Pop That Bubble

   You know what is a really fun sensory toy and experience? Bubble wrap (not the kind you can't pop). It is something you can push on to pop or just push with enough pressure to make the bubble move back and forth. I'm not just saying that because I work with children. I'm saying it can be a great fidget or sensory experience for everyone. 

   When you think of bubble wrap, you may not think of the sensory experience. Perhaps you think more practically. You think of how bubble wrap is used in packaging things to keep them safe. It's true that keeping things safe is the main function of bubble wrap. But what would happen if we all walked around with bubble wrap on? That's a strange picture, right? But I think some of us already do that.

   I'm not talking literally here, otherwise those people would get strange looks. But figuratively some people have their comfort zone/safety area of bubble wrap on. We crave comfort and ease. We take the path of least resistance and do only what we need to do each day. I'm not saying that's a bad thing to do sometimes; but we are also called to do more. We are called to step up to who God has called us to be. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and help others.

   I mean, look at the people in the Bible. How many of them were called to go outside their comfort zones? I'd say most of them were. And, if they wouldn't have gone outside their comfort zones, they wouldn't have made a difference in the kingdom of God. They may not have even been in the Bible! They for sure would not have grown in God and had an amazing testimony for us to look up to.

   While bubble wrap, I mean comfort zones, is nice and safe we need to heed God's call when it comes. When God tells us to build a boat, even though people think we are crazy, we do it. When God calls us to go to the king to save our people, even though the king could kill us, we do it. When God calls us to lay down our lives for others, whether literally or in service, we do it. We do it because God has a plan for each of our lives. He is a good father who cares for us and loves us. He wants us to grow in him. One major way we do that is by trusting him and stepping out of the bubble wrap when he asks us to.

   So, are you in an area of bubble wrap that God is calling you to step out of? How can you share the good news of the Gospel with others today?

A Closer Walk With Him

    Have you ever chosen to do something that was a bit outside your comfort zone? I had a whole year where I focused on doing that. But just because that was my spiritual focus for a year, doesn't mean I'm done with stepping out of my comfort zone. I still have to make choices that my brain says, "I wouldn't do that because you'll be uncomfortable." Yet, I choose to do it because I feel led to do it.

   One particular time I felt led to talking with new people. Now I am an introvert, but I enjoy talking with people one on one. When I was younger, I made friendships, new and old ones, idols. Instead of thinking of God when I woke up, I turned on my devices and looked at what my friends wrote me right away. That was unhealthy for me, and I learned my lesson. Thus, when I felt led to open myself to new relationships, I was nervous. I didn't understand why God would want me to do this when I struggled with this relationship problem in the past.

   Nevertheless, I followed the calling. Because I followed, I got to know new people. I got to help others grow and vice versa. But I think the biggest thing I realized through that experience is how much I had grown in the Lord. 

   Rather than leaning on those new relationships, I made my relationship with God more of a priority. I knew from past mistakes that if I leaned on anything other than my relationship with God I would get hurt and so would others. I spent more time with God when I began that season. I woke up each day thinking about God and how blessed I was to have a relationship with Him. I didn't check my phone every 5 minutes to see if I had a message like I used to in past friendships. Instead, I went about my day like I normally would have and didn't dwell on those new relationships. 

   God challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. Because I accepted the challenge, I grew in my relationship with him. If I wouldn't have done what I felt led to do because of fear, I wouldn't have grown or seen how much I had grown. God asked me to do something hard because he loves me. What's he asking you to do?

   Joshua 1:9 and Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Leaving Comfort

   Mind blank. Darkness around. Breathe in, breathe out. BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP. Ugh, you groan as you roll over to stop your alarm. Maybe you continue to lay there for a bit. Then eventually you sit up. Grabbing your Bible and devotional book, you spend time with your Lord. After that's done you sit. 

   Your bed is warm and soft. The blankets provide comfort. It's hard to leave. It's especially hard because you know, once you leave that bed, the crazy kicks in. You need to make breakfast, prepare your bag for work, maybe wake your kids if you have them, etc. It seems like a better idea to just stay in the comfort of your bed.

   In Matthew 14:22-33 we see the event of Jesus walking on water. Though there was a storm, Peter chose to leave the boat, which was safe and more comfortable than the deep raging ocean and walk on water. Had Peter chosen to stay in comfort, we would not have an amazing example of faith and what happens when we take our eyes off God to focus on our problems. 

   Yes, it's nice to stay in comfort. But if we don't leave the bed, the boat, our house, etc. Then we are not going to live out our purpose. We will not be following Jesus' command to go into the world and make disciples. We will not be reflecting his glory.

   So, are you staying in comfort too much? How can you leave your comfort zone knowing God is with you?

https://youtu.be/TFLOQ62KQJM

The Crutch

   We all have one at one point or another in our lives. It's a weakness, a sickness, an event, a hurt, or something else. It's a crutch. What is the job of a crutch? According to Oxford Languages a crutch is, "a long stick with a crosspiece at the top, used as a support under the armpit by a person with an injury or disability." A crutch is to be used to help someone get healed. It keeps you off your injury until you are better.

   Yet, what if you never let go of the crutch? What if you are too afraid that you will get hurt again that you never let it go? Then the crutch holds you back. What is it that is holding you back? Is it a specific sin like gossip, lying, hate, addiction, etc.? Is it fear? Maybe you are afraid you will never be good enough, never be loved, never be able to let go of that one thing, etc.? Is it a lack of faith? Faith that God will provide, faith that God is with you, faith that he loves you, etc.? If you refuse to let go of the crutch you will never become who God created you to be. You will be diminishing your mission and the purpose God has given you.

   How then do we let go of our crutch? Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us the answer. It 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." We need to trust in God and admit that we have this crutch or weakness. If you don't admit you have a problem and know it, you cannot let go of it. 

   Then you need to trust that God is in control. You need to have faith that you can let go of the crutch. Let go of the fear and believe that God is with you. Believe that you don't need to hold onto what's holding you back. Instead, hold onto Jesus. He's the only one you need and hes not a crutch. He's real. He's with you. He is for you. He doesn't want to hold you back. He wants you to grow, to walk, to run, to fly. You just need to trust him and let go.

   So, what is your crutch? Are you willing to let go of your crutch? How can you trust God more today?

Would You Trust God?

 "Do you want to trust the Lord?

Would you trust him if he asked you to pick up a sword?"

 

"I would not, could not, trust the Lord 

if he asked me to pick up a sword.

I would not trust him to help me build a boat,

I'm not even sure it would float.

If he took all my possessions away?

There is no way I would trust him and stay.

If I he wanted me to spend time in jail?

I would run away faster than if I saw hail.

Asking me to go to the king to say, 'let my people go?'

I'd definitely have to say no.

Defeating a city by walking around its wall?

Why, there is no way I believe it will fall.

Using a sling to stop a giant?

I'd have to stay defiant.

Going against many prophets of Baal?

I know I would fail.

Going into a fiery furnace?

I'd run out of that place.

Being thrown into a den with lions?

You would find me running away crying...

What's that you say?

What would I do for my faith in God today?

I would go to church and stay in that safe place,

God knows that doing that is my comfortable space.

Why would a loving God ask me to do more?

I'm way better than I was before."

 

Are you spending too much time in your comfort zone when God is asking you to step out of it? How can you grow in God and have more faith in him? 

Psalm 9:10 and Joshua 1:9

Making Mistakes

   One day I was out watching my students at recess. I saw one child playing on a piece of playground equipment. This child is very strong and outgoing. He had gotten himself up on top of a pole. He then grabbed another pole and was trying to get across to this other pole to the point where his body was horizontal across these two poles.
   Now, with today's standards many parents would probably be saying "you need to stop him, that is dangerous." I thought about stopping him but I knew he would learn a lesson no matter what happened. He did make it across to the other pole and then he celebrated. He worked hard to get where he wanted to go and was rewarded because he made it.
   I know there are parents out there who want to protect their kids. I'm not saying that some protection is wrong. What I am saying is what I say to my students, "you need to try. If you try your best and you mess up will Miss Scheuing be upset?" The students always say, "no." My students know that they learn by making mistakes.
   I think that we have forgotten that in this day and age. We are so afraid to mess up that we stay inside our comfort zone. We end up missing opportunities because we choose to not do new things. My students would not be rewarded with the ability to read if they did not try something new. My players would not have the skills they have today if they did not join a new team or try a new drill. I would not be rewarded with all the gifts and opportunities God has given me if I stopped trying new things.
   Making mistakes is okay. It may not be fun, but if you make a mistake you are more likely to try something new next time. Above all else, when you make a mistake remember, "there was only one perfect man and he walked on water. Can you do that?"
   So will you choose to step outside your comfort zone to gain new opportunities and grow? Will you guide and encourage others to step outside their comfort zones? How can you step outside your comfort zone today?

   Joshua 1:9, 2 Peter 3:18, Romans 5:2-6

   Image found here.

Confidence Under the Mask

   One show I enjoy watching is called the masked singer. On the show celebrities dress up like different characters and sing. Then the panel of experts try to guess who the celebrity is based off of his/her voice and the clues they were given. At the end of each night at least one singer is unmasked. Many of the singers, after they are unmasked, say how much they enjoyed being on the show. They say that they enjoyed just being able to sing without anyone knowing who they are.
   One particular character who said something along those lines was seahorse. She acted like a diva when she was under the mask to try to throw the panel and the audience off. Then, after she was unmasked, she said she would now have to go back to being herself and stop being a diva. Now, I'm not saying that being a diva is or isn't a good thing. But I wonder why she felt that she had to stop doing that if it was something she enjoyed. Perhaps it was because no one could reject her. Perhaps it was because she had confidence when no one knew who she was. Maybe with the mask on she felt she was able to be more real, or more herself.
   Many of us don't wear masks like they do on the masked singer. But we do sometimes put up fake masks. We act different with different people. When we are upset, we may act like everything is okay. Why do we do that? Sometimes we do it because of our jobs or it's not the right time to talk about it. But, many times, I feel we put on fake masks because we are afraid of rejection. We are afraid others will not accept us for who we are. We are afraid if we show who we are people will see the cracks in us and that we are not perfect. Well, I hate to break it to you, but everyone already knows you are not perfect.
   I have found that if we are real with others, if we take off our fake masks, we are able to reach more people. When we are truthful about our downfalls more people feel like they can talk to us. Paul discusses this in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 which says:

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

   Did you catch that? God's power is made perfect in weakness. We all have many downfalls. We mess up from time to time. Unfortunately, many times we try to hide it. I have found that if we would tell others about our weaknesses people see that we are not "holier than thou." We don't think that anyone who sins is a horrible person because we too sin. I cannot tell you how many people have opened up to me because I opened up to them. I was able to reach those people and spread the Gospel to them because I was real with them. Then they realized that they too did not need to have a fake mask on. They realize that God does not care what they have done, he loves them just the same. No matter what you have done, God loves you. He knows you. He wants to spend eternity with you.
That's why we should take off our fake masks. God knows us anyhow. He wants us to be genuine with others so that his power can show through us.
   So, do you have a fake mask on currently? How can you open up and be more authentic with others? Will you choose to be real with others so God's power can show thorough you?
   Image from here.

Into the Unknown: Frozen 2

   "Everyone I've ever loved is here within these walls, I'm sorry, secret siren, but I'm blocking out your calls, I've had my adventure, I don't need something new, I'm afraid of what I'm risking if I follow you, Into the unknown"
   As stated in "Some Things Never Change" almost everything changes in life. We are constantly moving forward and growing. We may try to stop because we like where we are at; but, like Jonah, if we are meant to do something God has a way of influencing us to get our jobs done.
   In Frozen 2 Elsa is hearing a voice. That voice is calling her to another adventure. Elsa is conflicted. She likes where she is at now. She has her family, she is queen, and her powers are under control. However, she still wants to know what the voice is. She wants to know why it is calling her and where it wants her to go.
   Like Elsa, we may feel conflicted with the future. We may like where we are at; but, we also wonder what things may be like if we choose a certain path. The unknown is scary. Things could go really bad, or they could go really well. That's why the unknown is so scary.
   The thing is, we will face the unknown in our lives. But, we have someone who walks with us. We have someone who knows us and the future. 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." God asks us to trust him when we face the unknown. If we submit to his will we will be able to face the unknown. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it. God loves us and he wants what is good for us. That's why he asks us to trust him.
   So, how do you feel about the unknown? Will you trust God when you face the unknown?

Image from here.

Can I Really Do This?

   Have you ever had a time where you were called to do something and you weren't sure you were ready for? I know I have. In fact I have recently gone through a time like this. I'm already someone who is not very assertive about certain things. I don't like "selling myself" and I don't like stepping on toes.

   To make matters worse the person who I replaced was there for one of the first events I was at. Now, I wasn't upset with this person. In fact, he was someone who taught me much of what I knew about this area. Yet, it was intimidating because I wanted to show everyone that I could do this.
   Part of my problem was I knew the personality of the person who I replaced. He was confident, a people person, and very demanding of those in his charge. Meanwhile, yes I had experience doing what I was doing but not at the level I was doing it at. I also knew there was no way I could be like the person I replaced without faking, putting on a mask, and in essence lying. Yes, I have confidence but it's a different kind of confidence. I'm not really a people person. I will talk to people and get to know them but I like to do it on a deeper level. I am not a big fan of small talk. I am demanding of those in my charge but in a different way than this person was.
   Long story short: when I saw this person I did things my way with those under my charge; and he did things his way with those under his charge. He won and we lost. Yes, I had to put things into perspective. I had only been working with those under my charge for less than a week. I was ironing out a lot of things and we were just getting started. However, it still hurt. I felt like I had failed those under me.
   Now I had a choice: I could wallow and accept that I wasn't going to be as good as the person I replaced or I could let it go and keep working hard. Before I tell you about my choice I want to point out a few other things. 1. I was focused on how the person I replaced did things. I was focused on his strengths, not mine. 2. I have been talking about this person's strengths and my weaknesses compared to him. But, I have not talked about God's strength. God called me to take that position. It was outside of my comfort zone because I knew I would be really busy. I also knew it would be an adjustment to those under me because I have a different style than the person I replaced. God called me to do this and I know he will bring me through it.
   You could probably guess what my choice was. I chose to keep working hard. However, I did not choose to do things the way the person I replaced did things. I chose to do things my way. I chose to do things according my strength. I chose to do things that way because that's the way God made me. He gave me those strengths. He wants me to use them to reflect his glory. He wants you to do that too.
   So, do you try to do things the way other people do them even if it's uncomfortable? Do you believe that God gave you strengths for a reason? What can you do to step out in faith today?

   Joshua 1:9, 1 Peter 4:10, and James 1:17
   Image from here. 

Opening Up

   One day my family and I went to a restaurant called Good and Plenty. It is a family style restaurant. That means you sit at a table with other people and pass the bowls of food around. While we were there we met a nice couple from Georgia. She had relocated to this area and he had traveled up to see her because it was his birthday. She did most of the talking, I assume because he was tired from his trip. She was also telling us about where she was taking him that day.

   For a good 15-30 minutes she did most of the talking with us. Then the man started to open up. We found out his family was from Cuba and they lived in Florida. As we asked him more about his family and life he became more animated. He smiled more and started using his hands more. It was then that we saw that his hand was mutilated.
   Now, some people when seeing that would have freaked out. Some may have even stopped talking to him. We just kept talking to him and her. We didn't judge him; if we would have, we wouldn't have had a great conversation with them.
   Sometimes when we walk down the street we judge people. It's something we do out of self-preservation. We don't want to get hurt so we stay away from shifty people. We think someone is different or strange so we stay away from them. Is that what God would want us to do?
   Think about Jesus. Was he only visiting the Jews and the rich? No, he went to those who were sick, looked down upon by society, and those who sinned. He loved and cared for all. He took the time to get to know them. That's what we are called to do. We are called to love God and love others. To love others we need to get to know them. That means we need to open up and they need to open up. Sometimes people have a hard time opening up, so that's when we open up first. We tell them about Jesus, because that's what we are called to do.
   So, do you judge others before you get to know them? Do you open up to others and tell them about Jesus? What can you do to show love to someone new today?

   1 Timothy 1:5 and Matthew 7:1-5

   Image from here. 

The Shepherd's Praise

   The day started out like any other day. I was out in the field watching my flock. Of course, I had to defend them from a wolf that day, which was a little odd. Also, many people were in town for the census that Caesar called for. I was just thankful that I didn’t have to go anywhere because my family was from Bethlehem. However, a change of scenery may have been nice. It gets a little boring when all you do is watch sheep all day. Hi, I’m a shepherd.

   Now, before you go running off because I smell so bad and because I have a very underappreciated job hear me out. As I said, the day started out like any other. My shepherd friends and I were out watching the sheep. The sun had gone down a while ago and I was about to lay down for a nap while the other shepherds watched the flock. I had just shut my eyes when a bright light flashed. I thought one of my friends was playing a joke. Then I saw their faces. They looked frightened.

   I looked up in the sky and I saw why they were frightened. There was an angel of the Lord there. I fell on my face and covered my eyes. We had no idea why the angel was there. I wasn’t sure if we did something wrong. It had been so long since anyone wanted to talk to us, let alone an angel of the Lord. Then the angel said “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke.2.10-12). I was a tad overwhelmed. The Savior was a baby? And, he was in Bethlehem? I didn’t have long to be overwhelmed by that because suddenly there was a great company of angels praising God. Needless to say my friends and I stood there for a while after the angels had left with our mouths open.

   More questions came to my head. Why was the savior here? Why hadn’t anyone heard about it? Why were we the ones to hear about it? I shook these thoughts from my head. Why did those questions matter? They didn’t, all that mattered was that we had to find this baby. We left our flock, which is a big no, no for shepherds if you didn’t guess. But, it’s not every day you are told by angels that the savior was born. We searched the busy streets of Bethlehem. We had a good idea that he would not be in an inn because the angels told us that he was in a manger.

   Finally, one of my friends found him. He was in a place meant for animals. His father stood to make sure we meant him no harm, I assume. His mother was leaning over the manger. But, once I saw the baby I couldn’t take my eyes off him. This was the savior? I looked at him and he seemed to smile at me. I wondered what that baby was thinking. What would his future hold? Then I suddenly got the urge to do something I never do. I knew I had to tell everyone about what happened here tonight. I was usually very quiet because I was a shepherd and no one wanted to hear what a shepherd had to say. However, we shepherds were told about this child for a reason. The savior was here. We ran through the streets praising God and telling others that the savior had come. After a while we went back to our flocks.

   That night was so magical. I knew that God had great plans for this child. And, maybe he told us about it because that baby came to save us too. I realized that night that God cares for me. I think that’s why I risked losing everything to gain so much more. And, I’m glad I did.

   So, if God asked you to drop everything and do something, would you do it? Do you believe that God sent Jesus to save you?

   The Shepherd Song-Hearts of Saint video

   Image from here. 

Such a Strange Way to Save the World

   I was so excited; my wedding day was coming up. Soon I would get to marry Mary. She was such a kind woman and she loved the Lord. I knew she would make a great wife. Then one day my thoughts about her changed. Who am I? I am a simple carpenter from Nazareth. I am Joseph.
   The day started out like most. I was working in my workshop. But, my thoughts were not on the project I was working on. They were on Mary. The next thing I knew Mary was walking through the door. I was so happy to see her. I dropped what I was doing and ran over to embrace her. But, this embrace was different. She was holding back; no, did she seem larger? How could she seem larger in such a short time? I looked down and saw that Mary was pregnant?! I had so many questions but none of them came out of my mouth. 

   Mary told me that the child came to her by the Holy Spirit and that he would be the son of God. I was speechless. I had so many thoughts running in my mind. Could Mary be lying? She was a godly woman. I never thought she would do something like this out of wedlock. But, if she was telling the truth then that meant that, if I married her, I would raise the son of God. Why would I be worthy enough to raise the son of God? I was just a simple carpenter. I knew nothing about raising a king, let alone the son of God. But, if I didn't marry Mary she would be ruined. I could divorce her quietly that way she wouldn't be punished. That seemed like the best option so I divorced her quietly then and there. She looked crushed but I couldn't raise God's son.
   I left and went into my home. The home I was to share with Mary. I couldn't stop thinking about her and what she said. Mary was definitely worthy to have the son of God. She loved God with all her heart. But, it was strange that God's son would be born to a common girl. I could not sleep I was thinking about this so much. Finally my body gave way and I fell asleep. While I was sleeping an angel came to me in a dream. He told me, "Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife...She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus" (Mat.1.20-21). I woke up and realized I must do what God called me to do. I still didn't understand why God chose me; but who was I to question the will of God? I went to Mary and married her.
   Months went by and it was very close to the time for Mary to have the baby. Then we got the news that Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census would be taken. I really didn't want to to take Mary to Bethlehem, my family's home town, because it would be a hard journey. But, we knew that this must be part of God's plan. We packed up and headed to Bethlehem. The journey was rough, especially on Mary. I tried to make it as easy as I could for her. 

   We finally made it to Bethlehem and it was so crowded. I kept Mary with me as we tried to find an inn. Mary looked at me and told me it was time for the baby to come. I panicked. We had to find a place for her to have the baby. I ran from inn to inn but each time we got the same answer. There wasn't any room. We came to a place for animals that wasn't very crowded. It smelled horrible. I couldn't let the son of God be born there. I told Mary I would keep looking. She grabbed my cloak before I could run off and said the baby was coming now. I didn't like it, but she laid down and gave birth to the son of God there.
   When I first saw the baby I was in awe. He was so tiny. How could the son of God come like this? Then I touched his finger and he looked at me. It felt like he was looking into my very soul. I gave Mary the baby and she held him so gently. Then she wrapped him in cloth and laid him in the manger. I heard a noise as Mary was looking at the baby and stood ready to defend us. Shepherds walked in. They said they were told by angels that the Lord would be laying in a manger tonight. They bowed to the child then left praising God (Luke.2.1-20).
   Mary was quiet for a long time after that. I knew she was thinking about everything that happened. I was thinking about that too. It was all so strange. I never would have expected God to come as a baby in a manger. I also promised myself that I would take care of this child as best I could. Little did I know how many dangers were to come.
   So, do you ever feel unworthy to do something God calls you to do? Do you ever feel like you don't deserve God's grace? What can you do to encourage others who may feel unworthy?
   Such a Strange Way to Save the World video.

   Image from here.

Mary Did You Know?

   Imagine you were minding your own business, you know doing your chores during the day, and then suddenly you see a man in white. Then you realize it's not a man it's an angel. What would you do? That's the question I asked myself because I was visited by an angel one day. My name is Mary.
   Of course, you can imagine I was so frightened. It's not every day you have an angel come to you and say, "Greetings, to you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" (Luke.1.28). I had no idea what this angel wanted with me. But he said, "Do not be afraid...You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus" (Luke.1.30-31). Needless to say I was shocked because I wasn't married yet. The angel reassured me that the Holy Spirit would be upon me and the child would be the son of God. Well, who was I to get in the way of God's plan? I am his servant after all.
   Now, I knew that soon I would start to show that I was pregnant so I went to see my cousin, Elizabeth. She was also with child and when she saw me she exclaimed that I was blessed for believing that I would have God's son. I was reassured and filled with joy that I was carrying God's son. I sang a song of praise to my Lord because he was bringing about his perfect plan.
   A while later I went home and told Joseph, my betrothed, everything that happened. He was amazed and frightened. He knew that I was pregnant, it was hard to miss. Joseph said he wanted to call off the marriage quietly. I was heartbroken. I wondered how this could be part of God's plan. Would I need to raise this child on my own? Many questions ran through my mind but I knew God's plan would come about. This child would be born one way or another and he would save us all. Joseph came back to me one day and said he was visited by an angel too. He said he wanted to go through with the wedding (Mat.1.18-25). I was relieved; I wouldn't have to go through this alone. For a time, I thought that we had gotten over our biggest mountain so to say. Boy, was I wrong.

   Caesar Augustus was the ruler of our land. He called for a census. Joseph told me we would have to travel to Bethlehem for it. I could see the worry in his eyes. I was very pregnant at the time. I was also scared but I knew this was part of God's plan. We packed up and left. The road was hard, and painful, but I just kept saying to myself that God's plan would come about.
   We reached Bethlehem and the place was packed! I could hardly step anywhere without accidentally bumping into someone. Then I realized that the baby was coming. You should have seen Joseph's face. He went running about from inn to inn looking for a place for me and the baby. But, there was not any space left. Finally, we found a small space meant for animals. Joseph said this is not the place for the son of God to be born. But, I said, "this baby is coming now!" I can't remember ever being in so much pain.
   Then, in one moment the pain stopped. I saw the child, the son of God, look up at me. He was so precious. His eyes were so loving and I thought I could see power in this child. I carefully wrapped him in cloth and I laid the son of God in a manger, no less.
   I watch the child with wonder. Then I looked up and saw some shepherds come to us. They told me that angels had told them to find a baby in a manger. That baby is Christ, the Lord. They bowed down and worshiped Jesus. I could hardly speak, much less comprehend why these things happened this way. The shepherds left and I could hear them praising God all the way. It was an amazing journey, that was just beginning.
   Did I know what would happen next? No, but I knew this child would do great things. I was just honored to be a small part of his story.
   Do you trust in God's plan when the road is hard? Do you believe that Christ did great things and God is still doing great things?
   Mary Did You Know-Pentatonix song.

   Image from here. 

Protection and Training in the Fortress

   “But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge” (Ps.94.22).

   This past week I spent my time at a camp called Camp YoliJwa. I have been going to this camp for over 15 years of my life. It is a great place where you can have fun and learn about God. Each year they choose a theme for camp that summer. This year the theme was Fortress.

   While I was a camper I looked forward to camp. It began to become a place of retreat for me. See, in the past at camp you did not have cell service so when you went there it was easy to focus on your relationships with others and God. When I was at camp I did not have to think about the outside world and it became a place of retreat where I could reconnect with friends and grow in God.

   When I was told that the theme for camp this year would be fortress I was excited. Camp really is like a fortress. It is a safe place where you can be yourself and learn about God. A fortress is: “a large, strong building or group of buildings that can be defended from attack” (Cambridge Dictionary). Camp is a great place to defend yourself against attacks. You go there to relax, have fun, and learn more about God so you can defend yourself against the Devil.

   The problem is that eventually camp ends. You need to leave the fortress and go out to battle with the enemy. That was always a difficult thing for me to do. While at camp, you do not need to worry if people like you, what food you will eat (because the food is awesome there), where you will sleep, or about anything really. Then, when you left, you were thrown back into the real world where you could get hurt and had lots of worries.

   Here’s the thing about fortresses: they are great for learning and defending but if you stay in them you will not gain any more land or you could even starve (if you ran out of food). Fortresses could become your comfort zone. All the training in the world does you no good if you do not use it. That is why camp is great because it trains you and then sends you back out to do the work of God. If you did not have a fortress in the first place, whether it is Camp YoliJwa or someplace else, then you would not have the proper training to defend yourself against Satan.

  Fortresses are vital for training and it is important to have good instructors but you need to go out and spread the good news of the Gospel as we are called to do in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). It is also important to remember that God is our fortress and he is always with us.

   So, do you have a fortress where you can train and learn more about God? If you have a hard time leaving your fortress/comfort zone what can you do to get outside it? How can you use your training to spread the good news of the Gospel today?

   Image from here.

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone: New Years

   Last year I talked about how my goal for the new year was to be positive. The way I did that was by writing down at least one good thing that happened each day, no matter how bad the day was. This year I had a new challenge for myself.
   If you were to just meet me you may think a few things. 1. I am very quiet and calm. 2. I am not very positive because I don't smile much. 3. I don't like to do things that are unfamiliar to me.
   Later on, if you got to know me more, you would realize 1. I can be very loud in the right circumstances and I can be really crazy (soccer, if I'm teaching, if I'm with my family, etc.). 2. I am positive, even though I don't smile much, and I love to encourage others. 3. I don't like to do things that are unfamiliar to me.
   If you are very observant you would have realized that the 3rd thing in each of those lists are the exact same thing. I, like many other people, do not like to get out of my comfort zone. Therefore, my challenge to myself this year was to get out of my comfort zone.
   Last New Years Eve I went to a friend's party. At that party they had dancing. I do not dance in public (unless it is the game Just Dance). I sat at a table looking at the people who were dancing. They seemed to be having fun. But, then my eyes wandered to the children who were dancing  (I'm a teacher, can you blame me)? The children were dancing and having fun. They didn't care who was watching they just wanted to dance and have fun.

   I continued to sit there watching. Then my friend came up and gave me my mentor's child to watch, since she had already tried to get me to dance. This little girl was around 3 years old. She was old enough to dance but she didn't want to because she was shy. I talked with her and then we decided that since we were both a little shy, if we went out to dance together it might be more fun. We went out on the dance floor and I taught her some dance moves. Before I knew it other children came over so I could teach them too. That would never have happened if I didn't get out of my comfort zone.

   Thus why last year became a time of me trying to get out of my comfort zone. Sometimes I didn't have much of a choice when it came to getting out of my comfort zone. This year there was a lot of change in my life. I graduated from college in 2016 and finished student teaching in late February of 2017. After that I had to get out in the work force and be an adult. I became a substitute teacher. That was a major comfort zone breakage: you are in a school you don't know, in a room you don't know, with children you don't know, and there are many more unknowns. On top of that I became a Head JV coach for the first time. That stretched me a lot because at the same time I had my first teaching job in a kindergarten classroom.
   Not only was there change around me this year, but also in me. I am constantly trying to grow and follow my own advice. Any challenge I give to you on my blog I try to follow myself.
   What did I learn in all of this? I learned that when I stepped out of my comfort zone I made a larger impact on others. The impact was different each time but important. If I stayed in my comfort zone in these situations, I would not have been able to encourage others and help them in their journeys.
   I also learned that not only are others impacted when you step outside your comfort zone, but you are as well. I have learned so many new things this year because I chose to step outside my bubble. I have grown so much as well. That is what we are called to do: grow. Grow in intelligence, in our emotions, and in God. That is how we will make an impact on this world.
   So, are you inside your own little bubble of a comfort zone? Have you tried to get out of your Comfort zone to make an impact on others? Will you step out to grow in God?

   Joshua 1:9, Matthew 5:12-13, Matthew 28:16-20

The Woman Behind the Mask

   Halloween: a time of costumes, scary decorations, and sugary coated sweets. Why do people like Halloween so much? Children would probably say because of free candy. They may even say because they get to dress up as their favorite character.
   When I was little I liked Halloween because of the candy. But, as I grew up, I still liked the candy 😊. However, it became more about the costume for me. Seems odd that a 5th grader would have liked dressing up but I have a reason.
   Some of you may know that I like acting. I like bringing made up characters to life. I like to make situations and stories real for the audience. I also liked being something/someone that was not me.
   See, we know ourselves better than anyone else in this world. We know our good qualities, talents, and likes; but we also know our bad qualities, problems, and downfalls. I know that I'm not always the most patient person, I could be a little more compassionate at times, and that I don't know everything I want to know (because I'm still growing).
   When I was acting I wasn't myself. Sure my character may have had downfalls, but that wasn't my problem. I just loved the fact that I could be as crazy as I wanted to and it didn't matter because everyone in the audience would know I was acting. Those judgements that people would have casted on that character didn't matter because it wasn't me.
   During Halloween I can pick any character I want to be, act like that character, and not have anyone think I'm nuts. But, when the candy's all gone, the costumes are put away, and the decorations are taken down my mask is taken off as well. When that happened I had a tendency to go back to caring what others thought about me because I was myself.
   As I grew older, I realized that it doesn't matter what others think about me. It just matters what Jesus thinks of me. He is the one who is able to bring me peace. He is the one who loves me already. He loves me no matter what I do or what I say. Does he get upset when I don't follow him? Yes, but he still cares about me and is willing to forgive me when I fail.
   With God, we don't need masks. We don't need to be anyone but ourselves. Isn't that how we should act with others? We should want to be with people who accept us no matter what. We should want to be with people who love and forgive us when we fail.
   I encourage you to take off any masks you may be wearing right now. I know it's fun to pretend to be someone you are not. But, I guarantee you that people respond to those who are real with them more than fake people. Will you get hurt if you take off your mask? Probably, but you know that you have opened yourself up to make an impact on others. That is what we are called to do: spread the gospel and reflect God's glory.

   Romans 12:2, Psalm 139:14-16, Romans 8:35-39