As surprising as it may be for some to believe, I get a joke emailed to me almost every day. I thought this one was funny but also something very telling about it as well:
A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside.
"That laundry is not very clean," she said. "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap." Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: "Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?"
The husband said, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows."
All too often this hold true in so many aspects of our lives. Why is it that two people can be sitting in the same row next to each other (on a roller coaster, in a movie theater, in a restaurant, in a car) can have the same thing be seen, heard, experienced, but have such different reactions? Most often, it is the way we see those events more than the events themselves, that makes the difference.
This is why we can sit here in the U.S. with our comforts and luxuries (that we consider necessities) and look at places like Central or South America and feel bad for the way people have to live. The people in the countries down there may or may not have electricity, more than one room, real walls, a floor, food for the day, and it is hard for us to imagine the suffering that must be going on and how God may have abandoned them to this destitute life. The irony is that if you speak to Christians in these areas, who may be living day to day, not knowing from day to day where their next meal is going to come from, they will tell you that they are filled with joy. They will tell you how very close they are to God and how much they see Him move in their life each and every day. They will tell you that their reliance on God has brought them peace and joy beyond understanding. Here is what is most ironic, the people in these countries will tell you how badly they feel about people here in the U.S. They prayer for us and for us to know God more and to the extent that they know Him. They prayer for us to have joy and peace. And in a lot of ways, they are right.
Personally, I have problems with seeing people the way God sees them instead of seeing them through my limited, selfish, and judgmental eyes. I don't look at the heart and I don't see the potential that God sees. I don't see people as being made after God's image, full of hope and promise. That is my prayer. Like the song, I want to have God's eyes and to not only be able to see with His perspective, but to take action based off of what I do see. I guess I am praying for God to wash my windows.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Chan's new book...
I shared with you guys a few weeks ago that Francis had released a new book called "Forgotten God: Remembering Our Crucial Need for the Holy Spirit"
I wanted to let you all know that its now available on iTunes for $4.95... I have been reading the book over the last couple of weeks since our study ended and I am really learning a lot about the Holy Spirit... it is definitely a view at a part of the Trinity I have not had in the past. If you get a chance to check it out on iTunes please do or if your not into listening to books (I have a hard time listening to books, would rather read and underline) then check it out on Amazon by clicking here:Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit
I will probably order the study guide video in a few weeks after I am done reading the book, so we can all share if your interested... RD
I wanted to let you all know that its now available on iTunes for $4.95... I have been reading the book over the last couple of weeks since our study ended and I am really learning a lot about the Holy Spirit... it is definitely a view at a part of the Trinity I have not had in the past. If you get a chance to check it out on iTunes please do or if your not into listening to books (I have a hard time listening to books, would rather read and underline) then check it out on Amazon by clicking here:Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit
I will probably order the study guide video in a few weeks after I am done reading the book, so we can all share if your interested... RD
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Hello all,
I was reading the short book of Colossians this morning. These verses made me think about all of us as we strive to interact and witness to our neighbors, unsaved friends, saved friends, co-workers, teachers, other volunteers...etc.
"Love wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone."
Colossians 4: 5-6.
Looking forward to tomorrow evening.
Kimberly.
I was reading the short book of Colossians this morning. These verses made me think about all of us as we strive to interact and witness to our neighbors, unsaved friends, saved friends, co-workers, teachers, other volunteers...etc.
"Love wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone."
Colossians 4: 5-6.
Looking forward to tomorrow evening.
Kimberly.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Divine Conspiracy
Chris and I recently had the privledge of attending the Love & War marriage conference with John & Stasi Eldridge. It was absolutely well worth it. One of the main things we walked away with is what a Divine conspiracy marriage is. God knows exactly how to lure us into it. You remember, all the flowers, the nice restaurants, the way you look at each other, the fact that you found a girl who likes "guy movies", and you found a guy who seems happy when you tell him all about your new shoes! And then all of a sudden a couple years into it you're married and you realize that the person you fell madly in love with has a whole other side to them....and it's not a flower giving side or a "Sure , I'll watch Terminator Salvation with you, honey" kind of side either.
The truth is God lures you into marriage with emotion all the while He has a plan in place to transform you. He actually uses your spouse to save you from yourself. He uses marriage as a means to flush out your own brokenness. There is usually no one that sees us as fully as our spouses do, largely because they are the ones who tend to bring out the best and worst in us. God knows that and He designed it that way. The problem is that we as a society aren't sticking it out. It gets tough and 50% of us bail out on the amazing plan God has placed in our lives to actually make them more fulfilling and make us more complete. Instead, we need to understand that God provides us with spouses that He can use to change us into who He created us to be. We just have to be willing to face ourselves and the things about us that tend to surface in our marriages. When marriages begin to crumble it's not about changing your spouse, it's about changing yourself through the power of God! God brings that brokenness to surface so you can repent of it and He can heal it. This is not something you want to run from, it doesn't wokr....thus explaining the increased divorce rates among 2nd and 3rd marriages.
Long story short, pray. Ask God to reveal the areas you need transformed. Ask for His help and involvement in your marriage. Stop asking Him to change your spouse and start asking Him to change you. By all means don't get in agreement with the Enemy that your marriage or a situation in it is hopeless. From day one Satan's plan has been to divide and conquer but he will also be just as happy about a sedated marriage as he will a seperated one. So, work on your marriage, pray to protect it and most importantly never ever give up. You marriage is the perfect storm.
The truth is God lures you into marriage with emotion all the while He has a plan in place to transform you. He actually uses your spouse to save you from yourself. He uses marriage as a means to flush out your own brokenness. There is usually no one that sees us as fully as our spouses do, largely because they are the ones who tend to bring out the best and worst in us. God knows that and He designed it that way. The problem is that we as a society aren't sticking it out. It gets tough and 50% of us bail out on the amazing plan God has placed in our lives to actually make them more fulfilling and make us more complete. Instead, we need to understand that God provides us with spouses that He can use to change us into who He created us to be. We just have to be willing to face ourselves and the things about us that tend to surface in our marriages. When marriages begin to crumble it's not about changing your spouse, it's about changing yourself through the power of God! God brings that brokenness to surface so you can repent of it and He can heal it. This is not something you want to run from, it doesn't wokr....thus explaining the increased divorce rates among 2nd and 3rd marriages.
Long story short, pray. Ask God to reveal the areas you need transformed. Ask for His help and involvement in your marriage. Stop asking Him to change your spouse and start asking Him to change you. By all means don't get in agreement with the Enemy that your marriage or a situation in it is hopeless. From day one Satan's plan has been to divide and conquer but he will also be just as happy about a sedated marriage as he will a seperated one. So, work on your marriage, pray to protect it and most importantly never ever give up. You marriage is the perfect storm.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Coming Up Short
It is hard to hear the list of those who "have lived it" and not be humbled. It's humbling to reflect my life against their's and it is even more humbling because my life doesn't include enough of these kinds of people (my wife hasn't already written about one and she will deny it, but I include her in that category).
On personal reflection, (which I understand is not the assignment) even now I still wrestle with my excuses and rationalizations. I have come up with a decent list of why the people listed in Ch. 9 were able to do what they did and why I can't. For starters, I have a wife and children. I mean, I have a responsibility to them. And I do, but does that really excuse my life and choices? Or is that just a convenient way to justify my lack of stepping out on faith and not living a life that is Biblically founded.
Jamie and I have spoken many times about my feeling of a calling on my life to vocational ministry. In answer to that hypothetical question of what I would do if money were not an issue, after spending a few weeks on a movie and lethargy marathon, I would want to be in some sort of vocational ministerial role. But because of life choices made without seeking God's will, making that jump would be next to impossible in our current condition. There are many things that could be done to better align the way we have been living with God's Word and we are becoming more intentional about those things. (The iPad may be out of the will of God, I have to admit....I think God wants me to have one, but I really need to pray on it to help Jamie hear from God too)
The point is, that God did not call all of us to be missionaries in Ethiopia. And if He did, the first step may not be getting on a flight. The first step may be just taking care of what God has put in front of us for today. For some of us, there may be someone whom we work with that could be watching our life example and when things fall apart, turn to us and what we have that they need. Others might be to be the beneficiary of the person who is going on missions to Nicaragua. Some might sponsor a child (or more) through different organizations. Others may be on a continuing journey of obedience and availability bringing them from being afraid of the idea of talking with small groups of people to regularly speaking in front of large groups of people. Others it may be to reach out to different ages or groups of people with encouragement and give attention that they may not be getting from anywhere else. We can be "faithful with a few things" so God will "put [us] in charge of many things" (Matthew 25:21 NIV).
The important thing is not to be complacent and to keep following God. Too often we will go through a trial that God allows, be drawn closer to Him, see Him deliver us, and grow in our relationship and dependence on Him... only to then fear experiencing the next big thing God has in store for us to bring Him even more glory. I, as I don't want someone to think I am not talking to myself first, find myself more in love with comfort than with Jesus. I buy the lie that suffering for the sake of Christ means I have to lose out on something. Like giving up my luxury to have money to help someone who has nothing will somehow deprive me. That is the lie I can no longer afford to believe. Giving up what was never mine to begin with to benefit one who God wants to show Himself to can only benefit me in ways here on earth and for eternity.
On personal reflection, (which I understand is not the assignment) even now I still wrestle with my excuses and rationalizations. I have come up with a decent list of why the people listed in Ch. 9 were able to do what they did and why I can't. For starters, I have a wife and children. I mean, I have a responsibility to them. And I do, but does that really excuse my life and choices? Or is that just a convenient way to justify my lack of stepping out on faith and not living a life that is Biblically founded.
Jamie and I have spoken many times about my feeling of a calling on my life to vocational ministry. In answer to that hypothetical question of what I would do if money were not an issue, after spending a few weeks on a movie and lethargy marathon, I would want to be in some sort of vocational ministerial role. But because of life choices made without seeking God's will, making that jump would be next to impossible in our current condition. There are many things that could be done to better align the way we have been living with God's Word and we are becoming more intentional about those things. (The iPad may be out of the will of God, I have to admit....I think God wants me to have one, but I really need to pray on it to help Jamie hear from God too)
The point is, that God did not call all of us to be missionaries in Ethiopia. And if He did, the first step may not be getting on a flight. The first step may be just taking care of what God has put in front of us for today. For some of us, there may be someone whom we work with that could be watching our life example and when things fall apart, turn to us and what we have that they need. Others might be to be the beneficiary of the person who is going on missions to Nicaragua. Some might sponsor a child (or more) through different organizations. Others may be on a continuing journey of obedience and availability bringing them from being afraid of the idea of talking with small groups of people to regularly speaking in front of large groups of people. Others it may be to reach out to different ages or groups of people with encouragement and give attention that they may not be getting from anywhere else. We can be "faithful with a few things" so God will "put [us] in charge of many things" (Matthew 25:21 NIV).
The important thing is not to be complacent and to keep following God. Too often we will go through a trial that God allows, be drawn closer to Him, see Him deliver us, and grow in our relationship and dependence on Him... only to then fear experiencing the next big thing God has in store for us to bring Him even more glory. I, as I don't want someone to think I am not talking to myself first, find myself more in love with comfort than with Jesus. I buy the lie that suffering for the sake of Christ means I have to lose out on something. Like giving up my luxury to have money to help someone who has nothing will somehow deprive me. That is the lie I can no longer afford to believe. Giving up what was never mine to begin with to benefit one who God wants to show Himself to can only benefit me in ways here on earth and for eternity.
My boy JC and the soldiers!
I want to tell you quickly about a guy named John Coleman and a group he started called the Soldiers of the Cross.
John wanted to reach the community for Jesus, he loved to sing and he had several of his friends that were pretty good so they decided to pull together a music group of teenagers to share the gospel. This group of teens started in a local church and then over the years with members coming and going they began to travel and sing in churches in the area, then reaching out to other areas of the region. The group wouldn't only sing but they had a message and shared with the audience what God had done in each of their lives.
I was introduced to this amazing group of people when I was about 16; I actually started dating one of the singers :). After dating this singer for a while I was asked to join them on the road a few times. It was exciting being able to see the entire production and how the group lived (on a big purple bus, with a tiny, tiny shower). After a few more months I began traveling with them every weekend, yes that’s right they traveled pretty much every weekend to a church or stage somewhere (Disney area was the best:)... what was amazing to me about this group was the fact that they were teens, and spending their weekends living the Crazy Love way... giving all of the glory to God for what they had been given and in turn sharing His gospel with thousands of people.
I can remember one church like it was yesterday - the group sang, John gave a knock down message and these folks started down the aisle broken and needing to be restored - well honestly this happened many, many times. It was just an awesome and amazing place to be. I felt like I was at a revival each weekend... These teens, now old, old adults :) have touched so many people with God's word. It was a blessing to be with them and get to know each of them, even more of a blessing to marry one of them. Their sacrifice of those weekends planted more seeds then many of them will ever know. To God be the glory.
John wanted to reach the community for Jesus, he loved to sing and he had several of his friends that were pretty good so they decided to pull together a music group of teenagers to share the gospel. This group of teens started in a local church and then over the years with members coming and going they began to travel and sing in churches in the area, then reaching out to other areas of the region. The group wouldn't only sing but they had a message and shared with the audience what God had done in each of their lives.
I was introduced to this amazing group of people when I was about 16; I actually started dating one of the singers :). After dating this singer for a while I was asked to join them on the road a few times. It was exciting being able to see the entire production and how the group lived (on a big purple bus, with a tiny, tiny shower). After a few more months I began traveling with them every weekend, yes that’s right they traveled pretty much every weekend to a church or stage somewhere (Disney area was the best:)... what was amazing to me about this group was the fact that they were teens, and spending their weekends living the Crazy Love way... giving all of the glory to God for what they had been given and in turn sharing His gospel with thousands of people.
I can remember one church like it was yesterday - the group sang, John gave a knock down message and these folks started down the aisle broken and needing to be restored - well honestly this happened many, many times. It was just an awesome and amazing place to be. I felt like I was at a revival each weekend... These teens, now old, old adults :) have touched so many people with God's word. It was a blessing to be with them and get to know each of them, even more of a blessing to marry one of them. Their sacrifice of those weekends planted more seeds then many of them will ever know. To God be the glory.
Haleys
It is really sad that I couldn't think of anyone who lives like they did in Acts 2. I kept coming back to the Haleys. Our good friends Michael and Misti Haley were the youth pastor and his wife at our old church in Delaware. They didn't necessarily live like Acts 2 (no communal living or possessions all given away), but they definitely live some of that philosophy. They don't live like their house or things or life are their own. Countless times the youth group would meet at their house for parties or Bible studies. It was always destroyed by the end of the get-together. I remember once watching Misti pick up many, many Hershey kiss wrappers. I'm sure I helped pick them up, but it is completely different when it is your house. People would stay at their house, drive their cars, etc. They don't place all their value and self-worth on their possessions.
When God called them to move to Colorado to pastor a church, they left a lot of things behind in their house simply because they didn't have enough room to bring them. One item was a big screen tv. When Michael first drove the U-haul to CO with their son Derek and their dog, they didn't know where they would be staying. They just knew God would provide. And He did. He provided an apartment until they found a house. Someone gave them a van. I'm honored we had the privilege to do ministry with the Haleys. One last thing, perhaps the most impactful thing I will always remember about Michael and Misti is their trust in God to provide another child. Misti really wanted another child. She would pray God would take away her desire to have another child if that was not His will. They went through so much heart ache in the process. When Misti finally got pregnant after at least 10 years, we were all super excited. A few weeks later, she lost the baby. It was truly devastating to watch! To cut a long story short, the Haleys got pregnant again. She gave birth in CO, so we have never met little Dustin Eli. The day I saw the hospital picture of the 4 of them, it brought tears to my eyes. I thought how different the outcome would have been if they would have allowed themselves to become bitter with God over their miscarriage. It might have even destroyed their marriage. They might never have gotten to the point of the picture...to a family of 4. Sometimes I wonder how much we miss out on because we don't live like God intended. Thanks Michael and Misti! :)
When God called them to move to Colorado to pastor a church, they left a lot of things behind in their house simply because they didn't have enough room to bring them. One item was a big screen tv. When Michael first drove the U-haul to CO with their son Derek and their dog, they didn't know where they would be staying. They just knew God would provide. And He did. He provided an apartment until they found a house. Someone gave them a van. I'm honored we had the privilege to do ministry with the Haleys. One last thing, perhaps the most impactful thing I will always remember about Michael and Misti is their trust in God to provide another child. Misti really wanted another child. She would pray God would take away her desire to have another child if that was not His will. They went through so much heart ache in the process. When Misti finally got pregnant after at least 10 years, we were all super excited. A few weeks later, she lost the baby. It was truly devastating to watch! To cut a long story short, the Haleys got pregnant again. She gave birth in CO, so we have never met little Dustin Eli. The day I saw the hospital picture of the 4 of them, it brought tears to my eyes. I thought how different the outcome would have been if they would have allowed themselves to become bitter with God over their miscarriage. It might have even destroyed their marriage. They might never have gotten to the point of the picture...to a family of 4. Sometimes I wonder how much we miss out on because we don't live like God intended. Thanks Michael and Misti! :)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hit Hard
I was in bed doing my study and thinking hard about my assignment and my real life example of people who are truly wholehearted followers of Christ. I had several different people come to mind that have touched my life by example throughout my many moves and adventures. The Lord, however, has not led me to share any of those people tonight. He has brought me to tears by leading me to scripture...yes scripture that I have read before.. to guide me to begin to be one of those people. So that is what I want to share.
First, I MUST stop just hearing the word and letting the worries of life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making (ME) unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19)
I must TURN from worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them!!!(Acts 14:15)
I must consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord!
I must FORGET what is behind and strain for what is ahead..I must follow Paul's example, who was following Christ's example!!
I must truly understand that my citizenship is in Heaven. (Phil:3 12-20)
I must Rejoice in the Lord always..yes REJOICE!!
I must be content whatever the circumstances because I can do everything throught Christ who gives me strength.
I must let my gentleness be evident to ALL! (including my children)
I must not be anxious and I must think about true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things.
I must let the Peace of God be with me. (Phil: 6-9)
God is there, waiting, loving , blessing me. I ask you all pray for the courage to truly let God change my life. Thank you.
Annette
First, I MUST stop just hearing the word and letting the worries of life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making (ME) unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19)
I must TURN from worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them!!!(Acts 14:15)
I must consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord!
I must FORGET what is behind and strain for what is ahead..I must follow Paul's example, who was following Christ's example!!
I must truly understand that my citizenship is in Heaven. (Phil:3 12-20)
I must Rejoice in the Lord always..yes REJOICE!!
I must be content whatever the circumstances because I can do everything throught Christ who gives me strength.
I must let my gentleness be evident to ALL! (including my children)
I must not be anxious and I must think about true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things.
I must let the Peace of God be with me. (Phil: 6-9)
God is there, waiting, loving , blessing me. I ask you all pray for the courage to truly let God change my life. Thank you.
Annette
Monday, February 8, 2010
My "Real life" Example
I racked my brain trying to come up with someone who I've witnessed live the authentic Christian life and sadly found it difficult. However the one person I repeatedly kept coming back to was my own child Alicia. I didn't respond right away because it is nothing I deserve the credit for. As proud as I am, I am in no way worthy of the bragging rights. Sure, Chris and I have decent parenting skills but her life is what it is because of the grace of God and her choice of obedience to Him.
I first witnessed this life lived out by Alicia in Kindergarten when a classmate lost his mother a few months prior to Easter. They were talking about Easter baskets and this boy mentioned that he didn't receive one. Without hesitation that day Alicia came home and emptied her basket and kept a few things for herself (granted she was 6)and put her basket back together and brought it to give to this child. She didn't ask permission, she just did it. A few years later we read an article in our local paper about a dead beat dad leaving his family to suffer financially and put in a position to go without Christmas. Alicia got on the phone to family and friends and started collecting donations. Within a weeks time we were at their door step with Christmas gifts for the kids that Alicia picked out herself, grocery gift cards and an envelope with a sponsorship to play baseball for the son who loved it and wasn't going to be able to afford to play that year.
Her whole life she has been this way. Sometimes it's her nature but more often it's her choice. She has always chosen to go without so others could have. Last year she could have sold her car and kept the money or used it for school but instead she had a friend in need and gave her car away to her. That's just who she is. She intentionally lives a God and others first life and it's amazing to watch.
I know most of you know her but I am simply in awe to say where she is right now in her life. She's 19 years old and sponsors on her own a single mother and 2 children through Compassion International. She will be heading back to Nicaragua for the third time for missions. She is buying gifts and cooking dinners for an atheist friend she is trying to reach. She is leading a Bible study to girls at school. She is giving out free chic-fil-a meal coupons to homeless people. She is volunteering at Hospice and anywhere else she can get a chance.
I know this is a bit lenghty but the most inspiring thing I've ever witnessed in her is her ability to forgive. It was almost 2 years ago when her biological father was dying of cancer. Chris is the only Daddy she ever knew and is the only Daddy she ever will. But this man who was her birth father, who abandoned her, her abused her mother, was a criminal with a drug and alcohol addiction was dying. The circumstances are too detailed to expand on but the reality is, she sent him a letter offering her forgivensss and gratefulness for letting her go. She told him how great her life was because of him, because he allowed Chris to adopt her. She let him know how great her God was as well. Beyond that, she made a commitment to go meet him. She did not want to but knew it was for him more than it was for her. Sadly, yet graciously he died a week before that time came. He also died a forgiven and changed man through the blood of Jesus Christ. And he died knowing that a precius child he so wrongly neglected forgave him.
I wish I could say that Alicia has had a wonderful problem free life but that would not be the truth. Our lives are not what they once were but through it all Alicia has done nothing but grow stronger and closer to the Lord. She inspires me and also scares me by her boldness, every single day and I could not be more proud than I am of her. In closing I want to share a response from her when I asked her about the medical profession she was choosing which at the time was oncology. I said " Alicia, you do know that a lot of your paitents will die and you won't be able to help them" and she looked me square in the eyes and said "Yea, I know Mom, but I want to be the last one who tried." Oh if only I could grasp this....just to be the last one who tried instead of being the last one who "intended" to. I love you Alicia Bailey.
I first witnessed this life lived out by Alicia in Kindergarten when a classmate lost his mother a few months prior to Easter. They were talking about Easter baskets and this boy mentioned that he didn't receive one. Without hesitation that day Alicia came home and emptied her basket and kept a few things for herself (granted she was 6)and put her basket back together and brought it to give to this child. She didn't ask permission, she just did it. A few years later we read an article in our local paper about a dead beat dad leaving his family to suffer financially and put in a position to go without Christmas. Alicia got on the phone to family and friends and started collecting donations. Within a weeks time we were at their door step with Christmas gifts for the kids that Alicia picked out herself, grocery gift cards and an envelope with a sponsorship to play baseball for the son who loved it and wasn't going to be able to afford to play that year.
Her whole life she has been this way. Sometimes it's her nature but more often it's her choice. She has always chosen to go without so others could have. Last year she could have sold her car and kept the money or used it for school but instead she had a friend in need and gave her car away to her. That's just who she is. She intentionally lives a God and others first life and it's amazing to watch.
I know most of you know her but I am simply in awe to say where she is right now in her life. She's 19 years old and sponsors on her own a single mother and 2 children through Compassion International. She will be heading back to Nicaragua for the third time for missions. She is buying gifts and cooking dinners for an atheist friend she is trying to reach. She is leading a Bible study to girls at school. She is giving out free chic-fil-a meal coupons to homeless people. She is volunteering at Hospice and anywhere else she can get a chance.
I know this is a bit lenghty but the most inspiring thing I've ever witnessed in her is her ability to forgive. It was almost 2 years ago when her biological father was dying of cancer. Chris is the only Daddy she ever knew and is the only Daddy she ever will. But this man who was her birth father, who abandoned her, her abused her mother, was a criminal with a drug and alcohol addiction was dying. The circumstances are too detailed to expand on but the reality is, she sent him a letter offering her forgivensss and gratefulness for letting her go. She told him how great her life was because of him, because he allowed Chris to adopt her. She let him know how great her God was as well. Beyond that, she made a commitment to go meet him. She did not want to but knew it was for him more than it was for her. Sadly, yet graciously he died a week before that time came. He also died a forgiven and changed man through the blood of Jesus Christ. And he died knowing that a precius child he so wrongly neglected forgave him.
I wish I could say that Alicia has had a wonderful problem free life but that would not be the truth. Our lives are not what they once were but through it all Alicia has done nothing but grow stronger and closer to the Lord. She inspires me and also scares me by her boldness, every single day and I could not be more proud than I am of her. In closing I want to share a response from her when I asked her about the medical profession she was choosing which at the time was oncology. I said " Alicia, you do know that a lot of your paitents will die and you won't be able to help them" and she looked me square in the eyes and said "Yea, I know Mom, but I want to be the last one who tried." Oh if only I could grasp this....just to be the last one who tried instead of being the last one who "intended" to. I love you Alicia Bailey.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Worldly TV
As you all know, we don't watch a lot of TV in the Griffin family. Now we love our sports and an occasional Fox News channel, however, nightly TV is not on our schedule.
I am sad to say that Sunday night the Grammy's were on television. Now, I have not seen the Grammy's nor any Hollywood award show in years. Well. I kept hearing all about this "Lady Gaga" chick. Did not know who she was and heard she was going to be on the Grammys. I just wanted to see who she was. So, we are watching the Pro-Bowl football game and I start switching channels back to the Grammy's to see if I could see this Lady Gaga. Well, I have to tell you it was very convicting. After seeing a lady half naked, hanging from the ceiling - wet, that was it....(we actually thought that might have been her). Found out later that it was someone named Pink. Anyway, I am not here to judge anyone. However, I thought about what we read in our last chapter of the book. Aunt Clara made a comment about "is this what you want to be doing when Christ comes back". Needless to say, we did not watch anymore of the Grammy's that evening.
As I read this morning...."The world's viewpoint is not God's viewpoint." I want to make sure that I am pleasing God in everything I do and watch - not Satan.
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of the world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you."
Romans 12:2
I am sad to say that Sunday night the Grammy's were on television. Now, I have not seen the Grammy's nor any Hollywood award show in years. Well. I kept hearing all about this "Lady Gaga" chick. Did not know who she was and heard she was going to be on the Grammys. I just wanted to see who she was. So, we are watching the Pro-Bowl football game and I start switching channels back to the Grammy's to see if I could see this Lady Gaga. Well, I have to tell you it was very convicting. After seeing a lady half naked, hanging from the ceiling - wet, that was it....(we actually thought that might have been her). Found out later that it was someone named Pink. Anyway, I am not here to judge anyone. However, I thought about what we read in our last chapter of the book. Aunt Clara made a comment about "is this what you want to be doing when Christ comes back". Needless to say, we did not watch anymore of the Grammy's that evening.
As I read this morning...."The world's viewpoint is not God's viewpoint." I want to make sure that I am pleasing God in everything I do and watch - not Satan.
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of the world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you."
Romans 12:2
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Point made from Francis Chan n Ch 8 of Crazy Love
In a part in chapter 8, Francis shared a story about when his family had gone to see a play and his discussion with his wife's Grandma Clara during intermission. She shared that she wasn't sure if she wanted to at the play when Christ returns instead of being found in prayer of in service helping another. I applaud Francis' candidness in sharing that his initial thought which was his thinking it was strange to see someone try to literally live out the Bible and its commands. Through his maturity, he then realized it was more a situation of feeling convicted in the situation.
Had Francis not had the maturity, it is very possible and extremely likely this underlying feeling of conviction would have caused this initial reaction of finding it strange to develop into something else, something resentful or even demeaning of Grandma Clara.
For our sake and more importantly, the sake of Christ's kingdom, Francis did have the maturity to realize what was going on and the true motivation for his reaction and thoughts. Had he not, those feelings of conviction could have been hidden under bitterness towards Grandma Clara and a break in their relationship.
It's easy to be upset with Grandma Clara. Grandma Clara will not be sitting in judgement of him one day. After all, Grandma Clara is a little strange, or self-righteous, so what she says and does somehow has less status than everyone else. At best, she is annoying. At worst, she needs to be told to shut up.
It's hard to admit that what really was happening was Francis was being convicted by the Holy Spirit. It's not easy to get mad and try to take it out on the Holy Spirit or God and much easier to make Grandma Clara his target.
As we continue to read through this book and explore these principles together, I am humbled by the choices I have made and the compromises I have chosen to accept in my walk. I know I alone have to answer for my actions and choices going forward, now that I know. I do not need to please man but do the will of the One who has paid the price for me. All that is between God and me alone.
For anyone, no matter where you are in your walk and where God is working in you, I pray that you are able to take the steps you feel God is calling specifically for you at this time and for His purpose.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
She's Not Even in this Study!
I wanted to share a post from our daughter Alicia's blog. Yes, it's written in all lower case and uses some abbreviations such as idk (which translates into I don't know for those of you without a texting teenager) but I thought it really applied to what we've been learning which is basically becoming less so He can become more. I sure wish I knew what she knows already at 19 when I was that young. Thank you Lord for giving me a child that pursues You!
Here you go....
so...lately, God has been continuing to be near to my heart. i have found such a blessing and excitement from telling people what He has done for me lately and the many ways that i have grown. many people check in on and me and see how i am really doing and it is the perfect opportunity to share that in the midst of heartbreak i feel closest to the Lord, ironic huh? not so much, at all. it is the moments when we are truly broken we experience Him all the more. makes me want to be broken a lot more often...was reminded yesterday what john piper told us at passion. when we feel most insiginifcant, we have the most joy. also that the Lord wants us to worship Him and give Him glory not for His selfishness, but out of His love for us. what i mean to say is...God knows we can only experience complete joy when we are completely focused on Him; therefore, He desires our worship and praise because that is when we are tuly complete. idk if that makes any sense or not. still grasping God's greatness. will be forever, actually. okay-now to school
Here you go....
so...lately, God has been continuing to be near to my heart. i have found such a blessing and excitement from telling people what He has done for me lately and the many ways that i have grown. many people check in on and me and see how i am really doing and it is the perfect opportunity to share that in the midst of heartbreak i feel closest to the Lord, ironic huh? not so much, at all. it is the moments when we are truly broken we experience Him all the more. makes me want to be broken a lot more often...was reminded yesterday what john piper told us at passion. when we feel most insiginifcant, we have the most joy. also that the Lord wants us to worship Him and give Him glory not for His selfishness, but out of His love for us. what i mean to say is...God knows we can only experience complete joy when we are completely focused on Him; therefore, He desires our worship and praise because that is when we are tuly complete. idk if that makes any sense or not. still grasping God's greatness. will be forever, actually. okay-now to school
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Prayer
I've been wanting to share this prayer that I had written since the Uprising (DNow) weekend with Matt Papa:
Dear God,
It is my desire to follow you. I desire to deny myself completely and to take up my cross daily and follow you. It is not my deepest desire and I pray that you will help that to become my deepest desire. You have done so much with me in mind. I only am aware of a fraction of what You have done and what You do and my response is weak at best. Forgive me for the way I have responded to You in this lukewarm manor, when I have responded at all. Forgive me for so much that I do with myself in mind and not You and Your desires. Although it is a battle I give into more often than not, I pray You will bring me victory in this battle over my selfish wants and self-centered actions. I pray to love You with all my heart, all my soul, all my strength, and all of my mind. I pray that You fill me with the desire to seek Your kingdom first because You only are worthy and not out of wanting all to be given to me as a result. I give up my hopes, my dreams, my plans, and my life to You, my Creator, my Sustainer, my Savior, the love of my soul, the only source of peace, strength and life, my only true Hope. Amen.
Dear God,
It is my desire to follow you. I desire to deny myself completely and to take up my cross daily and follow you. It is not my deepest desire and I pray that you will help that to become my deepest desire. You have done so much with me in mind. I only am aware of a fraction of what You have done and what You do and my response is weak at best. Forgive me for the way I have responded to You in this lukewarm manor, when I have responded at all. Forgive me for so much that I do with myself in mind and not You and Your desires. Although it is a battle I give into more often than not, I pray You will bring me victory in this battle over my selfish wants and self-centered actions. I pray to love You with all my heart, all my soul, all my strength, and all of my mind. I pray that You fill me with the desire to seek Your kingdom first because You only are worthy and not out of wanting all to be given to me as a result. I give up my hopes, my dreams, my plans, and my life to You, my Creator, my Sustainer, my Savior, the love of my soul, the only source of peace, strength and life, my only true Hope. Amen.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
a conversation with Bill
I can remember when I was a work-study working at the Corporate America credit card bank just a few minutes from my parents home. I was 17 and had been supporting the same team for about a year. I remember this time specifically because it was shortly after a youth camp revival for leaders and I was back on fire with my faith in God. Things had changed in me and the folks at work could see a difference. So one man asked me what was up and the conversation went a little like this...
Bill: Why are you so happy today?
Ryan: Today, aren’t I happy everyday...
Bill: You seem a little more happy than normal.
Ryan: Well this weekend I went on a leadership retreat with my school and it really helped me remember what’s important in my life.
Bill: Oh yeah what’s that?
Ryan: My relationship with Jesus.
Bill: Oh you believe that do you?
Ryan: Yeah with all that I am
Bill: I have a hard time believing something I can’t see, and I find it even harder to believe something because someone told me too.
Ryan: I can understand that, but I see Him all of the time in so many ways. What do you believe in?
Bill: I have faith/believe in my family, in my job, in more tangible things I can see and touch.
Ryan: but what about after those things go away? I mean how do you explain your being here? Do you think a big rock exploded and poof there is Bill?
Bill: Not sure, I don’t really think about that stuff, it doesnt really matter now does it, I am here.
Ryan: What do you think is going to happen when we die?
Bill: Doesnt matter to me, I will be dead.
Ryan: It matters to me, I believe that if I die today and I have not accepted Christ as my savior I will spend eternity in hell.
Bill: You believe in that Heaven and Hell too?
Ryan: Yeah, I sure do.
Bill: How about you get those copies over to Ted’s office he is waiting for the presentation.
Ryan: All over it... have faith that God will allow me to get there...
Bill: :)
Now a similar conversation happened between Bill and me a few times a month until I moved under new management. Still to this day I don't know where Bill's faith resides. I hope that he has accepted Christ and has not put his Faith in things that are of this earth.
It’s hard talking to a Bill when your 17 and still unsure of what God is telling you to do with your life, but one thing that amazed me about Bill was his faith in nothing. I just don't understand how you can have faith in so little when God is so big. It has been said that it takes more faith to not believe in God then it does to believe in God. When you see all that has been "made" in this earth how can you question a creator...a more pressing question that I was given about that time in my life was "but what if you’re wrong about all of this stuff you are doing here to worship God and you could have been having fun?" My first response was, are you kidding me, I am having the best time of my life putting my faith in a God who knows my beginning and my end. The more important question is what if we (Christains) are right? This life of fun vs. eternal life in hell with no fun... makes you think...
Bill: Why are you so happy today?
Ryan: Today, aren’t I happy everyday...
Bill: You seem a little more happy than normal.
Ryan: Well this weekend I went on a leadership retreat with my school and it really helped me remember what’s important in my life.
Bill: Oh yeah what’s that?
Ryan: My relationship with Jesus.
Bill: Oh you believe that do you?
Ryan: Yeah with all that I am
Bill: I have a hard time believing something I can’t see, and I find it even harder to believe something because someone told me too.
Ryan: I can understand that, but I see Him all of the time in so many ways. What do you believe in?
Bill: I have faith/believe in my family, in my job, in more tangible things I can see and touch.
Ryan: but what about after those things go away? I mean how do you explain your being here? Do you think a big rock exploded and poof there is Bill?
Bill: Not sure, I don’t really think about that stuff, it doesnt really matter now does it, I am here.
Ryan: What do you think is going to happen when we die?
Bill: Doesnt matter to me, I will be dead.
Ryan: It matters to me, I believe that if I die today and I have not accepted Christ as my savior I will spend eternity in hell.
Bill: You believe in that Heaven and Hell too?
Ryan: Yeah, I sure do.
Bill: How about you get those copies over to Ted’s office he is waiting for the presentation.
Ryan: All over it... have faith that God will allow me to get there...
Bill: :)
Now a similar conversation happened between Bill and me a few times a month until I moved under new management. Still to this day I don't know where Bill's faith resides. I hope that he has accepted Christ and has not put his Faith in things that are of this earth.
It’s hard talking to a Bill when your 17 and still unsure of what God is telling you to do with your life, but one thing that amazed me about Bill was his faith in nothing. I just don't understand how you can have faith in so little when God is so big. It has been said that it takes more faith to not believe in God then it does to believe in God. When you see all that has been "made" in this earth how can you question a creator...a more pressing question that I was given about that time in my life was "but what if you’re wrong about all of this stuff you are doing here to worship God and you could have been having fun?" My first response was, are you kidding me, I am having the best time of my life putting my faith in a God who knows my beginning and my end. The more important question is what if we (Christains) are right? This life of fun vs. eternal life in hell with no fun... makes you think...
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Faith Is Not Wavering In Unbelief
My mom tells me I came home from preschool with a note attached to my shirt that said "Beth accepted Jesus as her Savior today." Of course I don't remember this since I was 3 or 4 years old. I spent a lifetime doubting my salvation. Asking Jesus into my heart every time there was an invitation. I remember fear overtaking me as a child when we would sing a song that required you to stand on the day of the week you got saved. "It was on a Monday that Jesus set me free." I had no clue what day of the week I asked Jesus into my heart.
When people would talk about giving your testimony, I again would sense fear. I wasn't set free from a life of serious addictions or childhood pain. Later in life, God showed me that Him keeping me from a life like that IS my testimony. It takes a mighty work of God either way. My testimony is still powerful because I was going to hell.
I still have to be aware of when the enemy tries to lead me into doubt in this area. I'm not trusting in anything I have done for salvation. I put my trust in Jesus Christ and Him alone to save me.
Romans 4: 20 changed my life. It says, "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." This verse is talking about Abraham believing God would give him a son. The words lept off the page to me one day. "YET HE DID NOT WAVER THROUGH UNBELIEF." God spoke to me. That's what I had been doing my whole life... wavering in unbelief. I never realized it was an action I was doing. I can't imagine how easy it would have been for Abraham to go down that road in his thought process (the what if thoughts.) But he chose not too. Faith is not wavering in unbelief.
When people would talk about giving your testimony, I again would sense fear. I wasn't set free from a life of serious addictions or childhood pain. Later in life, God showed me that Him keeping me from a life like that IS my testimony. It takes a mighty work of God either way. My testimony is still powerful because I was going to hell.
I still have to be aware of when the enemy tries to lead me into doubt in this area. I'm not trusting in anything I have done for salvation. I put my trust in Jesus Christ and Him alone to save me.
Romans 4: 20 changed my life. It says, "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." This verse is talking about Abraham believing God would give him a son. The words lept off the page to me one day. "YET HE DID NOT WAVER THROUGH UNBELIEF." God spoke to me. That's what I had been doing my whole life... wavering in unbelief. I never realized it was an action I was doing. I can't imagine how easy it would have been for Abraham to go down that road in his thought process (the what if thoughts.) But he chose not too. Faith is not wavering in unbelief.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Offer of a Rock
Some of you may know that Chris B.C. (before Christ) was quite a lost guy and into quite unusual stuff (New Age, psychic kind of things). With that was the belief that certain crystals possessed or amplified traits or abilities. I know, I know, but that's kind of the point of this.
So when Jamie and I were dating, one of her friends was killed in a car accident. Being the kind, caring, compassionate boyfriend that I was, I wanted to be able to offer her comfort in the situation. I wanted to be able to give her something that I felt would help her get through the situation. So I gave her a piece of turquoise that I had to help her have strength through that time in her life. Not knowing any better, she had accepted it and was grateful. Of course, we look back at that and can't help but look at the absurdity of it. When her friend died, I offered her a rock to help her get through it all.
Really? A rock?
It was a pretty rock. And it was a gesture from the heart. But in the end, what is a rock going to do for her and that situation? It's dead, lifeless. There is nothing outside of its GOD GIVEN beauty that it can really do in of itself. Sure, it can symbolize other things, but it can't do anything.
And if we are not offering Jesus to people, isn't that all we are doing? Just offering them a dead rock? Seriously, it is just another thing that sits in their pocket and actually adds weight to that person's life. It is a hindrance and takes away from someone's ability to have something that truly matters and can make a difference.
There is nothing this world or anything in it has to offer that provide lasting peace and comfort like Jesus. He is THE rock that we do have to offer. And there are people who don't know any better and are clinging onto any bit of hope they can find. They place their faith in idols and worthless things where there is a God who loves them beyond compare and is calling to them.
So when Jamie and I were dating, one of her friends was killed in a car accident. Being the kind, caring, compassionate boyfriend that I was, I wanted to be able to offer her comfort in the situation. I wanted to be able to give her something that I felt would help her get through the situation. So I gave her a piece of turquoise that I had to help her have strength through that time in her life. Not knowing any better, she had accepted it and was grateful. Of course, we look back at that and can't help but look at the absurdity of it. When her friend died, I offered her a rock to help her get through it all.
Really? A rock?
It was a pretty rock. And it was a gesture from the heart. But in the end, what is a rock going to do for her and that situation? It's dead, lifeless. There is nothing outside of its GOD GIVEN beauty that it can really do in of itself. Sure, it can symbolize other things, but it can't do anything.
And if we are not offering Jesus to people, isn't that all we are doing? Just offering them a dead rock? Seriously, it is just another thing that sits in their pocket and actually adds weight to that person's life. It is a hindrance and takes away from someone's ability to have something that truly matters and can make a difference.
There is nothing this world or anything in it has to offer that provide lasting peace and comfort like Jesus. He is THE rock that we do have to offer. And there are people who don't know any better and are clinging onto any bit of hope they can find. They place their faith in idols and worthless things where there is a God who loves them beyond compare and is calling to them.
Not coincidental
This is too awesome....had to share with you all. The other night Bob was doing a devotion with the kids. The devotion was on Genesis 7 and how Noah obeyed God's directions to build the ark. Noah had FAITH that God had big plans for him and his family. Anyway, Stephen asks. "How long did it take Noah to build the ark?". Well, Bob and I looked at each other and neither one of us knew. So, Bob told him he would find out and let him know. Well, the next morning we get up and Bob is already gone to work. However, he left us a note that said, "It took Noah 120 yrs to build the ark." Stephen is wondering how Bob found out and I told him he probably looked it up in his Bible this morning during his quiet time. Nothing else was said about it. Well, this morning I am reading the chapter for lifegroup and there it is...the second page in the chapter...bottom of page 114...."Noah spent 120 yrs building an ark and warning others of the impending judgment". I talked to Bob and he was waiting for me to read the chapter before he said anything. You cannot tell me that this is coincidental. This is God telling us...."I HAVE YOUR BACK". Yes, Bob and I are not the most educated when it comes to the Bible...where to find certain things...having the scriptures memorized...etc. However,God is telling us...don't worry. Keep teaching your kids about Me and I will help you. How Awesome is this. I love it. What a confidence booster.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Proud
Just got back from Lunch with the Family Kimberly, Stephen and Hailey. We went to Steak n Shake. I just had a very proud moment with my Son and family. Stephen pulled out a 20.00 bill and said Dad I am buying lunch today. I said no I got it, he said Dad I am buying lunch. I looked in his wallet as he handed me the 20.00 bill, this is all he had not a penny more. He said thats ok i dont need anything. I really cant put into words how I feel, but to know where his heart is makes me a very very proud parent. Flashes of parenting, Love, Godliness, selflishness... this is one of those moments you never forget as a parent to see how your son is growing up into a man not just any man but a Christian Man I can only say WOW and God Bless... Let our children humble us and remind us to give caringly and not just the leftovers but everything we have....my son just did.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Where's My Faith?
We just returned from the first night of worship for the youth Uprising event...and let's just say it wasn't much like church as we're used to it. Not because the music was loud and the lyrics were different but rather because it was truly worship. Kids were jumping up and down, singing loud and proud, and raising their hands in sold out worship. They were worshipping with faith. They worshiped in a way that declared their belief that God is exactly who He says He is...a Holy God who is worthy of our praise and adoration. He is worthy to be shouted for, He is worthy to have our hands lifted high in surrender to. He is GOD and these teenagers have the faith to just take Him at His word, however....and this is a big however.....some of these same teens will come to church with us the following Sunday and keep their hands at their side as they sing quietly un-engaged. Tonight I asked my self why that is? God didn't change, He remains the same for the following Sunday, they likely will not change by then either. So what is it? Ya know what?It's us! I am the reason they worship differently. I am the one who slowly hinders their faith. These teens who one night before were boldly praising their God are now sitting in a room full of adults who have found more important things to worship...their jobs, their materials, their money, themselves. I am one of those adults who hinders the faith of our youth and it is sad. So, tonight I find myself asking "where did my faith go?" How have I let Satan enter in and steal it away? I don't even know when it happened because Satan is really good with a slow fade and before you know it I'm sitting in a room full of faith filled people and I see the contrast. So, this afternoon I would have told you I was passionately following the Lord but after seeing the contrast, tonight I would have a different answer. Where's my faith...not sure, but I'm going to find it again!
are you known for your power?
As i read about the power of the spirit and how its been given to the children of God, I am now asking myself if I am known for my power...
God, my prayer today is to embrace the power you have given me through the Holy Spirit.
Please be in prayer for the Uprising this weekend... The teens are in store for an awesome and POWERFUL weekend...
RD
2 Tim 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
God, my prayer today is to embrace the power you have given me through the Holy Spirit.
Please be in prayer for the Uprising this weekend... The teens are in store for an awesome and POWERFUL weekend...
RD
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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