Stranded but Still Good

    We were victorious! After a hard-fought battle, we beat Penn State Abington 1-0. We watched the men's soccer team play their game, which they won, then went to feast at Chick-fil-A. Getting on the bus at 7:40 pm, we expected to be home in about an hour and 30 minutes. 

   People were doing many things on the way back: homework, games, talking, quizzes, etc. Suddenly, the bus driver stopped and pulled over. The door to the bus had opened abruptly. Our bus driver got out to fix the problem and we were on our way again, but at a bit of a slower pace. 

   The bus had just gotten off the turnpike when the bus driver pulled over again. As soon as he did, we smelled something at the back of the bus. The driver and coaches got out because the check engine light was on. Low and behold we had lost a band we needed for the bus to go. The engine had turned off and we were left in darkness other than the lights of cell phones and streetlights.

   Now, being 20 minutes from home with no way of getting back on that bus could have caused us to panic or complain. Instead, people continued having conversations and playing games. We were able to turn a bad situation to good because we chose to be positive about it. We knew it happened for a reason. And we used that time to build bonds with one another and have a good time.

   Eventually, we were picked up by two LBC coaches and returned home unscathed. It was not an ideal situation but in life we will face those. When they happen, we have a choice. We can choose to complain about it or use it for good.

   So, when inconveniences happen what do you do? Will you choose to use it for God and good? 

 

Marriage At Easter

 There is so much symbolism surrounding the Easter story. Jesus entered the world and was placed in a tree (manger) and he left the world on a tree (the cross). Jesus was the perfect lamb sacrifice for our sins and we don't have to sacrifice animals ever again (praise the Lord)! But one symbol you may not know is about the cup at the Lord's supper. 

Matthew 26:27-28 gives us context for what I'm talking about. It says, "Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" Of course, there is the obvious symbolism here of that not really being Jesus' blood. But there's another picture here. According to Ann Voskamp in her book The Broken Way when an engagement was happening back in Bible times, a Jewish Rabbi "said that when a man decided he wanted to marry a woman, his father would pour a cup of wine and pass it down to his son" Next the son would look at the woman, hold the cup out, and say:"this cup is a new covenant in my blood, which I offer to you." 

When I read this, it was a mind blowing moment for me. Jesus didn't just offer us his body as the perfect sacrifice, he also offered us a marriage covenant. He offered to take on the role of protector for all of us. Then he died on the cross for our sins. Jesus is an example of a good husband. He made his covenant with us and then he took action to show us that he meant that covenant. 

As Jesus is the ultimate example of whom we should try to emulate, I have a question for all of us: are we taking action as well? We have a calling while we are on this earth. If we don't know Jesus as our personal savior, then our calling is to accept him as that. Then we grow in him. If we do know him as our personal savior, then our mission is to grow in him and tell others about what he's done for them. These are our action steps as the bride of Christ. The church is his bride and he showed that through the symbol of the cup and his blood. A bride doesn't just sit around waiting for the groom to arrive. She takes action steps and prepares for his coming. That's what we are called to do as well.

So, do you know Jesus as your personal savior? Are you spreading the good news of the gospel? How can you grow closer to him?

Stand Out

    For those of you who know me you know I enjoy Disney movies. One movie many people forget about is A Goofy Movie. In the movie Max Goof is in school and feels like he is invisible and ridiculed. He wants to stand out so a girl at school will notice him. To do this, he took over the last school assembly and lip sang to a song by a famous artist in that world.

   The song he sang was called "Stand Out." Most of the song is about how a boy wants to be noticed by a girl. But there are some lyrics that apply to our Christian walk. They are: "To stand out above the crowd, Even if I gotta shout out loud." As Christians, we are not to blend in. We are born again to stand out.

   Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." We are not to be like the world. We are not to blend in. As Christians we are to stand out and be transformed in God. We are to reflect his glory and light each day, so others are led to Christ.

   So, are you standing out as we are called to do? How do you reflect God's glory each day?

What is True Luck?

   Do you know anyone who just seems to have all the luck? You know, that person who seems to always be picked, who wins all the things, and who finds the lucky penny? Okay, maybe that last one is a stretch but you get my gist. I'm talking about the person who gets the promotion. The person who just seems to have everything. You have someone in mind?

   New questions: that person that you are picturing, do they have joy? Are they following God? These questions may not seem connected but they are. I've talked in the past about how happiness is fleeting. It is temporary. Joy is something we can have at all times because God gives us joy and we can have joy in him. If we are following God, we have access to that joy. 

   Did that person you were thinking of strike you as someone who has joy and is following God? Maybe they are and maybe they are not. If they are following God, then that will show in their life through their actions. They will not follow the way of the world and be selfish. Instead, they will show attributes of God. They will be giving and kind. They will have joy because they are following God. 

   Whether or not you have luck or wealth, we will all be judged one day. Matthew 16:26-27 says, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." If you had all the wealth in the world but didn't know Jesus as our personal savior, none of that wealth would matter. All things in this world will pass away. The only thing that matters in eternity is our souls.

   You probably know this. But now I want to ask you a question, and I'm asking myself this question just as much as I'm asking you. What are you doing with the things you have been given? Are you using your possessions and gifts for yourself or others. Look back at those verses in Matthew 16. It says Jesus will reward each person according to what they have done. What have you done with the things you've been given? Have you told others how "lucky," and I say lucky to go along with the St. Patrick Day theme, you are to know Christ as your personal savior. Have you shown his love to others through gifts and actions as we are called to do? See, in the end, we are all blessed to have the opportunity to join God's family. We get to spend eternity with God. While here on earth we need to show God's love to others, tell others about what Jesus did for them, and grow in God. That's what true, eternal wealth is.

The Straight Path

    One time I was at camp and my siblings, and I were walking back from a campfire in the woods. We could have kept going on the path or we could have cut across the ballfield which was a shorter distance between where we were and our dorm. 

   We chose to walk across the ballfield. As we were walking across the ballfield I said, "the straightest distance between two points is a straight line." My siblings and I began to laugh when we realized what I said. What I meant to say was "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line."

   While that fact is true, sometimes we are not asked to walk the shortest route in our lives. Sometimes God leads us down paths that seem difficult or curvy in our lives. During those times we need to remember that God has a plan for our lives. He knows where we need to grow and loves us enough to walk with us on our paths. 

   Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Many times, we wonder why God isn't opening the doors we want him to open. God knows what we need. He makes our paths straight even if they don't seem straight. 

   So, are you walking with the Lord today? How can you trust God on this journey of life? 

 

Hidden Sin

    I have a question for you and it's one of my favorite kinds of questions: it's a would you rather question. You ready? Would you rather have a rash that wasn't itchy, didn't hurt, and wasn't permanent in a noticeable place (like on your face), or a rash that hurt, itched, and was permanent in an unnoticeable place (like your upper leg or back)?

   It's not really an easy question, is it? I think we would all say we would rather not have the rash at all. But as annoying as it may be for a few days you would probably take the noticeable not permanent mark, right? 

   Well, what if we equated this to sin? If you are a Christian and sin in the open, you should have Christians who hold you accountable. They should see your sin and, in love, correct you. The sin wouldn't last long, hopefully. But what about when we sin in private?

   Hidden sin is dangerous. The longer it goes on the more ingrained in your life it becomes. Then it's hard to let go or let others in to help you get rid of it. How do you get rid of the itch of hidden sin?

   You have to bring it into the light. You need to tell others what is going on and ask for help. You need to ask God for help and forgiveness. Then take steps to remove the sin. In the itch illusion you need to put the medicine on to cure it. In this case, the medicine is prayer, reading the Bible, bringing others in to help you stay accountable, and getting rid of the things that would encourage you to continue in that sin. That's how we get rid of hidden sin.

   So, do you have any sin you need to bring into the light? How can you grow in God?

Support When You Need It

    Some of you may know that I am expecting a little one this year. It's exciting but it's also been a journey. Those of you who have been pregnant before know what I'm talking about. Being pregnant comes with so many changes, pain, and emotions. Some of these things are considered normal when it comes to pregnancy. But, if you are like me as this is my first child, you don't know what is considered normal. Sure, you can Google your symptoms and see what the Internet says, but sometimes you don't know for sure because the Internet lies sometimes.

   One symptom I've had more recently is crying for no reason. I don't like to cry. I don't like people seeing me cry; and I'm even struggling sharing this with you all right now. But, I've always prided myself on being authentic with others, especially in my writings. And, as usual, there is a lesson in this. 

   On a Saturday, which was a nice relaxing day overall, I began to feel sad. Honestly it began with a thought: am I going to be a good mom? Sure, I've taught and worked with students who are preschool age and up, but it's different when it is your child. You are responsible for them completely. I am happy to say, I cut that thought off and didn't go down that spiral. I began to focus on the good things in my life, or I tried to. Then suddenly I began crying. I didn't think about anything negative but I just kept crying. It began to freak me out, but I tried to rationalize. "This will pass. My husband says this is okay and normal. God will help you through this. Everything is okay." And, just when I thought I was done crying, I would start up again. I was confused and scared. The only thing that stopped it was going to bed.

   I woke up the next day tired. It was Sunday and my husband asked me if I wanted to go to church. My head said "no, I don't want to go. I don't want to risk crying there." But I knew that I was just as likely to cry at home and I would be focused on it instead of God. I also knew that Satan was possiblity trying to get a foothold in my life. He wanted me to isolate so I would feel alone and sad. So, I said I wanted to go to church. 

   We went to church and worship began. I felt the spirit in me a bit but was also trying not to cry so I didn't completely let myself get into worship. Then we had a break in between singing and the message. My husband left to get coffee. The pastor came up to me and asked how I was doing. I said, "okay" because at that point I was. She asked how I was feeling and how the baby was doing. I told her that all the scans from the doctors were good. The pastor nodded and said, "well, we are praying for you." I lost it. Tears trickled down my face. Placing a hand on my shoulder she said, "it's been rough for you hasn't it?" I nodded and she continued, "the Bible tells us that this is only a season and, after the child is born, you will forget about all this and have joy." Then she hugged me and told me that my husband and I would be good parents.

   My husband came back and saw I was crying. He gave me a hug. Then the service continued. After church, we had a fellowship meal. Two more women came up to me, asked how I was doing, I kept it together, I told them the truth, and they both encouraged me and told me that we were going to be good parents. I hadn't told any of these women the thought I had that I wouldn't be a good mom. Yet, they knew exactly what to say. If I would have stayed home, I wouldn't have gotten encouraged or the support they gave me.

   This is why it is so important to have a church family. These people know you and can support you. They love you and will call you out if needed. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us this as well. The verse says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Meeting as the body of Christ is important. It shows that we have unity and we can do more together than we can do separately. 

   So, are you part of a body of believers who support you and care for you? How can you support and encourage someone today? 

Peace in Knowing

   One series of movies and shows that most of my family enjoy watching is Star Wars. A while back they had a show originally on Cartoon Network called Star Wars The Clone Wars. My favorite character in this series was Ahsoka Tano. She was a Padawan who was being trained by her master, Anakin Skywalker. Throughout the whole series I was concerned she would die because she was not in any other Star Wars movies or shows. Then, after season 4 the show was taken off Cartoon Network. 

   For years I did not know what happened in season 5 and 6. But a new show came on Disney called Star Wars Rebels. In this show I got the surprise that Ahsoka was in it! How she survived order 66 or being Anakin's padawan I did not know but she was alive! I was so excited.

   Years later Disney+ came out and had seasons 5 and 6 of the Clone Wars on it. I was excited to watch it to find out more about my favorite character. But I was also comforted. See, when the Clone Wars originally came out, I was always concerned that Ahsoka would die. But now that I had seen Star Wars Rebels, I knew she would live. Because of that I had peace.

   Just like I had peace during scary moments in those shows we can have peace too. We know that no matter what we face on earth God is with us. He has told us how the story will end.

   1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says: "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."

   We know Jesus is coming back. He died on the cross for our sins so we can be with him in eternity. That means we do not have to worry about death if we know him as our personal savior. We can have peace in knowing Him.

   So, do you know Jesus as your personal savior? Are you comforted by the fact that you know the end of the story? 

The Love Passage

   Whenever you go to a wedding, which is between Christians, there is one part of the Bible that is usually recited. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the love passage in the Bible. Why, out of all the passages on love, is this one chosen? Let's delve a little deeper into this passage.
   In the passage verses 1-3 talk about things like people having these great powers. I somewhat picture great prophets like Elijah, Elisha, Samuel, and so on doing all these miracles like healing the sick and creating food out of what seemed like nothing. 
   The verses then say that if these people with these powers don't have love then they have nothing. Think about one of your favorite super heroes. What if that hero did not love others? What if that hero did not care about anyone else? I think that hero would more than likely become a villain. Could that be what happens to those of us who do not love? Think about the villains you know. What happens to most of them because they don't love?

   Verses 4-7 give us a definition of love that is much better than the dictionary, in my opinion. We find what love is and what it is not. Love is patient, kind, rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Sounds like a major load to carry, right? Love is not about you, or what you think you can get out of it. Love is about others. When we have choices each day, we should choose love. We know this but do we always do this? When you are driving and cut off by someone will you call them a name or forgive, in love? When you are tired but you promised you would do something for someone do you give into your own needs? Do you choose to love by sacrificing your time, money, etc?
   The last verses (8-13) go back to the beginning of the passage. "Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away" (1 Cor.13.8). Those prophets and heroes will pass away. People may remember their amazing acts of heroism, but most people remember how they acted, who they were, and their character. No matter what powers or gifts you have, if you don't use them to show God's love to others what is the point of being here? 
   That is why love is the greatest of all attributes. If we try to do everything in love then the other character traits we may lack, because of sinful nature, will come. It is just a matter of choice. We must choose to love.
   So, will you choose to be a hero for others or a villain by only doing things for yourself? Will you choose to sacrifice yourself and your possessions to show love to others? Will you choose to love?
   1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Romans 12:9-10, 1 John 4:7

Not My Truth

   One day I was sitting at my previous job working on a project while the children were napping. My co-teacher looked out the window and said, "it's raining." I replied, "no" because I didn't want to stay inside with the children. It's better when we can take the children outside so they can get their energy out. She responded, "yes." I shook my head, "no, that's not my truth." She laughed and we tried to figure out what we were going to do inside that afternoon.

   It was a joke and made us laugh when I said, "that's not my truth" but some people say that even when they are not joking. What I mean is, when I said, "that's not my truth" to the fact that it was raining I knew it was raining. I could see the rain, but I jokingly said, "no, it's not raining." Meanwhile there are people out there who know the truth and have seen signs of it, but they choose not to accept it.

   John 14:6 says, "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The Bible tells us the truth. We, as Christians, know we are to spread the Gospel to others. We know it is the truth. There are people out there who have heard the message but don't believe it is the truth. But Jesus is the only way to heaven. There is no other truth in the world more important to know than the fact that God loves you. He loves you enough that he sent his Son to die so you can be with him forever. That's the truth worth celebrating and spreading!

   So, what's your truth? Are you following the truth? How can you spread the truth to others?

 

Just One Light

   Have you ever felt led or been asked to do something that was out of your comfort zone? I'm sure you have. Did you do it? The answer you gave depends on if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

   Okay, let's tweak the question. You are asked to do something you know is wrong. Do you do it? Before you answer, let's say you are not just asked by one random person. Let's say you are asked to do it by a group of people you know well. People who you want to impress, or that you like. Would you do it?

   The darkness of this world is strong. There are times when it would be so easy to sin and follow the ways of the world. But is that what we should do?

   Picture that you are in a dark room. You are unable to see anything. Then you see a small flicker of light. The light goes out then comes back. It is almost like a match is being lit. Another small light appears beside it. Then another, and another. More appear until you can see light all around the room.

   Each light in that room was small. But if you add each light together it gets the whole room lit. We live in a world filled with sin. But when we let our lights shine, when we choose to follow God and grow in him, people see us reflecting God's glory. They wonder what is different about us. Then, maybe their light will begin to shine for God.

   So, are you choosing light or darkness? How are you growing in God so your light can shine brighter for him? What can you do to show God's light today?

   John 8:12, John 1:5, Matthew 5:16

 

Be a Caleb

The Israelites were a very interesting group of people. Many times we think about the miracles God performed through them. We also tend to think about how many times they messed up. One time in particular can be found in Numbers 13-14. 

In this passage we see that Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land. They saw the land was flowing with milk and honey. But in the same breath, they said the people there were powerful, the cities were fortified, and there were descents of giants there. If you heard that report what would you be thinking? Would you want to put in the work, and maybe be injured or killed, to gain this land? 

Then this one man stands up, tells everyone to be quiet, and says "we can take this land." Caleb was one of two spies who said the land was theirs. He knew that God promised them this land. He knew that with God they could take the land. Would it take work on their part? Yeah, it would. Would it be worth it? Yes, because God works everything together for their good.

If you continue reading that passage you know that the Israelites say no, we cannot take the land. God threatens to kill them all but Moses intervened. Thus the Israelites were forced back into the the wilderness (though some did try to take the land without God on their side, which ends in disaster). 

What's the lesson for us here? We need to be Caleb. When God promises us something we need to believe it will happen. Not only do we need to believe, but we also need to be willing to put in the work. God promised the Israelites the Promised Land but that didn't mean they wouldn't have to work to earn it. They would have to fight and do many other things (like walk around Jericho) in order to claim what God promised. Be like Caleb. Be a person who believes in God's promises and is willing to put in the work.

So, are you like the 10 spies or like Caleb and Joshua in your life? How do you know you can believe God's promises? Where do we find God's promises (and do you have those promises memorized)?

Fabulous

    One movie that I watched when I was younger was High School Musical. In the second High School Musical there is a song called Fabulous. It is sung by the character Sharpay. Sharpay is the daughter of a rich resort owner. She is used to getting her way. Thus, the song “Fabulous” talks about all the things she wants or thinks she deserves.

   The interesting thing is that Sharpay doesn't normally have to work for what she receives. She just gets it because of who her father is. It is the same way with us.

   In the past I have talked about how all we deserve is death. We are blessed with a Father in heaven who cares about us so much that he sent his son to die for us. If we trust in Jesus as our personal savior, the Bible tells us that we will receive rewards in heaven. First off, we will receive eternal life in heaven, which is reward enough as is. 

   We also receive other rewards as well. Matthew 5:12 talks about when people do evil against us. It says we should "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." That verse is something we should keep in mind as we face hard times. Yes, we have heaven as a reward but that doesn't mean our life on earth will be easy. We need to focus on our goal in those hard times and remember we are not alone.

   So, have you received the reward of having Jesus as your advocate? What can you do to spread the good news of the Gospel so others can receive that reward?

Are You a Sour Patch Kid?

    One candy that my students really like is Sour Patch Kids. If you do not know what they are, they are gummies that are covered in sour bits that look a bit like salt. They do not taste like salt, that is for sure. When you put one of these candies in your mouth, it starts out sour then becomes sweet as the sour flakes disappear against your tongue. The catch phrase of this candy is: "first they're sour, then they're sweet, then they're gone."

   I wonder if sometimes we are like one part of a Sour Patch Kid. Here's what I mean. Let's say you wake up and realize you forgot to get groceries yesterday, so you have nothing for breakfast or lunch. Then you get to work, and your one co-worker is out sick, so you have more work to do. You go about your day and lunchtime is coming up. Grabbing a granola bar, you prepare to go through the rest of your day hungry because this is all you have to eat. A co-worker comes up and says, "I made some taco dip last night and left some in the break room if you want any." You go grab some of that dip right away. Then go back to work which is uneventful the rest of the day.

   If someone were to ask you how your day went, if that story was your day, what would you say? Would you say that it was not good because you did not have anything for breakfast and your co-worker was out? Or would you say it was good because a co-worker provided lunch for me, when I did not have any and I was able to have a productive day?

   If we focus on all the negative things, we have a sour attitude. There is good, there is sweetness, in every day. There can be blessings in every event if we look for them. Philippians 4:8 reminds us of this: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Each day brings reasons to praise God. And I'm not just talking about good things that happen. Things we perceive as bad things can be good. It all depends on how we look at it.

   Back to that story, blessings in it: you had money to buy groceries later, even if you forgot the day before. You have a job, even if your co-worker was out sick. Your co-worker would probably be back soon if it was a small illness. You have good health. You had a granola bar to eat. Your co-worker provided food for you. You had a productive day, with few incidences. 

   If you focused only on the sour events, there would be no sweetness in life. You would not be showing the difference in your life. You would not be reflecting God's glory. We are called to be set apart. We are called to spread God's sweetness in a sour world, because one day we will be gone then it will be too late.

   So, is your attitude sour or sweet? How can you focus on the sweetness of the day?

Relationships: A New Year's Day Blog

   For those of you who know me well, or have read my blog, you know that each year I have a spiritual focus I work on. That doesn't mean I forsake other spiritual growth, but it means I'm consciously focusing on that goal throughout the year. 

   This past year I focused on relationships. I focused on relationships at different levels and tried to grow in my relationships. To some of you, this discipline may come easy but to me it isn't the easiest. I'm a person who doesn't like small talk. I like questions, getting to know people at a deeper level, and showing love to people in the way they need it. This can be intimidating to some people. While for others, it can be hard because they wear masks and are not authentic with others. People notice that and that may be a turn off.

   This past year, I worked on engaging in conversations with people I know and people I met. I tried to begin with smaller talk and waited to go deeper until I felt the relationship was growing. I made time for others, even when I was tired or very busy. I also began a discipline of a prayer calendar where I would ask people what they needed prayer for and I prayed for those requests each day. 

   What I learned is that balance is important. I knew this already, as I know I didn't want to become a starving baker, but I became more firm in knowing what I needed. When we began to spend too much time with people, I was able to look at my husband and say, "I need a break." We are both introverts, so that's helpful and he understands where I'm coming from. 

   I learned that people can tell when you really care. Relationships are about give and take. Sometimes, we do a lot of the giving in certain relationships and that's okay. As Christians we are called to serve others and love them. Sometimes that means we don't get anything in return. Other times we need more help so we do more of the taking or getting. That's okay as long as there is a balance and we don't over-take from people. 

   Which leads to the final thing I learned: relationships require sacrifice. When I learned what someone needed sometimes it required my time, energy, or money. That's not always easy to give up, but it is what we are called to do. That's what Jesus did. He knew when he had to spend time with the Father but he also knew how to balance that with loving others. Seeing his work on earth is such an encouragement to us. He is the one who we should be emulating in all ways, but especially when it comes to relationships.

   So, what are your relationships like? How have you shown love lately? Is there any area of your spiritual life that you need to work on?