Surprise! This post is actually NOT about American Idol. Shocker. I know.
I hate that blogging has been put on the back-burner lately, since it's one of the very things that I love to do. Life has been kicking me in the hindparts lately, all whilst chasing me in this race some people would call work. I don't know that I've ever been this busy in my five years here at Samford. It's not all work's fault though. I'm getting ready for the next stage in my life (to be announced at a later date) and that, my friends, has been part of the problem. As lovely as it is.
But digress, I'm here to share a little linky click that meant to share about two weeks ago. This blog blessed my heart and I encourage you to read it and watch the videos and enjoy it as well.
It's called The Global Initiative and was written by my pastor, David Platt, on a recent trip to India. There are a few reasons why I love this link:
1. D. Platt has a way with words and his perspective on global disciple-making and the Word has completely revolutionized the way I look at the world and my faith right now. And he and his wife Heather are just precious.
2. It was so good to see my church family's faith, sacrifice and money at work in India.
3. It challenged me to look at how I'm living the gospel out in my everyday life. Especially the last post, "Do We Really Believe What We're Saying?"
I took about an hour out of my day a couple of weeks ago to read every post on this blog. I encourage you to do the same. Or at least break it up and read it all. I hope you are as challenged and encouraged by it as I am.
Enjoy!
Global Initiative Blog
Showing posts with label blogs/blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogs/blogging. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Burden's Getting Lighter
I think the burden that I've been feeling throughout the last six months is getting lighter because the vision for my purpose and my future is getting closer. Not because I can see it, but because I'm trusting the gut feeling called "God".
I just had to share John Acuff's post from today's Stuff Christians Like. It completely touched my heart and I felt like God told him to write that post just for me. Which he probably did.
I usually link to the post but I feel like, for some reason, that I should just include the whole post. No plagarism. All the credit goes to Jon Acuff.
Below is the post in it's entirety:
#831 Building benches instead of frisbees.
My dad uses his feet like hands, much like a gorilla opening a banana, when he loses frisbees in the pond at the disc golf course.
He’s not above stripping down to his shorts and diving in to recover discs. The pond is dark brown and is populated with turtles, snakes and frogs. If his disc lands in it, he walks around with his bare feet feeling in calf deep mud for it. Just typing that last sentence made me squirm a little.
But the course we played in Atlanta didn’t have that problem. There was no pond, just 18 holes of awesome spread across a massive park called “Wills.”
It did have a problem though.
Because the course was so spread out, it was hard to find your way from hole to hole. Some were literally a 1,000 yards away from each other so navigating the course was difficult. Or it used to be. Everything changed when a Boy Scout got involved.
He was earning his Eagle Scout badge. He was installing yardage signs that pointed the way between the holes. My dad and I ran into him one morning. He and his father were digging holes and dropping the poles in. When they told us what they were doing, the father said something that years later stuck with me. He said:
“He’s doing it for his Eagle Scout badge. Sure beats building a bench.”
On the surface, that’s not so profound. That doesn’t really leap off the blog does it? But the more I reflected on it, the more I realized it challenged my understanding of God.
See the truth is, I’m not completely sure God wants me to have fun. Like people who believe the first thing God will do if they turn over their lives to him is make them be missionaries in Africa, I’m not always convinced he wants me to really enjoy what I do.
When I sometimes imagine “doing the work of the Lord,” I imagine sweat and tears and hard work and being obedient and disciplined and self controlled. Turns out, in my head, I serve a God who makes me build benches.
But what if I’m wrong?
What if you’re wrong?
What if we’ve all been wrong?
What if God doesn’t want more benches?
What if God wants you to build signs for Disc Golf because he knows you love that game?
What if God wants you to write books because he knows you love that?
What if God wants to unearth all those things you’ve hidden because you thought you weren’t talented enough? What if he wants you to roll around in the joys you thought were too silly or stupid or not spiritual enough?
I don’t think that’s impossible. A friend of man argued as much when he told me his opinion about Matthew 11:28-30. Here’s what those verses say:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
My friend felt that when we find our purpose. When we surrender and are obedient to the Lord and find the thing he has uniquely prepared us for, the burden feels light. It feels easy. We’re in the zone. We could run a million miles or feed a thousand mouths or sing a 100 songs depending on what we’ve been called to do. We’ve got the entire universe of God pushing with us and there’s a sense of freedom and momentum there that is difficult to describe.
To other people, what we are doing will look difficult. They will not always understand. I felt that way writing the Stuff Christians Like book. Another blogger quit his job and stopped writing his blog while he wrote his book. He didn’t have any kids either. I on the other hand, kept my full time job at AutoTrader.com, kept writing the Stuff Christians Like blog, kept playing with my two kids, kept freelance writing for Chick-fil-A, kept writing for North Point Community Church, stayed plugged into my men’s Bible study and kept filling my wife’s bucket with attention and time. How?
The yoke was easy. The burden was light. I was doing the thing uniquely created for me. I wasn’t flailing against a park bench I was never designed for. I was serving the God “who satisfies your desires with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
Life gets twisted when you try to build someone else’s bench. Life gets painful when you disrespect your gift or talent or calling because it “doesn’t count.” The devil is desperate for you to discount the thing God has called you to. The devil wants you to take on some other burden that isn’t light or easy.
I don’t know what God has in store for you. It won’t necessarily be easy. That Boy Scout was sweating as he dug those Disc Golf signs. Stuff Christians Like whips my butt some mornings. But that Boy Scout was smiling as he sweated and so am I because we’re not building benches.
Long live the God who doesn’t need our benches.
I just had to share John Acuff's post from today's Stuff Christians Like. It completely touched my heart and I felt like God told him to write that post just for me. Which he probably did.
I usually link to the post but I feel like, for some reason, that I should just include the whole post. No plagarism. All the credit goes to Jon Acuff.
Below is the post in it's entirety:
#831 Building benches instead of frisbees.
My dad uses his feet like hands, much like a gorilla opening a banana, when he loses frisbees in the pond at the disc golf course.
He’s not above stripping down to his shorts and diving in to recover discs. The pond is dark brown and is populated with turtles, snakes and frogs. If his disc lands in it, he walks around with his bare feet feeling in calf deep mud for it. Just typing that last sentence made me squirm a little.
But the course we played in Atlanta didn’t have that problem. There was no pond, just 18 holes of awesome spread across a massive park called “Wills.”
It did have a problem though.
Because the course was so spread out, it was hard to find your way from hole to hole. Some were literally a 1,000 yards away from each other so navigating the course was difficult. Or it used to be. Everything changed when a Boy Scout got involved.
He was earning his Eagle Scout badge. He was installing yardage signs that pointed the way between the holes. My dad and I ran into him one morning. He and his father were digging holes and dropping the poles in. When they told us what they were doing, the father said something that years later stuck with me. He said:
“He’s doing it for his Eagle Scout badge. Sure beats building a bench.”
On the surface, that’s not so profound. That doesn’t really leap off the blog does it? But the more I reflected on it, the more I realized it challenged my understanding of God.
See the truth is, I’m not completely sure God wants me to have fun. Like people who believe the first thing God will do if they turn over their lives to him is make them be missionaries in Africa, I’m not always convinced he wants me to really enjoy what I do.
When I sometimes imagine “doing the work of the Lord,” I imagine sweat and tears and hard work and being obedient and disciplined and self controlled. Turns out, in my head, I serve a God who makes me build benches.
But what if I’m wrong?
What if you’re wrong?
What if we’ve all been wrong?
What if God doesn’t want more benches?
What if God wants you to build signs for Disc Golf because he knows you love that game?
What if God wants you to write books because he knows you love that?
What if God wants to unearth all those things you’ve hidden because you thought you weren’t talented enough? What if he wants you to roll around in the joys you thought were too silly or stupid or not spiritual enough?
I don’t think that’s impossible. A friend of man argued as much when he told me his opinion about Matthew 11:28-30. Here’s what those verses say:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
My friend felt that when we find our purpose. When we surrender and are obedient to the Lord and find the thing he has uniquely prepared us for, the burden feels light. It feels easy. We’re in the zone. We could run a million miles or feed a thousand mouths or sing a 100 songs depending on what we’ve been called to do. We’ve got the entire universe of God pushing with us and there’s a sense of freedom and momentum there that is difficult to describe.
To other people, what we are doing will look difficult. They will not always understand. I felt that way writing the Stuff Christians Like book. Another blogger quit his job and stopped writing his blog while he wrote his book. He didn’t have any kids either. I on the other hand, kept my full time job at AutoTrader.com, kept writing the Stuff Christians Like blog, kept playing with my two kids, kept freelance writing for Chick-fil-A, kept writing for North Point Community Church, stayed plugged into my men’s Bible study and kept filling my wife’s bucket with attention and time. How?
The yoke was easy. The burden was light. I was doing the thing uniquely created for me. I wasn’t flailing against a park bench I was never designed for. I was serving the God “who satisfies your desires with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
Life gets twisted when you try to build someone else’s bench. Life gets painful when you disrespect your gift or talent or calling because it “doesn’t count.” The devil is desperate for you to discount the thing God has called you to. The devil wants you to take on some other burden that isn’t light or easy.
I don’t know what God has in store for you. It won’t necessarily be easy. That Boy Scout was sweating as he dug those Disc Golf signs. Stuff Christians Like whips my butt some mornings. But that Boy Scout was smiling as he sweated and so am I because we’re not building benches.
Long live the God who doesn’t need our benches.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Someone Call The Authorities
...'cause this blog neglect is out. of. control.
I know there's only about four of you that actually read this baby, but that's four folks that care what I have to say (or are just really bored), so I apologize for the blog neglect lately and for the upcoming neglect as well.
It seems these days that my mind is going much faster than my fingers are willing to type, so therefore, by the time I sit down to write about the things that I've been thinking about, my mind tells my fingers, "Dude, you should've kept up with the train."
I did have a few things I wanted to share today though.
As always, for easy reading and aesthetic pleasure, a list:
1. If you love The Bachelorette (like me) and you are slightly obsessed with Aly and Roberto (like me), you'll either love or hate this joint-post by Bryan Allain and Tyler Stanton. These guys present, "15 Life Lessons From The Bachelorette". You can thank me later. My favorites? 1, 2, 3, 5, 12, 14...well all of them really.
2. I posted on Twitter earlier today that if I could be half the writer that Donald Miller is, I would consider that a blessing. Y'all, the man has some serious skillz. Emphasis on the "Z" meaning I'm serious about the serious part. If you've heard of him, you'll know he wrote Blue Like Jazz, Searching For God Knows What, A Million Miles In A Thousand Years, Through Painted Deserts. All good stuff. They always leave you wanting more.
He's an expert on story, and has some great insight on God. So, it's no suprise that Don's (see, it's so good that I feel like we could be on a first-name basis and comfortable to shorten his name to Don) blog is a bright spot in my day.
I have my Google Reader tuned in to bring me the latest and greatest from his blog every day. I've really been enjoying his stuff lately. Especially his Lucy series, blog posts "written" by his lab Lucy and this one and this one.
3. I know this might be a little cheese-tastic to some of you, but for those of you who read this little space of the internet and know what's going on in my brain right now, I think you'll understand it. This scene from Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit is really resonating with me right now.
4. This guy just sang what America was thinking.
5. And finally...
Never give up.
Remember people. You can do anything you set your mind to. All you have to do is:
1. Believe in yourself. No, really believe. See that time you didn't believe hard enough because it didn't work...there you go. 30th time is the charm.
2. Formulate a plan of action. Like believing that no matter how many times it takes, you WILL crack that board over your head. Come concussion or forehead-to-spine stitches. Just believe.
3. Follow through. Follow through...all the way to the ER.
I know there's only about four of you that actually read this baby, but that's four folks that care what I have to say (or are just really bored), so I apologize for the blog neglect lately and for the upcoming neglect as well.
It seems these days that my mind is going much faster than my fingers are willing to type, so therefore, by the time I sit down to write about the things that I've been thinking about, my mind tells my fingers, "Dude, you should've kept up with the train."
I did have a few things I wanted to share today though.
As always, for easy reading and aesthetic pleasure, a list:
1. If you love The Bachelorette (like me) and you are slightly obsessed with Aly and Roberto (like me), you'll either love or hate this joint-post by Bryan Allain and Tyler Stanton. These guys present, "15 Life Lessons From The Bachelorette". You can thank me later. My favorites? 1, 2, 3, 5, 12, 14...well all of them really.
2. I posted on Twitter earlier today that if I could be half the writer that Donald Miller is, I would consider that a blessing. Y'all, the man has some serious skillz. Emphasis on the "Z" meaning I'm serious about the serious part. If you've heard of him, you'll know he wrote Blue Like Jazz, Searching For God Knows What, A Million Miles In A Thousand Years, Through Painted Deserts. All good stuff. They always leave you wanting more.
He's an expert on story, and has some great insight on God. So, it's no suprise that Don's (see, it's so good that I feel like we could be on a first-name basis and comfortable to shorten his name to Don) blog is a bright spot in my day.
I have my Google Reader tuned in to bring me the latest and greatest from his blog every day. I've really been enjoying his stuff lately. Especially his Lucy series, blog posts "written" by his lab Lucy and this one and this one.
3. I know this might be a little cheese-tastic to some of you, but for those of you who read this little space of the internet and know what's going on in my brain right now, I think you'll understand it. This scene from Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit is really resonating with me right now.
4. This guy just sang what America was thinking.
5. And finally...
Never give up.
Remember people. You can do anything you set your mind to. All you have to do is:
1. Believe in yourself. No, really believe. See that time you didn't believe hard enough because it didn't work...there you go. 30th time is the charm.
2. Formulate a plan of action. Like believing that no matter how many times it takes, you WILL crack that board over your head. Come concussion or forehead-to-spine stitches. Just believe.
3. Follow through. Follow through...all the way to the ER.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Blog-Linkity Goodness 5.19.10
It's time for more linkage. The internet kind. Not the hot dog kind.
- While my daddy was taking a little doctor ordered rest time last month, he decided to go fishing on day and take my furry little brother, Randy, along. Randy always makes things interesting. This outing was nothing different. Check out his story here.
- Also get his take on cowbells here too. It's always good to hear a players' perspective on the subject.
- This post of Jon's at Stuff Christians Like is hilarious. It includes Justin Beiber, Ludacris and the Black Eyed Peas.
- I'm not a big Paul Finebaum fan but the day I read this I was. He wrote a great article on Dan Mullen and the future he has in college football. If you bleed Maroon and White and haven't read it yet, click here.
- Did you see American Idol last night? Did you see Lee Dewyze, who might have to fight Tim Tebow, for my hand in marriage? No? Watch this.
- Last but not least, I hate that I've waited this long to share this with you bloggites, but it's only because I've waited this long to watch it. This is a link to my church's Easter service. (And just for fun, I've embedded the video player below.) David focused on the Love Story that is presented in the book of Ruth. If you don't know the story, please go read it. It's only four chapters and it will change your life. I think I've studied this story about three times in the last three years and it gets better every time. It's such a beautiful, TRUE, realization of our need for the redemption that can only come from Jesus Christ and the immense love of a God that actively pursues us day after day. I love it even more because Mandi Mapes was able to display the amazing gifts that God has placed in her life through her testimony and her talents. Mandi is the girl singing those songs and she wrote them all as well. If you like, you can get them on iTunes.
- While my daddy was taking a little doctor ordered rest time last month, he decided to go fishing on day and take my furry little brother, Randy, along. Randy always makes things interesting. This outing was nothing different. Check out his story here.
- Also get his take on cowbells here too. It's always good to hear a players' perspective on the subject.
- This post of Jon's at Stuff Christians Like is hilarious. It includes Justin Beiber, Ludacris and the Black Eyed Peas.
- I'm not a big Paul Finebaum fan but the day I read this I was. He wrote a great article on Dan Mullen and the future he has in college football. If you bleed Maroon and White and haven't read it yet, click here.
- Did you see American Idol last night? Did you see Lee Dewyze, who might have to fight Tim Tebow, for my hand in marriage? No? Watch this.
- Last but not least, I hate that I've waited this long to share this with you bloggites, but it's only because I've waited this long to watch it. This is a link to my church's Easter service. (And just for fun, I've embedded the video player below.) David focused on the Love Story that is presented in the book of Ruth. If you don't know the story, please go read it. It's only four chapters and it will change your life. I think I've studied this story about three times in the last three years and it gets better every time. It's such a beautiful, TRUE, realization of our need for the redemption that can only come from Jesus Christ and the immense love of a God that actively pursues us day after day. I love it even more because Mandi Mapes was able to display the amazing gifts that God has placed in her life through her testimony and her talents. Mandi is the girl singing those songs and she wrote them all as well. If you like, you can get them on iTunes.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Christian American Idol Scorecard
I can't tell you how excited I am to participate in the worldwide Stuff Christians Like post. SCL is one of my most favorite blogs and I know my followers know that I link to it very often. Today, SCL fans and bloggers alike, join to create the biggest SCL blog post/scorecard ever.
A few weeks ago, John Acuff (creator of SCL) asked people to participate in a huge scorecard. About 130 folks emailed and signed up. He sent each person a line from a scorecard that he wrote to determine who on American Idol is a Christian.
(And y'all know I love me some American Idol.)
To add up your score with over a 130 other ideas on this scorecard, visit stuffchristianslike.net. Then tomorrow he will post the key that tells you what score totals mean.
So without further ado, I give you...
The “Is that contestant on American Idol a Christian? Scorecard”
161. In a moment of raw, unadulterated excitement they say, “H, E, Double Hockey Sticks!” = +2 points
162. They audition with an instrument. A harp. = +3 points
163. They refuse to take a compliment and do the Christian courtesy of rejecting it immediately. = +2 points
A few weeks ago, John Acuff (creator of SCL) asked people to participate in a huge scorecard. About 130 folks emailed and signed up. He sent each person a line from a scorecard that he wrote to determine who on American Idol is a Christian.
(And y'all know I love me some American Idol.)
To add up your score with over a 130 other ideas on this scorecard, visit stuffchristianslike.net. Then tomorrow he will post the key that tells you what score totals mean.
So without further ado, I give you...
The “Is that contestant on American Idol a Christian? Scorecard”
161. In a moment of raw, unadulterated excitement they say, “H, E, Double Hockey Sticks!” = +2 points
162. They audition with an instrument. A harp. = +3 points
163. They refuse to take a compliment and do the Christian courtesy of rejecting it immediately. = +2 points
Monday, March 29, 2010
Perspective
Dear Blog Family,
My tremendous apologies for neglecting ye olde blog for the past, well forever, except for the American Idol recaps. My life has been a complete blur for the past three weeks, save a couple of sweet moments with friends. And I use that term moments literally.
Work has completely swarmed me and held me underwater for a good 10 days. Good thing, I spent all those summer days having "underwater breath holding" contests with my pool rats friends. It seemed to have come in handy recently.
I'm just now getting back to where I can stand on my own two feet and after tomorrow, I think I'll be able to take a few steps forward. And forward toward Jackson might I add. I'm so pumped to go home and see family and friends and spend a Sunday afternoon somewhere else besides a softball or baseball field for the first time in a month.
With all that said, you may be wondering why I titled this post "Perspective." And if you weren't already wondering with that (which I'm sure you weren't), you are now.
Okay, I'll tell you. There are two reasons.
Reason One.
Today started kind of sucky with some parameters being put around me that I thought were unfair. I saw it as me being treated like I didn't know what I was doing and like someone below me would be treated. Although that truly may be the reason for the parameters, I sucked it up after a good 4.2 minutes of sulking and told myself, "Katie. You can either continue to sulk about it or you can suck it up and take it like a big girl and learn from it."
So, I listened to that little go-getter voice in my head and decided that I could continue be in a bad mood everytime this happened or I could suck it up, realize that the parameters have been set to help me to my job better, which will eventually help me be a better person.
So, I change my perspective, put a smile on my face and decided to run with it.
Reason dos (that's two in Spanish for those of you who didn't catch that).
I realized today that it is Easter Week. I mean, of course, I've know that Friday is Good Friday and Sunday is Easter Sunday, but just today, I realized that it is HOLY WEEK.
That's huge for me as a Christian.
This week marks a series of events that culminated in one of the greatest life-changes for me.
All those years ago, a sinless man died for me so that I could live freely, out from under the fear of sin and hell and death.
He died so that I could know what true love is, what redemption is, what sacrifice is.
He died so that I could be free to do the things that he wants me to do.
He died so that I wouldn't be afraid to do those things and he died so that the whole world could be with him one day.
He died because he knew that there would be nothing in myself that could merit a life with him.
He died because on the day when I stand before God and he asks me what I've done to earn a place in heaven, I won't have to list a bunch of good deeds. Because we both will know that there is nothing in me that could measure up to what he's done for me, in me and to me.
I've realized that I haven't been paying attention to the good part of Holy Week. I've usually just waited until Good Friday, thought about what that meant, and then on Sunday, I go to church, sing some songs and then have a big lunch with my family.
This week, I want to focus on what the week is about. What leads up to what happens on Friday and Sunday.
Annieblogs has posted and will continue to post for the rest of the week, the outline that her bible has for each day of Holy Week. I'm going to read it, along with the readings that I'm already going through with my church. (We're in Judges. Good times.)
I wanted to post them here as well for you guys who aren't faithful readers of Annieblogs, which if you aren't, shame on you because she is hilarious and talented and well, you've just got to read her stuff.
She gives all the passages from each of the gospels and I would recommend reading them all. You can look them up or click on the passage and read it a Bible Gateway. It's so neat to see the different perspectives. Ha, see how I brought that full circle.
I love hearing the same story from different people because there are things in one that aren't in the other and different personalities point out or emphasize different things in the story. It really brings the story to life in a different way.
So, read on people. Read on. And I'll see you in another three weeks. (Just kidding, there will be an American Idol post up this week. I can't slack on my duties.)
Palm Sunday:
Matthew 21: 1-11
Mark 11: 1-11
Luke 19: 29-44
John 12: 12-19
Monday:
1. Jesus curses the fig tree
Matthew 21: 18-22
Mark 11: 12-14
2. Jesus clears the temple
Matthew 21: 12-13
Mark 11: 15-18
Luke 19: 45-48
My tremendous apologies for neglecting ye olde blog for the past, well forever, except for the American Idol recaps. My life has been a complete blur for the past three weeks, save a couple of sweet moments with friends. And I use that term moments literally.
Work has completely swarmed me and held me underwater for a good 10 days. Good thing, I spent all those summer days having "underwater breath holding" contests with my pool rats friends. It seemed to have come in handy recently.
I'm just now getting back to where I can stand on my own two feet and after tomorrow, I think I'll be able to take a few steps forward. And forward toward Jackson might I add. I'm so pumped to go home and see family and friends and spend a Sunday afternoon somewhere else besides a softball or baseball field for the first time in a month.
With all that said, you may be wondering why I titled this post "Perspective." And if you weren't already wondering with that (which I'm sure you weren't), you are now.
Okay, I'll tell you. There are two reasons.
Reason One.
Today started kind of sucky with some parameters being put around me that I thought were unfair. I saw it as me being treated like I didn't know what I was doing and like someone below me would be treated. Although that truly may be the reason for the parameters, I sucked it up after a good 4.2 minutes of sulking and told myself, "Katie. You can either continue to sulk about it or you can suck it up and take it like a big girl and learn from it."
So, I listened to that little go-getter voice in my head and decided that I could continue be in a bad mood everytime this happened or I could suck it up, realize that the parameters have been set to help me to my job better, which will eventually help me be a better person.
So, I change my perspective, put a smile on my face and decided to run with it.
Reason dos (that's two in Spanish for those of you who didn't catch that).
I realized today that it is Easter Week. I mean, of course, I've know that Friday is Good Friday and Sunday is Easter Sunday, but just today, I realized that it is HOLY WEEK.
That's huge for me as a Christian.
This week marks a series of events that culminated in one of the greatest life-changes for me.
All those years ago, a sinless man died for me so that I could live freely, out from under the fear of sin and hell and death.
He died so that I could know what true love is, what redemption is, what sacrifice is.
He died so that I could be free to do the things that he wants me to do.
He died so that I wouldn't be afraid to do those things and he died so that the whole world could be with him one day.
He died because he knew that there would be nothing in myself that could merit a life with him.
He died because on the day when I stand before God and he asks me what I've done to earn a place in heaven, I won't have to list a bunch of good deeds. Because we both will know that there is nothing in me that could measure up to what he's done for me, in me and to me.
I've realized that I haven't been paying attention to the good part of Holy Week. I've usually just waited until Good Friday, thought about what that meant, and then on Sunday, I go to church, sing some songs and then have a big lunch with my family.
This week, I want to focus on what the week is about. What leads up to what happens on Friday and Sunday.
Annieblogs has posted and will continue to post for the rest of the week, the outline that her bible has for each day of Holy Week. I'm going to read it, along with the readings that I'm already going through with my church. (We're in Judges. Good times.)
I wanted to post them here as well for you guys who aren't faithful readers of Annieblogs, which if you aren't, shame on you because she is hilarious and talented and well, you've just got to read her stuff.
She gives all the passages from each of the gospels and I would recommend reading them all. You can look them up or click on the passage and read it a Bible Gateway. It's so neat to see the different perspectives. Ha, see how I brought that full circle.
I love hearing the same story from different people because there are things in one that aren't in the other and different personalities point out or emphasize different things in the story. It really brings the story to life in a different way.
So, read on people. Read on. And I'll see you in another three weeks. (Just kidding, there will be an American Idol post up this week. I can't slack on my duties.)
Palm Sunday:
Matthew 21: 1-11
Mark 11: 1-11
Luke 19: 29-44
John 12: 12-19
Monday:
1. Jesus curses the fig tree
Matthew 21: 18-22
Mark 11: 12-14
2. Jesus clears the temple
Matthew 21: 12-13
Mark 11: 15-18
Luke 19: 45-48
Monday, March 22, 2010
Golden
Compliments of The Onion, people. Good Stuff.
Kentucky Violated NCAA Rules While Recruiting Basketball-Playing Dog
This, also, solid gold. And it quotes Rick Stansbury.
Kentucky Violated NCAA Rules While Recruiting Basketball-Playing Dog
This, also, solid gold. And it quotes Rick Stansbury.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Haiti: Who's fault is it?
This is a short one today. I just wanted to share Shaun Groves' post from today. Too good to not share.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Sometimes He Just Wants You To Say Yes
(I apologize that recently fun and usually sarcastic blog about my life has turned into a place where basically I preach. Not intended. It's just that God is working in my heart right now and he's given me things lately that I just can't NOT share with the world.)
I've been reading this precious girl's blog for a while and I'm sure I've shared about her before. I'm amazed everyday by her reckless abandon to obey God and be a part of his plan to accomplish his will in all nations. God, make me this passionate to see your glory and reknown across the world.
Today's post spoke to my heart and I just wanted to share it with whoever is out there reading. It paralleled what I've been studying in my daily reading of God's word. I recently read the story of Abraham and Isaac, when God asked Abraham to kill Isaac as a sacrifice to him (Genesis 22:1-19). If you don't know this story, please go read it.
We all know how it ends. God shows again his great plan for redemption when he provides a ram in the thicket to serve as a substitute for Isaac. I don't think God's ultimate plan was for Abraham to kill his son. I think he was just testing Abraham's faith, seeing if he was willing to go the whole way with this obedient faith thing.
After reading Katie's post today, I think, no, I know (as does she), that God was doing the same in her heart. He just wanted to see if she was willing to say yes.
I think I'm getting to the point where God is about to ask me to say yes. I'm a little afraid, but God's given me his Word to look to so that I know the ending of the story.
Please continue to pray for Katie as she ministers to those who need it most. And pray for me as I try to be obedient and muster up the faith to just say yes.
I've been reading this precious girl's blog for a while and I'm sure I've shared about her before. I'm amazed everyday by her reckless abandon to obey God and be a part of his plan to accomplish his will in all nations. God, make me this passionate to see your glory and reknown across the world.
Today's post spoke to my heart and I just wanted to share it with whoever is out there reading. It paralleled what I've been studying in my daily reading of God's word. I recently read the story of Abraham and Isaac, when God asked Abraham to kill Isaac as a sacrifice to him (Genesis 22:1-19). If you don't know this story, please go read it.
We all know how it ends. God shows again his great plan for redemption when he provides a ram in the thicket to serve as a substitute for Isaac. I don't think God's ultimate plan was for Abraham to kill his son. I think he was just testing Abraham's faith, seeing if he was willing to go the whole way with this obedient faith thing.
After reading Katie's post today, I think, no, I know (as does she), that God was doing the same in her heart. He just wanted to see if she was willing to say yes.
I think I'm getting to the point where God is about to ask me to say yes. I'm a little afraid, but God's given me his Word to look to so that I know the ending of the story.
Please continue to pray for Katie as she ministers to those who need it most. And pray for me as I try to be obedient and muster up the faith to just say yes.
Five Things Tag
Lydia tagged me on this survey and y'all know I love a good mindless survey. So here goes...
Instructions:
1) Answer five questioins with five answers.
2) Tag five other bloggers.
Questions:
1. Where were you 10 years ago?
- I was 16 and a junior in high school.
- Probably getting ready to cheer at a basketball game or practicing for Colonel's Classic.
- Dating a guy that didn't really appreciate me.
- Learning how to be a journalist from Mr. Avalon.
- Probably getting in a little trouble with Drew or Austin.
2. What is on your to-do list for today?
- Pack for the trip home (check)
- Get the cable fixed (check)
- Go to work (check)
- Email Jessica Owens
- Have fun times with the nephew
3. What five snacks do you enjoy?
- Gummies bears
- Grapes
- Any kind of chips and dip but favs are Moe's chips and queso or Pepper's/Bulldog Deli's chips and rotel
- Goldfish
- Ritz crackers
4. Where are five places you have lived?
- Briarcliff Circle in Jackson, MS
- Old Spanish Trail in Jackson, MS
- Rice Hall and McKee Hall at Mississippi State
- The MSU Kappa Delta House
- Birmingham, AL
5. Name five things you would do if you were a billionaire:
- Establish a charity/ministry with several different angles
- Put away money for my children's educations.
- Finally pay my dad for my computer.
- Take the family to New York for Thanksgiving, to Hawaii just for fun, and the Grand Canyon because dad's always wanted to go.
- Finally take my trip to Australia.
And now I tag:
1. Dad
2. Casey
3. LT
4. Rossie
5. Megan J.
Instructions:
1) Answer five questioins with five answers.
2) Tag five other bloggers.
Questions:
1. Where were you 10 years ago?
- I was 16 and a junior in high school.
- Probably getting ready to cheer at a basketball game or practicing for Colonel's Classic.
- Dating a guy that didn't really appreciate me.
- Learning how to be a journalist from Mr. Avalon.
- Probably getting in a little trouble with Drew or Austin.
2. What is on your to-do list for today?
- Pack for the trip home (check)
- Get the cable fixed (check)
- Go to work (check)
- Email Jessica Owens
- Have fun times with the nephew
3. What five snacks do you enjoy?
- Gummies bears
- Grapes
- Any kind of chips and dip but favs are Moe's chips and queso or Pepper's/Bulldog Deli's chips and rotel
- Goldfish
- Ritz crackers
4. Where are five places you have lived?
- Briarcliff Circle in Jackson, MS
- Old Spanish Trail in Jackson, MS
- Rice Hall and McKee Hall at Mississippi State
- The MSU Kappa Delta House
- Birmingham, AL
5. Name five things you would do if you were a billionaire:
- Establish a charity/ministry with several different angles
- Put away money for my children's educations.
- Finally pay my dad for my computer.
- Take the family to New York for Thanksgiving, to Hawaii just for fun, and the Grand Canyon because dad's always wanted to go.
- Finally take my trip to Australia.
And now I tag:
1. Dad
2. Casey
3. LT
4. Rossie
5. Megan J.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Re: Pat Roberston
This article by Albert Moehler and this blog post by Donald Miller helped ease some confusion I had about Pat Robertson's comments on Haiti earlier this week.
I thought I'd share in case you were confused too. Or just interested.
I thought I'd share in case you were confused too. Or just interested.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Free Music... and A Message To Boot
Shaun Groves has become one of my favorite people to hear sing but even more, to read. His words pierce my heart with truth that undoubtedly come from God and his passion inspires me to be who I should be in Christ.
He's offering a couple of free downloads from his website while also sharing with us opportunities to live out our faith here in this world.
The first song is "Sing" and his story that goes along with in hits very close to home with me. He tells his story about the family and friends that stood by him with the love of Christ through a season of doubt and depression that almost stole his Joy.
The second song is "Kingdom Coming". He challenges us to see past what we are free from through salvation to what we are free for. He speaks of the duty we have here on Earth to engage in the Kingdom and take care of each other, rich to poor.
Click on over, get some free music and be blessed.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer...
...is watching this Dave Barnes Christmas Extravagan Za (Part 4) and sharing it with friends both far and near.
Trust me. You want to watch this.
But be careful. You might pee your pants from all the laughing.
Also check out parts one, two and three.
***************************************************************************
Also on a completely different note, I wanted to share this post by Annie Downs that really spoke to me as a fellow July baby.
Trust me. You want to watch this.
But be careful. You might pee your pants from all the laughing.
Also check out parts one, two and three.
***************************************************************************
Also on a completely different note, I wanted to share this post by Annie Downs that really spoke to me as a fellow July baby.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
I dreamed (dreamt?) last night that I went on a special blogger mission trip with Tim Tebow (score!). For some reason, I think it was Nicaragua (sp?).
And we raced lawnmowers.
And I won.
Take that, Timmy T! You may be number one on the football field with a ball in your hand but you have no idea as to the skillz I have behind the wheel of a lawnmower. I mean I've only run into a tree once in my many years of grass-cutting experience.
Anyhoo, so Tim, if you're reading this and planning your next mission adventure for Spring Break, give me a call. I can make myself available.
And we raced lawnmowers.
And I won.
Take that, Timmy T! You may be number one on the football field with a ball in your hand but you have no idea as to the skillz I have behind the wheel of a lawnmower. I mean I've only run into a tree once in my many years of grass-cutting experience.
Anyhoo, so Tim, if you're reading this and planning your next mission adventure for Spring Break, give me a call. I can make myself available.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Help Me Rhonda!
I need your help. I'm not absolutely satisfied with my blog look right now. I like it and it definitely speaks, "Katie's Life...Or Something Like it", but I'm just not 100% right now.
And that's where you come in. I need to you help me make up my mind.
Listed below are some ideas I have found and I want you to vote on what you think says "Katie's Life...Or Something Like It" most.
Click on the link to see the full page demo of the template and then leave a comment with your favorite.
1. Leave it the way it is.
2. Glassical
3. Life College
4. Simple Life
5. Presents
6. Memoriqu
*All templates are from btemplates.com.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
God Is Like Whoa
Ok, sorry for that title but after what I just read, that is the only word that comes to my mind.
Remember yesterday when I told you that Jon Acuff at Stuff Christians Like was trying to raise $30,000 to build a kindergarten in Vietnam.
Wanna know what God did?
He raised that $30,000 in 18 hours. 18 HOURS!
God is like WHOA!
Now, Jon has talked to the people at Samaritan's Purse and they said that there are two more kindergartens that need to be built. If you wanted to donated but didn't get to, or forgot to, or didn't think you should and you slept on it and now you think you should, donations are now being taken to build another kindergarten. And when the money is raised for that, I'm sure they will start raising for the third.
So, go. Donate now.
Live out James 1:27.
(P.S. I didn't plan on posting twice today. I know some of you are thinking that I've gone a little overboard with this NaBloPoMo overachieving thing. But, oh, just wait. There shall come another day or two or 10 that I'll forget to post.)
Remember yesterday when I told you that Jon Acuff at Stuff Christians Like was trying to raise $30,000 to build a kindergarten in Vietnam.
Wanna know what God did?
He raised that $30,000 in 18 hours. 18 HOURS!
God is like WHOA!
Now, Jon has talked to the people at Samaritan's Purse and they said that there are two more kindergartens that need to be built. If you wanted to donated but didn't get to, or forgot to, or didn't think you should and you slept on it and now you think you should, donations are now being taken to build another kindergarten. And when the money is raised for that, I'm sure they will start raising for the third.
So, go. Donate now.
Live out James 1:27.
(P.S. I didn't plan on posting twice today. I know some of you are thinking that I've gone a little overboard with this NaBloPoMo overachieving thing. But, oh, just wait. There shall come another day or two or 10 that I'll forget to post.)
Monday, November 9, 2009
This Is Why I Blog...
And read blogs.
I love that there is a blog community out there that cares about living out James 1:27.
I love that there are people out there period that has committed themselves to living out this "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless."
Jon Acuff, over at Stuff Christians Like, has committed himself and his family to doing just this. And he's asked the blog world to join him.
There's a need for a six-room kindergarten building in Hoang Then village in the Phong Tho district of Vietnam. It costs $30,000. And he wants to raise it by December 31, 2009. (And I just clicked over to the giving page and the total raised so far is $21.272.00. How about that? Click here if you want to give.)
Now, I don't have a lot of money but I do have enough to afford the internet connection that I'm using to write this blog post. (I would say my computer but I didn't exactly pay for it.)
I know it's the Christmas season now and stuff, or at least the retail world thinks so (because America never remembers that Thanksgiving and the Macy's Parade preceed Christmas), but my pastor has challenged us again this year to spend at least the same amount of money on living out James 1:27 as we would on Christmas gifts. I haven't done so well on this for the past couple of years, so I'm trying really hard this year.
Will you commit to that too?
I love that there is a blog community out there that cares about living out James 1:27.
I love that there are people out there period that has committed themselves to living out this "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless."
Jon Acuff, over at Stuff Christians Like, has committed himself and his family to doing just this. And he's asked the blog world to join him.
There's a need for a six-room kindergarten building in Hoang Then village in the Phong Tho district of Vietnam. It costs $30,000. And he wants to raise it by December 31, 2009. (And I just clicked over to the giving page and the total raised so far is $21.272.00. How about that? Click here if you want to give.)
Now, I don't have a lot of money but I do have enough to afford the internet connection that I'm using to write this blog post. (I would say my computer but I didn't exactly pay for it.)
I know it's the Christmas season now and stuff, or at least the retail world thinks so (because America never remembers that Thanksgiving and the Macy's Parade preceed Christmas), but my pastor has challenged us again this year to spend at least the same amount of money on living out James 1:27 as we would on Christmas gifts. I haven't done so well on this for the past couple of years, so I'm trying really hard this year.
Will you commit to that too?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Improv Everywhere Does It Again
Here's your second post of the day.
Improv Everywhere just never disappoints.
My favorite lines from the video:
"Jeff, don't sing a song man."
"He does this every day."
Improv Everywhere just never disappoints.
My favorite lines from the video:
"Jeff, don't sing a song man."
"He does this every day."
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)