a simple act can set a heart on fire.
a simple act can yield a field of flowers.
a simple act can deliver rain to a drought, scorched, and parched land.
a simple act can be a smile.
a simple act can be a high-five or a handshake.
a simple act can be the shining sun on a warm spring day,
accompanied by birds chirping and leaves blowing in every which way.
a simple act can be a hug.
a simple act can be an invitation to learn more.
a simple act can be meeting new people.
a simple act can be listening.
a simple act can be hearing.
a simple act can be talking with a friend.
a simple act can be seeing life from another person's eyes.
a simple act can not seem very simple at all.
a simple act may be hard to live out.
a simple act may require some sacrifice.
a simple act may ask you to put a friend before yourself.
a simple act may require you to remove selfishness.
a simple act may cause one to examine the inner self in search of something greater.
but guess what?
a simple act has already been done for you today.
Jesus Christ died for you so that you may live in eternal happiness and paradise with him; bringing the same love that he gave you to your friends, families, or anyone you meet.
it's an open invitiation to live your life radically different.
do you accept?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Promises, friends, and God; uniquely woven into a myraid of indescribable beauty
I have only recently come to terms with the unforseen reality that I have a lot of commitments.
These range from commitments to family, to friends, to school, and to personal goals/beliefs. Each commitment is a promise to fulfill a need, a desire, or a duty. I live by the philosophy of "don't make a promise that you can't keep." Yet at times, I am unexpectedly thrown into a situation where the majority believes that I can fulfill a promise that I have yet to discover.
It feels like sometimes my friends believe in me more than I believe in myself.
I am truly greatful for a solid group of people who seek to stretch and pull me in order to grow. They have a signifcant impact in my life, shaping and molding me to use and aquire my fullest potential. I am grateful for their "potter-like' mentality, creatively leaving their imprints in my life through smiles, words, listening ears, warm hugs, and unique personalities. I am grateful that they are allowing themselves to be used by God in order to bring joy into another person's life.
Through my friend's, I see Jesus manifested as a human, as Spirit, and as God himself. I wish to bring these caring and compassionate traits that my friends have been freely giving me to people that I meet. I long for seeing genuine smiles and courageous testimonies. I long to see God's work manifested in all of his people. I long to be a part of something greater than myself. And each day, I see myself growing into this person that God has always intended for me to be.
These range from commitments to family, to friends, to school, and to personal goals/beliefs. Each commitment is a promise to fulfill a need, a desire, or a duty. I live by the philosophy of "don't make a promise that you can't keep." Yet at times, I am unexpectedly thrown into a situation where the majority believes that I can fulfill a promise that I have yet to discover.
It feels like sometimes my friends believe in me more than I believe in myself.
I am truly greatful for a solid group of people who seek to stretch and pull me in order to grow. They have a signifcant impact in my life, shaping and molding me to use and aquire my fullest potential. I am grateful for their "potter-like' mentality, creatively leaving their imprints in my life through smiles, words, listening ears, warm hugs, and unique personalities. I am grateful that they are allowing themselves to be used by God in order to bring joy into another person's life.
Through my friend's, I see Jesus manifested as a human, as Spirit, and as God himself. I wish to bring these caring and compassionate traits that my friends have been freely giving me to people that I meet. I long for seeing genuine smiles and courageous testimonies. I long to see God's work manifested in all of his people. I long to be a part of something greater than myself. And each day, I see myself growing into this person that God has always intended for me to be.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Listening
Have I been listening?
Really listening?
Listening to the voices of the weak, of the oppressed, of those in need?
or, have I been listening to myself?
to my needs, my wants, my hopes, my future?
we need to learn to truly listen to God,
to listen with our eyes,
however that may look for you.
listening comes from practice, not from a flower sprung overnight.
to truly want to listen comes from the Perfect One above.
for he is the prime giver of patience and a heart that longs to see a caring friend comforted.
for if we listen with our ears,
and investigate with our eyes,
we may find beauty hidden beaneath the soil.
Really listening?
Listening to the voices of the weak, of the oppressed, of those in need?
or, have I been listening to myself?
to my needs, my wants, my hopes, my future?
we need to learn to truly listen to God,
to listen with our eyes,
however that may look for you.
listening comes from practice, not from a flower sprung overnight.
to truly want to listen comes from the Perfect One above.
for he is the prime giver of patience and a heart that longs to see a caring friend comforted.
for if we listen with our ears,
and investigate with our eyes,
we may find beauty hidden beaneath the soil.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Strength vs. Weakness
2nd Corinthians 12:9, 10
"But he [God] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...For when I am weak, then I am strong."
why don't we allow ourselves to become weak in order to see the sun?
in order to be raised higher?
in order to learn something of value?
is it because we are afraid of falling?
is it because we are afraid of change?
are we nervous about making a mistake and yielding the results of it?
are we uncertain about the circumstances that lie ahead, anxious about how to tackle them, and worried that the end result may not turn out exactly as we had hoped?
are we truly afraid of change, that we may lose something precious that we once had?
weakness requires one to give up something for another person (or, for something else).
to be ready, willing, and able.
what if we tried this for a day? submission; the very thing that God helps us to do everyday.
it is his grace that provides substance, everlasting fulfillment, and complete joy..
his grace is sufficient enough to provide all that we need.
"But he [God] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...For when I am weak, then I am strong."
why don't we allow ourselves to become weak in order to see the sun?
in order to be raised higher?
in order to learn something of value?
is it because we are afraid of falling?
is it because we are afraid of change?
are we nervous about making a mistake and yielding the results of it?
are we uncertain about the circumstances that lie ahead, anxious about how to tackle them, and worried that the end result may not turn out exactly as we had hoped?
are we truly afraid of change, that we may lose something precious that we once had?
weakness requires one to give up something for another person (or, for something else).
to be ready, willing, and able.
what if we tried this for a day? submission; the very thing that God helps us to do everyday.
it is his grace that provides substance, everlasting fulfillment, and complete joy..
his grace is sufficient enough to provide all that we need.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Doors
"When God closes a door, he opens another."
That's a phrase I've heard so many times and most recently from a friend of mine. God's capabilities are unlimited and endless. He has a way of drawing people close to him and bringing those same people together for the good of his mission: seeing his children live as followers of the "truth".
Closing doors paves the way for opening promises.
Promises of a bright blue sky adorned with a a garnish of clouds, the reminder of God's love in a friend's smile, the beauty of nature beckoning for attention, grazing the fingertips of the wind everyday. The doors are endless. Constantly opening and closing.
Let's not think of a door closing as the end of an undeveloped dream but the birth of a seed more beautiful and precious than the last. Take this dream in your hands and nurse it to health. Witness all of the miraculous wonders and always remember that God is on your side today, tomorrow, and forever.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Waiting for...
Waiting can manifest in various forms such as waiting for the sun to rise, waiting for a grade on a reasearch paper, waiting for a phone call from a signifcant other. Waiting is something that I have learned tremendously about this summer.
Before understanding all about this abstract concept of "waiting", at times completely foreign to me, I'd frequently analyze situations. Instances at school, work, or with friends would provoke me to think about these scenarios and ask the infinte "What if'" questions. Thus, I would incessantly dwell on minute things allowing uncertainty, doubt, fear of the future, anxiety, and a complete sense of nervousness to creep in unnannounced.
Learning to "lock" that door would follow.
Soon, I merged into the sea of waiting. There, I found other people who were waiting, like me, and realized that after all these preconceived notions rooted in doubt that fizzed around in my head like a soda can that has been shaken up, were truly fairy tales. None of which came true.
From my experience, waiting is like riding a bicycle. A child, for example, may fall off numerous times while learning but will always try again. Such was my experience at trying new things or exercising a talent that I wanted to put into fruition.
So, what's God's purpose for having you wait?
Before understanding all about this abstract concept of "waiting", at times completely foreign to me, I'd frequently analyze situations. Instances at school, work, or with friends would provoke me to think about these scenarios and ask the infinte "What if'" questions. Thus, I would incessantly dwell on minute things allowing uncertainty, doubt, fear of the future, anxiety, and a complete sense of nervousness to creep in unnannounced.
Learning to "lock" that door would follow.
Soon, I merged into the sea of waiting. There, I found other people who were waiting, like me, and realized that after all these preconceived notions rooted in doubt that fizzed around in my head like a soda can that has been shaken up, were truly fairy tales. None of which came true.
From my experience, waiting is like riding a bicycle. A child, for example, may fall off numerous times while learning but will always try again. Such was my experience at trying new things or exercising a talent that I wanted to put into fruition.
So, what's God's purpose for having you wait?
Monday, August 17, 2009
Where Has the Time Gone?
As I was cleaning out my closet today, I came across several "old" artifacts. Well, "old" in the sense that they are unique to my life. I recalled high school memories in old emails with friends, half - completed math problems in penciled notebooks, and an old picture of a weekend retreat with smiling, carefree teenagers staring back at me. As I held this picture in my hands, the following question crossed my mind:
where has the time gone?
It is true that I am very happy with this new chapter in my life. I'm grateful to all those who I have met and new experiences that help to further shape my character. But, I can't help recalling the past and assuming how easy life seemed. Or rather, was I not fully aware of how quickly life captures you in its wings? Or how easy it is to get innocently swept up in the minute details, the small infractures, the careless items of a world that constantly craves more?
Yet at the end of the day, it's simply the memories that last with a spoonful of lessons comprised in a mixture of future hope.
It turns out that cleaning just might be the best medicine.
where has the time gone?
It is true that I am very happy with this new chapter in my life. I'm grateful to all those who I have met and new experiences that help to further shape my character. But, I can't help recalling the past and assuming how easy life seemed. Or rather, was I not fully aware of how quickly life captures you in its wings? Or how easy it is to get innocently swept up in the minute details, the small infractures, the careless items of a world that constantly craves more?
Yet at the end of the day, it's simply the memories that last with a spoonful of lessons comprised in a mixture of future hope.
It turns out that cleaning just might be the best medicine.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thoughts from afar
The psalms speak quite extensively about God's relationship with his creation and the promises that he willingly provides without question.
such as:
God will always be with us regardless of hardship, joy, impatience, passiveness, optimism;
He doesn't choose when to be available, he just is.
Unlike our days and friends which change with each passing hour, God remains the same; in that, he is forever loving, compassionate, and all - knowing.
This concept took me a long time to understand, and, I must admit that sometimes a sea of doubt creeps in. It usually catches me by surprise and I act based upon my present feelings that, yes, are ever-changing. It's when I experiencethe pessimism slowing invading my life, that God works.
Well, he's been working throughout the situation. It's only now that I've noticed his presence as my focus shifts from the impending chaotic catastrophe that I have created in my head, to God's daily reminders and lasting promises:
-he will always be with me
-never leaving nor forsaking me
-he has plans to give me a hope and a future
-he delights in praises unto his name
-
From personal experience, I have discovered these things. That God smiles down on us when we offer a small dose of kindness, whether a "how are you today?" at the grocery store, a "thank you" at the gas station, or a simple note to a friend to remind them that you care. An act that seems quite simple to us may have a profound impact on another person. I invite you to open your heart and your mind to a new way of looking at daily life through the eyes of Jesus.
such as:
God will always be with us regardless of hardship, joy, impatience, passiveness, optimism;
He doesn't choose when to be available, he just is.
Unlike our days and friends which change with each passing hour, God remains the same; in that, he is forever loving, compassionate, and all - knowing.
This concept took me a long time to understand, and, I must admit that sometimes a sea of doubt creeps in. It usually catches me by surprise and I act based upon my present feelings that, yes, are ever-changing. It's when I experiencethe pessimism slowing invading my life, that God works.
Well, he's been working throughout the situation. It's only now that I've noticed his presence as my focus shifts from the impending chaotic catastrophe that I have created in my head, to God's daily reminders and lasting promises:
-he will always be with me
-never leaving nor forsaking me
-he has plans to give me a hope and a future
-he delights in praises unto his name
-
From personal experience, I have discovered these things. That God smiles down on us when we offer a small dose of kindness, whether a "how are you today?" at the grocery store, a "thank you" at the gas station, or a simple note to a friend to remind them that you care. An act that seems quite simple to us may have a profound impact on another person. I invite you to open your heart and your mind to a new way of looking at daily life through the eyes of Jesus.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
peace, hope, and love
so,
I haven't written in a while.
here are some thoughts from my inquiring mind.
peace, hope, and love.
what is the meaning of these three things?
perhaps the meaning depends on the indivdual person.
perhaps the meaning deviates from the person and transcends to an entire group of people; families, children, elders, teachers, bussinessmen, writers, musicians, construction workers, cashiers, photographers.
perhaps the meaning of the word "peace" has different implications for a businessman than for a teacher. Perhaps a businessman is at peace when he receives a large paycheck at the end of the week. perhaps a teacher is at peace when a child finally understands classroom material.
maybe a musician is "hopeful" when he gets to sign a million dollar contract with a famous record label. hopefulness for a writer might be publishing a first book.
a family may experience "love" when everyone escapes unharmed from a housefire. elders may view love as a life commitment, a devotion to each other, evident through their unconditional daily love.
you may ask, what does hope mean to you? an ability to be satisfied with the present but always looking to the future journey's that life brings. peace is an inner ability to feel comfort and contentment when things around me are going beautifully well and when events around me appear to be exploding in the dark balck night of the sky. and love, well love, is to see a person and automatically love them as Jesus does, to look past their inherent faults that appear to consume and define them and to their soul, as a child of God. Only god can provide you with this precious gift of love, something that constantly needs to be renewed everyday.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
a passage
Psalm 146
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord , my soul.
I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He is the maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them-
he remians faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
The Lord reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord.
do not put trust in the things that will not last.
instead find full trust and commitment in God.
the end of this passage is so inspriing becuase it focuses just on God.
just on the things that he is capable of fulfilling himself. Its "the Lord" who loves, its "the Lord" who "sets prisoners free," its "the Lord who remains faithful forever."
even through betrayal, its the Lord who still stays in this commited, forever friendship.
the bible has so much stuff in it that speaks to so many different things. it's amazing that his word can speak to so many situations and people at the same time.
it lets me know, that its truly god speaking.
truly him talking, breathing, and living alongside me, with me very single day.
this is an amazing truthful promise for life.
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord , my soul.
I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He is the maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them-
he remians faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
The Lord reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord.
do not put trust in the things that will not last.
instead find full trust and commitment in God.
the end of this passage is so inspriing becuase it focuses just on God.
just on the things that he is capable of fulfilling himself. Its "the Lord" who loves, its "the Lord" who "sets prisoners free," its "the Lord who remains faithful forever."
even through betrayal, its the Lord who still stays in this commited, forever friendship.
the bible has so much stuff in it that speaks to so many different things. it's amazing that his word can speak to so many situations and people at the same time.
it lets me know, that its truly god speaking.
truly him talking, breathing, and living alongside me, with me very single day.
this is an amazing truthful promise for life.
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