When you are forgotten, neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting or hurt with the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ; That is dying to self....When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinion ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence; That is dying to self.
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus did; That is dying to self.
When you are content with any food, and offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God; That is dying to self.
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown; That is dying to self.
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate circumstances; That is dying to self.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit, inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart; That is dying to self.
~unknown
Oh, to daily die to self. I don't think there will ever be a more difficult thing to be done. Coming to Christ isn't a one-time commitment, it's a daily commitment to put Christ and others ahead of yourself. It's a commitment to die daily.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Reality Check
There was pounding on the door.
Seconds later, the authorities had broken into my home. They took our Bibles, and now we're left completely without God's word. What is more, all of our friends' Bibles are gone, too, so no one else can share a copy with us. We now have no way to read the Bible; no way to share it with others.
It's gone.
Even thinking about such an experience puts fear in my heart. Yet for much of the world, that nightmare has become a reality.
If you're like me, you take for granted the fact that we are able to read the Bible whenever we want. I mean, honestly, how awesome is that?!? I said, how awesome is that?!?
Seriously? Is that how I usually approach it?
Maybe sometimes. But most of the time, I'm guilty of this:
"Oh. Yah. I need to read my Bible today. That's what every good Christian does, every day. And a good Christian wouldn't ever, ever miss a day. So I have to do it, other wise I'm not giving God the kind of commitment He deserves." Sometimes this results in rummaging the house for my Bible before bed when I left it in a different room earlier that day; or trying to remember if I had read the Bible for "long" enough earlier that day; or reading the Bible when my eyes are closing before bed and checking the clock every minute and eight seconds to see how long I've been reading.
Oh, yah, that's definitely giving God the devotion He deserves.
I kid.
Seriously?!? As I read back over this I cringe at the truth of it. Do I really think that the almighty, sovereign, loving, holy Lord of the universe wants that from me? Is that how I should approach His word-- as an obligation? No. Never.
Seriously? I mean, what on earth is wrong with me?
Of course, I'll admit, as Christians we do have a sense of 'duty' or 'responsiblity' to reading the Word. I'm not one to say, "Well, if you don't feel like reading your Bible, don't!" We should read the Bible every day, whether or not we "feel" like it. But there should be a sense of longing, yearning, and urgency that accompanies that "duty." It should be our highest and first goal to pursue Christ with reckless abandon! Reading Scripture is the first step in glorifying God.
So, I'll go back to the opening. What if that happened to me-- today? Or tomorrow? Or next week? Would I be ready? Would I have His word in my heart so that I might not sin against Him? Or would I simply quote one or two verses that I vaguely remembered off the top of my head? I hate to say it, but I wouldn't be nearly prepared.
So, here lies the bigger question: am I doing anything to change that? I am pleased to announce that as of the day before yesterday, I have a large goal for myself: to memorize all the epistles besides Romans and 1&2 Corinthians before I turn nineteen. Before June 28, 2013, I want to have everything from Galatians to Jude memorized.
Is anyone with me? I could really use some accountability. Please leave a comment if you're in! And then, at least if we fail we fail together!! :) No, but seriously. I think the rewards will be infinitely greater than anything you can imagine.
Behold the greatness of God!
Seconds later, the authorities had broken into my home. They took our Bibles, and now we're left completely without God's word. What is more, all of our friends' Bibles are gone, too, so no one else can share a copy with us. We now have no way to read the Bible; no way to share it with others.
It's gone.
Even thinking about such an experience puts fear in my heart. Yet for much of the world, that nightmare has become a reality.
If you're like me, you take for granted the fact that we are able to read the Bible whenever we want. I mean, honestly, how awesome is that?!? I said, how awesome is that?!?
Seriously? Is that how I usually approach it?
Maybe sometimes. But most of the time, I'm guilty of this:
"Oh. Yah. I need to read my Bible today. That's what every good Christian does, every day. And a good Christian wouldn't ever, ever miss a day. So I have to do it, other wise I'm not giving God the kind of commitment He deserves." Sometimes this results in rummaging the house for my Bible before bed when I left it in a different room earlier that day; or trying to remember if I had read the Bible for "long" enough earlier that day; or reading the Bible when my eyes are closing before bed and checking the clock every minute and eight seconds to see how long I've been reading.
Oh, yah, that's definitely giving God the devotion He deserves.
I kid.
Seriously?!? As I read back over this I cringe at the truth of it. Do I really think that the almighty, sovereign, loving, holy Lord of the universe wants that from me? Is that how I should approach His word-- as an obligation? No. Never.
Seriously? I mean, what on earth is wrong with me?
Of course, I'll admit, as Christians we do have a sense of 'duty' or 'responsiblity' to reading the Word. I'm not one to say, "Well, if you don't feel like reading your Bible, don't!" We should read the Bible every day, whether or not we "feel" like it. But there should be a sense of longing, yearning, and urgency that accompanies that "duty." It should be our highest and first goal to pursue Christ with reckless abandon! Reading Scripture is the first step in glorifying God.
So, I'll go back to the opening. What if that happened to me-- today? Or tomorrow? Or next week? Would I be ready? Would I have His word in my heart so that I might not sin against Him? Or would I simply quote one or two verses that I vaguely remembered off the top of my head? I hate to say it, but I wouldn't be nearly prepared.
So, here lies the bigger question: am I doing anything to change that? I am pleased to announce that as of the day before yesterday, I have a large goal for myself: to memorize all the epistles besides Romans and 1&2 Corinthians before I turn nineteen. Before June 28, 2013, I want to have everything from Galatians to Jude memorized.
Is anyone with me? I could really use some accountability. Please leave a comment if you're in! And then, at least if we fail we fail together!! :) No, but seriously. I think the rewards will be infinitely greater than anything you can imagine.
Behold the greatness of God!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Something Significant
This weekend was amazing. We had a missionary conference at our church, East Cooper Baptist Church, and it was amazing.
During this conference I had the privilege of helping in the children's ministry program where kids ages Kindergarten to 5th grade learned about missions in Thailand. It was a huge blessing to me for a number of reasons, but one in particular. Saturday morning, the second day of the festival, all of us workers for the children's ministry showed up outside the sanctuary. There weren't very many of us; 10 adults or so and a handful of teenagers. I felt minorly excited, but mostly just underwhelmed. For those of you who have seen me on a Backyard VBS high-- trust me, it was nothing like that. During that time I'm enthusiastic, excited, and passionate and ready to tell the children about God. But on Saturday I felt just... normal. I was happy to help out, but that was about it. The night before had been fun, but different than I had expeceted. I guess I felt as if my being there was pointless.
Then Pastor Steve, the children's pastor, said something that shook me. He thanked us all for helping and then remarked about a little girl who had asked him a question; not about Thailand, but about China. She said that she had heard that people in China could only have one child, and she was curious what would happen to the other children. He didn't say how they had answered, but he did say that this little girl was really concerned about that. Who knows how God will use that. He continued on, saying that some of these children may really be impacted by this weekend. Maybe through a craft a child really liked, or through the testimonies, or anything. And maybe the impact might be significant enough to change their lives. And maybe their changed lives will result in the changing of other lives.
That really stuck with me. Later in the day, we were reading 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Don't you love it when God just hits you right in the face with something you needed to hear? No one else would know that's how I was feeling. I didn't tell anyone that I felt useless. But God knew. And so, just at the right time, He told me that my labor in Him is not in vain. NOTHING! Nothing I do for Him in vain. It doesn't say 'only the really big things' it says 'your labor in the Lord is not in vain'! Jesus also said, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Even the littlest, day to day things, if done in Christ's name, are not done in vain. I think there's something really significant about that. I think it's significant enough that it should change how I live my day-to-day life. Do I seek to do even the smallest tasks for God's glory? Do I desire to point to God's grace when I wash the dishes, do my Chemistry homework, play with my younger siblings, and make lunch? It's one thing to say I'm a Christian. But do I shine with the radiance of Christ, first for Him, and only because of Him-- no matter how small or menial the task before me seems?
You will never know the impact that you will have on someone's life unless you let Christ rule your life.
And I think that's pretty significant.
During this conference I had the privilege of helping in the children's ministry program where kids ages Kindergarten to 5th grade learned about missions in Thailand. It was a huge blessing to me for a number of reasons, but one in particular. Saturday morning, the second day of the festival, all of us workers for the children's ministry showed up outside the sanctuary. There weren't very many of us; 10 adults or so and a handful of teenagers. I felt minorly excited, but mostly just underwhelmed. For those of you who have seen me on a Backyard VBS high-- trust me, it was nothing like that. During that time I'm enthusiastic, excited, and passionate and ready to tell the children about God. But on Saturday I felt just... normal. I was happy to help out, but that was about it. The night before had been fun, but different than I had expeceted. I guess I felt as if my being there was pointless.
Then Pastor Steve, the children's pastor, said something that shook me. He thanked us all for helping and then remarked about a little girl who had asked him a question; not about Thailand, but about China. She said that she had heard that people in China could only have one child, and she was curious what would happen to the other children. He didn't say how they had answered, but he did say that this little girl was really concerned about that. Who knows how God will use that. He continued on, saying that some of these children may really be impacted by this weekend. Maybe through a craft a child really liked, or through the testimonies, or anything. And maybe the impact might be significant enough to change their lives. And maybe their changed lives will result in the changing of other lives.
That really stuck with me. Later in the day, we were reading 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Don't you love it when God just hits you right in the face with something you needed to hear? No one else would know that's how I was feeling. I didn't tell anyone that I felt useless. But God knew. And so, just at the right time, He told me that my labor in Him is not in vain. NOTHING! Nothing I do for Him in vain. It doesn't say 'only the really big things' it says 'your labor in the Lord is not in vain'! Jesus also said, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Even the littlest, day to day things, if done in Christ's name, are not done in vain. I think there's something really significant about that. I think it's significant enough that it should change how I live my day-to-day life. Do I seek to do even the smallest tasks for God's glory? Do I desire to point to God's grace when I wash the dishes, do my Chemistry homework, play with my younger siblings, and make lunch? It's one thing to say I'm a Christian. But do I shine with the radiance of Christ, first for Him, and only because of Him-- no matter how small or menial the task before me seems?
You will never know the impact that you will have on someone's life unless you let Christ rule your life.
And I think that's pretty significant.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Today, I Fell in Love
Looking at the title again, it is, admittedly, a bit deceptive.
However, you are reading this, am I not correct?
Okay, so I really didn't fall in love today. It's more that I've been thinking about the love I'm already drowning in. But no, for those of you who are still wondering, I'm not actually in love. At least, not in the traditional sense. But while we're on the topic, why is 'falling in love' so important to us? Have you ever noticed that when someone gets engaged, or even just starts dating, it seems to be the juiciest news?
Why are we (human beings in general) so concerned with people's 'love lives'?
Because we are relational people. We need to love. We need to feel loved. It's the way God made us.
But I look around at so many young people who are already involved in dating relationships, and even at my own heart dreaming about what it'll be like 'some day' after I get married, and I can't help but think that God must have had something better in mind. He must have had a better reason for making us people who need to be loved. Of course, He does. He has given us a 'God-shaped hole' if you will-- a need to be loved by Him. Listen to Romans 5:18-21:
"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more."
Just to say it now, I love these verses! Just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. That's the way God saved us. The same way that we first sinned against Him.
And listen to Ephesians 3:17-19:
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
How wide! How long! How high! How deep is His love! In the presence of such love, how could anything else even seem important? John Piper once said, "Following Jesus is first and foremost not heroic!" Following Jesus isn't something that should deserve accolades and awards. I'm often tempted to think that I'm doing something great by simply following Christ; as if I'm so much better than those who don't follow Him. But it's not heroic-- it's the natural and reasonable response to such great love!
I agree with C.S. Lewis when he said, "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
We'd rather have 'true romance' than this eternally wonderful, satisfying love that's right here. We're so easily satisfied!
So, I guess all in all, I didn't fall in love today. Sorry if I disappointed you. :) But I have found the greatest love ever, and I can't wait to worship Him forever and ever. And I pray that I would never think of following Him as heroic. But that instead, I'd follow Him as what I truly am: a sinner, desperately clinging the cross and seeing how deep, how wide, how long, and how high His love is.
However, you are reading this, am I not correct?
Okay, so I really didn't fall in love today. It's more that I've been thinking about the love I'm already drowning in. But no, for those of you who are still wondering, I'm not actually in love. At least, not in the traditional sense. But while we're on the topic, why is 'falling in love' so important to us? Have you ever noticed that when someone gets engaged, or even just starts dating, it seems to be the juiciest news?
Why are we (human beings in general) so concerned with people's 'love lives'?
Because we are relational people. We need to love. We need to feel loved. It's the way God made us.
But I look around at so many young people who are already involved in dating relationships, and even at my own heart dreaming about what it'll be like 'some day' after I get married, and I can't help but think that God must have had something better in mind. He must have had a better reason for making us people who need to be loved. Of course, He does. He has given us a 'God-shaped hole' if you will-- a need to be loved by Him. Listen to Romans 5:18-21:
"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more."
Just to say it now, I love these verses! Just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. That's the way God saved us. The same way that we first sinned against Him.
And listen to Ephesians 3:17-19:
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
How wide! How long! How high! How deep is His love! In the presence of such love, how could anything else even seem important? John Piper once said, "Following Jesus is first and foremost not heroic!" Following Jesus isn't something that should deserve accolades and awards. I'm often tempted to think that I'm doing something great by simply following Christ; as if I'm so much better than those who don't follow Him. But it's not heroic-- it's the natural and reasonable response to such great love!
I agree with C.S. Lewis when he said, "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
We'd rather have 'true romance' than this eternally wonderful, satisfying love that's right here. We're so easily satisfied!
So, I guess all in all, I didn't fall in love today. Sorry if I disappointed you. :) But I have found the greatest love ever, and I can't wait to worship Him forever and ever. And I pray that I would never think of following Him as heroic. But that instead, I'd follow Him as what I truly am: a sinner, desperately clinging the cross and seeing how deep, how wide, how long, and how high His love is.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Back to the Heart
These last few months, I've been particularly convicted about my motives for doing things.
I mean, it's one thing to do the right thing. Sometimes it almost seems like a lot of disciples of Jesus almost "have that down." Not that most strong Christians I know appear to be perfect, but sometimes it can seem pretty close.
To take it a step further, it seems as if lots of us "good-little-church Christians" who have been raised in homes with the gospel know all the right things to do. We've read the entire Bible. We've memorized Bible verses. We've been involved in the church, Bible studies, mission trips, teaching Sunday School/AWANA/VBS, and tons of other things. We know we're supposed to be holy, because God is holy. We're not supposed to be involved in things that most teenagers are. I mean, God called us Christians to be different! C'mon. We already know that.
But we've become Christians in a little box. We've become immune to the amazing, life-changing power of Christ. It's as if we think that because we've studied the Bible and we're trying to live like Jesus, that's enough.
However, I recently took a trip to Washington (AMAZING!) and I had a blast. A few days after getting there, I spent the night with these incredible girls:
(Me, Hannah, Grace, Sophia)
Now, I can honestly say that these three girls are a few of the most exceptional Christian young ladies I know. (Of course, I do know lots of others!) But these girls are such godly encouragements to me.
And before we went to bed that night, we started talking about some struggles in our Christian walk. One thing that particularly stuck out to me was the aspect of motives.
Sure, you can do all the right things (to an extent). But it's completely different to them simply because you see Christ's love. We say that Jesus is all we want, but don't we sometimes contradict that in the way that we live our lives? I know I do. I say I only want to please Christ, yet I find myself longing for things such as praise, admiration, and even flattery. My heart isn't always right, because I'm longing for the praise to go to myself rather than the ultimate purpose of my life: to glorify God and serve Him only.
The Lord speaks against those who claim to love Him but whose love goes no deeper than lip service in Isaiah 29:13, "The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.'" (NIV)
Here's a specific example. In His book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Joshua Harris wrote about how he and his wife saved their first kiss for marriage. I don't have the book, but he said something to the extent of 'Saving kissing for marriage is another act that, if done without the intention of glorifying God, is completely useless.' It all depends on your motive. Many things, if not done only to glorify God, can become sources of spiritual pride. I mean, I often say "Well, all the glory goes to God," but in my heart I'm congratulating myself for giving God the glory, or, even worse, hoping that some of the glory still goes to me.
Dr. John Piper said,
"There is no doubt that man could perform more evil acts toward his fellow man than he does. But if he is restrained from performing more evil acts by motives that are not owing to his glad submission to God, then even this 'virtue' is evil in the sight of God."
I mean, it's one thing to do the right thing. Sometimes it almost seems like a lot of disciples of Jesus almost "have that down." Not that most strong Christians I know appear to be perfect, but sometimes it can seem pretty close.
To take it a step further, it seems as if lots of us "good-little-church Christians" who have been raised in homes with the gospel know all the right things to do. We've read the entire Bible. We've memorized Bible verses. We've been involved in the church, Bible studies, mission trips, teaching Sunday School/AWANA/VBS, and tons of other things. We know we're supposed to be holy, because God is holy. We're not supposed to be involved in things that most teenagers are. I mean, God called us Christians to be different! C'mon. We already know that.
But we've become Christians in a little box. We've become immune to the amazing, life-changing power of Christ. It's as if we think that because we've studied the Bible and we're trying to live like Jesus, that's enough.
However, I recently took a trip to Washington (AMAZING!) and I had a blast. A few days after getting there, I spent the night with these incredible girls:
(Me, Hannah, Grace, Sophia)
Now, I can honestly say that these three girls are a few of the most exceptional Christian young ladies I know. (Of course, I do know lots of others!) But these girls are such godly encouragements to me.
And before we went to bed that night, we started talking about some struggles in our Christian walk. One thing that particularly stuck out to me was the aspect of motives.
Sure, you can do all the right things (to an extent). But it's completely different to them simply because you see Christ's love. We say that Jesus is all we want, but don't we sometimes contradict that in the way that we live our lives? I know I do. I say I only want to please Christ, yet I find myself longing for things such as praise, admiration, and even flattery. My heart isn't always right, because I'm longing for the praise to go to myself rather than the ultimate purpose of my life: to glorify God and serve Him only.
The Lord speaks against those who claim to love Him but whose love goes no deeper than lip service in Isaiah 29:13, "The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.'" (NIV)
Here's a specific example. In His book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Joshua Harris wrote about how he and his wife saved their first kiss for marriage. I don't have the book, but he said something to the extent of 'Saving kissing for marriage is another act that, if done without the intention of glorifying God, is completely useless.' It all depends on your motive. Many things, if not done only to glorify God, can become sources of spiritual pride. I mean, I often say "Well, all the glory goes to God," but in my heart I'm congratulating myself for giving God the glory, or, even worse, hoping that some of the glory still goes to me.
Dr. John Piper said,
"There is no doubt that man could perform more evil acts toward his fellow man than he does. But if he is restrained from performing more evil acts by motives that are not owing to his glad submission to God, then even this 'virtue' is evil in the sight of God."
I can try to live like Christ, but the real question is do I let Christ rule my life... and my heart?
Friday, December 31, 2010
Quotables from... What Else? AiO!
I love Adventures in Odyssey. If you're not familiar with them, they are Christian radio dramas produced by Focus on the Family. They are often funny, sometimes mysterious, and always thought-provoking. Here are a few great lines from Adventures in Odyssey, just to whet your appetite if you've never listened to them. I'm going to choose some of my top favorites (mostly) off the top of my head (I haven't gone through and listened to a bunch today or anything. :P) So, here's my not-so-complete list:
"This seems like one serious crush-- in a dangerously obsessive kind of way." ~Connie Kendell (Mystery of the Clock Tower)
"He sacrificed of himself each and every game. In giving us water, he became water." ~the baseball coach, speaking of Matthew Parker, the water boy. (Target of the Week)
"I even wrote you a poem!" ~Curt Stevens
"You don't write poems." ~Lucy Schultz
"Which makes it all the more sweet. Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near?" ~Curt
"You stole that!" ~Lucy
"I only had like ten minutes I spent all my time looking for the sporks!" ~Curt (The Triangled Web)
"But I don't think that crime is a result of ignorance or misunderstanding. Crime is a result of sin!" ~Connie
"Oh, there you go being aggressive again!" ~Big Bear *or something like that* (Here Am I)
"Did being a foster child ever make you feel like you were less a part of the family?" ~Mr. Washington
"No. Because I always knew I was in a family that chose me; and it was very nice to be chosen. Perhaps that would make a difference in Kelly's life too-- to just be chosen." ~Eugene Meltsner (The Chosen One)
"We have our first gig!" ~Marvin Washington
"Really? Where?" ~Trent DeWhite
"Aubry Shephard's party." ~Marvin
"She really wants us to play?" ~Trent
"She practically begged me!" ~Marvin
"I think her exact words were 'Fine, Marvin, you can play at the party. Just get up off your knees.'" ~Wooten Bassett (The Coolest Dog)
"Goliath reminds me of myself in my prime when my record was 67 wins, no losses, 138 controversial decisions-- which everyone admits should have gone my way-- and one unfortunate break up with a beautiful woman named Ashley. And if you're listening, I still love ya baby!" ~Some random dude (The Power of One)
"But I'm so confused. How am I supposed to know what God's will is for my life?" ~Connie
"By knowing Him, Connie. You'll understand what His will is as you grow to know Him, and seek Him, and love Him." ~Whit (Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?)
"The girl is smart. She knows a good thing when she sees it. Who wouldn't want to date Mitch?" ~Connie
"Well, I wouldn't want to date Mitch." ~Nick Mulligen
"What GIRL? I mean he's funny, romantic, smart... he does the most thoughtful things!" ~Connie
"You were just having second thoughts a minute ago." ~Nick
"And he started a Bible study. He's a great leader, everyone likes him, kids love him!" ~Connie
"Sounds like my golden retriever. Except, Jake is an atheist." ~Nick
(Secrets)
"It fits! You had it sized!" ~Katrina Shanks-Meltsner (Wrapped around Your Finger)
"Just because things are tough doesn't mean it's not God's will. Giving is hard work, sweetie. But the more you are able to give your life to God, the more of His grace you'll receive." ~Mrs. Mulligen (Just Say Yes)
"I know, Mrs. Clidedale, I'm a terrible salesperson." ~Connie
"Well, you aren't necessarily terrible." ~Mrs. Clidedale
"It's because of the man and his bowling league wife, right?" ~Connie
"That was one incident, yes." ~Mrs. Clidedale
"And the woman with the pink hair?" ~Connie
"I understand she was a bit demanding and I understood why you got annoyed; however, I'm not sure you won any points by suggesting she stop placing cotton candy on hair hair." ~Mrs. Clidedale (What Are You Gonna Do with Your Life?)
"'And as I slept I dreamed a dream.' Well what else would ya dream?" ~Tom Riley
"So, how do you like my show?"~Chad Pearson
"Oh... well, I don't watch your show." ~Connie
"What? You mean you've... never seen it?" ~Chad
"Oh, yah, once. I saw it a few weeks ago, just to see who you were." ~Connie
"To see who I was?"
"I watch your show, Nick!" ~Erica Clarke
"Excuse me, but who are you?" ~Chad
"I'm Erica!" ~Erica
"Great, Erica. Now, would you mind going away and leaving Connie and I alone?" ~Chad
"What?" ~Erica
"Listen, you didn't win the contest, Connie did. Now, to be perfectly honest, I'd like you to leave." ~Chad Pearson
"She can stay if she wants. I told her she could come." ~Connie
"Fine. Stay. I really don't care. Just keep quiet. So... what'd you think of the show you saw?" ~Chad
"What?" ~Connie
"The SHOW." ~Chad
"Oh. Well, I thought it was kind of dumb, since we're being perfectly honest." ~Connie
"You mean you don't even like the show?" ~Chad
(This is Chad Pearson?)
"Does that mean I can count on your support?" ~Curt
"I don't think so, Curt. I'd rather vote for someone with integrity." ~Lucy
"I thought we did it with ballots." ~Curt
"No, Curt, integrity has to do with your character!" ~Whit
"Then I must be dripping with it! All my teachers say I'm the biggest character they know." ~Curt
"No, Curt. To have integrity you'd have to be sincere." ~Lucy
"I'm sincere." ~Curt
"And decent." ~Lucy
"I'm decent." ~Curt
"And honest." ~Lucy
"I'm... decent. Listen, Lucy, I think I have all those qualities." ~Curt
"Get serious!" ~Lucy
"Connie, Connie, call the police." ~Mrs. Kendall
"What, what's wrong Mom?" ~Connie
"We've been vandalized! Someone put bumper stickers all over our car. I mean, it's not like they're obscene, or anything like that. It would make sense if they were... if someone were trying to be rude. But these stickers say things like 'honk if you love Jesus' and 'I break for prayer meets....'" ~Mrs. Kendall
"...And 'Jesus is the real thing,' and 'Jesus saves'" ~Connie
"You know! Yes, why would someone do that to us?" ~Mrs. Kendall
"Well, Someone didn't. I did." ~Connie
"You? My daughter? Off, and not a gum mark to be seen." ~Mrs. Kendall
Connie relating this all to Whit
"Robert said my mom needed a spiritual revival, but I say Robert needs a brain transplant."
(Go Ye Therefore)
"What if you don't know what the right thing to do is?" ~Lucy
"If you pray and believe in your heart that something is wrong, you shouldn't do it. In fact, if you do do it, it's a sin. Even if everyone else thinks or says that it's okay. But, before you make any decision, you should always pray. In fact, that's where being 'in the world but not of it' really starts-- with prayer." ~Whit (Choices)
"Well, that's the way it works. You put in twice the effort to get half the result that you would've gotten, had you just put in half the effort to get twice the result that you ended up getting when you put in twice the effort..." ~Harlow Doyle
"Huh?" ~Connie, Rodney Rathbone, Lucy
"Um, uh.... CRIME DOESN'T PAY. ::whispers:: Phew, got out of that one." ~Harlow
(The Case of the Candid Camera)
"Bart, maybe we should get home too. We ain't done nothin' to protect our house!" ~Doris Rathbone
"There ain't no protecting our house as long as Rodney's around." ~Bart Rathbone
"Thanks pop." ~Rodney
(Tornados)
"Well hello Tamika Washington! Mr. Whitaker told me all about your report for school." ~Sydney Selika
"Well, we're supposed to interview our hero." ~Tamika Washington
"Oh, oh, I haven't been this honored since I one the Children's Choice award! Go ahead then, ask me anything." ~Sydney
"Okay... how have you changed people's lives?" ~Tamika
"Changed lives? Wow, are all your questions gonna be this deep? Um, oh, I'd have to say through my movies. People say that when they're having a bad day, they go see one of my movies and it cheers them up. Isn't that fabulous? I love that my movies appeal to everyone, even people who are poor or still wear tie dye." ~Sydney
"Okay, um. Next question. What do you stand for?" ~Tamika
"Stand for?" ~Sydney
"Yah. What's something that's important to you that you'd be willing to fight for?" ~Tamika
"Oh. Well, I stand against smoking. Never start smoking, Tamika. Smoking kills. And if you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life!" ~Sydney
"Okay... good advice." ~Tamika
(Stars in Our Eyes)
Ahhh! I know I'm missing a lot-- but that's already pretty long. Leave some comments with your favorites if you listen to the show. :D
Towards home,
Rachel
"This seems like one serious crush-- in a dangerously obsessive kind of way." ~Connie Kendell (Mystery of the Clock Tower)
"He sacrificed of himself each and every game. In giving us water, he became water." ~the baseball coach, speaking of Matthew Parker, the water boy. (Target of the Week)
"I even wrote you a poem!" ~Curt Stevens
"You don't write poems." ~Lucy Schultz
"Which makes it all the more sweet. Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near?" ~Curt
"You stole that!" ~Lucy
"I only had like ten minutes I spent all my time looking for the sporks!" ~Curt (The Triangled Web)
"But I don't think that crime is a result of ignorance or misunderstanding. Crime is a result of sin!" ~Connie
"Oh, there you go being aggressive again!" ~Big Bear *or something like that* (Here Am I)
"Did being a foster child ever make you feel like you were less a part of the family?" ~Mr. Washington
"No. Because I always knew I was in a family that chose me; and it was very nice to be chosen. Perhaps that would make a difference in Kelly's life too-- to just be chosen." ~Eugene Meltsner (The Chosen One)
"We have our first gig!" ~Marvin Washington
"Really? Where?" ~Trent DeWhite
"Aubry Shephard's party." ~Marvin
"She really wants us to play?" ~Trent
"She practically begged me!" ~Marvin
"I think her exact words were 'Fine, Marvin, you can play at the party. Just get up off your knees.'" ~Wooten Bassett (The Coolest Dog)
"Goliath reminds me of myself in my prime when my record was 67 wins, no losses, 138 controversial decisions-- which everyone admits should have gone my way-- and one unfortunate break up with a beautiful woman named Ashley. And if you're listening, I still love ya baby!" ~Some random dude (The Power of One)
"But I'm so confused. How am I supposed to know what God's will is for my life?" ~Connie
"By knowing Him, Connie. You'll understand what His will is as you grow to know Him, and seek Him, and love Him." ~Whit (Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?)
"The girl is smart. She knows a good thing when she sees it. Who wouldn't want to date Mitch?" ~Connie
"Well, I wouldn't want to date Mitch." ~Nick Mulligen
"What GIRL? I mean he's funny, romantic, smart... he does the most thoughtful things!" ~Connie
"You were just having second thoughts a minute ago." ~Nick
"And he started a Bible study. He's a great leader, everyone likes him, kids love him!" ~Connie
"Sounds like my golden retriever. Except, Jake is an atheist." ~Nick
(Secrets)
"It fits! You had it sized!" ~Katrina Shanks-Meltsner (Wrapped around Your Finger)
"Just because things are tough doesn't mean it's not God's will. Giving is hard work, sweetie. But the more you are able to give your life to God, the more of His grace you'll receive." ~Mrs. Mulligen (Just Say Yes)
"I know, Mrs. Clidedale, I'm a terrible salesperson." ~Connie
"Well, you aren't necessarily terrible." ~Mrs. Clidedale
"It's because of the man and his bowling league wife, right?" ~Connie
"That was one incident, yes." ~Mrs. Clidedale
"And the woman with the pink hair?" ~Connie
"I understand she was a bit demanding and I understood why you got annoyed; however, I'm not sure you won any points by suggesting she stop placing cotton candy on hair hair." ~Mrs. Clidedale (What Are You Gonna Do with Your Life?)
"'And as I slept I dreamed a dream.' Well what else would ya dream?" ~Tom Riley
"So, how do you like my show?"~Chad Pearson
"Oh... well, I don't watch your show." ~Connie
"What? You mean you've... never seen it?" ~Chad
"Oh, yah, once. I saw it a few weeks ago, just to see who you were." ~Connie
"To see who I was?"
"I watch your show, Nick!" ~Erica Clarke
"Excuse me, but who are you?" ~Chad
"I'm Erica!" ~Erica
"Great, Erica. Now, would you mind going away and leaving Connie and I alone?" ~Chad
"What?" ~Erica
"Listen, you didn't win the contest, Connie did. Now, to be perfectly honest, I'd like you to leave." ~Chad Pearson
"She can stay if she wants. I told her she could come." ~Connie
"Fine. Stay. I really don't care. Just keep quiet. So... what'd you think of the show you saw?" ~Chad
"What?" ~Connie
"The SHOW." ~Chad
"Oh. Well, I thought it was kind of dumb, since we're being perfectly honest." ~Connie
"You mean you don't even like the show?" ~Chad
(This is Chad Pearson?)
"Does that mean I can count on your support?" ~Curt
"I don't think so, Curt. I'd rather vote for someone with integrity." ~Lucy
"I thought we did it with ballots." ~Curt
"No, Curt, integrity has to do with your character!" ~Whit
"Then I must be dripping with it! All my teachers say I'm the biggest character they know." ~Curt
"No, Curt. To have integrity you'd have to be sincere." ~Lucy
"I'm sincere." ~Curt
"And decent." ~Lucy
"I'm decent." ~Curt
"And honest." ~Lucy
"I'm... decent. Listen, Lucy, I think I have all those qualities." ~Curt
"Get serious!" ~Lucy
"Connie, Connie, call the police." ~Mrs. Kendall
"What, what's wrong Mom?" ~Connie
"We've been vandalized! Someone put bumper stickers all over our car. I mean, it's not like they're obscene, or anything like that. It would make sense if they were... if someone were trying to be rude. But these stickers say things like 'honk if you love Jesus' and 'I break for prayer meets....'" ~Mrs. Kendall
"...And 'Jesus is the real thing,' and 'Jesus saves'" ~Connie
"You know! Yes, why would someone do that to us?" ~Mrs. Kendall
"Well, Someone didn't. I did." ~Connie
"You? My daughter? Off, and not a gum mark to be seen." ~Mrs. Kendall
Connie relating this all to Whit
"Robert said my mom needed a spiritual revival, but I say Robert needs a brain transplant."
(Go Ye Therefore)
"What if you don't know what the right thing to do is?" ~Lucy
"If you pray and believe in your heart that something is wrong, you shouldn't do it. In fact, if you do do it, it's a sin. Even if everyone else thinks or says that it's okay. But, before you make any decision, you should always pray. In fact, that's where being 'in the world but not of it' really starts-- with prayer." ~Whit (Choices)
"Well, that's the way it works. You put in twice the effort to get half the result that you would've gotten, had you just put in half the effort to get twice the result that you ended up getting when you put in twice the effort..." ~Harlow Doyle
"Huh?" ~Connie, Rodney Rathbone, Lucy
"Um, uh.... CRIME DOESN'T PAY. ::whispers:: Phew, got out of that one." ~Harlow
(The Case of the Candid Camera)
"Bart, maybe we should get home too. We ain't done nothin' to protect our house!" ~Doris Rathbone
"There ain't no protecting our house as long as Rodney's around." ~Bart Rathbone
"Thanks pop." ~Rodney
(Tornados)
"Well hello Tamika Washington! Mr. Whitaker told me all about your report for school." ~Sydney Selika
"Well, we're supposed to interview our hero." ~Tamika Washington
"Oh, oh, I haven't been this honored since I one the Children's Choice award! Go ahead then, ask me anything." ~Sydney
"Okay... how have you changed people's lives?" ~Tamika
"Changed lives? Wow, are all your questions gonna be this deep? Um, oh, I'd have to say through my movies. People say that when they're having a bad day, they go see one of my movies and it cheers them up. Isn't that fabulous? I love that my movies appeal to everyone, even people who are poor or still wear tie dye." ~Sydney
"Okay, um. Next question. What do you stand for?" ~Tamika
"Stand for?" ~Sydney
"Yah. What's something that's important to you that you'd be willing to fight for?" ~Tamika
"Oh. Well, I stand against smoking. Never start smoking, Tamika. Smoking kills. And if you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life!" ~Sydney
"Okay... good advice." ~Tamika
(Stars in Our Eyes)
Ahhh! I know I'm missing a lot-- but that's already pretty long. Leave some comments with your favorites if you listen to the show. :D
Towards home,
Rachel
Friday, December 24, 2010
There is No More Fear
Tonight, we attended our church's Christmas Eve service.
The message was on fear. At first, it seems a strange connection. It seems that Christmas is more of a "peaceful" holiday. Even the birth of the Messiah is something we often picture as more quiet and lovely then it probably was.
The birth of this child was to set us free from fear. Hebrews 2:14-15 says, "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy Him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." How I love these verses! Jesus Christ became a child so that He could set us free from fear. It's hard for me to imagine that the birth of a baby could set so many free from fear.
There is no more fear here.
Romans 8:15 says, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of Sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'"
There is no more fear here.
Luke 2:10-11 says, "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.'"
There is no more fear here.
I love Christmas Eve, almost more then Christmas Day, because it's the perfect time to pause. Reflect on Christ's birth and remember-- there was a time in my life that I had fear. Everyone, even those who have grown up in Christian homes, have had periods of fear. However, I now have no more fear. Because of that little baby, whom the world did not recognize, my fear is gone.
I love this song we heard in church tonight.
I especially love
You're the Savior we have been praying for
In our humble hearts You will dwell...
You are in us
You are for us
You are with us
Emmanuel
If we were born before the Messiah, would we be praying that God would send Him? I'd like to think we would be. And so imagine the great joy, that He had finally come...
And there is no more fear.
The message was on fear. At first, it seems a strange connection. It seems that Christmas is more of a "peaceful" holiday. Even the birth of the Messiah is something we often picture as more quiet and lovely then it probably was.
The birth of this child was to set us free from fear. Hebrews 2:14-15 says, "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy Him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." How I love these verses! Jesus Christ became a child so that He could set us free from fear. It's hard for me to imagine that the birth of a baby could set so many free from fear.
There is no more fear here.
Romans 8:15 says, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of Sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'"
There is no more fear here.
Luke 2:10-11 says, "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.'"
There is no more fear here.
I love Christmas Eve, almost more then Christmas Day, because it's the perfect time to pause. Reflect on Christ's birth and remember-- there was a time in my life that I had fear. Everyone, even those who have grown up in Christian homes, have had periods of fear. However, I now have no more fear. Because of that little baby, whom the world did not recognize, my fear is gone.
I love this song we heard in church tonight.
I especially love
You're the Savior we have been praying for
In our humble hearts You will dwell...
You are in us
You are for us
You are with us
Emmanuel
If we were born before the Messiah, would we be praying that God would send Him? I'd like to think we would be. And so imagine the great joy, that He had finally come...
And there is no more fear.
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