Thankfully it was a beautiful day. I felt blessed that our date day was the only sunshiny day all week at camp. The rest were dreary and foggy/rainy. My heart is delighted by One - it has been captured and fashioned by the King of Kings.
Friday, August 22, 2008
date days
It's been nearly a year now since I began my regular practice of stealing away once a month for a special date day with the Lord. Traveling on a summer team this summer had proved to make such practices interesting. However, at our last camp I was fortunate to steal away for awhile to be and rest in the presence of the Lord and His love.
Thankfully it was a beautiful day. I felt blessed that our date day was the only sunshiny day all week at camp. The rest were dreary and foggy/rainy. My heart is delighted by One - it has been captured and fashioned by the King of Kings.
Thankfully it was a beautiful day. I felt blessed that our date day was the only sunshiny day all week at camp. The rest were dreary and foggy/rainy. My heart is delighted by One - it has been captured and fashioned by the King of Kings.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
God's intimate love
(This quote struck my heart this week: I've chosen to partner it with a photo I captured in Nova Scotia recently.)
"An infinite God can give Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others." -A.W. Tozer
"An infinite God can give Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others." -A.W. Tozer
reality check with a little something to chew on
My final week of camp...
I was excited and sad to acknowledge my summer of traveling adventures was coming to a close. It would have been easy to allow exhaustion to consume me and the negativity of the campers to overwhelm me, but I stood firm and pressed atleast 3/4 heartedly.
Then it hit me - one of my campers looked at me and said "So you've been doing this all summer. You must be so tired of going to camps. I bet you don't like this camp. I don't mean anything to you anyway. Especially if you've done this all summer! You're just going to leave and not remember me."
WAHBAM! My heart wrenched for this girl who thought there was no way I could possibly care for her - who thought she was only valuable to be a number in my life or worse yet was just part of my "job". Quite shaken and awakened by this thought, I gulped took a deep breath and responded in love the best way I knew how: " You are not just another camper. I will remember you. I remember every camper I have had this summer by name and I know each one of their stories." "Well prove it!" "Okay...here goes..." and I proceeded to list off camps and my girls and a little blurb about their stories. The more names I gave the more this camper's heart began to soften. "So I guess you really might just love me then? You won't forget me?"
Immediately her face came alive and she realized she had value in my eyes. Instantly we became friends and the rest of the week I was blessed to have conversation after conversation with her about life, love, relationships, writing, being a Christian in tough circumstances and just laughing and appreciating her personality and how uniquely the Lord has made her. Aisha reminded us that "You were created to be an original, don't die a copy."
It's sad how often we have to judge and assume things about the motives of people around it. Sure it makes perfect sense. Time and time again I have been befriended or invested into for some self gain of another person- for their benefit and quite honestly it hurts a lot. We all long for love, yet we struggle to accept it. How awful it is that we in our selfishness and drive to satisfy personal needs have pushed aside relationship for something far less significant: just another person who was needed for a season or a task or something like that.
It is my desire to love freely without an agenda. Lord help me!
I was excited and sad to acknowledge my summer of traveling adventures was coming to a close. It would have been easy to allow exhaustion to consume me and the negativity of the campers to overwhelm me, but I stood firm and pressed atleast 3/4 heartedly.
Then it hit me - one of my campers looked at me and said "So you've been doing this all summer. You must be so tired of going to camps. I bet you don't like this camp. I don't mean anything to you anyway. Especially if you've done this all summer! You're just going to leave and not remember me."
WAHBAM! My heart wrenched for this girl who thought there was no way I could possibly care for her - who thought she was only valuable to be a number in my life or worse yet was just part of my "job". Quite shaken and awakened by this thought, I gulped took a deep breath and responded in love the best way I knew how: " You are not just another camper. I will remember you. I remember every camper I have had this summer by name and I know each one of their stories." "Well prove it!" "Okay...here goes..." and I proceeded to list off camps and my girls and a little blurb about their stories. The more names I gave the more this camper's heart began to soften. "So I guess you really might just love me then? You won't forget me?"
Immediately her face came alive and she realized she had value in my eyes. Instantly we became friends and the rest of the week I was blessed to have conversation after conversation with her about life, love, relationships, writing, being a Christian in tough circumstances and just laughing and appreciating her personality and how uniquely the Lord has made her. Aisha reminded us that "You were created to be an original, don't die a copy."
It's sad how often we have to judge and assume things about the motives of people around it. Sure it makes perfect sense. Time and time again I have been befriended or invested into for some self gain of another person- for their benefit and quite honestly it hurts a lot. We all long for love, yet we struggle to accept it. How awful it is that we in our selfishness and drive to satisfy personal needs have pushed aside relationship for something far less significant: just another person who was needed for a season or a task or something like that.
It is my desire to love freely without an agenda. Lord help me!
my life as a comic strip...
would be quite an interesting read I'm sure.
Our last week at camp soared by. I blinked and Monday became Wednesday which soon morphed into Saturday and poof I was headed back to campus for a week of corps camp.
It was a week of battle.
Getting lost for 2 hours trying to find the camp in the first place had placed a little sour taste in my heart about the camp in general, but after laying aside my selfishness and remembering it's not about me, I pressed on, only to hit another wall: my campers.
Our first impression went something like this: I walked into a giant room with 9 middle school girls (who I thought were all in highschool). Primping hair and chatting together their eyes all looked at us casting their first assumptions. "Who are you? Oh great they gave us a couple of newbies. I've never had a newbie counselor before. What's up with that?" Then they were off again to their gossiping about who was dating who and who they didn't like that week, etc. It was heart wrenching and very irritating.
Looking at these broken, weary, oppressed, confused little hearts I wondered, "Lord why are we here?" I didn't like thinking this and it was the first time such a thought has crossed my mind all summer. Selfishness and stubbornness were like a cloud of darts zinging through the air all week. It was ridiculous - everyone was labeled and if you weren't "it" you were being talked about.
I began to pray for my campers and we saw some progress throughout the week.
Our last week at camp soared by. I blinked and Monday became Wednesday which soon morphed into Saturday and poof I was headed back to campus for a week of corps camp.
It was a week of battle.
Getting lost for 2 hours trying to find the camp in the first place had placed a little sour taste in my heart about the camp in general, but after laying aside my selfishness and remembering it's not about me, I pressed on, only to hit another wall: my campers.
Our first impression went something like this: I walked into a giant room with 9 middle school girls (who I thought were all in highschool). Primping hair and chatting together their eyes all looked at us casting their first assumptions. "Who are you? Oh great they gave us a couple of newbies. I've never had a newbie counselor before. What's up with that?" Then they were off again to their gossiping about who was dating who and who they didn't like that week, etc. It was heart wrenching and very irritating.
Looking at these broken, weary, oppressed, confused little hearts I wondered, "Lord why are we here?" I didn't like thinking this and it was the first time such a thought has crossed my mind all summer. Selfishness and stubbornness were like a cloud of darts zinging through the air all week. It was ridiculous - everyone was labeled and if you weren't "it" you were being talked about.
I began to pray for my campers and we saw some progress throughout the week.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
delight
"Savior I come
Quiet my soul
Remember
Redemption's hill...
Where Your blood was spilled...
For my ransom.
Everything I once held dear...
I count it all as loss..
So lead me to the cross
Where your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me
Lead me to the cross..."
Looking back over the last 2 weeks the one key thing I could possibly pull from all the experiences is the idea of delighting in Christ, amazement, awestruck, befuddled, baffled, something along those lines...completely astounded.
The Lord has brought recklessness to my heart and with it a beautiful joy and fearlessness despite all the unknown and the fleshly desire to know what's next.
I have been blessed with the smiles and gentlesness of one whose heart is to be treasured. The company of one who is seeking and hungry - who has sharpened me and whom God has allowed me to find delight in- one who bares His image.
Laughter, transparency, genuineness - I love it.
The unexpected has entered my life these last two weeks and taken my comfortable plan and self and turned it all upside down. Oh the wonders and joys of serving a God whose ways are always higher than ours. Just when we think we have it all figured out, going well, and we're content, He says alright, time for the next step.
Quiet my soul
Remember
Redemption's hill...
Where Your blood was spilled...
For my ransom.
Everything I once held dear...
I count it all as loss..
So lead me to the cross
Where your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me
Lead me to the cross..."
Looking back over the last 2 weeks the one key thing I could possibly pull from all the experiences is the idea of delighting in Christ, amazement, awestruck, befuddled, baffled, something along those lines...completely astounded.
The Lord has brought recklessness to my heart and with it a beautiful joy and fearlessness despite all the unknown and the fleshly desire to know what's next.
I have been blessed with the smiles and gentlesness of one whose heart is to be treasured. The company of one who is seeking and hungry - who has sharpened me and whom God has allowed me to find delight in- one who bares His image.
Laughter, transparency, genuineness - I love it.
The unexpected has entered my life these last two weeks and taken my comfortable plan and self and turned it all upside down. Oh the wonders and joys of serving a God whose ways are always higher than ours. Just when we think we have it all figured out, going well, and we're content, He says alright, time for the next step.
Friday, July 18, 2008
sweet release
I was priviledged to share my testimony in a Junior High chapel this morning along with my teammate Aisha and a friend from SWU, Tyrome. The Holy Spirit really took over and poured His presence over the crowd. It was a powerful time of release and prayer. Many of the teens were able to intercede for one another and to pray for release from the struggles and hurts that bound them. It was awesome!
After the service I asked my two friends and our new friend Jeff (the speaker) to pray with me through something. I've struggled for a long while with little stints of depressiveness - if you can even call it that. It is a sensation quite hard to describe, but basically it boils down to my spirit feeling joyful and alive, yet very separate from my physical body which feels bogged down and lonely - oppressed.
I obviously don't go around broadcasting this and for the longest time I didn't know what to do about it. I was still growing and flourishing in Christ, but one area of my life was behind held back - like a lassoe or something. It was disheartening and hurtful. Along with this came a personal struggle I've had since my teen years of "emotional eating". I eat to feel better, or to think, or when I'm afraid, nervous, angry, hurt, lonely. Sometimes I would even eat myself sick - hoping the belly ache I'd given myself would somehow overpower the feeling of being useless, unaccepted and lonely. I confessed this struggle to a friend earlier this spring and began intentionally watching my habits. I have wanted to shed the same 20 pounds for years now, but I was afraid that if I let go of this emotional eating to sustain myself, then somehow I'd spiral out of control and develop some sort of eating disorder - so I sort've controlled myself by not allowing myself to get to that point. The bad thing with this is there was no freedom from the mindset and actions - from the depressive states I sometimes for weeks at a time would feel "blah" in.
I am so thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ who have a heart that longs after Christ and who will come in agreement to see chains broken and the enemy destroyed in his tiny footholds that bring confusion and depression.
After praying I felt a sweet peace in my heart and mind - a release of sweet surrender to Christ allowing Him to fill up that area the enemy sought to contain. I am so thankful for the abounding grace of God. Be blessed today friends!
After the service I asked my two friends and our new friend Jeff (the speaker) to pray with me through something. I've struggled for a long while with little stints of depressiveness - if you can even call it that. It is a sensation quite hard to describe, but basically it boils down to my spirit feeling joyful and alive, yet very separate from my physical body which feels bogged down and lonely - oppressed.
I obviously don't go around broadcasting this and for the longest time I didn't know what to do about it. I was still growing and flourishing in Christ, but one area of my life was behind held back - like a lassoe or something. It was disheartening and hurtful. Along with this came a personal struggle I've had since my teen years of "emotional eating". I eat to feel better, or to think, or when I'm afraid, nervous, angry, hurt, lonely. Sometimes I would even eat myself sick - hoping the belly ache I'd given myself would somehow overpower the feeling of being useless, unaccepted and lonely. I confessed this struggle to a friend earlier this spring and began intentionally watching my habits. I have wanted to shed the same 20 pounds for years now, but I was afraid that if I let go of this emotional eating to sustain myself, then somehow I'd spiral out of control and develop some sort of eating disorder - so I sort've controlled myself by not allowing myself to get to that point. The bad thing with this is there was no freedom from the mindset and actions - from the depressive states I sometimes for weeks at a time would feel "blah" in.
I am so thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ who have a heart that longs after Christ and who will come in agreement to see chains broken and the enemy destroyed in his tiny footholds that bring confusion and depression.
After praying I felt a sweet peace in my heart and mind - a release of sweet surrender to Christ allowing Him to fill up that area the enemy sought to contain. I am so thankful for the abounding grace of God. Be blessed today friends!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
consume consume consume
Weary faces crowd the dining hall - like a massive cattle movement, people herd themselves through the lines, slopping giant portions of delicious substances on their plates. Somehow the process has a consistent flow of moving back and forth, between one another, yet never interacting, touching, or acknowledging.
Massive groups of people waltz right past one another without as much as a single grin or twinkle in their eye to acknowledge there is life and breath right beside them. Different we look indeed, but unique are the shapes, the faces, and voices of those all around us.
Chomping down the food, a hearty portion of something sweet to top it off - the thought crosses my mind: How is it that the majority of our day revolves around these massive feedings and the minority revolves around personability or relationships - people really? Why do we take so little time to acknowledge life, yet we make it a priority to consume, consume, consume at least 3 times a day?? People in third world countries spend the majority of their days being personable, loving, sharing, fellowshipping and the minority eating (if even possible).
We're taught at a young age that it's all about "me". What flawed thinking this is. It's not about "me" at all...it never has been and it never will be. So why do we all seek so much to pamper and tend to self?
The young boy who sees free lollie-pops and doesn't think twice about taking 5 because they're all for 'him' - who cares about those 4 kids who might not get one later. He has his 5 and he was satisfied - even though he knew he should only take one.
The girls who slip into the icecream line pretending they know someone so they can cut - what a tragedy it would be if they couldn't satisfy their sweet tooth at that very moment. I mean really - who willingly places others before themselves, that's just a lame idea right? Do I have to let others get what they want and possibly risk not getting what I want?
Or how about the teenage kid who waltzes by the table with free lollie-pops and strategically slips one in his pocket, assured no one just saw him - only to return and deliberately make a point in someone recognizing he has selected the gem of all lollie-pops and this is the "one" he has chosen - minus of course the "hidden" one he stored away earlier.
When I see these things it brings sadness to my heart. Why? Why are we so focused on self that we seek to gain, gain, gain instead of giving? Why is so much self-gain attempted in secret? Would it spoil the act or front we all wear of helping others on the outside, when in reality our hearts are totally disengaged? World...what has happened??? When did life become less worthy or valuable then the elements we seek to satisfy our flesh?
Massive groups of people waltz right past one another without as much as a single grin or twinkle in their eye to acknowledge there is life and breath right beside them. Different we look indeed, but unique are the shapes, the faces, and voices of those all around us.
Chomping down the food, a hearty portion of something sweet to top it off - the thought crosses my mind: How is it that the majority of our day revolves around these massive feedings and the minority revolves around personability or relationships - people really? Why do we take so little time to acknowledge life, yet we make it a priority to consume, consume, consume at least 3 times a day?? People in third world countries spend the majority of their days being personable, loving, sharing, fellowshipping and the minority eating (if even possible).
We're taught at a young age that it's all about "me". What flawed thinking this is. It's not about "me" at all...it never has been and it never will be. So why do we all seek so much to pamper and tend to self?
The young boy who sees free lollie-pops and doesn't think twice about taking 5 because they're all for 'him' - who cares about those 4 kids who might not get one later. He has his 5 and he was satisfied - even though he knew he should only take one.
The girls who slip into the icecream line pretending they know someone so they can cut - what a tragedy it would be if they couldn't satisfy their sweet tooth at that very moment. I mean really - who willingly places others before themselves, that's just a lame idea right? Do I have to let others get what they want and possibly risk not getting what I want?
Or how about the teenage kid who waltzes by the table with free lollie-pops and strategically slips one in his pocket, assured no one just saw him - only to return and deliberately make a point in someone recognizing he has selected the gem of all lollie-pops and this is the "one" he has chosen - minus of course the "hidden" one he stored away earlier.
When I see these things it brings sadness to my heart. Why? Why are we so focused on self that we seek to gain, gain, gain instead of giving? Why is so much self-gain attempted in secret? Would it spoil the act or front we all wear of helping others on the outside, when in reality our hearts are totally disengaged? World...what has happened??? When did life become less worthy or valuable then the elements we seek to satisfy our flesh?
Saturday, July 12, 2008
starbucks thoughts
So I've never been a big fan of coffee.
I refuse to drink it - plain and simple.
However I appreciate tea. One time in Florida a few months back I was introduced to a delicious cold concoction called a "Chai Frappuccino". It's icy, yummy and tastes, of course, like Chai Tea.
This afternoon Aisha and I adventured to Starbucks hoping to accomplish some planning work for our next camp and to find internet. It was here I invested in my second Starbucks Chai concoction ever.
Little did I know what this afternoon would bring and all because I live in Maine.Two older couples entered the store shortly after we had sat down and began planning. One asked the other, "Do you folks live in Maine?" They said no and I glanced up to find all eyes on me, "Are you from Maine dear?" they asked pointing at me. I raised my hand and proved myself guilty of the claim. I was indeed from Maine.
"We LOVE Maine!" they exclaimed, "Especially all the snow. Lots and lots of snow! We love Maine and snow! So beautiful!" This couple actually rejoiced when I told them of our 196inch snowfall this past winter. Perhaps acting as a travel agent, I for them excited to travel to New Brunswick to explore the beauty of Fundy via snowshoes.
Regardless of this intriguing conversation - it led to another unexpected conversation. Quietly, a young man had managed to slip in the chair behind where Aisha and I were sitting as we talked with the older couples. Granted, we were some the only customers and there was plenty of space, but I was thankful because after we talked to the older couple he said, "So you're from Maine?"
This began what would turn into an hour and a half conversation about life, bicycling and the world. I thoroughly appreciated it and felt blessed. This young man's name was Adam and he's been biking across the US for nearly 2 months now from Seattle, Washington. He has an estimated one month more to go until he reaches his goal or destination (somewhere between Boston and Maine). I think this adventure is amazing.
One thing he said in our conversation really stuck with me. He spoke of how he is not an ironman by any means and he didn't train extensively for this adventure, he simply wants to take each day of his life and do a little something to better himself. With this he hopes to teach others to do the same with their lives.
I will try my best to store away this particular thought:(something to the effect of) "Everyday matters. It's the 10,000 individual choices we make as an individual that really matter and effect our world. I just try to make something a little better about myself every day. Just a little something. It's doing something every day that eventually will make me a better person."
So if I share Christ a little bit everyday - eventually someone is doing to get it.
If I exercise my body a little bit everyday - I will eventually grow stronger.
If I love people a little bit everyday - I will eventually make a difference in someone's life.
If I learn something new everyday - eventually I will become more knowledgable.
If I choose to keep my environment clean everyday - eventually that may become contagious and others will make healthy, enviromentally friendly choices too.
Who knows...it just takes "a little something everyday"!
I refuse to drink it - plain and simple.
However I appreciate tea. One time in Florida a few months back I was introduced to a delicious cold concoction called a "Chai Frappuccino". It's icy, yummy and tastes, of course, like Chai Tea.
This afternoon Aisha and I adventured to Starbucks hoping to accomplish some planning work for our next camp and to find internet. It was here I invested in my second Starbucks Chai concoction ever.
Little did I know what this afternoon would bring and all because I live in Maine.Two older couples entered the store shortly after we had sat down and began planning. One asked the other, "Do you folks live in Maine?" They said no and I glanced up to find all eyes on me, "Are you from Maine dear?" they asked pointing at me. I raised my hand and proved myself guilty of the claim. I was indeed from Maine.
"We LOVE Maine!" they exclaimed, "Especially all the snow. Lots and lots of snow! We love Maine and snow! So beautiful!" This couple actually rejoiced when I told them of our 196inch snowfall this past winter. Perhaps acting as a travel agent, I for them excited to travel to New Brunswick to explore the beauty of Fundy via snowshoes.
Regardless of this intriguing conversation - it led to another unexpected conversation. Quietly, a young man had managed to slip in the chair behind where Aisha and I were sitting as we talked with the older couples. Granted, we were some the only customers and there was plenty of space, but I was thankful because after we talked to the older couple he said, "So you're from Maine?"
This began what would turn into an hour and a half conversation about life, bicycling and the world. I thoroughly appreciated it and felt blessed. This young man's name was Adam and he's been biking across the US for nearly 2 months now from Seattle, Washington. He has an estimated one month more to go until he reaches his goal or destination (somewhere between Boston and Maine). I think this adventure is amazing.
One thing he said in our conversation really stuck with me. He spoke of how he is not an ironman by any means and he didn't train extensively for this adventure, he simply wants to take each day of his life and do a little something to better himself. With this he hopes to teach others to do the same with their lives.
I will try my best to store away this particular thought:(something to the effect of) "Everyday matters. It's the 10,000 individual choices we make as an individual that really matter and effect our world. I just try to make something a little better about myself every day. Just a little something. It's doing something every day that eventually will make me a better person."
So if I share Christ a little bit everyday - eventually someone is doing to get it.
If I exercise my body a little bit everyday - I will eventually grow stronger.
If I love people a little bit everyday - I will eventually make a difference in someone's life.
If I learn something new everyday - eventually I will become more knowledgable.
If I choose to keep my environment clean everyday - eventually that may become contagious and others will make healthy, enviromentally friendly choices too.
Who knows...it just takes "a little something everyday"!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Chambers Camp 2008
These are the lovely ladies in my cabin this week. We had an amazing time and the Lord did some great work in our hearts. I will perhaps post some adventurous stories in the near future.
a flawed perspective
The other night I was sitting in a worship service and the overwhelming thought and presence of Christ's image worn on every human being pummeled me.
Have you ever met someone that "too closely" represents someone else you've met in your life that left you with negative feelings or experiences? Well this week I met a man at camp who resembeled someone in my extended family who is no longer a part of the family. They did some things that were awful to people I love and without realizing it, I think I have some stored away judgements about that individual.
So I meet a man at camp with a giant smile and if only he wouldn't have looked somewhat like the person who hurt my family and if only they didn't carry the same name, perhaps it would have been easier, but this man (as sweet and friendly as he was) in my eyes became the other person. Perhaps this sounds completely ridiculous, but it is the truth. I couldn't see past the outside of this person as much as a tried, all I saw was the sinfulness of another person they looked like.
As I sat in worship I looked at the back of this persons head and it struck me: "Lord, he's made in Your image. Carefully crafted...You made him."
My eyes filled with tears as a pulling feeling consumed me. There was a glow about this man that was familiar and peaceful. Christ dwells in him and he was created to bare the image of his Creator, God - just as I was.
In that moment I realized it's not about an outward appearance - and even though someone may appear a certain way on the outside, does not change the work of Christ on the inside. When Christ consumes a life, the person is radically killed of themselves, dead, only to find new life in Christ alone. So this man who resembled someone not walking with the Lord - was himself a beautiful representation of Christ's joy and peace and transforming power.
I guess now my prayer and hope would be to have the ability to look upon the person who did evil things and hurt people and to recognize the image of Christ in them too - however marred, blurred, or distant. I realized today the true measure of my flesh - judgemental and assuming - but Christ in me is Love. Christ is Love.
Have you ever met someone that "too closely" represents someone else you've met in your life that left you with negative feelings or experiences? Well this week I met a man at camp who resembeled someone in my extended family who is no longer a part of the family. They did some things that were awful to people I love and without realizing it, I think I have some stored away judgements about that individual.
So I meet a man at camp with a giant smile and if only he wouldn't have looked somewhat like the person who hurt my family and if only they didn't carry the same name, perhaps it would have been easier, but this man (as sweet and friendly as he was) in my eyes became the other person. Perhaps this sounds completely ridiculous, but it is the truth. I couldn't see past the outside of this person as much as a tried, all I saw was the sinfulness of another person they looked like.
As I sat in worship I looked at the back of this persons head and it struck me: "Lord, he's made in Your image. Carefully crafted...You made him."
My eyes filled with tears as a pulling feeling consumed me. There was a glow about this man that was familiar and peaceful. Christ dwells in him and he was created to bare the image of his Creator, God - just as I was.
In that moment I realized it's not about an outward appearance - and even though someone may appear a certain way on the outside, does not change the work of Christ on the inside. When Christ consumes a life, the person is radically killed of themselves, dead, only to find new life in Christ alone. So this man who resembled someone not walking with the Lord - was himself a beautiful representation of Christ's joy and peace and transforming power.
I guess now my prayer and hope would be to have the ability to look upon the person who did evil things and hurt people and to recognize the image of Christ in them too - however marred, blurred, or distant. I realized today the true measure of my flesh - judgemental and assuming - but Christ in me is Love. Christ is Love.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
leaving an imprint
I love how the Lord uses us as vessels and in the midst of activities of our daily lives, we never seem to recognize exactly how He is at work - the underlying heart working change He is creating, the love and peace He is administering through His intimacy with and presence within us. I love it!
Camp flew by this week, but something one of my cabin girls said to me before leaving will stick with me forever. She walked over to me and I watched the face of a typically silly, non-stop talking girl change and get extremely serious.
"Christy, I just wanted to know you have left a really deep footprint here at this camp. I have been coming to camp since I was a little girl and never have I experienced something this deep. I think your presence and love at camp this week has made an impact in everyone's hearts." So I thanked her and asked her what she meant. She said, "Well I feel as though you left a hand print so deep of God here at camp that it will remain here for years to come for people to see and experience."
Wooosh - talk about a humiliating, humbling experience. This little girl in my cabin who had talked my ear off ALL week and I will confess bordered on annoyance (I may or may not have tuned myself out to one of her stories about bugs or lunchroom memories), but listening to her now, it was as if she herself was not speaking. She meant every word and who was I to receive such a blessed evaluation?
I praise the Lord that HE was at work this week at camp and that His hand has been pressed within the grounds of that camp. Even the director made comment that in his 14 years of being there he had never experienced a week of camp quite like this one. Bless the Lord! He alone is great and most worthy of all glory, honor and praise!
Camp flew by this week, but something one of my cabin girls said to me before leaving will stick with me forever. She walked over to me and I watched the face of a typically silly, non-stop talking girl change and get extremely serious.
"Christy, I just wanted to know you have left a really deep footprint here at this camp. I have been coming to camp since I was a little girl and never have I experienced something this deep. I think your presence and love at camp this week has made an impact in everyone's hearts." So I thanked her and asked her what she meant. She said, "Well I feel as though you left a hand print so deep of God here at camp that it will remain here for years to come for people to see and experience."
Wooosh - talk about a humiliating, humbling experience. This little girl in my cabin who had talked my ear off ALL week and I will confess bordered on annoyance (I may or may not have tuned myself out to one of her stories about bugs or lunchroom memories), but listening to her now, it was as if she herself was not speaking. She meant every word and who was I to receive such a blessed evaluation?
I praise the Lord that HE was at work this week at camp and that His hand has been pressed within the grounds of that camp. Even the director made comment that in his 14 years of being there he had never experienced a week of camp quite like this one. Bless the Lord! He alone is great and most worthy of all glory, honor and praise!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
the value of a friend
This week at camp we had the priviledge of getting to know our camp speaker as well as his family - his wife and two little ones. On the last day of camp I was talking to their 3 1/2 year old and said goodbye.
Roughly 10 seconds later I hear little footprints hitting the ground and an excited call of "Friend! Friend! Friend!"
Turning around I saw him standing there. Chuckling to myself I watched for a moment as he (now recognizing my attention) said, "Gouh-bye Friend!" and waved. I waved back, turned around and continued to my cabin.
Suddenly it struck me just how weighty these simple words of a 3 1/2 year old were. "Friend!" He called me friend, anxiously, excitedly, he shouted pursuing a response.
Isn't that sort've how the Lord calls to us sometimes: "Beloved! Beloved! Come! Friend! Love! Child! I am near! Come!"
If only our hearts would recklessly choose to always delight in Christ the way a small child delights in a newly made friend. His pursuit is just as important and just as intense. We just sometimes lack in our response. I pray you are delighted by the love of the Lord today. He is good...and His mercies endure forever.
Roughly 10 seconds later I hear little footprints hitting the ground and an excited call of "Friend! Friend! Friend!"
Turning around I saw him standing there. Chuckling to myself I watched for a moment as he (now recognizing my attention) said, "Gouh-bye Friend!" and waved. I waved back, turned around and continued to my cabin.
Suddenly it struck me just how weighty these simple words of a 3 1/2 year old were. "Friend!" He called me friend, anxiously, excitedly, he shouted pursuing a response.
Isn't that sort've how the Lord calls to us sometimes: "Beloved! Beloved! Come! Friend! Love! Child! I am near! Come!"
If only our hearts would recklessly choose to always delight in Christ the way a small child delights in a newly made friend. His pursuit is just as important and just as intense. We just sometimes lack in our response. I pray you are delighted by the love of the Lord today. He is good...and His mercies endure forever.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
one man's story
Who knew a simple question could open a hurting man's heart so easily?
Simple table talk - suddenly shifts into a serious, deep, outpouring of painful memories and cloudy yesterdays.
Just one question.
He hesitated for just a moment after I asked the question. He had worked the Jersey shore for years as a paramedica and likely had many life "saves" under his belt. Despite years of training and preparation - nothing would prepare him for this day.
He remembered well how crystal clear the sky was that morning, like nothing he had ever seen before. Shortly after arriving at his meeting, he got the call. Someone had hit the Trade Towers. Laughing off the silly event, they figured someone had missed their route, that's when the second plane hit.
After some 40 minutes of hearing his story, I began to realize just how much he needed to share his story. His eyes were moist with tears and a deep, agonizing pain seemed as though it began to release itself from him. My spirit felt that he really needed to share whatever was inside his hear and his conversation affirmed that. 40 minutes I sat, he talked, I listened. Watching his eyes was like watching him relive every second of the events of that day and the months to follow.
This man two years after the tragedy, attempted to take his own life and became consumed with 20+ years of darkness, hurt, death, and finally the purposeful destruction of persons through terrorism. He didn't know what to do or where to go. Confusion, depression and PTSD taunted his very being - but I saw Jesus in there. Those eyes and that sad smile, they bore the image of the living God whose love cannot be measured and from which we cannot be separated.
His story ended there for the evening - but last night he shared the "bright" side of the story as he called it - his coming to know Christ as Savior and Lord. He decided he shouldn't focus on anger and the darkness anymore, but on joy and life.
Bless the Lord! I'm so thankful for our stories.
Simple table talk - suddenly shifts into a serious, deep, outpouring of painful memories and cloudy yesterdays.
Just one question.
He hesitated for just a moment after I asked the question. He had worked the Jersey shore for years as a paramedica and likely had many life "saves" under his belt. Despite years of training and preparation - nothing would prepare him for this day.
He remembered well how crystal clear the sky was that morning, like nothing he had ever seen before. Shortly after arriving at his meeting, he got the call. Someone had hit the Trade Towers. Laughing off the silly event, they figured someone had missed their route, that's when the second plane hit.
After some 40 minutes of hearing his story, I began to realize just how much he needed to share his story. His eyes were moist with tears and a deep, agonizing pain seemed as though it began to release itself from him. My spirit felt that he really needed to share whatever was inside his hear and his conversation affirmed that. 40 minutes I sat, he talked, I listened. Watching his eyes was like watching him relive every second of the events of that day and the months to follow.
This man two years after the tragedy, attempted to take his own life and became consumed with 20+ years of darkness, hurt, death, and finally the purposeful destruction of persons through terrorism. He didn't know what to do or where to go. Confusion, depression and PTSD taunted his very being - but I saw Jesus in there. Those eyes and that sad smile, they bore the image of the living God whose love cannot be measured and from which we cannot be separated.
His story ended there for the evening - but last night he shared the "bright" side of the story as he called it - his coming to know Christ as Savior and Lord. He decided he shouldn't focus on anger and the darkness anymore, but on joy and life.
Bless the Lord! I'm so thankful for our stories.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sussex in the summer
I went for a short walk this evening after our re-group festivities wrapped up.
It was an enjoyable time.
The air was thick with the all too familiar fragrance of cow.
Several houses on the main road have been dressed up with new siding, pretty flowers and such.
One house was even turned in a completely different direction - right off its foundation.
One of my favorite observations was that of a man in his 50s with a sweet pair of edging scissors. He was plucking a large amount of leaves off a tree in his yard that eventually took the shape of a mushroom.
Everything looks a little different with brilliant green leaves and flowers in full bloom. What am amazing example of His creation. Sometimes I wonder why - if summer is so full of life that in the winter time everything looks so dead. Then I remember the concept of seasons and how just like summer is brilliantly alive and winter is seemingly dead, cold, and biting - it can easily represent our lives. Some seasons are brilliant, exciting, alive and fresh - they might even be appealing to our senses, yet others are frustrating and seem to pass so slowly. I'm convinced however that if we look close enough we can see beauty in all seasons - regardless of its "look".
All the pathways in Sussex were clad with great greenery and the smell of lilacs lingered in the air. I have an appreciation for nature. It is truly remarkable. God's creation...WOW!
It was an enjoyable time.
The air was thick with the all too familiar fragrance of cow.
Several houses on the main road have been dressed up with new siding, pretty flowers and such.
One house was even turned in a completely different direction - right off its foundation.
One of my favorite observations was that of a man in his 50s with a sweet pair of edging scissors. He was plucking a large amount of leaves off a tree in his yard that eventually took the shape of a mushroom.
Everything looks a little different with brilliant green leaves and flowers in full bloom. What am amazing example of His creation. Sometimes I wonder why - if summer is so full of life that in the winter time everything looks so dead. Then I remember the concept of seasons and how just like summer is brilliantly alive and winter is seemingly dead, cold, and biting - it can easily represent our lives. Some seasons are brilliant, exciting, alive and fresh - they might even be appealing to our senses, yet others are frustrating and seem to pass so slowly. I'm convinced however that if we look close enough we can see beauty in all seasons - regardless of its "look".
All the pathways in Sussex were clad with great greenery and the smell of lilacs lingered in the air. I have an appreciation for nature. It is truly remarkable. God's creation...WOW!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Summer Teams 2008
Re-group is just around the corner.
Tomorrow I pick up our rental vehicle and Wednesday morning I will adventure to Sussex to join my lovely friends for our regroup festivities. It should be a good and informative time.
Packing still needs to be accomplished, but my heart is growing excited to see the Lord move in a powerful way this summer at each and every camp.
Below is a picture of my teammate(Aisha Davis) and myself (courtesy of Zach Schible):
We would greatly appreciate your prayers, thoughts and comments as we venture with the Lord this summer. I will post our itinerary soon.
Tomorrow I pick up our rental vehicle and Wednesday morning I will adventure to Sussex to join my lovely friends for our regroup festivities. It should be a good and informative time.
Packing still needs to be accomplished, but my heart is growing excited to see the Lord move in a powerful way this summer at each and every camp.
Below is a picture of my teammate(Aisha Davis) and myself (courtesy of Zach Schible):
We would greatly appreciate your prayers, thoughts and comments as we venture with the Lord this summer. I will post our itinerary soon.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day!!!
Daddy,Daddy what shall I say?
Remember the endless days we would play?
You taught me to swing, to ride my bicycle and to drive...
You drove me towards excellence that in life I might thrive.
Cleanliness, order, and lists are your things.
You treat your ladies like princesses and Mom as your queen.
Your love is to be treasured.
You cook and clean and encourage me to dream.
I love you much Daddy! Enjoy your special day! Kisses and hugs.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!
Remember the endless days we would play?
You taught me to swing, to ride my bicycle and to drive...
You drove me towards excellence that in life I might thrive.
Cleanliness, order, and lists are your things.You treat your ladies like princesses and Mom as your queen.
Your love is to be treasured.
You cook and clean and encourage me to dream.
I love you much Daddy! Enjoy your special day! Kisses and hugs.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
happy highschool graduation Sherm!
Sherri - Congratulations on your soon approaching highschool graduation! It seems like yesterday I was wearing my Ducktales t-shirt driving to the hospital with Dad to meet you.
We hung out lots when we were little:
Had picnics and played lots of fun things:
I suppose you were always quite a ham - especially in those classic* Easter dresses Mom always dressed us up in:
Your love for chocolate is a force not to be crossed (sorry no photo was available with the fudgicles):
For a brief season as a younger child you seemed to appreciate the great outdoors:
Pool time adventures (you were always way more brave than me when it came to water):
Remember Hershey Park?? Our vacation memories are countless as we've grown up:
Oh how you've grown - much bigger now - mature and dressy in a pretty prom dress:
I'm proud of you Sherri! May you bless the Lord for all your accomplishments and blessings. Remember to keep Him as your focus always for His path is the best way.It offers life and never doubt your potential to succeed. Take risks - challenge yourself and always remember the Lord - He is the One who makes your path straight before you. Your health may fail you, but God will remain the strength of your heart forever. (Psalm 73:26)
We hung out lots when we were little:
Had picnics and played lots of fun things:
I suppose you were always quite a ham - especially in those classic* Easter dresses Mom always dressed us up in:
Your love for chocolate is a force not to be crossed (sorry no photo was available with the fudgicles):
For a brief season as a younger child you seemed to appreciate the great outdoors:
Pool time adventures (you were always way more brave than me when it came to water):
Remember Hershey Park?? Our vacation memories are countless as we've grown up:
Oh how you've grown - much bigger now - mature and dressy in a pretty prom dress:
I'm proud of you Sherri! May you bless the Lord for all your accomplishments and blessings. Remember to keep Him as your focus always for His path is the best way.It offers life and never doubt your potential to succeed. Take risks - challenge yourself and always remember the Lord - He is the One who makes your path straight before you. Your health may fail you, but God will remain the strength of your heart forever. (Psalm 73:26)
Saturday, June 07, 2008
future thoughts
I was reminded the other day through the writing of a good friend of something very important - We can choose to live Christ's adventure every day - but we only have one life with which to do so.
I've been tossing ideas around in my mind and thoughts lately concerning school and the future - but after a short while, my brain grows tired of trying to think and reason and make sense of the uncertain, the unknown. There's a lot of outside pressure from people to 'know' what's next - to have a plan - a career path set up and established, but I don't want that. My heart longs for adventure.
Sure I understand the importance of finishing school and though sometimes I want nothing more than dropping everything and moving to an impoverished country to live amongst the lowly to love them like Jesus, I feel the weight of my responsiblity in finishing my education. However, some people are keen on going to school their entire lives and expectations have been placed on the table about Master's degrees and doctorates and PhDs.
What do titles matter? If God should call me to furthered education I want to be available to that and prepared to tackle the challenge, but even more so, if His plans say 'no' and lead me another way I want to be content in walking away from comfort and security. I want to be okay not knowing waht's next.
I've been tossing ideas around in my mind and thoughts lately concerning school and the future - but after a short while, my brain grows tired of trying to think and reason and make sense of the uncertain, the unknown. There's a lot of outside pressure from people to 'know' what's next - to have a plan - a career path set up and established, but I don't want that. My heart longs for adventure.
Sure I understand the importance of finishing school and though sometimes I want nothing more than dropping everything and moving to an impoverished country to live amongst the lowly to love them like Jesus, I feel the weight of my responsiblity in finishing my education. However, some people are keen on going to school their entire lives and expectations have been placed on the table about Master's degrees and doctorates and PhDs.
What do titles matter? If God should call me to furthered education I want to be available to that and prepared to tackle the challenge, but even more so, if His plans say 'no' and lead me another way I want to be content in walking away from comfort and security. I want to be okay not knowing waht's next.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Celebrating: Joshua Michael Ramos
In the next few weeks our family will be celebrating some important milestone markers in the lives of those we love. The first being this weekend as Josh (my cousin) graduates from Fort Fairfield Highschool.
I am sure for many it seems like yesterday you were this big:
Then you grew a little:
And a bit more:
Josh I rejoice in your accomplishments and am very proud of you!
Continue seeking the Lord as you further your education & adventure in life.
Remember always Him who makes your path straight and walk faithfully in His ways - they are always and will always be higher than yours.
It has been a pleasure and joy to grow and laugh with you - I pray you journey well in the coming season. Love and blessings on your special day!
I am sure for many it seems like yesterday you were this big:
Then you grew a little:
And a bit more:
Josh I rejoice in your accomplishments and am very proud of you!
Continue seeking the Lord as you further your education & adventure in life.
Remember always Him who makes your path straight and walk faithfully in His ways - they are always and will always be higher than yours.
It has been a pleasure and joy to grow and laugh with you - I pray you journey well in the coming season. Love and blessings on your special day!
Monday, June 02, 2008
the countdown begins
So I hit the road in just over 2 weeks and lots of questions and thoughts rest upon my mind and heart.
What should I be expecting? How must I prepare? Why have I been chosen to go?
Lord be my vision and guide in the season of preparation for journeying.
What should I be expecting? How must I prepare? Why have I been chosen to go?
Lord be my vision and guide in the season of preparation for journeying.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
belief
It grieves my heart when the body of Christ hinders more than nourishes itself. Why do Christians and the church place themselves in situations where their actions become a striking example of the Baal prophets on Mount Carmel - slashing their arms and flailing about looking ridiculous seeking some empty, meaningless glory - why do we slash at parts of the body believing that somehow through the mutilation of the body (brothers and sisters), glory might be found?
Why aren't we believing?
Why aren't we praying more?
Why aren't we trusting? Risking? Stepping out?
Why are we playing it safe?
Why all the rules, regulations, etc?
What happened to breathing? Believing?
What happened to BOLD belief like Elijah on Mount Carmel - he believed God would send fire on the altar he had built- to send a fire that if lit by God would prove His power over Baal, the false god people prostitued themselves to - think about it - a request to send fire from the sky. Today that's quite a belief to have - but Elijah believed, and God came through - Elijah believed so much so that he had them pour water several times upon the altar. God came through to honor both the faith of His servant and to bring God's Name glory.
Why don't we believe for things with that ferver and trust God will come through?
Why aren't we believing?
Why aren't we praying more?
Why aren't we trusting? Risking? Stepping out?
Why are we playing it safe?
Why all the rules, regulations, etc?
What happened to breathing? Believing?
What happened to BOLD belief like Elijah on Mount Carmel - he believed God would send fire on the altar he had built- to send a fire that if lit by God would prove His power over Baal, the false god people prostitued themselves to - think about it - a request to send fire from the sky. Today that's quite a belief to have - but Elijah believed, and God came through - Elijah believed so much so that he had them pour water several times upon the altar. God came through to honor both the faith of His servant and to bring God's Name glory.
Why don't we believe for things with that ferver and trust God will come through?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
breathing
How blessed to sense and bare the sweetened breath which pierces my lungs - so gentle, so swift, so full and rich.
Today I sit, and lingering in my heart is a familiar bearing, a romance and delight which is nothing short of indescribable. Mine eyes hold back unexplainable tears of joy, thanks, overwhelming repentance - and the sweet voice of Yahweh calls me.
Closing my eyes I breathe - I can sense Him. My very being longs for His touch and He is near. Oh blessed season of suffering and dryness - of thirst and hunger - failure and trudging - He remains - sure I may not always have a strong sense of His nearness, but as my aunt once told me: "Sometimes when God appears to be silent and you feel as though He is not near, He is preparing you for something."
I know He never left me - He was always here, but oh today, the blessed overwhelming fragrance of Yahweh I have been longing for, floods my soul - it quenches my thirst and fills my cup overflowing. He is my Portion, my Strength, my Shield, Deliverer, my Shelter, Strong Tower and very present Help in time of need.
Breathe my friends - breathe deep - do you sense Him? He is near.
Today I sit, and lingering in my heart is a familiar bearing, a romance and delight which is nothing short of indescribable. Mine eyes hold back unexplainable tears of joy, thanks, overwhelming repentance - and the sweet voice of Yahweh calls me.
Closing my eyes I breathe - I can sense Him. My very being longs for His touch and He is near. Oh blessed season of suffering and dryness - of thirst and hunger - failure and trudging - He remains - sure I may not always have a strong sense of His nearness, but as my aunt once told me: "Sometimes when God appears to be silent and you feel as though He is not near, He is preparing you for something."
I know He never left me - He was always here, but oh today, the blessed overwhelming fragrance of Yahweh I have been longing for, floods my soul - it quenches my thirst and fills my cup overflowing. He is my Portion, my Strength, my Shield, Deliverer, my Shelter, Strong Tower and very present Help in time of need.
Breathe my friends - breathe deep - do you sense Him? He is near.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
life
Life is an interesting journey with twists, turns, and little stops along the way.
Preparation is essential and training a must - so here I find myself in a season of training learning much and exploring lots.
I am thankful for sunshine, road bumps, and opposition - for laughter, adventures, and the ability to breathe.
"The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever."- The Pursuit of God (17)
Preparation is essential and training a must - so here I find myself in a season of training learning much and exploring lots.
I am thankful for sunshine, road bumps, and opposition - for laughter, adventures, and the ability to breathe.
"The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever."- The Pursuit of God (17)
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
ode to my shinny-shin-shins
10 years ago I found a love that required work - hard work - much endurance, pain, perseverance, grace, strategy, thinking, and skill. Hitting the field in 4th grade after the school bell rang - clad in my pink shorts and Franklin shinpads, I was ready to go. Never did I expect this moment and season after countless season to follow that a love for the sport and game of "football" or soccer would be birthed.
In my career I've managed to outgrow 2 pairs of shinguards - and to destroy one. A few weeks ago I found myself injured after repeated trauma to the same area of my shin (basically I was kicked 6-8 times unintentionally by different boys over the span of 2 weeks and about 6 soccer games). The results: 1)a broken/cracked shinguard 2)nearly a broken/cracked leg and 3) an adventurous, disappointing trip to 2 ERs in Canadia only to receive no luck in getting an x-ray.(I suppose that's what you get when you play with boys who know you're tough - there's not a whole lot of mercy given out, even in Bible college - the biggest downfall to this poor philosophy of theirs is sometimes the lack of technical training and skills of the players - lots of our guys play soccer for the first time at BBC - interesting.)
Regardless, I was quite disappointed and pained when I found out my shinguards that lasted me 4 years of highschool soccer and almost 2 years of university were broken. (Trust me, I was kicked pretty hard - surprisingly the first 3 times I didn't even have my shinny-shin-shins on. Whoops!) Clearly this was a sign that I needed to discard them:
One thing is for sure - these shinguards certainly bore a stench of 6 years of play and stains of hard work, not even the finest bleach products or febreeze could remove. Our equipment may fail us, but the game presses on. I guess it's time for some new shinguards.
In my career I've managed to outgrow 2 pairs of shinguards - and to destroy one. A few weeks ago I found myself injured after repeated trauma to the same area of my shin (basically I was kicked 6-8 times unintentionally by different boys over the span of 2 weeks and about 6 soccer games). The results: 1)a broken/cracked shinguard 2)nearly a broken/cracked leg and 3) an adventurous, disappointing trip to 2 ERs in Canadia only to receive no luck in getting an x-ray.(I suppose that's what you get when you play with boys who know you're tough - there's not a whole lot of mercy given out, even in Bible college - the biggest downfall to this poor philosophy of theirs is sometimes the lack of technical training and skills of the players - lots of our guys play soccer for the first time at BBC - interesting.)
Regardless, I was quite disappointed and pained when I found out my shinguards that lasted me 4 years of highschool soccer and almost 2 years of university were broken. (Trust me, I was kicked pretty hard - surprisingly the first 3 times I didn't even have my shinny-shin-shins on. Whoops!) Clearly this was a sign that I needed to discard them:
One thing is for sure - these shinguards certainly bore a stench of 6 years of play and stains of hard work, not even the finest bleach products or febreeze could remove. Our equipment may fail us, but the game presses on. I guess it's time for some new shinguards.
desperate snow removal
Most traces of the long, harsh northern maine winter the county endured over the past few months have vanished - the occasional white flek will catch the corner of my eye and I find myself cringing saying "Ah, why!?" and counting my blessings of living in Sussex most of the year and having spring start in the end of March instead of the middle of May. However, like all circumstances there are a few exceptions, one of which is our neighbor's yard. The other day, upon returning from the highschool to pick up my youngest sister, I caught sight of my mother doing this:
Jessica's mouth dropped opened as we both errupted into laughter at the sight of our mother in shorts, with an ax and bright orange snow shovel demolishing the bank by Mr. Phil's house. I suppose she wants no reminders of the 7-8 months of winter they had - then again, who could blame her?
Jessica's mouth dropped opened as we both errupted into laughter at the sight of our mother in shorts, with an ax and bright orange snow shovel demolishing the bank by Mr. Phil's house. I suppose she wants no reminders of the 7-8 months of winter they had - then again, who could blame her?
Friday, May 02, 2008
What's in a puddle of ice?
Lots.
Yesterday afternoon I went downstate with my Mom to spend some quality time and to do a little shopping. When we were out for 'lupper' we were at the Olive Garden and little did I know what would unfold before my eyes. A cook set up his little stand beside our table to deliver the pasta Mom and I were sharing. There I sat, eating my yummy breadstick as our nice waitress walked into the room to give another table their drinks. Fleeing the room, the cook rammed into our waitress causing her to spill to giant cups of soda on the ground. Ice cubes splattered over the floor and what's even more interesting - he didn't apologize. He had nearly swept her feet from under her, and after a polite asking from the waitress the hurried cook grabbed the glasses and left the room. Embarrassment hung on this young lady's face. We asked if she was alright and somewhat shaken she said she was. After she'd left the room, my eyes zoomed in on the icecubes. A tugging in my heart told me I should probably help pick them up. However, I became too caught up in evaluating how I would go about picking them up and where I would put them when I was finished...so I sat, hesitating and then in a few minutes my opportunity had vanished just as quickly as it came. I know, I know, it's just a bunch of silly icecubes, but I asked the Lord for opportunities to be Christ before leaving for our little trip and yet I didn't acknowledge what my eyes had seen as a clear opportunity.
Pondering the situation on the drive home, I concluded that rather than hesitating and planning, when I am prodded, I must simply DO. I don't have to travel 6000 miles to be Christ's hand extended, it can be in a restaurant helping a startled waitress pick icecubes out of the rug. God doesn't ask for our ability or inability, he asks for our availability - I wasn't successful in this opportunity because I made myself unavailable when I decided to analyze rather than to trust Him and to act. I think as Christians, we do this a lot...I pray the Lord will bring more opportunities as I continue to work on this area of my life...let's keep our eyes open friends for moments to be Christ to those around us.
Yesterday afternoon I went downstate with my Mom to spend some quality time and to do a little shopping. When we were out for 'lupper' we were at the Olive Garden and little did I know what would unfold before my eyes. A cook set up his little stand beside our table to deliver the pasta Mom and I were sharing. There I sat, eating my yummy breadstick as our nice waitress walked into the room to give another table their drinks. Fleeing the room, the cook rammed into our waitress causing her to spill to giant cups of soda on the ground. Ice cubes splattered over the floor and what's even more interesting - he didn't apologize. He had nearly swept her feet from under her, and after a polite asking from the waitress the hurried cook grabbed the glasses and left the room. Embarrassment hung on this young lady's face. We asked if she was alright and somewhat shaken she said she was. After she'd left the room, my eyes zoomed in on the icecubes. A tugging in my heart told me I should probably help pick them up. However, I became too caught up in evaluating how I would go about picking them up and where I would put them when I was finished...so I sat, hesitating and then in a few minutes my opportunity had vanished just as quickly as it came. I know, I know, it's just a bunch of silly icecubes, but I asked the Lord for opportunities to be Christ before leaving for our little trip and yet I didn't acknowledge what my eyes had seen as a clear opportunity.
Pondering the situation on the drive home, I concluded that rather than hesitating and planning, when I am prodded, I must simply DO. I don't have to travel 6000 miles to be Christ's hand extended, it can be in a restaurant helping a startled waitress pick icecubes out of the rug. God doesn't ask for our ability or inability, he asks for our availability - I wasn't successful in this opportunity because I made myself unavailable when I decided to analyze rather than to trust Him and to act. I think as Christians, we do this a lot...I pray the Lord will bring more opportunities as I continue to work on this area of my life...let's keep our eyes open friends for moments to be Christ to those around us.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
a fresh look
With every season comes change and in addition to the many changes I am experiencing in my life at the moment, I decided to try a little something new. In the period of 30 or so minute I went from looking like the first picture to the second...(I know it's not the best picture in the world, but I am enjoying the opportunity to sport a new style. :) Even more interesting, the lady who cut my hair convinced me to have bangs. I suppose there is some sort of merit to trying new things. Go big or go home?? Isn't that how the saying goes?
Friday, April 11, 2008
awakened
This morning I crawled into bed in the hours to catch a cat nap before class. Filing away my creative supplies, I turned out the lights to my imagination and rested my eyes. My heart began to pray for strength and for rest.
Two hours later I awoke sitting up looking out my window. Clutching my alarm in my hands, a smile lit up my face and I glanced at the time. 6:50...6:50...what am I? Why didn't this go off? The Lord had awakened me at just the right time, though neither of the two alarms I had set two hours before decided to assist in the process of morning readiness. The birds were chirping and my heart began to sing. I jumped out of bed and skipped to the shower. What a delightful day it is to be awakened by Him...to be greeted by Yahweh and reminders of his splendor.
Two hours later I awoke sitting up looking out my window. Clutching my alarm in my hands, a smile lit up my face and I glanced at the time. 6:50...6:50...what am I? Why didn't this go off? The Lord had awakened me at just the right time, though neither of the two alarms I had set two hours before decided to assist in the process of morning readiness. The birds were chirping and my heart began to sing. I jumped out of bed and skipped to the shower. What a delightful day it is to be awakened by Him...to be greeted by Yahweh and reminders of his splendor.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
the hustle and bustle of spring
Do you ever feel like sitting still - not moving a muscle and hoping somehow enough time will pass that the sun will shine bright and warm - the cold and snow will vanish - and all your papers will mysteriously write themselves??
So are my thoughts this day..although a significant contributor to my desire not to move is my lovely sickness...which in the grand scheme of things is inching its way closer to healthiness on the progress scale. However, today IS day#5 without a voice. Sweet...
So are my thoughts this day..although a significant contributor to my desire not to move is my lovely sickness...which in the grand scheme of things is inching its way closer to healthiness on the progress scale. However, today IS day#5 without a voice. Sweet...
reflections on Jamaica
(Here are a few thoughts from my journals about Jamaica...)
“We visited a Rehabilitation center today that housed many people that could not do the one thing we take for granted everyday- walk. I was able to believe the Lord for healing in their lives. One woman I prayed with was stricken with a giant tumor that tripled the size of her neck. Her husband sat faithfully by her side- their love for one another was evident. Despite the frailness of her tiny body, he had eyes for her alone. Placing my hand on her tumor and my other around her tiny hand, I wept before the Lord. I have never seen a tumor before…”
“We also visited the National Children’s Home where we sang and danced with the kids. I saw a mentally handicapped Jamaican girl, who looked very much like any other mentally handicapped person I have met. The sweet, childlike spirit of these people holds a special place in my heart. The kids were wonderful and enjoyed company. We made several videos of them dancing and singing. They seem to enjoy entertaining.
Something that especially touched my heart was when a little girl tugged on my elbow and said, “Miss, sing please! In my ear Miss, sing!” I sang a lullaby to her and seeming pleased she smiled and thanked me. I wish these kids had people to sing them lullabies every night. We are so blessed.”
“We went to Blossom’s Children’s Home and got to hang out with orphans. We sang worship songs to the “school agers”. They were precious. I held a little boy named Daniel and a little girl, whose name I know not. She seemed to enjoy being held. I pray these kids will be given parents to set an example of God lavishing His love on them. Several of the small children accepted Christ into their hearts and I pray they continue to serve the Lord as they grow.
Next I got to spend time with the babies. I decided to pick up a little girl and then took her to eat her lunch. She was precious and very calm being held. She just wrapped her arms around my body and laid against my chest – her head nestled closely to mine. My heart was warmed as I realized how much I long to care for and have babies. Feeding her was a sweet experience. She was quite unemotional at first, just eating and resting her tiny hands on my legs. I decided to play airplane and “Vroom, Vroomed” the food in her mouth. This made her smile.
Leaving her to cry in her crib because we had to go and I was no longer holding her, was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I laid her in her crib and she cried, but as long as I stroked her tummy or arms, she was okay. When I pulled my hand away she wept. She just wanted someone to hold her, to cradle her, to make her warm – to show her love, and I had to leave! This broke my heart- I have never met nor held an orphan before.
After leaving my little one, we went to the AIDS Hospice. Here I met Chalds James. I have never met anyone with AIDS before and he sang me several hymns of praise. This caused me to weep as well. He shared with me his hunger for the Word of God and his inability to read it. Choking on my tears I asked if I might read him something from the Bible. He agreed and we read 1 Corinthians 13 – the chapter of love. Today God’s love permeated my heart. I was reminded that we MUST bless the Lord at ALL TIMES! For crying out loud, if people with AIDS can bless His name, who am I? Who do I think I am that I can go about my day complaining and only blessing His name when I feel like it? No! All times…God is worthy of such praise and much more! This experience has impacted my heart significantly and I know I will never be the same.”
“I was blessed tonight by God’s goodness. I was asked to share my testimony and the significance finally sunk in. I never imagined God would afford me the opportunity to share my testimony of God’s restoring work in my life in Jamaica, Florida, the Carolinas, all along the East coast of the USA and Canada. God is so faithful! What the enemy sought to kill and destroy, God has restored, claimed, and used for His glory. I am amazed by the goodness of my Lord!”
As you can gather, this was a deeply moving and stretching time for me. I am still processing and learning about myself and the Lord as I replay the trip in my mind. I was blessed to have this opportunity. :)
“We visited a Rehabilitation center today that housed many people that could not do the one thing we take for granted everyday- walk. I was able to believe the Lord for healing in their lives. One woman I prayed with was stricken with a giant tumor that tripled the size of her neck. Her husband sat faithfully by her side- their love for one another was evident. Despite the frailness of her tiny body, he had eyes for her alone. Placing my hand on her tumor and my other around her tiny hand, I wept before the Lord. I have never seen a tumor before…”
“We also visited the National Children’s Home where we sang and danced with the kids. I saw a mentally handicapped Jamaican girl, who looked very much like any other mentally handicapped person I have met. The sweet, childlike spirit of these people holds a special place in my heart. The kids were wonderful and enjoyed company. We made several videos of them dancing and singing. They seem to enjoy entertaining.
Something that especially touched my heart was when a little girl tugged on my elbow and said, “Miss, sing please! In my ear Miss, sing!” I sang a lullaby to her and seeming pleased she smiled and thanked me. I wish these kids had people to sing them lullabies every night. We are so blessed.”
“We went to Blossom’s Children’s Home and got to hang out with orphans. We sang worship songs to the “school agers”. They were precious. I held a little boy named Daniel and a little girl, whose name I know not. She seemed to enjoy being held. I pray these kids will be given parents to set an example of God lavishing His love on them. Several of the small children accepted Christ into their hearts and I pray they continue to serve the Lord as they grow.
Next I got to spend time with the babies. I decided to pick up a little girl and then took her to eat her lunch. She was precious and very calm being held. She just wrapped her arms around my body and laid against my chest – her head nestled closely to mine. My heart was warmed as I realized how much I long to care for and have babies. Feeding her was a sweet experience. She was quite unemotional at first, just eating and resting her tiny hands on my legs. I decided to play airplane and “Vroom, Vroomed” the food in her mouth. This made her smile.
Leaving her to cry in her crib because we had to go and I was no longer holding her, was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I laid her in her crib and she cried, but as long as I stroked her tummy or arms, she was okay. When I pulled my hand away she wept. She just wanted someone to hold her, to cradle her, to make her warm – to show her love, and I had to leave! This broke my heart- I have never met nor held an orphan before.
After leaving my little one, we went to the AIDS Hospice. Here I met Chalds James. I have never met anyone with AIDS before and he sang me several hymns of praise. This caused me to weep as well. He shared with me his hunger for the Word of God and his inability to read it. Choking on my tears I asked if I might read him something from the Bible. He agreed and we read 1 Corinthians 13 – the chapter of love. Today God’s love permeated my heart. I was reminded that we MUST bless the Lord at ALL TIMES! For crying out loud, if people with AIDS can bless His name, who am I? Who do I think I am that I can go about my day complaining and only blessing His name when I feel like it? No! All times…God is worthy of such praise and much more! This experience has impacted my heart significantly and I know I will never be the same.”
“I was blessed tonight by God’s goodness. I was asked to share my testimony and the significance finally sunk in. I never imagined God would afford me the opportunity to share my testimony of God’s restoring work in my life in Jamaica, Florida, the Carolinas, all along the East coast of the USA and Canada. God is so faithful! What the enemy sought to kill and destroy, God has restored, claimed, and used for His glory. I am amazed by the goodness of my Lord!”
As you can gather, this was a deeply moving and stretching time for me. I am still processing and learning about myself and the Lord as I replay the trip in my mind. I was blessed to have this opportunity. :)
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Birthday little sister!
Eighteen years ago I was a bouncy 2 1/2 year old excitedly peering over the top of a cart on which the nurses in Germany pushed my new baby sister. She was all mine and boy was I excited!! Over the years we've had many adventures and today marks 18 whole years of Sherri adventures.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY little sister though you're not so little anymore...you still remain a special part of my heart and I joy in our friendship as it grows and changes. I love you! May the Lord love on you this day as you celebrate the One who created you and knit you together, BEAUTIFUL in His image.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY little sister though you're not so little anymore...you still remain a special part of my heart and I joy in our friendship as it grows and changes. I love you! May the Lord love on you this day as you celebrate the One who created you and knit you together, BEAUTIFUL in His image.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
a new worship
Since I have recently caught an unhealthy dose of the bethany plague, I lost my voice this weekend. However, I was grateful for the experience to worship with the body of Christ without my voice. Tonight, I realized that all things considered, I was worshipping Christ as a dumb person. When people could not walk, they are considered lame. Likewise when one cannot see, they are blind. When one cannot speak, they are dumb. My heart was overwhelmed with the goodness of Christ tonight and worship became so much more than singing the right words, or mouthing familiar phrases. It was a blessed opportunity to worship the Lord through clapping, smiling, swaying, and dancing. Without my voice, there was no distraction - no searching for harmonies or the right notes. I was simply myself, Christy, weak and dumb, before my Lord. I am unworthy of the love God lavishes on me. Tonight, though I could not speak with grace and good voice, my soul was refreshed.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Monday, March 03, 2008
In Jamaica...
I am currently in Jamaica and the sunshine is calling my name:
For thoughts on our journey please see the link to the left of my page...
TESTIFY - Jamaica Tour or copy and paste this link: http://www.bbctestify.blogspot.com
Blessings!
God is good!
For thoughts on our journey please see the link to the left of my page...
TESTIFY - Jamaica Tour or copy and paste this link: http://www.bbctestify.blogspot.com
Blessings!
God is good!
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