tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58119547437002253182024-03-21T16:56:45.929-07:00pen and paperChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-20596904196618234182014-10-06T19:30:00.001-07:002014-10-06T19:30:08.020-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wNLKkYEzbb0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Calling on Fire, Bellarive</i></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-1582713524757662692014-09-29T18:16:00.001-07:002014-09-29T18:16:16.098-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3hA67tm4sTI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Enemy, Andrew Belle</i></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-84580898762336710882014-09-07T17:43:00.002-07:002014-09-07T17:50:34.511-07:00The power of #yolo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_MWsr34GV1XSII_6dV2oeyrcgC4AcTD2UC8NBlfMtD8M_LSreZ1A9yMIW4XtjJ7YPEN6kRUbZznwgSW0Geki_Tz4k-slqKFbsQ4B2LBNu-Yp7wTd-sJ4-fyvGg_a6lOWN43pEvjOiB8/s1600/DC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_MWsr34GV1XSII_6dV2oeyrcgC4AcTD2UC8NBlfMtD8M_LSreZ1A9yMIW4XtjJ7YPEN6kRUbZznwgSW0Geki_Tz4k-slqKFbsQ4B2LBNu-Yp7wTd-sJ4-fyvGg_a6lOWN43pEvjOiB8/s1600/DC.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey readers; it’s been awhile. August was a heck of a month
for me. I got pretty sick, and then I went to the beach to pretend I wasn’t sick,
and then I moved to Washington, D.C.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wait, what? Washington? I'm here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somebody pinch me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Washington journey began last fall, when my professor
started pushing me to do this journalism program. I was scared to death. I’ve
never been far from home. And politicians scare me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But yet I’m here, one year later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I drove into the city limits 12 days ago, I had no idea
what I was getting myself into. The Washington Monument on my left, Capitol
building to my right. Men and women in suits walking with purpose, traffic
easing its way through the city.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I'm here. This is it. This is Washington.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since my arrival, I’ve walked around the national mall,
opened up a Library of Congress card and studied in the main reading room
(National Treasure, anyone?), found a super great macaron and cupcake shop, and
taken the bus and Metro so many times I can call myself a public transportation
pro.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
365 days ago, I was sitting in my room panicking about this
place, hiding from the future God had planned for me. Tonight, I'm sitting on the roof of my apartment building, watching the sun set behind the Capitol building.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This place and this group of people I’m living with have
already challenged me so much in such a short amount of time. My political
stances have been questioned, my beliefs have been tested, and my mind is
spinning in circles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So naturally I had to have a panic attack to let it all out.
And then I sat back and thought through a lot: why I’m here, what I want to do
with my life, what I believe, and the list goes on. “Why is this all happening
at once?” I keep asking myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s because I’m growing up. I’m away from the comfort and
security of familiarity, and I have to make my own decisions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes God places us in uncomfortable situations because
He knows it's what we need more than anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I came here with a set plan of what my life was going to
look like after college, but of course, God came in and wrecked all my plans.
Surprisingly, I’m not mad about it. I mean, He knows best, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’ve hung around me long enough, you know I say
“yolo” at least once every five minutes. It’s pretty much my slogan. Cheesy,
right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I normally say it to justify doing something crazy that
probably won’t go well, but I’m beginning to learn just how much that annoying
little phrase has impacted the decisions I’ve made. This past year I’ve learned
how important it is to leave what’s comfortable, and how important it is to
stretch myself and to step into new challenges every day. If I ever want to get
anywhere in life, I’ve got to tear down these walls I’ve built and force myself
to be uncomfortable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here I am, letting everything go. I haven’t the slightest
clue of what I’m doing with my future, but that’s totally okay. Because God is
taking me to places I can’t even imagine, and they’re going to be crazy
awesome.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I'm pumped for the challenges and surprises coming my way this semester.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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#yolo<o:p></o:p></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-63493366676589338382014-08-04T10:00:00.000-07:002014-08-05T12:06:38.328-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nl2GwLtMX7s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Life's for the Living, Passenger</i></div>
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-7043061424732146542014-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:002014-07-28T21:32:39.788-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/A5D9UnBcDjM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Dancepak, Volcano Choir</i></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-24133665324991277102014-07-21T22:09:00.002-07:002014-07-21T22:09:24.824-07:00And so I walked.
<br />
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“What if I forgave myself even though I'd done something I shouldn't have?” </span></i></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Cheryl Strayed, <i>Wild</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16wS6EyONPGM5eFi-W0py1O6vK3tovj9rR1BPohAYtzZMbex1P0_bRX1_MaatWAZC6Ir6hUU4ztNpZwI41qke7WZ-8fIqW2KWL0KI9LEtF348NRL_Y08dt38evq_arQ2cdBw9D8rI9Ow/s1600/wild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16wS6EyONPGM5eFi-W0py1O6vK3tovj9rR1BPohAYtzZMbex1P0_bRX1_MaatWAZC6Ir6hUU4ztNpZwI41qke7WZ-8fIqW2KWL0KI9LEtF348NRL_Y08dt38evq_arQ2cdBw9D8rI9Ow/s1600/wild.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer I've been on the hunt for a great book. I finally found one that caught my attention and kept me turning pages until the very end. It kept me on the edge of my seat, either having to put the book down to think, or having to pause in the middle of a sentence simply because I couldn't stop the tears from welling up in my eyes. The name of the book was <i>Wild</i>, by Cheryl Strayed.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strayed tells the story of an adventure she went on when she was 26. She hiked the Pacific Crest trail, which stretches from California to Oregon. Strayed had decided to give up the mess of a life she had, and she devoted a summer to hiking this trail. With nothing but camping supplies and a few books, Strayed set out on a journey that would challenge her both physically and emotionally. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On her trek, Strayed did a lot of pondering on the life she'd been creating for herself. She beat herself up for the choices she'd made: from cheating on her husband and ultimately ending her marriage, to carrying the burden of her mother's death everywhere she went. Strayed learned something: she couldn't change what she'd done, but she could certainly learn from it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And boy I needed to hear that. I am constantly looking out the rearview mirror of my life, focusing on every little thing I've done and said. In fact, up until a couple months ago, I used to hate myself-and I reminded myself of that feeling daily. "I hate myself," I'd say with a little laugh.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm learning what Strayed learned when she went on this crazy expedition, only luckily it hasn't taken me an entire summer of being in the woods to figure it out. I'm learning that try as I might, I can never change the mess of a life I had not too long ago. But I can certainly decide who I am becoming. I don't have to live by the past I have; God saved me from that trash.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As simple a message this is, so many of us have a hard time really applying it to our lives. I think what has helped me most is recognizing that I can take my thoughts captive. We have power over our minds.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So to all you battered and broken out there, recognize that you don't have to live by who you were. Don't let your past cripple you, because it will only consume you completely.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm learning not to see my past as the person I am, but to see myself the way Christ sees me: fearfully and wonderfully made.<b> I'm a child of The King, and so are you.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here I am. I'm all in, stepping onto the trail; always walking forward. And I'm never looking back.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 3:13-14</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S.-Ever heard Paul the Apostle's story? He's got a pretty rough past, and God radically transformed his life. You should check it out: Acts 8-9</span></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-53339513630660266362014-07-21T21:23:00.003-07:002014-07-21T21:23:41.952-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/D64eOFwWUd0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Way Back When, Kodaline</i></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-77484885053908198852014-07-14T11:00:00.000-07:002014-07-15T10:26:01.174-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pONIDou-MbA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>San Solomon (Reprise), Balmorhea</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This song is all instrumental, and it's beautiful.</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-9140917166395972682014-07-13T20:26:00.000-07:002014-07-13T20:52:33.155-07:00Golden sunsets and summer airTonight as I was driving home from running some errands, windows down with the warm summer heat spilling into my car, I couldn't help but smile. God's creation is beautiful. It's breathtaking, really.<br />
<br />
I've noticed this week especially how much detail God puts in His masterpiece that is this earth. The other night I sat outside and watched the super moon with some binoculars. It was incredible. I tried for a few minutes to get a good picture, but I couldn't. Even if I could, I thought, looking at the picture later on would never be the same as seeing it in person.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I went with some students from my college group at church to the lake by my house. I usually go tubing and cliff jumping the entire time I'm on the lake, but yesterday I was content just sitting on the boat, looking around.<br />
<br />
Man, I can't get over how intricately detailed this earth is. Every tree branch, every blade of grass is carefully crafted together. Just think about it. God is sitting up there in Heaven, when He decides to paint the sunset for the night. He paints a sunset full of different hues of golden yellow, bright red, burnt orange and undertones of purple.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel like God is far away. I feel like He's out of reach. But I am reminded of how real and close He is when I walk in the dirt, the dry earth, and see the life coming out of it.<br />
<br />
I challenge you to take some time out of your week to sit and bask in God's beauty. Put your phone aside. Trying to get the perfect picture will only distract you from work of the Master.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieuWra1RnkAINV5QXg4cdSqPnnvE0xUhaaHcnaLl0cCc_de14TK5UBC_D-M290WRqVcXs4eEGtZR1BW5lGJ2XW-4acIszvlnc8fQbwKen89JkA9iscw4iWcWT0BW4tTq4mg-iaxV8J-8/s1600/summernights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieuWra1RnkAINV5QXg4cdSqPnnvE0xUhaaHcnaLl0cCc_de14TK5UBC_D-M290WRqVcXs4eEGtZR1BW5lGJ2XW-4acIszvlnc8fQbwKen89JkA9iscw4iWcWT0BW4tTq4mg-iaxV8J-8/s1600/summernights.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Read Psalm 104</i>.</div>
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-89480385375692987752014-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:002014-07-07T08:00:03.642-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fBEBbgQEJy4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I Don't Dance, Lee Brice</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I just think this song is the sweetest.</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-31239728406348719842014-07-06T20:16:00.000-07:002014-07-06T20:16:02.640-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6ERnKQolM0W9UG8MhP3TtRBNfTeny40IUqU1wa0agcMuICm8vCngoK_0c_IAVqVhyphenhyphenG9Vrh_T-yRtgNLti_N5WHFiDbSe4XsnGM6JcRo6SBETssKMD7ybIZRZh0Vy0HuJyBVsimQJ4_c/s1600/katiedavis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6ERnKQolM0W9UG8MhP3TtRBNfTeny40IUqU1wa0agcMuICm8vCngoK_0c_IAVqVhyphenhyphenG9Vrh_T-yRtgNLti_N5WHFiDbSe4XsnGM6JcRo6SBETssKMD7ybIZRZh0Vy0HuJyBVsimQJ4_c/s1600/katiedavis.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Kisses from Katie</i>, by Katie Davis</div>
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-70523766615603524962014-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:002014-06-30T10:18:33.754-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yGNznfexvUA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Future/Past, by John Mark McMillan</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-7136219629558494722014-06-29T20:55:00.002-07:002014-06-30T10:16:03.054-07:00Street evangelists: Where did we go wrong?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlmous7VEqKk4tx8CHBk9DHKxl4lsASth-L4YGHZSxfpoE8Uy5jB0pO6bGevnjlaPf0ToDJbUOIAbFNX9sFYggwgzlZUtzyXHlaGZ6UIPmDqdDOgX_6rRSwd0K_lU1Gqx2jFIhoOPjkA/s1600/evangelize.jpg" height="292" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo originally posted <a href="http://hansgutknecht.com/blog/?p=1754" target="_blank">here</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was walking around downtown the other night with some of my friends from my hometown, and we somehow found our way to Bridgestone Arena, the go-to Nashville hangout for the night. Girls of every age, bearing colorful wigs and sequin dresses, flooded into the arena for the Katy Perry concert. What caught my eye, though, was outside the arena.<br />
<br />
Two couples, both aged mid-30's at the most, were standing in front of the security entrance holding picket signs in one hand, microphones in the other. It was the usual "Don't do this or you'll go to hell" speech. I was interested in what they were saying, so I stood there and listened for a bit. Two teenage boys in front of me were harassing one of the men shouting profanities at him. After they walked off, I asked the man, <b>"So why do you preach out of hate rather than love?"</b> I clearly caught him off guard.<br />
<br />
He pulled out his Bible to quote a passage from one of the psalms about God destroying those who do not follow Him; I wish I could remember which verse it was. He simply said that he was warning people against the wrath that would come upon them if they didn't turn and repent of their sins. Fair enough, I guess. He had Scripture to back it up, and he was stating word for word what he read in the Bible.<br />
<br />
I then asked him if he knows of anybody asking God into their hearts in the times he's evangelized. "Not that I know of," he responded. Now, I'm not trying to say that evangelism is only successful if you bring somebody to Christ; I was just interested in finding out if people had been drawn to his tactics and if they'd asked him about Jesus.<br />
<br />
The conversation didn't go very far after that, because he got frustrated and began shouting in his microphone again. I looked at his wife and said, "I just want you to know I'm praying for y'all. I'm being genuine, I mean it." She just looked at me with a blank stare, so I walked away.<br />
<br />
I haven't been able to stop thinking about that conversation since last Friday night (cue the Katy Perry song).<br />
<br />
This "Turn or Burn" tactic we've been preaching for so long has not only confused people, but it's pushed them further and further from Christianity. I've seen this kind of extreme on the streets of Chicago many times growing up, but perhaps a more common extreme I've seen is the exact opposite kind of evangelism: the silent kind.<br />
<br />
I'm not talking the whole "Actions speak louder than words" thing. I'm talking silence. Cold, lifeless silence. Have we gotten so comfortable in our little church groups that we don't see what's happening in the world around us? Christianity is growing all over the world; the church is expanding into places where it's not even legal to say the word Jesus. But here we are in the United States, in a constantly shrinking church. And we don't care.<br />
<br />
In America, Christians have a reputation of being judgmental and rude towards nonbelievers. And it's because of the evangelists screaming on street corners, trying to scare people into eternity.<br />
<br />
<b>But here's the thing: those street evangelists holding the picket signs, screaming at passersby, those are the ones doing something. </b>They're not sitting in the comfort of their homes mindlessly watching HGTV home show reruns; they're on their feet, working to spread The Gospel.<br />
<br />
So what have we missed?<br />
<br />
I think we've missed what God called us to do in the first place. As Jesus left this earth and ascended into heaven, He told us exactly what we're to do:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Matt-28-18" id="en-NIV-24214" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">"Then Jesus came to them and said, '</span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.</span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-NIV-24215" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,<span class="crossref" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24215C" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24215C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,<span class="crossref" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24215D" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24215D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NIV-24216" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>and teaching<span class="crossref" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24216E" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24216E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you<span class="crossref" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24216F" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24216F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> always, to the very end of the age.'" Matthew 28:18-20</span></span></i></div>
<br />
Jesus didn't say, "Go and spread The Gospel when you feel like it." He wasn't just offering them a suggestion of what they could do; <b>He commanded them.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Young believers, don't allow yourselves to become part of the silent generation that is ahead of you.</b><br />
<br />
If those street evangelists make you angry, if you hate the reputation we as believers have been given, get up and do something about it. Show people love through our Heavenly Father; they might need love at that very moment more than you know. If you had the cure to cancer, would you keep it to yourself?<br />
<br />
In the same way, as a Christ follower, you believe you've got the answer to every question ever asked; the key to living life abundantly. Are you just gonna sit on your butt and keep it to yourself?Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-47814461067637309622014-06-23T21:06:00.002-07:002014-06-30T10:18:52.720-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LXXQLa-5n5w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Pretty Hurts, by <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">Beyoncé</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">Beautiful, beautiful song. Ladies, you are beautiful. No matter what society tries to tell you.</span></span></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-17236081382079238932014-06-15T19:39:00.000-07:002014-06-30T10:19:08.058-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>We Are One (Ole Ola), by Pitbull</i></div>
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The World Cup is in motion, so it only seemed fitting for me to use the official song as this week's Music Mondays song. </div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-23930381708576479332014-06-15T19:18:00.005-07:002014-06-15T19:18:43.615-07:00Why waste time?I've got just over 10 weeks left in Nashville before I head out to Washington. It's going to be a fairly quiet few months. I've knocked out two weeks of counseling at a camp and going on a family vacation, and I don't have much going on before I go.<br />
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As my mom and I were heading home from our family trip to the Smokies, I was resenting having to settle back in to work and getting back into the daily routine. "What can I do to pass the time this summer?" I thought to myself.<br />
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I don't want to waste an entire summer; I want to make good use of these next 10 weeks. So I've compiled a list of to-do's:<br />
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<i><b>Learn mandolin</b></i>-I mean I've had a mandolin for a year now, so I guess I should make use of it<br />
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<b><i>Study history & politics</i></b>-I'm spending three and a half months in Washington; I'm going to need to know my stuff<br />
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<b><i>Read the news</i></b>-I don't do this enough. It not only keeps me informed, but it can help improve my own writing<br />
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<b><i>Make something</i></b>-I'm not sure what I'm going to make, but I want to start some kind of project for the summer<br />
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<b><i>Go on an adventure</i></b>-I've always wanted to just start driving and go somewhere, without making any plans ahead of time. I think this will finally be the summer for that trip<br />
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Those are my summer to-do's. What are yours?Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-79269598998101442352014-06-09T07:25:00.004-07:002014-06-24T14:14:12.034-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Clear the Stage, Jimmy Needham</i></div>
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Really, really listen to the lyrics in this song.</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-57476414196340678942014-06-04T08:00:00.000-07:002014-06-04T08:00:01.296-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"There is no ongoing spiritual life without [the] process of letting go. At the precise point where we refuse, growth stops. If we hold tightly to anything given to us, unwilling to let it go when the time comes to let it go or unwilling to allow it to be used as the Giver means it to be used, we stunt the growth of the soul."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~Elisabeth Elliot</i></span></div>
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-38420465097537944582014-06-02T08:00:00.000-07:002014-06-02T08:00:03.620-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Wake Up, All Sons and Daughters</i></div>
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I'm not sure I even have words for this song. It moved my heart, though, so I thought I'd share.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-77924512408035187072014-05-28T22:39:00.001-07:002014-05-29T13:08:52.506-07:00Three months from today.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On August 28, 2014, I will be unpacking suitcases, adjusting furniture in my new apartment, and hugging my parents, giving them my final goodbye before I set off on my next adventure in Washington. It will probably be one of the hardest nights of my life. I've never travelled far from my parents for long periods of time, and that's on purpose. I almost didn't go to Trevecca, even though I had fallen in love with the school when I was a child. But by the will of God, my family moved down to Nashville for my dad's job. I wouldn't be at Trevecca right now if it weren't for that.<br />
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So here I am, cramming as much AP Style and politics knowledge into my brain so I don't make a fool of myself in the nation's capital. For a little over three months, 109 days to be exact, I will call Washington my home. </div>
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As I said before, I don't travel far from home for long trips. I just enjoy the comfort of being around the familiar: places, people, and family. I don't do well with big changes in my life. New chapters, life turning points. Moving to Nashville tore me apart, but it was the greatest thing to happen to me. I had to start over completely, but I've fallen in love with this place. It's been so rewarding to try and take advantage of the opportunities around me here in this city, but it's time for me to go elsewhere for a bit.</div>
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I am scared out of my mind. What if I forget to bring something really important? What if I have a mental breakdown and need somewhere to go cry? What if something big happens in Nashville and I can't make it home for it?</div>
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These fears, along with many other things, have made me question my decision to move over 600 miles away from everything I know. I'd been arguing with God over this for so long, hoping His answer would change and that He'd allow me to skip this semester in Washington, but He never did. Instead, God continually gave me reminders of His promise to be with me always no matter where I was. But I was still so scared of what was to come in that huge city. And then I read a line in a book that rocked me to the core:</div>
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<i><b>"Do the thing you fear."</b></i></div>
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The line is from Elisabeth Elliot's book, <i>Passion and Purity</i>. God knew I needed to hear that. It was as if He'd highlighted those words, circled them, and put giant arrows pointing to them on the page. </div>
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Going to Washington scares me; it really does. But I can't let that hold me back. I know if I don't go, I'm only holding myself back from something that will change my life forever, something that will make me the type of writer I dream to become.</div>
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And so these next three months leading up to my next adventure are going to be a time of preparation: prayer, studying, and gathering up any knowledge I can to survive living in Washington.</div>
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What is it that makes you fear? Here's a little bit of wisdom from the apostle Paul:</div>
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<i><b>"For God is working in you, giving you the power to do what pleases Him."</b></i></div>
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<i><b> </b></i><i><b>~Philippians 2:13</b></i></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-33919392096274948122014-05-26T09:00:00.000-07:002014-05-26T09:00:06.463-07:00Music Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Brothers, by Matt Corby</i></div>
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I've got another Matt Corby song for your this week's Music Monday. I just can't help it. His voice is PERFECT.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-75574143397653674762014-05-23T21:26:00.001-07:002014-05-23T22:35:14.725-07:00The calm in the storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sitting in bed at 11 o'clock on a Friday night. Computer on my lap, glass of milk over on the bookshelf next to me. Oreo in one hand, typing with the other. I guess you could say it's a pretty wild Friday night for me.<br />
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I'll admit that this has been a tough week emotionally for me. Some of the realities of my future and what's to come even this summer are starting to sink in, and that's hard. So there are lots of emotions involved. I've been finding that I haven't really done a whole lot of trusting in God through all of this. Today I came across a <a href="http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Gateway-to-Joy/Learning-to-Trust-God.html" target="_blank">devotional</a> somebody posted that was written by Elisabeth Elliot. Through reading <i>Passion and Purity</i>, I am quickly falling in love with Elliot's writing and I was excited to find that she did a devotional on exactly what I needed to hear.</div>
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Elliot began with the story of a little boy going through a car wash for the first time. He was panicked, and he looked immediately to his father. He didn't know when the car wash would end, or whether or not he'd make it out alive; but he trusted his father. The child looked to his father, knowing that he loved him and didn't want to cause any harm to him.</div>
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She goes on to explain that:</div>
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<i>"In learning to keep a quiet heart, we must first begin by learning to trust God. Our Father is with us. We will not go through any dark tunnels, any deep valleys, any hot fires, without the presence of our Heavenly Father. The Christian life is meant to teach us to trust Him. Every experience in life is meant to teach us to trust Him."</i></div>
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WOW. Oh how I needed that reminder tonight! Sometimes we don't understand why we're going through what we're going through, but that's not really all that important; what's important is understanding and trusting that God is with us through all of it. Through the storms of life we are to lean to God; we have no other security than that.</div>
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So so so much easier said than done, though. For me personally, it's so easy to forget that He's there with me when the waves seem to start crashing all around me. I begin to worry, and the thing I fear for grows larger and larger until the wave towers over me and consumes me entirely. </div>
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Well how do I learn to remember that God's there? Do I get it tattooed on my forehead? Do I put sticky notes all over my mirrors, car, and doorhandles to remind me of it? </div>
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I'm still learning that part. But what I have gained is that this trusting, close-knit relationship with God has to be a decision of the path I choose each new day. Life will throw us in all different directions, causing us to toss and turn in the never-ending waves, but we must learn to choose God daily. </div>
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Some days are harder than others. Some days, I just need to cry a little bit and write my heart out in my journal, but that's not a bad thing. I'm learning to be able to let my emotions out, because letting them build up inside until I can't hold any more is far too dangerous for me. A good friend told me that in all of my sadness about the realities of things, I can't let this mistrust, hurt, and fear consume me. It can't take hold of my entire life; only I can. </div>
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And that's why I've decided to take the harder path. The path of uncertainty-of where God's taking me in my next step, of where I'll be spending the rest of my life, of when He will allow me to endure trying situations. Many people choose to wander aimlessly through their lives, and that seems to be the popular thing to do. But, I know I've got a God right there right beside me who's got a crazy, crazy love for me, so I don't have to walk through any of it alone. My trust is in the One who's been right beside me all along.</div>
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<table align="CENTER" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white;"><tbody>
<tr><td><i>"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—</i></td><td><i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5811954743700225318" name="18"></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td><i>I took the one less traveled by,</i></td><td><i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5811954743700225318" name="19"></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td><i>And that has made all the difference."<br /> -Robert Frost</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="font-size: large;">Where is your trust?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-73513452813374931442014-05-19T22:09:00.001-07:002014-05-19T22:09:06.799-07:00Music MondaysWait, is that a thing? Well I guess I'll try to make it a thing. I'm going to post a song up here every Monday (if I remember to) that I've been loving. Hopefully you'll enjoy it too.<br />
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<i>Resolution, by Matt Corby</i></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-78129597514095058732014-05-17T20:26:00.002-07:002014-05-17T20:26:11.963-07:00Waiting on the Lord<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2kF9pECVoVOl166Awkk-rAZ1U1n7forSpj_c-htu7G-0ZASz2dQ8N6UN1qKVdGK4JCqk0GFeMGKI7V1nw3QcEuMjoMtfjKhdBibWqVAjiabAVquFb1rocCynpZdI3RUZircYcg-GWjk/s1600/pandp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2kF9pECVoVOl166Awkk-rAZ1U1n7forSpj_c-htu7G-0ZASz2dQ8N6UN1qKVdGK4JCqk0GFeMGKI7V1nw3QcEuMjoMtfjKhdBibWqVAjiabAVquFb1rocCynpZdI3RUZircYcg-GWjk/s1600/pandp.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Two weeks into summer vacation and God has already wrecked my heart. </div>
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In a good way, I mean.</div>
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I'd planned to take this summer to relax, spend time in prayer, and focus on what God has for my future. I entered this season of rest knowing God would do crazy things in my heart, but I didn't expect to be knocked off my feet this quick.</div>
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My sweet friend Emily let me borrow a book that I 'just had to read,' called <i>Passion and Purity</i> by Elisabeth Elliot. Maybe you've heard of it. The subtitle reads, "Learning to bring your love life under Christ's control." Hmm. Okay, I guess a little wisdom in that subject might be helpful for my future.</div>
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But man, God has used this book in so many crazy ways I was not expecting. I've already filled nearly half my notebook with quotes from the book and reflections on what I've read, and I'm not even halfway through the book. Elliot tells her love story with a man named Jim, whom she met in college. She opens up the pages of her old journals and allows readers to see her most vulnerable thoughts, desires, and prayers that she experienced in the time she was falling in love with Jim.</div>
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The love story itself hasn't so much as inspired me in the way that any good love story would. It's been more about looking into my future and seeing where my heart is at. Elliot's words painfully resonate with my own thoughts, musings, worries, and prayers. </div>
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As with any story of love where God is involved, the subject of patience is always in the picture. Oh boy. That awful, awful thing called waiting. I'll be completely honest and tell you that patience is my worst enemy. </div>
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Patience and I have never really gotten along. Patience has forced me to stand back from that delicious cookie dough until the cookie is actually cooked. Patience has made me get stuck at red lights because the car in front of me decided to slam on their brakes when the light turned yellow. Patience has made me outwardly bitter towards the person in line at Walmart in front of me, because really, who needs seven boxes of the same kind of cereal and four giant packs of toilet paper rolls?</div>
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Patience has made me wait since the day I was born. Whether it be waiting for the next bottle of milk or waiting for the next spot in line to meet my favorite singer.</div>
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In fact, patience is referred to as "long-suffering" in older versions of the Bible in the passage about the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).</div>
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Interesting choice of words. I'd say much of my waiting has been long-suffering. At least it's always felt like it at the time. But Elliot demonstrated her patience in much of her writing while she was experiencing the "long-suffering" we all have come to know.</div>
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She speaks of "little deaths" we must first consider in order to surrender to the point where we can wait patiently and faithfully on what God has planned for us. So many of the small things Elliot saw as stumbling blocks on her path to living completely for God were what many of us would see as nothing. But for her, they needed to be put to death in order for Elliot to be completely patient and trusting. </div>
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Until we learn to surrender 100% of our lives, including the little things we hold onto because our earthly selves love them, we cannot wait patiently without hesitation or constant doubts. </div>
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For me, the "little deaths" I've committed have been things like thoughts that I'll never find a writing job I'll love, fears that I might live alone because I'll never find somebody who will pursue me in the way God pursued me, fears that I won't be able to provide for myself. </div>
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Whatever it is in your life you're worried about, whatever you think God won't carry through on, put that to death. Begin fresh. And let God take control of your heart and life.</div>
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Elliot said something about patiently waiting for the Lord that I can't get out of my head:</div>
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"I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one's thoughts."</div>
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You've got to be willing to put it all on the line in order to wait on God. To finish up my thoughts, let me quote a passage Elliot quoted in her book. The passage comes from a book called <i>Quiet Talks on Prayer</i>, by S.D. Gordon.</div>
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<i>"Steadfastness, that is holding on;</i></div>
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<i>patience, that is holding back;</i></div>
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<i>expectancy, that is holding the face up;</i></div>
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<i>obedience, that is holding oneself in readiness to go or do.</i></div>
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<i>Listening, that is holding quiet and still so as to hear.</i></div>
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<i>How long, Lord, must I wait?</i></div>
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<i>Never mind, child. Trust me."</i></div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811954743700225318.post-30882863104012645542014-05-12T21:20:00.001-07:002014-05-12T21:26:20.712-07:00Let's talk.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Technology has destroyed our world.</b><br />
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And yet, it's saved us all at the same time. Right? We live in a world where we are constantly connected, be it the short, impersonal snapchat, or the long, intricately-worded text. We are always just a click away.<br />
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It's funny, though.<br />
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<b>In a time when we are more connected than ever before, we have become more disconnected than ever before.</b><br />
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We walk with our heads down, hands glued to our phones. Thumbs scrolling through pictures so we can be up to speed with our friends' Instagram posts, taking a quick selfie to show off what we're doing that our friends aren't, talking to our friends in a group text about absolutely nothing, not even aware of the world around us.<br />
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We Millenials are under the illusion that we need these things because they help us stay more connected to people than we could be otherwise. And in a way, that's true. <b>But in that same way, we have lost touch with what goes on around us. </b><br />
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My family and I will go out to dinner somewhere. We'll sit down, look through the menu, order, then get on our phones.<br />
I'll be driving with a friend and one of us will get on the phone.<br />
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Suddenly all this precious time we have with those who are actually physically around us is thrown to waste because we are too busy talking with friends that are spread across the world.<br />
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I'm not playing innocent here. I'm 100% guilty of it too. But I'm beginning to see just how alone I feel when I am in pushing to be in contact with the hundreds of people I am "connected to" via social media.<br />
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I am learning to put my cell phone away, keep it out of sight. People can wait.<br />
I mean it, they really can.<br />
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Maybe you don't see the problem at hand. Try it, though. Put your phone in your back pocket when you walk. <b>Keep your head up, notice the beauty around you. </b><br />
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Notice the growth and new life springing up around us in this season. Go sit on your back porch one night and just look up at the stars; no need to Instagram this moment. Because you're there, you feel it, and you see it. That's all that really matters.<br />
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<i>"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Lift up your eyes on high and see: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">who created these? </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">He who brings out their host by number, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">calling them all by name, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">by the greatness of his might, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">and because he is strong in power </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">not one is missing." </span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Isaiah 40:26</i></div>
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740852721840934noreply@blogger.com0