Childlike

I was recently thinking about the different aspects of childlike-ness in the realm of faith. Three different things keep coming to mind.

The first is the need to put childish things behind. "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways." (1 Corinthians 13:11) To be honest, I always kind of cringed when I read this verse. A part of me has always wanted to be like Peter Pan and just rock childhood forever, but when you really think about it growing up in the faith is so exciting. Becoming who you are, going onto the next chapter. Think of David as a shepherd (awesome. Fought bears and lions. Winner.) and then David as the warrior king (again - awesome). If he would have refused to go onto what God had next and instead stayed in his childlike existence he would have missed out on the call God had for him.

The second idea on my mind is the importance of childlike faith - even as we are putting our childish ways behind us. How do we hang onto unquestioning childlike faith as we grow up in our faith? I think it comes from knowing who you are. If we have confidence in the fact that we are God's children, that we are known, loved, and accepted, then we can trust in God's strength and goodness. I imagine a little child who has so much faith that their mom or dad will be their for them. They run to them to tell them everything after school, they go to them when they are hurt or scared and know they will be taken care of right away. They trust in their parents and love to be with them.

 

Pure joy and delight.

 

The last thing I just recently started thinking about. It's less about us and more about God's view of children. I teach the 2-4 year old Sunday School class at my church and every week one little girl is so excited to show her mom and dad her craft and every week they give her a huge smile and look at it (no matter what awkward craft her teacher has come up with) and say how wonderful it is. Their faces are filled with joy to see their daughter. I cannot even handle thinking about God looking at me the same way, but He does. He looks at all of His children with joy and love. He delights in us. One of the blessings of childlike faith is the ability to go to the Father and receive His love. If we busy ourselves trying to struggle through life and faith on our own rather than trusting Him we miss out on the blessing of resting in His love as a child rests in the love of their parent.

I've actually had the nickname Pan for a few years now. I'm not actually sure if it's because I have short hair or because I'm pretty good at acting like a child. Either way, if I never grow up completely - I think I'm ok with that.

~

I found this article while I was looking for a verse earlier. It's pretty awesome and address childlike faith far better than I could.

 

Childlike Faith VS Childish Faith

Simply Awesome

Joy in Simple Things.
I think that's the best way to live life.

Please let me tell you my favorite things from today:

~ I got a card from a friend I haven't seen for months. I thought I was going to cry I was so happy.

~ I drank a cup of Raspberry Truffle coffee. What even is that? How do they put all these yummy flavors into black coffee? Can I do it myself? Where can I learn? These were the questions I pondered as I was making it.

~ I rode on an exercise bike. It's the only aerobic exercise I can do right now. I'm all about. I'm probably going to be the next Lance Armstrong.

~ I moved a desk into my room. I felt awesome.

~ I'm going to the Warming House coffee shop soon with my sis. I'm super pumped. They have some nutty Pilgrim latte I've been wanting try. Gettin' in the Thanksgiving spirit. Squanto would be proud.

Yep, it's been a solid day.

To Death?

I think our culture - mixed with a heavy dose of myself - have made it very easy to romanticize the Gospel. It's so much easier to focus on the love of Christ rather than the death of Christ. And to think that He calls us, the ones He loves, to die...it sounds impossible.  Not at all like the fairytales I read.

For the past couple of days I've been trying to focus a little more on the dying part. 

"Put to death therefore whatever is earthly in you." (Col 3:5) 

"He himself bore our sins to his body on the cross, that we might die to sin." (1 Peter 2:24)

I'm not trying to say that anything we do is by our own strength.  It absolutely is not and putting our flesh to death can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit, but I do believe we are given choices everyday.

For a long time I made my choices based on the fact that God's grace knows no bounds. Because we have been set free from the Law I chose to do many things merely because I "could".  Nothing explicitly sinful and often I could justify my actions by saying, "The Bible doesn't say it is wrong, so obviously God doesn't care."  However, deep down I knew that God was not pleased.  In fact, deep down even I was not pleased. 

Matt Chandler once said, "If there is anything that is keeping you from God - why wouldn't you cut that out of your life?" (loose quotation, I didn't write it down. Sorry, Matt.)

So if there is something that perhaps every other Christian is doing and I choose to do it, but I know it is causing me to stumble - should I not cut it out? Should I not put it to death?

Yes, I should. So, why don't I? Because it is hard.

Death is painful. 

But without death there can be no new life.  

And I want that new life.

I am incredibly grateful the strength to do this comes from Jesus Christ and not myself. May the Holy Spirit have His way in all our lives, so that we may be able to put ourselves and our desires to death and have our hearts changed to desire the things which God would have for us. 

Because He Loved Us

I've been struck lately with the magnitude of God's love.  How high, how deep, how wide.  His love knows no bounds.  It is reckless.  It is beautiful.  I am overwhelmed when I think of the beautiful stories He has written to show us what His love is like.  Think of Hosea and the intense love God gave him for his wife - who was a prostitute.  I can't even begin to write about the Son of God leaving the glory of heaven and becoming man to suffer and die for His unfaithful bride. 

I've been reading verses like this:

"but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her...for the Lord delights in you..." (Is 62:4)

"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed..." (Is 54:10)

"yet I will not forget you.  Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." (Is 49:15-16)

He loves us.  He loves us so much. 

When I was reading these verses and stories I originally was thinking about all the people who need to know this!  We need to tell them.  We need to show them.  I could hardly stand it.  Then in a moment of quiet God reminded me about something.  He wants to love us with that reckless love.  He wants to love me.  He wants to love you.  How often do we let Him?  How often do we spend our days rushing, striving to serve Him?  Even in our supposed quiet times how hard do we try to love Him the best we can rather than letting Him teach us to love?

I can't really wrap my mind around the idea that the Creator of the world, the Creator of love, the Creator of me - wants me.  Obviously, it is not because of what I can do for Him, but simply because He loves me.  And He wants you too.  Not simply so you can worship and love Him, but because He loves you. 

He loves you so much.

   

Longing for More

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my obsession with good vs. evil, light vs. dark, etc.  I know I have written about it a few times on this blog, and I think about it nearly everyday.  There is this desire, which has always been inside of me, that longs to be a part of that battle.  To have a greater purpose.  To fight on behalf of good.  To see adventure and danger.  Why is that?  Does everyone have that desire?  Will anything come to fruition because of it?

I'm not really sure what the answers to these questions are, but I have some ideas.  To go back to my old favorite C.S. Lewis, "If we find ourselves with a desire which nothing in this world satisfies, the most logical explanation is that we were made for another world."  I think the longing inside of me was given to me by God.  I believe it is a very real part of me.  Maybe God is teaching me to be more spiritually minded.  Maybe the battle I long to be a part of is "not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realm (Eph. 6:10)." 

Does that not sound like the crazy TV shows, movies, and books that are everywhere out there?

But that call is from real life. Better than real life - it's from God's Word. 

So, I'm thinking that maybe the more time I spend in prayer, and the more I expend of myself in spiritual warfare perhaps the more clear this desire will be. Who knows?  I guess we'll find out what God has in store.

Blessed Beyond Words

I can't even describe how thankful I am for God's grace. 

My life right now seems so simple. Wake up, read a book, maybe watch a movie (or two), talk to my family and friend Sara, journal some, check out Pinterest.  I feel like I should have no troubles and no worries.  Yet this world's pull can still grab my heart - in some ways it feels even stronger than ever before.

I can go through a whole day feeling incredibly unfaithful and unworthy of God's love.  But a good friend reminded me today that because of Jesus I am worthy.  Without Him I am nothing.  But He chose me - and He chose you.  He can change my heart into something that will glorify Him. 

I've listened to this song three times tonight. 
"When I cannot stand, I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay"

Peace

It seems like life is full of change these days.  New places, new things.  People coming, people going.  It never really stops, and I suppose it never really will.  I used to be one who hated change.  When the assigned seating got switched in school - my stomach would be in knots.  When I moved to the cities after I graduated high school - I hated every single second of it for quite some time.  I thought it was unnecessary and painful.  I wanted everything to stay the same, and everyone I loved to be close by me.  As I'm sure you know, life does not work that way.

Since I moved home a few months ago and had foot surgery I have had many days to simply think.  Sometimes I can get resentful as I think of the people I miss or the unknown times ahead of me.  Uncertainty easily grabs a foothold and fear takes over my heart.  However, in those moments when I finally calm down enough to take a breath there is always that still, small voice saying, "Don't worry, I've got you."

I can't tell you how thankful I am for the peace that God gives.

A little bit of variety was added into my life today, and I was able to see many friends from different parts of my life.  I had several quick hellos and goodbyes which came too soon.  Often days like this leave me feeling sad and confused, struggling to make sense of where I fit into life and what my future holds.  But tonight, after a full day, I only feel grateful.  Instead of fear, the hope for tomorrow is filling my heart.   Change is inevitable, and you can either let it destroy you or let it grow you.  When I cling to the promise that God will never leave me or forsake me I am able to accept the change in my life and in my dear friends' lives. I cannot wait to see where each tomorrow takes us and the beautiful lessons God has in store.

May He be glorified in each season of our lives. 

Perspective

Wow, today is a beautiful fall day.  I cannot get enough of them!  I'm not working right now, so there are many afternoons when I sit outside or near an open window and enjoy the wonderful fall breeze!

One afternoon I was sitting outside and reading the book of Isaiah.  It's one of my favorite books of the Bible, and I have learned so much from it the past few years.  If I were an artist I would paint a picture of this verse [And for those of you out there who are thinking, "Oh, just try it, Steph, anyone can be an artist." I'll have you know I did try, and not anyone can be an artist.]:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.

Isaiah 9:2

 

 

It blows me away every time I read it. Because you know what I think of when I think of light? Hope. And darkness? Despair.  These people had lost everything - their homes, their freedom, their friends, their family.  They had nothing left, but God gave them a promise of better times to come.  Hope was coming.  And hope never disappoints.

 

I can't even imagine.  The Israelites had forsaken God - that's what had brought them to this place of utter ruin, but God still loved them and was not going to abandon them.  Light was coming.

 

When I think about the vastness of Israel's despair and the faithfulness God showed them, I can't help but think a little about my own life.  I think it's easy to generate a good deal of self-pity no matter what our lives look like.  However, the Israelites weren't allowed that self-pity, they were told to hold onto hope.

 

So, maybe I should to.

 

I can't walk very far right now or go to school or work.  Sometimes that bums me out. But I have hours in the day to spend with Jesus, just Jesus.  What reason do I have to be bummed?

 

I miss going to worship nights on Sunday.  Sometimes that bums me out.  But during those nights I had God taught me the joy of worshipping Him.  What reason do I have to be bummed? 

 

I have friends scattered over the world.  Sometimes I miss them and that bums me out.  But 

God blessed me with amazing friends who are following Him.  What reason do I have to be bummed?

I could go on and on. 

Our God is good.  He is our everlasting Friend.  Our never-ending Hope.  Walking with Him comes with ups and downs, but no matter where we are right now - Light always conquers the darkness.  So, when I'm feeling a bit of despair instead of focusing on the dark I want to look to the Light.

A Year Later

Well, who would have thought?
I was hopping around to a couple of different blogs tonight, and all of a sudden I realized something.  Something I shouldn't have forgot.

I have a blog.

I couldn't even remember the address to it.
This poor forgotten website.
But don't worry - I'm back.  And maybe this time, I'll really stick around.

I recently moved back home and am a month into recovering from foot surgery.  My life is pretty slow these days.  It has calmed down a great deal since my last posts, but God is speaking all the more.  I'm excited to share about what He is teaching me, but for now I'll leave you with this:

We are loved at the end of our rope
When we're less there is more of the Lord
In the fight for our souls we must learn to let go
And abandon who we are

We are loved when we feel all is lost
When the shadows are cast on the cross
Only then can we know the embrace of the one
Who's carried us along

We are loved when we feel most content
With who we are, nothing more nothing less
We'll inherit the earth declaring Your worth
Bring glory to Your name

- We Are Blessed by All Sons and Daughters -

FASCINATION

To be honest...

I've always loved fantasy.

I watched Narnia from the age of four.

Read The Lord of the Rings steadily in the 6th grade.

Checked out nearly every movie in the sci-fi section at the local movie rental.

I memorized the Lady of Shallott and am not ashamed to admit that.

Kings, queens, good vs. evil, dragons, knights...everything. I love it all.

In the past few years I haven't been immersed in the excitement of a good fantasy tale and had forgotten how much it thrills me.  However, a good friend of mine told me I should check out the TV show "Once Upon a Time."  Needless to say, I swiftly embarked on a Netflix kick like none other and every episode I could in a two week spance.  

I was slightly embarrassed by my love for the show (and all fairy tales in general) until I realized that I was more or less watching the basics of human life.  In the TV show there is a serious, plain battle of good vs. evil.  There is good magic and there is bad magic.  There are bad people who do bad things and there are good people who do good things but sometimes mess up and still do bad things.  There are heroes and there are villians.  There's one person who knows the end of the story and that is the person who created the "evil", and they know their time is running short...

There is good in THIS world and there is evil.  There are people who do good in this world and there are people who do evil.  Really, we can all know the end of the story - if we choose to believe it - and know which side is victorious.  Satan knows that his time is limited.  He knows that God will ultimately defeat him one day, and his goal now is to try and bring as many of the people that God loves down with him.

I've looked back at my life over the past few years and there haven't been any times where I've distinctly noticed Satan trying to pull me away from God.  There's no memories of a man in a sneaky black suit telling me to sin.  No images of drugs, alcohol, and other things dancing through my mind enticing me to a world of drunkenness and debauchery.  However, I can look back and see complacency, anger, hate, and selfishness drawing me away from my God.  I can see them weighing me down like a rock and stopping me from serving and loving the God who made me.  When I allow my own selfishness and desires to stop me from loving others and from loving God...I'm letting Satan win.  In a small way I'm letting evil triumph over good for that moment.  

I think that fantasy stories have always excited me because I saw people fighting for the things they cared about.  There's always true joy and love and friendship, and I love that.  I love all things happy.  I love to see evil people turn to the light and "small" people turn into heroes.  And in a sense that's what God does.  And that is incredible.  So, I'm not so ashamed of my love for fairy tale characters and ridiculous fights of good vs. evil...because I want my life to be a fight of good vs. evil.  I don't want Satan to win over my friends or my family.  I don't want him to have a foothold in my world.  So just like the characters I have loved my whole life I want to be one who will fight when called upon.  I want to be prepared for the day when God calls me to stand up for Him - no matter what the cost.

"Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the spiritual forces of darkness in this world..." Ephesians 6:12