This is was written by a young man who is the son of Missionaries in Haiti. This poem is his depiction of the earthquake that happened this past week, and the effects it has/is having/will have.
Hello sandman
A visit paid by the grains of time
Erases past present and future
Blink of eyes becomes mayhem
Sand man nods his head
These walls are coming down
These ceilings caving in
This world is sinking down
As we realize what were in
Death zone
And the cries of the trapped saturate the skies
As we wonder who we really are
Survivor’s guilt
Or mere thankfulness
Yet scarring images fill our minds
Our world collapses
Ground gives way like quick sand
A man from the blacker land
The sandman
Reeking havoc midst the tears and fears
Grimly grins at the helpless
Who ponder nonexistent lives
Of the crumbling
And tumbling
Lives and homes
Shaking ground
Like jell legs
Destroys all balance
Sandman fills the ground
Waves of death
Waves of pain
Waves of insecurity
Sent by the unknown and unheard
Whether natural or not
It matters none
For the remains smolder with sand
Starvation leads to innovation
New breeds of anarchy are unleashed
Sandman smiles
Lack of unity brings hate and fear
In the wake of tragedy
In the face of jeopardy
Can lives be rebuilt?
Can souls be reformed?
Can homes be rebuilt?
And families reformed
Or shall the after be a new
Is there a lesson here?
Midst all that’s ravenously askew
As these arms reach the skies
Ignoring the sandman’s shrieks
Will the heavens descend?
Or will we return to the old
And kill the spark of dependency
Lit on a God who gives and takes
Oh the hellish tragedy
Loves ripped asunder
Yet mend able
Through the grace of a father with tears
For a bruised child with fears
In the crumbling night
Is there a lesson here?
Will we recognize?
Or make like a corpse
And simply lay down to die
Through return to the past
Dancing by the light of the burning pyres
Flames of doubt and confusion
And no hope that will last
But this warning is true
Ignore the sandman
He will not last
Let go the pain
It will not last
In Christ is there new life
Remaining to be found
In the shattered remains
Of you...
...but have good reason for being as such :)
God has blessed me with many things to be filling my time, following His direction for my life. It's quite exciting really. For anyone who is interested, here is a bit of what has occupied my time:
College - beginning nursing school to fulfill God's call to medical missions
Family - general things at home, and working on the next lego stop-motion film with my family
Church - helped with a church retreat, and working with Dad to organize a group of young adults up here to spend time fellowshipping, challenging each other, and doing ministry together
So, what to write about...I could write about any of the above, but that's not the most important thing happening in my life. The most important thing would have to be the focus that God has begun to give me. For a long time, I have filled my life with things I wanted to pursue, things I wanted to get, my own pursuits almost entirely. But lately, I have been reading about how God wants us to spend our lives: following Him in EVERYTHING, not just on Sunday, not just for a few hours a week. It's not enough to serve Him when it's convenient. It's not enough to serve Him when I feel like it. He has called me to abandon my life to Him. And I have begun to understand that in a whole new way. I have begun to understand that following His calling and abandoning my own is fulfilling, and because it is His vision, it is successful and He gets all the glory.
I'm not there, I'm not all the way in His will because my flesh fights it again and again, but I am so joyful at the work that He is doing. I am very excited to see how He will continue to work through me in the days to come!!
Ah, and another little thing He's been working on...rather BIG thing? Tearing off another layer of my pride. It hurts, wow it hurts. But I know it's worth it.
And with that, my dear friends, I will have to take my leave...but I will do my best to write again soon :)
God has blessed me with many things to be filling my time, following His direction for my life. It's quite exciting really. For anyone who is interested, here is a bit of what has occupied my time:
College - beginning nursing school to fulfill God's call to medical missions
Family - general things at home, and working on the next lego stop-motion film with my family
Church - helped with a church retreat, and working with Dad to organize a group of young adults up here to spend time fellowshipping, challenging each other, and doing ministry together
So, what to write about...I could write about any of the above, but that's not the most important thing happening in my life. The most important thing would have to be the focus that God has begun to give me. For a long time, I have filled my life with things I wanted to pursue, things I wanted to get, my own pursuits almost entirely. But lately, I have been reading about how God wants us to spend our lives: following Him in EVERYTHING, not just on Sunday, not just for a few hours a week. It's not enough to serve Him when it's convenient. It's not enough to serve Him when I feel like it. He has called me to abandon my life to Him. And I have begun to understand that in a whole new way. I have begun to understand that following His calling and abandoning my own is fulfilling, and because it is His vision, it is successful and He gets all the glory.
I'm not there, I'm not all the way in His will because my flesh fights it again and again, but I am so joyful at the work that He is doing. I am very excited to see how He will continue to work through me in the days to come!!
Ah, and another little thing He's been working on...rather BIG thing? Tearing off another layer of my pride. It hurts, wow it hurts. But I know it's worth it.
And with that, my dear friends, I will have to take my leave...but I will do my best to write again soon :)
I was flipping through my old Bible Study notebook this last week, and found some wonderful topical studies. One that stood out was a study on gratefulness. The very beginning of the study began with a comparison of pride and gratefulness, which seemed a little odd, until I read the definitions:
Gratefulness: communicating to others the precise way in which they have benefited my life, and looking for ways to honor them.
Pride: Believing that I have achieved what God and others have done for me and through me.
1 Corinthians 4:7 "For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
The key to gratefulness being a realization our how indebted we are to God...how deserving of nothing but eternal judgment...how we can only be grateful for the ways in which God and others benefit us. Redirecting praise is something that we often fail to do, but is key to gratefulness and keeping the pride of self-accomplishment at bay.
Following that initial comparison, was a list of specific recipients of our gratefulness: God, parents, family, your conscience, church elders, civil authorities, employer, true friends. After each recipient was a list of specific ways to give thanks and be grateful for them. Some of the challenging ones really stood out to me though.
~ Give thanks for the hardships in life.
~ When you feel as though you have nothing to be thankful for, give thanks anyway.
~ When others give you praise, redirect it to whom it is due.
~ Be grateful for correction from others.
I find it easy to give thanks when I am blessed with good health, good food, a peaceful family, sufficient finances, extra blessings, etc. But when those things start to dissappear, I find myself turning inward to focus on my "suffering." I'd like to challenge you to join me in taking some extra time to just be grateful. To turn to the One to whom all credit is due. And the next time hardship comes, when you don't feel like giving thanks, join me in searching out God's blessings and learning to have a true heart of gratefulness and thanksgiving!!
Psalm 69:30 "I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with Thanksgiving."
Gratefulness: communicating to others the precise way in which they have benefited my life, and looking for ways to honor them.
Pride: Believing that I have achieved what God and others have done for me and through me.
1 Corinthians 4:7 "For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
The key to gratefulness being a realization our how indebted we are to God...how deserving of nothing but eternal judgment...how we can only be grateful for the ways in which God and others benefit us. Redirecting praise is something that we often fail to do, but is key to gratefulness and keeping the pride of self-accomplishment at bay.
Following that initial comparison, was a list of specific recipients of our gratefulness: God, parents, family, your conscience, church elders, civil authorities, employer, true friends. After each recipient was a list of specific ways to give thanks and be grateful for them. Some of the challenging ones really stood out to me though.
~ Give thanks for the hardships in life.
~ When you feel as though you have nothing to be thankful for, give thanks anyway.
~ When others give you praise, redirect it to whom it is due.
~ Be grateful for correction from others.
I find it easy to give thanks when I am blessed with good health, good food, a peaceful family, sufficient finances, extra blessings, etc. But when those things start to dissappear, I find myself turning inward to focus on my "suffering." I'd like to challenge you to join me in taking some extra time to just be grateful. To turn to the One to whom all credit is due. And the next time hardship comes, when you don't feel like giving thanks, join me in searching out God's blessings and learning to have a true heart of gratefulness and thanksgiving!!
Psalm 69:30 "I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with Thanksgiving."
is too much of a blessing, encouragement, role model, mentor, friend, protector, etc. for me to be able to accurately put into words what he means to me. But I would like to list some scripture verses that accurately portray this man of God, whom I am honored to call my Father!!
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."
My Dad does love the Lord, with ALL his heart, soul, and might. A clear evidence of that is his passion to teach the word of God, and his diligence in doing so. For many years he has had a heart to teach, and does an excellent job doing so!!! He has the opportunity to teach in his work, his church, and most important to me, a part of his family. As long as I can remember, Daddy has taught the Scripture in our home. In formal Bible studies, through history, at dinner table conversations, while working together outside, even while trudging through deep woods full of mosquitoes on an orienteering course. His love for scripture, as evidenced by his actions, has left a deep impression on my heart about the value of God's Word!!
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
"Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."
Another thing that my Daddy does is exhort, encourage and implore me to walk worthy of my King, of my God!! He has never been one to nag or hang it over my head as a guilt trip, but he is ever diligent to teach me the character of God, His attributes, and standards for a Christian walk. He is not afraid to sit me down and share concerns about character flaws in my life. As a good father should, when I have heard a warning or concern but have taken no action, he is humble yet firm enough to come alongside and say "I am going to set some tighter parameters now, and help you conquer this character flaw." He provides the guidance, discipline and encouragement to help mold my character and life into a vessel that will glorify God to a greater degree.
John 12:26
"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
My Daddy does serves God. As his daughter, living in the same home, I have seen many sides of Daddy's character. The good as well as the bad. But one thing that has never changed is that at the end of every trial, and in the face of every struggle, he goes back to His life's source: God. He turns to Him for answers to questions, for comfort in times of need, for standards to guide his life, and ultimately in humble submission and acceptance of His gift of salvation. He is a walking testimony of a man whose life honors the Lord.
Proverbs 3:11-12
"My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord, or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."
Proverbs 3:24
"He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
My Daddy loves me. He delights in me. And as a responsible and loving Father should, he disciplines me. Over the years the form of discipline has changed, I have outgrown the oak paddle, picking up rocks and scrubbing the bathtub mat. But I have not outgrown a stern look, a looooong lecture, a canceled fun event, voicing his disappointment at my failure to follow and obey, and a gentle hug to show his concern when I am broken and humbled. He has been faithful, yes even vigilant, to see that I have learned Biblical standards for right and wrong. Not only seen, but enforced when necessary. I would lie to say that his discipline has been my favorite part of our relationship, but I am honest to say that I appreciate his doing so. He has instilled truth in me. He has instilled godliness in me. He has loved me. For that, I am ever grateful!
Proverbs 20:7
"A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out. Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man walks in his integrity - how blessed are his sons after him."
I love the part about a man of understanding drawing out the plan of a deep heart. I, like my Daddy, think and feel very deeply. In many ways, I am like him. I am, truly, My Father's Daughter. But he is a man of understanding. Beyond just how my little head ticks, he has a wealth of understanding about God, truth, life, feelings, etc. Because he is a man of understanding, he is capable of gently and patiently drawing the plans, hopes, dreams, and emotions out of my deep heart. He helps me see things about myself that I otherwise never would, and understand how God is working in my life in ways to which I have been blind. As a father, and as a friend, he is loyal to me, and trustworthy. He walks a life of integrity, and I AM blessed to walk after him!
1 Corinthians 11:3
"But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a women, and God is the head of Christ."
There are a couple things that Daddy lives out from this verse. Christ is indeed the head of my Daddy. And He willingly admits to and lives the fact. Not only this, but he is the head of a woman: my Mom. He has accepted and now faithfully carries the responsibility of being a husband and father. Before the Lord, he will be accountable for all of us! (I'm glad I'm not a man!) But he has taken it, and is faithful to do as he understands is the Lord's will to lead, teach, nurture, and love us. He is the head of one woman, only one woman. The woman he has loved, and has always been faithful to. What an example of a godly man!!
A few other things that I just wanted to mention...he has laid down a a worldly prominent, financially successful career to follow the Lord's path for his life and family...he has invested COUNTLESS hours in my life to show support of my many and varied interests and talents...he has gone far outside his comfort zone to accompany my siblings and I on varied grand adventures to ensure we were safe...he has been willing to be a broken tool to serve, lift up, encourage, and hold accountable other people in his life, then to see God take his efforts and multiply them to a spouse, a family, now adopted family members, a jail ministry, a city, and now an entire state...he has spent many more countless hours up at late hours of the night, and early hours of the morning to listen as I poured out every crisis in life...he has taken the effort to send me e-mails, letters and phone calls just to say he thinking of me, and loves me...he has guarded my life and purity jealously, before I was old enough to understand the value of his actions...I could fill a book about my Daddy.
His life is casting a shadow, long and stark, that has touched the lives of many. I am honored to walk behind him in the shade and protection he gives, learning to shape my shadow to look like his.
Happy Father's Day to my Daddy, a Man of God!!
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."
My Dad does love the Lord, with ALL his heart, soul, and might. A clear evidence of that is his passion to teach the word of God, and his diligence in doing so. For many years he has had a heart to teach, and does an excellent job doing so!!! He has the opportunity to teach in his work, his church, and most important to me, a part of his family. As long as I can remember, Daddy has taught the Scripture in our home. In formal Bible studies, through history, at dinner table conversations, while working together outside, even while trudging through deep woods full of mosquitoes on an orienteering course. His love for scripture, as evidenced by his actions, has left a deep impression on my heart about the value of God's Word!!
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
"Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."
Another thing that my Daddy does is exhort, encourage and implore me to walk worthy of my King, of my God!! He has never been one to nag or hang it over my head as a guilt trip, but he is ever diligent to teach me the character of God, His attributes, and standards for a Christian walk. He is not afraid to sit me down and share concerns about character flaws in my life. As a good father should, when I have heard a warning or concern but have taken no action, he is humble yet firm enough to come alongside and say "I am going to set some tighter parameters now, and help you conquer this character flaw." He provides the guidance, discipline and encouragement to help mold my character and life into a vessel that will glorify God to a greater degree.
John 12:26
"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
My Daddy does serves God. As his daughter, living in the same home, I have seen many sides of Daddy's character. The good as well as the bad. But one thing that has never changed is that at the end of every trial, and in the face of every struggle, he goes back to His life's source: God. He turns to Him for answers to questions, for comfort in times of need, for standards to guide his life, and ultimately in humble submission and acceptance of His gift of salvation. He is a walking testimony of a man whose life honors the Lord.
Proverbs 3:11-12
"My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord, or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."
Proverbs 3:24
"He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
My Daddy loves me. He delights in me. And as a responsible and loving Father should, he disciplines me. Over the years the form of discipline has changed, I have outgrown the oak paddle, picking up rocks and scrubbing the bathtub mat. But I have not outgrown a stern look, a looooong lecture, a canceled fun event, voicing his disappointment at my failure to follow and obey, and a gentle hug to show his concern when I am broken and humbled. He has been faithful, yes even vigilant, to see that I have learned Biblical standards for right and wrong. Not only seen, but enforced when necessary. I would lie to say that his discipline has been my favorite part of our relationship, but I am honest to say that I appreciate his doing so. He has instilled truth in me. He has instilled godliness in me. He has loved me. For that, I am ever grateful!
Proverbs 20:7
"A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out. Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man walks in his integrity - how blessed are his sons after him."
I love the part about a man of understanding drawing out the plan of a deep heart. I, like my Daddy, think and feel very deeply. In many ways, I am like him. I am, truly, My Father's Daughter. But he is a man of understanding. Beyond just how my little head ticks, he has a wealth of understanding about God, truth, life, feelings, etc. Because he is a man of understanding, he is capable of gently and patiently drawing the plans, hopes, dreams, and emotions out of my deep heart. He helps me see things about myself that I otherwise never would, and understand how God is working in my life in ways to which I have been blind. As a father, and as a friend, he is loyal to me, and trustworthy. He walks a life of integrity, and I AM blessed to walk after him!
1 Corinthians 11:3
"But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a women, and God is the head of Christ."
There are a couple things that Daddy lives out from this verse. Christ is indeed the head of my Daddy. And He willingly admits to and lives the fact. Not only this, but he is the head of a woman: my Mom. He has accepted and now faithfully carries the responsibility of being a husband and father. Before the Lord, he will be accountable for all of us! (I'm glad I'm not a man!) But he has taken it, and is faithful to do as he understands is the Lord's will to lead, teach, nurture, and love us. He is the head of one woman, only one woman. The woman he has loved, and has always been faithful to. What an example of a godly man!!
A few other things that I just wanted to mention...he has laid down a a worldly prominent, financially successful career to follow the Lord's path for his life and family...he has invested COUNTLESS hours in my life to show support of my many and varied interests and talents...he has gone far outside his comfort zone to accompany my siblings and I on varied grand adventures to ensure we were safe...he has been willing to be a broken tool to serve, lift up, encourage, and hold accountable other people in his life, then to see God take his efforts and multiply them to a spouse, a family, now adopted family members, a jail ministry, a city, and now an entire state...he has spent many more countless hours up at late hours of the night, and early hours of the morning to listen as I poured out every crisis in life...he has taken the effort to send me e-mails, letters and phone calls just to say he thinking of me, and loves me...he has guarded my life and purity jealously, before I was old enough to understand the value of his actions...I could fill a book about my Daddy.
His life is casting a shadow, long and stark, that has touched the lives of many. I am honored to walk behind him in the shade and protection he gives, learning to shape my shadow to look like his.
Happy Father's Day to my Daddy, a Man of God!!
It amazes me how quickly time seems to pass. I remember the long past days of childhood (adults, you can laugh if you want to...it was only half my life ago :D) The days that dragged on forever...in which my biggest concern was to wake up and do my school and chores without getting a spanking...and the life's biggest choice involved determining how I would spend those many empty hours in my afternoon. But some things happen with time, in particular, people grow up. My siblings grow much to fast! Just this past weekend we graduated my next younger sister from High School, my next younger brother had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor, and my second younger brother had his 13 year right of passage. They are not little children any more, and I am honored to say they are growing into some of the most delightful young adults you will ever meet!!
My next younger sister is a delightful young lady! I have had the honor of being her second home school teacher for the past two years, and it has been a joy and an honor. She is an easy student, and a joy to work with. Unlike some of her siblings, she has had to work very hard to learn well and I am SO proud to say that she graduated high school with a high A average. She applied herself to her studies, and did excellent work. What a tribute to her character! Her studies were much broader than a traditional education entails, and her mind has been sharped by careful application to her school. She is bright and talented in so many ways. My sister is a beautiful young lady. Not only of face, but of heart. The beauty of her heart radiates from within, and can be seen by everyone around her. It gives her face a delicate glow that no one can ignore. Her gentleness and kindness wins hearts of adults and children alike, and continues to multiply itself as she lets God work in her life. I can hardly believe how time has flown, she is no longer a little girl. Having passed a tremendous milestone in her life there is the rest of her yet ahead...and I am anxious to see how the Lord will guide her steps as she goes forward.
Ah...my next younger brother...who is now taller than I. Despite being several years younger, he is several inches taller. The fascinating thing about his height, is that it is not just physical. For a 15 year old young man, his character and maturity far surpass his age. And in some ways, I feel as though he surpasses me as well. His work ethic, diligence, perseverance, integrity and leadership are tremendous. At 15, it has been many months since he concluded his work to gain the rank of Eagle Scout. The paperwork was slow in being processed, but finally came back. At 15, he is certainly not the oldest scout in his troop, but is currently in his second term as Senior Patrol Leader, the highest youth leadership position in the troop. He has been in leadership positions since 13, and is one the most well liked and definitely most admired young men in the troop. As his sister, I am blessed to have him as my brother. Despite the gap in years, he and I are very good friends. It is so encouraging to be able to try and copy him in the character that he has that surpasses me. God will do great things with this young man, my brother!!
My second younger brother...growing like a weed. And learning like one too. He is sharp and learns incredibly fast, well above his age and grade level. As he is just beginning his walk into adulthood, there is much that lies before him to be learned, conquered, treasured. As his older sister, I am honored to be able to watch him as he goes forward. It will be exciting to see how the Lord will continue to shape and mold him in the years to come.
There will be pictures here
My next younger sister is a delightful young lady! I have had the honor of being her second home school teacher for the past two years, and it has been a joy and an honor. She is an easy student, and a joy to work with. Unlike some of her siblings, she has had to work very hard to learn well and I am SO proud to say that she graduated high school with a high A average. She applied herself to her studies, and did excellent work. What a tribute to her character! Her studies were much broader than a traditional education entails, and her mind has been sharped by careful application to her school. She is bright and talented in so many ways. My sister is a beautiful young lady. Not only of face, but of heart. The beauty of her heart radiates from within, and can be seen by everyone around her. It gives her face a delicate glow that no one can ignore. Her gentleness and kindness wins hearts of adults and children alike, and continues to multiply itself as she lets God work in her life. I can hardly believe how time has flown, she is no longer a little girl. Having passed a tremendous milestone in her life there is the rest of her yet ahead...and I am anxious to see how the Lord will guide her steps as she goes forward.
Ah...my next younger brother...who is now taller than I. Despite being several years younger, he is several inches taller. The fascinating thing about his height, is that it is not just physical. For a 15 year old young man, his character and maturity far surpass his age. And in some ways, I feel as though he surpasses me as well. His work ethic, diligence, perseverance, integrity and leadership are tremendous. At 15, it has been many months since he concluded his work to gain the rank of Eagle Scout. The paperwork was slow in being processed, but finally came back. At 15, he is certainly not the oldest scout in his troop, but is currently in his second term as Senior Patrol Leader, the highest youth leadership position in the troop. He has been in leadership positions since 13, and is one the most well liked and definitely most admired young men in the troop. As his sister, I am blessed to have him as my brother. Despite the gap in years, he and I are very good friends. It is so encouraging to be able to try and copy him in the character that he has that surpasses me. God will do great things with this young man, my brother!!
My second younger brother...growing like a weed. And learning like one too. He is sharp and learns incredibly fast, well above his age and grade level. As he is just beginning his walk into adulthood, there is much that lies before him to be learned, conquered, treasured. As his older sister, I am honored to be able to watch him as he goes forward. It will be exciting to see how the Lord will continue to shape and mold him in the years to come.
There will be pictures here
Wednesday evening, we received an urgent request by HSLDA to participate in an emergency rally in
What happened...the senate introduced and approved bill 291, a major public education bill. Three days ago, it reached the house floor and was voted down. Session ends today, so in an attempt to pass ONE major education bill this session, the bill went back to committee to be re-written (in a hurry). They revised it, but in the course of the revision there was new wording that was vague, and potentially dangerous to home-schoolers.
In a clause that dealt with encouraging students to stay in school, the compulsory attendance law was going to be changed "This act also changes the requirement for compulsory attendance age for school districts, except for the
Once they caught this language, several representatives got together to WRITE an amendment that would clarify the vague wording. What this did was DEFINE what a credit is for home schoolers, instead of leaving this power open to being in the hands of the state. In the state of
Yesterday ended up being a good day for Missouri homeschoolers, because not only did we get some good legislation passed, we also sent a strong reminder to the Missouri State Government that we are serious about our freedoms, we will mobilize, and we can do all of this with almost no warning.
As one of the homeschool lobbyists said, "You've made my job easier for the next ten years."
Sometimes, I really wonder at why diligence is important...and then quickly remember that scripture calls us to diligence. I have to admit, at the end of a project, it is gratifying to look at the final result and be satisfied that all the hours and effort were worth it.
My younger brother Gregory and I have been working on a lego short for the past few weeks, as a response to Gideon Production Group's call for animators. This short was submitted as the first stage of our audition. Here is the short, for those who may be interested in watching it.
I know it seems small, at 3:08, but the hours and labor that went into were large...and I have to admit that by the end, I was ready to be done putting clouds into kitty/tree pictures. But looking back, I see that the diligence required to fit this around the rest of life was well worth it!
My younger brother Gregory and I have been working on a lego short for the past few weeks, as a response to Gideon Production Group's call for animators. This short was submitted as the first stage of our audition. Here is the short, for those who may be interested in watching it.
I know it seems small, at 3:08, but the hours and labor that went into were large...and I have to admit that by the end, I was ready to be done putting clouds into kitty/tree pictures. But looking back, I see that the diligence required to fit this around the rest of life was well worth it!
"When my life purpose is truly to glorify God, then He can bring blessings, trials, people, etc. all through my life and I can continue on just as before. When my purpose is to glorify Him, and I trust in His work, I can be content that where He has me is the place most glorifying to Him."
That quote would be an accurate summation of some of my recent thoughts. I says thoughts plural, due to the fact that they have been many and varied, yet I have come to the conclusion that they all fit together to form a single, complete, and sobering thought. Namely, the one given above.
Perhaps you are curious as to what these thoughts must have been? They include some of the following: “I am discontent with where I am in life.” “Life's purpose is to glorify God.” “God is God. I ought to stop trying to be.” “When our focus is on glorifying God, we can be content with any challenge God brings our way.” I think you will now have to agree with me that they are varied. Let me try to explain how these things work together.
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I find a disturbing but nonetheless frequent trend of discontentment with my present circumstances. It is not rising primarily from a great dislike for where I am, or what I am doing, but rather an attitude that looks too far and too eagerly forward in life. I find my focus turned to myself or fulfillment of myself through serving others. By default, when the focus is turned to myself it is not where it rightly belongs: on God. This direction of focus is not only wrong but it denies my purpose in life: to glorify God. This purpose requires an increase of trust as I die to myself, and let God be God! The result of this change of purpose is truly freeing, and worth every bit of the sacrifice.
Paul exhorts us in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” My selfish desires can leave me feeling as if I am lacking, as if there is yet more to be desired. But Paul encourages me to be content with the food and clothes. I tend to think that the bare necessities ought to include far more. I read in Philippians 4:11-13, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Paul takes no easy way around the issue here, and clearly states that we are called to be content in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. With whatever provisions we have. I find it fascinating that directly following his exhortation, Paul reaffirms his own weakness and struggle in this very area by stating that it is Christ who gives him the strength! As weak as I am, I can easily understand from where his necessity for reliance comes.
Contrary to Paul's exhortation I find myself often thinking that there must be something waiting for me in the future, something that has yet to happen, something that I am missing. At times I have even found myself coveting what another who has gone before me, has gained. It seems as if my present circumstances are not good enough for what I desire. Galatians 6:8 carries a stern warning, “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” A second warning comes from Solomon, a man who lived life to the fullest in terms of material possession and physical desire. He fulfilled his desire to the utmost, and yet at the end had only this to say, in Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” He is right. There is no fulfillment in following my own selfish desire, only despair and death. It is easy for me to see how my focus turns to myself. I have found that I sometimes even justify my actions by masking it with actions that serve others. Behind the mask of service, is a root of pride seeking fulfillment by my deeds. All of this focus, however, is misplaced. It rightly belongs on God. Galatians 5:16 tells us “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets our desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Herein lies the challenge: when the focus rests on myself, it is in opposition to God. When it is on God, it is against me and I do not do the things I please.
The need to turn the focus back to God rests on an understanding of life's purpose: to glorify God. When He created me it was not out of a need. There is no way that He depends on me or that He relies on me. I am here to glorify Him. I see it in Isaiah 43:7 “Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made.” And again in 1 Peter 4:11 “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God my be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen.” These verses do not leave room for my selfish ambitions, nor do they allow me to take the glory. Understanding my purpose gives me a direction to channel my efforts, and a reason to continue on when things go wrong and bring me no recognition, or even failure. My efforts, even when difficult or requiring great sacrifice, become worthwhile for the knowledge that they are not for me. I read in Philippians 3:7 “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”
This purpose in life is a blessing, but presents a whole new challenge: how to bring about death to self. In a pursuit to glorify God, I cannot also glorify myself. The pride within me that seeks recognition, gratitude, success, material goods, must be buried. I must learn to let go of that which drives me, that which give me self-satisfaction, that which brings me self-confidence. To let go of all this leaves me in a vulnerable position and according to the world, weak. I find that I must always have something in which to place my trust, and when I have removed myself from that position, God is ready, able and willing to fill it. Philippians 4:19-20 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” The ironic thing about this is that any trust I place in myself is worthless...trust cannot be based on wavering inconsistent sin. Trust can really, truly, only be placed in God. He alone is never changing and worthy of my trust. Galatians 2:20 tells about this change of trust, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” The most challenging part of this transition is to completely let go. I find it easy to trust God for some things, and rely on myself for the rest. But this cannot be. I have to let God be God, and do what He alone can do. I love Isaiah 64:4 “For from says of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has eye seen a God besides You, who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.” Truly, this is so.
When I allow God to humble my pride, when I surrender my needs, when I turn my focus upward and allow myself to stay in the resulting vulnerable hard place, there comes a drastic heart change that is called trust. When I turn the focus away from myself, it is free to then be turned towards God. When I seek to glorify God, I will not glorify myself, and He will be glorified. The vulnerability that comes with trust is the greatest advantage to me. It allows me to be anywhere that God chooses to lead me even though it be outside my comfort zone, thoughts and desires, and my plan. It allows me to be WHEREVER God leads me. When I know that God is leading, I can go forward without fear or apprehension because nowhere can I be beyond His care and guidance. When my focus is on God and I have left behind my will, I can then be stretched, challenged, even hurt, but still continue on in the power that is so much greater than my own. Philippians 4:6-7 is beautifully reassuring, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Perhaps in all of that, you can see how the many thoughts do indeed tie together. I have such a difficult time getting my thoughts onto paper, so I understand if you cannot follow what I have said. I hope and pray that it is of some encouragement to you, that perhaps you have been challenged or lifted up.
That quote would be an accurate summation of some of my recent thoughts. I says thoughts plural, due to the fact that they have been many and varied, yet I have come to the conclusion that they all fit together to form a single, complete, and sobering thought. Namely, the one given above.
Perhaps you are curious as to what these thoughts must have been? They include some of the following: “I am discontent with where I am in life.” “Life's purpose is to glorify God.” “God is God. I ought to stop trying to be.” “When our focus is on glorifying God, we can be content with any challenge God brings our way.” I think you will now have to agree with me that they are varied. Let me try to explain how these things work together.
-------------------------------
I find a disturbing but nonetheless frequent trend of discontentment with my present circumstances. It is not rising primarily from a great dislike for where I am, or what I am doing, but rather an attitude that looks too far and too eagerly forward in life. I find my focus turned to myself or fulfillment of myself through serving others. By default, when the focus is turned to myself it is not where it rightly belongs: on God. This direction of focus is not only wrong but it denies my purpose in life: to glorify God. This purpose requires an increase of trust as I die to myself, and let God be God! The result of this change of purpose is truly freeing, and worth every bit of the sacrifice.
Paul exhorts us in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” My selfish desires can leave me feeling as if I am lacking, as if there is yet more to be desired. But Paul encourages me to be content with the food and clothes. I tend to think that the bare necessities ought to include far more. I read in Philippians 4:11-13, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Paul takes no easy way around the issue here, and clearly states that we are called to be content in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. With whatever provisions we have. I find it fascinating that directly following his exhortation, Paul reaffirms his own weakness and struggle in this very area by stating that it is Christ who gives him the strength! As weak as I am, I can easily understand from where his necessity for reliance comes.
Contrary to Paul's exhortation I find myself often thinking that there must be something waiting for me in the future, something that has yet to happen, something that I am missing. At times I have even found myself coveting what another who has gone before me, has gained. It seems as if my present circumstances are not good enough for what I desire. Galatians 6:8 carries a stern warning, “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” A second warning comes from Solomon, a man who lived life to the fullest in terms of material possession and physical desire. He fulfilled his desire to the utmost, and yet at the end had only this to say, in Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” He is right. There is no fulfillment in following my own selfish desire, only despair and death. It is easy for me to see how my focus turns to myself. I have found that I sometimes even justify my actions by masking it with actions that serve others. Behind the mask of service, is a root of pride seeking fulfillment by my deeds. All of this focus, however, is misplaced. It rightly belongs on God. Galatians 5:16 tells us “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets our desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Herein lies the challenge: when the focus rests on myself, it is in opposition to God. When it is on God, it is against me and I do not do the things I please.
The need to turn the focus back to God rests on an understanding of life's purpose: to glorify God. When He created me it was not out of a need. There is no way that He depends on me or that He relies on me. I am here to glorify Him. I see it in Isaiah 43:7 “Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made.” And again in 1 Peter 4:11 “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God my be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen.” These verses do not leave room for my selfish ambitions, nor do they allow me to take the glory. Understanding my purpose gives me a direction to channel my efforts, and a reason to continue on when things go wrong and bring me no recognition, or even failure. My efforts, even when difficult or requiring great sacrifice, become worthwhile for the knowledge that they are not for me. I read in Philippians 3:7 “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”
This purpose in life is a blessing, but presents a whole new challenge: how to bring about death to self. In a pursuit to glorify God, I cannot also glorify myself. The pride within me that seeks recognition, gratitude, success, material goods, must be buried. I must learn to let go of that which drives me, that which give me self-satisfaction, that which brings me self-confidence. To let go of all this leaves me in a vulnerable position and according to the world, weak. I find that I must always have something in which to place my trust, and when I have removed myself from that position, God is ready, able and willing to fill it. Philippians 4:19-20 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” The ironic thing about this is that any trust I place in myself is worthless...trust cannot be based on wavering inconsistent sin. Trust can really, truly, only be placed in God. He alone is never changing and worthy of my trust. Galatians 2:20 tells about this change of trust, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” The most challenging part of this transition is to completely let go. I find it easy to trust God for some things, and rely on myself for the rest. But this cannot be. I have to let God be God, and do what He alone can do. I love Isaiah 64:4 “For from says of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has eye seen a God besides You, who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.” Truly, this is so.
When I allow God to humble my pride, when I surrender my needs, when I turn my focus upward and allow myself to stay in the resulting vulnerable hard place, there comes a drastic heart change that is called trust. When I turn the focus away from myself, it is free to then be turned towards God. When I seek to glorify God, I will not glorify myself, and He will be glorified. The vulnerability that comes with trust is the greatest advantage to me. It allows me to be anywhere that God chooses to lead me even though it be outside my comfort zone, thoughts and desires, and my plan. It allows me to be WHEREVER God leads me. When I know that God is leading, I can go forward without fear or apprehension because nowhere can I be beyond His care and guidance. When my focus is on God and I have left behind my will, I can then be stretched, challenged, even hurt, but still continue on in the power that is so much greater than my own. Philippians 4:6-7 is beautifully reassuring, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Perhaps in all of that, you can see how the many thoughts do indeed tie together. I have such a difficult time getting my thoughts onto paper, so I understand if you cannot follow what I have said. I hope and pray that it is of some encouragement to you, that perhaps you have been challenged or lifted up.
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