Thoughts Around My Birthday

Grace, it has been said, means that God understands. And He does. He understands that life has a way of robbing our innocent belief that we can take the good parts for granted. We have serious concerns; we have aches and pains and problems that can rob our joy, if we let that happen. But with the temptation to be cynical and bitter comes a promised way of escape, a gracing that helps us see the best and chill out about the rest. It’s a choice.


What if, instead, we choose to let every candle on every birthday cake remind us of the added light of wisdom that grace brings? Why not toss a handful of confetti all over the living room in gratitude for the knowledge that every little bad thing doesn’t mean the world is ending, and every little wonder — a baby’s laugh, a box of dark chocolate malt balls, a shared moment of insight — can now be more fully experienced and appreciated?

I had the opportunity to have a fantastic birthday celebration on Monday. 75 of my friends, a brewers game, beautiful day- and all taking place on Memorial Day, which is special enough in itself. I enjoyed the day immensely. Talking with all my friends, some that I had not seen in a long time, and some that I did not even know were coming. Each of them brought a smile to my face throughout the day, most multiple times. I love them, the feeling is mutual, overall a great day.

However, I want to definitely add some were not there, they were missed, I wished they could be there...and some I even talked to on the phone while at the game. It was during that moment, in one conversation in particular that I started thinking about how important those relationships are, how much I care about them all, and where they all fit into my life. In my one conversation, my mood went from happy to overjoyed. Why? Because I was excited to hear from them. Because I knew they couldn't be a part of my day, but this was the closest it was going to get, and it was good enough for me. I've learned lately to appreciate the little things. A smile, a laugh, a certain tone in someone's voice. Little things that bring a smile to your face just because they are the ones in your life that you love.

The day wasn't special because of the food, drinks, or mass amounts of people. It was special to me because I saw each and every one of my friends having an amazing time. For a few hours I got to see them all interacting, meeting new people, and enjoying a beautiful day. So to those of you who made it, thank you for a special day...to those of you who couldn't you made and make me smile anyways, and I'm completely grateful for each and every one of you.

Made me smile this morning

(CNN) -- The pastor of a non-denominational church in Argyle, Texas, passed around the collection plate to his congregants earlier this year -- and asked them to take money from it.

Donations at the Cross Timbers Community Church had slumped because of the economic downturn. Pastor Toby Slough thought that his congregants had to be hurting, too.

His gesture, instead, was met with an unexpected response: The church had its highest offering ever.

It was a eureka moment for Slough: Give away money to those who need it, knowing his church members will help fill the need.

"In these economic times, we can't be so into church business that we forget what our business is, and that is to help people," Slough told CNN television affiliate KDAF in Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas.

In the past two months, the 9-year-old church has done just that: handed out a half-million dollars to members and non-members who are struggling.

"We've taken $200,000 and spread it out to organizations -- four local, two missions that are feeding and clothing people in these tough times," Slough said. "We've paid utility bills for members of our church that are unemployed or under-employed."

His favorite giveaway came three weeks ago. The church gave 1,400 families $50 each and told them to hand it out to someone else.

One of the recipients was Katie Lewis.

"I've been alone so long. Just to be thought of and to be remembered, to be welcomed -- it's amazing," she said, crying.

Church members are pleasantly surprised.

"You don't hear about a church giving money away," Amy Sullivan said.

Slough said he is not concerned if people try to take advantage of the church's generosity.

"I told my church a couple weeks ago, if I'm not being taken advantage of, I'm not being like Jesus," he said.

The church has now formed a group to look into the best ways to give out money. And, Slough said, it plans on doing so as long as there is a need in the community.







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"I told my church a couple weeks ago, if I'm not being taken advantage of, I'm not being like Jesus,"

That was a powerful message I took from this article. Why is it so often we are caught up in our own lives, we forget to reach those around us. We all are having hard times right now, and we can all do small efforts to make great impacts in the lives around us. Let's walk around selflessly, give when we might not want to, and help when we might be tired. I guarantee you will be happy you did, and your energy will be restored. I know I myself have been trying to work on living my life more this way. It's a gradual change, but I'm getting closer. No one will ever be able to be as selfless as Jesus, but I most certainly am going to try.

Anticipation and Inspiration

The past few weeks have been great. Lots of friends, family, wedding celebrations and an actual decent amount of time to get caught up on life. Tonight I start my summer class, but am looking forward to this for some odd reason. (I've always liked school...yes, I know I'm a nerd :) ) This month has been flying by, and I will be turning 24 at the end of the month, exciting stuff I know. I've decided to join Spring Creeks choir come fall, and am extremely excited about that. Life in general has presented some opportunities and within the next month, I'm really eager to see how it all pans out.

First is with family. My family has grown so much closer over the past year. I am currently living with my cousin, which has been nice. Originally our plan was to live together until July, and then she would move in with her boyfriend, after a few discussions, we decided to extend our lease a bit, and I am happy about that. I think that is definitely in her best interest. We work opposite shifts, so we don't see eachother nearly enough, but when we do it's loads of fun. We are holding a jewelry party at our house this Wednesday... should be a fun time:)

Secondly, I am excited about the summer, and building upon relationships with good friends that will be going camping on a few different occasions. I have also been looking into a small group through another church because the location would work out nicely. Just trying to pray about it, and see where would be best for me to go.

Third, tomorrow I have a meeting with my boss at Ruekert Mielke, to see if my job will be turned into full-time with a promotion. I really like it there, so I am hoping it does. If not, I will also be excited to know that I can start looking for a new opportunity and new direction... but I do have high hopes it will go well:)

Lastly, I am very excited for my trip to Norway in June. I am going to visit someone close to my heart, and we have been talking lots lately and building a closer relationship. I can't wait to go, we will be exploring the surrounding countries, and since I have never been to Europe before I am excited on many levels. I'm also eager to see their smile and hear their laugh.... (it happens A LOT when we are in the same room :)

That's about it for now, but will be trying to make these posts a bit more frequent:)

Reflections of the Past Month

Well... my original plan was to keep up on this. I wanted to do some external processing on here, but just haven't found the time. So I will be catching up now.

Over the Month of April I was lucky enough to get back in touch with a few friends I hadn't seen in awhile. Good friends. Friends that make you want to be a better person, the ones that bring out the good in you. So I'm very thankful for that.

One experience in particular was seeing the Groundworks show in LaCrosse. They are a hip hop Christian band. Yes, you read correctly. It was amazing. Not only did I get to know a few people much better, I got to experience something great. Well actually a few things. I got to see God's love pouring out of the people performing. A particular conversation with one of the main lyricists, really impacted me. He was a phenomenal "rapper" if you will. However, this person could not stand being called just that, a rapper. He genuinely, and whole-heartedly wanted to be known for so much more. His love in Christ. It showed. He was. He also talked about how he was being obedient to God in performing. He wanted to be doing something else to reach people, but realizes he has a talent. If we all could only look at ourselves this way. What an inspiration.

Secondly, they performed at a church that was held in a school, something I was familiar with. I have attended brookflife a few times, and enjoyed my time in there as well. It's such a different experience. A different aura. Anyways, this experience was slightly different. We were in a room full of people who were still coming to the lord, have already come, and were completley unsure. This is probably true for most churches, but it was an urban church, a church with people with drug addictions, criminal records, people that well on a daily basis I don't get to spend much time with. I noticed the way in which the pastor spoke. Very loud. Incredibly loud. Shoulting if you will. However his message was great, the testimonials were great...and the most important thing I took out of the sermon...was his ending words. I am a believer in jesus, I can say I am a Christian, and I can definitely say I am attempting to live my life as a good one. However, he made note of the fact that we need to know what we are speaking, we need to be aware of what we are preaching. It's there where we fall short. This is 100 percent true. It's one of the areas I intend to work on.

The last few months was a very tough semester, taking 21 credits, working 2 jobs, being involved in sports and church... I couldn't find the time to think much less write my thoughts down. However as the semester came to an end, and all the final projects started piling up on eachother... I felt myself with an odd sense of tranquility. I realized that regardless how busy I am, how much I have on my plate, I'm relatively always happy about it. Why? I have God to give my burdens to. Each and every single time he prevails. I'm not strong enough on my own, but he gives me so much strength to do things I couldn't even imagine doing without him.

This week I start "just" working. No school for awhile. I will be involved on a few co-ed sports teams, and I'm excited to put some added effort in at my job the next two months. In July I find out if my position will be turned into a full time one. I really hope it does. The people there are great, and it's a wonderful company to work for, even in times like these.

I began reading a few books where I left off in the semester as my reading load was pretty intense. I will be finishing Sex God, How Can a Good God Let Bad things happen, and a few others. It's amazing how much more I enjoy reading when I don't HAVE to.

Something else that has been heavy on my mind is the possibility of taking a trip to
Europe, or the East Coast. It's an exciting thought, and I'm trying to make it happen, and for some various good causes. One, I feel I really need to get away, get into a new area and just re-evaluate the things in my life. We all need to do this sometimes. Two, I want to see a friend of mine, who lives over in Europe. I miss them very much. They are one of those people that when you see them all your troubles go away, and you light up like a child on Christmas. Amazing. And lastly, we will be planning to do some type of mission/volunteer work while we are on this trip. I'm extremely excited to do this, and to see an area I've never experienced before.

Lastly, I have a few friends and family over the last month that I have said a lot of prayers for. Some who are having financial troubles, health issues, have lost a parent or loved one, amongst many other hardships. As I write this, I can't help but say one more, one that I read awhile ago.

God, we thank you for the gift of your presence--
Christ who is your Word made flesh;
Christ who is the wisdom of God and the power of God.
We need your wisdom especially in these troubled times.
In the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, as financial institutions crumble,
And the very economic and social fabric of our lives is shaken,
Many of us are gripped by anxieties and fears,
With the clouds of recession over us, and worsening prospects ahead.
But surely, God, we as your children do not look to the horizon,
Desperately waiting for an economic savior to emerge.
Financial kingdoms, economic empires may come and go,
But throughout, God, you remain our stronghold and refuge.
Those who know your name will put their trust in you.
For you, O God, will not abandon those who seek you.
Right now, God, we seek your wisdom
To guide us where the way is confusing.
We have no better guide than you.

We pray for the countless numbers
Affected by the housing and credit market collapse
Not only in the US, but with ripple effects felt worldwide.
We pray for those who are made homeless, who are retrenched,
Whose life savings and finances have been wiped out.
We pray for those who have come to the end of their rope.
God, be merciful to all who have fallen by the wayside.
We remember and lift up our friends, loved ones, relatives,
Colleagues, business partners, and ourselves.
Especially help the weak and vulnerable, the elderly, the pensioners,
The retirees, and the widows--that they will have ready access
To social aid and not be encumbered by red tape.
Restore hope to those who have lost their livelihood and homes.
Grant peace and healing to families and couples
Whose relationships have been strained.

We pray for those who do not know you and have no one to turn to,
The many who have been driven to despair and even suicide.
Lord, in these troubled times, we pray for strength and resilience.
Cause your church, the Body of Christ, to be a beacon of light and hope.
Make us ready to stand alongside those who are
Weighted down by the pressure of living.
Enable us to bring your compassionate presence
Through the sharing of each other's burdens.

Christ, you are the light which darkness cannot overcome.
Indeed, darkness is not dark to you;
For the night is as bright as day.
Christ, be the light which dispels our darkness
And restore order to our inner chaos.
Deliver us from the darkness of our self-centered ways;
From greed, envy and ignorance;
From unrestrained passions;
From the darkness of despair, futility and despondency.

Christ, the wisdom of God
In our moments of anxiety and insecurity,
You are the voice of faith who proclaims, "Peace, be still."
In a culture of greed and mistrust, fill us with hope.
Despite the pain of loss and failure,
Let hope enable us to see God in all situations and events.
You are a God who is in control,
A God of all possibilities,
A God of new beginnings.
You are the voice of reason,
Who summons us back to sanity.
You remind us of our kingdom priorities;
Although we are in the world,
We are to transcend the ways of the world.
Help us to live wisely, with moderation and prudence,
To exercise discernment and sound judgment,
And conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of our calling.

God, enable us by your wisdom to keep things in perspective.
For, God, you are bigger than the problems we face each day.
We remember your mercy and faithfulness.
Through your counsel and encouragement,
You have enabled us to overcome the many setbacks and adversities of life.
We continue now, to trust in your goodness and provision.
For you are a God who hears, answers, and acts on our behalf,
Out of the abundance of your eternal love.
We trust you in your grace and mercy to sustain us.