I never meant to be a mother. I mean, I guess I did; not right now, though. Not before I was married. Not when I was nineteen. Not to so, so many little people. Thankfully, God's plans do not seem to be affected much by my own.
I never meant to live in Uganda, a dot on the map in East Africa, on the opposite side of the planet from my family and all that is comfortable and familiar. Thankfully, God's plans also happen to be much better than my own.
You see, Jesus wrecked my life. For as long as I could remember, I had everything this world says is important. In high school, I was class president, homecoming queen, top of my class. I dated cute boys and wore cute shoes and drove a cute sports car. I had wonderful, supportive parents who so desired my success that they would have paid for me to go to college anywhere my heart desired. But I loved Jesus.
And the fact that I loved Jesus was beginning to interfere with the plans I once had for my life and certainly with the plans others had for me. My heart had been apprehended by a great love, a love that compelled me to live differently. I had grown up in a Christian home, gone to church, and learned about Jesus all my life. Around the age of twelve or thirteen, I began to delve into the truths of Scripture. As I read and learned more and more of what Jesus said, I liked the life-style I saw around me less and less. I began to realize that God wanted more from me, and I wanted more of Him. He began to grow in me a desire to live intentionally, and different from anyone I had ever known.
Slowly but surely I began to realize the truth: I had loved and admired and worshiped Jesus without doing what He said. This recognition didn't happen overnight: in fact I believe it was happening in my heart long before I even knew it. It was happening as I explored the possibility of overseas volunteer work, it was happening as I took my first three-week trip to Uganda, it was happening as I fell in love with a beautiful country full of gracious, joyful people and immense poverty and squalor that begged me to do more. It was happening in so many ways, and I couldn't deny it. I wanted to actually do what Jesus said to do.
So I quit my life.
Originally, my quitting was to be temporary, lasting just one year before I went to college and returned to normal, American teenager life. But after that year, which I spent in Uganda, returning to "normal" wasn't possible. I had seen what life was about and I could not pretend I didn't know. So I quit my life again, and for good this time, I quite college; I quit cute designer clothes and little yellow convertible; I quit my boyfriend. I no longer have all the things the world says are important. I do not have a retirement fund; I do not even have electricity some days. But I have everything I know is important. I have a joy and a peace that are unimaginable and can come only from a place better than this earth, I cannot fathom being happier. Jesus wrecked my life, shattered it to pieces, and put it back together more beautifully.
During the first few months I lived in Uganda, in fall of 2007, I wrote, "Sometimes working in a Third World country makes me feel like I am emptying the ocean with an eyedropper." Today, it often still feel s that way. I have learned to be okay with the feeling because I have learned that I will not change the world. Jesus will do that. I can, however, change the world for one person. I can change the world for fourteen little girls and for four hundred schoolchildren and for a sick and dying grandmother and for a malnourished, neglected, abused five-year-old. And if one person sees the love of Christ in me, it is worth every minute. In fact, it is worth spending my life for.
Many days, I am still overwhelmed by the magnitude of the need and the incredible number of people who need help. Many days I see the destitute, disease-ridden children lining the streets in the communities I serve and I want to scoop up every single one of them, take them home with me, and feed and clothe and love them. And I look at the life of my Savior, who stopped for one.
So I keep stopping and loving one person at a time. Because this is my call as a Christian. I can do only what one woman can do, but I will do what I can do. Daily, the Jesus who wrecked my life enables me to do so much more than I ever thought possible. People often ask if I think my life is dangerous, if I am afraid. I am much more afraid of remaining comfortable. Matthew 10:28 tells us not to fear things that can destroy the body but things that can destroy the soul. I am surrounded by things that can destroy the body. I interact almost daily with people who have deadly diseases, and many times I am the only person who can help them. I live in a country with one of the world's longest-running wars taking place just a few hours away. Uncertainty is everywhere. But I am living in the midst of the uncertainty and risk, amid things that can and do bring physical destruction, because I am running from things that can destroy my soul: complacency, comfort, and ignorance. I am much more terrified of living a comfortable life in a self-serving society and failing to follow Jesus than I am of any illness or tragedy.
Jesus called His followers to be a lot of things, but I have yet to find where He warned us to be safe. We are not called to be safe, we are simply promised that when we are in danger, God is right there with us. And there is no better place to be than in His hands.
For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite Bible verses has been Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart." I used to believe it meant that if I did what the Lord asked of me, followed His commandments, and was a "good girl," He would grant all my desires and make my dreams come true. Today, this is still one of my favorite passages of Scripture, but I have learned to interpret it in a totally different way. It is not about God making my dreams come true but about God changing my dreams into His dreams for my life.
Today I am living the desires of my heart and I cannot imagine living any other life than the one that unfolds before me day by day. But believe me, I am by no means living my plan. I thought that I wanted to go to college with my high school boyfriend, get married, have a successful career and children, settle into a nice house down the road from my parents, and live happily ever after. Today I am a single woman raising a houseful of girls and trying to teach others the love of Jesus in a land that is a far cry from my hometown and my culture. This is not a life that I dreamed up on my own or even knew I had desired. I am watching God work, and as I "delight myself in the Lord" by doing what He asks of me and by saying yes to the needs He places in front of me, He is changing the desires of my heart and aligning them with the desires of His. As I go with Him to the hard places, He changes them into the most joyful places I could imagine.
It sounds beautiful, adventurous, even romantic in ways, right? It is beautiful. And the crazy thing is, it is so simple. Don't misunderstand; it is not easy. But it is simple in that each and every one of us was ultimately created to do the same thing. It will not look the same. It may take place in a foreign land or it may take place in your backyard, but I believe that we were each created to change the world for someone. To serve someone. To love someone the way Christ first loved us, to spread His light. This is the dream, and it is possible. Some days it is excruciatingly difficult, but the blessings far outweigh the hardships.
I have absolutely no desire to write a book about myself. this is a book about Christ. This is a book about a Christ who is alive today and not only knows but cares about every hair on my head. Yours too. I cannot really even pretend to fathom that, but I know it is true. I know this is true because I have seen it so profoundly in the very short amount of life that I have lived. I have seen it in extraordinary miracles and in moments so mundane that they are easily overlooked. And that is why I am writing this book. I am writing on the chance that a glimpse into the life of my family and me, full of my stupidity and God's grace, will remind you of this living, loving Christ, and what it means to serve Him. I am writing with the hope that as you cry and laugh with my family you will be encouraged that God still uses flawed human beings to change the world. And if He can use me, He can use you.
(This is an amazing video, you should definitely take the time to watch it. You won't regret it! I absolutely LOVE what she says at 2:30! SO amazing, and true!)
So, pretty much when I read that introduction of the book, I was like wow! I already love this book. And as I've been reading it each night (I'm now on chapter 6), I can see that what she said in the introduction was true. It's not a book about her. It's a book about Christ. I loved the part about Psalm 37:4. If you remembered my story about Mexico, that was a huge verse for me around that time, and I just love what she said about it, cause that's what I had to learn about it, too!
I can so totally see myself being Katie Davis someday in the future... Doing something like she's doing. I sometimes wish I could hop on a plane right now, and go to wherever God lead me to go, and just serve... Be His hands and feet to the hurting and broken people in this world. And although, I may do that someday, right now I feel called to serve the people that surround me each and everyday, each and every week. I feel like I need to be faithful in the small things right now that God has given me to do. If I'm not faithful in those things (things like getting to bed on time, getting up at a reasonable hour, so as to have time to spend time with Jesus), then what makes me think God is going to give me a bigger task in the future? If I'm not even willing to be where He wants me to be, and do what He wants me to be now, how can I expect Him to send me somewhere different in the future? Luke 19:17 says, "And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities." That's what I need to focus on right now, so that I will be prepared for whatever God calls me to do in the future! (:
Showing posts with label Being content. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Being content. Show all posts
Friday, September 21, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Story of the Three Trees
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."
The second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
The third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to
my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.
When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.
One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenter's, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do.
The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped.
At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.
When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things do not seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, but not in the way they had imagined.
The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
We do not always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
"To this world you might just be another person, but to one person you just might be the whole world."
The second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
The third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to
my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.
When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.
One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenter's, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do.
The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped.
At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.
When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things do not seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, but not in the way they had imagined.
The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
We do not always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
"To this world you might just be another person, but to one person you just might be the whole world."
I hope you all had a good Christmas! Have a wonderful day!
Love, Karissa││Romans 12
P.S. Any thoughts on the new design? I like it, but we have no snow yet, here in Massachusetts, soooo, I'm really hoping we get some reeeaaalllyyy soon! :)
Thursday, November 3, 2011
More Than A Carpenter
Hey all!!! I know, I haven't posted in a while, but I guess I just am not as much of a blogger as some other people are. I try to blog when I can, and have the time, and hope you enjoy when I do blog. :)
Last Saturday night, we had a big snowstorm, got a lot of snow, and the power went out at about 11:30. We didn't get it back 'til yesterday at about 3:30. Yeah, it's a bummer not having heat, water, lights, etc. for 5 days. We take too many things for granted in this life, when they could be taken away from us, at any second (literally, it was just like that. Boom, and everything was gone). Thankfully, we did spend some time at my Nana's and Papa's house, and even though they didn't have heat or lights, they had water, and a stove to cook food on. (and a piano. We have a piano, but it is electric, so we couldn't even play it. :P)
One of the nights, that we spent at our house, I was wearing 2 shirts, 2 thick sweatshirts, gloves, 3 pairs of socks, and I was under 4 blankets. I was pretty warm, needless to say. Haha. But, God answered our prayers, and we now have everything back under our reach. It was so nice to be able to sleep in my own warm bed last night, and be able to take a shower today, in my own shower. :) DON'T TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED!!! It is so not worth it. Don't put something off today, saying that you could just do it tomorrow. That person or thing may not be there tomorrow. Just saying. :)
Anyways, I have been reading More than a Carpenter for school.... Today I was finishing up the last chapter, and a story that Josh {McDowell} told in it, hit me in a hard way. I'm not sure why, but it did, and so I just wanted to share it with you all. :) Pages 126-128 (At this point, Josh is talking about when he got saved, and the impact it had on his life.)
There's another area of which I'm not proud. But I mention it because a lot of people need to have the same change in their lives, and I found the source of change: a relationship with the resurrected, living Christ. That area is hatred. I had a lot of hatred in my life. It wasn't something outwardly manifested, but then there was a kind of inward grinding. I was ticked off with people, with things, with issues. Like so many other people, I was insecure. Every time I met someone different from me, he became a threat to me.
But I hated one man more than anyone else in the world. My father. I hated his guts. To me he was the town alchoholic. If you're from a small town and one of your parents is an alchoholic, you know what I'm talking about. Everybody knows. My friends would come to highschool and make jokes about my father being downtown. They didn't think it bothered me. I was like other people, laughing on the outside, but let me tell you, I was crying on the inside. I'd go out in the barn and see my mother beaten so badly she couldn't get up, lying in the manure behind the cows. When we had friends over, I would take my father out, tie him up in the barn, and park the car up around the silo. We would tell our friends he'd had to go somewhere. I don't think anyone could have hated anyone more that I hated my father.
After I made the decision for Christ-maybe five months later-a love from God through Jesus Christ entered my life and was so strong it took that hatred and turned it upside down. I was able to look my father squarely in the eyes and say, "Dad, I love you." And I really meant it. After some of the things I'd done, that shook him up.
When I transferred to a private university I was in a serious car accident. My neck in traction, I was taken home. I'll never forget my father coming into my room. He asked me, "Son, how can you love a father like me?" I said, "Dad, six months ago I despised you." Then I shared with him my conclusions about Jesus Christ: "Dad, I let Christ come into my life. I can't explain it completely but as a result of that relationship I've found the capacity to love and accept not only you but other people just the way they are."
Forty-five minutes later one of the greatest thrills of my life occurred. Somebody in my own family, someone who knew me so well I couldn't pull the wool over his eyes, said to me, "Son, if God can do in my life what I've seen him do in yours, then I want to give him that oppurtunity." Right there my father prayed with me and trusted Christ.
Usually the changes take place over several days, weeks, or months, even a year. My life was changed in about six months to a year-and-a-half.
The life of my father was changed right before my eyes. It was as if somebody reached down and turned on a light bulb. I've never seen such a rapid change before or since. My father touched whiskey only once after that. He got it as far as his lips and that was it. I've come to one conclusion. A relationship with Jesus Christ changes lives.
You can laugh at Chrisitanity, you can mock and ridicule it. But it works. It changes lives. If you trust Christ, start watching your attitudes and actions, because Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives.
But Christianity is not something you shove down somebody's throat or force on someone. You've got your life to live and I've got mine. All I can do is tell you what I've learned. After that, it's your decision.
Isn't that such a powerful story? I thought it was. :) If you have been changed forever by Jesus Christ, have asked Him to come into your life, and are a new creature in Christ, the old things are passed away. Hate is not apart of you anymore. None of your old self should be there. Everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17). It doesn't matter what others have done to you (as you can see by the story of Elisabeth Elliot. If you haven't read her story yet, you definitely should! Through Gates of Splendor). You should still love them, pray for them, do good to them (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28). After all, aren't we trying to imitate our Saviour in everything we do? Look at Christ's perfect example. He died on the cross for the very people that put Him there!!! It's just amazing to think about, isn't it?? :)
Think about this as well. What kind of example are you being to those around you? Are you claiming to be a Christian, but not really showing it by your actions and deeds? What we do, how we act, and what we say to other people can have a profound impact on them and their life, as you can see by what happened in the story. Josh was such a great example of Christ, that his dad saw that change in him, and wanted what his son had!! Make sure you are doing all that Christ wants you to do today. Be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only! (James 1:22-23)
Well, I have to go for now! Hope you all have a wonderful, cozy day, resting in the arms of our precious, and wonderful, amazing Saviour!!
In His Arms,
Karissa Noelle :)))))
Jeremiah 29:11-13
P.S. I have some pictures to upload soon, so be watching for them!!! :)
Last Saturday night, we had a big snowstorm, got a lot of snow, and the power went out at about 11:30. We didn't get it back 'til yesterday at about 3:30. Yeah, it's a bummer not having heat, water, lights, etc. for 5 days. We take too many things for granted in this life, when they could be taken away from us, at any second (literally, it was just like that. Boom, and everything was gone). Thankfully, we did spend some time at my Nana's and Papa's house, and even though they didn't have heat or lights, they had water, and a stove to cook food on. (and a piano. We have a piano, but it is electric, so we couldn't even play it. :P)
One of the nights, that we spent at our house, I was wearing 2 shirts, 2 thick sweatshirts, gloves, 3 pairs of socks, and I was under 4 blankets. I was pretty warm, needless to say. Haha. But, God answered our prayers, and we now have everything back under our reach. It was so nice to be able to sleep in my own warm bed last night, and be able to take a shower today, in my own shower. :) DON'T TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED!!! It is so not worth it. Don't put something off today, saying that you could just do it tomorrow. That person or thing may not be there tomorrow. Just saying. :)
Anyways, I have been reading More than a Carpenter for school.... Today I was finishing up the last chapter, and a story that Josh {McDowell} told in it, hit me in a hard way. I'm not sure why, but it did, and so I just wanted to share it with you all. :) Pages 126-128 (At this point, Josh is talking about when he got saved, and the impact it had on his life.)
There's another area of which I'm not proud. But I mention it because a lot of people need to have the same change in their lives, and I found the source of change: a relationship with the resurrected, living Christ. That area is hatred. I had a lot of hatred in my life. It wasn't something outwardly manifested, but then there was a kind of inward grinding. I was ticked off with people, with things, with issues. Like so many other people, I was insecure. Every time I met someone different from me, he became a threat to me.
But I hated one man more than anyone else in the world. My father. I hated his guts. To me he was the town alchoholic. If you're from a small town and one of your parents is an alchoholic, you know what I'm talking about. Everybody knows. My friends would come to highschool and make jokes about my father being downtown. They didn't think it bothered me. I was like other people, laughing on the outside, but let me tell you, I was crying on the inside. I'd go out in the barn and see my mother beaten so badly she couldn't get up, lying in the manure behind the cows. When we had friends over, I would take my father out, tie him up in the barn, and park the car up around the silo. We would tell our friends he'd had to go somewhere. I don't think anyone could have hated anyone more that I hated my father.
After I made the decision for Christ-maybe five months later-a love from God through Jesus Christ entered my life and was so strong it took that hatred and turned it upside down. I was able to look my father squarely in the eyes and say, "Dad, I love you." And I really meant it. After some of the things I'd done, that shook him up.
When I transferred to a private university I was in a serious car accident. My neck in traction, I was taken home. I'll never forget my father coming into my room. He asked me, "Son, how can you love a father like me?" I said, "Dad, six months ago I despised you." Then I shared with him my conclusions about Jesus Christ: "Dad, I let Christ come into my life. I can't explain it completely but as a result of that relationship I've found the capacity to love and accept not only you but other people just the way they are."
Forty-five minutes later one of the greatest thrills of my life occurred. Somebody in my own family, someone who knew me so well I couldn't pull the wool over his eyes, said to me, "Son, if God can do in my life what I've seen him do in yours, then I want to give him that oppurtunity." Right there my father prayed with me and trusted Christ.
Usually the changes take place over several days, weeks, or months, even a year. My life was changed in about six months to a year-and-a-half.
The life of my father was changed right before my eyes. It was as if somebody reached down and turned on a light bulb. I've never seen such a rapid change before or since. My father touched whiskey only once after that. He got it as far as his lips and that was it. I've come to one conclusion. A relationship with Jesus Christ changes lives.
You can laugh at Chrisitanity, you can mock and ridicule it. But it works. It changes lives. If you trust Christ, start watching your attitudes and actions, because Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives.
But Christianity is not something you shove down somebody's throat or force on someone. You've got your life to live and I've got mine. All I can do is tell you what I've learned. After that, it's your decision.
Isn't that such a powerful story? I thought it was. :) If you have been changed forever by Jesus Christ, have asked Him to come into your life, and are a new creature in Christ, the old things are passed away. Hate is not apart of you anymore. None of your old self should be there. Everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17). It doesn't matter what others have done to you (as you can see by the story of Elisabeth Elliot. If you haven't read her story yet, you definitely should! Through Gates of Splendor). You should still love them, pray for them, do good to them (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28). After all, aren't we trying to imitate our Saviour in everything we do? Look at Christ's perfect example. He died on the cross for the very people that put Him there!!! It's just amazing to think about, isn't it?? :)
Think about this as well. What kind of example are you being to those around you? Are you claiming to be a Christian, but not really showing it by your actions and deeds? What we do, how we act, and what we say to other people can have a profound impact on them and their life, as you can see by what happened in the story. Josh was such a great example of Christ, that his dad saw that change in him, and wanted what his son had!! Make sure you are doing all that Christ wants you to do today. Be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only! (James 1:22-23)
Well, I have to go for now! Hope you all have a wonderful, cozy day, resting in the arms of our precious, and wonderful, amazing Saviour!!
In His Arms,
Karissa Noelle :)))))
Jeremiah 29:11-13
P.S. I have some pictures to upload soon, so be watching for them!!! :)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
There
I read this the other day on ylcf.org, and thought it was really good, so I wanted to share it with you! Some of you may have read it, but I just wanted to put it on here anyways! :)
It was simply titled “There”, but it was one of the most powerful sermons I’d heard. The piece of paper on which I jotted the notes and main points is limp now, for each of the years that have passed since I first heard the sermon have proved to make the message it contained more relevant all the time.
It was a sermon about being There, right where God has asked us to be. It’s not always where we think we want to be, and most certainly not always the place that makes sense to us as humans, but being There is the only place we should be.
For Noah, there was preaching an apparently foolish sermon about something that had never happened before. There was to build a boat- a living testimony to his faith. There was to endure ridicule, reproach, to be called crazy and out of his mind for One Hundred and Fifty years. There was to wait in that arch until God opened the door. Not stepping out a moment sooner, not a moment later than God’s will for him and his family.
For Moses, there was in the palace of the king of Egypt. The king who was cruel to his people and hated his God. There was living the lonely and humble life of a shepherd for forty years, and there was standing in the palace and at the risk of everything, delivering the message to set God’s people free.
For Joseph, there was a servant in the house of a stranger, doing his very best only to be unjustly accused and thrown in to prison. There was then to serve God- and his superiors faithfully, no matter how long and tedious those years must’ve felt.
For Esther, there was in the palace of a heathen king, as Queen – for “such a time as this”- risking her life to save her people.
For Elijah, there was beside the little brook of Cherith, relying on Ravens to bring him food, and trusting that the little brook wouldn’t dry up, until God led him on.
There for him and for each one of these great bible heroes was right where God wanted them to be, and there is right where we need to be, no matter what.
Over the years, the lines from that sermon have often echoed in my heart when the place God asked me to be didn’t always feel so comfortable, didn’t always make sense to me, or so very beautiful as I thought I wanted, and again when I’ve caught glimpses of why He put me right there after all. And I’ve jotted my own notes under the outlines of the sermon, filling in the things that I have learned, that am always learning as I seek to truly be There. Right in the place that He has put me for today. No where else, just right there.
Truly, “the path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.”
May these little notes serve to encourage you in your “there” to be faithful, and to trust Him who makes all things beautiful in His time.
There is a place of perplexity. Sometimes I don’t know why God put me here. It’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and sometimes seems so far from where I want to be, or even where I think I should be right now. But if He puts me there, be there, no matter how perplexing or uncertain it seems, because I know that He knows what He’s doing. He sees the big picture, while I’m only catching a glimpse of the moment I’m in.
There is a place of promise. Our God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or even imagine. No matter what There looks like, if we remain, trusting Him, He promises to make all things clear in His time, that we shall not lack any good thing, that He will be faithful. His word is full of promises to us, and the honor of His throne stands behind the fulfillment of those promises.
There is a place of providence. God has a plan, a beautiful plan for working out His purpose in our life. In our limited human vision, this is not often clear to us, but there is no chance in being there where He has asked us to be- just His promises, His providence. When we step out in faith, right there in the line of duty, providence meets us, and His way, His plans are always perfect.
There is a place of provision. God has more than a thousand ways to provide for every single one of our needs. He has promised to provide for us, and He will be faithful to that promise. If we choose our own place, instead of being There where He has called us, no matter how humble of a there it might be, God’s hand may still protect us, but His provision is not what it would have been or could have been had we faithfully remained there in his will.
There is a place of protection. While we are there, in His will, we will be under His care, even in the very path of danger. “The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or through the sea, but it is a safe path.” Whatever happens there, God is in control and He will not allow anything to happen that is not according to His will, but we must never leave God’s appointed there for any other place, for no other place is as safe as right there where He wants us to be.
There is a place of prayer. Asking God to give us the good gifts that His word says that are ours for the asking, asking for his blessings on others, asking Him to take care of tomorrow, and to give us strength for today. Thanking Him for what He has done, and will do. Sharing with Him as your Friend and Confidant.
There is a place of praise. Praise God for his provision, protection, providence and for the promises that He has fulfilled. “Let His praise be continually on your lips.” We ask often for His blessings, as we should, but how little time we spend in praising Him and thanking Him for the great things that He has done. As we focus our eyes on the blessings He daily has poured out on us in this place, our heart will be overflowing with thanksgiving. Instead of “give me…” and “give me…” or “do this….” or “do that…”, the language of our heart becomes “Thank you”, “Thank you”, “Thank you”.
There is a place of patience. God has sent us there, and if “the brook of Cherith dries up”, if the door of the ark doesn’t open immediately, if the sun is still hiding behind those clouds, wait patiently on His plan, His time, His provision. No matter what appearances may say, stay there until He makes a way. “If there ever was a time for patient trust, it is right now” when you feel the least like waiting. Trust in his purposes, even when they do not make sense.
There is a place of peace. If you are there- in His will- you will have peace of mind and heart. If you are not there, you cannot have true peace or rest. “There” could be in a den of lions, in a fiery furnace, in a ship lost at sea, or in the middle of the most devastating of circumstances, but peace between your soul and God is there because peace is a gift that only God can give. And it is a gift that He delights to give those that trust in His will. It does not mean that there will never be any struggles, or that you will not have to keep putting your heart and mind back into the hands of God, but when you do this, the peace will come.
There is a place of privilege. It is a privilege to be There. Right there in God’s will, right there where He has called us to be. To be a part of His great plan is a privilege, and an honor that we should cherish. All of His instructions are a privilege, and more than a privilege, a joy for those who love Him to obey. And for each thing that He calls us to, He gives us strength and grace in great measure to accomplish. In light of this, why do we complain when there isn’t how we think it should be, when it is a place so filled with privileges and blessings?
This is a picture I saw on someone else's blog, and I really liked it, so I wanted to share this as well! I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)
"There"
It was a sermon about being There, right where God has asked us to be. It’s not always where we think we want to be, and most certainly not always the place that makes sense to us as humans, but being There is the only place we should be.
For Noah, there was preaching an apparently foolish sermon about something that had never happened before. There was to build a boat- a living testimony to his faith. There was to endure ridicule, reproach, to be called crazy and out of his mind for One Hundred and Fifty years. There was to wait in that arch until God opened the door. Not stepping out a moment sooner, not a moment later than God’s will for him and his family.
For Moses, there was in the palace of the king of Egypt. The king who was cruel to his people and hated his God. There was living the lonely and humble life of a shepherd for forty years, and there was standing in the palace and at the risk of everything, delivering the message to set God’s people free.
For Joseph, there was a servant in the house of a stranger, doing his very best only to be unjustly accused and thrown in to prison. There was then to serve God- and his superiors faithfully, no matter how long and tedious those years must’ve felt.
For Esther, there was in the palace of a heathen king, as Queen – for “such a time as this”- risking her life to save her people.
For Elijah, there was beside the little brook of Cherith, relying on Ravens to bring him food, and trusting that the little brook wouldn’t dry up, until God led him on.
There for him and for each one of these great bible heroes was right where God wanted them to be, and there is right where we need to be, no matter what.
Over the years, the lines from that sermon have often echoed in my heart when the place God asked me to be didn’t always feel so comfortable, didn’t always make sense to me, or so very beautiful as I thought I wanted, and again when I’ve caught glimpses of why He put me right there after all. And I’ve jotted my own notes under the outlines of the sermon, filling in the things that I have learned, that am always learning as I seek to truly be There. Right in the place that He has put me for today. No where else, just right there.
Truly, “the path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.”
May these little notes serve to encourage you in your “there” to be faithful, and to trust Him who makes all things beautiful in His time.
There is a place of perplexity. Sometimes I don’t know why God put me here. It’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and sometimes seems so far from where I want to be, or even where I think I should be right now. But if He puts me there, be there, no matter how perplexing or uncertain it seems, because I know that He knows what He’s doing. He sees the big picture, while I’m only catching a glimpse of the moment I’m in.
There is a place of promise. Our God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or even imagine. No matter what There looks like, if we remain, trusting Him, He promises to make all things clear in His time, that we shall not lack any good thing, that He will be faithful. His word is full of promises to us, and the honor of His throne stands behind the fulfillment of those promises.
There is a place of providence. God has a plan, a beautiful plan for working out His purpose in our life. In our limited human vision, this is not often clear to us, but there is no chance in being there where He has asked us to be- just His promises, His providence. When we step out in faith, right there in the line of duty, providence meets us, and His way, His plans are always perfect.
There is a place of provision. God has more than a thousand ways to provide for every single one of our needs. He has promised to provide for us, and He will be faithful to that promise. If we choose our own place, instead of being There where He has called us, no matter how humble of a there it might be, God’s hand may still protect us, but His provision is not what it would have been or could have been had we faithfully remained there in his will.
There is a place of protection. While we are there, in His will, we will be under His care, even in the very path of danger. “The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or through the sea, but it is a safe path.” Whatever happens there, God is in control and He will not allow anything to happen that is not according to His will, but we must never leave God’s appointed there for any other place, for no other place is as safe as right there where He wants us to be.
There is a place of prayer. Asking God to give us the good gifts that His word says that are ours for the asking, asking for his blessings on others, asking Him to take care of tomorrow, and to give us strength for today. Thanking Him for what He has done, and will do. Sharing with Him as your Friend and Confidant.
There is a place of praise. Praise God for his provision, protection, providence and for the promises that He has fulfilled. “Let His praise be continually on your lips.” We ask often for His blessings, as we should, but how little time we spend in praising Him and thanking Him for the great things that He has done. As we focus our eyes on the blessings He daily has poured out on us in this place, our heart will be overflowing with thanksgiving. Instead of “give me…” and “give me…” or “do this….” or “do that…”, the language of our heart becomes “Thank you”, “Thank you”, “Thank you”.
There is a place of patience. God has sent us there, and if “the brook of Cherith dries up”, if the door of the ark doesn’t open immediately, if the sun is still hiding behind those clouds, wait patiently on His plan, His time, His provision. No matter what appearances may say, stay there until He makes a way. “If there ever was a time for patient trust, it is right now” when you feel the least like waiting. Trust in his purposes, even when they do not make sense.
There is a place of peace. If you are there- in His will- you will have peace of mind and heart. If you are not there, you cannot have true peace or rest. “There” could be in a den of lions, in a fiery furnace, in a ship lost at sea, or in the middle of the most devastating of circumstances, but peace between your soul and God is there because peace is a gift that only God can give. And it is a gift that He delights to give those that trust in His will. It does not mean that there will never be any struggles, or that you will not have to keep putting your heart and mind back into the hands of God, but when you do this, the peace will come.
There is a place of privilege. It is a privilege to be There. Right there in God’s will, right there where He has called us to be. To be a part of His great plan is a privilege, and an honor that we should cherish. All of His instructions are a privilege, and more than a privilege, a joy for those who love Him to obey. And for each thing that He calls us to, He gives us strength and grace in great measure to accomplish. In light of this, why do we complain when there isn’t how we think it should be, when it is a place so filled with privileges and blessings?
This is a picture I saw on someone else's blog, and I really liked it, so I wanted to share this as well! I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)
In Christ,
Karissa :)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Loooong post :)
Hey everyone,
I am finally blogging again! Oh my! I don't have any pictures at this time, but hope to have some soon. :) Haha. I was going to write the other day but I didn't end up getting to. Oh well! To get on to what I want to blog about...
I am growing to love and look forward to my times with the Lord each day more and more. The other day when I was doing my devotions, I was praying and I just had a great feeling, like I was in the arms of Christ! It was a wonderful feeling. When I was done I had such a joy and peace in my heart, knowing that God is on control of my life, and He will take care of me. I can place my total trust in Him, knowing that whatever happens is all for the glory and honour of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour! I am so excited to continue to learn and grow each day, and see what God has for me to do for His Kingdom.
Recently, I have been praying and asking God that I would be content in the place He has placed me and although it may not be what I want, or I am not happy, that I would have a good attitude, and not be angry or whatever. Philippians 4:11 says I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. So, that is some of the things I have been learning, and God has been teaching me through His word recently! :D
Well, a while ago (almost two weeks now. Wow!), we went to the Deerfield fair. It was really fun. It started out to be a rainy day, but we prayed that God would have it be a nice day, and it was beautiful for the rest of the day. It was nice weather (not to warm, and not to hot), and there was a beautiful breeze! God was very good. (like always!) :) We enjoyed seeing all the animals (horses, cows, pigs, roosters, chickens, goats, sheep, etc), and also had a great time watching the pig scramble, the flying Wallenda's, the horse pull (horse pullin', at the Deerfield fair, you'll see no better, says the guy. Haha), the horse show, and others. Over all, it was a fun day! :)
This past weekend, we went to The Hanson's house for a harvest carnival! I was sick on Saturday, and that was really a bummer, but at least I was better Sunday and Monday, and get to have some fun. So, when we got there Friday night, just Kristi Phipps and Allie were there (and of course the Hanson's. Haha). So, after a little bit, the Johnson's get there, and everyone went crazy ("the bus is at the end of the driveway", "the bus is here"). So then everyone had ice cream, and after a little bit Emily, Thomas, Nicholas, Katie, Uncle Tom and Auntie Heather get there. So, for the rest of that night it was just playing and going to bed.
The next morning everyone had pancakes and fruit, etc. made by Kristi and Allie. I'm not all that sure what everyone did that day, since I was in bed, but I do know that the kids played some capture the flag, and other stuff, and the adults played some volleyball. Mrs. Robin had invited some other people, so there were lots of other "new" people to play and have fun with as well! Auntie Jenn and Uncle Dan came with Nate and Maria (who I didn't get to see :( hopefully next time :) ), and Kelly Poitier was also there. Mr. Johnson, Corbin and Lucas had to go home sometime Saturday to go to a karate thing, and Mr. J had to preach on Sunday morning....but they were back. Lunch that day was by us, sandwiches with turkey breast, bologna, etc. and chips and vegetables. Supper was by Mrs. Robin, which was beef stew. I didn't get to eat a lot of food that day, but I did have some, and what I ate was GOOD (so thank you to Kristi and Allie, Mom and Susanna, and Mrs. Robin for those delicious meals). So, I think Saturday was a good day filled with lots of fun!
Sunday, I woke up feeling muccchhh better, PTL! :) The breakfast was delicious! Waffles, fruit, biscuits and jelly, etc. Then we had a Church service, and Mr. Hanson shared some of his thoughts with us, as well as other people passing around some thoughts as well. After that was just kind of hanging out until lunch which was tacos made by Auntie Heather! They were soooo good (thanks for making that meal Auntie Heather)! After that it was just more hanging out, talking, having fun, playing, etc. The kids played a lot more capture the flag, and more. The Johnson's got back probably at about 3-3:30 I'd say. Supper Sunday night was Stromboli made by Mrs. Johnson (yum! Thanks Mrs. J for making that for us), and salad (I think they may have soup as well). After dinner was a time of singing with Mr. J playing the guitar. I really enjoyed that time of singing, it was just wonderful. You could sense the presence of the Lord in that room, that night!
After that was dessert. Leftovers (cookies, etc), plus apple pie that Mrs. J had made. Yummy! Oh! Mrs. J also made the yummy chocolate chex mix that's so good! :D And again after that it was just playing, and having some more fun before it was time to go to bed. We played some pole position, mappy and pac man on the tv. Caleb and Corbin (as well as Mr. Hanson, Mr. J, and Uncle Tom) played ping pong a lot, and had lots of fun with that. The next morning, last day ( :'( ), we woke up and had muffins made by Mrs. J, waffles, fruit, and a couple other things. After that we played outside for a while, before it was time to pack up. When we were about done packing, we stopped for lunch, which was leftovers (chips, pretzels, sandwiches with whatever meat was leftovers, etc.). Then right before we left to head for home, Corbin made everyone smoothies (either pineapple, strawberry, banana, or any combination with those three things). I had the regular strawberry banana like at the sand box this summer! :) Thanks Corbin for those delicious smoothies. After that, it was time to say our goodbyes and head for home! It was a great weekend, and everyone had lots of fun!
So, thanks to everyone who made it so fun, to all those who prepared the meals, and helped with cleanup, dishes, and anything else that went on. I hope next time, I won't be feeling yucky and I'll be able to help some more!
Well, that is all I am going to say for now. I am out of breath, and this is getting really long! Lol. I hope to get some pictures on here when I get the chance, and I hope you all have a great night! :)
I am finally blogging again! Oh my! I don't have any pictures at this time, but hope to have some soon. :) Haha. I was going to write the other day but I didn't end up getting to. Oh well! To get on to what I want to blog about...
I am growing to love and look forward to my times with the Lord each day more and more. The other day when I was doing my devotions, I was praying and I just had a great feeling, like I was in the arms of Christ! It was a wonderful feeling. When I was done I had such a joy and peace in my heart, knowing that God is on control of my life, and He will take care of me. I can place my total trust in Him, knowing that whatever happens is all for the glory and honour of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour! I am so excited to continue to learn and grow each day, and see what God has for me to do for His Kingdom.
Recently, I have been praying and asking God that I would be content in the place He has placed me and although it may not be what I want, or I am not happy, that I would have a good attitude, and not be angry or whatever. Philippians 4:11 says I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. So, that is some of the things I have been learning, and God has been teaching me through His word recently! :D
Well, a while ago (almost two weeks now. Wow!), we went to the Deerfield fair. It was really fun. It started out to be a rainy day, but we prayed that God would have it be a nice day, and it was beautiful for the rest of the day. It was nice weather (not to warm, and not to hot), and there was a beautiful breeze! God was very good. (like always!) :) We enjoyed seeing all the animals (horses, cows, pigs, roosters, chickens, goats, sheep, etc), and also had a great time watching the pig scramble, the flying Wallenda's, the horse pull (horse pullin', at the Deerfield fair, you'll see no better, says the guy. Haha), the horse show, and others. Over all, it was a fun day! :)
This past weekend, we went to The Hanson's house for a harvest carnival! I was sick on Saturday, and that was really a bummer, but at least I was better Sunday and Monday, and get to have some fun. So, when we got there Friday night, just Kristi Phipps and Allie were there (and of course the Hanson's. Haha). So, after a little bit, the Johnson's get there, and everyone went crazy ("the bus is at the end of the driveway", "the bus is here"). So then everyone had ice cream, and after a little bit Emily, Thomas, Nicholas, Katie, Uncle Tom and Auntie Heather get there. So, for the rest of that night it was just playing and going to bed.
The next morning everyone had pancakes and fruit, etc. made by Kristi and Allie. I'm not all that sure what everyone did that day, since I was in bed, but I do know that the kids played some capture the flag, and other stuff, and the adults played some volleyball. Mrs. Robin had invited some other people, so there were lots of other "new" people to play and have fun with as well! Auntie Jenn and Uncle Dan came with Nate and Maria (who I didn't get to see :( hopefully next time :) ), and Kelly Poitier was also there. Mr. Johnson, Corbin and Lucas had to go home sometime Saturday to go to a karate thing, and Mr. J had to preach on Sunday morning....but they were back. Lunch that day was by us, sandwiches with turkey breast, bologna, etc. and chips and vegetables. Supper was by Mrs. Robin, which was beef stew. I didn't get to eat a lot of food that day, but I did have some, and what I ate was GOOD (so thank you to Kristi and Allie, Mom and Susanna, and Mrs. Robin for those delicious meals). So, I think Saturday was a good day filled with lots of fun!
Sunday, I woke up feeling muccchhh better, PTL! :) The breakfast was delicious! Waffles, fruit, biscuits and jelly, etc. Then we had a Church service, and Mr. Hanson shared some of his thoughts with us, as well as other people passing around some thoughts as well. After that was just kind of hanging out until lunch which was tacos made by Auntie Heather! They were soooo good (thanks for making that meal Auntie Heather)! After that it was just more hanging out, talking, having fun, playing, etc. The kids played a lot more capture the flag, and more. The Johnson's got back probably at about 3-3:30 I'd say. Supper Sunday night was Stromboli made by Mrs. Johnson (yum! Thanks Mrs. J for making that for us), and salad (I think they may have soup as well). After dinner was a time of singing with Mr. J playing the guitar. I really enjoyed that time of singing, it was just wonderful. You could sense the presence of the Lord in that room, that night!
After that was dessert. Leftovers (cookies, etc), plus apple pie that Mrs. J had made. Yummy! Oh! Mrs. J also made the yummy chocolate chex mix that's so good! :D And again after that it was just playing, and having some more fun before it was time to go to bed. We played some pole position, mappy and pac man on the tv. Caleb and Corbin (as well as Mr. Hanson, Mr. J, and Uncle Tom) played ping pong a lot, and had lots of fun with that. The next morning, last day ( :'( ), we woke up and had muffins made by Mrs. J, waffles, fruit, and a couple other things. After that we played outside for a while, before it was time to pack up. When we were about done packing, we stopped for lunch, which was leftovers (chips, pretzels, sandwiches with whatever meat was leftovers, etc.). Then right before we left to head for home, Corbin made everyone smoothies (either pineapple, strawberry, banana, or any combination with those three things). I had the regular strawberry banana like at the sand box this summer! :) Thanks Corbin for those delicious smoothies. After that, it was time to say our goodbyes and head for home! It was a great weekend, and everyone had lots of fun!
So, thanks to everyone who made it so fun, to all those who prepared the meals, and helped with cleanup, dishes, and anything else that went on. I hope next time, I won't be feeling yucky and I'll be able to help some more!
Well, that is all I am going to say for now. I am out of breath, and this is getting really long! Lol. I hope to get some pictures on here when I get the chance, and I hope you all have a great night! :)
With his Love,
Karissa Noelle <3
1 John 2:15-17 (King James Version)
15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
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