This morning, I had my normal Tuesday morning Bible study. It was so refreshing and eye opening that I could not wait to post this blog. I am typing at the speed of lightening!
We talked about discernment and God's mission for each of us. As we discussed, I was able to receive a deeper, personal meaning to The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). I have taken this taken this to mean that is my duty to teach the Gospel and live life as Jesus would. This message was Jesus talking to working with what God puts before me. However, the deeper, personal meaning is so powerful that it almost brought me to tears. As we talked and I voiced my doubts and limitations, they literally went away they were uttered.
I have always felt limited. "Make disciples of all nations." I am only one person. I'll never get this done. My talent is not preaching. I don't have the money or the time to travel the world all of the time. If I did, I would never get to everyone. Someone would be missed. Excuse... excuse... excuse!
But, this morning our discussion of discernment brought a great deal of clarity for me. My talent may not be preaching, riches or even time. But God has blessed me to be a part of his body (I Corinthians 12:14). As I follow him (blindly) I should be encouraged that I am not doing this alone. My talents take the gospel so far. At that point, we should have faith that another will take it to the next level. It is because of this that I should not be discouraged (1 Corinthians 15:58).
If you have never read of Adoniram Judson, I would suggest you do. Through adversity, he stayed on the path of what he felt God called him to. He did not see the ultimate fruit of his labor, but he worked so that others may.
Now my vision is clear.
My heart is full of excitement.
My spirit is invigorated.
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't loose!"- Coach Eric Taylor (Friday Night Lights)
8.5.12
5.5.12
Regalos de Dios
“While wandering a deserted beach at dawn, stagnant in my work, I saw a man in the distance bending and throwing as he walked the endless stretch toward me. As he came near, I could see that he was throwing starfish, abandoned on the sand by the tide, back into the sea. When he was close enough I asked him why he was working so hard at this strange task. He said that the sun would dry the starfish and they would die. I said to him that I thought he was foolish. there were thousands of starfish on miles and miles of beach. One man alone could never make a difference. He smiled as he picked up the next starfish. Hurling it far into the sea he said, "It makes a difference for this one." I abandoned my writing and spent the morning throwing starfish.”
― Loren Eiseley
I read this story for the first time while buying souvenirs in Honduras last year. It summed up the trip so well for me. In the scheme of things, I can only effect so much change. However, if I sit... unmoving... apathetic- my effect is far less. So, I choose to act. I choose to walk in Christ's footsteps. I choose to open my eyes to the world. I choose to have a heart that hurts, feet that move and hands that work.
You may not choose the same means as I, but don't stand idle. Don't let God's purpose for you pass you by. Look within yourself and find what you can do. When I was in middle school, we used to say, "Get in where you fit in." Find you niche because that is where you will shine. God is calling you to something... will you respond?
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."- 1 Peter 4:10
I read this story for the first time while buying souvenirs in Honduras last year. It summed up the trip so well for me. In the scheme of things, I can only effect so much change. However, if I sit... unmoving... apathetic- my effect is far less. So, I choose to act. I choose to walk in Christ's footsteps. I choose to open my eyes to the world. I choose to have a heart that hurts, feet that move and hands that work.
You may not choose the same means as I, but don't stand idle. Don't let God's purpose for you pass you by. Look within yourself and find what you can do. When I was in middle school, we used to say, "Get in where you fit in." Find you niche because that is where you will shine. God is calling you to something... will you respond?
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."- 1 Peter 4:10
23.4.12
Vuelvo a Honduras
I suppose everyone is due for an update on how things for Honduras are going. Honestly, I am not sure if they are going so well. I worry a lot about returning to Honduras. Things have not been going as smoothly as last year.
Part of it may be the stress of such a short aggressive preparation. Part of it may be the fear that the impact I make is not as great as last year. Part of it may be fear that the impact I feel was a result of it being my first trip. Part of it may be my 'have it figured out before anyone notices' personality.
I am sure a big part of it is my comparison of last year's preparations to this years. Each week, last year, I heard from a different person each week. All were interested in the work I would do, travel companions, safety and fundraising. This year, the number of inquiries has decreased dramatically. However, my excitement about returning has been the opposite. I can only pray that responses will pick up soon. I am grateful to those that have responded as you have naturally lifted my spirits.
Ultimately, I have been working on my weak faith. I need to put this in God's hands. I recently read Heaven is For Real. The book is by Todd Burpo about 'incidents and experiences' of his toddler son, Colton. In one story, Todd talks about stepping on his porch after a storm to see a rainbow. He goes on to describe how it is the most beautiful and complete rainbow he has ever seen. Colton, however, sees the rainbow and acts completely 'unsurprised.' Colton explains that he prayed that God would bring the rainbow, thus he knew it would happened. This is the faith of children. This is the faith I want to have that everything is going to be okay for this trip.
As I close, I ask that you pray for and/or help me with a few things:
1. We are in need of things to give the children when we arrive in Honduras. The most popular items were balloons, balls, bubbles, Jolly Ranchers, shoes (new and used) and toothpaste. Yes, toothpaste.
2. I am still in need of a great deal of financial assistance.
3. I need to focus on returning because it is God's will. If this is not the case, then I need to quickly understand and accept this.
All donations are 100% tax deductible. If you wish to lend assistance or want to know more about the trip, please review the following PDF:
Hope for Honduras 2012 Letter
I thought you may enjoy seeing the video we shot a few weeks ago:
Hope For Honduras Summer 2012
I will try to post more from now on. Please check frequently for updates.
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me"- Isaiah 6:8
Part of it may be the stress of such a short aggressive preparation. Part of it may be the fear that the impact I make is not as great as last year. Part of it may be fear that the impact I feel was a result of it being my first trip. Part of it may be my 'have it figured out before anyone notices' personality.
I am sure a big part of it is my comparison of last year's preparations to this years. Each week, last year, I heard from a different person each week. All were interested in the work I would do, travel companions, safety and fundraising. This year, the number of inquiries has decreased dramatically. However, my excitement about returning has been the opposite. I can only pray that responses will pick up soon. I am grateful to those that have responded as you have naturally lifted my spirits.
Ultimately, I have been working on my weak faith. I need to put this in God's hands. I recently read Heaven is For Real. The book is by Todd Burpo about 'incidents and experiences' of his toddler son, Colton. In one story, Todd talks about stepping on his porch after a storm to see a rainbow. He goes on to describe how it is the most beautiful and complete rainbow he has ever seen. Colton, however, sees the rainbow and acts completely 'unsurprised.' Colton explains that he prayed that God would bring the rainbow, thus he knew it would happened. This is the faith of children. This is the faith I want to have that everything is going to be okay for this trip.
As I close, I ask that you pray for and/or help me with a few things:
1. We are in need of things to give the children when we arrive in Honduras. The most popular items were balloons, balls, bubbles, Jolly Ranchers, shoes (new and used) and toothpaste. Yes, toothpaste.
2. I am still in need of a great deal of financial assistance.
3. I need to focus on returning because it is God's will. If this is not the case, then I need to quickly understand and accept this.
All donations are 100% tax deductible. If you wish to lend assistance or want to know more about the trip, please review the following PDF:
Hope for Honduras 2012 Letter
I thought you may enjoy seeing the video we shot a few weeks ago:
Hope For Honduras Summer 2012
I will try to post more from now on. Please check frequently for updates.
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me"- Isaiah 6:8
16.9.11
I'm Tired of the Rules
On the twelfth title, I have to know. "Aibileen, how long have you been wanting to ask me for this? If I'd check these books our for you"
"A while." She shrugs. "I guess I's afraid to mention it."
"Did you... think I'd say no?"
"These is white rules. I don't know which ones you following and which ones you ain't"
We look at each other for a second. "I'm tired of the rules," I say.
-The Help , Kathryn Stockett (Chapter 11)
I have been reading The Help since Monday. I got to this line and tears welled up in my eyes. Simple words that mean so much. I am tired of the rules too. I am not just talking about the race rules. (Those still exist as well.)
On the uncrowded train the other night, a man refused to take a seat. He was visibly tired of standing, but scowled at the numerous vacant seats. It was obvious that his reasoning was the company he would have had. It wasn't until a number of stops later that he found someone he was 'comfortable' to sit with. Did I feel hurt because it wasn't me?
Last night, a lady whom one would think was 'down on her luck' sat next to another gentleman. I have seen the lady numerous times on the train, so I know that she is not 'down on her luck.' Her appearance, might say otherwise. She made a semi-audible comment to the teenager she sat next to. Why did the young man looked annoyed that this homeless woman had the audacity to speak to him?
Last weekend, my nephew had a baseball game. I left my neighborhood of kept tree lines, even lanes and bakery smell to make it across town. As I approached 'historic' neighborhood, I notice the streets need care, the vegetation is overgrown or dying and I would rather roll my windows up to keep the smells out. Yet, I know there are places out there worse off than these. But, I don't have to worry about it right?
I am tired of stereotypes.
I am tired of people judging because of appearance.
I am tired of one part of my city being so disparagingly different from another.
Dr. King dreamed of a day that his kids would be judged not by the color of their skin but the content of their character.
I have a Dream Part II
Monk & Neagle sing of looking for Jesus in everyone.
21st Time
Qunicy Jones and Micheal Jackson sang of heeding the call of the world.
We are the World
God wants us to love all. God wants us to minister to all. God wants us to care for all. As his children, we have been given a great mandate. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..."- Matthew 26:19. Not just those we feel comfortable sitting next to, or smell nice, or live in the good part of town. All nations aren't always comfortable, intelligible and cushy.
Why do we pretend as though the daily games that we play do not play a part of the separatism that is rooted in our hearts? Have we become so blind that we can no longer see we are still living by rules? I am so tired of the rules.
"...that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."- 1 Timothy 2:2-6
"A while." She shrugs. "I guess I's afraid to mention it."
"Did you... think I'd say no?"
"These is white rules. I don't know which ones you following and which ones you ain't"
We look at each other for a second. "I'm tired of the rules," I say.
-The Help , Kathryn Stockett (Chapter 11)
I have been reading The Help since Monday. I got to this line and tears welled up in my eyes. Simple words that mean so much. I am tired of the rules too. I am not just talking about the race rules. (Those still exist as well.)
On the uncrowded train the other night, a man refused to take a seat. He was visibly tired of standing, but scowled at the numerous vacant seats. It was obvious that his reasoning was the company he would have had. It wasn't until a number of stops later that he found someone he was 'comfortable' to sit with. Did I feel hurt because it wasn't me?
Last night, a lady whom one would think was 'down on her luck' sat next to another gentleman. I have seen the lady numerous times on the train, so I know that she is not 'down on her luck.' Her appearance, might say otherwise. She made a semi-audible comment to the teenager she sat next to. Why did the young man looked annoyed that this homeless woman had the audacity to speak to him?
Last weekend, my nephew had a baseball game. I left my neighborhood of kept tree lines, even lanes and bakery smell to make it across town. As I approached 'historic' neighborhood, I notice the streets need care, the vegetation is overgrown or dying and I would rather roll my windows up to keep the smells out. Yet, I know there are places out there worse off than these. But, I don't have to worry about it right?
I am tired of stereotypes.
I am tired of people judging because of appearance.
I am tired of one part of my city being so disparagingly different from another.
Dr. King dreamed of a day that his kids would be judged not by the color of their skin but the content of their character.
I have a Dream Part II
Monk & Neagle sing of looking for Jesus in everyone.
21st Time
Qunicy Jones and Micheal Jackson sang of heeding the call of the world.
We are the World
God wants us to love all. God wants us to minister to all. God wants us to care for all. As his children, we have been given a great mandate. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..."- Matthew 26:19. Not just those we feel comfortable sitting next to, or smell nice, or live in the good part of town. All nations aren't always comfortable, intelligible and cushy.
Why do we pretend as though the daily games that we play do not play a part of the separatism that is rooted in our hearts? Have we become so blind that we can no longer see we are still living by rules? I am so tired of the rules.
"...that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."- 1 Timothy 2:2-6
10.9.11
Pura Vida
I am grateful for the mutual love we have for God and his son who died for us.
I am grateful to able to talk to you without judgement.
I am grateful that we can pray for one another and see God working in our lives.
I am grateful that we can talk about Gods miracles and not feel completely insane.
I am grateful that we get angry with God, but know that we still love him unconditionally.
I am grateful for being able to confide in each other about anything and feel safe.
I am grateful to hear, 'Have a good week' knowing that it is sincere.
I am grateful for our communion together.
I am grateful to celebrate the many blessing we have been given.
I am grateful to share storms, in hopes that we grow stronger.
I continually acknowledge God's hand in this and thank him for these connections.
Anything else in this life, I can live without...
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."- Psalm 133:1
I am grateful to able to talk to you without judgement.
I am grateful that we can pray for one another and see God working in our lives.
I am grateful that we can talk about Gods miracles and not feel completely insane.
I am grateful that we get angry with God, but know that we still love him unconditionally.
I am grateful for being able to confide in each other about anything and feel safe.
I am grateful to hear, 'Have a good week' knowing that it is sincere.
I am grateful for our communion together.
I am grateful to celebrate the many blessing we have been given.
I am grateful to share storms, in hopes that we grow stronger.
I continually acknowledge God's hand in this and thank him for these connections.
Anything else in this life, I can live without...
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."- Psalm 133:1
20.8.11
What to post?
I have had a had time deciding what to post. I have stuff on my mind personally and spiritually. All of it is really too much to post and needs some back and forth. Instead, I'll share glimpses of them all.
Some of the Spiritual
I was talking with a friend recently about life. As far as I understand, he is a Christian. He is in a position to minister to a LOT of people. Not only by interaction, but example as well. However, in the course of our conversation he said something that took me in a completely different direction. Because I can not remember his exact words, please accept my paraphrase for sake of discussion: I am going to be me not matter what anyone thinks. I would have praised him if he meant, he was going to be a Christian against all odds. However, he was actually saying, "I am a Christian, but there are things that have not changed within me and I don't think they ever will. Nor will I try to encourage others to adjust their lives." This troubles me.
Personally, my acceptance and further understanding of Christ and God's Plan made me want to change my life. Those that I talk to regularly, know how I love to share personal testimonies of what God does for me daily (it took awhile for me to accept it and get to that point). I welcome changes God has made in me. I see ways to make my life resemble that of Jesus' so that I can be one of his disciples. Joel said something in a sermon a few weeks back. "Have you become someone that people will approach when they have a question about Christ?" This is a pretty big part of being a disciple.
I ask you to pray for this individual.
A lot more of the Personal
I have to give a shout out to Nate and Kate (Nathan Bacon and Katelyn Hinton) for coming to Dallas and allowing Joel, Josue, Debbie and me to live like college students again. Good luck in the upcoming year. Play hard and study hard. Let your light shine for all the world to see.
I collect quotes that I like to call "Little Nuggets of Wisdom". For about 8 years, I have been writing them down in a journal. I hope to one day publish it (for personal preservation) or give it to my nephew (if I have decided it is finished at a good time). Most of the quotes are from books, movies or conversation. However, I have included an original here and there. The other night, one of my originals came to mind (it happens to be first in the book). Of course no details, but I thought I would share it. I'll end this blog entry with it. Feel free to comment and tell me what you think or what you think it means. I'll try to approve comments as quickly as I can. Enjoy!
Some of the Spiritual
I was talking with a friend recently about life. As far as I understand, he is a Christian. He is in a position to minister to a LOT of people. Not only by interaction, but example as well. However, in the course of our conversation he said something that took me in a completely different direction. Because I can not remember his exact words, please accept my paraphrase for sake of discussion: I am going to be me not matter what anyone thinks. I would have praised him if he meant, he was going to be a Christian against all odds. However, he was actually saying, "I am a Christian, but there are things that have not changed within me and I don't think they ever will. Nor will I try to encourage others to adjust their lives." This troubles me.
Personally, my acceptance and further understanding of Christ and God's Plan made me want to change my life. Those that I talk to regularly, know how I love to share personal testimonies of what God does for me daily (it took awhile for me to accept it and get to that point). I welcome changes God has made in me. I see ways to make my life resemble that of Jesus' so that I can be one of his disciples. Joel said something in a sermon a few weeks back. "Have you become someone that people will approach when they have a question about Christ?" This is a pretty big part of being a disciple.
I ask you to pray for this individual.
A lot more of the Personal
I have to give a shout out to Nate and Kate (Nathan Bacon and Katelyn Hinton) for coming to Dallas and allowing Joel, Josue, Debbie and me to live like college students again. Good luck in the upcoming year. Play hard and study hard. Let your light shine for all the world to see.
I collect quotes that I like to call "Little Nuggets of Wisdom". For about 8 years, I have been writing them down in a journal. I hope to one day publish it (for personal preservation) or give it to my nephew (if I have decided it is finished at a good time). Most of the quotes are from books, movies or conversation. However, I have included an original here and there. The other night, one of my originals came to mind (it happens to be first in the book). Of course no details, but I thought I would share it. I'll end this blog entry with it. Feel free to comment and tell me what you think or what you think it means. I'll try to approve comments as quickly as I can. Enjoy!
Twas never had my soul to writ
Of pain feeling such sorrow
Than that on a Throne of Anguish sit
Throughout the day and morrow
For Companionship my Heart doth cry
Out to Its bitter end
Long for the need of Love to die
Save the want for Its True Friend
-Hep
Of pain feeling such sorrow
Than that on a Throne of Anguish sit
Throughout the day and morrow
For Companionship my Heart doth cry
Out to Its bitter end
Long for the need of Love to die
Save the want for Its True Friend
-Hep
31.7.11
Daily Pat Down
This week, I caught up with an old friend. He is recently married. We talked about how his 'Daily Pat Down" has changed post-nuptials. I suppose I should explain. Before walking out of the house, most guys perform a routine pat down. Keys, phone, wallet. When you become married (and/or if you are an Aggie) this ritual gets modified to include a ring. There is no way we can make it through the day without these items. They are basic but without them we may feel naked... lost.
Well, as of late I have added an item to my list. (No I have not gotten married.) I have a little baby blue bracelet with a wood bar and the word "Hope" engraved on it. Without this little reminder throughout the day, I would definitely feel lost. I acquired this bracelet before my recent mission trip. However, it has come to mean so much more to me since.
In the past, I would see those less fortunate than me and think, "Boy they must think God has dealt them a bad hand. How do they know God loves them too? Can I show them?" Nine times out of ten, their faith is much stronger than mine. They see God's love in the simplest things. Yet for me, it would take a punch in the face for me to feel God's presence. That is, until I acquired my hope bracelet. It has not (and will not) become my idol. Instead, it has become part of my daily pat down. As I start each day, it reminds me to thank God for ALL of the blessing He has given me and my loved ones. I pray, that you decide to change you pat down in a similar manner.
"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."- Psalm 34:1
Well, as of late I have added an item to my list. (No I have not gotten married.) I have a little baby blue bracelet with a wood bar and the word "Hope" engraved on it. Without this little reminder throughout the day, I would definitely feel lost. I acquired this bracelet before my recent mission trip. However, it has come to mean so much more to me since.
In the past, I would see those less fortunate than me and think, "Boy they must think God has dealt them a bad hand. How do they know God loves them too? Can I show them?" Nine times out of ten, their faith is much stronger than mine. They see God's love in the simplest things. Yet for me, it would take a punch in the face for me to feel God's presence. That is, until I acquired my hope bracelet. It has not (and will not) become my idol. Instead, it has become part of my daily pat down. As I start each day, it reminds me to thank God for ALL of the blessing He has given me and my loved ones. I pray, that you decide to change you pat down in a similar manner.
"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."- Psalm 34:1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
