What does having peace really mean? This world is filled with so many quick fixes. After a long and stressful day I will go to the gym, shop or have a glass of wine to help me relax, but nothing I do actually fixes the heart of the problem. These peaceful remedies are only temporary bandaids. I have been using a lot of bandaids lately and it's about time I face the problem with an actual solution.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." ~ John 14:27
I sometimes go to God with shame because I feel like what I am going through is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, but that is part of problem. I must remember to go to God daily and stop trying to find peace in worldly things. I had a rush of emotion come over me today during worship and it wasn't until today that I realized I am exhausted from the failure of trying to find peace in this world. I am looking in all the wrong places.
"Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:32-33
Let me simply say... I have found spiritual peace.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Patience is a Virtue
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." ~ Galations 5:22-23
In life there are challenges that I must overcome, opportunities that arise and important decisions that must be made. My Dad always tells me that the most important thing is that you complete everything you put your mind to and that it is not what you do in life, but how you do it. One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn is that you can't make plans and then learning how to let go of those plans when you realize that God's plan is bigger than yours. I used to make these grand plans for how my life would unfold and now I look back and laugh at how silly I once was. I find so much peace and joy from Jeremiah 29:11 and it is a verse that provides me reassurance that I don't carry the burden of making plans.
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
As of right now I have no plans, which absolutely terrifies me. I think the scariest thing is accepting the fact that I have no control. Instead of a plan I have a vision of what God wants to do with my life and I must now learn the virtue of patience. We live in such a fast paced society it is natural to expect instant results and gratification. I sometimes wonder why my vision seems so distant and then I remind myself that although I can't currently see God's work in action, I know in my heart that behind the scenes he is preparing a way to use my life. I must wait patiently for him to put my vision into action and understand that it is His timing and not mine.
Sometimes I wonder why things happen the way they do, but it is through those unexpected challenges that I see God work in my life. Through the hardships I realize that He is preparing me for things to come.
I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry." ~ Psalm 40:1
Let me simply say...He has shown me time and time again that anything is possible!
In life there are challenges that I must overcome, opportunities that arise and important decisions that must be made. My Dad always tells me that the most important thing is that you complete everything you put your mind to and that it is not what you do in life, but how you do it. One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn is that you can't make plans and then learning how to let go of those plans when you realize that God's plan is bigger than yours. I used to make these grand plans for how my life would unfold and now I look back and laugh at how silly I once was. I find so much peace and joy from Jeremiah 29:11 and it is a verse that provides me reassurance that I don't carry the burden of making plans.
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
As of right now I have no plans, which absolutely terrifies me. I think the scariest thing is accepting the fact that I have no control. Instead of a plan I have a vision of what God wants to do with my life and I must now learn the virtue of patience. We live in such a fast paced society it is natural to expect instant results and gratification. I sometimes wonder why my vision seems so distant and then I remind myself that although I can't currently see God's work in action, I know in my heart that behind the scenes he is preparing a way to use my life. I must wait patiently for him to put my vision into action and understand that it is His timing and not mine.
Sometimes I wonder why things happen the way they do, but it is through those unexpected challenges that I see God work in my life. Through the hardships I realize that He is preparing me for things to come.
I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry." ~ Psalm 40:1
Let me simply say...He has shown me time and time again that anything is possible!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
KONY 2012: The Power of People
I watched the compelling and emotional Kony 2012 video that went viral last week and I was at a loss for words. I am so thankful for people like Jason Russell who stand up for what they believe in and are passionate about making our world a better place!
One of the most powerful things Jason said in the video was "we share what we love and it reminds us of what we all have in common." The thing that makes the Kony 2012 campaign successful is people from around the world are connecting for one cause using social networks, public figures and publicity.
I liked that Jason included another viral video example, the video of the first time Sarah Churman heard herself speak. I had the opportunity to hear Sarah Churman speak at Cowboy Way Church a couple months ago and her story was both inspiring and hopeful. It is truly amazing how videos become viral and people have the ability to share their story with millions.
Some people think our society is too "tuned" into social networks, but they have become such powerful tools and created a new way of connecting with people around the world, not only people but causes, such as Kony 2012. As a professional in the marketing and communication field I am so proud of the Kony 2012 campaign and the movement Invisible Children has created. I can only hope to be a part of something that big one day!
To all those people out there criticizing this campaign: Please remember that we don't choose when or where we are born, but because we are here we all matter. The location of the problem is irrelevant; it is our duty as humans to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of one another. I believe we can put a stop to people like Kony and the various other world problems that have yet to receive the necessary publicity and attention.
Let me simply say...the power lies within the people!
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One of the most powerful things Jason said in the video was "we share what we love and it reminds us of what we all have in common." The thing that makes the Kony 2012 campaign successful is people from around the world are connecting for one cause using social networks, public figures and publicity.
I liked that Jason included another viral video example, the video of the first time Sarah Churman heard herself speak. I had the opportunity to hear Sarah Churman speak at Cowboy Way Church a couple months ago and her story was both inspiring and hopeful. It is truly amazing how videos become viral and people have the ability to share their story with millions.
Some people think our society is too "tuned" into social networks, but they have become such powerful tools and created a new way of connecting with people around the world, not only people but causes, such as Kony 2012. As a professional in the marketing and communication field I am so proud of the Kony 2012 campaign and the movement Invisible Children has created. I can only hope to be a part of something that big one day!
To all those people out there criticizing this campaign: Please remember that we don't choose when or where we are born, but because we are here we all matter. The location of the problem is irrelevant; it is our duty as humans to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of one another. I believe we can put a stop to people like Kony and the various other world problems that have yet to receive the necessary publicity and attention.
Let me simply say...the power lies within the people!
Learn More
Pledge Now
Like on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
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