I AM INCREDIBLY __________.
You fill in the blank.
What first comes to mind? Is it busy, stressed, and overwhelmed? Or maybe it is lonely, unloved and sad. How about tired, cranky, and frustrated?
We have all been in those places of feeling those different emotions. I know I have. More than once. But today I want to challenge you because I have been challenged.
We are officially in the holiday season. Thanksgiving is wrapping up and Christmas trees are being set up. This time of the year is unlike any other season or holiday or tradition we celebrate. People experience a wide variety of emotions and experiences during this time. Some feel the pain of those loved ones who have past and memories weigh heavy on their hearts. Others are reminded of the joy in giving and in spending time with people they care about.
About one month ago I heard a quote. It struck me, and has been on my mind ever since.
"We don't experience our reality, we experience our perspective on reality." What perspective are you choosing to look through? Is it one of grief and sadness? Or positivity and hope? Everyone sees the same situation differently because of how they are choosing to look at it. But that is the catch, I don't think most people realize they are choosing their own perspective, they just live with the one they have. After I heard this quote I started questioning my own "default perspective." Was it God-honoring? Was it beneficial? And although I saw somethings in good light, I often was looking at situations with a gray lens. Not seeing them clearly because I had subconsciously made a decision not to.
Today in church, we listened to the story of Ronan Thompson. Ronan was a beautiful 3 year-old-boy. Yeah, I did say was. Check out his story here: www.rockstarronan.com We also listened to Taylor Swift's song about Ronan, here is the link for that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvN7BOAQn9I (you may need a tissue). This story may be hard to hear. Ronan's lovely and courageous mother was willing to see this situation with a perspective most people wouldn't be brave enough to. "I really thought a miracle was going to see us through, but maybe the miracle is even getting one moment with you."
We choose how we look at things, how we feel things, how we experience things. Do you live like you are in control of your situation just by knowing how you look at that situation can change everything?
So today, I choose to say that I AM INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL.
I want my perspective to be one of thankfulness. Why are we so blind to our blessings? Our greed doesn't make sense. Our sinful desires are so limiting. I don't understand how we see the world we live in and miss the beauty all around. Search for it, seek it.
The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4, ". . . I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstance."
I know that I haven't experienced the things that you have. I've never gone through what you have. I don't know if I ever will. And I will not try to act like I know what you're feeling, but I can encourage you to choose to see your situation in a new light. Remove the cloudy, gray lens. Ask God to help you see things clearly and experience your reality in the best way possible. It will not be easy and it will take time. Just let me remind you of Ronan's mom. She saw the miracle and she was GRATEFUL.
You may not be a Christian reading this, but let me share the truest thing I know: God's love endures forever. This promise stands today, tomorrow, forever. It always has been and always will be. Your circumstance may be burdensome but God's love transcends the pain, the suffering, the depression, the hurt. His love does not prevent you from feeling, but it keeps you living 1 Corinthians 10:13. And not just in this life, but an eternal life, if you truly believe it.
It is for that reason I will always be able to say I AM INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL.
Blessings | For real, be blessed. Psalm 118
If you want to hear a little more, tune in to http://placeofdecision.com/media.php?pageID=33 Thanks to Pastor Jeff Phelps for sharing such a truth-filled message.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
Dear Grandpa
There would have never been enough hours to sit on your lap, drink your root beer floats, work in your garden, play games in your camper, go garage-sale-ing, or listen to your stories. It hurts so much to think that you've already been gone for 5 years. So much has changed since then. I hope you're watching from Heaven. And even more smiling that big cheesy grin, using Norwegian words, and making sure everyone has had more than enough to eat. Grandpa, you were the best. I pray that I never forget any of the special memories I made with you. Can't wait to see you with Jesus.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Psalm 49
My world is changing. And it's changing fast.
I've never experienced a lot of change. Going to college last year as a freshman was a huge change for me and it took me a long time to be comfortable, and satisfied with where I was; just about to the time I figured out that NCU wasn't where I was supposed to stay.
I know it was God's decision for me to transfer to a public, state school. He had blessed me with 18 years of amazing stability and a community people dream to have. But that was to prepare me for what was in store. God will always equip us with the tools we need to do His work, if we trust in His timing.
This experience will be one in a lifetime. It's only day five and my world view has been changed completely. I came here with the mindset that everyone is going to be terrible partiers, impure, and rude; altogether unpleasant people I would rather not spend my time with. I urgently wanted to find Christian friends to have fellowship with and grow relationships just like the ones I left behind.
And while I did find some of those assumptions to be true, I also found they are genuine people. They care about school and about each other. We've only been here a week and have ate more dinners together than most families do. Everyone contributes and they are so accepting. My apartment is already known for its open door, and a hot plate of food at dinner, and a couch to crash on if you need somewhere to stay.
Although I hear more about parties, alcohol, boys, and swear words than I would ever want to know, I have found myself beginning to love them. I am beginning to understand the love Jesus has for those who are lost and hurting. It isn't until you know the loss that you can experience the love. These college kids need Jesus. All they want is a carefree life, to have fun, and be wanted. I'm not sure when or how they are going to figure out that Jesus is the ultimate lover, that He will throw them the best party, and that He will satisfy their lives. But i'm praying they do and God will use me to make that happen.
"Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle: Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me-- those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-- the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-- that he should live on forever and not see decay. For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Selah Like the sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah.." Psalm 49:1-15
I've never experienced a lot of change. Going to college last year as a freshman was a huge change for me and it took me a long time to be comfortable, and satisfied with where I was; just about to the time I figured out that NCU wasn't where I was supposed to stay.
I know it was God's decision for me to transfer to a public, state school. He had blessed me with 18 years of amazing stability and a community people dream to have. But that was to prepare me for what was in store. God will always equip us with the tools we need to do His work, if we trust in His timing.
This experience will be one in a lifetime. It's only day five and my world view has been changed completely. I came here with the mindset that everyone is going to be terrible partiers, impure, and rude; altogether unpleasant people I would rather not spend my time with. I urgently wanted to find Christian friends to have fellowship with and grow relationships just like the ones I left behind.
And while I did find some of those assumptions to be true, I also found they are genuine people. They care about school and about each other. We've only been here a week and have ate more dinners together than most families do. Everyone contributes and they are so accepting. My apartment is already known for its open door, and a hot plate of food at dinner, and a couch to crash on if you need somewhere to stay.
Although I hear more about parties, alcohol, boys, and swear words than I would ever want to know, I have found myself beginning to love them. I am beginning to understand the love Jesus has for those who are lost and hurting. It isn't until you know the loss that you can experience the love. These college kids need Jesus. All they want is a carefree life, to have fun, and be wanted. I'm not sure when or how they are going to figure out that Jesus is the ultimate lover, that He will throw them the best party, and that He will satisfy their lives. But i'm praying they do and God will use me to make that happen.
"Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle: Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me-- those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-- the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-- that he should live on forever and not see decay. For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Selah Like the sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah.." Psalm 49:1-15
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Kingdom Builder
Dissatisfaction is something I find in myself a lot. I know I am not alone. For most people, there is always at least a few things they wish they could change about their life. We are human, we are sin-filled and broken people, so we must expect failure, brokenness, and discouragement at times.
But I want to be different. I don't want to escape from those things despite how uncomfortable they may be. I want to learn from them; to grow and gain wisdom.
I want to be more.
In my first semester of college at a Christian university, the phrase "your calling" was quite common. For many, there was excitement and passion in having the opportunity to share what God has in store for them, but for me it always seemed to leave a bad taste in my mouth and a twinge in my heart.
Initially, I decided the uncomfortable feeling I got was because I was afraid to put something in to words that I was unsure was God's word or my imagination. I never experienced a life-changing revelation revealing my purpose in this life furnishing peace that we all desire. But now I think it might be something different, God's message to me might not be clear because it isn't a clear message. I'll explain.
There is one purpose I crave to live out my entire life; to be a Kingdom Builder.
I have a home in His kingdom and that will forever be my permanent residence.
In this life, I don't want to be an arrow through the bullseye. A clean shot is something to be proud of, but a fiery explosion is a whole new class.
I will not be satisfied. I will not grow stale. I will not let my faith take a backseat.
I will burn with passion throughout my Entire life. I don't want to only be smart, only be healthy, only be creative, only be funny, only be serious, only be dedicated, only be truthful, etc.
I want it all. I wan't to be God-fearing, athletic, beautiful, smart, funny, talented, creative, joyful, caring, wise, truthful, honest, giving, passionate, driven, fearless, audacious, strong, patient, humble, hopeful, encouraging, inspirational, merciful, empathetic, respectful, honored, and loving.
You may not think it is possible, and you might be right, but to not try would be a risk I am not willing to take. You see, my role model figured it out, He exemplified each quality perfectly and I desire no less.
I want to display those qualities in my entire life because when I do, the Savior of the world will become more evident. I want to fulfill my purpose. I want to be a kingdom builder and I will make His name famous. I pray continually for God to carry out His will in my life, and trust that He will. I pray that my words will speak life and bring truth, that people will not see me but my savior. I will not take credit for the achievements of my own life, all glory to my father.
I have learned that there is absolutely nothing I can do about the fact that I am a sinner. It was my sin that caused the tears in Jesus' flesh, the piercing of his hands, and the hole in his side. I can't escape the reality of my old identity, but I can give praise, adoration, and glory for the new creation I have become. I claim Jesus as my savior everyday for it is only through Him that I am anything. It is through Him I have life and I want to live it to the full. I want to know all He has for me.
Don't settle for anything less than what He has for you.
Blessings.
But I want to be different. I don't want to escape from those things despite how uncomfortable they may be. I want to learn from them; to grow and gain wisdom.
I want to be more.
In my first semester of college at a Christian university, the phrase "your calling" was quite common. For many, there was excitement and passion in having the opportunity to share what God has in store for them, but for me it always seemed to leave a bad taste in my mouth and a twinge in my heart.
Initially, I decided the uncomfortable feeling I got was because I was afraid to put something in to words that I was unsure was God's word or my imagination. I never experienced a life-changing revelation revealing my purpose in this life furnishing peace that we all desire. But now I think it might be something different, God's message to me might not be clear because it isn't a clear message. I'll explain.
There is one purpose I crave to live out my entire life; to be a Kingdom Builder.
I have a home in His kingdom and that will forever be my permanent residence.
In this life, I don't want to be an arrow through the bullseye. A clean shot is something to be proud of, but a fiery explosion is a whole new class.
I will not be satisfied. I will not grow stale. I will not let my faith take a backseat.
I will burn with passion throughout my Entire life. I don't want to only be smart, only be healthy, only be creative, only be funny, only be serious, only be dedicated, only be truthful, etc.
I want it all. I wan't to be God-fearing, athletic, beautiful, smart, funny, talented, creative, joyful, caring, wise, truthful, honest, giving, passionate, driven, fearless, audacious, strong, patient, humble, hopeful, encouraging, inspirational, merciful, empathetic, respectful, honored, and loving.
You may not think it is possible, and you might be right, but to not try would be a risk I am not willing to take. You see, my role model figured it out, He exemplified each quality perfectly and I desire no less.
I want to display those qualities in my entire life because when I do, the Savior of the world will become more evident. I want to fulfill my purpose. I want to be a kingdom builder and I will make His name famous. I pray continually for God to carry out His will in my life, and trust that He will. I pray that my words will speak life and bring truth, that people will not see me but my savior. I will not take credit for the achievements of my own life, all glory to my father.
I have learned that there is absolutely nothing I can do about the fact that I am a sinner. It was my sin that caused the tears in Jesus' flesh, the piercing of his hands, and the hole in his side. I can't escape the reality of my old identity, but I can give praise, adoration, and glory for the new creation I have become. I claim Jesus as my savior everyday for it is only through Him that I am anything. It is through Him I have life and I want to live it to the full. I want to know all He has for me.
Don't settle for anything less than what He has for you.
Blessings.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The famous four-letter word
I bet you can guess by the title what is on my heart tonight.
Yep, that's right.
L O V E
What an extremely loaded word. We will never be able to fully understand what it means; we will never be able to define it; we will never perfect it; but we sure will know when we feel it.
For any of you who know me well, you know my testimony is flooded with love. I have known it well all my life from family, friends, and most importantly my Lord.
Tonight I don't want to talk about how much I am thankful for that or how blessed I am, even though it is true, but I want to share with you how uncontainable true love is.
I would be wrong to not point out the best example of uncontainable love the world will ever know. No matter how hard I try, I cannot understand why Jesus, perfect and blameless, fully man and fully God came to live in the very same world we live, to change lives, set an example, and then die. To die for people that don't deserve a chance at eternal life, dwelling in the glory of God. And that is even more reason to believe in uncontainable love, it can't fit into our heads, we can't wrap our mind around it. We could read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John until our eyes become weak and it will never make sense. "We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16 But in those words are truth, life, and love. It is the greatest love story I will ever read. My love would do anything for me, He already did.
As I sit here and type, I feel as if I want to explode. I want to scatter love everywhere, I want to infect everyone with it, I want to to become contagious; uncontainable. And I believe I can. "Then Jesus told them, 'I assure you, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and it will happen. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:21-22. I will not limit myself because I was created for love; called to love, called to believe, called to pray, and called to have faith.
Think of the world around you. What comes to mind first? The heartbreaking news stories of thefts, accidents, homocides, and suicides? The brokenness of the people who aren't even news worthy; those with no money, no homes, no family, broken bodies, sickness, and pain? What about the celebrities who burn in the spotlights of the tabloids selling lies and airbrushed photos? Or maybe the beautiful teenage girl down the street who you see wearing black sweatshirts with the hood up at the bus stop? And the family who just lost their son to an overdose? No matter how hard you blink, no matter the tears that flow down your cheek, no matter your breaking heart; it will still be there.
So what can we do, for them, for all, for each? Love. Love unconditionally. "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:29-30
Un-con-di-tion-al: (adj.) not limited by conditions; absolute. Complete, unqualified.
How incredible is that? I am overwhelmed with joy at the thought that love can come so freely, and even more that I am able to give it freely, without condition. Everyone deserves to know and feel this indescribable piece of life. They NEED it. "This is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another." 1 John 3:12. Don't withhold. I've learned giving love when it hurts is the most rewarding, because it is without regard to yourself. Love is beyond you, beyond them, purely from God. "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God- for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8
One song has captured my heart the past few days. It beautifully puts into words of worship and adoration our amazement of the Lord and His never ending love. It is lengthly but worth every minute, you won't regret clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilDudqAzDS4
I could write a book on this topic, maybe even fill a library. Someone else already has. But my message isn't to learn about love and what it is. No, I want you to feel it, know it, find it, give it, live it.
There is nothing comparable to true love in this world. And I pray desperately that you will come to experience that personally and forever in eternity. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:16-17
Yep, that's right.
L O V E
What an extremely loaded word. We will never be able to fully understand what it means; we will never be able to define it; we will never perfect it; but we sure will know when we feel it.
For any of you who know me well, you know my testimony is flooded with love. I have known it well all my life from family, friends, and most importantly my Lord.
Tonight I don't want to talk about how much I am thankful for that or how blessed I am, even though it is true, but I want to share with you how uncontainable true love is.
I would be wrong to not point out the best example of uncontainable love the world will ever know. No matter how hard I try, I cannot understand why Jesus, perfect and blameless, fully man and fully God came to live in the very same world we live, to change lives, set an example, and then die. To die for people that don't deserve a chance at eternal life, dwelling in the glory of God. And that is even more reason to believe in uncontainable love, it can't fit into our heads, we can't wrap our mind around it. We could read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John until our eyes become weak and it will never make sense. "We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16 But in those words are truth, life, and love. It is the greatest love story I will ever read. My love would do anything for me, He already did.
As I sit here and type, I feel as if I want to explode. I want to scatter love everywhere, I want to infect everyone with it, I want to to become contagious; uncontainable. And I believe I can. "Then Jesus told them, 'I assure you, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and it will happen. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:21-22. I will not limit myself because I was created for love; called to love, called to believe, called to pray, and called to have faith.
Think of the world around you. What comes to mind first? The heartbreaking news stories of thefts, accidents, homocides, and suicides? The brokenness of the people who aren't even news worthy; those with no money, no homes, no family, broken bodies, sickness, and pain? What about the celebrities who burn in the spotlights of the tabloids selling lies and airbrushed photos? Or maybe the beautiful teenage girl down the street who you see wearing black sweatshirts with the hood up at the bus stop? And the family who just lost their son to an overdose? No matter how hard you blink, no matter the tears that flow down your cheek, no matter your breaking heart; it will still be there.
So what can we do, for them, for all, for each? Love. Love unconditionally. "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:29-30
Un-con-di-tion-al: (adj.) not limited by conditions; absolute. Complete, unqualified.
How incredible is that? I am overwhelmed with joy at the thought that love can come so freely, and even more that I am able to give it freely, without condition. Everyone deserves to know and feel this indescribable piece of life. They NEED it. "This is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another." 1 John 3:12. Don't withhold. I've learned giving love when it hurts is the most rewarding, because it is without regard to yourself. Love is beyond you, beyond them, purely from God. "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God- for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8
One song has captured my heart the past few days. It beautifully puts into words of worship and adoration our amazement of the Lord and His never ending love. It is lengthly but worth every minute, you won't regret clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilDudqAzDS4
I could write a book on this topic, maybe even fill a library. Someone else already has. But my message isn't to learn about love and what it is. No, I want you to feel it, know it, find it, give it, live it.
There is nothing comparable to true love in this world. And I pray desperately that you will come to experience that personally and forever in eternity. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:16-17
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