Life is Too Short

Today, as I mourn and reflect upon the loss of a family friend, I am reminded of the uncertainty and brevity of life. I feel convicted that I do not always live my life in a way that celebrates every moment. Too often I forget that my life, and the lives of those I love, are not guaranteed to last a certain amount of days. In one sudden moment, life as we know it can be taken away. Thankfully, for those who trust in Christ, the end of this life is just the beginning of everlasting life with our heavenly Father. God promises this life will be filled with hardships, but that eternal life with him will be a perfect paradise where tears and sadness will not abide.

Life truly is too short to hold grudges, complain about circumstances, argue about frivolous things, and withhold love. So I encourage you today to forgive someone, be thankful in EVERYTHING, be a peacemaker, and tell someone that you love them.

…What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14 [ESV]

In loving memory of Nick Deane, a great man of God.

Don’t Sweat the Little Stuff

I have a problem with overreacting to little things and letting them ruin my day. It only takes one minor inconvenience, mean word, or mishap and I’m off kilter the rest of the day. This shouldn’t be the case. After all, the things that typically “ruin” my day aren’t even that bad compared to some peoples’ misfortunes. Here is a list of the top 5 “little stuff” that I let get to me:

                       

1.      Bad Hair

2.      Traffic (The nerve of some people!)

3.      Rain (which usually causes bad hair, creating two bad things all at once!)

4.      Lack of chocolate

5.      Waking up early (I am convinced that alarm clocks are the best and worst invention ever…can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em!)

The other day I found my family’s puppy chewing on my brand new flip flops. I’m not kidding when I say “brand new”, either. I had only worn them for a few hours and I had just gotten them earlier that day! They were white too…which made them seem all the more clean and lovely. So needless to say, I wasn’t too thrilled when I happened upon this scene. Before I got too out of hand, my boyfriend quickly reminded me that I had only paid $1 for these flip flops, and they could very easily be replaced. I felt kind of foolish after realizing how much I’d overreacted to the situation, and secretly instructed myself not to do that again.

Sometimes all we need is a little perspective. Oftentimes I’m too caught up in the moment or emotions that it’s hard for me to step back and understand that what I think is a big deal, really isn’t.

I am doing better, though. I’m starting to learn that I can have “bad hair days” (They’re inevitable, unless you’re Taylor Swift) without having a bad day.

I don’t want to live my life getting upset about little things like flip flops or bad hair days. While Satan would love for us to dwell on the negative things in life, God has other plans for us. Let’s not let Satan win the battle.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 [ESV]

P.s. I know I’ve already used this verse on a previous blog post, don’t judge me. It’s just THAT good…plus, it’s in a different version this time!

Where is the Love?

Where is the love? Maybe you’ve asked yourself that question before. I know I have. Well now guess who else is asking that poignant question…the Black Eyed Peas. That’s right, Fergie, Will.i.am, and the rest. I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of the Peas, but I sure do like this song. Unlike most of Hip Hop’s music, this song lacks profane language and inappropriate themes. That’s why it’s surprising that this song did so well. I mean c’mon, quality music without semi-controversial lyrics just doesn’t sell big. Or does it?

Apparently this song isn’t new, but it is to me! I’ve never heard it before yesterday, when it came on the radio on my way home from work. Anyways, when it was released in 2003 it was the first Black Eyed Peas single featuring, the then new member, Fergie (interestingly enough, it also features Justin Timberlake). The song was #8 in the USA, making it the group’s first top ten hit, and #1 in Australia and the UK. It was also performed at the 46^th Grammy Awards and received two nominations: Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Not too bad.

The popularity of this song isn’t what’s important…obviously. I just find it interesting when groups like this release songs like this. If you haven't heard it before, look it up! Not only is the song proclaiming the hope for more people to love, something God commands us to do, it is also rich with phrases like, “Father, Father, Father help us, send us some guidance from above” and “Can you practice what you preach, and would you turn the other cheek”. The world will always have a problem with not showing others the proper amount of love, but as God’s children we are directly commanded to love. John 15:12 says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” [NIV]. When the world is hateful, that is one thing. But may we never find others asking of us, “where is the love?”.

If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Luke 6:29 [NIV]

Enjoy Them All

Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all...

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8.

Fran

I currently work at an attorney’s office where it is my job to retrieve the mail every afternoon. Usually there is a line of people waiting, and every once in awhile I see some familiar faces lining the hallway, waiting for their turn at the package handoff door. There’s I’m-not-sure-what-her-name-is-but-Ms. Yoon-sounds-good-to-me, the cute young Asian woman who I also usually run into on the way into the building every morning. There’s the always delightful blond woman who never fails to bring her little mail cart, just in case the mailman decides to make her carry everyone’s mail. Then there’s the crabby always-running-late-so-don’t-get-in-her-way lady (I never enjoy running into her).

Anyways, a few days ago I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely, older woman named Fran. I was behind Fran in line that day and overheard her asking the large, strong, able-bodied, African American mailman whether or not he thought the large pile of mail, which now belonged to her, would be too heavy for her to carry. He assured her that he could handle it and thought she probably could too. I quickly noticed that the petite, frail-looking woman was just no match for that pile of mail, so when she said she was going to have to go find someone else to take it for her, I offered my strong arms (haha) for the task. She thanked me the whole way back to her office, and I assured her that it was no problem at all. Then we parted ways.

The next day we happened to ride the same elevator, and she looked at me and said, “You’re Samantha! I’ve been telling everyone about what you did for me the other day! Thank you again!” I was glad to see her again and told her that it wasn’t a big deal at all. She responded by letting me know that “most young people these days wouldn’t have done that” (low standards, anyone?) and demanded that I go home and tell my mom what a wonderful job she did raising me (thanks, mom). Apparently I made her day or something. But what I realized during this encounter is that helping others brings joy to the giver, not just the receiver, something I always knew but was now confirmed. So, Miss Fran, I want to say that in reality YOU made MY day. I hope I get to see you again someday, even if it is only in the mail line.

12

Twelve. 12. Doce. A dozen. However you prefer to refer to it, twelve is a pretty awesome number. Today I want to share with you 12 things I'm thankful for (although there are many more)!

1. Jesus’ death and resurrection- Without the precious sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, which eliminated all our unrighteousness and made us pure and holy, I would be forever doomed. His gift offers me everlasting life in His presence, and for that I am eternally grateful.
2. The Holy Spirit- When Christ ascended into heaven He promised that He would leave the Holy Spirit with His followers to dwell in them and guide them. Oh how lost and confused I would be without the presence of the Holy Spirit living inside of me. What a precious gift.
3. The ability to pray and for intercession- God is the only one I can speak to at absolutely any minute of any day. He is never too busy to hear my prayers, and He is always faithful in answering them. And when I don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for me, sharing my thoughts better than I can. Wow.
4. God’s Word- God’s very own message to His followers is at my disposal whenever I want. There’s no better gift!
5. My mom- Words could never describe what my mom means to me. She’s led me to salvation, raised me up in the fear and knowledge of the Lord, and has given me countless (and good, I might add!) advice throughout my life. She’s taught me everything I know! I love her beyond words.
6. My family- I have a wonderful support group in my family. They are the special people that God specifically chose for me to spend my life with. They’re the best!
7. My job- I don’t take for granted the fact that I have a job. It’s not always fun waking up before 7 everyday, but I am so grateful for the experience and money it provides me!
8. My Education- Although most days I have more complaints about school than praises, I am thankful for the opportunity to pursue whatever degree I want and increase my education.
9. My health- The health that I have is never guaranteed. Pursuing a degree in the medical field, I know all too well how frail our human bodies are and how many things could go wrong. I am blessed to have good health right now, and I am so thankful for that.
10. My friends- Spending time with my friends is one of my favorite things to do. They bring so much happiness and fun to my life!
11. Church- Being able to worship God and fellowship with other believers every week is something I am incredibly grateful for.
12. My boyfriend- My boyfriend is pretty much the best boyfriend in the whole world. I am so thankful that God blessed me with him, and I am in awe of how God works everything out so perfectly. I couldn’t have chosen anyone better!

Every good and perfect gift is from above... James 1:17 [NIV]

Embracing 2011

I would love to have lived during the 1940s. With movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” making their debuts on the big screen, who wouldn’t? It was the Golden Age. One word that most accurately describes how I view life back then is simplicity. Movies didn’t need to be rated, children spoke with “yes sirs” and yes ma’ams”, and a warm homemade dinner was on the table every evening by five. Men were hard workers, and women had mastered the art of cleaning the house, making three meals a day from scratch, and looking after the children all while wearing a dress and heels.

While each decade we encounter brings about enormous changes, we can be confident that one thing will never change, and that is the character of God. Hebrews 13:8 says that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”. One thing that you and I have in common with Lucille Ball and Bing Crosby is that God created us and is our heavenly father. He has given us all the opportunity to receive His comfort and guidance if we want it.

While I longingly look back to the “good ole’ days”, I am reminded that God did not make any decade better than the others, and He has put each person in the time period that they are in for a reason. It will do us no good to wish that we could time travel or be disappointed with where and when God has placed us. His plan is perfect, and so is His timing. It is our responsibility to live the most God-glorifying lives we can today. We must not wait another day. Today is a gift that we are given from God. Tomorrow is not promised, nor should it be expected from us. We must take full advantage of the time God has given us, and do our best to be good stewards of it. Enjoy today and embrace 2011!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 [NIV]

Originally posted on facebook on January 6, 2011.

Becoming a Young Woman of God: Lady Gaga or a Lady of Grace?

Who are we, as young women, striving to become? Who are our role models? In this decade of technological advances, quick-paced activities, busy schedules, and media bombarding us at every turn, I wonder if many of us forget to make time for God. If we truly desire to become like God, how else are we supposed to learn the qualities we need to become a woman who glorifies him? Are we becoming self or world pleasers, or are we making an attempt to please God in everything we do?

What you spend your time doing says a lot about what is important to you. Think about what fills the majority of your thoughts, your days, and your calendar. Of course, there is a time for everything, but are you making enough time for God? When you spend a lot of time with one person, you begin to act like them, talk like them, and pick up some of their character qualities. It is inevitable.

With this in mind, ask yourself, who you most desire to be like? Too often, young women strive to achieve worldly attention. We want to be beautiful like the celebrities are. We want to be famous like the movie stars. And we want to be popular and listened to like the singers on the radio. The problem is what does the heart of these people look like? Are they kind and loving towards those they come in contact with? Are they friendly to their neighbors? Are they women full of grace, extending the same kind of mercy that Jesus shows to all of us? Are they beautiful inside and out, or do they only have outward beauty taken care of?

Are we more in awe of Lady Gaga, with her 12-inch heels, good vocals, and bad behavior, than we are of God, who created this universe and everything in it? Not to mention who sent his son to die for everyone one of us? We often get so caught up with the things of this world and are blinded to how bad they really are. Colossians 3:2 says to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”.

Let me go back to my question about who you desire to most be like. If you are a follower of Christ, your answer should be Jesus. We are to put off our old ways and become a new creation, as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17. We are to aspire to put on the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. As Christians we should be overflowing with humility and love towards everyone. We ought to strive everyday to make God proud.

I do not wish to judge Lady Gaga or any other celebrity. My goal is simply to encourage you to take a look at who you want to become and encourage you not to look to imperfect humans as your role models but to Jesus, who alone is perfect. We are to be ladies of grace, not Lady Gaga wannabees, or any other earthly person for that matter.

Originally posted on facebook on February 10, 2011.

I Found God

My story begins more than a decade ago when I made Jesus Christ my personal Savior. In the words of the Fray, "I found God" or more accurately, He found me. He made me, died for me, and erased all my unrighteousness just because He loved me. In reality, He knew where I was all along, but He waited for me, just like He waits for each one of us. He gives us free will and is more patient than we could ever imagine.

Salvation comes to us through different avenues. For me, it was my wonderful mother who showed me what a precious gift Jesus Christ offers us. I am incredibly thankful to her for giving me the most important knowledge I have ever, or will ever, receive.

This year God has been teaching me so many things, and I have never felt His love more strongly. He has shown me that I do not know what's best for myself, a lesson that was much needed. I have realized that God's plans are actually better than mine! As a natural planner that was a hard thing to learn, and it has been a difficult process, but I am finally at the place where I can wholeheartedly surrender every plan to Him and let Him rule my heart and life. Let me be the first to tell you that although I wouldn't have ever imagined my life would be heading in the direction it is, I know that God truly "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine*". When I chose to "delight [myself] in the Lord**", and trust that He knew me better than I knew myself, He blessed me by "[giving me] the desires of [my] heart**". There is no better place to be than in God's will, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The goal of this blog is to share my experiences and what God is teaching me. Surrendering my will to Him is a daily task, and I am constantly trying to discern God's will. Thankfully, He is more than willing to guide us and show us what His will is. All we have to do is ask.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 [NIV]

*Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...
Ephesians 3:20 [NIV]
**Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 [ESV]