Imagine Jesus saying these words to you:
"Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me. So the best defense against worry is staying in communication with Me. When you turn your thoughts toward Me, you can think much more positively. Remember to listen, as well as speak, making your thoughts a dialogue with Me."
(taken from Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presensce, by Sarah Young)
The Cure for Anxiety, from Luke 12:22-34
"For life is more than food and the body more than clothing....but seek His Kingdom, and these things will be provided for you....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (verses 23, 31, & 34) In this passage, Jesus has us look at the ravens- they don't store things up for themselves and yet they are always fed. Then he has us look at the wildflowers- they don't labor yet they are always clothed by the grass. Then he reminds us that we are worth much more in God's sight. So if God takes care of all the little things in this world, would He not take even GREATER care of you and me?
Our society has conditioned us to believe that the harder we work and the more money we make, the more stuff we can have, and that will bring happiness. OR maybe you believe that the more money you can save, the more peace you'll have in knowing that your family will be ok for the future. This leads to overworked, overstressed people. This leads to a cycle of work hard, rest hard (or play hard.)
But what if you are unable to find that REST? That peace? What if you toil and toil and never "see" immediate results of your hard work? Do you ever find yourself sitting and wondering, where is this PEACE that God promises?
Well, how hard do you search for it?
Direct your attention back to Jesus' words at the very beginning.
Are you staying in communication with Him?
I've tried to "do life" on my own, with my own strength. We all think we're strong enough....until we crumble. Believing you can do everything on your own is denying the glory of the cross. The power and grace of the cross only comes to you when you acknowledge your weaknesses and lean fully on Him to lift you up.
Forever more, I claim that my strength only comes from my Savior. I've noticed that when I'm constantly talking to God, and taking the time to LISTEN to Him (by sitting in silence, reading His word, or choosing praise/worship music instead of the Top 40 channel) there is a major shift in my attitude. I find peace there. Even if physical rest is difficult to come by, I find rest for my weary SOUL.
Today, I encourage you to stop your busy self! Put off something that really can wait a few minutes.
BE STILL with God for just 5 or 10 minutes.
If you don't know where to begin, try this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbNK50T35wY&feature=related
(If this link is not working, go to YouTube and search "I Lift My Hands Chris Tomlin")
Friday, October 26, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
No Stepping on Toes?
I feel the need to clarify some things-
I have changed the title of this blog numerous times since I started it! I have also created 4 more blogs for different purposes and hobbies. (What can I say? I'm a "blog hound," and I won't apologize for it.) I simply love to express myself in writing. Some people ask me why I don't just journal. The answer is- I do that too. Some people ask me why I don't keep my thoughts private for now and write a book later. The answer is- I would love to publish a book.....one day. But I feel the internet has allowed many people (other blog hounds like me) to express themselves and make opinions more public for a number of reasons:
MY purpose is to share what I am finding TRUE in MY life.
I find truth when I sit down to study God's Word, because the Bible is TRUTH....to me.
Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
The very last thing I want to do is judge you and your personal beliefs. Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions, moral standards, & religious beliefs. Everyone that has a personal relationship with the Lord will experience this relationship differently- and our hearts will be convicted differently. The Bible is called the Living Word for a reason; if 10 people were to sit down and read one verse from Scripture, we would all see different meanings and applications for our lives. But the beauty of this concept is that fellowship and Bible Study with others helps us grow stronger.
That being said, I want to raise this question as food for thought:
When it comes to sharing the Gospel and stepping up to the plate as a Disciple of Christ, is it so wrong to step on people's toes along the way?
The last thing I want to do is turn someone OFF by getting in people's face if they're not interested in hearing God's word. My heart aches for those who don't know Him, and we can be disciples simply by LOVING and SERVING OTHERS like Christ did. However, if a religious or world-view debate pops up, I will not sit idly by and only listen to the other person's perspective, nodding my head. I will use the Scripture I have memorized to fight for their heart and soul. (A fight that is happening not only in our earthly language- it's a fight between the Angels & Demons.....between the forces of Good & Evil....)
For further insight, visit www.mycompasschurch.com, click on Messages (archive), and find the series titled "Break the Rules." Also, check out the "Supernatural" series!!
I have changed the title of this blog numerous times since I started it! I have also created 4 more blogs for different purposes and hobbies. (What can I say? I'm a "blog hound," and I won't apologize for it.) I simply love to express myself in writing. Some people ask me why I don't just journal. The answer is- I do that too. Some people ask me why I don't keep my thoughts private for now and write a book later. The answer is- I would love to publish a book.....one day. But I feel the internet has allowed many people (other blog hounds like me) to express themselves and make opinions more public for a number of reasons:
- For "fun"
- To gain followers (and advertise skillsets for profit)
- For social networking (to keep up with friends/family members across the miles)
- To post advice and ideas for different topics (parenting, crafting, photography, art, food, etc.)
- To reach out to communities & groups for different purposes (charities, fundraisers, religion, etc.)
MY purpose is to share what I am finding TRUE in MY life.
I find truth when I sit down to study God's Word, because the Bible is TRUTH....to me.
Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
The very last thing I want to do is judge you and your personal beliefs. Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions, moral standards, & religious beliefs. Everyone that has a personal relationship with the Lord will experience this relationship differently- and our hearts will be convicted differently. The Bible is called the Living Word for a reason; if 10 people were to sit down and read one verse from Scripture, we would all see different meanings and applications for our lives. But the beauty of this concept is that fellowship and Bible Study with others helps us grow stronger.
That being said, I want to raise this question as food for thought:
When it comes to sharing the Gospel and stepping up to the plate as a Disciple of Christ, is it so wrong to step on people's toes along the way?
The last thing I want to do is turn someone OFF by getting in people's face if they're not interested in hearing God's word. My heart aches for those who don't know Him, and we can be disciples simply by LOVING and SERVING OTHERS like Christ did. However, if a religious or world-view debate pops up, I will not sit idly by and only listen to the other person's perspective, nodding my head. I will use the Scripture I have memorized to fight for their heart and soul. (A fight that is happening not only in our earthly language- it's a fight between the Angels & Demons.....between the forces of Good & Evil....)
For further insight, visit www.mycompasschurch.com, click on Messages (archive), and find the series titled "Break the Rules." Also, check out the "Supernatural" series!!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
One Foot in Heaven
My daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, is filled with reminders of trusting our Lord and refusing to worry about the future. This morning I was renewed when I read this:
"If you use your magnificent mind to worry about tomorrow, you cloak yourself in dark unbelief. However, when the hope of heaven fills your thoughts, the Light of My Presence envelops you. Though heaven is future, it is also present tense. As you walk in the Light with Me, you have one foot one earth and one foot in heaven." (Sarah Young, p. 277)
Below is Exodus 15, a song that gives me strength!!
"If you use your magnificent mind to worry about tomorrow, you cloak yourself in dark unbelief. However, when the hope of heaven fills your thoughts, the Light of My Presence envelops you. Though heaven is future, it is also present tense. As you walk in the Light with Me, you have one foot one earth and one foot in heaven." (Sarah Young, p. 277)
Below is Exodus 15, a song that gives me strength!!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Righteous vs. Perfect
In reading about Abraham, I've come to the conclusion that it is possible to be righteous...but that doesn't mean we are perfect. Abraham and Sarah follow God's will (throughout Genesis) to the best of their human ability. But they didn't get everything perfect. God continually "showed up" as an angel (or smoke or voice or travelling visitor) to tell Abraham that he was on the right track....and to keep it up! He promised the same promise to this family on numerous occasions. (see Gen. 12:1-3; Gen. 15:1; Gen. 16:11-12; Gen. 18:26-33)
The promise God first gave Abraham later became a covenant.
So, what is a covenant?
1. an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified.
The promise God first gave Abraham later became a covenant.
So, what is a covenant?
cov·e·nant
1. an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified.
2. Law . an incidental clause in such an agreement.
3. Ecclesiastical . a solemn agreement between the members of a church to act together in harmony with the precepts of the gospel.
4. ( initial capital letter ) History/Historical .
5. Bible .
a. the conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in Scripture.
b. the agreement between God and the ancient Israelites, in which God promised to protect them if they kept His law and were faithful to Him.
(Taken from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/covenant)
I've also been told, by a minister, that marriage is not a promise between two people. It's a covenant. This only makes sense, because we sign a legal document after the ceremony, right?
Just what does that legal document say? Have you ever read your marriage license?
I'm pretty sure it's not based on Scripture...but I would have to double check. It's legal jargon made by a governmental official in your state. It's MADE by our GOVERNMENT.
Which raises another question - is our government righteous?
Well, it's certainly not perfect!! We can all agree on that.
I feel like I'm talking in circles...but the whole point of this journal entry is to help myself wrap my head around God's definition of RIGHTEOUS. Genesis 15:6 says, "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteous."
What do you think?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Building a Nation
I recently visited a Jr. High Sunday School class at my church...and loved it! (Why, you may ask? I'm trying to get involved in the ministry there, because I love working with middle-school kids. You can call me crazy. Maybe it's because I'm still a kid at heart.) Anyway, the lesson was GREAT! It's taken from a teen curriculum called The Story. You might've heard of the book/Bible with this title- it basically takes the Bible and puts it in a story format that is easier to understand as a whole context. It's broken up into chapters, instead of books. I seriously need to purchase my own copy.....it's totally awesome!! The main idea of this concept was to highlight the fact that the Bible is a "grand narrative of God seeking relationship with human beings as it unfolds throughout history." (taken from The Story, Teen Curriculum)
Chapter 2 is called God Builds a Nation. It is all about the history of Abraham, his sons, and the future generations that came from his lineage. I was in awe as a lightbulb clicked in my brain about the nitty gritty history of my faith. Sometimes, the early Old Testament books are the most daunting for me to read. It's alot of names I can't pronounce and stuff I just don't understand. But after hearing and reading this lesson, I'm very tempted to try again (and utilize resources that will help me understand....such as The Idiot's Guide to The Bible. Another awesome book!)
Here's my personal synopsis and food-for-thought behind this chapter:
Abraham walks and talks with God as he obeys the command to leave his homeland and build a new nation. BUILD and new NATION! Can you even imagine doing this? I've watched my mom help build a new school from the ground up. I've experienced working at a brand-new, state-of-the-art school in it's first year. It's C-R-A-Z-Y madness. But it's also the most amazing, rewarding process to be part of. And that was just one tiny school in the middle of one tiny city in the middle of.....well, you get the picture. Abraham is one of my new heroes. I will be studying Genesis for awhile...
Chapter 2 is called God Builds a Nation. It is all about the history of Abraham, his sons, and the future generations that came from his lineage. I was in awe as a lightbulb clicked in my brain about the nitty gritty history of my faith. Sometimes, the early Old Testament books are the most daunting for me to read. It's alot of names I can't pronounce and stuff I just don't understand. But after hearing and reading this lesson, I'm very tempted to try again (and utilize resources that will help me understand....such as The Idiot's Guide to The Bible. Another awesome book!)
Here's my personal synopsis and food-for-thought behind this chapter:
Abraham walks and talks with God as he obeys the command to leave his homeland and build a new nation. BUILD and new NATION! Can you even imagine doing this? I've watched my mom help build a new school from the ground up. I've experienced working at a brand-new, state-of-the-art school in it's first year. It's C-R-A-Z-Y madness. But it's also the most amazing, rewarding process to be part of. And that was just one tiny school in the middle of one tiny city in the middle of.....well, you get the picture. Abraham is one of my new heroes. I will be studying Genesis for awhile...
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Confessions of a Sleep-Deprived Mom
1:15 AM
Tonight is the night. My husband and I finally decided to break our son of his horrible sleep habits. (Habits that are totally and completely my fault to begin with. I take full responsibility because I'm a cuddle-bug and my son has become one too. To the point that he can't sleep all night in his own bed because he ends up in ours at some point; his parents have been too lazy to help him learn how to fall back asleep in HIS bed.) He's never been the best sleeper, and I've read all the strategies of helping your baby form good sleep habits...but I haven't followed through. Instead, I decided to follow my heart. My cuddle time was just too precious to pass up!
So we're camped out in the living room, listening to the heart-breaking screams and watching the monitor screen (thank goodness for camera monitors!) to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. All the while taking turns to go in and reassure him that we still love him, but "this is where Robbie goes night night."
Oh, the agony!
I don't even mind being up this late (or up all night for that matter.) I'm used to getting little-to-no sleep these days. However, the agony of walking away and hearing the screams become louder...oh my. Gently breaking his tight seal of a hug those little arms are grasping so desperately for...wowser. Agonizing. Emotional torture, in fact.
I must admit that, in the past, I've been able to catch up and get rested during the week- becoming a couch potato that literally "can't" move due to exhaustion some days. (Especially now that my body is working overtime to create another little human in this tummy of mine.) But the buck stops here. The excuses are over. I want my energy back. I want to be able to enjoy our weekdays together before Baby #2 makes his/her debut.
The Truth? Sometimes I feel like a bad mom. But I'm learning that sleep deprivation can make a person think crazy things. I'm learning that all the new "rules" out there about parenting can really make a person insane....if you're someone like me who likes to follow rules. Haha. Every mother will follow her heart, because every baby is different. Every family is different. Every relationship is different. We love our kids to the moon and back- and that should be the only measure of how "good" of a mom you are.
P.S. I only had to break those precious arms away from me once. After much ado, he fell asleep more quickly than I anticipated. Maybe this won't be SOOOO bad after all....??
Tonight is the night. My husband and I finally decided to break our son of his horrible sleep habits. (Habits that are totally and completely my fault to begin with. I take full responsibility because I'm a cuddle-bug and my son has become one too. To the point that he can't sleep all night in his own bed because he ends up in ours at some point; his parents have been too lazy to help him learn how to fall back asleep in HIS bed.) He's never been the best sleeper, and I've read all the strategies of helping your baby form good sleep habits...but I haven't followed through. Instead, I decided to follow my heart. My cuddle time was just too precious to pass up!
So we're camped out in the living room, listening to the heart-breaking screams and watching the monitor screen (thank goodness for camera monitors!) to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. All the while taking turns to go in and reassure him that we still love him, but "this is where Robbie goes night night."
Oh, the agony!
I don't even mind being up this late (or up all night for that matter.) I'm used to getting little-to-no sleep these days. However, the agony of walking away and hearing the screams become louder...oh my. Gently breaking his tight seal of a hug those little arms are grasping so desperately for...wowser. Agonizing. Emotional torture, in fact.
I must admit that, in the past, I've been able to catch up and get rested during the week- becoming a couch potato that literally "can't" move due to exhaustion some days. (Especially now that my body is working overtime to create another little human in this tummy of mine.) But the buck stops here. The excuses are over. I want my energy back. I want to be able to enjoy our weekdays together before Baby #2 makes his/her debut.
The Truth? Sometimes I feel like a bad mom. But I'm learning that sleep deprivation can make a person think crazy things. I'm learning that all the new "rules" out there about parenting can really make a person insane....if you're someone like me who likes to follow rules. Haha. Every mother will follow her heart, because every baby is different. Every family is different. Every relationship is different. We love our kids to the moon and back- and that should be the only measure of how "good" of a mom you are.
P.S. I only had to break those precious arms away from me once. After much ado, he fell asleep more quickly than I anticipated. Maybe this won't be SOOOO bad after all....??
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Back to School Prayers
These beautiful prayers were written by the Family Life Pastor at my church, Louie Murillo. Even though I don't have students this year (other than my 14-month-old son) these prayers touched my heart and I hope they touch yours.
Lord, I pray that You will grant our educators wisdom as they deal with an ever-changing society. Help them to remember that every effort is an opportunity to change a life, to inspire, to energize, to bring out that special gift You have blessed to each and every one of us. We thank You for providing schools and teachers so our children will have the opportunity to reach new levels of understanding and knowledge. May each classroom be free from disruptions, distractions, and from anything that is detrimental to learning, concentration or personal well-being. Fill each classroom with the joy of discovery, praise for every good and honest effort to master each lesson and words of encouragement to try again on difficult subjects.
Free our students from the stress of peer-pressure. Give them the wisdom to ask for help when they need it. Draw their hearts and minds to their own special subject area that in the future will lead into something useful for the good of the world. Help them to make new and lasting friendships, and teach them compassion, patience and how to get along with others. I pray that when results are not apparent, they may be reminded that they must press on and find strength in You. Lord, I pray that in school they will be challenged to grow and learn and accomplish all they could ever dream. May they be the salt and light on their campuses.
Lord, I lift up our parents. May they be parents of prayer, lifting up their children daily to You. May they find peace and comfort in You. Please be with the parents of our students. Help them to create home atmospheres where children have the rest, nutrition, structure, love and the encouragement they need. Give the parents a deep interest in their child’s well-being and help them teach their children how to consistently live out at school the moral and faith values learned at home.
We thank You for the promise and excitement that comes with a new school year. Thank You that You make all things new and You give us fresh starts in life.
May Your love and grace fill all students, teachers and parents today and always.
Amen.
Lord, I pray that You will grant our educators wisdom as they deal with an ever-changing society. Help them to remember that every effort is an opportunity to change a life, to inspire, to energize, to bring out that special gift You have blessed to each and every one of us. We thank You for providing schools and teachers so our children will have the opportunity to reach new levels of understanding and knowledge. May each classroom be free from disruptions, distractions, and from anything that is detrimental to learning, concentration or personal well-being. Fill each classroom with the joy of discovery, praise for every good and honest effort to master each lesson and words of encouragement to try again on difficult subjects.
Free our students from the stress of peer-pressure. Give them the wisdom to ask for help when they need it. Draw their hearts and minds to their own special subject area that in the future will lead into something useful for the good of the world. Help them to make new and lasting friendships, and teach them compassion, patience and how to get along with others. I pray that when results are not apparent, they may be reminded that they must press on and find strength in You. Lord, I pray that in school they will be challenged to grow and learn and accomplish all they could ever dream. May they be the salt and light on their campuses.
Lord, I lift up our parents. May they be parents of prayer, lifting up their children daily to You. May they find peace and comfort in You. Please be with the parents of our students. Help them to create home atmospheres where children have the rest, nutrition, structure, love and the encouragement they need. Give the parents a deep interest in their child’s well-being and help them teach their children how to consistently live out at school the moral and faith values learned at home.
We thank You for the promise and excitement that comes with a new school year. Thank You that You make all things new and You give us fresh starts in life.
May Your love and grace fill all students, teachers and parents today and always.
Amen.
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