I know we all get bombarded with e-mail forwards. A lot of them can be considered junk mail... but there are those that just some how reach me and touch me if just for a moment. In one that I received from a friend recently was the following scripture verse:
"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 hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
What a peaceful message of hope that I just had to "forward" on.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
The What If Game
Ever find yourself playing the what if game? About a week ago I was playing that game. What if I had done this? What if I had chosen this? What if I had said no? What if I had said yes? At first, I considered some of my choices..."bad" choices. But the more I thought about things, I began to realize all the stuff I would have missed out on if I hadn't chosen the path I am traveling. Maybe I had some missed opportunities along the way, but then again maybe I wasn't ready for those opportunities. Our paths aren't straight and I think we learn something and even gain something from each choice we make. I don't know...I just feel like the path I am traveling, the life I am living is preparing me for something wonderful. I can't explain in words, but it is a feeling that gives me hope everyday...and gives me the strength to appreciate my life...and all the choices I make as long as God remains at the center.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Human Contact and Interaction
Where do I even begin with this subject? I have been learning a lot on my journey of looking outside myself to help others. But yesterday was very moving for me and I just felt the need to express. So be prepared, because I have a lot to share.
First, in the morning I read a comment from an acquaintance who tossed out the idea that maybe all we need isn't God...that we were created to "live" together with other people. I thought that was an interesting concept...one that considered more thought. I thought about my desire to share and connect with others. I thought about only needing God in my life and being satisfied. Now, I might have misunderstood this individual's comment, but am thankful that it was said because it really made me think.
As I attended a beautiful funeral service for my friend who passed away, my heart was full of saddness and yet hope. As I remembered my friend and listened to the words spoken about this amazing individual, I was overcome with emotions. Another friend reached out and put her hand on my shoulder. How comforting that moment was. How much that human contact was appreciated. I remember hugging the wife of my friend, a woman who holds a special place in my heart, just hoping she could feel the love and prayers I had for her.
I had a friend who has been facing a lot and yesterday just broke down. She desired to be understood by someone close to her. She desired to be comforted. As she cried I reached my arm out and put my hand on her back. I knew that wouldn't solve the challenges she is facing, but just wanted her to know that I was there.
As a thought more about the concept of being created to "live" together with others, one of my photos came to mind. Here is a group of eighth grade students in the middle of
a team building exercise. Remember that age? It can be such an awkward stage. I remember only associating with my group of friends. Yet on this day, these eighth grade students let their walls down and spent the day working with each other. They held hands. They carried each other. They enjoyed themselves as they interacted with each other. It was a wonderful moment...one where human contact was abundant.
Some would think that I am using these examples to say that I agree with the statement that God isn't all we need. But for me I don't agree. You see, as I thought more about how important that human contact and interaction was and how I personally desire to "live" together with others, I know that the one who will always remain is Christ. To me there is a difference between desires or wants and needs. Part of my faith is knowing that no matter how much I "desire" human contact and interaction all I "need" is God.
This leads me into another discussion I feel the need to express...that would be the importance of church. I have several individuals in my life who feel that church isn't important because they can worship God by themselves and on their own time. I definitely understand the importance of having an individual relationship with Christ. I think it is wonderful to worship Christ on your own. But there is also something important about worshiping Christ together with others. To me church is a place to gain more knowledge about God's word. It is a place where I can find support in my faith and life struggles. It is a place where I can interact and make human contact with other believers and give praise and thanks to the creator, the one who blesses me with the wonderful people I am in contact with each day.
Matthew 18:20 (New International Version)
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.
First, in the morning I read a comment from an acquaintance who tossed out the idea that maybe all we need isn't God...that we were created to "live" together with other people. I thought that was an interesting concept...one that considered more thought. I thought about my desire to share and connect with others. I thought about only needing God in my life and being satisfied. Now, I might have misunderstood this individual's comment, but am thankful that it was said because it really made me think.
As I attended a beautiful funeral service for my friend who passed away, my heart was full of saddness and yet hope. As I remembered my friend and listened to the words spoken about this amazing individual, I was overcome with emotions. Another friend reached out and put her hand on my shoulder. How comforting that moment was. How much that human contact was appreciated. I remember hugging the wife of my friend, a woman who holds a special place in my heart, just hoping she could feel the love and prayers I had for her.
I had a friend who has been facing a lot and yesterday just broke down. She desired to be understood by someone close to her. She desired to be comforted. As she cried I reached my arm out and put my hand on her back. I knew that wouldn't solve the challenges she is facing, but just wanted her to know that I was there.
As a thought more about the concept of being created to "live" together with others, one of my photos came to mind. Here is a group of eighth grade students in the middle of
a team building exercise. Remember that age? It can be such an awkward stage. I remember only associating with my group of friends. Yet on this day, these eighth grade students let their walls down and spent the day working with each other. They held hands. They carried each other. They enjoyed themselves as they interacted with each other. It was a wonderful moment...one where human contact was abundant.Some would think that I am using these examples to say that I agree with the statement that God isn't all we need. But for me I don't agree. You see, as I thought more about how important that human contact and interaction was and how I personally desire to "live" together with others, I know that the one who will always remain is Christ. To me there is a difference between desires or wants and needs. Part of my faith is knowing that no matter how much I "desire" human contact and interaction all I "need" is God.
This leads me into another discussion I feel the need to express...that would be the importance of church. I have several individuals in my life who feel that church isn't important because they can worship God by themselves and on their own time. I definitely understand the importance of having an individual relationship with Christ. I think it is wonderful to worship Christ on your own. But there is also something important about worshiping Christ together with others. To me church is a place to gain more knowledge about God's word. It is a place where I can find support in my faith and life struggles. It is a place where I can interact and make human contact with other believers and give praise and thanks to the creator, the one who blesses me with the wonderful people I am in contact with each day.
Matthew 18:20 (New International Version)
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)