For a long time, hope wasn't something that I put in Christ. I didn't ever fully understand how much hope he gives us. I just saw hope as a desire to put in whatever to get what I wanted. It wasn't a God-thing for me. It just was there.
As I watch the world, it dawns on me more and more how hopeless people truly are. They won't admit it if you ask, they won't even think of it as one of their secrets. Honestly, I don't even think it'll enter their minds if they're having a good day. And yet, each person that doesn't know the hope of Jesus, endures that hopelessness every day of their life. Because if this earth is all that we're living for, there is no reason to have hope.
Fortunately, our hope is not in the world. It doesn't lie in people, it doesn't lie in the things we do or how we are or what we are. Our only cause for hope is Christ.
I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
Psalm 25:2-3
The promise that God gives us is hopeful. Full of something this world cannot offer. The hope that we can take comfort in is the same hope that God has to give.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Hope is defined as a "confident desire." When our hope is in Christ it is true hope because our God is bigger than everything else. He is the one orchestrating the universe. That desire can only be filled by Him. It is one of the only things to live in. God says, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love." [1 Corinthians 13:13a]
The confident desire that we have that things will turn out okay, is something that WILL happen; but only, when our hope is in Christ.
Where does your hope lie? Is it in Him? Because if it isn't, it's futile.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Inspiration
What is it that truly inspires you?
Is it a beautiful sunset? An encouraging word? A deep thought? A well written book?
Inspiration can come from anything. But to me, inspiration comes from those around you. I truly love watching people do what they are good at, essentially, what they are created to do. It's nothing short of a miracle to watch people succeed at something. Whether it's just knowing the right answer to a difficult question, making a superb tasting coffee, or dancing beautifully. Regardless of what it is, it's an inspiration to me. I love getting to see people do what they are good at, because they are good at it. They know that they can succeed and that brings a sense of accomplishment. But what is even better, is watching someone do something great that they had no idea that they were good at. Especially when it is something that is beautiful. It blows my mind when I see people doing all these things that God intended them to do, and they don't have the faintest idea that He has intended them to do it.
My life purpose statement is "To love, encourage, and inspire people to Christ."
So how do you inspire people? How do you make them believe they can do anything in the world? How do you show them that they need to do what they have been created to do, even when they don't know what that is?!
Well, lets think about it. God has created us for a purpose. A very specific purpose. And we may not know what that is at this exact moment, but regardless, we should be willing to search for it.
To be honest, sometimes we're not inspired, and that is perfectly fine. You go through dry seasons, and in the end, you come out stronger than you were. Because you had to endure it. Yes, it might be hard, and sad, and maybe even a little frustrating. But it is worth it in the end, when you find out the reason for that dry season.
Is inspiration necessary? Absolutely not. Not to live, anyways. But is it helpful in motivating you to do what you love? Yes, most definitely.
So I encourage you, find out what inspires you, and do that so you will be pushed to do the things that you love. And, be an inspiration to those around you, because you just might, inspire someone to greatness.
Is it a beautiful sunset? An encouraging word? A deep thought? A well written book?
Inspiration can come from anything. But to me, inspiration comes from those around you. I truly love watching people do what they are good at, essentially, what they are created to do. It's nothing short of a miracle to watch people succeed at something. Whether it's just knowing the right answer to a difficult question, making a superb tasting coffee, or dancing beautifully. Regardless of what it is, it's an inspiration to me. I love getting to see people do what they are good at, because they are good at it. They know that they can succeed and that brings a sense of accomplishment. But what is even better, is watching someone do something great that they had no idea that they were good at. Especially when it is something that is beautiful. It blows my mind when I see people doing all these things that God intended them to do, and they don't have the faintest idea that He has intended them to do it.
My life purpose statement is "To love, encourage, and inspire people to Christ."
So how do you inspire people? How do you make them believe they can do anything in the world? How do you show them that they need to do what they have been created to do, even when they don't know what that is?!
Well, lets think about it. God has created us for a purpose. A very specific purpose. And we may not know what that is at this exact moment, but regardless, we should be willing to search for it.
To be honest, sometimes we're not inspired, and that is perfectly fine. You go through dry seasons, and in the end, you come out stronger than you were. Because you had to endure it. Yes, it might be hard, and sad, and maybe even a little frustrating. But it is worth it in the end, when you find out the reason for that dry season.
Is inspiration necessary? Absolutely not. Not to live, anyways. But is it helpful in motivating you to do what you love? Yes, most definitely.
So I encourage you, find out what inspires you, and do that so you will be pushed to do the things that you love. And, be an inspiration to those around you, because you just might, inspire someone to greatness.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Lightbulb!
With all of the crazy things thrown at me at this point in my life, I'm not super willing to hear anything other than what I know is truth. Simply because it's easier to cope that way. I know what I know because God has given me specific instruction, and truth to lean on. So, in other words, I don't feel like my eyes have been opened to see other people's perspectives; due to sitting in my pain and sadness. Yup, I'm willing to admit it.
Regardless of all this, my desire is see life from other people's perspectives. Empathize with their pain, joy, craziness and, above all else, who they are. It may seem silly, but this is something that I need to do. Not only for myself, but for those close to me.
I came to the realization that if I were one of my friends, I would worry about me. Not because of any surface matter, but because of the stuff I knew was goin on in my heart. Unfortunately, I haven't been willing to really dig deep and work through that. The bouncing off of ideas and thoughts hasn't been real high on my to-do list, if you know what I mean.
So, it comes down to this. Are you willing to let out what's going on in your heart? Do you have someone that you can be completely open and honest with? Are you able to bounce ideas, be real, let your guard down and be free to sound like a total moron? I am. At least, now I am. I'm ready. To take the next step, to stand in the gap and proclaim to the world that I want healing! I want my brokenness to mended, my wounds to be healed, and the moving forward to insist.
The best part is that I know that God wants this for me as well. He was just waiting for me to get this point. I'm ready, God. Let's go.
Regardless of all this, my desire is see life from other people's perspectives. Empathize with their pain, joy, craziness and, above all else, who they are. It may seem silly, but this is something that I need to do. Not only for myself, but for those close to me.
I came to the realization that if I were one of my friends, I would worry about me. Not because of any surface matter, but because of the stuff I knew was goin on in my heart. Unfortunately, I haven't been willing to really dig deep and work through that. The bouncing off of ideas and thoughts hasn't been real high on my to-do list, if you know what I mean.
So, it comes down to this. Are you willing to let out what's going on in your heart? Do you have someone that you can be completely open and honest with? Are you able to bounce ideas, be real, let your guard down and be free to sound like a total moron? I am. At least, now I am. I'm ready. To take the next step, to stand in the gap and proclaim to the world that I want healing! I want my brokenness to mended, my wounds to be healed, and the moving forward to insist.
The best part is that I know that God wants this for me as well. He was just waiting for me to get this point. I'm ready, God. Let's go.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
wishing i could think of kewler title names...
Good morning sunshine, the world says hello! -Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
Even though technically, it's not morning here, i'm sure it is somewhere in the world. Just not here :)
Living. Breathing. Speaking. Singing. Doing. Hearing. Knowing. Loving.
Hmmm...Thoughts of the day:
God calls us to know his truth. But it's a concious decision to know his truth and to live in that truth every moment of the day. Cause sometimes, you can know it, but you won't always live in it.
Truth: God has a plan for us. His plan is a zillion times better than our plan. He wants us to surrender. Fully. Not just half-way. He wants us to be in complete surrender to Him. Meaning that, no matter what, we are letting him have control. But it's not just one day out of the 7 days of the week. It's second by second.
Fact: It's gonna be hard. God didn't tell us it would be easy.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
The best part though, is knowing that God is with us.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
When our Father, the King of the Universe, the best friend who is always there, gives us attention, he will not turn away. So when you think he's not there, he is. Take comfort, my friends. Take comfort in Him.
Even though technically, it's not morning here, i'm sure it is somewhere in the world. Just not here :)
Living. Breathing. Speaking. Singing. Doing. Hearing. Knowing. Loving.
Hmmm...Thoughts of the day:
God calls us to know his truth. But it's a concious decision to know his truth and to live in that truth every moment of the day. Cause sometimes, you can know it, but you won't always live in it.
Truth: God has a plan for us. His plan is a zillion times better than our plan. He wants us to surrender. Fully. Not just half-way. He wants us to be in complete surrender to Him. Meaning that, no matter what, we are letting him have control. But it's not just one day out of the 7 days of the week. It's second by second.
Fact: It's gonna be hard. God didn't tell us it would be easy.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
The best part though, is knowing that God is with us.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
When our Father, the King of the Universe, the best friend who is always there, gives us attention, he will not turn away. So when you think he's not there, he is. Take comfort, my friends. Take comfort in Him.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Word Vomit
Back in 2008, my english teacher told me that sometimes the best writing that we can come up with is when we are able to clear our heads completely and just write whatever comes to mind. But everything in your head just has to come out on paper...or in this case, on the web :) so here goes some stuff, just to clear my head and get everything on the perverbial table.
to understand and be understood. sometimes i wonder how anyone can really know what is going on in a persons head. we try to comprehend what people tell us about their lives and all that is going on, but really, we can't fully understand what they are trying to tell us, becase we don't know what exactly is going on in their head. As with most people, you never hear the full story. all you hear is what one person, from their perspective is telling you. you hear what you want to hear. yes, we all have selective hearing to an extent, even if you're not willing to admit it. and when people start talking, there is no stopping them. even with all of the stuff that we try to tell ourselves people aren't saying about us, it's probably coming out in not the most pleasant way. Yet, if we are willing to ask someone, it won't necessarily be the truth. but then that crosses the line of why we lie. i guess it's just a thing some do, but i just don't understand. it's all about what that person sees as right and wrong. and i don't think you'll ever fully agree with someone. mostly because you'll know their heart fully. they only person that will know you're heart fully is Jesus. He knows your every thought, every whim, every desire, every reason. there is nothing you can hide from him. and as you move forward and seek him, you will hear him so clearly. you will know him so much better. but the best part is that he will tell you what to do, where to go and how to do it. even when you think nothing is going the right way, and you just can't get anyone to understand. he does. he knows exactly how to help and the best way to do it. he knows what you need to hear and what to put in your path to know it's him and no one else. as i sit and comtemplate the omniscience of my God, i'm in awe. the reason is so simple, he knows what is going on in my head. he knows how to deal with me, he knows what my reasoning in, he knows that i'm not lying, he knows everything. and when i let him be my everything, things go so much smoother. the awesomest part of life is knowing that he has got it. i will never ever please the world like it wants me to, because i am called to a high standard. i will never be able to have everyone happy with me. it's just not possible. but learning that, accepting that, and moving forward with that is key. you can't just not do what God has told you to do because everyone and their mother is telling you not to. it's just not acceptable. no, my friends, do what He has called you to do. and do it whole heartedly.
to understand and be understood. sometimes i wonder how anyone can really know what is going on in a persons head. we try to comprehend what people tell us about their lives and all that is going on, but really, we can't fully understand what they are trying to tell us, becase we don't know what exactly is going on in their head. As with most people, you never hear the full story. all you hear is what one person, from their perspective is telling you. you hear what you want to hear. yes, we all have selective hearing to an extent, even if you're not willing to admit it. and when people start talking, there is no stopping them. even with all of the stuff that we try to tell ourselves people aren't saying about us, it's probably coming out in not the most pleasant way. Yet, if we are willing to ask someone, it won't necessarily be the truth. but then that crosses the line of why we lie. i guess it's just a thing some do, but i just don't understand. it's all about what that person sees as right and wrong. and i don't think you'll ever fully agree with someone. mostly because you'll know their heart fully. they only person that will know you're heart fully is Jesus. He knows your every thought, every whim, every desire, every reason. there is nothing you can hide from him. and as you move forward and seek him, you will hear him so clearly. you will know him so much better. but the best part is that he will tell you what to do, where to go and how to do it. even when you think nothing is going the right way, and you just can't get anyone to understand. he does. he knows exactly how to help and the best way to do it. he knows what you need to hear and what to put in your path to know it's him and no one else. as i sit and comtemplate the omniscience of my God, i'm in awe. the reason is so simple, he knows what is going on in my head. he knows how to deal with me, he knows what my reasoning in, he knows that i'm not lying, he knows everything. and when i let him be my everything, things go so much smoother. the awesomest part of life is knowing that he has got it. i will never ever please the world like it wants me to, because i am called to a high standard. i will never be able to have everyone happy with me. it's just not possible. but learning that, accepting that, and moving forward with that is key. you can't just not do what God has told you to do because everyone and their mother is telling you not to. it's just not acceptable. no, my friends, do what He has called you to do. and do it whole heartedly.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Emotional
How beautiful emotions can be. The ones that are happy, inspiring, lovely and make you feel like you can do anything. And then are the opposite, sadness, depression, apathy and all the rest we feel.
Emotions can be dangerous things. It is so easy to be swept up in the emotions of life. To feel things and let those feelings be the guiding light that you follow blindly. There are so many ways that we can be emotional and not be emotional at the same time. Someone once told me that it's okay to show emotion. It's okay to let them come out and be out in the open. But having emotions shows your vulnerability. It shows that you're human, that you can't do things on your own, and that you ARE NOT in control. I know, it's a crazy concept. For some reason, I had felt like I couldn't show emotion or be emotional cause I had to have it all together. I had to look like I could handle everything. And let me tell ya, it was hard at first. Espeically because I've always been an emotional person. You know when I'm happy, sad, frustrated, irritated, joyful, inspired, deep and every other emotion under the sun, because I wear it on my sleeve. Yup, you guessed it. My whole life I've been told that it's good to show emotion, but you also need to know how to show emotion.
God has given us emotions to glorify Him. He tells us to "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." He tells us to worship him and praise his name. He tells us to be joyful and love those around us. Our God is a God full of emotion! He says to fear him!
So how can we, as humans, say that we should have emotions, we shouldn't feel?!
Surely NOT!
Be emotional, but in keep Christ in mind. How does your emotion glorify him? For he is truly the God of our emotions :)
Emotions can be dangerous things. It is so easy to be swept up in the emotions of life. To feel things and let those feelings be the guiding light that you follow blindly. There are so many ways that we can be emotional and not be emotional at the same time. Someone once told me that it's okay to show emotion. It's okay to let them come out and be out in the open. But having emotions shows your vulnerability. It shows that you're human, that you can't do things on your own, and that you ARE NOT in control. I know, it's a crazy concept. For some reason, I had felt like I couldn't show emotion or be emotional cause I had to have it all together. I had to look like I could handle everything. And let me tell ya, it was hard at first. Espeically because I've always been an emotional person. You know when I'm happy, sad, frustrated, irritated, joyful, inspired, deep and every other emotion under the sun, because I wear it on my sleeve. Yup, you guessed it. My whole life I've been told that it's good to show emotion, but you also need to know how to show emotion.
God has given us emotions to glorify Him. He tells us to "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." He tells us to worship him and praise his name. He tells us to be joyful and love those around us. Our God is a God full of emotion! He says to fear him!
So how can we, as humans, say that we should have emotions, we shouldn't feel?!
Surely NOT!
Be emotional, but in keep Christ in mind. How does your emotion glorify him? For he is truly the God of our emotions :)
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Beauty of Simplicity
How I long to get away for just a day, maybe a few hours, to just sit, talk with my Savior, my King, the one who always makes sense.
I wish that everything we did was simple and easy, black and white. It would make it a whole lot easier to understand life, to cope with it. And yet, the beauty of Simplicity is God. He doesn't require us to handle things on our own. He would rather have us give it to Him, and let Him deal with it.
1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxieties on Him, for he cares for you." Therefore, each of the cares that we have, the things we hold dear, the decisions we feel we have to make, the stresses that we are weighed down with, are not our burden to carry. They are His. He goes on to say, in Matthew 11:29-30, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Why do we hold on to the emotions of what is going on when we could let them go and give them to God, who actually DESIRES for us to let Him have them?! Beats me!
But that is my challenge to you. All of the things that you're holding onto, the temptations that you are giving into, give them to God. Right now, in this moment, make a commitment to Him that you won't take them back. You will let Him have them.
And if you need to, take that time to get away from the world, from the drama, from life, and spend some time just communing with your best friend. He'll love it! and so will you :)
I wish that everything we did was simple and easy, black and white. It would make it a whole lot easier to understand life, to cope with it. And yet, the beauty of Simplicity is God. He doesn't require us to handle things on our own. He would rather have us give it to Him, and let Him deal with it.
1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxieties on Him, for he cares for you." Therefore, each of the cares that we have, the things we hold dear, the decisions we feel we have to make, the stresses that we are weighed down with, are not our burden to carry. They are His. He goes on to say, in Matthew 11:29-30, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Why do we hold on to the emotions of what is going on when we could let them go and give them to God, who actually DESIRES for us to let Him have them?! Beats me!
But that is my challenge to you. All of the things that you're holding onto, the temptations that you are giving into, give them to God. Right now, in this moment, make a commitment to Him that you won't take them back. You will let Him have them.
And if you need to, take that time to get away from the world, from the drama, from life, and spend some time just communing with your best friend. He'll love it! and so will you :)
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