As Christians, we are called to be different. We are not a part of this world.
John 15:19 states " If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
I've been realizing lately that I do not take enough of a stand for my faith. I have become to feel as tho I 'belong to the world'. Christ calls us to live for Him. To be "transformed by the renewing of our minds" and "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this, to look after widows and orphans in their distress" (James 1:27).
What does this look like? how are we suppose to act? How do we respond to people who laugh at and 'spit' in the face of Christ? I must stop myself and ask myself...had I been alive during the time when Christ got crucified...would I have been in the crowd (or a solider) laughing at, mocking and spiting at Christ? OR would I have been apart of the small, but dedicated crowd of followers...Mary...Mother of Jesus Mary, John??
I wish I could say I would have been alongside Mary and the few disciples who stuck around..but in actuality-i think I would have been in the crowd. How many times during a single day, or even hour, do I myself right now...mock Christ by the things I say, or laugh at Him through my actions (or in some cases, lack there of) or anything else?
Micah 6:8-And what does teh LORD our God require of you? to DO justice, LOVE mercy and WALK humbly with the Lord your God
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
New Blog
Although I will be continuing to update this one as well (with my ramblings/feelings and thoughts etc) check out this one! SO EXCITED!!!
I am a going on a race!
Pray for me k?
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Just Surrender
It is sunday morning before church. Another cool crips fall morning. I usually do not blog first thing in the morning (especially on a sunday) but now, I feel as tho I should and could-so I am going to.
I realized something yesterday. I realized that I love my friends. Odd that I only realized this now? Perhaps. However some people never realize it and that is sad. I went out to steinbach yesterday for coffee with a friend and then for another's wedding shower (which was a blast!). What stuck out to me, was that this friend I went out for coffee with-was my roomate first year of college. Just thinking back to that year, I cant do anything but smile and chuckle to myself. Her and I have a relationship that is unlike any other. When we first met and I realized I would have to "survive" a year with her-I was ready right there to quite school and go home. Like for real! Our personalities were total opposites! Through many ups and downs, venting sessions with other friends, weekend 'escapes' home, and especially own, personal growth-her friendship is one I have really come to cherish and love.
Here is a young women who doesnt care what other people think of her. FOr example-her clothes. I remember her being far out 'wacky' with bright bright colours and like crazy floral pattern type clothes (the 70's come to mind). I had not seen her for quite a while and so we made plans to meet at a local coffee shop-she showed up with TIGER EARS in her hair, a BRIGHT Neon Green jacket and like 70's floral style pants, ffashioned with a somewhat normal, looking mini purse. She said her outfit was for heading out to Kareokee later in the city! HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!
I could do nothing but smile to myself as she wrapped me in a huge hug. It was so good to see her!
In the short time we hung out, we laughed, told silly stories and drank coffee. What was more special tho, was that, despite the fact we hadnt talked/seen each other for a while-we talked like we saw each other every day. Shared hurts, lessons from God, trials and victories that we were facing. I was incredible blessed.
In the end, I thanked her so much for the time with her and prayed for her.
I'd like to say that my main reason for going out to steinbach, was for the shower that followed (and to some extent, it was) but after my last week that I had, God knew I needed to see her. I needed to laugh and be 'picked up' in a way that oonly she can pick people (me) up.
When you 'just surrender' to God and give Him control-stand back and be prepared to be amazed. Don't forget to smile and thank God for those moments!
I realized something yesterday. I realized that I love my friends. Odd that I only realized this now? Perhaps. However some people never realize it and that is sad. I went out to steinbach yesterday for coffee with a friend and then for another's wedding shower (which was a blast!). What stuck out to me, was that this friend I went out for coffee with-was my roomate first year of college. Just thinking back to that year, I cant do anything but smile and chuckle to myself. Her and I have a relationship that is unlike any other. When we first met and I realized I would have to "survive" a year with her-I was ready right there to quite school and go home. Like for real! Our personalities were total opposites! Through many ups and downs, venting sessions with other friends, weekend 'escapes' home, and especially own, personal growth-her friendship is one I have really come to cherish and love.
Here is a young women who doesnt care what other people think of her. FOr example-her clothes. I remember her being far out 'wacky' with bright bright colours and like crazy floral pattern type clothes (the 70's come to mind). I had not seen her for quite a while and so we made plans to meet at a local coffee shop-she showed up with TIGER EARS in her hair, a BRIGHT Neon Green jacket and like 70's floral style pants, ffashioned with a somewhat normal, looking mini purse. She said her outfit was for heading out to Kareokee later in the city! HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!
I could do nothing but smile to myself as she wrapped me in a huge hug. It was so good to see her!
In the short time we hung out, we laughed, told silly stories and drank coffee. What was more special tho, was that, despite the fact we hadnt talked/seen each other for a while-we talked like we saw each other every day. Shared hurts, lessons from God, trials and victories that we were facing. I was incredible blessed.
In the end, I thanked her so much for the time with her and prayed for her.
I'd like to say that my main reason for going out to steinbach, was for the shower that followed (and to some extent, it was) but after my last week that I had, God knew I needed to see her. I needed to laugh and be 'picked up' in a way that oonly she can pick people (me) up.
When you 'just surrender' to God and give Him control-stand back and be prepared to be amazed. Don't forget to smile and thank God for those moments!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Overwhelmed
I am glad this last week is done. I am not a person to get overwhelmed by much-but I do not know what it was about this last week. Made all the hours at work are finally catching up to me (late nights/early mornings) or maybe that today (Friday) was my first day "off" this last week. Now I am NOT complaining because the things that I was busy with-were/are important and I wouldt have changed my week even if I could have, I just need to daily remember and learn, to give it all to God.
Some things (well one thing) with africa has come up-turns out we do need a shot we originally didnt think we needed to have-so thats anothe thing to 'add to my plate'...but that being said-its only like 45 more days!!! SO EXCITED and the break will be MUCH needed!
This weekend, next weekend and the weekend after that-are all busy with weddign related things (I am maid of honour in one) and as excited as I am for the wedding and all that that includes-it will be nice to have one less thing off my shoulders cause there is always that nugget now in the back of my head-a 'wedding check list' so to speak of things I need to do yet..the wedding is two weeks from tomorrow!
I have also been working on some stuff for my 11 in 11 adventure potentially for next year (making calls etc) so thats something else
and well, youth of course. I am still LOVING my wednesday nights-different crowd this year but it should be good. Time will tell and I am excited for it!
I have been asked some tough questions lately-friends of mine are making some not good choices and so trying to figure out how.when to deal with that-has also been quite heavy. Lots of prayer, discussions with different people and reading.
Like i said at the start-giving everyting over to God daily is a battle. some days are easier then others. I like control and so relinquishing that to HIM, is hard. Even tho I KNOW that HIS plans are better. His ways are the best.
I Just gotta hold to that
Some things (well one thing) with africa has come up-turns out we do need a shot we originally didnt think we needed to have-so thats anothe thing to 'add to my plate'...but that being said-its only like 45 more days!!! SO EXCITED and the break will be MUCH needed!
This weekend, next weekend and the weekend after that-are all busy with weddign related things (I am maid of honour in one) and as excited as I am for the wedding and all that that includes-it will be nice to have one less thing off my shoulders cause there is always that nugget now in the back of my head-a 'wedding check list' so to speak of things I need to do yet..the wedding is two weeks from tomorrow!
I have also been working on some stuff for my 11 in 11 adventure potentially for next year (making calls etc) so thats something else
and well, youth of course. I am still LOVING my wednesday nights-different crowd this year but it should be good. Time will tell and I am excited for it!
I have been asked some tough questions lately-friends of mine are making some not good choices and so trying to figure out how.when to deal with that-has also been quite heavy. Lots of prayer, discussions with different people and reading.
Like i said at the start-giving everyting over to God daily is a battle. some days are easier then others. I like control and so relinquishing that to HIM, is hard. Even tho I KNOW that HIS plans are better. His ways are the best.
I Just gotta hold to that
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Pregnancy Project and sterotypes
I realized lately-that I really do 'judge a book by its cover'.... WAIT before you have a confused look on your face, let me explain-I AM HUMAN (no excuse I realize that) but When I say "book" I really DO mean a book (like something you read). If the cover looks cool, I will pick it up and 'give it a chance' but if it doesn't, I will usually pass it by. Ok so we are clear? I am talking about any piece of literature.
What scared me tho, is that this line of thinking-no matter HOW HARD I TRY, it carries over to how I first view people as well. So I really do 'judge a book by its cover' (*smacks myself over my head''come on nikki, I should know better*). God "smacked" me over the head this weekend with that line of thought and this time, He used a different line of medium to do it...a tv movie that I 'happened' to flip through and see.
"The Pregnancy Project"-I saw this title on the screen and thought "oh great, another 'teen mom' show, like we really need that" (SEE look at how quick I am to judge even that!) but curiosity got the best of me and I "tuned in".
I am glad I did.
I wont say much about the plot of the movie, but instead I will say that this senior high school student in the states, 'faked a pregnancy' last year as a final "social project" for school. So the movie is her story, her experience on it. I have also included a link to an interview with the real girl who did it (for facts) so now I recomend checking out the article below.
Newstory
I didnt realize this while I was watching the movie, but rather afterwards when I was talking with my mom about. I realized that I was very much 'one of those girls' snickering and yes, even sneering and saying some not so nice things about one of my older brother's friend who got pregnant and had her baby girl Feb. before her grad year. my thoughts "not my problem, she had it coming-why should I deal with it?" She would come over still (being my bro's friend and all) and I found out way later after the fact that there was a rumour going around town about MY brother being the child's father (He isnt. another story for perhaps another time, but chalk up another point for annoying, small town gossip..i hate it-I realize hate is a strong word, but in this case I think it works..hello rabbit trail)
ANYWAYS point being, I was one pointing fingers and laughing (perhaps not directly too her but still about her). God decided to wake me up. My mom, bein who she is-spent hours babysitting the daughter of this girl and spending time with the mom. Honestly at first, I was jealous simple as that. I could not understand why my mom would be investing her time in this young mom and her child. This went on to about Christmas of that year.
That Christmas, I went to TF (our youth's conference), there-I met and saw a girl around MY AGE at the time, with her little boy who was around a year already at that point. I overheard a conv with her and someone else just talking about her pregnancy and how her church responded...her answer blew my mind- she said (in regards to her church) that they were the biggest supporters, threw her a huge baby shower and were totally behind her and supporting her. this rocked my world, maybe I could/should do the same with my situation at home. God calls us to love right?ANYWAYS I began spending time with the baby, just holding her and thus spending time with the mom.
WELL needless to say, my relationship with the mom went totally UP from there. I learned not to care what people thought of me spending time with them. They had both become family and family sticks together and I would defeend them against whatever people threw at them. Christmases and birthdays were highlights as were random photoshoots and just spending time with them. I began to love them
However, One thing that I knew that I had to do, is apologize to the mom for how I acted towards her initially. While I was not one of the bad ones by far, I had no right thinking, saying and acting how I did towards her. So one night, I was walking her and her daughter back to their place (they lived in town at this point) and I just told her I was sorry. She asked 'for what" and I told her. I was honest with her. I was one of those idiot people, laughing, mocking and pointing fingers. I realized that I was not only pointing fingers at her and her daughter, but at TWO people made in God's image. They were and still are, two of God's daughters. two of HIS princesses. I sin. I fail. what makes me any better? God still loves me. So why can't I be a reflection of His light? God had given me a good, swift, much needed kick in the rear end.
Today, I am BEYOND estatic to say that the relationship that I have with them both is awesome. The mom is like the older, crazy, awesome sister that I never had and her daughter, is like the little sister I never had. They are both crazy but i would defend them with my whole heart. I love em to bits.
I debated sharing this story, but I felt like it shows/proves my point and this movie that I saw, reminded me of this. We all judge someone else one way or another. There are stereo types that right away put people at a disadvantage. I hate it. I really do. So, my challenge to myself and to you as the reader, is to stand up for those with stereo types against them. Defend them. Watch yourself around them-are you one of the people pointing and laughing? if so, step back and slap yourself silly (ok not to hard but really open your eyes...) who knows what sort of an awesome relationship you are missing out on! I thank God for 'slapping' me when He did...cause I know that becasue of the relationship I now have with those two, i am a better person and have the chance to challenge and influence (hopefully for good) two more precious lives!
(and, on a more funny note, be the 'butt end' of a make over session..oh the things I do!!! Here is to family!)
What scared me tho, is that this line of thinking-no matter HOW HARD I TRY, it carries over to how I first view people as well. So I really do 'judge a book by its cover' (*smacks myself over my head''come on nikki, I should know better*). God "smacked" me over the head this weekend with that line of thought and this time, He used a different line of medium to do it...a tv movie that I 'happened' to flip through and see.
"The Pregnancy Project"-I saw this title on the screen and thought "oh great, another 'teen mom' show, like we really need that" (SEE look at how quick I am to judge even that!) but curiosity got the best of me and I "tuned in".
I am glad I did.
I wont say much about the plot of the movie, but instead I will say that this senior high school student in the states, 'faked a pregnancy' last year as a final "social project" for school. So the movie is her story, her experience on it. I have also included a link to an interview with the real girl who did it (for facts) so now I recomend checking out the article below.
Newstory
I didnt realize this while I was watching the movie, but rather afterwards when I was talking with my mom about. I realized that I was very much 'one of those girls' snickering and yes, even sneering and saying some not so nice things about one of my older brother's friend who got pregnant and had her baby girl Feb. before her grad year. my thoughts "not my problem, she had it coming-why should I deal with it?" She would come over still (being my bro's friend and all) and I found out way later after the fact that there was a rumour going around town about MY brother being the child's father (He isnt. another story for perhaps another time, but chalk up another point for annoying, small town gossip..i hate it-I realize hate is a strong word, but in this case I think it works..hello rabbit trail)
ANYWAYS point being, I was one pointing fingers and laughing (perhaps not directly too her but still about her). God decided to wake me up. My mom, bein who she is-spent hours babysitting the daughter of this girl and spending time with the mom. Honestly at first, I was jealous simple as that. I could not understand why my mom would be investing her time in this young mom and her child. This went on to about Christmas of that year.
That Christmas, I went to TF (our youth's conference), there-I met and saw a girl around MY AGE at the time, with her little boy who was around a year already at that point. I overheard a conv with her and someone else just talking about her pregnancy and how her church responded...her answer blew my mind- she said (in regards to her church) that they were the biggest supporters, threw her a huge baby shower and were totally behind her and supporting her. this rocked my world, maybe I could/should do the same with my situation at home. God calls us to love right?ANYWAYS I began spending time with the baby, just holding her and thus spending time with the mom.
WELL needless to say, my relationship with the mom went totally UP from there. I learned not to care what people thought of me spending time with them. They had both become family and family sticks together and I would defeend them against whatever people threw at them. Christmases and birthdays were highlights as were random photoshoots and just spending time with them. I began to love them
However, One thing that I knew that I had to do, is apologize to the mom for how I acted towards her initially. While I was not one of the bad ones by far, I had no right thinking, saying and acting how I did towards her. So one night, I was walking her and her daughter back to their place (they lived in town at this point) and I just told her I was sorry. She asked 'for what" and I told her. I was honest with her. I was one of those idiot people, laughing, mocking and pointing fingers. I realized that I was not only pointing fingers at her and her daughter, but at TWO people made in God's image. They were and still are, two of God's daughters. two of HIS princesses. I sin. I fail. what makes me any better? God still loves me. So why can't I be a reflection of His light? God had given me a good, swift, much needed kick in the rear end.
Today, I am BEYOND estatic to say that the relationship that I have with them both is awesome. The mom is like the older, crazy, awesome sister that I never had and her daughter, is like the little sister I never had. They are both crazy but i would defend them with my whole heart. I love em to bits.
I debated sharing this story, but I felt like it shows/proves my point and this movie that I saw, reminded me of this. We all judge someone else one way or another. There are stereo types that right away put people at a disadvantage. I hate it. I really do. So, my challenge to myself and to you as the reader, is to stand up for those with stereo types against them. Defend them. Watch yourself around them-are you one of the people pointing and laughing? if so, step back and slap yourself silly (ok not to hard but really open your eyes...) who knows what sort of an awesome relationship you are missing out on! I thank God for 'slapping' me when He did...cause I know that becasue of the relationship I now have with those two, i am a better person and have the chance to challenge and influence (hopefully for good) two more precious lives!
(and, on a more funny note, be the 'butt end' of a make over session..oh the things I do!!! Here is to family!)
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Everything
I just came across this song...perhaps it best sums up what I have been feeling/trying to say...
enjoy and let the words of praise to God sink in..
Everything
here are just a few of the lyrics:
God in my living,
there in my breathing
God in my waking,
God in my sleeping
God in my resting, there in my working
God in my thinking,
God in my speaking
enjoy and let the words of praise to God sink in..
Everything
here are just a few of the lyrics:
God in my living,
there in my breathing
God in my waking,
God in my sleeping
God in my resting, there in my working
God in my thinking,
God in my speaking
Selfish...pt. 2
I want to share a bit of a story, something that I wrestled with this last week. I was reminded at the importance of attitude and yes, it has to do with being selfish as well. As much as I try (some days, more than other) to have a good attitude about work-I really dont. For the month of august, I worked around 50 hours a week with overtime-which was fine as I knew (and was expecting too) work that. However, come September now, I was anticipating back to normal 9-5:30 hours but NO overtime sign went back up and the request for working Saturday came up.
Now, in my head I was thinking "no way, I am done working OT" BUT then my last post came to mind, but more importantly-this little 'voice' (aka God) popped into my head and told me "hello Nikki-um remember about living your life FOR ME in EVERYTHING YOU DO...I am the One you are serving, not your boss, not your work-NOTHING BUT ME" whoa ok God-i got the message loud and clear..at least I think I did.
Needless to say, I did go into work this morning and I am not saying/sharing this to brag or anything- but it proves my point from last post. How many times in a day, do I think about "me me me". I could have said no to going into work-and that would have been ok, do not get me wrong...but it would not have sit well with me. (again, look at how many times I said "me" in that...)
Anyways point being- to truly live for Christ, we need an attitude adjustment. We need to re focus our line of thinking and constantly think of God. One thing that I do love about work, that I have said before, is the fact that my job is so routine that I can pray all day (not that I do do that everyday, but I can/should). Actually there have been many good chats I have had with God while at work which is awesome.
Thanks God, for showing yourself to me in the routine of life. Father I know I am not perfect. I stumble. I fall. But You pick me up. You carry me through it all. You always have and always will. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know that I am excited for it. I am excited for youth start up coming shortly and the chance to connect there and, hopefully, change lives for You. I cannot (and will not) do that alone. I need you to continue to walk with me.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. what does the Lord is required of you? To DO Justice. LOVE mercy and WALK humbly with the LORD your God" Micah 6:8
Now, in my head I was thinking "no way, I am done working OT" BUT then my last post came to mind, but more importantly-this little 'voice' (aka God) popped into my head and told me "hello Nikki-um remember about living your life FOR ME in EVERYTHING YOU DO...I am the One you are serving, not your boss, not your work-NOTHING BUT ME" whoa ok God-i got the message loud and clear..at least I think I did.
Needless to say, I did go into work this morning and I am not saying/sharing this to brag or anything- but it proves my point from last post. How many times in a day, do I think about "me me me". I could have said no to going into work-and that would have been ok, do not get me wrong...but it would not have sit well with me. (again, look at how many times I said "me" in that...)
Anyways point being- to truly live for Christ, we need an attitude adjustment. We need to re focus our line of thinking and constantly think of God. One thing that I do love about work, that I have said before, is the fact that my job is so routine that I can pray all day (not that I do do that everyday, but I can/should). Actually there have been many good chats I have had with God while at work which is awesome.
Thanks God, for showing yourself to me in the routine of life. Father I know I am not perfect. I stumble. I fall. But You pick me up. You carry me through it all. You always have and always will. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know that I am excited for it. I am excited for youth start up coming shortly and the chance to connect there and, hopefully, change lives for You. I cannot (and will not) do that alone. I need you to continue to walk with me.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. what does the Lord is required of you? To DO Justice. LOVE mercy and WALK humbly with the LORD your God" Micah 6:8
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Selfish..part 1
I AM SELFISH. I have been realizing this lately about myself and it scares me.
I like my comfort.
I like my pay check twice a month
I like my hot showers.
I like my north american plumbing.
I like the fact that I DONT have to sleep under a mosquito net
actually, better put- I Like my nice warm bed.
I like my apartment
I like my heat in winter and my AC in summer.
I like my drivers.
I like my freedom.
I like my fridge
I like my food in my fridge.
I like my ability to be physically mobile
I like my job security
I like my health insurance/coverage
I like my free health care
I like my education that I had
I like my stove/microwave
I like my family (most days :P)
I like my friends
I like my internet
I like my clean drinking water
I like my ability to travel when (where) I want
I like my...I like my.. I like my... I like my....
This is just the start of the things I 'like" off the top of my head...as this list is NOT exhausted.
While the above statements are true, I hope you realized I put the "I like" parts like that, purposely to make a point (which I hope I did?!) I realized tonight-through a new college / career evening that local people are starting, at how selfish I really am. It is so true that this is a "me me me me me" world that we live in.
Now I just want to say, there is NOTHING wrong with the things that I have listed above. Friends, family, food, health care, etc are all great but we need to change teh way we look at them. They are gifts from God and are not to be taken forgranted of.
But it doesnt stop there. As Christians, as Christians from ANY generation-we are called to give it up. To give up the few things that I mentioned-for Christ. We are called to go and make disciples. There is no greater calling then that. Period.
I would like to continue this topic on the blog for a bit-as I feel its a large topic and I need to do some thiking.praying on it...but for now-what are your thoughts on 'selfish'?
"A thought to grow on"
Shine for Christ.
I like my comfort.
I like my pay check twice a month
I like my hot showers.
I like my north american plumbing.
I like the fact that I DONT have to sleep under a mosquito net
actually, better put- I Like my nice warm bed.
I like my apartment
I like my heat in winter and my AC in summer.
I like my drivers.
I like my freedom.
I like my fridge
I like my food in my fridge.
I like my ability to be physically mobile
I like my job security
I like my health insurance/coverage
I like my free health care
I like my education that I had
I like my stove/microwave
I like my family (most days :P)
I like my friends
I like my internet
I like my clean drinking water
I like my ability to travel when (where) I want
I like my...I like my.. I like my... I like my....
This is just the start of the things I 'like" off the top of my head...as this list is NOT exhausted.
While the above statements are true, I hope you realized I put the "I like" parts like that, purposely to make a point (which I hope I did?!) I realized tonight-through a new college / career evening that local people are starting, at how selfish I really am. It is so true that this is a "me me me me me" world that we live in.
Now I just want to say, there is NOTHING wrong with the things that I have listed above. Friends, family, food, health care, etc are all great but we need to change teh way we look at them. They are gifts from God and are not to be taken forgranted of.
But it doesnt stop there. As Christians, as Christians from ANY generation-we are called to give it up. To give up the few things that I mentioned-for Christ. We are called to go and make disciples. There is no greater calling then that. Period.
I would like to continue this topic on the blog for a bit-as I feel its a large topic and I need to do some thiking.praying on it...but for now-what are your thoughts on 'selfish'?
"A thought to grow on"
Shine for Christ.
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