Wednesday, May 27, 2009

It's Very Very Early

Well, this morning I got awoken by a screaming puppy, and yes, unfortunately screaming is the word that aptly describes her morning greeting to the house, so I decided to do quiet time since I was up anyways.  I'm reading John as a study this summer with one of my Bible study leaders, and I'm pumped.  So John 1:1-9 today...

The first thing I notice most intensely about this passage it is repeated that Jesus is the light, who comes to offer life to the world.  Also, what's really cool about this part of the message is that John repeats that Jesus is here to offer "light to everyone," which is an awesome part of salvation, at least to me.  Anyone can accept it, no one is excluded from this beautiful gift that we've received.  And God wanted everyone to know this beforehand, which is why he told the prophets of Jesus' coming early in the Old Testament, and sent John the Baptist to be the "best man" for the bridegroom.  

So let us all be joyous that this is not an exclusive club, with a huge membership fee or complicated set of rules.  It's simply to follow the Light, reject the darkness that tries to block Him out, and act in a way that pleases and glorifies His name.  

Seems pretty easy right?  Especially in return for the gift of true love and eternal life...Yep :)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

A chicken with my head cut off

For the record, that's what I am right now...though I'm basically done with exams, I just have a billion things to take care of before summer session starts next week...sheesh.  However, I've been really tested in the patience department lately, and I cannot figure out why.  I have so much to be thankful for, and I am surrounded by great friends and family and lots of wonderful things, but I just feel mundane sometimes.  Hmm...guess it just happens.  

However, today while I was at work (and getting incredibly frustrated by my little girl who wouldn't simply do her homework), I got a verse that said "Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward from Him." -Psalm 127:3...which got me thinking about the children that aren't mine, because I have a lot of those seeing as a babysit and do nursery at a church on Sunday mornings, and sometimes I just absolutely get so confused as to why one won't cooperate or won't behave or whatever.  Each child that is given to us is a true gift from God, as He intended for its conception, and provided for a safe pregnancy and birth (which is a miracle in itself), and even if they aren't ours, we need to all be part of the Christian community that raises these kids.  We are their first earthly example of love and forgiveness and obedience and serving God and others with a willing heart.  So when we get short-tempered with them, or don't fully appreciate what a wonder their existence is, what kind of example are we setting for their future?  

This is definitely something I need to work on, as I obviously admitted above to being short in times that my patience runs away.  But hopefully the discovery of this verse will help me as I sometimes stray from infinite love, compassion, and forgiveness.  Because children truly are a gift and a beautiful blessing on their families and those around them.  

Also, a thought that occurs to me also with this verse is the whole miracle of a life being created.  In our "advanced" society, we are prone to manipulate the miracle of conception, and we are even able to take away that gift with medical procedures.  If God so blesses you with a child, be it at the so-called right time or not, His timing is always perfect, and His plans are great, beyond our fathom.  He will provide for whatever happens, and He gives us only what we can bear, so I feel that it is important to keep that in mind if ever the timing of a child, or even a life event, doesn't feel 'right' to you.  Because God knows how much we can handle, and He also knows that sometimes He has to give us a larger burden than we think we can bear so that we will remember that we cannot do it on our own, and must always turn to Him for support and love and forgiveness.  

Ps.  puppies are cute :)  Especially when your friends decide to bring one home...Yay Ellsey!!!