These aren't the only pictures of my friends....most of them are missing. But all of them - even if they are missing - have blessed me in so many incredible ways.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Friends
I opened this page today thinking I would start writing something wonderfully poetic about my dear friends...But I find myself speechless. I don't know what to say. And this is new for me. It is not because I don't have real friends that care about me...it is the opposite. It is because I know that if anything happens to me my friends and family will care for me. It is because I know that if I am in pain, my friends will be there by my side praying and comforting me. It is because God has given me the very precious gift of friendship in so many people. I am truly blessed...I am blessed in so many ways that I can only express it further in pictures....
These aren't the only pictures of my friends....most of them are missing. But all of them - even if they are missing - have blessed me in so many incredible ways.
These aren't the only pictures of my friends....most of them are missing. But all of them - even if they are missing - have blessed me in so many incredible ways.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
January 22
Don't forget January 22. This is a date that all Christians should know well. Do you know what this date marks? It marks Roe Vs.Wade. It marks a time when our country decided that they would make this kind of murder legal.
If you live in California there is something I want you to do. On January 22 head to San Francisco. When you get there join in as thousands of pro-life advocates walk the streets of San Francisco taking a stand against abortion. Last year there was more than 35,000 advocates walking the streets, don't miss out on this experience.
http://www.abort73.com/abortion/post_abortion_syndrome/
If you live in California there is something I want you to do. On January 22 head to San Francisco. When you get there join in as thousands of pro-life advocates walk the streets of San Francisco taking a stand against abortion. Last year there was more than 35,000 advocates walking the streets, don't miss out on this experience.
http://www.abort73.com/abortion/post_abortion_syndrome/
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The three year mark.
Sometimes when you are over stressed, tired, or emotionally traumatized you just have to write about it. Unfortunately I can fall under each of those, which means I am way over due when it comes to writing about it. I have tried to write these words down so many times, but nothing makes sense, I was too emotional when I tried those other times. So I will try to write it now, and hopefully you will still get the story.
In a little less than two months, there is a day that marks the worst day of my life, that day is January 29th, on that day my world fell apart, my heart was torn from within me, and I no longer understood what God was doing in my life. Many of you have heard this story, many of you were standing by me, and many more of you have yet to hear this story.
In November of 2007, my Dad (who had had long time respiratory problems) was rushed to the emergency room at our local hospital at about 10pm, this had happened before so my siblings and I stayed home expecting Mom and Dad to be back in a few hours after the nurses gave him antibiotics. Instead, about two hours later my Mom and some close family friends came home and told us that Dad was not doing well and had to stay at the hospital. At 13 it was shocking to hear that. That night I truthfully did not sleep much. Through out the next few days Dad went back and forth in being well one day and worse the next. The hospital decided to put him in an induced coma, so he would get better faster. The first time I saw him was devastating. I had never had to see him like that. I remember walking in and just standing there crying, just looking at him made my heart ache.
Through out it all our church family and extended family was right there by us. We had tons of meals brought. And every time I went to the hospital to see Dad there would always be someone there to hold on to.
At the end of the two weeks Dad was coherent and able to talk to us. All I could do from not crying was hold his hand and try to talk about happy things like his new rubix cube we bought for him. It was almost as if he would drift away if I let go. I can still remember how it felt to hold his hand, it was so swollen with all the meds in him. That was another thing that crushed me.
In the first week of December they let Dad come home, he wasn't able to work much, but he was still able to spend Christmas with us. My Dad was a servant to all and he loved it! That Christmas we had an elderly woman come over and spend Christmas with us. I am always amazed at how much he gave to others and took so little back. He was a true deacon.
We were happy for a while after that. We had a normal simple Christmas. After that Shock I spent more and more time with Dad. I started to really value going with him every Thursday to go and clean pools. I asked him questions about things I thought were important. It was almost like I knew what was coming. Truthfully there was a quiet voice in my head getting me ready for what was to come.
All of this was so strange to me then, all the nightmares I had been having were coming to life. At dinner time on the 24th of January my Mom got a call from my younger sister saying that Dad was having a really bad Asthma attack and that 9-1-1 wasn't answering. At that time a woman walked up and they finally were able to reach 9-1-1 . The ambulance came and took Dad the the closest hospital, but at that point he had been a long time with out oxygen. My Mom and brother sped (literally) to the hospital, which was about 30 minutes away. At that point I was on my knees in the family room with my little two year old sister praying as hard as I could that God would preserve Dad's life. When my Mom got to the hospital they had told her that Dad's heart had stopped 4 times. And that is when she called some friends and asked them to bring us down to say goodbye. By the time we had got there almost all of our elders and their wives were there to greet us. And some beloved friends were there too. We didn't have to say goodbye that night, and we were given more time to say goodbye.
On the morning of the 29th my older and i woke up to Steven Curtis Chapman's song 'Cinderella'. We just sat there and sucked in the music trying to hold it in. At about 9am my Mom called us and said that we needed to come to the hospital. We all knew what was coming, but didn't want to believe it.
Not much later in a small hospital room our pastor sat across from us and slowly and very gently told us that Dad had died early that morning. All I could do was cry. We all prayed and held on to each other. When I left that room my closest friends were standing there ready with open arms. And we all stood there in that dark cold hospital hallway with broken hearts and lots of tears.
When a loved one dies suddenly you don't feel anything. You don't think, all you do is grieve. It's all you can do. Even now it is all I can do.
We went up to say goodbye to Dad, and I sat there alone trying my hardest to say everything I always should have said and didn't, even though he couldn't hear me.
And a few weeks later we stood on the hills at the National cemetery saying a final goodbye to my wonderful, wise, and loving father that I would never see again.
My heart goes out to those in my position. Death is a horrible ordeal, and I don't want anyone to go through what I have gone through.
So this is the story of the worst day of my life, my biggest life lesson, and what it is like to be in my shoes.
In a little less than two months, there is a day that marks the worst day of my life, that day is January 29th, on that day my world fell apart, my heart was torn from within me, and I no longer understood what God was doing in my life. Many of you have heard this story, many of you were standing by me, and many more of you have yet to hear this story.
In November of 2007, my Dad (who had had long time respiratory problems) was rushed to the emergency room at our local hospital at about 10pm, this had happened before so my siblings and I stayed home expecting Mom and Dad to be back in a few hours after the nurses gave him antibiotics. Instead, about two hours later my Mom and some close family friends came home and told us that Dad was not doing well and had to stay at the hospital. At 13 it was shocking to hear that. That night I truthfully did not sleep much. Through out the next few days Dad went back and forth in being well one day and worse the next. The hospital decided to put him in an induced coma, so he would get better faster. The first time I saw him was devastating. I had never had to see him like that. I remember walking in and just standing there crying, just looking at him made my heart ache.
Through out it all our church family and extended family was right there by us. We had tons of meals brought. And every time I went to the hospital to see Dad there would always be someone there to hold on to.
At the end of the two weeks Dad was coherent and able to talk to us. All I could do from not crying was hold his hand and try to talk about happy things like his new rubix cube we bought for him. It was almost as if he would drift away if I let go. I can still remember how it felt to hold his hand, it was so swollen with all the meds in him. That was another thing that crushed me.
In the first week of December they let Dad come home, he wasn't able to work much, but he was still able to spend Christmas with us. My Dad was a servant to all and he loved it! That Christmas we had an elderly woman come over and spend Christmas with us. I am always amazed at how much he gave to others and took so little back. He was a true deacon.
We were happy for a while after that. We had a normal simple Christmas. After that Shock I spent more and more time with Dad. I started to really value going with him every Thursday to go and clean pools. I asked him questions about things I thought were important. It was almost like I knew what was coming. Truthfully there was a quiet voice in my head getting me ready for what was to come.
All of this was so strange to me then, all the nightmares I had been having were coming to life. At dinner time on the 24th of January my Mom got a call from my younger sister saying that Dad was having a really bad Asthma attack and that 9-1-1 wasn't answering. At that time a woman walked up and they finally were able to reach 9-1-1 . The ambulance came and took Dad the the closest hospital, but at that point he had been a long time with out oxygen. My Mom and brother sped (literally) to the hospital, which was about 30 minutes away. At that point I was on my knees in the family room with my little two year old sister praying as hard as I could that God would preserve Dad's life. When my Mom got to the hospital they had told her that Dad's heart had stopped 4 times. And that is when she called some friends and asked them to bring us down to say goodbye. By the time we had got there almost all of our elders and their wives were there to greet us. And some beloved friends were there too. We didn't have to say goodbye that night, and we were given more time to say goodbye.
On the morning of the 29th my older and i woke up to Steven Curtis Chapman's song 'Cinderella'. We just sat there and sucked in the music trying to hold it in. At about 9am my Mom called us and said that we needed to come to the hospital. We all knew what was coming, but didn't want to believe it.
Not much later in a small hospital room our pastor sat across from us and slowly and very gently told us that Dad had died early that morning. All I could do was cry. We all prayed and held on to each other. When I left that room my closest friends were standing there ready with open arms. And we all stood there in that dark cold hospital hallway with broken hearts and lots of tears.
When a loved one dies suddenly you don't feel anything. You don't think, all you do is grieve. It's all you can do. Even now it is all I can do.
We went up to say goodbye to Dad, and I sat there alone trying my hardest to say everything I always should have said and didn't, even though he couldn't hear me.
And a few weeks later we stood on the hills at the National cemetery saying a final goodbye to my wonderful, wise, and loving father that I would never see again.
My heart goes out to those in my position. Death is a horrible ordeal, and I don't want anyone to go through what I have gone through.
So this is the story of the worst day of my life, my biggest life lesson, and what it is like to be in my shoes.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Challenges
In the past 2 and a half years I have gone through the challenges of:
1 Death
2 weddings
3 people in my family in various relationships
Mom being pregnant
Unnecessary drama
1 Move
Being the oldest child in the family.....and a lot more. All while living through an already hard time of life.
Which leads me to ask Why? God must have some incredibly amazing plan for me.
1 Death
2 weddings
3 people in my family in various relationships
Mom being pregnant
Unnecessary drama
1 Move
Being the oldest child in the family.....and a lot more. All while living through an already hard time of life.
Which leads me to ask Why? God must have some incredibly amazing plan for me.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Many of you have read this before, but I wanted to post it on here for you all that haven't read it. I wrote this back in April...Enjoy.
Today I was sitting at Starbucks enjoying a cup of tea and a good book. And as I sat there I, not meaning to, over heard some older women talking about their friends and this and that about their lives. I was thinking about their conversation. And I was mainly contemplating the fact that they were gossiping about their friends. But then it hit me that I was doing the exact same thing they were doing. I was thinking about them in the same way as they were talking about their friends. And thought further on how we so often think we are being innocent but instead we are judging people and we are not being graceful and kind.
I have realized how much we really do look down on others, but worse is when we look in awe of others and think that we are very insignificant compared to them. So many times we put them on pedestals that they don’t belong on. We place them too high. Did you know that the easiest way for this to happen is with gossip? So many times I find myself caught up with who is doing what and what is going on in everyone’s life. And that is not all bad; it becomes bad when all you do with your friends is talk about that. I have finally realized how it is really more important to be there for those people that need you and not there to spread gossip about them. My goal is to give hugs where they are needed. And to love those around me.
The time is now, the place is here, the change is yours to make...Change the world!
Today I was sitting at Starbucks enjoying a cup of tea and a good book. And as I sat there I, not meaning to, over heard some older women talking about their friends and this and that about their lives. I was thinking about their conversation. And I was mainly contemplating the fact that they were gossiping about their friends. But then it hit me that I was doing the exact same thing they were doing. I was thinking about them in the same way as they were talking about their friends. And thought further on how we so often think we are being innocent but instead we are judging people and we are not being graceful and kind.
I have realized how much we really do look down on others, but worse is when we look in awe of others and think that we are very insignificant compared to them. So many times we put them on pedestals that they don’t belong on. We place them too high. Did you know that the easiest way for this to happen is with gossip? So many times I find myself caught up with who is doing what and what is going on in everyone’s life. And that is not all bad; it becomes bad when all you do with your friends is talk about that. I have finally realized how it is really more important to be there for those people that need you and not there to spread gossip about them. My goal is to give hugs where they are needed. And to love those around me.
The time is now, the place is here, the change is yours to make...Change the world!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Late night....again.
Okay, So I have realized that almost all of my post are done late at night. Right now it is currently 12:24 in the morning. Is that weird to most of you? Probably not. The real reason I write so late at night is because it is at these times when the house is quiet and peaceful. I can think and not be interrupted, I can contemplate and not have someone trying to persuade me to something else, I can be at peace with the world even if it is for a moment.
But tonight I find myself thinking of something altogether average and almost trivial. I have been thinking about 'Sleepless in Seattle'. I just have to say that it is by far my favorite chick-flick ever!! There I got it out of my system, say what you want but I won't differ. My main point in thinking about it is thinking about how so many women want a man like Sam(Tom Hanks). To the women folk of this country/world, we tend to be in constant search of the one perfect and emotional guy that will totally understand us. Ha! For you women out there that believe you will find that guy...get over it. He isn't out there. And unfortunately no matter how much I love 'sleepless in seattle' I have to realize that too. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all have that fairy tale romance? Where we wouldn't have to do any work to keep the relationship going? I think it would. But that won't happen.
Sorry if you feel totally blasted and aimed at by this. I use this blog to vent and talk about issues on my mind. But also don't blow this off, think about the expectations you have of men.
But tonight I find myself thinking of something altogether average and almost trivial. I have been thinking about 'Sleepless in Seattle'. I just have to say that it is by far my favorite chick-flick ever!! There I got it out of my system, say what you want but I won't differ. My main point in thinking about it is thinking about how so many women want a man like Sam(Tom Hanks). To the women folk of this country/world, we tend to be in constant search of the one perfect and emotional guy that will totally understand us. Ha! For you women out there that believe you will find that guy...get over it. He isn't out there. And unfortunately no matter how much I love 'sleepless in seattle' I have to realize that too. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all have that fairy tale romance? Where we wouldn't have to do any work to keep the relationship going? I think it would. But that won't happen.
Sorry if you feel totally blasted and aimed at by this. I use this blog to vent and talk about issues on my mind. But also don't blow this off, think about the expectations you have of men.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Life
Life is one of those things that can be confusing, fun, crazy, chaotic, wonderful, a blessing and so much more. I could spend hours telling you about the little things that I love about life, like how I love sitting in the middle of a huge field of flowers with not a soul around and a classic book or even just sitting there listening to God's nature. Or maybe sitting talking with a best friend for hours about the things we are most passionate about. And baking when I am stressed, or sipping a cup of coffee while I catch up with friends. My list can go on.
Unfortunately, for the past few weeks I have forgotten about those little things. I have been too caught up in the crazy part of life. So focused on making sure it is all perfect, all well planned, all how I want it. I got stressed and paranoid. And showed a front so no one would know.
But a few days ago I got a wake up call from God in the form of chaos. My personal life was a mess. It got to the point that I just sat there and begged God to stop everything from going so fast.
Have you ever felt like there was just too much drama in your life? That's how I feel. Way too much drama. Sometimes I just wish I didn't have emotions at all.
So the lesson I have learnt is that this life is not my own, that God is fully in control. And also when it comes to all these emotions I feel, I need to remember to wait and be patient. Realizing this has given me so much peace.
Unfortunately, for the past few weeks I have forgotten about those little things. I have been too caught up in the crazy part of life. So focused on making sure it is all perfect, all well planned, all how I want it. I got stressed and paranoid. And showed a front so no one would know.
But a few days ago I got a wake up call from God in the form of chaos. My personal life was a mess. It got to the point that I just sat there and begged God to stop everything from going so fast.
Have you ever felt like there was just too much drama in your life? That's how I feel. Way too much drama. Sometimes I just wish I didn't have emotions at all.
So the lesson I have learnt is that this life is not my own, that God is fully in control. And also when it comes to all these emotions I feel, I need to remember to wait and be patient. Realizing this has given me so much peace.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
My constant prayer.
Oh God, what do I have to offer? What is my life? Hold me lord and never let go! Save me from myself, give me the strength to carry on.
Do you hear my constant cry?
Can you see these tears?
Please, take my hand and guide me.
Show me your eternal love.
Do you hear my constant cry?
Can you see these tears?
Please, take my hand and guide me.
Show me your eternal love.
Monday, October 4, 2010
My favorite hymn
On Sunday I was so blessed to be reminded of the words to my favorite hymn. It always amazes me how this one hymn can continue to remind me of how wonderful of a God I serve! Enjoy....
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
My sin O the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and
I bear it no more paraise the Lord, praise the Lord,
O my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
And Lord haste the day
When my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound and
The Lord shall descend
Even so it is well with my soul
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
My sin O the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and
I bear it no more paraise the Lord, praise the Lord,
O my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
And Lord haste the day
When my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound and
The Lord shall descend
Even so it is well with my soul
Sunday, October 3, 2010
"I shall not be a fool"....
"For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but [now] I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or [that] he heareth of me.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
Friday, October 1, 2010
Late nights, early mornings and coffee.
Officially my favorite place in the house is our barista machine.
It is very nice to get up in the morning, make a coffee, and sit down to read the news. I know it sounds like such a small thing to enjoy. But it combines two of my favorite things. Coffee is the key to getting me in a good mood.
Coffee starts me in the morning and keeps me going late at night when I am swamped with school, speech and debate.
And after I have had my coffee I enjoy spending time writing. But I am one of those weird people that sits there and writes on paper with a pen. =) For me it is so soothing to contemplate thoughts of importance to me. Most people wouldn't want to read what I have written, but I love it and it is like therapy for me.
A blissful day for me would be spent with coffee, writing, and reading up on news and important issues.
What is your blissful day?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
GFA
Last night we had the great privilage of having our friends from Gospel For Asia come and talk to us about the work that GFA is doing. I don't know if you are like me, but every time I get to hear missionaries speak, my yearning to be active in mission work grows stronger. The work that GFA does is incredible, if you are not familiar with them check them out on their web-site.
GFA works in the 10/40 window, reaching out to those who are in the lowest class. These people literally live in cardboard huts. And are viewed by the higher classes as dogs. They tell you more about this here.... http://www.gfa.org/about/reaching-the-most-unreached/ . These people have never been told that they are important, or that anyone cares for them. And GFA is now there to tell them that they are important and that so many of us here in the U.S. care for them. But not only that but that God loves them too.
Thousands of people are being saved in the 10/40 window because of the ministry of GFA and Gods amazing grace to his people. Check out there web-site. Give a donation, sponsor a child, Give a gift to a needy family, Spread the news of this wonderful ministry!!!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
What I have been up to...
Okay, so I know I was going to do a post about the sermon on Sunday but I have been so busy that I haven't been able to type all of my notes. Sorry about that.
Lately I have been working on debate and speech. Which just basically means that I am reading up on a bunch of political issues, killing trees and whales (sorry, inside joke, some of you may get it), printing, Going to classes, and trying and failing to write speeches. I have officially realized that I like doing "impromptu" speeches way better that prepared ones. Anyway, that is what I have been busy with.
One of the things I have been reading about is the issue of human rights in Russia. You can not believe how appalling it is over there. After reading all of this our missionary friends out there are even more in my prayers. U.S. department of state on February 25 2009 said:
"In July [2008], a mass grave was discovered in Chechnya that contained up to 300 bodies. According to the Chechen ombudsman, the bodies were from a group of refugees killed by federal forces as they attempted to move to another area of the republic in October 1999."
This is just one example of what happened years ago. And now the corruption has grown in the government. Russia doesn't up hold Human Right in any way. There are so many more examples of death, raping, hazing, torture, and courts that don't up hold justice, it can be depressing.
Okay now on to happier things..... =D
I have been having fun editing and reediting photos. I love being able to say "Ooo, don't like that, I want to do something else"
One of the best ways to get a break from the computer is playing this song on our player piano (I'll have to post more about the piano later).
I think that is pretty much all for now. I have to get back to work.
Lately I have been working on debate and speech. Which just basically means that I am reading up on a bunch of political issues, killing trees and whales (sorry, inside joke, some of you may get it), printing, Going to classes, and trying and failing to write speeches. I have officially realized that I like doing "impromptu" speeches way better that prepared ones. Anyway, that is what I have been busy with.
One of the things I have been reading about is the issue of human rights in Russia. You can not believe how appalling it is over there. After reading all of this our missionary friends out there are even more in my prayers. U.S. department of state on February 25 2009 said:
"In July [2008], a mass grave was discovered in Chechnya that contained up to 300 bodies. According to the Chechen ombudsman, the bodies were from a group of refugees killed by federal forces as they attempted to move to another area of the republic in October 1999."
This is just one example of what happened years ago. And now the corruption has grown in the government. Russia doesn't up hold Human Right in any way. There are so many more examples of death, raping, hazing, torture, and courts that don't up hold justice, it can be depressing.
Okay now on to happier things..... =D
I have been having fun editing and reediting photos. I love being able to say "Ooo, don't like that, I want to do something else"
One of the best ways to get a break from the computer is playing this song on our player piano (I'll have to post more about the piano later).
I think that is pretty much all for now. I have to get back to work.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Coming tomorrow...
I was so edified by our pastors sermon today that I have to post about it tomorrow. Stay posted...
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. -Eph 4:29
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. -Eph 4:29
Thursday, September 23, 2010
I am second.
I could just post the title and that would be all that I need to say. But alas when you find a good thing you have to post more than just one sentence about it.
Some of you may have heard of the web site I am second. And if you have, you will know how it can impact your life, in ways so unimaginable.
What is I am second? This is how they explain it:
" I am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you. The authentic stories on iamsecond.com provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. These are stories that give hope to the lonely and the hurting, help from destructive lifestyles, and inspiration to the unfulfilled. You’ll discover people who’ve tried to go it alone and have failed. Find the hope, peace, and fulfillment they found. Be Second."
The first video I watched was about a solider that had been stationed in Iraq. He shared a story from when he was in Iraq. About how he had been under attack and a couple feet in front of him lay an Iraqi man, that had been fighting against them, wounded. He lay there helpless, in excruciating pain. But this man at the time was not willing to go and save this enemy. As you watch him tell this story, you can see the sorrow in his eyes and you can hear the pain in his voice. And he remembers sitting there asking himself "what would a christian do?", over and over again. I sat there crying, feeling his emotions along with him. His story taught me that no matter how much I can hate someone and no matter what they do to me they still need to be saved. I viewed it, in a way, as an allegory.
There were and still are many videos that impact me to change. And sometimes they just help me to better understand the people around me, who are going through things I can't even imagine going through.
What I love the most is that every time I go on the web site I am constantly reminded to keep God first in everything I do.
So I hope you will check out this site and be as edified as I have been.
Some of you may have heard of the web site I am second. And if you have, you will know how it can impact your life, in ways so unimaginable.
What is I am second? This is how they explain it:
" I am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you. The authentic stories on iamsecond.com provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. These are stories that give hope to the lonely and the hurting, help from destructive lifestyles, and inspiration to the unfulfilled. You’ll discover people who’ve tried to go it alone and have failed. Find the hope, peace, and fulfillment they found. Be Second."
The first video I watched was about a solider that had been stationed in Iraq. He shared a story from when he was in Iraq. About how he had been under attack and a couple feet in front of him lay an Iraqi man, that had been fighting against them, wounded. He lay there helpless, in excruciating pain. But this man at the time was not willing to go and save this enemy. As you watch him tell this story, you can see the sorrow in his eyes and you can hear the pain in his voice. And he remembers sitting there asking himself "what would a christian do?", over and over again. I sat there crying, feeling his emotions along with him. His story taught me that no matter how much I can hate someone and no matter what they do to me they still need to be saved. I viewed it, in a way, as an allegory.
There were and still are many videos that impact me to change. And sometimes they just help me to better understand the people around me, who are going through things I can't even imagine going through.
What I love the most is that every time I go on the web site I am constantly reminded to keep God first in everything I do.
So I hope you will check out this site and be as edified as I have been.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
What is important to you?
A few weeks ago one of the families at our church decided to leave our church. This family is very dear to me, in fact I would say they are some of my best friends. And when they made this decision it made me think. When it comes to church, what are things that are the most important to me? What do I believe?
It has been a long thought process for me. And believe me when I say that I don't believe this family is wrong in leaving our church. It is a decision that they have to personally make for their family. It has just lead me to think about the things that are important to me in a church.
The thing I decided on as the top is that the scriptures should be clearly preached on, every Sunday. I think that is pretty self explanatory. How can we expect to be edified every Sunday if our own Pastor is not preaching directly from the bible? Here 2 Timothy 4:2 makes it clear: 'Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.'
This passage even applies to the second thing I decided on as something that I can't side step in a church, and that is having a pastor that is active in the community of the church but also in our rural community too. I have been in churches where the pastor only sticks to preaching and views that as the only way he needs to minister to his congregation. When really the pastor's ministry in the church and community are essential to it's growth and fruitfulness.
As a third I picked music. Some of you are sitting there going "Oh sure thats important, but really that important?". And I say yes! To me it doesn't matter how old the song is. Just because it was written five hundred years ago does not make it better. I am just as happy to sing a song that was written two weeks ago, just as long as it is not self centered and is directed as worship to God. It is so easy to go to a church where the music is vibrant and up lifting. It is harder to show genuine worship to God. Worship isn't that tingly emotional feeling you get when you sing a song you really like in worship. And I think that is where some churches don't get it. So follow what the psalms say!
'Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.' -Psa 29:2
'So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he [is] thy Lord; and worship thou him.'-Psa 45:11
One of the other things I think is very important, is for the elders and adults of the church to minister to the youth. And I don't mean in a youth group situation. And I am also not saying that you can't segregate by ages. It is kind of a fine line that has to be drawn. As a teen I know first hand that I really need to have people to look up to that care about me and know firmly what they believe. I know what it is like to look down on an adult because I don't respect them, and it is not a comfortable position. I know most adults understand this, but I don't like having to question what adults do around me. On the other hand I don't want to be brain washed (for any of you that know me, you know that that most likely won't happen). There is a huge responsibility to counsel these teens in doctrine and ministering. So it is very important to me to find that in the leaders and adults in our church.
'And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.'-Psa 139:24
And doctrine of course is important. Even as 1 Timothy 4:13 says: 'Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.' Pretty clear, right?
What are things that are most important to you when it comes to church? Let me know, I would love to hear it.
It has been a long thought process for me. And believe me when I say that I don't believe this family is wrong in leaving our church. It is a decision that they have to personally make for their family. It has just lead me to think about the things that are important to me in a church.
The thing I decided on as the top is that the scriptures should be clearly preached on, every Sunday. I think that is pretty self explanatory. How can we expect to be edified every Sunday if our own Pastor is not preaching directly from the bible? Here 2 Timothy 4:2 makes it clear: 'Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.'
This passage even applies to the second thing I decided on as something that I can't side step in a church, and that is having a pastor that is active in the community of the church but also in our rural community too. I have been in churches where the pastor only sticks to preaching and views that as the only way he needs to minister to his congregation. When really the pastor's ministry in the church and community are essential to it's growth and fruitfulness.
As a third I picked music. Some of you are sitting there going "Oh sure thats important, but really that important?". And I say yes! To me it doesn't matter how old the song is. Just because it was written five hundred years ago does not make it better. I am just as happy to sing a song that was written two weeks ago, just as long as it is not self centered and is directed as worship to God. It is so easy to go to a church where the music is vibrant and up lifting. It is harder to show genuine worship to God. Worship isn't that tingly emotional feeling you get when you sing a song you really like in worship. And I think that is where some churches don't get it. So follow what the psalms say!
'Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.' -Psa 29:2
'So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he [is] thy Lord; and worship thou him.'-Psa 45:11
One of the other things I think is very important, is for the elders and adults of the church to minister to the youth. And I don't mean in a youth group situation. And I am also not saying that you can't segregate by ages. It is kind of a fine line that has to be drawn. As a teen I know first hand that I really need to have people to look up to that care about me and know firmly what they believe. I know what it is like to look down on an adult because I don't respect them, and it is not a comfortable position. I know most adults understand this, but I don't like having to question what adults do around me. On the other hand I don't want to be brain washed (for any of you that know me, you know that that most likely won't happen). There is a huge responsibility to counsel these teens in doctrine and ministering. So it is very important to me to find that in the leaders and adults in our church.
'And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.'-Psa 139:24
And doctrine of course is important. Even as 1 Timothy 4:13 says: 'Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.' Pretty clear, right?
What are things that are most important to you when it comes to church? Let me know, I would love to hear it.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
In the year 1990 1,608,600 children died. In 2005 1,206,200 children also died. You maybe thinking it is because of malnutrition, malaria, or poverty. but they are not. These numbers come from the U.S.. Since 1973 Fifty two million eight thousand six hundred and fifty five children have died! By now you probably know what I am taking about. All these deaths were due to abortions here in the U.S.. Abortion is a large problem here in the U.S. specifically and needs to be fixed. These deaths are just as bad as euthanizing and murder, in fact it is murder!
The most sad thing about this is that our culture is okay with this open murder of innocent children. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought murder was illegal. Not to mention it goes against what God says in the bible.
"Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked."-Psalm 82:4
The one thing I rejoice about in this is that christians are not sitting still and watching this happen. There are so many organizations you can be apart of and a lot of community outreaches.
Here is a list of a few outreaches you can be apart of:
1. Abort73: http://abort73.com/
2. Walk for life: http://www.walkforlifewc.com/
3. 40 days for life: http://40daysforlife.com/about.cfm
These are only a few choices. But there are many more! Don't be afraid to take a stand against abortion!
The most sad thing about this is that our culture is okay with this open murder of innocent children. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought murder was illegal. Not to mention it goes against what God says in the bible.
"Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked."-Psalm 82:4
The one thing I rejoice about in this is that christians are not sitting still and watching this happen. There are so many organizations you can be apart of and a lot of community outreaches.
Here is a list of a few outreaches you can be apart of:
1. Abort73: http://abort73.com/
2. Walk for life: http://www.walkforlifewc.com/
3. 40 days for life: http://40daysforlife.com/about.cfm
These are only a few choices. But there are many more! Don't be afraid to take a stand against abortion!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Something new....
Because I really like to start new and fun projects I have decided to start this:
Every time I go somewhere (movies, national parks, big cities, restaurants, ect). I will take a picture with a peice of paper that says "save a life". Lets see how far this thing travels. If you have a blog feel free to start doing this two. Have fun!!
Every time I go somewhere (movies, national parks, big cities, restaurants, ect). I will take a picture with a peice of paper that says "save a life". Lets see how far this thing travels. If you have a blog feel free to start doing this two. Have fun!!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Save a life.
Nearly 21,000 children under age 5 die every day, mostly from preventable diseases. Recent research in child development is clear: The first five years are a crucial period in the development of a child and this development directly affects the quality of adult life. Says Compassion international.
In most African countries about 150 out of 1000 children, under the age of 5, die. They die because their parents or guardians don’t have the funds to provide the medicine or they don’t know that there is a need to take action against certain things that could cause disease and growth problems.
There is a solution to this problem and it comes in the form of Compassion international. Compassion started a program called the ‘child survival program’. This program consists of
Growth Monitoring, they do this because steady growth is a good sign of adequate nutrition
Oral Rehydration Therapy, which restores fluids lost to diarrhea.
Breast-feeding which promotes infant growth, facilitates bonding with the mother, and reduces incidence of illness.
Immunization used because it is an effective way to reduce or eliminate many diseases that cause childhood death and
disability.
They also use Female Literacy because the mother's level of education is directly tied to child survival.
Also, Food, food or supplements fight off malnourishment.
By using these different methods there is a higher chance for the child to survive.
If we do not work to solve this problem and save these lives, more children will die needlessly and there will continue to be a drop in educating these third world countries about medicine and how to be healthy. But if we do work to make this change we will provide a healthy future for these children and educate these third world countries. What better way to jump-start a child’s future than giving them the fundamentals to survive?
So how can you help? You can go to Compassion’s website and pick out a survival program out of a few options and become a partner to that program. One example is the Lenchani Baptist child survival program in Lenchani Kenya. Each program uses you money to minister and educate the mothers and children. To become a partner all you have to do is commit to giving your chosen program only twenty dollars a month. You can also give a one-time tax-deductible donation.
These children need to be cared for and provided for, tonight when your sitting in front of your computer wondering if you should really do this, just remember that every minute you waist 14 more chidren will die.
In most African countries about 150 out of 1000 children, under the age of 5, die. They die because their parents or guardians don’t have the funds to provide the medicine or they don’t know that there is a need to take action against certain things that could cause disease and growth problems.
There is a solution to this problem and it comes in the form of Compassion international. Compassion started a program called the ‘child survival program’. This program consists of
Growth Monitoring, they do this because steady growth is a good sign of adequate nutrition
Oral Rehydration Therapy, which restores fluids lost to diarrhea.
Breast-feeding which promotes infant growth, facilitates bonding with the mother, and reduces incidence of illness.
Immunization used because it is an effective way to reduce or eliminate many diseases that cause childhood death and
disability.
They also use Female Literacy because the mother's level of education is directly tied to child survival.
Also, Food, food or supplements fight off malnourishment.
By using these different methods there is a higher chance for the child to survive.
If we do not work to solve this problem and save these lives, more children will die needlessly and there will continue to be a drop in educating these third world countries about medicine and how to be healthy. But if we do work to make this change we will provide a healthy future for these children and educate these third world countries. What better way to jump-start a child’s future than giving them the fundamentals to survive?
So how can you help? You can go to Compassion’s website and pick out a survival program out of a few options and become a partner to that program. One example is the Lenchani Baptist child survival program in Lenchani Kenya. Each program uses you money to minister and educate the mothers and children. To become a partner all you have to do is commit to giving your chosen program only twenty dollars a month. You can also give a one-time tax-deductible donation.
These children need to be cared for and provided for, tonight when your sitting in front of your computer wondering if you should really do this, just remember that every minute you waist 14 more chidren will die.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Welcome...
...To a corner of the blogging world where I strive to open the eyes of the church going youth, and hopefully sometimes those youth that find churches and christianity a foolish waste of time. If you are one of those people than I urge you to tell me what you think of this little corner.
I also strive to show what I am passionate about and the things that have changed my life for the better and for the worse. To me this website is a place for me to journal and think about those things that have given me purpose and joy.
And the most important thing here is to Glorify God by educating the world.
I also strive to show what I am passionate about and the things that have changed my life for the better and for the worse. To me this website is a place for me to journal and think about those things that have given me purpose and joy.
And the most important thing here is to Glorify God by educating the world.
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