How could I have let you walk away from me that day?
How could I have stood there with everything to say and not have a word leave my lips?
Why do the words, "I love you," hold so much fear?
It's because I know the feelings you have for me are not the same ones I have for you.
God's perfect peace has yet to take hold of my mangled heart.
Could it be that I'm pushing Him away from this time of healing?
Is it truly my heart's desire to hold onto this pain and lonliness? No...
Young women, shield your heart for God's perfect plan.
Give men a time to be men and they will respect you.
Give yourself time to be a woman and your heart will be much less likely to get trapped in this, this game of love.
Please, don't give your whole heart and life away.
Hold your precious memories for that one person with whom you will wed.
Leave your heart to God, for His name is perfect.
Whisper it from your lips, "I love you, Jesus."
For He is your one and only.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Faith
Hebrews 11:1-2
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for."
Luke 7:1-10 (Faith of the Centurion)
When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
He felt unworthy to go to Jesus or have Him in his house, but he knew with a word that Jesus could heal his servant.
Luke 8:40-48 (Woman Subject to Bleeding)
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”
46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
Luke 8:40-42, 49-56 (Jesus Awakens the Dead Girl)
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him....
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”
53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
All three of these people put their faith into action.
- The centurion had faith that Jesus could heal his servent, so he sent Jewish leaders and his friends to Jesus.
- The woman knew she would be healed through Jesus if she could just touch Him. So, she reached out her hand.
- Jarius knew Jesus could heal his daughter, so Jarius pleaded with Jesus to come to his house.
Father,
Thank you so much for showing me this. I do hope that one day I can be commended (like the ancients were) for my own faith in You. You are pleased through our faith. (Eph. 5:10 "...and find out what pleases the Lord.") Now that You have shown me what that looks like, please help me to learn it and apply it to my every day life.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for."
Luke 7:1-10 (Faith of the Centurion)
When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
He felt unworthy to go to Jesus or have Him in his house, but he knew with a word that Jesus could heal his servant.
Luke 8:40-48 (Woman Subject to Bleeding)
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”
46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
Luke 8:40-42, 49-56 (Jesus Awakens the Dead Girl)
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him....
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”
53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
All three of these people put their faith into action.
- The centurion had faith that Jesus could heal his servent, so he sent Jewish leaders and his friends to Jesus.
- The woman knew she would be healed through Jesus if she could just touch Him. So, she reached out her hand.
- Jarius knew Jesus could heal his daughter, so Jarius pleaded with Jesus to come to his house.
Father,
Thank you so much for showing me this. I do hope that one day I can be commended (like the ancients were) for my own faith in You. You are pleased through our faith. (Eph. 5:10 "...and find out what pleases the Lord.") Now that You have shown me what that looks like, please help me to learn it and apply it to my every day life.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Father,
What are my hopes and dreams for the future? I've noticed that I have had small wants of things to come, but nothing that I seem to truly desire. I am only just know learning Your lesson of letting go. But if I have no real desires for my future, then what am I letting go of?
It says in Psalm 37:4-7a
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..."
Hmmm..."the desires of your heart," what desires? Jesus, will You please place Your desires upon my heart? I am nothing without You and I have nothing until You bestow it. I waited paitenly for the answer from the young man that I so admire and You granted it. So, will You please grant me my next steps? I will wait patiently for You here. As patiently as I can, for You know how much I love to speak with You.
For now, let Yourself be my heart's desire. No, not just for now...for always.
It says in Psalm 37:4-7a
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..."
Hmmm..."the desires of your heart," what desires? Jesus, will You please place Your desires upon my heart? I am nothing without You and I have nothing until You bestow it. I waited paitenly for the answer from the young man that I so admire and You granted it. So, will You please grant me my next steps? I will wait patiently for You here. As patiently as I can, for You know how much I love to speak with You.
For now, let Yourself be my heart's desire. No, not just for now...for always.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
"Whatever It Takes" Lifehouse
A strangled smile fell from your face.
It kills me that I hurt you this way.
The worst part is that I didn't even know.
Now there's a million reasons for you to go, but if you can find a reason to stay:
I'll do whatever it takes to turn this around.
I know what's at stake.
I know that I've let you down.
And if you give me a chance, believe that I can change.
I'll keep us together, whatever it takes.
She said, "If we're gonna make this work you gotta let me inside even though it hurts. Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see."
She said, "Like it or not it's the way it's gotta be. You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me."
I'll do whatever it takes to turn this around.
I know what's at stake.
I know that I've let you down.
And if you give me a chance and give me a break I'll keep us together.
I know you deserve much better.
But remember the time I told you the way that I felt; that I'd be lost without you and never find myself.
Let's hold onto each other above everything else.
Start over, start over.
I'll do whatever it takes to turn this around.
I know what's at stake.
I know that I've let you down.
And if you give me a chance, believe that I can change.
I'll keep us together, whatever it takes.
It kills me that I hurt you this way.
The worst part is that I didn't even know.
Now there's a million reasons for you to go, but if you can find a reason to stay:
I'll do whatever it takes to turn this around.
I know what's at stake.
I know that I've let you down.
And if you give me a chance, believe that I can change.
I'll keep us together, whatever it takes.
She said, "If we're gonna make this work you gotta let me inside even though it hurts. Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see."
She said, "Like it or not it's the way it's gotta be. You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me."
I'll do whatever it takes to turn this around.
I know what's at stake.
I know that I've let you down.
And if you give me a chance and give me a break I'll keep us together.
I know you deserve much better.
But remember the time I told you the way that I felt; that I'd be lost without you and never find myself.
Let's hold onto each other above everything else.
Start over, start over.
I'll do whatever it takes to turn this around.
I know what's at stake.
I know that I've let you down.
And if you give me a chance, believe that I can change.
I'll keep us together, whatever it takes.
Friday, December 3, 2010
"Those Nights" - Skillet
I remember when we used to laugh about nothing at all.
It was better than going mad from trying to solve all the problems we're going through.
Forget 'em all!
Cause on those nights we would stand and never fall.
Together we faced it all.
Remember when we'd:
Stay up late and we'd talk all night, in a dark room lit by the TV light.
Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.
We'd listen to the radio play all night.
Didn't want to go home to another fight.
Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.
I remember when we used to drive anywhere but here as long as we'd forget our lives.
We were so young and confused that we didn't know to laugh or cry.
Those nights were ours; they will live and never die.
Together we'd stand forever.
Remember when we'd:
Stay up late and we'd talk all night, in a dark room lit by the TV light.
Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.
We'd listen to the radio play all night.
Didn't want to go home to another fight.
Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.
Those nights belong to us.
There's nothing wrong with us.
I remember when we used to laugh and now I wish those nights would last.
It was better than going mad from trying to solve all the problems we're going through.
Forget 'em all!
Cause on those nights we would stand and never fall.
Together we faced it all.
Remember when we'd:
Stay up late and we'd talk all night, in a dark room lit by the TV light.
Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.
We'd listen to the radio play all night.
Didn't want to go home to another fight.
Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.
I remember when we used to drive anywhere but here as long as we'd forget our lives.
We were so young and confused that we didn't know to laugh or cry.
Those nights were ours; they will live and never die.
Together we'd stand forever.
Remember when we'd:
Stay up late and we'd talk all night, in a dark room lit by the TV light.
Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.
We'd listen to the radio play all night.
Didn't want to go home to another fight.
Through all the hard times in my life, those nights kept me alive.
Those nights belong to us.
There's nothing wrong with us.
I remember when we used to laugh and now I wish those nights would last.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
My Heart Was On the Line
I didn't know how I felt about you, dear sir. I didn't know until just recently how attached to you I have become.
Your kindness was shown to me with no limits. And your generosity was laid on your sleeve at all times.
Your smile was easy to come and your words of encouragement and hope always upon my ear.
To what did I owe such love?
No, not love, but friendship.
Yet my eyes were clouded and my heart taking bigger and bigger parts of my 'liking' for you.
Yes, my heart was on the line.
Where did my rationality go when you walked into a room?
Why did my breathe leave me when you were my first sight?
Was this friendship meant to move forward? No.
For your departure is iminant and your love somewhere else, somewhere beautiful.
And yes, my heart was on the line.
Lord, set me right. Set me back on the path of friendship and take my heart off the line.
Help me to be the best possible friend I can to him, but nothing more until Your Word says otherwise.
Bless this friendship so that it may grow. Help us to become encouragers of each other into Your Word.
And let Your praise be on our lips at all times.
Your kindness was shown to me with no limits. And your generosity was laid on your sleeve at all times.
Your smile was easy to come and your words of encouragement and hope always upon my ear.
To what did I owe such love?
No, not love, but friendship.
Yet my eyes were clouded and my heart taking bigger and bigger parts of my 'liking' for you.
Yes, my heart was on the line.
Where did my rationality go when you walked into a room?
Why did my breathe leave me when you were my first sight?
Was this friendship meant to move forward? No.
For your departure is iminant and your love somewhere else, somewhere beautiful.
And yes, my heart was on the line.
Lord, set me right. Set me back on the path of friendship and take my heart off the line.
Help me to be the best possible friend I can to him, but nothing more until Your Word says otherwise.
Bless this friendship so that it may grow. Help us to become encouragers of each other into Your Word.
And let Your praise be on our lips at all times.
Monday, November 22, 2010
"You shall have no other gods before me."
I was reading a book recently by Alistar Begg. The chapter that I was reading was covering the command, "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) We see so often in the old testament that people were worshiping things like: bronze, gold, wood, and stone. These were what their "gods" were made out of, things from the earth. But something that we may not be so familiar with in today's day and age is that our personal "gods" that take precedence in our lives can be the very people that we find ourselves close with. It says in Luke 18:24-30:
Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Our deepest concerns are for the people who are closest to us. Who doesn't honestly care about their parents? Or their children? Or their best friend?
Now is our time to help encourage our loved ones that Jesus' loves them so much more than we ever could.
"I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided." (1 Corinthians 7:32-34a)
No matter what kind of relationship you're in right now. If you believe that Jesus is Savior, then please remember that He loves you more than anyone on this earth ever could. Don't let someone's opinion or status or love pull you away from your relationship with Christ. Because if you are, then that person that you're concerned about is the one you're idolizing. Remember, that He loves you deeply and that He is a jealous God. (Exodus 20:5) ^_^
Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Our deepest concerns are for the people who are closest to us. Who doesn't honestly care about their parents? Or their children? Or their best friend?
Now is our time to help encourage our loved ones that Jesus' loves them so much more than we ever could.
"I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided." (1 Corinthians 7:32-34a)
No matter what kind of relationship you're in right now. If you believe that Jesus is Savior, then please remember that He loves you more than anyone on this earth ever could. Don't let someone's opinion or status or love pull you away from your relationship with Christ. Because if you are, then that person that you're concerned about is the one you're idolizing. Remember, that He loves you deeply and that He is a jealous God. (Exodus 20:5) ^_^
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Dear Lord, (3/18/10)
“Orders are given with the expectation they’ll be carried out.” This was a quote off of Gundam Seed Destiny by the leader of Blue Cosmos. Though I don’t agree with their views on war and peace, this quote got me thinking. An image that popped up on a different episode of the series was of Captain Gladys on break drinking coffee with the following image being of one of her ship’s soldiers (Shinn) sleeping. It just made me think that those people in positions of power have extremely hard jobs. They have to decide what the best course of action is to take. While, on the other hand, soldiers are given their orders and they don’t HAVE to think about the causes or reasons behind them, all they have to do is carry out their assigned orders. It’s those soldiers that do think about the reasons for their orders that get overwhelmed, frustrated, and grief-stricken. If one is following what is actually happening in a given battle compared to what is happening around the world at that time, they are setting themselves up for making a decision. They are no longer just a soldier that takes orders without question, but a living, thinking HUMAN BEING that understands the meaning of iba (compassion).
Those of us who have never been on the battlefield (myself included) don’t usually take the time to look at the bigger picture. We say that compassion and mercy should be automatic instincts for a soldier, when in truth they are probably taught otherwise in training. We at home put ourselves in the role of overseer because we haven’t left our comfortable lifestyles. The kindness that one parent has tried to establish in their child’s life could have been lost by a command to be emotionless, but the parent doesn’t understand that.
Lord, I don’t know if I’m making any sense. I see this playing out in my mind, but I’m having trouble putting into a series of understandable and well laid out ideas. Please, I’m not a soldier, so I don’t understand most of what soldiers actually do or think. I guess these are just some of my rambling thoughts that I wanted to share with You.
If a soldier actually thought about why he/she was in battle, then what would he/she do? Would they go crazy by realizing that people (both enemies and allies) were being killed? Would they turn a blind eye and just say that this is what has to be done in order to obtain peace? Peace, a whole other story there…
Your commander tells you to fight, then you fight. If they tell you to kill, then you kill. If they tell you to steal, then you steal. How much regret can any one person take upon their conscious before they go crazy? It may be easier for a soldier if they were just to follow orders to the T, because then they wouldn’t have to think about what’s behind those orders. But when even one person starts to open his/her mind onto what’s actually going on they could very well become emotionally distressed.
Another quote from Gundam Seed Destiny, presented by a soldier (a faith member, a captain of sorts), “We’re in the middle of a war and we’re soldiers. If you forget, then you’ll die.” It’s true though, isn’t it? If you take your mind off of any battle for even a second, then your reaction time to defend yourself and your friends is lost and someone will end up dying.
I could go on with this for quite a while longer. One last thing in regards to this, if none of the soldiers did what was commanded in the first place, then you’d have disorganization and probably a massacre. Lord, You know all of this. I’m not telling You because I feel You need to be reminded. It’s just that…it’s something that’s been on my mind and You seem to be the best person to share it with. I’m not totally sure that anyone else would actually understand why I wrote this up. I’m not in the military and I’m not planning to go fight a war any time soon. I just had to get my thoughts out somewhere…and to someone.
After all, we’re supposed to be soldiers for You as Christians, aren’t we? What does that really mean?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Dear Heartbroken,
I do want you to be happy. After reading what you've written...I'm sorry that you've ever had to go through so much pain. I want so badly to see you as the "hopeless romantic" you were. Please don't give up on true love. I've been praying for you about finding that someone whom you can be that hopeless romantic with. Believe me, you are on my heart and not alone. I know the Lord is with you. You never have to be "the last to know" ever again.
Please let me be there for you if I can. I know that there are plenty of better people to talk to besides me...people who have been in the situations you find yourself in now, but if there's anything that I can do, I want to do it. I want to see you happy.
You're on my heart and if ever I can be there for you I will. It won't matter if you're not here, you can be a few hundred miles away and still, I'll be there.
The Lord's will is not our will, but His contains the true answer. You can never go wrong if your hope, trust, and faith is in Him. He will provide that special person for you. That person who is going to love you and take care of you. I trust in His guidance for your life.
Please let me be there for you if I can. I know that there are plenty of better people to talk to besides me...people who have been in the situations you find yourself in now, but if there's anything that I can do, I want to do it. I want to see you happy.
You're on my heart and if ever I can be there for you I will. It won't matter if you're not here, you can be a few hundred miles away and still, I'll be there.
The Lord's will is not our will, but His contains the true answer. You can never go wrong if your hope, trust, and faith is in Him. He will provide that special person for you. That person who is going to love you and take care of you. I trust in His guidance for your life.
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Letter To Our Lord (3/13/10)
Just looking back now on what has happened in Gundam Seed Destiny...it's intriguing. I know that it's just a cartoon, but some of the stuff they say and present are actually things that can be picked up from today's world.
The actions of one person are turned and blamed onto the whole. If the main leader of one nation makes a rotten decision, does that mean that every person underneath of him/her is to be condemned under the same action?
Our whole lives are so prejudice. In my Languages and Societies class we've been learning about acents. We condemn (or look down on) some people just because of that. I know that I do. I don't like the way that I hear many big city blacks talk. They seem boisterous to me, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't love them in You, Lord Jesus. To despise people for the little things makes us monsters. There was a time that I didn't realize that one of my friends had a lisp. If I hated him for something so small as that, then I'm sure we'd never be friends. But, he is one of the best friends anyone could ask for.
So, why in war must we condemn everyone that (by chance) just lives in a certain country?
"Power is what everyone makes of it. Foolish are those who hope for it in excess. Yet equally foolish are those who resent it for no reason." ~ Attha
The power to condemn...what about the power to love? Lacus' character said, "First decided and then just do it. It's the only way to achieve anything of real value in this world." God chose to still love us even after we condemned His son. "First decide and then just do it." He decided and He didn't back down. And it's amazing how this works, but I was just reading a book by Max Lucado, Just Like Jesus. In one of the chapters Max pointed out that Jesus really did have a decision between bearing the cross or not.
Lord Jesus, as a lowly sinner, please help me not to despise and reject people based on who they live with, the clothes they wear, where they came from, etc. Help me instead to love them throught Your eyes. I have failed You many times. Help this time to stand out so much brighter than others.
Perhaps if one person starts such a small ray of hope, then many more will follow? You started it for us. Jesus, let us follow You now.
The actions of one person are turned and blamed onto the whole. If the main leader of one nation makes a rotten decision, does that mean that every person underneath of him/her is to be condemned under the same action?
Our whole lives are so prejudice. In my Languages and Societies class we've been learning about acents. We condemn (or look down on) some people just because of that. I know that I do. I don't like the way that I hear many big city blacks talk. They seem boisterous to me, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't love them in You, Lord Jesus. To despise people for the little things makes us monsters. There was a time that I didn't realize that one of my friends had a lisp. If I hated him for something so small as that, then I'm sure we'd never be friends. But, he is one of the best friends anyone could ask for.
So, why in war must we condemn everyone that (by chance) just lives in a certain country?
"Power is what everyone makes of it. Foolish are those who hope for it in excess. Yet equally foolish are those who resent it for no reason." ~ Attha
The power to condemn...what about the power to love? Lacus' character said, "First decided and then just do it. It's the only way to achieve anything of real value in this world." God chose to still love us even after we condemned His son. "First decide and then just do it." He decided and He didn't back down. And it's amazing how this works, but I was just reading a book by Max Lucado, Just Like Jesus. In one of the chapters Max pointed out that Jesus really did have a decision between bearing the cross or not.
Lord Jesus, as a lowly sinner, please help me not to despise and reject people based on who they live with, the clothes they wear, where they came from, etc. Help me instead to love them throught Your eyes. I have failed You many times. Help this time to stand out so much brighter than others.
Perhaps if one person starts such a small ray of hope, then many more will follow? You started it for us. Jesus, let us follow You now.
Some of my Favorite Quotes
I found these online over the years, or have read them in books:
7) "The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions, and not on our circumstances. We carry the seeds of the one or the other about with us in our minds wherever we go." ~ Martha Washington
8) “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” ~ Mother Teresa
1) “Find a guy, who calls you beautiful instead of hot. Who calls you back when you hang up on him. Who will stay awake just to watch you sleep. Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead. Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats. Who holds your hand in front of his friends. Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you and how lucky he is to have you. Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, ‘ ...that's her.’”
6) "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain." ~ Emily Dickenson
7) "The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions, and not on our circumstances. We carry the seeds of the one or the other about with us in our minds wherever we go." ~ Martha Washington
8) “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” ~ Mother Teresa
Getting Started
I'm really excited to be getting started with this new blog. I've never had one before, but I really think that this will help me to interact with people more and maybe even learn a few things. ; )
I've always like to write too. When I was in my Creative Writing class back in high school I never really had a problem writing out the stories or coming up with new ideas for them. Even in my computer class, there was one time that my teacher assigned an assignment for something special, but for certain reasons I asked him if I could get out of that project. So, he said fine and told me to write a short story instead. He apparently didn't think that like 7 pages was "short." Hahaha...
I'll see if I can find anything to post from my past soon, just to get this thing kicked off.
I've always like to write too. When I was in my Creative Writing class back in high school I never really had a problem writing out the stories or coming up with new ideas for them. Even in my computer class, there was one time that my teacher assigned an assignment for something special, but for certain reasons I asked him if I could get out of that project. So, he said fine and told me to write a short story instead. He apparently didn't think that like 7 pages was "short." Hahaha...
I'll see if I can find anything to post from my past soon, just to get this thing kicked off.
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