Have you ever had someone unexpectedly come into your life for a short while, then leave just as mysteriously as they came?
I experienced this last week at the Thursday Dinner Table, a ministry at my church that serves a free meal to the community once a week. It was a very busy night at the TDT with a modest count of 150 people and an excess of volunteers who came joyfully to serve. One of our volunteers, Joe, who comes about once a month was helping on the serving line. Joe's quite the sarcastic person, who always has a comeback on the tip of his tongue.
What I did not know about Joe, was last week was the last time he would be there. He's moving to the East coast to start a new job. Though it is exciting to have a new job that can help you make a career, it saddens me that he won't be able to join us at the TDT anymore.
Joe came unexpectedly to the TDT crew and blessed us with his presence, sarcastic or not. It makes me wonder if we were able to bless him like he blessed us. These brief interactions with people I believe cannot go with meaning or purpose. God intersects our lives together for periods of time to teach or show us something. Or perhaps to teach or show someone else. Personally speaking, it is so hard to see these moments because I am stuck looking at myself and not other people.
I guess I was reminded from the brief intersection of Joe and the TDT that I need to stop looking at myself all the time. It is so easy to miss unbelievable opportunities to serve and love on others when I am more concerned about what "I" am doing the next day or who "I" want to spend time with. I want to challenge you, and I'm challenging myself at the same time, to open our eyes to the lives of those around us. Ask for God to provide opportunities to help others. If we ask with an earnest and sincere heart, he will always provide.
I hope for the best for Joe in his future and that we'll see his face again at the Thursday Dinner Table.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Every name has a story
I've been thinking about the poor and homeless lately. In fact, it's been brought to my mind more in the last 5 months than in the last 4-5 years. The other day, I tweeted, "Every name has a story, what's yours?" This was inspired by a picture I drew (a very poor picture, mind you) of a man who most would classify as a dirty, seen-better-days deadbeat.
God has been showing me that these people are precious to him and every single one of them has a story. God created all of us to live a story that is unique and extraordinary, and He made us to live that story with one another. Unfortunately, some have faced circumstances that have separated them from the community that God intends. Our society sees them as homeless, drug-addicted, prostitutes, drop-outs, or alcoholics - put on the outskirts of society. It was not meant to be this way.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites had to follow a strict code of laws and regulations to consider right before God. They could not be 'unclean' and allowed in the camp. They could become 'unclean' by burying the dead, women on their period, leprosy and various diseases. When the Israelites became 'unclean' they had to live outside the camp for a designated time, then they could enter the camp and make the sacrifice for their sin. When Christ came, he made us clean - washed away all the things that would put us outside of the camp. We are not to banish the 'unclean' of our society to live in isolation; they are made clean in Christ.
There are so many ways to start reaching out to those in our cities that have names and stories, but no one to share them with. Here's a few that God has brought to my attention over the past few months.
God has been showing me that these people are precious to him and every single one of them has a story. God created all of us to live a story that is unique and extraordinary, and He made us to live that story with one another. Unfortunately, some have faced circumstances that have separated them from the community that God intends. Our society sees them as homeless, drug-addicted, prostitutes, drop-outs, or alcoholics - put on the outskirts of society. It was not meant to be this way.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites had to follow a strict code of laws and regulations to consider right before God. They could not be 'unclean' and allowed in the camp. They could become 'unclean' by burying the dead, women on their period, leprosy and various diseases. When the Israelites became 'unclean' they had to live outside the camp for a designated time, then they could enter the camp and make the sacrifice for their sin. When Christ came, he made us clean - washed away all the things that would put us outside of the camp. We are not to banish the 'unclean' of our society to live in isolation; they are made clean in Christ.
There are so many ways to start reaching out to those in our cities that have names and stories, but no one to share them with. Here's a few that God has brought to my attention over the past few months.
- Degage Ministries in Grand Rapids - Serves Lost Cost Meals to the poor and homeless in GR
- Food Pantry and TDT - Food pantry and free community meal offered by my home church
- CHIP Indy - Coalition to End Homelessness, Intervention and Prevention
- The Healing Center - A massive resource center that provide emotionally, spiritually, physically, and relationally to those in need
- Second Helpings - Recycles food from restaurants to provide ready-to-cook meals for non-profit organizations
Though these are organizations and church doing great things, it can be as simple as donating canned food. Tonight at the Hillsong United Concert, they're doing a canned good drive. Check it out here. These can be the starting steps to helping people, and eventually learning their stories and sharing your life with them.
Every name has a story, you know your own - but do you know theirs?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Holy Spirit...what's that?
Today I finished reading Francis Chan's most recent book, Forgotten God: Reversing the Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. Also, my church has been working through a series on the Holy Spirit. Needless to say, I've had a lot of talk about the Holy Spirit lately and it has mthinking about the Holy Spirit's work in my life.
At the end of Chan's book, he talks about about our biography and what it would look like if the Holy Spirit working in us mightily.
"A biography that speaks of a life so supernatural that no one would even consider giving you the glory. A biography that displays the power of the Spirit and lifts up the name of Jesus to the glory of God the Father."
...a life so supernatural, no one would give me glory, only God. I want to live a life like that, where I can only ever point to God and when others see my life, they look to God and praise him.
In this passion and desire God has instilled in me for the Christians, especially in the universities, in Grand Rapids area - I want people to see God and praise him in my life and actions, not me. I hope and pray that I would be led by the Holy Spirit in this area of my life (well, in every area of my life). I want "a life in which people know that our accomplishments could not have been attained by our own power. A life that brings glory to God in heaven." (another quote from Chan's book).
I am quite certain that unifying a large, diverse group of believers is not to be accomplished by the hands of men, but only by the Creator of us all.
Today, I am reminded that though passion-filled people often the face and voice of God's doings - it is God and God only who does those things.
At the end of Chan's book, he talks about about our biography and what it would look like if the Holy Spirit working in us mightily.
"A biography that speaks of a life so supernatural that no one would even consider giving you the glory. A biography that displays the power of the Spirit and lifts up the name of Jesus to the glory of God the Father."
...a life so supernatural, no one would give me glory, only God. I want to live a life like that, where I can only ever point to God and when others see my life, they look to God and praise him.
In this passion and desire God has instilled in me for the Christians, especially in the universities, in Grand Rapids area - I want people to see God and praise him in my life and actions, not me. I hope and pray that I would be led by the Holy Spirit in this area of my life (well, in every area of my life). I want "a life in which people know that our accomplishments could not have been attained by our own power. A life that brings glory to God in heaven." (another quote from Chan's book).
I am quite certain that unifying a large, diverse group of believers is not to be accomplished by the hands of men, but only by the Creator of us all.
Today, I am reminded that though passion-filled people often the face and voice of God's doings - it is God and God only who does those things.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Colorado Beauty
This past week I had the privilege of traveling to Colorado to visit with a childhood friend, watch her get married, and explore the hills and mountains of Colorado with my dad. As beautiful as Indiana is (no sarcasm in that statement), Colorado takes the cake for beauty. Having lived on the West Coast for a while - I love the mountains and everything that comes with them.
I know this post doesn't follow the purpose of this blog, but I wanted to share some pictures of the sites I saw. I hope you can revel in the glory of God's creation like I was able to on my trip.
I know this post doesn't follow the purpose of this blog, but I wanted to share some pictures of the sites I saw. I hope you can revel in the glory of God's creation like I was able to on my trip.
(Gregory Canyon, Boulder)
(Mueller State Park)
(Mueller State Park)
(My favorite hike/view in all my Colorado travels)
Mueller State Park
(Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs)
(Mueller State Park)
"The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1
"You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game." Psalm 76:4
"He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkey quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work." Psalm 104:10-13
Pride.....in a good way
I wish I was more disciplined at blogging. Ideas constantly run through my head on what to write, but I do not take the time to sit down and put them into words (which is hard enough for me anyway). So, I apologize, once again, that it's been a while since my last post.
This morning I was reading in 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 about Paul's love of the Thessalonians and his joy in their faith. As I read through this chapter, I hear a leader exuding extreme joy for the people he has poured his heart and life into. He has literally poured his life since he wrote the letter after being torn away from the people through trials.
I reflect just a portion of Paul's emotions here when I think about the ministries and the people I have poured my life and heart into.
"Timothy...has brought good news about your faith and love." (vs. 6)
"in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith." (vs.7)
"For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord." (vs. 8)
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." (vs. 12)
Let me share a recent example of this:
Two very dear friends of mine from church, they are sisters -one graduated a few years ago and the other is still in high school - are going on a mission trip to Haiti in just a few short weeks. They both had been working extremely hard to raise funds for this trip, but money was still short. $700 short to be exact. The day before the rest of their money was due, someone made an announcement at the high school youth group bible study that these sisters needed money, which was due the next day. So, the youth group decided to take a collection for the two.
Remember, these are high schoolers who have little or no money whatsoever. Within 15 minutes, every penny that was needed for the remainder of the trip had been collected and counted. Let me say that again, in 15 minutes - less than 80 high schoolers gave $700.
Seeing those students give of themselves to another person, maybe even someone they don't know, proud is not a strong enough word to describe my feelings. I do not take ownership of that youth group, but it is a group of people I poured 4 years of my life into and I cannot help but smile when I see how God is moving in that group of young people.
It is in moments like these that I remember how great our God is. He is no small being that can only do small things. He can and does bigger things than we can imagine.
Colossians 1:15-20
This morning I was reading in 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 about Paul's love of the Thessalonians and his joy in their faith. As I read through this chapter, I hear a leader exuding extreme joy for the people he has poured his heart and life into. He has literally poured his life since he wrote the letter after being torn away from the people through trials.
I reflect just a portion of Paul's emotions here when I think about the ministries and the people I have poured my life and heart into.
"Timothy...has brought good news about your faith and love." (vs. 6)
"in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith." (vs.7)
"For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord." (vs. 8)
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." (vs. 12)
Let me share a recent example of this:
Two very dear friends of mine from church, they are sisters -one graduated a few years ago and the other is still in high school - are going on a mission trip to Haiti in just a few short weeks. They both had been working extremely hard to raise funds for this trip, but money was still short. $700 short to be exact. The day before the rest of their money was due, someone made an announcement at the high school youth group bible study that these sisters needed money, which was due the next day. So, the youth group decided to take a collection for the two.
Remember, these are high schoolers who have little or no money whatsoever. Within 15 minutes, every penny that was needed for the remainder of the trip had been collected and counted. Let me say that again, in 15 minutes - less than 80 high schoolers gave $700.
Seeing those students give of themselves to another person, maybe even someone they don't know, proud is not a strong enough word to describe my feelings. I do not take ownership of that youth group, but it is a group of people I poured 4 years of my life into and I cannot help but smile when I see how God is moving in that group of young people.
It is in moments like these that I remember how great our God is. He is no small being that can only do small things. He can and does bigger things than we can imagine.
Colossians 1:15-20
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Walking into a church that's not my own
Sometimes I want to walk into other churches.
Before you start thinking that I'm leaving my own church - let me explain myself. There are many days when I'm driving or walking around a town and I see a church, and I want to go in. I want to talk to the pastors, the elders, the congregants and ask them about their church. I want to hear what God is doing in their faith family (term coined by David Platt). I want to hear the amazing stories that fill their hallways and coffee areas - just as they do at my church.
For me, it is super exciting to see and hear how God is moving in my church. H ow much greater the excitement about the movement of God in another church. I know I can be narrow-minded many times and think that God is only in present in my church, my family, or among my friends. Oh, how wrong am I! How big is our God, and how present is He all over the world.
That's one reason I want to walk into other churches - as a healthy reminder of how infinite God is. He is not confined the the walls of White River Christian Church or Cornerstone University or my own heart. He is so great, in a sense of magnitude. The verses go on and on about the greatness of God: Isaiah 40:15-18; Psalm 89:6; Psalm 139; Job 36:26. (Check out this article if you want to see where I got these verses.)
I think division can come so quickly between believers when we forget that we all worship the same God. I am including myself in this mindset, too. There are so many times I forget that students at Calvin, Kuyper and other schools have a relationship with the God I call Abba, Father. There are other churches in world that are doing things right. I think a shift of thinking can occur when we remember these things. It will look differently for everyone. For me, it makes me want to walk into other churches or talk to strangers about their relationship with Christ (this is another post for another day).
I want to challenge you to think about these things, talk to God about them, wrestle with it. I would love to hear your thoughts on this matter.
So, if you see a random 19-year old girl walking through your church or talking to your pastor some weekday afternoon - it just might be me.
Before you start thinking that I'm leaving my own church - let me explain myself. There are many days when I'm driving or walking around a town and I see a church, and I want to go in. I want to talk to the pastors, the elders, the congregants and ask them about their church. I want to hear what God is doing in their faith family (term coined by David Platt). I want to hear the amazing stories that fill their hallways and coffee areas - just as they do at my church.
For me, it is super exciting to see and hear how God is moving in my church. H ow much greater the excitement about the movement of God in another church. I know I can be narrow-minded many times and think that God is only in present in my church, my family, or among my friends. Oh, how wrong am I! How big is our God, and how present is He all over the world.
That's one reason I want to walk into other churches - as a healthy reminder of how infinite God is. He is not confined the the walls of White River Christian Church or Cornerstone University or my own heart. He is so great, in a sense of magnitude. The verses go on and on about the greatness of God: Isaiah 40:15-18; Psalm 89:6; Psalm 139; Job 36:26. (Check out this article if you want to see where I got these verses.)
I think division can come so quickly between believers when we forget that we all worship the same God. I am including myself in this mindset, too. There are so many times I forget that students at Calvin, Kuyper and other schools have a relationship with the God I call Abba, Father. There are other churches in world that are doing things right. I think a shift of thinking can occur when we remember these things. It will look differently for everyone. For me, it makes me want to walk into other churches or talk to strangers about their relationship with Christ (this is another post for another day).
I want to challenge you to think about these things, talk to God about them, wrestle with it. I would love to hear your thoughts on this matter.
So, if you see a random 19-year old girl walking through your church or talking to your pastor some weekday afternoon - it just might be me.
Friday, April 29, 2011
His Good and Perfect Timing
Before I start, I apologize that it's been a whole month since I've written something. My spring semester is quickly coming to a close and course work has increasing, thus leading to less time to blog.
If there's anything I've learned through this crazy journey with God in the last month, it is His good and perfect timing. One could say that my push and urgency to create unity has dwindled greatly. And, I guess you could say that, but it feels different to me. I do not feel defeated as others and I have felt when you feel so very strongly about something and it falls through.
I do not think this idea of unity among belivers across campus and denominational borders has fallen through. God has only said, "Not yet, just wait." Though at times it has been frustrating trying to share my enthusiasm and passion with people only to get a nod and a smile, I know God is working and moving. In his good and perfect timing. God has brought some amazing people my direction with whom I have shared many wonderful conversations about how to foster unity between our campuses.
I don't think we'll see his full in this tomorrow, next week, or even in the next year, but I am encouraged to know and see how He is moving individually in the lives of His children. God is moving and doing things for and through us. He is stretching us and growing us, and it's a beautiful thing.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.....What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:28, 31
If there's anything I've learned through this crazy journey with God in the last month, it is His good and perfect timing. One could say that my push and urgency to create unity has dwindled greatly. And, I guess you could say that, but it feels different to me. I do not feel defeated as others and I have felt when you feel so very strongly about something and it falls through.
I do not think this idea of unity among belivers across campus and denominational borders has fallen through. God has only said, "Not yet, just wait." Though at times it has been frustrating trying to share my enthusiasm and passion with people only to get a nod and a smile, I know God is working and moving. In his good and perfect timing. God has brought some amazing people my direction with whom I have shared many wonderful conversations about how to foster unity between our campuses.
I don't think we'll see his full in this tomorrow, next week, or even in the next year, but I am encouraged to know and see how He is moving individually in the lives of His children. God is moving and doing things for and through us. He is stretching us and growing us, and it's a beautiful thing.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.....What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:28, 31
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