Take a few minutes today, and worship Jesus. It's fun :)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
i won't despise
well, another monday. another beginning to a seemingly endless week. or at least, those were my thoughts waking up this morning. I've found it hard in the midst of a dreadfully dull couple of weeks to find joy and excitement in much of anything. It's hard to find refreshment when it seems like nothing new or fresh is anywhere to be found.
But, thank you Jesus that when hope can't be found, You are the Giver of all good things. And even when all seems hopeless, hope is never far off.
In the midst of all this blandness, I had such a restless spirit. I long for so much more than typical and mediocre, yet those are the only two words I can think of to define the season I'm in. So, I guess I was expecting the only way for anything to change would be some huge, crazy revelation or a major work of God, or maybe a mind blowing experience that will change the course of my life forever. Well, if you've lived for more than 2 years, you know that's not always the case.
A recent look at the life of Nehemiah shows that life is made up in the majority of just walking day by day. I'm sure Nehemiah would not have been opposed in anyway to a huge work or marvelous miracle from God in which all the walls of Jeruselam suddenly reappeared with all the trimings in a massive combustion. But, instead, he chose to diligently work little by little, and to still believe that despite all appearances of God's uninvolvement, He was not far off. His plans were still sure, and his promises were worth depending on.
And so, I wrestled with this. "Ok, Jesus, if step by step is how You've called me to live now, I'll suffer through until I finally get to a season of growth and revelation and excitement!" Hmm..well...I still wasn't satisfied.
On my way to work this morning, I put my ipod on shuffle, asking the Lord to play just what I needed to hear. Funnny. The beautiful voice of Alli Rogers makes its way into my car. Here are the lyrics to the song.
Goodness. It's so funny that the 15 millionth time you hear a song can mean more than it did the first. The song is based on a verse in Zechariah that asks, "Who despises the day of small things?" I've read the passage before, and just glanced over it. But it came this time directed right at me, "Lauren, are you despising this day of small things?" Well, yeah, as a matter of a fact I am. And man, that is NOT at all what I want to be doing. I'm desiring only the fabulous end product, the perfect ending, the grand finale, the finished wall of Jeruselam, but despising the small beginnings, the steps to get there, the process, the slow monotonous building. Nehemiah would call me a fool I'm sure.
So, you know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna follow Nehemiah's lead. I'm gonna start from the ground up. I won't let the fear of beginning hold me back. I'm going to take the Lord at His word; that His plans are real, that He's involved, that He's excited, and begin building. Brick by brick. One hand with a sword if I have to. Building, and rejoicing in the day of small things!
Because, all big things started out small. mmmmmhmmmmmmmmm!!
But, thank you Jesus that when hope can't be found, You are the Giver of all good things. And even when all seems hopeless, hope is never far off.
In the midst of all this blandness, I had such a restless spirit. I long for so much more than typical and mediocre, yet those are the only two words I can think of to define the season I'm in. So, I guess I was expecting the only way for anything to change would be some huge, crazy revelation or a major work of God, or maybe a mind blowing experience that will change the course of my life forever. Well, if you've lived for more than 2 years, you know that's not always the case.
A recent look at the life of Nehemiah shows that life is made up in the majority of just walking day by day. I'm sure Nehemiah would not have been opposed in anyway to a huge work or marvelous miracle from God in which all the walls of Jeruselam suddenly reappeared with all the trimings in a massive combustion. But, instead, he chose to diligently work little by little, and to still believe that despite all appearances of God's uninvolvement, He was not far off. His plans were still sure, and his promises were worth depending on.
And so, I wrestled with this. "Ok, Jesus, if step by step is how You've called me to live now, I'll suffer through until I finally get to a season of growth and revelation and excitement!" Hmm..well...I still wasn't satisfied.
On my way to work this morning, I put my ipod on shuffle, asking the Lord to play just what I needed to hear. Funnny. The beautiful voice of Alli Rogers makes its way into my car. Here are the lyrics to the song.
I am afraid of beginning,
cause I don't know how to end.
But you told me that the mountain before us
would become a plain in our eyes.
So I won't despise,
I won't despise the day,
I won't despise the day of small things.
Even when you tell me
oh, even then I'm shaking
Cause I am afraid of believing,
The plans that we make seem so big.
But you've shown me that we're never alone,
and your spirit will stay by our side.
So I won't despise,
I won't despise the day,
I won't despise the day of small things.
Goodness. It's so funny that the 15 millionth time you hear a song can mean more than it did the first. The song is based on a verse in Zechariah that asks, "Who despises the day of small things?" I've read the passage before, and just glanced over it. But it came this time directed right at me, "Lauren, are you despising this day of small things?" Well, yeah, as a matter of a fact I am. And man, that is NOT at all what I want to be doing. I'm desiring only the fabulous end product, the perfect ending, the grand finale, the finished wall of Jeruselam, but despising the small beginnings, the steps to get there, the process, the slow monotonous building. Nehemiah would call me a fool I'm sure.
So, you know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna follow Nehemiah's lead. I'm gonna start from the ground up. I won't let the fear of beginning hold me back. I'm going to take the Lord at His word; that His plans are real, that He's involved, that He's excited, and begin building. Brick by brick. One hand with a sword if I have to. Building, and rejoicing in the day of small things!
Because, all big things started out small. mmmmmhmmmmmmmmm!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
en to the courage.
So, encouragement is addicting. I love getting it, love love love giving it.
needing some refreshment?
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE!!
feeling a little down about yourself?
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE!!
wanting to see someones life get changed?
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE!!
a bit insecure, are you?
MAKE SOMEONE ELSE FEEL AWESOME! then you'll feel awesome : ) it's win-win!!!
I'm starting to realize how simple, yet necessary DAILY encouragement is. Genuinely looking someone in the eye when they're talking. Smiling at someone you don't really know. Saying "hi" to that person you "sortaknow,metmaybeonce" or that guy who you "usedtoknowreallywellbuthaven'tseeninforever,thisiskindaawkward," or even just a text to that friend you've thought about twice today and haven't talked to in a couple weeks.Seems small, but people loved to be cared about! Love to know that someone is interested. I know I do...and I'm affected by someone who genuinely cares about me. IT MEANS SO MUCH!
Yes, I know what you're thinking at this very moment, I know. "Lame Lauren, I've heard this 20 times." Yes, indeed. I'm in the same boat as you. But seriously, this world is longing for genuine, loving people. It may not know it, but it is. Why shouldn't we, as the Beloved of the most Genuine, in turn be the Genuine to the world!?! I mean, it could really change things.
And I'm all for changing the world.
needing some refreshment?
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE!!
feeling a little down about yourself?
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE!!
wanting to see someones life get changed?
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE!!
a bit insecure, are you?
MAKE SOMEONE ELSE FEEL AWESOME! then you'll feel awesome : ) it's win-win!!!
I'm starting to realize how simple, yet necessary DAILY encouragement is. Genuinely looking someone in the eye when they're talking. Smiling at someone you don't really know. Saying "hi" to that person you "sortaknow,metmaybeonce" or that guy who you "usedtoknowreallywellbuthaven'tseeninforever,thisiskindaawkward," or even just a text to that friend you've thought about twice today and haven't talked to in a couple weeks.Seems small, but people loved to be cared about! Love to know that someone is interested. I know I do...and I'm affected by someone who genuinely cares about me. IT MEANS SO MUCH!
Yes, I know what you're thinking at this very moment, I know. "Lame Lauren, I've heard this 20 times." Yes, indeed. I'm in the same boat as you. But seriously, this world is longing for genuine, loving people. It may not know it, but it is. Why shouldn't we, as the Beloved of the most Genuine, in turn be the Genuine to the world!?! I mean, it could really change things.
And I'm all for changing the world.
"but encourage one another daily,
as long as it is called Today."
Hebrews 13:3
Thursday, July 8, 2010
truth.
Well lovlies, it's back to the real world for me. The last 2 weeks of my life have been spent in absolute state of unreality, and now, I'm back in Abilene, back to work, and back to my run-and-go normal self. Staying up too late, waking up MUCH too early, packing my day full from sun up to sun down. Welcome gentle people to a day in the life of Lauren Keenum. But, here I am. One thing I've come to realize throughout the last few weeks, is that life is always worth enjoying. No matter what season, no matter how much or how little is going on, no matter how much I actually feel like enjoying; it's worth it to enjoy! So, even while I sit behind this boring grey desk in my biz-cas pants; answering phones, putting stamps on envelopes, and taking payments (which I still have NO idea how to do!!!!) I will enjoy every minute!!
Lately my days have been filled with a consistent battle to choose truth. Truth about who I am, truth about who God is, truth about what He is saying. Why is it always a battle to believe God? You see, the truth can sometimes be tricky..and yet so simple. You believe the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. But see, sometimes I get caught in believing part of the truth, some of the truth, a little of the truth. Well, part of the truth is simply not the truth. Part of the truth is..well, a lie. That's it.
Honestly, I came to a point of wondering if it was even worth fighting to believe truth anymore. I mean, really, what is the big deal? Well..
I read this article, if your interested...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/possessed-by-truth_b_515051.html
anyway, my man Jon is a much deeper thinker than I think I could ever dream to be, but I was struck by the concept of what he was pondering in the article.
So, in reality truth is more than what I believe, truth is who I am. Believing truth is more than just believing a book full of facts about a god who may or may not care about me. No, truth is believing that there is something worth believing in. My God is Truth, and He possesses me, fights for me, and believes for me. When I believe who He is and what He says, the truth becomes who I am. It changes from a fight to believe, to a peace in knowing that the Truth is fighting for me. The truth is my passions, the truth is what I'm living for, the truth is confidence to be who I am.
My God tells me what is true about me and about Him.
And I believe Him.
"The 'truth' of loving those around me, the 'truth' of seeking justice for the oppressed, the 'truth' of a life of service -- these are truths to be possessed by: to be a slave in the service of the kingdom of the heavens, to be the servant of all. If the truths in this life have no owner then we are set free: free from the need to defend the truth, free to be possessed by this truth and simply live it out. Truth becomes much too large for me to possess; truth is the beauty and authenticity which possesses me."
Lately my days have been filled with a consistent battle to choose truth. Truth about who I am, truth about who God is, truth about what He is saying. Why is it always a battle to believe God? You see, the truth can sometimes be tricky..and yet so simple. You believe the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. But see, sometimes I get caught in believing part of the truth, some of the truth, a little of the truth. Well, part of the truth is simply not the truth. Part of the truth is..well, a lie. That's it.
Honestly, I came to a point of wondering if it was even worth fighting to believe truth anymore. I mean, really, what is the big deal? Well..
I read this article, if your interested...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/possessed-by-truth_b_515051.html
anyway, my man Jon is a much deeper thinker than I think I could ever dream to be, but I was struck by the concept of what he was pondering in the article.
"If I view the truth as my possession to keep safe, I might feel the need to protect my faith. But if I am possessed by the truth, perhaps this protection is no longer needed. Maybe I am set free from the need to defend the truth, rather the truth defends me."
So, in reality truth is more than what I believe, truth is who I am. Believing truth is more than just believing a book full of facts about a god who may or may not care about me. No, truth is believing that there is something worth believing in. My God is Truth, and He possesses me, fights for me, and believes for me. When I believe who He is and what He says, the truth becomes who I am. It changes from a fight to believe, to a peace in knowing that the Truth is fighting for me. The truth is my passions, the truth is what I'm living for, the truth is confidence to be who I am.
My God tells me what is true about me and about Him.
And I believe Him.
"The 'truth' of loving those around me, the 'truth' of seeking justice for the oppressed, the 'truth' of a life of service -- these are truths to be possessed by: to be a slave in the service of the kingdom of the heavens, to be the servant of all. If the truths in this life have no owner then we are set free: free from the need to defend the truth, free to be possessed by this truth and simply live it out. Truth becomes much too large for me to possess; truth is the beauty and authenticity which possesses me."
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