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Blessed are the Peacemakers Blessed are the Peacemakers
- From: HemmedIn
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Description:
1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
As a child of the 1979 revolution, all the scenes and images of what has been reported from Iran are eerily familiar. I am now a Iranian-American and completely immersed in my new culture here. But one never forgets where they came from.
My perspective over the last 30 years is that most of the people born after the revolution have been raised or have become products of their environment and have generally been politically apathetic. Forgive me if I'm wrong here. But it seems that the general lack of morale, discouragement from their leadership, fear of getting in trouble have left people wanting to keep a generally low profile, living their lives to the best of their ability and staying out of the ways of trouble.
President Obama is receiving a fair share of criticism for his hesitation to get involved in the situation. While the U.S. is known for coming to the rescue or meddling as some people put it, there may come a time for overt action. However, I think there is something to be said about waiting and allowing the Iranian people continue to rise up and find their voices that have been supressed for so many years. Two-thirds of the nation are under the age of 35. I am 35 and just begining to feel like I'm getting some gumption to do what God is calling me to do... I wonder for them, how long these feelings of oppression and captivity have been festering in the Iranian people and finally reaching a point of explosion.
It's good to let them find their voice, THEY need to experience their own courage and recognize that what they want is GOOD.
I also love how the U.S. is getting involved in less overt ways. That computer techs are helping Iranians get access to internet to let us know the cries of their hearts. I love even up until this year, when you heard the name Iran, it was associated with "axis of evil," "nuclear threat," etc. But today, the world is rallying around the people of Iran which is truly Iran. There is solidarity, compassion, support and love for people. We are seeing that the very things that we often take for granted like liberty, freedom, justice, our voices, our dreams and the realization of our visions are things worthy of fighting for.
Pray for Iranians to continue to find their voices and let their voices be heard, pray for courage, boldness, protection for the innocent, justice for the oppressors. Pray for salt and light to show themselves in that part of earth so Light will shine. Pray for our President Obama, for him to have wisdom, courage, boldness, mercy when its required and heart that breaks for the things that break the heart of God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. - Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 130
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agapejustice
- Views: 98
- Since: 1 year ago
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"God Said I Have to Wash my Ha "God Said I Have to Wash my Hair That Night": The Theology of Rejection
- From: DustandPearls
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Description:
"We regret that we are unable to offer you admission at this time.”
“I really see our relationship as more of a friendly one. Pal.”
“There are better candidates for this job. Thank you for your interest.”
Rejection stinks. As in, it almost literally has a smell: the aroma of dashed dreams and curtailed crushes. It’s not pleasant, and it lingers. And whether you’re rich or poor, handsome or homely, fortunate or persistently unlucky, we have one thing in common: we’ve all caught a whiff.
No matter who you are, from Moses to Barack Obama, you've been rejected for something in your life. Turned down. Denied. Do not cross Go, and definitely don’t collect $200. Getting shot down is arguably the largest blow that happens to your ego; it's a big “return to sender” from the entire world -- unsigned, unsealed, undelivered. Sometimes you don't even get an explanation: you're simply stood up, or told to pack your things and be escorted out. Maybe you never hear a peep about the entries you expectantly send to the New Yorker cartoon caption contest each week (which chronically happens to, uh, my friend).
The toughest part about rejection is that it makes you feel unseen. The editor doesn’t want to read your manuscript. Your bank doesn’t care how badly you need that loan. It's the aching knowledge that that cute guy or girl has looked you up and down, taken full stock of your brains and talents and personality, and said, “Hmmm. I think I’ll pass.”
If rejection is God’s protection, as countless Christians have told me, then I must be the safest person in the universe. In the past year, I’ve gone from graduating with an Ivy League degree and dating a cluster of cute guys to being stuck in my ho-hum job and eating frozen pizza on Friday nights. And not for lack of trying. But at some point after receiving that first layoff, the seventh rejection letter, and that 250th unreturned email, the “no’s” start to get to you.
So one night, as I was wallowing in my sorrows with a pint of Haagen-Daz, I felt God’s presence: “Hey there, bitter, party of one. Why don’t you stop whining about your rejection and start making other people feel accepted?”
“No, God,” I thought, swirling another heaping spoonful of chocolate chunk, “I’m not doing anything for you until you start doing something for me. You refuse to give me a boyfriend, and you refuse to let me into the Ph.D. program I want. Thank you, but no.”
“So to make yourself feel better about your own rejection, you’re going to reject the world? Crawl into your ice cream carton and wait for all the wonders of life to be delivered into your lap? Passive-aggressive much?”
“Wow, God, that was pretty snarky. You should start a blog.”
“I did. 2000 years ago. Read the post ‘2 Corinthians.’ That’ll teach you to feel sorry for yourself. Paul was crippled and imprisoned, but you didn’t see him sending out pity party Twitter updates.”
“Seriously, have you seen the show ‘Best Week Ever’? They’d totally hire you.”
“No, I gave up on Vh-1 a long time ago. What happened to music videos? Anyway, my child, you might feel rejected now, but years in the future, you’ll see that all those jobs and dates and programs were rejecting you for a reason. Not because you weren’t good enough or smart enough, but because it wasn’t my plan, and it wasn’t my timing.”
“I’ve heard that a million times, God. ‘You’ll find love when you’re not looking for it.’ ‘God has better plans for you.’ ‘When Jesus shuts a door, he opens a window.’ But how does that help me now? I’ve been ‘not looking’ for love since college, and Mr. Right still hasn’t fallen magically from the ether. Everyone else seems to have what they want, so why not me?”
“Nobody starts out on top. The CEO started as the intern. The homeowner began adulthood in a studio apartment on the rough side of town. The soul mates often fought through a string of sour relationships before they met. While my will for some is clear, others hit speed bumps and detours and trying times along the way. But each foggy patch is building your character, your confidence, your faith. There’s no right job or right decision that will land you at the end of the rainbow, because there is no end of the rainbow. Just the knowledge that I’ll never forsake you in the journey.”
And with that, I'm deciding to stop taking rejection personally; to not over-idealize some career or some marriage in the future, but to enjoy what I have and where I am in the present. Fear of rejection keeps me and millions of people from acting, paralyzing us with the irrational belief that others' reactions and approval are the driving force in life. We are over-dependent on human affirmation, and so we don't take risks. We wallow in our comfort zones, decline invitations and ignore those opportunities that float our way, because we're too lazy. Or too afraid.
Life is too short to waste time daydreaming about what your life could look like some day. So what if you don’t have a date? Go out with your girlfriends for the millionth time. Be glad that you have a job, even if it’s not your dream career, and if you’re unemployed, keep searching and get creative about it. Send your article to the next publisher on your list. Try out that Bible study or that singles group.
I've felt the sting--well, multiple stings--of rejection, and I've experienced the depression that comes with it. But what I need to do is not let getting rejected lead to rejecting future opportunities. If you want to reject something, reject apathy. Reject the idea that life is all about you. Reject being too absorbed in your own travails to see that others are hurting. You may not have the power to control who rejects you, but what you do have is the ability to make others feel loved and accepted for who they are.
The only thing worse than getting rejected is never having tried in the first place. Now turn off Vh-1.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 129
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Pricey Caps and Unflattering G Pricey Caps and Unflattering Gowns
- From: jamiebg
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Description:
Ahh... The smell of accomplishment. It's also the smell of paying your own bills and finding watermarked paper so your internships and workstudy jobs will seem more like...experience. I love this time of year because it takes me back to Spring, 1998. I was graduating from Emory University with a double major in Sociology and Women's Studies with a minor in African American Studies. (my conservative WASP-y Dad was so proud.) Here are some highlights of that weekend...
1. My commencement speaker was the Dalai Lama. Yes, that Dalai Lama. The best part was his holiness' speech lasted 9 minutes. Since the Georgia heat was bearing down on a couple thousand overdressed but educated souls, he chose wisely.
2. Often, when you graduate you get a fake folder with no diploma inside. But when you pay upwards of $35,000 a year in tuition, they're able to hire someone to coordinate it so you're handed your actual diploma. Unless you are Chris G., who was sitting next to me. He did the dance of going on stage, having his name called, hearing his family hoot and holler and then stopped for the memorial portrait. However, when he sat down, we simultaneously opened our folders. Mine had a shiny certificate that guaranteed me a difficult job search. His had a shiny letter that guaranteed him summer school since he had failed Chemistry.
3. I proved that weekend I had not inherited the "pack rat" genes of my parents. We packed up Betsy, the Chevy Cavalier and their truck with the big uglies, like furniture. In the midst of this, I contracted some sort of walking penumonia/ebola virus. My parents took off a day before me which left me with clothes, kitchen items, books, and a death-wish illness. Betsy filled up much quicker than expected and my utensils, textbooks, and tchotckes ended up in the dumpster. I've never looked back.
What do you remember about graduation from college, high school, or kindergarten? (kindergarten graduation is technically the dumbest event ever. Yeah, I said it.) - Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 97
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God Put a Smile Upon My Face God Put a Smile Upon My Face
- From: lmwilliams2009
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Description:
I heard the news yesterday. I had received the position at Americorps. I was excited. Almost too stunned to actually believe it had happened. All of my prayers and patience had worked. Or more importantly, God's hand had been upon it.
This morning at 8am, I had my final interview and I filled out paper work for two hours. It was long, it was tedious, but it is now done. There is so much to to do to work for the Government.
I'm estatic about the position. But I realize that haze for next year has been pushed forward and I now have a whole year somewhat planned out for me. Now I will only need to worry about getting my grant-writing class done, and studying for the GRE. I'm rather excited that I now have a plan for the Fall, but I realize that it will be like nothing I have ever experienced.
To God be the glory!
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 106
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Sitting, Waiting, Wishing Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
- From: lmwilliams2009
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Description:
“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 (NIV)
I love this verse because it reminds me that God hears our cries and our desires. He is always there. It’s up to me to believe that He will answer my prayers. In James 5, the second half talks about of the prayer of Faith. Basically if we back our prayers with faith, God feels the sincerity of our hearts.
I don’t like waiting. I never have. Right now, I am waiting to hear whether I made it into the Americorps Vista program. I’m not exactly sure when I will find out, but until then, I need to trust God that He has everything under control. If I don’t get in, I won’t be discouraged; I will just be looking for another job. The problem is that I am only planning on working in Lincoln for a year, and then I will be off for Graduate school. This coming year is a haze; I’m not use to that, because I have always had school to look forward too. But now I’m done at least for now.
I’m sitting. What do I mean by sitting? I mean I’m sitting instead of worrying about what is next. I’m listening for God and what he has to say.
I’m waiting. I’m not going to be frantically running things in my head, but just patiently wait for the outcome of my situation.
I’m wishing. I can wish, ok I’m going to change that word to pray. I’m praying for God’s Will to be revealed whatever the outcome is.
As I sit, wait, and pray, I am thankful for everything God has provided for me! - Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 61
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Lover's Doubt Lover's Doubt
- From: mauldinga
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Description:
Have you ever had something you cherish so much, yet you have to a balance of waiting and searching to have it. That's the way love is. I'm not talking about Godly love that will always be there. I'm talking about the love that comes from another person (relational love).
This subject is so hard for me to write about because I can see and read it everywhere, and I want to have it. "Love makes the world go round." This famous or infamous saying, whichever way you take it, has influence our culture in so many ways. Whether it is the the television we watch, or the books we read, it seems as though everything has been enfused with love.
With all of this said, I keep wondering why I've never dated anyone, and why I want the love of another person so much.
At the moment, for some reason, I'm more than okay with singleness. I mean, I'm only a 20 year old in college. But we always wonder what could have been. I always think to myself that I could be single for the rest of my life and it would be okay. And I truthfully say that. I know in Song of Solomon (Songs)it says "We should not awaken love until it desires." And I honestly don't know about this. My question to everyone who reads this blog is, what do ya'll think? Should we search? Should we wait? Or should there be a balance?
I also hope that this blog relates to other people, as I know some of ya'll might be going through the same situation I am.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 243
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Mardi Gras and Roller Coasters Mardi Gras and Roller Coasters
- From: betha
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Description:
Over the weekend, I got to experience that which is Kelly Clarkson at Universal Studio’s Mardi Gras. I have an annual pass that lets me go to the parks whenever I want and lets me get into some of the special events for free, a la Kelly. So me and some of my other annual pass friends (plus one newcomer to the annual pass cult) decided to make a day of it and visit Islands of Adventure before going to Mardi Gras.
It has been a few months since I was on a roller coaster. I have never been scared of taking the plunge, or felt sick or nauseous after leaving the ride. I mostly live for the highest drops and quickest turns. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been the first to want to go on the most “deathly” looking coasters again and again. One of my friends who came with me this weekend told me he really had not been on any roller coasters since he was little, mostly because of a bad experience that turned into him shunning the rides for years.
But Saturday night, after one fateful ride on one of the park’s most infamous roller coasters, I felt like I was the one who needed to do the shunning.
He was all for it, though. He recently overcame his fear of coasters and this was even the second or third times this year that he had been to the theme park. It was my 10th, at least (like I said the perks of an annual pass).
We were the last ones to go on the rollercoaster because the park was closing. Once the ride finished I knew I was not OK. I knew that any more sudden movements might cause me to lose all humanly function at once.
Then (of course) my friend nudged me to see if they would let us stay on to ride again. Everything in me wanted to just crawl into the fetal position and lay there, not make another attempt at flying through the air and possibly leaving “something special” for not only my friend next to me, but those underneath us leaving the park. (Needless to say, they didn’t let us on again, which my stomach was very grateful for.)
It’s funny how the roles switched- me the season veteran of coasters, queen of all things scary now wanting nothing more than to never look at one of those death machines again. And then him- someone who was initially weary of the coasters but now can’t get enough.
Life is like that. We look at some situations that might haunt us and we run never to find out what could happen. And then there’s some of us who live the adventure only to have it come back leaving us feeling sick.
The unexpected seems to always happen.
Everything is unexpected. There is no guaranteed outcome, no formula for living.
Our lives are very much like roller coasters. One second we are cruising only to have a sudden drop come at us. Different turns in life bring us to different places just like the twists and turns of your favorite ride. We never know what to expect and we can never gauge how our bodies will respond. Once we get on the roller coaster though, we are strapped in for the ride, whether we like it or not.
So embrace your rollercoaster- don’t be afraid, be adventurous. You might get sick but you might also come away with new appreciations or new passions in life (and get the annual pass, its cheaper in the long run).
(Side note-that one night of nauseous-ness will not stop me from riding on them again. Getting back on the rollercoaster and letting it surprise me with the unexpected turns and the “oh-you-thought-this-was-over-but-its-not” drops will happen again.) - Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 200
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Why the Frigid Weather Changed Why the Frigid Weather Changed My Thinking
- From: betha
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Description:
Growing up in Florida, I always anticipate how cold the weather will be during our “winter” months. Between the unbearable humidity and the blinding summer sun, each year I hope that I can use at least some of my sweaters. I went to NYC a few years ago and also lived in Alabama for a year so I have quite the winter clothes collection. I never get to wear any of it during our Florida winters. It’s usually a couple layers, and as most Floridians dare- sandals.
But this year, the phrase “careful what you wish for” became very true in my life.
It was pretty hot during Christmas- I remember going to Miami with my family, swimming in the ocean and getting tanned.
However- January came bringing it’s fierce, cold self.
It was cold. No, frigid. No, Antarctica descended on this southern state. I wore everything I owned- including those pea coats collecting dust in my closets. I woke up one morning to it being 28 degrees outside. I didn’t want to get out of bed. Scratch that- I didn’t want to live if it meant having to face that weather.
But isn’t that what I had been waiting for all summer and through Christmas?
I wanted the cold. I wanted to wear my pretty coats and boots and hats and everything in between. I guess I’m more warm-blooded than I thought.
There was one night, I wasn’t having a particularly good day, and I was coming home from an intense conversation with one of my friends when the cold weather just got the better of me. I literally almost started crying because I was so mad at it.
If it was a person, I would have cursed it out and caused some major physical harm.
Why was the one thing I had been anticipating for 6 months become my worst enemy?
Because we can never be satisfied.
And our satisfaction is only fleeting.
Compare it to anything you have looked forward to. I recently worked myself for an entire year saving and begging my parents for that beloved white 16GB iPhone I now have. It was like a newborn in my hands. I cradled it for weeks. I put a protective covering around it so no harm would be inflicted. It was my baby and I was it’s mother. No one could touch it- only look.
And yet this past Sunday at the children’s church I help run, I had one of the kids running around for about 20 minutes with my phone and I never even realized it. It didn’t dawn on me until I actually saw him waving it around.
Again- satisfaction is fleeting. No matter how bad or how long you may want something, those desires will become common to you once you attain what you want.
So what do you?
Well my response is to keep optimism alive. Stay excited over the future and what the future can bring, but also live in the moment. Step back and enjoy your surroundings, because one day you will miss it.
Think of kindergarten naptime and how badly you didn’t want to sleep for your teacher-but probably this moment you want nothing more than that bumpy mat and your blanket.
Think of elementary school and recess. A whole hour to just run around and relieve frustration- tell me you are not thinking of starting an impromptu game of kickball in your head right now.
High school was annoying wasn’t it? Forced to go to classes and be around people “you could care less for”? But for most of us, we could be more free-spirited with our money and time back then.
If you played sports, practices were never anything you would look forward too. They were pretty much dreadful. But if you could run one more suicide or spend 5 more minutes in the batting cages today, wouldn’t you take that opportunity?
College is something you start with high anticipation only to scream “Hallelujah!” a few months before graduation. I’m almost done and I have a countdown with my days numbered. But I’m trying to remind myself- no matter how stressed I am, in 5 years I will miss this season of my life. Just like the summers I take for granted and hope for cold winters- when that coldness I hope for doesn’t meet my expectations I long for the past heat of summer.
Look forward to the future, but live the moment. You won’t have another season like the one you are living in. - Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 139
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an idea to try: make the psalm an idea to try: make the psalms your own
- From: lavieenvogue
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Description:
(read more at http://lavieenvogue.wordpress.com)
i’ve heard various ways of relating to the Scripture and how to make it cling to our hearts and in our lives, from singing verses over ourselves to replacing the “you’s” with “me’s” and inserting your own name into the promises. both of those examples are great ideas, but didn’t really seem to work for me–they didn’t seem to strike a nerve in my faith.
but in january, we started the Beth Moore “Psalms of Ascent” Bible study, where we’re studying Psalms 120-134. (i’ve learned a lot through this study and would totally recommend it, and am sure i’ll share more of that at another time.) one of the things i especially like about this study is that upon studying each of these psalms and ruminating on them, she has us rewrite them in regards to what they mean to us and regarding the emotions and circumstances of our own life currently. even that might sound boring to you, but i’ve found it to be so amazing.
though there are some Psalms that I definitely identify with and will pray, word-for-word, there are others that I just think, “that doesn’t apply to me,” whether it’s times when David’s talking about his enemies hunting him down or fleeing and hiding and near-death misses or being righteous and unblameworthy. i don’t ever really feel that way, so often i’d just breeze past and dismiss those Psalms.
as i started rewriting the select ones for this study, though, i started seeing that, well, if i truly took the time to reflect on them, i know that it will relate to something in my life or in my prayers, even if that’s not the exact way i’d pen it. and there’s the beauty of this exercise–making the Bible personal. much of the Bible is God’s Word to us, but the Psalms reflect humans’ words to God. so it’s beautiful to take another person’s prayers, draw from them, and make them your own.
here i’ll give you an example (in hopes that you might consider this exercise for yourself):
BIBLE VERSION
Psalm 10
Lord, why are you so far away?
Why do you hide when there is trouble?
Proudly the wicked chase down those who suffer.
Let them be caught in their own traps.
They brag about the things they want.
They bless the greedy but hate the Lord.
The wicked people are too proud.
They do not look for God; there is no room for God in their thoughts.
They always succeed.
They are far from keeping your laws; they make fun of their enemies.
They say to themselves, “Nothing bad will ever happen to me;
I will never be ruined.”
Their mouths are full of curses, lies, and threats; they use their tongues for sin and evil.
They hide near the villages.
They look for innocent people to kill; they watch in secret for the helpless.
They wait in hiding like a lion.
They wait to catch poor people; they catch the poor in nets.
The poor are thrown down and crushed; they are defeated because the others are stronger.
The wicked think, “God has forgotten us.
He doesn’t see what is happening.”
Lord, rise up and punish the wicked.
Don’t forget those who need help.
Why do wicked people hate God?
They say to themselves, “God won’t punish us.”
Lord, surely you see these cruel and evil things; look at them and do something.
People in trouble look to you for help.
You are the one who helps the orphans.
Break the power of wicked people.
Punish them for the evil they have done.
The Lord is King forever and ever.
Destroy from your land those nations that do not worship you.
Lord, you have heard what the poor people want.
Do what they ask, and listen to them.
Protect the orphans and put an end to suffering so they will no longer be afraid of evil people.REWRITTEN VERSION
Psalm 10 from my eyes
“Lord, why are you so far away” when I’m facing trouble? Why do you seem to be hiding? Lord, now is the time when I need you to rescue me–rescue my heart from this evil world. Our society is filled with evil, everywhere I turn: suffering of the innocent, the greedy prosper, the wicked brag openly about their misdeeds–they no longer fear the Lord. “They do not look for God; there is no room for God in their thoughts.” Lord, I am being affected by this–my heart is in turmoil and I look all around me at the assault that lies are having on Your people. Save us from this raging wickedness that is eating at our souls, at our values, at our identity. Restore us to our initial beauty, as we were originally made in Your image. Use me in this fight. Dress me with your armor and make me hate sin as you do. Lord, I know you will act–you will not “forget those who need help.” You see all these things so you will do something. You are our help, you are the One we look to in need. Lord, this world is yours, we are yours, I am yours. Redeem us all, restore us all, protect us and put an end to the suffering this world knows.though it draws from the themes of the first, now it’s a message that i can relate to, that is relevant to my world and my season right now and the desires of my heart. i’m sure that in another year or even a month, i’d be inclined to write something different. but that’s another beauty about God and His Word–He is always meeting us right where we are, providing us just what we need, and taking us along to that next step.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 203
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Blue Jeans Blue Jeans
- From: susanhlawrence
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Description:
As I type this, the banner at the top of the screen says "Are you looking for great jeans?"! I'm convinced God has a sense of humor!
I have a myriad of jeans, ranging through three sizes. And I usually pick out what I'll feel best in for the day. I don't get how one pair of jeans can make me feel amazing one day and miserable the next, but it's true! And then there are the jeans that remind me of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants..in reverse.
I randomly shared this with my husband on the way home from a date not long ago. We had stopped by Starbucks, and he commented on how nice I looked, and that's all it took...
"The funny thing about these jeans is that I bought them about a year ago when I wasn't walking as often. And they were a little snug, but they "held it all in," which was good. And then I toned up. And the perplexing thing is...they still fit the same! Why is it I still have to suck it in when I put them on, even on those flat stomach days???!!!"
By the dazed and confused look on my husband's face, I knew I had spewed a blast of womanhood on him. I had just returned from a presentation with my girlfriends. I'm not a girly-girl. I'm not that chatty. But something changes when I'm around my girlfriends for a couple days. A silly side emerges, and my defenses diminish.
My husband finally stammered, "I feel like I've just been privy to private girlfriend information."
My husband is wonderful, and I love long chats with him. But there are just some things we need to share with our girlfriends!
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 146
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Manolo Blahniks Manolo Blahniks
- From: kate
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Description:
I was watching a classic Sex and the City last night and it was the one where Carrie has to take her shoes off before going into a friend's house. Carrie's friend has lots of kids running around like little tornados, and so one of her $485 Manolo Blahnik shoes inevitably suffers a casualty in the midst of play. Her friend offers to reimburse Carrie, but gasps when she finds out how much the shoes cost and starts to bargain with Carrie. "I'll give you $200," she negotiates. Carrie feels uncomfortable about the whole exchange, and decides to leave. In a conversation with Charlotte, she reasons that she's spent $2,300 on celebrating her friend's life choices, and does not see why her friend can not reimburse her for the ruined shoes. And so what if her choice is to spend that much on the shoes. And further more, there is no special occasion for the single woman, so it is high time that she steps up to her friend. Carrie calls her friend to let her know that she will be marrying herself, and she is registered at Manolo Blahnik.
I have to admit that I have felt a little bit like Carrie at times.
When I graduated college at 22, I became friends with a very cool, sophisticated, classy friend named Jo who was 29 (my age now). Jo was blessed with 10 nieces & nephews and a multitude of bridesmaid dresses. Jo began celebrating her cat, Snarf's milestone events. She would ask guests to bring a gift for Snarf, because afterall Snarf is her baby. Every year Snarf's birthday would be celebrated BIG to pay back for all of the tafetta dresses.
I can relate.
But I have learned in my friendships that keeping tabs will never satisfy. And it's not about how much you give or about the occasion, but it's about supporting each other's choices and celebrations - and giving beyond monetary and materialistic ways is so much sweeter.
And above all, God is rich and gives like nobody. James 1:17 says, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
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Missions Missions
- From: kate
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Description:
I recently returned from a missions trip to the Dominican Republic and words cannot describe how amazing the experience was for me. Maybe I've been so bogged down by the rat race in Washington, D.C. that the slow pace, intentional service, prayer, listening, sharing my faith and God's love, relationship-building with team members, etc...experienced during that week changed my perspective in a dramatic way. It made me realize that there is SO much more to life than the type of things that I would stress out about before. I do think that some people are called to serve in the business world, secular non-profits, etc. But as an employee for a secular non-profit, where I don't feel comfortable sharing my faith to people in the office, the one-week mission trip felt like the most meaningful week that I have had during the past year-and-a-half of living in Washington, D.C.
I have always had a heart for international work, specifically health-related work. God has blessed me with a nice, well-paid non-profit health-related job, but since that trip I've prayed more and have felt called to serve internationally in a greater capacity, in a more long-term commitment, such as one year. It seems so wrong on so many levels. Give up my job? Give up warm showers? Give up my nice mattress? And so many other creature comforts that I have come to know and love? I'm so blessed and it's so easy to forget.
If I did this one-year missions opportunity, I would be turning 30 during the course of the year, and this also makes me a little uncertain. I'm really fine with roughin' it (I hope), 30 is just a number. My back can take it, sleeping on cots, on the floor of mud huts, etc. But I guess I struggle with where I would hope my life would be at that mile-marker. But God is faithful, and I believe that He provides for our needs and listens to our heart's desires. In my life, I've witnessed where He has given me more than what I ever could expect for myself. So why not follow Him in the great unknown and serve whole-heartedly as a rugged missionary for His glory?
I'm done wrestling with myself and ready to give it to God, and see where He leads.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
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kate
- Views: 78
- Since: 1 year ago
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Relationships and Cafes Relationships and Cafes
- From: Lee Ann
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Description:
I grabbed for the key hook out of habit, but my fingers returned with nothing. I glanced over at the empty key ring and then sighed. My eyes shifted to the dinning room table, nothing but mail.
“I swear I put them right there.” I muttered to myself.
I dug under old magazines and books in the living room. There.
On the coffee table again.
I seem to be losing everything these days.
I took a deep breath of the cold air as I walked out the door.
I pulled my collar a little to cover my face. I closed my car door, then stepped up onto the curb. I hurriedly jumped inside the café. The old cowbell chiming as the door closed behind me.
The chef and other employees had gathered their things and were ready to leave and were waiting for me to take over. I was always running late.
I waved them off and dumped my backpack on one of the chairs.
The restaurant/café closes at 2 p.m. but is open for coffee and fair trade bazaar ‘til 5 p.m., which I , conveniently, am now the barista for.
We don’t get many customers. We have two construction men who are regulars, and the occasional looker-loos. But most days, just an empty café.
I put on a good selection of Lois Armstrong, and began to make myself a nice mocha. It’s about the only thing I can make without a few mishaps. I’ve had my fare share of them when learning. I remember when the frothing knob fell off and went crashing into the boiling milk. Not a fun day.
After pulling the espresso, I poured myself the cup and sat down to start folding the silverware into the napkins.
It was raining now.
I smiled a little to myself, taking a deep breath of the coffee saturated air.
My mind began to wander to a conversation I had a few days before. A dear friend and me were talking about our tendencies to dwell on the relationship sphere. I could try to blame the obsession on chick flicks
I struggle a lot with the “hurry up and get here” mentality, you see. Inside I wish I could fast forward to the part where he, this man that I am destined to be with, is in my life. Just to where I won’t have to sit and wait, because I’m like an impatient five year old.
I hear a lot that God gives us the desires of our heart, but if that’s true then why hasn’t he found me? Because I’m pretty sure that I’ve “desired” that for a long time now.
I was brought back to reality as I caught glimpse of someone walk past the door. I smiled warmly as they saw me inside.
“Oh common’ just come in.” I pleaded in my head.
The man turned his gaze back to the sidewalk and kept his path from the café.
I sighed and returned back to my cup of coffee.
I sipped it a little, savoring it a bit more than usual because I had made this one with my own hands.
This whole waiting thing, you know relationships, it’s a lot like working at the café.
I can only wait for people to come into the café, I can’t pursue the customer. I can’t go running after the guy that just walked by and insist that he come in so that I can practice making a hazlenut latte.
I can only sit, and hold my breathe for someone to notice.
The only thing I can do in the mean time is practice a little more on making those Americanos and cappuccinos. To be the best barista I can be for my customers.
The same goes for relationships.
I can’t go chasing men. Though society tells me I can, I should merely wait for him to find me.
In the meantime, be the woman of God that he needs me to be. To not set my heart on him, just set in on the Lord.
***
I slipped into my car and shut the door. I sat for a while, watching the rain run down the windshield. I took a deep breath through my nose. I smelled like the deep roasted beans from the café.
A smile crept onto my face.
I always thought that maybe you’d smell like coffee.
Maybe. - Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 244
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For such a time is this..are y For such a time is this..are you ready
- From: bbalan
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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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Help? I (Don't) Need Somebody. Help? I (Don't) Need Somebody.
- From: betha
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Description:
Do you know what I have a problem with? Letting people help me. I hate it. I always seem to be the one to carry the heavy bags, multi-task instead of delegate and just say “No, thanks” when really- it was beyond me to begin with. I’d rather do things myself, make my own mistakes then have to rely on other people to mess up for me. Is that selfish? Or is it independence?
It’s funny because you would think I have it together then, right? That I shout confidence and my swagger has the “Miss Independent” song attached to it. Not even close though.
Earlier this year I had to move apartments within the same complex. I had asked a few of my guy friends to come over that morning to help me move the furniture and other things. As I sat there that morning looking at the dozens of boxes, I thought, “Why wait for them? I’m gonna start now and they can pick up later.” I ended up moving every single box (besides three extremely heavy ones) down one set of stairs to my car and then back up another set of stairs to my new residence. My entire body was bruised, and let’s just say several items of kitchenware fell victim to the move. When the boys showed up they only had to move the furniture. That was when I realized I might have a problem.
When I think about it though, its not because I don’t want the help- I just know I don’t really need it.
I knew someone once whose boyfriend was so, well accommodating, that she never opened a door. Rather, when we would go out places just the two of us she would sit in the car waiting for me to open her door, until she realized I wasn’t coming. Do we train ourselves then to be reliant? Does independence stem from periods where we can’t rely on people?
It’s weird when it trickles over into relationships- especially with God. I will admit, that usually the last place I go to for help is to seek the wisdom of God. It’s like I figure I can tackle another obstacle on my own- just like I’ve been trained. But I can’t, and yet I know that. Its usually when I become completely overwhelmed that I need to be reminded of the hands all around me extended to pick me up.
I want help. I need help. I just don’t go for it right away. It takes time and coaxing, but I’m learning. I have to tell myself- It’s not a sign of weakness. It not a sign that I’m in some kind of distress. God told us to help one another, and sometime we need to let others follow the commandments of God in our life.
So, can someone open that door? - Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 385
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