Good morning to all - it's been a while...
Our Wyld Life/Young Life camp training this year included some thoughts on how to share the gospel with teenagers. Ellie shared how there's the step-by-step way to talk about Sin, Need, Jesus, the Cross, Redemption. This is not wrong, but life is never that clean. This seems to paint the picture: you're healed once you get to the last step! But life more real than that. AND we are in no position to be able to fully explain HOW or WHY Jesus heals, why His cross cleanses us from sin?! So, we talked, instead, about sharing OUR part of the story - the story we know. We who have chosen to follow Jesus have each been touched by His healing hand. We don't know how exactly, but when we let Him into our life, our life has improved, we feel more purpose, the hard stuff doesn't seem as hard anymore. Maybe He has even healed you in a bigger way.
So, I am refreshed in telling my part of the story. Yes, I want to try to understand the how and why of Jesus, but I don't think that any of us ever will, fully. In thinking this this morning, I was reading Psalm 40 and thought, "hey, this is my story!"
Psalm 40:
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in God."
When I took a "break" from graduate school at Michigan, I felt my decision blessed by God. I waited patiently for Him to show up, to show me where I was to go next, to see what opportunities lay ahead for me. He heard my cry. He blessed me with people through the opportunities I had to explore and learn about myself - at Trail West, Wilderness, finishing up my Masters' at Michigan, returning to Iowa City. He set my feet upon a rock, showing me He was in this whole process, in my story. He had a hand in bringing me home to Iowa City (against my will initially) to get to know my parents, especially my mom, better, before my mom passed away. He drew me up from this pit of destruction, too, as I slowly and reluctantly let Him into my pain. He put a new song in my mouth - somehow I found joy after/in the midst of tragedy - celebrating my Dad's new-found life in God and our family's bond, learning how to live again.
The last part is where I shy away, or at least don't like to dwell on. Many will see and fear and will put their trust in the Lord. Many will see MY STORY!? Yes, this is obvious I guess... Life is out there and people will see it. I think fear might mean more "respect" or "awe", instead of "afraid" - I don't know... But it is crazy/amazing/cool to think that because of MY story, of how God has worked in MY life, that people will come to put their trust in the Lord. !?
And I wonder if I am doing anything that is inhibiting God from using my story. Do I share my story? Do I keep it to myself? Am I forward about God's role in my story? Do I claim my own victory? Am I afraid or shy or feel self-centered for sharing my story with others?
I pray for opportunities to share my story of the gospel - the Good News - God working in my life - with others. Maybe this isn't testimony-style - in one fell swoop, bam! But, maybe it's more subtle, a bit hear and there, a reassuring smile or hug to someone who feels similar pain; a club talk where I share how a passage from Scripture has been important in my life; or this blog(?).
Something to think about today - what is your story? What's God's role in that? How will you share it with others?
Enjoy your summer Sunday!
Katie
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Learning to give grace
Giving grace to others is tough. It's easier to assume things about people based on what you know of them and to count up their mistakes against them. Paul reminds us to think of what is excellent and praiseworthy. Jesus teaches us not to judge others and to love at all times (especially our enemies...). This is not easy, but it's worth spending time on I guess if Jesus taught it;)
I hope we can all ponder our current relationships with friends and family and ask ourselves who they are in our eyes and who they are in God's eyes. Is what we believe about these people good, hopeful, full of grace? Or do we hold people's mistakes against them? I'm beginning to look at people in a new way and it won't happen overnight, but I hope to learn how to forgive.
Open your heart to God's teaching and though it might hurt, you'll be in awe of how He works in you.
G'night;)
Katie
I hope we can all ponder our current relationships with friends and family and ask ourselves who they are in our eyes and who they are in God's eyes. Is what we believe about these people good, hopeful, full of grace? Or do we hold people's mistakes against them? I'm beginning to look at people in a new way and it won't happen overnight, but I hope to learn how to forgive.
Open your heart to God's teaching and though it might hurt, you'll be in awe of how He works in you.
G'night;)
Katie
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The price has bee paid
My excellent thing, thing worthy of praise for yesterday/today: the friends in Iowa City that God has blessed me with! Definitely an answered prayer to truly feel a part of a group of women around the same place in life, learning more about each other, growing together, supporting one another in prayer. SO great.
None of my own deep thoughts to share today, but there is a story I read in a book I'm reading that is a really cool illustration of what it means that Jesus paid for our sins, so I'll type it below.
From Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, by Joanna Weaver:
"The story is told of a young man who left the Old Country and sailed to America to make a new life in the New World. Before he left, his father pressed some money in his hand. It wasn't much, but it was all he had. He hoped it would tide the boy over until he found a job. His mother handed him a box of food for the journey, then they kissed and hugged and tearfully said good-bye.
On the boat, the young man gave his ticket to the porter and found his way to the tiny cabin he'd share with several others during the month-long voyage to New York. That evening at mealtime, the young man went topside and unwrapped a sandwich his mother had made. He ate silently as he watched other passengers file into a large room crowded with tables. He listened to their chatty laughter and watched as waiters brought plates filled with hot, steaming food. Be he just smiled, enjoying his mother's fresh homemade bread and the crisp apple his brother had picked that morning. Bless my family, he prayed.
The days went by slowly, and the young man's box of food quickly dwindled. But meals such as they offered in the dining room were certain to cost a lot. He'd need that money later.
He ate alone in his cabin now. The smell from the dining hall made his stomach wrench with hunger. He allowed himself a few crackers and some cheese each day, whispering a prayer of thanks before scraping the mold off the hard lump. A shriveled apple and the tepid rainwater he'd collected in a can completed his meager meal.
Three days out of New York, the last of the food was gone except for a wormy apple. The young man could take no more. Pale and weak, he asked the porter in broken English, "How much?" The porter looked confused. "Food," the young man said as he held out some coins and pointed to the dining room. "How much?"
Finally the ship steward understood. He smiled and shook his head. "It costs nothing," he said, closing the immigrant's hand back around his money. "You are free to eat! The cost of food was included in the price of passage."
Wow, how long do we wait before joining the meal that we were able to go to the whole time? How long do we try it on our own before realizing that God's provision is so much greater than we could ever imagine? How limited is our view of the world and what is good or right? It may be hard to swallow our pride and accept the free meal, but it was made FOR US! We need just accept the invitation!
None of my own deep thoughts to share today, but there is a story I read in a book I'm reading that is a really cool illustration of what it means that Jesus paid for our sins, so I'll type it below.
From Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, by Joanna Weaver:
"The story is told of a young man who left the Old Country and sailed to America to make a new life in the New World. Before he left, his father pressed some money in his hand. It wasn't much, but it was all he had. He hoped it would tide the boy over until he found a job. His mother handed him a box of food for the journey, then they kissed and hugged and tearfully said good-bye.
On the boat, the young man gave his ticket to the porter and found his way to the tiny cabin he'd share with several others during the month-long voyage to New York. That evening at mealtime, the young man went topside and unwrapped a sandwich his mother had made. He ate silently as he watched other passengers file into a large room crowded with tables. He listened to their chatty laughter and watched as waiters brought plates filled with hot, steaming food. Be he just smiled, enjoying his mother's fresh homemade bread and the crisp apple his brother had picked that morning. Bless my family, he prayed.
The days went by slowly, and the young man's box of food quickly dwindled. But meals such as they offered in the dining room were certain to cost a lot. He'd need that money later.
He ate alone in his cabin now. The smell from the dining hall made his stomach wrench with hunger. He allowed himself a few crackers and some cheese each day, whispering a prayer of thanks before scraping the mold off the hard lump. A shriveled apple and the tepid rainwater he'd collected in a can completed his meager meal.
Three days out of New York, the last of the food was gone except for a wormy apple. The young man could take no more. Pale and weak, he asked the porter in broken English, "How much?" The porter looked confused. "Food," the young man said as he held out some coins and pointed to the dining room. "How much?"
Finally the ship steward understood. He smiled and shook his head. "It costs nothing," he said, closing the immigrant's hand back around his money. "You are free to eat! The cost of food was included in the price of passage."
Wow, how long do we wait before joining the meal that we were able to go to the whole time? How long do we try it on our own before realizing that God's provision is so much greater than we could ever imagine? How limited is our view of the world and what is good or right? It may be hard to swallow our pride and accept the free meal, but it was made FOR US! We need just accept the invitation!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wherever there is excellence...think about these things.
After talking with my dad (thanks dad:)), I've rethought my thoughts... woah, deep, I know... I'm an intense thinker... ;)
Philippians 4:8
"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
Paul is writing to the citizens of Philippi and this is the end of his letter. He has just warned them not to be anxious about anything, but instead take their requests to the Lord. And he adds in a bit about thanksgiving and then ends with this part about what to think about. I think the thanksgiving and "excellent thinking" part of this verse is the most challenging for me.
I am making a goal to think about the true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise. I'm trying to write one down/post one on my wall each day as a reminder. Want to join me?
Have a wonderful day (try to stay dry if it's raining where you are!;))!
Katie
Philippians 4:8
"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
Paul is writing to the citizens of Philippi and this is the end of his letter. He has just warned them not to be anxious about anything, but instead take their requests to the Lord. And he adds in a bit about thanksgiving and then ends with this part about what to think about. I think the thanksgiving and "excellent thinking" part of this verse is the most challenging for me.
I am making a goal to think about the true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise. I'm trying to write one down/post one on my wall each day as a reminder. Want to join me?
Have a wonderful day (try to stay dry if it's raining where you are!;))!
Katie
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Responding to His tug
Hey all,
My house group from church served at the local Shelter House tonight. I wasn't going to be able to stay the whole time (I had astronomy lab), so I planned to just bring watermelon and take off. When I went inside, it was a little cramped (as is typical) and there were (obviously) a lot of people (who I didn't know) waiting to eat, which resulted in me feeling uncomfortable. I don't think this was atypical...
So, as I left, I felt a little bad for not staying. Well, I felt more bad that I didn't want to stay. The discomfort led me to wanting to spend my hour til lab in the coffee shop down the street, reading. Again, I would say this seems pretty typical... but it got me started thinking about my motives in service and in how I live my life for Christ...
I began questioning if I was looking down on the people waiting in line for the free meal that we brought. I was also wondering what they were thinking about me - that I was able to bring them a $4 watermelon, drove there in my fairly new car, have my own apartment, etc. But what really makes us different? money? circumstances? How different are we really? as humans? probably not as different as I tend to assume...
So, I left hurriedly and felt bad, thinking they weren't worth getting to know, weren't worth more than a few watermelon slices... My idea of serving others as evidenced by tonight was dropping off some food for someone and I say "I did my part," "they'll appreciate that..." BUT is that enough? Is that what God calls us to? I feel that He's calling me to more through this situation... What does it mean that I was unreceptive of His tug at my heart and that I darted out of there and avoided the opportunity to spend time with real people?
I spend much of my spiritual development time alone, reading, praying, journaling... But what about spending time with others? Yes, I do take part in a prayer group, a house group, fellowship with other Christians. But what about time with others? Non-Christians? Or simply those I don't know (Christian or non-Christian)? God's people? Am I putting others above myself (as He tells us in Philippians 2:1-11 and Romans 12:3)?
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Instead of beating myself up, though, I will take my broken and sinful self to the feet of the cross and ask Jesus for strength and healing - to accept myself for where I am and ask Him to continue to transform my will and desires. I will be receptive to His tug.
Where is God tugging at your heart today? How will you respond. You don't have to be perfect now, but consider responding to His tug - however that looks for you.
Have a great night!
Katie
My house group from church served at the local Shelter House tonight. I wasn't going to be able to stay the whole time (I had astronomy lab), so I planned to just bring watermelon and take off. When I went inside, it was a little cramped (as is typical) and there were (obviously) a lot of people (who I didn't know) waiting to eat, which resulted in me feeling uncomfortable. I don't think this was atypical...
So, as I left, I felt a little bad for not staying. Well, I felt more bad that I didn't want to stay. The discomfort led me to wanting to spend my hour til lab in the coffee shop down the street, reading. Again, I would say this seems pretty typical... but it got me started thinking about my motives in service and in how I live my life for Christ...
I began questioning if I was looking down on the people waiting in line for the free meal that we brought. I was also wondering what they were thinking about me - that I was able to bring them a $4 watermelon, drove there in my fairly new car, have my own apartment, etc. But what really makes us different? money? circumstances? How different are we really? as humans? probably not as different as I tend to assume...
So, I left hurriedly and felt bad, thinking they weren't worth getting to know, weren't worth more than a few watermelon slices... My idea of serving others as evidenced by tonight was dropping off some food for someone and I say "I did my part," "they'll appreciate that..." BUT is that enough? Is that what God calls us to? I feel that He's calling me to more through this situation... What does it mean that I was unreceptive of His tug at my heart and that I darted out of there and avoided the opportunity to spend time with real people?
I spend much of my spiritual development time alone, reading, praying, journaling... But what about spending time with others? Yes, I do take part in a prayer group, a house group, fellowship with other Christians. But what about time with others? Non-Christians? Or simply those I don't know (Christian or non-Christian)? God's people? Am I putting others above myself (as He tells us in Philippians 2:1-11 and Romans 12:3)?
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Instead of beating myself up, though, I will take my broken and sinful self to the feet of the cross and ask Jesus for strength and healing - to accept myself for where I am and ask Him to continue to transform my will and desires. I will be receptive to His tug.
Where is God tugging at your heart today? How will you respond. You don't have to be perfect now, but consider responding to His tug - however that looks for you.
Have a great night!
Katie
Monday, June 21, 2010
Clinging to His call
Clinging to His call
Isaiah 55:10-11
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
A good friend showed me this verse a couple years ago when I was in a time of questioning and doubt. It wasn’t major doubt, but doubt nonetheless- doubt of God’s good plan in my life. She shared the last part of this verse with me and told me that whatever truth God has spoken in my life, He it will always remain true. His word will not return to Him empty. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” He has a perfect plan for each of us and as He divulges it to us in small glimpses, He does not stray from it. We can trust His Plan for us.
In a bigger way, too, these verses apply to God’s larger plan for the world. He hopes to redeem all to Himself and His almighty plan is more perfect and greater than our human minds can conceive or eyes can see. I bet we can’t even imagine how God will accomplish His plan for the world. This is such a freeing truth. It really reminds us that He is in control and HAS A PLAN. We need not worry (see previous post on Philippians 4:6-7).
So, how, do you ask, does this apply to my life right now? Well, in the midst of a “slower” summer compared to summers past, I question and wonder if what I am doing is “living up to” His call for me. I am not obviously a part of anything super outwardly exciting, such as being a work crew boss at a Young Life camp or interning at a backpacking camp called Wilderness Ranch (both of which I have done in previous summers). I am, in fact, living in Iowa City the entire summer. I took some kids to Wyld Life camp in Michigan (Timber Wolf Lake) last week, but that will be one of my only “adventurous endeavors” out-of-state this summer. I want to take back one word from that last sentence, though: “but.” There is not BUT about my current summer! Let me explain…
About 3 years ago, I embarked on a crazy journey called “taking a break from graduate school.” I had no idea what I was going to do, just that being a science graduate student wasn’t what it would be at the time. Eventually, I felt God’s clear call to teaching. And recently, I completed a graduate program in science education. I have also felt a call towards nearness to my family within the last 2 years. Through some struggles in becoming an adult in the eyes of my parents and the tragedy of my mom’s death, I have discovered that family is one of the most important parts in my life, though not always the easiest. So, my callings (outside of ministry to teenagers) have been teaching and family. So, I have sought after these with everything I have. I have also just received a teaching job nearby Iowa City in a small town – teaching and family both a part of this decision.
This summer may seem uneventful (I’m in Iowa City living, taking a moderately-interesting class, planning/leading a Bible study for junior high girls, spending time with family and friends) compared to summers past. However, I must see it as part of God’s greater plan for me. “..so shall HIS word be that goes out from HIS mouth; it shall not return to HIM empty, but it shall accomplish that which GOD purposes, and shall succeed in the thing for which HE sent it.” God has called me and I must cling tightly to the words He has given me. Though it feels hum-drum, this summer may be exactly the time I need to rest and be prepared for teaching in the fall! I must trust Him and encourage you to do the same in each step you take!
Clinging to His call,
Katie
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Praying Philippians 4:6-7
A post I made last summer:
"Single ladies - rest in God. If He has put a desire in your heart for a relationship with a man, He will provide. Do not believe the lies from the Enemy. And don't compromise for any old guy. Also - no one is perfect, so resist the temptation to put people on pedestals."
I need a reminder of this as I find myself with a lot of time on my hands and decisions of how to spend it. Instead of wallowing in my unfulfilled desires, I choose to seek life and assurance in Christ. I have been praying Philippians 4:6-7 frequently, taking my worries about life to the Lord, being sure to thank Him and speak to Him plainly about what I'm worrying about. I trust He will continue to give me peace.
I'm hoping opening up this blog again will help to share some of my thoughts on life and be encouraging to others as we all seek to be closer to Him.
"Single ladies - rest in God. If He has put a desire in your heart for a relationship with a man, He will provide. Do not believe the lies from the Enemy. And don't compromise for any old guy. Also - no one is perfect, so resist the temptation to put people on pedestals."
I need a reminder of this as I find myself with a lot of time on my hands and decisions of how to spend it. Instead of wallowing in my unfulfilled desires, I choose to seek life and assurance in Christ. I have been praying Philippians 4:6-7 frequently, taking my worries about life to the Lord, being sure to thank Him and speak to Him plainly about what I'm worrying about. I trust He will continue to give me peace.
I'm hoping opening up this blog again will help to share some of my thoughts on life and be encouraging to others as we all seek to be closer to Him.
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