Simple little things in life remind me of my need to trust our Heavenly Father in all ways.
It started with a cherry. Or cherries.
Late at night I was sharing some cherries with my father, sort of like a midnight snack, and I came across a cherry with a bump. Unsure of whether it was good to eat or rotten, I put it back in the bowl. Kind of "rotten", pardon the pun, of me? For one it occurred to me to ask my father whether it was alright to eat it. It reminded me of how when you're a kid you always ask your parents whether food or fruits (or anything pretty much) is alright to eat. You're unsure, you don't know what a rotten fruit is, or if the hole in the apple is a puncture or a wormhole, or if the brown skin on the plum means that the plum has gone bad or if it is just dry skin. You rely on your parents to tell you that it is okay to go ahead and consume and enjoy the fruit.
Another thought that occurred to me as I placed the cherry back in the bowl was that when my father came across the cherry, he would know whether to eat it or not without me having to ask.
A short episode from a few days before came back to my mind. I was blow-drying my hair and facing the door when I noticed an odd insect I was unfamiliar with sitting on the door. I watched it warily like a hawk watching its prey. Trust me, I am deadly and deathly fearful of insects, especially ones I knew nothing about. The said insect sat pretty still for a few minutes, so I finally deemed it relatively safe. It was far enough from me and perhaps it would move away far enough from the door by the time I was done by my hair. However, when I did finish with my hair, the creature suddenly left its spot on the door and came flying right at me. I did what most girls (even some, like in my case, teenaged ones) in my place would. I screamed. Or shrieked. Call it what you will.
What happened next? Of course my parents called from the living room asking what was wrong. I tried to reassure them I was fine, the insect now having flown to a nearby wall, with me desperately swinging the hair-dryer in its direction. I yelled that there was simply some large weird insect on the wall. The next thing I knew, my Dad came running in with a plastic bag. I pointed to the insect, and he scooped it up with barely a word. And it was gone.
These two episodes are simple and to an extent ridiculous. But they reminded me of a similar not so subtle theme that can be summed up in these points:
1) Children trust their parents to know what they do not.
2) Children trust their parents to protect them from what they are afraid of.
3) Children trust their parents to tell them that it is alright to go ahead with what they are unsure of.
Children also trust their parents in a lot of other ways and things, but to keep this short, I shall not elaborate. (:
The simple message that I'm trying to bring across is the reminder that we all need to have child-like faith, and child-like trust in our heavenly Father. Like a child who runs to her father when she is unsure of whether it is alright to eat an apple with a hole indented in its skin, or like a small child who runs to his father when he is afraid of a fierce dog, we must run to God when we face uncertainties or things that frighten us in life. Even though we know this, we often turn to other things for support and to snuff out our fears, things that are temporary and fleeting.
Having child-like trust takes humility. It is almost like an admission of weakness, of inability to protect or be sure of yourself. But the truth is, humans are weak and vulnerable, but we are proud. It is harder that it sounds to take that courageous step to be humble. Yet it is not impossible and again, this is a saving grace.
And this saving grace is a gift we can take.
Lovely eating cherries.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Level Up!
Sometimes as Youths we wonder whether what we believe in is just fed off other people's passion for God.
Its easy to believe when you're in the company of good Christian friends, its so easy to be a Christian. Its easy when you were born in a Christian family, when your parents impress these beliefs on you and have for your whole life. Its easy when the people closest to you approve of your belief.
Yet at times, whether it be happy or sad, we can't help but wonder whether its all real, whether we really believe. When we're alone, when there's no one there to sway our opinion.
Personally, I felt for a long period of time that a change in direction in my life had distanced me from good Christian influences. It was from being surrounded by close Christian friends and family, to being in an environment where I had to struggle daily to remember who I was, and what I was doing there. I felt stifled, and that I'd lost my way. There was no encouragement like I was used to. There was no Christian support from the friends I'd had previously when I was down, or worried, or needed help. I felt, simply to put it, worldly, and when you've tasted something better, somehow gorging on scraps of junk never makes you feel right. Its like after you've tasted coffee with sugar and milk, you hardly want to drink coffee without it again.
So for the longest time as I mentioned, I felt very far from God. I wondered why he would deprive me of all the good influences, all the things that I thought helped me grow. They did, but there was something I had not realized. I began to question and wonder whether all those influences were what had made me grow. Was it the circumstances in which I was in that had been the factors of my "Relationship with God"- my Christianity.
And finally God blessed me with a realization. It was by no means anything sudden, it was more gradual. Its pretty amazing how God just worked me up to this slowly. For days I'd been getting the message of returning to Him, keep talking to Him, that he would heal me and be my refuge. Indeed, I'd felt broken. God knows just what we need. All those good influences that had been a strong and dominant factor in my life before, they did help me grow, they did encourage and strengthen me when I felt weak and God did use some of my friends and family to speak to me and cheer me on in my walk. But there always comes a time when everything fades away. (Cliche sorry..) And you feel like you're left with nothing, but you know you're supposed to still have God. But you don't feel Him.
Taking your relationship with God to a different level in your walk is not always easy. For myself, I've come to realize that the removal of other distractions in my life have led me to where I have to simply face Him. My sole guide indeed is the Holy Spirit- God. There's nothing wrong with having Christian influences, but I now recognize that they put a barrier between my direct interaction and reliance on God and God alone. It was a personal hurdle that God is teaching me to overcome, and I can't say I've overcome it yet. But this is a time for me where I'm stripped of any dominant Christian figures in my life that impacted me spiritually- in a way that I can only describe as loud. (Not the best word.)
I can't say I know everything there is to my current situation, for only God can see the total big picture, but God's blessed me to be able to see, that right now in my life, He wants me to continue growing with HIM leading, and no other.
Its easy to believe when you're in the company of good Christian friends, its so easy to be a Christian. Its easy when you were born in a Christian family, when your parents impress these beliefs on you and have for your whole life. Its easy when the people closest to you approve of your belief.
Yet at times, whether it be happy or sad, we can't help but wonder whether its all real, whether we really believe. When we're alone, when there's no one there to sway our opinion.
Personally, I felt for a long period of time that a change in direction in my life had distanced me from good Christian influences. It was from being surrounded by close Christian friends and family, to being in an environment where I had to struggle daily to remember who I was, and what I was doing there. I felt stifled, and that I'd lost my way. There was no encouragement like I was used to. There was no Christian support from the friends I'd had previously when I was down, or worried, or needed help. I felt, simply to put it, worldly, and when you've tasted something better, somehow gorging on scraps of junk never makes you feel right. Its like after you've tasted coffee with sugar and milk, you hardly want to drink coffee without it again.
So for the longest time as I mentioned, I felt very far from God. I wondered why he would deprive me of all the good influences, all the things that I thought helped me grow. They did, but there was something I had not realized. I began to question and wonder whether all those influences were what had made me grow. Was it the circumstances in which I was in that had been the factors of my "Relationship with God"- my Christianity.
And finally God blessed me with a realization. It was by no means anything sudden, it was more gradual. Its pretty amazing how God just worked me up to this slowly. For days I'd been getting the message of returning to Him, keep talking to Him, that he would heal me and be my refuge. Indeed, I'd felt broken. God knows just what we need. All those good influences that had been a strong and dominant factor in my life before, they did help me grow, they did encourage and strengthen me when I felt weak and God did use some of my friends and family to speak to me and cheer me on in my walk. But there always comes a time when everything fades away. (Cliche sorry..) And you feel like you're left with nothing, but you know you're supposed to still have God. But you don't feel Him.
Taking your relationship with God to a different level in your walk is not always easy. For myself, I've come to realize that the removal of other distractions in my life have led me to where I have to simply face Him. My sole guide indeed is the Holy Spirit- God. There's nothing wrong with having Christian influences, but I now recognize that they put a barrier between my direct interaction and reliance on God and God alone. It was a personal hurdle that God is teaching me to overcome, and I can't say I've overcome it yet. But this is a time for me where I'm stripped of any dominant Christian figures in my life that impacted me spiritually- in a way that I can only describe as loud. (Not the best word.)
I can't say I know everything there is to my current situation, for only God can see the total big picture, but God's blessed me to be able to see, that right now in my life, He wants me to continue growing with HIM leading, and no other.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Splint in His Eye
We all make mistakes. We all fall prey to temptation, even those who seem the strongest. We all fail at times and I know that I often feel contempt towards people I respect when they let me down or do something I disapprove of.
We rarely stop to consider if we've turned into the very persons we loathe.
Everyone has spiritual downs, and when they do they might do things they later regret. We're all young and we're all still growing. And it is for this reason that we have to continue praying for our leaders, and our youth. And leave the rest to God.
Its not anyone's place to judge. Its our place to understand, grow and love. And be compassionate and pray for those who have hurt us, for those who hate us, for your enemies and rivals, for those who ignore you, those who love what you hate, for our cities and our churches, for our pastors and our leaders. For all of those in the body of Christ.
We rarely stop to consider if we've turned into the very persons we loathe.
Everyone has spiritual downs, and when they do they might do things they later regret. We're all young and we're all still growing. And it is for this reason that we have to continue praying for our leaders, and our youth. And leave the rest to God.
Its not anyone's place to judge. Its our place to understand, grow and love. And be compassionate and pray for those who have hurt us, for those who hate us, for your enemies and rivals, for those who ignore you, those who love what you hate, for our cities and our churches, for our pastors and our leaders. For all of those in the body of Christ.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Don't Wander too Far
Does it have to be that difficult? Does being with God, mean that we have to be unhappy? Does holding onto morals, obeying the law, honoring your parents, mean that you have to lose something significant, something fun? Is it worth it?
Why do we so often place Fellowshipping with God in a completely different place from having fun? Is it a very different place?
Its pretty harmless to hang out with friends who aren't Christians, but you have to be careful of who's influencing who.
And as a last note and to end this post,
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:5-6
Why do we so often place Fellowshipping with God in a completely different place from having fun? Is it a very different place?
Its pretty harmless to hang out with friends who aren't Christians, but you have to be careful of who's influencing who.
And as a last note and to end this post,
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:5-6
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Coming Back to Awe
Remember that day when you felt so young and fresh? Everything you knew was radical. It was new. It was inspiring. It awed you. It gave you a sense of enlightenment. Your eyes were unveiled. You were struck with realization.
But what happens when you forget all that? No, you do not forget that. What happens when what once struck you with so much awe and amazement, becomes normal, boring, old, dull, just another part of your life?
As humans, we tend to settle into boredom. Remember our 'friend' whom we should be wary of? Yes, boredom. So we know we have to be wary of it. So how do we avoid falling into that pit when we're on a slope that falls right into it?
In order to find the answer to this, it would be advisable to first try to remember. What first inspired you? What made your life "not boring" in the first place? At the very beginning? Before everything became lukewarm and mundane?
I'm speaking in terms of faith, by the way.
When we grow bored of life, it tends to suggest that we've grown bored with God.
"Is that all you have in store for me God? Sheesh, sure is life dull! You're so boring. I'm going to go find my own adventure."
And that's where you get into the sexual immoralities, or other forms of thrill which are second best.
If you don't think of ever going for the gold, you'll always only get the silver.
Remember the dreams God had for you originally. Though God changes the course of your walk through many different parts of your life, it might help to backtrack and refer back to how you got to where you are in the present.
Sometimes its the most humbling to see a child teach us, or remind us of something we’ve learnt long ago when we ourselves were children, and have let slide. But there is a message somewhere in there. Listen, even if it does seem like its just a child, what can they know? God can surprise you.
But what happens when you forget all that? No, you do not forget that. What happens when what once struck you with so much awe and amazement, becomes normal, boring, old, dull, just another part of your life?
As humans, we tend to settle into boredom. Remember our 'friend' whom we should be wary of? Yes, boredom. So we know we have to be wary of it. So how do we avoid falling into that pit when we're on a slope that falls right into it?
In order to find the answer to this, it would be advisable to first try to remember. What first inspired you? What made your life "not boring" in the first place? At the very beginning? Before everything became lukewarm and mundane?
I'm speaking in terms of faith, by the way.
When we grow bored of life, it tends to suggest that we've grown bored with God.
"Is that all you have in store for me God? Sheesh, sure is life dull! You're so boring. I'm going to go find my own adventure."
And that's where you get into the sexual immoralities, or other forms of thrill which are second best.
If you don't think of ever going for the gold, you'll always only get the silver.
Remember the dreams God had for you originally. Though God changes the course of your walk through many different parts of your life, it might help to backtrack and refer back to how you got to where you are in the present.
Sometimes its the most humbling to see a child teach us, or remind us of something we’ve learnt long ago when we ourselves were children, and have let slide. But there is a message somewhere in there. Listen, even if it does seem like its just a child, what can they know? God can surprise you.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Rest and Recuperate
A lot of the times, we feel that we should always be on the giving end of things. We’re supposed to be generous, and not a glutton. Its bad to be always the one receiving, surely I must give something to someone else now. Yes, we should be generous, and God loves it when we give and help others. However. its not necessarily bad to be on the receiving end.
In fact, there are times when we should especially seek to be on the receiving end… from God! (No duh.) Sorry couldn’t resist that comment.
As I was saying, sometimes God wants to impart knowledge to you as well. We may feel like we’re dried out, and not as close to God as we used to. Thus, we don’t feel like how we did before. Perhaps others looked to you for support, or help, but recently you feel its been you who needs support and help. You wonder, have you lost that growth or maturity you had before which made you seem stronger or older? This feeling doesn’t have to be a negative thing.
Instead of feeling that you’re surely doomed because you’ve lost touch with the Lord, all the more turn to Him. He wants to fill you up again! Take a break to grow and strengthen your relationship with God. Rest and Recuperate! God wants to walk with and give to you! There’s a time to give and share wisdom, yes, but there’s also a time to receive.
So open up your heart and soul to the Lord and listen.
In fact, there are times when we should especially seek to be on the receiving end… from God! (No duh.) Sorry couldn’t resist that comment.
As I was saying, sometimes God wants to impart knowledge to you as well. We may feel like we’re dried out, and not as close to God as we used to. Thus, we don’t feel like how we did before. Perhaps others looked to you for support, or help, but recently you feel its been you who needs support and help. You wonder, have you lost that growth or maturity you had before which made you seem stronger or older? This feeling doesn’t have to be a negative thing.
Instead of feeling that you’re surely doomed because you’ve lost touch with the Lord, all the more turn to Him. He wants to fill you up again! Take a break to grow and strengthen your relationship with God. Rest and Recuperate! God wants to walk with and give to you! There’s a time to give and share wisdom, yes, but there’s also a time to receive.
So open up your heart and soul to the Lord and listen.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Beware of Boredom
An important thing to remember is praising God through both bad, good and average times. We tend to be extreme. When times are excellent, we either praise God because we're glad we have everything and are happy, or we forget that all we have is God blessed and given. Similarly, when we're going through a stormy period, we either turn back to God to ask for deliverance, or we forget completely that God is in control and flail our arms over the stormy waves, desperately hoping that the storm will calm soon. It is probably during boredom that we have to be the most careful. It is in the average times that it is probably most difficult to remember God. We get comfortable, but not too comfortable to be thankful. We are tired, but not too tired to ask for help. In all things, praise the Lord.
Easier said than done.
I'm going to repeat that.
Easier said than done.
Let everything come back to God. Everything, after all, is about God. (Well its about seeking happiness and pleasure, but that is exactly where God comes in.)
Another way I can illustrate my point is, in a marriage, how does the couple avoid getting tired of each other? Many divorces happen because of boredom. The husband forgets what initially attracted him to his wife. Or the wife forgets what she saw in her husband.
Yes, I know that many divorces happen because of a third party, but that reinforces my point. There would be no third party if there was no boredom.
How to be wary of boredom? Everyone is different, but fundamentally, spending time with each other never hurts. Acknowledge why you care for and love the other, and constantly communicate. Pray together, remember what you are together as one body. Instead of looking at the huge flaws of the other, remember that we all have imperfections. Remember that you, too have imperfections, and God gave you each other to build each other up, not tear each other down. Help each other to erase those flaws, not condemn each other because of them. Understand the perspective of the other, never let their feelings slip.
Similar treatment is of course very important for maintaining any relationship be it with friends or family. Its definitely not easy and most of the time we're just so frustrated or tired. We also can't understand why we have to be the understanding one- why never the other? Why can't they understand me? Why do I have to be the one taken advantage of? Why can't they be mature?
Is the adult expected to know how to clean up a mess he or she has spilt? Is a toddler expected to know? If you know better, God has given you that wisdom, and it is your responsibility to act accordingly. I know its difficult and frustrating, but it will be worth it.
Easier said than done.
I'm going to repeat that.
Easier said than done.
Let everything come back to God. Everything, after all, is about God. (Well its about seeking happiness and pleasure, but that is exactly where God comes in.)
Another way I can illustrate my point is, in a marriage, how does the couple avoid getting tired of each other? Many divorces happen because of boredom. The husband forgets what initially attracted him to his wife. Or the wife forgets what she saw in her husband.
Yes, I know that many divorces happen because of a third party, but that reinforces my point. There would be no third party if there was no boredom.
How to be wary of boredom? Everyone is different, but fundamentally, spending time with each other never hurts. Acknowledge why you care for and love the other, and constantly communicate. Pray together, remember what you are together as one body. Instead of looking at the huge flaws of the other, remember that we all have imperfections. Remember that you, too have imperfections, and God gave you each other to build each other up, not tear each other down. Help each other to erase those flaws, not condemn each other because of them. Understand the perspective of the other, never let their feelings slip.
Similar treatment is of course very important for maintaining any relationship be it with friends or family. Its definitely not easy and most of the time we're just so frustrated or tired. We also can't understand why we have to be the understanding one- why never the other? Why can't they understand me? Why do I have to be the one taken advantage of? Why can't they be mature?
Is the adult expected to know how to clean up a mess he or she has spilt? Is a toddler expected to know? If you know better, God has given you that wisdom, and it is your responsibility to act accordingly. I know its difficult and frustrating, but it will be worth it.
Solitary
There are instances in which being alone is a good thing. Of course there's a flip side to being by yourself.
Solitary moments can help to refine us, and can help in the building of our relationships with God. Spending a few minutes alone to meditate or just talk to God does wonders at times.
But then there's the loneliness we all dread. The moments where we yearn for other human contact. We feel so alone in life that we are driven nearly ballistic. How do we seek comfort and peace at these times?
We know we're never alone. This is something we're all been taught over and over since we could sing "Jesus loves me." We all acknowledge His (God's) omnipresence. So how do we apply the theory we know so well into life? We know a lot of things. Most Christians who are born into Christian families know the basic black and whites. However, hitting teenage years and beyond, we all know its not as simple as that when we're out there in the world.
Acknowledge God's control in and over your life. Through all situations, even if you're having the worse day ever, praise Him. He's still the almighty. He's still the magnificent. He's still wonderful and unfathomable. He never let you down. He still Loves. He still is love.
Solitary moments can help to refine us, and can help in the building of our relationships with God. Spending a few minutes alone to meditate or just talk to God does wonders at times.
But then there's the loneliness we all dread. The moments where we yearn for other human contact. We feel so alone in life that we are driven nearly ballistic. How do we seek comfort and peace at these times?
We know we're never alone. This is something we're all been taught over and over since we could sing "Jesus loves me." We all acknowledge His (God's) omnipresence. So how do we apply the theory we know so well into life? We know a lot of things. Most Christians who are born into Christian families know the basic black and whites. However, hitting teenage years and beyond, we all know its not as simple as that when we're out there in the world.
Acknowledge God's control in and over your life. Through all situations, even if you're having the worse day ever, praise Him. He's still the almighty. He's still the magnificent. He's still wonderful and unfathomable. He never let you down. He still Loves. He still is love.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A Little Note
I may not have mentioned this before: I do know that all the topics I've written about have been thought up already and some are extremely common. What idea hasn't been thought of before? Anyways, my point was, and is, to remind. These are some things that do come up in my daily life, and I've found that little reminders from blogs to post-its in my agenda or locker does help. After all, we are very prone to forgetting and I can't say that I remember everything I've learnt.
Just want to remind us all, (including myself) Let the doors to your heart be open to the Lord in all situations and seasons!
God Bless!
Just want to remind us all, (including myself) Let the doors to your heart be open to the Lord in all situations and seasons!
God Bless!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Why are We Here?
Do you ever find yourself somewhere and wonder what you're even doing there? What's the reason for which you do things? What's the reason behind your choices?
Shouldn't we have a reason for which we do things? Shouldn't our words, actions, our intents, out efforts, our emotions, shouldn't there be more depth and meaning to them than "I just felt like it?" Are we really that bored with life and do we really have that much time to just fill it in with things we aren't even that interested in or eager to learn about?
Are you there because your friends like it? Are you there because of family? Or maybe its just customary. Maybe everyone will ask why if you're not there. Do you have an issue with those confrontational questions? Maybe its a problem with just saying you didn't want to go, didn't feel it your place to be there.
Don't be scared to question. Dare to ask why. Its not necessarily a process that pushes you further from God. It can actually bring you closer. Better to ask and discover why, and thus know exactly why you're doing this, then to just go on living "safely" and being limited in your understanding.
It is probably when we stop thinking about why, stop thinking about whether we should be there or not that it is the most dangerous. It shows that we no longer care, we've become bored. A resounding NO, I do not belong there, and its not for the best that I am there, would be more welcome an answer. And if the answer is YES, let it be from the very depths of your spirit, knowing full well what your "yes" emphasizes, and that you are there for a purpose, and God has a path and destiny for you.
Discover the exact reason why you choose your faith. How can you love and worship when you do not even know the purpose for which you do so?
Shouldn't we have a reason for which we do things? Shouldn't our words, actions, our intents, out efforts, our emotions, shouldn't there be more depth and meaning to them than "I just felt like it?" Are we really that bored with life and do we really have that much time to just fill it in with things we aren't even that interested in or eager to learn about?
Are you there because your friends like it? Are you there because of family? Or maybe its just customary. Maybe everyone will ask why if you're not there. Do you have an issue with those confrontational questions? Maybe its a problem with just saying you didn't want to go, didn't feel it your place to be there.
Don't be scared to question. Dare to ask why. Its not necessarily a process that pushes you further from God. It can actually bring you closer. Better to ask and discover why, and thus know exactly why you're doing this, then to just go on living "safely" and being limited in your understanding.
It is probably when we stop thinking about why, stop thinking about whether we should be there or not that it is the most dangerous. It shows that we no longer care, we've become bored. A resounding NO, I do not belong there, and its not for the best that I am there, would be more welcome an answer. And if the answer is YES, let it be from the very depths of your spirit, knowing full well what your "yes" emphasizes, and that you are there for a purpose, and God has a path and destiny for you.
Discover the exact reason why you choose your faith. How can you love and worship when you do not even know the purpose for which you do so?
When Worship becomes a Rerun
You walk into Church, or any Christian meeting. The music comes on. You sing, while wondering casually when it would end so you may sit down, or tell your friend beside you about the latest gossip you heard about a classmate at school.
Rewind.
Even if you walk into a Christian meeting without feeling the least bit like saying "Hallelujah Blessed be Your name!", that doesn't mean You can't.
Perhaps its at the lowest moments that we actually can praise the most graciously. Some of my lowest and most down moments turn to wonder at the majesty of our Lord.
Here are three different kinds of "I don't feel like worshiping" results. There are more, but here are some I happened to have observed.
1) "I'll worship anyways" because its what I'm 'supposed' to do.
2) "I'll worship anyways" because God is still in control, and My Heart is still open to His blessing, He is still the greatest of All and worthy of all praise. Let Him move my heart today and may I lay all my troubles upon Him.
3) "I'm not worshiping today. I don't feel like it. After all, why be hypocritical?"
Play.
When is Worship just for the sake of it?
Is worship that 30 minutes you stand in front of the band/choir and sing the songs you've heard over and over you're just sick of singing them? Can you worship without singing? Can you worship with your life? How?
What do you want to do.
Rewind.
Even if you walk into a Christian meeting without feeling the least bit like saying "Hallelujah Blessed be Your name!", that doesn't mean You can't.
Perhaps its at the lowest moments that we actually can praise the most graciously. Some of my lowest and most down moments turn to wonder at the majesty of our Lord.
Here are three different kinds of "I don't feel like worshiping" results. There are more, but here are some I happened to have observed.
1) "I'll worship anyways" because its what I'm 'supposed' to do.
2) "I'll worship anyways" because God is still in control, and My Heart is still open to His blessing, He is still the greatest of All and worthy of all praise. Let Him move my heart today and may I lay all my troubles upon Him.
3) "I'm not worshiping today. I don't feel like it. After all, why be hypocritical?"
Play.
When is Worship just for the sake of it?
Is worship that 30 minutes you stand in front of the band/choir and sing the songs you've heard over and over you're just sick of singing them? Can you worship without singing? Can you worship with your life? How?
What do you want to do.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Dating
I'm going to put the subject of this post right into the open. Dating in High school.
You can already hear it. I'm going to say you shouldn't. Well... you shouldn't.
Before you close this window, I'm going to interject and say, I understand perfectly why a teenager would want to start dating. Don't misunderstand me. I'm a teenager too, and I go through the same lonely feelings and sometimes I feel like I want to love seriously as well. After all, lots of other teenagers do it, why can't I? Aren't I as mature, if not, more mature than some of my friends?
Well, be honest with yourself. Would you say that you are more mature now than you were... oh about three years ago? It does wonders to wait to be even more mature before you start to date.
Three years ago, you might have felt bitterly towards someone else for contradicting, or not agreeing with you, possibly dissing you and your opinion. However, today, you might ponder deeper if a person did that to you. Is she having problems with something? At home? With other friends? Is she going through a hard time? We become wiser and more sensitive and sensible with time.
Over the next three years, what is the probability that you will gain even more understanding and ability to handle situations? What is the possibility of you gaining even more control over your emotions? You might have great control over your emotions now, compared to you going into desperation and hopelessness at the breaking of a friendship when you were twelve. (Not that you would be unaffected by your friend's departure now, but you would now probably try to patch things up sensibly and confront the problem trying to resolve it, thus strengthening understanding and relationship.) So you would probably gain even more control over your emotions in another few years time.
Don't we learn from our mistakes? From experience? Yes and no. We do, but do we humans really really have to learn everything the hard way? Truly, the younger you are, the more impact it will make in your future. It affects our society, how we think of a relationship, a marriage. You can gain so much more if you had a little patience!
I'm not saying its easy. No one wants to feel like they're the only one who doesn't have a partner. But keeping it at friendship isn't that hard is it? Getting to know each other better, seeing the worst and best sides of each other. Loving each other as friends. You can have just as much fun with friends, and friendships do last longer, and hold stronger.
Wait a little longer. Its worth it.
You can already hear it. I'm going to say you shouldn't. Well... you shouldn't.
Before you close this window, I'm going to interject and say, I understand perfectly why a teenager would want to start dating. Don't misunderstand me. I'm a teenager too, and I go through the same lonely feelings and sometimes I feel like I want to love seriously as well. After all, lots of other teenagers do it, why can't I? Aren't I as mature, if not, more mature than some of my friends?
Well, be honest with yourself. Would you say that you are more mature now than you were... oh about three years ago? It does wonders to wait to be even more mature before you start to date.
Three years ago, you might have felt bitterly towards someone else for contradicting, or not agreeing with you, possibly dissing you and your opinion. However, today, you might ponder deeper if a person did that to you. Is she having problems with something? At home? With other friends? Is she going through a hard time? We become wiser and more sensitive and sensible with time.
Over the next three years, what is the probability that you will gain even more understanding and ability to handle situations? What is the possibility of you gaining even more control over your emotions? You might have great control over your emotions now, compared to you going into desperation and hopelessness at the breaking of a friendship when you were twelve. (Not that you would be unaffected by your friend's departure now, but you would now probably try to patch things up sensibly and confront the problem trying to resolve it, thus strengthening understanding and relationship.) So you would probably gain even more control over your emotions in another few years time.
Don't we learn from our mistakes? From experience? Yes and no. We do, but do we humans really really have to learn everything the hard way? Truly, the younger you are, the more impact it will make in your future. It affects our society, how we think of a relationship, a marriage. You can gain so much more if you had a little patience!
I'm not saying its easy. No one wants to feel like they're the only one who doesn't have a partner. But keeping it at friendship isn't that hard is it? Getting to know each other better, seeing the worst and best sides of each other. Loving each other as friends. You can have just as much fun with friends, and friendships do last longer, and hold stronger.
Wait a little longer. Its worth it.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ability of perfection
Sometimes you may feel that you have zero ability or no good points at all. Sometimes, we compare ourselves to that bright sunshiny girl who’s perfect. She’s pretty, smart, enthusiastic; everything everyone would want to be friends with. The kind of people who make us feel extremely underachieved.
I guess there’s only one thing to do in these kinds of circumstances.
Don’t be jealous of her. You know that when God gives something to one person, He’ll give something else to another. It doesn't even seem like this is the case 99.9% of the time. However, we do tend to overlook things in our own lives.
You have more in you than you realize. God has blessed each of us with much. And when you find out your potential, don't go around boasting about it. Use it to the best of magnifying God's glory.
And if you ever find out, that sunshiny girl, isn't as sunshiny as she really seems. Sounds like the typical drama, but it does happen in real life at times, and of course, we all know no one's perfect. And even then, don't try to pull that out of the closet. Its okay.
God has His amazing ways of surprising us. Especially when we're feeling lowest in our lives.
I guess there’s only one thing to do in these kinds of circumstances.
Don’t be jealous of her. You know that when God gives something to one person, He’ll give something else to another. It doesn't even seem like this is the case 99.9% of the time. However, we do tend to overlook things in our own lives.
You have more in you than you realize. God has blessed each of us with much. And when you find out your potential, don't go around boasting about it. Use it to the best of magnifying God's glory.
And if you ever find out, that sunshiny girl, isn't as sunshiny as she really seems. Sounds like the typical drama, but it does happen in real life at times, and of course, we all know no one's perfect. And even then, don't try to pull that out of the closet. Its okay.
God has His amazing ways of surprising us. Especially when we're feeling lowest in our lives.
Making Jokes Concerning Others.
This is very basic, but its something we tend to overlook. Well, we tend to overlook a lot of things that have been hammered into our heads over and over. It happens. Plus the added factor of new perspectives. So a reminder can't hurt.
Be mature enough to know when its enough. Usually, its alright to make it a joke if the person you’re making a jest of is laughing WITH you. I know this may sound ridiculous, and you’d probably think (DUH) that’s so obvious, but some people really don’t get this. If the person displays a hurt reaction, or responds angrily, its a good idea to stop; the person doesn’t like it.
A joke is all in good fun, but when it concerns the feelings of someone else, show some sensibility.
Be mature enough to know when its enough. Usually, its alright to make it a joke if the person you’re making a jest of is laughing WITH you. I know this may sound ridiculous, and you’d probably think (DUH) that’s so obvious, but some people really don’t get this. If the person displays a hurt reaction, or responds angrily, its a good idea to stop; the person doesn’t like it.
A joke is all in good fun, but when it concerns the feelings of someone else, show some sensibility.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Youth
You're not going to be in your teenage years forever. So live like to the fullest while it lasts. Don't rush into growing up. Don't rush into anything, even relationships with a boy or girl. Teenage years isn't an excuse for being rash. Its a time for finding your path.
Don't let anyone look down on you just cuz you're young. But don't disrespect anyone just cuz they look down on you, or are younger or older or have a different view. Learn to look before you leap and love with passion but not careless abandon. Seek God in everything you do.
Looks for stories throughout your life and look for lessons in ever story that runs. You'll be amazed at what you can find.
Just because you do not know doesn't mean you're foolish. Take things you do not know as a point of helping you to learn, gaining more knowledge and ultimately gaining wisdom in your actions and decisions.
Don't let anyone look down on you just cuz you're young. But don't disrespect anyone just cuz they look down on you, or are younger or older or have a different view. Learn to look before you leap and love with passion but not careless abandon. Seek God in everything you do.
Looks for stories throughout your life and look for lessons in ever story that runs. You'll be amazed at what you can find.
Just because you do not know doesn't mean you're foolish. Take things you do not know as a point of helping you to learn, gaining more knowledge and ultimately gaining wisdom in your actions and decisions.
Identity
If you asked me if I would enthusiastically proclaim that I was a Christian in School, I might have cringed. Its somewhat fearsome, among people you don’t know very well, and whom don’t even have a religion or any particular belief. For most teenagers, this would be the case.
How can we live to glorify and worship God? How do we be non-hypocrites, “praising God” and being “Holy” in Church while being indistinguishable and blending into the crowd at school and when we’re not among other Christians? Its a challenge.
It might seem like an incredible leap of faith which would be crazy to take, but truly, if its what we want, if we really want to choose this path, there is no grey area. To live to worship, you cannot be of the world. If you don’t want to be “different”, if you don’t want to seem what they think is strange, then forget it.
It sounds harsh and extreme. But its a war. And wars are just that.
Know who you are, and choose who you want to be. You are His beloved. You are His chosen one. You are His child. You are His sibling. You are His bride to be.
Understand who you are. Understand who you were chosen to be.
How can we live to glorify and worship God? How do we be non-hypocrites, “praising God” and being “Holy” in Church while being indistinguishable and blending into the crowd at school and when we’re not among other Christians? Its a challenge.
It might seem like an incredible leap of faith which would be crazy to take, but truly, if its what we want, if we really want to choose this path, there is no grey area. To live to worship, you cannot be of the world. If you don’t want to be “different”, if you don’t want to seem what they think is strange, then forget it.
It sounds harsh and extreme. But its a war. And wars are just that.
Know who you are, and choose who you want to be. You are His beloved. You are His chosen one. You are His child. You are His sibling. You are His bride to be.
Understand who you are. Understand who you were chosen to be.
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