GO:
I think I may have a slightly different view or self-made definition of "worship" than some people who might be posting on FMF today as well.
To me, worship is more than a type of music. Worship is more than something we do for a set amount of time.
Worship goes beyond that.
To me, true worship happens when we devote our whole lives to Jesus. When everything we do, everything we say, points others toward the greatness and majesty of our amazing, incredible, loving Lord.
Now, often, music enhances that feeling of awe we may have when we are relishing the presence of the Lord. And yes, we may feel that intimacy a little truer when we are in our quiet time that we try (sometimes desperately!!) to set aside to be with Jesus. These things and important, and even essential to growing our spiritual relationship with Christ. But to me, this is not the end-all, be-all of worship.
When our lives are lived in and through and for Christ, every second of every minute of our life is a source of worship, and so our whole life is a continuous flow of worship.
This is my prayer, that my life be one that helps others see the goodness of God through the sacrifice of Christ, His Son.
STOP
Friday, August 30, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Five Minute Friday: Last
Five minutes to write on this prompt: Last.
GO.
I don't remember many "lasts" in my life. Some people have this amazing gift to remember things, and remember things well. I see it as a gift because I don't think I remember things well.
There are times when I'm together with friends or family, and they start talking about certain instances, or funny stories. Most of the time, after we start talking about them, I do remember them, but to just pick a moment or time at random and start talking about it? Not me.
Because of that, I don't remember many "lasts" going on.
I remember I was happy on my last day of high school. I remember I was relieved when I got to leave a bad job for the last day.
Oh, yes, and I remember the last time I got to have lunch with a good friend. It was awesome -- an hour and a half at the Cheesecake Factory. Delicious. The food, and the fellowship both!
And I remember the last kiss Dave gave me. (That's easy, it was about an hour ago!)
And I remember the last beautiful sunrise I saw. (It's going on right now!)
And I remember the last time I was overwhelmed by God's goodness and grace. (About 20 minutes ago during my Scripture study.)
So maybe it's OK that I don't remember all my "lasts".
I just remember the good ones.
STOP.
GO.
I don't remember many "lasts" in my life. Some people have this amazing gift to remember things, and remember things well. I see it as a gift because I don't think I remember things well.
There are times when I'm together with friends or family, and they start talking about certain instances, or funny stories. Most of the time, after we start talking about them, I do remember them, but to just pick a moment or time at random and start talking about it? Not me.
Because of that, I don't remember many "lasts" going on.
I remember I was happy on my last day of high school. I remember I was relieved when I got to leave a bad job for the last day.
Oh, yes, and I remember the last time I got to have lunch with a good friend. It was awesome -- an hour and a half at the Cheesecake Factory. Delicious. The food, and the fellowship both!
And I remember the last kiss Dave gave me. (That's easy, it was about an hour ago!)
And I remember the last beautiful sunrise I saw. (It's going on right now!)
And I remember the last time I was overwhelmed by God's goodness and grace. (About 20 minutes ago during my Scripture study.)
So maybe it's OK that I don't remember all my "lasts".
I just remember the good ones.
STOP.
Friday, August 9, 2013
FMF: Lonely
Five minutes on the topic of "lonely."
GO
A couple days ago I finally did my FMF post on "Belong." So in a way, I kind of thought I covered "Lonely" by what I shared in that post.
Then today happened.
I hadn't been looking TOO forward to today for some time, to be honest. First day back to school. I was feeling sad, discouraged, down in the dumps, so I did what any normal person with social media did: I posted it on Facebook. Then walked away to get the day going.
A day of workshops and sessions at work. In a previous blog post, I had talked about how it seems hard to break in with people at work, to get into their pre-formed circles. Cliques, if you will. Much of the time, I feel like I don't belong. So, walking in to the first session, almost everyone was seated. I did the old middle school sweep-across-the-room-hoping-for-an-invitation-to-sit-down look from someone. Anyone. It didn't come. Since I didn't see too many open seats without crowding a table, I sat down at a table by myself. A couple other teachers did sit down at the same table, eventually.
Now, picture it -- I had just posted my down in the dumps post online, then walked into the replication of the dreaded lunchroom experience. My day was not getting better.
Then, God did His amazing thing. He reached out to me.
My phone notification started going off with Facebook comments. God reached out to me through some of my amazing friends. I felt the presence of God through Denise, and Susan, and Beth, and Rhonda, and so many others who offered hope and encouragement in my day. I have been humbled, and honored, and blessed by their words today.
These comments did much more than give me something to read for part of the first session of this work day: they helped me remember I really am never alone. I may be in situations where I feel lonely, but I know God is always with me, and His Spirit is working through others to remind me of His goodness and His grace.
I pray I can do His work to reach out to others -- especially when they may be feeling lonely, and remind them they really never are alone.
STOP (A little more than 5 minutes, but not too bad!)
GO
A couple days ago I finally did my FMF post on "Belong." So in a way, I kind of thought I covered "Lonely" by what I shared in that post.
Then today happened.
I hadn't been looking TOO forward to today for some time, to be honest. First day back to school. I was feeling sad, discouraged, down in the dumps, so I did what any normal person with social media did: I posted it on Facebook. Then walked away to get the day going.
A day of workshops and sessions at work. In a previous blog post, I had talked about how it seems hard to break in with people at work, to get into their pre-formed circles. Cliques, if you will. Much of the time, I feel like I don't belong. So, walking in to the first session, almost everyone was seated. I did the old middle school sweep-across-the-room-hoping-for-an-invitation-to-sit-down look from someone. Anyone. It didn't come. Since I didn't see too many open seats without crowding a table, I sat down at a table by myself. A couple other teachers did sit down at the same table, eventually.
Now, picture it -- I had just posted my down in the dumps post online, then walked into the replication of the dreaded lunchroom experience. My day was not getting better.
Then, God did His amazing thing. He reached out to me.
My phone notification started going off with Facebook comments. God reached out to me through some of my amazing friends. I felt the presence of God through Denise, and Susan, and Beth, and Rhonda, and so many others who offered hope and encouragement in my day. I have been humbled, and honored, and blessed by their words today.
These comments did much more than give me something to read for part of the first session of this work day: they helped me remember I really am never alone. I may be in situations where I feel lonely, but I know God is always with me, and His Spirit is working through others to remind me of His goodness and His grace.
I pray I can do His work to reach out to others -- especially when they may be feeling lonely, and remind them they really never are alone.
STOP (A little more than 5 minutes, but not too bad!)
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
A Different Take on FMF: Belong
So I haven't done a Five-Minute Friday post for a few weeks. Yes, I've been doing lots of things as summer draws to a close. But honestly, one of the FMF prompts a couple weeks ago stopped me cold: Belong. There's no way I can do a five-minute post on that one word. It's loaded. Here's why:
Am I the only one who feels like I don't belong much of the time?
Let me give you some examples of what I mean:
The teachers I work with are great, but they've all established quite the working relationship that it's hard for me to "break into" since I've only been there two years so far. I feel like I don't belong.
The church my husband belongs to is an incredible church. They've welcomed me, they reach out to me, they include me in many activities, but when it comes down to it, I don't belong.
For many years, my friends and neighbors have gotten married and created their own family units. When they talk of their kids, when they have endless activities and are so very busy keeping up with their wonderful families, I don't belong.
I used to be a relatively decent runner. Sidelined by my broken foot a couple years ago, and just due to my own laziness, I'm not much of a runner anymore. But I'm working to get back to that point where I can talk running strategies with others. But for now? I don't belong.
I can go on and on and on.....I don't belong with ladies who do incredible needlework and amazing quilts. (Sure, I do OK, but compared to some.......sheesh!) :) I don't belong with people who are great cooks. (Sure, Dave and I aren't starving, but.....you get it.) I want to have a blog that makes a difference, that helps others know God's love. Do I belong with the ladies I see at that level? Not at this point.
I know insecurities can find us wherever we are, at whatever stage of life we find ourselves. I can wallow in those insecurities - and sometimes do! - but I know this is not where I am meant to be.
So, this is where life gets interesting.
I know I have two definite "belongings" in my life: with my husband, and with Christ. And I don't feel I can talk about one without the other. Dave brings Christ to my life every day -- he shows me God's mercy through the forgiveness he offers me, he brings me Christ's love in countless beautiful ways, he offers me reassurance through Christ that I DO belong. I am every day, and forever grateful to our almighty, loving God who brought Dave and I together.
I belong with him. And I belong with Him.
Am I the only one who feels like I don't belong much of the time?
Let me give you some examples of what I mean:
The teachers I work with are great, but they've all established quite the working relationship that it's hard for me to "break into" since I've only been there two years so far. I feel like I don't belong.
The church my husband belongs to is an incredible church. They've welcomed me, they reach out to me, they include me in many activities, but when it comes down to it, I don't belong.
For many years, my friends and neighbors have gotten married and created their own family units. When they talk of their kids, when they have endless activities and are so very busy keeping up with their wonderful families, I don't belong.
I used to be a relatively decent runner. Sidelined by my broken foot a couple years ago, and just due to my own laziness, I'm not much of a runner anymore. But I'm working to get back to that point where I can talk running strategies with others. But for now? I don't belong.
I can go on and on and on.....I don't belong with ladies who do incredible needlework and amazing quilts. (Sure, I do OK, but compared to some.......sheesh!) :) I don't belong with people who are great cooks. (Sure, Dave and I aren't starving, but.....you get it.) I want to have a blog that makes a difference, that helps others know God's love. Do I belong with the ladies I see at that level? Not at this point.
I know insecurities can find us wherever we are, at whatever stage of life we find ourselves. I can wallow in those insecurities - and sometimes do! - but I know this is not where I am meant to be.
So, this is where life gets interesting.
I know I have two definite "belongings" in my life: with my husband, and with Christ. And I don't feel I can talk about one without the other. Dave brings Christ to my life every day -- he shows me God's mercy through the forgiveness he offers me, he brings me Christ's love in countless beautiful ways, he offers me reassurance through Christ that I DO belong. I am every day, and forever grateful to our almighty, loving God who brought Dave and I together.
I belong with him. And I belong with Him.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Five Minute Friday: Present
I've had the luxury this summer of having a lot of down time. This feels like the first summer for a long time that this has happened. Not having to take classes, not preparing for a new job, not getting married -- these things are what I've done the last 3 summers, so this summer it is very nice to have free time.
There have been many things I've wanted to do during this time away from school: work on my quilting stash, keep the garden better, go to a yarn shop and pull any yarn I want to and start a small project, start running again. I've done better with some of these things than others, I must admit. (But I actually *have* run!)
Yet, I have to keep watch on myself so that I stay present with what I AM doing, so that I don't get so caught up in what's coming up that I lose track of what I'm doing in the present moment. Whether it's enjoying sewing on one of my quilt projects that have been tucked in my cupboard for however many years, or spending a fun day with my nieces, or working in the garden, it's hard for me to keep my mind from racing. And can it ever race: from what else needs to be done, to what's coming up, to what happened the other day.....you get the picture.
But, with God's amazing grace, every once in a while, I do have the sense to just pause, and breathe in, and "check in" with myself, with Him, with what He's given me. When I am able to be present, I'm able to appreciate greater the incredible blessings my God grants to me every day, and I'm able to share those blessings with others with a more cheerful heart and more willing spirit. And everyone appreciates that!
There have been many things I've wanted to do during this time away from school: work on my quilting stash, keep the garden better, go to a yarn shop and pull any yarn I want to and start a small project, start running again. I've done better with some of these things than others, I must admit. (But I actually *have* run!)
Yet, I have to keep watch on myself so that I stay present with what I AM doing, so that I don't get so caught up in what's coming up that I lose track of what I'm doing in the present moment. Whether it's enjoying sewing on one of my quilt projects that have been tucked in my cupboard for however many years, or spending a fun day with my nieces, or working in the garden, it's hard for me to keep my mind from racing. And can it ever race: from what else needs to be done, to what's coming up, to what happened the other day.....you get the picture.
But, with God's amazing grace, every once in a while, I do have the sense to just pause, and breathe in, and "check in" with myself, with Him, with what He's given me. When I am able to be present, I'm able to appreciate greater the incredible blessings my God grants to me every day, and I'm able to share those blessings with others with a more cheerful heart and more willing spirit. And everyone appreciates that!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Five Minute Friday: Beautiful
Today's Five-Minute-Friday word is: Beautiful
GO:
I am blessed to be surrounded by beauty. I realize this as I see it everyday.
Not everyone would agree with my perspective of beauty.
We have a beautiful home, but none of it, nor any of our belongings, have been designed or decorated by well-known designers. Well, OK, other than the "named" purse I've been fortunate to have for the last month or so. But our home is beautiful, and welcoming, and it's home.
I look out the windows of our home, and I see waves of green flowing in the fields. I believe the mountains are beautiful, I love the beach for it's beauty as well, but, there is beauty to be found in the Midwest too, believe it or not.
I look in the mirror, and I don't always see beauty. In fact, more times than not, I see flaws, imperfections, things I'd like to have different. But when my husband sees me, he sees beauty, and that's important to me. And I treasure that. Immensely.
When Christ sees me, I realize He created me -- flaws and imperfections and all. But He created me in His image. I view Christ as beautiful -- broken, and beautiful. Which means, if I am created in Christ's image, I am beautiful.
And that's the most important way I choose to view myself. Beautiful, not in my eyes, nor in my husband's eyes, but in Christ's eyes.
DONE.
GO:
I am blessed to be surrounded by beauty. I realize this as I see it everyday.
Not everyone would agree with my perspective of beauty.
We have a beautiful home, but none of it, nor any of our belongings, have been designed or decorated by well-known designers. Well, OK, other than the "named" purse I've been fortunate to have for the last month or so. But our home is beautiful, and welcoming, and it's home.
I look out the windows of our home, and I see waves of green flowing in the fields. I believe the mountains are beautiful, I love the beach for it's beauty as well, but, there is beauty to be found in the Midwest too, believe it or not.
I look in the mirror, and I don't always see beauty. In fact, more times than not, I see flaws, imperfections, things I'd like to have different. But when my husband sees me, he sees beauty, and that's important to me. And I treasure that. Immensely.
When Christ sees me, I realize He created me -- flaws and imperfections and all. But He created me in His image. I view Christ as beautiful -- broken, and beautiful. Which means, if I am created in Christ's image, I am beautiful.
And that's the most important way I choose to view myself. Beautiful, not in my eyes, nor in my husband's eyes, but in Christ's eyes.
DONE.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Five Minute Friday: In Between
Today's prompt: In Between
GO
I don't know many people who enjoy being in between. It's a place I think all of us find ourselves at one time or another. And from what I hear from other people, they don't enjoy it anymore than I do.
There's always some level of in between going on. In my family, I was in between siblings: 4 older, 2 younger. I loved it. That, I guess, was - and still is - one case of in between I don't mind.
But at the same time, there are other in betweens going on:
I'm in between school years.
I'm in between loads of laundry.
I'm in between efforts to get back in shape.
I'm in between being content with my job and wanting to do something different.
A good friend of mine went through an incredible trial a couple years ago when their daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 23 years of age. Her daughter, Melissa, was a first-year teacher, taking graduate classes, working a part-time job, enjoyed exercise and healthy living, so it came as quite a shock to her family. My friend, Maggie, told me during one of their in between treatment times, that although they were encouraged, it was tough being in that "holding pattern". She said to me: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window, but sometimes, it's hell in the hallway."
Now, thank heaven, I'm not dealing with anything that critical in my life right now. But it's not comfortable to be in between.
I know in my heart, though, it CAN give me a chance to practice patience, practice relying more fully on God. I will pray to focus on that rather than my discomfort as I work through the in between.
STOP
GO
I don't know many people who enjoy being in between. It's a place I think all of us find ourselves at one time or another. And from what I hear from other people, they don't enjoy it anymore than I do.
There's always some level of in between going on. In my family, I was in between siblings: 4 older, 2 younger. I loved it. That, I guess, was - and still is - one case of in between I don't mind.
But at the same time, there are other in betweens going on:
I'm in between school years.
I'm in between loads of laundry.
I'm in between efforts to get back in shape.
I'm in between being content with my job and wanting to do something different.
A good friend of mine went through an incredible trial a couple years ago when their daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 23 years of age. Her daughter, Melissa, was a first-year teacher, taking graduate classes, working a part-time job, enjoyed exercise and healthy living, so it came as quite a shock to her family. My friend, Maggie, told me during one of their in between treatment times, that although they were encouraged, it was tough being in that "holding pattern". She said to me: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window, but sometimes, it's hell in the hallway."
Now, thank heaven, I'm not dealing with anything that critical in my life right now. But it's not comfortable to be in between.
I know in my heart, though, it CAN give me a chance to practice patience, practice relying more fully on God. I will pray to focus on that rather than my discomfort as I work through the in between.
STOP
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