Hello to all!
Wifi has been down so I'm uploading 2 days of blogging in 1 post.... Enjoy!
Wifi has been down so I'm uploading 2 days of blogging in 1 post.... Enjoy!
9-9-12
What a fabulous day!
Woke up, laced up my shoes without a minute of hesitation, and hit the park for a run. The sun was shining and birds singing. How lucky I am to run, and use my body!
I lifted my rocks outside and tree limb working out my legs. I then ran inside to shower and go to church. It had been literally forever since I have been to church last. I can't even remember when I last went. I've been scheduled to work every weekend, and this one so happens I didn't have to work, in the morning at least.
Got some breakfast, and headed to church- morning alive and calm. Sunday mornings...ahhh. I parked my bike, greeted the familiar faces- to which I've established no relationship with. They're kind of like- oh HI!..girl who I see when she comes to church. I'm not there for them anyway, I went to praise God.
I took a seat in the back, and listened to a beautiful message about the day of penicost. It's mind boggling, and thrilling to hear the miracles God does. I slipped out right after because I had committed to volunteering at the Food Pantry.
The church I attend has a food pantry with extra food that the Food Bank doesn't supply, coats, bibles, bread, meat and canned goods. It's really incredible to see families of 5 and 7 come in with their ID's and paystubs- and their combined income is less than 400 dollars a month. That sounds like a lot to some people, but that wouldn't even cover my monthly rent. The people are so grateful for food! And it's free. At the same time we can invite them to church, and pray with them.
The first lady came, got her food and left. She didn't want prayer, she just wanted to take the food and go. The second lady was a woman from Mexico with 2 kids. She didn't speak a word of English!! I got to use what little Spanish I know and asked her how old her kids were, where she worked, and if she had any help like family or friends. She didn't have a place to stay and was staying at a woman’s shelter in town. I felt so compassionate- it's odd- like so natural for me. She was a little nervous around so much food and 2 white girls, but I played with her kids and took them to see some coloring books. Her little boy spoke some English and was sooooo adorable! I love kids.
We prayed with her and she left. As we helped her load her car with food, Natalie turned around to me with a look of panic on her face. "What?" I asked. "We're locked out!!" Oh my goodness we had been so concerned with helping the lady- we closed the church door behind us, and were locked out.
In a couple of minutes we rounded the buiding looking for an open door, or window. Nothing. Another family showed up to get food. I kept conversation going while Natalie used one of their cells to look for a number of someone to call-and unlock the door. Oh my gosh! That was so humbling! Ummm... sorry guys I know you need help- but we actually are locked out too! Haha!
I had an idea to run down the street and use the computers to look up some numbers to call. What else could we do? I ran- as yet another couple turned into the parking lot. I ran into a coffee shop that has free computers- did a little research but didn't find any working numbers. These 2 sweet girls let me borrow their phone, and probably thought I was nuts. I ran back to the church and the door was cracked open.
I entered the church- mumbling "NO WAY!" out of relief. How did she get the door open?!! Natalie was in with one of the clients- and we helped her load her bags with food. A 50 year old lady with a 9 year old son- homeless, and jobless staying at a rundown motel on the edge of town. Poor thing- almost passed out because she was getting so overwhelmed talking about her situation.
What a fabulous day!
Woke up, laced up my shoes without a minute of hesitation, and hit the park for a run. The sun was shining and birds singing. How lucky I am to run, and use my body!
I lifted my rocks outside and tree limb working out my legs. I then ran inside to shower and go to church. It had been literally forever since I have been to church last. I can't even remember when I last went. I've been scheduled to work every weekend, and this one so happens I didn't have to work, in the morning at least.
Got some breakfast, and headed to church- morning alive and calm. Sunday mornings...ahhh. I parked my bike, greeted the familiar faces- to which I've established no relationship with. They're kind of like- oh HI!..girl who I see when she comes to church. I'm not there for them anyway, I went to praise God.
I took a seat in the back, and listened to a beautiful message about the day of penicost. It's mind boggling, and thrilling to hear the miracles God does. I slipped out right after because I had committed to volunteering at the Food Pantry.
The church I attend has a food pantry with extra food that the Food Bank doesn't supply, coats, bibles, bread, meat and canned goods. It's really incredible to see families of 5 and 7 come in with their ID's and paystubs- and their combined income is less than 400 dollars a month. That sounds like a lot to some people, but that wouldn't even cover my monthly rent. The people are so grateful for food! And it's free. At the same time we can invite them to church, and pray with them.
The first lady came, got her food and left. She didn't want prayer, she just wanted to take the food and go. The second lady was a woman from Mexico with 2 kids. She didn't speak a word of English!! I got to use what little Spanish I know and asked her how old her kids were, where she worked, and if she had any help like family or friends. She didn't have a place to stay and was staying at a woman’s shelter in town. I felt so compassionate- it's odd- like so natural for me. She was a little nervous around so much food and 2 white girls, but I played with her kids and took them to see some coloring books. Her little boy spoke some English and was sooooo adorable! I love kids.
We prayed with her and she left. As we helped her load her car with food, Natalie turned around to me with a look of panic on her face. "What?" I asked. "We're locked out!!" Oh my goodness we had been so concerned with helping the lady- we closed the church door behind us, and were locked out.
In a couple of minutes we rounded the buiding looking for an open door, or window. Nothing. Another family showed up to get food. I kept conversation going while Natalie used one of their cells to look for a number of someone to call-and unlock the door. Oh my gosh! That was so humbling! Ummm... sorry guys I know you need help- but we actually are locked out too! Haha!
I had an idea to run down the street and use the computers to look up some numbers to call. What else could we do? I ran- as yet another couple turned into the parking lot. I ran into a coffee shop that has free computers- did a little research but didn't find any working numbers. These 2 sweet girls let me borrow their phone, and probably thought I was nuts. I ran back to the church and the door was cracked open.
I entered the church- mumbling "NO WAY!" out of relief. How did she get the door open?!! Natalie was in with one of the clients- and we helped her load her bags with food. A 50 year old lady with a 9 year old son- homeless, and jobless staying at a rundown motel on the edge of town. Poor thing- almost passed out because she was getting so overwhelmed talking about her situation.
We helped her out- and then took off ourselves. One of the girls from work
called me to work tonight because she was sick- So I biked from church to my
apartment- changed my clothes into scrubs- ate some lentil-salad in the
sunshine, then left to go to work.
I was floating around, on the different wings of the building helping put people to bed. Highlight of the day- around the end of the night- one of the ladies asked me if I was a Christian- I said yes, and she asked me to read her some scriptures from the bible. Afterwards- she said- "thank you so much- that gives me so much strength."
What an incredible day God! You work everything out!
Hard work teaches you that you can do hard things. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, and rewarding to have down time. What a beautiful day, and cool night!
Cheers and love as always.
9-10-12
Hmm….deep thoughts today increase with my lack of sleep. I am kept up at night by all the things I should, or could do. Possibilities are endless.
Brief explanation of what’s on my mind.
First, I’ve come to terms with myself that I am somewhat of a hermit. A forced extravert. I force my self to be outgoing and bubbly when in public settings- to function in activities of daily living: work, church, grocery store, gym, ect. However- normally I’d prefer a hike in the mountains, cooking dinner alone, or sitting down and reading the latest in world news, or work on plans for my future. Some people flee from social interaction because of fear of rejection, doubts, and pride. But I just really enjoy spending time with myself. Taking my self on walks out to see the stars shoot across the sky. Going running alone and listening to the brook trickle down the path, deep breath under a weeping willow tree while it sways romantically in the wind.
Second, I’m really starting to get a grasp on the idea that I am going to die. Sounds silly- but I’ve already gone through this several times. Some day at some moment I will die. My heart will stop beating, my breathing with cease, and I will be gone. In the past month I’ve seen 5 people die. Watching a person die, or bathing a body really makes everything come into clear perspective. I no longer care about how I missed my workout 2 days ago, or the fact I didn’t eat lunch. I am not thinking about food, or drink, or the next movie coming out.
I’m thinking about things that really matter to me. My mom , dad, brother, and sister. My own grandmothers, and grandpa. Man- so many people come AFTER the person dies. But what’s the point?! They’re already gone.
I heard a sermon once and the pastor said something that has always stuck in my head.
“WE are souls with a body, NOT bodies with a soul.”
That quote is pretty much everything I base living on. Hope. The thing that puts meaning into life. Realizing that our souls are what give each person their personality, character, worth, individuality, and dreams. This life is so short! I know that God designed us to live for something greater! That’s why I live. I know that God loves us and wants us to be free from the world, and to be in heaven one day. I know that from the deepest fabric of my being. That’s where I find purpose in life- knowing God, discovering his beautiful world, his purpose, and trusting him in moving forward, going for my goals, living life each day with my best.
Yet I’m still pondering the soul body connection. Our experiences and thoughts shape our personalities, and our hearts. Our experiences and thoughts create us to be who we are right now which dictate who we will be, and what choices we make in the future. I think that’s why it’s so important to believe that we are souls with a body- and rest in that truth. Also rest in the truth of God’s word- and what he says about it. I hate how people give such a bad rap about the bible. But if they actually sit down and READ it- they will find in ROMANS God tells us:
--We don’t have to be perfect for him to love us and accept us. He created us, and loves us despite all our flaws. We don’t have to get all our act together to come to God. He wants us to come to him just as we are. Just as I am. That’s why he sent his son to live on this earth. So we could have an eternal bond with Him. We are more than just bodies. I REFUSE to believe I am just a body with a mind. I am a soul. I am eternal and my soul was created for something BIGGER, and BETTER than this world. I was created to be with GOD. And He has called me his daughter of glory and light!
Third thing I am pondering-
So many changes happening in my life- just got offered a new job, getting ready to buy a car, new place, new goals, and reevaluating WHY am really living up here in COLORADO> Tonight I was looking at the stars near campus. I had to walk quite a ways to see the stars because of all the lights in FORT COLLINS. I found a flower bed and laid down on a gigantic concrete block nearby. I just took a deep breath and looked up at the stars. For some reason they seemed closer. I saw a shooting star and was amazed at how close I felt to the stars. I felt like God was telling me- “follow your heart- it brings you closer to the stars, your dreams are the star- close enough to reach out and grab.”
That is so sweet! And so true. I have never regretted anytime I had followed my heart. And the great thing is, even though I’m not a fan of material possessions- I have complete peace that this is exactly where I should be. Even though it means buying a car, getting a job, and having nice things – it is all a blessing and a gift. I don’t feel bad about having stuff anymore- and am praising God for all he has given me! I see the things I have been given as treasures God blesses me with to bless others- and I’ve dumped the thought that I must rid myself of earthly pleasures in order to be happy. What demented thinking is that?! Lust, greed, and jealousy- yes one must as forgiveness for- those are sins. But to have nice things, and live comfortably is such a gift from God! This enlightenment happened when I realized I would always pull out my “ratty” clothes to wear to church. Like I felt ashamed for the things I had, or had done during the week, and needed to wear ashes, and torn clothes to feel more humble. But the thing is- GOD sees one’s heart and judges that.
He does care that his children look nice. And a princess wouldn’t wear a rice sack as a skirt- to present herself before the king- when he’s given her beautiful gowns……
Lots of thoughts tonight.
My heart goes out to all the people who have lost their loved ones and family members. I know for certain some for sure have just relocated to their eternal home with Jesus!
Love all of you!
I was floating around, on the different wings of the building helping put people to bed. Highlight of the day- around the end of the night- one of the ladies asked me if I was a Christian- I said yes, and she asked me to read her some scriptures from the bible. Afterwards- she said- "thank you so much- that gives me so much strength."
What an incredible day God! You work everything out!
Hard work teaches you that you can do hard things. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, and rewarding to have down time. What a beautiful day, and cool night!
Cheers and love as always.
9-10-12
Hmm….deep thoughts today increase with my lack of sleep. I am kept up at night by all the things I should, or could do. Possibilities are endless.
Brief explanation of what’s on my mind.
First, I’ve come to terms with myself that I am somewhat of a hermit. A forced extravert. I force my self to be outgoing and bubbly when in public settings- to function in activities of daily living: work, church, grocery store, gym, ect. However- normally I’d prefer a hike in the mountains, cooking dinner alone, or sitting down and reading the latest in world news, or work on plans for my future. Some people flee from social interaction because of fear of rejection, doubts, and pride. But I just really enjoy spending time with myself. Taking my self on walks out to see the stars shoot across the sky. Going running alone and listening to the brook trickle down the path, deep breath under a weeping willow tree while it sways romantically in the wind.
Second, I’m really starting to get a grasp on the idea that I am going to die. Sounds silly- but I’ve already gone through this several times. Some day at some moment I will die. My heart will stop beating, my breathing with cease, and I will be gone. In the past month I’ve seen 5 people die. Watching a person die, or bathing a body really makes everything come into clear perspective. I no longer care about how I missed my workout 2 days ago, or the fact I didn’t eat lunch. I am not thinking about food, or drink, or the next movie coming out.
I’m thinking about things that really matter to me. My mom , dad, brother, and sister. My own grandmothers, and grandpa. Man- so many people come AFTER the person dies. But what’s the point?! They’re already gone.
I heard a sermon once and the pastor said something that has always stuck in my head.
“WE are souls with a body, NOT bodies with a soul.”
That quote is pretty much everything I base living on. Hope. The thing that puts meaning into life. Realizing that our souls are what give each person their personality, character, worth, individuality, and dreams. This life is so short! I know that God designed us to live for something greater! That’s why I live. I know that God loves us and wants us to be free from the world, and to be in heaven one day. I know that from the deepest fabric of my being. That’s where I find purpose in life- knowing God, discovering his beautiful world, his purpose, and trusting him in moving forward, going for my goals, living life each day with my best.
Yet I’m still pondering the soul body connection. Our experiences and thoughts shape our personalities, and our hearts. Our experiences and thoughts create us to be who we are right now which dictate who we will be, and what choices we make in the future. I think that’s why it’s so important to believe that we are souls with a body- and rest in that truth. Also rest in the truth of God’s word- and what he says about it. I hate how people give such a bad rap about the bible. But if they actually sit down and READ it- they will find in ROMANS God tells us:
--We don’t have to be perfect for him to love us and accept us. He created us, and loves us despite all our flaws. We don’t have to get all our act together to come to God. He wants us to come to him just as we are. Just as I am. That’s why he sent his son to live on this earth. So we could have an eternal bond with Him. We are more than just bodies. I REFUSE to believe I am just a body with a mind. I am a soul. I am eternal and my soul was created for something BIGGER, and BETTER than this world. I was created to be with GOD. And He has called me his daughter of glory and light!
Third thing I am pondering-
So many changes happening in my life- just got offered a new job, getting ready to buy a car, new place, new goals, and reevaluating WHY am really living up here in COLORADO> Tonight I was looking at the stars near campus. I had to walk quite a ways to see the stars because of all the lights in FORT COLLINS. I found a flower bed and laid down on a gigantic concrete block nearby. I just took a deep breath and looked up at the stars. For some reason they seemed closer. I saw a shooting star and was amazed at how close I felt to the stars. I felt like God was telling me- “follow your heart- it brings you closer to the stars, your dreams are the star- close enough to reach out and grab.”
That is so sweet! And so true. I have never regretted anytime I had followed my heart. And the great thing is, even though I’m not a fan of material possessions- I have complete peace that this is exactly where I should be. Even though it means buying a car, getting a job, and having nice things – it is all a blessing and a gift. I don’t feel bad about having stuff anymore- and am praising God for all he has given me! I see the things I have been given as treasures God blesses me with to bless others- and I’ve dumped the thought that I must rid myself of earthly pleasures in order to be happy. What demented thinking is that?! Lust, greed, and jealousy- yes one must as forgiveness for- those are sins. But to have nice things, and live comfortably is such a gift from God! This enlightenment happened when I realized I would always pull out my “ratty” clothes to wear to church. Like I felt ashamed for the things I had, or had done during the week, and needed to wear ashes, and torn clothes to feel more humble. But the thing is- GOD sees one’s heart and judges that.
He does care that his children look nice. And a princess wouldn’t wear a rice sack as a skirt- to present herself before the king- when he’s given her beautiful gowns……
Lots of thoughts tonight.
My heart goes out to all the people who have lost their loved ones and family members. I know for certain some for sure have just relocated to their eternal home with Jesus!
Love all of you!
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