Have you ever tried to catch the wind? Perhaps you once launched a kite on a passing breeze or trimmed your sails to harness the swirling air currents to propel your sailboat forward. But did you honestly catch the wind- or did it catch you? Wind is elusive. It is intangible. Chimes or catchers hanging on your back porch may detect its presence or point out its direction, but they never contain it.
Solomon discovered that finding pleasure is as elusive as catching the wind. He pursued everything imaginable to achieve lasting bliss. But the smartest man alive still had a restless mind. The richest man in the world couldn't buy happiness. The most powerful person in the kingdom was unable to satisfy his own heart. And although he had 700 wives and 300 concubines, he never found true love. His conclusion? These pursuits were meaningless, completely unsatisfying.
Securing happiness on our own is like trying to catch the wind. We can try to chase it, but it will always remain just out of reach. The Bible teaches us that instead of searching for happiness, we should allow God's joy and peace to reign in our hearts. Instead of striving for the things we think will satisfy, we can learn to find true contentment by looking to God, whatever our circumstance.
The Bible often uses the word blessed, which means "oh, how happy." To God, blessed ppl are happy people and happy ppl are blessed. Solomon's father, King David, said blessed are those whose sins are forgiven (Psalm 32:1), who trust in the Lord (Psalm 40:4) and who draw near to God.
The true source of pleasure is God.
Don't waste your time trying to catch the wind; instead, find true happiness by laying hold of the Wind Maker. :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Saturday, October 15, 2011
all i want is a dream life, life :)
27. this is the new number in my life a.k.a my age as of Wed :)
A constant theme leading up to my birthday and after from friends: "hope this is the best year yet," "you deserve the best," "this is going to be your rock star year" -- I have some pretty special ppl in my life who not only encourage me but believe in me. Which is just what I need :)
You see, I live not only for Jesus but for my dream life... no student loans, giving back to friends, family, and strangers- no matter how big or small the cost, changing the lives of others, traveling, being married, having a family, working with a passion and working on my own time, being a part of the bigger picture, etc. To some my dreams seem just like that- a dream. God has given me the desire though to go after what I want, to not give up even when faced with challenges, to persevere. The trouble with having all this passion for your dreams is the wait. Learning how to wait well...I fail at patience time and time again. We live in a society that craves for everything to be instant upon our request.
I came across a message from a friend that really hit home for me then and had the same effect a year later. I hope that no matter where you are in life that you have not given up on your dreams :) Whatever desires God has placed in your heart He has given you-- go after them!!
so read the words of a fellow human in waiting :)
I had a realization last week about WAITING.
Like a lot of people I know, I’m not a huge fan of waiting. I’ve become more patient the last few years, but waiting still isn’t on the top of my list of favorite activities. Waiting is tough. Sometimes waiting makes me excited, but more often than not, it makes me confused, lost, tired, weary, depressed, anxious, lonely, doubtful, paranoid…in other words, no matter what it is that I’m waiting for, waiting doesn’t always bring out the best in me.
But here’s what I realized. I often forget that God’s timing is perfect. He has already seen all things from beginning to end. He knows all our needs and He knows when to provide them. All of the wonderful things that God has in store for us are already marked down in His datebook.
Let me say that again.
All of the wonderful things that God has in store for us are already marked down in His datebook.
So we can twist and turn and beat ourselves up, trying to manipulate God’s timing, but it won’t work. We can try to make ourselves “more ready” or push ourselves to places where we think we ought to be, in the hopes that we’ll get to our “promised land” sooner than later, but all our efforts will be in vain. The appointment is already marked. And the date that God marked is perfect.
Here’s an illustration: I love Christmas. I love choosing gifts for my loved ones, and I love receiving gifts as well. I love all the parties and the food, I love the weather, I love the red cups at Starbucks. But no matter what I do today, December will not come tomorrow. I can write down my shopping list, prepare my budget, and buy Christmas wrappers, but tomorrow will still be June, and Starbucks will still have white cups. So what do I do in the meantime? I can’t live every day of June, trying to convince God and everyone else around me that it’s December. Not a good idea. I just have to remember that June is June, and there will be a lot of great blessings that will come with this month and this season, and I have to live in the moment and keep my eyes, ears, and heart open for what God’s going to do today, this week, this month, and this season.
How blessed are we, that He who holds our datebooks is faithful, loving, and all-knowing! And He reveals bits and pieces of His good, pleasing, and perfect will today, tomorrow, and each and every day of our lives. :)
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
A constant theme leading up to my birthday and after from friends: "hope this is the best year yet," "you deserve the best," "this is going to be your rock star year" -- I have some pretty special ppl in my life who not only encourage me but believe in me. Which is just what I need :)
You see, I live not only for Jesus but for my dream life... no student loans, giving back to friends, family, and strangers- no matter how big or small the cost, changing the lives of others, traveling, being married, having a family, working with a passion and working on my own time, being a part of the bigger picture, etc. To some my dreams seem just like that- a dream. God has given me the desire though to go after what I want, to not give up even when faced with challenges, to persevere. The trouble with having all this passion for your dreams is the wait. Learning how to wait well...I fail at patience time and time again. We live in a society that craves for everything to be instant upon our request.
I came across a message from a friend that really hit home for me then and had the same effect a year later. I hope that no matter where you are in life that you have not given up on your dreams :) Whatever desires God has placed in your heart He has given you-- go after them!!
so read the words of a fellow human in waiting :)
I had a realization last week about WAITING.
Like a lot of people I know, I’m not a huge fan of waiting. I’ve become more patient the last few years, but waiting still isn’t on the top of my list of favorite activities. Waiting is tough. Sometimes waiting makes me excited, but more often than not, it makes me confused, lost, tired, weary, depressed, anxious, lonely, doubtful, paranoid…in other words, no matter what it is that I’m waiting for, waiting doesn’t always bring out the best in me.
But here’s what I realized. I often forget that God’s timing is perfect. He has already seen all things from beginning to end. He knows all our needs and He knows when to provide them. All of the wonderful things that God has in store for us are already marked down in His datebook.
Let me say that again.
All of the wonderful things that God has in store for us are already marked down in His datebook.
So we can twist and turn and beat ourselves up, trying to manipulate God’s timing, but it won’t work. We can try to make ourselves “more ready” or push ourselves to places where we think we ought to be, in the hopes that we’ll get to our “promised land” sooner than later, but all our efforts will be in vain. The appointment is already marked. And the date that God marked is perfect.
Here’s an illustration: I love Christmas. I love choosing gifts for my loved ones, and I love receiving gifts as well. I love all the parties and the food, I love the weather, I love the red cups at Starbucks. But no matter what I do today, December will not come tomorrow. I can write down my shopping list, prepare my budget, and buy Christmas wrappers, but tomorrow will still be June, and Starbucks will still have white cups. So what do I do in the meantime? I can’t live every day of June, trying to convince God and everyone else around me that it’s December. Not a good idea. I just have to remember that June is June, and there will be a lot of great blessings that will come with this month and this season, and I have to live in the moment and keep my eyes, ears, and heart open for what God’s going to do today, this week, this month, and this season.
How blessed are we, that He who holds our datebooks is faithful, loving, and all-knowing! And He reveals bits and pieces of His good, pleasing, and perfect will today, tomorrow, and each and every day of our lives. :)
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
Monday, August 29, 2011
Stand Firm
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:14–17 NIV)
God knows you’re on the front lines of spiritual warfare, so he has provided you the tools to stand your ground.
Pray:
“Father, today, in Jesus’ name, I put on the belt of truth. I know who I am; I know the Holy Spirit is in me, and the one who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world.
“Thank you that I can put on the breastplate of righteousness. In all situations, help me to respond from truth and not my emotions.
“Today I strap on the sandals of the gospel of peace. Wherever I go, I can help others make peace with you. Help me to remember the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper, and that mercy triumphs over judgment.
“You, my shield of faith, are sufficient to protect me from any arrows the enemy throws my way, and I recognize this faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
“Thank you for giving me the mind of Christ. Because I wear the helmet of salvation, my mind is being renewed by the power of God, and I take thoughts captive for Christ.
“The sword of the Spirit is your Word, the Bible. With guidance from the Holy Spirit, I use your Word to deflect any attacks from the enemy, knowing I do not battle flesh and blood but the father of all lies.
“Lord, I set my mind and heart on you today, dedicating this whole day to you. I only want your will for my life. Through the name and blood of Jesus, amen.”
God knows you’re on the front lines of spiritual warfare, so he has provided you the tools to stand your ground.
Pray:
“Father, today, in Jesus’ name, I put on the belt of truth. I know who I am; I know the Holy Spirit is in me, and the one who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world.
“Thank you that I can put on the breastplate of righteousness. In all situations, help me to respond from truth and not my emotions.
“Today I strap on the sandals of the gospel of peace. Wherever I go, I can help others make peace with you. Help me to remember the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper, and that mercy triumphs over judgment.
“You, my shield of faith, are sufficient to protect me from any arrows the enemy throws my way, and I recognize this faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
“Thank you for giving me the mind of Christ. Because I wear the helmet of salvation, my mind is being renewed by the power of God, and I take thoughts captive for Christ.
“The sword of the Spirit is your Word, the Bible. With guidance from the Holy Spirit, I use your Word to deflect any attacks from the enemy, knowing I do not battle flesh and blood but the father of all lies.
“Lord, I set my mind and heart on you today, dedicating this whole day to you. I only want your will for my life. Through the name and blood of Jesus, amen.”
Friday, July 15, 2011
Caffeine
Inside Out
I really liked my devo. today and thought you might too ;)
Like many women each morning, perhaps you wake up, pour yourself a cup of coffee, take a shower and then get ready to meet the world.
The care involved in our routines begs the question: how much time do we spend getting ready spiritually each morning? Do we take any time at all to ask God to guide us during our day? Do we read the scriptures, meditate or pray so that we can be more patient, kind and loving? Or do we worry more about getting out the door than about the condition of our hearts?
Caring for our outward appearance is not wrong...as long as we don't neglect focusing on our inner thoughts and attitudes too. The prophet Jeremiah noted that women are unlikely to forget their accessories, but God's ppl are prone to forget him. If we are honest, we'll admit that we are much like the Israelites. In the midst of our busy lives, God often gets pushed to the bottom of our to-do lists. But spiritual growth happens from the inside out.
Try this: as you shower, praise God for the cleansing that Jesus' forgiveness provides. As you're getting dressed, thank God for clothing you with Christ's righteousness. When you put on your moisturizer, ask God to soften your heart to his leading throughout the day. As you apply your makeup, thank him for being the foundation of your life. When you put in your contacts, ask God to give you eyes to see his workings in the world. And as you put on your earrings, thank him for beautifying your life with the fruits of the Spirit.
Who knows? After talking to God throughout the morning, you might not even need caffeine!!
"Does a maiden forget her jewlery, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my ppl have forgotten me, days without number." - Jeremiah 2:32
I really liked my devo. today and thought you might too ;)
Like many women each morning, perhaps you wake up, pour yourself a cup of coffee, take a shower and then get ready to meet the world.
The care involved in our routines begs the question: how much time do we spend getting ready spiritually each morning? Do we take any time at all to ask God to guide us during our day? Do we read the scriptures, meditate or pray so that we can be more patient, kind and loving? Or do we worry more about getting out the door than about the condition of our hearts?
Caring for our outward appearance is not wrong...as long as we don't neglect focusing on our inner thoughts and attitudes too. The prophet Jeremiah noted that women are unlikely to forget their accessories, but God's ppl are prone to forget him. If we are honest, we'll admit that we are much like the Israelites. In the midst of our busy lives, God often gets pushed to the bottom of our to-do lists. But spiritual growth happens from the inside out.
Try this: as you shower, praise God for the cleansing that Jesus' forgiveness provides. As you're getting dressed, thank God for clothing you with Christ's righteousness. When you put on your moisturizer, ask God to soften your heart to his leading throughout the day. As you apply your makeup, thank him for being the foundation of your life. When you put in your contacts, ask God to give you eyes to see his workings in the world. And as you put on your earrings, thank him for beautifying your life with the fruits of the Spirit.
Who knows? After talking to God throughout the morning, you might not even need caffeine!!
"Does a maiden forget her jewlery, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my ppl have forgotten me, days without number." - Jeremiah 2:32
Monday, July 4, 2011
Good for Your Heart and Soul
Accomplish Great Things by Using The Daffodil Principle
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa
Does it ever seem daunting standing at the foot of a 'mountain' - exhausting when facing a long road ahead - overwhelming envisioning what 'could be' or disheartening when considering all the necessary good that must be done? The Daffodil Principle story has been going around the internet for years and came around to me again recently. I pass on the inspiration to keep pressing towards your passions, goals and desires - one step at time.
"50,000 bulbs, one at a time, by one woman, 2 hands, 2 feet and very little brain. Began in 1958." This is the sign that answers the questions you might ask when encountering five acres of gorgeous daffodils planted by Gene Bauer over 40 years that burst into bloom each spring in the San Bernardino high mountain range of Southern California. How can this vision of beauty inspire us?
1. Take it one at a time
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." - Mother Teresa
How did Mother Teresa reach out to meet the needs of so many hurting people in the world around her? One act of kindness, one person at a time. How did Anne Grizzle climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with her son? Pole, pole - that's Swahili for - slowly, slowly. One step at a time. I think of how I got through years of graduate schooling with two small children. One page at a time. One day at a time.
What are you facing that you need to take it - 'one at a time'?
2. Don't wait until ...
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank
Doesn't it make you a little sad to think of what you might have accomplished and achieved if you had thought of such a great goal many years ago and worked away at it 'one bulb at a time'? I would love a hillside of daffodils! But, as the original story goes, it's so pointless to think of our lost hours of yesterdays. Instead, ask "How can I put this to use today?"
Don't wait until ... whatever it may be. Usually it's enough time, enough money, things settle down, or you've got it all figured out.
It's never too late to begin to seed and cultivate for the rest of your life.
3. What's your 'one thing'?
"Vocation is where our greatest passion meets the world's greatest need." Frederick Buechner
Where can your passion and a need connect? What have you always wanted to have, to do? There is a Japanese concept known as ikigai - which means having something worth living for - meaning and purpose. Dr. Martin Seligman reports that there are three prospective Japanese studies of ikigai that all point to high levels of ikigai reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, even when controlling for traditional risk factors and perceived stress. When we have a vision, a passion, meaning and purpose, and we cultivate it each day, we have something worthwhile to live for and it extends our health, well-being and longevity.
4. Use the accumulation of time
"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest."Albert Einstein
Use the accumulation of tiny pieces of time, multiplying it with small increments of daily effort and small gestures of love and kindness to accomplish magnificent things. This is how we make a difference, reach our goals and change the world.
As a little boy in Germany, Volker Kraft had always dreamed of an Easter Tree. In 1965 he started with 18 colored plastic eggs. It became a family tradition in their home town of Saalfeld, Germany and by 2010 the tree reached an incredible 9,500 eggs.
My financial advisor calls this principle 'compounding interest'. Invest a little money frequently and wisely, and over time, it builds up and multiplies.
God calls us to 'bear much fruit that will last', using our one heart, one mind, two hands, two feet and every minute of each day. There is no way of getting around that process.
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa
Does it ever seem daunting standing at the foot of a 'mountain' - exhausting when facing a long road ahead - overwhelming envisioning what 'could be' or disheartening when considering all the necessary good that must be done? The Daffodil Principle story has been going around the internet for years and came around to me again recently. I pass on the inspiration to keep pressing towards your passions, goals and desires - one step at time.
"50,000 bulbs, one at a time, by one woman, 2 hands, 2 feet and very little brain. Began in 1958." This is the sign that answers the questions you might ask when encountering five acres of gorgeous daffodils planted by Gene Bauer over 40 years that burst into bloom each spring in the San Bernardino high mountain range of Southern California. How can this vision of beauty inspire us?
1. Take it one at a time
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." - Mother Teresa
How did Mother Teresa reach out to meet the needs of so many hurting people in the world around her? One act of kindness, one person at a time. How did Anne Grizzle climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with her son? Pole, pole - that's Swahili for - slowly, slowly. One step at a time. I think of how I got through years of graduate schooling with two small children. One page at a time. One day at a time.
What are you facing that you need to take it - 'one at a time'?
2. Don't wait until ...
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank
Doesn't it make you a little sad to think of what you might have accomplished and achieved if you had thought of such a great goal many years ago and worked away at it 'one bulb at a time'? I would love a hillside of daffodils! But, as the original story goes, it's so pointless to think of our lost hours of yesterdays. Instead, ask "How can I put this to use today?"
Don't wait until ... whatever it may be. Usually it's enough time, enough money, things settle down, or you've got it all figured out.
It's never too late to begin to seed and cultivate for the rest of your life.
3. What's your 'one thing'?
"Vocation is where our greatest passion meets the world's greatest need." Frederick Buechner
Where can your passion and a need connect? What have you always wanted to have, to do? There is a Japanese concept known as ikigai - which means having something worth living for - meaning and purpose. Dr. Martin Seligman reports that there are three prospective Japanese studies of ikigai that all point to high levels of ikigai reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, even when controlling for traditional risk factors and perceived stress. When we have a vision, a passion, meaning and purpose, and we cultivate it each day, we have something worthwhile to live for and it extends our health, well-being and longevity.
4. Use the accumulation of time
"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest."Albert Einstein
Use the accumulation of tiny pieces of time, multiplying it with small increments of daily effort and small gestures of love and kindness to accomplish magnificent things. This is how we make a difference, reach our goals and change the world.
As a little boy in Germany, Volker Kraft had always dreamed of an Easter Tree. In 1965 he started with 18 colored plastic eggs. It became a family tradition in their home town of Saalfeld, Germany and by 2010 the tree reached an incredible 9,500 eggs.
My financial advisor calls this principle 'compounding interest'. Invest a little money frequently and wisely, and over time, it builds up and multiplies.
God calls us to 'bear much fruit that will last', using our one heart, one mind, two hands, two feet and every minute of each day. There is no way of getting around that process.
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