Lately I have been studying and working my way through 1 Samuel! Its been awesome so far and I'm excited to study the rest! A couple nights ago I was reading through chapter 14. At one point Saul was meeting with his men discussing, when and how to attack the philistines next. The men were ready to follow Saul and his lead, but amongst all the craziness and discussing the pries stood up and said, "Let us inquire of God here.(NIV)" This struck me as soon as I read it.
Other translations say
"Let's ask God first"(NLT)
"Let us draw near to God here."(ESV)
It honestly was an eye-opener and wake up call from God. I asked myself, how many times have I been in a situation with a friend or trying to talk through things with a friend or whatever life has thrown at me and honestly thought that as humans we would have the wisdom, knowledge, etc to know what to do without asking God for guidance and wisdom to discern. Since being smacked in the face with this I have been praying for a desire and passion for prayer like I have never had before. I have prayed for courage to pray with friends from St. Martins, friends from home, and anyone else God leads me to pray with.
Thank you God for opening my eyes to something I need to work on. Thank you for listening and thank you for the answered prayers you have given me. Use me Lord through prayer to help reach out to people. Use me Lord for your will and not mine.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
shoe the kids
Every year, the church I attend does a thing called shoe the kids. I've been going for 3 or 4 years or so. Every year its a great experience, I get to meet new people, pray with people, and see some awesome smiles on kids faces. I went into this year expecting the same thing, I never expected to be blown away by one little boy.
His name was Josiah.
He is in kindergarden.
As I was sitting in my chair waiting for my next kiddo to come up, I wasn't thinking about much, just questions I could ask to stir up conversation really. He approached shyly, dragging his feet, and plopping himself into the chair in front of me. I asked him a few questions like his name, grade, favorite animal, he answered all quietly and without very much excitement. I then asked him if he knew why he was there that day. He said not really.
I told him that he was going to be getting some new shoes. He perked up a little and looked me in the eyes and smiled a little. I then asked him if I could was his feet. He said, "my feet our dirty and gross, you don't wanna touch them." I can't get over how down this innocent little boy was, he was so beautiful, so precious. After he said their gross and dirty, I told him that the dirt on his feet didn't matter. I told him he is loved not only by the people around him right then, but by the God of the universe. As soon as God used me to speak those few words to this little boy named Josiah, he perked up completely and had a huge smile across his face. When he saw the shoes that he was going to receive, he started yelling" MOM MOM look at these awesome shoes!!!!! After putting the shoes on him, he gave me a hug and left. He came in dragging his feet, but he left running as quick as he could through the grass. To see him laughing and smiling ear to ear after receiving a pair of shoes, when I have 10 at least at home hit me hard. And how God used me to say a few words that people take for granted so often, brought tears to my eyes. Josiah you are loved.
I was humbled by this little boy who thought he wasn't good enough to get some new shoes. He encouraged me to run with everything I got through this life. Josiah will not be forgotten. and I pray that he remembers that he is loved.
His name was Josiah.
He is in kindergarden.
As I was sitting in my chair waiting for my next kiddo to come up, I wasn't thinking about much, just questions I could ask to stir up conversation really. He approached shyly, dragging his feet, and plopping himself into the chair in front of me. I asked him a few questions like his name, grade, favorite animal, he answered all quietly and without very much excitement. I then asked him if he knew why he was there that day. He said not really.
I told him that he was going to be getting some new shoes. He perked up a little and looked me in the eyes and smiled a little. I then asked him if I could was his feet. He said, "my feet our dirty and gross, you don't wanna touch them." I can't get over how down this innocent little boy was, he was so beautiful, so precious. After he said their gross and dirty, I told him that the dirt on his feet didn't matter. I told him he is loved not only by the people around him right then, but by the God of the universe. As soon as God used me to speak those few words to this little boy named Josiah, he perked up completely and had a huge smile across his face. When he saw the shoes that he was going to receive, he started yelling" MOM MOM look at these awesome shoes!!!!! After putting the shoes on him, he gave me a hug and left. He came in dragging his feet, but he left running as quick as he could through the grass. To see him laughing and smiling ear to ear after receiving a pair of shoes, when I have 10 at least at home hit me hard. And how God used me to say a few words that people take for granted so often, brought tears to my eyes. Josiah you are loved.
I was humbled by this little boy who thought he wasn't good enough to get some new shoes. He encouraged me to run with everything I got through this life. Josiah will not be forgotten. and I pray that he remembers that he is loved.
Monday, August 2, 2010
we think we need it all, but do we really?
The world tell us that we need the newest technology, the newest fashion styles, "cool" friends, a boyfriend/girlfriend to fit into this world. To be comfortable, to be noticed. But do we really?
I have been blessed to become part of the family at St. Martin's Community Center in Marion,IN. These people who I have grown to love like my own family struggle with things that we don't even think about most of the time.
having a meal for the day. being warm at night. having the medicine to help their heart pain. having a full oxygen tank to provide a way for them to sleep without fearing to suffocate during the night. having to go home to a physically/mentally/sexually abusive home.
These are just a few of the things people at St. Martin's deal with. Half of the people walk to St. Martin's everyday to get a hot meal and some bread. Sunshine, rain, snow, whatever the weather they come. Its an eye-opening experience every time. I experience things that humble me each time I go, that make me cry when I get in my car, that make me realize how blessed I am.
I don't need new clothes every month, I don't need the coolest music, I don't need more makeup, I don't need anything because I already have more than any of the adults at St. Martin's. I spend my money on going to the movies, buying new cute clothes, coffee, whatever I want really, whatever makes me feel comfortable and like I will fit in more. But the more and more I go to St. Martin's and get to know these people better and become closer and closer to them I want less and less for me.
ITS NOT ABOUT ME.
Yes, this is a challenge to you. Do you really need all the clothes you buy? Do you need the newest technology to keep up with the world? Do you need that cup of coffee? Do you need to go see the same movie 3 times? Do you need to go to homecoming and prom? What can you give up to help someone else in need?
Jerry, Steve, Madeline, Connie, Nina, Pat, Ed, Tony, Bill, Doug, Carol, Sonny, George, Dwayne, Michael, Paul, these are just a few names of my family from St. Martin's. I love them more and more each time I get to see them and spend time with them. Don't look past people because of there looks, get to know them, get to know their hearts. We are so harsh on each other, but were called to love.
If your reading this I love you. Think about what you need. I guarantee you their are people in more need around you. Take time and listen.
I have been blessed to become part of the family at St. Martin's Community Center in Marion,IN. These people who I have grown to love like my own family struggle with things that we don't even think about most of the time.
having a meal for the day. being warm at night. having the medicine to help their heart pain. having a full oxygen tank to provide a way for them to sleep without fearing to suffocate during the night. having to go home to a physically/mentally/sexually abusive home.
These are just a few of the things people at St. Martin's deal with. Half of the people walk to St. Martin's everyday to get a hot meal and some bread. Sunshine, rain, snow, whatever the weather they come. Its an eye-opening experience every time. I experience things that humble me each time I go, that make me cry when I get in my car, that make me realize how blessed I am.
I don't need new clothes every month, I don't need the coolest music, I don't need more makeup, I don't need anything because I already have more than any of the adults at St. Martin's. I spend my money on going to the movies, buying new cute clothes, coffee, whatever I want really, whatever makes me feel comfortable and like I will fit in more. But the more and more I go to St. Martin's and get to know these people better and become closer and closer to them I want less and less for me.
ITS NOT ABOUT ME.
Yes, this is a challenge to you. Do you really need all the clothes you buy? Do you need the newest technology to keep up with the world? Do you need that cup of coffee? Do you need to go see the same movie 3 times? Do you need to go to homecoming and prom? What can you give up to help someone else in need?
Jerry, Steve, Madeline, Connie, Nina, Pat, Ed, Tony, Bill, Doug, Carol, Sonny, George, Dwayne, Michael, Paul, these are just a few names of my family from St. Martin's. I love them more and more each time I get to see them and spend time with them. Don't look past people because of there looks, get to know them, get to know their hearts. We are so harsh on each other, but were called to love.
If your reading this I love you. Think about what you need. I guarantee you their are people in more need around you. Take time and listen.
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