November 27-29: Relationships

I know I've said it before, but again, over the past few days, I have really recognized the importance of the relationships in my life. I am blessed by amazing family, friends, mentors, even kind strangers. I don’t know where I’d be without all the people that have put in their time to support me. I owe it to these people that I am who I am, a daughter and servant of God. 

November 26: Explosive Gratitude

Gratitude is contagious. Saying "I'm thankful for..." practically shuts down negativity, at least verbalized negativity. It's difficult, nearly impossible, to be greedy when giving thanks, and it is a pleasure to see the thanksgiving exploding all over social media, between neighbors, and in relationships. God desires thankful people, and he deserves our appreciation of all he has given us. I am thankful; my heart is full. Thank you, God.

November 25: For God, Without Grumbling

It was no coincidence when this morning, I flipped to 1 Peter 4, where I read several verses directed towards living for God. One in particular instructs us to be hospitable without grumbling which seems to be very relevant to this time of year. Today, I was welcomed with much hospitality! From my grandparents offering their home and food to the cousins who have lent us their condo, I saw the non-complaining, unconditional hospitality, a direct representation of God's unconditional love.

November 24: Giving the Thanks

I came across a few verses in the bible this morning that led me to a realization. It's one thing to be thankful, but it's another to give out of thankfulness. When we are grateful, that's great, but when we recognize our ability to give because of all we have, that is a blessing.

November 23: 'Tis the Season

It seems that this time of year is a season of many things: of traditions, fun, family, laughter, hope, joy, peace, gratitude, but also greed, selfishness, business, stress, distractions, and chaos. What is the point of celebrating the coming of our Savior or thanksgiving to God if it is bombarded by evil and sin? This year will be different for me. I am focusing my energy on the celebration and praise of MY SAVIOR'S COMING! It will be challenging, might even seem impossible, but that's my goal: to prioritize the "reason for the season."

November 22: Thankful

It's the season of thanksgiving, but it occurred to me this morning that it should be the season of thanks-living (I cannot take credit for this pun). Actually, every day should be lived thankfully. An attitude of gratitude can be transformative...supposedly. I'm going to try it out; let's see what happens.

November 19-21: Perspective

The past few days have been all about perspective.

On Thursday, I had to choose between a positive perspective and a negative one when it came to encouraging success for one of our choir pieces or leaning towards giving up. When it was announced that it was too late to give up, we tried harder, and optimistically learned the entire song.

On Friday, I spoke with my mentor about a "kingdom perspective" versus a "worldly perspective"--seeing things through God's eyes and his plan versus our eyes and selfish plan. After all, what's better: to become a millionaire and live in luxury for several years before suffering in hell for eternity or to live on the bare necessities for a few years in order to spend eternity in paradise?

And today, I sought God's perspective of a college campus and also read James 4 which instructs us to live for God, not the world.

It seems clear to me that the things in this life are temporary. I can rejoice in knowing that I am saved, and going further, use this zeal to lead others towards eternity in heaven.

November 18: Just a Short Conversation

In my calculus class today, several of us got talking about our favorite bible verses. I thought to myself, "what a great opportunity to share and grow my faith." The conversation went from talking about loving unconditionally to the cursed kids in 2 Kings who were attacked by bears. Nevertheless, it was a short conversation that opened the door for God to enter into our days as well as for an invitation to be extended to those who may not be as familiar with God's word who were sitting in the room with us. Who knows? Maybe that moment was just what someone needed to get through the day or even to reestablish their relationship with Christ.

November 16: The Bigger Picture

This morning I enjoyed reading about the need for a servant's mind to be focused on God's will and His desire, and this evening, this idea was re-emphasized in the movie Woodlawn. All of this has reminded me that the little things we do can add up to big impacts on the world if we do them for God and not for ourselves or any worldly desire.

November 13-15: Part of the Body

I painted a mosaic of canvases for my confirmands this weekend. All 16 canvases were put together and painted into an image of Jesus. This morning, I gave each of them one of the canvases, reminding them that they have a unique position in the body of Christ, without which it would be incomplete. This has been a reminder to me all week: we have gifts and imperfections--lots of both--and they define our niche in God's plan. Through all times, our individual actions, thoughts, words, and prayers make an impact, and it's our choice if this impact is for the better or for the worse.

November 12: Just Be There

Today I had the privilege of going with a friend to serve with her in her gold project for girl scouts. She has created a reading program at a local elementary school, and today was the kick-off day! Only she and I went, but it was a success, and I could tell it meant a lot to her to have my support. We've all been there--out on the ledge, hoping to succeed, but feeling exposed and at risk--so I'm sure you know what it means to have the support. Pay attention: God may be providing you with an opportunity right now to be someone's support, and your actions could be what leads them to the Father and his never-failing presence.

November 11: Go with the Flow

Proverbs 16:32 says "Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city." It seems today may have been a better day if everyone I encountered had read this verse. There were so many little arguments that disrupted relationships and the love of God. How much easier it would be if we could all get along! What I've learned from today: God desires for each of us to be treated with love, and therefore, to treat others with love; do not let anger and selfishness take control, but instead, be devoted to God.

November 9-10: Fear God

Our God is a big God. He can do amazing things, big things if we commit to him. It's amazing that God can bless us both through cold, rainy weather and beautiful sunshine if we only allow him. It's important that we turn towards God, never away from him, no matter the temptation; I found a part of Moses' story in which God commanded him to speak to a rock so that its water flowed for the people, but instead, out of rage, Moses' struck the rock. Never before had I realized that the rock represents the Rock of God, and we should never abuse him or direct our anger towards him. He deserves respect and commitment.

November 8: The Comparison

I really enjoyed time with my friends last night and this morning. I also enjoyed leading the last confirmation class of the season and helping preschoolers with their choir performance. And as I did all these things, I recognized that for some of us, it what the first time in that given situation, but for others, including me, it was certainly not the first. Basically, I felt old. But then God revealed to me that my sentimentality came from the comparison between the present and the past. If I was looking at today as the first of everything, I would have renewed excitement and zeal for everything I did. Sounds like a pretty enjoyable way of living. What if I treated each day as a new day? First impressions, first experiences...I would certainly be more purposeful in my actions and more appreciative of the everyday blessings. Otherwise, I might get lost in the comparison and miss the divine events passing before me.

--November 7: Blown by the Rain

It seems as though I've dropped off a little from the world of blogging. Fear not! I'm back.

I was driving this morning in my car-filled pile of leaves through the rain (which has been consistently falling for the past week). Most of the leaves were blowing from my car, while some clung on by just a tip, flapping in the wind and rain. Others were still plastered to the car by a combination of the water and wind. To clarify, the leaves on the rear of the car were blown off pretty quickly; the wind was blowing them in the opposite direction. The leaves on the side of the car were flapping, trying to stay on, but they had no defense from the wind, and most fell off. The leaves on the front stayed put; the wind was pushing them onto the car. I'm a leaf. Sometimes, I find myself pushing against the wind, using my gifts (the car) in the wrong way. Other times, I ignore keep my gifts locked away, just within reach, and hope to withstand whatever forces are pushing me. The third area is where I should be--using my gifts in the way they're meant so that the wind (the Holy Spirit) may push me and make these gifts even more effective.

What side of the car are you riding?

November 1: It's about the People

It doesn't matter where you are, what you're doing, what you have, how you feel, but rather the people you're with. It's people's stories and experiences that leave an impact on your life. It's what someone has done for you or said to you that you remember. It's the conversations you have that make a meal enjoyable. All that to say, today I was blessed by many people and inspired to be a blessing too with my words, thoughts, and actions. That's what matters. That's how we can witness to the Gospel and share with others God's love.