Whatever it takes

Turkey: Day Six

2012-05-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Mitchell, Noah, Caleb, and Darlene on the Bosphorus

It's hard to believe that the first week of our journey here in Turkey is nearly coming to a close! We have seen amazing new sights, enjoyed delicious new tastes, and met some wonderful people.

Visiting the Roman Cisterns in Istanbul

We spent the first three days in Istanbul, getting a feel for the culture while exploring the city and taking in all the busyness of the bustling city.

We were privileged to see famous historical places such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Roman Cisterns, and the Grand Bazaar. We relaxed on a boat tour of the Bosphorus and scurried around the city competing in a photo scavenger hunt. Taksim Square provided us with a little glimpse of home, with three Starbucks and several American fast food places. A lot of activities were packed into our short time there, but we learned a lot, not only about the city but also about each other.

Darlene and me at the Blue Mosque

Our five-person team contains a very diverse mix of personalities, and as I joined the team less than a month before departure, we certainly had an interesting dynamic. From day one, we had to overcome sleep deprivation, illness, separation without communication, a rolled ankle, blisters, differing agendas, and simply adjusting to accommodating for the needs of five different people. Creative problem solving is clearly a necessary skill for a team like this, and we have all learned very quickly how important it is, along with simple and clear communication.

Looking over Istanbul from the Hagia Sophia

Shopping near the Grand Bazaar

Making friends in the Spice Market

As a team, we have committed to memorize the Kenosis passage over the next month, and we have no shortage of opportunity to apply its principles daily.

Meeting with Volkan, Noah's "Turkish brother"

We have already experienced the challenges of a five-person team that will be together for five weeks. I have been learning that humility is sacrificial love, which means not only the emptying of myself, but the filling of those around me. Not only must I deny my own desires, but I am to be actively seeking and fulfilling the needs and desires of others.

Glimpsing the Mediterranean from Antalya

Our activities here in Antalya will not be easy, but through utter and desperate dependency, our work will be more than temporary.

Already we have made some promising relationships, and we pray that through consistent contact, doors for deeper friendships will open wide. Even just yesterday and today, we have already met half a dozen shop keepers who speak excellent English and are glad to visit with us, that we may practice our Turkish with them.

Eddy's spice and tea shop in Antalya

The difficulty in distinguishing between who will be good friends and who just wants to make a sale can be great, but by grace we will be allowed to redeem the time in spending it with the souls who are truly seeking the peace that passes all understanding.

Quest for Grace {Victoria Suich}

2012-03-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

Lord, You've given me so much grace,
Give me grace in this:
That I may learn to do what's right,
And in You place full trust.

Even in the darkest hour, even in the night,
May I do what Love would do,
Though no one's looking on but You.
When the day is calm and light,
When there seems no need for me,
Yet may I always fight the fight
So none may be out there and see
My light turned off and no more bright.

Even when those my enemies
Gather round to laugh and jeer
May only love pour out of me,
That they may see Christ here.
When my work seems dull or hard
And I'm tempted to do less,
May I remember Your work on the cross,
Hands nailed, face marred.
And see in each menial task,
Your work to do, a work that lasts.
When the world looks down at me,
And tries to tempt me with its sin,
May I stand, firm, indeed,
And with You the fight win.

So much grace is needed, Lord,
But You'll give me all I need
For You said so in Your Word,
And I felt it when I was freed.
And now I thank You for Your grace,

Abudant, overflowing to me.
For it was You who took my place,
And died for my sin on the tree.
Your love crosses nations
And offers true life to all,
Lord, I'm grateful for Your salvation
And I'm glad I answered Your call.
Amen.

Fighting to Finish

2012-02-25T22:21:00.002-07:00

The verses Philippians 3: 13 & 14 are widely known, but here’s a refresher: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”

“Forgetting those things which are behind.”

What are those things?

The first thing to forget is past failures. I think we all know how debilitating it can be after we have blown it big time. Maybe there is that one sin that you can’t seem to overcome or you are constantly reminded of the times you allowed yourself to be a coward. Whatever it is, you have to move on. 1 John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us that if from all unrighteousness. Christ has set us free! If He is for us, who can stand against us?

The second thing to forget is past successes. Maybe that sounds a little odd. But, have you ever met someone who always talked about the great things he is doing; only to find out those successes took place many years ago? He is stuck in the past and often isn’t busy doing great things anymore. The great things we do the first 25 years of our lives does not give us permission to selfishly coast through the next 25 years.

With this said, don’t go and give yourself self-induced amnesia. God clearly gave us a memory for a reason! We can learn from our past mistakes and successes. We learn to better discern our own actions and to warn others with our past mistakes. We can praise God by remembering what He saved us from and how He is changing us into His likeness. We can also gain encouragement from past successes, remembering where God had us and seeing His faithfulness.

But the point is, your past does not define your future.

Maybe a basketball team misses just about every single shot the first half and their defense was absolutely hideous. Do they grovel and quit? If they are serious about the game, they won’t. Giving up is one of the worst things they could do. Instead, they get back in and throw it into high gear. They accept the challenge and fight harder. Finishing requires integrity and strength.

On the flip side, you can be in the lead for a while. Let’s say this basketball team is on fire tonight; you can pretty much call the game in their favor at the half. Are they allowed to take it easy the rest of the game? No, because nobody really cares about what the score was the first half—the final score is what matters. They have to finish what they started.

We see both of these examples in so many Bible characters as well: Peter denied Christ, but he turned around and God used him to lead 3,000 to the salvation! Noah was the only upright man in the earth before the flood; but he lost sight of the finish line and got drunk. David was doing great until his murderous affair, but he turned back to God and God calls him “a man after His own heart.”

The struggles will continue to come this month, next year, and until our life is complete. But “consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Heb. 12) you have been called to live a life in full force—to endure momentary and light affliction. “Faithful is He who calls you who also will do it.” (1 Thess. 5:24)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12: 1-2) Let’s help one another to continue to live and fight each day for the One that matters.

LC (College Freshman)

Thoughts of Late

2012-02-20T19:43:00.001-07:00

First of all, I apologize for being so lackadaisical in maintaining a consistent flow of posts! Lately I have been quite overwhelmed by life in general, but particularly school.
However, today the Lord has been teaching me some things that I just need to write out and share. I am remembering what was going on last year at this time, how I was in a different season of waiting and was focusing on trusting God and doing the next right thing. As I think back, I looked back at some things that I had written a year ago, including some of the posts on this blog.

Anyway, this is nothing profound, but I just wanted to share with you all a little something. So, a little glimpse into my thoughts lately includes:

~The importance of building spiritual memorials.
Throughout today, I have been thinking back to God's faithfulness, provision, and goodness in my life. I firmly believe that one of the biggest faith-strengtheners is simply recalling God's amazing faithfulness displayed to me personally.
I am reminded once again about the importance of setting up spiritual memorials (Joshua 4:4-7), whether they are written down or not. However, writing them down certainly makes tracing back through them a much simpler task. Not to mention, my memory is certainly aided in recalling all of the beautiful details of God's working.

~The importance of the constant reading of the Word.
Lately, diligence in my daily time in God's Word has truly been a struggle. However, He has been reminding me that my feelings do not change fact, nor do they matter, really! My feeling tired or unworthy or guilty or whatever does not change the fact that I am called to diligently (Hebrews 11:6) pursue my relationship with my God. The Word of God cleanses, convicts, renews, encourages, and equips, and it is God's communication of all that is necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

~The importance of remembering the Cross.

This one is specifically in regard to relationships. I have been repeatedly convicted and reminded that I am a wretched sinner saved by Christ alone through grace alone. When I get a grip of that reality in the perspective of eternity, I am then enabled to love others with the love of Christ. When I am so drenched in the unfathomable love of Christ, I can do none other than pour it out onto all I come in contact with! However, the opposite is true. When I refuse to linger at the foot of the Cross, I lose sight of the reality of the gospel and lack the ability to reflect the complete and perfect love that is shown to me by Christ.

Lord willing, I will be more consistent in posting! At the moment, I'm working on a series about joy-robbers.

And in regard to being overwhelmed, I look back on what I wrote a year ago (and what prompted me to share my thoughts tonight in the first place):

"When my plans are cancelled and God's plans are concealed, I must give thanks, for it is then that He is changing my direction in the order of perfection."

GE (College Freshman)

A Change of Direction

2012-01-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

The other day my brother and I sat down to watch this "180 Movie". Several friends had told me to watch it, but I had no clue how truly astounding and good it would be. It was better than good. It showed Biblcial truth on abortion, the robbery of human life, so powerfully and beautifully that it brought tears to my eyes.

Not only that, but as people were interviewed and abortion was explained to them in a new light, they started changing their minds...

Pastor and author John Piper had this to say about "180":
“I give my unflinching, joyful, trembling Yes to ‘180’. Unflinching, because it's right. Joyful, because it's good. Trembling, because this our defeated enemy is still vicious.”

Please, take 33 minutes and sit down and watch "180". It's so worth it!
(P.S. Sorry, I couldn't embed the video. The sites that actually sync with Blogspot are blocked on my campus' internet security, and Blogspot unfortunately doesn't feature an "embed" option.)

All Out for Him

2012-01-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is 2012.

By God's grace I will go all out for Him.

I will be a total "God-nerd" because God is the best thing to be nerdy about.

If people say that I'm doing it for attention, I will strive to be even nerdy-er!

I will be a true friend to my friends, and be the iron that sharpens them, if need be.

If people say I'm a hypocrite, I will be an even sharper iron.

I will let Christ's light shine through me in this dark world, and make sure that everyone can see something different in me.

If people reject me, or laugh at me, or treat me worse as a result, I will strive to tell them even more.

I will read God's Word every day and tell as many friends as I can what I learned in God's Word as often as I can.

If people say that I'm just doing it to mark it off the checklist, I will strive to read and share even more.

I will not be selfish with my time, and will be ready and willing to help anyone that has any needs.

If people say that I need to save my time for schoolwork or music practice, and that serving others with my time is for when you're older, I will strive to find more oppertunities to serve, and give up even more of my time.

I will pray for my friends and acquantences every day, and remind them that I love them and are praying for them.

If people say that I'm doing to to try to prove my spirituality, I'll pray for them even more and love them even more.

I will go out of my way to talk to my friends about their spiritual walk, and help them if I can.

If people say that I can't help disciple Christians because I'm too young, I'll strive to make an even bigger impact in people's lives.

Why? Why would I do this?

The answer: I want Christ to be the most important thing in my life, and I want others to have that same focus.

Lord, you are the CREATOR! You made everything and everyone and have a plan for my life! WOW!

Lord, despite many hardships and struggles with my own flesh, will you work through me? Use me for YOUR glory. In the end I want YOU to be lifted high and worshipped and praised. That's all that matters Lord! Help me in my school and my class to be an example of what it means to live for YOU and not myself. Help me to be a good testimony for you when I'm out and about, and that others would see that something's different. That difference is because of who you are and what you've done. Lord, use me to do what YOU want me to do, so that others might be lead to a stronger relationship with you. Thank you that I don't have to work my way into heaven, cuz there's no way I would make it! Thank you for you all sufficient grace, Lord, help others see you and act on what they see. As I head into this new year, help me to rid my vision of distractions, so that you might shine brighter. I ask all these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

JAT (High School Sophomore)

In Whatsoever State I Am: Content!

2011-12-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

   As 2011 draws to a close, I have been reflecting on all the Lord has brought me through this year. Last year about this time, I was reading several blogs, and I kept coming across the idea of picking a word to live out in the year ahead. As I got to thinking about the idea, I decided that in 2011 I wanted to focus on having contentment. So my theme for the year became "Contentment v. Complacency." At first, I thought that I would kind of learn about these two concepts through personal study. However, I quickly realized that God knew that I needed to learn about these concepts through circumstances and direct experience.

   The year quickly spiraled into unmanageable busyness as I tried to plan for college, my senior trip to New York City flew by, high school ended, graduation came and went, the summer brought an evangelism trip to the Philippines, the fall took me to my first semester at Bible college, and my mom took a new job and moved across the country last week. Now here we are, at the end of another year. Although 2011 was incredibly packed with changes, it was also a year of waiting. Waiting on college decisions, waiting on high school to end, waiting for scholarships to be awarded, waiting for job applications to be accepted, waiting to see souls (in whom I had deeply invested) saved, waiting to start college, waiting for prayers to be answered, waiting to see my family, waiting to know God's revealed will.

   It seemed to go on forever. But God knew what I needed to learn. He knew that I needed to experientially find out the difference between contentment and complacency. In all of my seasons of waiting, I had to wait on God to provide  for my needs. And ya know, He always came through! He had a plan far before I did (Psalm 139:16), and He had a lesson in contentment waiting for me far before I even desired to learn it.

   A passage on contentment that I have been studying recently is Philippians 4. I have heard people quote verse 13 many, many  times. However, I never realized that when Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," he is speaking in regard to his finances! He is saying that, regardless of how dismal his bank account may appear at any given time, God is fully able to meet his financial needs for whatever God wants him to do. Paul is thanking the Philippians for giving him financial support as directed by God. He is relaying to his fellow Christians that God has taught him to be joyful with little and how to be responsible with a lot. But, Paul makes it clear that God has taught him to be content in any financial situation. Paul can do this because he is resting in the fact that his God has no limits on His financial ability!

   I will never look at this passage the same way. It is incredible to realize the magnitude of the lesson here! So many times, we do  regard money as our biggest hurdle. It's often the obstacle that discourages us, scares us, takes away our joy, robs us of our faith, steals our zeal, misplaces our trust, and essentially leads to unbelief that God can get us through. We so often fall prey to the idea that although God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), He is limited in His allotted supply for each of us. However, the truth is quite contrary to that notion! As I have repeated to myself many times, God wants to bless me even more than I want to be blessed (Matthew 7:9-11)!

   When I stop allowing finances to be a determiner of God's will and rest in the solid truth that He can and will pay for what He orders, it is then that I can have perfect peace and the quiet confidence of joy.

GE (College Freshman)

God's Chisel Remastered

2011-11-17T17:01:00.001-07:00

Are you discouraged today? Maybe you're like thousands of others, feeling like God can't use you because of your failures. Like you cannot overcome your own self in order to become more like Jesus Christ. Maybe you're feeling like God isn't near, isn't personal, and doesn't even want to be involved in your life.

Maybe you're feeling like God doesn't care.

Well, He's got news for you. He does care.

Recently I watched this video and was reminded that God can use me, and He wants to use me. However, He can't use me until I am surrendered to Him.

And surrender demands 100%.

GE (College Freshman)

Approaching the King of Glory

2011-10-25T19:57:00.001-07:00

Recently, I read Revelation 4 and 5. I encourage you to take the time to read it right now also, before reading my thoughts on it.

After reading those inspired words which were the result of John's revelation, given to him by the one and only Jesus Christ, I had no words. I mean, one one hand, the whole description and picture that comes into my head as a result of those words is awesome beyond description. JESUS is awesome beyond description.

Think about it. What would YOU do if you just had Jesus come to you and show you those things? I think that I would be at a loss for words in GENERAL, so taken aback by the glory and splendour that I just saw!
To think that John actually had to come up with HUMAN words to describe the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of the universe... what an incredible task! To try to fit the radiance of the pure holiness and beauty of God, the only way John can put it into words is by comparing it to precious stones! How is that supposed to help us?

Well, the point of this passage (and really the whole book of Revelation) is not to give a step-by-step "how-to-draw God and the angels" (and later on the demons, Satan, the lake of Fire, and the New Heaven and Earth), but rather, to give us the beautiful finished work of art that shows us what it will be LIKE!

But here's and interesting thought: Did it ever occur to you that when you pray, you are actually stepping into the very same throne room as is mentioned in this passage? You, the human being, are stepping into the full radiance of the Glory of God and are talking to Him. Sometimes thrusting His doors open, shaking are fist and yelling at Him. I think that if we all REALLY understood that this Jesus mentioned in Revelation is the VERY SAME ONE that we love and serve today, we would totally reconsider our place compared to God!

Also, on a broader note: THIS IS THE GOD WE SERVE! For eternity, He WILL have milllions upon millions praising Him and worshipping Him in the purest way possible. God is so worthy! I can't wait for that day! But until that day, how will YOU live in light of this? Where is God on your priorities list? How does He influence your choices?

And finally, will your life be lived in such a way that when your life is over and you're standing in the presence of a Holy God, will you be content with the amount of your life that you gave to the only One who is worthy? In case you missed it, His name is Jesus. The King of Glory.

Jeremy T. (High School Sophomore)

What if...?

2011-09-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

"What if it's not everything I dreamed it would be?"

This is a common thought in regard to God's plan for our lives. For some reason, many Christians have a tainted view that God did not have our best in mind when He ordained all of our days in His book before one of them even came to be (Psalm 139:16). However, we must realize that He did, and does, have our best interest in mind. Now we merely "look through a glass dimly," contrasting the circumstances of this life to God's loving character. But one day "we will be face to face," and we will know Him fully. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

We so often fail to see that although our humbling wouldn't be our decision, it's there that God's glory shines brightest. When we want happiness, God instead pushes us toward holiness. While God commands us to be content, we still wish for circumstances that would easily lend way to complacency. We want the crown, but our Father gently reminds us that the cross precedes it. We must ask God to teach us to pray His will, not ours. We must ask Him to continually correct our perspectives, and give us a proper view of our own mortal desires in light of His eternal interest. We must be digging through His Word for solid ground to replace the sandy foundation of our souls' desires.

His grace is found when I'm in the valley.
My life is found in His death.
His losses are my gain.
My hope grew out of His despair.
His wealth is given when I'm in need.
My joy is because of His sorrow.
His power is revealed when I'm in the valley.

His plan is more than anything we could ever dream.

Our Heavenly Father wants to bless us even more than we wish to be blessed.

As Matthew 7:9-11 says, "What man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!"

GE (College Freshman)

Just Love?

2011-09-16T23:05:00.003-07:00

Ask anyone about a characteristic of God and probably the first that will come up is “love”. God is love. Most people cling onto this concept and assume that a loving God would never punish us. He loves us too much to send us to Hell; it will all be pushed under the rug. But let’s think about His holiness. He is so holy that the angels just cry out, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY”, over and over and over. Day and night the word “holy” flows out of their mouths and echoes in the throne room. Why? Because they are completely awestruck by His total purity. Lately, I haven’t been able to get away from this concept.

God calls us to be holy like He is holy.

“Be ye holy for I AM HOLY.” I am amazed by this command. His holiness inspires fear and awe. Does He do that to us? Or are we so caught up in making our Lord an easygoing, approachable friend that we bring Him down to our level? So often God is treated more like a buddy than our sovereign, all-powerful King. In Jeremiah it says “But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.” The earth quakes and the nations crumble under God’s wrath. That sounds pretty awe-inspiring! He holds all power, might, and control, and yet here we are: we talk to Him on our own terms, we want Him to give us what we want, and we decide how much of our life He can have some control over.
But then there’s that command, “Be ye holy for I AM HOLY.” What does that mean for us? To be holy means to be separate and pure. Are we like our Father in this way? Do we flee from sin and seek justice? Honestly, as I consider this for myself I believe that if I remember my God’s complete holiness it will inspire a right heart in me. It’s not a set of rules someone made up. It’s truly knowing the heart of our Holy Creator and desiring to please Him. It’s no longer the question “What can I get away with?” but instead, “how Holy is my God?”.

I Run to Christ When...

2011-09-12T13:19:00.001-07:00

I Run to Christ
Chris Anderson

I run to Christ when chased by fear
And find a refuge sure.
“Believe in me,” His voice I hear;
His words and wounds secure.

I run to Christ when torn by grief
And find abundant peace.
“I too had tears,” He gently speaks;
Thus joy and sorrow meet.

_____

I run to Christ when worn by life
And find my soul refreshed.
“Come unto Me,” He calls through strife;
Fatigue gives way to rest.

I run to Christ when vexed by hell
And find a mighty arm.
“The Devil flees,” the Scriptures tell;
He roars, but cannot harm.

_____

I run to Christ when stalked by sin
And find a sure escape.
“Deliver me,” I cry to Him;
Temptation yields to grace.

I run to Christ when plagued by shame
And find my one defense.
“I bore God’s wrath,” He pleads my case—
My Advocate and Friend.

If you are interested in introducing this song to your own church, or just for use as private worship.This song can be found at Church Works Media

Thankfulness: A Choice

2011-08-03T16:34:00.004-07:00

Last week, I returned home from a three week journey in the Philippines, where I saw God do great things as I boldly stepped out in faith to serve Him.

I joined a ministry called Student Movement for Christ International (SMCI) as they ran a 6-week evangelistic campaign. During this campaign (which is still in its last 2 weeks--please be praying!), a team of people from around the world joins SMCI as they go to high schools and universities, preaching the gospel in each classroom.

I learned many huge lessons as I grew closer to God during those three weeks, and some of them will be shared here on this blog in the near future. In the mean time, here are a few thoughts to ponder.

Upon returning home, I realized and learned many things as I looked out at my home life and the life of my friends with my fresh, drastically different perspective . One of the first things I noticed was that I had not heard anyone complain for the past three weeks.
Our team involved people from 6 countries, who got together in an impoverished land to serve God from dawn to dark in less-than-luxurious conditions, with cultural barriers, communication barriers, sickness, exhaustion, and unmet expectations along the way. In this circumstance, it simply cannot be expected, humanly speaking, that no one would complain.

But they didn't. They kept their eyes stayed upon the Lord, asked for and expected Him to work in a marvelous way, and kept serving Him with patience.

That is simply a testimony of God's grace.

Some of our team, including people from the USA, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines

"...gratitude truly is my life preserver. Even in the most turbulent waters, choosing gratitude rescues me from myself and my runaway emotions. It buoys me on the grace of God and keeps me from drowning in what otherwise would be my natural bent toward doubt, negativity, discouragement, and anxiety. Over time, choosing gratitude means choosing joy. But that choice doesn't come without effort and intentionality."

--Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Choosing Gratitude

Take some time to marvel at God's wondrous works in your life over the past week. Even in a storm of sorrows, there lies a multitude of blessings waiting to be noticed. When we choose to be grateful, we can always find things to thank God for.

God does not place us in uncomfortable circumstances so that our hope is dampened, but rather so that we can realize that we serve a God who freely offers hope in spite of our circumstances and ourselves!

GE (College Freshman)

Rodeo Clown - Immovable Object vs Unstoppable Force

2011-07-15T23:08:00.002-07:00

Note: I looked online for pictures related to immovable object and unstoppable force. The first notable picture was of Lebron James. But if you saw the NBA finals, you know he is neither. Other pictures included: a rubber band ball (what?), Mickey Mouse (why?), The Joker and Batman (I sort of get that one), Donald Trump (must be the hair), and (my favorite one) Chuck Norris.

Maybe the following will make it all clear . . . clear as mud . . . mud that's not mud.

When I was about 12 years old our family attended the Arcadia Rodeo. There was something about a rodeo that was so exciting. It was man vs beast. It was loud, fast, funny, and fun. The sights, sounds, and smells, yes, even the smells, were so different than what us city kids were used to experiencing.

There were two things that made this particular trip memorable. First, Tommy Butts (a good friend and co-worker of my father’s) was entered in the calf-roping event. Yes, I said Butts. You just can’t make up this stuff. My father and I had gone on a couple of hunting trips (hog and raccoon) with Tommy. So, I was very excited to see him in the event. Secondly, I entered the kids calf-catching contest. It would be comparable to the halftime show at a ballgame. Though I don’t remember Tommy's part of the evening, my part was most unforgettable to me, to my family, and to anyone else who paid attention that evening. I only wish I had a picture.

Now when I say, I entered the calf-catching contest, that doesn’t mean that I was privy to that knowledge before I arrived at the rodeo. Let’s just say that it was a responsibility that was thrust upon me. Just before the event Tommy took me out of the stands to inform me of my upcoming entry and to show me how to use his rope (lariat, riata, or reata). I could have refused the prodding from my family, but how could I refuse the invitation from a real cowboy - and such a cool one at that? Well, I couldn’t.

I remember how wonderful the rope felt in my hands. It was nothing like I thought it would be. It was stiff and rough to the touch. Tommy stood still and had me try to rope him. He taught me how to roll my wrist and let the rope fly. I hit him in the chest and the face before I successfully snagged him. That was the end of training. I was off to the big show.

Soon I was standing in a line with dozens of other kids at one end of the arena. I wasn’t dressed with a cowboy hat or boots like many of the other kids, but I had a cool rope, so I was good. The announcer told us that the calves would be released at the other end of the arena and that the first person to get past the judges with a calf would win the contest.

More recent photo of a similar event

I kept looking and looking for those judges down by the gate where the calves would be released, but I didn’t see them. All I could think was that I must have to take the calf back the way it came. It didn’t make any sense that I could rope a calf and just keep running the same way it was already going. That would be too easy. I was sooooo wrong. The judges were standing at either end of our line, not at the other end of the arena (see crude, child-like drawing below).

“On your mark. Get set. Go!” I immediately had my eye on a calf in the distance. I was running, swinging, and scheming. I hadn't run very far when a calf that was moving toward me ran right beside me. I instantly drop the rope over the calf’s head. I was by far the first one to rope a calf. If I had just turned and run with the calf, I would have won within a minute or two of the start the contest.

But alas, I thought the calf had to go the opposite direction, so I had to turn that calf around. It was man vs beast, but the beast knew more than the man. I became the immovable object. The calf, of course, was the unstoppable force.

I could see the slack quickly going out of the rope, so I dug in and leaned back. When the calf hit the end, the rope said, “Twanggggggg,” But the calf didn’t stop, and I didn’t lose my spot. It simply turned right and kept running – kept running in circles around me. It wasn’t exactly my plan, but I still wasn’t losing, and it still wasn’t winning. That quickly changed when three other calves crossed the rope and knocked us both down. A problem? Yes, the calf got up first.

That calf dragged me all over the mud that wasn’t mud. But I wouldn’t let go of the rope. I was stepped on, bloodied, dirtied, smelled up, laughed at, embarrassed, and exhausted; but I didn’t let go of the rope. I was thrown against a fence. I grabbed it, stood up, and steadied myself, but I didn’t let go of the rope. Finally, when it was all over, one of the officials came over and released the calf. He looked at me with a pitiful look and pointed to the exit. Maybe he thought I couldn’t find my way out either. But I was still holding that rope.

I think we left for home soon after I got back into the stands. I didn’t look or smell very good. We drove the two hours back to Tampa with the windows down, and I don’t think my mom said a word to my dad all the way home.

Later I was told that while I clutched the fence and rope, Tommy, my Dad, and others were outside the double fence yelling at me to let go, but I didn’t hear them. So, I held on. Perhaps some thought I was stupid or stubborn. Maybe others thought of me as determined to win. Some really thought I was a rodeo clown. But none was true. As I left the arena someone asked why I didn’t let it go. I simply said, “It wasn’t mine.”

Just as the rope wasn't mine, neither is my life my own; It was bought with a price (the blood of Christ). When the Christian life gets difficult, and I get discouraged and worn out. When I’m tired, broken, bloodied, and beaten (and have any thought of quitting), I remember that rope and hang on. I hang on to my trust in God

God's plan is never thwarted. He is never taken by surprise. He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent. I don't hang on for me or in my strength. I hang on with His strength because He is sovereign (in control). So, I hang on. You do the same. MM

Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

James 4:7-8a

Finishing Strong: Going the Distance for Your Family
The Calvary Road By Roy Hession
Changed Into His Image

"The anvil wears the hammer out, you know."

2011-07-06T15:15:00.002-07:00

This week, I began my work in an online class called Old Testament Survey, and I have already been challenged to think through a lot of the fundamental beliefs of Biblical Christianity. Last night, I was pushed to think through the depth of the foundation that Genesis builds for the rest of the Bible, and today I read an article by Lehman Strauss, entitled "We Can Trust the Bible," which defends the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. At the end of the article, under the section entitled, "The Wiles of Satan," Strauss writes that despite the methods of Satan and man to destroy God's Word. . . .

". . .The Bible stands, this impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture. Men fling themselves against it in all their fury, but instead of them breaking the Book, the Book crushes them. Bibles have been burned and torn to pieces, but God's Holy Word remains triumphant. In our world of darkness and despair the Bible shines forth as the scintillating light to lead men aright. The Bible is the only light for man's pathway (Psalm 119:105); the one Light shining in a dark place (II Peter 1:19). The Bible is the greatest luminary on the earth to bring men to God. It is the one beacon of hope in the night of men's sin. However dark the shadows of sin and sorrow might become, the Light will always be there for those who will follow. . . .

"Last eve I paused beside the blacksmith's door
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chimes;
Then looking in, I saw upon the floor
Old hammers worn with beating years of time.
'How many anvils have you had,' said I,
'To wear and batter all these hammers so?'

'Just one,’ said he, and then with twinkling eye,
'The anvil wears the hammer out, you know.'
And so I thought, the anvil of God's Word For ages skeptics' brows have beat upon, Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard, The anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone."

GE (College Freshman)

Just What I Need: When I need it!

2011-07-03T23:04:00.007-07:00

Have you ever had a circumstance in your life when you thought, "How is this thing good for me? How is this process profitable? Why is this person in my life? Why am I not getting that right now? Why am I getting this right now? How will I get through this?"?

I think if we are honest with ourselves, we would probably all say that we have thought nearly all of those questions, during various circumstances in our lives.

However, as a Christian, I have a just, gracious, merciful God who gives me just what (and when, where, who, and how) I need! Because of who my God is, I can trust that He has my best interest in mind, and will cause things to happen according to His sovereign will (Philippians 1:6)

In His justice, He gives me what I deserve.
In His mercy, He doesn't give me what I deserve.
In His grace, He gives me what I don't deserve.

He puts things and people in my life in just the right way, in just the right place, and at just the right time. Although I cannot always see what is best for myself, I have a Savior who knows my inmost thoughts and needs (Psalm 139).

Who
God knows the people I must have relationships with in order to become more like His Son-- whether they be sweet and kind, or consistently testing my patience.

What
He knows the things I need (and don't need!) in order to become more like His Son-- whether a thing will bless and provide for me, or will simply become a snare and a stumbling block to my feet.

When
He knows the exact moment I need to encounter things in life in order to become more like His Son-- whether my persistence for "Today, Lord!" is good, or a time of stillness and waiting would teach me.

Where
He knows the perfect location I need to be in order to become more like His Son-- whether it be the thrust of a raging storm on the sea, or the soothing of a gentle breeze in the desert.

How
He knows the process I must go through in order to become more like His Son--whether it be a trying and difficult one, or a pleasantly simple one.

I recently had an overwhelming need, and I had figured out the "perfect" way to fulfill it. However, God had a totally different plan of how He would provide for me! I had prayerfully stepped out in faith, acknowledging that I would do my best according to His revealed will, but that I was ultimately trusting Him to provide the way. And surely, He worked! Provision came in way I never expected, from the people I had least anticipated, and at a much later time that I had hoped!

During that time, God was teaching me through His Word, other people, and that experience, that He always provides. He provides in miraculous ways, often countering our expectations, plans, and even hopes.

Our Father always provides, and He always answers our cries. Thankfully, He is still pushing us toward holiness, even while we are striving for happiness.
We must do His revealed will while completely trusting that His sovereign will be done.

GE (College Freshman)

Prayer Request - Pass It On

2011-06-23T17:29:00.002-07:00

God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars ; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength ; His understanding is infinite .
Psalm 147:3-5

Prayer Request

I have not posted for quite some time now but feel compelled to do so at this time. Most folks would not post a prayer request, but I think this is one worth posting. Please pray for Victor Rodriguez. He is a former student of mine who graduated from Victory Christian School (Carmichael, CA) in 2006. My middle son and Victor were classmates until we moved in 2004. They remain friends today.

Victor was one of the good guys in school. He had a good, easy-going personality. He wanted to do right, and I remember his great love for baseball. I write in the past tense only because that’s what I knew him to be back then. My understanding is that he hasn’t changed much over the years. Good for you, Victor.

Victor married Crystal Andrews recently and headed to the Bahamas for their honeymoon. On June 16th (the 12th day of their marriage and the last day of the trip), the couple went parasailing. Tragically, the harness broke and the couple fell 40-50’. Victor awoke in ICU to the news that his bride had not survived the fall.

I know that God is good all the time; all the time God is good, but the human tragedy still breaks my heart. Victor has rough days ahead. Pray for the families and for Victor’s continued physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. Please send this post to your family and friends.

Thanks for reading and praying.
MM

http://www.tribune242.com/06172011_EP-GB-parasailing_news_pg1

Grace Walk: What You've Always Wanted in the Christian Life
Finishing Strong: Going the Distance for Your Family

Born without a father?

2011-06-18T07:20:00.012-07:00

On June 19, 2011, a young girl will experience her first Father’s Day without her dad. On June 7, eleven days before, this girl came into the world just hours after her father left it.

I remember my first Father’s Day without my dad. It was as hard as I imagined it would be, about 3 ½ months after he died. I was away from home on vacation, and in the teen group at the church I visited, the leader asked for all of us who “have a godly dad at your home” to raise our hands (why he did this, I do not know, but I could tell he regretted it after three of eight kids didn't respond). With two other visitors, I sat there wondering if I qualified because technically, my godly dad wasn't in my home.

This young girl in NY probably won’t have to worry about explaining things to people for a while. She won’t have to deal with the shock of death when she's a child, or the realization that life is really hard before she’s old enough to understand how to deal with it.

In some ways, I envy her ignorance and inexperience in life. It’s easy for us to wish things had never happened, to wish we had never had to experience something and feel the pain so many people around us haven’t known. It’s easy to believe that life would be so much better if we didn't have the burden of grief to carry with us. If only, like her, we were blissfully ignorant to how deeply painful loss is. Sometimes I wonder, maybe it wouldn't be so hard not to have a father if I hadn't had one and lost him.

But I know that this girl in NY will grow up and feel just the opposite. With absolutely no memories of her dad, she will spend a lot of time wishing he were there, wondering what life could have been. She will believe that, if her dad had to die, she would be willing to endure any kind of grief later in life if only she had a few more years with him.

And that is where she will envy a person like me, who had fourteen more years of Father’s Days' with a father than she will ever have. While I’m jealous that she won’t have to know the pain of having and losing a father, she will wish she had a father to lose in the first place.

Isn't this how we spend our emotional energy sometimes? Whether it's about a job, a friend, a relationship, or something as great as death, how much time do we waste wondering what could have happened, thinking our lives could be better, wondering if God got something wrong.

In considering our two lives, mine of loss and hers of having nothing to lose, I must remember the most important lesson I've learned this year: that God is just. His sovereign control of everything is perfect, and everything he does in our lives is good, right, and best for us according to his master plan.

The real way that truth applies in this situation is that each of us has been given, by God, as much of our fathers that we need to make it through our lives: I, fourteen years; she, none. That is what God's justice means.

What does God's justice mean for your situation? It means that the life God gave you is the best one you could ever have. With all its mortality, suffering, and confusion, it's perfect because God is just and sovereign in his plans for us. Remember, God's goal is our Christlikeness, and that is the only state in life in which we can be truly happy.

On this Father’s Day, I remember that God’s right and good plan for that baby girl in NY and me doesn't only come in the form of the parent we have both lost. God gives us what we need in a father in so many other friends and family who show us consistent love, and ultimately in himself. That is how God's justice works out in our lives. I pray this baby girl, as she grows older, will quickly come to know and trust in that God, as I do.

Then someday, perhaps, she will be able to join in what we who are fatherless honor on the 19th of June, the fact that, in God, we are not.

Sarah is a college student who blogs regularly at Glimpses of God in Grief.

Coauthoring with God

2011-06-16T22:48:00.008-07:00

I wouldn’t say I’m a control freak; but I do like to know where I’m going and how I am getting there. That’s not necessarily a bad thing either. It’s great to have a goal and game plan! As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” You probably do the same thing, right?

You may love carrying around your day planner or checking items off that seemingly endless checklist. But do you have a life planner? It’s probably an unwritten story of how your life is supposed to go. You may have it rather detailed down to the house number and street you plan on living at when you retire, or the when and how you will meet that special someone that you have pictured perfectly ever since you realized that boys and girls do NOT have cooties.

We all have these desires (hopefully less detailed!) in us. We think we have the greatest happily-ever-after story lined up for our lives. But how quickly things diverge from our plan. We try to orchestrate it back in to place, but it just doesn’t seem to fit into place. We realize, we are out of control.

"But God": the most powerful words ever used. But God is in control. In fact, He is better than just “in control”. God is a loving, good God that has remarkably beautiful plans for His children who let Him lead. But that’s where the problem lies, isn’t it? We don’t let Him. We are so busy whispering in his ear or maybe even shouting in His face how our life is meant to be. We take the pen from His caring hand and begin to “make a few adjustments” to the story line. We live in fear that our Father either does not have TOTAL control or that He is not good. We buy into Satan’s lies.

We wind up settling for an average life instead of the joyous masterpiece He wants for us. There are several verses I remind myself of when I begin to become the author of my own story. One is Psalm 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the LORD and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Sometimes, however, we get this verse turned around, we delight in the blessings God gives us instead of purely delighting in our Father and Friend. Another verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end.” God has special plans just for you and if you let Him have His way, it will exceed all expectations.

“Take your hand off the pen,” He says, “I have the perfect story for you.”

LC (College Freshman)

My Hope is in You

2011-06-10T13:02:00.002-07:00

Psalm 39:1-8

ESV

I said, "I will guard my ways,
   that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
   so long as the wicked are in my presence."
I was mute and silent;
   I held my peace to no avail,and my distress grew worse.
My heart became hot within me.

As I mused, the fire burned;
   then I spoke with my tongue:

"O LORD, make me know my end

and what is the measure of my days;

let me know how fleeting I am!

Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,

and my lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!

Selah

Surely a man goes about as a shadow!

Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;

man heaps up wealth without knowing whose it will be in the end!

"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?

My hope is in you.

Deliver me from all my transgressions.

Do not make me the scorn of the fool!"

Trust and Obey

2011-06-04T09:39:00.004-07:00

Sometimes, it can be difficult to trust someone with something that I wish I had control over. Even if it's someone who is worthy of my trust, it is still hard to accept that I will be without power in the situation. Unfortunately, although God is worthy of my trust (as a mere human) in every aspect and every situation, I often don't give it to Him. I doubt Him, whether deliberately or not. Ultimately, I am challenging His authority (Isaiah 55:9) and questioning His faithfulness (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Also, it can be difficult to submit to someone else's control over me. Obedience can be a hard thing to do, because I don't like to admit that I am subordinate to someone else, therefore acknowledging that they are in a higher position than I. Again, this is often our attitude toward God, although He is completely worthy of our obeying and honoring Him in His omniscience and omnipotence.

However, if I stop to think about it, trusting and obeying actually do go hand-in-hand. Obedience with trust-- It's action in waiting.

I can't truly do one without the other. God has called us to action (Philippians 2:12-13), to obedience, not to just sit around pray that His work would be done. We are the ones He uses to accomplish His work!
On the other hand, we can't just go out and do whatever we think needs to be done, either. We are to prayerfully seek out the Lord's will first, and then to do what He has called us (2 Timothy 1:9) to do, trusting that He will go before us (Deuteronomy 1:30) and give us His power (2 Corinthians 12:9) to accomplish His plan.

If we are consistently and sincerely seeking God's will and obeying what He has revealed to us, how is it that we cannot trust Him with what is yet to be revealed? If we can trust Him with the unknown, how can we do anything but obey what we know He wants us to do?

I fail to really trust that God knows what's good for me, and since I don't trust, I don't want to obey.

I don't obey what I already know God wants me to do, I don't see that following His laws is good, and I don't trust Him reveal more of what He wants for me.

Even when it may not make sense, I need to trust God with the step that I am taking in faith-- trusting that it truly is His leading that I am acting on. Micah 6:6-8 talks about offering sacrifices to the Lord. The author asks if he should bring burnt offerings, calves, thousands of rams, or ten thousand rivers of oil. All of these things would make sense from human perspective in that time, because they would be a sacrifice of things of value. It would all even out, humanly speaking! Transgressions would be paid for. But what does the author determine will satisfy the Lord? Offering his life-- walking humbly before God. Humility is shown by trust and obedience -- submission.

So, I trust my God with what's behind the sharp turn I'm walking toward, and I continue to sacrifice myself, doing my best where I am on the path. Focusing on what I do see, I take the next step. It is then that I don't stumble.

GE (College Freshman)

Hide Away

2011-06-02T10:06:00.005-07:00

Do you ever feel like giving up as a Christian?

You fail over and over with the same things. Discouragement continues to knock at your heart. Your flesh seems to win more often than not.

Then you may realize, unlike other earthly things, there isn't an endpoint while we are here on this earth. Here in this temporary place, you will soon get over a cold and finish that marathon, but Satan won’t give up his attempts of tearing you down. His strategy may change during your life, but he has the same goal. So, how are we supposed to run this race?

The thing is, we aren’t meant to live the Christian life in our own strength. God doesn’t want us to go and try to turn the world upside down by ourselves, because we can’t. We can do nothing apart from Christ. Once we are saved, He should be our motivation for living and our strength for continuing. I seem to forget this a lot-- and I’m probably not alone, am I? Jesus tells us this in Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
”

One day as I was driving to school, I was asking myself these dismal questions when a song began to play entitled, “Hide Away in the Love of Jesus” from the Pettit Team’s newest CD, Come Boldly.

It tells us, “Come weary saints, both tired and weak, hide away in the love of Jesus. Your strength will return by his quiet streams; hide away in the love of Jesus!”

Our strength, rest, freedom, peace, joy, and so much more is found in Him!

If you are feeling discouraged or weary today, hide away in Him. Sit down and enjoy time with Abba instead of trying to conquer the world on your own and let Him show you His way and help you do it. He IS faithful.

The One who has called you is faithful, and He will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

LC (College Freshman)

Blessings in Disguise

2011-05-31T12:23:00.008-07:00

The other night, after I had read my Bible, I was talking to the Lord and sharing that I would like to have more patience. I told Him that I knew He would probably "give" it to me by giving me some situations in which I would have to practice patience, and that the situations would probably not be my ideal way to learn to have more patience.

Two days later, I was at work dealing with a few difficult people and difficult circumstances. I hadn't thought much about my prayer for patience since I had talked to the Lord about it, but the day after He was putting me in a place where I had to practice patience, I heard this little song.

Blessings

Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

It all made sense! I knew the Lord was speaking to me in a special way about patience and prayers. It is so much easier to recognize the Lord's unique ways of teaching us things when we are in constant commune with Him, recognizing what we need to learn and that learning it may cause discomfort.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

GE (College Freshman)

Mere Mortals?

2011-05-24T14:02:00.003-07:00

"All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other [eternal] destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities. . .that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no 'ordinary' people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations -- these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit -- immortal horrors or everlasting splendors. This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously -- no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption. And our charity must be a real and costly love, with deep feeling for the sins in spite of which we love the sinner -- no mere tolerance or indulgence which parodies love as flippancy parodies merriment."

--C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

(emphasis mine)

At my church, we have a chance on Sunday nights to go different 10-week classes which focus on one subject. The class I’ve been going to is called The Truth Project. It is a series of videos that explain the foundation of the Bible. It’s been amazing, and I’ve learned so much!

Last night, the lesson discussed the Biblical sphere of community. I wasn’t expecting much, but wow, was I caught off guard! One of our jobs as Christians is to help the needy and the poor. If you’re anything like me, initially you say to yourself, “Yep, got this one done,” and then just turn off your brain. Thankfully, this time the speaker, Del Tackett, caught me before I turned off my brain. He began to explain that the poor and needy are not only people who are low on cash or unhealthy… they are also the left-out, the unpopular, the ignored, the shunned, and the outcasts.

As the speaker went on explaining who is included in the "outcast" group, I was hit hard. I immediately thought of three girls in my school that I know I could have befriended, but I chose not to because--in my mind-- they were not worth it.

The first girl is a lot younger than me, but every morning she said hi to me. At the time, I thought it was really weird because I really didn’t know her. So, I would just say hi back, and then go on my way. This happened almost every day. It wasn’t till now that it hit me that this girl was desperately crying out for a friend, and all I did was ignore her. I knew that she was not popular and had a rough home life, but I’m ashamed to say I still didn’t care. My only hope is that she comes back to school with me next year so I will have another chance to make an effort to become her friend and show her someone cares.

The second girl is a foreign exchange student that had the locker next to mine. I would try to say hi and ask her how her day was going, but our conversations never got past that. I know I could have put more effort into that relationship and done more to make her feel comfortable in America. But the good news is I’m nearly guaranteed a second chance with this girl. She is planning to live with us in the coming school year so she can come back to school in America. I’m excited to see what will come of this relationship.

The third girl is a peer very close to me in age. I put more effort into this relationship more than the other two. This girl is really nice but very shy. Probably the shyest person I’ve ever met. We actually did become friends this past year, but I know that towards the end of the year I got busy and selfish over investing my energy and care into our relationship. I didn’t want to take the time to help her get involved in a class discussion, and I would even get irritated and think, "What is wrong with her? Can't she talk to people on her own?" I know better and should have been more compassionate. By God's grace, she'll return to my school in the fall and with the Lord's strength I can be more understanding and be a better friend.

As you meet people today, remember, “You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Every person is an immortal soul that is going either to heaven or hell. It’s our job as Christians to humble ourselves, show them we care, and help them see Jesus.

When you read that quote, who came to your mind? That co-worker down the hall? That cashier you see every week at the grocery store? The young mom who lives next door? The young man or girl who comes to church sometimes, but isn't even approached because he or she dresses differently? Find out their story, love them and become their friend so that we can show them the best friend of all, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 35:10

All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which delivers the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoils him?

AT (High School Senior)

Growing Pains

2011-05-20T07:43:00.001-07:00

Over the last couple weeks a lot of things have happened that I was either not expecting, things I was not expecting to come that soon, or things I just never realized before. For me it seemed like it all hit me at once. It was hard for me to come to grips with the fact that a lot of my close friends are graduating. Also within the last week my youth pastor (PM) announced his retirement, which I was expecting, but I didn’t expect to come this fast. It would be nice to find a job and start saving for college, so I’m filling out applications almost every day. Then, to top it all off, I just realized that I’m starting college classes the week after school for a whole month, which means that my last true summer was last year and didn’t even know it!

So by the time this had all hit me I was feeling quite overwhelmed I didn’t know what to think or how to react. So I decided to read my Bible and the Lord gave me the perfect verse. It was in Psalm 61 verse 2. It said, “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

I had a long talk with God in my closet, I argued with him about "why now?!", and wondered if I could really make that much of a difference now that I’m going to be a senior in high school (the pressure's on). But in the end God reassured me that everything was going to be okay, and that all I had to do was trust him and he would get me through everything.

That verse was perfect for that moment. I know the things that were very heavy on my heart are actually not at all big in the grand scheme of life, but they were to me. A lot of my issues are just part of growing up. It amazes me that the God of the universe is sovereign but yet so personal all at the same time. He cares about everything that I’m dealing with no matter how small. The facts that our God is both sovereign and personal leaves me in awe and helps me understand a little better, that there really is nothing better than serving God.

written by Amanda T (High School Junior)