Morning Reveals

October 3, 2016

Forfeiting Your Peace

“What a Friend We Have In Jesus”

I grew up singing this song. But Sunday morning we revisited it. I hadn’t sung it in quite a while and at first I started to just go through the motions, singing the comfortable words written on the recesses of my mind. What a Friend we Have in Jesus

But, half way through those familiar words began to prick my heart. After a difficult week where worry of the present and the future dominated my mind instead of prayer and thanksgiving, I came to the end of the week anxious, weary and at a lack of peace.

And then, as the melody swirled around me, these words came out of my mouth and then my ears finally had ears to hear.

“What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!”

I have forfeited peace all week long. Clinging to my worries. Clinging to my boyfriend. Clinging to my family. Clinging to my friends. Clinging to my job. Clinging to everything but Christ.

Notice the song doesn’t say the troubles are taken away, it simply says that while in our trouble we are granted peace and a friend to lean on.

Prayer is personal and thats what God wants. He wants to have that relationship. He is our friend. He is our Savior. He grants us peace even as we deal with the hardships of life.

Dear Lord. You know I’ve been worried about the future. Family. Finances. Debt. Savings. Work…and the list goes on. Lord don’t let me forfeit peace anymore. Let me give you any sinful or irrational thought. Help me remember scripture more than I remember my worry. Help me to remember your promises before I dwell on my situation. Help me to turn from sin, while dwelling on your mercy, grace and hope.

Lord, let me choose your peace, your friendship over any difficult circumstance and any anxious thought. Let me wake each morning confident in your promises and go to bed each night having seen your faithfulness throughout the day.

Psalms 92:1-2

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night…”

October 9, 2015

When News Overwhelms & Evil Seems To Win

Appalled yes…but why are we surprised? Over the last year, working in a news station, we have covered many sad and some down-right evil stories. A baby was left for dead in a dumpster, two journalists were shot and killed during live television. A man was welcomed into a church only to pull out a gun and kill minutes later. I was on my way to an evening of movies in the park, only to find it was canceled because a shooter was on the loose. Then, nine students shot in Oregon. Students. They wanted to better their lives, their understanding of the world and the subjects they loved. Their future snatched away from them. These stories overwhelm me, and there’s never an end. Every morning my phone alerts me to what is happening in my community or around the world. Sometimes I look right away and other times I roll over not willing to be pulled into the darkness of the world just yet.

What I continue to hear around the newsroom are sentiments like these: “man this is a crazy world”, “why are people so psycho?” “what is wrong with people?”…. I have asked some of these questions myself. But then, I realized I know the reason. You may roll your eyes with the Sunday School answer I’m about to give, but it is truth, no matter how simple minded it may sound. It’s sin. It all started in Genesis when we chose ourself over God, and ever since people have continued to make that decision over and over again. Free-will at its worst.

Sometimes this is on a small scale, in adultery and lust. Or even in our habit of binge watching tv (I have been convicted of this lately…after I watched all five seasons of a show in less than 2 weeks) We choose ourselves, our desires, wants, dreams over God’s will for our lives.

What is happening in our world today isn’t really new. People are starving. They’re torturing for a cause. They’re being killed for a cause.

People are dying.

And that hasn’t changed since Adam and Eve were banished from the garden. Don’t let yourself be fooled into thinking people’s hearts were ever better or worse than they are today. Cain killed his brother. His BROTHER. David sent his mistress’ husband to the front lines of battle to be killed. Paul before his conversion, murdered in God’s name, when really he was persecuting God and His people the entire time.

If back 2,000 years ago, people were better, there would have never been a need for Jesus to come and die. If people were so good 50 years ago, there would have been no need for Vietnam or the Civil Rights movement. Light People’s hearts are corrupt. God knows and so He gave us Jesus. He shouldn’t be an expletive or pun in our day to day lives. His sacrifice was so we could choose him to save us from ourselves.

So be appalled at the news of today…but don’t be surprised. The Bible tells stories of this happening for thousands of years. But I don’t say this to discourage you. The Bible also tells us how God continues to redeem people even after heartache, slavery, poverty, sickness, death, and the consequences of our own sin. Remember Job lost everything and yet continued to praise. Remember the apostles felt like they were up against the entire Roman Empire, and yet God allowed the Word to continue to spread in spite of Rome’s best efforts to squelch it.

God is a redeemer and He is ultimately victorious (Go read Revelation). So next time the world seems too much to handle and you just can’t understand where it all went wrong…remember it went wrong long ago, and it’s not our job to fix it. Let me repeat that. It is NOT our job to fix the world. But we are to be the light. You may feel consumed by the evil of the world; with “what can I possibly do?” screaming in your mind. But remember you were once walking in darkness too, but now God calls you to be the light, penetrating your corner of the world. “…you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.”–Ephesians 5:8

September 26, 2015

7 Ways To Make Friends After College

The exciting days of college are becoming a distant memory and finding new friends just isn’t as easy as it used to be. Here are some ways that I forged new friends outside of college; forcing myself out of my comfort zone.

Be willing to be rejected. I’ll be honest, this one is hard. For me, I don’t send an invite unless I already know the answer will be yes. But, I’ve learned to make new friendships and to possibly meet my next date, I have to step outside my norm and be willing to receive a “no”.
Check out sites for things to do in your city or town. I am not from a very large city, but I have been surprised at how much actually goes on if I actively look for things to do. I subscribe to a website that gives local events and I’ve also found a group on facebook for young adults in my city. Both give me great ideas of free and cheap things to do throughout the week. I’ve become the girl who “always knows what’s going on around town.” Not a bad description.
Now, once you’ve found something to do…don’t be afraid to go alone. But first, ask a coworker you would like to get to know better. Or ask that new acquaintance you met at the last event you attended. Technology makes this easier because you can send a quick facebook or text invite. Enjoy your netflix and hulu time…but stop saying no to things just because you don’t want to go alone. (I’m still preaching this one to myself…baby steps right?)
Get plugged into a church. I know you hear this one all the time, but remember church isn’t for us to be served, but to serve. Anytime you’re able to serve alongside others you will naturally form relationships. I was reluctant to go to an all women’s Sunday School class…but now 3 years later I am so glad I did. I have learned so much from the 20 and 30 something ladies that I worship alongside every week.
Meet your neighbors. I live in an apartment complex, and I remember it was two weeks before I ever ran into anyone else. TWO WEEKS! I was used to meeting people on the stairs or the elevator in college, but here I had not seen a single person outside their door. I didn’t know what to do. One night, I heard someone come in downstairs and so I hurried to slip on my shoes and run to “get my mail”…only to find my aunt and uncle coming up the stairs to visit me. I was happy to see them, but was disappointed I would have to keep waiting to meet a neighbor. But, once I did, I made some lasting friendships. Whether your neighbors are elderly or your age, remember they may be lonely and looking for friendship too. I now hang out with two of my neighbors regularly and check in on some of my elderly neighbors, especially if we’re expecting bad weather.
If you’re in a relationship, don’t discount new single friends. They need you more than you know. If you’re single, don’t discount new couple friends. You will be amazed at how much fun you can have as a third or fifth wheel. For a while I felt in the way when I would tag along on one of my couple-friend’s dates. But eventually, I stopped feeling like I was being pitied and realized they did enjoy my company. Some of my best friends right now are married couples. Even though they are in a different stage of life than I am, we are both able to encourage and learn from one another. Also, as a woman, it’s always great to get a guy’s perspective about things when his wife and I are overthinking something (this doesn’t happen often or anything).
Once you’ve found a few people to start hanging out with, create a tradition. For me, I started a Bible study every week. It’s really become a lifeline for me. I know every week I have somewhere to be and people to invest in. Then, we try to make plans for other fun things to do, like going to ballgames or catching a drive-in movie. Or if your friends all love a certain show, ask them to watch it together every week, all of the comic book shows on right now make a great invite to get guys and gals together regularly.

The main thing to remember is you aren’t the only one struggling. After your school years, unless you work with them or go to church with them, it’s hard to form new relationships. Don’t be afraid to step out of your apartment (I know it gets lonely) and just say hello to someone new. You never know where God might lead the conversation.

September 26, 2015

Not Where You Thought You’d Be

In today’s economy working your dream job is usually just that… a dream. But, even if you have found yourself in a position you did not really want or (in my case) did not feel you were qualified for, there is still no reason for you not to do your absolute best.

Four years ago a local news station decided to take a chance on me. I had just graduated with a PR degree and had never run a camera in my life, but nevertheless, something struck my boss and she hired me. Since then, I have gone from knowing absolutely nothing about broadcasting to knowing… a smidgen about the broadcast business. This is not for a lack of learning, but is due to the fact there is just so much to learn.

So, even though I found myself in a job I was not technically prepared for, I have done some things I believe have helped me become established in my position.

Ask Questions. When I first started I mainly asked questions of my coworker and my boss, but as I have interacted with more workers at the station I have gradually built a better understanding of all the different departments. Generally, people like to talk about what they do. If you pinpoint what their specific job is, you can build a foundation of understanding for how their job contributes to the entire organization. If you do not see the value in every position, you will not truly grasp how the company works. Without this understanding, you cannot efficiently relate with those in and outside the company.
Observe, Read and Watch Tutorials–if they exist. As I said, I began a job I was not trained to do. I did not know how to run a camera, how to use After Effects, write broadcast material. So, google became my friend. I began reading up on camera terminology, watching tutorials on how to use different software, and then I observed my coworkers. All of this helped me build a foundation of knowledge that I am now expounding upon. Now, with my basic foundation I can explore more on my own, experimenting and being more creative instead of regurgitating what has been done in the past. This does not mean I am done learning. I still read articles, I still watch tutorials, and I still observe. But this step gave me the knowledge I needed to do my job and the courage to be creative.
Contribute the skills you already possess. Even if you feel completely lost in this new position, know that you would not have been hired if they thought you wouldn’t add to the organization. As for myself, I didn’t know the business, but I knew how to write, relate to my audience, and I had the drive to learn.
Enjoy what you do. No, it may not be what you always wanted to do but you can still enjoy your job. Make it a point to get to know those you work with. Challenge yourself to get to know them outside the work place as well. Remember you are there to get your work done, but that does not mean you cannot have a little fun. I have found my best ideas come when I am being a little silly and just throwing whatever comes to mind out on the table. Yes, you might have a few dumb ideas, but eventually you’ll hit jackpot.
Talk, Walk and See People. Depending on your personality, this one may not apply to you, but I love talking to people and in my current position my interaction is mainly over cubicle walls. There have been days of course where I am so swamped with work, that I have very little interaction (mainly through e-mail). But, I have the best attitude on days when I get out of my cubicle, talk to my coworkers, walk around the building and see what is going on in the life of the organization. What you do in your cubicle or office everyday is important, but don’t forget to step out of it every once in a while. I feel that when I do, I am able to focus better, feel more energized and overall am more excited about the job I am doing.

There are many things you can do to make your new position the best experience it can be. But, no matter how many articles like this one you read, the question remains: Will you choose to make this a great experience?

September 26, 2015

Making Room For New Growth

I like looking at flowers and my mom was gracious enough to plant me two beautiful arrangements. However…I am not very good at taking care of them. A few weeks ago I told her I thought they were all dying. To me it just looked like a pot full of decaying stems. She replied, “No I don’t think it’s gone just yet, but see this brown dried up part? You have to tear that off so something new can grow.” By the time she was finished there wasn’t anything but one green vine left in the pot and a few stubs. She said I would have more flowers soon but honestly I didn’t really believe her. There was nothing left in the pot!

But then, a few days later I went out on my balcony to eat my breakfast and there were two new fully bloomed Gerbera Daisies. I was amazed. Mom had cut away so much but God had raised such beauty from it just as she promised He would.
When we feel like that wilting pot of flowers it can be easy to just let your life, your spirit continue to wilt. But God may be allowing portions of your life to fall away so you’ll have room for new growth. When friendships and dreams wither away fear sets in. We hold fast to the wilting leaves in our life and they crumble in our fingers, leaving us bare and empty.

But don’t forget the God we serve. Don’t forget His promises. Even as current life seems to be fading away, He always leaves a portion of us still blooming. He provides new friendships, new opportunities and dreams. Do not despair if things begin to wilt. Hold fast to His promises and pray for the courage to embrace new growth.

September 9, 2015

Lazy In Our Freedom… (which we are FREE to do)

From the Archives:

Each year we set aside days to remember those who have sacrificed everything to give us the freedom that we hold dear. Today we gather with friends and family to celebrate all that we have been given due to our forefathers’ wisdom and willingness to take a risk; a risk that would unite not only thirteen colonies but eventually form a union that has held fast for 236 years.

A month ago I visited for the first time our nation’s capital, and during my visit I was amazed at the paradox of death and life resonating in and around the city. Arlington Cemetery gave testament to the thousands upon thousands who gave their life for our country… for me. I heard stories of wars, assassinations, disagreements and yet there before me sat the United States Capitol building, the Statue of Freedom standing proud on top of that dome. Walking that city I realized no matter how many trials our nation has seen, we have continued to move forward together.

But, as a new generation rises, my own generation and those after it, I wonder how many of us really grasp the importance of our own voice in the progression of this great republic.

I graduated with a bachelor degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. I understand the importance of the press. I understand our role in bringing truth to the masses so that the people can make educated decisions.

1786 August 13, From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe “I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowledge among the people. No other sure foundation can be devised, for the preservation of freedom and happiness…Preach, my dear Sir, a crusade against ignorance; establish & improve the law for educating the common people. Let our countrymen know that the people alone can protect us against these evils [tyranny, oppression, etc.] and that the tax which will be paid for this purpose is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid to kings, priests and nobles who will rise up among us if we leave the people in ignorance.” (more quotes by Jefferson)

Education is key and I believe the press’ responsibility is to act as one venue of education for the people, giving them the information (ideally without bias) so they can form their own opinion and decide what the wisest decision for the country is.

But, even if the press is doing this, (which I will be the first to say though many of us try, we do not always succeed) is our audience in a position to listen, understand and act? I do not believe we are. I do not like blaming the internet for where our nation is now. The internet has expanded many opportunities of learning, growth and communication. But I believe it has also lent a hand to information overload and a shorter attention span.

This being said, I believe my generation is becoming lazy in its freedom.

What are we doing to preserve our freedom? Do we even really understand how to preserve it? Is war our only understanding of preserving our rights?

In DC I also visited the Newseum, which is a museum dedicated to showing the power of the press. One thing that really stuck with me, was the Berlin Wall display and the gentleman in front of me who opened my eyes to an event in history I really knew very little about. He told his friend to look at the graffitied side of the wall (so of course I looked too). This side was completely covered with colorful words, not an inch of the concrete was plain. Then he gestured the man to follow him and they (well, we) walked to the other side where there was a plain, gray piece of concrete, with a watchtower behind it. And the gentleman said, “You can clearly see who had freedom of expression.” As I walked around and heard about what went on behind that wall, I began to realize how free I really am. I can hear both sides of stories and determine for myself what is the truth. Then I have the freedom to take that truth and decide what to do with it. I can talk about it, blog about it and share my opinion about it. I have that freedom, but do I actually do this?

And if I do not, does that put my freedom at stake?

Please understand this is more a confession on my part. I am not the ideal informed public that Jefferson said is so vital to keeping our rights. I listen and read just enough to get by but many times I allow others’ opinions and interpretations to drive my own. And this realization about myself worries me. If we all have this attitude, I think Jefferson would say it would be our own demise.

If we do not utilize our freedom today what do you think our nation will look like tomorrow? Would love to hear your thoughts/opinions.

September 7, 2015

Honor Them With Your Own Sacrifice

From the Archives:

Well let me tell you that staying back at the hotel sick on my vacation in DC was NOT on my agenda. But, when I finally felt well enough to at least get out of bed I decided to make the best of it and come downstairs (into some type of civilization) and write to you.

It has been quite a week and yet I keep thinking of all the things I still haven’t seen or done (which is why today has been so frustrating). But then I remember all of the things I have seen and done and I realize that even if I left today, I would leave changed.

Throughout the week I have been pondering a few questions. One, who am I becoming? Two, who is our nation, and my generation becoming? (I will ponder the second question in a later blog)

I have listened to story after story at the Holocaust Museum, at the National Archives Building, Arlington Cemetery, of people who have stepped up at the right time, in their story to make history. One girl, Sarah, wrote at the end of her life that she would be 23 next July but instead she chose something more important. She chose to help others escape the claws of the Nazis and in the process was eventually caught and sentenced to death. She never made it to her 23^rd birthday.

I will be 23 next month… July…. and I can say with certainty that if you read my journal you would not find anything but pages of me talking about me and my struggles, me…me…me. Where at 23, Sarah knew what was more important and chose that path instead of one that would be self preserving.

Then there was Mary Lee Fitzhugh Custis the wife of George Washington’s grandson. Upon marrying Mr. Custis, who had a plantation home (now Arlington House in Arlington Cemetery) with many slaves, she immediately began working on educating the slaves and also trying to convince her husband to free them. Even though others probably saw her actions as bizarre or not of her station, she did it anyway. She took a stand and later, in her husband’s will, the freedom of many of their slaves was included.

And then our founding fathers. Of course some of them were skeptical that declaring independence was the right choice for their newly formed union but they did it anyway. They took a stand and today, 236 years later, our nation stands tested, tried and still remains true.

But, let us imagine if one of these people had made a different decision. What if Sarah decided that it was too dangerous to help rescue Jews and had stayed home, where it was safe. She might still have died at 23 but it would have meant the ultimate death of thousands more, the thousands that she was supposed to save. Or what if all those buried in Arlington Cemetery had decided freedom would still be theirs even if they did stay home. They might have lived longer but we might not still be in a free, democratic state. Or what if Mary Custis had decided to treat slaves as many other plantation wives treated their… “property”. Those people would never have learned to read and write or learned about the Gospel, which Mary used as a teaching tool.

So today, let us ponder this first question, who am I becoming? Am I choosing to take hold of my story and follow God in making eternal history? We can honor and thank those who have sacrificed all day long. But wouldn’t they rather us remember them by making our own sacrifices? One of my favorite quotes is by Edmund Burke, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

But, let us not look just to other good men for our guides, let us look to our God, to His sword of Truth. I challenge you, as I am challenging myself to begin memorizing the following scripture. It is popular but it is essential to how God has called us to live.

Read: Ephesians 6:10-20.

My verse to memorize this week will be:

Ephesians 6:10-11

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against all the devil’s schemes.”

(The reason I picked this verse is due to the truths that it reminds me of. 1. That our Lord is Mighty and we can be strong because of His might, not our own. 2. To put on the full armor which God has provided for us. You can’t put on armor that doesn’t exist, but God’s armor does exist, we just many times ignore our faith, the Holy Spirit and His Word. 3. That we can stand firm against evil if we do as God has instructed.)

So who are you becoming? I would love to hear your thoughts. Or share stories of others’ sacrifices that have inspired you to take hold of your own story.

August 22, 2015

Why Should Any One Man Care?

From the Archives:

Public places provide prime viewing grounds for all walks of life. Today, I sit at the library. The perception is only nerds like me use the library, but, at least in small town America, it has become a place to cultivate both education and community (which I think is why I love coming here so much). If you sit, listen and watch long enough (don’t be a stalker though ok?), you will see a protective mother and her cubs, the unemployed searching for that long awaited job, the older gentleman on oxygen who comes to read the newspaper every morning, just to get out of the house.

But then you also see some people you might view as a bit different. Such as the gentleman who walked into the “quiet room”, where I am sitting, picked up a newspaper saying in an English accent, “downed flights and shootings everyday, what is the world coming to? And why should I give a shit? Why should any one man?” He glanced at the front page, huffed and threw down the paper.

At first I was a bit startled, trying not to stare at him, as he stalked out of the room, replaying what he had said in my mind. I realized I understood his frustration on some level. Everyday, at 1:30 I sit in a meeting discussing the news of the day; the shootings, the rapes, the wrecks, the floods, the tornados. Destruction. Pain. Chaos.

And my apathy reigns. What can I do about it? Nothing? Ok, let’s move on then.

Is that not the same mindset as the gentleman at the library? We are not the only two who feel this way either. Many of us have stopped watching the news, stopped researching the issues plaguing our country, even refused to vote, because of our apathy. What do we want in a president? Answers to OUR issues. We complain because we feel they are disconnected from “The People”, but how connected are WE to “The People.” Do we even see each other as part of the national community, or are we clutching to our individuality, praying those elected will concern themselves with our problem more than the concern of our neighbor?

Back to the question at hand though, why should any one man concern himself with the world’s scars? Because Jesus does. Loving God, includes loving one another, which is why we cannot isolate ourselves from the world. Isolation, apathy and chosen ignorance is the easy way out. I am guilty of it, that’s for sure. But, Jesus did not run from the issues of the world, he faced them with love and perseverance. He knew what the political law was and followed it, he knew God’s law and followed it. If you’ll remember Pilate said he found no fault in Jesus. God saw no fault in him, the fault lay with us, his creation who chose to walk away. His creation who now trades truth and love for apathy, a simpler way of living, and yet, so unfulfilling.

We should care because Jesus cares. And if we really believe the Gospel and understand it’s importance and significance in this world, we will reject apathy and begin caring about the issues impacting not only our own lives but of our neighbor as well. People surround us all day long, with their own rules, perceptions, hurts, and cares. We may be curious about who they are, but it is time for us to begin caring enough to ask how they are and how we can help. It is time we understand who “THE PEOPLE” are, not only of our nation but of the world.

What are some ways you have rejected apathy and loved those around you?

March 28, 2013

Finding Hope In Suffering

Sorry I haven’t posted in a bit, I have actually been working on a video for my local church! I was so encouraged by these believers’ testimonies. God is so good and believe me when I say, He DOES make a difference. Watch it here.

March 8, 2013

Five Minute Friday — Home

(Today’s post is where I and a multitude of other bloggers free write for five minutes about one topic, Enjoy! Click the icon to see what other’s are writing about “Home”)

Home was always where family was. Where my room, was my only room. Where my brother and I spent mornings with the Power Rangers, afternoons being Power Rangers (I was the pink one!) and evenings watching lightening bugs light up in the jar as we sat and talked. Where I stood beside my mother stirring the big soup pot or covering the sugar cookies with sprinkles. Where I learned to be a carpenter’s, plumber’s, mechanic’s assistant as my dad kept our home going. Where we all sang together on the same pew every Sunday. Where I watched my parents waltz around the kitchen, anxiously awaiting my turn around the dance floor. Where I knew who I was. I was daughter, sister, friend. Now, home is a big question mark. My family and I are still quite close but as another big move looms I am unsure where home is for me. But then I remember, Jesus is my home. God is my father, friend, provider and there I will always know my identity, it will never change, for He never changes. He is home.

March 5, 2013

Old, Not Obsolete, Stories

Jesus sitting with all the children, scary lions pacing around Daniel, Joseph in his beautiful coat, Moses parting the Red Sea, all images that graced the walls of my childhood Sunday School class. We would sit and listen to the amazing stories of the Bible, they were told much in the same way as my fairytale books were read to me each night, filled with adventure. It wasn’t until just a few weeks ago I realized I had allowed myself to skip over many of these stories. I knew the premise of the story and had not bothered to go back and delve deeper into the truths hidden there…(continue reading)

1
3, Oct, 2016
Forfeiting Your Peace
2
9, Oct, 2015
When News Overwhelms & Evil Seems To Win
3
26, Sep, 2015
7 Ways To Make Friends After College
4
26, Sep, 2015
Not Where You Thought You’d Be
5
26, Sep, 2015
Making Room For New Growth
6
9, Sep, 2015
Lazy In Our Freedom… (which we are FREE to do)
7
7, Sep, 2015
Honor Them With Your Own Sacrifice
8
22, Aug, 2015
Why Should Any One Man Care?
9
28, Mar, 2013
Finding Hope In Suffering
10
8, Mar, 2013
Five Minute Friday — Home
11
5, Mar, 2013
Old, Not Obsolete, Stories

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To Be Brave

January 11, 2012

Just one question

This morning I do not have any elaborate blog. No advice. No stories. All I have is a question, one that I myself am having to answer today.

Are you ready?

God granted you a new morning. Look out the window. Whether it is rainy, foggy, sunny, freezing or stifling hot, it is still a day gifted to you by God’s grace. But now you have a choice to make. Are you ready?

Are you ready to rejoice in the day God has given you no matter what it might bring?

Scripture for the day:

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Lamentations 3:22-24

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

1 Peter 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

And then this last verse was sent to me this morning by a friend. She will never know just how much it meant to me to know that I was being prayed for this morning. A morning when I was struggling to choose joy.

Psalms 32:7

You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.

Today is a new day; let us surround ourselves with God’s Word so we can choose joy together and make the most of every opportunity given to us.

Posted by C on January 11, 2012 in Morning Reveals and tagged 1 Peter 1:3, Ecclesiastes 3:11, God's day, Lamentations 3:22-24, new day, Psalms 32:7, Romans 15:13, Zephaniah 3:17.

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December 25, 2011

Our Motives This Christmas Morn

Throughout the year, our hearts long for this day. It’s the time of year where everyone, including people who do not believe in God, choose to be extra nice and generous. It’s the time of year where it would seem the entire world (or at least major parts of it) comes together as we celebrate this holiday. But why do we all celebrate? It would seem we celebrate together, but the motives for some are very different than for others. So my question for you this Christmas morning is why do you celebrate?

The following is an honest portrayal of my own reasons for celebrating.

1. It’s the one time of year I can show all those I care about, just how much I love them. I’m horrible at remembering birthdays but at least at Christmas I can get things I think will be both memorable and serve a purpose in their lives or craft something they’ll be able to treasure for years to come. I love the process of making something for someone else. I take that time to pray for them, and also just to think of the memories we share and the reason why I really want to sew or craft them something.

2. I love this time of year because my family is together. I love it when my family is together! Thankfully we all live close by except for a few on my dad’s side, but for the most part we see each other pretty often. But it’s different at Christmas. At Christmas we get to celebrate together, eat together and also laugh together over presents or games or other events throughout the day.

3. This is the time of year I get to sing! All the time! Whatever era I choose! haha. I love all the Christmas Carols and the new songs that have come out over the years. I just love the excuse to sing. So today, no matter how you sound, sing to those you love or especially to those who are stuck at home, alone this Christmas.

4. And then of course, I’ll admit it, I love getting presents! I am selfish in nature and I admit this. But as I’ve gotten older I’ve found myself more focused on what I want to get others and how it will make them feel rather than on what I will be getting in return. (which is a step in the right direction, but believe me, I still get really excited about… Santa!)

5. Then, sadly, number five on my list is that I get to celebrate my Savior’s birth. You see, this should be our first reason, but for many of us it is not. We love the presents and the atmosphere and the togetherness and then as an afterthought, we say we are celebrating because of Christ’s birth. As I grow in my walk with Christ, this holiday becomes more and more important to me. But, it is still not number one. Let us not only remember, but let what Christ coming to Earth means, really penetrate us today. He left His throne, in the perfect presence of God and came, as just a babe, to live among the squaller of people. Christmas is not just the birth of Jesus. It is the birth of hope’s promise. It is the birth of a man who will later heal the sick, raise the dead and then die, once, for all of mankind so we can have the choice to follow Him into eternity. Jesus is our Savior from death, from a chained mindset of sin and from ourselves. Christmas is a time to celebrate not only the birth but the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

As selfish beings, it can be so hard to keep this in the forefront of our minds during this season, but let us try. I pray you and I both will allow just what Christ did, his sacrifice and his love, to penetrate our hearts today. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I pray in this New Year, Christ will become the reason we celebrate not just on Christmas, but everyday.

Posted by C on December 25, 2011 in Morning Reveals.

1 Comment

November 28, 2011

This Is Not a Silent World

Today, I want us to focus on silence. For the few minutes it takes you to read this I want you to turn off the television, put your phone on silent, turn down the radio, and read. In silence.

Is it hard? I abided by the same rules while writing this. I’m not allowing myself to glance at facebook, or my e-mail, and I’m trying not to dwell on the time.

Why is it so hard for us to sit in silence? I think it is because we do not live in a silent world. The other day I sat in my cubicle eating my lunch and I could not seem to stop fidgeting. I needed something to listen to, something to look at besides the food I was shoveling in my mouth. It had already been a hectic day and I really needed that time to relax and regroup, but I could not enjoy it. I was almost relieved when I got a call and had to end my lunch after only 15 minutes!

We live in a constant state of motion, noise and distractions. When will we learn how to take a few minutes away from the world and enjoy the silence? Remember that Jesus himself valued time of silence as well. Matthew 4:1-11 or Luke 4:1-13, when he spent 40 days and nights in the desert. Yes, this is where he was tempted, but God sustained him in his solitude. He had no one to rely on but God and the scripture written on his heart and still he was able to resist. How many times do we blame someone else for our sins? Someone else should have kept us accountable. Someone else should have taught us this was wrong. Someone else should have stopped us. I do believe other Christians can help us realize our sin and also help us stay accountable; however, other Christians are not our savior. Other Christians are only God’s tool to help us through. God and His Word should be our ultimate sustainer, fueling our ability to refrain from sin.

What would it look like if we took a few minutes everyday to seek out time alone, in silence, to not only pray, but to meditate on His Word? Just maybe when we did find ourselves alone in a situation, we would be ready, just like Jesus was ready.

Jesus often went off by himself to pray. He prayed all night before choosing his disciples (Luke 6:12). He prayed at daybreak and people in the city began to look for him (Luke 4:42). He prayed just before being arrested (Luke 22:39-45). He prayed when he had decisions to make. He prayed when he was tempted. He prayed in the morning. He prayed at night. He prayed before momentous things happened in his life. The key in all of this is that He prayed, in the silence, alone.

Now, while you have your TV off and your phone silenced, take some time to pray this morning. Pray about the challenges you may face today. Pray for the people you might encounter. Pray that you bring Him glory in all you do. Allow God to reveal something to you this morning through His Spirit. Now you can begin the day, His way.

Where do you go to get away from the world to pray and just enjoy the silence?

Posted by C on November 28, 2011 in Morning Reveals.

2 Comments

November 8, 2011

Living Honestly

I do apologize for not posting at all last week. Confession: this subject is hard for me to write. I’ve spent the last week asking others verses they look up when they need the reminder to be honest. I also asked for truths they remember whenever they have the urge to lie or bend the truth. But I think the reason I could not seem to finish this article was because I felt the article itself would be a lie to my readers.

You see I have longed to write for an audience for a very long time. My goal has always been that I wanted to inspire others to dig deeper in their faith and help them understand what they read in the Bible. This is still my goal. The problem? I am not a Biblical scholar, and half of what I read in the Bible, I confess, I do not understand.

So this was my dilemma for the last week. I began to doubt my ability to write anything faith based because I did not understand the complete Bible. Thankfully, I had the courage to voice this fear to one of my very best friends and she gave me some advice (as she always does, even though sometimes I do not listen 🙂

“The fact that you acknowledge that you don’t know everything – and that makes you hesitant – is exactly why you need to write! And maybe you should just say that – that it’s difficult to write about honesty because you’re constantly evaluating just how honest you’re really being.” Continue Reading…

Posted by C on November 8, 2011 in Uncategorized.

Living Honestly

So, here I am the next morning, now able to finally write this piece, maybe not with complete confidence in myself, but I do believe God can use it to help us all remember to live our lives honorably and honestly.

A few days ago I asked some of my facebook friends who they found hardest to be honest wit, the three choices were: others, themselves, or God. Surprisingly no one said God, three said themselves and four (including myself) said others.

As Christians we are called to be honest. But complete honesty is one of my biggest downfalls. I like to think that I am pretty good at reading people. Their hand movements, facial expressions, tone of voice, all lend a hand in understanding what they are thinking and how they feel about certain topics. And because of this, I am always over sensitive about the things I say and how I say them, which leads to my hesitancy in being completely honest. I do not however, have any problem telling people what they want to hear. Whenever I struggle with honesty, my brother likes to joke I should just pretend I am talking with him, because he is one of the few people I am bluntly honest. Many times I would rather ignore the problem rather than face the situation. So today, let us face our sin head on. I would like us to look at some scripture that will help us see how God wants us to handle honesty. Allow God, this morning to have a lovingly honest conversation with us all.

(*All italics and bold lettering were added by me)

Leviticus 19:11

“Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.”

Psalm 15

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.”

(How I wish I could say I was good enough to dwell in His sanctuary. Though these are things we should strive for, take heart that we have a Savior that gives us access to be with God on the “holy hill.” It is by nothing we have done, only by faith in Christ.)

Proverbs 12:22 

“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.”

Micah 6:8

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

(This verse must have been what Casting Crowns read while writing their song “Courageous”)

Ephesians 4:14-16

“Then we will no longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

(This is one of my favorite verses, but perhaps I’ll write more about this verse at a later time. The point I want us to get today is that we need to learn to speak truth in love so that we will grow closer to Christ and also to other Christians.)

Hebrews 13:18

“Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorable in every way.”

(When I first read this I thought the author was being slightly “high and mighty”, believing he had a clear conscience and surely lived an honorable life. But then I remembered the first sentence in this verse. “Pray for us.” This reminded me that the author is first saying, we need your prayers, for though we are trying to live an honorable life, we still need help. I think this is key. We are trying to live an upright, honest life, but we still fail. So do not be afraid to ask others to pray for you. If honesty is something you struggle with, then ask someone who knows you best to pray that you will have the courage to be honest with others, yourself and God.)

The next is not a Bible verse, but a wise friend has always told me that if you tell the truth, you never have to try and remember what you said and therefore never get caught in your own tangled web of lies.

I feel like this has been somewhat of a rambling mess, but my reason for doing this was solely because I struggle with honesty. I needed to remember that an honest life is what God has called us to, and though I struggle, it does not mean I have to allow it to defeat me. I have power in Christ who gives me the courage and strength to be honest with others, myself and God. Let us go forth and live honestly, being bold and truthful so the Lord will delight in us, growing closer to one another and our God.

Do you have a verse that helps you? Any thoughts or stories when you were or were not honest?

Posted by C on November 8, 2011 in Uncategorized.

2 Comments

October 28, 2011

Pick Your Battles…In Your Mind

There is an old mantra stating you should pick your battles, but a few months ago I heard a wise extension on the phrase. A friend came into my office and encouraged me and my colleagues to pick our battles… in our own mind.

We all have days more tiresome than others. At times we are ready to turn in the towel and just go home and do nothing; perhaps some of us are guilty of doing just that. Maybe you had an annoying phone call, or a regular came in and wasted what you felt was precious work time. Or maybe your coworker would not quit complaining about the mounting work load. Or you just woke up that morning and nothing seemed to go according to plan: you were late to work, your computer froze, your phone stopped working, your boss hated your idea… we’ve all had one of those days.

But, what I’ve been trying to wrap my head around, and the struggle I hope you will join me in, is fighting the battle of joy. In Christ we find our joy, but at times the circumstances and problems that bombard us everyday threaten to override our joy with bitterness, frustration and anger. It is easy to stop trying and give in to our feelings, but joy is not just a feeling; it is a chosen way of living.

So I challenge you, this morning choose joy. Fight the battle in your own mind and heart before you fight the battles of the day. Receive God’s mercies He renews each morning (Lamentations 3:23). Take them and choose to have an attitude of joy no matter what circumstances are thrown your way.

When do you find it hardest to choose joy? Comment here.

Posted by C on October 28, 2011 in Uncategorized.

1 Comment

October 25, 2011

Dust Off Your Dreams

I know you have a dream. Since you were young you have always wanted to do one thing. What was it? Have you ever admitted it to anyone? Even yourself? Dig out the dream that gave you hope for so long. Dust it off and examine it. Don’t ask whether you can still do it. Just ask: how could God use my dream to bring Him glory? Perhaps He was the one who planted that dream in you to begin with.

This past weekend, a friend and I went to a conference called “Women Have a Latte In Common,” where one of my favorite authors, Robin Jones Gunn, spoke. The past decade I have grown up alongside her characters facing the challenges of high school, college and now the exciting yet sometimes lonesome twenty-somethings. (If you have never read anything by her, here is my plug: Go buy one of her books! You wont regret it!)

During the conference, Robin challenged us to remember our dreams. She asked us what little hints God had placed in our lives to lead us to fulfilling His dream for us. Were we not paying attention, she asked, God put those hints there for a reason; but many times we are convinced that what we have to bring is not enough.

I loved how Robin explained this. She referred back to the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.”The boy only had stinky fish and simple loaves of bread,” she said, but did that stop him from offering it to our Savior? Jesus then took it. Broke the bread. And multiplied it.

Jesus wants us to offer up our stinky fish and our simple loaves. We only have a little to give, but He will take it and multiply it for His glory.

Robin let us into bits and pieces of her life this weekend and I was amazed by the way God had used her over the years. I knew her writing had impacted my life, but to hear of the many places around the world her books had reached astounded me. She grew up wanting to go off to foreign lands and reach people for Christ, but every opportunity she had when she was younger fell through. Then, something God had been trying to show her since she was young finally became apparent and she began using her talent of telling stories to show others Christ’s love. It was only when she decided to open herself up and believe in her God-given talents that she was able to live her dream.

God has given us all a dream but many times we do not voice it because we are afraid. It is very likely we will fail, but God can use even our failures. The key is to be willing. We need to put action behind our dreams and see where God takes us.

My dream since middle school has been to write for a Christian magazine. I wanted to design eye-catching layouts and write soul searching articles. Though this has not happened yet, I realized I needed to begin putting action behind my dream. And so I began this blog. I needed to push myself to begin writing regularly with an audience in mind… other than my very silent journal. I do not know if I will ever write for a magazine, but I do know I am pursuing my dream and allowing God to use me to impact others through the simplicity of words.

Are you living your dream? If not, what is hindering you?

Posted by C on October 25, 2011 in Morning Reveals.

1 Comment

October 12, 2011

Get Off Your Bum and Ride

A few days ago, a friend encouraged me to dig my bike out of my shed and ride. I laughed it off at first, but then I realized I was just being lazy. I loved riding my bike … whenever I got up off the couch and rode.

“It will be worth it,” my friend encouraged. But, this made me wonder, how do we decide what is worth our time? I knew I would enjoy riding, but was it worth getting up 40 minutes earlier?

Well, I decided to give it a try. Saturday, my father and I went out to our shed and started emptying it. We literally had to empty it, just to get to my bike. Later, I looked around at the yard and I realized how cluttered my life had gotten with things that were not adding worth to my life. I was not staying in shape (I call it graduweightion), I was not being very helpful at home, I was not putting much effort into making this new part of my life worth anything.

So last night, I tossed and turned. Then, my alarm went off. Forty more minutes sounded wonderful, but I had to make a decision. Was I going to lay in bed, continuing my lazy streak, where I ignore that I am growing up and need to take on more responsibility for who I am? Or, was I going to get up and choose to make today worth something?

Thankfully, I chose to make today count. I got up a little before eight, and rode my bike. Sounds simple enough right? Was it really worth it? I think so, it forced me to spend, even my short ride, in reverence of God’s creation and enjoying the rush of cool crisp air on my face. My endurance level at this point is very small, so it may have been a short ride, but it was still worth my time and effort.

God is teaching me that I need to run the race He has set out before me. He provided me with a job, the ability to save money by staying at home for a few more months, and friends who are still encouraging me, to be me. Today, I chose to make my life worth something. The question isn’t whether the action is worth it to us, but will it somehow add worth to others’ lives. Riding my bike might not add worth to someone else’s life but, then, is this post hitting home with you? So perhaps everything we do can add worth to another’s life. We just have to recognize the opportunity for what it is, get up off our bums and ride, because it is worth it, to ourselves, others and God.

Posted by C on October 12, 2011 in Morning Reveals.

Blogging Defined

Blogging: what people do when they long to have an audience to write for, but do not have a publisher behind them; so they become their own backer, publisher, motivator, and publicist.

And yes, I do know this describes me.

The question now plaguing me, is what do I care enough about to spend my time writing, that readers will spend time reading? Today was not my first day to put pen to paper, it is just the first day I decided to share my words… with you. My profession, or the thing I get paid to do, is to communicate value to others. But, in many ways, I believe it is also what God has called me to do. He is encouraging me to communicate to you, and those I come in contact with everyday, the value of a life with Christ. I now begin unfolding my own story of relationships, creativity and faith. I hope it will give you the motivation to share your own passions and the courage to choose the adventure of love and life through Christ.

Take a deep breath. Pray. Think. Now, go Do. (But be sure to check back tomorrow to see what morning reveals)

Posted by C on October 9, 2011 in Morning Reveals and tagged Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Life with God, Living, Morning Reveals.

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