I was blessed with the opportunity to spend time with both sets of grandparents today. I spent the early afternoon with my dad's parents and the late afternoon/evening with my mom's parents. Funny thing is, we had Tim's Pizza for lunch, and then I had it again for dinner!
While I spent time with all of them, I observed them and listened as they told me funny stories and imparted some wisdom to me. I've learned several lessons from my grandparents over the years. Here's a few of them:
1. Laugh at yourself.
My grandma on my dad's side was eating a salad today, and had managed to spill a piece or two of shrimp on her shirt. My papa pointed it out to her, and they had a good laugh about it. That's not the only time that's happened, though. She's done it almost every single meal we've shared together. But every time, she doesn't seem embarassed about it at all; she just laughs at herself and moves on. My mom's dad also misplaced his garage door opener tonight and couldn't find it anywhere. We were sitting in Tim's Pizza for dinner, and he reached into his pocket to grab his phone, and there was the garage door opener. He smiled to himself, and we had a good laugh about that, too.
2. Respect your spouse.
On our way back home from picking up our food from Tim's for lunch, my dad's mom was talking about something that my papa had heard from someone that he was so sure about (something to do with cars & finances, I can't remember exactly what it was about now). But then, she got quiet for a few seconds, then said, "Well, I'm not going to question it. He has provided well for our family, and seems to know what he's doing!" WOW. Talk about respect and reverence.
3. [Truly] love your spouse. Marriage is forever.
Just the fact that my mom's parents have been married for over 51 years and my dad's parents almost 50 years speaks volumes. WOW.
4. Sometimes the littlest acts of kindness go a long way.
My mom's dad calls my grandma his "princess." I have also witnessed that same grandma trim my papa's nose & ear hair. They have taught me how to be a servant.
5. Have a good attitude about life.
All four of my grandparents always have a good attitude, no matter how badly their day may have gone. My dad's dad always has a song that he's whistling (the same one that he's been whistling for over 15 years - I had it memorized by the time I was 8 years old! hehe) and a smile on his face. From what I know, he didn't have the best home life when he was younger. That has not stopped him from being so kind and bringing a smile to everyone's faces. Same with my other papa - something happened in his early years that could've caused him to remain bitter all throughout his life. I have never seen him bitter about ANYTHING. They have both carried on with their lives with such peace and contentment that is rare nowadays.
6. Age is only a number.
My mom's mom is one of the youngest people at heart that I know. She always has a song to sing or hum, quick to laugh and smile, gets excited about the littlest things, and isn't afraid to be absolutely silly. She would always read out loud the stories of "da Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear, and da Brer Fox" to my two cousins, my sister, and me when we were little girls (I had THAT story memorized by the time I was ten years old!) She has such a child-like faith in God that is indescribable. She has definitely been one of my biggest role models because of that!
7. Working hard gets you far in life.
All of my grandparents have worked hard their entire lives. They've provided well for their families and have taught their children how to work hard. They and my parents have taught me that truth, as well. Yes, they have imparted that wisdom to me by word of mouth, but the most impact of that truth has come from them fleshing it out. My mom's dad is retired in name only. He still teaches trumpet lessons and works in the yard in his free time. When he's not doing either of those things, he's out in his shop working on his model trains.
8. Invest in other people.
It amazes me how much older people invest in the lives of the people around them. I hear stories all the time of how so-and-so's daughter moved from her house somewhere or what so-and-so was doing for them and how sweet that was. I know a lot of people myself, but am I investing my time by helping them or getting to know them like all of my grandparents are doing with the people in their life? That's something that's challenged me.
Whether they realize it or not, my grandparents have most definitely influenced who I am today. They have taught me so many important life lessons, not because they've told me them, but because they've fleshed those life lessons out for me to see in person. To my grandparents, if you're reading this, I cannot begin to thank you enough for being the amazing role models that you are and have been my whole life. I love you all so much!
They say that old dogs can't learn new tricks. Maybe that's true. But maybe, just maybe, it's the old dogs that should teach new dogs the old tricks.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Is He Enough For Me?
Phil Vischer, the producer and the voices of many of the characters of VeggieTales, came to JBU on Tuesday. He came to speak not just about VeggieTales, but also his story of his dream.
His dream and how it went bankrupt.
God gave him a desire and a dream to impact people through entertainment. Soon his creation, VeggieTales, became a huge success. HE became a big success. He had all he wanted. Life was good.
Then, after that, things started happening that later caused Big Ideas Productions to eventually go bankrupt. He bombarded God with questions, asking God why this had happened to him; it had gone so well!
He was then convicted with a question: "Am I enough for you?"
Phil Vischer ended his talk with this statement: "Sometimes, God takes away your dreams so that you may remember/realize who He is and that He is enough, and then gives them back after you learn that lesson. Sometimes, though, He doesn't."
As I sat directly in front of him in the fourth or fifth row from the stage, I was convicted of this myself. I have so many dreams... I have a specific dream to impact people, as well, in many different ways. I want to work as a camp counselor at Camp War Eagle this summer; I want to work with younger girls and develop relationships with them and help them to grow in their relationship with Christ or come to know Christ and have a relationship with Him like I do. I feel called to ministry of some sort, but I don't know what that looks like yet. I also want to impact people through music. That's why winning the Next Big Thing would be really awesome: I would be able to share my music with others and share with people the hope and love of Christ and the cross. I also want to get married, have my own family, and disciple my own children someday. God has given me these dreams, I know. However, He may also take them away. This is what I'm afraid of.
But I am also convicted with the question: "Am I enough for you?"
Not an easy question to answer.
I think a lot of people tend to think of God as one who just "takes away all of the fun in our lives" or "takes away all of the things we want to do." We think of Him as the ultimate killjoy.
God doesn't give us the things we want; He gives us the things we NEED.
I may want to be a camp counselor at Camp War Eagle. But that may not be what God has in mind for me. He may need me elsewhere.
I may want to record my own album of songs that I've written to further His kingdom. But that may not be what He has in mind for me. He may need to use me in some other way.
I may want to get married and start a family. But that may not be what He has in mind for me.
Am I willing to give up all of my hopes and dreams and put them into His hands? Am I willing to let God alone be enough for me?
May I be able to say "yes" without a doubt!
His dream and how it went bankrupt.
God gave him a desire and a dream to impact people through entertainment. Soon his creation, VeggieTales, became a huge success. HE became a big success. He had all he wanted. Life was good.
Then, after that, things started happening that later caused Big Ideas Productions to eventually go bankrupt. He bombarded God with questions, asking God why this had happened to him; it had gone so well!
He was then convicted with a question: "Am I enough for you?"
Phil Vischer ended his talk with this statement: "Sometimes, God takes away your dreams so that you may remember/realize who He is and that He is enough, and then gives them back after you learn that lesson. Sometimes, though, He doesn't."
As I sat directly in front of him in the fourth or fifth row from the stage, I was convicted of this myself. I have so many dreams... I have a specific dream to impact people, as well, in many different ways. I want to work as a camp counselor at Camp War Eagle this summer; I want to work with younger girls and develop relationships with them and help them to grow in their relationship with Christ or come to know Christ and have a relationship with Him like I do. I feel called to ministry of some sort, but I don't know what that looks like yet. I also want to impact people through music. That's why winning the Next Big Thing would be really awesome: I would be able to share my music with others and share with people the hope and love of Christ and the cross. I also want to get married, have my own family, and disciple my own children someday. God has given me these dreams, I know. However, He may also take them away. This is what I'm afraid of.
But I am also convicted with the question: "Am I enough for you?"
Not an easy question to answer.
I think a lot of people tend to think of God as one who just "takes away all of the fun in our lives" or "takes away all of the things we want to do." We think of Him as the ultimate killjoy.
God doesn't give us the things we want; He gives us the things we NEED.
I may want to be a camp counselor at Camp War Eagle. But that may not be what God has in mind for me. He may need me elsewhere.
I may want to record my own album of songs that I've written to further His kingdom. But that may not be what He has in mind for me. He may need to use me in some other way.
I may want to get married and start a family. But that may not be what He has in mind for me.
Am I willing to give up all of my hopes and dreams and put them into His hands? Am I willing to let God alone be enough for me?
May I be able to say "yes" without a doubt!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Is God good? (A response to a friend)
In the past few days, I've been hit square in the face by a friend (who is in the middle of a huge spiritual battle), who asked me this question:
Is God good?
Of course I would immediately respond with a "yes." But right now, things are going okay in my life. I'm not suffering terribly.
How then, do I respond to someone who doubts His goodness? What do I say to one who is currently suffering, who can't seem to grasp that He knows what we're going through and knows us best?
First of all, what defines "good"? Dictionary.com states that it is synonymous with being "right." Being right means to be "correct in judgment." That would mean that God has correct judgment. Which is true, because He knows everything and everyone. We are all sinners. Because we are all sinners, we all deserve to die. We all deserve eternal punishment. And we would all die and spend an eternity in eternal punishment.
But, it doesn't end there.
This friend would also ask, "Is God loving?" in which I would most assuredly reply with another "yes!"
Yes, God had to satisfy His righteousness because He can't tolerate sin. If He did, that would compromise who He is. But yet, if He didn't love us, then why on earth would He send His only son (who is also God) to die for the sins of stupid, stubborn, and selfish people like us?! He gave us a second chance. He WANTS us to be in a relationship with Him. He wants us to come to Him, to fall at His feet, broken, and realizing just how much we need a Savior to cleanse us from our sinfulness. That's where God wants you to end up, so that we are ready and willing to follow Him, to truly become a believer and follower of Christ. If we don't first recognize that we are sinners, then we miss the whole point of Christ: He came to call not the so-called "righteous" (who only thought they were), but the sinners who KNEW they were sick and in need of the great Physician, the Savior of the world. If we don't come to terms with that, though, then we can't accept Jesus as our Savior, because we act/think like we don't need one.
Here's the thing: God didn't have to send His son to die for our sins. He could've wiped us off of the face of the earth. He could've spared us our lives, but left us to die wallowing in our sin. Guess what? HE DIDN'T!!!
The most quoted and most known verse that everyone quotes but doesn't take a second thought to, is John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." God so loved the world. Let that sink in. Then it goes on to say this in v.17-18:
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."
This is the Gospel. We were created in the beginning to love and serve God. We disobeyed God, thus entering the entire human race into sin. God sent His Son as a human being but also being fully God to fulfill the righteous wrath of God, because God cannot tolerate sin, because He is holy. Christ then became the ultimate sacrifice to satisfy the penalty, to take on all of our sins, and die the most horrible kind of death imaginable. Then on the third day, He rose from the dead!!! Without that last part, Jesus would indeed be just another man.
The point of all of this is to say: God IS good. God IS loving. He never changes, has and never will leave your side. Whether you believe it or not, it's true. He is there even if you don't feel like He is. We cannot base truth on how we feel. It's like when we're sleeping; we don't feel anything when we sleep. Does that mean we are not alive? No, truth is truth whether we feel it to be so or not. God uses bad things that happen to us and turns them into some kind of good, whether it's to strengthen our faith, to learn a lesson, or direct us somewhere else. James 1 talks about suffering and trials. I encourage you to read it. It explains itself so much better than I ever could...
I cannot claim to know everything. I don't. But I have faith in a righteous and holy, yet also a good, loving, and faithful God. I hope that you, my dear friend, will come to know Him as He truly is and that you will run to Him with all of your might and know the amazing love, mercy, and faithfulness that I myself have experienced in my own life.
I love you and am still praying for you every day. Never forget that.
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
Is God good?
Of course I would immediately respond with a "yes." But right now, things are going okay in my life. I'm not suffering terribly.
How then, do I respond to someone who doubts His goodness? What do I say to one who is currently suffering, who can't seem to grasp that He knows what we're going through and knows us best?
First of all, what defines "good"? Dictionary.com states that it is synonymous with being "right." Being right means to be "correct in judgment." That would mean that God has correct judgment. Which is true, because He knows everything and everyone. We are all sinners. Because we are all sinners, we all deserve to die. We all deserve eternal punishment. And we would all die and spend an eternity in eternal punishment.
But, it doesn't end there.
This friend would also ask, "Is God loving?" in which I would most assuredly reply with another "yes!"
Yes, God had to satisfy His righteousness because He can't tolerate sin. If He did, that would compromise who He is. But yet, if He didn't love us, then why on earth would He send His only son (who is also God) to die for the sins of stupid, stubborn, and selfish people like us?! He gave us a second chance. He WANTS us to be in a relationship with Him. He wants us to come to Him, to fall at His feet, broken, and realizing just how much we need a Savior to cleanse us from our sinfulness. That's where God wants you to end up, so that we are ready and willing to follow Him, to truly become a believer and follower of Christ. If we don't first recognize that we are sinners, then we miss the whole point of Christ: He came to call not the so-called "righteous" (who only thought they were), but the sinners who KNEW they were sick and in need of the great Physician, the Savior of the world. If we don't come to terms with that, though, then we can't accept Jesus as our Savior, because we act/think like we don't need one.
Here's the thing: God didn't have to send His son to die for our sins. He could've wiped us off of the face of the earth. He could've spared us our lives, but left us to die wallowing in our sin. Guess what? HE DIDN'T!!!
The most quoted and most known verse that everyone quotes but doesn't take a second thought to, is John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." God so loved the world. Let that sink in. Then it goes on to say this in v.17-18:
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."
This is the Gospel. We were created in the beginning to love and serve God. We disobeyed God, thus entering the entire human race into sin. God sent His Son as a human being but also being fully God to fulfill the righteous wrath of God, because God cannot tolerate sin, because He is holy. Christ then became the ultimate sacrifice to satisfy the penalty, to take on all of our sins, and die the most horrible kind of death imaginable. Then on the third day, He rose from the dead!!! Without that last part, Jesus would indeed be just another man.
The point of all of this is to say: God IS good. God IS loving. He never changes, has and never will leave your side. Whether you believe it or not, it's true. He is there even if you don't feel like He is. We cannot base truth on how we feel. It's like when we're sleeping; we don't feel anything when we sleep. Does that mean we are not alive? No, truth is truth whether we feel it to be so or not. God uses bad things that happen to us and turns them into some kind of good, whether it's to strengthen our faith, to learn a lesson, or direct us somewhere else. James 1 talks about suffering and trials. I encourage you to read it. It explains itself so much better than I ever could...
I cannot claim to know everything. I don't. But I have faith in a righteous and holy, yet also a good, loving, and faithful God. I hope that you, my dear friend, will come to know Him as He truly is and that you will run to Him with all of your might and know the amazing love, mercy, and faithfulness that I myself have experienced in my own life.
I love you and am still praying for you every day. Never forget that.
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
Monday, February 13, 2012
Let's Talk About Love...
Since it is exactly 30 minutes until Valentine's Day, I suppose I should write about the hot topic of this particular holiday.
We all crave love. There's no question about that. People talk about "falling in love," or "being in love." I guess this implies that a lot of people think love is a feeling.
I'm going to tell you right now, it's NOT.
"Well, what could it possibly be, then?!" you may ask.
My answer is simple: love is a choice. Love is an action. Love is putting others before yourself. Sometimes, love is even sacrificial. Take the cross for instance. Jesus, being fully human even though He was also fully God, was scared to death of suffering as much as He was going to, because He knew what was to come. He even said in the garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:39), "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." He was willing to go through all of that pain and suffering, so that we may be able to be right before God. God sacrificed His own Son so that we could also be co-heirs with Christ while satisfying the wrath and righteousness of God.
"How marvelous, how wonderful, is my Savior's love for me!"
Yes, while it had to satisfy God's wrath and righteousness, it was also the sufficient sacrifice. It was enough. It was the ultimate act of love.
How could we possibly think of warm, fuzzy feelings when our Savior was hanging on a tree, bloody and broken for your sins?
A lot of single people complain about how they hate this holiday because it just emphasizes the fact that they're single and don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend to make them feel special. I used to be like that, actually. Even nowadays, I'm tempted to think that way. But I'm convicted all the same when I think of the cross. I have a great Savior who died to make me clean, to wash me white as snow! How can I complain that I don't have "somebody to love"? I DO have Someone who loves me, deeply and unconditionally. He alone can satisfy my desires. He is the only Lover that will never leave me or fail me. He is always there with me, every step of the way.
To all of the single people out there: I can't promise that there is someone out there for everyone, but what I do know is that He has a plan and knows what's going to happen in each of your lives. He works all things out for the good of those who love and serve Him. If that includes blessing you with someone in the future, then awesome! If not, though, would you be willing to remain single to possibly serve Him and further His kingdom? I have to challenge myself with this daily. If you're not sure, I challenge you to pray that He would give you a heart for doing those things for His glory and for contentment in where He has placed you in your life. It's still a daily struggle for me, as well. Some days I am perfectly content with life, and some days my self-esteem goes down the drain and I'm like, "So, WHY am I still single?!" However, I've come to the realization that being a music major pretty much equals no time for a relationship. I've learned to accept that, because I came to college to become better at what I love (music); if God blesses me with a relationship, wonderful. If not, that's okay, because obviously it's not time for me to be in a relationship yet, and why would I want to mess with God's perfect plan? I'm still growing in my walk with Christ, and He is continuing to give me contentment in where I am in my life. Praise God for that!
I've also come to realize that Valentine's day isn't just about treating your significant other right or feeling warm and fuzzy. I've come to realize that it not only makes me think of what Christ did for me, but also the wonderful friends and family He's given to me.
So instead of pouting that you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend, I also challenge you to think of others instead. Celebrate with your friends and/or family, thank God for them, and enjoy their company. Better yet, why don't we try to do something to make someone else's day?
Once again, I have been blessed beyond measure, yet most of the time, I forget way too easily. When I do remember though, I thank God for the people He's given to me.
And praise God that I have the perfect Lover already!
"How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
that He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure."
We all crave love. There's no question about that. People talk about "falling in love," or "being in love." I guess this implies that a lot of people think love is a feeling.
I'm going to tell you right now, it's NOT.
"Well, what could it possibly be, then?!" you may ask.
My answer is simple: love is a choice. Love is an action. Love is putting others before yourself. Sometimes, love is even sacrificial. Take the cross for instance. Jesus, being fully human even though He was also fully God, was scared to death of suffering as much as He was going to, because He knew what was to come. He even said in the garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:39), "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." He was willing to go through all of that pain and suffering, so that we may be able to be right before God. God sacrificed His own Son so that we could also be co-heirs with Christ while satisfying the wrath and righteousness of God.
"How marvelous, how wonderful, is my Savior's love for me!"
Yes, while it had to satisfy God's wrath and righteousness, it was also the sufficient sacrifice. It was enough. It was the ultimate act of love.
How could we possibly think of warm, fuzzy feelings when our Savior was hanging on a tree, bloody and broken for your sins?
A lot of single people complain about how they hate this holiday because it just emphasizes the fact that they're single and don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend to make them feel special. I used to be like that, actually. Even nowadays, I'm tempted to think that way. But I'm convicted all the same when I think of the cross. I have a great Savior who died to make me clean, to wash me white as snow! How can I complain that I don't have "somebody to love"? I DO have Someone who loves me, deeply and unconditionally. He alone can satisfy my desires. He is the only Lover that will never leave me or fail me. He is always there with me, every step of the way.
To all of the single people out there: I can't promise that there is someone out there for everyone, but what I do know is that He has a plan and knows what's going to happen in each of your lives. He works all things out for the good of those who love and serve Him. If that includes blessing you with someone in the future, then awesome! If not, though, would you be willing to remain single to possibly serve Him and further His kingdom? I have to challenge myself with this daily. If you're not sure, I challenge you to pray that He would give you a heart for doing those things for His glory and for contentment in where He has placed you in your life. It's still a daily struggle for me, as well. Some days I am perfectly content with life, and some days my self-esteem goes down the drain and I'm like, "So, WHY am I still single?!" However, I've come to the realization that being a music major pretty much equals no time for a relationship. I've learned to accept that, because I came to college to become better at what I love (music); if God blesses me with a relationship, wonderful. If not, that's okay, because obviously it's not time for me to be in a relationship yet, and why would I want to mess with God's perfect plan? I'm still growing in my walk with Christ, and He is continuing to give me contentment in where I am in my life. Praise God for that!
I've also come to realize that Valentine's day isn't just about treating your significant other right or feeling warm and fuzzy. I've come to realize that it not only makes me think of what Christ did for me, but also the wonderful friends and family He's given to me.
So instead of pouting that you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend, I also challenge you to think of others instead. Celebrate with your friends and/or family, thank God for them, and enjoy their company. Better yet, why don't we try to do something to make someone else's day?
Once again, I have been blessed beyond measure, yet most of the time, I forget way too easily. When I do remember though, I thank God for the people He's given to me.
And praise God that I have the perfect Lover already!
"How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
that He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure."
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Burdens & Perseverance
I am not gonna lie: this semester has been TOUGH.
Don't get me wrong, all of my classes are good. I love each of them (some more than others). However, in some of them, I feel like no matter how much work I put into them, I just can't get the good grades that I need. Which frustrates me all the more, because I'm trying my best, and I'm still getting horrible grades. I am frantically trying to keep my head above water, but I sink below the surface many times, and I feel like I'm drowning. I am also very tired all of the time. There's not a day that goes by when I don't have someone comment about how exhausted I look. Most of this semester, I have (and currently feel) helpless.
It's been easier to deal with, though, because God has blessed me with the best friends to help carry me through it all. For one, they are always willing and open to listen to me rant about what's stressing me out, even though I know that they have PLENTY of homework to do. Most of the time, they don't even have to do anything special; they can just make a joke or quote a movie, and I laugh and forget about my stress for a few minutes.
I have now realized what's truly meant by Galatians 6:2, which says that we are to:
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
My friends are living this out by bearing my burdens with me. Not only are they willing to listen to me go on about my troubles, but they WANT to. They want to know what's going on in my life, and what's going on in my head and heart. They want to know how I am in my walk with Christ, how my classes are going, what I'm learning. They care about how stressed I am. They pray for me. Several friends have told me that I can always crash in their room if I needed to at some point, since I live off campus. Even if it costs them something, like time sacrificed to listen to me, etc, they are still willing to let that happen, just so they can help me "bear my burdens."
I have been thoroughly blessed. I hope I can be just as much of a blessing to others as they've been to me.
Now, another thing God is teaching me through this semester is perseverance. Typically you don't think of school or college as being a trial, but it can be, and this semester has been. Even though I'm getting these not-so-good grades when I'm trying so hard, God is whispering to me, "Lauren, I am in control. You never were. Hand the reins over to Me. Give this up. Give these grades up to Me. Have faith in me."
And what do I say in response?
"WHY?!" ... Yes, I dare to question Him. I question His sovereignty, His promises, everything about Him, when I ask why.
In our women's book study last night, we discussed giving up our relationships, friendships, etc. over to God to let Him work out what's best for our lives. One of the girls (I forget who exactly) told us how one of her friends had said that fear and worry undermine who God is and what He is able to accomplish.
When we put it into that kind of perspective, fear and worry are a pretty big deal.
It is not easy to let God take control of your life, especially when you realize that there is so much at risk. But if you already feel like your life is out of control, what better time to give it all up to God than now? You're already in this place, so you are in the perfect position to let go.
It's so hard for me because I am a bit of a control freak. I love having things planned out and having check-lists and such. They help me keep control. When I forget something entirely, I go nuts. It stresses me out. Already, I've forgotten about a voice lesson, and I was not prepared for the makeup lesson. When I am not in control, I feel like a failure.
This is also where God speaks to me, saying, "You are not perfect. Nobody is. Except my Son, and He DIED for your sins and mistakes. You can and NEED to rest in that. It is enough. Now ACT like it!"
God is still stretching me and molding me into the person that He wants me to be, to become more like Him. I just have to remember that as I climb this steep mountain that I call my second semester of college.
Don't get me wrong, all of my classes are good. I love each of them (some more than others). However, in some of them, I feel like no matter how much work I put into them, I just can't get the good grades that I need. Which frustrates me all the more, because I'm trying my best, and I'm still getting horrible grades. I am frantically trying to keep my head above water, but I sink below the surface many times, and I feel like I'm drowning. I am also very tired all of the time. There's not a day that goes by when I don't have someone comment about how exhausted I look. Most of this semester, I have (and currently feel) helpless.
It's been easier to deal with, though, because God has blessed me with the best friends to help carry me through it all. For one, they are always willing and open to listen to me rant about what's stressing me out, even though I know that they have PLENTY of homework to do. Most of the time, they don't even have to do anything special; they can just make a joke or quote a movie, and I laugh and forget about my stress for a few minutes.
I have now realized what's truly meant by Galatians 6:2, which says that we are to:
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
My friends are living this out by bearing my burdens with me. Not only are they willing to listen to me go on about my troubles, but they WANT to. They want to know what's going on in my life, and what's going on in my head and heart. They want to know how I am in my walk with Christ, how my classes are going, what I'm learning. They care about how stressed I am. They pray for me. Several friends have told me that I can always crash in their room if I needed to at some point, since I live off campus. Even if it costs them something, like time sacrificed to listen to me, etc, they are still willing to let that happen, just so they can help me "bear my burdens."
I have been thoroughly blessed. I hope I can be just as much of a blessing to others as they've been to me.
Now, another thing God is teaching me through this semester is perseverance. Typically you don't think of school or college as being a trial, but it can be, and this semester has been. Even though I'm getting these not-so-good grades when I'm trying so hard, God is whispering to me, "Lauren, I am in control. You never were. Hand the reins over to Me. Give this up. Give these grades up to Me. Have faith in me."
And what do I say in response?
"WHY?!" ... Yes, I dare to question Him. I question His sovereignty, His promises, everything about Him, when I ask why.
In our women's book study last night, we discussed giving up our relationships, friendships, etc. over to God to let Him work out what's best for our lives. One of the girls (I forget who exactly) told us how one of her friends had said that fear and worry undermine who God is and what He is able to accomplish.
When we put it into that kind of perspective, fear and worry are a pretty big deal.
It is not easy to let God take control of your life, especially when you realize that there is so much at risk. But if you already feel like your life is out of control, what better time to give it all up to God than now? You're already in this place, so you are in the perfect position to let go.
It's so hard for me because I am a bit of a control freak. I love having things planned out and having check-lists and such. They help me keep control. When I forget something entirely, I go nuts. It stresses me out. Already, I've forgotten about a voice lesson, and I was not prepared for the makeup lesson. When I am not in control, I feel like a failure.
This is also where God speaks to me, saying, "You are not perfect. Nobody is. Except my Son, and He DIED for your sins and mistakes. You can and NEED to rest in that. It is enough. Now ACT like it!"
God is still stretching me and molding me into the person that He wants me to be, to become more like Him. I just have to remember that as I climb this steep mountain that I call my second semester of college.
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