Sometimes in life when you feel like you're down for the count, you have to pick yourself up and do something out of the ordinary. But sometimes its not that out of the ordinary but something that you should have been doing for awhile but have somehow neglected to make time for in your busy life.
I stepped back into something that I used to greatly enjoy the other night--Live Music. I had no plans and ended up at a local coffee shop for some live music and realized that I've let life get in the way of pure enjoyment. Music has always had a place in my life however in varying forms. I think its time to do some refocusing on let it take on a bigger piece of the this pie we call life.
Things I'm pondering...
...Patience....seriously?
...How can something so simple have such a great impact?
...I like rain.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Myths: 1.0
Actually, the title is really Mythbusters but I like just myths. Our lives today are filled with myths but they are only myths because we have not proven them wrong.
Easter is a time of expression, reflection and understanding of the ultimate price paid for our sins. A myth? Not exactly. Jesus was alive, then died, was buried, and rose again three days later. Fact.
No selection process was involved as Jesus died for our sins. All our sins were forgiven.
What does this mean for me?
I've received Christ, believe that he rose from the dead three days later and believe I will have everlasting life. I will continue to grow in my personal relationship with Christ for He has saved me.
Easter is a time of expression, reflection and understanding of the ultimate price paid for our sins. A myth? Not exactly. Jesus was alive, then died, was buried, and rose again three days later. Fact.
No selection process was involved as Jesus died for our sins. All our sins were forgiven.
What does this mean for me?
I've received Christ, believe that he rose from the dead three days later and believe I will have everlasting life. I will continue to grow in my personal relationship with Christ for He has saved me.
risk vs. RISK - part II
Recap:
Risk is the point faith moves from the 'theoretical' to real.
REAL faith impacts your life and involves. Risk is not something that I'm comfortable with, despite taking on more risk in my life recently. Risk does affect your relationships you have with people. In addition, your relationship with God will also impact these relationships with others around you.
What is the benefit of taking on risk in one's life? Without taking a risk, you will never gain that which you aspire to and will not gain from it. Risk is not a bad thing but actually good. Risk is a teaching element that allows us to grow stronger in our relationship with God. Its a challenge. God wants us to not become complacent in seeking after Him and therefore, will require us to take risks in our lives to continue on the journey of seeking after Him. Risk will allow us to succeed.
Personally speaking, I know its true and that risk will have a positive impact on my life however its easier said then done. Giving 100% control over to God of your life is a risk itself. But as noted earlier, God will not give you a risk hoping we will fail but rather for us to grow and succeed. So what risk are you gonna take?
Things I'm pondering...
... at what point is a risk just stupid?
... am I taking a risk by making these thoughts of mine public?
... Risk = Good, now repeat that over and over and over.
Risk is the point faith moves from the 'theoretical' to real.
REAL faith impacts your life and involves. Risk is not something that I'm comfortable with, despite taking on more risk in my life recently. Risk does affect your relationships you have with people. In addition, your relationship with God will also impact these relationships with others around you.
What is the benefit of taking on risk in one's life? Without taking a risk, you will never gain that which you aspire to and will not gain from it. Risk is not a bad thing but actually good. Risk is a teaching element that allows us to grow stronger in our relationship with God. Its a challenge. God wants us to not become complacent in seeking after Him and therefore, will require us to take risks in our lives to continue on the journey of seeking after Him. Risk will allow us to succeed.
Personally speaking, I know its true and that risk will have a positive impact on my life however its easier said then done. Giving 100% control over to God of your life is a risk itself. But as noted earlier, God will not give you a risk hoping we will fail but rather for us to grow and succeed. So what risk are you gonna take?
Things I'm pondering...
... at what point is a risk just stupid?
... am I taking a risk by making these thoughts of mine public?
... Risk = Good, now repeat that over and over and over.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Not Alone
I've often felt alone recently...lost in this world, trudging through life's complications, struggles and journey. The emptiness overcomes all desire and motivation to move through each day. You get so caught in something...something that isn't...but could be...or could not be. Its all an idea, a fictitious, made-up scenario. Its created in an attempt to fill a void...but the void is not being filled by the right thing.
Emptiness can be the result of so many things in life. Dealing with family, friends, relationships, but I'm realizing, I'm trying to fill a void with something that will not actually fill the void. I feel so far away from everything, everyone but what I want is the nearness...the closeness and sense of comfort.
This can only come from one place..God our Father. During this Easter season, I'll admit, I've forgotten the reason for it. The ultimate price was paid so that I can have my sins forgiven and that I can have that nearness with God in my life. But I've kept him at arm's length because I think I know better or I want my plan to be executed. But it doesn't matter what my plan is because He has a bigger and better one. If only I'll be patient and wait for it to be unveiled to me.
I'm hiding from life but I'm not alone...for God is here with me. I'm not alone, He is here to wipe away all my fears.
http://vodpod.com/watch/1269745-meredith-andrews-youre-not-alone
Emptiness can be the result of so many things in life. Dealing with family, friends, relationships, but I'm realizing, I'm trying to fill a void with something that will not actually fill the void. I feel so far away from everything, everyone but what I want is the nearness...the closeness and sense of comfort.
This can only come from one place..God our Father. During this Easter season, I'll admit, I've forgotten the reason for it. The ultimate price was paid so that I can have my sins forgiven and that I can have that nearness with God in my life. But I've kept him at arm's length because I think I know better or I want my plan to be executed. But it doesn't matter what my plan is because He has a bigger and better one. If only I'll be patient and wait for it to be unveiled to me.
I'm hiding from life but I'm not alone...for God is here with me. I'm not alone, He is here to wipe away all my fears.
http://vodpod.com/watch/1269745-meredith-andrews-youre-not-alone
Saturday, April 4, 2009
risk vs. RISK - Part 1
We started a new mini series at my church this past weekend: risk vs. RISK
Life comes with many risks...that is just life. But much of risk in our lives is based upon our personal decision-making process. This process, is often times based upon or goals, desires and level of comfort with the unknown. Now, granted, the degree of risk is different for each person but the essence of what it is affects everyone.
Risk can come in many shapes and sizes. There is risk in commuting to work, the food you eat, and in the relationships you have. But there is one relationship that should present very little risk: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Why is this? Having faith in Christ, that He died for our sins and desires to have a personal relationship with each one of use should present no risk. But yet it does.
Having a relationship with God will impact your relationships with other individuals in a positive way. How? As we as Christians strive to be more Christ-like in our life, we set examples to other individuals, opening a potential non-believer to God's individual love for them. Through relationships and connecting with people, you ultimately create a sense of community with other individuals. Community is real. Risk is real. But without risk, you can't live in the real, the here and now.
Risk does bring a potential vulnerability in each one of us but without risk, we will never grow in relationships, community and our personal relationship with God.
So what risks have you taken lately? I tend to be a risk-adverse person but I'm attempting to take more risks in life. Life is short and you have to make the most of it. Identify your dreams and goals for your life. There is a certain amount of risk that comes with those. Begin taking steps towards reaching those goals, regardless of the level of risk. Without stepping out in faith and taking a risk, the potential upside will never be realized.
Things I'm pondering...
...jumping into a risk gung-ho could be dangerous...but I might be ok with that...
...doesn't driving or eating food not prepared at home a sufficient amount of risk each day?
...I took a step of faith that to me, was a risk where to others it is not commonly viewed as a risk...stay posted to see how it turns out!
Life comes with many risks...that is just life. But much of risk in our lives is based upon our personal decision-making process. This process, is often times based upon or goals, desires and level of comfort with the unknown. Now, granted, the degree of risk is different for each person but the essence of what it is affects everyone.
Risk can come in many shapes and sizes. There is risk in commuting to work, the food you eat, and in the relationships you have. But there is one relationship that should present very little risk: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Why is this? Having faith in Christ, that He died for our sins and desires to have a personal relationship with each one of use should present no risk. But yet it does.
Having a relationship with God will impact your relationships with other individuals in a positive way. How? As we as Christians strive to be more Christ-like in our life, we set examples to other individuals, opening a potential non-believer to God's individual love for them. Through relationships and connecting with people, you ultimately create a sense of community with other individuals. Community is real. Risk is real. But without risk, you can't live in the real, the here and now.
Risk does bring a potential vulnerability in each one of us but without risk, we will never grow in relationships, community and our personal relationship with God.
So what risks have you taken lately? I tend to be a risk-adverse person but I'm attempting to take more risks in life. Life is short and you have to make the most of it. Identify your dreams and goals for your life. There is a certain amount of risk that comes with those. Begin taking steps towards reaching those goals, regardless of the level of risk. Without stepping out in faith and taking a risk, the potential upside will never be realized.
Things I'm pondering...
...jumping into a risk gung-ho could be dangerous...but I might be ok with that...
...doesn't driving or eating food not prepared at home a sufficient amount of risk each day?
...I took a step of faith that to me, was a risk where to others it is not commonly viewed as a risk...stay posted to see how it turns out!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Catalyst 4.0, The Ending
Over the course of my last few posts, I've talked about catalysts in my life. I may not have shared as much regarding specific examples but that is where this final posting about catalysts comes in. In this last posting in the series, I want to talk about the catalyst of conversation and sharing.
Conversation is vital to life. Through conversation, you are able to share your thoughts, feelings, ideas and a little piece of yourself. I find myself enjoying being on the 'listening' side of many conversations. I truly enjoy learning more about individuals, and being able to communicate with them. Through conversation, oftentimes you end up sharing things about yourself but can also have the opportunity to share something that is personal to each of us: our faith.
They say, two things you don't talk about are politics and religion. Well, if you don't talk about religion (or your faith in this example), how else can you learn about others and grow in community? The sharing of your faith should allow you to demonstrate the love of God for each of us and your individual desire to grow in your own faith. Through the sharing of your faith, you are also doing God's work by sharing more about Him.
My sharing + God's working = catalyst. What you do with this catalyst is up to you but through a simple conversation, you can have a great impact on one's life. I know that I have experienced this many times and hope that God continues to reveal Himself to others through me.
Conversation is vital to life. Through conversation, you are able to share your thoughts, feelings, ideas and a little piece of yourself. I find myself enjoying being on the 'listening' side of many conversations. I truly enjoy learning more about individuals, and being able to communicate with them. Through conversation, oftentimes you end up sharing things about yourself but can also have the opportunity to share something that is personal to each of us: our faith.
They say, two things you don't talk about are politics and religion. Well, if you don't talk about religion (or your faith in this example), how else can you learn about others and grow in community? The sharing of your faith should allow you to demonstrate the love of God for each of us and your individual desire to grow in your own faith. Through the sharing of your faith, you are also doing God's work by sharing more about Him.
My sharing + God's working = catalyst. What you do with this catalyst is up to you but through a simple conversation, you can have a great impact on one's life. I know that I have experienced this many times and hope that God continues to reveal Himself to others through me.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Catalyst 3.0
The third catalyst component is serving - something I'm quite familiar with. Being a servant to an individual or a group of people demonstrates your care for others and models after God's care for us. It says in 1 Peter 4:10, we are to serve others with whatever gift we have received. Through acts of service towards others, our experiences will expand our own personal knowledge of God.
I have seen this happen in my life. I'm quite involved in our technical arts ministry at my church and have been amazed at a number of things. First, the sense of community you receive when you helps outs. You develop relationships and establish community through your service. Second, I have gained knowledge of God, His working in my life and the plans yet in store for me. Through the relationships that I've developed, I have been challenged in my own faith, resulting in greater knowledge and understanding. I still have questions and hope to continually ask questions in hopes of expanding my knowledge base. Third, I have gained much technical knowledge specific to the areas where I serve. This knowledge has proved to be beneficial not only in my professional career but is also hopefully setting the stage for my future career plans.
Service doesn't have to be long-term, high volume of hours or doing the hard things. Service can be as simple as handing out bulletins or just being available to answer questions. Yes, some serve in greater roles and have greater responsibilities than others. It's all dependent upon what gift's God has given to you and what He is placing on your heart.
Things I'm pondering...
... how much of an impact one individual can have on person's life...
... sometimes having a plan can be irrelevant...maybe...
... I'm pondering that second thing I'm pondering...
I have seen this happen in my life. I'm quite involved in our technical arts ministry at my church and have been amazed at a number of things. First, the sense of community you receive when you helps outs. You develop relationships and establish community through your service. Second, I have gained knowledge of God, His working in my life and the plans yet in store for me. Through the relationships that I've developed, I have been challenged in my own faith, resulting in greater knowledge and understanding. I still have questions and hope to continually ask questions in hopes of expanding my knowledge base. Third, I have gained much technical knowledge specific to the areas where I serve. This knowledge has proved to be beneficial not only in my professional career but is also hopefully setting the stage for my future career plans.
Service doesn't have to be long-term, high volume of hours or doing the hard things. Service can be as simple as handing out bulletins or just being available to answer questions. Yes, some serve in greater roles and have greater responsibilities than others. It's all dependent upon what gift's God has given to you and what He is placing on your heart.
Things I'm pondering...
... how much of an impact one individual can have on person's life...
... sometimes having a plan can be irrelevant...maybe...
... I'm pondering that second thing I'm pondering...
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