The Little Things, The Little Things!

I was reminded how the little things in life are sometimes the things we need the most. A simple cup of coffee, a phone call to remind someone of something. These are the things that people need the most sometimes. And these little things can be the biggest example of our walk with Christ, bigger then giving someone a thousand dollars, bigger then giving them a new car. It’s the little things that add up and show the unsaved the selfless nature of Christ and His glorious love.

We so often overlook the little things that we do for other people, but just think about all of the times that the little things that others did for you impacted you in a huge way. The feelings you got from the small act of kindness or an encouraging word can sometimes last longer then a thousand dollars ever could. It’s the love. It’s the love that is shown when little acts of kindness are done. It’s the caring. It’s Christ that is shown.

Titus 3:1
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,

The Struggle of Us All

This may seem like a strange way to start a blog post, but here I go…

I watched a bug die yesterday. I know I know, slightly on the morbid side. But what can I say? This particular bug was stuck on his back, wings weighed down by the water he had landed in. the entire time I watched him he never stopped moving. Never put his head down to rest. Every moment was spent using every bit of energy he had struggling to escape his fate. In the end, it was all for not. He died in the struggle to survive, most likely know thing that he would never make it out.

This poor bug got me thinking. The struggle to survive. Knowing that in the end, it doesn’t matter, your fate is sealed by the choices you made. How many people struggle everyday to be good, make the right choice, and live a selfless life? But without God, it doesn’t really matter. Your fate is sealed by the choice you made to not believe. And even some who do believe but struggle anyway. Convinced that there is still something they must do to earn God’s love and grace. The exhausting existence of never knowing where you stand in your relationship with God can be almost, if not more, exhausting then not knowing God at all.

So how do we keep our loved ones from this? From the constant struggle to survive? The only real answer I can come up with is you teach. You teach them God’s love and grace with every moment you spend with them. Then maybe one day they will see that the struggle was won many years ago. And that they are free…

Say You Were Wrong

Long time no see! Miss me? Yes, mk. Moving on…


So, today the kids and I were rocking out to some music. A song came on that talks about forgiveness. Part of it goes “I am willing to forget. Are you willing to take ownership?” This line got me thinking about my life a bit.

I tend to be a bitter person. I hold grudges against people. But mostly, I hold them against my family. I tend to feel that there is a lot of things that happened that I deserve an apology for. Not that I don’t that things that I should apologize for, but still, I’m the kid. Well, at least that’s how I look at it. Anyway…

The song got me thinking that even if I never get an apology, I need to be more forgiving. None are served by a bitter heart. And as a friend likes to point out to me “bitterness is like drinking poison hoping the other person will die.” and let me assure you, that is not what I want to happen.

I have been praying harder to be more forgiving, but maybe that’s not enough on my part. Not to say that God isn’t changing my heart or anything, just that maybe I need to take more action in being forgiving. So, if you have read this little blog, please keep me accountable. I have a feeling I’m going to need the help…

Letter...

Dearest Jesus,

Sorry I have been such a jerk. But ya know, I could use a break from this life. I have a question for you. Why did you decided to be so amazing today? I have been a selfish, scared, insecure, avoidant, ticked-off, bitter little person since November. So why must you keep being so nice to me? I don’t deserve it, yet you show up again and again, just when I think I can’t say anymore. Just when I think that it doesn’t matter, you show me that healing comes through confession. Give me strength, that I may confess so that I may heal. Thank you for your word. Thank you for using my selfishness this morning to bring me to my knees. I’m sorry it always takes me so long to trust you. Thanks again for being you and working so hard to make me more like you. Amen.

God Is Working Something In Me...

The Bible claim that wealth is worthless. I think that we hear this concept so much in church that it can be hard to separate monetary wealth with our wealth in other areas. I’m not wealthy when it comes to money. Not in the least. But man, do I have a lot of wealth in other areas. I have a wealth of friends that I wouldn’t know what to do without. The wealth of support they provide, the knowledge they share, the Godly advice and direction they provide me with. It’s enough to bring me to tears some days. I am wealthy in love. I have a lot of love to share with the people around me. And in return, they show me love. I have a wealth of passion for my students and the Gospel. Because really, behind the Gospel, what else really matters?
But at he end of my life, and this age, none of this will really mater. The only thing that matters is that my life is devoted to Christ, that He might bring others to know Him through me, but not because of me. If that makes sense. The most important thing I can do now is share His word and the message of His love. That when we were sinners, Christ came and suffered for our sin, that we might be found righteous in the eyes of the Father.

What Do You Do?

What do you do when it all starts falling apart? In you life. How do you cope? How do you trust God enough and rest in Him?

I hate suffering with a passion. What I hate with a passion even more is when a friend of mine is suffering and I can't help. What advice would you give someone who's life just seems to be falling apart at the seems? Any special Bible verses that comfort you in times of trouble?

Mice and Faithfulness.

So, I’m sure you have had one of those times in your life where God asks you to do something and you just kind of sit there like, “What? Why in the world would you want me to do that? I don’t understand so I’m not going to do it.” This my friends stems from a lack of faith in our God.

I was reminded of this by, of all things, a child’s movie from 1982. The Secrets of N.I.M.H. See, in the movie, a little field mouse has a predicament placed in front of her. Either move her family to keep them from getting plowed over, or risk losing one of her sons because he is very sick. The little field mouse seeks out the advice of “The Great Owl”( the best character and he doe’s not get enough screen time, lol). He gives her his advice, and needless to say it’s not very helpful at first. But then, a revelation! This is the conversation they have at he end…

Mrs. Brisby: Please. I would do anything for Timothy. Anything.
Great Owl: There is a way. Go to the rats.
Mrs. Brisby: But I don't know any rats.
Great Owl: In the rosebush.
Mrs. Brisby: Oh, yes. Near the farmhouse.
Great Owl: Go there. Ask for Nicodemus.
Mrs. Brisby: Nicodemus? But how can they help?
Great Owl: They must move your house to the lee of the stone.
Mrs. Brisby: No rat could move my house. It's a...
Great Owl: They have ways.
Mrs. Brisby: I don't understand, but I will do as you say.


“I don’t understand, but I will do as you say” AHHHH! If only we all could have the same faith as a cartoon mouse! But that’s the thing, we aren’t created that way. God gave us the choice to follow Him, and sometimes we don’t. So that’s what I’m praying for today. A spirit that will follow God without question. Because really, His ways are soooo much better then mine.