I'd like to think I'm a cheerful person who is pleasant to be around.
But sometimes I don't like people.
A few weeks ago my friend made the comment to me that I needed "to stop doing so much stuff" with my church. They didn't mean this in a bad way but it could be taken that way. My friend was just trying to say that I spent a lot of my time there, and I take that as a compliment.
Lately I've been kinda busy, and probably not too fun to be around. I'm always talking about SLT or the Methodorks that I don't get to hang out with my other friends.
One of my favorite Sunday School teachers once taught me that the church is not God. It is a great way to God, but it can also serve as a distraction. Sometimes we get so caught up with what we're doing and adding more and more to it that we forget why we do it and just go through the motions.
So am I about to resign from SLT or stop teaching my Intermediate Worship Birds? You've got to be kidding. But maybe I need to refresh myself on why I love doing it so much, and keep the focus.
The church helps me get to God, and I want to keep it that way.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving in a Whale
"But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” -Jonah 2:9
This verse was the inspiration for a lesson on Jonah and giving thanks.
So I'm under a table that's covered in blankets, the belly of a whale if you will.
4 8ish year-old girls sitting comfortably there, just talking about old Jonah.
So we talk about how gross it would be in a whale.
And how Jonah just kept messing up.
I get to the part about how even though all the yucky stuff was happening to Jonah, he still gave a prayer of thanksgiving. And then I witnessed them get more involved in a lesson then ever before.
"Thanksgiving? How long was he in the whale for?"
"He ate Thanksgiving in the whale?"
"How did Santa get Jonah his presents?"
Great. They always say you're going to get asked questions you don't know the answer to, but I wasn't expecting this.
"Um, this is old Testament, Santa wasn't born yet."
I thought it was a good answer.
"What? No, Santa was ALWAYS born!"
"Yea!"
"Yea, Santa never dies!"
Good to know they'll fight for what they believe in.
The lesson went in a bit different direction then I planned, but that's okay. I can give thanks that I learned many lessons about Jonah, myself, and what not to say in front of little girls that day. There's always something to give thanks for, and probably more than we can even think of.
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” -Jonah 2:9
This verse was the inspiration for a lesson on Jonah and giving thanks.
So I'm under a table that's covered in blankets, the belly of a whale if you will.
4 8ish year-old girls sitting comfortably there, just talking about old Jonah.
So we talk about how gross it would be in a whale.
And how Jonah just kept messing up.
I get to the part about how even though all the yucky stuff was happening to Jonah, he still gave a prayer of thanksgiving. And then I witnessed them get more involved in a lesson then ever before.
"Thanksgiving? How long was he in the whale for?"
"He ate Thanksgiving in the whale?"
"How did Santa get Jonah his presents?"
Great. They always say you're going to get asked questions you don't know the answer to, but I wasn't expecting this.
"Um, this is old Testament, Santa wasn't born yet."
I thought it was a good answer.
"What? No, Santa was ALWAYS born!"
"Yea!"
"Yea, Santa never dies!"
Good to know they'll fight for what they believe in.
The lesson went in a bit different direction then I planned, but that's okay. I can give thanks that I learned many lessons about Jonah, myself, and what not to say in front of little girls that day. There's always something to give thanks for, and probably more than we can even think of.
The Fumes Have Gotten to Me
Preach every sermon as though it someone's salvation depended solely upon it, but with enough grace to know it doesn't.
Put everything you have into your work, knowing that everything you can do will never amount to enough, but that grace will cover it all.
By putting everything you have into your work so that there is nothing left you leave no choice but to have God's grace take over.
It's like using all your gas and depending on the fumes to get you home. Except these fumes last forever.
Put everything you have into your work, knowing that everything you can do will never amount to enough, but that grace will cover it all.
By putting everything you have into your work so that there is nothing left you leave no choice but to have God's grace take over.
It's like using all your gas and depending on the fumes to get you home. Except these fumes last forever.
The Differences Between
Spiritual gifts are great.
The body of Christ wouldn't function without them.
It's that part of you that you've surrendered to Christ completely, allowing Him to control you so that people recognize the works you do as Him.
Could we strive towards every part of us being surrendered to God?
Isn't our life a gift driven by the Spirit?
While we work on to perfection, on towards completely unifying ourselves with God, we begin to create these alliances initiated by our differences.
We focus on what we do best and why it is great.
And while we should focus on those things that we're really good at (letting God take control of,) we let it separate us.
Rather, let us use our stronger point, our likeness, our faith in Christ to unify us with each other so that we can work as the body of Christ.
I guess what I'm saying is that we have to not put aside our differences but use them in order to work as a church and Christ's body. God's just awesome enough to work it out like that for us.
The body of Christ wouldn't function without them.
It's that part of you that you've surrendered to Christ completely, allowing Him to control you so that people recognize the works you do as Him.
Could we strive towards every part of us being surrendered to God?
Isn't our life a gift driven by the Spirit?
While we work on to perfection, on towards completely unifying ourselves with God, we begin to create these alliances initiated by our differences.
We focus on what we do best and why it is great.
And while we should focus on those things that we're really good at (letting God take control of,) we let it separate us.
Rather, let us use our stronger point, our likeness, our faith in Christ to unify us with each other so that we can work as the body of Christ.
I guess what I'm saying is that we have to not put aside our differences but use them in order to work as a church and Christ's body. God's just awesome enough to work it out like that for us.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Smelly Jesus and Disney World
Freshman year I got the opportunity to travel to Disney World with the band, but it was a long process getting there. A year before I was running around town selling millions of boxes of cookie dough so I could raise money. I worked concession stands, sold wrapping paper, even one of my lungs so I would raise enough money.
The trip was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I'm not one for amusement parks, but the "magic of Disney" certainly caught on. I enjoyed just about every second of it and hope to go back one day. However I don't know that I ever will. The price, security checks, little things like flash passes and IDs were rituals that hindered my enjoyment, and I don't really want to deal with that if I have to meet all these qualifications just to get in.
What if it was free to get into Disney World? What if we didn't have to worry about remembering our ID or flash pass? What if I didn't have to go through numerous security checks to make sure I was adequate, wouldn't that be great?
Truth is, the lines would get really long and everyone might get tired of the park. However, there is a place where you don't have to get bored...
Yes, church is free, and as long as we're looking, it'll never get boring. But for some reason we tend to put up barriers that keep others from wanting to come. We get caught up in our same method (yea, I'm a UM) of church that we don't keep our eyes open to how others view the church-going bunch.
Dressing up for church, for example. If you dress nicely for church, go ahead. But if that is high on your priority list, I ask that you rethink your values. Sometimes we're late because we're too busy getting an outfit together or fixing our hair, but how often do we spiritually get ready?
Do you think Jesus got dressed up nicely before he preached? NO, Jesus was a smelly homeless man who preached to prostitutes in dusty streets! If that statement can be said about the Lord, there is obviously something more to true worship than the physical aspects. We've come to think that our physical features reflect our attitude towards worship, when in fact it is our heart.
In turn, visitor began to see the physical. People who yearn for Jesus do not want to have qualifications to reach Him- have we forgotten the Grace we have been given?
The trip was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I'm not one for amusement parks, but the "magic of Disney" certainly caught on. I enjoyed just about every second of it and hope to go back one day. However I don't know that I ever will. The price, security checks, little things like flash passes and IDs were rituals that hindered my enjoyment, and I don't really want to deal with that if I have to meet all these qualifications just to get in.
What if it was free to get into Disney World? What if we didn't have to worry about remembering our ID or flash pass? What if I didn't have to go through numerous security checks to make sure I was adequate, wouldn't that be great?
Truth is, the lines would get really long and everyone might get tired of the park. However, there is a place where you don't have to get bored...
Yes, church is free, and as long as we're looking, it'll never get boring. But for some reason we tend to put up barriers that keep others from wanting to come. We get caught up in our same method (yea, I'm a UM) of church that we don't keep our eyes open to how others view the church-going bunch.
Dressing up for church, for example. If you dress nicely for church, go ahead. But if that is high on your priority list, I ask that you rethink your values. Sometimes we're late because we're too busy getting an outfit together or fixing our hair, but how often do we spiritually get ready?
Do you think Jesus got dressed up nicely before he preached? NO, Jesus was a smelly homeless man who preached to prostitutes in dusty streets! If that statement can be said about the Lord, there is obviously something more to true worship than the physical aspects. We've come to think that our physical features reflect our attitude towards worship, when in fact it is our heart.
In turn, visitor began to see the physical. People who yearn for Jesus do not want to have qualifications to reach Him- have we forgotten the Grace we have been given?
Monday, November 1, 2010
One Body, Many Parts
My sermon notes for Youth Sunday without cited references (shout out to Rev. Alan McGrath!)
One Body, Many Parts
*To be the body requires many parts.
*It’s obvious that the church wouldn’t function very well if everyone was up here preaching or sitting in the choir. We couldn’t all fit in the back to run the sound and video for the sermon. We couldn’t all teach Sunday School or anything for that matter. And we aren’t supposed to do everything. But we’re all supposed to do something.
*On CTCYM, the mission trip our youth go on every summer, we’re paired up with a few other churches for the week. We stay in the same church, eat together, worship together, work together, basically everything. We’re usually paired up with a church from the Metroplex. Now, until I started going on mission trip I didn’t realize that the city and country mouse story actually applied in real life.
*On mission trip we’ve got the city punks and the country bumpkins. But I don’t think we could get along without both. The kids in the city are really good at navigating. They actually pay attention to things like street numbers and addresses instead of referring to things like “the big tree.” And some of us in Glen Rose know everything about every tool, and know how to do that physical labor. Still, some of us, like me are good at neither. I can hardly hammer a nail into a board. But I’d like to say we need those people to keep the moral up.
*You see, we all have something inside of us that God has worked out for us to do. Something that makes us different. Something He put there that urges us, saying “I can do it better” when we see another doing it. When we feel those urges we have found the essence of our spiritual gifts.
*A spiritual gift is not just something that we’re really good at, it’s when we use that gift to glorify God. You can be the best worker in your office or the best basketball player on the team, but that doesn’t qualify as using your spiritual gifts. It’s when we use it to glorify God that it becomes a spiritual gift.
*If you ask a someone in ministry, they can usually tell you about their call, how they came to decide that they would work for Christ. We take that as a strong word, “called.” But the truth is that we’re all called to not only spread the Good News but to make disciples. Romans 11:29 says “For the gifts and the callings of God are irrevocable.”
*Listen to what the Spirit is telling you.
*Because in the church we have to use our spiritual gifts to work together to become the body.
*First we have to unify between ourselves and the Holy Spirit inside of us. One of the greatest things is that we have the Holy Spirit inside of us. When Jesus rose again and God sent the Spirit down it was a great thing. The very being of God to be with us always, the very essence of God in us!
John 14:12-13 says “12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.”
* Do even greater things? That’s hard to comprehend. But He’s walking along side us and driving with us in the car. We’re in the presence of the Spirit all the time! But how many times do we complain that there’s nothing to do, or that we’re bored? How many times are we content with complacency when God is right there with us saying, “Go, DO!”
*The next part is unifying with others, which can be hard because we’re all so different. We worship different ways and find God is many different places.
*Watch this (The Skinny on Worship youtube video. You can stop reading this now and look it up.)
*When we get past all the details that don’t really matter, we realize that our intentions are the same. We can get really hung up on our differences, not just between different churches but people. In that video, they all had a different way of worshipping. God has given each of us the spiritual gifts so we do worship differently. *But because God has worked it so perfectly that we don’t have to look past our differences in order to work together, we get to use our differences so that the Body may thrive!
*And then we have to spread it to others.
*Once we learn to function not only as individual members, but a body, we have to learn how to move.
*Yesterday, we had our Lord’s Acre, which in itself is a great illustration of how the body works. One of the things I’ve always liked to do is to listen to Mr. Anderson when he’s running the auction. There’s something about listening to all that talk and watching the items being auctioned off to people. But I never go home with any of the prizes because I never bid.
*The same is with the church. We can sit here all day and feel good about salvation, but we’re going to get a lot more out of it when we begin to “Go, and DO” like we are supposed to.
*Finally, we must grow as the body of Christ, and we do that by taking risks.
* I work at GLC in the summer, and sometimes I get to help out with the zipline. There are two counselors that sit at the top and help strap in the campers and send them down. Whoever is up there has a harness that attached them to another rope so that they don’t fall off the platform. There is one counselor who is a real dare devil. He’ll take off his shoes and go to the edge of the platform and lean off the side. The only thing keeping him from falling is the rope.
*When we put ourselves in a position to where the only thing keeping us from falling is God, we’re doing that risk-taking mission that we talk about. And that is when we grow the most as an individual and a body.
*This week, I invite you to take a risk to extend the body of Christ!
One Body, Many Parts
*To be the body requires many parts.
*It’s obvious that the church wouldn’t function very well if everyone was up here preaching or sitting in the choir. We couldn’t all fit in the back to run the sound and video for the sermon. We couldn’t all teach Sunday School or anything for that matter. And we aren’t supposed to do everything. But we’re all supposed to do something.
*On CTCYM, the mission trip our youth go on every summer, we’re paired up with a few other churches for the week. We stay in the same church, eat together, worship together, work together, basically everything. We’re usually paired up with a church from the Metroplex. Now, until I started going on mission trip I didn’t realize that the city and country mouse story actually applied in real life.
*On mission trip we’ve got the city punks and the country bumpkins. But I don’t think we could get along without both. The kids in the city are really good at navigating. They actually pay attention to things like street numbers and addresses instead of referring to things like “the big tree.” And some of us in Glen Rose know everything about every tool, and know how to do that physical labor. Still, some of us, like me are good at neither. I can hardly hammer a nail into a board. But I’d like to say we need those people to keep the moral up.
*You see, we all have something inside of us that God has worked out for us to do. Something that makes us different. Something He put there that urges us, saying “I can do it better” when we see another doing it. When we feel those urges we have found the essence of our spiritual gifts.
*A spiritual gift is not just something that we’re really good at, it’s when we use that gift to glorify God. You can be the best worker in your office or the best basketball player on the team, but that doesn’t qualify as using your spiritual gifts. It’s when we use it to glorify God that it becomes a spiritual gift.
*If you ask a someone in ministry, they can usually tell you about their call, how they came to decide that they would work for Christ. We take that as a strong word, “called.” But the truth is that we’re all called to not only spread the Good News but to make disciples. Romans 11:29 says “For the gifts and the callings of God are irrevocable.”
*Listen to what the Spirit is telling you.
*Because in the church we have to use our spiritual gifts to work together to become the body.
*First we have to unify between ourselves and the Holy Spirit inside of us. One of the greatest things is that we have the Holy Spirit inside of us. When Jesus rose again and God sent the Spirit down it was a great thing. The very being of God to be with us always, the very essence of God in us!
John 14:12-13 says “12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.”
* Do even greater things? That’s hard to comprehend. But He’s walking along side us and driving with us in the car. We’re in the presence of the Spirit all the time! But how many times do we complain that there’s nothing to do, or that we’re bored? How many times are we content with complacency when God is right there with us saying, “Go, DO!”
*The next part is unifying with others, which can be hard because we’re all so different. We worship different ways and find God is many different places.
*Watch this (The Skinny on Worship youtube video. You can stop reading this now and look it up.)
*When we get past all the details that don’t really matter, we realize that our intentions are the same. We can get really hung up on our differences, not just between different churches but people. In that video, they all had a different way of worshipping. God has given each of us the spiritual gifts so we do worship differently. *But because God has worked it so perfectly that we don’t have to look past our differences in order to work together, we get to use our differences so that the Body may thrive!
*And then we have to spread it to others.
*Once we learn to function not only as individual members, but a body, we have to learn how to move.
*Yesterday, we had our Lord’s Acre, which in itself is a great illustration of how the body works. One of the things I’ve always liked to do is to listen to Mr. Anderson when he’s running the auction. There’s something about listening to all that talk and watching the items being auctioned off to people. But I never go home with any of the prizes because I never bid.
*The same is with the church. We can sit here all day and feel good about salvation, but we’re going to get a lot more out of it when we begin to “Go, and DO” like we are supposed to.
*Finally, we must grow as the body of Christ, and we do that by taking risks.
* I work at GLC in the summer, and sometimes I get to help out with the zipline. There are two counselors that sit at the top and help strap in the campers and send them down. Whoever is up there has a harness that attached them to another rope so that they don’t fall off the platform. There is one counselor who is a real dare devil. He’ll take off his shoes and go to the edge of the platform and lean off the side. The only thing keeping him from falling is the rope.
*When we put ourselves in a position to where the only thing keeping us from falling is God, we’re doing that risk-taking mission that we talk about. And that is when we grow the most as an individual and a body.
*This week, I invite you to take a risk to extend the body of Christ!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Radical Hospitality
Radical hospitality is can be shown by some of God's simplest creatures as a way that they naturally live their life.
Every day I get to vanish into the abyss that is Glen Rose Elementary. For an hour and a half I get to be with Mrs. Reed's Life Skills class, and they're my favorites.
One day, we're all getting in line for recess, when Andy shouts to Ky, "Can I borrow your extra jacket?"
Ky's eyes lit up, "yea, you can!"
Andy was obviously happy that he was not going to freeze outside, but I think Ky was even more excited.
"Here, let me show you how to put it on. Here, let me zip it up for you."
With a pat on the back Ky's face showed the satisfaction of helping a friend.
This is what Ky does, he's a helper. When one of his friends gets knocked down on the playground, he picks them up and then tries to beat up whoever pushed him, he's the teacher's helper when he wants to be. He practices radical hospitality every day, but that's just how he lives his life.
Every day I get to vanish into the abyss that is Glen Rose Elementary. For an hour and a half I get to be with Mrs. Reed's Life Skills class, and they're my favorites.
One day, we're all getting in line for recess, when Andy shouts to Ky, "Can I borrow your extra jacket?"
Ky's eyes lit up, "yea, you can!"
Andy was obviously happy that he was not going to freeze outside, but I think Ky was even more excited.
"Here, let me show you how to put it on. Here, let me zip it up for you."
With a pat on the back Ky's face showed the satisfaction of helping a friend.
This is what Ky does, he's a helper. When one of his friends gets knocked down on the playground, he picks them up and then tries to beat up whoever pushed him, he's the teacher's helper when he wants to be. He practices radical hospitality every day, but that's just how he lives his life.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
1 Year Ago
1 Year ago, I had just gotten back from one of the best churches I've ever visited. It was cold and drizzling, my lips were chapped, I smelled, but I didn't care. I had just gone through a weekend of Poverty Simulation, one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I was preparing myself for a year of teaching the youth how to be in ministry with the poor, in hopes that it would not be for just a year.
1 Year ago I met a friend named John. He had given my friends and I pizza while we wondered around the streets of Waco. He told us his story, he had just rented an apartment after battling a long struggle with drugs, which led to him being homeless. He shared how God never gave up on him, he beamed with excitement as he shared. You could tell the spirit was alive in him, and I feel that he passed on a little of it to me.
1 Year ago I got to spend the weekend with who would become my best friend. It was then for the first time that I began to know what it was like to have one. Having just started SLT, I already felt a bond and an energy in this group. Full of people that I understood and connected with so easily, I couldn't wait for the next year. I was just starting to realize how much I would grow by being around them.
1 Year ago a great guy named Jonathan Baggett passed away. He was on SLT, a LINK at Glen Lake, and I went on mission trip with his youth group that summer. He wanted to be a preacher when he grew up. When he got sick, he told his youth director that he couldn't wait to get better, because it would make an awesome sermon one day. Although he never got to preach that sermon, his story has spoken greater volumes that some pastors may never obtain.
1 Year ago, I went back to my home church for a Council on Ministries meeting and youth. I showed up in the same stinky clothes I had been in all weekend. I shared my experiences and urgency to help the poor. I was tired and a little frustrated. I wanted to do something but didn't know what or how to get it started.
Today I went to my church, who does not seem to be the same church as a year ago. I see us looking at the future ready to take it on. I see us taking risks and relying on God to get us through. The way we speak about new ministries is exciting! We're no where near perfect, and that's okay as long as the Spirit of God is in us.
Today I had Sunday School with the Elementary kids. These guys are excited about Jesus, whether they realize it or not. I see them learning and growing, and I'm excited to be able to watch them. And they don't even realize how much they've helped me in my discernment and my relationship with God.
Today I'm missing Carla Jones. It's hard to adjust to not seeing her at church, or to hear about the crazy stories with her and my mom. But I know that God was in her, and so we will always have a little Carla in our lives, because God doesn't go away. I also know that God was always with us, and that now Carla is at home with Him. And while this is a sad time, it makes me happy knowing that.
Today I went to Council on Ministries again with another proposal-to host a CTCYM group the next summer. The other chairpersons there were excited about the idea and ran with it. The meeting lasted long even with chairs being gone because we had to talk about all that was going on! The church is growing and reaching out. We are fulfilling our call as disciples of Christ, and it's exciting.
Today, I look back and see that things are changing. And I'm glad to be a part of it all. What I have seen and what I see happening only assures me that good things happen when Jesus shows up.
1 Year ago I met a friend named John. He had given my friends and I pizza while we wondered around the streets of Waco. He told us his story, he had just rented an apartment after battling a long struggle with drugs, which led to him being homeless. He shared how God never gave up on him, he beamed with excitement as he shared. You could tell the spirit was alive in him, and I feel that he passed on a little of it to me.
1 Year ago I got to spend the weekend with who would become my best friend. It was then for the first time that I began to know what it was like to have one. Having just started SLT, I already felt a bond and an energy in this group. Full of people that I understood and connected with so easily, I couldn't wait for the next year. I was just starting to realize how much I would grow by being around them.
1 Year ago a great guy named Jonathan Baggett passed away. He was on SLT, a LINK at Glen Lake, and I went on mission trip with his youth group that summer. He wanted to be a preacher when he grew up. When he got sick, he told his youth director that he couldn't wait to get better, because it would make an awesome sermon one day. Although he never got to preach that sermon, his story has spoken greater volumes that some pastors may never obtain.
1 Year ago, I went back to my home church for a Council on Ministries meeting and youth. I showed up in the same stinky clothes I had been in all weekend. I shared my experiences and urgency to help the poor. I was tired and a little frustrated. I wanted to do something but didn't know what or how to get it started.
Today I went to my church, who does not seem to be the same church as a year ago. I see us looking at the future ready to take it on. I see us taking risks and relying on God to get us through. The way we speak about new ministries is exciting! We're no where near perfect, and that's okay as long as the Spirit of God is in us.
Today I had Sunday School with the Elementary kids. These guys are excited about Jesus, whether they realize it or not. I see them learning and growing, and I'm excited to be able to watch them. And they don't even realize how much they've helped me in my discernment and my relationship with God.
Today I'm missing Carla Jones. It's hard to adjust to not seeing her at church, or to hear about the crazy stories with her and my mom. But I know that God was in her, and so we will always have a little Carla in our lives, because God doesn't go away. I also know that God was always with us, and that now Carla is at home with Him. And while this is a sad time, it makes me happy knowing that.
Today I went to Council on Ministries again with another proposal-to host a CTCYM group the next summer. The other chairpersons there were excited about the idea and ran with it. The meeting lasted long even with chairs being gone because we had to talk about all that was going on! The church is growing and reaching out. We are fulfilling our call as disciples of Christ, and it's exciting.
Today, I look back and see that things are changing. And I'm glad to be a part of it all. What I have seen and what I see happening only assures me that good things happen when Jesus shows up.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dream of This
Dream of This
By Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves -- Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are we not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people do not feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.
By Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves -- Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are we not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people do not feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Unify in Love.
When something turns out well we can attribute it to many things. Nice effort, a great coordinator, organizational skills of a genius. These things seem to pull events together, make meetings effective or start up a program that thrives.
Good things do not happen because of good leadership, lots of help, good planning, or even enthusiasm. It is much deeper; it comes from love. Even the most passionate person can burn out if they do not serve with love. Love is not passion, but passion stems from love.
God is love. Let us do what we are called to do, but let us not merely do it in our own way, but through means of God's unending love. An ear will interpret differently than the nose, or the mouth might have a different way of comunicating than the nose will. But if we are one body united by the love of God, we work together better, but only when we make the effort to make our love apparent.
"12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." -1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Sometimes life is stressful, and to show love is hard. But we gotta try, that's all I can say (well I could say more, but I'm not gonna.)
Good things do not happen because of good leadership, lots of help, good planning, or even enthusiasm. It is much deeper; it comes from love. Even the most passionate person can burn out if they do not serve with love. Love is not passion, but passion stems from love.
God is love. Let us do what we are called to do, but let us not merely do it in our own way, but through means of God's unending love. An ear will interpret differently than the nose, or the mouth might have a different way of comunicating than the nose will. But if we are one body united by the love of God, we work together better, but only when we make the effort to make our love apparent.
"12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." -1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Sometimes life is stressful, and to show love is hard. But we gotta try, that's all I can say (well I could say more, but I'm not gonna.)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Life Through the Eyes of a Nursery Worker
Andy loves Jesus, he has for quite some time. But Andy hasn't always gone to church as much as he does now. Because Emily was gone today, Andy volunteered to write the weekly bulletin post...
"People always ask me, "why work in the nursery?" My answer is always "1. Because it's fun. 2. I like to help. 3. I get community service hours," when in reality the answer was that I didn't want to go to church. For the longest time, I have not liked going to church. It always seemed boring, and I never got the message. A few years ago we got a new Pastor, Billy, that is really awesome. He seems in tune with the church family, and even the youth. He brings his message through video. The clips are always good and attention getting. This has made me start going to church more often and I feel like my faith keeps growing. So I just wanted to say thank you Billy for everything you do for this church. And for everyone not to be afraid to work in the nursery."
Andy wants Jesus, as do many young people today. So where are the young people in the church? Where are the two full rows of youth sitting in the front pews? The truth is they don't feel comfortable in the church, or feel there isn't a place for them.
Andy sits in his truck during Sunday School and listens to Christian music. My friend Christine hasn't always gone to church, yet she keeps herself spiritually in tune. Lots of students attend Fellowship of Christian Athletes at school but don't have a church they belong to. Sure, its important to have personal spiritual disciplines, but what can we do to make places for these people? And to "those people," don't be afraid to step out from your nursery-worker stance and immerse yourelf in a church family.
"People always ask me, "why work in the nursery?" My answer is always "1. Because it's fun. 2. I like to help. 3. I get community service hours," when in reality the answer was that I didn't want to go to church. For the longest time, I have not liked going to church. It always seemed boring, and I never got the message. A few years ago we got a new Pastor, Billy, that is really awesome. He seems in tune with the church family, and even the youth. He brings his message through video. The clips are always good and attention getting. This has made me start going to church more often and I feel like my faith keeps growing. So I just wanted to say thank you Billy for everything you do for this church. And for everyone not to be afraid to work in the nursery."
Andy wants Jesus, as do many young people today. So where are the young people in the church? Where are the two full rows of youth sitting in the front pews? The truth is they don't feel comfortable in the church, or feel there isn't a place for them.
Andy sits in his truck during Sunday School and listens to Christian music. My friend Christine hasn't always gone to church, yet she keeps herself spiritually in tune. Lots of students attend Fellowship of Christian Athletes at school but don't have a church they belong to. Sure, its important to have personal spiritual disciplines, but what can we do to make places for these people? And to "those people," don't be afraid to step out from your nursery-worker stance and immerse yourelf in a church family.
Monday, August 16, 2010
VL2015!
If you haven't noticed, I like mission trip.
A few months ago my parallel personality Morgan PettyJohn and I came up with a grand idea. We decided that in 2015, we want to travel back to Vivian, LA for a mission trip with our youth groups (that we both aspire to have.)
For those of you that are unaware, this is the place where Glen Rose and Davis Memorial first met, the Mecca of this great friendship if you will. So what better place could there be to take our future youth groups back to?
For me personally, this specific mission trip was life-changing. It was definitely one of the hardest weeks I have ever endured on a mission trip. It was one of those experiences that tore me down so that I could see God's love and grace shining through others and warming my heart. It was after this mission trip that I became that "church girl," and really started to act upon my call to ministry.
Nice little story, huh? My point is that these two youth groups have something special that was spurred by mission. There's a little spark I see in my friends' eyes when they talk about mission trip. Our conversations during Bible Study often involve people from Davis, just as if they were part of our own church family. Mission trip has made my group who it is.
Today Morgan and I decided to make these VL2015 t-shirts. We made them just for fun, kinda spur of the moment, but I feel that even though we never said it, we made the shirts for a different reason. We keep a piece of mission trip in our hearts forever. It is my hope that as we all graduate and grow-up, that we do not also grow weary in doing good, and that the mission does not stop after CTCYM. There is something special about mission trip, too special to loose.
So whether we actually go back to Vivian or not, it is my hope that we still go back to those feelings.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on to love and good deeds." -Hebrews 10:24
P.S. A link for those who want a shirt- http://www.customink.com/designs/vl20153/esm0-000f-dgwg/social?cm_cat=facebook&cm_ite=vl20153&cm_pla=share&cm_ven=social
A few months ago my parallel personality Morgan PettyJohn and I came up with a grand idea. We decided that in 2015, we want to travel back to Vivian, LA for a mission trip with our youth groups (that we both aspire to have.)
For those of you that are unaware, this is the place where Glen Rose and Davis Memorial first met, the Mecca of this great friendship if you will. So what better place could there be to take our future youth groups back to?
For me personally, this specific mission trip was life-changing. It was definitely one of the hardest weeks I have ever endured on a mission trip. It was one of those experiences that tore me down so that I could see God's love and grace shining through others and warming my heart. It was after this mission trip that I became that "church girl," and really started to act upon my call to ministry.
Nice little story, huh? My point is that these two youth groups have something special that was spurred by mission. There's a little spark I see in my friends' eyes when they talk about mission trip. Our conversations during Bible Study often involve people from Davis, just as if they were part of our own church family. Mission trip has made my group who it is.
Today Morgan and I decided to make these VL2015 t-shirts. We made them just for fun, kinda spur of the moment, but I feel that even though we never said it, we made the shirts for a different reason. We keep a piece of mission trip in our hearts forever. It is my hope that as we all graduate and grow-up, that we do not also grow weary in doing good, and that the mission does not stop after CTCYM. There is something special about mission trip, too special to loose.
So whether we actually go back to Vivian or not, it is my hope that we still go back to those feelings.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on to love and good deeds." -Hebrews 10:24
P.S. A link for those who want a shirt- http://www.customink.com/designs/vl20153/esm0-000f-dgwg/social?cm_cat=facebook&cm_ite=vl20153&cm_pla=share&cm_ven=social
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Thoughts for the Doodlers; Where do we Sit on Sunday Mornings?
Emily, my doodling buddy has one of the most tight-knit family I've ever seen. Sure, she's related to half of the people in Glen Rose, but not many people care about their family as much as her. This is what she has to say about her church family...or what she cared to write down on her bulletin today anyway...
"How often do we as youth catch ourselves running to sit with our church family (youth group) instead of our real family members. I want to all the time but I always sit with my family. That's not bad don't get me wrong, family is always important. But I truly believe that without our church friends there would be a void. Sounds a little strange but its true. I wouldn't have all the friends I do without them. Without Carly Payne who would drag me to Dallas for strange movies? I would definitely not have those crazy experiences. Amazingly worth it. They know you better than yourself sometimes. Sitting with them is like sitting with your family. Just your extended family."
I can't tell you how much I've grown to appreciate my fellow youth this past year. There are a collect few (whom I shall call the Fearsome Four) who have been around for a long time, and I can say we really do know each other better than ourselves sometimes (I'll blog about that later.) Our church family is important. Whose in yours?
*I'd also like to clarify that the movie wasn't crazy, it was about John Wesley and very educational :)
"How often do we as youth catch ourselves running to sit with our church family (youth group) instead of our real family members. I want to all the time but I always sit with my family. That's not bad don't get me wrong, family is always important. But I truly believe that without our church friends there would be a void. Sounds a little strange but its true. I wouldn't have all the friends I do without them. Without Carly Payne who would drag me to Dallas for strange movies? I would definitely not have those crazy experiences. Amazingly worth it. They know you better than yourself sometimes. Sitting with them is like sitting with your family. Just your extended family."
I can't tell you how much I've grown to appreciate my fellow youth this past year. There are a collect few (whom I shall call the Fearsome Four) who have been around for a long time, and I can say we really do know each other better than ourselves sometimes (I'll blog about that later.) Our church family is important. Whose in yours?
*I'd also like to clarify that the movie wasn't crazy, it was about John Wesley and very educational :)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Beans About it all...
I'm a lunch lady at GLC. Most likely those who are reading this are not (but hi to all my kitchen friends who are!) There's a lot of stuff that goes on in the kitchen in order to prepare a meal, more than I ever knew. But I think anyone who is able to click on a mouse to read this can understand the basic concept of a kitchen; to feed people.
People come through the serving line to get food (or at the very least be presented with it.) There is no doubt about it. If no one gives them food, they are going to go crazy, mess with all the salt and pepper shakers, and then go look for food somewhere else. Probably at Hammond's.
No one is going to pick up a spoon and not serve the campers their beans on Mexican-food night. They were hired based on the fact that they could do more than just be there, but actually serve. If they did just stand there, Karen would tell them to get to work or do it herself. The campers would not go unfed. When you are hired to work in the kitchen, it is your job to give the campers their beans, its not just going to happen.
It is obvious when people aren't being fed. In the kitchen, any report of people going hungry would be fixed immediately. So what's the difference between that and in living our lives as Christians? Why don't we hold others accountable when they aren't doing their job, or even if they aren't treating themselves properly? While we should always be an example of love, "being nice" about anything isn't going to feed people.
People come through the serving line to get food (or at the very least be presented with it.) There is no doubt about it. If no one gives them food, they are going to go crazy, mess with all the salt and pepper shakers, and then go look for food somewhere else. Probably at Hammond's.
No one is going to pick up a spoon and not serve the campers their beans on Mexican-food night. They were hired based on the fact that they could do more than just be there, but actually serve. If they did just stand there, Karen would tell them to get to work or do it herself. The campers would not go unfed. When you are hired to work in the kitchen, it is your job to give the campers their beans, its not just going to happen.
It is obvious when people aren't being fed. In the kitchen, any report of people going hungry would be fixed immediately. So what's the difference between that and in living our lives as Christians? Why don't we hold others accountable when they aren't doing their job, or even if they aren't treating themselves properly? While we should always be an example of love, "being nice" about anything isn't going to feed people.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Shout Out to Bulletin Doodlers
The cool youth at our church hang out in the nursery before and after worship. We often out-number the children there. Today after church my friend Emily had written me a little note on her bulletin. It said this....
Church for those who doodle...
Many people think that if you don't pay attention to a sermon in church that it defeats the purpose of going to church at all. I'm here to say that is not completely true. Yes, I am one of those who doodle during church but what some don't realize is you retain a lot of info even if you don't stare holes into the preacher's head. That just makes you tired and them uncomfortable. Go figure. Sitting and just listening to the preacher talk about what they know can be just as productive as watching their every move. I'm not the type of person to go to church and hang on every word but it makes me think and gives me the chance to figure out how to be a great Christian. Just thoughts to think about for those who doodle...
This morning at the Men's breakfast (don't ask why I was there, ) one of my favorite lay persons, Hugh Smith, pointed out that worship doesn't mean praise. It is derived from work-ship. The things we do in mission are just as important, if not more than what we do Sunday morning. All forms of worship are vital, but we all get connected in different ways. With a changing church, its important to remember this as we welcome in (and are hospitable to) new people.
This is what Emily does to rest and reflect on the Sabbath.
The next time I give her the nudge to pay attention during church,
She can remember to poke me when I take extra long breaks on mission trip.
What does worship mean to you?
Church for those who doodle...
Many people think that if you don't pay attention to a sermon in church that it defeats the purpose of going to church at all. I'm here to say that is not completely true. Yes, I am one of those who doodle during church but what some don't realize is you retain a lot of info even if you don't stare holes into the preacher's head. That just makes you tired and them uncomfortable. Go figure. Sitting and just listening to the preacher talk about what they know can be just as productive as watching their every move. I'm not the type of person to go to church and hang on every word but it makes me think and gives me the chance to figure out how to be a great Christian. Just thoughts to think about for those who doodle...
This morning at the Men's breakfast (don't ask why I was there, ) one of my favorite lay persons, Hugh Smith, pointed out that worship doesn't mean praise. It is derived from work-ship. The things we do in mission are just as important, if not more than what we do Sunday morning. All forms of worship are vital, but we all get connected in different ways. With a changing church, its important to remember this as we welcome in (and are hospitable to) new people.
This is what Emily does to rest and reflect on the Sabbath.
The next time I give her the nudge to pay attention during church,
She can remember to poke me when I take extra long breaks on mission trip.
What does worship mean to you?
Monday, August 2, 2010
25 Things about GLC
1. I love hearing "CAMPERS!" before a meal.
2. I like it when people call me C-Payne.
3. I love walking down the silent trail and seeing the names of those who have help Glen Lake to be what it is, and the people who are who they are because of Glen Lake.
4. I live that Goatman lives there.
5. I love that Jesus lives there.
6. I like making strategies to get the corner bottom bunk in Cabin 11.
7. I like knowing that 50 years ago, my grandpa was walking around the same camp, seeing the same "lake," looking at the same little bubble of God's wonders as I see. He put a little piece of his heart there, and now I get to feel some of that love.
8. I like being a lunch lady, I really do.
9. I like riding around in the golf cart during retreat season.
10. I like hanging out with the campers during bedtime meds. Snap game, bagpipes, singing, whatevs.
11. I like the lingo that comes with being around Summer Staff.
12. I like making crafts.
13. I like it when people make me crafts.
14.I like taking home leftovers.
15. I love being able to go to worship almost every night of my summer.
16. I like it when campers do cool things, like tell about God's love.
17. I like coming during Midwinter and seeing the camp. Everything seems still, but yet full.
18. I love how almost anywhere you go in camp, the cross is still visible on the hill.
19. I like seeing the fountain frozen in the middle of winter.
20. I love meeting all these new people. Like I said in the last post, people that I will know forever.
21. I like seeing the best-place-to-poop-at-glc wars between LINKS and Staffers, shout out Ashlyn Kipp! (Turner wins.)
22. It's a central location in the conference, meaning lots of meetings I go to are there.
23. Jim Talley, 'nuff said.
24. Karen Cummins, one of the hardest workers I've ever known.
25. When I'm there I see lives changing. And when I sit on the steps of Vesper, I can imagine all the lives that have been changed there already.
Oh GLC, you bring me joy, joy in Jesus. Thanks.
2. I like it when people call me C-Payne.
3. I love walking down the silent trail and seeing the names of those who have help Glen Lake to be what it is, and the people who are who they are because of Glen Lake.
4. I live that Goatman lives there.
5. I love that Jesus lives there.
6. I like making strategies to get the corner bottom bunk in Cabin 11.
7. I like knowing that 50 years ago, my grandpa was walking around the same camp, seeing the same "lake," looking at the same little bubble of God's wonders as I see. He put a little piece of his heart there, and now I get to feel some of that love.
8. I like being a lunch lady, I really do.
9. I like riding around in the golf cart during retreat season.
10. I like hanging out with the campers during bedtime meds. Snap game, bagpipes, singing, whatevs.
11. I like the lingo that comes with being around Summer Staff.
12. I like making crafts.
13. I like it when people make me crafts.
14.I like taking home leftovers.
15. I love being able to go to worship almost every night of my summer.
16. I like it when campers do cool things, like tell about God's love.
17. I like coming during Midwinter and seeing the camp. Everything seems still, but yet full.
18. I love how almost anywhere you go in camp, the cross is still visible on the hill.
19. I like seeing the fountain frozen in the middle of winter.
20. I love meeting all these new people. Like I said in the last post, people that I will know forever.
21. I like seeing the best-place-to-poop-at-glc wars between LINKS and Staffers, shout out Ashlyn Kipp! (Turner wins.)
22. It's a central location in the conference, meaning lots of meetings I go to are there.
23. Jim Talley, 'nuff said.
24. Karen Cummins, one of the hardest workers I've ever known.
25. When I'm there I see lives changing. And when I sit on the steps of Vesper, I can imagine all the lives that have been changed there already.
Oh GLC, you bring me joy, joy in Jesus. Thanks.
25 Reasons I love SLT
I keep seeing these "25 Things" that my friends post as notes on Facebook. Usually, most of them pertain to SLT. So I decided to cut out the middle man and just dedicate this "25 Things" post all to the best SLT ever.
1. I like how they all love Jesus and it shows.
2. I love how all of us are different. We've got city punks, country bumpkins, band nerds, sporty kids, academic brainiacs, writers, technology buffs, artists, farmers, hippies, groupies, dancers, singers and even a few vegetarians. But because all these guys are filled with the Holy Spirit, the personalities don't clash but rather work together as one body. Its crazy how it works. Its beautiful.
3.I like how the Weatherford district keeps our table sign and writes all over it.
4.I like when my SLT friends come to Glen Lake and I get to hang out with them.
5.I love how when I need to vent or talk about things that bother me, my SLT friends actually relate to me.
6."Coconut meat? I can't have that, I'm allergic."
"And she's vegetarian."
7.I like how acronyms are a must in our conversations.
8.Its like a youth group on steroids.
9.I love that we care enough to have to run against each other to see who will be on a committee with people 3 times our age.
10.We randomly blurt out J-Wes quotes.
11.The fact that we have nicknames like J-Wes, C-Wes and the bish.
12.The cool kids have a Wesley Study Bible.
13.Ocean Hug.
14. I love Midwinters. Planning. Doing. Experiencing. Even at the cost of painted hair.
15. Eyeglasses of Potential.
16. I love getting to meet these cool people that I know will be around all my life!
17. I like it when Matt Epting gets pooped on by birds.
18. Or when Marianne gets an idea and does her secret shuffle.
19. Going to the Thursday night meeting at Brock UMC is the best thing I've ever done. Changed my life.
20. I like listening to Stef Schutz make a motion.
21. I like getting to sit by Marianne and Miller this year. Better watch out for the coalition!
22. I like going to Braums/Starbucks/Snow Shack after meetings. I feel like its almost required we do.
23. I think of the SLT when I pull out my sock puppet.
24. I love being in the Creepy Texas Conference.
25. There is not another group of people I would've eaten dumpster donuts with. I love you guys.
And that doesn't even touch the surface of how much of an impact they have on me.
1. I like how they all love Jesus and it shows.
2. I love how all of us are different. We've got city punks, country bumpkins, band nerds, sporty kids, academic brainiacs, writers, technology buffs, artists, farmers, hippies, groupies, dancers, singers and even a few vegetarians. But because all these guys are filled with the Holy Spirit, the personalities don't clash but rather work together as one body. Its crazy how it works. Its beautiful.
3.I like how the Weatherford district keeps our table sign and writes all over it.
4.I like when my SLT friends come to Glen Lake and I get to hang out with them.
5.I love how when I need to vent or talk about things that bother me, my SLT friends actually relate to me.
6."Coconut meat? I can't have that, I'm allergic."
"And she's vegetarian."
7.I like how acronyms are a must in our conversations.
8.Its like a youth group on steroids.
9.I love that we care enough to have to run against each other to see who will be on a committee with people 3 times our age.
10.We randomly blurt out J-Wes quotes.
11.The fact that we have nicknames like J-Wes, C-Wes and the bish.
12.The cool kids have a Wesley Study Bible.
13.Ocean Hug.
14. I love Midwinters. Planning. Doing. Experiencing. Even at the cost of painted hair.
15. Eyeglasses of Potential.
16. I love getting to meet these cool people that I know will be around all my life!
17. I like it when Matt Epting gets pooped on by birds.
18. Or when Marianne gets an idea and does her secret shuffle.
19. Going to the Thursday night meeting at Brock UMC is the best thing I've ever done. Changed my life.
20. I like listening to Stef Schutz make a motion.
21. I like getting to sit by Marianne and Miller this year. Better watch out for the coalition!
22. I like going to Braums/Starbucks/Snow Shack after meetings. I feel like its almost required we do.
23. I think of the SLT when I pull out my sock puppet.
24. I love being in the Creepy Texas Conference.
25. There is not another group of people I would've eaten dumpster donuts with. I love you guys.
And that doesn't even touch the surface of how much of an impact they have on me.
Barbie Can Like, Save the World
"Does the image of God matter?"
Does it matter if you see God as black or white, man or woman, hands or feet? All of the people of the world have a different view of God, but it's still the same God, right? So the image of God shouldn't really matter, right?
The VBS program this year is called "Hero Headquarters," obviously, its superhero themed. As I was showing the preschoolers into the gym where we were going to do our last song and skit, one of the little girls, approached me.
"Where are we going next?"
"To the gym to dance and sing our last song."
"Are there gonna be superheros there?"
"Yea, I think so."
Her voice started to get really shaky like she was about to cry. She is obviously not a fan of Pizza-Man or Water-Girl. Being a former class cry-baby, I related to her situation pretty quickly (and to be clear, this girl is not a cry-baby.)
We sat outside the gym while we waited for the song to be over and for her mom to get there. I tried to console her by saying "Oh, they're not REAL superheros." "They're just pretending."
Didn't work too well.
She told me about how she liked princesses and barbies, not superheros. An adult then came up and said "you know, princesses can be superheros....Barbie can like, save the world."
My Bible Study teacher once told me that the image of God is important because you don't want it to be scary. I always thought that was kind of an odd statement, but its stuck in my mind, and shed a different light tonight. We should always be looking to expand our views of God so we can grow, but be sensitive to others when reaching out to those whose relationship with Christ might not be stable. You can't reach out to someone if you can't be relative to their views.
Maybe little Aubrey has a hard time seeing God through superheros, but maybe she can see Him through her favorite princesses Belle.
Does it matter if you see God as black or white, man or woman, hands or feet? All of the people of the world have a different view of God, but it's still the same God, right? So the image of God shouldn't really matter, right?
The VBS program this year is called "Hero Headquarters," obviously, its superhero themed. As I was showing the preschoolers into the gym where we were going to do our last song and skit, one of the little girls, approached me.
"Where are we going next?"
"To the gym to dance and sing our last song."
"Are there gonna be superheros there?"
"Yea, I think so."
Her voice started to get really shaky like she was about to cry. She is obviously not a fan of Pizza-Man or Water-Girl. Being a former class cry-baby, I related to her situation pretty quickly (and to be clear, this girl is not a cry-baby.)
We sat outside the gym while we waited for the song to be over and for her mom to get there. I tried to console her by saying "Oh, they're not REAL superheros." "They're just pretending."
Didn't work too well.
She told me about how she liked princesses and barbies, not superheros. An adult then came up and said "you know, princesses can be superheros....Barbie can like, save the world."
My Bible Study teacher once told me that the image of God is important because you don't want it to be scary. I always thought that was kind of an odd statement, but its stuck in my mind, and shed a different light tonight. We should always be looking to expand our views of God so we can grow, but be sensitive to others when reaching out to those whose relationship with Christ might not be stable. You can't reach out to someone if you can't be relative to their views.
Maybe little Aubrey has a hard time seeing God through superheros, but maybe she can see Him through her favorite princesses Belle.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Just do it.
Psalm 118:22-23 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
People tell us slow and steady wins the race. Our parents teach us that being popular doesn't really matter, but what it boils down to, we all want to be accepted.
The truth is, God has already accepted us. The world won't be accept us unless we're like them, but that's not who we are at our best.
Jesus, I mean, what was there to like about him? He was homeless, not attractive, probably smelly, big-time rebel. He was born in a barn!!! How many people do you know that were born next to a cow? No revolutionary hippie would could be that awesome unless he was of God, God's son actually. The point is, even when the world rejects YOU, when they see God in you, they'll like it.
Okay, so besides that, and maybe John Wesley's dorky group called "The Holy Club," I can't give an example that you don't already see daily. When you look around you see it everywhere. So don't worry about what others think, just do the right thing.
Thanks, Facebook
"Work; Many people who like Church like this."
Suggestion made by Facebook.
I'm gonna think and let think about this.
Suggestion made by Facebook.
I'm gonna think and let think about this.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
No Nonsense
Don't give me idle games,
Don't give me chats filled with nonsense.
They may lift my heart momentarily,
But they can not cure my soul.
Just give me Jesus,
Straight up Jesus.
I'm worn and I'm tired,
This is my refuge.
Fill me back up again.
I don't want food,
I don't want drink.
Just give me Jesus,
Straight up Jesus.
I don't want to talk,
I want to do.
I want to help,
I want to serve.
Just give me Jesus,
Straight up Jesus.
I'm busy,
I have no time.
Fill me right now,
skip all the play.
Just give me Jesus,
Straight up Jesus.
We are young,
But we aren't all new.
You've shown us the Light,
And we love to see it shine.
Don't bring it a shadow,
We want the full effect.
Just give us Jesus.
Don't give me chats filled with nonsense.
They may lift my heart momentarily,
But they can not cure my soul.
Just give me Jesus,
Straight up Jesus.
I'm worn and I'm tired,
This is my refuge.
Fill me back up again.
I don't want food,
I don't want drink.
Just give me Jesus,
Straight up Jesus.
I don't want to talk,
I want to do.
I want to help,
I want to serve.
Just give me Jesus,
Straight up Jesus.
I'm busy,
I have no time.
Fill me right now,
skip all the play.
Just give me Jesus,
Straight up Jesus.
We are young,
But we aren't all new.
You've shown us the Light,
And we love to see it shine.
Don't bring it a shadow,
We want the full effect.
Just give us Jesus.
Pope Man and Pigs
Carly is the girl who likes pigs. This is probably one of the things I'm best known for by Glen Rose High School. I draw them a lot. I talk about them a lot. I carry around toy pigs in my backpack. I make pig faces. Animal Farm is one of my favorite books. Spirit days at school? I've got my pigs. To this high school bubble, I am pig girl.
This whole thing is pretty ridiculous. I traced back the origin of this bacon explosion back to one boy, Trey Sexton, aka the Pope Man. Anybody who knows Trey, knows that he can be a ham. When he first got old enough to come to youth, as is now, was always an entertainer. My group of friends would sit by him during snack supper, because there was no telling what he would do. Our favorite was hid pencil topper pig, that would appear on the table, in drinks, buried in nacho cheese. This was a weekly occurrence. Naturally, when I found toy pigs at World Market, I joined in this great fun. Thus begins this saga of pigs.
That began the sty of pig-related issues I now find myself wallowing in daily. I look back and see that as the main cause. But when I look back further, pigs have always been there. One of my favorite movies was Babe, and Squealer the pig? My favorite Beanie Baby. What kind of animals did I feed on mission trip? Pigs (one we named Gimpy.) And of course, a plate of Bacon was always the thing to eat for breakfast.
The potential for something is always there, but sometimes we need that extra push to get started. Who has pushed you?
This whole thing is pretty ridiculous. I traced back the origin of this bacon explosion back to one boy, Trey Sexton, aka the Pope Man. Anybody who knows Trey, knows that he can be a ham. When he first got old enough to come to youth, as is now, was always an entertainer. My group of friends would sit by him during snack supper, because there was no telling what he would do. Our favorite was hid pencil topper pig, that would appear on the table, in drinks, buried in nacho cheese. This was a weekly occurrence. Naturally, when I found toy pigs at World Market, I joined in this great fun. Thus begins this saga of pigs.
That began the sty of pig-related issues I now find myself wallowing in daily. I look back and see that as the main cause. But when I look back further, pigs have always been there. One of my favorite movies was Babe, and Squealer the pig? My favorite Beanie Baby. What kind of animals did I feed on mission trip? Pigs (one we named Gimpy.) And of course, a plate of Bacon was always the thing to eat for breakfast.
The potential for something is always there, but sometimes we need that extra push to get started. Who has pushed you?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Disciple Bible Study Guy
Our youth group has been doing Disciple Bible Study this summer. This study can be pretty intense, and since its our youth doing it, we've got an interesting perspective on a lot of stuff. The guy in the video for example.
I come in late on Wednesday after I get off work. Usually the video clip we watch has already been seen and we're already into a discussion about Saul or Paul or what the color of the flames are in the Methodist cross (it's "PMS red" if you didn't know.) When I got there today I got to experience DBS guy. He looked like he was out of the 90s, had eyes that might scare you, and his torso rarely moved. He spoke as if he was narrating the history channel, and was shot from many awkward camera angles. As I saw this, I couldn't help but laugh. I tried to keep it in, but that didn't work out. The stuff this DBS guy was telling me was legitimate, but it was hard to get past all the weirdness so I could really hear him.
Okay, I'm not that shallow, I exaggerated a bit. But how important is it how Jesus is delivered to us? Certainly it is not the clothing or outward appearance, Jesus wiped down those barriers Himself. But when we don't deliver Jesus to people in a way its relevant to them, they're likely to miss the point. Maybe that's why Jesus came as common folk, so it would be relevant and we could understand Him better.
I come in late on Wednesday after I get off work. Usually the video clip we watch has already been seen and we're already into a discussion about Saul or Paul or what the color of the flames are in the Methodist cross (it's "PMS red" if you didn't know.) When I got there today I got to experience DBS guy. He looked like he was out of the 90s, had eyes that might scare you, and his torso rarely moved. He spoke as if he was narrating the history channel, and was shot from many awkward camera angles. As I saw this, I couldn't help but laugh. I tried to keep it in, but that didn't work out. The stuff this DBS guy was telling me was legitimate, but it was hard to get past all the weirdness so I could really hear him.
Okay, I'm not that shallow, I exaggerated a bit. But how important is it how Jesus is delivered to us? Certainly it is not the clothing or outward appearance, Jesus wiped down those barriers Himself. But when we don't deliver Jesus to people in a way its relevant to them, they're likely to miss the point. Maybe that's why Jesus came as common folk, so it would be relevant and we could understand Him better.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Task vs. Purpose
This summer on mission trip, the pastor from our host church gave us a little spill over task vs. purpose.
"Your task may be to build a wheelchair ramp, but your purpose is to spread God's love."
This didn't mean a whole lot to me at that moment, but it has stuck in my mind the whole summer.
When the youth are asked what we did on mission trip, we'll respond something like "painted a 42-story building." And when people ask how the trip was, the typical answer is "fun! Great!" Uh, those two don't really mix.
The rewards of purpose fills the heart much more than task.
When the purpose is seen the sight of task becomes numb. We complete the task, whatever it may be with purpose, so that it is done with our whole heart, not working of men, but God.
When we strive to be a servant, we are giving all we have, and depending upon the grace of God to get us through. Then we do not worry what we will eat or drink, or wonder where we will find rest, because we see the greater purpose of it all.
When we don't act as a servant, and we lead by our own account, being dependent upon ourselves as we "just get by" with our tasks. If this worked then Christ dies in vain.
"Your task may be to build a wheelchair ramp, but your purpose is to spread God's love."
This didn't mean a whole lot to me at that moment, but it has stuck in my mind the whole summer.
When the youth are asked what we did on mission trip, we'll respond something like "painted a 42-story building." And when people ask how the trip was, the typical answer is "fun! Great!" Uh, those two don't really mix.
The rewards of purpose fills the heart much more than task.
When the purpose is seen the sight of task becomes numb. We complete the task, whatever it may be with purpose, so that it is done with our whole heart, not working of men, but God.
When we strive to be a servant, we are giving all we have, and depending upon the grace of God to get us through. Then we do not worry what we will eat or drink, or wonder where we will find rest, because we see the greater purpose of it all.
When we don't act as a servant, and we lead by our own account, being dependent upon ourselves as we "just get by" with our tasks. If this worked then Christ dies in vain.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Pollutants
I've heard this lesson a million times, you have too. But yet there is something so powerful in the Holy Spirit that it can take something you've heard before and present it to you in new eyes, with new ears, because His truth does not fade away or become complacent. What I heard at reflection tonight were the same stories I've heard all summer, but yet they bring a new meaning each time. With that said, here it goes...
The world isn't cool with what I have. I worry about this too much. The world keeps changing, and I try to change with it. If I can understand it, I can fix it, right? It's a lame excuse, but I use it. I change my appearance to be closer to the world, but that means I've conformed.It is true, in fact, that the world does not, and will not ever love me.
But I am not made of this world... So the yucky stuff, all that garbage, doesn't have to pertain to me. Because God don't make no junk. I am not made from imperfections. I am called to be set apart because I am of God. And God made me without the bad stuff, God made me like Him, He made me "good."
Because I am made of God and not the world, I am called to be different. I am called to be the good that He has made me. Called to be set apart, because I am an alien in a foreign land. I should let God's light shine through me to others so they can see Him too. I should be a lighthouse, just letting His light shine through me, to what should be His world.
I should forget about how the world has shaped me to fit in with them, because its all junk. I need to go back to the core of who I am, the part made out of love, the part that God intended me to be.
Call me weird, its true. The world is not cool with what I have, because it doesn't belong to them. I would, however, be inclined to share....
The world isn't cool with what I have. I worry about this too much. The world keeps changing, and I try to change with it. If I can understand it, I can fix it, right? It's a lame excuse, but I use it. I change my appearance to be closer to the world, but that means I've conformed.It is true, in fact, that the world does not, and will not ever love me.
But I am not made of this world... So the yucky stuff, all that garbage, doesn't have to pertain to me. Because God don't make no junk. I am not made from imperfections. I am called to be set apart because I am of God. And God made me without the bad stuff, God made me like Him, He made me "good."
Because I am made of God and not the world, I am called to be different. I am called to be the good that He has made me. Called to be set apart, because I am an alien in a foreign land. I should let God's light shine through me to others so they can see Him too. I should be a lighthouse, just letting His light shine through me, to what should be His world.
I should forget about how the world has shaped me to fit in with them, because its all junk. I need to go back to the core of who I am, the part made out of love, the part that God intended me to be.
Call me weird, its true. The world is not cool with what I have, because it doesn't belong to them. I would, however, be inclined to share....
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Why Jesus Didn't Bring a Slingshot
"How would it be different if Jesus had come as a military leader?"
This question was asked during our Disciple Bible Study lesson tonight, and it caused our youth group to get pretty loud. No one was angry or anything, but it was a pretty interesting topic. One youth said that wars would probably have stopped, and the government would get more involved in helping people. That was something I never thought of, and that definitely seems like something Jesus would try to do if He had come as a military leader. However Jesus came as a servant, and when we fit the whole picture together, this piece makes everything a whole lot better.
No one likes a bossy person. We've all been around those people who are in charge and think they know what they're doing, when then really don't. These are the people who no one listens to, and that don't always make the impact they intend to. This is not true leadership.
True leadership is servant hood. Its been said may times before, but it still rings true. Someone I respect a lot is one of my bosses at work, Karen. She has shown me what it means to be a true leader, a servant leader. There is never a time in the kitchen where I see her making idle use of her time. She does not boss others around, but does the dirty work others don't want to do. And when others don't do their job, she does not yell, but shows patience. Her attitude and humbleness are qualities to be admired, and something I can't sum up in this post.
My point is this; people like Karen, and people listen to Karen. They do this not because she is their boss, but because they respect her. They trust her because she has done the same chores that she asks of them, and she knows what it feels like to do them.
If Jesus had come as a military leader, who would listen? We are called to be like Christ, and if we all acted like military leaders the world could not function, it would make no progress. What if we all acted as servants? The reality is we are called to be servants, therefore Christ has set the example so we may be sure of it.
Do I make sense? Or am I drowning in the deep abyss of Blogspot?
This question was asked during our Disciple Bible Study lesson tonight, and it caused our youth group to get pretty loud. No one was angry or anything, but it was a pretty interesting topic. One youth said that wars would probably have stopped, and the government would get more involved in helping people. That was something I never thought of, and that definitely seems like something Jesus would try to do if He had come as a military leader. However Jesus came as a servant, and when we fit the whole picture together, this piece makes everything a whole lot better.
No one likes a bossy person. We've all been around those people who are in charge and think they know what they're doing, when then really don't. These are the people who no one listens to, and that don't always make the impact they intend to. This is not true leadership.
True leadership is servant hood. Its been said may times before, but it still rings true. Someone I respect a lot is one of my bosses at work, Karen. She has shown me what it means to be a true leader, a servant leader. There is never a time in the kitchen where I see her making idle use of her time. She does not boss others around, but does the dirty work others don't want to do. And when others don't do their job, she does not yell, but shows patience. Her attitude and humbleness are qualities to be admired, and something I can't sum up in this post.
My point is this; people like Karen, and people listen to Karen. They do this not because she is their boss, but because they respect her. They trust her because she has done the same chores that she asks of them, and she knows what it feels like to do them.
If Jesus had come as a military leader, who would listen? We are called to be like Christ, and if we all acted like military leaders the world could not function, it would make no progress. What if we all acted as servants? The reality is we are called to be servants, therefore Christ has set the example so we may be sure of it.
Do I make sense? Or am I drowning in the deep abyss of Blogspot?
Friday, July 16, 2010
A Prayer for Grace
Let the grace of God overcome you,
let it overflow you.
May the actions you make,
the words you say,
the thoughts you have disappear.
Allow the grace of God to be bestowed open you,
and accept it willingly
so that the actions you make,
the words you say,
and the thoughts you have
no longer be your own but Thine.
Allow the grace to flood you,
to sink down, seeping into your very core,
the heart of your person,
and be pumped out and have a new life in you.
A new life that is made perfect from the grace you have opened up to,
and a foundation of perfect love.
Why are we waiting? Lord, prepare us for this gift that we may openly recieve it.
Amen.
let it overflow you.
May the actions you make,
the words you say,
the thoughts you have disappear.
Allow the grace of God to be bestowed open you,
and accept it willingly
so that the actions you make,
the words you say,
and the thoughts you have
no longer be your own but Thine.
Allow the grace to flood you,
to sink down, seeping into your very core,
the heart of your person,
and be pumped out and have a new life in you.
A new life that is made perfect from the grace you have opened up to,
and a foundation of perfect love.
Why are we waiting? Lord, prepare us for this gift that we may openly recieve it.
Amen.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A Possible Source for Missiontripitus
"Don't believe in God, put your faith in Him." -Johnny Brower
"Faith without works is dead" -James 2:17
This time a month ago, I had just departed on my favorite week of the year. Most of you know this about me, I suffer from missiontripitus. I just can't get me enough of it. God has shown me only a shallow pool of His grace, love and depth on these mission trips as I continually seek Him and He answers. I doubt and He assures me. I am hungry and He feeds me. I am lacking and His grace overflows my cup. And all the while I am the one that's supposed to be doing the work? I get so pumped up and my life is changed, every year.
"Have you noticed that when God speaks, things happen? Check out Genesis... it is the same way with us. When God speaks to us we can't help but be changed." These were words spoken tonight at worship. One month after mission trip, a mission trip that had redefined who I was. Yesterday a friend posted something on Facebook about the scars and cuts from mission trip beginning to finally fade away and how sad it was, as she would miss mission trip. It made me realize I was beginning to miss mission trip too, and today I thought hard about exactly why I was.
Faith without works is dead. I didn't just believe in God during mission trip, I put my faith in Him. I was changed, I was redefined. But faith without works is dead. As I write this I've just stumbled upon a blog that vividly reminded me that there are still people out there hurting. There are still children going hungry. There is still an elderly that is living in horrid conditions because they have no money to fix a broken house. There are still those who live on the streets selling their bodies, those people whose existence thrives only on taking drugs. I feel guilty sitting here typing this while this happens so close to me. Since mission trip what have I done? Was I just fired up for no reason? Because I certainly feel like I have not filled out my call as a Christian to be in mission with these people.
(Good thing there is grace.)
I've shared the word since I've gotten back. I've volunteered with campers, I've written youth lessons, I've tried to do good and it is my prayer that I've maybe even compelled someone else to do good. But I feel I haven't DONE anything risk-taking that put me out of my comfort zone. Merely talking about the poor doesn't help. As my friend Jimbob says something like, "our apathy doesn't help, it gives them no food nor clothing. But our love and actions will." I want to DO something.
I prayed as I left mission trip that the mission would not be ending, but merely a jump start. One month later, I believe I'm getting closer to reaching that. I just hope it doesn't take all year. I feel ashamed by my actions (not really doing anything,) but also at a loss for ideas. What do I do? Where am I supposed to find this place to help that can meet the world's desperate needs with my passion and ability? What is my ability? Does have something to do with my call? Where does all this jumbled mess fit with where I am, what I'm doing, and how? Seriously, help me out here.
"Faith without works is dead" -James 2:17
This time a month ago, I had just departed on my favorite week of the year. Most of you know this about me, I suffer from missiontripitus. I just can't get me enough of it. God has shown me only a shallow pool of His grace, love and depth on these mission trips as I continually seek Him and He answers. I doubt and He assures me. I am hungry and He feeds me. I am lacking and His grace overflows my cup. And all the while I am the one that's supposed to be doing the work? I get so pumped up and my life is changed, every year.
"Have you noticed that when God speaks, things happen? Check out Genesis... it is the same way with us. When God speaks to us we can't help but be changed." These were words spoken tonight at worship. One month after mission trip, a mission trip that had redefined who I was. Yesterday a friend posted something on Facebook about the scars and cuts from mission trip beginning to finally fade away and how sad it was, as she would miss mission trip. It made me realize I was beginning to miss mission trip too, and today I thought hard about exactly why I was.
Faith without works is dead. I didn't just believe in God during mission trip, I put my faith in Him. I was changed, I was redefined. But faith without works is dead. As I write this I've just stumbled upon a blog that vividly reminded me that there are still people out there hurting. There are still children going hungry. There is still an elderly that is living in horrid conditions because they have no money to fix a broken house. There are still those who live on the streets selling their bodies, those people whose existence thrives only on taking drugs. I feel guilty sitting here typing this while this happens so close to me. Since mission trip what have I done? Was I just fired up for no reason? Because I certainly feel like I have not filled out my call as a Christian to be in mission with these people.
(Good thing there is grace.)
I've shared the word since I've gotten back. I've volunteered with campers, I've written youth lessons, I've tried to do good and it is my prayer that I've maybe even compelled someone else to do good. But I feel I haven't DONE anything risk-taking that put me out of my comfort zone. Merely talking about the poor doesn't help. As my friend Jimbob says something like, "our apathy doesn't help, it gives them no food nor clothing. But our love and actions will." I want to DO something.
I prayed as I left mission trip that the mission would not be ending, but merely a jump start. One month later, I believe I'm getting closer to reaching that. I just hope it doesn't take all year. I feel ashamed by my actions (not really doing anything,) but also at a loss for ideas. What do I do? Where am I supposed to find this place to help that can meet the world's desperate needs with my passion and ability? What is my ability? Does have something to do with my call? Where does all this jumbled mess fit with where I am, what I'm doing, and how? Seriously, help me out here.
Carpet Talk.
So, a year or so ago our church renovated the sanctuary. The old one was about 50 years old and wasn't up-to-date or always functioning properly. The new sanctuary is beautiful, and naturally people want to keep it that way.
I definitely agree with that. As stewards we should take care of what we have. But when that begins to take priority over the true mission of the church, that's a little ridiculous.
When you go to church, there's always that awkward walk from your car to the greeters. You're walking down the sidewalk, staring straight at the ushers and greeters, trying not to trip. You can be an early-talker, and strike up a nice little conversation before you reach the steps, but then you run the risk of running out of things to say, therefore walking up the stairs without anything left to say. You could also be a stairs-talker. That way, you keep a nice conversation going with the ushers until you get all the way into the building. However, while you make that walk up to the side walk you have to pretend to make a conversation with your family, step on pecans, maybe eat a few or you can just walk with your head down like you're on a mission.
This is awkward for me, and I've gone to the same church for all my life! Maybe some people have mastered the walk...but I just go through the side door now.
Now imagine if you had to do this on your first time to a church. Super awkward, right? People come to the church empty and in desperate need of love. They put themselves in a vulnerable position just coming to church. That may sound weird, but it takes a lot of guts to show up at a church by yourself. Now imagine, it being your first time at church, and on your way up the steps you see numerous signs, bluntly stating,
"PLEASE NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE SANCTUARY, BOTTLED WATER IS OK."
How would that make you feel, the first thing you saw as you came to a church. Not only do you have to deal with your first time going to a church, but now worrying about if if you acceptable to these people! It made me not even want to go to church when I saw these signs? I'm the girl who got a prize if she didn't cry all day in kindergarten, so I'd say I'm pretty sensitive.
When people come to the church, they want to be loved. They do not want to be judged or critiqued. We can all agree on that, but it's hard to put into practice. We get so distracted by other church priorities, such as keeping the carpet clean, making sure everyone had their name tags or memorizing John Wesley quotes that we can forget the core, and what should be our one priority as a church; to love as God loves.
I'm definitely not saying we should let people bring giant tubs of popcorn and let them grind it into our new carpet, just to make that clear. I do say though, that I'd rather have a spilled (pineapple) soda on the carpet if it's gonna mean someone will feel loved enough to come back to our church and grow a relationship with God.
What do ya think?
I definitely agree with that. As stewards we should take care of what we have. But when that begins to take priority over the true mission of the church, that's a little ridiculous.
When you go to church, there's always that awkward walk from your car to the greeters. You're walking down the sidewalk, staring straight at the ushers and greeters, trying not to trip. You can be an early-talker, and strike up a nice little conversation before you reach the steps, but then you run the risk of running out of things to say, therefore walking up the stairs without anything left to say. You could also be a stairs-talker. That way, you keep a nice conversation going with the ushers until you get all the way into the building. However, while you make that walk up to the side walk you have to pretend to make a conversation with your family, step on pecans, maybe eat a few or you can just walk with your head down like you're on a mission.
This is awkward for me, and I've gone to the same church for all my life! Maybe some people have mastered the walk...but I just go through the side door now.
Now imagine if you had to do this on your first time to a church. Super awkward, right? People come to the church empty and in desperate need of love. They put themselves in a vulnerable position just coming to church. That may sound weird, but it takes a lot of guts to show up at a church by yourself. Now imagine, it being your first time at church, and on your way up the steps you see numerous signs, bluntly stating,
"PLEASE NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE SANCTUARY, BOTTLED WATER IS OK."
How would that make you feel, the first thing you saw as you came to a church. Not only do you have to deal with your first time going to a church, but now worrying about if if you acceptable to these people! It made me not even want to go to church when I saw these signs? I'm the girl who got a prize if she didn't cry all day in kindergarten, so I'd say I'm pretty sensitive.
When people come to the church, they want to be loved. They do not want to be judged or critiqued. We can all agree on that, but it's hard to put into practice. We get so distracted by other church priorities, such as keeping the carpet clean, making sure everyone had their name tags or memorizing John Wesley quotes that we can forget the core, and what should be our one priority as a church; to love as God loves.
I'm definitely not saying we should let people bring giant tubs of popcorn and let them grind it into our new carpet, just to make that clear. I do say though, that I'd rather have a spilled (pineapple) soda on the carpet if it's gonna mean someone will feel loved enough to come back to our church and grow a relationship with God.
What do ya think?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Fun-sized Promises
Kid's camp has got to be one of my favorite weekends during the summer. Over 75 1st and 2nd graders from all around come to enjoy a weekend at the GLC. For most of them, its their first time at camp, and they're thrilled! Their little faces show the joy that Jesus wants us to have in all the things we do.
I really liked hanging out with the youngsters this past weekend, and I began to wonder what they "got" out of camp. It's a pretty young age, and the only think I remember from camp when I was their age was the fun I had and the nice people I met, and that alone was enough to keep me coming back.
During their reflection time one of the staff, Natalie, asked them to share what they thought God thought about them.
I really liked hanging out with the youngsters this past weekend, and I began to wonder what they "got" out of camp. It's a pretty young age, and the only think I remember from camp when I was their age was the fun I had and the nice people I met, and that alone was enough to keep me coming back.
During their reflection time one of the staff, Natalie, asked them to share what they thought God thought about them.
Nice.Cute.
Funny.
Beautiful.
Peace.
Helpful.
From the mouths of children. They did get it. As they shared, a rainbow came out in front of us. Funny isn't it? The promise that God will be with us always. The promise that God is with us, even when we are young.
I was left in awe after this, after a children's message. Teaching the children, loving the children, learning from the children. We are doing something right.
Hold for Applause: Part II
A few days ago I posted a nice little blog about how we should be tolerant of awkward and "out-of-place" worship clapping because it was how some people worshipped God. If you have the time, read that blog first.
Tonight I experienced it again, but with a different view.
I am a lunch lady at the GLC. And I love getting to hang out after work and be with campers. I'm pretty sure I have the best job ever at my age. I get to experience some awesome things through the summer, with hundreds of lives being changed every week. Because it was a High School camp this week, the actions seemed to be more mature, for the most part. Worship was great, activity time was fine, but then reflection came.
After singing songs that were supposed to be relaxing and meditative, I ususally expect a few awkwardly applaud, but this time what I heard really ticked me off. Kids were clapping, but with intensity; laughing, trying to see who could start a clap or whatever...
It really started to make me mad. I thought about how I should be "tolerant" of it, but I didn't feel like these kids were clapping for the right reasons at all. They weren't listening, they were just being goofy, while I was trying to worship!
But if I could so easily be distracted, was my way of worshipping any better? Was I any more focused then them?
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. - Matthew 7:5
Only God knows the depth of our hearts, what we think, why we do what we do.
Worship is my time to be with God, I don't need to worry about how others are finding Him. As I try to focus during these times, and after the foundation has been set for me and for others, I have to trust that God will work His wonders and take care of the rest.
Tonight I experienced it again, but with a different view.
I am a lunch lady at the GLC. And I love getting to hang out after work and be with campers. I'm pretty sure I have the best job ever at my age. I get to experience some awesome things through the summer, with hundreds of lives being changed every week. Because it was a High School camp this week, the actions seemed to be more mature, for the most part. Worship was great, activity time was fine, but then reflection came.
After singing songs that were supposed to be relaxing and meditative, I ususally expect a few awkwardly applaud, but this time what I heard really ticked me off. Kids were clapping, but with intensity; laughing, trying to see who could start a clap or whatever...
It really started to make me mad. I thought about how I should be "tolerant" of it, but I didn't feel like these kids were clapping for the right reasons at all. They weren't listening, they were just being goofy, while I was trying to worship!
But if I could so easily be distracted, was my way of worshipping any better? Was I any more focused then them?
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. - Matthew 7:5
Only God knows the depth of our hearts, what we think, why we do what we do.
Worship is my time to be with God, I don't need to worry about how others are finding Him. As I try to focus during these times, and after the foundation has been set for me and for others, I have to trust that God will work His wonders and take care of the rest.
Monday, June 21, 2010
"Hold for Applause"
Lately, a trending topic among my friends has been worship clapping.
Worship Clapping (v.)- The act of awkwardly clapping, usually, but not always, performed by youth and children, after a heartfelt action or ritual during worship.
We've all been there. Maybe you've been the "victim." Maybe you just gave the best testimony of your life, or simply read the scripture. As a servant of God you want people to see God through you, and clapping doesn't help.
Today I went to worship and later reflection time at GLC. During reflection, which is a quiet time with songs and prayers by the lake, I witnessed the awkward clapping. Even after they were asked not to clap and just to reflect, some who may not have been listening before, did anyway.
I tried my best to not be frustrated and think about when I was in their shoes. When I was their age, If someone had given a message that spoke to me, I wouldn't have told them... but I would've wanted them to know somehow that it was appreciated. If someone sang a beautiful song, I would've wanted them to know they sang to my soul...but I still wouldn't tell them. I valued what I heard as a younger youth, as I think these kids do. I think I probably clapped. Yea, maybe it sometimes was because I didn't know what to do, but usually because I had heard something from God and I wanted to praise Him for it! And that's how I felt comfortable doing it!
Maybe some kids were sleepy at worship and didn't want to clap, maybe some of them really wanted quiet prayer, but at that point in my life I showed it by clapping.
Worship Clapping (v.)- The act of awkwardly clapping, usually, but not always, performed by youth and children, after a heartfelt action or ritual during worship.
We've all been there. Maybe you've been the "victim." Maybe you just gave the best testimony of your life, or simply read the scripture. As a servant of God you want people to see God through you, and clapping doesn't help.
Today I went to worship and later reflection time at GLC. During reflection, which is a quiet time with songs and prayers by the lake, I witnessed the awkward clapping. Even after they were asked not to clap and just to reflect, some who may not have been listening before, did anyway.
I tried my best to not be frustrated and think about when I was in their shoes. When I was their age, If someone had given a message that spoke to me, I wouldn't have told them... but I would've wanted them to know somehow that it was appreciated. If someone sang a beautiful song, I would've wanted them to know they sang to my soul...but I still wouldn't tell them. I valued what I heard as a younger youth, as I think these kids do. I think I probably clapped. Yea, maybe it sometimes was because I didn't know what to do, but usually because I had heard something from God and I wanted to praise Him for it! And that's how I felt comfortable doing it!
Maybe some kids were sleepy at worship and didn't want to clap, maybe some of them really wanted quiet prayer, but at that point in my life I showed it by clapping.
Kudos to those junior highers who don't follow the mold! Kudos to the ones that lift up their arms and sing or go to the alter to pray when no one else does! For the first time in their lives these youth are starting to branch out. They are starting to make their own faith by taking risks and putting themselves out there. Sure, they might do some weird stuff sometimes, and it might be out of place, but maybe that's their place for the moment.
Maybe I should stop pretending I'm the victim and just let God do His stuff.
As the summer continues, I pray I look, at the disciples growing within these kids. I pray that I hear not the clapping they make, but the joyous noise that comes from their heart.
That said, you can check out some of what my friends say about worship clapping below, and that'll give you some insight on how this all started. I'd like to say before you read it though to know that each blog is right. Don't compare these blogs, because one is a banana, one is a cat and the other is yellow (I'm yellow though, for the record.) Each was written at a different time and with different emotions but the same intent-to glorify God.
Marianne Brown (my twin!) http://apps.facebook.com/liveblog/entry/471983
Ethan Gregory (that tall kid you've seen somewhere before)http://ethangregory.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/saturday-evening-worship-at-mw/
What's your stance on worship clapping?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Creepy Jesus- Mission Trip VI Part 2
Every church should have a creepy Jesus, right?
You know what I mean, one that's just there in the hall or SS room and has been there forever?
Someone probably donated it to the church back in 1882....
... But let's face it, it's kinda creepy.
Chances are you don't usually say anything (well maybe to a few people), because you wouldn't want to offend Jesus by calling him creepy.
As I reached Coweta FUMC, just one week ago, one of the first things I noticed were the stained glass windows upstairs. One was a cross and flame, and the other...creepy Jesus.
I unpacked in the upstairs youth room, which was great. I got a whole corner to myself and I could look out the window and look down on the gym and kitchen. I guess I like that because I myself am creepy, but whatever.
We went to bed Sunday night, but I still had to finish my message for Monday and I wanted to journal about all that had happened that day. It was too dark to write, so I went into one of the closets in the corner of the room. The light was already on, but I couldn't find the lightswitch. I looked up and then it hit me that this light didn't turn off because it was the room that lit up creepy Jesus!
I'm not sure why, but as I sat down against the door and started to write, the creepy Jesus wasn't as creepy as before. The day had been hard for me and I was tired. I was concerned about how I would be changed that week, and even wondered if I would be. As I continued to write I could hear the Lord speaking to me, telling me what to write down. This is the part where you might stop reading because you think I'm crazy, but at one point I looked up and it was like the window Jesus smiled at me in approval. It's crazy I know, and I don't think it matters whether it really happened or not. However, whatever did happened there "strangely warmed my heart," and it was like God saying "I'm gonna be here with you, don't worry."
At this point I broke down just asked that I WOULD be changed. I realized that I did need to be redefined. I knew it would still be hard but I went to bed praying that I would be prepared for whatever God had in store.
That little corner of the church, that little closet, was my personal sanctuary for the week. It was a quiet place where I could be alone with God and try to wrap my head around all He was doing. I went there after a long day when I needed time to focus. I went there after worship Monday night when I just wanted to be alone and not deal with anything around me. It was MY place.
Who would've thought a creepy Jesus could be so cool?
I don't think God is offended when we call out a creepy Jesus, as long as we can look beyond it.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Shape of God- Mission Trip VI Part 1
"How the heck am I supposed to "redefine" myself? I'm on the track for MINISTRY, how could redefining myself make any sense at this point? I don't feel excited like I have been before, maybe I've grown and need to search for different ways to connect with God? I'm just gonna keep my eyes open and pray that the Spirit will come, but I won't be super dissapointed if it's not as great as years past."
-What a fool I was last week, thinking that God would cease to amaze me even after I had asked him into my heart! I was willing to be changed and tweaked, but my soul did not fully expect it.
So many times did God say, "hey Carly, THIS way" during the week there's no way I could explain them all here, much less on a single blogging. I spoke on Monday about looking for God out of the norm. and in those wierd and unusual places that we don't expect God to be...to Redefine God. I definitely lived that this week in ways I couldn't imagine.
One night Pastor Linda spoke about redefining oursleves. We had a lot of time to sit and think about who we are. We had to define ourselves. That's when I realized that I didn't know who the heck I was! I could've writen down "I'm a youth who wants to go into ministry and that lives for mission trip. I've messed up a lot but I want to serve the Lord." It was true but I didn't feel it fit. That may sound dumb, but that's not who I wanted to be.
I wanted to be changed. Who I was before was who I needed to be at that time, but God knew I needed to be renewed. I could not continue to grow with weeds in my way. This week God broke me down; a tired soul and a burned out girl, and began to build it up even more beautifully.
So who am I? I am God's. It's that simple, I am God's. And because of this I now get to choose who I am, I get to redefine.
God's love is not a circle with 360 degrees. It's not someone making a 180 and turning their life around. God's love is not a shape that we can see, it stretches far beyond that. God can redefine your life wherever you are, and to say that he can't-well that's just whack.
-What a fool I was last week, thinking that God would cease to amaze me even after I had asked him into my heart! I was willing to be changed and tweaked, but my soul did not fully expect it.
So many times did God say, "hey Carly, THIS way" during the week there's no way I could explain them all here, much less on a single blogging. I spoke on Monday about looking for God out of the norm. and in those wierd and unusual places that we don't expect God to be...to Redefine God. I definitely lived that this week in ways I couldn't imagine.
One night Pastor Linda spoke about redefining oursleves. We had a lot of time to sit and think about who we are. We had to define ourselves. That's when I realized that I didn't know who the heck I was! I could've writen down "I'm a youth who wants to go into ministry and that lives for mission trip. I've messed up a lot but I want to serve the Lord." It was true but I didn't feel it fit. That may sound dumb, but that's not who I wanted to be.
I wanted to be changed. Who I was before was who I needed to be at that time, but God knew I needed to be renewed. I could not continue to grow with weeds in my way. This week God broke me down; a tired soul and a burned out girl, and began to build it up even more beautifully.
So who am I? I am God's. It's that simple, I am God's. And because of this I now get to choose who I am, I get to redefine.
God's love is not a circle with 360 degrees. It's not someone making a 180 and turning their life around. God's love is not a shape that we can see, it stretches far beyond that. God can redefine your life wherever you are, and to say that he can't-well that's just whack.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A Prayer for Redefinition
Lord,
I pray that as I begin this week I may open my eyes to Your wondrous works. I pray that I may look beyond the reality and see the potential You originally envisioned. As I work Lord, let me not fix my eyes in certain places to meet You, but to feel Your presence in all places at all times...even if it's not the usual.
When I grow tired Lord, let me keep my focus on You. Give me the strength to persevere through. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may not grow weary in doing good.
Lord, set our hearts on fire that people may see You through us. Let our hearts be pure like a child that we may listen to Your word more clearly. Help us to make a difference in this world for you. I know that the physical work I will do will turn to dust, but let me do more than that.
God, You are so great that you show Your presence in the least of service given to You. I ask that my life might be redefined this week and that I will come out ready for the real mission.
Hear my prayer, Oh Lord.
I pray that as I begin this week I may open my eyes to Your wondrous works. I pray that I may look beyond the reality and see the potential You originally envisioned. As I work Lord, let me not fix my eyes in certain places to meet You, but to feel Your presence in all places at all times...even if it's not the usual.
When I grow tired Lord, let me keep my focus on You. Give me the strength to persevere through. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may not grow weary in doing good.
Lord, set our hearts on fire that people may see You through us. Let our hearts be pure like a child that we may listen to Your word more clearly. Help us to make a difference in this world for you. I know that the physical work I will do will turn to dust, but let me do more than that.
God, You are so great that you show Your presence in the least of service given to You. I ask that my life might be redefined this week and that I will come out ready for the real mission.
Hear my prayer, Oh Lord.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Ox Poop
If you want a manger free of ox poop, don't buy an ox. But if you want to multiply your harvest, and ox will sure come in handy." -Proverbs 14:4
I thought it would be a great verse for messy game night for the youth. As we prepare for mission trip, it won't always be fun, but in order to do good and make a difference sometimes we have to deal with the junk that blocks our way.
I'm eating my own words.
So technically, our seemingly wonderful event was a failure. But the shirts that were doomed from the first tie began to turn out great! Emily and I marveled at how great they came out, and of course we were having fun the whole time! So even though some of it wasn't fun, we pushed through, even enjoying our detours. It wasn't that much of a failure after all.
The lessoned I planned to teach was taught to me. And as I prepare for my mission trip, for my future ministry and my whole Christian journey, I know that if I let God in during these times, if I can work past all the mess and the ox poop, there's something better in store.
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Other F-Bomb
Fellowship. (Cue dramatic music.)
A word I've come to dread.
What is Christan fellowship? I feel like a lot of the time its used to merely fill up space on a line when there isn't another word. "Food, friends and fellowship" is always a nice alliteration to put on the flyer, right? Don't get me wrong, because I know I misname it myself, but what is true Christian fellowship?
We have youth fellowship time at church. I like hanging out with my friends, eating some food and occasionally starting a game of Ninja or Death Hack. I enjoy working with the junior high to show them how to play Concentration or watch my peers stuff marshmallows in their mouths during "chubby bunny." Even though I enjoy all of those things, this is not why I come to youth. This "fellowship" we have, I can get anywhere else. What difference can we see during this time of fellowship and at the FCCLA meeting at school?
Take the Laity Banquet for example. For those of you who haven't experienced this, let me sum it up for you. Every year all the churches in our area get together and celebrate the lay persons (everyone but the preachers) in the church. Now I imagine, quite some years ago, this was a great event. Some Methodork that was on fire with enthusiasm and the Holy Spirit probably said something like "you know, we should have a big get together for all the people in our district that we don't get to see very often, and we can recognize all the church has accomplished this year." And because we live in Texas, they said it in a hick accent, and soon decided that we would be serving barbecue at the event.
There are quite a few people who feel obligated to go, or go because someone invited them not knowing really what it was. Now I can find just about anything to be fun and worthwhile, but at the same time the Laity Banquet is pretty dull. We eat, we sit through a few speeches, we all go to Braum's afterwards. While I bet the intentions for the Laity Banquet were good, we are not unified as Christians because we are not working towards a common goal as much as we had hoped.
I think most exciting part of the banquet was putting up the chairs and tables. We all pitched in to get the job done so we could get out of there and get ice cream! In that short 10 minutes I met with new people and recollected with friends. I laughed, I worked, and I felt like I did something useful. It's kind of silly but I feel like the relationships start when we are heading down the path together and not sitting idle. We engaged together therefore grew together. Christian fellowship.
Another example of true Christian fellowship is what I see on mission trip. When I see my friends cheerfully hack away at poison ivy, sweating in the sun because they chose to. I see it there because we aren't playing games (which I love, don't get me wrong,) but because we are striving together to reach a common goal in the name of our Lord. This is true fellowship! And what is better yet, when we engage in this kind of fellowship we are also living out our call as Christians!
It seems to me like we've masked the real meaning of fellowship, turning it into a word that is thrown out like nothing. We use this important practice so that it covers up devotion, worship and mission. This kind of fellowship leads to nowhere, but the real fellowship is one of the best things we've been given.
This is my rant. Is it dumb? Tell me.
Pineapple Tidbit; While I've been getting my Jesus tidbits working at GLC this summer, I've also made sure I am actually eating pineapples also, just so I stay true to this ridiculous name.
A word I've come to dread.
What is Christan fellowship? I feel like a lot of the time its used to merely fill up space on a line when there isn't another word. "Food, friends and fellowship" is always a nice alliteration to put on the flyer, right? Don't get me wrong, because I know I misname it myself, but what is true Christian fellowship?
We have youth fellowship time at church. I like hanging out with my friends, eating some food and occasionally starting a game of Ninja or Death Hack. I enjoy working with the junior high to show them how to play Concentration or watch my peers stuff marshmallows in their mouths during "chubby bunny." Even though I enjoy all of those things, this is not why I come to youth. This "fellowship" we have, I can get anywhere else. What difference can we see during this time of fellowship and at the FCCLA meeting at school?
Take the Laity Banquet for example. For those of you who haven't experienced this, let me sum it up for you. Every year all the churches in our area get together and celebrate the lay persons (everyone but the preachers) in the church. Now I imagine, quite some years ago, this was a great event. Some Methodork that was on fire with enthusiasm and the Holy Spirit probably said something like "you know, we should have a big get together for all the people in our district that we don't get to see very often, and we can recognize all the church has accomplished this year." And because we live in Texas, they said it in a hick accent, and soon decided that we would be serving barbecue at the event.
There are quite a few people who feel obligated to go, or go because someone invited them not knowing really what it was. Now I can find just about anything to be fun and worthwhile, but at the same time the Laity Banquet is pretty dull. We eat, we sit through a few speeches, we all go to Braum's afterwards. While I bet the intentions for the Laity Banquet were good, we are not unified as Christians because we are not working towards a common goal as much as we had hoped.
I think most exciting part of the banquet was putting up the chairs and tables. We all pitched in to get the job done so we could get out of there and get ice cream! In that short 10 minutes I met with new people and recollected with friends. I laughed, I worked, and I felt like I did something useful. It's kind of silly but I feel like the relationships start when we are heading down the path together and not sitting idle. We engaged together therefore grew together. Christian fellowship.
Another example of true Christian fellowship is what I see on mission trip. When I see my friends cheerfully hack away at poison ivy, sweating in the sun because they chose to. I see it there because we aren't playing games (which I love, don't get me wrong,) but because we are striving together to reach a common goal in the name of our Lord. This is true fellowship! And what is better yet, when we engage in this kind of fellowship we are also living out our call as Christians!
It seems to me like we've masked the real meaning of fellowship, turning it into a word that is thrown out like nothing. We use this important practice so that it covers up devotion, worship and mission. This kind of fellowship leads to nowhere, but the real fellowship is one of the best things we've been given.
This is my rant. Is it dumb? Tell me.
Pineapple Tidbit; While I've been getting my Jesus tidbits working at GLC this summer, I've also made sure I am actually eating pineapples also, just so I stay true to this ridiculous name.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Seriously, that was ME?
Today in Psychology we were watching the movie A Beautiful Mind, and the main character made the comment that "everyone is haunted by their past." It made me think because I don't see my past as something I'm haunted by (but then again I don't have a whole lot of past yet.) But now that I ponder that statement, and there are a few things that aren't "bad," but still make me cringe when I think about them.
- I wish that in the 1st grade talent show I wouldn't have done my Hula-Hoop "routine" to "Raw Hide." Or maybe even have had a "routine."
- I wish that I wouldn't have cried almost every day in Kindergarten.
- I sometimes regret yelling at the giant wasp during mission trip.
- I don't like to think about the time Katy and I pushed the wrong code at Barnard's Mill that caused the police to come.
- I'm beginning to question why this blog is called Pineapple Tidbits.
There are many more I've shut out of my memory or just don't care to share. I don't think I'm haunted by these memories, but they do give me some laughs, or cringes. If they didn't, it would mean I haven't grown at all. We often look at our past and judge ourselves according to it, but if we can look and see who we used to be, doesn't it mean we've allowed God to come in so that we become something a little bit better?
Do Good.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said,
"Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love."
The world tells us we are small. If you've ever been to a Rangers game, or stood in Cowboy stadium with thousands of people around you, you've probably felt small. If you've ever pitched a great idea only to be shut down, you've felt small. The world tells us we can not be great, but when we turn to serve the Kingdom of God, we can be.
In James 3: 2-5 it says,
"2 For we all stumble on many things. If anyone does not stumble in the word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and driven by feirce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things See how great a forest a little fire kindles!"
James is speaking about the umtamable tongue and the evil it can do, but I believe it can also have the same effect with kinds words and actions.
There once was a Christian man who went into a shoe store. Most Christians don't find that the best place to witness, but this man was given the opprotunity and inspired a man in the store. This man, in turn witness to someone who became a great preacher. One Sunday a man was inspired by his sermon so much that he went out and told someone else, and that man was Billy Graham who has inspired millions.
The littlest things we do as Christians can make a huge difference. By going a little out of our way to do God's work we can effect the world in a way we may never know. And even though we don't always see the fruit of our labor we must have faith that God is working.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
-Hebrews 10:24
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Getting Pumped for those Tiger Cards!
Every year our athletic boosters sell Tiger Cards, which is a card that you can get discounts around town with-exciting right? Well it gets better, we sell them after school for one day and one day only. Yes, that's right. For 3 1/2 hours after school, our little town is swarmed with crazy high school kids driving around and freshman desperatly running all around town in a frantic effort to sell the 10 we are given. Just when you think you've found the best place to ask people, you're told lots of kids have already been to. When you finally get a sale you're excited! By the end of the night hundreds if not a thousand people have a Tiger Card. Aren't you glad you don't live here?
What if for one day, or one afternoon, we all went out in a similar swarm, but to go help people. I know what you're thinking; another one of Carly's crazy mission schemes-but stick with me. What if hundreds of kids frantically ran around in efforts to help someone? What if people had multiple students ask them not if they wanted to buy something, but if they could help them? If we can make all that money for athletics in that short time, how much could our community be helped? I realize its a lot more complicated than that, but I just thought it was a cool thought. Mission Raid 2011. Ha.
No Pineapple stuff for today-the people at the Sno Cone Shack didn't buy any Tiger Cards from me.
What if for one day, or one afternoon, we all went out in a similar swarm, but to go help people. I know what you're thinking; another one of Carly's crazy mission schemes-but stick with me. What if hundreds of kids frantically ran around in efforts to help someone? What if people had multiple students ask them not if they wanted to buy something, but if they could help them? If we can make all that money for athletics in that short time, how much could our community be helped? I realize its a lot more complicated than that, but I just thought it was a cool thought. Mission Raid 2011. Ha.
No Pineapple stuff for today-the people at the Sno Cone Shack didn't buy any Tiger Cards from me.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Deacons, Elders and all that good stuff
Monday Night
Elder or Deacon? That is the question posed tonight at spelling practice. I know I've got time, but there's no better time to explore than the present! I'll post more later.
......
Tuesday
Spelling practice is always fun (if you exclude the fact that I'm actually on the spelling team.) Especially since Coach Dye, who was a "Temporary Deacon" in the Episcopal church himself found out I want to go into the ministry. Now as we go through the list of words during practice, he points out any word relating to God, religion or the church (which makes going to practice a bit more worthwhile.) Last night we got into a conversation about the cloth that covers communion, which eventually lead to the different ways to serve God through ordained ministry in the UMC...Elder and Deacon.
I mentioned that I was considering becoming a Deacon and explained what it was, Coach Dye quickly remarked something like "Oh no, I want you to serve in a church and lead a congregation." At first I thought that maybe this was a sign from God, that He could be speaking to me through Coach Dye, until he said "If that's what you want to do anyway...." So I'm not completely sure anymore, haha.
Nonetheless, this brings me to a decision I've been contemplating; elder or deacon? I find that I'm pretty passionate about mission trips and missions and general, and I love working with children and youth in the church. These are some reasons I've considered the deacon route, because the possibilities are endless! I could choose what I want to do, and and if I get married and have children I could adjust (nothing like planning for the future I guess!) On the other hand, if I go the elder route; would I like serving a congregation? I've preached before, liked it, and felt that I did fairly well, but I don't really know if my call is to preach every week, I'm still discerning how I feel about that. I know there are lots of places to serve as an elder, but will I be able to serve God to the best of my ability if I'm appointed as a lead pastor to a small church while my passion is ________ ministry?
I realize that things will change and I'll explore new options as I get older. Believe me, I realize I don't have to decide today. It's something I pray about and will be very careful as I start getting into it more. But for now I figured there were lots of people who have gone through more of this stuff than me, and I want your opinion!
Additionally, It was suggested that I incorporate more pineapple into my blogs, so today I pose the question "Why a pineapple? Why not an Oakgrape?
Elder or Deacon? That is the question posed tonight at spelling practice. I know I've got time, but there's no better time to explore than the present! I'll post more later.
......
Tuesday
Spelling practice is always fun (if you exclude the fact that I'm actually on the spelling team.) Especially since Coach Dye, who was a "Temporary Deacon" in the Episcopal church himself found out I want to go into the ministry. Now as we go through the list of words during practice, he points out any word relating to God, religion or the church (which makes going to practice a bit more worthwhile.) Last night we got into a conversation about the cloth that covers communion, which eventually lead to the different ways to serve God through ordained ministry in the UMC...Elder and Deacon.
I mentioned that I was considering becoming a Deacon and explained what it was, Coach Dye quickly remarked something like "Oh no, I want you to serve in a church and lead a congregation." At first I thought that maybe this was a sign from God, that He could be speaking to me through Coach Dye, until he said "If that's what you want to do anyway...." So I'm not completely sure anymore, haha.
Nonetheless, this brings me to a decision I've been contemplating; elder or deacon? I find that I'm pretty passionate about mission trips and missions and general, and I love working with children and youth in the church. These are some reasons I've considered the deacon route, because the possibilities are endless! I could choose what I want to do, and and if I get married and have children I could adjust (nothing like planning for the future I guess!) On the other hand, if I go the elder route; would I like serving a congregation? I've preached before, liked it, and felt that I did fairly well, but I don't really know if my call is to preach every week, I'm still discerning how I feel about that. I know there are lots of places to serve as an elder, but will I be able to serve God to the best of my ability if I'm appointed as a lead pastor to a small church while my passion is ________ ministry?
I realize that things will change and I'll explore new options as I get older. Believe me, I realize I don't have to decide today. It's something I pray about and will be very careful as I start getting into it more. But for now I figured there were lots of people who have gone through more of this stuff than me, and I want your opinion!
Additionally, It was suggested that I incorporate more pineapple into my blogs, so today I pose the question "Why a pineapple? Why not an Oakgrape?
Saturday, March 20, 2010
DSLT Devo for March 21
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." -Psalms 37:4
So God's going to give me what I want, all the desires of my heart? Because I'm a Christian, I'll eventually get what I want, as long as its something really important like patience and not another vanilla sno cone? That's some weird theology, huh? A lot of times we seem to ask what God has done for us and seem to be looking for our answer.
I know there are lots of times when I wonder why things are going the way they are. This break, for example; after my "procedure" I expected that I would be able to walk in a few days, but here 7 days later I still look like Bill Cosby dancing when I walk! As a result I spent most of my spring break laying in bed watching tv or bruising my knees crawling to another room.
But if I take a look at the first part of that verse, if I remember to delight myself in the Lord, a lot more happened this Spring Break; I went to my grandparents, I learned to walk again! I got a new iPod and traveled to Oregon-thrice!
As long as we remember to delight ourselves in God that crazy stuff I mentioned before isn't so crazy. Doesn't God already know the true desires of our hearts, and have a better solution?
Delighting in the Lord doesn't just mean looking at what is obviously good, but also coming to the conclusion that the good will ALWAYS be there when we look.
This is for a devo I'm doing at a meeting, so I'm open to any comments, suggestions or objections!
So God's going to give me what I want, all the desires of my heart? Because I'm a Christian, I'll eventually get what I want, as long as its something really important like patience and not another vanilla sno cone? That's some weird theology, huh? A lot of times we seem to ask what God has done for us and seem to be looking for our answer.
I know there are lots of times when I wonder why things are going the way they are. This break, for example; after my "procedure" I expected that I would be able to walk in a few days, but here 7 days later I still look like Bill Cosby dancing when I walk! As a result I spent most of my spring break laying in bed watching tv or bruising my knees crawling to another room.
But if I take a look at the first part of that verse, if I remember to delight myself in the Lord, a lot more happened this Spring Break; I went to my grandparents, I learned to walk again! I got a new iPod and traveled to Oregon-thrice!
As long as we remember to delight ourselves in God that crazy stuff I mentioned before isn't so crazy. Doesn't God already know the true desires of our hearts, and have a better solution?
Delighting in the Lord doesn't just mean looking at what is obviously good, but also coming to the conclusion that the good will ALWAYS be there when we look.
This is for a devo I'm doing at a meeting, so I'm open to any comments, suggestions or objections!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Reliving the Past
You might be thinking to yourself, "I wonder what Carly has been doing during Spring Break," but chances are you aren't. However, because you came to look at my blog, I'm obliged to tell you anyway.
While my friends went and saw movies, hung out, went on vacations, I relived the first 9 months of my life, starting with waking up in a hospital, proceding with the wheeling-out-of-the-patient via wheelchair. Oh but wait, it gets better...
After I got home the real test began. I found that after the anethesia wore off I found it impossible to walk, or stay awake for more than an hour at a time...therefore spending most of the day in my bed. After 24 hours of that nonsense I was wheeled out to the garage, then engaged in a failed attept to ride "piggy-back" style to the car (nice try though, Dad.)
The car ride took me to the perfect place to recooperate- Top and Grandpa's house. What a better place to heal from "surgery" than a household full of grandparents with lots of couches, extra walkers and an extra handicap-accessible bathroom?!?
Anyway, it was there that I learned to crawl. It happened late at night..... I..... I just couldn't hold it any longer..... I should've gone before bed....but I didn't have to then! The only thing stopping me between my bed and the bathroom were my feet! So I then took my first re-crawling steps....and I'm sure I made my mother proud because she didn't have to wake up to help me hobble into the bathroom....that time or the twenty others that night.....
I eventually got tired of hurting my knees on the tile and began to walk...what a glorious moment....ha. Yea, I used a walker-don't judge, it helped. And it was always nice to have the support of my sister G dangling whatever I needed just out of reach for me.....how empathetic.
Even though I still have the balance of a Mexican-Jumping Bean, I'm happy with that. I've made progress...that I can very much relate to that of what I saw during my sister's first year of life....hmmm. I guess I'm pretty happy that God doesn't let us remember too much of being babies-I don't think I could handle doing all of it over again!
While my friends went and saw movies, hung out, went on vacations, I relived the first 9 months of my life, starting with waking up in a hospital, proceding with the wheeling-out-of-the-patient via wheelchair. Oh but wait, it gets better...
After I got home the real test began. I found that after the anethesia wore off I found it impossible to walk, or stay awake for more than an hour at a time...therefore spending most of the day in my bed. After 24 hours of that nonsense I was wheeled out to the garage, then engaged in a failed attept to ride "piggy-back" style to the car (nice try though, Dad.)
The car ride took me to the perfect place to recooperate- Top and Grandpa's house. What a better place to heal from "surgery" than a household full of grandparents with lots of couches, extra walkers and an extra handicap-accessible bathroom?!?
Anyway, it was there that I learned to crawl. It happened late at night..... I..... I just couldn't hold it any longer..... I should've gone before bed....but I didn't have to then! The only thing stopping me between my bed and the bathroom were my feet! So I then took my first re-crawling steps....and I'm sure I made my mother proud because she didn't have to wake up to help me hobble into the bathroom....that time or the twenty others that night.....
I eventually got tired of hurting my knees on the tile and began to walk...what a glorious moment....ha. Yea, I used a walker-don't judge, it helped. And it was always nice to have the support of my sister G dangling whatever I needed just out of reach for me.....how empathetic.
Even though I still have the balance of a Mexican-Jumping Bean, I'm happy with that. I've made progress...that I can very much relate to that of what I saw during my sister's first year of life....hmmm. I guess I'm pretty happy that God doesn't let us remember too much of being babies-I don't think I could handle doing all of it over again!
Monday, March 15, 2010
A Pitcher of Margaritas?
Maybe I'm just on a blog-writing high, but I told my friend I'd blog about what happened to me today. So just una mas for the posting tonight. This one's for Tayler!
As I sit here writing this at 12:30 I myself am wondering why I'm up this late. Is it because because of the time change or the fact that I slept half of the day and have giant hospital boots going over my bandaged feet, therefore making it hard to get up? I'm going with the latter.
Today I went to the doctor at 6:30, yea, on Spring Break. Fun, right? I had to get a procedure done on my feet, and so they were nice and squeezed me in this week so I could play sports next week. I'd never had a surgery, procedure, or even put to sleep at the dentist, so I was kinda nervous today. It wasn't anything big, they just had to fix what I'm gonna call the "holes" in my feet, ha ha.
So I get there and they take me to my little prep area where they tell me the game plan. I started to get nervous when they put the IV in, and I definitely didn't believe them when they said it was the worst part. Next the Anesthesiologist came in and told me what he was gonna do. I guess he could tell I was being a baby because he told me he would give me something to make me relax. He told me it would feel like I just had a pitcher of margaritas, which I quickly responded I did NOT know what that was like. As he gave me this "anti-nervous" stuff I realized how ridiculous it all was. There were 5 people crowded around me just to fix some stupid holes in my feet- RIDICULOUS! I started giggling at this thought, I tried to hold it in but I couldn't. I felt rude because the doctor probably thought I was laughing at him, but I wasn't! Anyway, my mom asked me what was so funny and I couldn't answer her because by this time I was belly-laughing and could do nothing to stop myself! As they wheeled me away to the "surgery" area, and I'm sure I looked and sounded like a crazy person!
Apparently it was laughing gas they gave me.
To top it all off, I woke up to breakfast in bed (meaning a glass of orange juice)!
And they had let me use one of their short-sleeve Snuggies (meaning a hospital gown)!
Plus I got a cool bracelet with my name (called a hospital bracelet)!
And even a brand-new pair of shoes (which I don't think I can explain what they really are)!
So, once more I come to you, now 1 o'clock in the morning, telling you this ridiculous yet true story. Maybe you got a laugh from this, if not, maybe you can pretend there is some life-lesson attached. I'm gonna go wobble to bed in my new shoes :)
As I sit here writing this at 12:30 I myself am wondering why I'm up this late. Is it because because of the time change or the fact that I slept half of the day and have giant hospital boots going over my bandaged feet, therefore making it hard to get up? I'm going with the latter.
Today I went to the doctor at 6:30, yea, on Spring Break. Fun, right? I had to get a procedure done on my feet, and so they were nice and squeezed me in this week so I could play sports next week. I'd never had a surgery, procedure, or even put to sleep at the dentist, so I was kinda nervous today. It wasn't anything big, they just had to fix what I'm gonna call the "holes" in my feet, ha ha.
So I get there and they take me to my little prep area where they tell me the game plan. I started to get nervous when they put the IV in, and I definitely didn't believe them when they said it was the worst part. Next the Anesthesiologist came in and told me what he was gonna do. I guess he could tell I was being a baby because he told me he would give me something to make me relax. He told me it would feel like I just had a pitcher of margaritas, which I quickly responded I did NOT know what that was like. As he gave me this "anti-nervous" stuff I realized how ridiculous it all was. There were 5 people crowded around me just to fix some stupid holes in my feet- RIDICULOUS! I started giggling at this thought, I tried to hold it in but I couldn't. I felt rude because the doctor probably thought I was laughing at him, but I wasn't! Anyway, my mom asked me what was so funny and I couldn't answer her because by this time I was belly-laughing and could do nothing to stop myself! As they wheeled me away to the "surgery" area, and I'm sure I looked and sounded like a crazy person!
Apparently it was laughing gas they gave me.
To top it all off, I woke up to breakfast in bed (meaning a glass of orange juice)!
And they had let me use one of their short-sleeve Snuggies (meaning a hospital gown)!
Plus I got a cool bracelet with my name (called a hospital bracelet)!
And even a brand-new pair of shoes (which I don't think I can explain what they really are)!
So, once more I come to you, now 1 o'clock in the morning, telling you this ridiculous yet true story. Maybe you got a laugh from this, if not, maybe you can pretend there is some life-lesson attached. I'm gonna go wobble to bed in my new shoes :)
March 14: Part II My New Friend Michael
"And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it." John 1:4
Since some of the youth group was on ski trip, my youth director let me lead youth this past Sunday, and I invited some DSLTers to come and help out. My friend Miller and I by chance came super-early to get all the tweaks out of our lesson. We were sitting under a tree in the Preschool yard planning out our lesson on getting to know the poor when a man came up. He had a shaggy beard and was wearing clothes that were somewhat dirty. He leaned over the fence and asked if the pastor was around. I told him no but that he would be there in about 30 minutes, and invited him to come sit down with us.
We introduced ourselves and he told us about himself. His name was Michael and he was headed down from AR (and originally TN.) He was down on his luck and was hoping to find a job on the coast. We asked him how we could help out and after discussing ideas came to the conclusion that Pastor Billy would know better than us.
So we sat and talked about the Bible for a while, he mentioned he liked Proverbs and John (which is where the verse is from.) We talked about the books we liked, and he told us how proud he was that we were involved with church. He spoke to us almost as if he had known us for years, and we carried on conversations for about 20 minutes. Before our pastor got there we told him thanks for talking with us, and joked that we had been hanging out together all day and were glad to have someone else to talk to. At that he responded that he was glad not to have to talk to himself anymore.
When Pastor Billy came the two went into his office and Billy took care of everything. Later when he came down to youth (where we were having our lesson on getting to know the poor) Billy remarked "you just never know when Jesus is gonna show up."
When I look back I think of all things that happened that day, all the intricate details in God's plan that led us exactly to where we were at that specific time, all I can think is "what awesome God." Sometimes God puts us in weird situations that are hard to comprehend, but if we live as children of the Light and not of darkness we can more readily understand and embrace it. So to wrap it up- is this a story about how Miller and I got to know the poor and help Michael out? I guess it could be. But I think it's a much better story of how God showed Himself to us through our new friend Michael.
Since some of the youth group was on ski trip, my youth director let me lead youth this past Sunday, and I invited some DSLTers to come and help out. My friend Miller and I by chance came super-early to get all the tweaks out of our lesson. We were sitting under a tree in the Preschool yard planning out our lesson on getting to know the poor when a man came up. He had a shaggy beard and was wearing clothes that were somewhat dirty. He leaned over the fence and asked if the pastor was around. I told him no but that he would be there in about 30 minutes, and invited him to come sit down with us.
We introduced ourselves and he told us about himself. His name was Michael and he was headed down from AR (and originally TN.) He was down on his luck and was hoping to find a job on the coast. We asked him how we could help out and after discussing ideas came to the conclusion that Pastor Billy would know better than us.
So we sat and talked about the Bible for a while, he mentioned he liked Proverbs and John (which is where the verse is from.) We talked about the books we liked, and he told us how proud he was that we were involved with church. He spoke to us almost as if he had known us for years, and we carried on conversations for about 20 minutes. Before our pastor got there we told him thanks for talking with us, and joked that we had been hanging out together all day and were glad to have someone else to talk to. At that he responded that he was glad not to have to talk to himself anymore.
When Pastor Billy came the two went into his office and Billy took care of everything. Later when he came down to youth (where we were having our lesson on getting to know the poor) Billy remarked "you just never know when Jesus is gonna show up."
When I look back I think of all things that happened that day, all the intricate details in God's plan that led us exactly to where we were at that specific time, all I can think is "what awesome God." Sometimes God puts us in weird situations that are hard to comprehend, but if we live as children of the Light and not of darkness we can more readily understand and embrace it. So to wrap it up- is this a story about how Miller and I got to know the poor and help Michael out? I guess it could be. But I think it's a much better story of how God showed Himself to us through our new friend Michael.
March 14: Part I-Sweet Spirit at Waples
Going along with my pineapple theme, yesterday I found a whole can of pineapples God had left for me. And no, not those little one-serving cups, I mean the family value can! Therefore, this day is being split into at least two parts. Here it goes...
Last week I got asked to preach at Waples UMC, which is a small church in Granbury. It was a little bigger than Temple Hall UMC, and I was excited that the DS was still thinking of the youth lay speakers when asking people to fill in. When I got to the church I met some of the congregation that was getting ready for Sunday school. They told me there were three classes and showed me where the young adult class was. I thought it was pretty awesome that they made a point to have these classes in such a small church, and even though I was the only young adult that day (the others were sick or away) it made me feel important.
When we got to the service I felt even more the energy in that little church. They were alive in their ministries, talking about the baby shower they had and the "field trips" they were going on-it was impressive. Even more impressive was at the end of the service when they all circled up and sang "Sweet Sweet Spirit." And this was not the normal singing, this was like revival-time singing! We literally lifted out arms in praise! The man next to me and the little boy across were dancing! And I don't care how cheesy or cliche this sounds, but it was just like the song says-there were sweet expressions on each face, and after that song we were revived because the Holy Spirit had filled the place!
I used to think of little country churches as the ones with a bunch of older people sitting around not changing their ways for anything (maybe not to that extent but you get the jist.) But these past few weeks have shown me that there is much more. These people don't go to church for the fru-fru of it all, they go because they want to have church, and think its important. Its people like the members of Temple Hall and Waples UMC that keep churches going through their servant leadership.
Take it as you like, it's just a tidbit of Christ I saw and wanted to share :)
Last week I got asked to preach at Waples UMC, which is a small church in Granbury. It was a little bigger than Temple Hall UMC, and I was excited that the DS was still thinking of the youth lay speakers when asking people to fill in. When I got to the church I met some of the congregation that was getting ready for Sunday school. They told me there were three classes and showed me where the young adult class was. I thought it was pretty awesome that they made a point to have these classes in such a small church, and even though I was the only young adult that day (the others were sick or away) it made me feel important.
When we got to the service I felt even more the energy in that little church. They were alive in their ministries, talking about the baby shower they had and the "field trips" they were going on-it was impressive. Even more impressive was at the end of the service when they all circled up and sang "Sweet Sweet Spirit." And this was not the normal singing, this was like revival-time singing! We literally lifted out arms in praise! The man next to me and the little boy across were dancing! And I don't care how cheesy or cliche this sounds, but it was just like the song says-there were sweet expressions on each face, and after that song we were revived because the Holy Spirit had filled the place!
I used to think of little country churches as the ones with a bunch of older people sitting around not changing their ways for anything (maybe not to that extent but you get the jist.) But these past few weeks have shown me that there is much more. These people don't go to church for the fru-fru of it all, they go because they want to have church, and think its important. Its people like the members of Temple Hall and Waples UMC that keep churches going through their servant leadership.
Take it as you like, it's just a tidbit of Christ I saw and wanted to share :)
Not Quite Sure Where It's Going-But This is a Start
Blogging seems to be the thing to do these days, so I decided I'd give it a shot. I don't know what I'll end up posting on here, but I thought I could more effectively share my thoughts than with a tweet of status-update.
I decided to name this blog Pineapple Tidbits yesterday as I was thinking about all the things that had happened that day. It had been a pretty awesome day, and I was in awe of all the ways Christ had been shining through when I came up with somewhat of a silly analogy; God is like a pineapple.
Now stick with me here- As Christians, it's important we always have that "Jesus juice" running through us to keep us going. We get that by reading our Bible, going to church and being spiritually discplined. However what I like the most, is when God shows up in our random and everyday lives, giving us tidbits of Him that rejuvanate us and renew us in His awesome wonder. I get those when I go on mission trip or Glen Lake Camp. I get that when I see my friends and my youth group growing deeper in their journey, when I see any group get together with the goal of making the world a better place in the name of the Lord.
So why did I choose a Pineapple, one of the weirdest fruits in the supermarket? What made the connection between God and that piece of fruit?
Simple, I had just eaten a Pineapple sno-cone that night. :)
I decided to name this blog Pineapple Tidbits yesterday as I was thinking about all the things that had happened that day. It had been a pretty awesome day, and I was in awe of all the ways Christ had been shining through when I came up with somewhat of a silly analogy; God is like a pineapple.
Now stick with me here- As Christians, it's important we always have that "Jesus juice" running through us to keep us going. We get that by reading our Bible, going to church and being spiritually discplined. However what I like the most, is when God shows up in our random and everyday lives, giving us tidbits of Him that rejuvanate us and renew us in His awesome wonder. I get those when I go on mission trip or Glen Lake Camp. I get that when I see my friends and my youth group growing deeper in their journey, when I see any group get together with the goal of making the world a better place in the name of the Lord.
So why did I choose a Pineapple, one of the weirdest fruits in the supermarket? What made the connection between God and that piece of fruit?
Simple, I had just eaten a Pineapple sno-cone that night. :)
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