God is love. —1 John 4:8
This morning, the ODB talks about wartime love letters, quite fitting because I was recently looking back at some old emails that I had sent at the beginning of my relationship with Brad, along with some emails that he has written me. And I love to read and reread those words... they are so sweet, they always bring a smile to my face. If you've ever been far from someone you love, you know that it's difficult. And during the 3 months when I was far from Brad, I looked at those notes so often... because they encouraged me and reminded me of the love that we have.
Similarly, God has given us such great love that He has taken the time to inspire so many words of love... in the Bible. We must take time to read and reflect on these beautiful love letters every day.
With lovingkindness I have drawn you,
Proving that My love is true;
Do not neglect to read of that love,
Written in My Word for you. —Verway
How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore. - Psalm 133:1-3
And God gives us His love in another form as well... He gives us our brothers and sisters to encourage and love us, to embody His love for us here on earth. I remember how important GCF (Graduate Christian Fellowship) was to me when I arrived here last year. When I had nothing and felt so alone, these people offered me friendship and encouragement and support and to read those beautiful love letters that God has written to us.
Another thing I appreciate about GCF and groups like it is that we do 'live together' in 'unity,' even while we have our slight different opinions or theological believes. This verse does not say that it is blessed when brothers are singleminded, but that they are together and united, working together for God's kingdom. I can't help but think that they other way might not even be quite so blessed... because it is not so challenging.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
God-Given Glory
What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor- Psalm 8:4-5.
The great value that God has given to human beings is perhaps most evident in the price He paid for our salvation... the blood of His son. "If God places such a high value on us, we should also place a high value on the people He has brought into our lives. Bring them before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to show you how each is more priceless than the most costly jewel in the universe."
Lord, this morning I thank you for a brother who has always been there for me... through everything- good and bad, upsetting and wonderful, exciting and boring times. I thank you for my parents who have loved, supported and encouraged me and shown me what it means to love the Lord with heart, mind and soul. And I thank You, Father, for bringing Brad into my life... He is such a blessing in my life, and I ask that You continue to lead us. Thank You for the value You give to our lives... we are valuable because of the value that You have given to us... because we might live to honor You.
My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. -Psalm 131:1
Yesterday on our way down from Mt. Lemmon, Ke said that she had seen a hummingbird for the first time. This launched us into a full-fleged (hehe) discussion of the amazing bird. Jess said that even physics couldn't explain how the bird can hover. (Secretly this made me wish I had gone into physics just to be able to figure out how this works! I know there must be a way and someone will discover it someday.) But I remarked, "God is so cool!" To this, everyone mentioned how you can't believe in "God in the Gaps."
I've never actually heard of this theory or even thought of it before. Apparently, it's where you believe that anything that can't currently be explained is created by God. Now, this isn't exactly what I meant, because I know that someone someday will explain how the hummingbird hovers, and I remark that "God is cool" when seeing the camouflage of a horny toad or the magesty of a tree seemingly growing out of a rock or the sweet scent of butterscotch from a Ponderosa pine. All are perfectly explicable, but to me... it doesn't make God any less cool in those instances where there is an explanation. Even when I can read and learn about something, God is still too wonderful for me... because God still created it all that way.
The great value that God has given to human beings is perhaps most evident in the price He paid for our salvation... the blood of His son. "If God places such a high value on us, we should also place a high value on the people He has brought into our lives. Bring them before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to show you how each is more priceless than the most costly jewel in the universe."
Lord, this morning I thank you for a brother who has always been there for me... through everything- good and bad, upsetting and wonderful, exciting and boring times. I thank you for my parents who have loved, supported and encouraged me and shown me what it means to love the Lord with heart, mind and soul. And I thank You, Father, for bringing Brad into my life... He is such a blessing in my life, and I ask that You continue to lead us. Thank You for the value You give to our lives... we are valuable because of the value that You have given to us... because we might live to honor You.
My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. -Psalm 131:1
Yesterday on our way down from Mt. Lemmon, Ke said that she had seen a hummingbird for the first time. This launched us into a full-fleged (hehe) discussion of the amazing bird. Jess said that even physics couldn't explain how the bird can hover. (Secretly this made me wish I had gone into physics just to be able to figure out how this works! I know there must be a way and someone will discover it someday.) But I remarked, "God is so cool!" To this, everyone mentioned how you can't believe in "God in the Gaps."
I've never actually heard of this theory or even thought of it before. Apparently, it's where you believe that anything that can't currently be explained is created by God. Now, this isn't exactly what I meant, because I know that someone someday will explain how the hummingbird hovers, and I remark that "God is cool" when seeing the camouflage of a horny toad or the magesty of a tree seemingly growing out of a rock or the sweet scent of butterscotch from a Ponderosa pine. All are perfectly explicable, but to me... it doesn't make God any less cool in those instances where there is an explanation. Even when I can read and learn about something, God is still too wonderful for me... because God still created it all that way.
Friday, August 28, 2009
God- so dear and so here...
He restores my soul. - Psalm 23:3
Today's reflection in ODB is about a shepherd caring for his sheep. I actually didn't realize that there is a term called 'cast down' position which describes a sheep on its back and unable to get up. The shepherd must help stand it back up, massage and soothe the sheep until it is back to its previous state.
I know that I've experienced God restoring my soul in the same way. I've been 'cast down,' and unable to come out of my troubles of my own. And only after experiencing that was I able to truly appreciate the amazing character of God's mercy and grace. Lord, thank You for restoring my soul... for I am nothing but a silly, incapable sheep... and I desperately need my shepherd.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. - Psalm 125:2
I love this image, and I believe you could quite easily insert Tucson. "As the mountains surround Tucson, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forever more." Having just seen my wonderful, amazing boyfriend for the first time in 3 1/2 months, I'm reminded of how important it is to be with someone. While email, skype and other technological advances are great, there's really no replacement for being with someone, close to them in a real way... feeling their arms and their love surround you. Well, God doesn't have to rely on long-distance telephone calls, because He surrounds us.... He is here among us... both now and forever more. Lord, thank You for being here with me this morning and every morning.
Today's reflection in ODB is about a shepherd caring for his sheep. I actually didn't realize that there is a term called 'cast down' position which describes a sheep on its back and unable to get up. The shepherd must help stand it back up, massage and soothe the sheep until it is back to its previous state.
I know that I've experienced God restoring my soul in the same way. I've been 'cast down,' and unable to come out of my troubles of my own. And only after experiencing that was I able to truly appreciate the amazing character of God's mercy and grace. Lord, thank You for restoring my soul... for I am nothing but a silly, incapable sheep... and I desperately need my shepherd.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. - Psalm 125:2
I love this image, and I believe you could quite easily insert Tucson. "As the mountains surround Tucson, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forever more." Having just seen my wonderful, amazing boyfriend for the first time in 3 1/2 months, I'm reminded of how important it is to be with someone. While email, skype and other technological advances are great, there's really no replacement for being with someone, close to them in a real way... feeling their arms and their love surround you. Well, God doesn't have to rely on long-distance telephone calls, because He surrounds us.... He is here among us... both now and forever more. Lord, thank You for being here with me this morning and every morning.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Laugh, Dance, and Be Merry
A merry heart does good, like medicine. —Proverbs 17:22
ODB ("Our Daily Bread") today has a beautiful message of joy and happiness and laughter and dancing. I'm reminded of my friends Eric and Jason Hoover. Not that long after I met them, they came up to me and asked, "Would you be my friend if I thought I were a dolphin?" I laughed, smiled and knew that we would be fast friends. Laughter, joy and fun are special gifts from our creator. The one would brought joy into the world does not want us to live joyless lives. In fact, we must sing to Him with a smile on our lips and joy bursting in our hearts.
It's interesting that ODB recounts the story of King David who begins to dance when he brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. (Brad and I were just talking about this last night.) David didn't even care when his wife thought his behavior unbecoming. He said that he would become even more 'undignified' and continued dancing 'with all his might' before the Lord.
I'm reminded of the Dominican song, "Tu has cambiado mi lamento en baile." The Dominicans sang loudly and danced around to this chorus properly named "You have changed my lament into dancing." We must dance before the one who has changed our sorrow into dancing! God reminds us to 'take time to laugh.' (Eccl. 3:4)
I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." - Psalm 122:1
I'm lucky that for me, 'the house of the Lord' or the church has always been a place of joy. Even as a young girl, I looked forward to Sunday School (a crucial part of church for us), children's story and children's church (with Uncle Rod's easy, medium and hard questions). I was an odd one. I'd sit in church while I was a little older, writing one or two possible sermon ideas for different familiar Bible stories. And I remember one saturday morning when I sat making up geneological family trees for the Old Testament scriptures of records.
But I believe a reason that I rejoiced in God's house was that everyone in my church made that joy a part of who we were. We are free from judgment, free from our sins and free to rejoice in God's love for us. We enjoyed being with one another, praying with one another and I rejoiced at every Sunday morning just as much as every Thursday evening of Youth group and every Saturday service project. I always wanted to go. There was never any kicking or screaming.
I believe the joy that God has given us is something the world desperately wants and really needs. If we share that and ask people to come to God's house with joy in our hearts and a smile on our lips, I think that offer is very hard to refuse.
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Racing is something I can always relate to and something I really really enjoy doing. So while some people may think it has no place in a study of joy, to me it certainly does. But look... prizes, crowns? What's not to love about that? And we will all receive a crown at the end of the race... and a crown that will last forever. We can thank our God for the ability to run this race and receive this prize, even though we may not deserve it... just for entering the race we will get the prize.
ODB ("Our Daily Bread") today has a beautiful message of joy and happiness and laughter and dancing. I'm reminded of my friends Eric and Jason Hoover. Not that long after I met them, they came up to me and asked, "Would you be my friend if I thought I were a dolphin?" I laughed, smiled and knew that we would be fast friends. Laughter, joy and fun are special gifts from our creator. The one would brought joy into the world does not want us to live joyless lives. In fact, we must sing to Him with a smile on our lips and joy bursting in our hearts.
It's interesting that ODB recounts the story of King David who begins to dance when he brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. (Brad and I were just talking about this last night.) David didn't even care when his wife thought his behavior unbecoming. He said that he would become even more 'undignified' and continued dancing 'with all his might' before the Lord.
I'm reminded of the Dominican song, "Tu has cambiado mi lamento en baile." The Dominicans sang loudly and danced around to this chorus properly named "You have changed my lament into dancing." We must dance before the one who has changed our sorrow into dancing! God reminds us to 'take time to laugh.' (Eccl. 3:4)
I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." - Psalm 122:1
I'm lucky that for me, 'the house of the Lord' or the church has always been a place of joy. Even as a young girl, I looked forward to Sunday School (a crucial part of church for us), children's story and children's church (with Uncle Rod's easy, medium and hard questions). I was an odd one. I'd sit in church while I was a little older, writing one or two possible sermon ideas for different familiar Bible stories. And I remember one saturday morning when I sat making up geneological family trees for the Old Testament scriptures of records.
But I believe a reason that I rejoiced in God's house was that everyone in my church made that joy a part of who we were. We are free from judgment, free from our sins and free to rejoice in God's love for us. We enjoyed being with one another, praying with one another and I rejoiced at every Sunday morning just as much as every Thursday evening of Youth group and every Saturday service project. I always wanted to go. There was never any kicking or screaming.
I believe the joy that God has given us is something the world desperately wants and really needs. If we share that and ask people to come to God's house with joy in our hearts and a smile on our lips, I think that offer is very hard to refuse.
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Racing is something I can always relate to and something I really really enjoy doing. So while some people may think it has no place in a study of joy, to me it certainly does. But look... prizes, crowns? What's not to love about that? And we will all receive a crown at the end of the race... and a crown that will last forever. We can thank our God for the ability to run this race and receive this prize, even though we may not deserve it... just for entering the race we will get the prize.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Sexiest Theology
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. —2 Corinthians 6:14
Wow. Once again, God has done it- sent me the exact message I need at the moment I needed it. Today's "Daily Bread" reflection remarks about choosing a spouse:
[Some men and women] discover too late that a beautiful body is camouflaging a defective mind and soul. Men and women both make this mistake, but author Carolyn Custis James was specifically concerned about men when she wrote: “[A] woman’s interest in theology ought to be the first thing to catch a man’s eye. . . . [Her] theology suddenly matters when a man is facing a crisis and she is the only one around to offer encouragement.”
When I feel like the world around me wants me to be sexy and beautiful and perfect on the outside, I need to remember that the wrapping isn't nearly as important as the present inside... that sexy theology. And boy do I have theology... plenty of it. And it is pretty darn sexy if I do say so myself!
Lord, thank you for blessing me with a special man in my life who cares more about the attractiveness of my theology than my appearance. And I am thankful that he is both attractive on the outside and the inside... encouraging me and listening to me and there for me whenever I need him.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth! - Psalm 119: 103
Keeping in theme with this sexy theology, this verse is one that I LOVE, because I LOVE scripture and reading God's word night and day. I know my brother thought it quite strange how I'd take my Bible with me everywhere this summer (from the lawyer's office to the hairdresser's)... just in case I'd get a few spare minutes to read over the text again. But it is... sweeter than honey. Rich and satisfying and healing (as I'm reminded of the way honey protects us from allergies). And a bit of honey added to a simple piece of bread makes something truly decadent. So it is with life, the word of God added to the simplicity of everyday life makes every day life decadent, rich, sweet, sexy.
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3But the man who loves God is known by God.
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall. - 1 Corinthians 8:1-2, 9-12
To me, reading verses 9-12 without also reflecting on verses 1-2 gives quite an unbalanced picture of this scripture. What Paul is illustrating here in the latter half is that love is more important than following rules or oughts or 'knowledge' of right and wrong, this way or that way. This leaning towards knowledge instead of love is perhaps quite dangerous in my present academic setting where 'you are what you know.' Paul suggests differently- you are what you love. If I love Jesus, I am Christian and God knows me. (Insert Dominican "Amen" here.)
With that Amen, this reminds me of this summer while I was in the DR. While I don't buy or eat meat on my own accord, I hesitate to call myself a 'vegetarian.' To me, the label is quite exclusive. Turning away a gift given in love and appreciation and blessing is not a loving way of interaction. Though I have my reasons (remembering those without food and environmental sustainabilty among them), it would be unloving to my Dominican brothers and sisters to turn down their lovingly prepared meals.
I specifically remember going to San Jose where Pastor Samson's wife offered us a simple meal of deliciously sweet coffee, fresh coconut milk, fried plantains and chicken patties of some sort. It was one of the most beautiful meals I had seen in a long time, not because of its presentation but because of the love it was prepared with. Later we went into their humble home to pray a blessing upon them and there were only two plastic chairs which they brought to the living room (a small concrete-walled space with one picture on the wall and a tin roof). We prayed for their 13 children (some of whom were sick) and for the church, and I prayed a great blessing upon the house... and that I may learn to have such a beautiful and amazing love that they have... because I do not know the life that they know. That kind of love is Jesus' kind of love, it is that attractive love that everyone is looking for... that we need to give and teach and grow in more and more... and that love is what makes us sexy.
Wow. Once again, God has done it- sent me the exact message I need at the moment I needed it. Today's "Daily Bread" reflection remarks about choosing a spouse:
[Some men and women] discover too late that a beautiful body is camouflaging a defective mind and soul. Men and women both make this mistake, but author Carolyn Custis James was specifically concerned about men when she wrote: “[A] woman’s interest in theology ought to be the first thing to catch a man’s eye. . . . [Her] theology suddenly matters when a man is facing a crisis and she is the only one around to offer encouragement.”
When I feel like the world around me wants me to be sexy and beautiful and perfect on the outside, I need to remember that the wrapping isn't nearly as important as the present inside... that sexy theology. And boy do I have theology... plenty of it. And it is pretty darn sexy if I do say so myself!
Lord, thank you for blessing me with a special man in my life who cares more about the attractiveness of my theology than my appearance. And I am thankful that he is both attractive on the outside and the inside... encouraging me and listening to me and there for me whenever I need him.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth! - Psalm 119: 103
Keeping in theme with this sexy theology, this verse is one that I LOVE, because I LOVE scripture and reading God's word night and day. I know my brother thought it quite strange how I'd take my Bible with me everywhere this summer (from the lawyer's office to the hairdresser's)... just in case I'd get a few spare minutes to read over the text again. But it is... sweeter than honey. Rich and satisfying and healing (as I'm reminded of the way honey protects us from allergies). And a bit of honey added to a simple piece of bread makes something truly decadent. So it is with life, the word of God added to the simplicity of everyday life makes every day life decadent, rich, sweet, sexy.
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3But the man who loves God is known by God.
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall. - 1 Corinthians 8:1-2, 9-12
To me, reading verses 9-12 without also reflecting on verses 1-2 gives quite an unbalanced picture of this scripture. What Paul is illustrating here in the latter half is that love is more important than following rules or oughts or 'knowledge' of right and wrong, this way or that way. This leaning towards knowledge instead of love is perhaps quite dangerous in my present academic setting where 'you are what you know.' Paul suggests differently- you are what you love. If I love Jesus, I am Christian and God knows me. (Insert Dominican "Amen" here.)
With that Amen, this reminds me of this summer while I was in the DR. While I don't buy or eat meat on my own accord, I hesitate to call myself a 'vegetarian.' To me, the label is quite exclusive. Turning away a gift given in love and appreciation and blessing is not a loving way of interaction. Though I have my reasons (remembering those without food and environmental sustainabilty among them), it would be unloving to my Dominican brothers and sisters to turn down their lovingly prepared meals.
I specifically remember going to San Jose where Pastor Samson's wife offered us a simple meal of deliciously sweet coffee, fresh coconut milk, fried plantains and chicken patties of some sort. It was one of the most beautiful meals I had seen in a long time, not because of its presentation but because of the love it was prepared with. Later we went into their humble home to pray a blessing upon them and there were only two plastic chairs which they brought to the living room (a small concrete-walled space with one picture on the wall and a tin roof). We prayed for their 13 children (some of whom were sick) and for the church, and I prayed a great blessing upon the house... and that I may learn to have such a beautiful and amazing love that they have... because I do not know the life that they know. That kind of love is Jesus' kind of love, it is that attractive love that everyone is looking for... that we need to give and teach and grow in more and more... and that love is what makes us sexy.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me. —2 Samuel 1:26
David's heartfelt lament reminds me of my own sadness upon Amanda's death. And even though time has past, the wounds still feel so fresh, the pain still so real when I think about it. As a friend last night recounted his own experience of the death of a dear close cousin, I couldn't help but think of my cousin Amanda. Just like David, I spent days, weeks, several months writing and writing and writing poems and stories and lists of memories of times spent together or things she would say. And somehow it is still comforting to go back and read those again. Even this morning, I remembered how we would always smile and say, "O'Donnells don't bet" or how she'd make up songs about the Flyers ("Home on Home Ice" instead of "Home on the Range").
But more than anything, at a very young age, Amanda was completely herself. She didn't let the popular crowd or anything society said tell her what to do. And she taught me to stand up for what I believe in... she helped me to be strong in being who I was, to always be true to myself and my beliefs, no matter what others might say. And I thank God for the silly memories, the fun memories and for my amazing cousin who really helped me to make it through high school by not caring what others think. A radical, a rebel- she made Jesus proud, I'm sure of it.
In My Heart
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
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.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. - Psalm 119:9-16
This beautiful Psalm sums up exactly why I read and study the Bible every morning. In this world, it is so hard to keep your way pure. We are tempted by fame, vanity, wealth, popularity, ambition, and many many other things. The noise of the world yells so loudly- from billboards to radio to tv commercials to magazine ads. It is so loud that we need something to drown out 'the patterns of this world,' as our friend Paul would call them.
If I continue giving at least one or two hours of my day (when really all my day belongs to Him), He is faithful in helping me to complete everything... and I am 10 times more effective. I don't understand how it works... if there's some time continuum that breaks down while I am studying the word or praying, but I know that studying God's word is never wasted. And I hope to study it more and more... to know Your ways more and more, Lord.
Liberation Theology
What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; 30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. - 1 Corinthians 7:20-40
The entirety of the text I read this morning is quite difficult for me... where Paul is advising people not to marry. However, he is very careful with his words, stating over and over again that either way... if you marry or don't... you are not sinning. His reasoning for singleness is that you would be able to be more wholely devoted to the Lord and your interests wouldn't be divided.
But, in today's society I think it is not only spousal relationships that divide our interests (perhaps a partial reason for the high rate of divorce). Money, work, entertainment, etc. So many things compete for our attention... that it is good for us to recognize that God should always come first. Why?
Well, simple... this is not the end of the story. This is only a preview of the life that is left to come. And I'm reminded of what Brad always says, that if this world is so beautiful with the variety of plants and trees and animals, then God must have something incredibly gorgeous for us in heaven. Can you imagine something more beautiful than Niagra Falls? More breathtaking than the Sequoias? More calming than the cool sea lapping against the red cliffs of Prince Edward Island?
In the DR, our brothers and sisters are experts at this... called "Liberation Theology." It doesn't matter how bad this life is, because they know that this world and all its troubles will pass away. And trust me... they know about troubles- lack of rights to education, discrimination, limited income, low security, living on faith instead of funds... but they are so rich in the strength of their faith. And I am also absolutely certain that God has a 5 star room set apart for them in our Father's house of many rooms.
David's heartfelt lament reminds me of my own sadness upon Amanda's death. And even though time has past, the wounds still feel so fresh, the pain still so real when I think about it. As a friend last night recounted his own experience of the death of a dear close cousin, I couldn't help but think of my cousin Amanda. Just like David, I spent days, weeks, several months writing and writing and writing poems and stories and lists of memories of times spent together or things she would say. And somehow it is still comforting to go back and read those again. Even this morning, I remembered how we would always smile and say, "O'Donnells don't bet" or how she'd make up songs about the Flyers ("Home on Home Ice" instead of "Home on the Range").
But more than anything, at a very young age, Amanda was completely herself. She didn't let the popular crowd or anything society said tell her what to do. And she taught me to stand up for what I believe in... she helped me to be strong in being who I was, to always be true to myself and my beliefs, no matter what others might say. And I thank God for the silly memories, the fun memories and for my amazing cousin who really helped me to make it through high school by not caring what others think. A radical, a rebel- she made Jesus proud, I'm sure of it.
In My Heart
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
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.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. - Psalm 119:9-16
This beautiful Psalm sums up exactly why I read and study the Bible every morning. In this world, it is so hard to keep your way pure. We are tempted by fame, vanity, wealth, popularity, ambition, and many many other things. The noise of the world yells so loudly- from billboards to radio to tv commercials to magazine ads. It is so loud that we need something to drown out 'the patterns of this world,' as our friend Paul would call them.
If I continue giving at least one or two hours of my day (when really all my day belongs to Him), He is faithful in helping me to complete everything... and I am 10 times more effective. I don't understand how it works... if there's some time continuum that breaks down while I am studying the word or praying, but I know that studying God's word is never wasted. And I hope to study it more and more... to know Your ways more and more, Lord.
Liberation Theology
What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; 30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. - 1 Corinthians 7:20-40
The entirety of the text I read this morning is quite difficult for me... where Paul is advising people not to marry. However, he is very careful with his words, stating over and over again that either way... if you marry or don't... you are not sinning. His reasoning for singleness is that you would be able to be more wholely devoted to the Lord and your interests wouldn't be divided.
But, in today's society I think it is not only spousal relationships that divide our interests (perhaps a partial reason for the high rate of divorce). Money, work, entertainment, etc. So many things compete for our attention... that it is good for us to recognize that God should always come first. Why?
Well, simple... this is not the end of the story. This is only a preview of the life that is left to come. And I'm reminded of what Brad always says, that if this world is so beautiful with the variety of plants and trees and animals, then God must have something incredibly gorgeous for us in heaven. Can you imagine something more beautiful than Niagra Falls? More breathtaking than the Sequoias? More calming than the cool sea lapping against the red cliffs of Prince Edward Island?
In the DR, our brothers and sisters are experts at this... called "Liberation Theology." It doesn't matter how bad this life is, because they know that this world and all its troubles will pass away. And trust me... they know about troubles- lack of rights to education, discrimination, limited income, low security, living on faith instead of funds... but they are so rich in the strength of their faith. And I am also absolutely certain that God has a 5 star room set apart for them in our Father's house of many rooms.
Monday, August 24, 2009
tell your story
A new year... I'm going to be doing something a little new, guided by "Our Daily Bread." (A reflection on the day's story, a short reflection on Old Testament, a short reflection on New Testament.
Tell Your Story
Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you. —Mark 5:19
This sounds all too familiar this morning, as I preached about just this topic last May at YAC (Young Adult Conference). And I have become more and more aware of the importance of our stories and telling our stories. We must become so incredibly excited with our experiences with knowing the Lord that we cannot help but talk about it. Like the young girl who is so enamored with her boyfriend that she brings him up at all cost... it's the most wonderful thing she can think of to talk about. God is the most wonderful thing I can think of.
In fact, RBC notes that, "An organizational consultant in New York says that his graduate students typically recall only 5 percent of the main ideas in a presentation of graphs and charts, while they generally remember half of the stories told in the same presentation." This is something I'll have to think about as my classes start today.
So let me tell you a few stories of the small ways I have seen God in my life in a very real way recently:
Kara Saves the Day
I arrived to the meeting on Wednesday, pleased with my syllabus... everything was in order and I was excited to start my classes. Then I realized that I could no longer use the book that I had planned my whole unit around. Surprised, dismayed, and I believe the best word is frazzled... I needed to quickly come up with another plan. I felt so alone, as I was the only one from my program's year choosing to teach 102/108 (rhetoric/comp) instead of 101 (comp). But then, I looked at an email and noticed that Kara, wonderful friend and amazing experiences ESL teacher, was doing the same thing. She graciously gave of her time, energy and own materials to work through the course with me. Kara has helped me get through some very rough days, and I know it's been God working through her.
That Darn Washing Machine
Well, I had done it... officially ran out of every stitch of clean clothes that I had, and I went to use the washing machine. But, it wasn't working. The thing just wouldn't fill up. So, I went knocking on my neighbors doors, and the second apartment opened up to Maria who not only opened her door to my laundry but also to me. She offered me a cup of coffee and we sat and chatted and watched a movie. In fact, she might even join with GCF or come to our Romans Bible Study. But, I'm so thankful for that opportunity to meet Maria, which wouldn't have happened if not for 'that darn washing machine.'
Non-cyclist Katie
So, I don't know a thing about bikes. I have one, but I honestly don't know a thing about it. I would fail "Bikes 101." It's really that bad. Well, I was biking back from Sunflower (a wonderful grocery store), when it seemed a bit harder. I looked down and my tire was a bit flat. I stopped at a gas station to fill it up... as best as I could figure how. Two days later, I needed to run to the store again. This time a friendly man at the bus stop noticed (right where the gas station was) noticed the tire was practically on the ground. He offered to help and fill it up, even though the bus he needed was already there, and he had just enough time (waiting for a red light) to fill up the tires with air for me. It was right in the nick of time!
My Roommates
It was a gamble this year- 3 new roommates. Who knew what I'd get? But I've been blessed by 3 amazingly sweet and kind roommates. They've even agreed that I can have the common area for a bit on Monday evenings in order to host the Romans Bible Study, and a couple are hoping to attend with is wonderful! I thank God for blessing me with great roommates and great new friends.
Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD. - Psalm 117
Reading this lovely Psalm this morning, I can't help but think of 2 things. First of all, my experiences this summer- I was in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. In Guatemala, I studied the Bible with my host family and prayed with them several times. In the DR, I had the opportunity to worship alongside many of my Dominican brothers and sisters. Though the styles are different, the heart is the same. And I know in each setting, we were worshipping the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Secondly, I think of the many wonderful international students that I have recently met through Graduate Christian Fellowship. I pray that the same may happen here- that we may continue to praise the Lord in our own languages and come together as a community of believers to work together as well. Lord, help me to provide a setting for such fellowship and study.
Tell Your Story
Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you. —Mark 5:19
This sounds all too familiar this morning, as I preached about just this topic last May at YAC (Young Adult Conference). And I have become more and more aware of the importance of our stories and telling our stories. We must become so incredibly excited with our experiences with knowing the Lord that we cannot help but talk about it. Like the young girl who is so enamored with her boyfriend that she brings him up at all cost... it's the most wonderful thing she can think of to talk about. God is the most wonderful thing I can think of.
In fact, RBC notes that, "An organizational consultant in New York says that his graduate students typically recall only 5 percent of the main ideas in a presentation of graphs and charts, while they generally remember half of the stories told in the same presentation." This is something I'll have to think about as my classes start today.
So let me tell you a few stories of the small ways I have seen God in my life in a very real way recently:
Kara Saves the Day
I arrived to the meeting on Wednesday, pleased with my syllabus... everything was in order and I was excited to start my classes. Then I realized that I could no longer use the book that I had planned my whole unit around. Surprised, dismayed, and I believe the best word is frazzled... I needed to quickly come up with another plan. I felt so alone, as I was the only one from my program's year choosing to teach 102/108 (rhetoric/comp) instead of 101 (comp). But then, I looked at an email and noticed that Kara, wonderful friend and amazing experiences ESL teacher, was doing the same thing. She graciously gave of her time, energy and own materials to work through the course with me. Kara has helped me get through some very rough days, and I know it's been God working through her.
That Darn Washing Machine
Well, I had done it... officially ran out of every stitch of clean clothes that I had, and I went to use the washing machine. But, it wasn't working. The thing just wouldn't fill up. So, I went knocking on my neighbors doors, and the second apartment opened up to Maria who not only opened her door to my laundry but also to me. She offered me a cup of coffee and we sat and chatted and watched a movie. In fact, she might even join with GCF or come to our Romans Bible Study. But, I'm so thankful for that opportunity to meet Maria, which wouldn't have happened if not for 'that darn washing machine.'
Non-cyclist Katie
So, I don't know a thing about bikes. I have one, but I honestly don't know a thing about it. I would fail "Bikes 101." It's really that bad. Well, I was biking back from Sunflower (a wonderful grocery store), when it seemed a bit harder. I looked down and my tire was a bit flat. I stopped at a gas station to fill it up... as best as I could figure how. Two days later, I needed to run to the store again. This time a friendly man at the bus stop noticed (right where the gas station was) noticed the tire was practically on the ground. He offered to help and fill it up, even though the bus he needed was already there, and he had just enough time (waiting for a red light) to fill up the tires with air for me. It was right in the nick of time!
My Roommates
It was a gamble this year- 3 new roommates. Who knew what I'd get? But I've been blessed by 3 amazingly sweet and kind roommates. They've even agreed that I can have the common area for a bit on Monday evenings in order to host the Romans Bible Study, and a couple are hoping to attend with is wonderful! I thank God for blessing me with great roommates and great new friends.
Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD. - Psalm 117
Reading this lovely Psalm this morning, I can't help but think of 2 things. First of all, my experiences this summer- I was in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. In Guatemala, I studied the Bible with my host family and prayed with them several times. In the DR, I had the opportunity to worship alongside many of my Dominican brothers and sisters. Though the styles are different, the heart is the same. And I know in each setting, we were worshipping the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Secondly, I think of the many wonderful international students that I have recently met through Graduate Christian Fellowship. I pray that the same may happen here- that we may continue to praise the Lord in our own languages and come together as a community of believers to work together as well. Lord, help me to provide a setting for such fellowship and study.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Everything Glorious
Glory in the Desert (Some photos of the beautiful view.)
While I didn't go on my Campus Arboretum walk, I gazed upon the view outside of La Aldea- a sky with beautiful dark clouds and just enough light showing through them. Lovely palm trees of two different varieties and a row of trees beside the walkway. With the gorgeous mountains in the distance, it's so thankful to praise Him for His artistry... but how often we forget to appreciate the glorious way He has created us.
Lord, thank you for ...
feet that allow me to run towards You,
eyes that allow me to see the beauty of Your creation,
ears that allow me to ear Your word,
words that allow me to speak about You,
arms that allow me to reach those in need,
a mind that allows me to meditate on You,
a heart that allows me to yearn for You... everymore.
I heard this song on the radio one day at the moment I needed it most, perhaps someone else is needing it today.
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?
I am glorious, Lord... and thank You for making all of us that way.
While I didn't go on my Campus Arboretum walk, I gazed upon the view outside of La Aldea- a sky with beautiful dark clouds and just enough light showing through them. Lovely palm trees of two different varieties and a row of trees beside the walkway. With the gorgeous mountains in the distance, it's so thankful to praise Him for His artistry... but how often we forget to appreciate the glorious way He has created us.
Lord, thank you for ...
feet that allow me to run towards You,
eyes that allow me to see the beauty of Your creation,
ears that allow me to ear Your word,
words that allow me to speak about You,
arms that allow me to reach those in need,
a mind that allows me to meditate on You,
a heart that allows me to yearn for You... everymore.
I heard this song on the radio one day at the moment I needed it most, perhaps someone else is needing it today.
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?
I am glorious, Lord... and thank You for making all of us that way.
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