rest in me. I gave you direction, but I want you to continue to let me direct you.
Okay, God. Don't cling to my direction? Cling only to you?
Yup, good job, Bre. :)
This year is a year filled with a pursuit of justice.
Justice.
There is human trafficking, slavery, brokenness, homelessness, poverty and so much ore going on in this world. What are YOU doing about it? As Christians, we are called to look after the poor and widows. Not only that, but we are called to see justice be served. How can we sit idly by and do nothing when there is so much sadness all around us?!?
I was talking to my mentor, Jen, this past week and she told me something I never realized. The one thing that is always true about me is my need to see justice. Always. That's why I have wanted to go into law. That is why I can't stand it when people are treated unfairly. That is why I have worked in politics. Why did I not put it together sooner? Why did God not show me this truth years ago? He had a reason for it. I needed to hear it now. Because it has pushed me to do something about it.
This weekend I was told by four different people how they could totally see me running a non-profit about fighting for justice. Four people. What?!? Yeah, I could totally see that.
Grace.
This week, I spoke on grace. I had prepared well. But that night came and I was terrified I would say something wrong. My big brother, Lawrence, told me that it wasn't about what I said. He told me to just let God do the talking. Easy as pie.
I felt unworthy. But God so lovingly lavished his grace upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness."
Are you walking in his grace?
A few months back, I was talking to my mom about this very subject. She asked me if I believed that God would love me the same if I sat on my bum the rest of my life. In other words, did I think God would love me even if I did NOTHING for him for the rest of my life. My answer was no.
Now, I wholeheartedly would tell you that if you did nothing for the rest of your life for Him, He would love you. Is that the right way to live according to the Bible? No, not in my opinion. That is what living in grace looks like.
This is the awesome way that God moves people. He knows I'm passionate. He knows exactly how to change my perspective. He knows what I need, when I need it and how much I need. He is my God. My king. My Savior. My direction.
I was telling the girls at Bible study how directionless I have felt for a number of months. But now, in this moment, I have direction. I've always had purpose. Now I have directional purpose. I have seriously screamed with joy multiple times because of this fact. How long has it been? How many times have I prayed I would feel this?
Yet, a warning comes. A warning that God has spoken to my heart so many times. Rest in me.
What, Lord?
Rest in me. I gave you direction, but I want you to continue to let me direct you.
Okay, God. Don't cling to my direction? Cling only to you?
Yup, good job, Bre. :)
This year is a year filled with a pursuit of justice.
Justice.
There is human trafficking, slavery, brokenness, homelessness, poverty and so much ore going on in this world. What are YOU doing about it? As Christians, we are called to look after the poor and widows. Not only that, but we are called to see justice be served. How can we sit idly by and do nothing when there is so much sadness all around us?!?
I was talking to my mentor, Jen, this past week and she told me something I never realized. The one thing that is always true about me is my need to see justice. Always. That's why I have wanted to go into law. That is why I can't stand it when people are treated unfairly. That is why I have worked in politics. Why did I not put it together sooner? Why did God not show me this truth years ago? He had a reason for it. I needed to hear it now. Because it has pushed me to do something about it.
This weekend I was told by four different people how they could totally see me running a non-profit about fighting for justice. Four people. What?!? Yeah, I could totally see that.
Grace.
This week, I spoke on grace. I had prepared well. But that night came and I was terrified I would say something wrong. My big brother, Lawrence, told me that it wasn't about what I said. He told me to just let God do the talking. Easy as pie.
I felt unworthy. But God so lovingly lavished his grace upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness."
Are you walking in his grace?
A few months back, I was talking to my mom about this very subject. She asked me if I believed that God would love me the same if I sat on my bum the rest of my life. In other words, did I think God would love me even if I did NOTHING for him for the rest of my life. My answer was no.
Now, I wholeheartedly would tell you that if you did nothing for the rest of your life for Him, He would love you. Is that the right way to live according to the Bible? No, not in my opinion. That is what living in grace looks like.
Live boldly,
and
passionately.
Live in His grace.
[Lavish His grace on others]
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Lower Case i
i started school last Thursday. My classes are
PAF311: Leadership and Change
ENG311: Persuasive Writing
CRJ302: Research Methods
CRJ308: Advanced Criminological Theory
CRJ305: Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
i'm super excited about all of them. Mostly, cause i like learning. i'm not a genius or anything extraordinary when it comes to school, but i truly enjoy it. i work hard.
Anyways, i started reading my leadership book and within the first chapter it spoke about authenticity. It talks about how crucial it is to be authentic to be a good leader. i was truly shocked when i read that because a lot of times authenticity isn't referred to in secular society. Of course, we as Christians talk about it, but it's a "Christiany" word. Unfortunately, it is not even talked about that much in our Christian society.
But a SECULAR COLLEGE TEXTBOOK just told me how important it is to be authentic and genuine.
One of my projects a couple years ago was to read the gospels. i thought it would really interesting to read the different perspectives of Jesus' life. So i did.
What struck me the most was how Jesus lived. He was funny, and sarcastic. He loved and cherished. But what stood out to me the most was that he was authentic and real. It never talks about how he was so different in private and then put on a face for the rest of the world.
The way that we live is a reflection of Christ. If you recorded the way that most people in the world live nowadays, it would go something like this...
"Susie spoke so many encouraging words to people. She talked about her future plans with confidence and boldness. She understood what it meant to serve people. But when Susie went home, she spoke to her siblings with contempt because she was the favorite. She got away with beating up with her little sisters if they looked at her the wrong way. She didn't read her Bible or pray. She was seclusive and rude."
That is just an example. That is also how most people have chosen to live. And it's exhausting. i know, i've been there. Not to such an extreme, but usually it's not that extreme. Sometimes it's the small things that we choose to ignore. Are you being like Susie?
Friends, God has given us such an opportunity to live our lives for him. i have chosen to live the same way in private and public. It's not sugar coated, it is real. i'm loud and easily excited. i'm encouraging and sarcastic. i love seeing the little joys in life. But i need sleep, and if i don't have it, i'm quieter. i love talking about deep things. i love hearing about people's stories. And i'm human. The one biggest joy in my life is my Savior. Because it's not about me. It's about Christ.
He lived his life so that we could live ours for him. If you are living a life like Susie, i want to encourage you to stop. Because our lives are not about us, they are about Christ. He didn't give us life to talk about ourselves as the capital i. He wants us to live as the lower case i. Christ calls us to sacrifice who we are and live for him. That's why all of the i's in this post have been lower case. It's not about me. It's about him. It's about giving the glory to God. Nothing is more rewarding then living life for the Creator of the Universe.
PAF311: Leadership and Change
ENG311: Persuasive Writing
CRJ302: Research Methods
CRJ308: Advanced Criminological Theory
CRJ305: Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
i'm super excited about all of them. Mostly, cause i like learning. i'm not a genius or anything extraordinary when it comes to school, but i truly enjoy it. i work hard.
Anyways, i started reading my leadership book and within the first chapter it spoke about authenticity. It talks about how crucial it is to be authentic to be a good leader. i was truly shocked when i read that because a lot of times authenticity isn't referred to in secular society. Of course, we as Christians talk about it, but it's a "Christiany" word. Unfortunately, it is not even talked about that much in our Christian society.
But a SECULAR COLLEGE TEXTBOOK just told me how important it is to be authentic and genuine.
One of my projects a couple years ago was to read the gospels. i thought it would really interesting to read the different perspectives of Jesus' life. So i did.
What struck me the most was how Jesus lived. He was funny, and sarcastic. He loved and cherished. But what stood out to me the most was that he was authentic and real. It never talks about how he was so different in private and then put on a face for the rest of the world.
The way that we live is a reflection of Christ. If you recorded the way that most people in the world live nowadays, it would go something like this...
"Susie spoke so many encouraging words to people. She talked about her future plans with confidence and boldness. She understood what it meant to serve people. But when Susie went home, she spoke to her siblings with contempt because she was the favorite. She got away with beating up with her little sisters if they looked at her the wrong way. She didn't read her Bible or pray. She was seclusive and rude."
That is just an example. That is also how most people have chosen to live. And it's exhausting. i know, i've been there. Not to such an extreme, but usually it's not that extreme. Sometimes it's the small things that we choose to ignore. Are you being like Susie?
Friends, God has given us such an opportunity to live our lives for him. i have chosen to live the same way in private and public. It's not sugar coated, it is real. i'm loud and easily excited. i'm encouraging and sarcastic. i love seeing the little joys in life. But i need sleep, and if i don't have it, i'm quieter. i love talking about deep things. i love hearing about people's stories. And i'm human. The one biggest joy in my life is my Savior. Because it's not about me. It's about Christ.
He lived his life so that we could live ours for him. If you are living a life like Susie, i want to encourage you to stop. Because our lives are not about us, they are about Christ. He didn't give us life to talk about ourselves as the capital i. He wants us to live as the lower case i. Christ calls us to sacrifice who we are and live for him. That's why all of the i's in this post have been lower case. It's not about me. It's about him. It's about giving the glory to God. Nothing is more rewarding then living life for the Creator of the Universe.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Looking Forward
Today is the last day of 2011. And I simply couldn't be happier.
This year has been hard. Not just, "oh my toe got smashed and it hurts," kind of hard. Like legit painful. Not just for me, but for those closest to me as well. There have been so many ups and downs. But through it all, God has remained faithful. I could tell you a whole list of prayers that God has answered this year. I could tell you a whole lot that he hasn't yet. Regardless, he is always there.
This past year has been not only hard with all of the things happening, but Satan just likes telling me lies. Most people that I've expressed this to have commented that they've been dealing with the same thing lately. This is a quote that brought me some revelation.
This new year is going to bring new opportunities, new joys, new trials and new choices to be made. I don't want this night to be about forgetting this year, but looking forward to what is to come. I want to live better. This may be corny, but I was watching the movie New Years Eve and one of the girls gave this speech...
"It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt cause that is what new years is all about- getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about what if and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight and it will drop, let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long." -Hilary Swank, New Year's Eve
As you enter in the new year, remember that God is always with you. This year will bring challenges, but don't forget the people he has placed in your life for support. Don't forget about the things you learned this year. Don't forget about the prayers God answered. Don't forget that each season is good in its own way. Remember to always keep your eyes on Him. He is ALWAYS with you.
This year has been hard. Not just, "oh my toe got smashed and it hurts," kind of hard. Like legit painful. Not just for me, but for those closest to me as well. There have been so many ups and downs. But through it all, God has remained faithful. I could tell you a whole list of prayers that God has answered this year. I could tell you a whole lot that he hasn't yet. Regardless, he is always there.
This past year has been not only hard with all of the things happening, but Satan just likes telling me lies. Most people that I've expressed this to have commented that they've been dealing with the same thing lately. This is a quote that brought me some revelation.
Every lie that we live in becomes how we think and process life. Those lies are lies. Therefore, it's unhealthy to think them. Too much of the time, we forget to rebuke them. We just sit and let them fester in our brains. DON'T LET THEM FESTER!!!
This new year is going to bring new opportunities, new joys, new trials and new choices to be made. I don't want this night to be about forgetting this year, but looking forward to what is to come. I want to live better. This may be corny, but I was watching the movie New Years Eve and one of the girls gave this speech...
"It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt cause that is what new years is all about- getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about what if and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight and it will drop, let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long." -Hilary Swank, New Year's Eve
As you enter in the new year, remember that God is always with you. This year will bring challenges, but don't forget the people he has placed in your life for support. Don't forget about the things you learned this year. Don't forget about the prayers God answered. Don't forget that each season is good in its own way. Remember to always keep your eyes on Him. He is ALWAYS with you.
Happy New Years Eve, friends!!
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