Monday, September 14, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Oh the psalms, the psalms
Have you ever struggled with patience? with wanting something RIGHT now? with hoping for something and never getting it?
Here's the best solution I've found.
Psalm 62:5-8 (New King James Version)
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
Here's the best solution I've found.
Psalm 62:5-8 (New King James Version)
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Beauty
I'm going to be perfectly honest. I have always struggled with the concept of being "beautiful". The idea that I am an attractive person has forever been something I've found ridiculously funny and definitely impossible. However, the most unfortunate fact of all is that I am certain that there are countless others who have been/are plagued with this destructive mindset.
If this is you, than you know what it feels like to look in the mirror. You know the sinking emotion to like someone, but lose all hope due to the lie that all you offer is a good personality. You probably hate trying on clothes, getting ready in the morning, social events, and the worst of all....PICTURES! Oh the devil created every camera in the world! [Or so we've declared in dramatic moments of self-hatred.]
Oh dear reader, I understand. I really know each of those slimy feelings. And wouldn't you agree that they're the absolute worst! They ruin your day, your self-esteem, and your attitude. No matter how hard you try those stupid self-help techniques, like telling yourself that you're beautiful when you look in the mirror [so awkward], you just never seem to get over the "you're-ugly" bug....like some bad case of the flu.
Firstly, I would like to help you recognize that all of those feelings are from the fiery pit of hell. The devil wants you to think that you're useless, ugly, unlovable; all of the things that will hold you back from growing into who God made you to be. With that said, I'd like to share a break-though story of mine. =]
I've really been struggling with the "you're-ugly" bug lately. I've found myself in the place with feelings for a person, and yet I've been weighed down with the much too familiar burden low self-esteem has. I must confess that I've allowed it to morph, on occasion, into jealousy for other girls' appearances; however, the Lord has finally broken through with truth! He gently reminded me of my origin. He broke it down nice and simple in an easily understood way:
If this is you, than you know what it feels like to look in the mirror. You know the sinking emotion to like someone, but lose all hope due to the lie that all you offer is a good personality. You probably hate trying on clothes, getting ready in the morning, social events, and the worst of all....PICTURES! Oh the devil created every camera in the world! [Or so we've declared in dramatic moments of self-hatred.]
Oh dear reader, I understand. I really know each of those slimy feelings. And wouldn't you agree that they're the absolute worst! They ruin your day, your self-esteem, and your attitude. No matter how hard you try those stupid self-help techniques, like telling yourself that you're beautiful when you look in the mirror [so awkward], you just never seem to get over the "you're-ugly" bug....like some bad case of the flu.
Firstly, I would like to help you recognize that all of those feelings are from the fiery pit of hell. The devil wants you to think that you're useless, ugly, unlovable; all of the things that will hold you back from growing into who God made you to be. With that said, I'd like to share a break-though story of mine. =]
I've really been struggling with the "you're-ugly" bug lately. I've found myself in the place with feelings for a person, and yet I've been weighed down with the much too familiar burden low self-esteem has. I must confess that I've allowed it to morph, on occasion, into jealousy for other girls' appearances; however, the Lord has finally broken through with truth! He gently reminded me of my origin. He broke it down nice and simple in an easily understood way:
- Jesus Christ is absolutely beautiful. Human words fail to describe it fully. [Daniel 10:5-6] [Revelation 4:2-3]
- I was created in His image. [Gen 1:27]
- Therefore, God had to have created me with His beauty. [Song of Solomon 4:7]
WOAH! Hold up! I'm beautiful!? WHAT!? You're kidding right? ME...? This awkward, clumsy, confused girl could actually be beautiful...........................!?!?!
According to God and to His perfect Word: YES!
And it's not because of anything that I've done or can do. All of my features and attributes were designed by the Lord. [This is the most important application point.] All I have to do to be beautiful is allow myself to be who God created me to be.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
8.29.09
It's been a few days since I returned from my amazing trip to London. God manifested Himself there in more ways than I was ready for, and it was truly awe-inspiring. I learned so much about His heart through the beauty that flows from His creation. And so, now that I'm back in the states, I've been challenged by the Lord to seek for Him with a new passion and zeal; to look in places that previously had not seemed likely to hold His glory. Thus far, I've found Him on a bike ride in the middle of the night, in the branches of a tree with golden leaves, and at the bottom of my coffee mug. [All of those stories are just as great as this...] Yet the reason I'm writing this note to you, dear person, is to recount this morning when I found my most precious Savior on the side of the road at sunrise.
I naturally woke up at about five till 6:00 this morning with the feeling that this day possessed more than its surface held. I had this undying urge to go far away to the crest of a mountain or to the flourishing depths of a ravine--and so I dressed and embarked. I rode with no convictions on my rickety bicycle, with a chain that breaks at least once per outing and annoyingly veers left once my hands leave the handle bars. With iPod going and stocking cap on, I peddled East. I took a road less traveled [literally—not in some cliché sense] whose bike path narrows and nearly disappears making it dangerous for riders, especially when they share the road with drivers who are late for work, but I kept on. A still, small voice kept saying, "Keep to this path. Continue. Just around that next corner." Fifteen minutes into my ride I spotted a small, open patch of dirt on the side of the road; it seemed like the only place to stop and reassess my journey's end. I parked, dismounted, and took a seat among the weeds--the kind that, finally freed from a gardener's fetters, consume the earth.
And then I looked up.
The sky was marble. Pink against blue with wisps of dark purple and hopes of pale yellow that kissed special clouds into gold. It was overwhelmingly beautiful. I couldn't tell one cloud from the next, and that's when I found another, new, special piece of my Lord's heart. He said to me, "Just like these clouds intermingle—so should you and I mix together. Strip away your barriers, and let Me consume you. I want to be in every part of your life. Fall into My depths so that no one will be able to distinguish where you end and I begin. Let your heart to dwell in My heart."
I was mesmerized. Entranced. Enthralled. In love with the glory of my Lord.
And so now I challenge you, dear reader, to search for such truth. Look in places that are not normally thought of, for God is in every corner of the earth. As the English Standard Version of the Bible puts it:
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ~Matthew 7:7
All for Him.
I naturally woke up at about five till 6:00 this morning with the feeling that this day possessed more than its surface held. I had this undying urge to go far away to the crest of a mountain or to the flourishing depths of a ravine--and so I dressed and embarked. I rode with no convictions on my rickety bicycle, with a chain that breaks at least once per outing and annoyingly veers left once my hands leave the handle bars. With iPod going and stocking cap on, I peddled East. I took a road less traveled [literally—not in some cliché sense] whose bike path narrows and nearly disappears making it dangerous for riders, especially when they share the road with drivers who are late for work, but I kept on. A still, small voice kept saying, "Keep to this path. Continue. Just around that next corner." Fifteen minutes into my ride I spotted a small, open patch of dirt on the side of the road; it seemed like the only place to stop and reassess my journey's end. I parked, dismounted, and took a seat among the weeds--the kind that, finally freed from a gardener's fetters, consume the earth.
And then I looked up.
The sky was marble. Pink against blue with wisps of dark purple and hopes of pale yellow that kissed special clouds into gold. It was overwhelmingly beautiful. I couldn't tell one cloud from the next, and that's when I found another, new, special piece of my Lord's heart. He said to me, "Just like these clouds intermingle—so should you and I mix together. Strip away your barriers, and let Me consume you. I want to be in every part of your life. Fall into My depths so that no one will be able to distinguish where you end and I begin. Let your heart to dwell in My heart."
I was mesmerized. Entranced. Enthralled. In love with the glory of my Lord.
And so now I challenge you, dear reader, to search for such truth. Look in places that are not normally thought of, for God is in every corner of the earth. As the English Standard Version of the Bible puts it:
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ~Matthew 7:7
All for Him.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Relationships are sticky things
If you are human, you have probably experienced the desire to dip into a fairy tale once or twice. You want to live happily ever after with your Prince Charming or your Sleeping Beauty....but life always seems to throw in the poisoned apples, the evil step-sisters, or even a Maleficent or two. You were always told that "good things come to those who wait", but who in the world enjoys waiting!? You figure that you're practically a senior citizen by now and you better get those church bells ringing soon or else you'll be too ripe for the picking. And even if you're not concerned about being single at your age, what about in five years?... in ten? Will you be worried then?
There are so many things throughout the world that tell you to go out and find love, and if you can't find it, trick yourself and settle for less. I know that I listen to the lies all the time, but when you realize just how dangerous those lies are, please reconsider how you handle your heart.
When you're dealing with relationships, there's so much more to think about than "that person is so attractive" or "he/she makes my heart flutter" [mind you, neither of those are bad things when they are appropriate]. The Lord of the heavens and earth designed us as relational people. We crave and desire to be loved, because that is exactly why we were created. God fashioned us out of the dirt just so He could love us. Our life goal is to enjoy the Lord forever =]. We try to fill that Jesus-shaped hole in our heart with everything else but Him, and we're so quick to try and "complete ourselves". When another person says "i love you" and that they want to spend the rest of their life with you, we jump on the opportunity like ants on a picnic sandwich. But that special person who's saying these things to you, wasn't the first. Since the beginning of time God has called to you with His perfect love, inviting you into His perfection forever.
So let me just ask, what makes the guy/girl that you're trying to fill your heart with better? Is it that they just understand you.... they make you feel loved.... they make you special things to show how much they care.....or maybe it's their patience with you. Maybe it's that no matter how many times you've hurt them, they say that they forgive you and hug you really tight...............gosh, i must agree with you, they sound pretty great, but I know someone who has done all of that and so so so much more!
Now, I know it's corny to say "Jesus loves you" or to say "Jesus is better", but those statements are true. All of those attributes that you are attracted to in that special someone are mere glimpses of God's perfection. I'm not saying that the person you're filling your heart with is bad, but they're just not meant for that occupation. They're supposed to be a tangible example of God's love....they're not supposed to replace it. Those things that they do out of their love for you pail in comparison to what the Lord has done. Jesus Christ died on that Cross because He couldn't bear the idea of not spending eternity with you. He created the world for you to enjoy! Every sunset that you've watched with your girlfriend/boyfriend God made it for you! He will ALWAYS forgive. He is ALWAYS patient, and He is more beautiful than anyone, anything, or any place, period.
Like the title says, relationships are sticky things, but when God is in your heart, and you've given Him control, the other relationships in your life don't seem so important. They become much less sticky, because you've let God come in and clean up the mess. The fairy tale ending is waiting for you, and Prince Charming has saved you not only from an evil serpent, but from a fiery pit of eternal suffering!!!!!!! Wow! =]
Examine your heart and see what you're trying to fill it with. Are you putting a created person in the place meant for the Creator? I can promise you that if you allow Jesus to enter into His puzzle piece spot, you will never, ever, ever, ever regret it. He will never let you down. He will never break your heart, because He created love, exudes love and is love.
There are so many things throughout the world that tell you to go out and find love, and if you can't find it, trick yourself and settle for less. I know that I listen to the lies all the time, but when you realize just how dangerous those lies are, please reconsider how you handle your heart.
When you're dealing with relationships, there's so much more to think about than "that person is so attractive" or "he/she makes my heart flutter" [mind you, neither of those are bad things when they are appropriate]. The Lord of the heavens and earth designed us as relational people. We crave and desire to be loved, because that is exactly why we were created. God fashioned us out of the dirt just so He could love us. Our life goal is to enjoy the Lord forever =]. We try to fill that Jesus-shaped hole in our heart with everything else but Him, and we're so quick to try and "complete ourselves". When another person says "i love you" and that they want to spend the rest of their life with you, we jump on the opportunity like ants on a picnic sandwich. But that special person who's saying these things to you, wasn't the first. Since the beginning of time God has called to you with His perfect love, inviting you into His perfection forever.
So let me just ask, what makes the guy/girl that you're trying to fill your heart with better? Is it that they just understand you.... they make you feel loved.... they make you special things to show how much they care.....or maybe it's their patience with you. Maybe it's that no matter how many times you've hurt them, they say that they forgive you and hug you really tight...............gosh, i must agree with you, they sound pretty great, but I know someone who has done all of that and so so so much more!
Now, I know it's corny to say "Jesus loves you" or to say "Jesus is better", but those statements are true. All of those attributes that you are attracted to in that special someone are mere glimpses of God's perfection. I'm not saying that the person you're filling your heart with is bad, but they're just not meant for that occupation. They're supposed to be a tangible example of God's love....they're not supposed to replace it. Those things that they do out of their love for you pail in comparison to what the Lord has done. Jesus Christ died on that Cross because He couldn't bear the idea of not spending eternity with you. He created the world for you to enjoy! Every sunset that you've watched with your girlfriend/boyfriend God made it for you! He will ALWAYS forgive. He is ALWAYS patient, and He is more beautiful than anyone, anything, or any place, period.
Like the title says, relationships are sticky things, but when God is in your heart, and you've given Him control, the other relationships in your life don't seem so important. They become much less sticky, because you've let God come in and clean up the mess. The fairy tale ending is waiting for you, and Prince Charming has saved you not only from an evil serpent, but from a fiery pit of eternal suffering!!!!!!! Wow! =]
Examine your heart and see what you're trying to fill it with. Are you putting a created person in the place meant for the Creator? I can promise you that if you allow Jesus to enter into His puzzle piece spot, you will never, ever, ever, ever regret it. He will never let you down. He will never break your heart, because He created love, exudes love and is love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
