Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Lesson from Running
SO, I decided to run this route yesterday that I don't usually do. I always have to be careful with my routes, because if I run over a given length or I run too many hills, my knees are not happy with me the following day. Actually, they scream at me all day (thanks to all my years of sports and the crazy training at LSU :) ) It seems as though when I run it's either a really hard run or an easy run, no in between. The other day when I was running, I noticed something. As I run, if I look down every step, it seems to be an easy run. I am just focused on the step I am taking at the moment; when I finish the step it's a success. However, when I look ahead while running, it seems to be a really hard run. I think this is because I can see how far I still have to run, or what hills I will have to conquer, or what intersections I am going to have to stop at and interrupt my run; basically I am focused on the obstacle.
I was reminded during one of my last runs of the scripture 2 Cor. 4:18. It states, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." In other words, if we focus on what is in front of us, whatever your obstacle may be, whether a positive obstacle or a negative obstacle, it is temporary. When we fix our eyes, however, on what is unseen, Jesus Christ and the goodness that is Him and goes along with Him, we reap eternal benefits. I know, much easier said than done. It seems as though whenever I blog about truly walking in what Jesus has called us to walk in, everything is easier said than done. Jesus never promised it would be easy. In fact, he stated the exact opposite in John 16:33. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
I want to encourage everyone, including myself, to fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us all reap eternal benefits, rather than focus on the temporary.
Love Deeply
I was reminded during one of my last runs of the scripture 2 Cor. 4:18. It states, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." In other words, if we focus on what is in front of us, whatever your obstacle may be, whether a positive obstacle or a negative obstacle, it is temporary. When we fix our eyes, however, on what is unseen, Jesus Christ and the goodness that is Him and goes along with Him, we reap eternal benefits. I know, much easier said than done. It seems as though whenever I blog about truly walking in what Jesus has called us to walk in, everything is easier said than done. Jesus never promised it would be easy. In fact, he stated the exact opposite in John 16:33. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
I want to encourage everyone, including myself, to fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us all reap eternal benefits, rather than focus on the temporary.
Love Deeply
Friday, April 22, 2011
Perfect Blood
Please check this out . . . it is humbling.
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9ccb7027cbbed56bb72e84a0b&id=fcecd270eb
I believe this post speaks volumes going into the Easter weekend. Yesterday, 2000+ years ago, Jesus washed each one of His disciples feet at the Last Supper, all the while knowing that one of those disciples, Judas, was going to betray Him. Today, 2000+ years ago, our King was crucified. And three days later, He will have been raised from the dead. As we walk through this weekend, I pray that my thoughts and heart, as well as yours would be fixed upon Him, marveling with thanksgiving at that "Perfect Blood" He shed for us. Blessed be His name.
Love Deeply
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9ccb7027cbbed56bb72e84a0b&id=fcecd270eb
I believe this post speaks volumes going into the Easter weekend. Yesterday, 2000+ years ago, Jesus washed each one of His disciples feet at the Last Supper, all the while knowing that one of those disciples, Judas, was going to betray Him. Today, 2000+ years ago, our King was crucified. And three days later, He will have been raised from the dead. As we walk through this weekend, I pray that my thoughts and heart, as well as yours would be fixed upon Him, marveling with thanksgiving at that "Perfect Blood" He shed for us. Blessed be His name.
Love Deeply
Monday, March 28, 2011
Another Brother . . .
So, this evening I found myself sitting in one room, while in the other room my sister and brother in-law were helping lead my 5 year old nephew to Christ. This morning Alex was asking my sister questions about how people get to Heaven. Alex has learned and has soaked in so much truth from the program he attends during the week, along with the many conversations he has had with the family. It is quite humbling to hear him speak about Jesus. Listening to a child talk about our King is so pure and so real. Through the Holy Spirit's leading I now have another brother in Christ. What pleasure. What joy. What peace. The saints are rejoicing tonight because of a 5 year old child. "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. The whole earth is full of His glory." Blessed be His name. Love Deeply Preparing for Africa . . .
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Little Here, A Little There
Last week I went and visited my friend, who has two young children. The oldest boy is four years old and his name is Rylan. When I came in the door, he ran upstairs real quick and yelled he had to get me something. I had no idea what it would be. When he came back downstairs Rylan gave me a hand full of change, consisting of a couple quarters, dimes, nickles, and some pennies. Rylan proceeded to tell me he wanted me to give it to the church. I of course said yes.
Yesterday, Rylan and the rest of his family came over to my house to play. Once again, he said, "I have something for you." He reached down into his pocket and pulled out a single quarter. I stuck out my hand and he gently placed the quarter in it. This melted my heart. I have no idea why Rylan likes giving me the little money that he has. A part of me thinks it is just the innocence and sweet soul of a four year old. A bigger part of me thinks, and knows, that this is the Lord's way of saying, "I will take care of you."
Later that night, my mom and I were trying to figure out my taxes. It's never good when you see in the right hand corner that you OWE rather than seeing REFUND. Let's just say I almost broke down in tears. Literally. I actually did on the way back home to my house; but it was during that little meltdown where the Lord reminded me of Rylan placing that quarter in my hand. "I will take care of you," He whispered.
The Lord has always provided for me. He has never let me down. I actually have a tattoo on my back with two little yellow butterflies. The words "Jehovah Jireh" are written in between the butterflies. It is Hebrew for "The Lord will Provide." I am thankful for a God that cares so much about his sons and daughters. I am thankful for a God that will use the very unexpected moments to teach us about His grace and compassionate heart. And I am thankful for a God that will use the little children to make such powerful promises. Blessed be His name.
Love Deeply
Yesterday, Rylan and the rest of his family came over to my house to play. Once again, he said, "I have something for you." He reached down into his pocket and pulled out a single quarter. I stuck out my hand and he gently placed the quarter in it. This melted my heart. I have no idea why Rylan likes giving me the little money that he has. A part of me thinks it is just the innocence and sweet soul of a four year old. A bigger part of me thinks, and knows, that this is the Lord's way of saying, "I will take care of you."
Later that night, my mom and I were trying to figure out my taxes. It's never good when you see in the right hand corner that you OWE rather than seeing REFUND. Let's just say I almost broke down in tears. Literally. I actually did on the way back home to my house; but it was during that little meltdown where the Lord reminded me of Rylan placing that quarter in my hand. "I will take care of you," He whispered.
The Lord has always provided for me. He has never let me down. I actually have a tattoo on my back with two little yellow butterflies. The words "Jehovah Jireh" are written in between the butterflies. It is Hebrew for "The Lord will Provide." I am thankful for a God that cares so much about his sons and daughters. I am thankful for a God that will use the very unexpected moments to teach us about His grace and compassionate heart. And I am thankful for a God that will use the little children to make such powerful promises. Blessed be His name.
Love Deeply
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Biggest Loser, The Biggest Winner
First of all, yes, I am talking about the television show. The Biggest Loser, if there is anyone out there who has been living in a cave for the last 5+ years or so, is a show that challenges overweight individuals to lose weight. The contestants train hours upon hours a day in order to accomplish this mission. On the show, the person who loses the least amount of weight or who is voted off, leaves. From what I understand, this difference in this year's show is that there are parent/child teams; a mother/father teamed up with a daughter/son. This week was a pivotal week for contestants, in that two of the individuals were being sent home. Throughout the show, there were a couple clips displaying the team's strategies in case of a loss. On the "black team," there was a discussion of parents giving up there spot, in order for their kids to stay on the show. They felt this opportunity was an opportunity of a lifetime for their children, one that is crucial and life changing. During the weigh in contestant after contestant would walk up to the scale to see their weight loss for the week; a weight gain would be unheard of, except in a situation where someone was giving up a spot in order for another to stay. The first mother stepped on the scale, + 1. The father stepped on the scale, +3. The last mother stepped on the scale, +8. Unheard of, yes. A sacrifice, INTENTIONAL.
It was interesting. While I was watching the show, I was also putting together an I-Tunes playlist. The song, "Jesus Paid It All" was playing. I couldn't help but think about our Heavenly Father sacrificing for us. With no hesitation, the parents on the show sacrificed for their children. "I would do anything for my child." "If I become half the man my Dad is for doing what he did this week..." " These are all my children, I love them dearly, and would do anything for them." Sound familiar? Maybe worded a little differently, but I believe these are the words Jesus spoke to us. Jesus knew the cross would be life changing, he knew it was crucial. With emotions high, BUT NO HESITATION, and love on display I saw parent after parent give up their spot for their child. How much more was the sacrifice of our King on the cross. Life for life. Love for love. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." I owe my life to Jesus for what He did on the cross for me. He knew the life I was going to live, the mistakes I was going to make, all the while enduring the crucifixion of the cross. No one in my life can say they have done the same thing for me. No one. My family has sacrificed certain things for me and some of my friends have sacrificed things for me, but not one single person in my life, besides the Lord Almighty can claim they have intentionally died (and rose again) in order for me to live. I am forever thankful and forever humbled by a gesture so powerful. Blessed be your Name.
Love Deeply
It was interesting. While I was watching the show, I was also putting together an I-Tunes playlist. The song, "Jesus Paid It All" was playing. I couldn't help but think about our Heavenly Father sacrificing for us. With no hesitation, the parents on the show sacrificed for their children. "I would do anything for my child." "If I become half the man my Dad is for doing what he did this week..." " These are all my children, I love them dearly, and would do anything for them." Sound familiar? Maybe worded a little differently, but I believe these are the words Jesus spoke to us. Jesus knew the cross would be life changing, he knew it was crucial. With emotions high, BUT NO HESITATION, and love on display I saw parent after parent give up their spot for their child. How much more was the sacrifice of our King on the cross. Life for life. Love for love. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." I owe my life to Jesus for what He did on the cross for me. He knew the life I was going to live, the mistakes I was going to make, all the while enduring the crucifixion of the cross. No one in my life can say they have done the same thing for me. No one. My family has sacrificed certain things for me and some of my friends have sacrificed things for me, but not one single person in my life, besides the Lord Almighty can claim they have intentionally died (and rose again) in order for me to live. I am forever thankful and forever humbled by a gesture so powerful. Blessed be your Name.
Love Deeply
Friday, February 18, 2011
His Treasured Possession
Deuteronomy 7:6-9:
"The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharoah king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."
God continues to bring me back to this scripture in my quiet times with Him. I feel that He wants me to read it and re-read it, and read it again, and again in order for me to claim His love over my life. He is beautiful. He is faithful. And I do, I do claim that love over my life. Blessed be His name. The thought of our Jesus calling me His treasured possession, and calling you His treasured possession penetrates my soul deeply. It gives me that feeling of just wanting to fall into His lap and rest in His goodness and mercy. It gives me that feeling of taking in a breath of His peace and letting out all the worries of the world. It gives me that feeling of precious security. My friends, we cannot run from His love. It is a covenant spoken over us and promised to us by a King that reigns supreme over this world. May we all receive this love and walk in the wholeness He has called us to walk in.
"The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharoah king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."
God continues to bring me back to this scripture in my quiet times with Him. I feel that He wants me to read it and re-read it, and read it again, and again in order for me to claim His love over my life. He is beautiful. He is faithful. And I do, I do claim that love over my life. Blessed be His name. The thought of our Jesus calling me His treasured possession, and calling you His treasured possession penetrates my soul deeply. It gives me that feeling of just wanting to fall into His lap and rest in His goodness and mercy. It gives me that feeling of taking in a breath of His peace and letting out all the worries of the world. It gives me that feeling of precious security. My friends, we cannot run from His love. It is a covenant spoken over us and promised to us by a King that reigns supreme over this world. May we all receive this love and walk in the wholeness He has called us to walk in.
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