26 Search Results for "personal"

• Bless the Hands that Prepare O Bless the Hands that Prepare Our Food!

  • From: agapejustice
  • Description:

    This blog was first posted on Sojourners God's Politics Blog. For more information please visit Justice at Smithfield-http://www.smithfieldjustice.com/

    During the BBQ Season of summer I attended the DC campaign kick-off for the Justice at Smithfield Campaign. "Smithfield Foods is the largest pork processor and producer in the world, the fourth largest turkey processor and fifth largest beef processor in the U.S." In the early 1990's Smithfield opened its Tar Heel, North Carolina plant, with 5,500 workers who slaughter and process 32,000 hogs per day. The Tar Heel plant is not unionized and overall only about 56% of Smithfield pork processing plant employees are unionized.

    Though raised in Brooklyn, NY, my family hails from North Carolina which makes this campaign of personal importance to me. At the campaign kick-off two young women testified about mistreatment at the Tar Heel plant. A 22 year-old woman spoke of developing such a serious case of carpal tunnel syndrome that she can no longer lift more than 15 pounds. The testimony of this woman had a profound effect on me because I saw myself in her face. At 22 years-old I was a recent college graduate excitedly planning my future. I did not have to worry about an injury that could leave me disabled for life. If my grandparents remained in North Carolina instead of migrating to Brooklyn, NY, I could have easily been one of the Smithfield workers. What separates me from the workers at Smithfield?

    Some of the tasks at the Tar Heel plant include cutting the skin off of frozen meat as it comes down the line, a task that is especially difficult when having to work at breakneck speeds. As stated in the Human Rights Watch report: Blood Sweat and Fear: Workers' Rights in U.S. Meat and Poultry Plants:

    Many workers have painful reactions to conditions, but they do not act for fear of losing their jobs. In this report one employee is quoted as saying 'I am sick at work with a cold and breathing problems and my arms are always sore. But I am afraid to say anything about this because I am afraid they will fire me.'

    Workers have also spoken of sexual harassment and racism. How can working conditions like this exist in our modern society? What is the role of race, class and economics in the Smithfield worker struggle?

    As I reflect on the Justice at Smithfield campaign I am reminded of a common request made during the blessing of a meal--"may God bless the hands of those who have prepared our food." As we continue this season of BBQ's let us remember the workers of Smithfield when we bless our meals by asking God to bless their hands and their struggle.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 145
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• agapejustice

  • Views: 98
  • Since: 1 year ago

• [Personal Vows] [Personal Vows]

  • From: MrsReid
  • Description:
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 105
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• 2am, Pacific Standard Time 2am, Pacific Standard Time

  • From: kate cremisino
  • Description:
    we were long into the flight from auckland to los angeles. dinner had been served + we watched our personal movie screens attached to the seat backs in front of us. i sat at the window. around 2am, i saw a streak of light brighten the sky outside. for the next ten minutes i cupped my hands beside my face and window to cut the dim glare inside the plane and watched the most fascinating and spiritually provocative dance i ever experienced. 

    
    

    it was a "best thing you ever saw" moment.

    
    

    i stifled tears. i felt the power of god + the majesty of creation.

    
    

    there, over the pacific ocean was a storm, all by itself, a few miles to the east of us. we were completely out of clouds so i watched this storm from the perfect view, at eye level. i watched entire bolts of lightening streak from the top of a cloud to the ocean. i watched horizontal flashes of electricity ripple at record speed through wisps of clouds. each flash illuminating a new scene of shadow while revealing the curves of another cloud. 

    
    

    the thought that i could quite possibly be the only person in the world watching the storm, this storm that was in the middle of the ocean, miles above the sea, was breathtaking. i only pulled myself away from the window when it finally out of sight.

    
    

    it was a moment of pure creation working + doing what it does. it was energy put into motion, acting by its on volition. being in the middle of no where, away from civilization it had a raw power to it. it happening where no one to see, gave me a new sense of the bigness of this world, and the smallness of me, and the greatness of the creator. -- the creator, who set this into motion, who also gives me words of encouragement and dreams for guidance. the god who nurtures my wounds and kisses my pain away. the god who gives us vision + passion. that same person sets things into motion in his creation. every single cell. yet he is a personal being, such a good father to us--when humanity around us fails us, he picks up the pieces, saying "i can heal you. forgive them. i do. know let me show you how to love them anyway + move forward in your life i gave you." 

    
    

    few things shock + awe me anymore. i rather hate it. i feel bored with many sights + scenes. maybe in a fast-paced, image-driven world, i (+we) get bombarded with so much in a week, our sensitivity to things is weakened.... maybe i have seen too many things. maybe i am desensitized to beauty... so i am glad for that moment of beauty and strength in the plane, flying over the pacific ocean, as i felt connected to my god, the creator and healer of the world. 

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 234
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• Safety Belts Safety Belts

  • From: susanhlawrence
  • Description:
    Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. - Job 11:17-19 (NLT)
    
    Many years ago, there was a fervent debate about proposed seat belt laws. Was it an infringement on personal rights? If I understand the risks and I'm the only one affected, should I be forced to comply with a rule? Even if I would wear my seat belt anyway, who is the government to tell me I have to?
    
    Many years later, most of us automatically buckle up. (1) We don't want a ticket. (2) Although we don't plan to crash, we'd like to be prepared if we do. Seat belts save lives. But not everyone who wears a seat belt survives a crash.
    
    God gives us hope as a safety belt. Hope gives us courage just as seat belts give us a sense of security. In both cases, we're relying on something or someone else. We have hope in God and his courage strengthens us. We feel secure by the strap of fabric across our chest. God protects us, as does the seat belt. We can rest in safety. Not safety of a 100% accident-free record (or trouble-free life). Safety of using the wisdom and guidance God gives us and resting in his will for us.
    
    How do you feel about wearing a seat belt? How do you feel about God's security?
    

    Commit to one of the following verses as God's safety belt for you this week.

    Keep me safe, O God,for I have come to you for refuge. - Psalm 16:1 (NLT)

    Those who trust their own insight are foolish,but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. - Proverbs 28:26 (NLT)

    Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” - John 11:9-10 (NLT)

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 122
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• Random Acts of Kindness Random Acts of Kindness

  • From: Mander
  • Description:

    Yesterday I was scheduled to pump some iron around 12:30. My brother's girlfriend who usually watches Landon (my son) couldn't make it, so Matt (my husband) was on Daddy duty. We had to trade cars, as he and Landon had to run some errands and seriously, why make the hassle of moving the car seat from one car to the other, very unneeded pain in the butt! We traded keys, I kissed my boys goodbye, and got in what we like to call, The Red Beauty (our 2000 red Ford Ranger). I was only about 3 or 4 minutes down the road at a red light when The Red Beauty seemed as though it might stall out on me. Luckily it didn't and I continued on my Merry way, however at the next red light she did it... she stalled out and in the worst place ever too! Smack dab in the middle of 441 at lunch time. As soon as the light turned green a mild panic came over me. I didn't care so much that I'd be late to my workout, but I was causing a major traffic jam. I could just hear it now on the traffic report, "avoid 441 near downtown Apopka. A red Ford Ranger is broken down and blocking the road." Yikes!!! I put my hazards on and called Matt. Oh, no! He didn't answer. What now? So I called my Dad to let him know I'd be late to my workout (my dad is my personal trainer, nice huh?). He wanted to help, but didn't have his car. What was I going to do? Could I put it in neutral and push it myself? I mean I have pushed the truck before (my dad made us do it for a back and leg work out once), but doesn't someone have to steer? Plus, hello, I don't want to get hit by another crazy car speeding around me with anger, because how could I have possibly broken down in someone else's way?! How rude. But then just as my slight panic was escilating to a more intense panic this guy stopped to ask if I needed help. I couldn't believe it. Only like 2 or 3 minutes had gone by at this point and someone was asking if I needed help. I shook my head, yes yes and was so glad he wanted to help. He had to really go out of his way to pull over out of the way of other cars and cross a major highway risking his own life just to help little ol' me. I'd say he was pretty young too maybe in his early twenties (and they say the youth of America is shot)! He made sure I had the car in neutral and started pushing. I still was in awe that someone was helping me, but then, a second stranger rolled down his window and asked the guy helping me if he needed help! I could not believe it!!!! He quickly answered yes and that guy pulled over and jumped out to help. They got me to a safe parking lot and asked if I needed anything else. I thanked them and said no, and that was that. They were on their way to where ever they were headed before they stopped to help me. In that moment I didn't even think about what was next. I was so amazed that not just one, but two people stopped to help me. Two people that didn't know me from Adam, that have busy lives too, and families, and jobs, and things to do, but they stopped to help.

    I never think about stopping to help. It doesn't even cross my mind. I mean sure, I'm a woman, and I usually have a little boy in my back seat, but he's not always there, and I'm a strong woman. I could be of some help to someone. But I never give myself the chance to help because I don't stop and I don't even think to. And yes, there are some cases or situations in which it's probably not safe to stop and help, but like I said the thought never even crosses my mind so I don't even process wether or not it is a safe situation because in my mind why would I stop?... and I'm supposed to be a follower of Jesus? Man, I need to rethink somethings. What if those guys didn't stop to help me, I'd probably still be sitting there blocking traffic. And so... not only am I thankful to them for stopping to help me, but I am thankful to them for making me more aware at how much such a small act of kindness can make such a huge impact not only on the situation at hand, but in someone's heart too. 

    Long story short... some how, some way The Red Beauty started back up after my few minutes of reflection. I don't know why I thought to try it again, but it started right up. 
    
    So is there really something wrong with our truck (I hope not, we cannot afford a new car right now)?! Or was that God just reminding me that I really need to listen to him when he tells me to stop for a second and smile at a stranger or to give a second of my time to help someone in need? Maybe it was both, but regardless I learned something yesterday. 

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 137
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• Re: Guarding Your Heart Re: Guarding Your Heart

  • From: Former member
  • Description:

    Lumpster82--

    After a year, you and your gentleman should be able to speak openly with each other about most personal subjects. If you still have to force out what he is feeling about you, it isn't going to get better without direct intervention. If he is with-holding himself from you because his feelings are not earnest, it's unlikely to get better.

    If you haven't spoken to him about your misgivings, do so. There is no point in waiting.

    Calmly explain what is going on, how it

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 35
  • Forum: Life...

• For such a time is this..are y For such a time is this..are you ready

  • From: bbalan
  • Description:

    This posting is a bit of an ode to my small group.
    
    To start of the new year, we are going to start Beth Moore's Esther study. Which I'm really excited about it.
    
    But as we talked about picking a study, we all had to laugh a little as we just finished Job. Which was a good time of learning for all of us, don't get me wrong. And the panel is split on whether it encouraged an onslaught of trials( so that we would learn in real time) or that it was well timed because it helped us while we were struggling. Either way, clearly God had things to teach each of us when it comes to suffering of all kinds and being real with God even when its not pretty .
    
    So it made total sense, when we agreed on Esther that Julie added in, "a lets be honest here are we willing/prepared to be called for such a time as this, like Esther was?"question. And it made me think on how "for such a time as this" is a lot of how I'd describe the last year. It was definitely a year of trusting where and to what God has called me. And well like always, He totally knew what he was doing.This year was filled with lots of personal growth, the joy of watching the girls in my small group grow, getting to watch and be a part of the amazing things that came with Brazil. And last of all, a new job after all those months of praying, God provided the right place, a place that is so similar to the ministry I hold so dear in Brazil. Funny how one had to happen before the other...
    
    So personally I can't wait to see what happens in the next year... will have to let you know if my small group agrees with me on that one though..
    
    "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Follow Your Discontent Follow Your Discontent

  • From: niki.mangan
  • Description:

    For the past few weeks, I have had a phrase haunting my heart and urging me forward into a place I do not know. An idea has been whispered to my soul, and it is making me uncomfortable and afraid. I am a creature of hesitancy, and I do not like to walk where I cannot see, because when I cannot see, there is a chance that I may be hurt or stretched or lost. I am fickle with commitments to leadership, and I hate to be uncomfortable. And yet, in the midst of my attempt to keep myself unchallenged and out of responsibility, I feel a growing sense of conviction that is expressing itself through unignorable discontent. And in those moments of unmotivated, discouraged idleness, I hear something that is beautiful, unpleasant, moving, wonderful, and confusing all at once.
        “Follow your discontent.”
        I often find such abstract and vague statements to be truly inspirational but not very helpful in and of themselves, because they offer no direction and tell me that there are choices to be made. Follow my discontent? Where?
        “Wherever it takes you.”
        We all face the responsibility of leading our lives. No longer children, voices we once heard saying, “Do this, go here, avoid this,” are now saying, “You choose,” and while that is liberating, it is also deeply terrifying, because when we choose, there is no one else responsible. The successes and failures that happen in our lives will be, for the most part, the results of our actions and decisions. And the decisions are unending. Where do I work? How do I get involved? Where do I go? What do I invest my time in? Who do I invest my time in? How do I manage my time? What value will I give to money? How will I express and be an example of love today and forever?
        Everyone knows Ghandi’s famous words, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” They are really motivating words, quite worthy of their fame. I hear these words and I nod and think to myself, “Wow, that is so good. If only more people would take this to heart!” However, I myself have never truly taken this to heart. If I had, my life would be drastically different from what it is now. And when I consider the concept from a more personal perspective, I seem to take it in with a lot more weight and dread. The responsibility becomes much more real.
        “Be the change you want to see in your world, your life.”
        Everyone wishes they had better, easier, more satisfying circumstances. Everyone thinks they would do more with their lives if only they had more to go off of–more money, more time, more energy, more talent. I get so frustrated with people who think this way, but I realize that live with this mindset, too. I want to be passionate, loving, respectable, and influential. I want to love God, live in discipline, pray faithfully and expectantly, and have God speak through me. But what do I do to make these dreams my reality? Nothing. I stand inside my discontent and either complain or lay crushed by fear of failure and judgment. I wait for someone else to make me happy. I wait for someone to admire and support, someone to follow. I wait for the chance to do nothing and receive much. However, I am finding that my waiting is in vain. God has something much more difficult and much more purposeful planned for my life.
        Today, I feel my weak and timid heart struggling to do what it should. My spirit yearns to break through my own laziness, doubt, and selfishness. But sin’s hold on me is so strong. I can acknowledge that, and it hurts deeply. I fall short every time I try to stand by my own strength. And I always will. However, I do believe, through all that I feel, that God has given or will give me all that I need in order to become who I should be, because God does not have a plan for me that is unreachable. I believe that someday, soon, I will find, through Him, the ways to “follow my discontent” in such a way that I might chase it passionately and fervently until I find myself acting and not just thinking, leading instead of wishing for leadership, serving instead of simply feeling sad for the needs around me, and truly living instead of watching the days pass. I believe that, although some level of discontent should always be present to push me continually forward, there will be a day in which I may be satisfied with how God has brought me through these dark waters and into light.
        This is a step forward. This is me acknowledging my discontent and taking responsibility of it. Although today I still feel directionless, I also feel there is One who will, in perfect timing, point me in the right direction.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 188

• Damaged and Regretful (Aren't Damaged and Regretful (Aren't We All?)

  • From: niki.mangan
  • Description:

    I am currently sitting in Starbucks enjoying a triple-shot, extra-hot grande white mocha while sitting next to Allen, my really cool little brother. It’s been an interesting morning! I have enjoyed the extra sleep and the chance to have a purely lazy day. I have been wanting a chance to get away and write, and today’s weather brought along the perfect opportunity.
    
    I’ve been so unmotivated and uninspired lately. I haven’t written anything of substance in months, and I have a hard time breaking out of that. But today I am encouraged to try. Lately I have been thinking a lot about the ways people unintentionally hurt each other, and the way that shapes us as people. Insecurities, fears, and so many other personal weaknesses are usually built up over time as a result of bad experiences with family members, friends, peers, or even complete strangers. People’s words, actions, reactions – they can hurt us. We are so easily damaged. Even when we try to be strong.
    
    I have been damaged by multiple people and situations, and I have damaged people, too. Of course I never meant to, but that doesn’t change the fact that I have. I have hurt my brother, my sister, my best friends, my parents. My selfishness has ruined relationships, and my fears have kept me from healing them. Over time, no amount of selflessness can repair the damage that has been done. That is tragic, and I mourn for the times my flaws have hurt another. Often, the ways I hurt people are similar to the ways I myself have been hurt. My defenses turn into offenses, and the cycle continues. That isn’t an excuse, but it is a reason. That’s what I am coming to understand about myself.
    
    Sometimes I think the unintentional damage brought upon by trusted loved ones is more sad than the intentional pain inflicted by cruel people. Because when someone that loves you hurts you, both parties lose. Love can never rejoice in pain, and the cut goes much deeper when it’s linked to a betrayal, an unmet expectation, or a broken connection.
    
    There are days when I try to imagine the deepest hurts of those around me. I wonder about the hurts and fears of my brother sitting next to me, the stranger across the room reading the paper, the group of young teens across the store, the four year old girl running around, and the couple discussing politics at the next table. Somehow, I doubt I could even imagine.
    
    This is a generation constantly searching for sincerity and safety. We are forgiving far less often than we should be, and we are not easily trusting. We are taught that openness is dangerous, and vulnerability is foolish. We know that if we expect too much, we will be let down. And we are all discouraged. At least, we all have our moments, because we’re all victims of humanity’s brokenness. We’ve all felt the sting.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 219
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• FOLLOW YOUR HEART FOLLOW YOUR HEART

  • From: biancasteffen
  • Description:

    You know that itchy sort of feeling you get when God is about to move you around, when a new chapter is about to be written, when you know life can never be the same?!  At the beginning of 2008 I was just so frustrated about where I was in practically every area of my life, I felt superficial in my relationship with God, I know that He does love me - but I had no personal experience that that fact was true, my career was sort of stuck and my friendships non-existent.  I just had this feeling that if I had to continue on this path, I would go insane, be forever depressed or just stop breathing.  Life felt like a huge let-down.

    I remember telling my boss that I would be ending the project I had been working on in December 2008 and if there wasn't anything more suited to my heart's passions and desires, that that would be the end of our working relationship.  I just couldnt continue in that same way any longer.  My frustration did not go away though and I battled through most of the year with feelings of incompetence, boredom and 'Hey God, what about all those amazing plans that you're supposed to have about my future??!!'

    But everywhere I looked, whether I read a book, read a magazine, watched television, watched a movie, in snippets of conversations, in words from strangers I heard the message loud and clear:  FOLLOW YOUR HEART.  Somehow when I took that back to God I asked, What do you mean?  I felt him nudge me with the question:  WHAT DO YOU WANT?  Over and over and over.  Certainly these questions became food for thought, I dreamed, wondered, spoke to friends and people I whose opinions I trusted. 

    At the moment I own the entire John Eldredge library:  'Desires', 'Wild at Heart', 'Waking the Dead' - all aimed and pointed at: WHAT DO YOU WANT?  I genuinely felt guilty about this question, wasnt I supposed to ask God for His will, shouldnt I proceed like Jesus said on every word from the mouth of God.  But as I dreamed and struggled with this question I engaged with God and I could sense Him like a friend close by.  I finally decided to live by Psalm 37v4 - Delight yourself in God and He will give you the desires of your heart.  As I lose myself in God, as He becomes the focus of my entire existence, friends share their hearts, understand each others' heartbeats and I was reminded of John 15v15 - I no longer call you servants, I call you friends.  Then it dawned, I had become so busy in my ministry endeavours, being such a professional, that I really worked hard for God, but I had missed out on just hanging out with my Best Friend.  Maybe I had become so busy doing things that I no longer enjoyed being and that there was no life flowing from that place in my life.

    Still the hard times weren't over, but now a trickle of hope had started invading my soul.  Maybe there was still a chance of knowing and loving this God and not feel like a complete failure because life was so hard.  Suddenly from all over people started giving me promises and prophetic word about a new season, a time to flourish, a new land, fruitfulness.  There are some new projects I'm working on, new friendships I'm allowing to enter my world, a new peace and all the while I've still been sensing the phrase:  FOLLOW YOUR HEART.

    It is the dream of my heart to start a Life Purpose Coaching Centre where I can coach and train people to live full lives and discover their life's purpose through writing, speaking and coaching.  It is my heart.  It is what I dream about, what I wrestle with at night.  After hanging up with a conversation with my mom tonight, still the thought echoed, FOLLOW YOUR HEART.  I want to, the thought is both scary and extremely thrilling.  Some clever guy once said:  IF YOU DONT LEAVE YOUR PRESENT SHORE, YOU'LL NEVER DISCOVER NEW, EXCITING HORIZONS.  Are there any more of you brave, yet scared girlfriends out there?  I'm choosing today to follow my heart, one scary step at a time - thank you very much!  What is the alternative??

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 193

• slowing communion slowing communion

  • From: brianna millett
  • Description:

    ast night i invited my students into an evening of prayer and rest. as i prepared the teaching and asked for insight into the needs these teenagers, it was undeniably clear that what they were craving was a space for which they could come and simply be. so, that is what i offered to them. for 45 minutes we entered into quietness; personal conversations with god, different prayer exercises, and for some (this was so great to see!), a nap.
    

    
    
    prior to engaging in their own time of prayer, i spoke on the prayer life of jesus. throughout scripture we are bid to come and see, and learn from the quietness of jesus's heart.
    
    
    "at daybreak jesus went out to a solitary place."
    ~ luke 4:42
    
    
    i have often been caught up in this passage. it seems like an incredibly intimate piece of information about the communion between jesus and his father. here we are literally looking at the very way christ embraces time with god. i imagine that this priceless content is situated perfectly in the midst of jesus's exhaustion. for he withdraws himself just after the healings of many hurting people, after driving out evil spirits, and after being penetrated with temptation by the devil during his time in the wilderness. so now, he escapes to a solitary place to receive. i love this text! and this is only one of the many examples portrayed.
    
    
    further on in luke, just after jesus performs a miraculous healing (once again!) in a man who is deeply affected with leprosy, we read;
    
    
    "but jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
    ~ luke 5:16
    
    
    an intoxicating theme is beginning to form... but there is still more;
    
    
    "once when jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him..."
    ~ luke 9:18
    
    
    "he took peter, john, and james with him and went up onto a mountain to pray."
    ~ luke 9:28
    
    
    if we are introduced, over and over to the prayer life of christ, the only conclusion i can draw then is that prayer is essential. i know this is not a monumental thesis. certainly it is nothing new. but it does demand our attention. it's is similar to those passages that begin with, "you have heard it said before, but i tell you the truth." or "truly i tell you." words like these should capture our minds, binding us to study and meditate on every captivating layer of truth. to be a christian is to live like christ. and if christ withdrew himself from all the noise and distractions, so too are we to sneak away and engage in conversation with the holy three.
    
    so with wild abandonment, may we dare to envelope ourselves with the ultimate proposal;
    
    
    "come with my by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
    ~ mark 6:31

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 157
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• Abigail N.

  • Views: 40
  • Since: 1 year ago

• spilling my guts spilling my guts

  • From: gritandglory
  • Description:

    Now that my self-assigned writing project is over, I’m afraid of the direction my blog may go if I write what’s on my mind and heart. So I’m trying to find the balance of being authentic and not letting the Grit morph into something I don’t want it to be.

    That being said, I know I need to start the new year off with a good dose of honesty. Brace yourself.

    Like the earth after a drought, I’m finding I quickly soak up the love that’s lavished on me, and then—just as quickly—it disappears. I don’t doubt the sincerity of those who love me, it’s just that it all rapidly sinks deep into the parched recesses of my heart, and the rest stays cracked and dry.

    I guess that means my love tank ran empty. I’ve been running on empty for a long time.

    I feel unloved and unwanted. Worse, I feel unlovable and unwantable. I’m trying to not believe those lies, but nine times out of ten, I do.

    I’ve been advised not to worry too much about battling my fears of co-dependency right now. Because I’m in a place where I genuinely need people and need to allow myself to rely on them. The realization of all those things pretty much overwhelms me.

    But deep down, I know this much is true: I was not created to be an island. It is okay healthy for me to crave connection and community. There is nothing wrong with a season of being the care taker rather than the caretaker. (That’s confusing, but let that sink in a bit.)

    I’m not at all saying any of this to invoke compliments or anything like that. So please don’t. I just knew I needed to be honest with where I’m at, both with myself and with you.

    Thanks for continuing to care about this gritty heart of mine, and being willing to read what comes out of it. That means a heck of a whole lot.

    

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 373

• "There is Nothing Wrong with D "There is Nothing Wrong with Drugs and Alcohol"

  • From: Katherine-Lee
  • Description:

    Is there really nothing wrong with smoking a little pot or drinking regularly (to the point of influence)? I want to really dive into this issue simply because when a fellow follower of Christ is seen engaging in either or both of these I’ve been discouraged. I may never know 100% percent what God’s view on smoking a joint every once in a while or drinking a few too many is, but I am going to try and seek the truth out on this issue.

     

    For those of you that don’t know me very well, my experience with drinking and smoking hasn’t been great but I’ve walked down that path at times. Simply put: I’ve been drunk a few times, I’ve smoked tobacco, but I’ve never touched anything other than that. In saying that, it should not effect your reaction to this entry. I actually just want to answer the following question:

    As a followers of Christ, do we have the right to engage in illegal substances, drinking and or smoking?  

    Here are my initial thoughts on answering that question:

    First of all it can’t be argued that God has called all Christians to completely withhold from alcohol. The disciples, Jesus, and early profits all drank wine. It was a regular thing. However, in saying that I will also claim that there is no way that you can argue drunkenness is okay and that it is looked upon with favour from God. In his letter to the churches in Galatia Paul list off desires of our sinful nature and clearly states that they all lead to death (separation from Christ). In this list you will find drunkenness. (Galatians 5:21) In several of his other letters to various early churches Paul also warns Christ followers on the negative consequences and spiritual separation created by drunkenness. (See Romans 13:13, 1 Timothy 1, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 4:3 for examples)  So straight up, if you choose to try and argue that drunkenness is okay as a seeking follower of Christ I would say you are being silly.

     

    The next debate that is so highly talked about amongst young adult followers of Christ is the definition of drunkenness. Here is another thing that I don’t think myself or anyone is going to know on this side of heaven. But I’ll take a shot at saying drunkenness is drunkenness when you are no long being controlled by the Spirit of Christ and you are not 100% in control of your words and actions. I do see that grey area…but hold on I’m not done unloading my heart.

     

    Onto the smoking issue, tobacco is addictive; it cost a lot of money, and has been continually proven to be detrimental to our health. Since God calls us to exhibit self-control in all areas, to respect our body, and be good stewards of our money, I don’t think that God smiles when we engage is something that isn’t healthy for our body. When it comes to smoking pot and other substances, all the above do apply in addition to the fact that people smoke pot to alter their feelings or moods and it creates a situation where you are not completely in control of your actions. Engaging in illegal substance that alter your actions whether to increase your laughs or the amount of words you speak a minute or how freely you dance on the dance floor, all of these things are going against exactly what Jesus came to preach. It goes against all the fruits of the Spirit. In a world that is so confused about Christianity as a religion, seeing Christians that engage in these things must just confused the heck out of this world. Isn’t following Christ suppose to create some kind of fulfillment that can’t be received anywhere else? Don’t we claim this as the body of Christ? Than why the heck should we have to engage in such things that for time sake can be classified as temporary gratifications and worldly desires? 

     

    Maybe I haven’t really made any good points yet so listen now. When a brother or sister in Christ asks me, “Why shouldn’t I smoke or drink?”. The best answer that I can come up with that will usually follow a moment of silence is, “Why should you smoke or drink? What good is going to bring into your life and the lives of people around you?”

     

    I don’t have it the entire bible or my walk with Christ figured out. I do still struggle with the desire to engage in some of the things that have been discussed but I can say that I will never stand up and say that they are right. Despite my small understanding of the bible, I am 100% positive that when I reach our Saviour he is not going to look me in the eye and ask, “Katie, why didn’t drink more and smoke more when you down on earth?” However, I this it is quite possible that he would ask, “Why did you engage in such worldly gratifications when I continually offered you all you needed to live abundantly? Why did you engage in things that had the potential and that were probable to cause my children to stumble?”

     

    We don't live by a list of rules anymore, Jesus came and total eradicated the old law. Whether something is right or wrong should ride on our personal convictions from the Holy Spirit. I get that. The conclusions I am coming to are from using what little knowledge I have about the character of God and his mandate on our lives and applying it to these issues.

     

    So clearly this topic has been on my heart and has been brought on by various conversations that I’ve had. I just want us as followers of Christ to lead the best example and to act as actual, genuine shadows of Christ. In my experience with even just drinking too much, nothing good has come of it. NOTHING. It’s just something that has the potential to lead to a lot of brokenness and pain. We shouldn’t play around with that stuff. We should flee from it. And by no means should we stand up and fight for our right to engage in it. I’m pretty sure there are more important issues we could be fighting for.

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• Chewygronola

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• thirteen steps to counseling thirteen steps to counseling

  • From: gritandglory
  • Description:

    I walked into the office with a red cup of non-alcoholic liquid courage in my hands and two people next to me for moral support (or maybe to make sure I didn’t turn and run). As I sat in the waiting area, I swear the pterodactyl-sized butterflies in my stomach had babies. I’d been anxious about this appointment since I boarded the way-too-small plane in DC, bound for Columbus. If I’m honest, I’d been anxious about this appointment since the moment I decided to come to America for this very reason.

    He stepped into the waiting room to introduce himself and “collect” me. As we exited together, I turned my head for a last glance at my smiling friend. I heard again her words from not thirty minutes before: “I am so proud of you.” I smiled back and I’m sure it looked tentative and apprehensive. I don’t have a very good poker face.

    It was thirteen steps from that door to the couch in his office where I found a seat and spent the next hour. For me, for whom trust is paramount and yet not easily given, it was a daunting thing to bare my soul to a complete stranger. And yet, at the same time, I felt completely comfortable. I walked out feeling like a weight had been lifted: the weight of simply starting this thing. And I felt proud of myself.

    Hi. My name is Alece. I’m a missionary. And I go to counseling.

    

    www.gritandglory.com

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  • 2 years ago
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• Sky and Earth: Cloud Shadows Sky and Earth: Cloud Shadows

  • From: Coming Hope
  • Description:

    Cloud shadows rumble across my face. Out of place fences reign in teeming green and jagged crests. Somehow, this violence preserved is a peaceful sanctuary. Angry earth crust can never really be tamed, just enough to inspire wonder and rest. Maybe this is because the mountains have faced so much over the years, yet remain stable and confident of their mark on the world.

    Cities and businesses are built around the mountains. Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of 58 fourteeners – mountains that jut 14,000 feet above sea level. The chiseled granite rock anchors the eastern slope of the state, and even the streets of downtown Denver were constructed to provide the best view possible of the peak.

    Isabella Bird with the third lady to climb Longs Peak in 1873. She was an English lady who spend her life traveling in America and other countries and wrote extensively about her adventures in letters to her sister. She was one of the first travel journalists. After her ascent of Longs Peak, she penned these thoughts:

    “From the summit were seen in unrivaled combination all the views which had rejoiced our eyes during the ascent. It was something at last to stand upon the storm rent crown of this lonely sentinal of the Rocky Range, on one of the mightiest of the vertebrae of the backbone of the North American continent, and to see the waters start for both oceans. Uplifted above love and hate and storms of passion, calm amidst the eternal silences, fanned by zephyrs and bathed in living blue, peace rested for that one bright day on the Peak.”

    Explorers can never resist the call of a mountain. But mountaineering as a profession is more about sharing a common experience than lone conquering. History is chuck full of men and women on a conquest- even at the risk of seeing the highest mountain in the world as their last glimpse of life.
    What is it that calls the human heart to such risk? Creation screams the glory of God, but how we all respond to that scream is personal and deeply spiritual.

    After attending college away from the mountains, I found myself severely infected with mountain fever upon graduation. This summer I wandered everywhere I could, taking pictures and just filling up on the wilderness, a staple of my growing up years.

    It is funny how people are attracted to different types of wilderness. My father lived in Moab, Utah when he was very young. Even though he has lived in Colorado longer, he dreams about the red dirt, desert and arches. He remembers every street of the town and wants to retire there. How can one place have such a sway on him?

    For the Israelites, the wilderness was not a comfort. From their perspective, it was a place of broken promises and failed attempts to measure up to God's standards. But over and over, His love reached out to them and offered them redemption. The only problem was that they didn't take it.
    “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.”
    Hebrews 4:2

    The Israelites even had an opportunity to meet Him on the mountain but were too afraid to face working out their secret sins. Yet, God met Moses there and offered a way to relationship. The 10 commandments can seem harsh and unforgiving, yet I see them as God saying to His children, “I crave relationship with you! Rely on me to guide you, to move you forward in life.”

    On top of Mount Siani, God reached out to heal a nation. Perhaps summits still represent God's desire to heal nations and even our deepest personal violences. Perhaps battle can turn into peaceful respite. Perhaps the wild way is far richer than the safe. You won't know until you strap on those hiking boots and move forward up the trail.

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  • 2 years ago
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• Seeking Adventure? Love well. Seeking Adventure? Love well.

  • From: Katherine-Lee
  • Description:

    Seeking Adventure? Love well.
    
    This is the message you have heard from the beginning. We should love one another.
    1 John 3:11
    
    I desire adventure, I long for excitement, and I strive for fulfillment. I anticipate the future plans God has for me and I anxiously await the things to come. In April I will be graduating from university and there are a million things that I could think of doing once graduated. Even though I would love God to throw a huge project or opportunity my way, until he does I have discovered that I have my hands full trying live out God’s command for us to love well.
    
    I have recently experienced a kind of spiritual revolution as a result of shedding worldly desires that were disabling the work of the Holy Spirit in my life and preventing my personal growth in Christ. Since, every book of the New Testament that I have read has been filled with the command to love and love well. It’s like this hidden theme that I was oblivious to my whole Christian life. I mean, I knew that God commanded us to love Him first and love others as ourselves, but man I didn’t know that “love” pretty much sums up the entire new law. I’m now challenged to strive towards having my life radiate God’s love towards all of His creation. I’m motivated towards LOVING LIKE CRAZY.
    
    We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.1 John 3:16
    
    I get excited when I think about this. When I think about living a life of love that pleases my Lord, I am motivated and full of joy. Loving well can be so difficult at times eh? Loving well means loving like Jesus did; being a servant; being someone who gives; being someone who sacrifices for others; being someone who puts others needs before their own; being someone who lives with abundant joy. Not easy tasks, quite hard actually. The amazing thing is that the strength to do this comes from the joy we have in knowing our Lord. It’s so hard to live of life of love, but God promises it is worth it. God promises that he is coming again and that one day all pain and suffering will be gone and that we will be required to stand before him and account for what we did or didn’t do when we were on this earth. God loves us so much and this enables us to live a life of love.
    
    God calls His children to be separated, to be different and to love and love well. If you’re looking for an excitement, you don’t have to look too far. There people all around that need God’s love and God has granted us the opportunity to embark on an adventure and act like a jar of clay to Him who is the potter. All we need to do is accept his love and than respond by LOVING LIKE CRAZY.
    
    “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.”
    2 Corinthians 5:20
    
    “If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us.”
    2 Corinthians 5:12-13
    
    “In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God.”
    2 Corinthians 5:3

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  • 2 years ago
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• cara harjes

  • Views: 158
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