It's funny how some of the things that seem so ordinary and second-nature now become the most significant and meaningful pieces of life later. A patch of grass you sat in with a best friend, a room you encountered God in like never before, or a landmark you passed by on the road to get somewhere you never thought you could be.... Oh, the little things.
Sometimes I wonder what value I would place on different pieces of life without these little things. I sat in a patch of grass and had one of the most life changing conversations with my best friend. What was before just a patch of grass became a very significant memory. I encountered God in a junior high room on a retreat many years ago, and now I find myself serving in that junior high room. I never thought I would have seen that room again after that retreat. I used to pass under an overpass on a highway to get to a friend's house, as was part of the ordinary commute. Now, that same highway and overpass mark the beginning of my weekly commute to church/work. It is amazing how the small things in life are what can bring about the deep value we hold for life.
Children's laughter. A warm blanket. Comfort food. Our favorite PJ's. A good song. A memory. A compliment. Holidays. Such small pieces of life that cause us to be so thankful, that cause us to cherish all that life encompasses.
Yes, I am being a bit poetic this time around, but I am just in awe of God's beauty in ALL He does. His beauty in creation is beyond awesome, but think about His beauty elsewhere. His beauty in His oh-so perfect timing, His ironic or coincidental actions, His sense of humor. I am just amazed at the fact that a patch of grass became more than that because of a conversation He ordained. He makes something so ordinary so very extraordinary. It makes me realize just how well taken care of I am. What beautiful hands my Father holds me with. He smiles when you pass by certain places, certain people, because He already knows what your future holds in that person or place's life. To think that God truly has placed everything in such a way that it all works out for the good of His bride, His people.
I know this isn't a very profound post, but I became caught up in the love of God in the little things today. I just couldn't keep it to myself. Being thankful really does shed the tunnel vision that human nature and its selfishness unnecessarily provides.
So, when you are worrying, doubting, wanting, or otherwise, remember the little things. Your heavenly Father has a plan far beyond what you could ever imagine. Just wanted to encourage you today! :)
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
-I Thessalonians 5:18
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
She Walks in Beauty
She is elegant and graceful and her beauty is like the rarest of pearls. Her beauty is rare only because the deepest part of it lies in the depth of her character. It is rare because it is not flaunted for the attraction of men, for that beauty is shallow and self-serving and for that beauty it is not beauty at all. Her beauty is so awesome she doesn't even have to be physically endowed to be wonderfully attractive. She does not try to seduce or beguile because true beauty needs no help in honest attraction.
Grace leaps from her tongue like clear water from a beautiful waterfall. Her words are used to heal, to build up, and to edify. Her words are used to serve and cheer on and she is too important for games of gossip. She is confident on the days when her hair is not fixed to look its best and her make-up doesn't cover all of her flaws. Her humble confidence doesn't lie simply in what she looks like, for even on her worse days she knows who she is.
She is elegant and proud to be the entire woman she can be because she understands that genuine femininity has its own fragrance. She does not compare or compete with anyone because any truly confident woman does not need to. She does not have to be like anyone else, she celebrates her own individuality understanding that every beautifully created woman, like the different flowers, has their own aroma. She has her own spice and personality offers it's own flavor and she loves herself because she loves her God.
Her worship is true and flows from the vulnerability, sensitivity, and weakness that only the feminine heart has to offer. She does not flaunt her spirituality or her God given gifts or talents because she knows that she has them only to serve. She does not hide in her spirituality because she feels rejected, fearful, or unattractive. She simply worships because she loves her God.
This darling of a princess realizes that she is being raised to be a queen. She does not invest or spend herself just anywhere. A queen only gives herself to a king, so if any man wants a chance at having her at his side, he will have to hold the standard of a king. She will not allow her loneliness as a woman to cause her to jump into any man's embrace. A woman who does this has yet to know who she is, nor does she truly know of her inheritance from her loving heavenly father. She should not regret the emotional essence given to her by her bountiful creator. There is a compassionate sparkle in her eye and she gleams with potential. Her smile is as sincere felt as her pain. She can express her hurt just as well as she can express her joy.
Because she is truly beautiful she inspires respect without demanding it. She is clothed in humillity and attempts to clothe herself morning by morning in purity of heart. The heart of a godly man is being prepared to receive her as an invaluable gift. The tender hands of your heavenly father are delicately stroking the inner fibers of your being. He is changing your character and countenance because you are his glorious and beautiful inheritance.
--author unknown
This, to me, is an extremely elaborate version of all the Bible has to say about a woman of God. YOU are a woman of God! A very BEAUTIFUL woman of God. :) May you walk in this truth! And let it be known that I stumbled upon this on another blog a long time ago and found it saved on my computer. I regretfully do not know what blog it came from anymore, but please know these are not my words. However, this poem came from somewhere else before the blog, and the author is sadly unknown. Just had to make the disclaimer :)
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."
-Proverbs 31:25, NIV :)
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Process of a Pearl: A Glimpse Inside
In honor of completing the first two chapters and moving on to the third, I thought I would give you a taste of what the book entails. I understand the whole basis of a pearl may be a little cheesy, but the truth of God's Word makes this so valid and totally kills the cheesiness. There are not any Bible verses in this particular piece I chose to share, but it really is just a sum of what the book in its entirety entails. So let me know your thoughts and if you got anything out of this! I love feedback! :)
Pearls are the result of a process known as pearl
cultivation. Though they look beautiful, it takes a long time to develop a
genuine pearl. The beauty was not always a gorgeous piece of jewelry, but
rather a simple bother inside the mouth of a clam or other shelled creature.
Once the sand, laceration, or other bother is discovered, the clam begins the
process of healing. This, dear reader, is how a pearl is created. Genuine
pearls are rare and come from locations all over the world. They aren't even
all round or white. The largest pearl in the world takes the shape of the
inside of its clam! Some pearls are even brown, blue, or black. The whole
rainbow can be displayed via pearls if you search long enough.
That brings us to the next truth about a genuine pearl—you
have to go searching for it. Why? Because they are rare! However, people search
for them nonetheless, because they know that a genuine pearl is worth searching
for.
How does this relate to us as women in such a contaminated,
or sin-immersed, world? Sin is an inevitable part of our world, life, and
thoughts. However, it’s how you react to it that creates that pearl. There are
three aspects being portrayed here:
- Pearls are created via a process. We as women go through a process called life, meaning overwhelming joy—and inevitable hardship. How you react is what will either create a pearl, or create a deeper cut that can even lead to infection. How you react in response to life determines the true outcome of every situation you face.
- Pearls are worth searching for. Though facing problems can be extremely hard or very emotional, facing the process and fixing it will only shape and form you more. Yes, you must acknowledge you have a problem and know how to deal with it, which we will discuss later in this book, but acknowledgement is the beginning of the healing process. You cannot finish something, or further develop into a pearl, if you have not even started the process. Therefore, when you finally see the mess clear up and the pearl forming, you will realize that you are indeed worth searching for. You already are in God’s eyes before your problems are faced and fixed, but even though God loves you the way you are, He loves you too much to leave you that way. Why? Because He sees potential. He sees the end result, because He ultimately is the one who finishes—He’s just waiting on you to start! God sees the pearl. He sees you as worth searching for.
- Pearls are created when hardship abounds, and healthy action is taken in response to the situation. The pearl is formed only once the clam acknowledges the presence of the problem and identifies exactly where it is. The pearl is then created over time by the clam in place of the problem. I’ve heard it said that life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it. Basically, attitude is everything. Your reaction to a given situation will make or break you.
I encourage you to keep reading to discover what God has for
you, whether that be triumph through healing for you or a friend, empowerment
and newfound confidence in who God made you to be, or to understand your role as
a woman in this world today. My goal is to refresh women with the story of their
value and bring hope to the set of circumstances life has harshly handed them.
You can walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil. You
are God’s daughter—a daughter of Love Himself. This, daughter, is a book of how
healing from hurt creates beauty and unique, feminine strength.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The Little Black Dress
I stumbled upon this rough draft that I never posted from late 2012. I thought I would share it with you all :) Be blessed!
In 2 Peter, it says that we are equipped for a life of godliness. We have everything we need to be women and men of Christ. Godliness is like the little black dress every girl has--an all purpose sort of garment. From godliness, many other character traits sprout. Those are the accessories. There is such a thing as being spiritually fashionable. And though I am certain this can apply to men as well, my call in this post is to young women everywhere. Are you "spiritually fashionable?" Are you taking hold of the equipment God has freely and already handed you?
You have been equipped, so walk in it! Walk in your feminism, walk in your calling, and most of all walk in the love of Christ! It is fun to be fashionable and wear cute scarves and fun jewelry, but altogether (and almost without saying) what makes the outfit is truly the "little black dress." Don't ever be without it! You are already equipped with godliness, so go for the gold because it is already yours! You are dressed to be blessed, and so are those around you--treat them that way!
How many times do we shed our "little black dress" of godliness and put on the raggedy clothes God wants us to throw away completely? So often I forget that I have been equipped with everything I need to live a kingdom-minded life to the full already. Other times I simply don't want to have it, because that means more responsibility. It comes down to realizing how much better your life will be, and how much better others' lives will be, as a result of you choosing to wear out your little black dress instead of your jeggings and V-neck or sweat pants and T-shirt (as comfortable as these items are...).
All in all, between the reminder of what God has already given us and God's tugging at my heart to continue in my passion (that He gave me), I thought I would share a little piece of it with you, dear reader. My prayer for you is that your understanding of what God has equipped you with would grow, your character would be purified, and that your little black dress would come back out of the wardrobe to be of use to you in the incredible amount of ways which it can be. :)
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
- 2 Peter 1:3-4
In 2 Peter, it says that we are equipped for a life of godliness. We have everything we need to be women and men of Christ. Godliness is like the little black dress every girl has--an all purpose sort of garment. From godliness, many other character traits sprout. Those are the accessories. There is such a thing as being spiritually fashionable. And though I am certain this can apply to men as well, my call in this post is to young women everywhere. Are you "spiritually fashionable?" Are you taking hold of the equipment God has freely and already handed you?
You have been equipped, so walk in it! Walk in your feminism, walk in your calling, and most of all walk in the love of Christ! It is fun to be fashionable and wear cute scarves and fun jewelry, but altogether (and almost without saying) what makes the outfit is truly the "little black dress." Don't ever be without it! You are already equipped with godliness, so go for the gold because it is already yours! You are dressed to be blessed, and so are those around you--treat them that way!
How many times do we shed our "little black dress" of godliness and put on the raggedy clothes God wants us to throw away completely? So often I forget that I have been equipped with everything I need to live a kingdom-minded life to the full already. Other times I simply don't want to have it, because that means more responsibility. It comes down to realizing how much better your life will be, and how much better others' lives will be, as a result of you choosing to wear out your little black dress instead of your jeggings and V-neck or sweat pants and T-shirt (as comfortable as these items are...).
All in all, between the reminder of what God has already given us and God's tugging at my heart to continue in my passion (that He gave me), I thought I would share a little piece of it with you, dear reader. My prayer for you is that your understanding of what God has equipped you with would grow, your character would be purified, and that your little black dress would come back out of the wardrobe to be of use to you in the incredible amount of ways which it can be. :)
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
- 2 Peter 1:3-4
Sunday, May 5, 2013
The "You've Got Mail" Principle
My favorite movie of all time is You've Got Mail. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan act so well together (hence, they have more than one movie of acting together!). This movie has heavily influenced my life. It is a movie that makes me think about my mom, as it is one of her favorite movies, and we have spent many hours together watching Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox fall in love over a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils and a plethora of quirky remarks. I think my favorite part of You've Got Mail has changed over time, however. Originally, I just loved the dog, Brinkley. Eventually, I realized what a good reasoning for having daisies as a favorite flower (it's the "friendliest" flower!). I later truly appreciated the ending when I realized how romantic (and cheesy) it was. Now I watch the movie and see so much more than characters and a story line, though. I see concepts and symbolism and so much more than just a movie with a job well done in character creation and plot twisting.
In You've Got Mail, Joe Fox is the co-owner, along with his father, of a newly opening bookstore equivalent to a Barnes and Noble in New York City. A small, locally owned bookstore, the Shop Around the Corner, has been around for many years, its business passed down to Kathleen Kelly from her mother. Kathleen and Joe meet on a chat room, which they both claim they wandered into only as a joke (coincidentally at the same time). Never having met in person, they begin a cyber romance that causes them to want to meet. However, unknowingly each other's chat-life love, they are enemies in the business world and refuse to talk to each other outside of AOL. The two online lovers decide to meet, and when Joe finds out the girl of his dreams is Kathleen, he decides to play a "no-show" and comes in as her run-her-out-of-business foe. From this point on in the movie, Joe falls for Kathleen not only online, but in person, too. He does not reveal who he really is to her until the end of the movie, but I have come to see it as something so deep and so beautiful. It is a romantic comedy that accurately reflects so much of life aside from the perfect love and the living happily ever after scenario that every typical romantic comedy envelopes.
Anywho, I love the story and its irony. However, the bigger spark that has recently caught my attention in the film is this: there is a man and there is a woman. The man pursues the woman. He does not reveal his identity as her true love until the end, when the time is right and he was proved himself to her. He has waited for her to come to terms with who she is, what her purpose in life is, and how strong of a woman she is on her own. He has allowed her space to grow before he ever showed himself to be her prince charming.
So, to all my single ladies out there, be encouraged. There is a man who is waiting for the perfect time to show himself to you and to sweep you off your feet. In the mean time, you just work on being you and becoming the strong, capable woman God has called you to be. How can one be swept off their feet if they are not first employed by something worthwhile? If we were always on the prowl, paying attention and sitting, waiting...We wouldn't be doing. We wouldn't be on our feet to even be swept off of them.
Yes, I did just make a silly devotional out of a cheesy chick flick. However, I think it is important that single women waiting for their Mr. Right to come not forget that they have so much more purpose than to be someone's wife, girlfriend, or fiance. Each of us is called to change the world beyond "behind every great man is a great woman." We can be the great woman that just is a great woman. Singleness is a gift, and it is something special that we won't all have forever. In the mean time, for those who do hope and dream of being swept off their feet, remember to continue doing whatever you are called to right now. Otherwise....How can you be pursued and swept off your feet if you are sitting and waiting?
"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You."
-Psalm 25:21
Further recommended reading:
I encourage you to read Matthew 25- please understand that I don't want to take this passage out of context, as it is referring to the end times and the preparedness we must have for Jesus' coming back. However, the literal meaning still stands. Those who were working and prepared were the ones who reaped the benefits and joys of the wedding.
Galatians 6:9
I Peter 5:6-7
Psalm 130:5-6
In You've Got Mail, Joe Fox is the co-owner, along with his father, of a newly opening bookstore equivalent to a Barnes and Noble in New York City. A small, locally owned bookstore, the Shop Around the Corner, has been around for many years, its business passed down to Kathleen Kelly from her mother. Kathleen and Joe meet on a chat room, which they both claim they wandered into only as a joke (coincidentally at the same time). Never having met in person, they begin a cyber romance that causes them to want to meet. However, unknowingly each other's chat-life love, they are enemies in the business world and refuse to talk to each other outside of AOL. The two online lovers decide to meet, and when Joe finds out the girl of his dreams is Kathleen, he decides to play a "no-show" and comes in as her run-her-out-of-business foe. From this point on in the movie, Joe falls for Kathleen not only online, but in person, too. He does not reveal who he really is to her until the end of the movie, but I have come to see it as something so deep and so beautiful. It is a romantic comedy that accurately reflects so much of life aside from the perfect love and the living happily ever after scenario that every typical romantic comedy envelopes.
Anywho, I love the story and its irony. However, the bigger spark that has recently caught my attention in the film is this: there is a man and there is a woman. The man pursues the woman. He does not reveal his identity as her true love until the end, when the time is right and he was proved himself to her. He has waited for her to come to terms with who she is, what her purpose in life is, and how strong of a woman she is on her own. He has allowed her space to grow before he ever showed himself to be her prince charming.
So, to all my single ladies out there, be encouraged. There is a man who is waiting for the perfect time to show himself to you and to sweep you off your feet. In the mean time, you just work on being you and becoming the strong, capable woman God has called you to be. How can one be swept off their feet if they are not first employed by something worthwhile? If we were always on the prowl, paying attention and sitting, waiting...We wouldn't be doing. We wouldn't be on our feet to even be swept off of them.
Yes, I did just make a silly devotional out of a cheesy chick flick. However, I think it is important that single women waiting for their Mr. Right to come not forget that they have so much more purpose than to be someone's wife, girlfriend, or fiance. Each of us is called to change the world beyond "behind every great man is a great woman." We can be the great woman that just is a great woman. Singleness is a gift, and it is something special that we won't all have forever. In the mean time, for those who do hope and dream of being swept off their feet, remember to continue doing whatever you are called to right now. Otherwise....How can you be pursued and swept off your feet if you are sitting and waiting?
"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You."
-Psalm 25:21
Further recommended reading:
I encourage you to read Matthew 25- please understand that I don't want to take this passage out of context, as it is referring to the end times and the preparedness we must have for Jesus' coming back. However, the literal meaning still stands. Those who were working and prepared were the ones who reaped the benefits and joys of the wedding.
Galatians 6:9
I Peter 5:6-7
Psalm 130:5-6
Monday, March 18, 2013
Do Not Worry: Challenge Accepted?
The Bible says not to worry and to cast our anxieties on the Lord. We are to be thankful and pray instead. Sometimes I cannot help but to think that this is the biggest vice I deal with--and perhaps it is for many who have grown up in a safe environment, practically raised by the church. I have never had a drinking problem or dealt with substance abuse. Physical impurity has never been a big vice for me either. However, I look at the many Bible verses referring to this idea of remembering how much God cares for you and how powerful thankfulness is.....And realize what a terrible spiritual crime I am committing.
To worry is practically to doubt God. Perhaps the knowledge of God was never enough for a mustard seed-size faith to exist, but instead to act upon that knowledge in courageous ways. I, for one, have not kept that pace whatsoever. I am far behind in the race, even after following Christ for nearly 16 years. So. Far. Behind.
With every new day arises new challenges, and with new challenges emerges new hopes, disappointments, thoughts, peace, questions, answers, and other paradoxical sorts of results.I wonder sometimes how much I fall into the category of not putting enough faith, hope, and trust into the One who is so faithful to me, so hopeful for me and my life, and so trusting in me that He would never consider breaking any of His promises (and, random thought, but He blessed me with a brain....That seems rather trusting to me), regardless of what I choose to do with my time, my thoughts, and my treasure.
My point in saying all this? I have allowed myself to be covered in worry, and it is a terrible crime. I come from a background where this might be easy to say is a vice. However, I do not want to continue living in it, nor do I want to make excuses any longer. I worry about the future, about the past, about the present. I worry about friends and family, their futures, and their further worries. I question where I will be a year from now, this summer, or even tomorrow. Is it my place or duty to do so? Perhaps, because of the God-given brain in my head, it is up to me to use wisdom and the knowledge I have attained, but to allow what my brain cannot comprehend to be placed in the hands of God, the One who knows all and cares for all. After all, if I were to know everything and to delegate every plan I have ever made, I would have already been equipped with that knowledge, for God's Word says that we have already been equipped for godliness in 2 Peter 1:3. We have all we need to carry out what He has called us to do. Anything we are not equipped with (and even that which we are equipped with) comes from Him in His perfect timing.
What are we called to do with what we do not know?
To wait upon the Lord (Is 40:31 and Ps. 27:14).
To be joyful (Romans 12:12, Nehemiah 8:10, 1 Thess. 5:16-17).
To be thankful (1 Thess 5:16-17).
To endure (Josh. 1:9, Rom 12:12, 2 Tim. 2:3).
To trust Him (Prov 3:5-6).
To be still and remember who is fighting for us (Ps. 46:10, Ps. 68:28).
Pray and petition at the feet of Jesus (1 Thess. 5:16-17, Luke 10:38-42).
To fight through praise (1 Chron. 16:34-36).
I write this as if I know it all too well myself, but I must make the disclaimer that though I have faced some hard seasons in life, I will face many more in which I will need this blog post times a million--no, I will simply need my heavenly Father-- to get me through whatever it is I am dealing with. I know next to nothing--much is yet to be endured, to be experienced, and to be learned.
However, that is not for me to worry about. I will focus on the race before my eyes and trust God that He will equip me for godliness in the season of life He calls me to next.
Acts 27
Matthew 6:25-34
1 Peter 5:7
Isaiah 41:10-20
To worry is practically to doubt God. Perhaps the knowledge of God was never enough for a mustard seed-size faith to exist, but instead to act upon that knowledge in courageous ways. I, for one, have not kept that pace whatsoever. I am far behind in the race, even after following Christ for nearly 16 years. So. Far. Behind.
With every new day arises new challenges, and with new challenges emerges new hopes, disappointments, thoughts, peace, questions, answers, and other paradoxical sorts of results.I wonder sometimes how much I fall into the category of not putting enough faith, hope, and trust into the One who is so faithful to me, so hopeful for me and my life, and so trusting in me that He would never consider breaking any of His promises (and, random thought, but He blessed me with a brain....That seems rather trusting to me), regardless of what I choose to do with my time, my thoughts, and my treasure.
My point in saying all this? I have allowed myself to be covered in worry, and it is a terrible crime. I come from a background where this might be easy to say is a vice. However, I do not want to continue living in it, nor do I want to make excuses any longer. I worry about the future, about the past, about the present. I worry about friends and family, their futures, and their further worries. I question where I will be a year from now, this summer, or even tomorrow. Is it my place or duty to do so? Perhaps, because of the God-given brain in my head, it is up to me to use wisdom and the knowledge I have attained, but to allow what my brain cannot comprehend to be placed in the hands of God, the One who knows all and cares for all. After all, if I were to know everything and to delegate every plan I have ever made, I would have already been equipped with that knowledge, for God's Word says that we have already been equipped for godliness in 2 Peter 1:3. We have all we need to carry out what He has called us to do. Anything we are not equipped with (and even that which we are equipped with) comes from Him in His perfect timing.
What are we called to do with what we do not know?
To wait upon the Lord (Is 40:31 and Ps. 27:14).
To be joyful (Romans 12:12, Nehemiah 8:10, 1 Thess. 5:16-17).
To be thankful (1 Thess 5:16-17).
To endure (Josh. 1:9, Rom 12:12, 2 Tim. 2:3).
To trust Him (Prov 3:5-6).
To be still and remember who is fighting for us (Ps. 46:10, Ps. 68:28).
Pray and petition at the feet of Jesus (1 Thess. 5:16-17, Luke 10:38-42).
To fight through praise (1 Chron. 16:34-36).
I write this as if I know it all too well myself, but I must make the disclaimer that though I have faced some hard seasons in life, I will face many more in which I will need this blog post times a million--no, I will simply need my heavenly Father-- to get me through whatever it is I am dealing with. I know next to nothing--much is yet to be endured, to be experienced, and to be learned.
However, that is not for me to worry about. I will focus on the race before my eyes and trust God that He will equip me for godliness in the season of life He calls me to next.
Acts 27
Matthew 6:25-34
1 Peter 5:7
Isaiah 41:10-20
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Preparing for "God Moments"
So many youth group retreats and other various event are coming up this weekend that I know of, and it made me want to share a few thoughts with everyone! Whether you are a student going on the retreat, or you find yourself going to your 10th conference this weekend, being refreshed is what everyone wants out of such weekend getaways with God. When preparing for a big event with God at the center (ie retreats, conferences, etc.), it can be easy to get caught up in all that you plan for and expect to happen. However, I want to challenge all you retreat-goers to take a few moments every day leading up to your big event to "test the waters" and dip your toes in.
I was thinking about it, and preparing for an amazing time with God at a big event takes some effort. It is like when you go to a hotel with an indoor, unheated pool. No matter what age you are, you have to get used to the temperature of the water. The majority of people don't just jump in; they work their way into the water slowly and surely. They start with their toes, then take another step, and then another....And eventually, they are completely immersed in the water. They are then able to go to the deep end or jump of the diving board with ease and enjoyment--no unpleasant shock of cold water whatsoever! Instead, they get full enjoyment of all that the pool has to offer, and nothing is hold them back from pure refreshment and fun.
All because you took some time to grow accustomed to the setting of the pool, or the metaphorical retreat, you were able to take in all it had to offer. God has so much He wants to give you, but sometimes you have to prepare for it. So start testing the waters now with high expectations for all God wants to do in your life. Spend time in His word; pray for yourself and for those you know of attending the event as well. Start encouragement towards others now rather than half way through the retreat. Start having God moments now so the big ones only solidify what you already started beforehand. Let the newness factor be something that happens in your room before it begins many miles away in a building you've never been to before. It is when you begin a pattern of consistency and a build up of heart preparation and understanding of God's word that you can take in more and more of God, His grace, His blessings, and His wisdom.
So, dear reader, if you find yourself going on some big event in the near future, perhaps try preparing for it so you can take in even more of God's love than you ever thought you could.
Psalm 23:5-6
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I was thinking about it, and preparing for an amazing time with God at a big event takes some effort. It is like when you go to a hotel with an indoor, unheated pool. No matter what age you are, you have to get used to the temperature of the water. The majority of people don't just jump in; they work their way into the water slowly and surely. They start with their toes, then take another step, and then another....And eventually, they are completely immersed in the water. They are then able to go to the deep end or jump of the diving board with ease and enjoyment--no unpleasant shock of cold water whatsoever! Instead, they get full enjoyment of all that the pool has to offer, and nothing is hold them back from pure refreshment and fun.
All because you took some time to grow accustomed to the setting of the pool, or the metaphorical retreat, you were able to take in all it had to offer. God has so much He wants to give you, but sometimes you have to prepare for it. So start testing the waters now with high expectations for all God wants to do in your life. Spend time in His word; pray for yourself and for those you know of attending the event as well. Start encouragement towards others now rather than half way through the retreat. Start having God moments now so the big ones only solidify what you already started beforehand. Let the newness factor be something that happens in your room before it begins many miles away in a building you've never been to before. It is when you begin a pattern of consistency and a build up of heart preparation and understanding of God's word that you can take in more and more of God, His grace, His blessings, and His wisdom.
So, dear reader, if you find yourself going on some big event in the near future, perhaps try preparing for it so you can take in even more of God's love than you ever thought you could.
Psalm 23:5-6
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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