This last week, was super encouraging. Work was/is going good (despite the fact of working now 10 hr days-but hey I need to bank time for Africa as well! So that too-is a blessing!)
But each evening this past week- was such an encouragement and blessing as well! Seriously God is so good and I LOVE hearing how God moves and IS moving through the lives of young people-there is nothing better or more exciting then that. To hear their stories of struggles and victories, of overcoming obstacles and trials. Seriously amazing! It is such a testimony to God and His greatness.
I Love hearing Testimonies from other believers-no matter what age, race or gender. I love it how our stories are all similar, yet totally different and unique. I love how God uses our stories to reach and teach others, to show others and to realize ourselves that we are NOT alone in this world, that yes although our struggles maybe different, we can relate most times in one way or another. This week alone, I heard it a few times "I didnt know you went through that! I did too!", or something similar to that.
The idea of wrestling with God, of wondering if He is there and what His plan is for my life-is a daily, constant struggle for youth, young adults and adults alike. We need to know we are not alone in theese struggles. We need to know that we got a community of believers who love and care for us. Who lift each other up when needed. THAT is Power through God.
Thank you God for loving us. For caring for us, for lifting us up when we need it. Thank you for sending Your Son to die for us.
Showing posts with label encouraged. Show all posts
Showing posts with label encouraged. Show all posts
Monday, August 06, 2012
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Encouraged
Today was another one of those days that-through the stories of other people-I was encouraged. For those that say "God doesnt exists" or "He is un loving and doesnt care about me"-part of me just wants to laugh (especially about the part about Him not existing...cause one look around nature-should speak otherwise-but thats not what this post is about). I heard it said recently that people can (and do) argue the facts of the Bible till they are 'blue in the face', or they may not agree at all or anything with the teachings in the Bible BUT one thing they can not argue-are personal, life stories that people (Christians and non Christians alike) have. One may choose NOT to believe their stories-but they cannot argue them by saying that it "didnt happen' or something like that. That is the power in those stories. That is a main reason why I LOVE hearing testimonies and just "God Stories" of things happening in people's lives. It is so encouraging.
Through people's stories-you also realize that you are NOT alone on this Christian journey. That other people have similar struggles to you (and, in some cases-they are almost the same). I have found in my life, that it is encouraging as well to know that you are not alone-that it is ok to be mad at God, to yell at Him and to ask the famous question..."why?"
I know people struggle with these concepts. I know from personal experience that I have too, struggled with this concept. But really-God created every emotion and feeling. If there is ever anyone who can handle someone being mad at them-its God. The crazy awesome thing is-He loves us so much that He wont let go-WE might let go-but HE never will. Its too bad that we often think that it is HIM who lets go of us. We cannt be more wrong in that line of thinking.
One thing I am struggling with/wrestling with, as of late, is to know how to share that love-to remind people (especially young girls/women) of their worth in God. I am struggling with this cause God has been remindng me just how awesome HE is and how much HE loves us-and for me NOT to be able to share it/show it-is tough. I hope and pray that my actions speak louder than words-that people will be able to SEE God through me.
I have been encouraged lately with that very thought. I have had a few different people mention to me different things along those same lines and that in itself, speaks so much to me!
"I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned. In awe of the One who gave it all! I'll stand, my soul Lord to You surrendered, all I am-is Yours "
Through people's stories-you also realize that you are NOT alone on this Christian journey. That other people have similar struggles to you (and, in some cases-they are almost the same). I have found in my life, that it is encouraging as well to know that you are not alone-that it is ok to be mad at God, to yell at Him and to ask the famous question..."why?"
I know people struggle with these concepts. I know from personal experience that I have too, struggled with this concept. But really-God created every emotion and feeling. If there is ever anyone who can handle someone being mad at them-its God. The crazy awesome thing is-He loves us so much that He wont let go-WE might let go-but HE never will. Its too bad that we often think that it is HIM who lets go of us. We cannt be more wrong in that line of thinking.
One thing I am struggling with/wrestling with, as of late, is to know how to share that love-to remind people (especially young girls/women) of their worth in God. I am struggling with this cause God has been remindng me just how awesome HE is and how much HE loves us-and for me NOT to be able to share it/show it-is tough. I hope and pray that my actions speak louder than words-that people will be able to SEE God through me.
I have been encouraged lately with that very thought. I have had a few different people mention to me different things along those same lines and that in itself, speaks so much to me!
"I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned. In awe of the One who gave it all! I'll stand, my soul Lord to You surrendered, all I am-is Yours "
Sunday, October 02, 2011
It only takes a minute (and even less!)
I heard a statistic/fact, once that it takes 10 positive comments, for every ONE negative comment that is directed towards a person (specifically, in this case, we were talking about youth). I heard this over a year ago and it has constantly been in the back of my mind. How quick are we to judge those around us? I know I am guilty of this. But lately, it has been re affirmed to me, the importance of "encouraging one another daily" (yes, it is even Biblical!) whether its through a face to face conversation (still always the best and, personally, my favorite), but even with the technology we have now a days such as texting, facebook and yes, even blogs. It takes no more than 30 seconds to send/receive a text. No more than a minute or two to send out a quick email or facebook message (And, lets face it-a lot of us also have email /facebook access on our phones these days-so we dont even need a computer!) AND, for those that are not caught up with today's technology...there STILL is a little something called the telephone which 99.9% of people have now a days in their homes! so basically, there is no excuse :P
It is amazing really, how much a simple "hi" note can do to brighten someones day. I know in the past, I have been on both the giving and receiving end and wow does it ever feel good! So, who are YOU going to encourage today?
On another note- if I could teleport myself right now..I would no longer be at home..I would be in Zambia right now with the wonderful kids and people there. I miss them, I really do. I miss their smiles, their energy and joy and zeal for life, for GOD. Although pictures are great to have, they do not (and will not ever) due justice to the real people of Zambia. I guess what they say are true..once you go to Africa-you are guaranteed to leave a piece of your heart there (and if you dont, well I think you gotta check yourself into a hospital or something, cause something isnt right! It is impossible NOT to fall in love with those people!!)
Happy Sunday!
It is amazing really, how much a simple "hi" note can do to brighten someones day. I know in the past, I have been on both the giving and receiving end and wow does it ever feel good! So, who are YOU going to encourage today?
On another note- if I could teleport myself right now..I would no longer be at home..I would be in Zambia right now with the wonderful kids and people there. I miss them, I really do. I miss their smiles, their energy and joy and zeal for life, for GOD. Although pictures are great to have, they do not (and will not ever) due justice to the real people of Zambia. I guess what they say are true..once you go to Africa-you are guaranteed to leave a piece of your heart there (and if you dont, well I think you gotta check yourself into a hospital or something, cause something isnt right! It is impossible NOT to fall in love with those people!!)
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| goofing off with friends |
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Missions
Ah yes, the age old debate (ok maybe not that old..but none the less...a debate)
What are/is missions actually? based on my three years BA at college...I should know, since my major was Global Missions, but really? What defines it? Can we even define it? Lately, I have been wondering if our (the north american church) perspective of it, is warped...
I've been on quite a few different missions trips. Some a few days, a week, a few weeks, a couple months. Everywhere from Inner city winnipeg, to a metis community, to the Native Reserves of Northern Manitoba, to further places like Ex-communist country Ukraine, and countries hit with extreme natural disasters and poverty...Metro Manila Philippines, and to the HIV/AIDS stricken country of Zambia Africa..but i still wonder/ask..What are missions?
I have had it said before to me..."why do you have to go out 'there' when the missions field is coming here? its our back door neighbours, co workers and friends" This is very true, but honestly I am sick of people using that as an excuse. We are told very clearly in Matthew to GO and make disciples of ALL nations. Last time I checked, "go" was/is an action (as in moving/movement) word.
But that is another post for another time perhaps. That said, recently I have been wondering..our we failing, as a church, our young people here in our own midist? Perhaps we are too focused on out 'there' that we forget about 'here", about our own. Shallow? Maybe. but look at our great example-Christ. Sure, HE did speak to massive crowds, all over the area, no matter what back ground or religion they were, but another HUGE part of His own ministry, was discipling His own group of 12 (read it again, 12) disciples.
As I have said before, this past year of working with youth in my church/town has really opended me eyes and challenged me in ways I didnt think were possible. I mean, these are church kids, good kids who know right and wrong and kids you find in the pews sunday mornings, kids, who perhaps some parts are teachers/preachers or actively involved in the community or/and church. "surely they cannot be strugglign if they are so and so kids!?" Wow do we ever fail there as a church!
The youth that I have gotten to know this last year, have changed my world up side down. They are amazing young women and men of God. Young people who will/ARE already making a difference intheir school, friends lives, and community (and even globally). Yet they too, are still hurting. they are still seeking for something that is true and real to them. They are seekig for someting to call their own, something/someone to believe in. I've been there and i think we all have at one point or another in our lives.
If a youth goes to camp as a camp counselor to younger kids, yet comes out questioning their own faith even harder than before because of the poeple they see in leadership positions, people the church has placed there-We, as a church, have failed and serious need to re-evaluate our own leadership/beliefs. If, for running a day camp once a week for a few hours, the coordinator struggles at finding leaders and volunteers to help and few people that DO step up and say yes, are indeed YOUTH, we as the church have failed. If that same person, struggles at finding people to help with summer sunday school, the church has failed.
How are the youth/young people suppose to grow and learn and BE discipled if there is NO ONE there to disciple them? Answer: The church has failed.
Now, this is not a 'church bashing' post-but its something I am wrestling with and trying to figure it for myself. That said too, there are some phenomenal people in leadership spots..people who ARE investing into young people, teens and kids and I thank God for them. but what about the other 90%? Those parents sending their kids to VBS? I realize life is busy, but hello-so is everyone else's.
I need to remind myself of this too, and step up where I can. Encourage each and every day, whatever way that maybe.
We are called to walk this journey together, in community and fellowship. Let's please not forget those walking beside us. Pick up a brother when he falls, Hug a sister when she needs. INVEST into the lives around you. Give back and seek ways to bless others...it is one of the greatest things you will ever recieve..
What are/is missions actually? based on my three years BA at college...I should know, since my major was Global Missions, but really? What defines it? Can we even define it? Lately, I have been wondering if our (the north american church) perspective of it, is warped...
I've been on quite a few different missions trips. Some a few days, a week, a few weeks, a couple months. Everywhere from Inner city winnipeg, to a metis community, to the Native Reserves of Northern Manitoba, to further places like Ex-communist country Ukraine, and countries hit with extreme natural disasters and poverty...Metro Manila Philippines, and to the HIV/AIDS stricken country of Zambia Africa..but i still wonder/ask..What are missions?
I have had it said before to me..."why do you have to go out 'there' when the missions field is coming here? its our back door neighbours, co workers and friends" This is very true, but honestly I am sick of people using that as an excuse. We are told very clearly in Matthew to GO and make disciples of ALL nations. Last time I checked, "go" was/is an action (as in moving/movement) word.
But that is another post for another time perhaps. That said, recently I have been wondering..our we failing, as a church, our young people here in our own midist? Perhaps we are too focused on out 'there' that we forget about 'here", about our own. Shallow? Maybe. but look at our great example-Christ. Sure, HE did speak to massive crowds, all over the area, no matter what back ground or religion they were, but another HUGE part of His own ministry, was discipling His own group of 12 (read it again, 12) disciples.
As I have said before, this past year of working with youth in my church/town has really opended me eyes and challenged me in ways I didnt think were possible. I mean, these are church kids, good kids who know right and wrong and kids you find in the pews sunday mornings, kids, who perhaps some parts are teachers/preachers or actively involved in the community or/and church. "surely they cannot be strugglign if they are so and so kids!?" Wow do we ever fail there as a church!
The youth that I have gotten to know this last year, have changed my world up side down. They are amazing young women and men of God. Young people who will/ARE already making a difference intheir school, friends lives, and community (and even globally). Yet they too, are still hurting. they are still seeking for something that is true and real to them. They are seekig for someting to call their own, something/someone to believe in. I've been there and i think we all have at one point or another in our lives.
If a youth goes to camp as a camp counselor to younger kids, yet comes out questioning their own faith even harder than before because of the poeple they see in leadership positions, people the church has placed there-We, as a church, have failed and serious need to re-evaluate our own leadership/beliefs. If, for running a day camp once a week for a few hours, the coordinator struggles at finding leaders and volunteers to help and few people that DO step up and say yes, are indeed YOUTH, we as the church have failed. If that same person, struggles at finding people to help with summer sunday school, the church has failed.
How are the youth/young people suppose to grow and learn and BE discipled if there is NO ONE there to disciple them? Answer: The church has failed.
Now, this is not a 'church bashing' post-but its something I am wrestling with and trying to figure it for myself. That said too, there are some phenomenal people in leadership spots..people who ARE investing into young people, teens and kids and I thank God for them. but what about the other 90%? Those parents sending their kids to VBS? I realize life is busy, but hello-so is everyone else's.
I need to remind myself of this too, and step up where I can. Encourage each and every day, whatever way that maybe.
We are called to walk this journey together, in community and fellowship. Let's please not forget those walking beside us. Pick up a brother when he falls, Hug a sister when she needs. INVEST into the lives around you. Give back and seek ways to bless others...it is one of the greatest things you will ever recieve..
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Encouraged
Had a good day, admists the craziness, sadness of this past week (its been a heavy week....) I was encouraged today by a friend and a nice cold ice capp from tims! I love having solid Christian friends to whom I can take my thoughts, questions and yes even doubts, too and know I will get an honest reply back from. Friends that I know love and care for me and share the same faith I do. I am So thankful for them.God has blessed me incrediablly with them in my life. Thanks does not seem enough to say! Even through all thats gone on, through all that will go on now and in days to come-God has given me this incredible peace that I dont understand, but that I know will only come from Him (and prayers from those around me to Him). Like although the questions are there, my heart is at peace-unlike other times when questions have been there and my heart was restless-not cool. I thank God for that too.
Thank you for who you are God. For what you are doing IN and through me. Thank you for your love and grace during this time of incredible need and desire. "In you I am complete"
Thank you for who you are God. For what you are doing IN and through me. Thank you for your love and grace during this time of incredible need and desire. "In you I am complete"
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