You are not truly alone.
This is a truth we must tell ourselves daily, hourly, moment by precious moment.
You are not truly alone.
No, You're not lonely, but thank you for asking.
And no, you don't want to be with people 24/7.
This isn't the alone-liness that we fight off so unceasingly.
This isn't the kind we're used to.
It is not fixed by a coffee date or two.
And simple ignorance of the symptoms will not do.
It is not that easily mended.
You are not that easily mended.
You are not truly alone.
It's an aloneness you feel when someone says, "I really care about such and such."
And your only thought is, I care nothing for such and such.
But you say, "Oh I love that as well!"
Because maybe you must love that, or you're the odd one.
Because it's probably better to fit in than to tell the truth.
Because your opinion or feeling must be wrong,
Since no one else disagrees, you must just not be right.
You are not truly alone.
While they would rather mindlessly scroll, you would rather deeply engage.
Most long for bed, you long for awakening adventure.
Others talk of the weather, and your thoughts on the rain
Aren't about it's length or duration, but it's depth.
How it makes one feel like befriending a stranger,
Or how it falls on us all, like the grace we sing about.
You are not truly alone.
You didn't notice their new shoes or new hair,
But you did notice how they treated their waiter.
You felt it when they spoke too harshly,
But you didn't say anything, because you're probably being weird again.
You've got to stop doing that, you know.
You are not truly alone.
While they would rather stare at their handheld prisons,
You would rather have an awkward conversation
With anyone and feel completely ridiculous yet alive
Than remain hidden behind a screen that gets more
Touch than most of us get in a lifetime.
Because you just want to feel.
Even if it's awkward, and it probably will be,
You'd rather know you're alive to another
Human being that's actually present,
Than get all the "likes" from "friends" that just kept on scrolling.
You know you're more than a picture and a name
With something quippy or witty to say,
You know that you deserve more than a "like"
Or even a "love" delivered through space.
And while they feel good for a second,
The times you don't have a little red number at the top right of your screen
Begin to feel more and more like rejection
Than anything that could happen in sub-reality ever should.
You are not truly alone.
When you have so many thoughts and feelings
Yet you can't think of the next thing to say,
Because what if it's not the right thoughts or feelings.
You should just stay quiet, they're not listening anyways.
You are not truly alone.
But yes, you probably feel alone.
You probably think this is just how life goes.
That you're born, you stare at a lot of screens,
You laugh, you love, you hurt, but you don't ever say too much
Or act too weird, or explore too far, or think too deep.
You do as your told, and you try to fit in,
You ignore things that don't feel good,
And you settle for what doesn't feel too awful.
And then you die.
But you are not truly alone.
You are not truly alone, because I stand beside you,
Longing deeply to see more, feel more, do more.
To think more, to read more, to sing more.
I want to say hard things, and ask hard questions.
I want to make sacrifices that give long-term benefits,
I want to be wrong, and learn, and grow.
I want to be better tomorrow than I was today,
And I want to connect to people,
To be with them as they feel, and grow, and experience God's love.
I want us all to get up and engage the world in the short time we get.
I too feel the pull to "be normal" and stick with what you know.
But I'd like to shove the fear of being alone
Where the sun don't shine, if you know what I mean.
Because there's no need to fear being alone,
You are never truly alone.
You are a perfect piece for right where you are.
You have been crafted and designed to do the work of Christ,
His hands were pierced and his body was wounded,
So that you would never be alone.
Know that you see things differently, and you feel things differently
Because you are different.
You are exactly what God Almighty thought the world needed.
You, right where you are, exactly who you are,
Awkward, silly, sassy, crazy, weird you were not created by mistake.
You feel things and see things in a different way,
Not because you're messed up or broken or strange, but
Because we need your perspective to get the full picture.
We need you. We need you to be different, or
The world will be missing out.
When you're tempted to simply sell out
And pretend you're fine with mediocre living,
Remember,
You are not truly alone,
I am right here with you.
"And behold, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age."
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Following the Cloud
So you know that story in Exodus, the one where the Israelites are wandering through the desert trying to get to the Promised Land? Like right after their escape from Egypt with the 10 plagues and such?
Well during that time while they were going through the desert God was present to them in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire during the night. And this was how God led the Isrealites to the Promised Land. He didn't tell them directions or how long it would take, but he was there with them in the cloud and in the fire.
They had to trust that God was taking them somewhere. I mean, how much trust does it show that they followed a CLOUD through the DESERT!? Granted, if a pillar of fire appeared, I'd probably follow it too... But at any rate, because they were faithful (at least somewhat, haha), God brought them all to the Promised Land. They screwed things up from there, but God took them where He wanted them and where He promised to take them.
Why is this relevant?
Well, in my life, I desperately want to be following the Cloud. Not in a weird look-to-the-sky-for-guidance kind of way, but in a Holy Spirit give me peace when I'm underneath God's presence, and make me desperately thirsty for you when I'm not.
That might sound weird still, but in my life thus far, God has been very faithful to show me when one thing is ending and another is beginning. I'm not saying I've done it well or gracefully, but I have tried to follow where God would have me to be.
I am consistently praying for this leading of Christ in my life. I want to be in my Sweet Spot, where I am most able to be used by God for His glory. And I have recently felt that God was saying, "It's time."
That being said, I will be moving tomorrow, Lord willing, to Bumpass VA, to do what I'm deeming "fund-raising" (AKA working as much as possible) for what is next for me, which at this point is looking like being in Myrtle Beach for a season with my brother and sister-in-law as they bring two lovely boys into the world =)
What's after that for me? Well I don't know! I'll let you know when the Cloud moves me closer to that season. Why am I telling you all this? Well, because I am greedy for your prayers. "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." I am nervous to be leaving a place that I know and love so much. I am trusting that God has big things in mind for my life, and that this is just a part of His plan. No matter where God leads, I will follow. Be it wealth or poverty, ease or difficulty, I pray that the Joy of the Lord will continue to be my strength.
I also hope to encourage you. I believe that often we think that we have to move in order to be of better use to God, or we glorify those who go overseas to do mission work (it is awesome btw!), but until God moves you, you stay right where he has you and dig in! Minister to your co-workers, your neighbors, the lost in your city. I didn't leave Lynchburg until now because my ministry here wasn't over, and if that's how you feel right now, then don't you dare go anywhere. You're doing an awesome job, and you keep it up!
God has great plans for us, as long as we are willing. Let us continue to pray for one another as we journey through this life, if you are a fellow follower of Christ, then I won't say goodbye, but rather, see ya later! =)
Also, I want to say thank you to my Lynchburg people, you are some of the most incredible people I've ever met, and my heart is heavy to farther from you. Thank you for being there for me through the past 6 years. Ya'll have been the biggest blessing to me, and I promise that the distance won't change how much I love you and that my ears are open if you ever need someone to listen, and my door will be open if you ever need a place to rest. I honestly don't know how to say thank you for all the breakfast date accountabilities and all the lessons you've taught me, I hope that the way I live will be worthy of how you have poured into me.
Love you!
Because He Lives,
Courtney Woolfolk
Well during that time while they were going through the desert God was present to them in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire during the night. And this was how God led the Isrealites to the Promised Land. He didn't tell them directions or how long it would take, but he was there with them in the cloud and in the fire.
They had to trust that God was taking them somewhere. I mean, how much trust does it show that they followed a CLOUD through the DESERT!? Granted, if a pillar of fire appeared, I'd probably follow it too... But at any rate, because they were faithful (at least somewhat, haha), God brought them all to the Promised Land. They screwed things up from there, but God took them where He wanted them and where He promised to take them.
Why is this relevant?
Well, in my life, I desperately want to be following the Cloud. Not in a weird look-to-the-sky-for-guidance kind of way, but in a Holy Spirit give me peace when I'm underneath God's presence, and make me desperately thirsty for you when I'm not.
That might sound weird still, but in my life thus far, God has been very faithful to show me when one thing is ending and another is beginning. I'm not saying I've done it well or gracefully, but I have tried to follow where God would have me to be.
I am consistently praying for this leading of Christ in my life. I want to be in my Sweet Spot, where I am most able to be used by God for His glory. And I have recently felt that God was saying, "It's time."
That being said, I will be moving tomorrow, Lord willing, to Bumpass VA, to do what I'm deeming "fund-raising" (AKA working as much as possible) for what is next for me, which at this point is looking like being in Myrtle Beach for a season with my brother and sister-in-law as they bring two lovely boys into the world =)
What's after that for me? Well I don't know! I'll let you know when the Cloud moves me closer to that season. Why am I telling you all this? Well, because I am greedy for your prayers. "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." I am nervous to be leaving a place that I know and love so much. I am trusting that God has big things in mind for my life, and that this is just a part of His plan. No matter where God leads, I will follow. Be it wealth or poverty, ease or difficulty, I pray that the Joy of the Lord will continue to be my strength.
I also hope to encourage you. I believe that often we think that we have to move in order to be of better use to God, or we glorify those who go overseas to do mission work (it is awesome btw!), but until God moves you, you stay right where he has you and dig in! Minister to your co-workers, your neighbors, the lost in your city. I didn't leave Lynchburg until now because my ministry here wasn't over, and if that's how you feel right now, then don't you dare go anywhere. You're doing an awesome job, and you keep it up!
God has great plans for us, as long as we are willing. Let us continue to pray for one another as we journey through this life, if you are a fellow follower of Christ, then I won't say goodbye, but rather, see ya later! =)
Also, I want to say thank you to my Lynchburg people, you are some of the most incredible people I've ever met, and my heart is heavy to farther from you. Thank you for being there for me through the past 6 years. Ya'll have been the biggest blessing to me, and I promise that the distance won't change how much I love you and that my ears are open if you ever need someone to listen, and my door will be open if you ever need a place to rest. I honestly don't know how to say thank you for all the breakfast date accountabilities and all the lessons you've taught me, I hope that the way I live will be worthy of how you have poured into me.
Love you!
Because He Lives,
Courtney Woolfolk
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
For Singles Only
I've noticed that most posts talking about singleness are written by people who struggled through it but then found someone. These articles are encouraging, but they lack perspective for me. They don't satisfy the Why-hasn't-God-answered-me-yet? question. I don't want to hear about your happy ending when I'm still in the tragedy of my story! (ok, that's a little dramatic (but isn't that how it feels sometimes? I mean honestly!))
But the real reason these kinds of posts don't encourage me is because they encourage expectancy of something other than God. Sure they say focus on Christ, but why? So that he will give you a spouse? Is this ever a good reason to worship the all-powerful Creator of the universe? So that he will give us what we want? We should live expectantly of God. Just God. We expect more of Him, not his gifts.
I guess writing about singleness whilst still being single makes you "The Potentially Forever Single Girl." Which is a pretty lame title. Nobody wants that, and nobody wants everyone to know about it. I definitely don't. (Anyone who dares call me that can expect a fist in their throat btw (jk (but really)))
But alas, I've spoken with enough single people to know that most of us struggle with the same feelings and longings. I'm not sure I can be a huge help in fact I highly doubt it, but I do know this: I can say something about it. Open up the door to conversation and hopefully growth.
If we all struggle silently, we struggle alone.
We were created for more than this.
So here's what I have to say:
It's not easy. Maybe it's not supposed to be. Growth comes from struggle. Embrace the feelings, wrangle them up, name them out and lay them before Christ.
It's not easy.
But it is bearable.
Instead of scratching and clawing my way out of singleness like it's a sickness, I will see this opportunity given to me to sink my teeth into the depths of all Christ has for me right now.
If Paul didn't see the prison guards and restraints as a reason to gripe and complain, yet he rose his voice to praise God despite his circumstances, then though I am alone on earth I will praise God for his goodness.
Christ is far better than anything or anyone.
I also have a lot of questions that I'm still pondering:
What if singleness isn't something I'm supposed to try to get out of without first sinking deeply into it and learning all that I can from it?
Am I following Christ closely enough that I can trust that he has me exactly where I'm supposed to be?
If I am called to singleness (for only God knows why), am I willing to follow Christ no matter what the cost?
And here's what I have to say to those fellow perpetually single folks out there:
You are loved. You have already been chosen. You are not alone. You are just as worthy and important as you ever will be. God has purpose for your life. Don't seek a spouse, seek Christ. And praise him for what he has done. Expect great things, but don't set your heart on what that may look like in your life. Maybe God does have a spouse in mind for you, but maybe he has a ministry for you greater than you could ever imagine first. God is far more creative than we could ever hope to be, his plan for your life is more beautiful than what we could ever manufacture. Release control, rest in Christ, and watch God do his work.
You change the world, not by how you will live tomorrow, but how you live today.
Know I pray for you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Know you are held in His hands and that He doesn't drop his kids =)
I think there's a lot more to be said about this, this is kind of an introductory post. Lookout for future posts if you're interested!
ALSO! I'm hopelessly hopeful, this is NOT a cry for attention. I'm mostly hoping to encourage my fam. Don't feel the need to tell me how eligible I am. I'm fully aware of my awesomeness level ;)
Anyway, thanks for reading the whole thing, I like you, you thorough reader you! ;)
But the real reason these kinds of posts don't encourage me is because they encourage expectancy of something other than God. Sure they say focus on Christ, but why? So that he will give you a spouse? Is this ever a good reason to worship the all-powerful Creator of the universe? So that he will give us what we want? We should live expectantly of God. Just God. We expect more of Him, not his gifts.
I guess writing about singleness whilst still being single makes you "The Potentially Forever Single Girl." Which is a pretty lame title. Nobody wants that, and nobody wants everyone to know about it. I definitely don't. (Anyone who dares call me that can expect a fist in their throat btw (jk (but really)))
But alas, I've spoken with enough single people to know that most of us struggle with the same feelings and longings. I'm not sure I can be a huge help in fact I highly doubt it, but I do know this: I can say something about it. Open up the door to conversation and hopefully growth.
If we all struggle silently, we struggle alone.
We were created for more than this.
So here's what I have to say:
It's not easy. Maybe it's not supposed to be. Growth comes from struggle. Embrace the feelings, wrangle them up, name them out and lay them before Christ.
It's not easy.
But it is bearable.
Instead of scratching and clawing my way out of singleness like it's a sickness, I will see this opportunity given to me to sink my teeth into the depths of all Christ has for me right now.
If Paul didn't see the prison guards and restraints as a reason to gripe and complain, yet he rose his voice to praise God despite his circumstances, then though I am alone on earth I will praise God for his goodness.
Christ is far better than anything or anyone.
I also have a lot of questions that I'm still pondering:
What if singleness isn't something I'm supposed to try to get out of without first sinking deeply into it and learning all that I can from it?
Am I following Christ closely enough that I can trust that he has me exactly where I'm supposed to be?
If I am called to singleness (for only God knows why), am I willing to follow Christ no matter what the cost?
And here's what I have to say to those fellow perpetually single folks out there:
You are loved. You have already been chosen. You are not alone. You are just as worthy and important as you ever will be. God has purpose for your life. Don't seek a spouse, seek Christ. And praise him for what he has done. Expect great things, but don't set your heart on what that may look like in your life. Maybe God does have a spouse in mind for you, but maybe he has a ministry for you greater than you could ever imagine first. God is far more creative than we could ever hope to be, his plan for your life is more beautiful than what we could ever manufacture. Release control, rest in Christ, and watch God do his work.
You change the world, not by how you will live tomorrow, but how you live today.
Know I pray for you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Know you are held in His hands and that He doesn't drop his kids =)
I think there's a lot more to be said about this, this is kind of an introductory post. Lookout for future posts if you're interested!
ALSO! I'm hopelessly hopeful, this is NOT a cry for attention. I'm mostly hoping to encourage my fam. Don't feel the need to tell me how eligible I am. I'm fully aware of my awesomeness level ;)
Anyway, thanks for reading the whole thing, I like you, you thorough reader you! ;)
Monday, July 6, 2015
For Me, To Live Is Christ
This is my face of sheer unadulterated happiness:
This past Friday was my last day at CiCi's Pizza, where I have spent 3 and half years. Though it is bittersweet to leave a place where I have loved so much, I am excited to announce that I will be working at Chick-fil-a starting next week!
This new change is something I'm very excited about and that I believe God definitely has his hand in. I was so excited after getting the job the other morning that I got home, took a selfie, and was about to post about how great my life and my God are when I took a moment to think of you.
Yes, you. You scrolling down your Facebook feed to see me, yet another smiling face and happy story. And while you would rejoice with me, I'm sure, I just want to take a moment for those of you who see those posts of people who seemingly have it all (which i definitely wouldn't claim as me!) and think, "What about me?" "Where's my 'life-is-going-just-perfectly' moment?" I thought about you who may be struggling through some darkness right now. I thought about you who may feel totally alone, or worthless, or useless, or hopeless, or without peace, or tempted and about to give in.
I thought about you, because I've been there. I've been you.
And I want you to know that, yes, right now, God has brought me to a place of great healing; but in order for that to happen, I first experienced great pain.
You see, for the past year I've wandered into the darkness and floundered around searching for something solid enough to hold onto.
And, my friends, I looked for this anchor in all the wrong places. I looked to others opinions of me to feed my ego. I made work my sanctuary, and I made myself my god. I didn't realize it at the time, but I just wanted to be satisfied. I wanted to feel good about myself. I wanted to be desired, loved, and important. And I sought out these feelings every day. I searched for the world to fulfill me, they told me they would.
At CiCi's, I believe God called me to walk upon deep waters. And for a while, by the grace of God, I believe I did that well. But sometimes you can begin to sink in the waters that you are called to walk upon. Just like Peter, when I took my eyes off of Christ, I began to sink to into the waters of pride, lust, greed, and selfishness.
At CiCi's, I believe God called me to walk upon deep waters. And for a while, by the grace of God, I believe I did that well. But sometimes you can begin to sink in the waters that you are called to walk upon. Just like Peter, when I took my eyes off of Christ, I began to sink to into the waters of pride, lust, greed, and selfishness.
It was during this time I realized that God wasn't going to stop me from myself. If I wanted to get myself into trouble and be deceived by the world, then He wasn't going to put up a force field and keep me from doing what I had decided to do.
It seemed to me that God had given up on me. Nothing was happening in my life that showed God's love or presence (nothing that I noticed, anyway), and I took this to mean that God either wasn't interested in me anymore, or he wasn't really even there to begin with.
It was a darkness unlike any I have ever known. And sadly, sometimes (most of the time really) I still believed that I was fine. It's ok that I'm not in the Word- I'm still a good person.
It's ok that I'm not showing love to everyone- I'm still nicer than some people.
It's ok that I'm not fully present at church- I still go to church.
It's ok that I'm not in love with God- It doesn't feel like he's in love with me.
But the world loves me. Yeah, the world thinks I'm all that and a bag of Doritos. And God's all grace, right? So yeah, I'm good. Just cover that in your grace, God. I'm fine.
But I can see now that I wasn't fine. Whenever I fell short of the world's strict perfect standard, I would be devastated. The surest way to disappointment is to make the world your measuring stick for success. I'm never perfect enough, because their ruler is always changing. Several times, I ended up weeping on the bathroom floor because, "Who am I?! Why do I feel this way? Why can't I just be at peace?! God, where are you?! Why don't you stop this?! Why don't you stop me?!"
But he didn't stop me, because that's not always what love looks like.
Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, or boast. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no count of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1Cor13:4-7
Now, I can see that God has been patient with me. While I try to satisfy myself and my desires with things of this world, God has waited for me to turn to Him so that He could satisfy me completely. God has been kind to me. I could have wandered much father into the darkness than I did, but the Holy Spirit's presence in my heart saved me from even more heartache than I did have.
God reached down into my darkness and pulled me out. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Because He loves me.
And you would have had no idea.
You would see my adorable selfies and think that I am doing so well, and some of you would wonder why your life seems totally confusing while mine looks so sparkly clean (HA!).
Let me assure you, Jesus is Lord. When I fell short of the world's standards, Jesus genuinely chased me down and reminded me that when I live for Him, I am...
God reached down into my darkness and pulled me out. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Because He loves me.
And you would have had no idea.
You would see my adorable selfies and think that I am doing so well, and some of you would wonder why your life seems totally confusing while mine looks so sparkly clean (HA!).
Let me assure you, Jesus is Lord. When I fell short of the world's standards, Jesus genuinely chased me down and reminded me that when I live for Him, I am...
Holy.
Blameless.
Spotless.
Adored.
Forgiven.
Embraced.
Loved.
Wanted.
Saved.
Set Free.
I am slowly returning to a place of being able to say with full confidence, "God is far better."
God's grace is great for us, and I am so glad. I long to say alongside of Paul, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
I am now more determined to walk upon the waters and keep my eyes fixed on the Creator of the wind and waves.
My prayer for this post is that you are able see that we all have scrapes and bruises from life, but that God still longs to pick us up and calls us his child. And if you're in a place of darkness right now, know that you're never alone. And if you need someone to talk to- please give me a call.
I love you all dearly and am praying for you <3
Also- thanks to those who I could text or call simply saying "pray for me." I know that you're prayers sincerely kept me from the devil's claws on several occasions. Thank you for being vessels of God's love.
God's grace is great for us, and I am so glad. I long to say alongside of Paul, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
I am now more determined to walk upon the waters and keep my eyes fixed on the Creator of the wind and waves.
My prayer for this post is that you are able see that we all have scrapes and bruises from life, but that God still longs to pick us up and calls us his child. And if you're in a place of darkness right now, know that you're never alone. And if you need someone to talk to- please give me a call.
I love you all dearly and am praying for you <3
Also- thanks to those who I could text or call simply saying "pray for me." I know that you're prayers sincerely kept me from the devil's claws on several occasions. Thank you for being vessels of God's love.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Welcome To Your Short Term Missions Trip.
Whew! What a crazy year it has been! And yes, it has been almost a whole year since I've posted on my blog. Haha, most of you aren't used to me being quiet for that long, are you?!
Well, I'm back and a lot has happened! God has done so much over the past year and I could write for days on all that He's doing (don't fear, I won't just now).
As you probably know, exactly one month ago today I returned back to the USA from a six week trip to Guatemala. God worked in my heart so much during that time.
When you're on a missions trip, it is fairly easy to feel like you are in the center of God's will for your life. You have literally left the comforts of home, flown somewhere crazy, and are now living among strangers with the sole purpose of making God's name known to these people.
It's easy to say, this trip is the height of my spiritual existence! I am now officially a "good Christian" having cared so much for God and people that I moved my life around for a week/month/year or two to serve God. And I think coming home there was this temptation to think, "well, I'm done. I've served the Lord. Now back to normal life."
And this is where I had to stop and evaluate what I was thinking.
"Normal life"? What is that? is my work for the Lord confined to a certain place or time? Is my day-to-day life so far different from a mission's trip? Should my life actually look any different in America than it did in Guatemala? Was God any more present with me in Guate than he is with me now?
And simply put, no. My life from the moment I gave it over to Christ when I was eleven has had the sole purpose of making much of God. So no matter where I am, what I am doing, or who I am with- this is my goal. The gospel is not confined to a certain time of the week, a certain place, or only for a certain person to proclaim. When we give our lives over to Christ we are committing to a life that is poured out for His glory.
And I think it comes down to this: Do you love God with every fiber of your being?
Because how much you love God translates into-
How much do you love those who live next door? How much do you love your coworkers? How much do you love your family? Because if you truly love them, then the thought of going a different way than them on Judgment Day should break your heart.
We love because Christ first loved us, and he poured out his life for us. And we should do the same for the brothers.
So I am purposing to lay down my life for the glory of the gospel every day, everywhere.
In the coffee shop, I'll talk to the stranger and show him the love of Christ. And when he asks what I believe I will boldly declare the name of the Lord into his life. At my job, I'll hug on the coworker who has no idea that he is worth God's son dying for. To everyone I come into contact with, I will beam God's light into their lives, because this life is a short term missions trip. Just as in Guatemala I counted the days as they went by and the time flew before it was time to come back to the States, my days here on earth are numbered. So are yours. We are only here for a short time. Every day is another day closer to heaven, but for those who don't know Christ it's another day closer to hell. Don't lose perspective in the mundane, for I believe there is no such thing as mundane. Every action and every word can be purposed for the glory of God.
Do not be afraid to live a life boldly for Christ! Rather, live a life totally devoted to Him. He will not disappoint you- in fact, you will find that this is the only way to truly live~ everything else is just smoke.
Well, I'm back and a lot has happened! God has done so much over the past year and I could write for days on all that He's doing (don't fear, I won't just now).
As you probably know, exactly one month ago today I returned back to the USA from a six week trip to Guatemala. God worked in my heart so much during that time.
When you're on a missions trip, it is fairly easy to feel like you are in the center of God's will for your life. You have literally left the comforts of home, flown somewhere crazy, and are now living among strangers with the sole purpose of making God's name known to these people.
It's easy to say, this trip is the height of my spiritual existence! I am now officially a "good Christian" having cared so much for God and people that I moved my life around for a week/month/year or two to serve God. And I think coming home there was this temptation to think, "well, I'm done. I've served the Lord. Now back to normal life."
And this is where I had to stop and evaluate what I was thinking.
"Normal life"? What is that? is my work for the Lord confined to a certain place or time? Is my day-to-day life so far different from a mission's trip? Should my life actually look any different in America than it did in Guatemala? Was God any more present with me in Guate than he is with me now?
And simply put, no. My life from the moment I gave it over to Christ when I was eleven has had the sole purpose of making much of God. So no matter where I am, what I am doing, or who I am with- this is my goal. The gospel is not confined to a certain time of the week, a certain place, or only for a certain person to proclaim. When we give our lives over to Christ we are committing to a life that is poured out for His glory.
And I think it comes down to this: Do you love God with every fiber of your being?
Because how much you love God translates into-
How much do you love those who live next door? How much do you love your coworkers? How much do you love your family? Because if you truly love them, then the thought of going a different way than them on Judgment Day should break your heart.
We love because Christ first loved us, and he poured out his life for us. And we should do the same for the brothers.
So I am purposing to lay down my life for the glory of the gospel every day, everywhere.
In the coffee shop, I'll talk to the stranger and show him the love of Christ. And when he asks what I believe I will boldly declare the name of the Lord into his life. At my job, I'll hug on the coworker who has no idea that he is worth God's son dying for. To everyone I come into contact with, I will beam God's light into their lives, because this life is a short term missions trip. Just as in Guatemala I counted the days as they went by and the time flew before it was time to come back to the States, my days here on earth are numbered. So are yours. We are only here for a short time. Every day is another day closer to heaven, but for those who don't know Christ it's another day closer to hell. Don't lose perspective in the mundane, for I believe there is no such thing as mundane. Every action and every word can be purposed for the glory of God.
Do not be afraid to live a life boldly for Christ! Rather, live a life totally devoted to Him. He will not disappoint you- in fact, you will find that this is the only way to truly live~ everything else is just smoke.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
1 Characteristic of a Christian
As I mindlessly scroll down my newsfeed on Facebook these days, there's a certain trend I can't help but notice. And I wouldn't really mind this trend (honestly, I kind of enjoy it), except for the fact that I think it has the possibility to be quite destructive.
What is it?
Lists.
"8 Characteristics of a Godly Woman," "10 Ways to Know You're Man is The One," "30 Things College Students Do," "30 Things College Students Do on Break," "23 Things to do before you're 23," and it's response "24 Things to do before you're 24" and on and on it goes.
We've created lists for everything. Wondering whether you're an introvert? Check out "28 Annoying Things about Being an Introvert." Concerned you're significant other is or isn't THE ONE? Read "100 Ways to Know Your Significant Other is or isn't THE ONE."
Disclaimer: I totally fall for it. There's something that feels so good about reading a list of "Characteristics of an Extrovert" and thinking, "Yes, #12! That's so me! #27! So me! Wow, I am such a fun, awesome, wonderfully extroverted person!" (that's not an actual quote, and any similarities to anyone living or dead is completely coincidental... (small joke)) And honestly, it's pride. I was proud when I read the list of "24 Things To Do Before You're 24" and I was doing or had done like 18 of them. In my mind I thought, "Yay! I measure up! I'm on the right track! I'm doing well!" I enjoyed reading these lists and comparing myself to their standards, until I realized that's exactly what I was doing.
Lists of characteristics breed feelings of comparison. And someone else's "Things to do before you're 24" list should actually look different from my "Things to do before you're 24" list. Why? Because we're different people and God works in our lives differently. If someone else wants to #15 Start a homeless shelter, while I want to #18 Preach the gospel in several continents, then our goals and ambitions and even our very lives will look totally different. No one should look at someone else's list of goals or characteristics and feel like their lives or character is worth less because they don't fit #1-20.
So what should we do? Fear not! The Bible (something most of the lists I've been seeing don't even source) has an answer. "...Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..." -Heb. 12:1-2
Instead of looking at lists of how everyone else thinks we should live, we should look to Jesus and how he thinks we should live. And I believe that when we do that every one of us will come away with a different idea of what our lives should look like. While I may be led to share Jesus by starting a ministry, you may feel led to stay where you are and reach your co-workers. While I may need to not talk as much, or not spend so much money, you may need to start speaking up, or start spending money for things that matter.
I do agree that there are characteristics of godly men (and women), and that goals are good to have; but we must be careful about the ideals we place upon each other. If "eating an entire jar of peanut butter in one sitting," is your goal before you turn 25, then you're taking the wrong person's advice.
What would Jesus write if he made a list of "Characteristics of a Christian"? I believe it would look something like this:
1. A Christian LOVES.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35
The end.
Stop listening to what the world says about "8 Ways Your Spouse Should Act" or "15 Things to Look for in a Friend," and start listening to what God has to say about it. Don't read "23 Things to do before You're 23," read the Word, and feel free to make a list of things that God has for YOU to do with YOUR life, and then go do them! Seek God's will for yourself, don't mindlessly drink what other's put in front of you about the goals they have for themselves.
And above all, LOVE, for that is how we are to be known in this world.
God bless you on your quest for more of Him!
postscript- I'm not trying to hate on blog posts that begin with numbers (though it is a tad over-used), my main goal is to make people aware of what they may be buying into when they read these articles and make sure our focus is on the right things. If read with the awareness that God's plan and goals for one's life may be different than those of the author, they can actually be helpful on occasion.
What is it?
Lists.
"8 Characteristics of a Godly Woman," "10 Ways to Know You're Man is The One," "30 Things College Students Do," "30 Things College Students Do on Break," "23 Things to do before you're 23," and it's response "24 Things to do before you're 24" and on and on it goes.
We've created lists for everything. Wondering whether you're an introvert? Check out "28 Annoying Things about Being an Introvert." Concerned you're significant other is or isn't THE ONE? Read "100 Ways to Know Your Significant Other is or isn't THE ONE."
Disclaimer: I totally fall for it. There's something that feels so good about reading a list of "Characteristics of an Extrovert" and thinking, "Yes, #12! That's so me! #27! So me! Wow, I am such a fun, awesome, wonderfully extroverted person!" (that's not an actual quote, and any similarities to anyone living or dead is completely coincidental... (small joke)) And honestly, it's pride. I was proud when I read the list of "24 Things To Do Before You're 24" and I was doing or had done like 18 of them. In my mind I thought, "Yay! I measure up! I'm on the right track! I'm doing well!" I enjoyed reading these lists and comparing myself to their standards, until I realized that's exactly what I was doing.
Lists of characteristics breed feelings of comparison. And someone else's "Things to do before you're 24" list should actually look different from my "Things to do before you're 24" list. Why? Because we're different people and God works in our lives differently. If someone else wants to #15 Start a homeless shelter, while I want to #18 Preach the gospel in several continents, then our goals and ambitions and even our very lives will look totally different. No one should look at someone else's list of goals or characteristics and feel like their lives or character is worth less because they don't fit #1-20.
So what should we do? Fear not! The Bible (something most of the lists I've been seeing don't even source) has an answer. "...Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..." -Heb. 12:1-2
Instead of looking at lists of how everyone else thinks we should live, we should look to Jesus and how he thinks we should live. And I believe that when we do that every one of us will come away with a different idea of what our lives should look like. While I may be led to share Jesus by starting a ministry, you may feel led to stay where you are and reach your co-workers. While I may need to not talk as much, or not spend so much money, you may need to start speaking up, or start spending money for things that matter.
I do agree that there are characteristics of godly men (and women), and that goals are good to have; but we must be careful about the ideals we place upon each other. If "eating an entire jar of peanut butter in one sitting," is your goal before you turn 25, then you're taking the wrong person's advice.
What would Jesus write if he made a list of "Characteristics of a Christian"? I believe it would look something like this:
1. A Christian LOVES.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35
The end.
Stop listening to what the world says about "8 Ways Your Spouse Should Act" or "15 Things to Look for in a Friend," and start listening to what God has to say about it. Don't read "23 Things to do before You're 23," read the Word, and feel free to make a list of things that God has for YOU to do with YOUR life, and then go do them! Seek God's will for yourself, don't mindlessly drink what other's put in front of you about the goals they have for themselves.
And above all, LOVE, for that is how we are to be known in this world.
God bless you on your quest for more of Him!
postscript- I'm not trying to hate on blog posts that begin with numbers (though it is a tad over-used), my main goal is to make people aware of what they may be buying into when they read these articles and make sure our focus is on the right things. If read with the awareness that God's plan and goals for one's life may be different than those of the author, they can actually be helpful on occasion.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Side Effects of Being a Mess
I love Christmas. And I love finding or making the perfect gift for someone.
This year, there is one present that I was so stoked about because it was perfect (or at least as close as I figure I'll ever be able to get on my budget).
You see, I have this friend who is really cool and sometimes it comes out of her as weirdness to those who are not nearly as awesome as she clearly is.
So I had this genius idea of getting a t-shirt and putting the adorable phrase, "Weird is just a side effect of awesome." on it and give it to her. Close to perfection, right?
And after a quick trip to Wal-Mart to grab a bleach pen (which is my newest favorite invention, by the way), I was all set to go.
I made the shirt, rinsed off the bleach and threw it in the wash to get off the extra bleach, being careful to follow the pinterest instructions to the letter so as not to mess up this most perfect of gifts.
My wonderfully honest roommate came home while it was still in the wash and I told her of my fantastic gift and how I couldn't wait for her to see it!
We literally were waiting for the machine to stop spinning so I could show the best gift ever to her and she could compliment my awesome gift making skills.
But, as I mentioned before, my roommate is blessed with the gift of honesty and as I held up my really awesome bleached shirt for her to compliment, she says, "I think you spelled 'weird' wrong."
NO!
NO!
NO!
I did not believe her until Google, Wikipedia, and Dictionary.com proved that I had indeed put, "Wierd is just a side effect of awesome" with bleach on my friends no-longer-perfect Christmas present.
I couldn't help but laugh at myself. Especially since Urban Dictionary says that "wierd" is for people who don't know how to spell weird.
And after a lot of laughter and some more spell-checking, I realized that I honestly really like the shirt better now.
Yeah, some people may look at it and think, "Some dummy doesn't know how to spell 'weird.'" And some may think it's weird to begin with (most likely the unawesome people out there). And some may say I should give up and start over.
But I absolutely adore this shirt. Because it shows how much of a mess I am. Because it has a story behind it. Because I thought it would be perfect if I got it all just right and spelled all the words right and in the right order, but it's really more perfect because it's not perfect.
And isn't that just like the way Christ sees us? We want to be perfect and get all the words right and do everything all nice and clean, and maybe even get the "I" before "E" rule correct every now and then (over-achievers). But then we mess up, we say something dumb, or we forget to be kind, or we get selfish, or we spell "weird" weird, and suddenly we feel our worth slipping. Like God might just give up on us and decide someone else is more worth his time.
But instead God loves us. He just loves us and the way we can't spell "weird" or how we can't remember people's birthdays, or how we spill our coffee every Tuesday... He just loves us! He can't get enough of how we forgot to put the butter in the recipe, or when we cry for no reason, or how we get lost so easily. Our little (and BIG!) messes don't lessen or cheapen our value in God's eyes, He understands that we're gonna mess it up and get it wrong, and he still calls us his treasure.
And that's just a side effect of being loved. Messes become beautiful. And more importantly, through the mess of our lives we can point to the incredible fact that we are still loved more than we could ever imagine. Because would God's love really be all that great if He only loved us because we were clean and neat? NO! God's love is great because it's a love that's not afraid to come into our mess and clean us up some but still love us when we can't recall how to spell "weird."
So I'm going to keep this shirt and wear it with joy and pride because while I love how perfectly imperfect it is, it is such a clear reminder of how God loves us even when we're a mess too. =)
God bless!
This year, there is one present that I was so stoked about because it was perfect (or at least as close as I figure I'll ever be able to get on my budget).
You see, I have this friend who is really cool and sometimes it comes out of her as weirdness to those who are not nearly as awesome as she clearly is.
So I had this genius idea of getting a t-shirt and putting the adorable phrase, "Weird is just a side effect of awesome." on it and give it to her. Close to perfection, right?
And after a quick trip to Wal-Mart to grab a bleach pen (which is my newest favorite invention, by the way), I was all set to go.
I made the shirt, rinsed off the bleach and threw it in the wash to get off the extra bleach, being careful to follow the pinterest instructions to the letter so as not to mess up this most perfect of gifts.
My wonderfully honest roommate came home while it was still in the wash and I told her of my fantastic gift and how I couldn't wait for her to see it!
We literally were waiting for the machine to stop spinning so I could show the best gift ever to her and she could compliment my awesome gift making skills.
But, as I mentioned before, my roommate is blessed with the gift of honesty and as I held up my really awesome bleached shirt for her to compliment, she says, "I think you spelled 'weird' wrong."
NO!
NO!
NO!
I did not believe her until Google, Wikipedia, and Dictionary.com proved that I had indeed put, "Wierd is just a side effect of awesome" with bleach on my friends no-longer-perfect Christmas present.
I couldn't help but laugh at myself. Especially since Urban Dictionary says that "wierd" is for people who don't know how to spell weird.
And after a lot of laughter and some more spell-checking, I realized that I honestly really like the shirt better now.
Yeah, some people may look at it and think, "Some dummy doesn't know how to spell 'weird.'" And some may think it's weird to begin with (most likely the unawesome people out there). And some may say I should give up and start over.
But I absolutely adore this shirt. Because it shows how much of a mess I am. Because it has a story behind it. Because I thought it would be perfect if I got it all just right and spelled all the words right and in the right order, but it's really more perfect because it's not perfect.
And isn't that just like the way Christ sees us? We want to be perfect and get all the words right and do everything all nice and clean, and maybe even get the "I" before "E" rule correct every now and then (over-achievers). But then we mess up, we say something dumb, or we forget to be kind, or we get selfish, or we spell "weird" weird, and suddenly we feel our worth slipping. Like God might just give up on us and decide someone else is more worth his time.
But instead God loves us. He just loves us and the way we can't spell "weird" or how we can't remember people's birthdays, or how we spill our coffee every Tuesday... He just loves us! He can't get enough of how we forgot to put the butter in the recipe, or when we cry for no reason, or how we get lost so easily. Our little (and BIG!) messes don't lessen or cheapen our value in God's eyes, He understands that we're gonna mess it up and get it wrong, and he still calls us his treasure.
And that's just a side effect of being loved. Messes become beautiful. And more importantly, through the mess of our lives we can point to the incredible fact that we are still loved more than we could ever imagine. Because would God's love really be all that great if He only loved us because we were clean and neat? NO! God's love is great because it's a love that's not afraid to come into our mess and clean us up some but still love us when we can't recall how to spell "weird."
So I'm going to keep this shirt and wear it with joy and pride because while I love how perfectly imperfect it is, it is such a clear reminder of how God loves us even when we're a mess too. =)
God bless!
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