Random Acts of Kindness

April 2013

So, I was having a pretty bad day today. No specific reason, just one of those days. And when I say no reason, I really mean no reason; the weather is gorgeous, I had a great day yesterday, and in general, things are good. I just wasn't feeling it today. I walked into town to run a few errands... didn't help my mood that I wasn't paying attention and made a wrong turn and ended up taking about a 2 mile detour with already blistered feet. But I got to where I was going and made a stop at the local drug store for a few necessities (not that you would care, but: face wash, lotion, sunscreen, sponge, mousse... and by that point I desperately needed something to drink).

Now, normally people who seem perpetually optimistic and happy bother me... I mean, can you say hello to reality? But for some reason, today that wasn't the case. The cashier was really nice. He asked how I was. But instead of accepting my generalized 'Good' and half-smile, he really looked at me and went, 'Really?' and I told him'Well, you know, just one of those days.' But the thing is, he took an interest. He paid attention and seemed to be genuinely interested... and not in a creepy way. We made small talk for a couple minutes and then I left. But as I was leaving he told me 'Enjoy the rest of your day. Stay beautiful.'

So, here's the part where I mention my hair was pulled back, almost severely so, I had no make up on, and I was probably kinda sun burned. Not exactly my idea of beautiful. So that simple comment, that basic act of kindness, totally made my day. I walked home in a much better mood and feeling quite simply happy. And just because a stranger in a store took the time to talk for a few minutes... to be nice.

Can you imagine how much better the world would be if people took the extra 30 seconds it takes to compliment somebody or help an old lady get something off the shelf at the grocery store? Because I can. And it's quite the picture.

So... how 'bout church?

February 2013

I was recently reading a conversation on a friend's FB status regarding church. Specifically, atheists going to church. For the sake of privacy, the people in the part of the conversation I'm sharing will be labled "A" and "B".

The original status (and I'm paraphrasing) was essentially "Why do atheists think they don't have to go to church because they're atheists if going to church is considered the 'right' thing to do?"

A: Because we're not going to waste our time doing something we don't believe in.

B: Well, what if you started dating a Christian girl and she wanted you to go to church with her?

A: I would go because I was asked. Regardless of beliefs, it's the polite thing to do.

In it's entirety, the conversation was much longer, but mostly comments were unrelated. This section of the conversation is the only part relevant to my point. I have a lot of acquaintances. I've lived a lot of places, and the reality is, the majority of my friends are not Christians. While this conversation was hypothetically speaking about a 'couple' it is not exclusive to that scenario.

How many people do you know that don't go to church? Professing believer, atheist, agnostic, whatever. Personally, I know a LOT. Now, how many of them have you asked to attend church with you? If you're like me the answer is, sadly, if any, not many.

Now, read that conversation again. A said that he would go to church... if only he was asked. While it was in reference to a romantic connection, the simple truth is, they would probably say yes if it was just a friend that asked them.

The fact is, an atheist, or non believer of any form, is not going to just walk into a church. It's intimidating. It's scary. The unknown always is. But what if someone asked them to go along? Invited them in? You know what makes the unknown bearable and a lot less scary? Support. Someone standing by your side.

So, think about it. Is it really that hard to say "Hey! You doing anything this weekend? Would you like to go to church with me and grab some lunch on Sunday?" The worst they can do is say no. But what if they say yes? It could be the first step to salvation for someone. And all you have to do, is ask one little question.

My Heart Trusts in Him

February 2013

I recently realized, as in a matter of minutes ago, that I have never explained the title of my blog. And point in fact, it's a very significant part of everything I write. The name comes from a verse in Psalms.

Pslam 28:7- The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

The reminder in this verse that I am no longer my own person, that I am Christ's, that I am not alone, has gotten me through nearly every trial in my life since I cam across is roughly 5 years ago. It has shaped my life, and it has given me strength and comfort when there was non to be found.

I Love You

December 2012

"I love you" is not a question, so why do we feel like it requires an answer?

A friend of mine replied to this saying "When one says it, we feel the need to say it back because we want that person to know we love them back." And while I can completely see his point of view, I can also see another side to this.

When I tell you "I love you", while it is indeed nice to hear you say "I love you too", getting that response is not my intent. My intent is, quite simply, to let you know how I feel. It is not an obligation to respond, it's something that is meant to make you feel cherished, with no gain of any kind to me. It's a gift, a gift of affection, letting you know you hold a place in my heart and that I am trusting you with that place. <3 p="">

Father, give me strength... give me wisdom... give me hope for the future. Amen

“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

Why do people fight? Because it’s human nature. We can’t accept things if we don’t like them, so we fight them. Change comes, deal with it. 

I made a huge mistake tonight… have you ever fought someone knowing no one will win? Before you even get into it… you know there’s no good outcomes, and you have the power to stop it right there before it even starts? But you don’t. You give into the monster. You practically jump straight into the abyss. Yeah… that’s what I did…

And I know this is something I cannot fix on my own. But I’ll be hanged if I don’t give it my best shot. Alone? Never. Not even possible… because as the old saying goes “It takes two to tango.” And both parties have to be willing to work toward a solution for anything to get fixed. But God gives us strength through Him to do great and mighty things. To perform miracles when we believe we can. And I need Him now or I may lose one of the dearest friendships I have ever had. 

Father,

Give me the strength to forgive. Give me the wisdom to accept that I must forgive myself before I can rightfully forgive others. Give me hope for a brighter future. And give me the faith to put all I have and all I am into Your mighty hands.

Amen

Single, No Mingle

“But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.” 1 Corinthians 7:7

First hand experience has taught me that we often take singleness for granted. We constantly fail to realize how much of our time, energy, and thought is taken up by relationships.

I just got out of a wonderful relationship that lasted a year and a half. Everyone around me seems to think I should either be heart broken or on the hunt. Not to be callous, or a downer, but I am neither. 

It’s been a long time since I was single, but I had a random thought today of Paul’s reminder that singleness is a gift, not something to be resented. In 1 Corinthians Paul encourages us to remain single and use the extra time being single provides to focus on our faith, which is something I sorely need to do right now. 

I am not saying that singleness is the only path to take, and I don’t plan on remaining single forever. I’m your typical fanciful girl… Someday I want a man’s man to come in and utterly sweep me off my feet and carry me out to his picturesque ranch miles from civilization. Eventually I want a houseful of handsome, rowdy boys running around underfoot, and a couple curly haired, angelic looking (but ornery as me) girls poking around somewhere. But that’s all in the future… right now…

Right now I am going to embrace the gift of a lifetime. I am going to get my life and my spirit pulled together and look forward to the wonderful life I know my Father has planned for me.

What's a Plan?

"An attitude of contentment and hopefulness is one that recognizes God's sovereignty in every situation. Its is faith-birthed optimism that looks to God - an attitude more aware of and grateful for the evidence of God's grace than of problems needing correction." - Joshua Harris - I Kissed Dating Goodbye -

I have to admit that I had a little bit of a hard time finding this quote... I had to search. I always begin a post with a quote or scripture, that's just my style, it gives me a strong starting point. I was looking for something applicable to finding God's plan for one's life, because I recently realized: my life is here. I'm not a kid anymore...

I just spent a month and a half on vacation, and I had a lot of time to think, time I had to use, because I have things to figure out now. And I came to a life-altering conclusion: I DO NOT LIKE THE PLAN I HAVE FOR MY LIFE! I thought I had it figured out... and I did. But that was the problem. I had it figured out. Where was God's hand in any of it? Nowhere. When did I pray about it? Never. How did I know it was His plan for my life? I didn't... I don't, because now I know: it's not.

I don't know what to do with my life because I haven't taken time out of it to ask the only One Who does know. So, I give up. I'm done planning. I'm giving it all to Him. And I'm going to optimistically look forward to His sovereign plan for my life. My problem now is my plan, so it's gone. Done.

I don't have the slightest clue where my life is going, but there is a subtle beauty in that idea, because I know God knows and he will graciously lead me down the path that He has chosen for my. And with that thought in my head and my heart, I am happier and more content than I have felt in years...