Saturday, January 26, 2008
A new day has come...
I was faced with a very difficult decision this past week, however after much thought, prayer, consideration, and insight from people I value...I have made a decision that is going to shape my life in a new way. After almost two years on staff with YFC, I have decided to venture from the staff realm and into a new position with a firm owned by two people that I totally respect and value. The coming weeks and months are going to provide many challenges but are going to shape me in new and exciting ways! I am excited for what the future holds. (If you are reading this and I haven't personally talked to you about it yet...please know I will and you can e-mail, IM, text, or call me if you want more info. This will change what my role looks like with Campus Life, however I believe it will be a smooth transition) I am grateful for all of my friends, family, co-workers, and students who have been such a huge support in my life! I love you all! And this does not change my relationship with you...friendship can last a lifetime. Here's to a new year and a new direction!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
"A million and one ways to experience God"
Call me a forward-thinker or a post-modern or whatever you would like but I strongly agree with a statement one of my professors made today, "There are a million and one ways to experience God". I was very lucky to have my Spiritual Formation class on the same day that I had coffee with one of my very good friends, Pastor Dave Wainscott. Times with Dave and times in my Spiritual Formation course really make me think.
I hate to say that many churches today focus on two things: 1) Numbers and 2) Legalism. I have to stop and ask did Jesus minister to those who he came in contact with or did he set a goal and say we need "x" number of people to come today. Of those "x" number we need "y" amount of decisions to become followers and we need "z" committed believers to give such-in-such dollars today to further the ministry. I often have to ask if numbers really measure results. Shouldn't we be more concerned with how people are doing, what is going on in their lives, and how we can grow in experiencing God? Instead we need to know attendance, decisions, and dollars so we can launch the newest programs and strike up a building campaign to get the latest and greatest facility.
If it isn't a focus on numbers, it's a focus of the law and what is right and wrong. I believe that there is a difference in wrong and right and that in fact we should do things that are right. However, who judges what is wrong and right? I mean ultimately God, yes, however the church has really come down to be rule enforcers...you have your Do's and your Don'ts. No offense but I believe that there are some things that might not be right for you but they may be right for me. One area that was touched on in my Spiritual Formation class today was the freedom to experience God in different ways. As Christian's we are often guilted and shamed if we are not the Super-Christian. As if there is a wrong and a right way to experience God.
The Super-Christian reads the bible for an hour every day and spends time in prayer at least three times a day and attends church at least twice a week and has to always be in a bible study and meeting with their accountability group once a week and you better at least be serving in two ministries and lets not forget the Jesus fish on you car, can't go without that. Okay, I realize I am being extreme and not painting the best picture but I mean who says in order to be a follower of Jesus you have to do all these "things". How often do we do "things" and end up having a surface relationship with Jesus because really we are only doing them out of obligation because we are told if we want to be a "Good Christian" we should be doing these "things". None of the things I listed are bad, but Christianity today often focuses on doing more, more, and more. Last time I checked, Jesus wants us to be real with him.
I personally experienced a lot of guilt when it was highly recommended to me to do a bible ready plan and to make sure I had my time in the scriptures, both Old and New Testament every day. When I missed a day or two I began to feel like a bad Christian. I began to avoid the person who was pressuring me to do this plan because I felt like I was letting them down. My professor said today, why do something out of duty and obligation when you get no joy out of it. God wants us to experience joy and if we don't find that in one way of experiencing Him, then we should find it in ways that actually do bring us joy. Maybe its only for a season in your life that you need to do something different. We are all wired differently and we all connect to God differently. For some that may be waking up early and doing devotions every morning, for others it might be taking a walk in the park and witnessing God's creation. We really must stop evaluating people based upon their quiet times or what latest devotion they are reading and really look at the heart of connecting with and experiencing Christ. God made us unique for a reason.
This blog may not have flowed extremely well because I was just getting out random thoughts that I experienced today. Some may not agree with me and that is completely fine, I was just sharing my feelings. On a side note...I was encouraged to look up an article that was in the paper a few weeks ago regarding the top pastors in town to watch...I am not so sure how I feel about it. No offense but there is a common theme throughout the churches named...numbers, money, facilities, etc. It could be deadly if we aren't examining if the genuine well being of people aren't at the center. Feel free to read it. http://www.fresnobee.com/221/story/300801.html
I hate to say that many churches today focus on two things: 1) Numbers and 2) Legalism. I have to stop and ask did Jesus minister to those who he came in contact with or did he set a goal and say we need "x" number of people to come today. Of those "x" number we need "y" amount of decisions to become followers and we need "z" committed believers to give such-in-such dollars today to further the ministry. I often have to ask if numbers really measure results. Shouldn't we be more concerned with how people are doing, what is going on in their lives, and how we can grow in experiencing God? Instead we need to know attendance, decisions, and dollars so we can launch the newest programs and strike up a building campaign to get the latest and greatest facility.
If it isn't a focus on numbers, it's a focus of the law and what is right and wrong. I believe that there is a difference in wrong and right and that in fact we should do things that are right. However, who judges what is wrong and right? I mean ultimately God, yes, however the church has really come down to be rule enforcers...you have your Do's and your Don'ts. No offense but I believe that there are some things that might not be right for you but they may be right for me. One area that was touched on in my Spiritual Formation class today was the freedom to experience God in different ways. As Christian's we are often guilted and shamed if we are not the Super-Christian. As if there is a wrong and a right way to experience God.
The Super-Christian reads the bible for an hour every day and spends time in prayer at least three times a day and attends church at least twice a week and has to always be in a bible study and meeting with their accountability group once a week and you better at least be serving in two ministries and lets not forget the Jesus fish on you car, can't go without that. Okay, I realize I am being extreme and not painting the best picture but I mean who says in order to be a follower of Jesus you have to do all these "things". How often do we do "things" and end up having a surface relationship with Jesus because really we are only doing them out of obligation because we are told if we want to be a "Good Christian" we should be doing these "things". None of the things I listed are bad, but Christianity today often focuses on doing more, more, and more. Last time I checked, Jesus wants us to be real with him.
I personally experienced a lot of guilt when it was highly recommended to me to do a bible ready plan and to make sure I had my time in the scriptures, both Old and New Testament every day. When I missed a day or two I began to feel like a bad Christian. I began to avoid the person who was pressuring me to do this plan because I felt like I was letting them down. My professor said today, why do something out of duty and obligation when you get no joy out of it. God wants us to experience joy and if we don't find that in one way of experiencing Him, then we should find it in ways that actually do bring us joy. Maybe its only for a season in your life that you need to do something different. We are all wired differently and we all connect to God differently. For some that may be waking up early and doing devotions every morning, for others it might be taking a walk in the park and witnessing God's creation. We really must stop evaluating people based upon their quiet times or what latest devotion they are reading and really look at the heart of connecting with and experiencing Christ. God made us unique for a reason.
This blog may not have flowed extremely well because I was just getting out random thoughts that I experienced today. Some may not agree with me and that is completely fine, I was just sharing my feelings. On a side note...I was encouraged to look up an article that was in the paper a few weeks ago regarding the top pastors in town to watch...I am not so sure how I feel about it. No offense but there is a common theme throughout the churches named...numbers, money, facilities, etc. It could be deadly if we aren't examining if the genuine well being of people aren't at the center. Feel free to read it. http://www.fresnobee.com/221/story/300801.html
New Toy...
MacBook!!!! Yes, my HP laptop started to die on me and so I decided that it was time to make the switch. So far I am lovin the fruit! Apple that is! Good stuff!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Does this not look GREAT?
My dear friend, BK, posted this video on her blog and I had to follow in her footsteps as I can't wait to see this movie!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Continually...
...Amazed.
I think I need to take my own advice that I give my students sometimes. I am amazed at how kids can teach me and how I can go into a situation expecting the worst and really not looking forward to something and then it totally turns around. PTL. I am feeling a bit better right now.
I think I need to take my own advice that I give my students sometimes. I am amazed at how kids can teach me and how I can go into a situation expecting the worst and really not looking forward to something and then it totally turns around. PTL. I am feeling a bit better right now.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
My Strength's Finder Results
My Top 5 Themes...
Significance
People who are especially talented in the Significance theme want to be very important in the eyes of others. They are independent and want to be recognized.
Competition
People who are especially talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.
Maximizer
People who are especially talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.
Futuristic
People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.
Learner
People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
Significance
People who are especially talented in the Significance theme want to be very important in the eyes of others. They are independent and want to be recognized.
Competition
People who are especially talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.
Maximizer
People who are especially talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.
Futuristic
People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.
Learner
People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
You only have one life...
Why not let loose and have some carefree fun every once in a while? Every action has a consequence I realize that, however sometimes I wonder if there are just way too many rules. I am glad I have friends who encourage me to live a little. Fun times.
Friday, January 11, 2008
What are you saying about yourself to others?
"Everyone is an influencer of other people. It doesn't matter who you are or what your occupation is."
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Purpose
The human emotions are an interesting thing. Recently I have been on an emotional roller coaster. One moment I feel in total control and can create my own destiny, the next moment I feel complete and total emptiness. I am really struggling with what my future looks like. I feel like a few days ago I had it all together and knew exactly what I wanted and what I was dreaming for, just days later I feel completely the opposite. I feel sad and question what is my purpose in life. How can something look so good one day and the next feel like its being pulled away? I have so many questions running through my head, so many attempts to understand exactly what is going on and what my next step should be. I often wonder what my life would be like if I had taken different steps, the end result would be drastically different. Then I question what would my life look like if I had grown up in a different family and wasn't faced with the choices I have had to make. I guess none of it matters. I have been dealt the hands I have and I have to work with what I was given. I just wish I had some sort of clarity. I must push forth, I must not give up.
Here kitty kitty
So, a few nights a week I hear my neighbor downstairs, she has an interesting name, I think it is Sky, but I am not 100%. Anywho, it's typically around 11pm and I am settling in bed and I hear her outside calling her kitty cat. It makes me laugh because here this cat lives outside and yet at night she goes out to find it and bring it inside. It is way dark, we have lots of bushes and trees, and yet she goes our hunting for this cat. It's as if she thinks its too cold for the kitty or something. Last night as I was drifting off to dream land I heard her and it made me laugh. I enjoy cats, however I think my neighbor needs to find a man or a hobby.
Monday, January 07, 2008
The Election At Hand
I am going to admit that yes, I voted for George W. in the last presidential election. I thought it was the right thing to do because I was a Christian. Well, my friends I will admit I made a mistake. I don't think I am alone in thinking that. The more I think about politics the more I think of separation of church and state. Many politicians claim to be Christian just to get the vote because apparently the United States is a Christian country...last time I checked not everyone here is worshiping Jesus so I don't know about that one.
I don't want to offend anyone who may be reading this however it really makes me sick to think that by voting democrat you are sinning. I have been around numerous Christian circles and honestly the jokes that are cracked against the democratic candidates make me question how Christ-like we as believers are even being.
Its hard for me to hear that the democratic candidates don't value life. I was talking with a good friend of mine and she made a good point, how does George W. value life when 3,911 U.S. soldiers have died in the Iraq war. These are men and women who have parents, husbands, wives, children, and countless other loved ones back and home that they will never have the chance to come back home and see again. How is this a value on life? Of this almost 4,000; I think we are up to seven grads just from Buchanan High School where I run a Campus Life club, where they are changing the name of the football stadium to Clovis Memorial Stadium to honor the fallen troops. Tell me how this war is valuing the lives of our brothers and sisters. It also interesting to look at the current toll of 3,911...it reflects back to 911 and the loss that our country experienced on that horrific day that will forever be ingrained in my mind. Lets not forget the 2,973 lives that were lost in that attack.
I think it is time that we as Christians stop pretending like we have it all figured out and that we stop condemning those who may not be voting with the republican party this election. I am not ashamed to say I'm not. And yes, I live in California, yes I am only 24 years old and some may think I'm young and naive, but at least I have decided that I don't have to conform to the majority just to make others happy.
I don't want to offend anyone who may be reading this however it really makes me sick to think that by voting democrat you are sinning. I have been around numerous Christian circles and honestly the jokes that are cracked against the democratic candidates make me question how Christ-like we as believers are even being.
Its hard for me to hear that the democratic candidates don't value life. I was talking with a good friend of mine and she made a good point, how does George W. value life when 3,911 U.S. soldiers have died in the Iraq war. These are men and women who have parents, husbands, wives, children, and countless other loved ones back and home that they will never have the chance to come back home and see again. How is this a value on life? Of this almost 4,000; I think we are up to seven grads just from Buchanan High School where I run a Campus Life club, where they are changing the name of the football stadium to Clovis Memorial Stadium to honor the fallen troops. Tell me how this war is valuing the lives of our brothers and sisters. It also interesting to look at the current toll of 3,911...it reflects back to 911 and the loss that our country experienced on that horrific day that will forever be ingrained in my mind. Lets not forget the 2,973 lives that were lost in that attack.
I think it is time that we as Christians stop pretending like we have it all figured out and that we stop condemning those who may not be voting with the republican party this election. I am not ashamed to say I'm not. And yes, I live in California, yes I am only 24 years old and some may think I'm young and naive, but at least I have decided that I don't have to conform to the majority just to make others happy.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Democrat...and Christian!
Yes friends, it is true...I officially changed my political party to Democrat. I know some of you would not agree with my choice and others fully support it and have even done the same thing. I am tired of the stereotype that it is not Christ-like to be a democrat. Seriously, show me in the bible where it says you gotta be a republican to be a follower of Christ. I am not the most political person but I am trying to be more well-educated on my voting and I am not ashamed to say that I am a Christian and a Democrat. Happy Election Year!
New Year...
2007 was a pretty good year. I wouldn't say it was extremely eventful. There were some highlights, such as my best friend getting married, getting my first place all to myself (no roomies or family), starting FPU and finishing the semester with straight A's, trip to Texas, a year of no car accidents, awesome ministry with students, Lisa coming home after over two years, and selling my cars to name a few. On the flip side there were hard times as well, the loss of my grandpa, hot summer with no real air conditioning in my apartment, a few awesome staff members left YFC, bad experience with wisdom teeth out, gaining about 20 pounds, and the lack of knowing what my direction in life really is.
With all that said, I am looking forward to 2008. Jen says its going to be magical so I hope that is true, ha! I am hoping to grow professionally, personally, and spiritually. I want to continue to work through issues in life to have a more clearer understanding of what the future looks like. It appears that the first week of the new year is already presenting some open doors so we shall see what happens. I am sure there will be definite changes in life, and change can hurt at time, but it really is the only way to grow. I am looking forward to change and growth. Here's to a new year!
With all that said, I am looking forward to 2008. Jen says its going to be magical so I hope that is true, ha! I am hoping to grow professionally, personally, and spiritually. I want to continue to work through issues in life to have a more clearer understanding of what the future looks like. It appears that the first week of the new year is already presenting some open doors so we shall see what happens. I am sure there will be definite changes in life, and change can hurt at time, but it really is the only way to grow. I am looking forward to change and growth. Here's to a new year!
Back From Vacation
Well, other than a few short entries the other day, I have been MIA from the blog world. I am sorry to my dedicated readers for lacking in the posting. But, I'm back!!!
Vacation seemed to fly by. I spent three days in the bay area with my bosses family and got to see the Sonoma/Napa Wine Country and many of its attractions. I then came home via train for Christmas. I spent two days with family and friends and then hopped in the car with Bec and Lisa and went on out lil road trip. Believe it or not it took us 10 hours to get to San Diego from Fresno...yes, I know ridiculous. What can I say...we love to eat for one, girls always have to pee, and we didn't plan the LA traffic sitch very well. Anywho, We spent time in San Diego then I got to get my first international experience...yes, ladies and gentlemen I have finally left the country...to Mexico! That was a fun day trip seeing a completely different culture. On the way home we spent a 14 hour day in Disneyland...something I NEVER want to do again. Hahaha. Ok, rephrase...I will do it under the circumstance of there being less people there, me now feeling sick, and taking some little breaks. The park was at capacity of 65,000 people the day we went and I was sick with a bit of a cold/sore throat. Anywho, all and all it was a great five days in So Cal.
I concluded the vacation with falling asleep at 10pm on New Years Eve. I decided not to do anything because I really wasn't feeling well. New Year's Day was spent visiting my family and running errands. Then back to work. Vacations are fun but they always seem to fly by way too fast!!! Eleven Days flew by! Now back to the fast-paced world of school and work.
Here's some vacation pics...
Vacation seemed to fly by. I spent three days in the bay area with my bosses family and got to see the Sonoma/Napa Wine Country and many of its attractions. I then came home via train for Christmas. I spent two days with family and friends and then hopped in the car with Bec and Lisa and went on out lil road trip. Believe it or not it took us 10 hours to get to San Diego from Fresno...yes, I know ridiculous. What can I say...we love to eat for one, girls always have to pee, and we didn't plan the LA traffic sitch very well. Anywho, We spent time in San Diego then I got to get my first international experience...yes, ladies and gentlemen I have finally left the country...to Mexico! That was a fun day trip seeing a completely different culture. On the way home we spent a 14 hour day in Disneyland...something I NEVER want to do again. Hahaha. Ok, rephrase...I will do it under the circumstance of there being less people there, me now feeling sick, and taking some little breaks. The park was at capacity of 65,000 people the day we went and I was sick with a bit of a cold/sore throat. Anywho, all and all it was a great five days in So Cal.
I concluded the vacation with falling asleep at 10pm on New Years Eve. I decided not to do anything because I really wasn't feeling well. New Year's Day was spent visiting my family and running errands. Then back to work. Vacations are fun but they always seem to fly by way too fast!!! Eleven Days flew by! Now back to the fast-paced world of school and work.
Here's some vacation pics...
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Say Hello To A Healthier New You!
Yes friends it is true, I have joined Weight Watchers. Two of my friends joined as well with the online program. It's pretty awesome. I know today is only day two but I am really enjoying tracking my food. It is a challenge to stay within my daily points and is causing me to really evaluate what I eat and to turn down not-so-good options.
Why did I decide to do WW you may ask? Well, I gained about 20 pounds in 2007 and decided I don't like what I look like. I am 24 and I think the eat-whatever-you-want-and-still-stay-thin phase has left. I used to be able to eat fast food and sweets and not gain a pound, well that is no longer. At Christmas I stepped on the scale and relaized I only weigh 1.5 pounds less than my dad. Don't get me wrong, my dad is not obese at all, however I realized that I just didn't like the track I was on. My stomach is large, as is my face.
So, with all that said, I ate like crap over the holidays and while on vacation and as of yesterday I am a lean, sugar free, low fat, reduced fat, point-tracking eating machine. Wish me luck and keep me accountable!
Ironing...
I have decided that I suck at ironing. There is a reason why I either do the route of dry cleaning or having my mom iron for me. I attempted ironing tonight and it was a bad situation! No accepting applications for a wife...just kidding!
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