tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40146920434337737692023-11-15T05:51:39.092-08:00The Caffeinated GirlShaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-16924575838247703792020-11-08T13:59:00.000-08:002020-11-08T13:59:13.437-08:00Doing the Devil's Dirty Work.Watching believers do the devil's dirty work has got to be one of the most heartbreaking aspects of this past year. <br /><br />I wrote about this topic from a different perspective in may, but here is what I am still finding in "the American Church":<br /><div><br /></div><div> <b>A LACK OF H U M I L I T Y.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>What is bringing this thought on, Shauna?</i></div><div>Great question. </div><div>And here is my answer: <i>Politics and Social Media</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just a couple of days ago, the media decided to "call the election" and declared Biden the winner of the 2020 Presidential Election.</div><div><br /></div><div>That did not shock me as much as much as watching believers take to social media to make not just their opinions knowns, but their beliefs, conscience's and quite honestly, judgements known.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've seen statements like, <i>"I don't know how or think someone can be a Christian and believe x,y,z", "I wouldn't want that blood on my hands" </i>and even<i>, "if you voted for Biden/Trump, I have every right to question your [Christian] character and integrity and to take you out of my life."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Exact statements.</div><div>From both sides.</div><div>From <i>believers</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>So tell me: Who's right? If "both" Christians have the Holy Spirit inside of them and if "both" Christians are truly voting according to their conscience?</div><div><br /></div><div>When contemplating -- and watching-- all of this happen the past 48 hours (and let's be honest, the last several months), a passage from Scripture comes to mind. To preface this, it is not a perfect example of the current situation, but one that I feel is applicable.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul is exhorting the believers in Corinth to, well, do a lot, but to encourage them to prefer one another over themselves. The issue at hand: is eating meat sacrificed to idols a sin? And because this is not a hot topic in our day and age, let us briefly unpack this topic. In ancient day Greece, Corinth was the epi-center for gods & goddesses- a belief system. One had <i>hundreds</i> of gods and goddesses to choose from, and you could offer sacrifices to them. Slaughtering an animal, being one of the ways that they offered sacrifices to whatever God they chose. In turn, the temples then sold the meat left from the carcasses for a profit. People could then go to the market and purchase this meat. The profits then, in many if not most cases, went right back to the temple(s) where people were sacrificing to these gods & goddesses. </div><div><br />Back to the Scripture passage, starting in verse 18:<b> <i>Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?... that food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons..."</i> ie, don't give thanks to the demons for what you're about to eat, or be thankful someone sacrificed an animal to a god for what you are about to eat. For, in verse 26 we read, <i>"For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof."</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>A verse down in 27 we read, <i><b>"If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, "this has been offered...", then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience-- I do not mean your conscience, but his."</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>So what is Paul saying this people? </div><div><i>Eat the meet and give thanks to God! For it comes from Him! But, if you get the hint from your friend or a stranger that it would offend them to eat it- then don't! And give thanks to the Lord for what you do eat- because it all comes from Him anyways! Oh, and don't seek to pump yourself up with your liberty to do so! It gives more glory to God to preserve someone's conscience then to do what it is you feel you have the freedom to do!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>How does this relate to politics and social media?</div><div><br /></div><div>I see too many believers declaring that their way is the only one, and slapping their declarative opinions in the faces of others. And I see too many believers judging others for either not having their same ideas & believing that God can only be in their beliefs. Basically, there are too many Christians out here eating meat in front of people that find it offensive.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now obviously, things like murder, abortion, etc: wrong wrong wrong... but who a person votes for? A personal choice. And why do I believe it is a personal choice? Because at least in America, as much power as the President holds, he is not the only one making decisions for our country. (And I know that there is a lot more to it than that, but, I'm keeping it generalized for the sake of this post.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The most wrong thing a believer could do is to go against their conscience. In fact, James 4:17 tells us, <i style="font-weight: bold;">"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.</i>" ie: if you go against your conscience, you are sinning.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to to politics: Let me give the most declarative and bold statement I can give:<span style="font-size: large;"> BOTH CANDIDATES ARE SKETCHY AND MOST LIKELY NOT DESERVING OF THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENCY.</span> That's why voting on a candidates' platform- and for the Senators & Representatives of each state was so, SO important this year (and every year, but I digress.) </div><div><br /></div><div>The issues of abortion, immigration, Covid-19 policies, etc are near and dear to the Father's heart- as they should be ours. So here are some questions for us to consider as we enter conversations on these topics:</div><div><br /></div><div>1.) Is who your friend (or social media friend) voted for more important than your personal relationship with them?</div><div>2.) Are your words speaking life into someone? Or are they speaking condemnation?</div><div>3.) Are you holding people's souls as importantly & as tenderly as God has called you to do?</div><div>4.) Are you viewing your opinion as more important than theirs? </div><div>5.) Are you listening to others to truly understand where they are coming from, or are you mostly only reacting to what they are saying?</div><div><br /></div><div>And what is the underlying theme in each of these questions? HUMLITY. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's look super briefly on the topic of humility & the tongue.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>1 C</b><b>orinthians 10:24: Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.</b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 Corinthians 13:4-8:Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. <u>It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful</u>; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all thing. Love never ends.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 Corinthians 14:1: <u>Pursue Love</u></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Galatians 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is<u> love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.</u></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Galatians 6:10: So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and <u>especially to those who are of the household of faith.</u></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ephesians 6:12: <u>We do not wrestle against flesh and blood,</u> but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Colossians 3:12-13: Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so <u>you also must forgive</u>.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">James 3:13, 17-18: Who is wise and understanding among you? by his good conduct <u>let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom</u>... but the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">James 4:1: <u>What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?</u></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">James 5:16: Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">James 5: 19-20: If anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back (ie, discipleship) let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>And last but not least: Matthew 7:1-5: <u>Judge not, that you be not judged</u>. for with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?.... You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>And those are just a few verses.</div><div><br /></div><div>The reality is this: You're never going to influence -or disciple people- by yelling at them. You're never going to influence people by condemning them. You're never going to influence people by discarding them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus did not go around condemning people to hell.</div><div>Jesus did not go around and demand perfection before they followed Him.</div><div>Jesus did not go around and make sure that he knew & understood every person's political stance before He began discipling them.</div><div><br />Spiritual maturity takes time... years even [sometimes]. </div><div>And sometimes there is just a differing of opinions (research the Apostle Paul his disagreements with other disciples for studies on that.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, do not hear what I am not saying: <br />I am not saying do not vote.</div><div>I am not saying do not share an opinion.</div><div>I am not saying to not stand up & against evil.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I am reminding us of is this: We will never win people to Jesus or influence other's by yelling or demeaning them or by just throwing Scripture at them and walking away. We will never win people to Jesus by caring more about the "do's and don't" than we do their souls and hearts. (Research God's wanting to obliterate Job's friends- <b>Job 42:7-8.</b>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, sin is sin and there are for sure times and places we need to speak that.</div><div><br />But more than likely, it is with a close friend or mentee when we're out for coffee.</div><div>Or it's in a private conversation with someone, in email or over messenger even.... but not where hundreds (or thousands) of others can witness the fighting.</div><div><br />It may be a bold statement but what I don't imagine Jesus doing is discrediting or discarding believers. Maybe He'd put up a healthy boundary. (But let's be serious, because Jesus has the heart of the Father and eternal-unending-patience so He can handle it.) I'm sure Jesus would take (and he did) people aside and say, "Bro: what are you doing?" -- But those conversations would always come from the perfect heart of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because, if we are engaging in the opposite of the heart of God and we are taking it upon ourselves to judge others, then we're only doing the dirty work of the devil: causing and stirring up division. And as <b>Proverbs 6:19 </b>tells us, <b>"The LORD hates... [the] one who sows discord among brothers."</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I leave you with this final thought, as I've been rereading the story of Brother Yun, in his book, The Heavenly Man (for the 3rd time: because it has been THAT life-changing to me, ha!)</div><div><br /></div><div>We as American Christians have this mentality of, <i>"Well, I have every right to defend myself and to make sure that people only think well of me</i>" when the reality is: Scripture speaks mostly to the actual reality that Christians will usually be taunted, looked down upon and honestly: tortured. And he quotes a passage that really hit me:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, and that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>1 Peter 4:12-14</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think that we as American Christians really need to humble ourselves and ask ourselves- and the Lord- about what is most important in heated conversations: being heard or praying for the heart of the people we're engaged with. And quite honestly, remembering that we don't always have to defend God: He does a pretty good job of that on His own and sometimes we just get in the way of that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><3</div><div><br /></div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-55213740377294435492020-05-30T13:41:00.000-07:002020-05-30T13:41:52.012-07:00the Problem with American Pride.I believe one of the greatest hindrances to the Western Church (aka, America & Canada) is.... <div>
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An intense lack of true humility.</div>
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Aka: P R I D E.</div>
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It's the source of all sin: Adam and Eve with their "just need to be like God" complex. (Which, they already had, but that's a conversation for another time.</div>
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I mean, Hi Lucifer, with you and your "I will.... I will.... I will...." statements.</div>
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It's why we manipulate, consider ourselves better than others, consume material possessions and even: murder.</div>
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It's why racism exists.</div>
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It's why we don't apologize. (Or struggle TO apologize.)</div>
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It's why people deny the Lord and one true God.</div>
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It's why we just can't let go of our opinions and feelings sometimes.</div>
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P R I D E.</div>
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LACK OF HUMILITY.</div>
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A lot of you know my journey, or parts of it (I'm still writing it!), especially re: my change in theology and Biblical interpretation of Women in the Church (or, world, really). And I never considered my journey in humility in it [per se] until a friend of mine once pointed out, "Shauna: That took a lot of courage and humility to go public with sharing your story about that change."</div>
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And I tucked that moment away until I could spend some time processing and praying that and thought, "Hmm... what's actually been the biggest source of my change (besides the Lord, obviously)?"</div>
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H U M I L I T Y.</div>
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Now granted, it feels like an oxy-moron to tell my story and to tell about how humble I am. Trust me, I still battle humility way more often than I'd like to admit. (Like, I'd lose count in a day if I tried to keep track of how many times I try to swallow my pride, be it thought or action(s).)</div>
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However, hopefully in sharing it, even just this little bit, will encourage even just one other person to change their posture before the Lord. (Because, isn't that really what our pride is about? Thinking we know better than God or know all of His thoughts & ways better than even He does?)</div>
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It's not a big moment in the grand scheme of life. However, it <i>did</i> change the course of my life.</div>
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The night before and the morning of starting worship school (10,000 Fathers Worship School), I said to the Lord, with my palms open to Him, "Lord, I don't want to put you in a box. So if You really do move in ways I've never seen or believed... then please show me. Just show me Biblically, not just experientially." (Yes, I know that's not a word, but I'm using it, gosh darn it.)</div>
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Well, let me tell you:<br />If you ever want to pray a prayer that God hears and will answer, it's that one.</div>
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That was the week that we studied Women in the Church, the sign gifts, etc. and I heard history and Language teachings and explanations that I had never heard before.</div>
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I was torn.</div>
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I was angry.</div>
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But I couldn't help but wondering if God really moved in those ways.</div>
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So I kept seeking Him.</div>
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And studying.</div>
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And within 6-12 months, I had, very cautiously mind you, began to believe in these 180 degree differences.</div>
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To the point that it's changed my life.</div>
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I have a deeper relationship with the Lord: I feel His confidence and pride over me more. I love His presence more. I feel more deeply than I ever "felt" before. I cry more than I ever used to cry: be it deep sadness or deep joy. I love people more. I ask for forgiveness more sincerely now. I see the poor, inflicted, the suffering and the racial divides more. My hunger for justice and righteousness has only ever increased.</div>
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After all, isn't that the heart of God?</div>
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<b><i>Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.</i></b></div>
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I've lost count of the verses that talk about taking care of-</div>
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The Sojourners.</div>
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The poor. </div>
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The widows. </div>
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The least of these.</div>
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Numerous times in Scripture Jesus goes out of His way to love on the least of these.</div>
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There are the widows.</div>
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The woman with a blood issue.</div>
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Tax collectors.</div>
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Prostitutes.</div>
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Samaritans (a different race).</div>
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The blind & deaf.</div>
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Lepers.</div>
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So I share all this to say:</div>
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I almost see in a greater spectrum now.</div>
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So when, in past weeks (months, even), the racial tension in our country has been building: I weep. Because I see it.</div>
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I hear it from my friends who are people of color (POC).</div>
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I saw it when I lived in Southern California with the Hispanic and Asian populations and I saw in the South and even all the way up here in Maine with POC.</div>
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And in my deeper studying of Scripture these past years, I can't help but believe a part of the problem is: the North American Church.</div>
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We've stood back too long.<br />We've sat silent too long.</div>
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Demanding explanations and all the details without, quite frankly, just believing fellow humans.</div>
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We've come to believe in the justice system over the justice of God.</div>
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We've come to believe the uniforms over cell phone captures.</div>
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We've come to prefer the poor and POC in foreign countries over those in our own neighborhoods. (Let's be honest, most of us don't live in mixed neighborhoods, but that's a part of this story for another day.)</div>
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We've come to believe that we can put ourselves into everyone else's stor(ies).</div>
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We've come to believe that defending ourselves as people living in America is a God-given right.</div>
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We've become judge & defender & even perpetrator. </div>
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We're bad at lamenting.</div>
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We're bad at mourning.</div>
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We're bad at being present.</div>
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Is this every Believer in North America?</div>
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Heck no.</div>
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Don't say what I'm not saying.</div>
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Is every Law Enforcement officer corrupt, racist and a murderer?</div>
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Heck no.<br />I'd actually venture to say that majority aren't.</div>
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But you know what:</div>
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There are cities and towns where the majority are.</div>
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So do we remain silent for the sake of not having others take it personally or feel bad?</div>
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Heck no.</div>
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It could actually be the one of the best and most impactful (here we go again, another non-word, but I'm using it!) thing we can do as believers (particularly us Caucasian Americans) is not actually do anything but to listen.</div>
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<br />Listen.</div>
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Listen.</div>
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Believe.</div>
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And listen some more.</div>
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And pray.</div>
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Pray.</div>
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Pray.</div>
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Grieve.</div>
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Lament.</div>
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Grieve our history's beginning. (Don't forget that a bunch of white people murder hundreds of thousands of Native American's to live here. Oh, and still try to take their lands over. But that's a story for another day.)</div>
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Lament the injuries and deaths of our dear brothers and sisters of color.</div>
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<br />Don't just try to slap a band aid on things.</div>
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Don't justify or defend actions.</div>
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Listen.<br />Ask compassionate questions.</div>
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Read books on racism in America.</div>
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Read interviews with POC trying to explain their day-to-day lives.</div>
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And if you're reading this and bubbling over with defensiveness and wanting to justify (or even accuse), then I ask you to do what I did [and still do!]:<br /><br />Sit before Him with palms open and say, "Lord, if you move differently than what I currently believe or experience- show me. Lord, if I'm wrong, show me. Shower me with grace as I repent. I don't want to put You in a box. Show me so that I can have Your eyes to see and ears to hear and heart to love & serve."</div>
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And lest ya'll believe that racism has not been a part of my story:<br />I would've never believed I was. </div>
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But it took reading a book "The Hate U Give" and reading a line in there that stopped me in my tracks and I just started weeping and asking the Lord for forgiveness. Why? Because that line was a literal thought I had had more than one time in my life. </div>
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Racism is from the pit of hell.</div>
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And unfortunately, Christians through the [thousands of] years have been actually perpetuating it. Believing in fears, lies and wrong doctrine. They acted as if Jesus was white and applauded their separation from [most] others.</div>
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But, as reality would have: Jesus was brown skinned and a believer of full inclusion. Women. Race. Children. The poor. The Rich. He didn't defend uniforms universally- but pursued the people in them. (Hello tax collectors & Centurions.)</div>
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The only way that we can every grow more and more Christ-like is to keep laying ourselves down on our altars of egos that creep up here and there (or even blatantly) and let the Lord do the work.</div>
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But He won't do the work unless you're willing.</div>
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Are you willing?</div>
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Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-78598246243465873492020-04-05T14:05:00.001-07:002020-04-05T14:05:40.166-07:00Don't Just Listen..... Talk!I just wanted to get on here and share briefly something I believe the Lord laid on my heart for someone today...<br />
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It came when reading Psalm 42.<br />
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We read the following in verses 1-2,<br />
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<b><i>As a deer pants for flowing streams,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>so pants my soul for you, O God.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>My soul thirsts for God,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>for the living God</i></b></div>
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What's crazy about these verses isn't just what they read, it's how many believers I know that have used these to describe the positive heartbeat that they have towards God. Maybe there's an element of that that we can use, but, I mean, have you ever panted for thirst? The type that your throat is on fire because you need water so bad? That does not exactly sound enjoyable, right?</div>
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So, here's a verse that immediately follow them- verse 3 says, </div>
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<b><i>My tears have been my food day and night,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>while they say to me all the day long,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>'Where is your God'?</i></b></div>
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...mmmm... not exactly the super fiery love that we hear exclaimed from the platform or stage so much, right?</div>
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<br />Well, what if you were told that this not only is okay and tolerable, but normal at times and maybe even expected? </div>
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Not for every day of our lives for sure, but for perhaps even seasons?</div>
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Moses got weary.</div>
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David got weary.</div>
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Paul prayed for a thorn to be removed.</div>
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Jesus prayed that the cup be passed from Him.</div>
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So why do we put such a heavy weight on ourselves for always burning bright, hot, passionate and spilling over with love, for every moment of the day until we die?</div>
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Even just that word passion- let's talk about that briefly.</div>
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The Oxford dictionary defines <i>passion</i> as, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">strong and barely controllable emotion:".</span></div>
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That doesn't exactly sound like the love Jesus often talked about, am I right?</div>
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Passion can be amazing- but it can also be for the negative and opposite of what we're trying to communicate. Passion can be selfish. Passion is seemingly for the moment- a flicker.</div>
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But love?</div>
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Love is patient kind. It doesn't envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It doesn't insist on its own way... it bears all things... hopes all things... endures all things. (See <b>1 Corinthians 13 </b>for more descriptions about love.) Love sounds like commitment. Love sounds like it can get hard.</div>
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So, now that we know and remember that, let's go back to Psalm 42.</div>
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Two separate times the Psalmist writes this,</div>
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<b>Why are you cast down, O my soul,</b></div>
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<b>and why are you in turmoil within me?</b></div>
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<b>Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him,</b></div>
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<b>my salvation and my God.</b></div>
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TWO TIMES he repeats that.</div>
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T W O.</div>
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(And he'll mention it again in the following chapter of Psalms!)</div>
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To steal a thought/quote from John Piper (I read his book, <i>When I Don't Desire God, How to Fight for Joy </i>and this "thought" comes from that book.)</div>
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<b>No one <i>listens </i>to yourself more than yourself.</b></div>
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<b>No one <i>talks</i> to yourself more than yourself.</b></div>
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<b>So what if you stopped listening for a moment- but only so that you could TALK TO YOURSELF.</b></div>
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I'm reminded of a podcast I heard (Gravity Leadership) in which the guest was talking about "doubting faithfully"... like, how often we as believers find it to be a strength to never doubt or question. But then, if you look at the story of Job... God actually wanted to obliterate Job's friends because all they ever did was talk & quite frankly, listen to themselves talk and give what they thought to be the right answers. To the point that God said to Job- "<i>Hey, go make a sacrifice on their behalf lest I obliterate them</i>." (That's the Shauna Version, but, feel free to go look it up: Job 42 verses 7-9.) </div>
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So what did Job do?</div>
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He doubted faithfully.</div>
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To quote the man from the podcast (sorry, I don't remember your name, man!), <b><i>"Doubting faithfully is more important than having all the right answers."</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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So, to sum it up... as so many of you are at home (or work, like me)... and perhaps wondering how God will do x,y,z or how God could be still on His throne with this pandemic... or perhaps you're just so consumed with your own thoughts on loneliness, marital and/or parental issues, sickness, etc.... </div>
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Take a deep breath. </div>
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Read the Psalms.</div>
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Go to the Lord with palms up in saying, "I don't get this.... help me to see You."</div>
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Talk to yourself and encourage yourself in THE LORD</div>
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and watch. Him. Do. It.</div>
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<b><i>Deep calls to deep</i></b></div>
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<b><i>at the roar of Your waterfalls;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>all Your breakers and Your waves have gone over me. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>[But] by day the Lord commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>a prayer to the God of my life.</i></b></div>
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<b><i> Psalm 42:7-8</i></b></div>
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Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-8208397120016963522020-01-12T13:09:00.001-08:002020-01-14T14:03:25.894-08:00Dear Christian: Your Heart Isn't Actually Deceitfully Wicked<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay, I know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">About 92% of you just gasped and are ready to say, <i>"Well, you know Shauna, the Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9, 'the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?' HELLO?!"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's do a study together, shall we? Really quick, even!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Hebrew word where we use "deceitful" is the word, <b>"</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>`aqob"</b>. It is used only 2 times in Scripture and can also be translated, "slippery, steep, hilly, foot-tracked". Imagine if we translated this passage with those definitions? </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's also look at what's going on in this passage in Jeremiah.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First off, Jeremiah was a prophet during Old Testament times, even during the destruction of Jerusalem. He was sent specifically to Israel (unless otherwise stated), to warn, rebuke and encourage (</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"to pluck up and to break down...to build and to plant". (1:10)</i><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Let's now zoom in to chapter 17.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The verses before it are, <i>"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He like a tree planted by water... It does not fear when heat comes... and is not anxious... it does not cease to bear fruit." </i>(v7-8). Now, the verses before that (5-6) are in the negative and then Jeremiah says in verse 9 those famous words that we are now studying.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">But what about the verses after?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm so glad you asked.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>"I the LORD search the <b>heart</b> and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. </i>(v10)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">So even in just a quick glance we get a bigger and better picture of what is going on. Jeremiah is not saying to all of us today that our hearts are deceitful, wicked and beyond repair. Jeremiah is saying that Israel and us have a choice: to repent and serve God and be blessed by honoring Him, or to continue in our ways and see destruction. Because God will <i style="font-weight: bold;">give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds</i>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To further prove this thought and conclusion, let us just read even a few more verses about what God says about <i>our hearts</i> throughout the rest of Scripture. (Again, these are just a few.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>From the Old Covenant/ Under the Law:</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your <i>heart</i> [but lean not on your own understanding]...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Proverbs 4:23 - Guard your <i>heart</i>, for everything you do flows from [your<i> heart</i>]...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a new <i>heart</i>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Psalm 73:26 - My <i>heart </i>and flesh my fail, but God is the strength of my <i>heart...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Psalm 37:4 - Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your <i>heart</i>...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ezekiel 36:26 - I will give you a new <i>heart</i> and... give you a <i>heart</i> of flesh.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>From the New Covenant/ Under Grace</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">heart</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> [for they shall see God]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matthew 22:37 - Love the Lord God with all your <i>heart</i>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there is your <i>heart</i> also...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Romans 5:5 - And hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our <i>hearts</i>...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, do you see what I mean?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>How could our hearts be deceptively wicked but yet, we are supposed to trust the Lord with them? Why would we need to guard them? How could God be the strength of our [wicked] hearts? How could we desire and receive those desires if our hearts are wicked? Why would God bless our hearts? How could we love God with all of our hearts? How could our treasure lie in our hearts? How could God's love be shed into our wicked hearts?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>So at the very least, from what we can see even just from these verses... our hearts can and are changed upon salvation. (And in the Old Testament, being renewed, as the Holy Spirit did not indwell, but came upon the righteous.)</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I understand what people are trying to say when they say that our hearts are wicked. That sin is our livelihood until we give our lives to God. But what many are also saying when using this verse is that emotions are bad but <b>there could be nothing further from the truth. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now to make life-altering decisions solely based on emotions, sure, absolutely: Don't do it! But sadly, the Church has almost swung in the opposite direction (though, as of very recently, the pendulum is slowing coming back the other way). The Church for too long has stood on principle and run people over. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the Pharisees to today even there have been those that have taught [us] to eliminate our emotions or put our emotions on the </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">back-burner and just do what is right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I propose to you that this mindset is from the pit of hell. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is what Job's friends did to him and God wanted to slay all three of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is what the Pharisees did in their pompous pride and refusal to have and show compassion unless it somehow benefited them... and we all know how Jesus felt about the Pharisees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scripture is full of the statements and mentality of <i>"there is safety in a multitude of counselors"</i> but hopefully I have challenged the view point of believing that emotions are wrong, sinful and/or something to run from. In fact, David was called a man after God's own heart, and is there anyone more emotional than David? He fought anger, depression and pride of course, but he also danced because of God's victories and loved God's laws more than anything else in his life (most of the time). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll even challenge you with this: in those moments where you <i>are</i> feeling deep-rooted emotions, stop and ask the Lord to help you discern why you're feeling what you're feeling and what He has for you in it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps it's fear showing up as anger.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps it's pride.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps it's sadness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps it's that you've come to believe that God doesn't really want you to be happy, so you try to not hang on to it for fear that God will take it away someday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps it's.....you name it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">According to Scripture God... laughs. is angry. (In His defense, He gets to be righteously angry, but the Apostle Paul says we can be angry too.) God <b>is</b> love. God cried. (Perhaps He still does...) God got tired. (Note: Jesus needing places to stay and eat.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beloved, don't fear your emotions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let your emotions serve you. Don't serve your emotions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ask what your emotions are about and for and surrender to the Lord in wisdom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>And please, PLEASE stop taking Scripture out of context.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Because even in this instance, I believe this topic and horrific explanation of this verse is a small sliver why many men in the Church are anti-women. They see [us] strictly emotional beings without logic. (But I digress, as that is a subject for one of my next posts...)</span><br />
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<br />Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-73390297083575910082019-12-16T13:52:00.000-08:002019-12-16T13:52:06.095-08:00Words: Past & Present.<b>2017- Fears.</b><div>
That was the word the Lord gave me when I asked Him at the end of 2016 for a word. I even knew what He meant: <i>I was gonna crush some fears with Him.</i> </div>
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And man, did we. </div>
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That was the full year of being in 10,000 Fathers Worship School.</div>
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That was the year I moved to Atlanta, GA.</div>
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That was the year I'd show up to a church, life group(s), leadership meetings, work... places without knowing people (except for work, but I had never done private ABA therapy before). </div>
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That was the year of a nervous breakdown.</div>
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That the was the year I had a therapist. </div>
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That was the year of believing in the Prophetic- and watching words & visions spoken into my life coming true. </div>
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That was the year of a lot of intimidating conversations but pressing into them anyways.</div>
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Yeah, I wouldn't trade that year for anything.</div>
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<b>2018- Dreams.</b></div>
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That was the word He gave me for 2018.</div>
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And again, I even knew what He meant: <i>He was going to fulfill some dreams I had.</i></div>
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And boy, did He.</div>
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Beautiful conversations and God-appointments I could've never set up on my own.</div>
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My dream of moving back to Maine became a reality in June of last year.</div>
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And one of my favorite dreams that came true? <i>LIVING ON A FARM</i>. I'll even tell the story...</div>
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<br /></div>
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One September morning I was driving to an appointment I had for looking at a bedroom to rent. It was one of those (bear with me, as I love detail and sentiment) gorgeous-had rained-the-night-before-but-now-sunny early Fall Saturday mornings. And my GPS led me to get off the highway and take a different road for several miles. </div>
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A seemingly farm filled road.</div>
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And so, as I looked around I prayed out loud, "God, would you please give me that dream of living on a farm someday? Even if it's not for another 10-15 years? I'll wait...!"</div>
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A week and two days later, I had an appointment to see about an in-law apartment.</div>
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I heard it was on a farm, but didn't think much of it at the time. </div>
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Until I was a 1000 yards out (as my GPS told me), and I'm on a very familiar looking road... the very one my GPS took me on just the week before.</div>
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I started to awkwardly (but it didn't matter because I was alone) giggle and say, "Seriously God? This might be where I get to live?</div>
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And yes, yes it was.</div>
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I didn't even have to wait 10-15 years because He is just. that. good. </div>
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<b>2019- Yes.</b></div>
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This one's harder. Because, once again, I had a sense of what God was alluding to: He wanted me to say YES more.</div>
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Here's what you need to know about me.</div>
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I HAVE INCREDIBLE BOUNDARIES.</div>
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In fact, NO is probably one of my most commonly used words.</div>
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In fact, when I meet people and get to know them, I'd say, about 82% of the time I will say, "Oh, that's why God brought me into your life: To help you learn how to say the word NO."</div>
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I am, however, a solid INTROVERT. I can be a people person when needed, but I don't find rest & revitalization by being around others [most of the time]. In fact, I often have to prepare to have conversations, ie, I plan questions and conversations in my head ahead of time.</div>
<div>
I have (or get, rather) social anxiety in the majority of places where, well, people socialize... to the point of having panic attacks.</div>
<div>
It's why leading worship or teaching in front of crowds doesn't wear me down as much as one-to-one conversations do- I get a "conversation" done in one shot... (LOL).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Back to the yes thing...</div>
<div>
So I knew that saying YES was going to be, well, exhausting.</div>
<div>
But I also knew that saying YES would:</div>
<div>
*Bring new experiences</div>
<div>
*Bring new results</div>
<div>
*Produce a new side of myself</div>
<div>
*Increase my prayer life </div>
<div>
*Etc.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And, it did.</div>
<div>
It led to being vulnerable which led to beautiful depth with new community. (I won't lie, it was about February before that happened, ha!)</div>
<div>
It led to a speaking engagement.</div>
<div>
It led new worship leading experiences.</div>
<div>
It led to being the Program Director at a summer camp.</div>
<div>
It led to going on a date for the first time in yearsssss. (And no, you won't get anymore details from me on that!)</div>
<div>
It led to stepping into hard conversations.</div>
<div>
It led to reconciliation(s).</div>
<div>
It led to relationships ending.</div>
<div>
It led to everything I knew it would.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And guess what.</div>
<div>
I AM SO TIRED.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I started praying over my 2020 word and it only took a few times before I heard the word....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">SEASONS</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ya'll:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm very excited for this word.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have some guesses, but, I will say, this is the first time since praying these prayers that I don't have more of an inkling on what God wants to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But I'm thankful that HOURS after the Lord giving me this word He confirmed it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A new friend wrote me and told me that when he saw me one time, the Lord gave him the picture of a sunrise over a valley... with a tree and a swing. That a new day is coming to my hopes and dreams.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I couldn't believe it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well actually, I could, because God's goodness is just that good.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So 2020, I'm ready [with coffee in hand]...!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What's your 2020 word?!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-59224083567283844672019-09-16T15:49:00.001-07:002019-09-16T15:49:44.859-07:00Dear 17 Year Old Shauna...Usually I write a "___ Blessings" (the blank standing for the number I am in age) on my birthday. But I decided to change it up today. These letters were all the rage earlier this year, and since I'm not into fads: I waited until they're no longer cool. (Which, 17 year old Shauna, never changes about you... )<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, feel free to snoop this letter....<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Dear 20 year younger Shauna,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>--School Crap: </b><br />
You're a Senior in High School right now, and you have mixed feelings. You're ready to be done and out of that small town, because you know you were created for somewhere else... but you're also completely terrified and paralyzed in making any move. And that's fine. God is sovereign- and instead of being scared of that, you're going to come to be so thankful for that in the years to come.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-- FINISH WELL. Do the homework. YOU CAME SO FAR. You almost became a 5-year student but made the Honor Roll your Junior year. Don't let the joy of daydreaming keep you from being the best version of you you [can] be.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-- Don't cling to your teachers. Be grateful, but don't look to them as your life support. They were only meant to be in your life that way for your years there. Again, sovereignty. BE THANKFUL.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-- The mean girls- and guys? Glad you asked. Keep being who you are now: a confident daughter of the Father. Just take a moment to realize this comes from Him: not something you've just become and do on your own. Anyways, this takes you to the point you get nominated to be on a panel with a bunch of adults to calm all the incoming Freshmen. It's an honor. And, you hear from more than one teacher about how much more respect and joy they have for you then any one of those girls & guys. Believe me, they see you- and them. Continue to rise above it- you'll never regret it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-- You're gonna stay home a year before you leave for college, but don't get anxious. It's time to learn to save money and embrace being home. <i>ps, I can't wait for you to get the job you get. You won't even realize at the time how uniquely God has gifted you, and how He'll use that time in your life!</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-- <b>MUSIC MINISTRY: </b><br />
There's going to come a time where this movement called, "worship" replaces "special music" in the Church. G I R L F R I E N D: You can't even imagine it. Actually, you can!! Because those moments you dream of and envision while singing into your hairbrush every night to the Shout to the Lord album from Hillsong that just came out: YOU LIVE THEM. Like, all the add-libs, solos, harmonies: ALL OF IT. So sing your Jaci Velasquez and Avalon proudly... because soon you'll have the last day you ever did. (Until this phenomenal artist, Natalie Grant comes.. in that case, you'll sing her stuff for special occasions.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-- <b>The subject of BOYS</b>:<br />
Here's. The. Thing. I won't pack punches: you appreciate truth & honesty upfront. You're single even into your 30's. In fact, you're gonna meet some guys and date them, one or two of them may even break your heart & and you'll weep & pray on the floor. G I R L F R I E N D: FEEL THOSE FEELINGS. And then after a few months, dust yourself off and keep moving forward. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET NOT MARRYING THEM. I know, I know... #butreally. (That looks weird now, but you'll get it once you see it.)</div>
<div>
You're also... I debate on telling you this. But.... you're also gonna meet some guys who love Jesus but don't love their wives like Christ loves the Church. And it's gonna scare you. You'll have a hard time trusting men (which really, now that I think about it- it won't come as a surprise)... but believe me when I say, "THEY DO EXIST!" And you'll meet plenty of women who will take you under your wing as they let you watch their families. Shauna, they really do exist.</div>
<div>
There's gonna come a season where you hear the phrases, <i>"You intimidate me. You would've intimidated me- I could've never dated you...You're so tall, strong, smart, really spiritual."</i> Listen girl: THE APOSTLE PAUL NEVER MEANT FOR YOU TO not ever laugh around guys, raise your hand and offer insight, or to freaking wear flats for a decade for fear of a man not like or appreciating your long legs and height. <i>NOT ONE GUY IS WORTH you not wanting to wear or look what you want to wear & look like!! DO YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING AT YOU?!</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>-- GOD STUFF: </b><br />
You will love the Father, Son & Spirit more than you could ever comprehend. Start practicing the discipline of getting on your knees and laying prostrate before the Lord in your bedroom or apartment. That's something I never did and is my most important piece of advice for you. Beg God to reveal more of Himself to you. I didn't, because I feared He only tolerated me. <b>LISTEN TO ME LINDA: LINDA LISTEN: HE DOES MORE THAN TOLERATE YOU-- HE LOVES YOU. </b>("Linda" will make more sense too... sorry, but I just can't help myself!)<br />
Again, not to scare you, but: you'll have some <i>"dark nights of the soul"</i>. Don't be scared. Do what you did: Leave the Bible by your pillow. Put "It is Well" from Shane & Shane on repeat. <i>(Oh gosh, you don't even know Shane & Shane yet. Just, believe me: their harmonies will make you swoon.)</i> You don't, however, have to beg God: He is already near. But, again, referring to the above: Get on your knees. You'll never regret it.<br />
Without giving too much away, the second-best piece of advice I could give you? Always give your thoughts, impressions and knowledge about God back to God and say, "Is this Who You are? Do You work in other ways? I don't want to put You in a box...."<br />
Fear is your constant companion. I've managed to keep "him" at bay most of the time now. <i><b>God never prepares you by instilling fear in you.</b> NEVER.</i> Never Shauna, NEVER. So if and when you feel fear: it's from the pit of Hell and you tell Lucie (aka, Satan, Lucifer, the stupid one, etc) to go directly back to hell because that's where Jesus will put him anyways.<br />
<br />
<b>Random Stuff: </b><br />
-- That conversation with your dad that you play over and over in your head all the time? HAVE THAT CONVERSATION. God's grace will be <i>more</i> than enough. Just... just believe me.<br />
<br />
--As soon as you get used to the internet (out of college, of course. Insert palm face here... don't worry, that'll make more sense in 20 years too)... look up these two words: <i>introvert</i> and the<i> Enneagram</i>. Just... just take my word for it. God designed you- and His sovereignty is all over you... but... there are some moments where if you learned <i>at least what it is to be an Introvert</i>: that'll help your friendships and relationships... DEEPLY. You know what: I'll even just tell you right now. <i>Stop thinking you're going to miss out on something and stay in more nights a week</i>. That annoyance you feel when you're around most people? <i>It's because you need time <b>alone</b>. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> --</i>That short, blonde, peppy and way too joyful girl you meet your first year away at college? PUT YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION to the back burner and get to know her. Trust me. She's in your life for life. To the point you'll spend so many Christmas' with her & her family that her kids demand you be there. <i>Even when they're teenagers.</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
--You're going to become allergic to dairy. GUUUURL: Eat. It. Up. While. You. Can!!!!!!<br />
<br />
--Don't be scared of Chiropractors. They're amazing. And you'll cry every time you have to move away from one.<br />
<br />
--YOU ARE GOING TO TRAVEL THE WORLD AND IT WILL BE AMAZING. Okay, well, not all the world, but you will travel 9,000+ miles in 3 months with a bunch of strangers. You can feel the excitement, can't you? Do you want to know now or later that you'll live 10 minutes walking from the Pacific? and at another point, just six hours from Florida? I know you can't imagine it... but remember... mostly importantly:<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>COURAGEOUS IS THE TRUE YOU.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>You see her from time to time now. She's the one standing up for abortion in front of her whole class and getting mocked. She's the one who gets asked to be on panels. She's the one who won the talent Contest at CHS the year before. She's the you that will win 2nd Place at an event at a JMG State meet. She's the you that makes up a couple of the coolest parts of the Senior Dance off. She's the you who walks with her head up despite wanting to have committed suicide back in Middle School because of the bullies. She's the you who knows that God is real and you're willing to pursue obeying Him despite what those closest to you believe. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>COURAGEOUS IS THE TRUE YOU.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, 20 year younger Shauna,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You got this. Like, REALLY you got this.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
'Cause He's got you in the palm of His hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<3</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Future You.</div>
</div>
Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-28783253477072810602019-01-23T16:11:00.000-08:002019-01-23T16:11:08.559-08:00It's More than Abortion.It's more than abortion that I'm concerned about.<br />
<br />
It's souls.<br />
The souls of the unborn.<br />
The souls of the doctors.<br />
The souls of the mothers.<br />
The souls of the fathers.<br />
The souls of the politicians.<br />
The souls of "believers".<br />
The souls of those who don't believe.<br />
<br />
See, our first and foremost call in life, dear believer, is to love God.<br />
Then to love our neighbor.<br />
<br />
I'm a defender and fighter-for-others by nature. Particularly those who can't and/or won't fight for themselves. And that goes for the unborn.<br />
<br />
But as I watched social media B L O W U P over the New York state decision to legalize abortion and I began to see more and more harsh words thrown around by Christians, it got me thinking.<br />
<br />
It got me thinking about how what we stand for is more than politics and paper.<br />
It got me thinking about how nowhere in Scripture do we find the world is going to get better and better until Jesus comes.<br />
It got me thinking that America's promised nothing in Scripture.<br />
It got me thinking about how many women must be terrified when they enter a hospital or clinic.<br />
It got me thinking about the dads who don't know- or the dads, well, the dads.<br />
It got me thinking about my college paper I did on abortion, and the statistics of the emotional effects from abortions even 20+ years later.<br />
It got me thinking those who perform the abortions or talk with the women.<br />
It got me thinking about the politicians.<br />
It got me thinking about Christians slandering "pro-choicers" for their thoughts.<br />
<br />
Dear reader, I believe abortion is wrong. I believe it is murder. And I will chat with you about that and not even bring up Scripture.<br />
<br />
Jesus never slandered anyone. Well, maybe: He talked pretty sternly and not nicely to the ones who thought that they were righteous.<br />
<br />
But the sinners? Gosh. Didn't He love them. Didn't He hang out with those who sold their bodies. He hugged them. He let them wash His feet with her tears. He changed His travel schedule to meet with a woman who had more infidelities than we know.<br />
<br />HIS HEART BROKE FOR THE MAN WHO WOULD BETRAY HIM.<br />
<br />
Jesus was never surprised when someone sinned.<br />
<br />Jesus never looked to the government to save Him.<br />
<br />
Don't misunderstand me. I believe as Americans, because we have the privilege, that we truly do need to stand up and fight for the unborn. But using social media and the internet and name calling will never, ever ever bring about TRUE CHANGE.<br />
<br />
HEARTS AND SOULS.<br />
<br />How often do we pray over the doctors and nurses at the clinics/hospitals near us? How often do we pray over those women and men who will enter them that day?<br />
<br />
And finally, let's remember that so many around us have had abortions. I have several friends that have... and by God's grace: They know that they are forgiven and daily forgive themselves. But I can 100% guarantee you: Calling them a murderer or a psychopath would've only heaped shame on them and made the decision and recovery even harder.<br />
<br />
Jesus, on the other hand: I think He would've wept, hugged them and told them how much He loved them, and their child... but especially them.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-33852184518798970552018-12-06T13:56:00.001-08:002018-12-06T13:56:36.235-08:00Cages. "Lord of the Rings: Two Towers" has several amazing scenes. This one is just about my favorite...<br />
---------------------------------<br />
<b>Aragon: <i>"What do you fear my lady?"</i></b><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b>Eowyn: <i>"A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valour has gone beyond recall or desire."</i></b><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b>Aragon: <i>"You're a daughter of of kings, a shieldmaden of Rohan. I do not think that would be your fate."</i></b><br />
<i>---------------------------------</i><br />
<br />
Whoa.<br />
<br />
What is it about this moment that strikes my innermost being like no other?<br />
<br />
<b><i>Because</i> <i>my deepest fear is not becoming who I was created to be. </i></b><br />
<br />
--------------------<br />
<br />
It's been a journey for sure.<br />
For years- try a<i> decade</i>-<i> </i>I took 1 Peter 3 out of context: I became a quiet, submissive, don't-laugh-too-loud-'cause-that'll-annoy-a-man, don't-be-taller-than-a-man-because-that's-emasculating-, don't-answer-like-you-know-the-answer-because-a-man-doesn't-want-a-woman-who-knows-more-than-him KIND OF WOMAN.<br />
<br />
No, really, ask my bestie: I <i>became that woman</i>.<br />
<br />
Then through the years, a few things happened. A.) It became exhausting not being who I truly was. B.) I came across a Matt Chandler sermon that God used <i>profoundly</i> and C.) God used a normal-every-day phone call with my bestie to change my world. So here we go with the explanations:<br />
<br />
*A.) Needs no explanation. I was exhausted of faking it all the time.<br />
<br />
*B.) Matt Chandler calls out Single women in one of his sermons. He tells [us] that it's better to be single than to dumb ourselves down and marry a stupid man. Because what happens is this: We dumb ourselves down... A (dumb) guy comes along that will finally ask us out...We agree on everything (because that's what we do when we feel we don't deserve to speak up)... and then we wake up 2 years into marriage and think, "My gosh: this is miserable. And I'm stuck with a stupid man."<br />
<br />
Golly. That scared me. I DO NOT WANT TO BE HER! (Also note: I know too many "hers".)<br />
<br />
And that phrase, "dumb [ourselves] down" struck my innermost being: <i>This was </i><b style="font-style: italic;">exactly what I had been doing. I had been pretending I didn't know God, His word or my calling as much as I knew I did.</b> Let me tell ya ya'll- I stopped the video, repented & prayed, and replayed those few minutes of the sermon.<br />
<br />
*C.) Fast-forwarding the topic during the phone call... My bestie asked me if I had come to truly believe that <i><b>having confidence is pride and insecurity equals humility</b></i>. Say what?! But as I truly pondered over that I had to confess (eventually) to myself and out loud that I believed that it was true. That to believe that if I did anything really well or above average or even better than most others, than I believed that was not okay. That it was sin. And that the less I thought of myself... the more I thought of myself not doing things well... then, well, that was the humility that God approved of- and <i>wanted</i> of us.<br />
<br />
W R O N G.<br />
So. Freaking.Wrong.<br />
<br />
But there's also a D.)<br />
<br />
I began to believe that Jesus love(s) women. I began to view Scripture in its historical context more. I began to believe that women can be in leadership.<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------<br />
It would take way too long for me to go into all the little nuggets of truth from Scripture and conversations and learning and experience for me to give examples of how each of the above shifted me into more of a Woman of Confidence.<br />
<br />
But I will just share this.<br />
In Genesis 2, when God speaks of Eve being Adam's helpmate, that word is <i>"Ezer"</i>, meaning, <i>help</i>. *shocker* But- here's what's powerful. <i>Ezer</i> is used just 21x's in the Old Testament. 3x's, referring to Eve, but the other 19x's? <i style="font-weight: bold;">EACH ONE IS GOD REFERRING TO HIMSELF AS OUR EZER! </i>He is our "ezer and our shield", our "ezer and our sword", "Where does my ezer come from? my ezer comes from the Lord."<br />
<br />
I do not believe that this is saying that women are better than men. But rest assured, it most definitely does not mean that we as women are below men.<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------<br />
<br />
So studies like the above changed my life. I was about 33 years old when I began my journey into confidence. I am more free than I have been in my entire life. I am more in love with Jesus than I have been in my entire life.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I am more me than I have ever been in my entire life.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
And you know what?<br />
<i><b>The cage only surrounds me when I fly into it.</b></i><br />
<br />
<i>-----------------------------------</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>P.S. Proverbs 31: "An excellent wife..." That word "excellent" is from the Hebrew word, "chayil", meaning <b>strength </b>or <b>valor</b>. It is the same word that the angel of the Lord calls Gideon in Judges 6:12, "Mighty man of Valor".<br /></i><br />
<i>So go ahead and reread Proverbs 31 now knowing the Hebrew word for "excellent". Don't you look at her differently?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><3</i>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-46572605660424600312018-01-23T18:38:00.000-08:002018-01-23T18:46:27.924-08:00My Story: Which is really God's Story.The pastor at my church challenged us to share "our stories" this week on social media, and so it had me thinking: I don't think I've ever shared my story (God + me) on this platform. So in 1000 words or less: here I go.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Always Believed</b><b>. Walked Away</b><b>. Prodigal Daughter.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If I had to define my story in even less words, I would say, "<b>Decisions and Freedom</b>". Because that's what He gives us- what He offers us, is decisions and freedom. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I "prayed the prayer" when I was three, so basically, I always knew God existed and talked with Him like He was in the room. ('cause He was. er, and is.) But it wasn't until I was 14 and went to a [new to me] camp where I saw teens and college students raising their hands during worship and doing a quiet time (I thought only old people did that?!).... They were beautiful and cool and showed me that a relationship with Jesus was actually possible, even as a teenager.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So from there came a bunch of little decisions that altered my life, little by little. I chose to do a 4-year Bible school. From there I toured with a Christian Ministry for 3 months. Was offered a job by them and moved to SoCal. Discovered in my time there that worship leading was more of my heart, so of course I knew to say yes when offered a position as a vocalist in a worship band back East. Moved back East. Learned [the very hard way] that I am NOT a gifted administrator. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Those years began to just become the grind of life. By 2011 I had been living outside Boston for a year and well, not really actively pursuing God: I just kept keepin' on. No real established quiet time. No studying. No real interest in investing in, well, anything, except my own fulfillment. My single on Itunes bombed. And then, a decision happened which affected me and I grew bitter and more bitter. (Anger + Bitterness = a lethal combination.) The chance to work seven days a week for extra cash came up: offer accepted. New roommates. More money. No church. No small group. Closed ears to accountability and oh, a non-loving-Jesus guy in my life. It was the exact ingredients to create the Perfect Storm, aka, the walk-away daughter.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And so I did. And what followed were a couple of months of a tortured soul who tried to believe she was truly happy with earning a bit of extra money, a man's attention and living for no one else but herself.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And then one night I sat straight up in bed as I heard the Father's [almost audible] voice say, "It's time Beloved." And I knew what He meant: I either needed to turn and run back to Him or He had to let me go to the world. And in that moment, there was only one decision I could make: I had to turn back to God. (Denying His existence terrified me- but to live a double life was against a longstanding life-principle of mine.) So right then and there, around midnight in August of 2011, I said, "I'm done Lord. I'm done. I'm Yours."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What I didn't realize though was that for those first few months after I had turned back to God: I was walking around on tip-toes. One afternoon at a Starbucks (yay, coffee!) my mentor spoke one of the most life-changing words that anyone had ever spoken to me. <i><b>"Shauna: you're living and thinking as if God is holding His gavel and just waiting to bang it to declare justice and condemnation on you. Shauna: HE WILL NEVER DO THAT. He already did that - on His Son. There's no fear...."</b> </i>And with the tears shed that day, flowed a freedom and grace that I had never experienced before...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There's so much more to my story. More decisions- and even MORE freedom. But I will leave you with two thoughts:</div>
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<b>*NO ONE EVER FALLS INTO SIN</b>: You are only ever taking steps toward Christ- or away from Him. You are only ever growing, or you are dying. You don't wake up one morning hating your significant other or hating your job or hating your life. You made a bunch of decisions, over time, and whether physical and/or emotional, and instead of correcting them along the way, you buried them or started finding life and justice in them... But it was never overnight.</div>
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<b>*IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST HAS SET YOU FREE</b>: "So do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) Believe it or not God does not have a list of "don'ts" for you. Being angry, lustful, envious, an addict and selfish is actually more exhausting and more deadly than being free in Christ.</div>
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Oh, and often times, the list of "do not's" that you give yourself is more exhausting and more heavy than the list of "do's" that He'll give you. </div>
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<b>For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, </b></div>
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<b>but in order that the world might be saved </b></div>
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<b>through Him. (John 3:17)</b></div>
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My Six-word story was a challenge from my teachers at 10,000 Fathers Worship school, which comes from the story of a writer winning a challenge at having the most powerful story- but in 6 words. (Ernest Hemingway is often attributed to it, but many say it was not.)</div>
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Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-4131041380788011492018-01-17T17:43:00.000-08:002018-01-17T17:43:12.615-08:00Singleness is NOT a season, people.I mean, you know: I get it.<br />
<br />
The majority of humans will marry.I get it, I really, really do. But, not all will marry.<br />
<br />
In Scripture we are never told Singleness is a season or stage. (Actually, we're told it's a gift, but, I digress.)<br />
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So why do we walk around saying and sharing that? To make people feel better? Because it may flatter in the moment, but it does not build someone up in love and encouragement.<br />
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And I know that from experience.<br />
<br />
And here's the reason why saying "Singleness is just for a season" bothers me to the <i>core</i>: What you're not saying is, "You were made for more. You are not complete - yet."<br />
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Dear reader: This is so incredibly a.) untrue and b) unbiblical that I can not be in a conversation, overhear this and stay silent anymore.<br />
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And here's <i>how</i> this is untrue and unbiblical: <b>EVERY HUMAN IS MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD: the Imago Dei.</b> He may be triune (Father, Spirit, Son) but HE IS ONE.<br />
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Dear friend, you don't need marriage or a partner to complete you: and neither do I.<br />
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If you ARE married then know this: that itself is a gift! But it in no way completes you. Only the Lord can do that.<br />
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The term "soul mates" comes from Greek mythology (aka, <i>not real life</i>) where in there was one soul which was split in two as a consequence and had to spend the rest of their days searching for each other to be whole.<br />
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That is not you, me, or any other human on this planet.<br />
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Ecclesiastes (3:11) tells us that God set eternity into the heart of man: He is the one who completes us.<br />
<br />
So do you see how that alone should stop us from using the term "season" or "stage" when it comes to singleness vs. marriage? In seasons and stages we're always planning ahead. Trying to predict the future. Preparing for it. Very, VERY rarely are we ever in it fully and presently. This is not healthy.<br />
<br />
And let me give a personal example of that: I grew up during the "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" years. (Which as a side note: I don't think Joshua Harris needed to apologize for writing those books. But again, I digress.) I've read all the other books that came out in the 90's and 2000's... always trying to "prepare" for marriage.(I went to a 4-year Bible school: Believe me- there was a lot of teaching on marriage. ha!) And as I live now in being 35 and single, I can honestly say: that to read and go to those seminars and conferences (on marriage, etc): <i style="font-weight: bold;">it hurts my heart more than it helps it.</i> Because why? <i style="font-weight: bold;">Because God may not have marriage for me and that is beautiful too.</i> Do I have desires that I pray for God to fulfill, like marriage? Yes, I do actually.<br />
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But do I think He has to give it to me?<br />
No.<br />
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Do I think marriage will complete me?<br />Probably more than I should, but weren't you all naive when entering marriage? Besides, I've seen and encountered more marriages that I wouldn't want mine to look like than what I <i>would</i> want. So no, I don't think marriage will complete me.<br />
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And what if we follow that mind set--what do we say to widows and widowers? "Oh, don't worry, this is just a season." <i>Absolutely not</i>.<br />
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So please, please don't say it to us.<br />
Only God knows the plans He has for someone.<br />
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I was interviewed for a podcast by Hey Girl, and the 2nd half of the interview is on the topic of Singleness. (The first half being on Bullying.) If you'd like to hear it, head on over to the Hey Girl podcast or you can listen to the interview on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzMdAY2dXQA&t=1sShaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-35531721120491606432017-09-16T16:58:00.001-07:002017-09-16T16:58:25.311-07:0035 Blessings.Today I've officially lived 35 years. (Technically longer because of that whole 9-months-in-the-womb-thing.) <div>
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Whoa.</div>
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Anyways, here we go, my annual number-of-blessings-according-to-how-old-I-am. [In no particular order.]</div>
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35. <b>God's whispers</b>. This year God has whispered so much to me- and/or- I've finally been listening. Some of my more recent blog posts will tell you more of those conversations.</div>
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34.<b> Subaru Imprezas</b>. I leased my 4th Subaru this past Spring- MY GOSH I LOVE THESE CARS. *Also note: paddle shifters</div>
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33. <b>Chiropractors</b>. My life is forever changed. Last year I was not on antibiotics ONCE since working with kids. Bloating went down. Health was the best ever in 34 years. 34 YEARS. </div>
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32. <b>10,000 Fathers</b>. This is the worship school that I'm a part of. If you know me via social media or in person, I probably seem to never shut up about "them". I don't idolize the school. (I think.) However, my <i>being</i> supports them 1000% because they teach discipleship, hospitality <i>and</i> the Bible in the most genuine, Biblical way I've ever encountered. </div>
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31. <b>Podcasts.</b> I still barely listen to any, but my top few are: Hey Girl (the Christian one), Passion City and Mike Rowe. (Yes, he's a celebrity crush of mine. ;)</div>
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30. <b>The Gym.</b> Gosh, I just started working out (in a gym) for the first time since I left Boston in June... I'VE MISSED IT OH SO MUCH.</div>
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29. <b>Hallmark Movies</b>. Yes, I'm a hopeless romantic and yes they have a way of wayyy over-simplifying love and attraction and commitment. However, some of them have helped encourage me to keep my standards high and my perseverance in standing up for myself. (Also note: They help shut my brain off when I need to.;)</div>
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28. <b>Georgia</b>. I think God created me to live in the South. </div>
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27. <b>Books: </b>Two books I read this year that God used to help transform my life: *The Life You've Always Wanted" by John Ortberg & "Keep Your Love On" by Danny Silk. And by life transforming I mean: #LIFETRANSFORMING</div>
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26. <b>CoWorkers</b>: Three months ago I left a set of workers that I love and had to hold in the floodgates while saying goodbye to them and then had to say hello to a new set. And they welcomed me with open arms. <3</div>
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25. <b>This laptop</b>. So you don't know it because you're not sitting next to me, however: This laptop has a touch screen. IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE YA'LL.</div>
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24. <b>My former dentist</b>. So in moving a 1000 miles away obviously, I had to leave my former dentist (and his brother who also helped me out). It took about 3 years and I still have some work left to be done-- but I am so much healthier due to having healthy & happy teeth. Don't take it for granted guys. I had mild fevers and chronic headaches due to teeth issues. DENTAL HEALTH IS SERIOUS.</div>
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23. <b>Friends who have taken me in</b>. My friend Katie and her husband took me in for the summer, and then my coach/friend Verna and her husband have taken me in as I try to get some things together because of the move and pay cut. Both couples are incredibly hospitable and loved on me. #ForeverGrateful</div>
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22. <b>Mary Kay. </b>No, I don't sell it. I do, however, use their Clear Proof line... and I'm SO THANKFUL. Also- their mask? AMAAAAZING.</div>
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21.<b>the Enneagram</b>. LISTEN INTERNET: THIS IS A PROFOUND PERSONALITY TEST. and No, I am NOT joking. And especially if you're a believer/Christian... knowing yourself, strengths, weakness, healthiness & vices are vitally important- along with knowing how to discern others so you can relate and work with others with respect and wisdom. <3 [Also note: I'm a 6. LOYALTY. My vice is Fear and my Strength is Courage and if you're in my life I will fight for you and defend you- physically if need be. Also, I hate it when people don't follow through with what they say.]</div>
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20. <b>When the sun shines through the trees.</b> These moments that I catch - God whispers affirmation, beauty and reminders to me. </div>
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19. <b>Karaoke. </b>Gosh, so. much. fun. <3 #girlsnights</div>
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18. <b>Best Friends</b>. Life-changing conversations. Accountability. Investments. Family. Dog sitting. Bethany: I love, love, love and miss you. <3</div>
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17. <b>Church Family</b>. Chapel of the Cross: It was an amazing 8 years. You support me in prayer, finances and encouragement. You supported me through all my awkwardness in growing as a worship leader. I could not have asked for a more amazing church family to walk with. </div>
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16. <b>Solitude.</b> When was the last time you spent even just 5 minutes alone- quiet? DO IT.</div>
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15.<b> Courage</b>. <span style="font-size: large;">"<i style="color: #525252; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear."</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #525252; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">~Ambrose Redmoon --------------------------------------</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #525252; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">-</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've written a bit about my journey this past 12 months, or, honestly, my life... so fee free to check out my previous posts. However, I heard this quote from Matt Chandler and it is JUST SO TRUE. So many of you have asked me "What's Changed?" or "How are you able to move your entire life?" - Because of the words in this quote: At some point you have to realize there's something more important than whatever is trying to hold you back. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">14. <b>Blankets.</b> But really guys. Curling up with a blanket (and good book or movie and/or coffee is just. so. amazing.) *Especially in the air condition ;) </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">13. <b>Voxer.</b> Listen, if you do NOT HAVE THIS APP ON YOUR PHONE: GET IT. It's like a walkie-talkie and you can bypass the whole calling and leaving a message. You can leave a message longer than a voice mail and you can listen and reply whenever you want. #lifehack</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">12. <b>Chick-Fil-A</b>. Listen, don't judge. You know aalllll about it. #chickfilasauceiseverything</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">11. <b>Dancing</b>. And by dancing, I mean, when doing the dishes or making dinner. (I'm sure I would love dancing on a night out, buuuuut, that never happens. ;)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">10. <b>Instagram</b>: Thank you Instagram for making me feel (and look) like I could be a professional photographer. (Okay, okay, or for at least making my mom think I'm a professional photographer. ;)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9. <b>Katz Donuts</b>. Dairy Free. Gluten Free. AND TASTE JUST LIKE BUTTERMILK DONUTS. Gosh, many weekends' breakfast made amazing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. <b>Aldi</b>: So thankful that this grocery store is everywhere down here. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. <b>Yum-Earth </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Organic Lollipops</b>. OH MY GOSH AMAZING. <3 </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. <b>Seltzer.</b> This year I gave up soda as a New Year's Resolution. Now, in reality, I really only drank soda's with an evening meal on the weekends. Anyways, a study on Diet Soda's (I don't like the taste of Coke or super sweet sodas) and their ingredients are terrifying.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. <b>Amazing Landlords. </b>My former landlords back in Massachusetts were amazing. Lev would shovel and/or plow my spot and get my car out with no complaining.... fixed things in our apartment super quickly. Don't take amazing landlords for granted.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <b>5 am wake up times. </b> Okay, so this one is MORE that I miss this wake up time. Because of my new starting time and work hours (7-3 instead of 9-3) I now wake up at 4:15ish. *ROUGH* </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #525252; font-family: inherit;">3. </span><b style="color: #525252; font-family: inherit;">Taking out gluten</b><span style="color: #525252; font-family: inherit;">. My former chiropractor encouraged me to do so upon learning about some issues of mine- </span><i style="color: #525252; font-family: inherit;">despite</i><span style="color: #525252; font-family: inherit;"> testing negative for Celiac's. As hard as it's been- and extremely </span><span style="color: #525252;">inconvenient, I feel OH so much better.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #525252;">2. <b>Non-Light Gel Nail Polish</b>. Super superficial, and I only have two colors, but I love love LOVE them, because I can go about a week and it makes me feel feminine without the cost- or putting a lot of effort into it. <3</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #525252;">1. <b>Coffee</b>. Now really: Are you surprised by this?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #525252;">--------------------------------------------------</span></span></div>
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Hope you've enjoyed reading & perhaps even read of some things that you yourself could and should be thankful for. </div>
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One of the biggest lessons I learned this year: Life-changing moments aren't always in the lightning strikes or revivals... They come in seeing God in the little moments, things and people He puts in your paths. Don't underestimate the power of a conversation over coffee, an author's words or cheesy movie. If you do- you might be limiting God.</div>
Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-64873999756596461262017-08-19T08:20:00.001-07:002017-08-19T08:21:08.229-07:00Limiting GodI used to believe that God only really worked a certain way. That God didn't speak through prophetic word, heal through people or raise people from the dead. I believed that God is an unchanging God. That He worked one way in the past, and now only works in one way.<br />
<br />
Then God whispered.<br />
He stirred.<br />
He brought books and people into my life to challenge that thought.<br />
<br />
*Books like, "The Heavenly Man"- the story of Brother Yun.<br />
*Friends who train underground pastors in China who say over a cup of coffee "Shauna, you know God still raises people from the dead, right?"<br />
*Friends who while praying for others have visions or pictures when praying over someone.<br />
<br />
So slowly, in the course of a few years, God has stirred and moved and showed Himself to me [and of course others] in a way I never thought possible.<br />
<br />
And one of those moments was recently.<br />
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When I sensed God stirring and moving me to Atlanta, He reminded me often in those days (and to quote Matt Chandler), "<b>God gives His command, you obey in faith, and then God will show Himself.</b>"<br />
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So I did.<br />
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I knew I was to tell my roommate God was moving me to Atlanta. Now, I was terrified.... I had never been the roommate who moved first, and I have a strong dislike of disappointing people when I can do the opposite. But I couldn't not tell her: I knew with every fiber of my being I would be disobeying God if I didn't tell her.<br />
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So I did.<br />
(It went amazingly, by the way.)<br />
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Then I went back into my bedroom, picked up my coffee and continued watching the movie I was watching... when my phone went off. A text from my friend Christy Lee that I hadn't talked with in a few months. "Hey lady... had a vision of you living in Atlanta... Can't wait to hear that testimony!"<br />
<br />
She had no idea that God was stirring a move, never mind my having taken my first step of obedience in this journey.<br />
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And then I heard His whisper again... <i>"Well done, Beloved. Here's a gift for your step of obedience."</i><br />
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Today I want to challenge you and encourage you: Are you limiting God in how He works, not just in the world, but in your life? Can you name a time or situation in the last year that in a moment, you <i>saw</i> God in that situation? If not, you may be limiting how He's working in and around you.<br />
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Steps of faith and obedience are scary, and not for the faint of heart. But God is GOOD, and He is GRACIOUS and He is FOR you.<br />
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My coach told me one night a life-breathing truth: "God never prepares His people by instilling fear. He gives courage."<br />
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Repent of your unbelief, ask God for courage and the eyes to see Him.<br />
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<b>That is a prayer He will not ignore.</b><br />
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Try Him.<br />
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<3<br />
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<br />Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-76055936082119471082017-08-05T20:49:00.000-07:002017-08-05T20:49:58.242-07:00God's Whispers.At some point I'll share the [honestly, fascinating] journey that God has led me on the last few months, but I can't do that yet because I haven't even had a chance to tell one of the main people of that story... well, the story.But until then, I'll share lessons and stories as they come. This one is... recent. Like D A Y S recent.<br />
<br />
So God kept whispering to me and guiding me and nudging me throughout my most recent journey, including the job I've now had for 3 days. <3 [A categorical (1:1) para professional in a special ed preK classroom.] I knew from the first email re: an interview that this was where I was supposed to be. THE FIRST EMAIL.<br />
<br />
So the couple of weeks come and go... God heard my (and yours!) cries and expedited paperwork and credits and honestly, just EVERYTHING for me to start on the first day as every one else. I WAS SO EXCITED.<br />
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Then, all the HR paperwork (W4s, insurance) was taking forever to find online -- nevermind, to fill out and send in.<br />
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Then I asked the coordinator, "So... when is my first paycheck? It's before the 30 day deadline, right?"<br />
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Coordinator: "Oh ma'am.... I honestly don't know."<br />
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CUE TEARS.<br />
CUE HEARING GOD WHISPER, "I've got this Shauna, I've got this."<br />
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I walk back to the classroom saying to myself, "God's got this Shauna, He's got this. He's led you this far."<br />
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The next few hours as friends text or call, I say, "Hey, will you pray... I don't know know when I'm getting paid..."<br />
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Finally, in texting a friend and hitting "SEND", I can't do it anymore, as the tears are running down my face... I quickly text her right back, "I'm sorry. Forgive me. God keeps whispering to me that He's got this."<br />
<br />
Fast forward to the next day, I check the mail when I get home.<br />
There's mail for me.<br />
That mail?<br />
A check.<br />
And notes of encouragement from so many of my camp family and friends.<br />
They had taken an offering for me.<br />
And I just happened to have received the check that day.<br />
The day after God whispered to me.<br />
<i><br /></i>
See, the number one question I've received (actually, that's a lie, it's the 2nd most asked question) re: my journey South has been, "How did you know?" My response is almost always the same: it's a "gut thing"- and hearing His whispers. [Note: See my IG post re: God using our entire beings to speak to us, including our "guts".]<br />
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See, I think too often we view God and His working as all lightning bolts and big shouts, when honestly, I don't think He normally speaks that way. Has there been some of those moments on this journey or in my life in general? Absolutely. But have I heard His whispers in the sunset, journaling, emails, prayer time, car rides, conversations, music, silence and tears? <i>Absolutely</i>.<br />
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Believe me, <i style="font-weight: bold;">I am no expert in hearing the voice and whisper of God. </i> I can probably give to you the equal amount of stories in which I ignored or couldn't hear or see Him. However, two observations that I have noticed through the years and even in this journey is: <b><i>1.)</i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;">We surround ourselves with noise to the point that silence is deafening </i>and <i style="font-weight: bold;">2.)</i> <b><i>We have lost our reverent awe and fear of God.</i></b><br />
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I'll leave you with a list of questions, a checklist of sorts.<br />
<br />
<b>*Do you always have the radio/music on in the car?</b><br />
<b>*Is the tv/ipad always on?</b><br />
<b>*When was the last time you just sat on the chair/couch/bed with no technology, book or distraction?</b><br />
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<b>*When was the last time you read Scripture for more than 10 minutes per day?</b><br />
<b>*When was the last time you cried out to God? Or in front of Him?</b><br />
<b>*When was the last time you got on your knees or the floor to Him? Either out of despair or awe? (Both approaches show humility.)</b><br />
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I would love to have expanded from those questions, but this is it for now. And before you even think of it: don't contact me and flood me with "my kids are everywhere! My kids are loud!": I am a firm believer of seasons of life. But <i>do</i> I think these questions do a tremendous job of probing where some pride may need to be broken or let go of. In fact, I would push you further: if any of these questions caused a flare up in you, either of wanting to push back or say, "nah", I would challenge you to ask God to search your heart and reveal it to you. It could be you are right- and I believe you could be.<br />
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Or it could be that your life is too loud to hear God's Whispers.<br />
<br />Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-88754445398763073432017-07-27T19:07:00.000-07:002017-07-27T19:07:10.961-07:00A Lesson on Honoring God.God's been challenging me on something the past...mmm year?<br />
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And the issue is this: <b>Am I being who God has called me to be? </b>Or, am I trying to be what others (or I <i>think</i> others) want me to be?<br />
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And to be genuinely honest in this, my most recent/common area of this is being single. And the backstory to this is, well: I've had several men tell me (Christian and non-Christian) phrases like, "I would've never date you... you would've intimidated me" or "Well, I can see how you would intimidate men...." [Insert palm-face emoji here.]<br />
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Not only is that just what every single woman wants to hear- what we <i>actually hear</i> is what is NOT being said:<br />
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<i><b>*"You're awfully tall in heels."</b></i> (actually, wait: that HAS been said to me. Also, sorry, I can't help it God designed me to be 5'8".)<br />
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<b><i>*"Guys really love feeling a lot taller and stronger than their girlfriends/spouses."</i> </b>(Again, I can't help the height thing and sorry that I played sports when I was younger and that I love lifting weights.)<br />
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<i><b>*"Guys are too shy to approach the quiet ones..." </b></i>(Sorry I'm an introvert and only on rare occasions when I first meet someone/people does an extroverted me show up. That's usually reserved for friends/family.) [But she's really fun when she does.]<br />
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And then, enter the Christian Bubble and you hear, either from the pulpit, books or "culture",<br />
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<i><b>*"Women should be like the woman in 1 Peter 3. Quiet, submissive and modest."</b> </i>(I'll refrain from my rant on the word "modest.")<br />
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Well, you know what: That about summarizes it right there.<br />
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And for years I became "her"... You know, the 1 Peter 3 woman (that we take WAY out of context, just an FYI). <b>I was afraid </b>to laugh too loud because a man might think I was drawing attention to myself. <b>I didn't give</b> my opinion or thought [on spiritual things] even though a.) being a daughter of God gives me that right and b.) being a 4-year Bible school graduate taught me one or two things.<br />
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And then I moved, and God ushered in a new community of friends and job- and He begin to breathe life into those fearful and insecure areas. But insecurity still had a hold on me, and it's grasp was strong at times.<br />
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A few years later, I walked away from the Lord, but by His grace, I ran back. And it wasn't until after that that I began to truly SEE, FEEL and KNOW that God loves me. Showers me with grace. And He gives His children good gifts. And then two years ago I came across a Matt Chandler sermon... and he said life changing words. [I'm summarizing].... <i>"And to you single women, I urge you, STOP DUMBING YOURSELF DOWN. Because this is what happens: You love the Lord but you find you're still single and not getting asked out. So you dumb yourself down, then a [dumb] guy feels bold and strong enough to approach you and so you settle. And then two years later you wake up married to a dumb guy and you're trapped... STOP DUMBING YOURSELF DOWN. It is truly better to be a strong and godly woman with a 100 cats who's doing more for the kingdom then it is to be trapped in a marriage to a dumb guy...."</i><br />
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And that began to set the course for walking in the freedom of being me. 5'8". strong. lover of heels. lover of study and lover of weight lifting. worship leader and dreaming of teaching women (uh, hello Christine Caine, can we chat over coffee sometime?)<br />
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But I almost battle sharing it in the perspective of being single, because, well, like most of life: our spirit and being don't compartmentalize well. So in my professional life and relationships with friends- I was that insecure, never-stood-up-for-myself, I'm always wrong kind of woman. And you know what? That's not Godly... that's not being who God called me to be.<br />
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And guess what? It's an ever-learning lesson. Just this past week I sat in Starbucks, really battling this and I began to write, "Lord... just help me to learn the balance between being me and...."--- and I realized I couldn't finish that sentence. I heard the Father whisper, "The only way to honor Me is for you to be who I created you to be. And she is tall, strong, wise and a leader."<br />
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So dear friend, know this: It only brings honor and glory to God to be the you He's created you to be.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-76240601701634816632017-06-19T14:16:00.000-07:002017-06-19T14:16:10.931-07:00What If?<span style="font-size: large;"><u>What if?</u></span><br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like not speaking one complaint to a fellow employee? For one year? Or, one week, heck: one day?<br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like asking, "How are you doing?", even to that person who's hygiene is less than pleasant?<br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like cleaning the bathroom without complaining?<br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like letting the person in line before you even though you may be running late?<br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like volunteering at a homeless shelter? Even if it is only because God loves the poor?<br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like not giving a piece of your mind even if you may have the right to?<br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like not getting mad you got pulled over for speeding?<br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like pressing into a conversation even if you are exhausted?<br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like not posting your political opinions on social media? But instead, chose to only have political conversations in person?<br />
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What if showing God to someone looked like washing a woman's feet? A woman who had just had an abortion?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But also:</span></b><br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like getting on your knees and praying for Trump?<br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like you with your palms up saying, "God, everything good I have is from Your hand... show me how to bless You and others with it."<br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like more time in His Word than watching the news?<br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like an extra 2% in your tithing?<br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like refusing to snap back at your kids tonight?<br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like palms up, humbly asking, "Am I wrong about this Lord? Show me if I am!"<br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like cancelling Netflix because that's what you look forward to the most at the end of every day?<br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like praying for the family member who drives you insane?<br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like...... just being with Him? No agenda. No time limit.<br />
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What if showing God you love Him looks like..... whispering thank you's to Him throughout your day?<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What if?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you... and if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same..... but LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.....be merciful."</i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Love sounds a lot like rooting for those not like you.</span></b></div>
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Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-38683700938219696752017-02-14T16:42:00.000-08:002017-02-14T16:43:56.075-08:00God Doesn't Use just Marrieds.Contrary to popular belief, I'm actually pro-Valentines Day.<br />
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I love watching couples try to make the other feel important (and often, embarassed, ha!). Sometimes even us Singletons get noticed... such as the older man in the grocery store who stopped me to say, "Do colors really make a difference in the roses? Do they actually mean something?" So after telling him, "Don't get yellow: those mean friendship!" I went on to say something like, "But don't take my word for it: my favorite flower is a carnation! That's probably why I'm single!" (As I am laughing out loud by this point.) To which he responds, "Which is hard to believe, such a pretty girl like yourself!" #complimenttaken<br />
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That said, if you find yourself with someone, either married or dating and you think, "I hate Valentines Day. I love them every day: why do I have to go out of my way to show them one day a year?!" If you say that to me, I'll respond, "Why NOT go out of your any day- EVERY day to show them? Even if it is just flowers? Or a candy bar? Or doing the dishes?! WHY NOT?!"<br />
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For those of us that are single, however, depending on where we are mentally, spiritually, etc: Valentines <i>can be</i> <i>a really, really hard day. </i>I look back on my life and I'm just so grateful for the grace that God has poured over me... for even the <i>work</i> that I have done to get to where I am today.. that today, February 14, 2017: <b>I am not bitter that I am single</b>.<br />
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Some of you reading this may be divorced or separated. Some of you reading this may be a widow or a widower and for you, dear reader: I have no words. I can not imagine the pain that you have gone through, the thoughts you hear and have had to conquer or push away. But there is always <i>hope</i>. But not the hope you immediately think of.. you know, the-meeting-your-future-spouse-sort-of-hope... but the deep-rooted, God-inspired hope that He is <b>for you, not against you</b> (Psalm 56:9)... the hope that reminds you <b>God has a purpose and plan for you</b> (Psalm 139; Philippians 2:12,13) and that <b>God is not done working on you</b> (Philippians 1:6).<br />
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My best friend has encouraged me in the past to perhaps do more writing on explaining to marrieds/society what it's like to be single in today's culture.. especially, the Christian Culture. Perhaps someday I will, but for now, to you married's, I will exhort you to know and realize: <i style="font-weight: bold;">Marriage is NOT a stage of life</i>. God does NOT have marriage for everyone... including but not limited to, those who have the deep desire for it. Desires are not necessarily from God- neither are they evil if not: they are sometimes, just that: human desires. So again, please know that marriage is not a stage. No where in Scripture do we find, "When you turn ___ age or When you hit this level of maturity then you'll get married." But also, for the record, neither will you find, "If you just have more faith, if you just keep asking" or my [least] favorite, "If you just forget about men [or women], <i>then that person will come into your life. </i> SIDE NOTE: IF YOU DARE SAY THIS TO MY FACE, YOU MAY END UP WITH A BROKEN NOSE. End Note. (And also, because Scripture would push us to press IN to those desires and to ask God to fulfill our petition and need, but, that's another blog for another time.)<br />
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But dear Singles, we TOO have a responsibility: TO LIVE THE LIFE HE HAS CALLED US TO LIVE: RIGHT NOW. (Marrieds: this goes for you as well, as we all know that "the best is yet to come" thought does not end with "I Do's".) We can <i>not</i> live our lives in the future- we can only live them right now. We can not be entrusted with future responsibilities (get marriage out of your mind) if we are not being faithful where we currently are. If we are not grateful now with what and Whom (and whoms, that's right, I made up a word) He has given us NOW, then we will <b><i>never </i></b>be grateful later in life, even if/when you have them.<br />
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Have you ever come across an ungrateful person? A person who is always complaining? A person who sours your next few minutes to hours after coming away from them? Then know this, dear reader: <i>you will become that very person if you do not check yourself</i>.<br />
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So maybe tonight dear reader, you need to grab your Bible or watch a sermon online to distract yourself from watching a Hallmark movie. (Or just write a blog post like I've just done;) Or maybe you just need to hit your knees and pray for God's peace to wrap you up tonight. You know what, maybe you just need to throw on a war movie (like I do nearly ever Valentines Day)... and you know what? <i>That's okay. </i>God has you in His hand. He knows your heart, your desires-- and He knows how and when He'll fulfill or even change those desires.<br />
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Rest tonight, beloved. For He gives to His beloved rest. (Psalm 4:8)Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-50211916254970095372017-01-29T12:28:00.000-08:002017-01-29T12:28:27.072-08:00Weight vs. Sin<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"...Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus..." Hebrews 12:1b</i></b></div>
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Did you catch it? Did you catch that the words "weight" and "sin" are separate? Did you see that they are separated by a comma? DO NOT MISS THAT: THAT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Go ahead and read it again. I'll wait.</div>
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Okay, but really. They are two separate words. Two separate definitions. </div>
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weight: Gk. <i>onkon = </i>bulk, encumbrance</div>
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sin: Gk <i>amartian =</i> sin, failure</div>
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Let me tell you, I've have had a journey with these words. This verse has liberated me time and time again and it [Lord willing] always will. </div>
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I often teach the practical difference of these two words in one shot. I HATE RUNNING OR WORKING OUT WITH LONG SLEEVES ON. Like, hate hate hate! Now for me, I'm not a professional runner or professional weight lifter. But here's the thing: running or lifting weights with long sleeves on isn't wrong, in fact, A LOT of people wear them when working out. But for me? IT'S A HINDRANCE. I get too hot, or I have to keep pushing my sleeves up, etc. Do you see what I'm saying here? </div>
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There are things in our lives as believers that we do which is SIN. Engaging in gossip, sex outside of marriage, thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought, coveting, etc: these things are sin. HINDRANCES, however, do not necessarily look like these. Let me give a few examples from my own journey in this.</div>
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Hindrances for me look like: going home every night from work and just watching tv or movies. Hindrances to me look like sleeping in til the last second, every day before work (so I don't have my quiet time). Hindrances to me look like watching rated R movies or tv shows. Hindrances to me look like binge watching romantic Hallmark movies. Hindrances to me look like leaving immediately after church on Sundays (repeatedly) and not engaging with those around me. </div>
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Are these things sin? Not at all. But what I found in my life was that I wasn't purposely being with God or studying more about Him. I wasn't forcing myself to get to know Him and His thoughts, His dreams for me or His word. I found myself with so much alone time that I just talked to myself all the time about how little my job paid, how I'm single when all my friends are married and how God was at work in everyone else's lives except my own. All I did was focus on what I didn't have instead of what I DID have.</div>
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It was around this time that I encountered two life-changing things: the Experiencing God study, and God's voice in my mind telling me, "Put away the tv/movies Monday through Thursday". </div>
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In the EG study, you are challenged to pray, "God, open my eyes to where You are at work around me and in me" DAILY. So then, in combination with eliminating the tv and movies, I found myself being so much more aware of His presence in my world- and my life. More and more I found myself disliking the sin of sex, infidelity and selfish living that is so promoted in so much of our tv and movies today. I was reading more and more, be it novels or be it Christian Living books or books about God. </div>
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There was less trash in my brain, and noticing more and more of God at work. </div>
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These are just simple examples from my simple life of what the differences are between sin and weight (hindrances). I have many, many more, as I am sure so do you. And you know what? We'll never be perfect. We'll never attain perfection and never sin while here on this earth, but what we ARE called to do is to <i>run the race that is set before us</i>. </div>
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So dear Beloved, begin to peel off that which is not only wrong, but also which hinders. Experience the freedom the God longs for you to live in. Let my life be an example to you that it IS possible.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. (Gal 5:1)</i> </div>
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Bondage and complacency was never meant to be comfortable or livable. </div>
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Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-41646896427414653912016-09-15T18:36:00.002-07:002016-09-15T18:36:18.931-07:0034 Blessings!3-4<br />
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Like, 34 years of being alive. <br />
I'm impressed, actually.<br />
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Well, every year I begin my "come back" from taking a hiatus in writing, and write a post on the number of blessings (corresponding to the number of years I've been alive, of course) that happened the previous year. (I also always vow to write and post more frequently, insert eye-rolling emoji here.)<br />
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In no particular order, here we go:<br />
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1.) I'm still alive. (Actually, I'd rather be with Jesus, but, I'll take this.)<br />
2.) Pretty sure I figured out my allergy, or at least, discovered what was making me borderline miserable. (Thanks Dairy, thanks A LOT.)<br />
3.) Survived a re-hurt heart.<br />
4.) Grew closer to a family that I have come to thoroughly enjoy and respect.<br />
5.) Helped lead worship at my favorite day-of-the-year event: Simply Worship. (That was a Top 10 life-moment for me, really.)<br />
6.) Had an amazing Thanksgiving. #somuchlaughter<br />
7.) Grew closer to my BFFL (of now 15 years)<br />
8.) Spoke up for myself more than I ever have. (And have SO FAR left to go).<br />
9.) Got an under-cut hairstyle.<br />
10.) Got an A-symmetrical hairstyle.<br />
11.) Got more white hair. (Seriously, I love it now.)<br />
12.) Got to be a shoulder for a couple of people to cry on. (I recommend being that person to others. It reminds you there's more to life than what just you're going through.<br />
13.) COFFEE<br />
14.) COFFEE<br />
15.) COFFEE<br />
16.) Which reminds me: I found out Gilmore Girls is coming out with 4 new episodes. (Hey, don't judge!)<br />
17.) Realized how much I love my co-workers even more than I thought.<br />
18.) Had some AMAZING kids in my room.<br />
19.) Learned to deadlift.<br />
20.) Learned that sometimes it really is possible to agree to disagree. <br />
21.) READ SOME AMAZING AMAZING BOOKS. (Harry Potter, Narnia, Lone Survivor, the Last Jihad, just to name a few.)<br />
22.) Bought my first pair of Converse. <br />
23.) Had some amazing quiet times with God Almighty.<br />
24.) Had an AMAZING summer at camp.<br />
25.) WATCHED GOD PROVIDE FOR ME OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND WATCHED GOD PROVIDE FOR ME OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER ANDWATCHED GOD PROVIDE FOR ME OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER ANDWATCHED GOD PROVIDE FOR ME OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER ANDWATCHED GOD PROVIDE FOR ME OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER ANDWATCHED GOD PROVIDE FOR ME OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER ANDWATCHED GOD PROVIDE FOR ME OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND.... No guys, #BUTREALLY<br />
26.) Applied to a Worship School<br />
27.) Got accepted to said Worship School.<br />
28.) Watched as my Church family grew and grew closer to God.<br />
29.) Met some amazing new people.<br />
30.) Got my favoritist bedroom that I have ever had. <br />
31.) Learned that it's okay to enjoy time off and not feel guilty. (Wait, I'm still learning that?!)<br />
32.) Got a new lap top. The kind in which you touch the screen. A M A Z I N G!!! (Just one problem though: I forget all the others DON'T!)<br />
33.) Learned (moreso) that life was truly created to be lived in community: not by yourself. (That's PRIDE. That's a sin. That causes you to be more like the Devil than God. Just sayin'.)<br />
34.) Realizing that I can't pick which blessing to end on isn't really a problem-- it's a blessing.<br />
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So Lord, as I enter this year: make me more like You. Help me to love you more this year than I did last year. Open my eyes to how you see others: and give me your heart to serve them. Burden me who to pray for and how- and when. And Lord? Even so, come.<br />
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<3Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-81830670658853443982016-02-22T16:38:00.001-08:002016-02-22T16:38:19.948-08:00The Act of StudyingPeople who are in love study each other. Have you ever noticed that?<br />
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They spend time with each other. They watch them: how they act, react and rest. How they are with their friends and how they are with strangers. What makes them laugh, cry and even tick. What makes them feel confident and what makes them feel insecure. What dreams they have to pursue and what scares them into not wanting to try.<br />
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Heck, even if you have just a solid crush and are intrigued by someone you do that.<br />
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Just in a new <i>friendships </i>we do that.<br />
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So, dear Beloved one of God:<br />
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How come we don't study Him?<br />
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Before I really begin, know this: studying God can many times lead to knowing about Him and just trying to please Him: That is not what I want our "end game" to be.<br />
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But let's take a look at our Bibles, shall we? What is most marked? Most memorized? Is it the four books of the New Testament? Perhaps Psalm 23 or Psalm 139, for when we need comfort or a confidence boost? What about Philippians 4:13, of course: we need that verse for when we feel like we can't do something, right?<br />
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Here's the shame in this: <b>THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF VERSES THAT WE HAVE PROBABLY NEVER READ: AND GOD BREATHED THOSE VERSES INTO BEING.</b><br />
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I get it, believe me, I do. I even graduated from a four-year intensive studying Bible school, and I can't always explain every verse, every story, every law and every person. I can say this, however: every word is important. Every person is important. Every law is important. Every parable is important. Every confusing scripture and story in Revelation is important.<br />
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Don't take my word for it. <b>2 Timothy 3:16,17 </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man (and woman) of God may be complete [and] equipped..."</i> There you have it my friend. It doesn't say, "The New Testament scripture only is breathed out by God..." It doesn't say, "Just the red letters are breathed out by God..." It doesn't say, "Just the nice stories are breathed out by God..." And it definitely doesn't say, "Only the stuff you understand is breathed out by God."<br />
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<b>ALL. All means All. </b><br />
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And again, I get it. Old Testament? Some of those chapters and books are SO HARD to understand. So much blood. So many rules. The first 11 chapters of Genesis are THE most debated and torn apart Scriptures throughout History. But do you know why? Do you know what you believe? Do you believe in a literal 6-day Creation or do you believe that there was some time for the dinosaurs to live and go extinct? Do you know <i>why</i> God commanded there to be the shedding of blood for forgiveness? (And how that explains why Jesus had to shed <i>His blood</i> for us?)<br />
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Do you understand why the Jews went from loving Jesus to demanding His death? Do you understand <i>how incredibly important it is</i> to understand what is going on in the Middle East today (which begins in, Genesis.) Do you understand why claiming Philippians 4:13 just to help get you through the day is actually taking it out of context? Have you even attempted to study the Book of Revelation? Do you understand who "the Woman and the Dragon" are? Do you understand the difference between the Bema Seat and the Great White Throne judgement? Do you believe in the physical return of Jesus? Do you know what the last sentence of the Bible is?<br />
<br />Do you know that Scripture wasn't written in English? That in the New Testament, for example, the Greek word for <i>love</i> has four different definitions? Do you know that in knowing some of the original language(s) can radically change the context of a verse?<br />
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Yes, I know, dear friend, that we can totally get carried away in our "studying for and of the Lord". I understand that we can focus so much on translations, stories and interpretations that we begin to debate and argue with fellow believers, even non-believers. I don't agree in breaking fellowship with another Christian friend just because they believe in the "Gap Theory" (that God sort of took a break from creating for a few "years" after Genesis 1:2). However, I don't agree with just, "well, someday it'll all just be figured out" or the, "Well, that won't help me grow closer to God: that'll just confuse me, so I don't worry about it." (In fact, I beg to differ on that! Big Time!)<br />
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I'm also not saying that we all need to desire to be like CS Lewis or a John Piper (or my friend JohnMark). We don't all need to be the deepest and most introspective believers that we know. We don't have to memorize entire books of the Bible to impress God or to show that we love Him.<br />
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But just like a husband and wife can't ignore all the fears, pet peeves and hard truths about their spouse: Neither can we just close a blind eye to that which God has revealed about Himself-- in and through His Word.<br />
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<i><b>"Incline [our] heart(s) to Your Testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn [our] eyes from looking at worthless things; and give [us] life in Your ways... [May] our hearts stand in awe of Your words. [May we] rejoice at Your word like one who finds great spoil." Psalm 119:36-37,161-162</b></i></div>
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Don't be afraid to read books, commentaries or even write your pastors or others! I would suggest reading even varying view points, <i>all while asking the Spirit to bring more of Himself in "wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of [Jesus], having the eyes of your heart enlightened." Ephesians 1:17,18a</i></div>
Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-74602156158893434852015-11-15T17:58:00.001-08:002015-11-15T17:58:24.576-08:00Be Careful Little Eyes What You See<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Purity is a direction- not a line."</span></i></b> is a statement I heard as a teenager from Joshua Harris, and little did I know its impact on me even almost 20 years later. I say this statement to those who say, "well, as long as I don't do this", or, "as long as I don't do that". And as someone that once walked away from the Lord, I know this statement to be way truer than most realize. <div>
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Though that line is often shared in regards to one's virginity or "physical purity" (that is another topic for another day), I want to apply this line to our every day lives. King David wrote,<b style="text-align: center;"><i>"I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless... I will know nothing of evil."</i></b><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">(Psalm 101:2b,3a,4b) </b><span style="text-align: center;">How many of us can say this? Harder yet, how many of us <i>want to say this</i>?</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">For some reason, I have always sensed that the majority of believers have a sin (or more than one) that they are prone to fight and struggle with. One of my particular sins is this: laziness. And for years I became that person who worked, went home, watched movies, went to bed and repeated that cycle. Now, what I am NOT saying is this: that movies are evil and from Satan and that a single adult who has no family to take care of is sinning if they go home and do nothing but watch movies. However, what I AM saying is that, for me, I was creating a habit of avoidance and creating a habit of laziness. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">About a year or so after I repented and turned back to the Lord, I was faced with the realization of two things: the addiction to tv and movies and the lack of discipline in my time with the Lord. Is it of coincidence that I saw those two realities at the same time? I think not. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>Psalm 106:36 </b>says, <i><b>"They served their idols, which became a snare to them."</b> </i>I think most believers often believe that idols are either, a.) handmade wooden/metal statues or b.) a negative feeling, object or pursuit. But [most of the time]: they are not.<b> </b>An idol is anything that you deem more important than God. Which while it seems like that would be easy to see and define in your own life is not actually that easy. Let me help you with one simple question: <i>Who or what do you spend most of your day thinking about and pursuing?</i> (Now, let me clarify, if you are married, then yes, you better spend some of your day thinking about your spouse and/or family.)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Dietrich Bonhoffer said, <i>"Satan does not fill us with hatred of God but with forgetfulness of God." </i>So this is where I found myself: that my in my addiction to tv and movies- I had forgotten about God. I did not hate Him (heck! I just turned my life around!), but I had found myself filling my "life" with "so much" that I did not spend time with Him. <b>Mark 9:43-48</b> tells us, <i style="font-weight: bold;">"...if your hand causes you to sin: cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands and go to hell."</i> Whelp. So I did something radical: <i>I 'vowed' to stop watching tv and movies throughout the week.</i> Now listen, I know that many of you are thinking, <i>"Whatever lady. I'm not addicted to tv or movies or to anything for that matter. I can stop any of it at any time." </i>Then you, my friend, are who I'm talking to. DO IT. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">For myself, I had found that I couldn't go another day without finding out how the next episode or series finale ended. I couldn't wait for so and so to get together with so and so. I was so caught up in the intense drama that it almost made me feel like I was involved in it myself. [Dear Grey's Anatomy watchers: seriously. How. many. dramas. can one. person. go. through?! I had to stop after the plane crash!] Or, do you find yourself secretly loving the love/sex scenes in shows and movies? I am not one who personally struggles with pornography, but I can tell you that those scenes in no way shape or form help me in my loneliness of being single or in my pursuit of becoming holy. [And if you, dear friend, are one who does struggle with the sin of pornography, RUN. <b>James 4:7 </b>says to <b style="font-style: italic;">"Resist the devil and he will flee."</b>] Maybe none of these tv/movies are your thing: maybe it's sports. If your team doesn't win, does it affect your attitude for the rest of the day or the days following? Do you refuse to spend time with friends or family if it interferes with a game? What if you can't watch it or record it: does it affect you inwardly? </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">My follow-up question for you after answering the above is this:</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>Are you as upset in missing your time with the Lord each day as you are in missing that tv show/movie/sports game?</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Now hear me, dear brother/sister: I am NOT saying that you enjoying tv/movies/sports every night after work is wrong or sinful. I do believe that relaxation is important in processing life. However, I think too often we as believers are more upset about what happens on our tvs than what happens in the real world. Do you get more upset in watching a movie than you do in watching the News every day? Is watching a sunset for you boring? Are you too tired to have a conversation with your spouse or kid than you are in watching something on tv?</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Oh that we would be like the Psalmist in <b>Psalm 119:36-38</b>! <b><i>"Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! TURN MY EYES FROM LOOKING AT WORTHLESS THINGS; and give me life in Your ways. Conform to Your servant Your promise , that You may be feared."</i></b></span></div>
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<i>"Jesus Christ, who went through hell for you, can give you the power you need to overcome the worst kind of condition in your life." </i>Charles Swindoll, David</div>
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For those who are thinking I'm far from perfect: YOU ARE RIGHT! Laziness is still a tremendous, on-going battle of mine. It's been about two years now of my no tv/movies throughout the week, and it has made a HUGE difference in my life. I read more, I watch more sermons... but it doesn't mean that I don't have my times of "too much" on the weekends. (Dang those Hallmark Movies!) In fact, God recently has convicted me of my indulgence on the weekends... but I am ever thankful for a God who covers His grace over my sin -- and shame. </div>
Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-91185913721708229492015-11-08T18:09:00.001-08:002015-11-08T18:09:25.747-08:00Dear Christians: Stop Being SurprisedI actually really try to <i>not </i>write controversial things. Political or religious... but in the last few years as more and more people connect on Social Media and get more and more bold, I've noticed a trend that I just can <i>not</i> take any more:<br />
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Christians being surprised by the world offending them.<br />
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<b>So let's do some studying together, shall we?</b> (And by that I mean, we won't even come close to studying all that Scripture teaches us about "the World vs. 'Us'".)<br />
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<b>John 15:19 </b><i><b>"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own, but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore THE WORLD HATES YOU." </b>(emphasis mine)</i><br />
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So by looking at this literally: Do <i>we</i> hate the world? Or does it hate <i>us</i>? And then after pondering that for a few moments, ask yourself this: this was written more than 2000 years ago: <i>why are you surprised?</i> Let's keep studying.<br />
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<b>John 17:15-17 "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world.... Sanctify them in the truth, Your word is truth."</b><br />
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The moment that you repented and accepted Christ as your Saviour: Did you die (or get raptured) and go straight to heaven? No, of course not! <i>God has work for you to do!</i> Second question: Who's the evil one? Is it Starbucks? (Gosh: let them have beautiful design-freeish cups, will you?!) Obama? Companies that fund LGBTQ agendas? NO. The evil one is Satan. (And I could not find a solid answer as to how many times he is mentioned in Scripture, but I'm going to say <i>hundreds</i>. Whether it was him as the serpent in Genesis, or him as Lucifer or him as our adversary, etc.) Third question: How does one become sanctified (purified)? Well, how does gold or silver become purified? Fire, and then more fire. And how does it tell us we become pure? In His truth- His word. (And the various trials we go through <b>(<i>James 1:2-4)</i></b>.<br />
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Let's keep going. So, we "got saved" (excuse the Christian lingo): We realize we don't go to heaven right away, He wants us here to ....?<br /><br /><b>John 17: 23 "I in them (believers) and You in Me (the Father and Jesus) that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent me and loved them (the World)..."</b><br />
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So there's a lot in that: but really quick: God is triune. God the Father sent God the Son (Jesus) (and later sent the Spirit at Pentecost) so that what: That <i>the world may know that the Father sent Jesus because He love[s] the World.</i> Before you say, "WHAT?".. may I remind you of <b>John 3:16, "For God so loved the World..."</b> And, believe it or not, dear brother and sister: You were once of the world. [In fact, the other point in the verse alone is that the unity of believers is what is supposed to draw the world to us, but that'll be another blog and study for another day.]<br />
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The last Scripture to study is this: THE FOUR GOSPELS. And I am not being facetious. If you look at Jesus' interactions with people you will see this: Gentleness and severe Rebuking. Who was He gentle with? Those who needed Him- and wanted Him. But who did He rebuke severely? THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS. The day that He cleared the temple <b>(Luke 19)</b>: Did he yell at those bringing money and animals to sacrifice? No. He yelled at the RELIGIOUS LEADERS. And why? <b>Because they were supposed to be teaching the truth but told lies instead</b><b>.</b> Did He rebuke the woman caught in adultery <b>(John 8)</b> or did He rebuke those were <i>condemning her</i>? The ones condemning her. Even deeper, as He was dying on the cross, what did He say? <b>"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)</b><br />
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So, after studying even just these few verses: Who are you more like? The religious leaders, who were pious and condemning? Or perhaps you pray to be more like the woman with the alabaster box in <b>Matthew 26</b> <b>(and Mark 14 and John 12) </b>who <i>knew the cost of what Jesus did for her</i> and so she tried to show her love and service to Him by pouring perfume (that cost her about a years' wages) over His head and feet?<br />
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Do you know the cost of what Jesus did for us? Of what He willingly suffered, died and rose again for for us? Because I would like to think that if we truly knew the depths of our sin that He covered and washed away and if we truly knew the depths of His love for us: then we wouldn't be condemning people...<br />
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<b>We would be loving them.</b><br />
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<i>"I do not care how long you have been a Christian, you are nothing but a sinner saved by the grace of God." D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones</i><br />
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Oh that we would be like David in Psalm 35 as he describes the intensity he felt for his enemies (that were trying to kill him, by the way- not taking Christmas out of Holiday Greetings)....<br />
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<b>But I, when they were sick-I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; </b></div>
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<b>I prayed with head bowed on my chest. I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother, as one who laments his mother. I bowed down in mourning." Psam 35:13,14</b></div>
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Disclaimer:<br />This is in no way, shape or form an exhaustive study on this "subject". There are literally dozens to hundreds of more verses to study and learn from. I also do not believe that this means to not evangelize or to not share hard truth in love, and to not call sin SIN when we need to. However, we as believers are not going to save the World: Jesus is. America is not heaven. In fact, America is over-privileged and has become a health and wealth gospel-focused Country, which is NOT BIBLICAL. This world will only get worse and worse (environmentally, politically and spiritually) until Jesus returns. (Unless, of course, you are an Amillenialist, in which case, that could be a blog post for another time. ;) )</div>
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<br />Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-48852098449996841742015-10-27T14:52:00.000-07:002015-10-27T14:52:31.026-07:00The Reality of Mountain TopsThe reality of Mountain Tops is this:<br />
<b>You can not live there.</b><br />
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I love to worship God. I love to worship Him when it's just me (and my coffee)... I love to worship Him with friends... in corporate worship at church. (Yes, we also [can] worship God in our work, talents and giving [time and finances] and enjoy those times as well. But for the purpose of this blog, "worship" will be in reference to prayer, reflection and/or singing of praise to God.)<br />
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This past weekend I attended the Simply Worship conference in Lexington, MA. (www.simplyworshipconference.com) This conference is designed to encourage and refresh worship leaders and teams throughout New England. A one day conference to meet others- learn new skills or tricks of the trade- and to corporately worship the Almighty God without the pressure of key changes or "what's next" mentality. (That is, of course, unless you're on one of the leading teams, in that case... it becomes an exciting reality to think that <i><b>every. person.</b></i> in that room is there because they WANT to grow closer to the Lord!)<br />
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Okay, as I was saying.<br />
After attending these conferences, my heart aches. No, my soul aches. Throughout the day, the prayer of "Even so, Come!" never ceases to come from lips. In the congregation I'm able to soak in the presence of God in a way in which is very rare in the other 364 days of the year. There is no "fighting tooth and nail" to get people to raise their hands to God or sing. In fact, as much as I love singing and leading others to praise God: I very rarely sing... I just sit or stand back and listen to the hundreds of voices around me... all expressing praise and adoration to the same God I love, know and am so thankful for. At about 5:30 pm on those Saturdays though, the reality of the real world kicks in....Of leading worship the next day....Of work and the exhaustion and stress it causes. The "where will the money for this months bills" kicks in. The loneliness kicks in.<br />
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This year (sickness aside) was no different. And as I have driven around the last few days while listening to the 10,000 Fathers (Aaron Keyes, Founder: they were at the conference as well) most recent album, "Invitation"... I'm tearing up, just asking God, <i>"Why couldn't You have come back that day?"</i> And today, today God whispered, <i>"Because you were not made to live on the mountain tops." </i><br />
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In his book, <b style="font-style: italic;">"</b><u style="font-style: italic;">The Heavenly Man"</u>, Brother Yun answers the question, "If you could say one thing to Western Christians, what would you say?" He answers, <i>"That you like to stay too long on your mountaintop experiences. But life can not be lived there.... It is in the valleys."</i> Even now, think about what a mountaintop view brings you: breathtaking beauty of all that is around you. But look immediately around you: there is no life. No vegetation. The wind is often too strong - the air is often too cold and thin for life to exist. Now think of the valley: Luscious. Green. Life. Vegetation. Flowers.<br />
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Maybe we need to change our perspective of what valleys are. Valleys are where growth happen. Those daily moments with Him and His word. Those daily moments of praying without ceasing (1 Thess.5:17) when you forgot to put the water in for the coffee... when we're stuck in traffic (can I get an Amen from the Bostonians?)... when our kids (be it students or yours) are on our last nerve.<br />
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Maybe it's in those moments that He is closer to us than we think or feel- because we're not acknowledging that He's there. Maybe we don't see Him at work in us or around us because our eyes are focused on that school bell, that bill payment, that moment we put the kids to bed, that meeting that is giving us ulcers to think about, that moment that we can finally put our head on the pillow.<br />
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Maybe it's time that we acknowledge that as much as mountaintop views and moments are beautiful, refreshing and even <i>needed- </i>we can't live there. And instead of trying to reclaim those moments or praying for the next mountaintop, we prayed this:<br />
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<b><i>"Open up our eyes to see You in the ordinary</i></b></div>
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<b><i>we don't want to miss You anymore.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Open up every eye to see every day, everything is</i></b></div>
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<i><b>burning with the glory of the Lord." </b>(Aaron Keyes)</i></div>
Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-9928123163370880982015-10-18T17:16:00.000-07:002015-10-18T17:16:47.655-07:00The Pretty vs. Ugly FaithIn my Timehop today was a post in which I had written a quote from my best friend, Bethany, that she shared when speaking at a conference for Teen Girls (www.simplebeautifulconference.com) ...<i> "Sometimes faith looks like dancing.. and sometimes faith looks like white-knuckles trying to hold on. Either way is faith."</i><div>
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Did you see the movie War Room? That movie was a game changer for me... but how quickly I forget what I learned! Remember the scene in the beginning... when Miss Clara tells Elizabeth, "the thief is out to kill and destroy... and you're letting him!" That moment hit so hard I almost lost my breath. </div>
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But four weeks after seeing that movie, and YEARS of knowing and quoting that verse (John 10:10): I forget it. Just in the past <b>two months </b>I've: had to take out my first loan. I've had my heart broken. Lost my breath when looking at my bank account. Discovered I have a dairy allergy. Learned of friends getting divorced. Discovered that a friend was walking away from God. Battling the worst season of seasonal depression I've had yet. Should I go on? </div>
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Don't get me wrong... not every moment am I crying. Not every moment am I wanting to crawl into a hole and not come out again. (Though, I have had those moments.) And today was a day chalk full of reminders that we have a mighty, sovereign and all-loving God. No, almost more than that: <i style="font-weight: bold;">I know and have THAT God in me and around me. </i></div>
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The first reminder today was in the song, "the Great I Am", by New Life Worship. Then secondly, during a conversation with friends regarding that song and I was explaining why that song speaks to me so deeply. It's realizing that the God who raises the dead, gives visions and performs miracles in closed and restricted countries is the same God I know, serve and love. [<i>Disclaimer: I KNOW that God can (and does) those miracles here in America and Canada as well, but let's face it.. we don't believe that He does. Plus, with every home owning more than one Bible: why should He have to perform those miracles to and for us?] </i>I digress, so back to the song: </div>
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<b>"The mountains shake before Him, the demons run and flee</b></div>
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<b>at the mention of His name, King of Majesty.</b></div>
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<b>There is no power in hell, or any who can stand</b></div>
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<b>before the power and presence of the Great I Am."</b></div>
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<b>James 2:19 </b>tells us that even the demons believe in God- [but] they shudder. </div>
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Do we?</div>
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The third reminder I had was tonight, while washing dishes and prepping my meals for the week. In fact, I'm really glad my life is not on a reality show like poor Truman in "the Truman Show"... You would have seen me in my 10x's too big for me pajamas in a messy kitchen with tears streaming down my face while my Pandora Natalie Grant station played song. after. song that ministered in such a divine and intimate way that at some points, all I could do was stand there with soapy (or raw ground turkey) hands lifted towards God, asking Him to not only forgive me: but to wash me anew. </div>
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And then I remembered, the thief and enemy of our souls is out to kill, steal and destroy. Sure, I'm about 99.999% sure that Satan himself could care less about me. So I'm sure he's left the "destroying of my soul" to some scummy, putrid demon who's mad that he didn't get promoted last month. (Ha!) But, what if we as believers started truly remembering that we don't <b>"wrestle against flesh and blood, but against..... the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."? (Ephesians 6:12) </b></div>
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What would happen if we stopped living to put that extra money into a nice house renovation and prayed to ask God who (or what) to give that money to? What would happen if, instead of watching that 60 minute tv show that you just couldn't live without we spent reading Scripture or a book to help us know God better? (<i>Bunny trail rant, but seriously Jesus-loving-people: I see you and hear you get more passionate about Grey's Anatomy and Sports than you do about God... So I'll call you out on that: THAT IS YOUR IDOL. Whatever we get more passionate about than we do God is our idol. End rant.</i>) What if instead of just scrolling through Facebook and Instagram and Twitter mindlessly, we prayed an honest prayer for each person that pops up in our mini-feed as we scroll? What if we set reminders on our phones not to just pay the bills- but to pray for people through out our day? Could we perhaps be like those [handful of] men in (<b>Acts 17:6</b>) that turned the world upside down? </div>
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So my faith- and your faith... maybe it looks like dancing or, more than likely, it looks like white-knuckles... but rest in this tonight: </div>
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It's Faith. </div>
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May we be like the father of the demon possessed child who cried out, <b><i>"[Lord] I believe! Help my unbelief!" </i>(Mark 9:24)</b></div>
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For those who are curious, here are some books that have helped to open my eyes to God, the world and Faith in the last several years:</div>
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<u>Radical</u>, by David Platt</div>
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<u>The Heavenly Man</u>, Brother Yun</div>
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<u>This Present Darkness</u>, Frank Peretti</div>
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<u>Piercing the Darkness</u>, Frank Peretti</div>
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<u>Love Does</u>, Bob Goff</div>
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<u>Ragamuffin Gospel</u>, Brennan Manning</div>
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<u>Interrupted</u>, Jen Hatmaker</div>
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Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-56048467651077020172015-02-17T18:02:00.000-08:002015-02-17T18:02:43.986-08:00Moments Matter.<b>Proverbs 27:1 "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."</b> <br />
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While (re)reading Brennan Manning's, <i>Ragamuffin's Gospel</i>, I came across this quote from <i>Erma Bombeck</i>, from her column entitled, "If I Had My Life to Live Over Again". She says,<br />
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<b><i>"I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. When my child kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more I love yous, more I'm sorrys, but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it, live it, and never give it back."</i></b></div>
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Isn't that amazing? </div>
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Now let us live this way.</div>
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Starting now. </div>
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When the kids won't stay in bed. </div>
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When your toddler is throwing food on the floor. </div>
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When all your roommate wants to do is jump around.</div>
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When you feel a compliment on your lips.</div>
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When you close your eyes tonight: </div>
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Ask God to show you how to <i>be</i> in these moments. </div>
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<br />Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4014692043433773769.post-53333210259337562342014-11-18T17:05:00.000-08:002014-11-18T17:05:52.480-08:00A Different PrayerNo matter your Eschatological (End Times) view:<br />
You most likely believe that Jesus is coming back someday.<br />
The question is: Do you want Him to? Have you asked Him to?<br />
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This past Saturday I attended the Simply Worship conference in Hopkinton, MA... put on by my friends from the Andy Needham Band (http://www.andyneedhamband.com) and Greenhouse ministries (http://www.wearegreenhouse.org). It's the second of their conferences I have been able to attend.<br />
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And each time, I walk away changed.<br />
Really. They are better than Christmas Day!<br />
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As a worship leader, I love to sing. But to back off the microphone and <b><i>listen</i> <i>to others sing to our great God</i></b> is my favorite moment. My heart overflows with gratitude to see His people talking with Him and praising Him.<br />
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And in that moment, I can stop leading and do the same.<br />
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But something struck me during the middle of one of the worship gatherings at the conference:The last time I remember truly asking the Lord to come back was at the <i>previous </i>conference about <i>one year before</i>. And I do not mean in a, <i>"Lord, I'm so sick of this world and weariness..." </i>but a true, <i><b>"Lord, I just want to finally meet You face to face.."</b> </i>kind of way. Tears streamed down my face off and on through out the worship times together.... some of it because sometimes I just take it for granted that the Sovereign Being in and of the Universe loves me... and sometimes, because I just wanted to be in His presence: forever.<br />
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So the question is this: why have I not wanted or prayed for Jesus to come back again? And again, not out of frustration or weariness (though those are not bad reasons in themselves) but out of pure love and readiness to see Jesus?<br />
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Well, I wish that my answer was spiritually uplifting... but unfortunately, I think the answer lies more within the desires of this world entering my spirit. The love of money, comparisons, distractions and sin, just to name a few.<br />
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I'm not proud of this. One bit.<br />
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In his book, <u>The Ragamuffin Gospel</u>, Brennan Manning states, <i>"One thing we do know: We don't comprehend the love of Jesus Christ... Calvary cries out more clearly than any theology textbook <b>we do not know our God</b>. We have not grasped the truth in the First Letter of John: <b>'In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us...'</b></i> <br />
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I remember in college telling a friend, "I wish I loved Jesus more." His response? "So ask for more love for Him: I started praying that... and He keeps answering!" <br />
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So I challenge you as I begin to challenge myself:<br />
Let us pray a different prayer: let us pray to see Him, and soon... for Him to open our hearts to loving Him more- the way He should be. As a bride and bridegroom are filled with longing to finally catch a mere glimpse of each other on their wedding day: let us pray to be filled with such love and gratefulness that we can not help but pray to see Him-- and soon<i>. </i><br />
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And in the meantime, let us do as the angel told the Apostle John while he wrote the book of Revelation (22:9):<br />
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<b>Worship God. </b><br />
<br />Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896551001939898160noreply@blogger.com0