In Search of a Good Book...

I love to read. It is so relaxing. I've always loved to, but not until this summer did I really get on a reading kick. And tonight, I'm in search of another good-find.

But not just any book. Not just a classic. Something that will inspire. Not sure what I want to be inspired to do...but all I know is that I want the feeling that invites my aspirations to come alive. I want to do and be something more than I already am.

And tonight, I want a book to do that for me. So cross your fingers. I'm expecting to drink a good cup o' joe over this one.

A New Beginning

Donald Miller's "Through Painted Deserts" has made me want to buy a Volkswagen van and drive 'round the country, looking for who knows what. But, then I realize I not only do I have a school and work to keep up with, but its already been done before. I can here the deli worker yelling "NEXT!" already. I just can't be a copy-cat of a cool road trip two guys took from Houston to Portland, Oregon. I'm not that kind of person. (Plus, I hate bugs. Camping = bugs.)

So what change can I make? How can I feel like I'm actually living out my life? I mean, I'm living right now. Living, breathing, sleeping, eating, conversing, celebrating, etc. But there is much more out there. Why do I want to become a radical all of a sudden? Not the radical of the political realm. But a radical for Christ. For life. Its more than going to church, reading my Bible, working with youth... and doing it all over again the next week.

Here I go. I'm doing life the right way. Starting....now.

Survey Says: America Becomes Less Christian

I don't usually bother with the mainstream news, but today CNN released a story called "America becoming less Christian, survey finds."

Of course, I immediately clicked on the online link. I had to see what was up! Come to find out, the survey showed that the percentage of Americans who identify themselves with the Christian faith has fallen over the last two decades. Let me show you what most caught my attention:

"William Donohue, president of the Catholic League said he thinks a radical shift towards individualism over the last quarter-century has a lot to do it.

'The three most dreaded words are thou shalt not,' he told Lou Dobbs. 'Notice they are not atheists -- they are saying I don't want to be told what to do with my life.'"

Okay, now stop. Reread the last phrase. "I don't want to be told what to do with my life!?!" Why are we giving off the perception that God is just a god of rules. No - he offers freedom in our lives! He awakens our hearts (shout out to Disciple Now students) and changes us from the inside out. He protects us with these guidelines so that we can live a more abundant life.

I think this article opened my eyes to the fact that people have the wrong idea about Christianity. I don't want others to think I am bound by rules and regulations - I want others to see that I have freedom from the blood of Jesus Christ that forgave all my sins.

New goal: Crush the misconception that I am "told" what to do with my life.

(If you are interested in checking out the article, click here: America Becomes Less Christian, survey finds)

Thankfulness Test

Today I tried something that I've been meaning to do for a very long time.

1 Peter 5:6-7 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he might lift you up in due time. Cast your anxieties on him because he cares for you." So I did. I wrote down everything that was currently giving me stress.

Then, I took out my new journal and wrote down everything I was thankful for.

Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

I took the everyday things and people that were causing me anxiety, and instead of dwelling on them, I found something about it/them that I was thankful for. I took a pen and just spilled. I realized that I am thankful that my mom checks up on me every couple of hours - I used to think she bugged me! And then I couldn't stop writing! From the clothes in my closest to having a safe and secure apartment to live in, I never realized how lucky I really am.

I regret not doing this earlier.

I challenge you all to do it.

Illusion of a Problem-free Life

"Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life." - Sarah Young, "Jesus Calling"

Why do we think we deserve a life without struggles and worries? We don't. It's inevitable to face problems each and every day. We want the answers to all our problems. Yes, Jesus comes to comfort us in times of need, but that doesn't mean that once you accept Christ into your life that all your problems go away. If you thinking this way, you have false hope of something that will never be.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Christ came down to this earth and overcame the world - and it wasn't easy! He was teased, mocked and rejected by many. More than many. And we think that we feel left-out?

Don't count on have a problem-free life on earth, but instead, look forward to a problem-free life in heaven! You are seeking a perfect world and a perfect life. Instead, focus all your energy into seeking the Perfect One.

And remember, it is possible to rejoice in the Lord in the struggles and worries. Doesn't light shine most brightly when it is shone in the dark? Light a candle in a dark room and see how bright it shines! We are to "declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). He is brighter than an darkness we will face!

When circumstances don't seem to be going your way, trust God anyway. He is much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way.

How GREAT is Our God

This week we have been challenged to read a scripture passage each day.

Today I am starting with Psalm 119: 1-16 (New International Version).
1 ^[a] Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.

2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.

3 They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.

4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.

5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!

6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.

7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.

8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.

10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.

12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.

13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.

14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.

15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.

16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

I don't know about you, but most times I go to God in prayer when I am in need. If I am in pain, if someone is suffering, if I need questions answered or if I am asking for forgiveness. But why don't I praise Him more for bringing so many blessings into my life?

The psalmist in this passage was not suffering, but was offering up praises to the Lord! He was not ashamed of what he believed. In fact, he declares, "I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. (v. 11-12). "

Let's devote ourselves to the God who has given us life and breath, and everything in-between. Let us seek Him with all our hearts and let us keep His commandments. The psalmist reveals the secret to our success during these times: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word (v. 9)" It's really that simple? Indeed it is.

We don't have to feel ashamed or guilty for things that have happened yesterday, or last week, or even last year. Why carry around that burden?

Donald Miller says in Blue Like Jazz: "The ability to accept God's unconditional grace and ferocious love is all the fuel we need to obey Him in return." In case you didn't already realize this, unconditional is another word for without condition. Meaning, whatever is going on in your life, whatever struggles you have or sins you have committed, He is begging you to run after Him.

So run after Him today. Praise Him for all He has given you. I think you will be delightfully surprised of how great our God really is.

He IS.

He is the Maker of heaven and earth.
He is the One who sees. He is the One who knows.
He is the One who acts on behalf of His children.
He is the Mighty Warrior. He is the compassionate Father.
He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
He is the coming King.
He is love. He is light.
He is good. He is right.
He is your soul's delight.
He is...whatever you need.
He alone is wise.
In Him alone life makes sense, and apart from Him all is chaos.

--Beth Moore