What does it mean to be human?
We are incredible beings with endless possibilities.
The world is changing---and rapidly.
We are apart of something greater than ourselves.
PURPOSE---the greatest motivator
More than money---more than fame.
Globalization---it is the game.
It's not just about us anymore--we are realizing more and more each day that
It's a small world after all.
We have power. We can make a difference in the world.
Yes. US.
TOGETHER.
Sounds cliche---but the time is here.
We live in a world of instant communication.
We are only beginning to understand our potentials.
I feel like today my eyes are being opened up again to the impossible---and making it possible.
For so long I've just been told I'm one in 6.8 billion---but now I realize---I'm ONE in only 6.8 billion
I am essential. I have potential. There is something each of us bring to the world that no one else can.
I've heard this many times before--but I think I'm finally starting to believe it.
I'm regaining an excitement about daily life.
About the moment in time that I'm living.
That WE'RE living in.
We are human---we are family--we are creating--we are shaping---we are making HIStory!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Relationship
Today I had more fun than I've had in a very long time.
Some of my old high school friends were back in town and we ran around doing shenanigans that I haven't done since, well, high school.
I'm trying to remain rational in my spiritual journey---and I can't help but notice something I find quite odd.
Hanging out with my "spiritual" friends has been---bleak---to say the least.
Richer---maybe---but bleak.
I remember feeling this "bleakness" in the past---and it is quite irritating really.
God is fun---God loves laughter and joy.
Why are religious people boring?
The religious spirit sucks life out of people.
Christians were not meant to be isolated from the world.
Christians are no better than any other person in the world---"ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God"
So why do we just to conclusions about certain types of people? Why do we pre-judge and have prejudice against people who do certain things. I'm sick of it--Religiousness needs to die. I'm just as guilty of it as anyone else--but I'm tired of it.
Yes, we need to have people in our lives who share our core values that we can encourage each other---but we should not isolate ourselves from the world. This is our world---we bring the Kingdom here.
Spending hours in prayer and worship is not the only way to please God---I believe He delights in our adventures and endeavors--in our creative mischievousness--in our playful, childlike nature.
I felt like a kid again today---and it was a blast.
My friends thought I was drinking---but I wasn't---I was just full of joy, laughter, childlikeness, and was free of insecurity.
Some of my friends actually were drinking---but it made no difference to me--I mean---some people need that to help them relax and enjoy---"drink wine and be merry" --definitely scripture.
I don't think I need it to enjoy---I don't think everyone needs it to be childlike---but some ppeople, where they're at---do.
There is use and abuse of substances--I totes understand--but it is not our place to judge where people are at--especially if everyone is simply enjoying themselves. Yes, accountability partners/good friends should call each other out when the gray line is being crossed...We all need someone who truly cares about our well-being--someone who has good discernment of course.
I'm just trying to understand this religion thing---like I said--I've been on both ends of the spectrum--and I definitely prefer staying under the covering---but I'm not convinced church go-er have it right---through my personal relationship I think I'm realizing many of my "judgments" have been religious based not spirit based. Coming from tradition rather than relationship.
God knows where I am at, and He does not require me to isolate myself---but rather bring His life and light--not through judgment--but Love. God will correct when the relationship is established---but the relationship must first be established---people don't listen to people they don't respect---it's only once they've established respecting relationships that people will heed correction.
Some of my old high school friends were back in town and we ran around doing shenanigans that I haven't done since, well, high school.
I'm trying to remain rational in my spiritual journey---and I can't help but notice something I find quite odd.
Hanging out with my "spiritual" friends has been---bleak---to say the least.
Richer---maybe---but bleak.
I remember feeling this "bleakness" in the past---and it is quite irritating really.
God is fun---God loves laughter and joy.
Why are religious people boring?
The religious spirit sucks life out of people.
Christians were not meant to be isolated from the world.
Christians are no better than any other person in the world---"ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God"
So why do we just to conclusions about certain types of people? Why do we pre-judge and have prejudice against people who do certain things. I'm sick of it--Religiousness needs to die. I'm just as guilty of it as anyone else--but I'm tired of it.
Yes, we need to have people in our lives who share our core values that we can encourage each other---but we should not isolate ourselves from the world. This is our world---we bring the Kingdom here.
Spending hours in prayer and worship is not the only way to please God---I believe He delights in our adventures and endeavors--in our creative mischievousness--in our playful, childlike nature.
I felt like a kid again today---and it was a blast.
My friends thought I was drinking---but I wasn't---I was just full of joy, laughter, childlikeness, and was free of insecurity.
Some of my friends actually were drinking---but it made no difference to me--I mean---some people need that to help them relax and enjoy---"drink wine and be merry" --definitely scripture.
I don't think I need it to enjoy---I don't think everyone needs it to be childlike---but some ppeople, where they're at---do.
There is use and abuse of substances--I totes understand--but it is not our place to judge where people are at--especially if everyone is simply enjoying themselves. Yes, accountability partners/good friends should call each other out when the gray line is being crossed...We all need someone who truly cares about our well-being--someone who has good discernment of course.
I'm just trying to understand this religion thing---like I said--I've been on both ends of the spectrum--and I definitely prefer staying under the covering---but I'm not convinced church go-er have it right---through my personal relationship I think I'm realizing many of my "judgments" have been religious based not spirit based. Coming from tradition rather than relationship.
God knows where I am at, and He does not require me to isolate myself---but rather bring His life and light--not through judgment--but Love. God will correct when the relationship is established---but the relationship must first be established---people don't listen to people they don't respect---it's only once they've established respecting relationships that people will heed correction.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Inspiration
This guy is inspiring---I encourage all to read his two blog entries starting with the introduction:
http://www.the-promise-blog.blogspot.com/
http://www.the-promise-blog.blogspot.com/
reunion
Tonight was beautiful---God is great.
I went to Weaverville this evening to attend the Reunion at Mountain Chapel Church.
I wasn't sure what to expect or who was going to be there, but I was excited about this opportunity to revisit the place where I was raised.
Most the old pastors were there and many memories were shared through photographs, videos, and stories of time past. It was a beautiful event.
It was definitely a trip seeing so many familiar faces of people who have imparted so much into my life and catching up with them.
All was casual and light, until my encounter with mister Buck Steele and his wife Annie. Talking with Buck, he shared some amazing stories of his wife and his adventures in Africa. This is a man who has dedicated his life to servitude and ministry---working harder than most anyone I know---and I have immense respect for him and his family.
After talking for a short while, he told me an image that came to his head when talking to me and shared it--which I think it was totally prophetic.
It was of an eagle who was circling this stone that it felt a gravitational pull towards, and it was unable to soar high and freely because it was confined to being near this particular stone.
He continued by saying that he think God has given me the grace to break free from the norm/pull of the world to live a certain way---and that God is giving me the grace to break free and soar like I was created to.
That word was exactly what I needed to hear---the encouragement I sought after. That I am a breaking free from the norm---from the ways of the world---and I am going to be able to fly freely. I feel as if I've already begun that journey---and that was confirmation of the fulfillment ahead!
He prayed for me that I would have a childlike relationship with the Lord (which is spot on because when I was young I had such an incredible relationship with God because there weren't any feelings of unworthiness and so forth) and encouraged me to be sensitive to the Spirit because the world will try and tell me all sorts of things that lead toward death. I want to live life abundantly---and I am on that journey! God is so Great, and so faithful! The ways He has been speaking to me are incredible, and I am incredibly blessed!
Thanks Papa God for taking such great care of me!
I went to Weaverville this evening to attend the Reunion at Mountain Chapel Church.
I wasn't sure what to expect or who was going to be there, but I was excited about this opportunity to revisit the place where I was raised.
Most the old pastors were there and many memories were shared through photographs, videos, and stories of time past. It was a beautiful event.
It was definitely a trip seeing so many familiar faces of people who have imparted so much into my life and catching up with them.
All was casual and light, until my encounter with mister Buck Steele and his wife Annie. Talking with Buck, he shared some amazing stories of his wife and his adventures in Africa. This is a man who has dedicated his life to servitude and ministry---working harder than most anyone I know---and I have immense respect for him and his family.
After talking for a short while, he told me an image that came to his head when talking to me and shared it--which I think it was totally prophetic.
It was of an eagle who was circling this stone that it felt a gravitational pull towards, and it was unable to soar high and freely because it was confined to being near this particular stone.
He continued by saying that he think God has given me the grace to break free from the norm/pull of the world to live a certain way---and that God is giving me the grace to break free and soar like I was created to.
That word was exactly what I needed to hear---the encouragement I sought after. That I am a breaking free from the norm---from the ways of the world---and I am going to be able to fly freely. I feel as if I've already begun that journey---and that was confirmation of the fulfillment ahead!
He prayed for me that I would have a childlike relationship with the Lord (which is spot on because when I was young I had such an incredible relationship with God because there weren't any feelings of unworthiness and so forth) and encouraged me to be sensitive to the Spirit because the world will try and tell me all sorts of things that lead toward death. I want to live life abundantly---and I am on that journey! God is so Great, and so faithful! The ways He has been speaking to me are incredible, and I am incredibly blessed!
Thanks Papa God for taking such great care of me!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Truth
It is so important to have friends with different beliefs than you.
I feel as if being around people with different beliefs strengthens you as long as you have a solid foundation.
Today one of my friends gave me the scoop on what "outsiders" think about the church I attend. I watched this video and I couldn't help but laugh almost the entire time. I could've easily been offended considering it completely bashed the head pastor whom I have immense respect for, along with the entire movement that is taking place, calling it all a "cult." It truly is funny how it looks on the "outside" but having been on the inside, I understand that it's not exactly how it appears.
I feel like we are often so easily influenced or come to snap judements about topics which we really know nothing about. The church is just as guilty if not more than anyone else. We all do it.
Having been both inside the church and outside of the church in different periods of time in my life I have to say a few things about this topic.
I completely understand the spectators view of "what is this maddness?!"
People "manifesting" (what is that exactly?!) and running around screaming in these video clips---umm--strange!
Even I have been around people that violent shake or fall and sometimes wonder---okay was that for real?
It's odd sometimes--yes-- what people do/say/ect. can often be out of the box at this church--but when you understand the culture that is established there, you can understand better where it is coming from.
The church allows people to be free to be the person that God made them to be. It does it's best to take people out of the confines of "socially acceptable" behaviors, and to explore the essense of being human.
Arts, family, love, joy is all being cultivated in this culture because of the freedom, however
the freedom that is encouraged also leaves plenty of room for messes/mistakes to be made. Young and old people alike may over-exagerate physically in an attempt to express what they're feeling inside, among other things.
Having attended the church and listened, observered, forsaken, and partaken---this is my conclusion.
It's not about the church--and if you focus on the externals too much you'll be turned off to it--it's about God. When you open your heart and listen to His calling on your life you will never have to question if what is going on in the church is right or wrong because He will guide you in the journey. Does the church have flaws---ABSOLUTELY---does the church help/change/impact people--INDEED!
The church simply fascilitates and welcomes God to move---how people respond may look absurd--but it's important to keep your eyes on Him and not on how things may look for a season.
"Trust in the Lord with all Your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path" --The Bible
In my personal experience, I only became re-connected with the church through my personal relationship with God. Don't go to church just to go to church--thats ridiculous--seek God. If God wants you to go to church He'll lead you there. Have people around you to encourage you keep you accountable to what you believe. Take heed and re-evaluate when criticized.
I am completely open to others opinions on this, but please understand that I will listen, take heed, and then re-evaluate. My walk with God has required much evaluation and people who know me know that I have had many seasons in question and doubt---that have resulted to nothing more than strengthening my faith.
I am not trying to convert anyone, I just want to make sure that we both "insiders" and "outsiders" understand one another so that we can relate and communicate instead of bashing each-other and jumping to snap judgements---no me gusta! I have been on both sides of the spectrum and I have no place to judge where ever you may be--let us both learn from one another instead of jumping to snap judgements. I will do my best to understand you, if you will do your best to try and understand me---that is a better approach.
Well I definitely got a good laugh in today, and I'm so thankful for people who have different beliefs than me so that together we can seek out Truth!
I feel as if being around people with different beliefs strengthens you as long as you have a solid foundation.
Today one of my friends gave me the scoop on what "outsiders" think about the church I attend. I watched this video and I couldn't help but laugh almost the entire time. I could've easily been offended considering it completely bashed the head pastor whom I have immense respect for, along with the entire movement that is taking place, calling it all a "cult." It truly is funny how it looks on the "outside" but having been on the inside, I understand that it's not exactly how it appears.
I feel like we are often so easily influenced or come to snap judements about topics which we really know nothing about. The church is just as guilty if not more than anyone else. We all do it.
Having been both inside the church and outside of the church in different periods of time in my life I have to say a few things about this topic.
I completely understand the spectators view of "what is this maddness?!"
People "manifesting" (what is that exactly?!) and running around screaming in these video clips---umm--strange!
Even I have been around people that violent shake or fall and sometimes wonder---okay was that for real?
It's odd sometimes--yes-- what people do/say/ect. can often be out of the box at this church--but when you understand the culture that is established there, you can understand better where it is coming from.
The church allows people to be free to be the person that God made them to be. It does it's best to take people out of the confines of "socially acceptable" behaviors, and to explore the essense of being human.
Arts, family, love, joy is all being cultivated in this culture because of the freedom, however
the freedom that is encouraged also leaves plenty of room for messes/mistakes to be made. Young and old people alike may over-exagerate physically in an attempt to express what they're feeling inside, among other things.
Having attended the church and listened, observered, forsaken, and partaken---this is my conclusion.
It's not about the church--and if you focus on the externals too much you'll be turned off to it--it's about God. When you open your heart and listen to His calling on your life you will never have to question if what is going on in the church is right or wrong because He will guide you in the journey. Does the church have flaws---ABSOLUTELY---does the church help/change/impact people--INDEED!
The church simply fascilitates and welcomes God to move---how people respond may look absurd--but it's important to keep your eyes on Him and not on how things may look for a season.
"Trust in the Lord with all Your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path" --The Bible
In my personal experience, I only became re-connected with the church through my personal relationship with God. Don't go to church just to go to church--thats ridiculous--seek God. If God wants you to go to church He'll lead you there. Have people around you to encourage you keep you accountable to what you believe. Take heed and re-evaluate when criticized.
I am completely open to others opinions on this, but please understand that I will listen, take heed, and then re-evaluate. My walk with God has required much evaluation and people who know me know that I have had many seasons in question and doubt---that have resulted to nothing more than strengthening my faith.
I am not trying to convert anyone, I just want to make sure that we both "insiders" and "outsiders" understand one another so that we can relate and communicate instead of bashing each-other and jumping to snap judgements---no me gusta! I have been on both sides of the spectrum and I have no place to judge where ever you may be--let us both learn from one another instead of jumping to snap judgements. I will do my best to understand you, if you will do your best to try and understand me---that is a better approach.
Well I definitely got a good laugh in today, and I'm so thankful for people who have different beliefs than me so that together we can seek out Truth!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Resting In Peace
God is faithful.
A few days ago I found a blog belonging to mister Evan, and after reading the inspiring words, I felt a desire to message him and I felt a surreal peace about it.
Follow your heart and trust Me to take care of you.
Prior to this, messaging him might have aroused anxiety or frustration.
Okay God, only you know how much my heart can handle.
So I messaged him and talked to him about blogging. It went well and next thing I know I told him I would like to catch up. Oh geez, what am I getting myself into. This better not be more heart-ache God, I can't handle any more.
He complied to catching up and we set up a time to meet. He appeared sincere and enthusiastic about it, but I withheld from any expectations.
I wasn't convinced there would be follow through---and even if he did show up--I didn't expect conversation to be anything more than shallow catch up.
To my surprise---Not only did he follow through, but he cleaned up his mess!
Wow, didn't see that one coming. Thanks God!
It was like a dead body that had been rotting was finally buried and put to rest! The stench is gone! Phew!
It was incredible to see how much he's grown in the past year, and it's amazing to see how God is molding him.
I'm not sure whether or not Evan and I will be friends again like we were a summer back, but I'm simply thankful for God's faithfulness. I feel like my heart is continuing to heal. That situation with Evan had left me feeling so unsettled, and now I feel as if I can rest easy.
God is incredible. I'm not sure what lies ahead in my future, but I know that continuing to "seek thee first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness"-- all my other needs will be met. Thank you Father for taking such great care of me!
A few days ago I found a blog belonging to mister Evan, and after reading the inspiring words, I felt a desire to message him and I felt a surreal peace about it.
Follow your heart and trust Me to take care of you.
Prior to this, messaging him might have aroused anxiety or frustration.
Okay God, only you know how much my heart can handle.
So I messaged him and talked to him about blogging. It went well and next thing I know I told him I would like to catch up. Oh geez, what am I getting myself into. This better not be more heart-ache God, I can't handle any more.
He complied to catching up and we set up a time to meet. He appeared sincere and enthusiastic about it, but I withheld from any expectations.
I wasn't convinced there would be follow through---and even if he did show up--I didn't expect conversation to be anything more than shallow catch up.
To my surprise---Not only did he follow through, but he cleaned up his mess!
Wow, didn't see that one coming. Thanks God!
It was like a dead body that had been rotting was finally buried and put to rest! The stench is gone! Phew!
It was incredible to see how much he's grown in the past year, and it's amazing to see how God is molding him.
I'm not sure whether or not Evan and I will be friends again like we were a summer back, but I'm simply thankful for God's faithfulness. I feel like my heart is continuing to heal. That situation with Evan had left me feeling so unsettled, and now I feel as if I can rest easy.
God is incredible. I'm not sure what lies ahead in my future, but I know that continuing to "seek thee first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness"-- all my other needs will be met. Thank you Father for taking such great care of me!
chastening
"Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole. He shall deliver you in six troubles, Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you. In famine He shall redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword. You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, And you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes. You shall laugh at destruction and famine, And you shall not be afraid of the beasts of the earth."
Job 6:17-22
Job 6:17-22
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Strengths
It's true I've lacked vision for quite some time now.
God, where am I going in life? What should I do?
I've been learning that what I do is less important than who I am.
When you know who you are, you know what to do. And life flows naturally and freely.
When you don't know who you are, you search for who you are in what you do.
SO, instead of figuring out what I should do, I've been figuring out who I am--- what moves me, what motivates me, what drives me, what makes my heart beat.
I took the strength finders test and I feel it was quite accurate for my current state.
Here were my top five in this order:
1) Positivity
2) Belief
3) Empathy
4) Developer
5) Harmony
The strength finders book gives a description of what these strengths look like, how you can utilize them in your life, what situations/jobs to avoid, what situations/jobs to be in, and what strengths to look for in other people.
I found it all revelatory and fascinating.
I feel like I understand a lot more about myself, and I feel encouraged and capable.
I'm ready to conquer the world! Well, almost.
As I study more about my strengths, I want to study about occupations that I would thrive in. I want to set up a five year plan and start taking the steps to get to my future.
This adventure is truly thrilling. God is providing the people, the finances, the support, and the love that I need to walk in my destiny.
I'm filled with excitement about the future, and joy about life!
Thank you God for taking such great care of me! I am excited to see what the future beholds! =)
God, where am I going in life? What should I do?
I've been learning that what I do is less important than who I am.
When you know who you are, you know what to do. And life flows naturally and freely.
When you don't know who you are, you search for who you are in what you do.
SO, instead of figuring out what I should do, I've been figuring out who I am--- what moves me, what motivates me, what drives me, what makes my heart beat.
I took the strength finders test and I feel it was quite accurate for my current state.
Here were my top five in this order:
1) Positivity
2) Belief
3) Empathy
4) Developer
5) Harmony
The strength finders book gives a description of what these strengths look like, how you can utilize them in your life, what situations/jobs to avoid, what situations/jobs to be in, and what strengths to look for in other people.
I found it all revelatory and fascinating.
I feel like I understand a lot more about myself, and I feel encouraged and capable.
I'm ready to conquer the world! Well, almost.
As I study more about my strengths, I want to study about occupations that I would thrive in. I want to set up a five year plan and start taking the steps to get to my future.
This adventure is truly thrilling. God is providing the people, the finances, the support, and the love that I need to walk in my destiny.
I'm filled with excitement about the future, and joy about life!
Thank you God for taking such great care of me! I am excited to see what the future beholds! =)
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