"Never judge a man's actions until you know his motives."
"We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path." - Paulo Coelho
Give me the benefit of the doubt. Believe it or not, I can make educated decisions.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
30 Day Challenge!!! Part Drei
I feel like I had everything so much more together in high school. I worked out everyday. I did morning devotions everyday. EVERYDAY. I remember I would wake up and do my devotions first thing. Because I always got them done, but also because it helped me keep everything in perspective. This life is temporal. I don't really need to worry about _______. For the worries that morning devotions couldn't keep away, there were the nightly workouts, and their mood-boosting endorphins. It was a good system. Life seemed to move slower. Because I wasn't so stressed. Everything was viewed from the perspective of healthy faith. I reacted to outside forces less, and wasn't quite so frantic. I hate to admit, but I've lost that.
My goal is to hide myself away from the world, with the Bible or a book and hot tea (and let's be honest, probably a cozy blanket), for at least one hour every day. No TV, no computer, no cell phone, no music. The first books on my list:
The Book of Acts
My goal is to hide myself away from the world, with the Bible or a book and hot tea (and let's be honest, probably a cozy blanket), for at least one hour every day. No TV, no computer, no cell phone, no music. The first books on my list:
The Book of Acts
The Case for Christ (Lee Strobel)
The Resurrection Factor (Josh McDowell)
Who Made God? (Ravi Zacharias/Norman Geisler)
The Resurrection Factor (Josh McDowell)
Who Made God? (Ravi Zacharias/Norman Geisler)
Is Your Church Ready? (Ravi Zacharias/Norman Geisler)
The Invisible People (Greg Behrman)
30 Day Challenge!!! Part Zwei
Since I won't be watching TV, to entertain myself I have picked out books from my "must read(reread) list". They are as follows: (not necessarily the order I will read them. I'm just that OCD.)
Christian Themes:
A Love Worth Giving (Max Lucado)
Ashamed of the Gospel (John MacArthur)
Cries of the Heart (Ravi Zacharias)Cure for the Common Life (Max Lucado)
Is Your Church Ready? (Ravi Zacharias/Norman Geisler)
Knowing God (JI Packer)
mereChristianity (CS Lewis)
Six Hours One Friday (Max Lucado)
The Case for Christ (Lee Strobel)
The Pillars of Christian Character (John MacArthur)
The Resurrection Factor (Josh McDowell)
The Screwtape Letters (CS Lewis)
Traveling Light (Max Lucado)
Twelve Ordinary Men (John MacArthur)
Who Made God? (Ravi Zacharias/Norman Geisler)
Pretty much everything else:
If the South Won Gettysburg (Mark Nesbitt)
The Invisible People (Greg Behrman)
The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
The Princess Bride (William Goldman)
Twilight and Philosophy
What Color is Your Parachute
Without Conscience (Robert Hare)
So that's it. NO idea how long it will take me to get through... but there it is. Also, in terms of the B-I-B-L-E, I think I'm going to jump around the gospels some more. I've read through certain ones previously, and others with a group. For the most part though, I can't remember any recent attempts on a book study that I finished. So I'm jumping around again, but I'm starting in Acts. Look for lots of anecdotes in the future!
30 Day Challenge!!!
It's September 1st!!!
This Septemer I would like to:
1. Not watch TV (or movies). Here are some reasons. Me? "If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got." - W.L. Bateman I don't know exactly what a life sans TV would mean, but I'm curious. Also, this doesn't mean I'm giving up TV forever. [TBD]
2. Not spend money. Aside from important things. You know, those things called bills. And maybe one trip to visit my best friend. Aside from that? Nada.
3. Realize that thing I need so badly, is something I really don't need...
4. Read more. Those things with pages? Some people call them books. I have a stack that are on my list. Got to check them off.
5. Connect with people more. In real life. Sans social media.
6. Take life's curve-balls in stride. Take a deep breath.
7. Laugh more.
Stay tuned friends!
This Septemer I would like to:
1. Not watch TV (or movies). Here are some reasons. Me? "If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got." - W.L. Bateman I don't know exactly what a life sans TV would mean, but I'm curious. Also, this doesn't mean I'm giving up TV forever. [TBD]
2. Not spend money. Aside from important things. You know, those things called bills. And maybe one trip to visit my best friend. Aside from that? Nada.
3. Realize that thing I need so badly, is something I really don't need...
4. Read more. Those things with pages? Some people call them books. I have a stack that are on my list. Got to check them off.
5. Connect with people more. In real life. Sans social media.
6. Take life's curve-balls in stride. Take a deep breath.
7. Laugh more.
Stay tuned friends!
Living for Christ
As I said, the past ten months for me have been a whirlwind of pain, challenge, and growth. For myself and some of my dear friends. I decided to step down as High School Sunday School teacher. Our Bible Study has been on hiatus for the last month. I'm still finding out how God wants to use me in Africa.
With everything I've been feeling, I was wondering "what does it mean to be a good Christian?" As I was looking I found this passage:
I was thinking about this. At first glance, I didn't think my sufferings were as a result of my devotion to Christ. It's not like I was on a street corner quoting Bible verses. But the more I thought about it, I changed my mind. Christ's love for me has forever changed my heart, and therefore changed my life. Even "small" decisions in my life are ultimately a reflection of the love I have received through salvation. And rightfully so. Is it really appropriate to assume that sufferings are not a result of my devotion to Christ then? I'm not so sure. If anything, I'd guess that there are circumstances where it might be difficult to "connect the dots" back to Christ, but that ultimately that is where they do all go.
Ironically, my last trial challenged my spirit in an area that I would consider to be weak in my Christian faith. It involved making a very bold decision. I am by no means bold. Brash? sometimes. Loud? I can be. But bold? Nope. I much prefer to be the shrinking violet that goes unnoticed in the corner. No waves or ripples here. This particular decision, in my opinion, didn't involve making ripples or waves, but it did involve putting myself out there and taking a huge risk. It didn't end how I had envisioned, but part of me is starting to think that it is better than I had planned anyway. I've been watching the movie "Something Borrowed" [humor me...] I was a huge fan of the book which, despite the questionable behavior of characters, is an interesting examination of the human heart along with what we prioritize and how we limit ourselves based on the perception of others. Anyway... there is a scene at the beginning of the movie where Darcy is giving a speech about her friendship with Rachel, whom is celebrating her 30th birthday. A poignant moment in the speech is when Darcy says that Rachel is the reason she can go so fearlessly into the world, "because she (Rachel) is always there. She is always, always there." I love that line, because it is so true! Except insert me(you) as Darcy and Christ as Rachel. Christ is always there. To pick us up when we have fallen. To energize us and tell us "try again." To help us grow into more kind, caring human beings.
I had said I was going to step down as High School Sunday School teacher. Then our classes (Jr & Sr High) were to stay combined. (Stress #1: new class dymanics.) Then our pastor announced his departure from our church. (Stress #2: uncertainty about our Church.) New Youth Group leadership. (Stress #3: new "management", new rules, etc) And no one stepped up to replace me. (Stress #4: overwhelming the other two teachers) High School is stressful enough. I hope that by staying on for another semester I can provide some stability to the class.
Bible Study starts up again this weekend.
Africa plans should be coming to fruition sooner than I can imagine.
With everything I've been feeling, I was wondering "what does it mean to be a good Christian?" As I was looking I found this passage:
"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" 1 Peter 3:13-17 [NIV]
Ironically, my last trial challenged my spirit in an area that I would consider to be weak in my Christian faith. It involved making a very bold decision. I am by no means bold. Brash? sometimes. Loud? I can be. But bold? Nope. I much prefer to be the shrinking violet that goes unnoticed in the corner. No waves or ripples here. This particular decision, in my opinion, didn't involve making ripples or waves, but it did involve putting myself out there and taking a huge risk. It didn't end how I had envisioned, but part of me is starting to think that it is better than I had planned anyway. I've been watching the movie "Something Borrowed" [humor me...] I was a huge fan of the book which, despite the questionable behavior of characters, is an interesting examination of the human heart along with what we prioritize and how we limit ourselves based on the perception of others. Anyway... there is a scene at the beginning of the movie where Darcy is giving a speech about her friendship with Rachel, whom is celebrating her 30th birthday. A poignant moment in the speech is when Darcy says that Rachel is the reason she can go so fearlessly into the world, "because she (Rachel) is always there. She is always, always there." I love that line, because it is so true! Except insert me(you) as Darcy and Christ as Rachel. Christ is always there. To pick us up when we have fallen. To energize us and tell us "try again." To help us grow into more kind, caring human beings.
I had said I was going to step down as High School Sunday School teacher. Then our classes (Jr & Sr High) were to stay combined. (Stress #1: new class dymanics.) Then our pastor announced his departure from our church. (Stress #2: uncertainty about our Church.) New Youth Group leadership. (Stress #3: new "management", new rules, etc) And no one stepped up to replace me. (Stress #4: overwhelming the other two teachers) High School is stressful enough. I hope that by staying on for another semester I can provide some stability to the class.
Bible Study starts up again this weekend.
Africa plans should be coming to fruition sooner than I can imagine.
What's Important...
My maternal grandfather passed away Monday. He wanted to be cremated, and did not want any visitation or ceremony. My mom has been home the past few days taking care of his affairs. He had no will, so she has to petition the courts for Power of Attorney to settle his estate, etc. Since she doesn't have to deal with viewings and a formal funeral, she has been baking. Because that's what my mother does. Last night I came home to homemade bread and zucchini brownies. This morning I woke up to Blueberry muffins.
Mmmm blueberry muffins and hot tea. The way to sooth your soul, via your stomach.
These past ten months have been a whirlwind. Heartbreak, missed opportunities, risks, and lots of big decisions. There will be lots of soul soothing this fall. And running! In case you're ambitious enough to take on a half marathon of your own, here is my running schedule. You can find these everywhere: runnersworld, fitness magazines, online websites, or even coaches websites, like Hal Higdon. This will be my third half marathon. I like to get more mileage in, especially since I haven't been running this summer and have some ground to make up in the next ten weeks... I have a shorter taper. Typically you reduce running (taper) the last two weeks before your race. The idea is that you hold back and save up energy, so when you are running your race you have extra energy to push through. This schedule has a taper of just over a week.
Mmmm blueberry muffins and hot tea. The way to sooth your soul, via your stomach.
These past ten months have been a whirlwind. Heartbreak, missed opportunities, risks, and lots of big decisions. There will be lots of soul soothing this fall. And running! In case you're ambitious enough to take on a half marathon of your own, here is my running schedule. You can find these everywhere: runnersworld, fitness magazines, online websites, or even coaches websites, like Hal Higdon. This will be my third half marathon. I like to get more mileage in, especially since I haven't been running this summer and have some ground to make up in the next ten weeks... I have a shorter taper. Typically you reduce running (taper) the last two weeks before your race. The idea is that you hold back and save up energy, so when you are running your race you have extra energy to push through. This schedule has a taper of just over a week.
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