Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Taking Notes

Last night, I was flipping around in my Bible. God showed me a few things that really encouraged me, so I wrote them down in my notebook. Tonight, I thought I'd share them with you. I really need to read my Bible more often; I easily release the habit and forget how it blesses me when I return to it.

Ephesians 2:8-10
"God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so he can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

So neither can our mistakes take salvation from us. God doesn't give up on me as easily as I sometimes give up on myself, and my ability to make a difference.

Romans 8:28
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

So He's using my daily struggles to make me stronger. He's using every hard thing that comes to shape me and bless me. He has a plan to use my life for His glory, and will use all these things to bring it into action. I am never abandoned; never forsaken.

Romans 9:26
"... Then, at the place where they were told, "You are not my people,' there they will be called 'children of the living God.'" (referring to the Gentiles, if you'd like the context).

Right there, where it was the worst. Where they were furthest from God's love, wholly desolate and abandoned; that is where He chose to restore them. To heal them and to offer something better - much, much better - than all the empty pain and deception they had known. Don't cover up and turn away from the broken, traumatized places. For those are the ones He wants to touch and use to bring forth His glory. Light out of the darkness, as it were.

Galatians 5:22-23
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"

So all we have to do is let Him in. He'll use everything to bring these about in beautiful ways. Even if you doubt your own ability to birth such good fruit, don't doubt Him. "The Holy Spirit produces" is not a question. He is fully capable if you will open your heart to His work in your life. Just do your best, and give Him the rest.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

All I Need

My thoughts will bounce around a bit here, so bare with me. Copy/paste the link to a new tab or window to listen as you read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkLh-D-esxQ

This song alternately speaks to and flows from my heart. It's what my life boils down to. There's this and that, worries and concerns, confusion and grief (Matthew 6:27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"). There are hopes and doubts, moments of both peace and fear. We can only control these things so much; can only predict whether the bright light at the end of the tunnel is daylight or a train to a certain extent. Beyond that, it's all about how we react.
 
With each new experience, we have a choice to waste it or learn from it. To conceal the fresh wounds and old scars, undermine the beauty and life, or let each happening change us to become a little more ourselves; a little more like the people who God originally crafted you and me to be. With the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can learn and grow to meet new challenges. If you're playing a video game, you know that each new level will be harder, more intense. But you gain new skills with each new victory, just as you need them. You're prepared. It's the same with everyday life. If you don't learn as you go, you won't be ready for the next set and you will be expected to repeat the lesson until you're ready. I don't know about you, but there are some things I'd really rather not repeat.

But at the end of the day, we need to rest. Our day's choices behind us, we need Someone unchanging to hold us steady. Someone who is steadfast, unfailing, and good through-and-through. Who cares for us more than the people we interacted with and dealt with today can even begin to. Someone who can see the bigger picture, look into our worst-case scenarios, and find the key to getting us through. A familiar verse, Romans 8:28 reads, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Another familiar, yet repeatedly encouraging verse? Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Which means that He has my life in His capable hands and He's well aware of my circumstance. He'll work through my life if I keep coming back to my Jesus.

"All I need is You, Lord
Is You, Lord."

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

In This Moment

Sometimes, all that's left for me is to rest in God. To play some music, God-enthused lyrics coming through the headphones, and rest. Let Him calm my heart when it cannot calm itself. He truly is there for me when none other is, or can be. When an impossibly treacherous journey lies before me, and I must stay strong despite the rain. When it all falls apart, and I'm left to the dark of this world. Its pain, confusion, and deepest heartache. When I miss someone desperately, or need to find new hope. Stabbed in the back, maybe. When I let Him, He'll restore my peace and bring me through. He always has. Oh, Lord... I am so thankful.

I'm soaking in His peace as I write this. This quiet love is healing my heart. I'll still trip and stumble, and there are many walls left to scale, bridges left to cross, and valleys that I must endure to reach the mountaintop, my eureka. But that mountain will be beautiful, and so much more than worth it. I know this, because I trust Him. I trust that He wouldn't let something so bad happen if He wasn't going to birth and multiply good from within the mess. In every situation where I have dealt with intense emotional pain, there's been a choice: keep striving after Him, or give up to my Enemy. To Satan.

My answer's clear, and I will keep pressing on with my God by my side. He gets me through.

Mmm... and not only that, but He loves me and teaches me as we go. I'll learn new things for next time, it won't be a waste. I'll have a new understanding of His heart when I need more of His heart; when I have to dig and hunt. He sweeps me into His arms when something's just too much, and He carries me. It looks like one set of footprints, because it is - His prints, left by One who loves enough to take the burden upon Himself. The love of my sweet Jesus is far beyond comprehension, or even reason. I cannot reason enough to figure out why it's worth it to save me over and over again. But my Knight hasn't left me. He promised that He won't, and He's reminding me of His presence yet again. In this moment, I have serenity. In this moment, I will press on.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Candles and Bonfires

The tender flicker of a candle, so melancholy within this dark room. It's all right, it'll make it. Just don't let the drafts in, be careful going by. If it goes out, you may not find the match to relight it. Small candle, don't be afraid to shine. This scenario calls for too much caution when this life is yet short. And your flame, it'll stand strong if you'll become part of God's bonfire.

See, it's like this: I was at a Christian youth conference a few summers ago, and one of the speakers was talking about the song "This Little Light of Mine". He objected, telling us that it's more like a "FREAKING HUGE BONFIRE".

I think I like his way of seeing things better. You? I mean, I personally rather be a bonfire for God than a candle. And it's wholly possible, considering Who's inside of us.

Another perspective: Would you call Jesus a candle? "Aw, be careful going by him, he might just blow out!" Um, no, dear. He cast out demons, healed the sick, and suffered the cross for us. And then he said we'd do greater things than these. Now, if Jesus isn't a candle, and we're going to do greater things, we can't possibly be classified as candles. It doesn't work out. And if you get a lot of bonfires, really close together...

WILDFIRE

I don't think I'd want to put it out. Let God burn in us for a while, and maybe He'd do more than hand someone a tract. Maybe we'd see Him move like never before, and maybe He'd touch some hearts for real. Love on people. Actually, I believe He would. If His people, their hearts full of His love, start burning like bonfires instead of candles, He's going to do something with that fire. I mean, it can't really be there without Him, and if He stirs something up, then He'll take it somewhere beyond our imagination. All we have to do is say, "Yes, bring on the oxygen, feed this fire!" Passion for His name. Be a bonfire, and spread some pure, true love to a hurting soul today. Whether it's a Christian or non-Christian friend who's down, needs encouragement, or maybe even a stranger He points out to you, you have a responsibility.

Luke 12:48 (NLT)
"But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."

You've been given much, dear heart. Entrusted with God's love. Even if you're still receiving (as we all are), or healing from something, you have a start. The love that we know from Jesus is precious and priceless, and qualifies as "much" in every language. There are those who need it desperately, and haven't been shown the way. Whether they're completely empty, or have had a taste, maybe they need what you have. Maybe it looks like they're okay, but... could you check again? Many broken people look happy at church and in social settings. Are they a candle about to go out?

Monday, August 23, 2010

Forgiving Myself

I'm slowly getting past my dulled senses and the surface joy that I've gotten by on lately. God is so good to stick with me through thick fog and thin hope. I'm looking forward to things again, and I think I feel Him here with me. My peace is trickling back now, a small stream of hope and comfort. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

The above was written sometime last week. Tonight is restless and difficult. I'm realizing things as I type, such as what's making it hard for me to get alone with God. I have a hard time forgiving myself for my mistakes, especially those that affect other people. If I mess up with something practical, that's one thing. Messing up involving a person is a whole 'nother ball game. Even if it's something small, I'll beat myself up for it accordingly. When it's bigger, it's worse, and I'm frustrated. I take the responsibility of how I affect people very seriously.

How does this affect being with God? I think it has to do with me not considering myself worthy of His love, or something to that effect. Sounds harsh, I know. Sounds like a thousand Bible verses saying otherwise. I know that He thinks much better of me than I think of myself. He sees His perfect Son when He looks at me. He sees a saint, the old sinner washed away in Jesus' blood. Who am I to act as though I know better than Him who He ought to be with? Who He ought to love? He IS love. If He says, "Dear heart, you're worth it." than who am I to speak doubt?

My actions here are cheapening His love for me, saying that it's not great enough to cover my pain and the pain that I've inflicted. Perhaps it's partially pride. I know not at this point.

Whoa. Sorry, God. It's amazing how simply writing this out solidifies it, strengthens it. This really is what I'm doing and going through, and it's hurting two principle people:

Me, and Him. My one true love, my Lord Christ. Who am I to say, "Turn and look the other way."? He longs to heal my heart, and I wish to hide in my shame. I hate to hurt the people whom He loves, the ones that I have come to love. I don't want Him to give me another chance sometimes, because I don't want to mess it up again. But I know that there's more. I know that He has plans to use me. Knowledge that needs to be taken to heart, for sure.

Mmm. I so look forward to resting in Him when all is said and done. Oh, for the day that I go to Him as a beautiful wreck, worn from this world and all that it holds, and He takes me in. God, I do look forward to that.

Right now I've got Pandora.com up. My Skillet radio is helping me to breathe and to feel. Going through something big can numb my emotions. After a few hard cries [or sometimes several], my subconscious is finding ways to cope and dissuade the pain. Lay Down My Pride (Jeremy Camp), Breathe You In (Thousand Foot Krutch), Breathe Today (EP version) (Flyleaf), More Than a Love Song (Fireflight), and Falling Inside the Black (Skillet) have hit just the right chords for me tonight, as they've lined up in play. Learn to Breathe (also Thousand Foot Krutch) is playing now. Powerful rock songs from Christian bands? Yes, thanks. Music is such a gift from God.

A side thought: I realize that my lack of blogging is not entirely because it is in and of itself difficult, but for the hesitation of what's been on my heart. These words are raw, and not all together joyous. They're vulnerable and real. Take it or leave it, friend. God's slowly healing me through these written words, and to give them up would be a partial suicide.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

An Anonymous Letter

I was at youth group last Friday night when my friend Michaela C. approached me. She told me that she'd found a letter with my name on it at the last Well meeting and picked it up for me, though she guessed I'd already seen it. The envelope had gotten wet and then dried, was worn and somewhat torn. I'd no prior idea of its existence, and was perplexed and intrigued.

The letter is dated September 18, 2009, and I have no earthly idea who wrote it, other than knowing that it's someone from my church. If you did and you're reading this, then thank you. It's so weird, because parts of it touch me more than you can know with current circumstances. God has amazing timing. I thought I'd share it here, though I cannot do the beautiful handwriting justice:

Dearest Laura,

You may be wondering who this letter is actually from, but that is not the purpose of this.
I want you to know that you are very beautiful. I'm sure that more than a few boys have noticed this.
But that is why you need to be extra careful. Guard your heart and your foot-steps. You are a woman now, and I will tell you this: wait upon the Almighty, and he will show you the One you are to spend your life with.
I know the recent events of your family life have been a challenge and even scary. For I too know what it is like when a family member has a heart attack. God has a purpose for everything. The smallest crack in the sidewalk does not go unnoticed by the Lord, how much more the events of life.

I love you,
and remember,
You are never alone.

This is an absolute blessing in more ways than one. The sign-off as much as the rest of the letter. If you wrote this, I hope that you know.

For you others reading this, please take it as an encouragement yourself. I was wowed and moved to tears by whoever took the time to write this to me, the actual letter, and the time of reception. Maybe it will touch you in some way as well.

I'd also like to apologize for not blogging much lately. I thought I'd share this, and will try to write something of my own again in the next few days. Maybe I'll just type up what I've written in my notebook lately. Either way, God bless, and thanks for reading.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Grabbing My Notebook

I have never been forsaken. Never will be. Maybe by people, but not by God. He looks at me with love that passes far beyond anything this world has to offer. He doesn't double-cross, He's not a double-agent. He's got my back. He's got my heart. He's got my life, my love, my trust. He's got all of me. Sometimes I stray. Sometimes everything hurts. Sometimes I can't think straight. All the time, He is watching over me.

And yet, I don't always surrender my whole heart. Some days, I'm just too busy. Hm... oh, and I need to get to bed on time. I've got SUCH a full schedule tomorrow. I mean, my word, is it packed. I'll talk to God the day after that. He'll understand.

No, dear. He's a jealous God. He longs to spend time with you. Talking with your Beloved is such an important part of a full life. No serious relationship can work if you don't communicate with one another. You can't learn to trust someone if you don't know who they are deep inside, within their heart of hearts. It's just that way with God. Take that time to simply be with Him, the way you would be with any other person whom you love dearly.

So, maybe, I'll get up a little earlier, grab my notebook, and talk to Him. One of the easiest ways for me to pray is to write. Sometimes it's easier for me to express "what's up?" with pencil and paper, or keyboard and screen, then to verbalize it, or form it into thoughts. Especially when I've got jumbled thoughts and prayers flowing through my stream of consciousness like my blood flows through my veins. There's something about getting it right there in front of me, in physical form, that helps me process things. Thank God for that.

What if we all found a constructive outlet for emotions? Like sports, exercise, drama/theatre, dance, sketching or painting, writing, singing or playing an instrument, or even reading a book. In addition, talking to friends and/or family can help a lot, but there's not always someone you can trust nearby. You've got to know that who you're talking to won't fade out, or turn on you. How can you?

I have this great secret! Lean in close:

There's always God! He's always listening, watching. He is attentive, He knows where your heart is. No matter what form of communication you choose, He picks up your signals, even if they're in smoke. He made you. You're a hand-crafted, unique, incredible person. You've got your own gifts and abilities, and often as not, the same things you do for the love of it can help you cope with the pain of life. Often, the passion fueled by heartache can create something uniquely beautiful, that you would never have mastered otherwise. Think about it. Maybe some good really can come out of this mess of me.