IN the world, but not OF it...
... probably the hardest balancing act in my life right now.
We MUST be intentional in our relationships.
Genuinely love others.
Hurt when they hurt.
Realize their (just like our own) depravity and need for God.
Remember the brevity of life.
Live a life of HOPE.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Fully Alive
John 10:10 is probably the Bible's sweetest verses about living life.
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the FULL."
How many days do I have life to the Fulllllll. Meaning no empty space, completely full. Of God's love, power, peace, trust, joy, the list goes on.
Despite hardships, change of plans, Satan's temptations and lies, we have the opportunity to pursue God wholeheartedly and fill our lives with His word and the accompanying characteristics listed above, if we so choose.
If we lived each day like these, we'd have so many opportunities to provide an explanation of our inner peace and consistent joy to our families, friends, bosses, patients, coworkers, grocery clerks, etc. who will look at us in dumbfound awe of the way we live our lives.
This verse is my prayer for all of the world's christians.
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the FULL."
How many days do I have life to the Fulllllll. Meaning no empty space, completely full. Of God's love, power, peace, trust, joy, the list goes on.
Despite hardships, change of plans, Satan's temptations and lies, we have the opportunity to pursue God wholeheartedly and fill our lives with His word and the accompanying characteristics listed above, if we so choose.
If we lived each day like these, we'd have so many opportunities to provide an explanation of our inner peace and consistent joy to our families, friends, bosses, patients, coworkers, grocery clerks, etc. who will look at us in dumbfound awe of the way we live our lives.
This verse is my prayer for all of the world's christians.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Makes me Wonder
Believing we can't really 'miss' God's will for our lives (even though our sinful/selfish choices can lead us astray- but never too far from God's reach), I DO wonder if there are 2 paths we can choose from.
Sometimes, I see a nice, easy, quaint life ahead. A gazebo in the backyard, possibly beside a heated pool. My 4 children busy with soccer practice, volunteering and having friends over. A medium-size church we attend faithfully and are involved in tons of ministries.
But then, I look a bit farther, deeper, and see something radical. I see myself standing in one-room grass hut in Zambia, Uganda or Ghana. I can't quite see, even though I squint feverishly, if there is a man and children in the hut with me. I look tired, but extremely happy... have just been going around local villages finding children, adults, the elderly- sitting with them, laughing, learning to cook their food, offering them small bits of advice to make life easier for them (lift heavy objects this way, have the child play with these objects to help their hand strength, do these stretches to help your back pain... etc...). Going to church every week- with no walls, benches to sit on, and the most beautiful African music coming alongside the Word being preached.
And I wonder why I would ever choose the first option listed above... and pray that God will continue leading me where He would have me.
Sometimes, I see a nice, easy, quaint life ahead. A gazebo in the backyard, possibly beside a heated pool. My 4 children busy with soccer practice, volunteering and having friends over. A medium-size church we attend faithfully and are involved in tons of ministries.
But then, I look a bit farther, deeper, and see something radical. I see myself standing in one-room grass hut in Zambia, Uganda or Ghana. I can't quite see, even though I squint feverishly, if there is a man and children in the hut with me. I look tired, but extremely happy... have just been going around local villages finding children, adults, the elderly- sitting with them, laughing, learning to cook their food, offering them small bits of advice to make life easier for them (lift heavy objects this way, have the child play with these objects to help their hand strength, do these stretches to help your back pain... etc...). Going to church every week- with no walls, benches to sit on, and the most beautiful African music coming alongside the Word being preached.
And I wonder why I would ever choose the first option listed above... and pray that God will continue leading me where He would have me.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Home for the Holidays
How sad that most of us can somehow go through days and think of very little to thank our Creator for- ridiculous.
I'm thankful for...
... God bringing me to WVU ... even though I tried to fight it.
... being a George
... the ability to run
... cameras
... a big world
... an even bigger God
... the variety of people I know
... freedom of speech
... southern accents of delight
... people who can harmonize
... bagpipes, violins, drums
... forms of communication
... easy access to food and shelter
... God continually teaching me things
I'm thankful for...
... God bringing me to WVU ... even though I tried to fight it.
... being a George
... the ability to run
... cameras
... a big world
... an even bigger God
... the variety of people I know
... freedom of speech
... southern accents of delight
... people who can harmonize
... bagpipes, violins, drums
... forms of communication
... easy access to food and shelter
... God continually teaching me things
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Why??
Hey to my temporarily international friends!
and I guess the ones here who I don't already IM/email or Facebook:)
I just didn't want to leave anonymous comments, you see.
and I guess the ones here who I don't already IM/email or Facebook:)
I just didn't want to leave anonymous comments, you see.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)