Peace...and a blessing!

We had a really good sermon today in church.  It was one of those that I could really connect with.  It was based in Matthew 13:53-58; which reads "When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. ⁵⁴ Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. ⁵⁵ “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? ⁵⁶ Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” ⁵⁷ And they took offense at him.
   But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”
 ⁵⁸ And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith."

 Our pastor went on to talk about biblical faith.  About what faith is NOT and what Biblical faith IS.   He mentioned something that i found interesting with, but totally agree.  He talked about how  when people question their faith, or go around and SEEK answers to questions and have questions in general-it is sometimes (a lot of times) looked "down upon". The question is then thrown back at the person-"where is your faith? you should not be asking those things" etc

For myself-those questions annoy the heck out of me! I am a firm believer  in asking questions but then also SEEKING answers to those questions (in the right places hopefully).  The most important spiritual years of my life-where also the toughest.  The times when I seeked answers to questions.  Times when I realized that not only did I not have the answers I was looking for, but other Christians way older than me-also didnt have the answers.  At the time-this annoyed me too-but now I am so glad they were honest with me as it made me realize that it is ok to have questions, to seek answers.  it is not all about theology but about so much more. (dont get me wrong tho-theology is important-something that a prof at college reminded me of in his special way-thanks Prof Gord!)

I hope the youth were listening extra to that today especially-cause I know there are lots of questions especially in that age and they need that reminder that it is OK to ask, to seek.  in fact-God tells us to.  We are not suppose to take everything we hear, to heart-even with our own pastors and leaders. THey are human and do make mistakes.  Scripture is Truth.

he also referenced James and how it talks about 'faith without actions-is dead'.  This too-is something I have struggled with in the past (and still do).  I still believe that in the long run-I will end up overseas in missions and so I wrestle with why I am here, at home-working isntead of being "out there".  BUT then it hits me again-its my youth.  this weekend reminded me of that.  I went to see a movie with a few on friday, and had one girl over yesterday eve for frappes and a movie.  I love connecting with people outside of youth-that is when the real conversations and growth happens-what a blessing it is! Again, for now-it confirmed to me that this, right here and now-where I am, is where I am suppose to be.  There is this peace from God. This is my actions being shown-through my faith.  My Faith is not dead and its very much alive (through my actions).  My hope, my prayer for this next year and as this school year of youth finishes up-is that God will continue to use me espeically in the lives of the young women in youth-to draw closer to HIM and grow a passion desire to love and serve Him.  For me to be there for them, when they have tough questions and fears.  Not to necessairly lead, but to help guide.

Prayer is huge.  I pray constantly for my 'girls' and its awesome seeing the changes in them-even for only knowing them for the last few years-the change is there and its great! Peoplle have no idea, what they are missing out on by not being apart of youths lives!They are a HUGE blessing!

Coffee with God

This year, I am going to attempt reading through the entire Bible.  My plan is a few chapters a day so I have no idea how long it will take or what but its something I have decided I want to do.  Time and time again, in scripture, messages, lyrics to songs and through conversations and classes- I am reminded of the importance of being IN the Word.  Of reading it daily and soaking it in.  After all; the way we get to know people, is to spend time with them-hanging out and connecting with them.  Although we physically can go for coffee with friends here on Earth...and we cannot with God (in the sense of actually 'seeing' Him), we can still connect with God in a variety of ways.

But back up a second-Coffee with God-how awesome would that be!!!! I have never really thought about 'having coffee with God' but I imagine the sort of conversation that I would have like Him, would be like this;
God (G)- Hello my daughter-long time no talk.  I have been trying to get a hold of you but it seems that your life-good and/or bad-are to busy for me.  I have been waiting for you to call on me. Why have you not?
Nikki (N)- it had been a while hasnt it. Life happens and, like you said, its busy but I still know that that is no excuse

G-You are right, its not but we are here now so lets spend time together.  How are you? (Remember I know even what you dont say)

N- Wow, ok no pressure there!  Honestly God, there is so much in this world I do not get- but I dont want to waste your time boring you with my 'little' issues when there is a much greater need for you out there.

G-My child-were you not listening or watching when I sent MY Son to die for YOU on the cross? To carry YOUR sins as well as the worlds? Did I not say, call to me and I will hear and answer your prayers?  Did I also not say, "Do not worry about tomorrow? for Tomorrow will worry about itself?"

N- (in a very sheepish voice)- Ok God, I get the point...

G- I am not sure you do.  I DIED for you.  To be WITH you.  yet you toss me aside, go about your day and forget to spend time with Me.

N-I am sorry...but God, I am only human...after all I am not You

G-...and for good reason! Relax, stop trying to do everything on your own.  You know the old song "Lean on me?" Well where do you think the artist got it from?  You have to lean on ME for you support.

N-I guess I still need daily reminders

G-Yes, yes you do...and speaking of which-you know that voice in the back of your head? what you humans call a 'conscious?'   Well-you should listen to it more.  It is really Me speaking to you.

N-yes, I definatly realized that when I wiped out on my bike-betcha just loved that :).  Note to self, next time I will listen!  but speaking of listening-how DO you listen to millions of people's prayers at any given moment? Doesnt it get tiring?

G-yah that was kind of funny when you did wipe out-it gave me a good laugh-so thanks for that.  but no, hearing my kids call on My name does not get tiring at all-in fact is, I love it.


And the conversation could go on and on! But wouldnt that be neat? to have a cup of coffee with God?
what would your conversation look like?

Still an introvert at heart

Over the Holidays, I realized that I am still very much, an introvert at heart.  From the 23-28; I was constantly with people (basically family) which was good-dont get me wrong but it was just exhausting.  I also stayed at  my folks for night too most of those days and then was at a hotel with intimidate family for two nights. (again, good-just trying).  Then, one the 29th-I headed back to work.

I was so "peopled out'.  That has not hit me the way it did over the break..since like college (where I was around people 24/7...hardly had any me space).  A major difference between an extrovert and introvert is that; at extrovert gets energized by being WITH people...where as an introvert gets energized by being with either a small group or by themselves. 
By the time Christmas was done..I was needing my own space to re gather my energy

now that I have had a few days of it-I am once again ready for people! (which is good cause i can already see life startng to get busy and fill up with things!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Happy 2012!

I dont know about you...but I am excited to see and hear, what God has in store for this year!!