Thursday, August 1, 2013
Saturday, February 11, 2012
A new month of change
As humans who are constantly trying to organize our environment, we look for important markers to initiate change. New years resolutions is one example. So it seems to be a natural point of reflection and change at the beginning of a month. February is another month of change.
January served as a month of prayer focus. it taught me a lot about my current relationship with God. Specifically, that i am still learning how to communicate and be honest with Him. February, i am focusing on the Word of God. Inspired by a blog i read, i have started to write out the book of proverbs in a journal. i am also reading two devotionals everyday.
February also marks the start of Insanity. After my tete a tete with the local gym, I've decided to stick to home exercise.
Anyway, another time for change. Part of the way to keep yourself accountable is sharing. So here it is. More philosophical posts soon to come.
-Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
January served as a month of prayer focus. it taught me a lot about my current relationship with God. Specifically, that i am still learning how to communicate and be honest with Him. February, i am focusing on the Word of God. Inspired by a blog i read, i have started to write out the book of proverbs in a journal. i am also reading two devotionals everyday.
February also marks the start of Insanity. After my tete a tete with the local gym, I've decided to stick to home exercise.
Anyway, another time for change. Part of the way to keep yourself accountable is sharing. So here it is. More philosophical posts soon to come.
-Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Wedding Day
Anyone who has gotten married, or even witnessed someone else close to them get married, know it is a lot of work to plan a wedding. Thanks to some timley wisdom from an unexpected source, it worked out that my husband and i had a year and a half to plan our wedding and prepare for our marriage, which was truly a blessing.
I remember throughout the process with picking a date, locations, the dress, invitations, etc. I remember the one prayer I repeated almost every day through that year and a half. I prayed that our wedding would glorify God. And? God answered that prayer. Our wedding ceremony was devoted to God, his principles of unity and role within the marriage relationship and how we wanted everyone there to know God. Even our wedding reception was God-focused, specifically our first dance song: God with us by Mercyme. I remember my husband whispering in my ear during the dance, reminding me of the words that our friends and family were hearing, the message we sent. "all that is within me cries, that You alone be glorified. Emmannuel, God with us.". Beautiful.
I decided to share because the thought brought me to tears the other night. As the bride, it feels like all eyes are on you on your wedding day. And while all eyes were on me, I was pointing to God. Sal was there, pointing to God with me. So awesome. Such a blessing.
Just wanted to share my thoughts.
-Erica
Sunday, January 15, 2012
What If?
Two posts in one day! Craziness I know.
I heard this speech tonight and thought it was a very powerful representation of Ron Paul's foreign policy. I believe it was from early 2008 in congress.
"Madame speaker, I have a few questions for my colleagues. What if our foreign policy of the last century is deeply flawed, and has not served our national security interests? What if we wake up one day and realize that the terrorist threat is a predictable consequence of meddling in the affairs of others, and has nothing to do with us being free and prosperous? What if propping up repressive regimes in the middle east endangers both the United States and Israel? What if occupying countries like Iraq and Afghanistan and bombing Pakistan is directly related to the hate toward us? What if someday it dawns us that losing over 5,000 American military personnel in the middle east since 9-11 is not a fair trade off for the loss of nearly 3,000 American citizens no matter how many Iraqi Pakistani or Afghan people are killed or displaced? What if we finally decide that torture, even if called enhanced interrogation technique, is self destructive and produces no useful information and that contracting it out to a third world nation is just as evil? What if it is finally realized that war and military spending is always destructive to the economy? What if all wartime spending is funded through the deceitful and evil process of inflating and borrowing? What if we finally see that wartime conditions always undermine personal liberty? What if conservatives who preach small government wake up and realize that our interventionist foreign policies provides the greatest incentive to expand the government? What if conservatives understood once again that their only logical position is to reject military intervention and managing an empire throughout the world? What if the American people woke up and understood that the official reasons for going to war are almost always based on lies and promoted by war propaganda in order to serve special interests? What if we as a nation came to realize that the quest for empire eventually destroys all great nations? What if Obama has no intention of leaving Iraq? What if a military draft is being planned for the wars that will spread if our foreign policy is not changed? What if the American people learned the truth that our foreign policy has nothing to do with national security and it never changed from one administration to the next? What if war and preparation for war is a racket, serving the special interests? What if President Obama is completely wrong about Afghanistan and it turns out worse than Iraq and Vietnam put together? What if Christianity actually teaches peace and not preventive wars of aggression? What if diplomacy is superior to bombs and bribes in protecting America? What happens if my concerns are completely unfounded? Noting. But what happens if my concerns are justified and ignored? Nothing good. And I yield back the balance of my time."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqAF-Alc7CM
Here also is a recent quote from Ron Paul: "
Pretty powerful speech. I'm not sure why people have such a hard time understanding that what our military is doing is putting us more in danger and more in debt. HR 3166 & SB 1698).
Here are some more videos if you are interested in Ron Paul's ideas and campaign. It might benefit you to know that more veterans have donated to Ron Paul's campaign than to all of the other Republican Candidates combined.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4a__tcfFug
www.youtube.com/watch?v=92OV3RbU3ek
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
I heard this speech tonight and thought it was a very powerful representation of Ron Paul's foreign policy. I believe it was from early 2008 in congress.
"Madame speaker, I have a few questions for my colleagues. What if our foreign policy of the last century is deeply flawed, and has not served our national security interests? What if we wake up one day and realize that the terrorist threat is a predictable consequence of meddling in the affairs of others, and has nothing to do with us being free and prosperous? What if propping up repressive regimes in the middle east endangers both the United States and Israel? What if occupying countries like Iraq and Afghanistan and bombing Pakistan is directly related to the hate toward us? What if someday it dawns us that losing over 5,000 American military personnel in the middle east since 9-11 is not a fair trade off for the loss of nearly 3,000 American citizens no matter how many Iraqi Pakistani or Afghan people are killed or displaced? What if we finally decide that torture, even if called enhanced interrogation technique, is self destructive and produces no useful information and that contracting it out to a third world nation is just as evil? What if it is finally realized that war and military spending is always destructive to the economy? What if all wartime spending is funded through the deceitful and evil process of inflating and borrowing? What if we finally see that wartime conditions always undermine personal liberty? What if conservatives who preach small government wake up and realize that our interventionist foreign policies provides the greatest incentive to expand the government? What if conservatives understood once again that their only logical position is to reject military intervention and managing an empire throughout the world? What if the American people woke up and understood that the official reasons for going to war are almost always based on lies and promoted by war propaganda in order to serve special interests? What if we as a nation came to realize that the quest for empire eventually destroys all great nations? What if Obama has no intention of leaving Iraq? What if a military draft is being planned for the wars that will spread if our foreign policy is not changed? What if the American people learned the truth that our foreign policy has nothing to do with national security and it never changed from one administration to the next? What if war and preparation for war is a racket, serving the special interests? What if President Obama is completely wrong about Afghanistan and it turns out worse than Iraq and Vietnam put together? What if Christianity actually teaches peace and not preventive wars of aggression? What if diplomacy is superior to bombs and bribes in protecting America? What happens if my concerns are completely unfounded? Noting. But what happens if my concerns are justified and ignored? Nothing good. And I yield back the balance of my time."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqAF-Alc7CM
Here also is a recent quote from Ron Paul: "
Pretty powerful speech. I'm not sure why people have such a hard time understanding that what our military is doing is putting us more in danger and more in debt. HR 3166 & SB 1698).
Here are some more videos if you are interested in Ron Paul's ideas and campaign. It might benefit you to know that more veterans have donated to Ron Paul's campaign than to all of the other Republican Candidates combined.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4a__tcfFug
www.youtube.com/watch?v=92OV3RbU3ek
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Newton's Law of 2012
So there have been so many things I have wanted to blog about that I haven't even written one! So, here if the next installment.
Sir Issac Newton stated that 'every object in motion will stay in motion until acted upon by an outside force'. My motto that I am adopting for 2012 is the idea that a body in motion is likely to stay in motion. In a practical way, this means coming home from work and not plopping in front of a screen or laying down for a nap. It means coming home and working to accomplish one significant thing. Then, since I am already in motion, I am more likely to keep moving and not blob the night away.
I don't know if it will work, but it is an interesting concept. It will definitely take some conscious, intentional thought , especially during the winter months.
So far it has seemed to work pretty well (at least for the last couple of weeks). I am more likely to get things done, get up when I am sitting, and feel better about things (the house looking better, being more active, etc.). I will also be starting the Insanity program this week. While I already know that it will be hard to incorporate exercise daily (like Wednesdays: work 9-5, class 6-9), I still want to try it out. I have officially gained 15 pounds since our wedding and definitely some body definition, so I want to try to get back to where I was or better. For me, for Sal, and for the potential health issues it may cause down the road.
I suppose that's all for now. January month of prayer is going really well. I have already seen God working in a number of ways: Increased communication between Sal and I, getting Sal and I more involved in our church, and an increased desire to seek out other thoughtful Christians. I have also felt God tugging me to get more involved in my prayer times. More exposed, more genuine, and to treat the time as almost sacred. Very exciting stuff. I am also already plotting my ideas for February's focus of incorporating God's word more into my daily life. Very excited about that, too.
More soon.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Sir Issac Newton stated that 'every object in motion will stay in motion until acted upon by an outside force'. My motto that I am adopting for 2012 is the idea that a body in motion is likely to stay in motion. In a practical way, this means coming home from work and not plopping in front of a screen or laying down for a nap. It means coming home and working to accomplish one significant thing. Then, since I am already in motion, I am more likely to keep moving and not blob the night away.
I don't know if it will work, but it is an interesting concept. It will definitely take some conscious, intentional thought , especially during the winter months.
So far it has seemed to work pretty well (at least for the last couple of weeks). I am more likely to get things done, get up when I am sitting, and feel better about things (the house looking better, being more active, etc.). I will also be starting the Insanity program this week. While I already know that it will be hard to incorporate exercise daily (like Wednesdays: work 9-5, class 6-9), I still want to try it out. I have officially gained 15 pounds since our wedding and definitely some body definition, so I want to try to get back to where I was or better. For me, for Sal, and for the potential health issues it may cause down the road.
I suppose that's all for now. January month of prayer is going really well. I have already seen God working in a number of ways: Increased communication between Sal and I, getting Sal and I more involved in our church, and an increased desire to seek out other thoughtful Christians. I have also felt God tugging me to get more involved in my prayer times. More exposed, more genuine, and to treat the time as almost sacred. Very exciting stuff. I am also already plotting my ideas for February's focus of incorporating God's word more into my daily life. Very excited about that, too.
More soon.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Finish List
So there is a blogger from the Dave Ramsey camp named John Acuff. He proposed that his readers create a "Finish List" for 2012, instead of calling for New Year's Resolutions (See his blog post here http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/the-hardest-part-of-a-project-is-also-the-most-important/). I say this because that was the train of thought that got me thinking about this blog post.
I have a lot of big ideas for 2012. Finding a full time job once I graduate, paying off the loan my father gave us to put me through graduate school, join a new social group, creating a savings account that increases every month that we don't touch, vote, going through the Insanity program in 60 days, losing 40 pounds, get a dog.
I also have a lot of ideas on what I don't want to do. I don't want to have a baby (yet), I don't want to be in school anymore (after May 2012), I don't want to lose my passion for social justice and wide scale change, I don't want to sell my car, I don't want to lose any of my distant friendships.
In thinking about all of my plans for the New Year, I've realized that it is very...planned. I have a very clear idea of what I want to see happen in 2012, at least as far as major events go. I'm very good at writing daily, weekly and monthly To-Do lists and getting them done. I'm good at getting things accomplished. But even in the midst of the plans I have, I realized I've left out a minor detail: God's plans.
So my focus for the new year is not to lose weight or to find a job, though those things I assume will happen. My focus will be on God. More importantly, my focus will be on God's plans for me for 2012. Romans calls us to renew our minds in order to divine God's will. That is my focus for 2012.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
If my focus in on God, the desires of my own heart, such as losing weight or saving money, will follow suit through the increase self-discipline and wisdom found in Christ. Not only that, but the humility that will come from submitting my plans before God will be a great, great thing to grow as well.
January's focus will be prayer. I will journal at least once a day, and more than that, I will engage in a daily vocal prayer to God. Sometimes I feel as though I hide behind my journal, even though my entries are worded as prayers and conversations with God. Engaging in verbal, direct communication is a very different feeling. Feeling God's presence and listening for Him feels very different when I say things out loud.
So while I make my to-do lists on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, my focus will be directed towards God. As I move forward, I pray that I am following a path that is pleasing to God, and that He grants me a vision for what He wants from me in 2012.
Happy New Year.
"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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
I have a lot of big ideas for 2012. Finding a full time job once I graduate, paying off the loan my father gave us to put me through graduate school, join a new social group, creating a savings account that increases every month that we don't touch, vote, going through the Insanity program in 60 days, losing 40 pounds, get a dog.
I also have a lot of ideas on what I don't want to do. I don't want to have a baby (yet), I don't want to be in school anymore (after May 2012), I don't want to lose my passion for social justice and wide scale change, I don't want to sell my car, I don't want to lose any of my distant friendships.
In thinking about all of my plans for the New Year, I've realized that it is very...planned. I have a very clear idea of what I want to see happen in 2012, at least as far as major events go. I'm very good at writing daily, weekly and monthly To-Do lists and getting them done. I'm good at getting things accomplished. But even in the midst of the plans I have, I realized I've left out a minor detail: God's plans.
So my focus for the new year is not to lose weight or to find a job, though those things I assume will happen. My focus will be on God. More importantly, my focus will be on God's plans for me for 2012. Romans calls us to renew our minds in order to divine God's will. That is my focus for 2012.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
If my focus in on God, the desires of my own heart, such as losing weight or saving money, will follow suit through the increase self-discipline and wisdom found in Christ. Not only that, but the humility that will come from submitting my plans before God will be a great, great thing to grow as well.
January's focus will be prayer. I will journal at least once a day, and more than that, I will engage in a daily vocal prayer to God. Sometimes I feel as though I hide behind my journal, even though my entries are worded as prayers and conversations with God. Engaging in verbal, direct communication is a very different feeling. Feeling God's presence and listening for Him feels very different when I say things out loud.
So while I make my to-do lists on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, my focus will be directed towards God. As I move forward, I pray that I am following a path that is pleasing to God, and that He grants me a vision for what He wants from me in 2012.
Happy New Year.
"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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Monday, January 2, 2012
Why America Is Ready for Ron Paul 2012
Obama had great ideas when he went into office. Ideas of social justice and pulling out our troops and fighting for the American people. Ideas that the American people supported and voted him into office.
Throughout his term, we have seen numerous pieces of legislation that the American people largely supported get shot down. America called for a balanced budget, and time and time again partisanship reigned. Compromise was a foreign word in the national government.
If there are proposals that the American people support that cannot be passed through Congress, is that not an indication that our democratic society is completely backwards? Our national government is doing what they think is 'best for the country' when their job is to act as a proxy for the states they represent.
What about the seventeen-year-old who told me she wanted to be a lobbyist because she wanted to have a say in government? When we have to resort to being a lobbyist in order to feel as if we have a say in our government, something is wrong. The government is supposed to be a representation of the wants of the American people.
Ron Paul is, and has been, in support of reverting the country back to the way it was designed in the constitution. States make the majority of the decisions based on the people represented in a geographical area. This allows for the people to directly hold their representative accountable for their actions and votes. The national government would be in charge of national defense, national currency, post offices and roads. Period. And what is the national government defending? Our freedoms and rights as individual members of our society. Protecting our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We are ready to hear from Ron Paul because America has seen that their wants and needs are not being represented in their own government. We have turned around and realized that our power has been ripped from our hands and given to the government. Its the government's job to represent us, not to do what THEY think is best for the country.
America is ready to revert back to the ability to voice their opinion and hold their representatives accountable.
America is ready for Ron Paul.
http://www.ronpaul2012.com/
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Throughout his term, we have seen numerous pieces of legislation that the American people largely supported get shot down. America called for a balanced budget, and time and time again partisanship reigned. Compromise was a foreign word in the national government.
If there are proposals that the American people support that cannot be passed through Congress, is that not an indication that our democratic society is completely backwards? Our national government is doing what they think is 'best for the country' when their job is to act as a proxy for the states they represent.
What about the seventeen-year-old who told me she wanted to be a lobbyist because she wanted to have a say in government? When we have to resort to being a lobbyist in order to feel as if we have a say in our government, something is wrong. The government is supposed to be a representation of the wants of the American people.
Ron Paul is, and has been, in support of reverting the country back to the way it was designed in the constitution. States make the majority of the decisions based on the people represented in a geographical area. This allows for the people to directly hold their representative accountable for their actions and votes. The national government would be in charge of national defense, national currency, post offices and roads. Period. And what is the national government defending? Our freedoms and rights as individual members of our society. Protecting our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We are ready to hear from Ron Paul because America has seen that their wants and needs are not being represented in their own government. We have turned around and realized that our power has been ripped from our hands and given to the government. Its the government's job to represent us, not to do what THEY think is best for the country.
America is ready to revert back to the ability to voice their opinion and hold their representatives accountable.
America is ready for Ron Paul.
http://www.ronpaul2012.com/
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Thursday, December 29, 2011
A reflection on 2011
Well then. This blog is a bit dusty. I think its about time to dust it off and begin again. I have been typing my journal entries recently. No reason not to add this into the mix.
Well this year has certainly produced its share of surprises. Two semesters of school, a new house with the love of my life (and all of the work, moving, and home improvement that it implies), a summer consumed in a video game (not too proud of that one), wonderful additions to the family through marriage and birth, a marriage-focused bible study, and another year has passed.
I have to say that overall 2011 seems to be a wash. Maybe that is too harsh, since there have been so many wonderful things that have happened this year. The thing which I think has suffered most? My relationship with God. I have been at least neglectful and at worst disdainful towards God this year. It has been a very difficult and trying time. I have filled my life with other distractions and objects of affection that I really had no place for God this year. Yes, I know, this sounds harsh. And maybe this reflects more anger towards myself than the actual truth. I know now what I have done, and what that means for me. I have turned and accepted God's forgiveness (though obviously am still working through forgiving myself), but I must start to rebuild my knowledge of the person of God, remind myself of his promises, of His personality, of how He speaks to me.
Even now part of me wants to rebel, wants to doubt. But my heart knows what it's been missing. Or rather, who.
Other things this year have gone well, albeit tinted by my mind attempting to escape from the knowledge of God. Sal and I have grown closer than ever. We find ourselves having good days and bad days, but overall I see a pattern of sacrifice and each of us going our of our way to fulfill the needs of the other. We are learning to live together, to work together, and to fight effectively. We are learning to love each other with passion in the midst of routine. Again, we have our good moments and our bad, but when we begin each day with a good morning kiss and go to bed with a goodnight kiss, we know that we are doing something right.
This year has also been full of reminiscing. I hit a period this year where I was not coping well with the idea of growing up. With the idea of paying bills and worrying about money and having responsibilities when all I wanted to do was have fun. It was a time of rebellion and depression, of questioning why things couldn't have been like they were in the past. Growing old is tough! Part of that season was a time of reflecting. Remembering the great times in my life and the worst, the memories, the feelings, the emotions, the personality traits...just remembering it all (this had a large part in leading me back to God). I now find myself at a place of acceptance, thankfulness, and a desire to move forward and press on. Remembering the blessings, what God has done in my life, how He has spoken to me, the experiences I have had, and remembering that I have a choice in who I am and what I do, all of that played a role in the turn to forgiveness and persistence.
And so I am happy that I am where I am to start off the new year right. On a growth spurt with God ( as I fondly call it), started taking a daily vitamin (taking better care of myself ;)), and determined to go out of my way to express to my husband just how much he means to me. One thing that I've often thought of is how our days are numbered. Though that may seem morbid to some, it makes me more grateful for the time I have now, and how I don't want to waste it!
2012 looks like smooth sailing ahead. I hope to use this blog to express God's revelations to me, personal thoughts, and the random day to day, be it exciting or mundane. I'm excited for the year ahead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVjjY8Ou8
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Well this year has certainly produced its share of surprises. Two semesters of school, a new house with the love of my life (and all of the work, moving, and home improvement that it implies), a summer consumed in a video game (not too proud of that one), wonderful additions to the family through marriage and birth, a marriage-focused bible study, and another year has passed.
I have to say that overall 2011 seems to be a wash. Maybe that is too harsh, since there have been so many wonderful things that have happened this year. The thing which I think has suffered most? My relationship with God. I have been at least neglectful and at worst disdainful towards God this year. It has been a very difficult and trying time. I have filled my life with other distractions and objects of affection that I really had no place for God this year. Yes, I know, this sounds harsh. And maybe this reflects more anger towards myself than the actual truth. I know now what I have done, and what that means for me. I have turned and accepted God's forgiveness (though obviously am still working through forgiving myself), but I must start to rebuild my knowledge of the person of God, remind myself of his promises, of His personality, of how He speaks to me.
Even now part of me wants to rebel, wants to doubt. But my heart knows what it's been missing. Or rather, who.
Other things this year have gone well, albeit tinted by my mind attempting to escape from the knowledge of God. Sal and I have grown closer than ever. We find ourselves having good days and bad days, but overall I see a pattern of sacrifice and each of us going our of our way to fulfill the needs of the other. We are learning to live together, to work together, and to fight effectively. We are learning to love each other with passion in the midst of routine. Again, we have our good moments and our bad, but when we begin each day with a good morning kiss and go to bed with a goodnight kiss, we know that we are doing something right.
This year has also been full of reminiscing. I hit a period this year where I was not coping well with the idea of growing up. With the idea of paying bills and worrying about money and having responsibilities when all I wanted to do was have fun. It was a time of rebellion and depression, of questioning why things couldn't have been like they were in the past. Growing old is tough! Part of that season was a time of reflecting. Remembering the great times in my life and the worst, the memories, the feelings, the emotions, the personality traits...just remembering it all (this had a large part in leading me back to God). I now find myself at a place of acceptance, thankfulness, and a desire to move forward and press on. Remembering the blessings, what God has done in my life, how He has spoken to me, the experiences I have had, and remembering that I have a choice in who I am and what I do, all of that played a role in the turn to forgiveness and persistence.
And so I am happy that I am where I am to start off the new year right. On a growth spurt with God ( as I fondly call it), started taking a daily vitamin (taking better care of myself ;)), and determined to go out of my way to express to my husband just how much he means to me. One thing that I've often thought of is how our days are numbered. Though that may seem morbid to some, it makes me more grateful for the time I have now, and how I don't want to waste it!
2012 looks like smooth sailing ahead. I hope to use this blog to express God's revelations to me, personal thoughts, and the random day to day, be it exciting or mundane. I'm excited for the year ahead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVjjY8Ou8
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Self-Reflection Poem
Please keep in mind this poem has not been edited. It was the ramblings of a broken heart and a frustrated mind. I like it the way it is :)
A Self-Reflection
Since when have I become this frail, immobile thing?
Haven't I grown since leaving my mother's womb?
Haven't my arms and legs grown longer?
My heart larger?
My torso taller?
Hasn't my intellect doubled and tripled itself?
Gone from short stunted selfish noises to words?
From words to conversations?
From conversations to art?
Haven't I learned to say more than hello and goodbye?
To truly know and truly care for those I interact with?
Learned to share?
Learned to empathize?
Learned to love?
And yet here I sit uttering selfish grunts.
A spitting image of my former self.
A de-evolition of the mind.
Is it for attention? For sympathy?
Or is it a hand reaching out into the blackness
A retrogradation to a infintile stage where my needs aren't being met and I need to grunt and groan in selfish ways to communicate them.
I am more than an infintile being. I have self awareness, clothing food and shelter.
I have friendships, safety, and love.
I have the heart and the capacity to reach other to help others and care for those around me.
Then why these clipped short shouts?
Why do I cry?
Why do I perseverate on myself at the sake of losing everything?
It is a choice to grow
To rise
To stand.
It is a choice to love
To empathize
To communicate.
A choice to put yourself last
To think of others first.
To serve.
I choose You.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
A Self-Reflection
Since when have I become this frail, immobile thing?
Haven't I grown since leaving my mother's womb?
Haven't my arms and legs grown longer?
My heart larger?
My torso taller?
Hasn't my intellect doubled and tripled itself?
Gone from short stunted selfish noises to words?
From words to conversations?
From conversations to art?
Haven't I learned to say more than hello and goodbye?
To truly know and truly care for those I interact with?
Learned to share?
Learned to empathize?
Learned to love?
And yet here I sit uttering selfish grunts.
A spitting image of my former self.
A de-evolition of the mind.
Is it for attention? For sympathy?
Or is it a hand reaching out into the blackness
A retrogradation to a infintile stage where my needs aren't being met and I need to grunt and groan in selfish ways to communicate them.
I am more than an infintile being. I have self awareness, clothing food and shelter.
I have friendships, safety, and love.
I have the heart and the capacity to reach other to help others and care for those around me.
Then why these clipped short shouts?
Why do I cry?
Why do I perseverate on myself at the sake of losing everything?
It is a choice to grow
To rise
To stand.
It is a choice to love
To empathize
To communicate.
A choice to put yourself last
To think of others first.
To serve.
I choose You.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Monday, January 24, 2011
Memory verse week 3
Leviticus 3:22-24: the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. 'The lord is my portion' says my soul 'therefore I will trust in him.'
Yay! Two verses down! And here is this weeks verse:
Romans 5:1-2 "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
I just think the hope and promise of this verse is incredible! Yay!
Yay! Two verses down! And here is this weeks verse:
Romans 5:1-2 "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
I just think the hope and promise of this verse is incredible! Yay!
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Friday, January 21, 2011
The Progression of Life
I've been thinking lately about how we get to where we are in life. If you had asked me 5 years ago if I would be living in Buffalo, NY, married, and a student in a Master's program, I would have laughed at the thought. But, here I am. How did I get here?
I can trace back the series of big decisions that we faced. And the decisions start with me personally, and then they turn into cooperative decisions with my now husband. Where to go to college, who to build friendships with, when to pursue a relationship, when to move where, graduating early, when to start my masters program...and now I can look back and see those decisions, but when you are making them they don't seem to be so life altering. Or maybe it is just looking at an individual decision that might change things now, but I don't really think about how it will change my life in the future (or more than 2 years into the future). And this, of course, excludes the decision to get married.
I just think it is interesting how each decision we make shapes our life so much. And one decision, like the decision to graduate early, leads to new decisions, like getting a full time job, that wouldn't have come so soon or even in the same city. So strange.
And that leads me to think about the decisions I am making today. What to focus on in my course load next semester, what to do over the summer, turning down or accepting offered positions. How will those decisions effect me now, and how will they shape my life over the next 5 years? 10 years? It will be interesting to see. I look forward to looking back in 10 years and seeing the decisions that got me to where I will be.
I pray that those decisions will allow me to glorify God to my fullest potential and that they continue to shape me into the person I want to be.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
I can trace back the series of big decisions that we faced. And the decisions start with me personally, and then they turn into cooperative decisions with my now husband. Where to go to college, who to build friendships with, when to pursue a relationship, when to move where, graduating early, when to start my masters program...and now I can look back and see those decisions, but when you are making them they don't seem to be so life altering. Or maybe it is just looking at an individual decision that might change things now, but I don't really think about how it will change my life in the future (or more than 2 years into the future). And this, of course, excludes the decision to get married.
I just think it is interesting how each decision we make shapes our life so much. And one decision, like the decision to graduate early, leads to new decisions, like getting a full time job, that wouldn't have come so soon or even in the same city. So strange.
And that leads me to think about the decisions I am making today. What to focus on in my course load next semester, what to do over the summer, turning down or accepting offered positions. How will those decisions effect me now, and how will they shape my life over the next 5 years? 10 years? It will be interesting to see. I look forward to looking back in 10 years and seeing the decisions that got me to where I will be.
I pray that those decisions will allow me to glorify God to my fullest potential and that they continue to shape me into the person I want to be.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Memory verse week 2
Hebrews 11:6 "without faith it is impossible to please God because whoever seeks to grow closer to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." That was from memory! Pretty close!
This week's verse was part of the reading that I did at my grandmother's funeral this weekend.
Lamentations 3:22-24
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness 'the lord is my portion' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him'." A great verse to remember each and every day. I especially like the phrase 'the lord is my portion' because it reminds me of my Bible study last semester. We talked about inheritance and how God is our inheritence and a portion of that is the holy spirit that lives within us. Praise God for that!
This week's verse was part of the reading that I did at my grandmother's funeral this weekend.
Lamentations 3:22-24
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness 'the lord is my portion' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him'." A great verse to remember each and every day. I especially like the phrase 'the lord is my portion' because it reminds me of my Bible study last semester. We talked about inheritance and how God is our inheritence and a portion of that is the holy spirit that lives within us. Praise God for that!
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Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Fight or Flight?
Well, after dinner I got sucked into watching the majority of The Patriot with Mel Gibson...well, watch and half fall asleep to. Don't get me wrong, it's a great movie. I was just tired :)
In the movie there is a scene where they are trying to round up militia and a woman stands up and basically calls out all the men in the town, claiming how she has head them speak of the cause of the war, but now when they have the opportunity, they refuse to act.
"Dan Scott, barely a week ago I heard you railed for two hours about independence. Mr. Hardwick, how many times have I heard you speak of freedom at my father's table? Half the men in this church, including you, Father, and you, Reverend, are as ardent patriots as I. Will you know, when you are needed most, stop at only words? Is that the sort of men you are? I ask only that you act upon the beliefs of which you have so strongly spoken and in which you so strongly believe." - The Patriot
This sentiment, of talk more than action, rings a little too true to me, and to our society in general. We talk so much and have such hardened opinions on things such as social justice and welfare and taxes, but we are so quick to point at another group and say it is worth it that they suffer so that the rest of 'us' can benefit. But I suppose that is more of the tirade of a moderate than anything else.
What I am getting at is that we need to act on the things that we say we believe in. Whether in faith or politics or our jobs, we need to support our opinions by acting in accordance with them and taking every opportunity to promote what we think is best. This comes, of course, with interacting with others who have conflicting opinions or simply don't care and don't want to change things because it takes effort, time, and potentially money. While interacting with others can mold your view and give you new perspectives, whatever you decide keep working at it!
This includes you, Christians! "A shepherd must tend his flock. And at times, fight off the wolves."
If you feel so strongly, do something! Or when the fight comes to you, how will you respond? Fight, or flight?
Okay, tirade over.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Memory Verse Week 1
A new year's resolution that I semi-stole from my husband. Memorize one Bible verse a week. Here comes the first one, provided by the sermon this morning at the Chapel at Crosspoint.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
We talked today about building character and as Christians, building our character into the likeness of Christ. We also talked about those who don't believe in Christ and still have good character. While they do better society and good character is much better than the alternative, this verse was one of the examples from scripture of how those who don't believe still do not please God despite their good character. To see the whole sermon, check out the website www.thechapel.com.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
We talked today about building character and as Christians, building our character into the likeness of Christ. We also talked about those who don't believe in Christ and still have good character. While they do better society and good character is much better than the alternative, this verse was one of the examples from scripture of how those who don't believe still do not please God despite their good character. To see the whole sermon, check out the website www.thechapel.com.
" The drink would not satisfy. Food turned to ash in our mouths. And all the pleasurable company in the world could not slake our lust." - Captain Barbosa, Pirates of the Caribbean
I'm not really sure how to communicate what I've been feeling. It is a feeling has been with me for almost 10 years now. Maybe I'll just tell you the times when I truly notice it, and it basically has slapped me across the face.
Last night my husband and I were watching Interview with a Vampire. Now, this is kind of a weird fantasy, fiction movie. As we were watching the movie, my mind starts to wander. My internal dialogue sounds something like this "What are we doing? What is the point of watching this movie? It's all fantasy, it has little implications for real life and it has no effect on our behavior..." Maybe I'm just getting to practical, but what is the point of watching movies or even creating movies like this? They create this alternate reality and these fictional characters and qualities, but to what end? There is a reality all around us. It leads me to believe that this is created simply for people to escape their reality. I can definitely believe that. But then the questions comes around should we, as Christians, engage in such things? The reality we have around us is where God is. Where God works. The people we have around us are the ones God wants to interact with and touch. They are real.
I think I need to ponder this concept a little more before I post about it. But basically the idea of escaping into a parallel reality,through movies, games, tv shows, books, or whatever media, is it a good idea as Christians? Is that how we should be spending our time? More to come on this!
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Thoughts on Worship
So I recently had a conversation with a non-Christian, but very spiritual person, who attends church every once and a while. We were talking about worship songs and how she rarely sings in the church services she attends because she wants to know and agree with exactly what the song is saying. This brought up a topic I have thought about for a long time: corporate worship.
Just for specifics, when I use the term corporate worship, I mean any music that is done in a group setting within a church. For example, Sunday services, woman's group services, etc. My thoughts on this subject come from previous bad experiences or at least frustration for the largely global "direction" of music within worship services. Having experienced everything from contemporary to traditional services, I hope that my opinion will hold a little weight on the subject, though it is only an opinion. (Further research on the topic will be explored, a.k.a. I will look at examples in the Bible)
So, to get to the point, my frustration comes from the focus of worship songs. Many popular Christian songs are focused on the individual (examples: Let Your Light Shine by Bethany Dillon, Amazed by Lincoln Brewster, The More I Seek You by Kari Jobe, just to name a few). While there is nothing wrong with these songs, they are often used for corporate worship. That is where my frustration comes in. To sing songs specific to an individual makes the power of standing in a group of people all worshiping God almost obsolete. I might as well be standing in my living room. Many of the songs are personally focused, but even more so songs that express a common meaning, for example, Everything by Tim Hughes, uses the words 'I' and 'my'. This song is on my mind because we sang it this morning in church. Wouldn't it be a thousand times more powerful if instead of singing "God in my waking, God in my sleeping, God in my working, God in my speaking" we sang "God in our waking, God in our sleeping, God in our working, God in our speaking,"? How much more connected and unified would the church feel singing these songs together. It is the idea that not only is this my heart, but the thousand other people around me feel the same way towards the same God. How cool is that!! But instead, this morning we sang a line from another song that stated "Though none go with me, still I will follow." None go with me? What about the other thousand people in the room around me? While that song does have a place, and I'm sure every Christian has experience that emotion of being the only one striving after Christ, I don't think it's place is in a room of Christians all perusing Christ together.
My second point of frustration is the directionality of worship songs. So often I am singing about myself, and what God has done for me. Don't get me wrong, this is super important and very touching, but again, I don't think it belongs in the arena of corporate worship. I would much rather be singing about who God is, His qualities, and His effects on us as a church body. I don't want to sing about how God has personally impacted my life, again bringing my worshipful focus back to me as an individual. I want to sing about who God is and how we all corporately feel about him. I much prefer worship songs that sing of God than refer to us.
This might come from a deeper urge. The concept of unity within the church, though it sounds like an insurmountable task, is burned into my heart. To think of the power and impact of a church body that displays God love to the world is an amazing thought, even to the point where secular acts of unity bring me to tears (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB3NPNM4xgo). So to think of the possibility of what worship as a corporate church body could be. Well, anyway, I think that's where this stems from.
And again, songs of worship that sing about God's impact on my life personally, and that address the changes He has made in me are very important, just look at some of the Psalms. But again, the arena of corporate worship has such potential to be unifying and invigorating, and I think one of the ways that can happen is through changing the focus and direction of the songs that we sing as a church body.
Off to spend some time with my hubby. Happy New Year everyone!
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Just for specifics, when I use the term corporate worship, I mean any music that is done in a group setting within a church. For example, Sunday services, woman's group services, etc. My thoughts on this subject come from previous bad experiences or at least frustration for the largely global "direction" of music within worship services. Having experienced everything from contemporary to traditional services, I hope that my opinion will hold a little weight on the subject, though it is only an opinion. (Further research on the topic will be explored, a.k.a. I will look at examples in the Bible)
So, to get to the point, my frustration comes from the focus of worship songs. Many popular Christian songs are focused on the individual (examples: Let Your Light Shine by Bethany Dillon, Amazed by Lincoln Brewster, The More I Seek You by Kari Jobe, just to name a few). While there is nothing wrong with these songs, they are often used for corporate worship. That is where my frustration comes in. To sing songs specific to an individual makes the power of standing in a group of people all worshiping God almost obsolete. I might as well be standing in my living room. Many of the songs are personally focused, but even more so songs that express a common meaning, for example, Everything by Tim Hughes, uses the words 'I' and 'my'. This song is on my mind because we sang it this morning in church. Wouldn't it be a thousand times more powerful if instead of singing "God in my waking, God in my sleeping, God in my working, God in my speaking" we sang "God in our waking, God in our sleeping, God in our working, God in our speaking,"? How much more connected and unified would the church feel singing these songs together. It is the idea that not only is this my heart, but the thousand other people around me feel the same way towards the same God. How cool is that!! But instead, this morning we sang a line from another song that stated "Though none go with me, still I will follow." None go with me? What about the other thousand people in the room around me? While that song does have a place, and I'm sure every Christian has experience that emotion of being the only one striving after Christ, I don't think it's place is in a room of Christians all perusing Christ together.
My second point of frustration is the directionality of worship songs. So often I am singing about myself, and what God has done for me. Don't get me wrong, this is super important and very touching, but again, I don't think it belongs in the arena of corporate worship. I would much rather be singing about who God is, His qualities, and His effects on us as a church body. I don't want to sing about how God has personally impacted my life, again bringing my worshipful focus back to me as an individual. I want to sing about who God is and how we all corporately feel about him. I much prefer worship songs that sing of God than refer to us.
This might come from a deeper urge. The concept of unity within the church, though it sounds like an insurmountable task, is burned into my heart. To think of the power and impact of a church body that displays God love to the world is an amazing thought, even to the point where secular acts of unity bring me to tears (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB3NPNM4xgo). So to think of the possibility of what worship as a corporate church body could be. Well, anyway, I think that's where this stems from.
And again, songs of worship that sing about God's impact on my life personally, and that address the changes He has made in me are very important, just look at some of the Psalms. But again, the arena of corporate worship has such potential to be unifying and invigorating, and I think one of the ways that can happen is through changing the focus and direction of the songs that we sing as a church body.
Off to spend some time with my hubby. Happy New Year everyone!
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
How You Know Something is Wrong
Alright, so Deception Part 2 never happened...probably for the better at that point. I was very angry and, righteous or not, I would have said some things that I would have regretted.
It also seems that finals and holidays sucked up my December postings. But, I find myself with some time to share tonight, so share I will.
The title of this post may seem strange, but there have been a few things over the last two weeks that, after reflecting no them, I realized that something is wrong.
First is praying before meals. Sal and I usually trade off in praying before dinner together, and about two weeks ago, as Sal asked me to pray, I remember feeling squeemish and saying no, that he should do it. I did it anyway, but that can now be recognized as a cue that something was wrong.
Second, I'm sad to say, was Christmas. This year was the first year I have missed Christmas with my family, and spent Christmas with the Cieri's. A very different, but equally as enjoyable, experience. My mind the week of Christmas was so focused on not being with my family. Complaining to Sal, even emailed pictures of the day made me really sad. Another cue that something was wrong.
Third has been a constant cue over the past few weeks, that I can now identify as selfishness. About gifts, celebrations, or even just attention. I found myself being jealous and saying things I wouldn't normally say to draw attention to myself. It makes me feel dirty just thinking about it.
(Side note: Perhaps this should be a journal entry more than a blog post, but I as a proponent of honesty and openness, hopefully someone can benefit from me sharing this.)
So I've gotten some clues over the past few weeks that something has been wrong. My focus has been out of wack, and as a result I am in a much less happy and less stable place. Things with Sal and I are good, things with me and my family are good, things at work and school are fine. So, I've traced it back to my relationship with God, or what is left of it. It seems finals and the holiday season has distracted me from more than blog posts.
And so, I find myself lost and wondering who exactly this God is I serve and why I should make the effort to serve Him. Good news? Every time I question Him, He reminds me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdfKTTeGj2U). Reminds me how Good and Gracious and Forgiving and a thousand other good and wonderful things He is. And so I find myself brought to my knees in humility and shame and gratitude all at once. Oh, the graciousness of our God. It reminds me of the account of Isaiah seeing God in the temple in Isaiah 6. He isn't doesn't comment on the holiness of God or the glory of God, instead he throws himself on the ground, shouting “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” (6:5) An instant reminder of our imperfection in the light of God's perfection.
Also in Isaiah's statement he makes reference to living among a people of unclean lips. I have felt the same way in this revelation. How crappy our society has become. Even in light of the generosity of Christmas, I am overwhelmed with the backwardness of things. I feel overwhelmed by the mess that Christmas has become, not to mention the rest of the year...*sigh* I hope my current state of "starry-eyed social worker" will persist through this defeated feeling.
So I guess I share this to say, keep your eyes open for some warning signs that you have jumped the track on your relationship with God. We will see the change this new year brings. God and I have some catching up to do.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
It also seems that finals and holidays sucked up my December postings. But, I find myself with some time to share tonight, so share I will.
The title of this post may seem strange, but there have been a few things over the last two weeks that, after reflecting no them, I realized that something is wrong.
First is praying before meals. Sal and I usually trade off in praying before dinner together, and about two weeks ago, as Sal asked me to pray, I remember feeling squeemish and saying no, that he should do it. I did it anyway, but that can now be recognized as a cue that something was wrong.
Second, I'm sad to say, was Christmas. This year was the first year I have missed Christmas with my family, and spent Christmas with the Cieri's. A very different, but equally as enjoyable, experience. My mind the week of Christmas was so focused on not being with my family. Complaining to Sal, even emailed pictures of the day made me really sad. Another cue that something was wrong.
Third has been a constant cue over the past few weeks, that I can now identify as selfishness. About gifts, celebrations, or even just attention. I found myself being jealous and saying things I wouldn't normally say to draw attention to myself. It makes me feel dirty just thinking about it.
(Side note: Perhaps this should be a journal entry more than a blog post, but I as a proponent of honesty and openness, hopefully someone can benefit from me sharing this.)
So I've gotten some clues over the past few weeks that something has been wrong. My focus has been out of wack, and as a result I am in a much less happy and less stable place. Things with Sal and I are good, things with me and my family are good, things at work and school are fine. So, I've traced it back to my relationship with God, or what is left of it. It seems finals and the holiday season has distracted me from more than blog posts.
And so, I find myself lost and wondering who exactly this God is I serve and why I should make the effort to serve Him. Good news? Every time I question Him, He reminds me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdfKTTeGj2U). Reminds me how Good and Gracious and Forgiving and a thousand other good and wonderful things He is. And so I find myself brought to my knees in humility and shame and gratitude all at once. Oh, the graciousness of our God. It reminds me of the account of Isaiah seeing God in the temple in Isaiah 6. He isn't doesn't comment on the holiness of God or the glory of God, instead he throws himself on the ground, shouting “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” (6:5) An instant reminder of our imperfection in the light of God's perfection.
Also in Isaiah's statement he makes reference to living among a people of unclean lips. I have felt the same way in this revelation. How crappy our society has become. Even in light of the generosity of Christmas, I am overwhelmed with the backwardness of things. I feel overwhelmed by the mess that Christmas has become, not to mention the rest of the year...*sigh* I hope my current state of "starry-eyed social worker" will persist through this defeated feeling.
So I guess I share this to say, keep your eyes open for some warning signs that you have jumped the track on your relationship with God. We will see the change this new year brings. God and I have some catching up to do.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Monday, November 22, 2010
Deception - Part 1
Over the past few weeks I have encountered more and more deception and distortion of the Word of God than I can handle. Mainly from the Westboro Baptist Church, or godhatesfags.com who are spreading a message of God's hatred...a very non-Biblical perspective. They recently rallied in Michigan where my brother-in-law lives and held a picket rally in front of a high school. The language they used made me sick. This quote is from an article about the picket, since the notice on their website has since been taken down since the date passed. I did verify at the time that it was a direct quote from their site:
“WBC to picket the worthless brats who attend East Lansing High School, as well as their teachers and parents who have taught them from the cradle that God is a liar. You reprobates will hear some truth for the first time in your lives, to wit: God does NOT love everyone and it IS NOT okay to be gay or to fornicate with anyone or thing you please. Instead, you are to flee youthful lusts that war against your soul and seek to live sober, righteous and godly while on this earth.”
Are you kidding me? Even from the most basic verse of the gospel message proves this perspective twisted and out of line. My husband put it best when responding to a friend of ours about the topic:
"For God so loved *the world* that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16.
Contrary to what those people at WBC seem to think, that does not say 'for God so loved the heterosexuals...' The world includes everybody, every single person regardless of their sins.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
~Romans 5:8
I can't imagine what happened to make these people think that their message is the truth. Though it is said that "He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." - John 8:44
Though I know it is not a popular belief and may be offensive to some, I do believe that homosexuality is a sin. But I believe that homosexuality is a sin just like when I lie or when I am angry with someone or anything like that...Homosexuality isn't the only sin or the worst sin and yes, heterosexual people also commit sins, and even sexual ones. But to convey a message that God hates anyone besides Satan is wrong according to every word of the New Testament. (Arguably, once Jesus came things changed a lot. Gentiles were included! Woot!)
It's like they are taking the role of Jesus as the Judge over all. They speak as if they know people's hearts, or even God's heart.
For those who have been hurt by interactions with Christians before, and for all those who have been presented with a distortion of God's truth, for what it's worth I am sorry. I am truly sorry for the way some people choose to convey the word of God. I do not presume to have a better understanding or a more thorough knowledge than any other, but the Word of God is clear on many counts, including the one addressed in this post. So for what it's worth, I'm sorry.
One of our ideas while I was in a college ministry was to set up a confession booth where we would invite students in and apologize for all of the wrongs the church has caused throughout history. I think we need that now more than ever.
So basically, I have been really disheartened by the distortions of the truth that I have been hearing. I have another one to talk about as well, but not enough time at the moment to do it. Part 2 still to come.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
“WBC to picket the worthless brats who attend East Lansing High School, as well as their teachers and parents who have taught them from the cradle that God is a liar. You reprobates will hear some truth for the first time in your lives, to wit: God does NOT love everyone and it IS NOT okay to be gay or to fornicate with anyone or thing you please. Instead, you are to flee youthful lusts that war against your soul and seek to live sober, righteous and godly while on this earth.”
Are you kidding me? Even from the most basic verse of the gospel message proves this perspective twisted and out of line. My husband put it best when responding to a friend of ours about the topic:
"For God so loved *the world* that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16.
Contrary to what those people at WBC seem to think, that does not say 'for God so loved the heterosexuals...' The world includes everybody, every single person regardless of their sins.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
~Romans 5:8
I can't imagine what happened to make these people think that their message is the truth. Though it is said that "He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." - John 8:44
Though I know it is not a popular belief and may be offensive to some, I do believe that homosexuality is a sin. But I believe that homosexuality is a sin just like when I lie or when I am angry with someone or anything like that...Homosexuality isn't the only sin or the worst sin and yes, heterosexual people also commit sins, and even sexual ones. But to convey a message that God hates anyone besides Satan is wrong according to every word of the New Testament. (Arguably, once Jesus came things changed a lot. Gentiles were included! Woot!)
It's like they are taking the role of Jesus as the Judge over all. They speak as if they know people's hearts, or even God's heart.
For those who have been hurt by interactions with Christians before, and for all those who have been presented with a distortion of God's truth, for what it's worth I am sorry. I am truly sorry for the way some people choose to convey the word of God. I do not presume to have a better understanding or a more thorough knowledge than any other, but the Word of God is clear on many counts, including the one addressed in this post. So for what it's worth, I'm sorry.
One of our ideas while I was in a college ministry was to set up a confession booth where we would invite students in and apologize for all of the wrongs the church has caused throughout history. I think we need that now more than ever.
So basically, I have been really disheartened by the distortions of the truth that I have been hearing. I have another one to talk about as well, but not enough time at the moment to do it. Part 2 still to come.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Happiness
Well, I find myself in astate of complete happiness tonight.
I am struggling to try and pinpoint it. Maybe it is my current circumstances. I am sitting here doing schoolwork (usually something that doesn't make me happy! hehe.) listening to our wedding soundtrack with God-glorifying worship songs, sipping hot chocolate, and having just spent a wonderful afternoon with friends and watching a football game (the Bills actually won!). And I am feeling thoroughly loved by my husband, who is sitting behind me enjoying a video game at his computer. Maybe it is the glimpse of Thanksgiving, and thus the start of the holiday season, on the horizon. Even thinking of the word thankful makes me tear up. These past few years my mom has requested that I say the thanksgiving prayer (as probably the only active Christian in our family). In thinking about what I will say, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for the past year. Two weddings, adding two new members of our family and another squirming, screaming, cute-as-ever 6-month old as been added too. The growth of our family has been so wonderful. Just thinking of the flux Sal and I were in this summer with moving and back surgery and school and working and our wedding...it's so wonderful to see how everything has settled.
And my relationship with God has been growing exponentially over the last few months. I have been spending more and more time reading the Bible and thus feel more and more filled with the Holy Spirit. My Monday night Bible Study has been amazing. Learning more about who I am in Christ and the promise of who He is and what He has done, is doing and will do...I'm more and more amazed with the God I serve.
Perhaps it is all of these factors combining into one. I feel very blessed and very thankful for the life I am living right now. Thanksgiving should be a cinch ;-). I have a feeling God is going to bring me to my knees in an overwhelming sense of thankfulness which tends to nurture a true spirit of humility, as I hope to experience in the coming days.
I'm excited to see what He has in store. For now, I am going to take a break from school work and settle down onto the couch with the man of my dreams to watch a movie on this chilly Sunday night. I am content.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
I am struggling to try and pinpoint it. Maybe it is my current circumstances. I am sitting here doing schoolwork (usually something that doesn't make me happy! hehe.) listening to our wedding soundtrack with God-glorifying worship songs, sipping hot chocolate, and having just spent a wonderful afternoon with friends and watching a football game (the Bills actually won!). And I am feeling thoroughly loved by my husband, who is sitting behind me enjoying a video game at his computer. Maybe it is the glimpse of Thanksgiving, and thus the start of the holiday season, on the horizon. Even thinking of the word thankful makes me tear up. These past few years my mom has requested that I say the thanksgiving prayer (as probably the only active Christian in our family). In thinking about what I will say, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for the past year. Two weddings, adding two new members of our family and another squirming, screaming, cute-as-ever 6-month old as been added too. The growth of our family has been so wonderful. Just thinking of the flux Sal and I were in this summer with moving and back surgery and school and working and our wedding...it's so wonderful to see how everything has settled.
And my relationship with God has been growing exponentially over the last few months. I have been spending more and more time reading the Bible and thus feel more and more filled with the Holy Spirit. My Monday night Bible Study has been amazing. Learning more about who I am in Christ and the promise of who He is and what He has done, is doing and will do...I'm more and more amazed with the God I serve.
Perhaps it is all of these factors combining into one. I feel very blessed and very thankful for the life I am living right now. Thanksgiving should be a cinch ;-). I have a feeling God is going to bring me to my knees in an overwhelming sense of thankfulness which tends to nurture a true spirit of humility, as I hope to experience in the coming days.
I'm excited to see what He has in store. For now, I am going to take a break from school work and settle down onto the couch with the man of my dreams to watch a movie on this chilly Sunday night. I am content.
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
Monday, November 8, 2010
Well, I Never Thought of it That Way...
Well, I'm convicted. Here I am blurting out the musings of my mind without putting two thoughts together. At Bible Study tonight we talked about spiritual gifts, one of which is teaching. The speaker talked a little about how we live in an age of instant publishing, that we can go on the internet and type whatever we want. We don't have editors or a filter for what we are writing. And through teaching, we can lead many astray from our human mistakes and understanding.
While in most cases I think that sharing not-totally-formed ideas is okay, I am claiming to be a Christian here, and under that label I need to be conscious of what I am writing and essentially "teaching" through this blog. No, this doesn't mean I will stop writing. And no, my thoughts don't necessarily have to be well formulated to make it onto my blog. I just need to check myself and make sure that what I'm sharing, as a Christian, lines up with God's truths. I don't want to be sending anyone in the wrong direction, nor do I want to help people build up that stone wall they have set up against Christianity, either.
Just got a little nudge from God today I thought I would share. More blogging to come!
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
While in most cases I think that sharing not-totally-formed ideas is okay, I am claiming to be a Christian here, and under that label I need to be conscious of what I am writing and essentially "teaching" through this blog. No, this doesn't mean I will stop writing. And no, my thoughts don't necessarily have to be well formulated to make it onto my blog. I just need to check myself and make sure that what I'm sharing, as a Christian, lines up with God's truths. I don't want to be sending anyone in the wrong direction, nor do I want to help people build up that stone wall they have set up against Christianity, either.
Just got a little nudge from God today I thought I would share. More blogging to come!
- Erica
"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD" Isaiah 1:17-18
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