So, I'm gonna go ahead and admit it. Being joyful in every circumstance is one of my number one challenges. Like, i know that sounds bad because as a Christian I feel like I'm supposed to be that way. Well, it doesn't always work out like that. Sometimes, if one little thing doesn't happen it affects my whole mood. This, is not joy.
hap⋅py
–adjective, -pi⋅er, -pi⋅est.
1. delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing
joy
–noun
4. a state of happiness or felicity.
Being happy is over a particular thng. Joy is a state. It's something that you either are or you aren't. Not depending on the day, not depending on what happened yesterday, not depending on what so and so said this morning. All the time. Joy comes at the point when you have accepted the fact that God is in control. It's like a weight lifted...I have to constantly remind myself of this...because I am a worrier.
Of course this joy can't come from us. There's no way. We are human. Humans have fluctuating emotions, some more than others, but I dont ever want to get to the point to where my bad mood hurts my witness. When unsaved people see Christians in a terrible mood a lot of the time, I'm sure it's not very encouraging to them to want to find out what we have.
I always find myself praying that people will see something on me, it will be so real to people to where I can just walk into a room and the Holy Spirit over powers me to the point that they feel convicted themselves.
After all, Christians should be the most joyful people out there. We have everlasting life, we have an on time God, we have a best friend that never leaves. I want people to want what I've got. Not avoid what I've got because I'm just a no fun, bad mood person. you know?
Sometimes I just get in those moods where I'm like, this happened, I'm going to be in a bad mood and pout, and that's final. That's probably one of the worst things I could do to myself. We should have his praise continually on our lips and in our hearts and that will eliminate the bitterness that sometimes creeps in.
"...For the joy of the Lord is your strength..." [Nehemiah 8:10]
"Consider it joy whenever you face trials of many kinds"
[James 1:2]
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In
this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world."
[John 16:33]
"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my
Savior." [Habakkuk 3:18]
So, obviously joy is an important fruit of the spirit....since there are 73478293 bible verses about it : )
"I feel the joy of the Lord falling fresh on me, I feel the joy of the Lord delivering me, I feel the joy of the Holy Ghost it's all over me"
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Get rid of the to do list...
So, there's this little Hispanic family that has been coming to our church. I'm not sure for how long, but they started fairly recently. Sometimes on off days at church people just look dead out in the congregation...and having to sing in front of these people and be worshipful is tough sometimes.
But, I looked up last Sunday and saw the little guy back there raising his hands and just in such mindset of worship. I'm sure they don't speak too terribly much english...but it didn't seem to matter to him. It made me smile, and made me want to be even more worshipful.
My mom came in and told me earlier that papa went to this family's house earlier for something. They have nothing. They cook off of a wood stove, no furniture, no heat, no air. tiny house. It broke my heart. Papa is giving the guy work at the church and paying him whatever and Mom said she was getting down the little girls' sizes so that she could give them some of my sisters' clothes out of their many boxes in the attic of seasonal clothes that don't fit or whatever and such...but, idk what to even do about that. Like, I feel kind of helpless because there's nothing really that I have that they would want. But, i need to give them something. All i know to do is pray for the whole family and love them.
Sometimes I think I get so caught up in my own personal issues that I don't remember the people with bigger problems. I get so caught up in asking God what to do, and where to go, and what I need to be. I get caught up in church "stuff". I get locked up in my own little "Jesus bubble"...not that that's a bad thing....but, i forget to help others find Him. That's the main goal He wants for us. I think a lot of times that also happens in churches. People want to help grow their youth group and such in the Lord, but there comes a point where most of your problems can be solved by just helping others. I guess that mission work and trips and stuff are made to prevent that sort of thing. but it still happens.
"Don't be so heavenly minded that you become no earthly good."
This makes sense if you look at it the right way. Jesus was the most heavenly minded person to walk the earth, but He still made the most impact on the Earth.
Thing is, he was concentrating on not just His ticket to heaven, but others. The goal is to get to heaven, but to bring others with us, to be there for others. Jesus isn't here in the flesh to minister to those around us. We have to be Jesus to them in their physical and spiritual needs.
Erase YOUR to do list. and let God re-write it for you...
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." [Matthew 25:35-36]
"And I'll follow you into the homes of the broken, follow you into the world. Meet the needs for the poor and the needy, God, follow you into the world..."
But, I looked up last Sunday and saw the little guy back there raising his hands and just in such mindset of worship. I'm sure they don't speak too terribly much english...but it didn't seem to matter to him. It made me smile, and made me want to be even more worshipful.
My mom came in and told me earlier that papa went to this family's house earlier for something. They have nothing. They cook off of a wood stove, no furniture, no heat, no air. tiny house. It broke my heart. Papa is giving the guy work at the church and paying him whatever and Mom said she was getting down the little girls' sizes so that she could give them some of my sisters' clothes out of their many boxes in the attic of seasonal clothes that don't fit or whatever and such...but, idk what to even do about that. Like, I feel kind of helpless because there's nothing really that I have that they would want. But, i need to give them something. All i know to do is pray for the whole family and love them.
Sometimes I think I get so caught up in my own personal issues that I don't remember the people with bigger problems. I get so caught up in asking God what to do, and where to go, and what I need to be. I get caught up in church "stuff". I get locked up in my own little "Jesus bubble"...not that that's a bad thing....but, i forget to help others find Him. That's the main goal He wants for us. I think a lot of times that also happens in churches. People want to help grow their youth group and such in the Lord, but there comes a point where most of your problems can be solved by just helping others. I guess that mission work and trips and stuff are made to prevent that sort of thing. but it still happens.
"Don't be so heavenly minded that you become no earthly good."
This makes sense if you look at it the right way. Jesus was the most heavenly minded person to walk the earth, but He still made the most impact on the Earth.
Thing is, he was concentrating on not just His ticket to heaven, but others. The goal is to get to heaven, but to bring others with us, to be there for others. Jesus isn't here in the flesh to minister to those around us. We have to be Jesus to them in their physical and spiritual needs.
Erase YOUR to do list. and let God re-write it for you...
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." [Matthew 25:35-36]
"And I'll follow you into the homes of the broken, follow you into the world. Meet the needs for the poor and the needy, God, follow you into the world..."
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Busy Weekend
Soo, this has been an exciting, full of events, busy weekend.
Starting off with Wednesday, I got my restricted which is possibly one of the most exciting things ever...haha.
Then, Saturday, I went to Steeplechase with the Paschals, the Holts, and Collin. Which led to the whole dating Collin thing...praying that all works out. Also it was Lindsey's 16th birthday. She is growing up : ( haha-- Then that night I went to the Augusta mall, waffle house, and krispy kreme with my bffs, Hannah, Jake, Tavera, Lindsey F., and Dylan. So, that was indeed super fun. (everyone pray for Hannah and the people who are on the roads when she is driving, I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes like 6 times)... Then today was church.
We had church tonight, but i decided I was going to be a church skipper so I could finish up my homework, which I probably should have done yesterday. But sometimes you just have to put a spin on the priority list! My mom isn't a fan of that, but it's ok. Hope everyone has had as good of a weekend as I have! Can't wait for spring break and the furlough day on Friday! : )
Friday, March 12, 2010
Who am I?
So, i been thinking a lot lately about this Bible "story"...which isn't really a story, but kinda.
My mom and I watch like this random Bible show on Christmas Eve...and it covers a lot of stuff, but the main focus is on the crucifixion--which I think is a little non-traditional seeing as it's Christmas Eve, but hey, whatever. ha...
Anyway, one part that has stayed imprinted in my memory is in John 8.
Jesus was on the Mount of Olives doing His thing, and then at dawn he went to the temple and was going to teach the people. The Pharisees brought forward a woman who had been caught in adultery...they said, "In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. What do you say?" Jesus, took a minute before He answered this...which I probably should do more often myself...but, He said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." [John 8:7]
And, so of course they just kind of migrated to another area after Jesus got them with that one...
And he just simply told her to go and sin no more.
So, that leads me to the question, who am I to judge anybody? That is a major major turn off to people you are trying to steer in the right direction. Judgement often turns into gossip and Lord knows that's nothing but trouble.
So, many times in my mind, and sometimes even out loud I harp on the fact that so and so is doing this and they should not be. so and so said this...
While, Jesus just told them go and sin no more. He is quick to forgive and casts our sin to the depths of the sea... Why can't I be more like that?
God sees sin as equal. "For the wages of sin is death..."
Who am I to put myself up on a pedestal because I am Christian...of all things Christians are supposed to be humble...
Not to ignore the fact that witnessing should take place, and helping to guide the lost in the right direction. But, there is a right way to do so...condemnation isn't it.
"But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!"
"Love the sinner, hate the sin"
: )
My mom and I watch like this random Bible show on Christmas Eve...and it covers a lot of stuff, but the main focus is on the crucifixion--which I think is a little non-traditional seeing as it's Christmas Eve, but hey, whatever. ha...
Anyway, one part that has stayed imprinted in my memory is in John 8.
Jesus was on the Mount of Olives doing His thing, and then at dawn he went to the temple and was going to teach the people. The Pharisees brought forward a woman who had been caught in adultery...they said, "In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. What do you say?" Jesus, took a minute before He answered this...which I probably should do more often myself...but, He said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." [John 8:7]
And, so of course they just kind of migrated to another area after Jesus got them with that one...
And he just simply told her to go and sin no more.
So, that leads me to the question, who am I to judge anybody? That is a major major turn off to people you are trying to steer in the right direction. Judgement often turns into gossip and Lord knows that's nothing but trouble.
So, many times in my mind, and sometimes even out loud I harp on the fact that so and so is doing this and they should not be. so and so said this...
While, Jesus just told them go and sin no more. He is quick to forgive and casts our sin to the depths of the sea... Why can't I be more like that?
God sees sin as equal. "For the wages of sin is death..."
Who am I to put myself up on a pedestal because I am Christian...of all things Christians are supposed to be humble...
Not to ignore the fact that witnessing should take place, and helping to guide the lost in the right direction. But, there is a right way to do so...condemnation isn't it.
"But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!"
"Love the sinner, hate the sin"
: )
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Hot or Cold
So, one of my favorite things that people say is something along the lines of, "Lauren, why are you so good?"...or "Lauren doesn't do bad things."
The reason why this is on my mind is because of a conversation in Chemistry this week. This girl was telling this other guy that even though he's good now, he will probably go crazy in college, and he was like, no i def. wont. He was like, how many high schoolers do you know that haven't done such and such, and i haven't done that yet. She was like well, Lauren hasn't...
She was like do you think you'll go crazy in college. I was like, I'm willing to bet my like right arm that I won't. haha. I've made it this far...
It amazes me how much people know about you even if they don't know you that well. People watch you, and the way you act, especially if you claim to be a Christian. One of the things that drives me up the wall is a supposed Christian who doesn't act like one...and it's not up to me to throw any stones because I, as well, have done un-Christlike things. But, there are just those certain people who make it obvious that they are into stuff that they should not be into as a Christian person, living to set an example.
"So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." [Revelation 3:16]
God makes it clear that he is not a fan of the whole riding the fence thing either. Many people use the term "sold out" for Jesus.
Which I think is completely relevant. This halfway stuff isn't going to cut it anymore...It's either your whole heart, or none of it at all. If you aren't completely for God, that makes you against Him, even if it is not your intentions.
I, personally want to be able to say what all the bad things I haven't done, not what all I have...that's something to be proud of. I've found myself sometimes being ashamed of that. But, there is not reason to be at all.
"Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company;" [Prov 24:1]
I enjoy hearing the testimonies of people who have done a lot of bad things in their lives, and were able to rise up out of that and be a sold out Christian. But, it's even more rare to hear stories of someone who has made it through the most part of their lives, as a teenager and young adult, and adult without getting mixed up in the world. I want that to be my testimony to others.
Continue to pray for those people like the kid in my Chem class who want to stand firm on what they believe...and for those who are lost and confused in the world's mess.
: )
The reason why this is on my mind is because of a conversation in Chemistry this week. This girl was telling this other guy that even though he's good now, he will probably go crazy in college, and he was like, no i def. wont. He was like, how many high schoolers do you know that haven't done such and such, and i haven't done that yet. She was like well, Lauren hasn't...
She was like do you think you'll go crazy in college. I was like, I'm willing to bet my like right arm that I won't. haha. I've made it this far...
It amazes me how much people know about you even if they don't know you that well. People watch you, and the way you act, especially if you claim to be a Christian. One of the things that drives me up the wall is a supposed Christian who doesn't act like one...and it's not up to me to throw any stones because I, as well, have done un-Christlike things. But, there are just those certain people who make it obvious that they are into stuff that they should not be into as a Christian person, living to set an example.
"So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." [Revelation 3:16]
God makes it clear that he is not a fan of the whole riding the fence thing either. Many people use the term "sold out" for Jesus.
Which I think is completely relevant. This halfway stuff isn't going to cut it anymore...It's either your whole heart, or none of it at all. If you aren't completely for God, that makes you against Him, even if it is not your intentions.
I, personally want to be able to say what all the bad things I haven't done, not what all I have...that's something to be proud of. I've found myself sometimes being ashamed of that. But, there is not reason to be at all.
"Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company;" [Prov 24:1]
I enjoy hearing the testimonies of people who have done a lot of bad things in their lives, and were able to rise up out of that and be a sold out Christian. But, it's even more rare to hear stories of someone who has made it through the most part of their lives, as a teenager and young adult, and adult without getting mixed up in the world. I want that to be my testimony to others.
Continue to pray for those people like the kid in my Chem class who want to stand firm on what they believe...and for those who are lost and confused in the world's mess.
: )
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Everybody Knows---that nobody really knows...
Relationships....they have got to be the craziest thing evvver!
So up and down all the time...and if yours isn't...im not sure what's going on.
I understand that teenagers shouldn't have this whole thing figured out just yet, but even many adults haven't got it down.
The thing that gives me hope of truly loving someone someday and them loving me back forever is looking at the example of both sets of grandparents who have been married like 60 and 50 years...and my parents, who have been married like 23 years...That's crazy to me! Like, God definitely would have had to make them for each other for them to have stayed together for that long. I truly believe that God created special people that are supposed to be together...
"But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." [Mark 10:6-9]
"Let man not separate"...many couples end up doing that. That's the one thing that scares me the most about marriage, or relationships for right now. I mean, break-ups are so tough, i can't imagine an actual divorce. So, many people have to deal with that for so many different reasons. Although, the Bible actually only excuses it for being cheated on.
"But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital
unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries
the divorced woman commits adultery." [Matthew 5:32]
....and i can't even begin to comprehend how hurtful that would be. When I get married, I want to make sure that it is who God had planned for me all along. I'm sure He will let me know when the time comes. But, for now I'm just going to do my best with the Christian guys God has planned for me to date, and have a good time with it. I can't wait for someone to truly be able to say they love me...and unconditionally, like Christ has done for us, even though no one could ever live up to that standard. I pray in advance that God will keep my future husband in His will and keep him holy.
And for the people who you do love, a word of advice: watch what you say to them. Many times I say things to the people I care about the most that I dont think through, just because I am so comfortable with them and expect them to never get fed up with it. But, these things can't be taken back...but oh how I wish I could do just that.
Remember God's perfect example of love:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
[1 Corinthians 13:4-7]
"I hope one day you'll see, nobody has it easy, I still can't believe you found somebody new, but I wish you the best, I guess. Cause everybody knows that nobody really knows, how to make it work or how to ease the hurt...we've heard it all before cause everybody knows just how to make it right. I wish we gave it one more try, cause everybody knows that...nobody really knows"
So up and down all the time...and if yours isn't...im not sure what's going on.
I understand that teenagers shouldn't have this whole thing figured out just yet, but even many adults haven't got it down.
The thing that gives me hope of truly loving someone someday and them loving me back forever is looking at the example of both sets of grandparents who have been married like 60 and 50 years...and my parents, who have been married like 23 years...That's crazy to me! Like, God definitely would have had to make them for each other for them to have stayed together for that long. I truly believe that God created special people that are supposed to be together...
"But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." [Mark 10:6-9]
"Let man not separate"...many couples end up doing that. That's the one thing that scares me the most about marriage, or relationships for right now. I mean, break-ups are so tough, i can't imagine an actual divorce. So, many people have to deal with that for so many different reasons. Although, the Bible actually only excuses it for being cheated on.
"But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital
unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries
the divorced woman commits adultery." [Matthew 5:32]
....and i can't even begin to comprehend how hurtful that would be. When I get married, I want to make sure that it is who God had planned for me all along. I'm sure He will let me know when the time comes. But, for now I'm just going to do my best with the Christian guys God has planned for me to date, and have a good time with it. I can't wait for someone to truly be able to say they love me...and unconditionally, like Christ has done for us, even though no one could ever live up to that standard. I pray in advance that God will keep my future husband in His will and keep him holy.
And for the people who you do love, a word of advice: watch what you say to them. Many times I say things to the people I care about the most that I dont think through, just because I am so comfortable with them and expect them to never get fed up with it. But, these things can't be taken back...but oh how I wish I could do just that.
Remember God's perfect example of love:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
[1 Corinthians 13:4-7]
"I hope one day you'll see, nobody has it easy, I still can't believe you found somebody new, but I wish you the best, I guess. Cause everybody knows that nobody really knows, how to make it work or how to ease the hurt...we've heard it all before cause everybody knows just how to make it right. I wish we gave it one more try, cause everybody knows that...nobody really knows"
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
