Inner Ramblings of A Youth Director

2011-09-23T12:48:00.000-05:00

Simba: I know what I have to do. But going back will mean facing my past. I've been running from it for so long.
[Rafiki hits Simba on the head with his stick]
Simba: Ow! Jeez, what was that for?
Rafiki: It doesn't matter. It's in the past.
Simba: Yeah, but it still hurts.
Rafiki: Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.
[swings his stick at Simba again who ducks out of the way]
Rafiki: Ha. You See? So what are you going to do?

(Taken from The Lion King, Disney, 1994)

So many of us have pasts we wish we could forget. This could be an entire lifetime of regrets, or simply bits and pieces. Our pain may have been self inflicted, or perhaps, caused by someone else. Addictions, abuse, hurtful words, silence, anger...these are just a few of the reasons people regret and fear their pasts. But why? Really, why do we force ourselves to continue reliving terrible, hurtful experiences instead of giving them to God? By holding on to those moments, we are holding back on our full potential relationship with God.

Forgiveness is difficult. Very difficult. But it is healthy, and it is necessary. Whether that means forgiving yourself for whatever you aren’t willing to let go of from your past, or forgiving that person who so badly hurt you.

Give it to God. When you do that, you are not only strengthening your relationship with God, but you are allowing yourself to move forward in life. It is good to acknowledge the things we need to improve on in life. I encourage all of us to try and learn from our mistakes when beginning each new day. That being said...don’t hold on to them. Allow the past to be just that-the past.

Here’s something some of you may not be ready for:

It doesn’t matter what you’ve done; God forgives you.

Need to hear that one more time? Here it comes. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done; God forgives you. Honestly. Otherwise, what was the point of this Jesus guy? He didn't come to earth to be crucified, die, and rise again for the fun of it. No, he did it for us...so that we could be forgiven. So that we could be given a constant fresh start.

Of course, we want to try and fix our errors. We want to live right and do right by God. But even if we make the same mistake 200,000 times, God will forgive us.

Take some time and talk to God. Yes, right now. Put down this paper or turn off your computer and have a chat with God. Face your past. Tell God all of your regrets...even if it hurts. Allow God to take them from you. I PROMISE God can handle them...and WANTS to handle them. And you are going to feel like a whole new person when you truly allow that to happen. I promise that too.

God is good. All the time.

2011-09-23T12:39:00.000-05:00

It's been a while...and for that, I am sorry. Summer's tend to take me away from technology, and although I enjoy the events that take it's place, I am always happy to return to my "regularly scheduled programming".

As many of you know, a group of youth and adults from Our Saviour’s recently returned from a mission trip to Pine Ridge, South Dakota. It’s funny, because if you ask the youth what the best part of the trip was, most of them will answer with something like, “How much I gained from the trip.”

As Christians, we are called to serve. We are called to trust that God will be there to meet our needs and we are asked to give everything of ourselves for Jesus.

It’s hard.

On the mission trip, several youth were required to step out of their comfort zones-and I’m not talking one or two steps out of their comfort zones-I’m talking miles. Youth were asked to clean up trash, place coat upon coat of paint on old buildings, create baseball diamonds out of snake infested fields, and befriend small children who may not have any other positive contact in their lives. Our days were tiring and taxing, but God was there. Not one time did any youth ever complain about the work they were asked to do. They didn’t complain about their site, their job, their co-workers, the heat...nothing. They literally gave their all-every ounce of physical, emotional, and mental strength they had was left in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. And yet, the
comment remains, “How much I gained on the trip.”

How can you gain something after giving everything?

A few weeks ago, we talked about Jesus feeding 5,000 (more like 10,000 if you count women and children) with just two loaves of bread and five fish. I don’t know about you, but if someone came to me today and old me to feed that number of people with those supplies, I would probably laugh in their face. Not Possible! But Jesus knew otherwise. Jesus knew that God can take what we have and multiply it to glorify His kingdom. Jesus knew that God is bigger than all of our problems and concerns, and Jesus knew that God would not only feed those people, but would provide enough for leftovers.

Interesting.

So, basically, if I’m reading this right (and I’m always right, by the way), what the mission trip kids were saying is that the more they gave of themselves, the more God filled them. Which in turn, led the kids to feeling so fulfilled and excited to give, that they gave more, and were thus even more fulfilled. Are you seeing the cycle here?

God has a plan for each and every one of us. Allow God to work in your life. Trust that God will keep your needs met and allow you the strength to “do the impossible.” What could your two fish and five loaves turn into? Just something to think about.

God is good. All the time

2011-04-26T10:02:00.000-05:00

It's a GREAT day!

Yes, I am aware it is pouring outside, and I have a to-do list that is eight miles long, but that doesn't change a thing-It's a GREAT day.

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm 118:24

I don't remember when it began exactly, but a while back, I noticed my uncle CONSTANTLY saying, "It's a GREAT day!" It didn't matter the circumstance: weddings or funerals, bills paid or not enough to make ends meet, sick or healthy...He felt the same. It's a great day.

At first, most of us just chuckled at him. Some family members got mildly irritated by the always optimistic attitude. Some just ignored the comments altogether. I couldn't let it go. He wasn't just saying those words; he really and truly meant them.

How could someone smile and say what a great day it is while standing in a receiving line at a family member's funeral? I remember saying to him that day, "Not such a great day today, huh?"
Guess what he said? "Are you kidding?! The sun is shining, the family is together, and God has given me another day. Sure, the circumstances aren't the greatest, and obviously I am sad...but that doesn't change the fact that today is a GREAT day."

My outlook on life changed that day. Of course I have crabby days- days where things don't go according to my plan. I still get mad and sad and disappointed and pessimistic...but guess what?

It's a GREAT day. Every day. No matter what.

Tell yourself that. Every morning when you wake up, before you stretch or brush your teeth or eat your breakfast. Whether you slept well or didn't sleep at all-say to yourself, "It's a GREAT day!" Watch how your life changes. It will and you will thank me someday. My uncle Donnie changed my outlook on life, and even on the worst of days (you can ask my husband) I still wake up and say, "It's a Great day!"

God is good. All the time.

2011-04-25T09:04:00.000-05:00

I make mistakes. I let bad words slip. I don't always put God first. People sometimes annoy me. I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I get upset with myself. I don't agree with everyone. I lose my temper.

Despite all my imperfections, God remains. Always.

Did you catch that? Are you hearing what I'm saying?!

Take a second to let that soak in.

It doesn't matter what you do. God's love is not complicated. You can list off every bad thing you have ever done and it still won't matter. God's love remains. Even if you don't love God, God loves you.

Ephesians 3:18-20

I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

God is good. All the time.

2011-04-13T11:55:00.001-05:00

This weekend marked a moment in history that Merrill residents, families, friends, workers, employers, and visitors will never forget. The damage is devastating. The losses are heartbreaking. The sights are overwhelming. My heart, thoughts, energies, and prayers go out to all who were affected by this remorseless tornado.

And yet, I continue to hear people praising God:

A young woman, who lost the only home she has ever known, said to me, "It could have been so much worse. Yes, this sucks, but we are all ok and things will get better again." Praise God.
A man was thrown against his vehicle and trapped there by an unhinged, blown apart garage door...and walked away. Praise God.
A family was at church when the storm took their home. No one was harmed. Praise God.
A man was trying to get his new dog downstairs when the tornado threw the dog who-knows-where. The dog was found, unharmed, the next day. Praise God.
Community members are doing everything and anything they can think of-from donating food, to cutting down trees, to cleaning out closets, to lifting families and individuals in prayer. Praise God.
Churches from across the country are calling to see what they can do to help our community. Praise God.
These stories go on and on.

I was speaking to someone at the site of what was once their home on Tuesday afternoon, when they brought up a song that they said, "has really brought them a lot of comfort." I figured since it is helping one person through this disaster, perhaps it will serve the same purpose for another.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
~Casting Crowns (Praise You In the Storm)

It's easier said than done though. I completely get that. Not everyone is ready to praise God right now. And that is okay.

Everyone deals with things differently. Some people are angry with God for "allowing" this to happen (please read the blog on "why bad things happen" found here). Some people are confused-wondering, "Why me? Why my home or my job?" Others are uncomfortably happy they live on the "other" side of town. Some people are strong and able to work the necessary machinery required to physically "do something" and help with the aftermath. Others feel helpless; hopeless. There are so many feelings, and so many combinations of feelings it is impossible for me to touch on all of them right here right now. Pastor Maurice said something to me today that was said to him during a similar situation:

Everything we are feeling and all of our responses are a natural reaction to an unnatural situation.

He went on to say that we are not wired for these situations. They are awkward and difficult and, as the quote says, unnatural. There is no right or wrong answer. There is no "appropriate" way to feel. God is with each of us-wherever we are in the process...whatever feelings we are harboring. We will get through this, and we will be-one way or another-stronger because of it.

God is good. All the time.

Leave a comment- What was your immediate reaction to the storm? How are you feeling now, a few days later? What are you "doing" or what would you like to do to help? Other thoughts?

2011-04-05T12:50:00.000-05:00

Ugh. My hair is frizzy, my jeans are too tight. I have a big nose. My complexion? Don't even get me started on that topic.

Have you ever had a day like this? A day where you just feel "ugly"? Sometimes when I have ugly days on the outside, my insides get ugly too. I think I look ugly, so I feel ugly, so I act ugly. That is a lot of ugly.

Seriously though, who makes us believe we are ugly? Is it the media: TV, magazines, billboards? Is it in the schools? Where are we picking up these ideals about what is or is not beautiful? Does Hollister make us more beautiful than Walmart brands? Whose vote counts more? Your significant other might think you are the most beautiful person on the planet, while the kid next door rates you a big fat zero on the scale of attractivenesses. Whose opinion matters? And why?

I bet you a million dollars I can find someone who thinks you are the most amazingly beautiful person on the planet. Someone who created you EXACTLY as you are for a reason. Someone who knows everything from the number of hairs on your head to the number of sweat glands in your feet (Hey Focus-you up for a soda chugging contest!?!). In all seriousness, God loves you. God loves all of us-and not because we wear the right clothes or have amazing hair, or hang out with the "right" group of friends.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
~Psalm 139:14

We all have ugly days-days where we just don't feel at our best. I challenge you to remember the above verse on those not-so-pleasant days and look inside yourself for your light. God's light is inside of all of us and it's beauty outshines even the worst complexion. When we find that light, and allow it to shine for the world to see, we become a reflection of God. Now what could possibly be more beautiful than that?!

God is good. All the time. And you are beautiful.

2011-03-26T15:42:00.000-05:00

PRAY. The other day, a young person said to me, “How can I believe in God, if He never answers my prayers?”

Here’s how. Listen closely. God does answer your prayers-every prayer. God does not pick and choose who will get his attention and who will have to wait. God is bigger than that and mightier than that. God answers every single one of our prayers every single time we pray.

Here’s the catch. God doesn’t always say yes. In fact, sometimes God says no. Sometimes God says, be patient, now is not the time. Please trust me that even when the answer is no, or we’ll see, God is there– carrying out His plan for us. Remember? Your will be done? That means God’s will. Not what we want...what God wants. God knows best.

Look back at your life. Think of something you wanted so badly perhaps a girl or guy to go out with you, perhaps a good grade on a test, maybe a specific gift-but you didn't get it. What happened? Did you get

angry with God? Did you play the, “why does everything bad always happen to me” card? If so, guess who you just let mess with you? Satan, that’s who. You let the one evil thing who we fight with everything we have, take over. You let him get a hold of you and start pulling you under...further and further away from God.

If you remember the last post, I discussed bad things and how God doesn't make the bad things happen but God WILL get us through them. Why is it so easy for us to lose sight of God? Why is it so easy for us to question the Creator who loves us so ridiculously much, he sacrificed his own child so we could live-not

just earthly life, but eternal life? We all do it. We all have our why’s and why me moments. We need to

work at not letting those moments consume us. Grab on to the life jacket God has thrown you and TRUST

that He truly will pull you through. Don’t let evil win the battle.

As a parent, I can finally understand the concept of “doing what’s best for a child.” I remember when I was little, getting very upset with my parents for making me go to the doctor to get shots. I told my mom she was

mean and that if she really loved me she wouldn't let the doctor hurt me. I remember my mom crying that day.

Obviously, my mom didn’t want to see me hurting...ever. Taking my girls for their first shots was terrifying-but

I knew I had to do it. In order to keep disease and sickness away in the future, they needed their shots now.

My mom saw then what I see now and God sees always.

Sometimes the desired outcome requires some not-so-pleasant experiences to make us stronger and better prepared. God knows what we need long before we need it. God still wants us to ask. God wants that relationship with us.

PRAY. Sometimes He will say yes, sometimes no, and sometimes maybe. But God is good. All the time.

2011-03-25T22:21:00.001-05:00

I believe yesterday marked the one billionth time I was asked the question I find most difficult to answer: Why do bad things happen?

To tell you the truth, I wish I knew. I have a lot of thoughts on the topic-a few of which I will share with you now. But, in all honesty, I do not know. No one knows. All we can do is have faith that God is a loving, merciful, generous God who wants nothing but the best for us.

Here Goes.

It all goes back to the "In the beginnings." Remember the whole Adam and Eve story? Well, I find one of the most pressing points of that story to be God giving mankind the freedom to choose. God allows us to make choices. This does not mean that God always likes the choices we make. "Bad things happen to good people." We hear that quote all too often. Good people make bad choices. Joshua 1:5 says: "No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you." God is with us whether we are the ones making the bad choices or suffering repercussions of others' poor choices.

Sometimes in life, we feel as though we have nothing left to hold on to. We feel weak, abandoned, and out of control. Sometimes things happen that we can't do anything about. People get sick. Friendships end. Jobs are terminated. It is in these times we need to remember that God is in full control. I have said it before and I will say it again, when bad things happen-whether we are hurting, angry or sad-it is not because we did something wrong, nor is it because we didn't do enough "right." Bad things happen because we, as human beings, were given the freedom to make our own choices, thus creating sin. People do things to hurt one another, evil does exist, and no, it's not fair. It is okay to be angry, God gets angry too...but remember to forgive. It is okay to be sad, but remember when you cry that God is right there, sad and crying with you.

No matter what happens, remember what we read in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

What does this mean? God will make something good come from every bad situation. We may be blinded by our own pain and anger in the moment, but upon looking back at the incident, even the most painful experiences produce something beautiful.

If you remember nothing else of these ramblings, please remember this: bad things happen to everyone. Sometimes these are big and obvious happenings, other times these are small and unapparent. Regardless of your situation, it is not because you weren't a "good enough" Christian. It is not because you did something wrong. God does not make bad things happen; God takes those bad things and creates alternate routes to fulfill His plan for us-and God's plan is one of glory, love and grace.

God is good. All the time.