Thoughts while Traveling
3.31.2005
Sweet Clarity
" One day, Ordinary took a stroll near the city gates. As he walked, he talked with the friendly Anybody children who followed him.
Then he heard the dream giver say, "What do you see?"
Ordinary stopped. He looked down into the children's faces. "I see beautiful Anybody's in great need," he said.
"Yes, said the Dream Giver. "What else do you see?"
Then Ordinary looked up. He could hardly believe his eyes. Carved on the inside of the gate was the name of his Big Dream!
"Your Big Dream lies here," the Dream Giver said.
Could it be true?
Instantly, he knew it was true. He had arrived!
Then Ordinary understood why he hadn't recognized his Big Dream whe it was right in front of him. The lovely city he had imagined all along wasn't his dream -
but a picture of what his Big Dream would accomplish.
The Big Needs of the Anybodies matched perfectly the Big Dream in his heart. And it was time to DO his Dream.
Ordinary was so excited that he let go with a whoop of joy, much to the delight of the Anybody children."
~ The Dream Giver~ Bruce Wilkinson
Thank you, Jesus. Your name is all I can say today.
Bless His name He sets me FREE!
Then he heard the dream giver say, "What do you see?"
Ordinary stopped. He looked down into the children's faces. "I see beautiful Anybody's in great need," he said.
"Yes, said the Dream Giver. "What else do you see?"
Then Ordinary looked up. He could hardly believe his eyes. Carved on the inside of the gate was the name of his Big Dream!
"Your Big Dream lies here," the Dream Giver said.
Could it be true?
Instantly, he knew it was true. He had arrived!
Then Ordinary understood why he hadn't recognized his Big Dream whe it was right in front of him. The lovely city he had imagined all along wasn't his dream -
but a picture of what his Big Dream would accomplish.
The Big Needs of the Anybodies matched perfectly the Big Dream in his heart. And it was time to DO his Dream.
Ordinary was so excited that he let go with a whoop of joy, much to the delight of the Anybody children."
~ The Dream Giver~ Bruce Wilkinson
Thank you, Jesus. Your name is all I can say today.
Bless His name He sets me FREE!
3.30.2005
God is really bringing some things home for me. Making Himself perfectly clear.
Today in my Stage Management class I learned alot about Him and what He is calling me to right now in my life. I love how my creator draws these invisible lines throughout my life and connects it all together. Life He's trying to make a point and drive it home? Exactly. We discussed the book, "Peacemaker- a personal guide to Resolving Conflict" (I don't know the author, but I will find out.) Anways,the author suggests four basic principles to approaching conflict, all from a Biblical perspective.
1. GLORIFY GOD. - I Cor. 10:31
Biblical peacemaking is motivated and directed by a desire to please and honor God. His interests, reputation, and commands should take precedence over all other considerations.This focus not only shows our love and respect for God but also protects us from the impulsive, self-centered decisions that make conflict even worse.
2. GET THE LOG OUT OF YOUR EYE. (Matthew 7:5)
Peacemaking requires facing up to our own attitudes, faults, and responsibilites before pointing out what others have doen wrong. Overlooking the minor offenses of others and honestly admitting our own faults often will encourage similar responses from our opponents and open the way for candid dialogue, reconciliation, and constructive negotiation.
3. GO AND SHOW YOUR BROTHER HIS FAULT ( Matthew 18:15)
At times peacemaking also requires constructive confrontation. When others fail to accept responsibility for their actions, we may need to confront them in a gracious yet firm manner. If they refuse to respond approprately, we may need to involve respected friends, church leaders, or other neutral individuals who can help restore peace.
4. GO AND BE RECONCILED ( Matthew 5:24)
Finally, peacemaking involves a commitment to restoring damaged relationships and developing agreements that are just as satisfactory to everyone involved. Forgivness and cooperative negotiation clear away the debris left by conflict and make possible reconciliation and genuine peace.
Good stuff.
Today in my Stage Management class I learned alot about Him and what He is calling me to right now in my life. I love how my creator draws these invisible lines throughout my life and connects it all together. Life He's trying to make a point and drive it home? Exactly. We discussed the book, "Peacemaker- a personal guide to Resolving Conflict" (I don't know the author, but I will find out.) Anways,the author suggests four basic principles to approaching conflict, all from a Biblical perspective.
1. GLORIFY GOD. - I Cor. 10:31
Biblical peacemaking is motivated and directed by a desire to please and honor God. His interests, reputation, and commands should take precedence over all other considerations.This focus not only shows our love and respect for God but also protects us from the impulsive, self-centered decisions that make conflict even worse.
2. GET THE LOG OUT OF YOUR EYE. (Matthew 7:5)
Peacemaking requires facing up to our own attitudes, faults, and responsibilites before pointing out what others have doen wrong. Overlooking the minor offenses of others and honestly admitting our own faults often will encourage similar responses from our opponents and open the way for candid dialogue, reconciliation, and constructive negotiation.
3. GO AND SHOW YOUR BROTHER HIS FAULT ( Matthew 18:15)
At times peacemaking also requires constructive confrontation. When others fail to accept responsibility for their actions, we may need to confront them in a gracious yet firm manner. If they refuse to respond approprately, we may need to involve respected friends, church leaders, or other neutral individuals who can help restore peace.
4. GO AND BE RECONCILED ( Matthew 5:24)
Finally, peacemaking involves a commitment to restoring damaged relationships and developing agreements that are just as satisfactory to everyone involved. Forgivness and cooperative negotiation clear away the debris left by conflict and make possible reconciliation and genuine peace.
Good stuff.
You know it's been a long day when the last thing your husband says to you is "Wait, I want to watch 'scenes from the next Gilmore Girls."
3.25.2005
Disguised as a Blessing
You know, it's amazing how much one bit of news can change a whole entire population of people and their...countenance. Like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders and joy has descended on their faces.
Makes me think of the today and what today means.And reminds me of the hope that we have for that day. That day when "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." What does Easter mean to you? Quoting Sarah..."LOOK UP!"
We are about to watch "The Passion" with a group of friends. I almost cringe at the thought of putting myself through that again. That's why I know it must be done. I NEED to see it, to be forced to look HIM in the face and look up. I need to pray and ask God right now to clearly reveal Himself to me once again.
So often I get complacent about where we are. I even take for granted the amazing miracles that continue to happen around us. How God moves ...and he moves quickly, gently, and powerfully, bringing us an inch closer to Himself...when we are willing.
I want more of you, Jesus, and less of me.
Don't miss out.
Makes me think of the today and what today means.And reminds me of the hope that we have for that day. That day when "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." What does Easter mean to you? Quoting Sarah..."LOOK UP!"
We are about to watch "The Passion" with a group of friends. I almost cringe at the thought of putting myself through that again. That's why I know it must be done. I NEED to see it, to be forced to look HIM in the face and look up. I need to pray and ask God right now to clearly reveal Himself to me once again.
So often I get complacent about where we are. I even take for granted the amazing miracles that continue to happen around us. How God moves ...and he moves quickly, gently, and powerfully, bringing us an inch closer to Himself...when we are willing.
I want more of you, Jesus, and less of me.
Don't miss out.
3.24.2005
Sigh. She said, "Honey, I’m 80 years old, and one of the greatest lessons in life I learned when I was 20. I learned to pray, ‘Lord, I’m willing to be made willing to do Your will. Help me to be willing.’” Then she said, “Do you know how much God loves you? He loves you so much that if you were the only one to be saved, He would have went through it all just for you.”
awesome
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA ACCEPTS CHRIST, IS BAPTIZED AT LOCAL BAPTIST CHURCH IN LUSAKA
By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA (ANS) -- The president of Zambia recently acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in a public service, Southern Baptist missionaries report.
A crowd clapped and cheered as President Levy Mwanawasa (mwah-nah-WAH-sah) rose from the water in an outdoor baptistery behind a Baptist seminary chapel building in Lusaka, Zambia's capital. (Pictured: Levy Mwanawasa, president of Zambia, rises from an outdoor baptistery during a recent service at Twin Palm Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia's capital. The event drew hundreds of people, including public officials and other leaders from southern Africa. Mwanawasa's commitment to Christ "could have an impact on an international level," said Southern Baptist missionary Franklin Kilpatrick, who helped disciple the president. Credit: Baptist Press Photo by Troy Lewis).
The event drew hundreds of people, including public officials, leaders and pastors from the area and neighboring countries, writes Shawn Hendricks of the Southern Baptist Church International Mission Board.
"This baptism was an incredible occasion for the Baptist witness to many people who we have not had in church before," said Troy Lewis, a Southern Baptist missionary in the southern African nation of more than 10 million people. "They heard the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Hendricks says on the day of his baptism, Mwanawasa shared his spiritual journey before a packed chapel service. He told listeners he had been "struck" by Jesus -- similar to the Apostle Paul's experience on the road to Damascus.
Mwanawasa, a successful lawyer and former vice president, took office in 2002. Respected for his reputation for honesty, he was known as "Mr. Integrity" even by his political opponents before his election. Now in his mid-50s, he survived a near-fatal car accident in 1992 but insists he is in excellent health, Hendricks writes. (Pictured: After being baptized, President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia hugs his wife, Maureen, as the crowd around them celebrates. Mwanawasa recently joined Twin Palm Baptist Church in the Africa nation after committing his life to Christ through the ministry of local Baptists and Southern Baptist missionaries. Credit: Baptist Press Photo by Troy Lewis).
Hendricks reports that Mwanawasa remembers attending a Baptist school as a boy, but his relationship with Christ began to transform when he started attending Twin Palm Baptist Church in Lusaka in 2003. The small church meets at the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zambia in Lusaka.
As he came week after week with his "entourage," the church tried to maintain business as usual -- but it wasn't easy, Hendricks writes.
"All of us here were immensely excited about this," Lewis told him. "Our excitement and prayers increased when he returned to church again and kept coming whenever he was in the country."
Hendricks said the president began asking questions about the Christian faith and how he could join the church. Church members answered his questions and ministered to him during difficult times.
After Mwanawasa began attending the church, his mother died from injuries caused by a fire. He also lost his two brothers. One died unexpectedly of illness; the other was murdered, said Hendricks.
Mwanawasa soon shared how Christ had moved in his life -- and that he wanted to be baptized. Franklin Kilpatrick, missionary in Zambia for 35 years, helped disciple Mwanawasa during this process. Kilpatrick and his wife, Paula, are members of Twin Palm Baptist Church.
"The impact is not just in Zambia; this could have an impact on an international level," said Kilpatrick, who is temporarily on U.S. assignment.
"He could impact a lot of leaders. He is in a position of influence, and people need encouragement."
The Kilpatricks were originally concerned about drawing too much attention to the event. Local missionaries tried to remain low-key about Mwanawasa's decision, Hendricks reported.
But the news quickly spread all over Zambia -- and to other parts of the world. Others have commented on how the president's life has changed. He already has invited friends and leaders from around the world to attend church with him.
Paula Kilpatrick is excited about what God has planned for the future. "We feel like the story is not over," she said.
Hendricks said the president is just one of many spiritual success stories in Zambia. Last year, 116 Baptist churches were started, bringing the total number of churches to 985 -- plus 124 mission congregations.
Hendricks also said some missionaries believe Mwanawasa's baptism is an exclamation point on what God is beginning to do in the country. Lewis encouraged Mwanawasa during a celebration lunch at the statehouse after his baptism.
"I shared with him that we had been praying for him after he came into office, that Zambia would have a leader who had Jesus as his Lord," Lewis told Hendricks.
"And in him coming to Christ and being baptized, God had answered our prayers. I told him that we praise God -- and will pray for him to continue to be a president who sees leadership as serving the people rather than lording it over them."
PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA ACCEPTS CHRIST, IS BAPTIZED AT LOCAL BAPTIST CHURCH IN LUSAKA
By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA (ANS) -- The president of Zambia recently acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in a public service, Southern Baptist missionaries report.
A crowd clapped and cheered as President Levy Mwanawasa (mwah-nah-WAH-sah) rose from the water in an outdoor baptistery behind a Baptist seminary chapel building in Lusaka, Zambia's capital. (Pictured: Levy Mwanawasa, president of Zambia, rises from an outdoor baptistery during a recent service at Twin Palm Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia's capital. The event drew hundreds of people, including public officials and other leaders from southern Africa. Mwanawasa's commitment to Christ "could have an impact on an international level," said Southern Baptist missionary Franklin Kilpatrick, who helped disciple the president. Credit: Baptist Press Photo by Troy Lewis).
The event drew hundreds of people, including public officials, leaders and pastors from the area and neighboring countries, writes Shawn Hendricks of the Southern Baptist Church International Mission Board.
"This baptism was an incredible occasion for the Baptist witness to many people who we have not had in church before," said Troy Lewis, a Southern Baptist missionary in the southern African nation of more than 10 million people. "They heard the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Hendricks says on the day of his baptism, Mwanawasa shared his spiritual journey before a packed chapel service. He told listeners he had been "struck" by Jesus -- similar to the Apostle Paul's experience on the road to Damascus.
Mwanawasa, a successful lawyer and former vice president, took office in 2002. Respected for his reputation for honesty, he was known as "Mr. Integrity" even by his political opponents before his election. Now in his mid-50s, he survived a near-fatal car accident in 1992 but insists he is in excellent health, Hendricks writes. (Pictured: After being baptized, President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia hugs his wife, Maureen, as the crowd around them celebrates. Mwanawasa recently joined Twin Palm Baptist Church in the Africa nation after committing his life to Christ through the ministry of local Baptists and Southern Baptist missionaries. Credit: Baptist Press Photo by Troy Lewis).
Hendricks reports that Mwanawasa remembers attending a Baptist school as a boy, but his relationship with Christ began to transform when he started attending Twin Palm Baptist Church in Lusaka in 2003. The small church meets at the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zambia in Lusaka.
As he came week after week with his "entourage," the church tried to maintain business as usual -- but it wasn't easy, Hendricks writes.
"All of us here were immensely excited about this," Lewis told him. "Our excitement and prayers increased when he returned to church again and kept coming whenever he was in the country."
Hendricks said the president began asking questions about the Christian faith and how he could join the church. Church members answered his questions and ministered to him during difficult times.
After Mwanawasa began attending the church, his mother died from injuries caused by a fire. He also lost his two brothers. One died unexpectedly of illness; the other was murdered, said Hendricks.
Mwanawasa soon shared how Christ had moved in his life -- and that he wanted to be baptized. Franklin Kilpatrick, missionary in Zambia for 35 years, helped disciple Mwanawasa during this process. Kilpatrick and his wife, Paula, are members of Twin Palm Baptist Church.
"The impact is not just in Zambia; this could have an impact on an international level," said Kilpatrick, who is temporarily on U.S. assignment.
"He could impact a lot of leaders. He is in a position of influence, and people need encouragement."
The Kilpatricks were originally concerned about drawing too much attention to the event. Local missionaries tried to remain low-key about Mwanawasa's decision, Hendricks reported.
But the news quickly spread all over Zambia -- and to other parts of the world. Others have commented on how the president's life has changed. He already has invited friends and leaders from around the world to attend church with him.
Paula Kilpatrick is excited about what God has planned for the future. "We feel like the story is not over," she said.
Hendricks said the president is just one of many spiritual success stories in Zambia. Last year, 116 Baptist churches were started, bringing the total number of churches to 985 -- plus 124 mission congregations.
Hendricks also said some missionaries believe Mwanawasa's baptism is an exclamation point on what God is beginning to do in the country. Lewis encouraged Mwanawasa during a celebration lunch at the statehouse after his baptism.
"I shared with him that we had been praying for him after he came into office, that Zambia would have a leader who had Jesus as his Lord," Lewis told Hendricks.
"And in him coming to Christ and being baptized, God had answered our prayers. I told him that we praise God -- and will pray for him to continue to be a president who sees leadership as serving the people rather than lording it over them."
A bruised reed cannot be broken
Christ is building his kingdom with earth's broken things. Men want only the strong, the successful, the victorious, the unbroken, in building their kingdoms; but God is the God of the unsuccessful, of those who have failed. Heaven is filling with earth's broken lives, and there is no bruised reed that Christ cannot take and restore to glorious blessedness and beauty. He can take the life crushed by pain or sorrow and make it into a harp whose music shall be all praise. He can lift earth's saddest failure up to heaven's glory. No work for Christ will fail; no effort put forth for him will be in vain.
Says Charles Kingsley--
"Not all who seem to fail have failed indeed;
What though the seed be cast by the wayside,
And the birds take it? yet the birds are fed."
Says Charles Kingsley--
"Not all who seem to fail have failed indeed;
What though the seed be cast by the wayside,
And the birds take it? yet the birds are fed."
3.23.2005
"Spooning" takes on a whole new meaning. Who knows...
guess who wins the diva award for the night?
mixed nuts, for sure.
Thank you relevant!
Right on time, Relevant online has posted an essay relating much to my Christians and science post. Check out the gnarly discussion thread that ensues. Made my head hurt.
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/article.php?sid=6030
If that link is wrong, go to www.relevantmagazine.com, scroll down and it should be on the front page- origin of life or something like that. It just feels so typical that Christians can't discuss these things without losing their cool- myself included. Why is that?
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/article.php?sid=6030
If that link is wrong, go to www.relevantmagazine.com, scroll down and it should be on the front page- origin of life or something like that. It just feels so typical that Christians can't discuss these things without losing their cool- myself included. Why is that?
3.22.2005
Jesus vs. the Dinosaurs- No Holds Barred!
Instead of sleeping through today's chapel, which has become my custom, I was wide awake- or, I should say, I was kept wide awake by today's speaker. His name is Michael Guillen and for years he has worked with ABC News as a science correspondent. Having just retired from science journalism, he released a book last September that I just heard about today and plan on buying as soon as I can.
"Can a Smart Person Believe In God?"
I've wanted to share everything he talked about since we got out of chapel but I'm still processing it all. Here were some high points:
According to a recent Harris poll, that which Americans hold in highest esteem is/are science and scientists at 60-something percent. Religion and religious leaders were a far second at 30-something percent. However, the same pollsters' findings on who is your greatest hero- Jesus Christ, with an overwhelming majority. Conclusion: the problem lies not in the message, but the messengers.
He encouraged us as Christians not to fight science tooth and nail as if the very existence of our faith depended on it. God found him through science. "The heavens declare the Glory of God."
The whole thing reminded me of a conversation I had with someone who felt that a person couldn't believe in both Jesus and the existence of dinosaurs. While this thread of logic is sketchy at best, the deal is- people think this way. It is indicative of a larger attitude that scriptural teaching and scientific exploration are mutually exclusive. One is out to get the other and both sides view the other as infantile. As Christians, we are viewed as dolts clinging to archaic relics and bedtime stories. And why? Probably because when we the church are presented with an idea or situation that is new, the primary action has always been to shun it as unclean- not to delve into it with the Grace and Wisdom of God to see what's really going on.
And scientists are often viewed as atheistic bullies trying to pop our shiny balloons. (I say pop away- cause if it pops, then it was empty, and it wasn't God)
The church resents them for looking at the world while bent on leaving our Father out of the equation. And that is more or less what they are doing. Do you know why they leave God out of the equation? Guillen, as a scientist, says, and I quote, "arrogance."
Funny, isn't that what we're all guilty of when we decide to look at our world and leave God out?
Methinks it is.
"Can a Smart Person Believe In God?"
I've wanted to share everything he talked about since we got out of chapel but I'm still processing it all. Here were some high points:
According to a recent Harris poll, that which Americans hold in highest esteem is/are science and scientists at 60-something percent. Religion and religious leaders were a far second at 30-something percent. However, the same pollsters' findings on who is your greatest hero- Jesus Christ, with an overwhelming majority. Conclusion: the problem lies not in the message, but the messengers.
He encouraged us as Christians not to fight science tooth and nail as if the very existence of our faith depended on it. God found him through science. "The heavens declare the Glory of God."
The whole thing reminded me of a conversation I had with someone who felt that a person couldn't believe in both Jesus and the existence of dinosaurs. While this thread of logic is sketchy at best, the deal is- people think this way. It is indicative of a larger attitude that scriptural teaching and scientific exploration are mutually exclusive. One is out to get the other and both sides view the other as infantile. As Christians, we are viewed as dolts clinging to archaic relics and bedtime stories. And why? Probably because when we the church are presented with an idea or situation that is new, the primary action has always been to shun it as unclean- not to delve into it with the Grace and Wisdom of God to see what's really going on.
And scientists are often viewed as atheistic bullies trying to pop our shiny balloons. (I say pop away- cause if it pops, then it was empty, and it wasn't God)
The church resents them for looking at the world while bent on leaving our Father out of the equation. And that is more or less what they are doing. Do you know why they leave God out of the equation? Guillen, as a scientist, says, and I quote, "arrogance."
Funny, isn't that what we're all guilty of when we decide to look at our world and leave God out?
Methinks it is.
3.21.2005
"bunnhead"
Good friends = blessings. Enough said.
3.18.2005
I have discovered that if I keep Norah Jones singing quietly in my cubicle throughout the day, I am much more apt to remain calm and mellow. Hey ~I am not one to shut something down if it works ~ she's on her 7th go around today.
The calendar above my head has a quote for March:
"...IF YOU ARE GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING." ~ Winston Churchill
Hey, it has it's redeeming moments. Perhaps April will bring a little more "up" rather than "pull".
The calendar above my head has a quote for March:
"...IF YOU ARE GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING." ~ Winston Churchill
Hey, it has it's redeeming moments. Perhaps April will bring a little more "up" rather than "pull".
3.15.2005
to be unearthed
Hello world...there is life and life abundant out here! I have only last night for the first time emerged from the crypt ~ well, not quite, that is a bit of an exaggeration. Actually, my absence from all that is living began last Tuesday with a nasty cough that evolved far too quickly into a virus that sent me spiraling into the abyss of the flu or something like it. So, I have been out of commission ever since. Man, I haven't been this sick since the dreaded "kissing disease" in high school! And you want to know the kicker? It was my spring break. Not the kind of spring break that I was going to Cancun or the like, (oh, the good old days before adulthood) however I was still planning on having some kicks and giggles. Since we had no class or rehearsals, I had grandiose plans for Justin and I. Places to go and people to see!! Those of you who know me will understand that I had our evenings carefully planned out and our outings penciled in to the minute. Unfortunately, the only place I was able to see was the darkness in between my flannel sheets along with the occasional porcelain favorite, and the only people I got to see were my favorite daytimers, Oprah and Ellen~ and I must admit it was nice rekindling my friendship with them both. Alas, I have been quarantined from the world until now. Except for our lovely, caring, and stubborn friends Todd and Lindsey, who brought us over dinner one night regardless of the warning not to. Bless you guys. Wow. What great friends. And if it weren't for my darling husband...I can't believe he hasn't flown the coop yet. For real. We have weathered many tests of our commitment to each other in our (almost) 2 years of marriage, I still can't believe we made it through this latest tornado. I am a lousy sick person. Needy and panicky and whiney...you just don't know. I am a horrible, horrible person when I am sick. And yet he stuck it out with me. I am still really praying that he won't get this, but he has managed to get away scott free so far (well, other than the emotional scarring I may have left). Anyways, I am back. A little weak still, but I am determined to emerge back into society triumphantly since my hiatus.
Adios and blessings today!
Adios and blessings today!
3.07.2005
Let it Go
Someone emailed this to me today and it really spoke to me. I know many of us as we grow older struggle with the evolution of relationships and friendships and what they mean or don't mean.Even beyond this to every area of our life and the bondage that holds us back from the freedom that Christ intends for us. Lori~ especially what we were discussing last night. Sometimes we just need to. This is a powerful word for us today:
LET IT GO – T.D. Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you
this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.
I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving
you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to
you.
I mean, hang up the phone. When people can walk away from you let them walk.
Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest
that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have
continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not
joined to you, you can't make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn't mean
that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is
over.
And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you
don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over.
Let me tell you something. I've got the "gift of good-bye." It's the tenth
spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that
I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to
me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to
stay. Let them go!! If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong
to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to ... LET IT
GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ... LET IT GO!!! If someone
can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth...LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you ... LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge ... LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction ... LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents
... LET IT GO!!! If you have a bad attitude ...LET IT GO!!! If you keep
judging others to make yourself feel better ... LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in
Him ... LET IT GO!!! If you are struggling with the healing of a broken
relationship ... LET IT GO!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves ...
LET IT GO!!! If you're feeling depressed and stressed ...LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself
and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to ... LET IT
GO!!!
Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new thing for 2005!!!
LET IT GO!!!
Get Right or Get Left ... think about it, and then LET IT GO!!! "The Battle
is the Lord's!"
May the Lord give you joy for the journey, strength for today, and hope for tomorrow.
LET IT GO – T.D. Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you
this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.
I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving
you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to
you.
I mean, hang up the phone. When people can walk away from you let them walk.
Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest
that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have
continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not
joined to you, you can't make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn't mean
that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is
over.
And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you
don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over.
Let me tell you something. I've got the "gift of good-bye." It's the tenth
spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that
I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to
me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to
stay. Let them go!! If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong
to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to ... LET IT
GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ... LET IT GO!!! If someone
can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth...LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you ... LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge ... LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction ... LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents
... LET IT GO!!! If you have a bad attitude ...LET IT GO!!! If you keep
judging others to make yourself feel better ... LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in
Him ... LET IT GO!!! If you are struggling with the healing of a broken
relationship ... LET IT GO!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves ...
LET IT GO!!! If you're feeling depressed and stressed ...LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself
and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to ... LET IT
GO!!!
Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new thing for 2005!!!
LET IT GO!!!
Get Right or Get Left ... think about it, and then LET IT GO!!! "The Battle
is the Lord's!"
May the Lord give you joy for the journey, strength for today, and hope for tomorrow.
you are valid.
Well, home sweet home again. Missed Justin but had a fabulous time. The only thing that would have made it any better would be him being there with me. I was a sponge, and it was nice being a sponge. The workshops were amazing, some of the shows were good, and most importantly, hearts were introduced and quality time was spent. There is, however, a question that has been rolling around in my mind.
Why do we try so hard to distinguish ourselves as "different"? As the "most unique" or the "one who breaks the mold?" Perhaps this question has been brought to the forefront of my mind lately due to emerging from the past five days surrounded with 4,000 hopefulls of all ages, shapes, and sizes in search of being validated in their craft in one way or another. I spent some time people watching (actually, a favorite pastime of mine) and seeing quite an array of people trying so hard to put their best or even weirdest side forward. Now, of course I am able to make the distinction between the theatre world and the rest of the world...we do it less subtle than others, perhaps (snort). And yet we are really all guilty of it, aren't we? No matter the form we choose to display it in. The joke with Nicole and I became the whole "you are valid" garbage she picked up from a workshop she attended called "Finding your Chi" where the participants apparantly rolled around on the floor and breathed while the instructor took the time to tell each person how "valid" they were. Wow. It's a sick world we live in.
What do I look for from day to day that validates my existence? More importantly, WHO do I look to for this validation? What about you? This seems like an elementary question, but perhaps as Christians we should be checking these vital signs regularly.
Why do we try so hard to distinguish ourselves as "different"? As the "most unique" or the "one who breaks the mold?" Perhaps this question has been brought to the forefront of my mind lately due to emerging from the past five days surrounded with 4,000 hopefulls of all ages, shapes, and sizes in search of being validated in their craft in one way or another. I spent some time people watching (actually, a favorite pastime of mine) and seeing quite an array of people trying so hard to put their best or even weirdest side forward. Now, of course I am able to make the distinction between the theatre world and the rest of the world...we do it less subtle than others, perhaps (snort). And yet we are really all guilty of it, aren't we? No matter the form we choose to display it in. The joke with Nicole and I became the whole "you are valid" garbage she picked up from a workshop she attended called "Finding your Chi" where the participants apparantly rolled around on the floor and breathed while the instructor took the time to tell each person how "valid" they were. Wow. It's a sick world we live in.
What do I look for from day to day that validates my existence? More importantly, WHO do I look to for this validation? What about you? This seems like an elementary question, but perhaps as Christians we should be checking these vital signs regularly.
3.05.2005
"No one is alone, believe me, truly" -Stephen Soundheim
Greetings friends, wayward web wanderers, and others- today is a dismal Saturday here in Norfolk, Virginia. The temperature is down and so is the precipitation. Not really rain. Rain would be okay. It's a cold bitter drizzle. I hate when the sky won't make up its mind. I'd rather it be dry or pouring forth like a flood- no in-betweens. I've decided to blog because I'm pretty close to tired of playing xbox (shocking, I hope it doesn't mean I'm growing up), I think I'm movied out, and there isn't much to do besides laundry. So when I'm finished here I'll start that.
You know those stories about how it's such a big deal for a zoo that has a panda to get another panda as well? Usually of the opposite sex. To borrow a line from Maya Angelou and then completely defile it- I know why the caged panda is depressed!
Anna has been out of town since Wednesday. She is in North Carolina at the SouthEastern Theatre Conference (affably known as SETC). They left Wednesday morn. Twas a cold morn. The sun shining and the wind dancing- mocking me. (I've been inside too long)
I'm glad she's having a good time and the trip is beneficial to her, but I do miss her so. I have enjoyed some solitude- but enough is enough. She comes home tomorrow and not a day too soon.
But don't feel too sorry for me- I went on an outing today. Had a playdate with one of my buddies from work. We went and saw Constantine. Very interesting. I liked it. The movie as a whole didn't change my life or touch me in some significant way. I feel I should learn more about Catholicism. But there was one line that really tilted my head and made my chest burn: (POSSIBLE SPOILER, although, not much of one)
"I know I'm not one of your favourites, I'm not even welcome in your house... but I need a little attention."
It's a prayer. A prayer offered up in a moment of dire need. It really made me think about the outside. Well, I say the outside, but what I really mean is outside our bubble. The REAL world. People really feel that way. They feel that God does not look favourably upon them. That they are not welcome in His house. And aren't we all in need of attention? Actually, this is inside the bubble as well.
I have a friend who a few months ago had a real unmistakable encounter with God. Supernaturally so. As she was telling me about it I started crying a little. It is a beautiful story- but as she kept going I realized that I wasn't crying because of the story... I was crying because I was jealous. It was a longing. Yearning. On the way home from her house I thought of Jacob the entire way- wrestling with God- "BLESS ME! NOW!" I wondered what God thinks about that. I know He wants us to draw near to Him, but that sort of tenacity is a little brazen... or is it? I could relate to Jacob. From time to time I still do- but God answered my question that night. "Why don't you meet me like that? The way you came to her." It felt like wrestling and I was on top. What I was really saying was "You say you want to be in our lives, you say you want to draw near to us, you say these things- well where are you in my life? I need a little attention." I was winning the match.
Then He touched my hip ever so slightly by answering the question.
"Who is lying beside you? How did that happen? There lies a blessing that you might've tried to run away from if I hadn't made it so clear. Where are you now? Aren't you moving in a direction? You wouldn't be if I hadn't met with you and moved some things around for you. Where were you earlier tonight? Rehearsal. I have given you the desires of your heart. Desires and passions that you would and have run away from if and when you were 'alone.' Open your eyes... silly."
I felt like a spoiled child sitting in the middle of a pile of presents wondering why I didn't get anything. Just because God didn't come to me in a soothing wind doesn't mean he hasn't paid me any attention.
But it's not that easy for those who don't know how to see Him. It's kind of like the Matrix. (No, I don't have an unhealthy attachment to Keanu Reeves) I'm not jacked in to the illusion any more- so I can see what's real. God's absence is an illusion. His disdain for His children is an illusion. His negligence is an illusion. The prayer from Constantine is a prayer indicative of someone still buying the illusion, still operating under the idea that they are alone. But no one is alone. My life needs to be about shattering the illusions.
You know those stories about how it's such a big deal for a zoo that has a panda to get another panda as well? Usually of the opposite sex. To borrow a line from Maya Angelou and then completely defile it- I know why the caged panda is depressed!
Anna has been out of town since Wednesday. She is in North Carolina at the SouthEastern Theatre Conference (affably known as SETC). They left Wednesday morn. Twas a cold morn. The sun shining and the wind dancing- mocking me. (I've been inside too long)
I'm glad she's having a good time and the trip is beneficial to her, but I do miss her so. I have enjoyed some solitude- but enough is enough. She comes home tomorrow and not a day too soon.
But don't feel too sorry for me- I went on an outing today. Had a playdate with one of my buddies from work. We went and saw Constantine. Very interesting. I liked it. The movie as a whole didn't change my life or touch me in some significant way. I feel I should learn more about Catholicism. But there was one line that really tilted my head and made my chest burn: (POSSIBLE SPOILER, although, not much of one)
"I know I'm not one of your favourites, I'm not even welcome in your house... but I need a little attention."
It's a prayer. A prayer offered up in a moment of dire need. It really made me think about the outside. Well, I say the outside, but what I really mean is outside our bubble. The REAL world. People really feel that way. They feel that God does not look favourably upon them. That they are not welcome in His house. And aren't we all in need of attention? Actually, this is inside the bubble as well.
I have a friend who a few months ago had a real unmistakable encounter with God. Supernaturally so. As she was telling me about it I started crying a little. It is a beautiful story- but as she kept going I realized that I wasn't crying because of the story... I was crying because I was jealous. It was a longing. Yearning. On the way home from her house I thought of Jacob the entire way- wrestling with God- "BLESS ME! NOW!" I wondered what God thinks about that. I know He wants us to draw near to Him, but that sort of tenacity is a little brazen... or is it? I could relate to Jacob. From time to time I still do- but God answered my question that night. "Why don't you meet me like that? The way you came to her." It felt like wrestling and I was on top. What I was really saying was "You say you want to be in our lives, you say you want to draw near to us, you say these things- well where are you in my life? I need a little attention." I was winning the match.
Then He touched my hip ever so slightly by answering the question.
"Who is lying beside you? How did that happen? There lies a blessing that you might've tried to run away from if I hadn't made it so clear. Where are you now? Aren't you moving in a direction? You wouldn't be if I hadn't met with you and moved some things around for you. Where were you earlier tonight? Rehearsal. I have given you the desires of your heart. Desires and passions that you would and have run away from if and when you were 'alone.' Open your eyes... silly."
I felt like a spoiled child sitting in the middle of a pile of presents wondering why I didn't get anything. Just because God didn't come to me in a soothing wind doesn't mean he hasn't paid me any attention.
But it's not that easy for those who don't know how to see Him. It's kind of like the Matrix. (No, I don't have an unhealthy attachment to Keanu Reeves) I'm not jacked in to the illusion any more- so I can see what's real. God's absence is an illusion. His disdain for His children is an illusion. His negligence is an illusion. The prayer from Constantine is a prayer indicative of someone still buying the illusion, still operating under the idea that they are alone. But no one is alone. My life needs to be about shattering the illusions.
3.01.2005
Pull the wool over my eyes and let me hibernate
Wow~ am I exhausted. You know that place you reach where you can hardly put one foot in front another, much less think about tommorow and all that needs to get done? And your eyes seem to have this film over them that makes everything blurry? And you find yourself falling asleep at work in the middle of typing? Yeah. That place. That was yesterday. Today I am past that and in some sort of tunnel. Yet still here and moving. Praise God. That's where the supernatural stuff comes in. weak...
The weekend was insane...with 13 family members in town, 5 shows, and a mid-term on Monday. Holy crap, I can't even remember the details, except I think I reached absolute delirium on Saturday night at Applebee's...only those who were there know how rediculous it all was. I wish we could have spent more time with family...I don't feel like I even got to talk to my parents much at all. Oh well, we warned them all. It was still a blessing to see them all and it meant alot to us that they came. Katie, thanks for coming. That was a nice surprise. Booth, you left your bathroom stuff here. Hope you are brushing your teeth and wearing deoderant.
The play got a quite good review from the Virginian Pilot (newspaper) . From what I understand, Montague Gammon never gives a good review, and it was quite nice overall, actually. What he said about Justin was cool:
"...The best parts of the play revolve around the artfully portrayed interaction between Justin Street, as young adventurer Phillip Lombarde, and Lynn Kenny, as secretary Vera Claythorn. Street is close to brilliant some times, and always fine."
Not too shabby. Way to go, darling.
Tommorow I leave my husband for 5 days. This is the first time we will be apart for this long since we have been married. Isn't that crazy? I hope he can survive without me...no, I will miss you, honey.
Anyhow, it is time to get to rehearsal. enough mindless rambling.
The weekend was insane...with 13 family members in town, 5 shows, and a mid-term on Monday. Holy crap, I can't even remember the details, except I think I reached absolute delirium on Saturday night at Applebee's...only those who were there know how rediculous it all was. I wish we could have spent more time with family...I don't feel like I even got to talk to my parents much at all. Oh well, we warned them all. It was still a blessing to see them all and it meant alot to us that they came. Katie, thanks for coming. That was a nice surprise. Booth, you left your bathroom stuff here. Hope you are brushing your teeth and wearing deoderant.
The play got a quite good review from the Virginian Pilot (newspaper) . From what I understand, Montague Gammon never gives a good review, and it was quite nice overall, actually. What he said about Justin was cool:
"...The best parts of the play revolve around the artfully portrayed interaction between Justin Street, as young adventurer Phillip Lombarde, and Lynn Kenny, as secretary Vera Claythorn. Street is close to brilliant some times, and always fine."
Not too shabby. Way to go, darling.
Tommorow I leave my husband for 5 days. This is the first time we will be apart for this long since we have been married. Isn't that crazy? I hope he can survive without me...no, I will miss you, honey.
Anyhow, it is time to get to rehearsal. enough mindless rambling.
