Independent

Do we realize how lazy we are? I do sometimes. Yes, I think I am a hard worker, but I am also very lazy. I was sitting at work doing the crossword puzzle the other day (very badly, might I add) and one of the clues was a fill in the blank bible verse that I wasn't familiar with. Did I stand up and walk the 2 feet to the computer to look it up? Did I reach out my arm to my bag to grab my iPod to connect to the wifi to look it up? No. I was too lazy. I was going to post about this yesterday at work, but I was too lazy. Granted, this isn't an extreme circumstance, but it makes me think about the people in third world countries who literally break their backs working to put enough food on their table to sustain them.
Speaking of our "daily bread" the sermon on Sunday went along with my thoughts. You know the Lord's Prayer right? "... Give us this day our daily bread..." Do we pray for that? Do we pray every day to to receive that? I don't. In our society we feel we don't have to rely on anyone for our daily bread. We are independent. (Hear us roar!) I think sometimes, we don't think that we have to rely on God. We are so self-sustaining, so selfish, that we forget who gave us all our blessings. Who gave you the skills for your $100, 000/yr job? Maybe your winning personality? Well, who gave you that personality?

We have been given SO much, yet we fail to be thankful at all. We expect it. Maybe this post should hit a little closer to Thanksgiving, haha. We are so blessed. Let's praise God for that. I read something once that said, " If you can afford to go to the store, buy a book, and have the education to read it, you are one of the wealthiest people."

So, what are we complaining about? What little things do we say each day? My favorite boots are missing. Mom, why can't you stop asking me questions. My windshield wipers are bad, I'll have to buy new ones. Well, congratulations. You have shoes. You have a family. You have a car. And most of all. We have God. We are blessed beyond belief.

Selfish

I had to go to the AM session of Bible Study today and boy, am I glad I did. Her main point was selfishness vs. sacrifice. It really hit home for me. I took a look at my life, my job, my daily interactions, and was I surprised. What do I do to take up my cross daily and follow God? How do I offer myself as a living sacrifice? Sure, I do tithe, but honestly, that's not hurting me right now. What costs me to give? And am I giving it to God? Like Beth read, if it doesn't cost us, we don't think of it as expensive. And we value things that cost us and guard them. I want my life to be like that. I want to jealously guard my relationship with God against that world. We are not going to live unselfishly with out meaning too. From the minute we wake up til bed we think me, me, me, me. Maybe I'm worse since I'm an only child and don't have any kids of my own to think of and take care of. I live with my parents, essentially, they are still taking care of me.

And we all know that thru giving we receive *Christmas message anyone?* But I don't want to give in order to receive. That shouldn't be the motivator. I want to try seeing what God wants, not what I want.

I'm sure some people would think it's crazy to want to have something cost you, but it makes sense to me. Give it up to Jesus. Because when we do, we find what our true life. And that's something selfish me wants.

I really hope that I can take my own advice on this.

Am I the problem?

Am I part of the problem, or part of the solution? I think we all have to ask ourselves that. In relation to anything: work, school, relationships. If we truly take a look at our conflicts in life, I think we may find ourselves more problematic than we think.

If we all try to think as a team and not a selfish individual we might have less conflict.

Short and sweet :)

Did you know?

Did you know that 27% of the Bible is prophecy? AND 20% of the books of the Bible are prophetic! Wow. I guess that means we should be paying attention to prophecy. I don't know about you, but when I think of prophecy I think of some hokey thing from a Harry Potter book :) Like I said before, I didn't know I was going to like studying Daniel's prophecies but I do.

I think in our culture today we forget how destructive pride can be. We don't think about what it does. I'm not even though thinking about it :) I think to myself, what is wrong with a dad being proud of his little girl who learns how to kick a ball for the first time. Maybe nothing, IF we don't let pride inflate us. But think about all the things pride can lead to. Fights at high school football games. Broken friendships. Thoughts anyone?

More random plot twists- Have you ever asked yourself, Can God trust me? Does God look at you and say, "Oh, yes, that's Sally, she can handle this situation." Or is it, "Well... maybe I won't let her be a part of this one." I know I need to ask myself that question. I don't think I would be in the affirmative category right now. I know I need to pretty much be on my knees praying that I can get to that level of trust with God.

Speaking of praying, isn't it awesome that we have Jesus Christ interceding on our behalf to the Father? I mean. Jesus. yeah. Him praying for us. How powerful!

Sorry this is random tonight. Lots of little tidbits. In my bible study, Beth said something to the effect of isn't it great that we don't just hope that Jesus is the son of God- we know. Now, sometimes I have to take a look at my faith and relationship and say ok, girl, this is where I am. Look at what is right in front of you. Faith is one of those things for me. But, I'm dealing with. I guess I'm just putting it here to see if maybe it can be encouraging for you. You aren't the only one who struggles.

Last random note, Since I've been reading a lot about prophecy the possibility of theopany (appearance of Christ after he ascended into heaven but before he comes back- or something like that. Google it!) How crazy awesome is this stuff. I mean Daniel was sitting there praying and wham!!! there was (what some scholars to be) Jesus. Daniel freaked out. So would I. What would be your reaction if Jesus Christ literarily appeared before you. Yeah. Man. Imagine that. I guess we don’t' have to b/c some day it will be a reality in eternity. But if during my life he did appear and I wasn't dead, what would I do. I don't know. What would you do?

Love-> Marriage, Marriage->Love....

So here’s some food for thought. I was watching Aladdin on TV last night (great movie!) And it occurred to me that after their magic carpet ride and kiss everyone is all happy happy and the sultan and Jasmine jump right into the marriage card. “You’ll be married at once!” Even though no one really proposes or asks. Not that I’m criticizing one of my favorite Disney movies of all time, just thinking.

In the real world, at least the real world in our culture, we’ve become accustom to huge and sweeping romantic epic. We expect huge proposals, elaborate weddings and a storyline that most woman would cry if they read it. But when exactly did this shift take place? Didn’t it used to be marriages were strategic alliances for families, countries, and royalty? Again, not that I’m complaining. I’d like to pick my own husband, thank you very much. Was our culture “Disney-fied” at some point? If you ask anyone, including me (not that I’m getting married currently, haha), why are you marrying this person you will get a common answer in some way or another. Love. I love him/her. I can’t imagine life without her/him, etc.

Even in the Bible a lot of the marriages you read about are political. I mean Adam and Eve were married, but they were kinda the only option. Yes, there are love stories in the Bible. (Ever read Song of Solomon?) But I want to know where our American romantic expectations meet real life. Marriages are hard work. (Or so I’ve heard!) Where does God’s plan fit into all this? Yes, I think God loves us so much He wants us to be happy and loved by our spouse, but it’s not like I can think of scripture at the moment that says, “Marry your spouse because you love them” So I guess my basic question is when/what prompted the move of marriage from an alliance where love could grow, to love that makes you want to form an alliance.

I guess I do expect that someday I will “be in love” and will get married according to God’s plan for my life. But is this sweeping epic love we think of today part of the love God wants us to experience.

I think I’m rambling now. I hope you understood some of that!

*Cue the song “A Whole New World”

~~~which by the way, I do plan on playing at least once at my wedding J

Does God hear our prayers?

Answer: Absolutely. He hears us and answers! Even if the answer isn't what we want. But He cares about us. Even little things. Real time example:

I'm at work. Due to unforseen circumstances we were overbooked a room. Enter in prayer. When I checked my status next I wasn't oversold any more!!!! We had someone cancel! Praise, Jesus. It's such a small thing, but God is listening to you!