It's been a while since I've ran outside. As a matter of fact, the last time I was in training was last October after I completed the Indianapolis Marathon. I probably ran for a total of two weeks since October until now. I needed a break from running. I continued to exercise to maintain my cardiovascular fitness by other forms of training. This past week I started running again and my body responded with muscle aches and pains. As strange as it sounds, it was an awesome feeling. You know, when we do the same exercises over and over, our bodies get used to it and eventually plateaus. If we're constantly stimulating our bodies with various types of training, we get results. I don't know about you, but I feel so good when I get better and stronger with my fitness levels. I feel like I can accomplish more and push my body to further limits. Maybe that's why I get a rush from running in marathons because of the sense of accomplishment I achieve when I complete 26.2 miles of running. What's even better is when my results shows improvements!
Winning a race requires purpose and discipline and the Apostle Paul makes that comparison of physical training to spiritual training. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the Apostle Paul explains, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
The Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. As essential it is to train physically in various forms of cardiovascular and weight training exercises specifically geared toward certain sports; it is just as essential to train diligently in our spiritual lives. We must discipline ourselves with prayer, Bible study, and worship on a daily basis. Without those disciplines, our daily vigor and stamina diminishes. We should not just jog a couple of laps, we need to train diligently! As Christians, when we receive Jesus Christ in our lives, we have set ourselves up for a goal...and that goal is to win the prize that God has to offer us. It's good to have a goal because without a goal the disciplines that we undergo seem like self-punishment. With the goal and desire of pleasing God, we will do whatever it takes to grow closer to Him. If someone has told you that a Christian life is supposed to be easy, they are wrong! Being a Christian requires hard work, discipline, and sacrifice! You will face hard times. You will face persecution in some form. You will face temptations. You will experience pain. You will experience discomfort. I'm not going to lie to you...a true Christian life is grueling and you will get sweaty. It will all be worth it in the end because of God's promises.
Examine your own life right now. Are you developing your spiritual muscles? 1 Timothy 4:7 says, "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." Do you see your own life being transformed? Do you see the grace of God in your life? Do you see bondages being set free? In my own personal life, I am amazed the work God has done in my life because I chose to discipline myself spiritually. I've chose to be obedient to the challenges God has given me. The reason why I find myself in difficult and challenging situations is because I'm responding to God's calling in my life. There are days that seem impossible, yet I am able to get through it because God says he'll give me the strength. I know that God has put me at certain places at certain times because he is developing my character.
When I watch athletes achieve new levels of fitness and performances, I am amazed and find myself asking, "What's next?" I find it interesting to see athletes achieve new records and that goes to show us that we are physically able to get better. We can push our bodies to further limits. The same goes with our spiritual lives as well. We can never reach a limit. We must always strive to get better, stronger, and more ike Christ. Don't just stop today. Keep on going. Keep on moving. Keep on running. Keep on striving! And most important of all, keep on keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
DeafTeen Quest Ski Event
Here is a group picture of the teens and leaders that was involved in the skiing event on February 21st. There were 15 of us that went (5 leaders and 10 teens). The leaders and teens came from the Louisville and Cincinnati region. We began our day at 9am where we met at St. Rita School for the Deaf, split into three different cars, and traveled to Lawrenceburg, Indiana to Perfect North ski slopes.
It was a windy, cold, and wet day! Despite the weather conditions, we all had a lot of fun. It was an awesome opportunity for me to connect with the teens. I spent the first half of my day skiing with one teenage girl. I had plenty of time talking with her about many different things as we were waiting in line and in between lifts. I was nervous about giving my time and energy on this one teen, but I discovered that she cared more that I was there for her more than anything. I have known this girl from school and have seen her walk around with a serious look that reminded a lot like me. I also seen this same girl at several deaf socials and she would spend a lot of time talking to me. I’m not that important or cool, I thought, and she’s interested in me? It’s not that she’s interested in me, but because I give her my time. We talk about a lot of things and found out we have a lot of similar interests. I was told by a co-worker of mine that she has never seen this girl smile at school as she did while she was talking to me. I thought that was pretty amazing. This reminds me about a passage in the Bible when Jesus welcomes the little children.
Mark 10:13-16, “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Teens today crave for attention and the attention they get is not always positive. My role as a leader is to love on these teenagers by being there for them as much as I can! You know, it’s funny, I’m leading a group of girls in the DeafTeen Quest group twice a month and I’m always a nervous wreck! Why? Because I’m the only white girl! I remember asking myself the first day, “What the heck am I doing in Cincinnati!” I don’t think I can survive! I had to laugh out loud because I never thought I’d be in this situation. I have a really tough group of teenagers. Despite their tough exterior, deep down inside I know they are gentle and crave for the love only Jesus can give them. Every teenager is different. I could connect real quickly with one, but with another it takes more work. I realized that cannot just buy their trust…I have to earn it! These girls will do everything they can to test me and my motives before they can even trust me. I’m okay with that. I’ll just be there for them and show them that I love them despite of who they are or what they have done.
Lord, Jesus, I ask that you bless every one of these little children of yours. Protect them from any harm and soften their hearts so they are willing to receive you. I pray for all the leaders out there that give their time and energy with the teenagers. It is your will for these children of yours to come to you and into your kingdom. Thank you, Lord God, Amen!
It was a windy, cold, and wet day! Despite the weather conditions, we all had a lot of fun. It was an awesome opportunity for me to connect with the teens. I spent the first half of my day skiing with one teenage girl. I had plenty of time talking with her about many different things as we were waiting in line and in between lifts. I was nervous about giving my time and energy on this one teen, but I discovered that she cared more that I was there for her more than anything. I have known this girl from school and have seen her walk around with a serious look that reminded a lot like me. I also seen this same girl at several deaf socials and she would spend a lot of time talking to me. I’m not that important or cool, I thought, and she’s interested in me? It’s not that she’s interested in me, but because I give her my time. We talk about a lot of things and found out we have a lot of similar interests. I was told by a co-worker of mine that she has never seen this girl smile at school as she did while she was talking to me. I thought that was pretty amazing. This reminds me about a passage in the Bible when Jesus welcomes the little children.
Mark 10:13-16, “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Teens today crave for attention and the attention they get is not always positive. My role as a leader is to love on these teenagers by being there for them as much as I can! You know, it’s funny, I’m leading a group of girls in the DeafTeen Quest group twice a month and I’m always a nervous wreck! Why? Because I’m the only white girl! I remember asking myself the first day, “What the heck am I doing in Cincinnati!” I don’t think I can survive! I had to laugh out loud because I never thought I’d be in this situation. I have a really tough group of teenagers. Despite their tough exterior, deep down inside I know they are gentle and crave for the love only Jesus can give them. Every teenager is different. I could connect real quickly with one, but with another it takes more work. I realized that cannot just buy their trust…I have to earn it! These girls will do everything they can to test me and my motives before they can even trust me. I’m okay with that. I’ll just be there for them and show them that I love them despite of who they are or what they have done.
Lord, Jesus, I ask that you bless every one of these little children of yours. Protect them from any harm and soften their hearts so they are willing to receive you. I pray for all the leaders out there that give their time and energy with the teenagers. It is your will for these children of yours to come to you and into your kingdom. Thank you, Lord God, Amen!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Why did Jesus fold the burial cloth?
Last weekend my parents came for a visit and we’ve discussed some interesting topics regarding God’s work in our individual lives. I have always enjoyed spending time with my family because of the passion that is discussed within the Word of God. It seems like we never get enough of it! We are always learning and can’t wait to share with each other. The first night my parents arrived, my dad was so excited to share me this one thing and challenged me with this question: When Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, why did Jesus fold the burial cloth that has been wrapped around his head? Do you know why? Well, let’s take a look…
Jesus Christ had been arrested and His own people wanted Him to be crucified for the death He did not deserve. Jesus endured hours of torture. He was beaten, whipped, and flogged, to name a few. He carried His own cross for miles and was crucified. Jesus knew what He had to go through to show His love and to give His people a chance. After Jesus died, He was buried by the wrapping of a special cloth and put into the tomb. After three days, a miracle had just happened! Jesus Christ rose from the dead!
The gospel of John tells us that the burial cloth that was wrapped around Jesus’ head was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. John 20:6-7 says, “Then Simon Peter, who was behind him (the other disciple), arrived and went into the tomb. He saw strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was neatly folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” Why? Jesus has risen from the grave, so why would he take the time to fold the burial cloth? Hmmmmm?
Is this important and significant? YES!
To understand the significance of the folded cloth, we must understand the tradition of the Hebrew culture of those days. It is the relationship between the Master and the Servant. When it is meal time, the servant would set the table the way the master wanted it. The master would come and feast at the table and the servant would not touch the table until he knows his master is finished eating. How did the servant know when his master was finished? When the master was satisfied, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. This is how the servant would know when his master is finished and to clear the table. However, if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not touch the table, because the folded napkin that the master had left meant, “I’m coming back!”
Do you see it? Take this metaphor of Jesus Christ and the people. Jesus is our Master and we are His servants. Jesus took the time to fold the burial cloth wrapped around his head because…JESUS CHRIST IS NOT FINISHED WITH HIS WORK! Jesus said that He will be coming back again. That is why he took the time to fold the cloth. Jesus Christ will be coming back for the second time to complete His work that God has planned ever since the beginning.
Jesus says in Matthew 24:42, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
The apostle John witness events told in Revelation and in the last section of the book records that Jesus is coming back soon. In Revelation 22:20, Jesus reveals to John and says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Dad, thank you for sharing this with me and giving me the opportunity to share this to others. I am at constant awe that everything Jesus does that shows significance in God’s plans for our lives. My challenge to all of you is what are you doing in preparing the return of Jesus Christ? Have you personally invited Jesus Christ into your life? Have you developed a relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you allowing the Lord to change your character and to become more like Him? We are called to live a holy and righteous life and only the Lord can help us. Be honest with yourself and ask where you are in your relationship with the Lord. My prayer is that you will choose to serve Him no matter the cost. Have a blessed week!
Jesus Christ had been arrested and His own people wanted Him to be crucified for the death He did not deserve. Jesus endured hours of torture. He was beaten, whipped, and flogged, to name a few. He carried His own cross for miles and was crucified. Jesus knew what He had to go through to show His love and to give His people a chance. After Jesus died, He was buried by the wrapping of a special cloth and put into the tomb. After three days, a miracle had just happened! Jesus Christ rose from the dead!
The gospel of John tells us that the burial cloth that was wrapped around Jesus’ head was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. John 20:6-7 says, “Then Simon Peter, who was behind him (the other disciple), arrived and went into the tomb. He saw strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was neatly folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” Why? Jesus has risen from the grave, so why would he take the time to fold the burial cloth? Hmmmmm?
Is this important and significant? YES!
To understand the significance of the folded cloth, we must understand the tradition of the Hebrew culture of those days. It is the relationship between the Master and the Servant. When it is meal time, the servant would set the table the way the master wanted it. The master would come and feast at the table and the servant would not touch the table until he knows his master is finished eating. How did the servant know when his master was finished? When the master was satisfied, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. This is how the servant would know when his master is finished and to clear the table. However, if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not touch the table, because the folded napkin that the master had left meant, “I’m coming back!”
Do you see it? Take this metaphor of Jesus Christ and the people. Jesus is our Master and we are His servants. Jesus took the time to fold the burial cloth wrapped around his head because…JESUS CHRIST IS NOT FINISHED WITH HIS WORK! Jesus said that He will be coming back again. That is why he took the time to fold the cloth. Jesus Christ will be coming back for the second time to complete His work that God has planned ever since the beginning.
Jesus says in Matthew 24:42, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
The apostle John witness events told in Revelation and in the last section of the book records that Jesus is coming back soon. In Revelation 22:20, Jesus reveals to John and says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Dad, thank you for sharing this with me and giving me the opportunity to share this to others. I am at constant awe that everything Jesus does that shows significance in God’s plans for our lives. My challenge to all of you is what are you doing in preparing the return of Jesus Christ? Have you personally invited Jesus Christ into your life? Have you developed a relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you allowing the Lord to change your character and to become more like Him? We are called to live a holy and righteous life and only the Lord can help us. Be honest with yourself and ask where you are in your relationship with the Lord. My prayer is that you will choose to serve Him no matter the cost. Have a blessed week!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Don't be a pessimist!
A friend of mine drove by this church one day and took a quick picture of this billboard and sent me a text. At first, I had to ask her what it meant but when I re-read it, I realized the meaning of it. You can laugh about this, but you sure as well know that it is so true! I mean, how many times have we doubted ourselves when we face a challenge? How many times have we complained about difficult issues or problems cannot seem to resolve? Or maybe, how many times have we told ourselves, "I cannot do this?" I have done this countless of times! You know, it isn't as hard as you think it is...The Bible says in Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." There is nothing that is impossible which God gives us to do. It may feel like it at that moment, but when you go through it with the Lord's strength and then as you look back, you realize the amazing victory you have achieve through Christ! We made the problem bigger than it actually seems.
Since the beginning of this year, I made a commitment to completely read the whole Bible in a year. Right now, I'm reading the book of Exodus when God uses Moses to bring the Israelites out Egypt after being in slavery for about 400 to 430 years. The part that I'm at loss of words is about how much grumbling and complaining the Israelites had when God CLEARLY provided and protected them out of Egypt. The Israelites complained to Moses about not having water or food repetitively, yet no matter how many times, God still gave them what they needed. The Israelites disobeyed God's instructions from time to time. I had to shake my head and say, "Jeez!" But then I realized that I have put myself in a similar position many of times. I have tried to argue with God and say, "Well, only if...this...or...that...then I will be able to do it or have the confidence." The more I realize my faulty thinking, the more I understand that the Lord is asking of my faith in Him. I have tried to put it in practice that whatever opportunity comes in my life that I would pray about it and seek God's will in this and then put it into action without any questions. Sure, there have been times when it's been difficult and I've wrestled with God, but in the end when I do pull through, I look back in victory.
For example, I moved to a new place recently (new state, new city, new people, new job, new ministry, etc...). It was hard to take that first step. The job that I accepted wasn't what I wanted, but in the next couple of weeks another job opened up and was offered to me. It wasn't anything that I thought I'd ever do and I had absolutely no experience in it. After I considered the possibility and prayed to God about it, I felt that it was a challenge that God had prepared for me. I was so scared, but boldly took on this responsibility. The first day on the job, I was a nervous wreck! The first week on the job, I cried almost every night and I REALLY WANTED TO QUIT! I complained here and there. I was negative about my abilities and qualifications. I kept telling myself that this isn't what I got my degree in...only if I had that other job, I'd be a better fit for it. Deep down inside I knew I was only fooling myself. No matter what job I would accept, it will be a challenge. Every morning, I prayed to the Lord for help and to constantly teach me how to remain humble. One day after another, a new challenge came and things got progressively harder. Even though it got harder, I became stronger with the help of the Lord. Yes, I still complained every now and then like the Israelites did on their journey to the promise land, but I still put my faith and trust in the Lord. Today as I look back, I realize that the Lord has been working in my life and in the lives of others around me! The Lord is so good and He is still bringing on new challenges in my life. I know that His timing is perfect and that He will not give me more than what I cannot handle.
I have a new opportunity that arose and will be facing a new challenge beginning this week. Yes, I'm scared as heck, but I choose to have faith in the Lord and to trust Him with my life. I remember a little over two years ago I received a confirmation from the Lord regarding my life and I continue to hold onto that to this day. My prayer is that this will be passed to you and that you will choose to BELIEVE in it. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Nothing is impossible with God!
Okay, I'm sitting here at a Panera Bread on a snow day. School is cancelled and as a teacher I have the luxury of not having to go to work! Strangely, my text messaging has been on the higher side today and I ran across an interesting, but brief conversation with a friend of mine. She asked me if I have given much thought about golf?
Now, before I go into this...for those of you who do not know, golf has been a HUGE part of most of my life. I started playing when I was 5 years old and earned my way throughout college on a golf scholarship. God has been an amazing blessing to me with this talent. During my younger years, I had aspirations of being the first deaf professional golfer on the LPGA Tour.
So, what happened to my golfing days? Believe me, I have asked God about that countless of times. My response to my friend is that I've finally stopped asking God because the answer is clear. It is finished. That is not where God wants me to be at this moment of my life. I have asked God to teach me and mold me to be more and more like Jesus Christ. The utmost importance for me is the development of my character and the continuous fire for my love of Christ.
Did I waste all those years in my golfing profession growing up? Absolutely not! I recall many memories that God has taught me during my golfing days (although I didn't really realize it at the time, but it's becoming evident to me now). I'm looking outside of the window right now and smiling because I can vividly remember those days. I would like to share a moment of time that God has taught me about honesty.
On a certain day in October 1996, I was walking up on the 18th green somber and discouraged. Many things were running through my mind. "Jeez, I've screwed it up! All those hard work, down the drain! I guess I won't get that three peat now." Many other thoughts came across my mind. I have probably played the worse golf of my life on the worse day to do it...the state championships. I hadn't even finished the round yet. As I arrived to my ball, I studied the green and decided what to do. I took out my Cleveland sand wedge and took a couple of practice shots. I approached my ball and set the club down. Next, I took a back swing....wham....and then something bad happened. I double chipped. This means that I had already hit the ball, but as I was following through somehow the club hit the ball again. Now, the rules state that every contact counts as a stroke. "Shoot!" I said to myself. I looked up and to my amazement, nobody noticed. As my group finished the hole, my scorekeeper asked me if I had a 6 on that hole. It literally took me 5 seconds to answer that question. Finally, I decided to go with my instincts and tell the truth. "No," I said. "I had a 7 on this hole; I double chipped back there." The girl looked up to me in amazement and said, "Are you sure?" "Yes," I said. Next, I went up to my parents and they knew how I was feeling and hugged me. My dad thought I shot a certain score, but I told him what had happened. The look I saw on my dad's face caught me off guard. He smiled and simply said, "God noticed your honesty and will reward you for it." At that moment, I had mixed emotions and I was really ticked off and frustrated. I said, "God? I doubt it! I've worked so hard for this moment and I'm a good person and I've done all I can to live a good life! I have always been honest and never really saw the blessing! How can God reward me for this? I haven't really seen God do something miraculous in my life. I'm too far behind from the leader and only have one more day to compete!" I said so many things and was angry with my dad and God. Finally I walked off and said, "Impossible!"
For the rest of the night, I went off to practice and was the last person left on the golf course. My coach finally encouraged me that I've had enough practice and need to eat. He was getting tired and it was getting dark as well. Honestly, I don't know what happened the rest of that night because the next day completely overrode what had happened the previous day. I went about as if it was just another day and to my amazement, things were going so great! I had played the best round of my life! Little did I realize that I had won the tournament! "What? How can that be?" and then I cried. I looked to my dad and said, "What would have happened if I lied?" Seriously, I knew I would have carried a deep feeling of guilt even if I didn't win the tournament. God has taught me a valuable lesson through my dad. The two things God taught me was that nothing is impossible with God and that my honesty left a good feeling inside of me that I could never forget. Because of that, the next two years of my championship felt like a huge blessing! I was the first female golfer to win three straight years at a Division 1 high school in the state of Wisconsin. I created history in October 1998.
Therefore, no, I don't regret giving up golf because it is the life lessons that God has used through my circumstances to teach me. God has brought me to a place today that would never have happened if it wasn't because of those experiences. That is only one small part of my story... The lesson of the day: Luke 1:37 says, "For nothing is impossible with God."
Now, before I go into this...for those of you who do not know, golf has been a HUGE part of most of my life. I started playing when I was 5 years old and earned my way throughout college on a golf scholarship. God has been an amazing blessing to me with this talent. During my younger years, I had aspirations of being the first deaf professional golfer on the LPGA Tour.
So, what happened to my golfing days? Believe me, I have asked God about that countless of times. My response to my friend is that I've finally stopped asking God because the answer is clear. It is finished. That is not where God wants me to be at this moment of my life. I have asked God to teach me and mold me to be more and more like Jesus Christ. The utmost importance for me is the development of my character and the continuous fire for my love of Christ.
Did I waste all those years in my golfing profession growing up? Absolutely not! I recall many memories that God has taught me during my golfing days (although I didn't really realize it at the time, but it's becoming evident to me now). I'm looking outside of the window right now and smiling because I can vividly remember those days. I would like to share a moment of time that God has taught me about honesty.
On a certain day in October 1996, I was walking up on the 18th green somber and discouraged. Many things were running through my mind. "Jeez, I've screwed it up! All those hard work, down the drain! I guess I won't get that three peat now." Many other thoughts came across my mind. I have probably played the worse golf of my life on the worse day to do it...the state championships. I hadn't even finished the round yet. As I arrived to my ball, I studied the green and decided what to do. I took out my Cleveland sand wedge and took a couple of practice shots. I approached my ball and set the club down. Next, I took a back swing....wham....and then something bad happened. I double chipped. This means that I had already hit the ball, but as I was following through somehow the club hit the ball again. Now, the rules state that every contact counts as a stroke. "Shoot!" I said to myself. I looked up and to my amazement, nobody noticed. As my group finished the hole, my scorekeeper asked me if I had a 6 on that hole. It literally took me 5 seconds to answer that question. Finally, I decided to go with my instincts and tell the truth. "No," I said. "I had a 7 on this hole; I double chipped back there." The girl looked up to me in amazement and said, "Are you sure?" "Yes," I said. Next, I went up to my parents and they knew how I was feeling and hugged me. My dad thought I shot a certain score, but I told him what had happened. The look I saw on my dad's face caught me off guard. He smiled and simply said, "God noticed your honesty and will reward you for it." At that moment, I had mixed emotions and I was really ticked off and frustrated. I said, "God? I doubt it! I've worked so hard for this moment and I'm a good person and I've done all I can to live a good life! I have always been honest and never really saw the blessing! How can God reward me for this? I haven't really seen God do something miraculous in my life. I'm too far behind from the leader and only have one more day to compete!" I said so many things and was angry with my dad and God. Finally I walked off and said, "Impossible!"
For the rest of the night, I went off to practice and was the last person left on the golf course. My coach finally encouraged me that I've had enough practice and need to eat. He was getting tired and it was getting dark as well. Honestly, I don't know what happened the rest of that night because the next day completely overrode what had happened the previous day. I went about as if it was just another day and to my amazement, things were going so great! I had played the best round of my life! Little did I realize that I had won the tournament! "What? How can that be?" and then I cried. I looked to my dad and said, "What would have happened if I lied?" Seriously, I knew I would have carried a deep feeling of guilt even if I didn't win the tournament. God has taught me a valuable lesson through my dad. The two things God taught me was that nothing is impossible with God and that my honesty left a good feeling inside of me that I could never forget. Because of that, the next two years of my championship felt like a huge blessing! I was the first female golfer to win three straight years at a Division 1 high school in the state of Wisconsin. I created history in October 1998.
Therefore, no, I don't regret giving up golf because it is the life lessons that God has used through my circumstances to teach me. God has brought me to a place today that would never have happened if it wasn't because of those experiences. That is only one small part of my story... The lesson of the day: Luke 1:37 says, "For nothing is impossible with God."
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Give what it takes to follow Jesus!
Life is hard. Sometimes I feel like I go through an emotional rollercoaster and just don’t know why. Do you feel that way too? Well, at least it is for me. This past week has been incredibly difficult and challenging. It’s been a fight. It seems like so many factors find its way to pull me down from my purpose in life. I know I have the victory and I’m holding on…
Whether or not you’re a born again believer, you will discover that things don’t just happen they way you want it to happen. Sometimes we just feel so out of control! We actually mean to do well, but something enticing comes in our way. We do things we don’t want to do and we don’t do things that we want to do. Seems ironic? But it’s a reality.
The Apostle Paul shares some of his lessons (Romans 7:7-25) that he learned in trying to deal with his old sinful desires. He says in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Paul noticed that he was sinning in ways that weren’t even attractive to him. Who knows what he was struggling with, but there were just as much temptations during his day as it was when Jesus was on earth. (Here, I must note that even though Jesus was tempted, He never sinned – that is why he is the perfect sacrifice for us. Praise the Lord!) There sure is heck as much temptations in our lives today. Nothing has changed…sin still remains prevalent in our daily lives.
We can do absolutely nothing for ourselves to live a perfect life. Each and every one of us has sinned. All of us have fallen short. We find that one of the Apostle Paul’s lessons show that self-determination doesn’t succeed. This means we try to struggle and win with our own strength. Here’s an example, how many times have you left a buffet feeling properly nourished? I’m sure we’ve often left the restaurant beyond stuffed. What happened to our will power? Or maybe we ate an extra chocolate chip cookie because it looked so delicious. It’s not enough to have just one. We have to have two…maybe three…or more? Now, I'm not saying that eating is sinning, but the temptation is there for us to eat more than what we can handle. What about what you see on television, the magazines, or billboards? Everything seems so enticing. Romans 7:15 is a description of a Christian struggling against sin or trying to please God by keeping the rules and laws without the Spirit’s help. There is no way we can live a perfect life and that is why Jesus Christ came for us…and there is no way to win our salvation by attaining perfectionism because we fall into legalism. We will fall short anyways and even IF we don’t, God's main desire is our heart. God looks towards the inside of us more than He looks on the outside. Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s help because when we fall, He (Jesus Christ) lifts us up.
Thank God we have the Holy Spirit available to us in giving us the strength we need to resist temptations and to lift us up when we need it. God’s grace surpasses it all! Ephesians 2:5 says, “…it is by grace you have been saved.” When we come to Christ with our life, the penalty of sin and its power over us have been destroyed by Christ on the cross.
My challenge to you is to keep fighting the good fight for righteousness and holiness. Being a part of God’s army is a lifelong journey. As we continue to follow Him and training ourselves to be godly, we must embrace the cross. Embracing the cross doesn’t mean that things will always go the way we expect it to go. In Luke 9:23-24, “Then he (Jesus Christ) said to them all, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’” I dare you…give what it takes to follow Jesus Christ.
Whether or not you’re a born again believer, you will discover that things don’t just happen they way you want it to happen. Sometimes we just feel so out of control! We actually mean to do well, but something enticing comes in our way. We do things we don’t want to do and we don’t do things that we want to do. Seems ironic? But it’s a reality.
The Apostle Paul shares some of his lessons (Romans 7:7-25) that he learned in trying to deal with his old sinful desires. He says in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Paul noticed that he was sinning in ways that weren’t even attractive to him. Who knows what he was struggling with, but there were just as much temptations during his day as it was when Jesus was on earth. (Here, I must note that even though Jesus was tempted, He never sinned – that is why he is the perfect sacrifice for us. Praise the Lord!) There sure is heck as much temptations in our lives today. Nothing has changed…sin still remains prevalent in our daily lives.
We can do absolutely nothing for ourselves to live a perfect life. Each and every one of us has sinned. All of us have fallen short. We find that one of the Apostle Paul’s lessons show that self-determination doesn’t succeed. This means we try to struggle and win with our own strength. Here’s an example, how many times have you left a buffet feeling properly nourished? I’m sure we’ve often left the restaurant beyond stuffed. What happened to our will power? Or maybe we ate an extra chocolate chip cookie because it looked so delicious. It’s not enough to have just one. We have to have two…maybe three…or more? Now, I'm not saying that eating is sinning, but the temptation is there for us to eat more than what we can handle. What about what you see on television, the magazines, or billboards? Everything seems so enticing. Romans 7:15 is a description of a Christian struggling against sin or trying to please God by keeping the rules and laws without the Spirit’s help. There is no way we can live a perfect life and that is why Jesus Christ came for us…and there is no way to win our salvation by attaining perfectionism because we fall into legalism. We will fall short anyways and even IF we don’t, God's main desire is our heart. God looks towards the inside of us more than He looks on the outside. Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s help because when we fall, He (Jesus Christ) lifts us up.
Thank God we have the Holy Spirit available to us in giving us the strength we need to resist temptations and to lift us up when we need it. God’s grace surpasses it all! Ephesians 2:5 says, “…it is by grace you have been saved.” When we come to Christ with our life, the penalty of sin and its power over us have been destroyed by Christ on the cross.
My challenge to you is to keep fighting the good fight for righteousness and holiness. Being a part of God’s army is a lifelong journey. As we continue to follow Him and training ourselves to be godly, we must embrace the cross. Embracing the cross doesn’t mean that things will always go the way we expect it to go. In Luke 9:23-24, “Then he (Jesus Christ) said to them all, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’” I dare you…give what it takes to follow Jesus Christ.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
God's plan from the beginning...
So, here it is...my first blog. First of all, let me say that the purpose of setting up this blog is to share my heart as I continue to strive for a personal relationship with my Savior. I pray that my relationship will be an inspiration to others around me and perhaps bring you to the Lord much closer than you ever imagined. I will be posting many different things, whether it's the Word of God or the daily involvements of my life.
I've been thinking about what I would like to post and one thing popped in my mind. Here's a truth for you to think about. God knew you even before you were born! Do you actually believe that? Let me validate that from Ephesians 1:4, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Okay, here's another way of saying it bluntly...YOU WERE NOT A MISTAKE! Yes, God knew you! That is why you are here on earth. God wants a personal relationship with you. It was from the beginning that God would send Jesus Christ to die for our sins once and for all! There are many scriptures in the Bible that tells us about that. A couple of years ago I had a devotional time with God and was reading through the book of Genesis, chapter 5. This chapter is a long list of genealogies of Adam's descendents - from Adam to Noah. I vaguely remember how boring this is with all the names. How would this apply to my life? Thankfully, the Holy Spirit nudged me to continue reading my devotional (Embracing Eternity). I would like to share this with you and I think you will be amazed as well...
First, read the book of Genesis, chapter 5. Don't fret, if you don't have a Bible on hand, just go to http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%205;&version=31. Hopefully this will lead you there :)
Now, you may be thinking...I don't remember what I read! I did the same thing. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Okay, so there must be some meaning to Genesis 5. Let me explain...it is very significant! The people of the Bible generally have names that means something. So, if you look up in the Hebrew dictionary, you will find the names of the genealogies provides a hidden message.
Adam -- "man"
Seth -- "appointed"
Enosh -- "mortal" or "frail"
Kenan -- "sorrow"
Mahalalel -- "the blessed God"
Jared -- "shall come down"
Enoch - "teaching" or "commencement"
Methuselah - "his death shall bring"
Lamech -- "despairing"
Noah -- "to bring comfort"
So, if you would put the puzzle together and read between the lines. The whole chapter of Genesis 5 tells us that, "Man appointed mortal sorrow. Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) his death shall bring (the) despairing comfort." The gospel of Jesus is hidden within the lines of scriptures since the beginning!
God had a mission all along! I don't know where you are at with your relationship with the Lord, but John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Will you allow Jesus in your life and change you? All you have to do is to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). God loves you! Don't ever forget that. Will you come to Him today?
To have Jesus come into your life say this simple prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. I n Jesus' name. Amen.
For more information on Steps to Peace with God, visit: http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp.
Have a Blessed day!
I've been thinking about what I would like to post and one thing popped in my mind. Here's a truth for you to think about. God knew you even before you were born! Do you actually believe that? Let me validate that from Ephesians 1:4, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Okay, here's another way of saying it bluntly...YOU WERE NOT A MISTAKE! Yes, God knew you! That is why you are here on earth. God wants a personal relationship with you. It was from the beginning that God would send Jesus Christ to die for our sins once and for all! There are many scriptures in the Bible that tells us about that. A couple of years ago I had a devotional time with God and was reading through the book of Genesis, chapter 5. This chapter is a long list of genealogies of Adam's descendents - from Adam to Noah. I vaguely remember how boring this is with all the names. How would this apply to my life? Thankfully, the Holy Spirit nudged me to continue reading my devotional (Embracing Eternity). I would like to share this with you and I think you will be amazed as well...
First, read the book of Genesis, chapter 5. Don't fret, if you don't have a Bible on hand, just go to http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%205;&version=31. Hopefully this will lead you there :)
Now, you may be thinking...I don't remember what I read! I did the same thing. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Okay, so there must be some meaning to Genesis 5. Let me explain...it is very significant! The people of the Bible generally have names that means something. So, if you look up in the Hebrew dictionary, you will find the names of the genealogies provides a hidden message.
Adam -- "man"
Seth -- "appointed"
Enosh -- "mortal" or "frail"
Kenan -- "sorrow"
Mahalalel -- "the blessed God"
Jared -- "shall come down"
Enoch - "teaching" or "commencement"
Methuselah - "his death shall bring"
Lamech -- "despairing"
Noah -- "to bring comfort"
So, if you would put the puzzle together and read between the lines. The whole chapter of Genesis 5 tells us that, "Man appointed mortal sorrow. Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) his death shall bring (the) despairing comfort." The gospel of Jesus is hidden within the lines of scriptures since the beginning!
God had a mission all along! I don't know where you are at with your relationship with the Lord, but John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Will you allow Jesus in your life and change you? All you have to do is to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). God loves you! Don't ever forget that. Will you come to Him today?
To have Jesus come into your life say this simple prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. I n Jesus' name. Amen.
For more information on Steps to Peace with God, visit: http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp.
Have a Blessed day!
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