As I sit and watch a bunch of young people preform a musical I see more than just a performance. I see those that are confident in who they are. Who have a confidence that allows them to not be bothered by those causing havoc around them, even on the stage. Those that despite being young men and somewhat of a childish song, still participate while others "check out" too cool for school. I see young women who's shoulders sag, with no eye contact but a downward head and soft, scared voices, dressed in darker colors hidden with some dark makeup. I see guys and girls that are completely comfortable with themselves so much that despite the fact the guys and girls are crammed together and touching each other makes no difference. But those that are whisked away in the attention of the other sex, completely distracted as they flirt with one another.
It's amazing as I sit in the audience and imagine all these people and where they will be in 10 years. Some doctors, lawyers, politicians, athletes, teachers, musicians, etc... some drop outs, and outcasts from our judgemental society. The behaviour, mannerisms and mindsets are already being founded in each of these young lives.
I see some almost falling asleep and I instantly think of the home life behind each of them. Do they sit around a table for dinner and have parents that care sincerely about their days? Do they care enough to send them to bed at a decent hour or just to their room where they can text till 2am in the morning?
As a fellow parent, we must step outside of our convenient society to reinforce in our youth, social, behavioural patterns that build in confidence, control and a relational attitude that will promote great communication. I don't believe our technological society is working together with us on that. BUT WE make the choice.
Our X box recently stopped working. It was a very sad moment for our 3 children, and yet we haven't bothered fixing it, knowing we could.... interesting enough, more books, talking, relationship building activities have taken place in the interim. :)
"Train up a child in the way they shall go and when they are old they will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 This can be good or bad. But let's not make light of this principle. The Creator has given us His wisdom here.
On another note, as I walk down from the 3rd floor in our church in our foyer, we have an enormous stairwell to the south. And across that wall on that floor as you're going down is a HUGE window. I would guess around 18 feet long. And as spring brings our sunshine for the first time I look out it and see an array of orchard, meticulously lined and in the background a huge snow capped mountain that literally goes from one end of the window to the other. And I simply smile and say, "Wow Lord. A window is simply the best art work I could purchase." Not only is this picture breathtaking, it will change weekly in view as the seasons change. YOU are so amazing. I LOVE it when I get the giggles to think who in their right mind would ever even attempt to compare with my God?? They certainly have lost their mind! :)
I love the way God reminds us of this in Isaiah.
Isaiah 40:25"To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
I my Lord, will chose to compare you with no one. You have a realm all your own in my life, my heart and my mind but my prayer is not only will you know this but anyone else that looks upon my life shall know this witness to which I bear.
Smitten Unashamedly,
YOUR girl.
c
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Mom's Love Runs Deep, FATHER's Love Runs DEEPEST
I simply want to thank God that He would use me at Sunday's funeral. Despite the funeral taking place at the exact same time as the Canada Gold game, over 800, of which many were youth, made the choice to honor the 20 year old man Bryce, that was suddenly taken from us by a rip tide as he snorkeled while vacationing on the shores of Maui.
The pain I felt in my heart overwhelmed me for this family. When the service had ended and I led the grieving family out of the auditorium, it was all I could do to make it to my office and close the door before I deeply wept.
As I stood on the platform and addressed the great number of people I couldn't help but continue to be drawn to speak directly to the family that sat right in front of me. As I looked at Bryce's petite, gentle mother in front, her eyes drowning in pain and sorrow, I longed to reach for her, but I couldn't. I wanted to take it away for her. But I couldn't. I wanted to say, "It would be ok." But I couldn't.
Rather for a moment, right while I was speaking it was if the picture of Jesus hanging on the tree flashed in my heart and mind, and the way He looked upon His own pained and sorrowful mother while dying. And despite being in such excruciating pain, the needs and care of His mother, were so important to Him that even there He says, "John 19:26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"
Jesus is so tender and compassionate. Would you and I be thinking of our mother's needs at a time when we were just painfully crucified, bleeding, naked, pushing yourself up a bit on the nail that is pierced in your feet just long enough to whisper these words??? I'm embarrassed to admit it but I know I'd be wallowing in my own pain. :(
But my King, once again, inspires me. For even here He knows the painful loss when a child is ripped from their mother, and so suddenly was Jesus' death sprung on her, even though he talked of it freely for 3 years. Reality was here.
You and I think of dying, as did Bryce but not at 20 on vacation?? Reality was here.
As I looked at Bryce's mom... I literally could feel the pain in my heart long to give her a dear young man beside her that could be her son. Oh that somehow I could comfort her.
But grief must take it's course and that I know. We cannot rush it for then it will come back later in other ways, or harden our hearts in bitterness.
What I could give her though was the comfort and promise of God's word. For as I listened to our Lord during this time He reminded me there is something as strong as death. Song of Songs 8:6. "It is LOVE, Carrie." Tell her she doesn't ever need to stop loving. If anything the memories and love she has for Bryce can continue to flood her heart with joy. So I wonder how love can compete with the grave? But the 2nd part of that verse answers that too, saying "LOVE's jealousy is UNYIELDING as the grave". Wow... think on that. I LOVE IT!!!
Then to close it all off tying in the greatest love of all, GOD's. How He sees and knows all things, even where Bryce's body lies, which is painful for parents to think of at this point as it was not found in the ocean.
Then I wonder simply that Sunday morning before the funeral what verse exactly He wants me to speak to end the whole service. And then, literally a few hours before He gives me,
"For I am CONVINCED (you gotta imagine how passionately I said this verse) that NOTHING can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels won't, and all the power of hell itself cannot keep God's love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are- high above the sky, or IN THE DEEPEST OCEAN - nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us." Romans 8:38
He has taught me how blessed I was to carry this grieve for those 6 days with this beloved family. I was even more blessed to have mom and dad ask to come in to see me the day after and sit, talk and cry together as they shared deepest parts of their hearts.
The "Thank you" they gave me I cannot express in words. I felt as if it was directly from God. And literally it has motivated me yet again, to give all I possibly can to share life with anyone He asks me to. For in sincere love, they feel, witness and sense something different. Something you can't buy.
Oh Father, continue to teach me to be your moldable vessel that I would yet number my days according to your will and your way. That you would powerfully fill me up continually with your love and that I would long to pour it out, O that many would know there truly is a God who loves them from the highest heaven to the deepest ocean.
The pain I felt in my heart overwhelmed me for this family. When the service had ended and I led the grieving family out of the auditorium, it was all I could do to make it to my office and close the door before I deeply wept.
As I stood on the platform and addressed the great number of people I couldn't help but continue to be drawn to speak directly to the family that sat right in front of me. As I looked at Bryce's petite, gentle mother in front, her eyes drowning in pain and sorrow, I longed to reach for her, but I couldn't. I wanted to take it away for her. But I couldn't. I wanted to say, "It would be ok." But I couldn't.
Rather for a moment, right while I was speaking it was if the picture of Jesus hanging on the tree flashed in my heart and mind, and the way He looked upon His own pained and sorrowful mother while dying. And despite being in such excruciating pain, the needs and care of His mother, were so important to Him that even there He says, "John 19:26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"
Jesus is so tender and compassionate. Would you and I be thinking of our mother's needs at a time when we were just painfully crucified, bleeding, naked, pushing yourself up a bit on the nail that is pierced in your feet just long enough to whisper these words??? I'm embarrassed to admit it but I know I'd be wallowing in my own pain. :(
But my King, once again, inspires me. For even here He knows the painful loss when a child is ripped from their mother, and so suddenly was Jesus' death sprung on her, even though he talked of it freely for 3 years. Reality was here.
You and I think of dying, as did Bryce but not at 20 on vacation?? Reality was here.
As I looked at Bryce's mom... I literally could feel the pain in my heart long to give her a dear young man beside her that could be her son. Oh that somehow I could comfort her.
But grief must take it's course and that I know. We cannot rush it for then it will come back later in other ways, or harden our hearts in bitterness.
What I could give her though was the comfort and promise of God's word. For as I listened to our Lord during this time He reminded me there is something as strong as death. Song of Songs 8:6. "It is LOVE, Carrie." Tell her she doesn't ever need to stop loving. If anything the memories and love she has for Bryce can continue to flood her heart with joy. So I wonder how love can compete with the grave? But the 2nd part of that verse answers that too, saying "LOVE's jealousy is UNYIELDING as the grave". Wow... think on that. I LOVE IT!!!
Then to close it all off tying in the greatest love of all, GOD's. How He sees and knows all things, even where Bryce's body lies, which is painful for parents to think of at this point as it was not found in the ocean.
Then I wonder simply that Sunday morning before the funeral what verse exactly He wants me to speak to end the whole service. And then, literally a few hours before He gives me,
"For I am CONVINCED (you gotta imagine how passionately I said this verse) that NOTHING can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels won't, and all the power of hell itself cannot keep God's love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are- high above the sky, or IN THE DEEPEST OCEAN - nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us." Romans 8:38
He has taught me how blessed I was to carry this grieve for those 6 days with this beloved family. I was even more blessed to have mom and dad ask to come in to see me the day after and sit, talk and cry together as they shared deepest parts of their hearts.
The "Thank you" they gave me I cannot express in words. I felt as if it was directly from God. And literally it has motivated me yet again, to give all I possibly can to share life with anyone He asks me to. For in sincere love, they feel, witness and sense something different. Something you can't buy.
Oh Father, continue to teach me to be your moldable vessel that I would yet number my days according to your will and your way. That you would powerfully fill me up continually with your love and that I would long to pour it out, O that many would know there truly is a God who loves them from the highest heaven to the deepest ocean.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Love Poured Out in Life or Death
The last three days have me immersed in sharing the grief of a dear family that has returned from Maui without their 20 year old son, due to the tragic loss in the pull of the ocean's rip tide.
They will be having the memorial service at Trinity and I have been asked do the service. I don't take this lightly, actually completely opposite. My heart aches and despairs more than any other part of my job when I am asked to do such. Those that know me, know I won't just go through the motions, (my gifting of discernment doesn't even allow that) but rather I will chose to live and breathe this loss with this family that I might honor and love and respect them in such a difficult time. Not only do I desire to be there for them, but in these 4 days, KNOW as much of Bryce as possible that I can speak intimately and sincerely as a gift to them and so many others that will be there.
But above all I find myself constantly speaking and listening with God for HIS words, that I would speak and share His heart at this time. In this time and witnessing this families' love for one another ,I am so deeply moved in my spirit and once again revisit the gift that life truly is.
God has indeed given me His thoughts and words in the past 48 hours. It never ceases to amaze me when I listen and withdraw to understand, He speaks so clearly to me. But He knows that my heart is for Him. For these days were my days off, to even be with my husband in Vancouver near the olympics and pre celebrations to his sister's wedding, to have girl time with my daughter, and yet God has asked me to do something else. My flesh doesn't want to ... and yet God speaks to my heart to say "This is a high calling Carrie, do this for me."
So I surrender and these last 4 days I minister fully on His clock. But in this time, I am in awe of how He continues to pour thoughts, and words and insight even in Bryce's life to me.
Losing a 20 year old on vacation, and then speaking comfort and love, and officiating a large memorial service stretches me. Give me thousands of people to speak, and motivate on a specific topic... different story. And yet God brings to memory a time 7 years ago in a conversation we had.
I was sitting at my high school friend, Jenn's, father's funeral. All my high school friends were there and I had come in, dressed in my suit straight from Telus and sat at the very back of the funeral home. I remember how distraught so many of my friends were in this sudden passing of a dad that we all knew even as friends hanging at her house. And then an older somewhat expressionless man got up and officiated the service very matter of factly. It seemed so cold and mundane that I remember burning with almost an anger in me, not being judgemental but realizing such pain in and around me needed more comfort. So I whispered, "O Lord, if you ever gave me the chance to do a service like this, I would do it with my heart." And then somewhat laughed it off realizing that was the farthest stretch of my imagination as I closed off fourth Quarter leading in Sales with Telus.
It was just recently God reminds me of this and once again I'm humbled. Bowing before Him, sitting at His feet longing to listen to Him give me His words that I would simply portray His love to those that long for it desperately at this time. Is this not what life is about? Without God's love we're lost. I am called to share it, to be a witness to it.
Teach us to number our days a right that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12. This will be the theme of the message He gives me.
Even now He's teaching me that these last four days were numbered by Him to be poured out to others in their deepest moments. I find joy and peace knowing I am walking in His will.
We will be measured on how we did with the days He gave us. Each one of us has our number already determined and each day it gets smaller. If you could see your number now, would you procrastinate or live each day fully?
What if life is simply a test? We shall be measured according to what we are given.
I shall proclaim to our Lord what David said, "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days, let me know how fleeting is my life." Psalm 39:4
Life is but a breath. Here today and gone tomorrow. As I inhale His goodness may I exhale His love.
They will be having the memorial service at Trinity and I have been asked do the service. I don't take this lightly, actually completely opposite. My heart aches and despairs more than any other part of my job when I am asked to do such. Those that know me, know I won't just go through the motions, (my gifting of discernment doesn't even allow that) but rather I will chose to live and breathe this loss with this family that I might honor and love and respect them in such a difficult time. Not only do I desire to be there for them, but in these 4 days, KNOW as much of Bryce as possible that I can speak intimately and sincerely as a gift to them and so many others that will be there.
But above all I find myself constantly speaking and listening with God for HIS words, that I would speak and share His heart at this time. In this time and witnessing this families' love for one another ,I am so deeply moved in my spirit and once again revisit the gift that life truly is.
God has indeed given me His thoughts and words in the past 48 hours. It never ceases to amaze me when I listen and withdraw to understand, He speaks so clearly to me. But He knows that my heart is for Him. For these days were my days off, to even be with my husband in Vancouver near the olympics and pre celebrations to his sister's wedding, to have girl time with my daughter, and yet God has asked me to do something else. My flesh doesn't want to ... and yet God speaks to my heart to say "This is a high calling Carrie, do this for me."
So I surrender and these last 4 days I minister fully on His clock. But in this time, I am in awe of how He continues to pour thoughts, and words and insight even in Bryce's life to me.
Losing a 20 year old on vacation, and then speaking comfort and love, and officiating a large memorial service stretches me. Give me thousands of people to speak, and motivate on a specific topic... different story. And yet God brings to memory a time 7 years ago in a conversation we had.
I was sitting at my high school friend, Jenn's, father's funeral. All my high school friends were there and I had come in, dressed in my suit straight from Telus and sat at the very back of the funeral home. I remember how distraught so many of my friends were in this sudden passing of a dad that we all knew even as friends hanging at her house. And then an older somewhat expressionless man got up and officiated the service very matter of factly. It seemed so cold and mundane that I remember burning with almost an anger in me, not being judgemental but realizing such pain in and around me needed more comfort. So I whispered, "O Lord, if you ever gave me the chance to do a service like this, I would do it with my heart." And then somewhat laughed it off realizing that was the farthest stretch of my imagination as I closed off fourth Quarter leading in Sales with Telus.
It was just recently God reminds me of this and once again I'm humbled. Bowing before Him, sitting at His feet longing to listen to Him give me His words that I would simply portray His love to those that long for it desperately at this time. Is this not what life is about? Without God's love we're lost. I am called to share it, to be a witness to it.
Teach us to number our days a right that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12. This will be the theme of the message He gives me.
Even now He's teaching me that these last four days were numbered by Him to be poured out to others in their deepest moments. I find joy and peace knowing I am walking in His will.
We will be measured on how we did with the days He gave us. Each one of us has our number already determined and each day it gets smaller. If you could see your number now, would you procrastinate or live each day fully?
What if life is simply a test? We shall be measured according to what we are given.
I shall proclaim to our Lord what David said, "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days, let me know how fleeting is my life." Psalm 39:4
Life is but a breath. Here today and gone tomorrow. As I inhale His goodness may I exhale His love.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Inquiring Minds Shall Know
*I wonder why so many HATE Jesus? People that don't even know Him really, just hate any mention of Him?
*I witness 2 parents meeting at a restaurant for lunch with their baby boy. Both arriving in separate cars, looks as if he's on his lunch break. As they leave to say good bye and head off in their separate cars "mom" takes the boy back from Dad's loving and playful arms and the baby starts crying desperately with arms wide open to not want to let his daddy go back to work. His arms still outreached and crying as his dad musters a smile as his heart despairs to break away. I wonder in that moment what the world would look like if we cried for our Father God with the same love, desperation and desire to never let go? Why is that such a ridiculous thought? (Lord, may you see me long as this baby did to be in your arms always).
*I witness leading young Sr High students a few guys and girls continuing on with desiring excellence while they would long a brief moment of undivided time from their busy business fathers. This breaks my heart.
*We have our first fully sunny and very mild day of the year. Coats off, sunglasses on, sunroofs open. Glorious. Everyone seems to be so cheerful and friendlier! It's refreshing and promotes new hope that we will yet say good bye to winter to bring in a new season of growth and life. As I experience this day my heart utters, "LORD as this beauty and warmth of today is to so many, so are you and your word to my soul. Thank you!"
*For all the time we spend watching, promoting, even talking, about some of the world's greatest athlete and marvelling and comparing countries, perhaps it would do us well to take a moment to marvel and direct the focus on the One that created both of these. He is the master of all. Our Creator!
*I see confidence arising in our youth that holds dignity in a higher place. Something to be desired in even the way they portray themselves to others.
*I witness a young woman at youth disruptive and not really engaged, to find myself wondering why she came? Then I run into her the NEXT day in the hall of her school and not only does she not avoid me, she waits until I get out of the washroom and introduces me to 3 of her friends. She is joyful and pleasant, smiling ear to ear. So gracious, even her make up is much softer over the dark black lines. She doesn't want to leave but continue talking. I walk away baffled but apologizing to God, though I had been somewhat resigned to her behaviour... God showed me that I really have no idea what she contemplated as she lied on her bed that night. We left with the excitement to see each other again next Wed.
I have many more... but have a family sitting around me right now, having completed all our Saturday chores, wanting to go and PLAY. :)
Oh to see beyond shallow to deeper things. I wonder if a scuba diver enjoys just skimming the surface?
Loving life,
C
*I witness 2 parents meeting at a restaurant for lunch with their baby boy. Both arriving in separate cars, looks as if he's on his lunch break. As they leave to say good bye and head off in their separate cars "mom" takes the boy back from Dad's loving and playful arms and the baby starts crying desperately with arms wide open to not want to let his daddy go back to work. His arms still outreached and crying as his dad musters a smile as his heart despairs to break away. I wonder in that moment what the world would look like if we cried for our Father God with the same love, desperation and desire to never let go? Why is that such a ridiculous thought? (Lord, may you see me long as this baby did to be in your arms always).
*I witness leading young Sr High students a few guys and girls continuing on with desiring excellence while they would long a brief moment of undivided time from their busy business fathers. This breaks my heart.
*We have our first fully sunny and very mild day of the year. Coats off, sunglasses on, sunroofs open. Glorious. Everyone seems to be so cheerful and friendlier! It's refreshing and promotes new hope that we will yet say good bye to winter to bring in a new season of growth and life. As I experience this day my heart utters, "LORD as this beauty and warmth of today is to so many, so are you and your word to my soul. Thank you!"
*For all the time we spend watching, promoting, even talking, about some of the world's greatest athlete and marvelling and comparing countries, perhaps it would do us well to take a moment to marvel and direct the focus on the One that created both of these. He is the master of all. Our Creator!
*I see confidence arising in our youth that holds dignity in a higher place. Something to be desired in even the way they portray themselves to others.
*I witness a young woman at youth disruptive and not really engaged, to find myself wondering why she came? Then I run into her the NEXT day in the hall of her school and not only does she not avoid me, she waits until I get out of the washroom and introduces me to 3 of her friends. She is joyful and pleasant, smiling ear to ear. So gracious, even her make up is much softer over the dark black lines. She doesn't want to leave but continue talking. I walk away baffled but apologizing to God, though I had been somewhat resigned to her behaviour... God showed me that I really have no idea what she contemplated as she lied on her bed that night. We left with the excitement to see each other again next Wed.
I have many more... but have a family sitting around me right now, having completed all our Saturday chores, wanting to go and PLAY. :)
Oh to see beyond shallow to deeper things. I wonder if a scuba diver enjoys just skimming the surface?
Loving life,
C
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
"Mind" Matters
Are our many conveniences of today making life easier or actually training us and doing us a disservice, unknowingly? Are microwave and convenient dinners wolfed down by the kitchen sink, or in front of the TV, encouraging communication and relationship? Will our children know how to be social and handle situations face to face, or only under the comfort of having a lifeless object in front of them?
Do our motorized ways, enable the best use of physical energy? Snow blowers over snow shovels; paid landscapers, over my own lawn mower; converters over pushing the channel; lazy boys over ordinary chairs; internet over libraries; electric toothbrushes, touchless faucets and flushes, electronic robotic vacuums, etc.etc. How many of us get annoyed when we don't have a drive through? Now you know I could go on and on, but you get the idea. And granted I'm not saying many of these conveniences aren't good...
This is where it sparked. I walk by an older truck that still has left it's lights on by accident. It dawns on me that I rarely see that nowadays, given our lights that automatically go on and off with the car. And then I find myself thankful that we have this luxury. And yet the Spirit prompts me to look a bit deeper. If I had that older car now, how often would I be leaving my lights on???? My memory no longer needs to account for this. Then I start to think of how much less our memories are really being worked, stretched and trained.
If you lost your cell phone or blackberry how many phone numbers, email addresses would you remember off by heart? Really? I would completely be lost. We don't need to remember as much as we used to as we seem to do a google search, search the contact, sometimes just talk to the device and it responds?? Speeches can now be read from back monitor screens, etc. etc.
I find our youth less able to commit things for memory as our Seniors once could at their age. It's no wonder they are quite forgetful in leaving things behinds or losing things, etc. But listen I am an advocate for our youth, so I am NOT BLAMING them but rather encouraging them to step out beyond this and focus on training their memory skills.
Even starting tonight at YOUTH, I've implemented a memory challenge. If they can recite 2 specific things to me from memory, YES I have a prize for them. :) BUT I also commit to knowing and reciting what I'm asking them to, before I ask. For why shall I ask them to do something I wouldn't do myself first?
On a broader, deeper scale what happens when we take God for granted? When we no longer, say the Lord's prayer in School, study His word in depth, or recite verses from memory? How many young people know the old hymns? Even the classic Christmas carols are becoming distant. When we turn away from God, when we take Him for granted, His presence will indeed fade from our memories and lives.
As a Nation I pray it may never be said of Canada that we have forgotten our Maker.
So today I speak Peter's words, 2Peter 1:13 "I think it right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body."
My mind and my heart shall forever praise THEE, O GREAT GOD.
To THEE be all glory and honor and praise. May I never boast of another as I do you.
Mindfully and Wholeheartedly HIS,
C
Do our motorized ways, enable the best use of physical energy? Snow blowers over snow shovels; paid landscapers, over my own lawn mower; converters over pushing the channel; lazy boys over ordinary chairs; internet over libraries; electric toothbrushes, touchless faucets and flushes, electronic robotic vacuums, etc.etc. How many of us get annoyed when we don't have a drive through? Now you know I could go on and on, but you get the idea. And granted I'm not saying many of these conveniences aren't good...
This is where it sparked. I walk by an older truck that still has left it's lights on by accident. It dawns on me that I rarely see that nowadays, given our lights that automatically go on and off with the car. And then I find myself thankful that we have this luxury. And yet the Spirit prompts me to look a bit deeper. If I had that older car now, how often would I be leaving my lights on???? My memory no longer needs to account for this. Then I start to think of how much less our memories are really being worked, stretched and trained.
If you lost your cell phone or blackberry how many phone numbers, email addresses would you remember off by heart? Really? I would completely be lost. We don't need to remember as much as we used to as we seem to do a google search, search the contact, sometimes just talk to the device and it responds?? Speeches can now be read from back monitor screens, etc. etc.
I find our youth less able to commit things for memory as our Seniors once could at their age. It's no wonder they are quite forgetful in leaving things behinds or losing things, etc. But listen I am an advocate for our youth, so I am NOT BLAMING them but rather encouraging them to step out beyond this and focus on training their memory skills.
Even starting tonight at YOUTH, I've implemented a memory challenge. If they can recite 2 specific things to me from memory, YES I have a prize for them. :) BUT I also commit to knowing and reciting what I'm asking them to, before I ask. For why shall I ask them to do something I wouldn't do myself first?
On a broader, deeper scale what happens when we take God for granted? When we no longer, say the Lord's prayer in School, study His word in depth, or recite verses from memory? How many young people know the old hymns? Even the classic Christmas carols are becoming distant. When we turn away from God, when we take Him for granted, His presence will indeed fade from our memories and lives.
As a Nation I pray it may never be said of Canada that we have forgotten our Maker.
So today I speak Peter's words, 2Peter 1:13 "I think it right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body."
My mind and my heart shall forever praise THEE, O GREAT GOD.
To THEE be all glory and honor and praise. May I never boast of another as I do you.
Mindfully and Wholeheartedly HIS,
C
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wayword to This World - Woo HOO!!
okay.. okay.. I'm getting the hint. Your emails, texts, etc... including my own son's comment on Thurs night, "So... I've been wondering if you are going to write on your blog soon?!"... lol! He was so cute.. then as I tried to explain I'd been away all last week at Board mtgs in Florida taking red eye flights, then back full swing into teaching, mtgs, etc... it's been a busy time.. BUT that didn't get me far, as I myself don't like excuses at any time. (I was merely just stating some truthful facts. I know.. I know...)
So he decided to sit with Alyssa and Brea while I was making dinner and have a LIVE blog session where his question was simply, "So... what's on your heart these days?" BIG :) It so moved my heart. He's a persevering little fellow.
I do apologize for taking longer than anticipated to write to you, as you all know there is so much in my heart in a day.
There is a huge thought that God has stirred my heart with about a month ago and it seems to be everywhere I go these days. It's been getting deeper and more spiritually inspired as God really shows me His heart in this. But I do want to take the right time to write about it as it is more of a controversial topic. But then again, so are many things that the enemy seems to have us deceived on.
***
God continues to bless our blended family so much. Brea got some news after school one day that made her feel so sad and Roger and I couldn't be there right away, BUT Alyssa her new sister was there. And the most beautiful thing transpired, for as tears rolled down Brea's face it was Alyssa that she reached for and together they hugged each other. And even now it's funny Brea talks at school of her sister and brother and her peers rudely try to correct her saying, isn't that your "STEP" sister and brother. Brea says, "Yes" but she claims to her friends she'd prefer to just call them the "real thing". It's her decision and such she has made!
She didn't tell me this until yesterday on the drive home. That morning as the kids left for school I for the first time ever referred to the kids as my Step Children just as I was telling a story about them. I was so convicted in my spirit and really thought about it after. I DON'T think it's right in my heart to call them this. So I've decided I won't in my quiet conversation with God. Then I share this with Brea and she can't believe I'm saying this! For she too had the exact same sense that it just seemed wrong. SO...We're Doing away with the STEP over here! Full-on flat playing field. No half way about it. :)
We've been talking a lot about relationships this week, especially given Valentine's around the corner after all we are social creatures. I have seen and witnessed many examples of the good and bad of this. Actually... I think I've personally been through every part of the the circle of what to do and not do in relationships. (Trust me not proud of that... but it does allow me now, to teach in a powerful way, having been there.)
In short, guys greatest downfall will be and has always been WOMEN. From Adam to the strongest, the wisest, the richest man of ancient of days, have fallen prey to the allure of a woman. hmmm.... In Proverbs 31:3, the Queen herself says to her son, "Son, do not spend your strength on women, or your vigor on THOSE who RUIN kings." Wow... so true though. As a fellow women in the corporate world to a restaurant, I see the influence a woman can play with to a man. Eight years ago God taught me how to lay this down entirely and trust Him, even rejecting money, fame, honor, etc... given by men.
So I passionately and defensively teach my young man not to be influenced or pulled off track from school, sports, careers, etc... as God equips and trains them to be His man first. Pride is given in what a man can accomplish and put his skill to as well, from that comes and establishment of home, and finance, etc. God will in turn bring THE wife He already has allocated for him if He trusts and waits on God.
And for women I counsel them to find TRUE LOVE first found in our LORD. For our greatest weakness is so desiring to be LOVED. Unfortunately the enemy twists some guy buying a girl lunch, a few love texts, and a drink at a party. A muffled "I love you" and there she goes, giving a wonderous gift of purity to a guy that seems to care for her in the moment. Why??... because in every woman there is a desire to feel precious, honored and loved. Truly. I didn't want to admit this for a long time, but I did want the truth of what a woman is from God and His word? Do you know that the earth trembles under an UNLOVED woman who is married? Prov 3:21,23. I can testify to this. That's why until a woman knows and realizes the trueness of God's love for her she will never truly be satisfied. I see this a lot in women nit picking men, or blaming, or looking elsewhere at some man that takes an interest in her, when really she just desires to be loved for WHO SHE IS... not the LIE that the media paints she ought to be. But for who she really is. A treasure verse of my Lord's love to me in this time was Isaiah 43:4a
You see, God taught me this in the hardest time of my life. And now, even with Roger, whom I love so completely, my love is drawn from God. From Him it overflows through me to Roger and vice versa. The love that He is teaching me is selfless and though a sacrifice initially, so incredibly beautiful as it evolves.
Today he is with 6 other guys, flown down in a private jet to Miami, playing golf, finest of cuisines, parties, etc... to embark on a LIVE viewing of yes... the SUPERBOWL. I know Florida well and the Hollywood, party nature of South Beach and all it's worldly attraction. And yet, although some of the women may feel jealous or upset, I truly am thanking God for this gift for Roger and SO EXCITED for him! Really. I prayed that for our monthly anniversary on the 7th I might be able to bless my husband in a tremendous way. Well... God helped me out on this one! :) Next to God, and his family, I know one great enjoyment for Roger is football. I LOVE how excited he gets when he watches, it talks about, etc.... it really blesses me. So I've even taken to understanding in detail more and more about all the teams, rules, etc. And yes, I am rather intrigued with the wisdom and sense of humility behind Peyton Manning. :)
On top of all that I get the blessing of having a girls' weekend with Brea, which we are BOTH SO THRILLED about!!! It's the first one we've had all alone since we've been married and we're having a lot of fun! She declared all week to her friends she was so excited for this weekend cause she got to hang with her mom all weekend. She told me that her friends think she's so weird that she likes being with her mom! We laughed so hard at that!!!
So circling back to my original stirring of the STEP elimination, here too, we rise the bar for celebrated time away, no jealousy but rather sheer excitement, and a mom and daughter who will show the world that WE SHALL be BFF!! (Best Friends Forever)
Since when... do I do things that seem to be in sync with this world!? Hopefully never... that is my goal. For my citizenship is not of here, and quite frankly my desire is that one day too it shall be said of me "The World was not worthy of her." (Hebrews 11:38). This is my prayer.
I love you Roger, Brea, Daniel and Alyssa. I count it a privilege to share this life with each of you.
Go Colts Go! (That's for you Baby... ) BIG :)
So he decided to sit with Alyssa and Brea while I was making dinner and have a LIVE blog session where his question was simply, "So... what's on your heart these days?" BIG :) It so moved my heart. He's a persevering little fellow.
I do apologize for taking longer than anticipated to write to you, as you all know there is so much in my heart in a day.
There is a huge thought that God has stirred my heart with about a month ago and it seems to be everywhere I go these days. It's been getting deeper and more spiritually inspired as God really shows me His heart in this. But I do want to take the right time to write about it as it is more of a controversial topic. But then again, so are many things that the enemy seems to have us deceived on.
***
God continues to bless our blended family so much. Brea got some news after school one day that made her feel so sad and Roger and I couldn't be there right away, BUT Alyssa her new sister was there. And the most beautiful thing transpired, for as tears rolled down Brea's face it was Alyssa that she reached for and together they hugged each other. And even now it's funny Brea talks at school of her sister and brother and her peers rudely try to correct her saying, isn't that your "STEP" sister and brother. Brea says, "Yes" but she claims to her friends she'd prefer to just call them the "real thing". It's her decision and such she has made!
She didn't tell me this until yesterday on the drive home. That morning as the kids left for school I for the first time ever referred to the kids as my Step Children just as I was telling a story about them. I was so convicted in my spirit and really thought about it after. I DON'T think it's right in my heart to call them this. So I've decided I won't in my quiet conversation with God. Then I share this with Brea and she can't believe I'm saying this! For she too had the exact same sense that it just seemed wrong. SO...We're Doing away with the STEP over here! Full-on flat playing field. No half way about it. :)
We've been talking a lot about relationships this week, especially given Valentine's around the corner after all we are social creatures. I have seen and witnessed many examples of the good and bad of this. Actually... I think I've personally been through every part of the the circle of what to do and not do in relationships. (Trust me not proud of that... but it does allow me now, to teach in a powerful way, having been there.)
In short, guys greatest downfall will be and has always been WOMEN. From Adam to the strongest, the wisest, the richest man of ancient of days, have fallen prey to the allure of a woman. hmmm.... In Proverbs 31:3, the Queen herself says to her son, "Son, do not spend your strength on women, or your vigor on THOSE who RUIN kings." Wow... so true though. As a fellow women in the corporate world to a restaurant, I see the influence a woman can play with to a man. Eight years ago God taught me how to lay this down entirely and trust Him, even rejecting money, fame, honor, etc... given by men.
So I passionately and defensively teach my young man not to be influenced or pulled off track from school, sports, careers, etc... as God equips and trains them to be His man first. Pride is given in what a man can accomplish and put his skill to as well, from that comes and establishment of home, and finance, etc. God will in turn bring THE wife He already has allocated for him if He trusts and waits on God.
And for women I counsel them to find TRUE LOVE first found in our LORD. For our greatest weakness is so desiring to be LOVED. Unfortunately the enemy twists some guy buying a girl lunch, a few love texts, and a drink at a party. A muffled "I love you" and there she goes, giving a wonderous gift of purity to a guy that seems to care for her in the moment. Why??... because in every woman there is a desire to feel precious, honored and loved. Truly. I didn't want to admit this for a long time, but I did want the truth of what a woman is from God and His word? Do you know that the earth trembles under an UNLOVED woman who is married? Prov 3:21,23. I can testify to this. That's why until a woman knows and realizes the trueness of God's love for her she will never truly be satisfied. I see this a lot in women nit picking men, or blaming, or looking elsewhere at some man that takes an interest in her, when really she just desires to be loved for WHO SHE IS... not the LIE that the media paints she ought to be. But for who she really is. A treasure verse of my Lord's love to me in this time was Isaiah 43:4a
You see, God taught me this in the hardest time of my life. And now, even with Roger, whom I love so completely, my love is drawn from God. From Him it overflows through me to Roger and vice versa. The love that He is teaching me is selfless and though a sacrifice initially, so incredibly beautiful as it evolves.
Today he is with 6 other guys, flown down in a private jet to Miami, playing golf, finest of cuisines, parties, etc... to embark on a LIVE viewing of yes... the SUPERBOWL. I know Florida well and the Hollywood, party nature of South Beach and all it's worldly attraction. And yet, although some of the women may feel jealous or upset, I truly am thanking God for this gift for Roger and SO EXCITED for him! Really. I prayed that for our monthly anniversary on the 7th I might be able to bless my husband in a tremendous way. Well... God helped me out on this one! :) Next to God, and his family, I know one great enjoyment for Roger is football. I LOVE how excited he gets when he watches, it talks about, etc.... it really blesses me. So I've even taken to understanding in detail more and more about all the teams, rules, etc. And yes, I am rather intrigued with the wisdom and sense of humility behind Peyton Manning. :)
On top of all that I get the blessing of having a girls' weekend with Brea, which we are BOTH SO THRILLED about!!! It's the first one we've had all alone since we've been married and we're having a lot of fun! She declared all week to her friends she was so excited for this weekend cause she got to hang with her mom all weekend. She told me that her friends think she's so weird that she likes being with her mom! We laughed so hard at that!!!
So circling back to my original stirring of the STEP elimination, here too, we rise the bar for celebrated time away, no jealousy but rather sheer excitement, and a mom and daughter who will show the world that WE SHALL be BFF!! (Best Friends Forever)
Since when... do I do things that seem to be in sync with this world!? Hopefully never... that is my goal. For my citizenship is not of here, and quite frankly my desire is that one day too it shall be said of me "The World was not worthy of her." (Hebrews 11:38). This is my prayer.
I love you Roger, Brea, Daniel and Alyssa. I count it a privilege to share this life with each of you.
Go Colts Go! (That's for you Baby... ) BIG :)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Conversing Communication
We hear the word “communication” all the time. Companies, parents, relationships... seem so often to talk about the importance of communication.
So how about prayer? Why does that seem so tedious or burdensome? Why does it seem of least priority to us so often? With any relationship, communication is essential to grow and develop. Prayer is simply that, COMMUNICATION with God.
I talk constantly with God. I find it a joy to speak with Him. I find certain settings to be more inviting of intimate conversations than others. Do you think my conversation with my husband in the middle of the mall or a romantic candlelight dinner at a quiet quaint restaurant? I often out of nowhere will think of something about God and just marvel at Him, which creates a desire to just simply utter a whispered “I love you.” Similar as I do at random times to my husband. Why do we treat a relationship with God so differently?
Our relationship grows as we seek to give our voice to one who desires a relationship with us.
I find this verse interesting in that Jesus, despite being JESUS himself, he too chose a CERTAIN (1) place at times to pray at.
Luke 11:1One day Jesus was praying in a certain (1) place. When he finished (2), one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach (3) us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
The second interesting part that I see in this verse is that the disciples often witnessed Jesus removing himself to pray to quiet, certain places, but they didn’t interrupt Him. For it says, WHEN HE FINISHED. Isn’t that interesting? They would see and know how important this time was guarded and how intimate it was in His conversation to His Father.
The third point is that his own disciples longed to be TAUGHT after witnessing His conversations with the Father, that they too wanted to learn this. “TEACH us Lord” they asked.
Is our desire intense enough that we too would say, “Lord TEACH me how to talk with you”?
Do you know Jesus actually cried a lot, and loudly too? There is a beautiful verse in Hebrews that I’ve held closely as I ponder the intimate conversations that Jesus had with His Father.
Hebrews 5:7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
I LOVE this picture of our Lord talking with His Father. I aspire to be like Him in EVERY way, especially in deepest intimate conversations with my Father.
So how about prayer? Why does that seem so tedious or burdensome? Why does it seem of least priority to us so often? With any relationship, communication is essential to grow and develop. Prayer is simply that, COMMUNICATION with God.
I talk constantly with God. I find it a joy to speak with Him. I find certain settings to be more inviting of intimate conversations than others. Do you think my conversation with my husband in the middle of the mall or a romantic candlelight dinner at a quiet quaint restaurant? I often out of nowhere will think of something about God and just marvel at Him, which creates a desire to just simply utter a whispered “I love you.” Similar as I do at random times to my husband. Why do we treat a relationship with God so differently?
Our relationship grows as we seek to give our voice to one who desires a relationship with us.
I find this verse interesting in that Jesus, despite being JESUS himself, he too chose a CERTAIN (1) place at times to pray at.
Luke 11:1One day Jesus was praying in a certain (1) place. When he finished (2), one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach (3) us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
The second interesting part that I see in this verse is that the disciples often witnessed Jesus removing himself to pray to quiet, certain places, but they didn’t interrupt Him. For it says, WHEN HE FINISHED. Isn’t that interesting? They would see and know how important this time was guarded and how intimate it was in His conversation to His Father.
The third point is that his own disciples longed to be TAUGHT after witnessing His conversations with the Father, that they too wanted to learn this. “TEACH us Lord” they asked.
Is our desire intense enough that we too would say, “Lord TEACH me how to talk with you”?
Do you know Jesus actually cried a lot, and loudly too? There is a beautiful verse in Hebrews that I’ve held closely as I ponder the intimate conversations that Jesus had with His Father.
Hebrews 5:7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
I LOVE this picture of our Lord talking with His Father. I aspire to be like Him in EVERY way, especially in deepest intimate conversations with my Father.
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Twist on "Twilight"
The recent release of the Twilight movies with blood and vampires has captured the interest of many of our teens. It so amazes me how the enemy loves to sugar coat evil by creating romances out of destruction and death. The enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy us... now what in the world is light or even fun about that??
John 10:10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
grrrrr......
BUT I won't give in that easily. :) I simply want our youth to have TRUTH. To fight back the lies of darkness with the truth of light. Vampires don't like light. But there's nothing wrong with BLOOD... actually that is where the power and life is!!
SO... on that theme, we decided to do a whole teaching on BLOOD. And as a group of leaders we came together to touch on the topic of life in the blood, including discussion on abortion, and ultimately the power that is ours when we exchange our blood for that of Christ's. The power that was in His blood is now offered to us. And from that we showcased the reality of communion, not in "religious traditions" as much as drinking of the cup is truly the reminder that we drink of HIS BLOOD. And with a confession of our own sin and denying our own life blood to exchange for HIS, gives us freedom forever.
John 6:53Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. John 6:54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
It was an incredible time at youth! At the end, we called for the first time those that desired to exchange their blood for His, and not to take it lightly! To only declare such, if it's what they really want. Many desired to come to the wooden cross at the front of the room, dipped their fingerprint in the red paint and sealed it on the cross. Their signature of unique life in their fingerprint; their blood, and then they took of the communion cups beside the cross, many for the first time realizing now the truth behind this cup. For it is His blood that they desired.
What a powerful time. Truly. Many stayed beyond the normal allotted time. There were many tears, hugs, deep encounters and reunions of friendships and forgiveness. Once again, even after Sunday's study I sense a deeper Spirit in and through us at work. It's as if we are beginning to ride that wave. It's exciting and it's ever real. We are becoming witnesses! Not only of what He's done for us but at what He's doing in this up and coming generation!
I came in early the next morning so thankful to God for what HE IS doing. I knelt in the dark, quiet, open room and humbly thanked Him. Then I arose to touch every red stained fingerprint praying individually for each of these precious lives. Tears escaped my heart and soul, as I count it such a privilege to simply be one of HIS Life Coaches.
Through Blood, Sweat and Tears,
c
John 10:10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
grrrrr......
BUT I won't give in that easily. :) I simply want our youth to have TRUTH. To fight back the lies of darkness with the truth of light. Vampires don't like light. But there's nothing wrong with BLOOD... actually that is where the power and life is!!
SO... on that theme, we decided to do a whole teaching on BLOOD. And as a group of leaders we came together to touch on the topic of life in the blood, including discussion on abortion, and ultimately the power that is ours when we exchange our blood for that of Christ's. The power that was in His blood is now offered to us. And from that we showcased the reality of communion, not in "religious traditions" as much as drinking of the cup is truly the reminder that we drink of HIS BLOOD. And with a confession of our own sin and denying our own life blood to exchange for HIS, gives us freedom forever.
John 6:53Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. John 6:54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
It was an incredible time at youth! At the end, we called for the first time those that desired to exchange their blood for His, and not to take it lightly! To only declare such, if it's what they really want. Many desired to come to the wooden cross at the front of the room, dipped their fingerprint in the red paint and sealed it on the cross. Their signature of unique life in their fingerprint; their blood, and then they took of the communion cups beside the cross, many for the first time realizing now the truth behind this cup. For it is His blood that they desired.
What a powerful time. Truly. Many stayed beyond the normal allotted time. There were many tears, hugs, deep encounters and reunions of friendships and forgiveness. Once again, even after Sunday's study I sense a deeper Spirit in and through us at work. It's as if we are beginning to ride that wave. It's exciting and it's ever real. We are becoming witnesses! Not only of what He's done for us but at what He's doing in this up and coming generation!
I came in early the next morning so thankful to God for what HE IS doing. I knelt in the dark, quiet, open room and humbly thanked Him. Then I arose to touch every red stained fingerprint praying individually for each of these precious lives. Tears escaped my heart and soul, as I count it such a privilege to simply be one of HIS Life Coaches.
Through Blood, Sweat and Tears,
c
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Martyr is my Witness
What are you a witness to? Really.
When someone says your name what do people first think of? Be honest, be real. Ask others. Tell them to be brutally honest.
What or who, if anything would you be willing to die for?
Aren't the last words of someone so powerful? Often replayed over and over again. Jesus leaves the commission to "Go" and make disciples but a powerful phrase we miss is His words in Acts, just before He enters heaven He says to His disciples, Acts 1:8 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The New Testament word for "witness"is the same for "martyr". We have come to know martyrs for those who have died for the faith. Again I ask you, what in your life, or who would you die for?
A witness is someone who sees, hears, or knows by personal presence and perception. These guys KNEW Him, personally. I KNOW HIM PERSONALLY... and hence my desire of even just sharing this blog. His personal encounters are available to all! If we simply WITNESS to Who He is to us, and what experiences we have with Him, we are honoring the call. Seems pretty simple?? YES... BUT SIMPLE for those that daily walk with God. What a joy, what a privilege! How easy it is to just relay details of personal encounters. May we continue to desire to walk with God, for in that we CAN WITNESS of what an amazing GOD loves us, so unconditionally.
I will write more on this later, my loving husband is taking me for a romantic date night. :)
Witness to our GREAT GOD, My life is His,
To the point of death, I shall declare I love Him,
C
Monday, January 11, 2010
Forecast Calling for a Windy Generation
I am so incredibly thankful to God that He is entrusting me with such amazing young people to teach and train and equip with all truth to be great men and women in this country.
I work humbly alongside 11 other leaders that I would be honored to die with in a desire to honor our God.
They inspire excellence in everything they do from their walks of purity, living life to the fullest in fear and awe of our Great God. Loving Him first and others with a passion to see this younger generation know Him even more. We all make mistakes but together we provide grace and forgiveness and a desire to work together to not let the enemy grab a foothold anywhere. (I have included a picture at the side of both leaders, and a group shot of our youth)
Roger and I co-lead a bible study Sundays at 10am. We didn't send out a msg saying we were restarting up after the holidays as I just knew the "die hards" would indeed be there. Sure enough they were. :) We are studying "KNOW Really" who Jesus was and is as we follow his exact steps of life through the new testament. We were looking at Luke 4:14-30. Those that know me, know it is simply the bible as our source no curriculum.
We deeply examine the scriptures as we bring to life this phenomenon of a man in which our God, acts so gentle AND so bold, often in the ways we least expect it. The Lion and the Lamb he truly is. (Rog and I are actually in pursuit of 2 awesome paintings/portraits to put in the expanse of our great room on either side of the fireplace. Yes.. you got it, a lion and a lamb.) BIG BIG :) Let me know if you come across any!
Then we stop to finish with some time in prayer in which anyone can pray and I will close. No one prays, which is unheard of in our group... then I can sense God's discerning words in my heart, for each one there specifically, and I can hear Him tell me to pray it audibly for all to hear but specifically what He is putting on my heart. I argue gently, as my mind tries to overpower my heart, saying, "Lord do we really have time for all of that? And what if it's not all right? And do you have something for each one here?"
"Trust me." I hear Him say and with a deep breath I pray simply what He downloads on my heart for each one.
It takes time, but man is it deep. When we are finished, you can hear a pin drop and tears around the room. NO ONE moves from their seats as if we're glued to them. Service has just begun and we ought to be going, but again.. no one can move. Literally it's like a heavy peace, and presence of God that no one wants to leave.
Roger, who is incredibly gifted in sensing the presence of the Spirit and needing to move in it, wonders if we should continue in this. I agree. And we offer to those that really want prayer that we would remain and pray specifically with them. Over half of the group stays.
From there we move our circle closer together and each one deeply, I mean deeply to the outpouring of countless tears, declares further what the Lord has brought to the surface in each of their hearts and then we pray specifically to each one. Another there is given scriptures at the time of prayer so perfectly for that individual it's just awesome. After a few hours I'm in awe. Literally. I feel for the first time in a long time the deep intimate times in the Spirit that we shared as a group in Israel. It was powerful and refreshing and freeing to see this little flock fully alive, desiring so much more of God. I look at this remnant to which God is at work with and at how His word is becoming alive to them more and more and how they are willing to step out of the crowds at school even if that means standing alone, but not wanting to fall for the lie of unsatisfactory pleasures that lead to death. Here before me lies, quarterback, musicians, A students, athletes, even one that has been chosen to run the Olympic torch in her city, and ones from broken homes, abused, etc, honestly I ponder in my heart as Mary did, that God is at work in this younger generation. He's building His strong nucleus even right now, to stand boldly in times to come. Right now is prep work in truly KNOWING HIM, by His Spirit of Truth in them and through His word. It's a beautiful thing.
When one of the mothers of the young guys asked how church was, he declared, "It was so awesome! It felt just like it did in Israel."
Our kingdom is with us here and now, the kingdom is within us. We don't need to go somewhere to get it, we just need to know how to live, move, breathe in it, for it's already ours to those who believe. (Luke 17:21)
I am refreshed having witnessed the wind shared and blown through all of us yesterday. I know and sense and feel this love constantly. I would rather die than not have it,(Psalm 51:11
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.)
but my next greatest desire is that others too would know this hidden treasure that is available to all. That they would receive it, and would learn to walk and run in it. For then there is not even a desire to turn back.
This is the abundant life.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Persevere in this time and you too will yet behold such goodness. His death is my LIFE and I shall live it boldly.
His,
C
I work humbly alongside 11 other leaders that I would be honored to die with in a desire to honor our God.
They inspire excellence in everything they do from their walks of purity, living life to the fullest in fear and awe of our Great God. Loving Him first and others with a passion to see this younger generation know Him even more. We all make mistakes but together we provide grace and forgiveness and a desire to work together to not let the enemy grab a foothold anywhere. (I have included a picture at the side of both leaders, and a group shot of our youth)
Roger and I co-lead a bible study Sundays at 10am. We didn't send out a msg saying we were restarting up after the holidays as I just knew the "die hards" would indeed be there. Sure enough they were. :) We are studying "KNOW Really" who Jesus was and is as we follow his exact steps of life through the new testament. We were looking at Luke 4:14-30. Those that know me, know it is simply the bible as our source no curriculum.
We deeply examine the scriptures as we bring to life this phenomenon of a man in which our God, acts so gentle AND so bold, often in the ways we least expect it. The Lion and the Lamb he truly is. (Rog and I are actually in pursuit of 2 awesome paintings/portraits to put in the expanse of our great room on either side of the fireplace. Yes.. you got it, a lion and a lamb.) BIG BIG :) Let me know if you come across any!
Then we stop to finish with some time in prayer in which anyone can pray and I will close. No one prays, which is unheard of in our group... then I can sense God's discerning words in my heart, for each one there specifically, and I can hear Him tell me to pray it audibly for all to hear but specifically what He is putting on my heart. I argue gently, as my mind tries to overpower my heart, saying, "Lord do we really have time for all of that? And what if it's not all right? And do you have something for each one here?"
"Trust me." I hear Him say and with a deep breath I pray simply what He downloads on my heart for each one.
It takes time, but man is it deep. When we are finished, you can hear a pin drop and tears around the room. NO ONE moves from their seats as if we're glued to them. Service has just begun and we ought to be going, but again.. no one can move. Literally it's like a heavy peace, and presence of God that no one wants to leave.
Roger, who is incredibly gifted in sensing the presence of the Spirit and needing to move in it, wonders if we should continue in this. I agree. And we offer to those that really want prayer that we would remain and pray specifically with them. Over half of the group stays.
From there we move our circle closer together and each one deeply, I mean deeply to the outpouring of countless tears, declares further what the Lord has brought to the surface in each of their hearts and then we pray specifically to each one. Another there is given scriptures at the time of prayer so perfectly for that individual it's just awesome. After a few hours I'm in awe. Literally. I feel for the first time in a long time the deep intimate times in the Spirit that we shared as a group in Israel. It was powerful and refreshing and freeing to see this little flock fully alive, desiring so much more of God. I look at this remnant to which God is at work with and at how His word is becoming alive to them more and more and how they are willing to step out of the crowds at school even if that means standing alone, but not wanting to fall for the lie of unsatisfactory pleasures that lead to death. Here before me lies, quarterback, musicians, A students, athletes, even one that has been chosen to run the Olympic torch in her city, and ones from broken homes, abused, etc, honestly I ponder in my heart as Mary did, that God is at work in this younger generation. He's building His strong nucleus even right now, to stand boldly in times to come. Right now is prep work in truly KNOWING HIM, by His Spirit of Truth in them and through His word. It's a beautiful thing.
When one of the mothers of the young guys asked how church was, he declared, "It was so awesome! It felt just like it did in Israel."
Our kingdom is with us here and now, the kingdom is within us. We don't need to go somewhere to get it, we just need to know how to live, move, breathe in it, for it's already ours to those who believe. (Luke 17:21)
I am refreshed having witnessed the wind shared and blown through all of us yesterday. I know and sense and feel this love constantly. I would rather die than not have it,(Psalm 51:11
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.)
but my next greatest desire is that others too would know this hidden treasure that is available to all. That they would receive it, and would learn to walk and run in it. For then there is not even a desire to turn back.
This is the abundant life.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Persevere in this time and you too will yet behold such goodness. His death is my LIFE and I shall live it boldly.
His,
C
Thursday, January 7, 2010
My Reliquinshed Mind for His Refreshing Spirit
I had to pick up some supplies for a Youth Gathering last night at Walmart and grabbed the little basket rather than the cart, less hassle, or so I seem to think everytime until it is overflowing and things are dropping everywhere.
By the time, I was finished, the basket probably weighed 30 pounds. And my arms were completely loaded. Of course the lines at Walmart are anything but small and so by the end my circulation is now being cut off in my arm and I can barely stand it but I continue and then I have to carry it all to the car, which is far from close to the door!!
As I'm walking I'm thinking I can barely make it, heels and business suit and then I think about the power of the mind. For if someone had of given me a 30 pound weight and told me to carry it around on my arm for the past 20 minutes, I probably would've given up and changed my mind to use the cart. But instead this weight disguised as a task of necessities seems to be easier to complete. It's really amazing how powerful the mind can paint a 30 pound dumbbell creative enough that I would carry it around.
Thank goodness God doesn't look at me like a weight in which He must carry around. That He doesn't give up on me even when I can be slow, heavy, spilling everywhere, and just a pain in the butt. He doesn't change HIS MIND part way through my slow learning processes. Numbers 23:19God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
When we walk with God daily He invades our lives and teaches us constantly. The quicker we listen, learn and obey, the more He teaches us.
Yesterday I was convicted by own blog to drop off a hot lunch for Brea at school as a surprise. It has been a while since I've done this. I left it at the office with a text to her and a note on it, simply telling her I loved her. She checks her phone often at lunchtime to text me about basketball practises etc but for some reason I didn't get a return text? Very strange. But gave it to God, completely trusting Him and asking that someone didn't steal the burger and fries that I left there.
Still not hearing from her by the evening but knowing she was playing basketball I thought it strange she didn't give us a time to pick her up via text. Wed nights I get into the zone of leading and teaching our Sr. Highs here at the church so she knows if she doesn't get me before she has to wait until the end to be picked up, which she is fine with. Nonetheless I prayed that God would help us logistically with the pick up and that she was okay?
I then, literally 30 min later get a call from another parent who's picking up her son and offered to bring Brea to the church with her!! BOTH Brea and I were so overjoyed for what I found out after she arrived was how she was texting me at lunch to thank me SO MUCH for the lunch when the teacher took away her phone and she couldn't get it back until today. So there was no way she could communicate with me as she didn't even have my new blackberry number memorized. But she too KNOWS after hundreds of lessons, the power of our Daddy. And so she too was asking Him for a way to me. :)
She later that night so excited about the lunch blessing I surprised her with told me she thought it was a direct blessing as she had passed the love on to her new sister that morning. (As God continues to blend our family I am absolutely left in awe how much our 3 kids LOVE each other. They have truly become as best friends. This is a deep prayer of both Roger and mine to Him.)
Alyssa got a new Swipes Binder for Christmas and hadn't used it yet. Brea took it and wrote a note on the front page to say, "I love you Alyssa." wow.... she's never said that, let alone write it. Then to tell ME! Alyssa came home that day and intimately shared with Brea how much it meant to her and truly made her day.
So Brea believed in love that as she was refreshing someone else God was using me to refresh her. :) Proverbs 11:25A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
It's amazing what walking in the Spirit will do to refresh and inspire those around us. We simply need to listen.
I have felt some opposition, some vulnerability, some tiredness in the past few days that have left me at moments feeling sad. But as I lift my face to my Lord He pours His love upon me like living water and I drink of it and He refreshes me.
If we go to the source, we will not be disappointed. I am reminded of this the past two days and take comfort from Paul's words,
" As a Servant of God, I commend myself to this in every way, in GREAT ENDURANCE, in hardships and distresses, in hard work, in sleepless nights, in patience, in kindness and in sincere love, through glory and dishonor, through good report and bad report, ....sorrowful yet always rejoicing, poor yet making many rich, having nothing and yet possessing everything. " (2 Cor 6:4-10)
Once again His words remind me that I'm serving our GREAT GOD, and I shall not lose heart. For my treasure, my reward and my welcome from Him, awaits me in heaven.
For Him,
C
By the time, I was finished, the basket probably weighed 30 pounds. And my arms were completely loaded. Of course the lines at Walmart are anything but small and so by the end my circulation is now being cut off in my arm and I can barely stand it but I continue and then I have to carry it all to the car, which is far from close to the door!!
As I'm walking I'm thinking I can barely make it, heels and business suit and then I think about the power of the mind. For if someone had of given me a 30 pound weight and told me to carry it around on my arm for the past 20 minutes, I probably would've given up and changed my mind to use the cart. But instead this weight disguised as a task of necessities seems to be easier to complete. It's really amazing how powerful the mind can paint a 30 pound dumbbell creative enough that I would carry it around.
Thank goodness God doesn't look at me like a weight in which He must carry around. That He doesn't give up on me even when I can be slow, heavy, spilling everywhere, and just a pain in the butt. He doesn't change HIS MIND part way through my slow learning processes. Numbers 23:19God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
When we walk with God daily He invades our lives and teaches us constantly. The quicker we listen, learn and obey, the more He teaches us.
Yesterday I was convicted by own blog to drop off a hot lunch for Brea at school as a surprise. It has been a while since I've done this. I left it at the office with a text to her and a note on it, simply telling her I loved her. She checks her phone often at lunchtime to text me about basketball practises etc but for some reason I didn't get a return text? Very strange. But gave it to God, completely trusting Him and asking that someone didn't steal the burger and fries that I left there.
Still not hearing from her by the evening but knowing she was playing basketball I thought it strange she didn't give us a time to pick her up via text. Wed nights I get into the zone of leading and teaching our Sr. Highs here at the church so she knows if she doesn't get me before she has to wait until the end to be picked up, which she is fine with. Nonetheless I prayed that God would help us logistically with the pick up and that she was okay?
I then, literally 30 min later get a call from another parent who's picking up her son and offered to bring Brea to the church with her!! BOTH Brea and I were so overjoyed for what I found out after she arrived was how she was texting me at lunch to thank me SO MUCH for the lunch when the teacher took away her phone and she couldn't get it back until today. So there was no way she could communicate with me as she didn't even have my new blackberry number memorized. But she too KNOWS after hundreds of lessons, the power of our Daddy. And so she too was asking Him for a way to me. :)
She later that night so excited about the lunch blessing I surprised her with told me she thought it was a direct blessing as she had passed the love on to her new sister that morning. (As God continues to blend our family I am absolutely left in awe how much our 3 kids LOVE each other. They have truly become as best friends. This is a deep prayer of both Roger and mine to Him.)
Alyssa got a new Swipes Binder for Christmas and hadn't used it yet. Brea took it and wrote a note on the front page to say, "I love you Alyssa." wow.... she's never said that, let alone write it. Then to tell ME! Alyssa came home that day and intimately shared with Brea how much it meant to her and truly made her day.
So Brea believed in love that as she was refreshing someone else God was using me to refresh her. :) Proverbs 11:25A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
It's amazing what walking in the Spirit will do to refresh and inspire those around us. We simply need to listen.
I have felt some opposition, some vulnerability, some tiredness in the past few days that have left me at moments feeling sad. But as I lift my face to my Lord He pours His love upon me like living water and I drink of it and He refreshes me.
If we go to the source, we will not be disappointed. I am reminded of this the past two days and take comfort from Paul's words,
" As a Servant of God, I commend myself to this in every way, in GREAT ENDURANCE, in hardships and distresses, in hard work, in sleepless nights, in patience, in kindness and in sincere love, through glory and dishonor, through good report and bad report, ....sorrowful yet always rejoicing, poor yet making many rich, having nothing and yet possessing everything. " (2 Cor 6:4-10)
Once again His words remind me that I'm serving our GREAT GOD, and I shall not lose heart. For my treasure, my reward and my welcome from Him, awaits me in heaven.
For Him,
C
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Overtime Before Timeover
Canada played USA in the finals of the World Cup Junior Hockey tonight. The game extended to overtime. I wonder if you interviewed the team if they would say they played harder in overtime or at the beginning of the game? Even though their bodies are completely spent and they feel exhausted their minds and hearts engage to give it all them have.
Almost like Sudden Death, they play every second to the max. Do we do that in life? Do we look around us at the Tim Hortons or next to our locker? Do we give the best efforts in our assignments, in our listening and conversations to our family members? It is what we are entrusted with to which we are accountable to play full out in. God's not looking for us to be millionaires or invent the world wide web, He simply is desiring that the people and assignments around us are touched and influenced by the best we can give them.
Trust me, I'm often guilty of not giving it my all several times in a day. There are times I miss, or times I completely bomb or blow, BUT I do take the next chance to score, catching up, and tying the game so God gives me the clean slate to play in overtime, full out.
I'll never forget the time my Vice President at TELUS took me aside at our President's Council trip and the second sentence he ever said to me was "So What makes Carrie Simpson so successful?" In haste, shock, fear and a desire to please and impress I responded with "relationships".
Later that night I went to my room and wept for I knew it was God who was blessing me so richly and I didn't want to fear saying that even to someone who didn't know God. I told God then, that I was sincerely sorry and if given the chance again I wouldn't shy away from giving Him all the glory. Indeed this time came again and "YES" I played and scored well in this overtime period for our Lord. :)
God knows we need many chances, we are frail and human. His words to describe us are "mists in His nostrils". (Isaiah 2:22) Or better yet like grass of the fields in which our glory is like flowers. The grass will wither and the flowers fall. (1 Peter 1:24)
Overtime doesn't last long. Neither do the few days that we call "LIFE". Therefore let's be motivated even today to give it all we got. Perhaps a smile, buying someone lunch, surprising someone by shovelling their driveway, waiting an extra 2 minutes to hold the door for the person in the distance, to write a long overdue letter of appreciation to someone who least expects it, throwing on some extra pasta and inviting a lonely, or sad person to join your family for dinner, surprising your kids with a hot lunch from their favorite spot brought to their school, putting a flower in the car or desk of someone special, maybe it's buying an extra coffee and giving it to the homeless guy sitting outside, maybe it's emailing a verse to someone that it reminds you of, the list goes on and on...
King David Wrote:
Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath. (Psalm 39:4,5)
Is it depressing for me to think of life as a breath of overtime?? If King David, who had everything could pen words of such, it will do me well to live LIFE in such a motivated state.
When the Canadian and USA teams went into overtime they KNEW this was it. They played in such a manner.
Today, I shall choose to play as if in OVERTIME.
Overtime vs Timeover.
Almost like Sudden Death, they play every second to the max. Do we do that in life? Do we look around us at the Tim Hortons or next to our locker? Do we give the best efforts in our assignments, in our listening and conversations to our family members? It is what we are entrusted with to which we are accountable to play full out in. God's not looking for us to be millionaires or invent the world wide web, He simply is desiring that the people and assignments around us are touched and influenced by the best we can give them.
Trust me, I'm often guilty of not giving it my all several times in a day. There are times I miss, or times I completely bomb or blow, BUT I do take the next chance to score, catching up, and tying the game so God gives me the clean slate to play in overtime, full out.
I'll never forget the time my Vice President at TELUS took me aside at our President's Council trip and the second sentence he ever said to me was "So What makes Carrie Simpson so successful?" In haste, shock, fear and a desire to please and impress I responded with "relationships".
Later that night I went to my room and wept for I knew it was God who was blessing me so richly and I didn't want to fear saying that even to someone who didn't know God. I told God then, that I was sincerely sorry and if given the chance again I wouldn't shy away from giving Him all the glory. Indeed this time came again and "YES" I played and scored well in this overtime period for our Lord. :)
God knows we need many chances, we are frail and human. His words to describe us are "mists in His nostrils". (Isaiah 2:22) Or better yet like grass of the fields in which our glory is like flowers. The grass will wither and the flowers fall. (1 Peter 1:24)
Overtime doesn't last long. Neither do the few days that we call "LIFE". Therefore let's be motivated even today to give it all we got. Perhaps a smile, buying someone lunch, surprising someone by shovelling their driveway, waiting an extra 2 minutes to hold the door for the person in the distance, to write a long overdue letter of appreciation to someone who least expects it, throwing on some extra pasta and inviting a lonely, or sad person to join your family for dinner, surprising your kids with a hot lunch from their favorite spot brought to their school, putting a flower in the car or desk of someone special, maybe it's buying an extra coffee and giving it to the homeless guy sitting outside, maybe it's emailing a verse to someone that it reminds you of, the list goes on and on...
King David Wrote:
Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath. (Psalm 39:4,5)
Is it depressing for me to think of life as a breath of overtime?? If King David, who had everything could pen words of such, it will do me well to live LIFE in such a motivated state.
When the Canadian and USA teams went into overtime they KNEW this was it. They played in such a manner.
Today, I shall choose to play as if in OVERTIME.
Overtime vs Timeover.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Eagles' Wings
For those that have emailed me asking how the change came from Telus Sales Manager in Toronto, Ontario to Senior High Youth Pastor in Kelowna, BC, I have briefly updated the "About Me" section to help. I'm sure I will write of it more soon.
***
We received a large picture of an eagle as wedding gift from two dear women from Calgary, that has the verse Is 40:31 inscribed on it. It hangs in our bedroom.
Isaiah 40:31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Then at Christmas I got another plaque from another beloved girlfriend in Edmonton with a card that is penned with a significant passage on her heart for me which is in Psalm 91.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Then yesterday as I'm thinking more on Eric Liddell's life(which I wrote of in yesterday's blog) I find that on the Sunday he was supposed to run in the Olympics he actually preached at a church to which he read, Isaiah 40. The parallels were stirring my Spirit.
So I took all of this together and sat and meditated on the two passages. I hear the song on Friday, by Chris Tomlin "I Will Rise" and my Spirit is moved deeply with it. Take a moment and listen to it after reading this.
It was yesterday that we went to see Avatar. As I sat there watching it, the part I am struck by is the ultimate power that is achieved with the main character when he becomes one with the flying creature and soars and sees things from on high. Near the end he brilliantly is able to get a top of the largest dominating creature in the air becoming one with it and this makes him so powerful. He can go anywhere really.
It then dawns on me the deep power available to us when we mount on the wings of eagles and how that is what God desires for us. Also in Psalm 91 how He becomes that powerful eagle for us that desires to protect us under His wing and shield us by allowing us the freedom to fly but only when we become one with Him.
Now don't get me wrong... this doesn't mean we're going to literally fly through the air, BUT I do believe there is a source of power and strength for those who walk boldly in faith. Who TRUST fully with their lives, in our God. Who HOPE is in HIM alone. He will guard and protect us. I guess the question is do we truly believe that?
And even as they portrayed in Avatar, it wasn't just an easy walk on the plane approach. It was a test and a battle to overcome but when faith risked to fight the evil, to the point of risking one's life (dying to self) it was then that he overcame.
1 John 5:5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvrBQL8swLI
I will rise on eagles' wings.
I believe.
***
We received a large picture of an eagle as wedding gift from two dear women from Calgary, that has the verse Is 40:31 inscribed on it. It hangs in our bedroom.
Isaiah 40:31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Then at Christmas I got another plaque from another beloved girlfriend in Edmonton with a card that is penned with a significant passage on her heart for me which is in Psalm 91.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Then yesterday as I'm thinking more on Eric Liddell's life(which I wrote of in yesterday's blog) I find that on the Sunday he was supposed to run in the Olympics he actually preached at a church to which he read, Isaiah 40. The parallels were stirring my Spirit.
So I took all of this together and sat and meditated on the two passages. I hear the song on Friday, by Chris Tomlin "I Will Rise" and my Spirit is moved deeply with it. Take a moment and listen to it after reading this.
It was yesterday that we went to see Avatar. As I sat there watching it, the part I am struck by is the ultimate power that is achieved with the main character when he becomes one with the flying creature and soars and sees things from on high. Near the end he brilliantly is able to get a top of the largest dominating creature in the air becoming one with it and this makes him so powerful. He can go anywhere really.
It then dawns on me the deep power available to us when we mount on the wings of eagles and how that is what God desires for us. Also in Psalm 91 how He becomes that powerful eagle for us that desires to protect us under His wing and shield us by allowing us the freedom to fly but only when we become one with Him.
Now don't get me wrong... this doesn't mean we're going to literally fly through the air, BUT I do believe there is a source of power and strength for those who walk boldly in faith. Who TRUST fully with their lives, in our God. Who HOPE is in HIM alone. He will guard and protect us. I guess the question is do we truly believe that?
And even as they portrayed in Avatar, it wasn't just an easy walk on the plane approach. It was a test and a battle to overcome but when faith risked to fight the evil, to the point of risking one's life (dying to self) it was then that he overcame.
1 John 5:5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvrBQL8swLI
I will rise on eagles' wings.
I believe.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Most Important - Soles or Souls?
Yesterday I went for one of the longest runs I think I've ever done, completely unintentional. Is this possible? (I know my husband is laughing as he reads this for he knows it to be true of me. No big plan but a desire to run and be FREE with my God.) I so enjoyed being out and gallivanting in the mild day along the river, looking at snow capped mountains and a clear still lake in the distance. I loved just talking with God and pondering things of this year that I had lost track of time and distance. My body started to signal to me that I'd been running for a while for my hamstrings we getting pretty tight which rarely happens. I didn't look at my watch until the very end. Even now I'm trying to map quest my distance to give you and accurate reading but all I can say is it was over 35 km.
Those of you that are aware of my running style know that I don't really keep track or train with any human facilitating but rather just run freely.
Interesting lesson observed in this time though, as I had a blister before I even started from my run the day before. I was wearing a different pair of shoes that day causing unknown pressure in a snug area that created a painful blister. But that didn't stop me. Frustrating and incredibly painful for the first 2 km... but then as my foot numbed itself, so did the pain and it wasn't realized again until I took my sock off.
Also my Bose headphones seemed to have only one ear at full volume, the other so faint you couldn't hear anything really. ?? Just imagine how annoying this is going to be with music in one ear. Again so frustrating for about 3 km then, I got used to it and by the end didn't notice.
My run changed from snowy gravel wet icy trail to pavement about half way through. Initially when first running on the icy trail I couldn't run with the same aggressive manner, given the chance of slipping. I had to place my feet more delicately. For the first km again, this was frustrating and took some adjusting but after that I got into the rhythm again. The same was true of the reverse, in that my feet and legs had to adjust to the new traction when I immersed to the payment again. Taking about another km to roll back into this grove and regaining a smooth stride.
As I'm pondering all of this, I can tell He has a different lesson to teach me that will take me deeper.
You see Carrie, even things that aren't comfortable initially can be worn down to feel normal once you are in it for a while. This can be a good thing, but also a bad thing. Be mindful of it. For when you are in the wrong culture, company, or situation, though it may initially feel wrong if you don't follow through on that conviction to remove yourself it will be dulled down in time to feel normal.
Here's an example: Do you feel convicted around a certain friend because their views, morales, standards, the way they value their education, or just float through athletic/musical training, the way they foolishly spend money, all of these habits, even the way they speak? Be careful for eventually they'll begin to wear off on you the more you are around them. You also won't notice it as much as you did the first time.
Our conscience is such a gift to us. Paul reminds us that if it becomes dull or seared it won't be any good to feel with sensitivity, the things that are best for your life.
1 Timothy 4:2 Hypocritical liars are those whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Titus 1:15To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
We must do what we can to be careful to not let down our guard that are our driven desires or bench mark of values become watered down to feel normal, especially by the influences around us. From friends to family, boyfriends, girlfriends, to peers, to work places, to entertainment sources, to where you sit in the classroom or at lunch, etc...etc... all will indirectly influence us for good or bad.
Proverbs 13:20He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
This year make the right choices to surround yourself with good influences that will inspire and bring the best out in you. It's a choice you can make.
1 Corinthians 15:33Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
God inspires me even this morning, as I look to Him for divine inspiration in my life. I am reminded of the story of Eric Liddell and how he would run only to honor His God to the point of not even running on the Sunday of the actual Olympics that he had trained for. (He chose never to run on Sundays to honor His God and the desire He has for us to have a day of rest, even for our bodies.) The world thought He was crazy!! He opted to trade the 100m and run a 400m race instead a few days later, and won it. Though people made fun of his training regiment, style, etc. he simply enjoyed running. He is known for His quote, "When I run, I feel HIS(God's) pleasure." I am inspired in this even today for this completely echoes my heart even in my run yesterday. I simply find joy in it and I can feel His oneness and pleasure in such a deep way.
I do desire above all, and hence the time put in sharing this blog, to HONOR God. If that means He wants me to run for Him one day, I'll be open to it. For this summer He prompted me to run my first half marathon, to which my lack of detailed training routine left me in awe of the standings. I've included the link so you testify to the truth.
http://www2.canada.com/westerly/news/story.html?id=caa8fbf9-9675-4928-a2a4-f9dac4e8ad0c
But MOST important to me is running the race of life well. To inspire and motivate those around me to run together keeping our eyes fixed on the prize. Therefore let's run surrounded with Good Company, that together we'll inspire each other to give it all we got!!
1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1 It will be a great start to look these up in your bible, underline them, put them on post its, etc. :)
Those of you that are aware of my running style know that I don't really keep track or train with any human facilitating but rather just run freely.
Interesting lesson observed in this time though, as I had a blister before I even started from my run the day before. I was wearing a different pair of shoes that day causing unknown pressure in a snug area that created a painful blister. But that didn't stop me. Frustrating and incredibly painful for the first 2 km... but then as my foot numbed itself, so did the pain and it wasn't realized again until I took my sock off.
Also my Bose headphones seemed to have only one ear at full volume, the other so faint you couldn't hear anything really. ?? Just imagine how annoying this is going to be with music in one ear. Again so frustrating for about 3 km then, I got used to it and by the end didn't notice.
My run changed from snowy gravel wet icy trail to pavement about half way through. Initially when first running on the icy trail I couldn't run with the same aggressive manner, given the chance of slipping. I had to place my feet more delicately. For the first km again, this was frustrating and took some adjusting but after that I got into the rhythm again. The same was true of the reverse, in that my feet and legs had to adjust to the new traction when I immersed to the payment again. Taking about another km to roll back into this grove and regaining a smooth stride.
As I'm pondering all of this, I can tell He has a different lesson to teach me that will take me deeper.
You see Carrie, even things that aren't comfortable initially can be worn down to feel normal once you are in it for a while. This can be a good thing, but also a bad thing. Be mindful of it. For when you are in the wrong culture, company, or situation, though it may initially feel wrong if you don't follow through on that conviction to remove yourself it will be dulled down in time to feel normal.
Here's an example: Do you feel convicted around a certain friend because their views, morales, standards, the way they value their education, or just float through athletic/musical training, the way they foolishly spend money, all of these habits, even the way they speak? Be careful for eventually they'll begin to wear off on you the more you are around them. You also won't notice it as much as you did the first time.
Our conscience is such a gift to us. Paul reminds us that if it becomes dull or seared it won't be any good to feel with sensitivity, the things that are best for your life.
1 Timothy 4:2 Hypocritical liars are those whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Titus 1:15To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
We must do what we can to be careful to not let down our guard that are our driven desires or bench mark of values become watered down to feel normal, especially by the influences around us. From friends to family, boyfriends, girlfriends, to peers, to work places, to entertainment sources, to where you sit in the classroom or at lunch, etc...etc... all will indirectly influence us for good or bad.
Proverbs 13:20He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
This year make the right choices to surround yourself with good influences that will inspire and bring the best out in you. It's a choice you can make.
1 Corinthians 15:33Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
God inspires me even this morning, as I look to Him for divine inspiration in my life. I am reminded of the story of Eric Liddell and how he would run only to honor His God to the point of not even running on the Sunday of the actual Olympics that he had trained for. (He chose never to run on Sundays to honor His God and the desire He has for us to have a day of rest, even for our bodies.) The world thought He was crazy!! He opted to trade the 100m and run a 400m race instead a few days later, and won it. Though people made fun of his training regiment, style, etc. he simply enjoyed running. He is known for His quote, "When I run, I feel HIS(God's) pleasure." I am inspired in this even today for this completely echoes my heart even in my run yesterday. I simply find joy in it and I can feel His oneness and pleasure in such a deep way.
I do desire above all, and hence the time put in sharing this blog, to HONOR God. If that means He wants me to run for Him one day, I'll be open to it. For this summer He prompted me to run my first half marathon, to which my lack of detailed training routine left me in awe of the standings. I've included the link so you testify to the truth.
http://www2.canada.com/westerly/news/story.html?id=caa8fbf9-9675-4928-a2a4-f9dac4e8ad0c
But MOST important to me is running the race of life well. To inspire and motivate those around me to run together keeping our eyes fixed on the prize. Therefore let's run surrounded with Good Company, that together we'll inspire each other to give it all we got!!
1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1 It will be a great start to look these up in your bible, underline them, put them on post its, etc. :)
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