The Power of Empowering One

On a Friday afternoon, a little girl learned that the Salvation Army had to halt packing gifts for children who otherwise wouldn't receive anything this Christmas. And this one  little girl came up with an idea to sell handmade salt-dough ornaments and use all of the proceeds to buy gifts.

By that same evening, she had raised nearly $1000.  A little girl. A “go gettem’” attitude. And a big heart.

In four days, Avery had raised over $3000! And people kept giving.

I want to be like Avery when I grow up. Hearing a need and being willing to act on the Lord's call, just like Avery did. I believe is a huge testament to the work that the Lord is doing in her life. And I also believe that this is a testament of her parents empowering her to love and serve others. To say yes to God.

And the people giving? Generosity abounded. No matter the size of the person's donation--$5 or $200--they were making a huge investment. Not only are they investing in this one specific project--providing money for gifts and therefore showing love to the recipients--but they're investing in the long term...investing in the development of Avery's generous spirit.

People saw Avery's desire to raise money...nobody had to give money. At this time of the year, many people are already giving above what they usually give to their churches or favorite charities. But, people gave anyways, and in doing so, they showed a little girl the importance of what she was choosing to do--serving without any expectations. Giving simply to benefit others. People's kindness in giving donations  will most likely serve as an example to Avery for a very long time. It will be an impetus for more giving in her future. For a posture of generosity.

I believe that there's a whole generation of kids--young and old--itching to give...itching to serve. Lets show them how important it is. Let's invest in their ideas. Support them. Empower them. You never know what one child can do to transform lives and show others the love of God. 

(To see more about Avery and her amazing generosity, check out this local news story)  

Favorite Music of 2013

A lot of really good music has come out this year...so I thought I'd make a list (in no particular order) of some of my favorite music this year.

Inland by Jars of Clay: Jars of Clay will forever and always be one of my favorite groups. Their debut album is one of my favorite albums in the entire world...none of their later albums have been able to live up to it (although many of them were very good). Inland gets pretty close to being as good (maybe if I didn't feel so nostalgic about the debut album, I could say that Inland is just as good). I don't think I've ever listened to an album that so skillfully gives insights into humans and the intricacies of relationships. Favorite song on the album: Inland. (Awesome John Donne reference)


Bad Blood by Bastille: Gosh, this album is amazing. I haven't stopped listening to Bad Blood since it came out. The first time I heard Bastille, I heard a stripped back, more orchestral, version of Flaws and I cried. Immediately, I knew that they were special and I needed their album. Their album lived up to the high expectations I had. Bad Blood has a mix of upbeat, fun songs and slower, insightful songs--all with an electric feel. Dan Smith so skillfully weaves in literary and historical allusions (which I love)--he's an amazing writer. Obsessed. The whole album is amazing, and I can't pick just one favorite.


Halcyon Days by Ellie Goulding: Technically, Halcyon came out in late 2012, but was re-released with several bonus tracks, so I'm including it in my list! The first time I heard Ellie Goulding, I wasn't a huge fan of her voice, certain notes she hit rubbed me the wrong way. I don't even recall how I started listening to her after that, but I'm glad I did--her voice is absolutely incredible and she's one of my favorite female singers now. Halcyon Days is one of those albums that I turn the volume up really high and just get work done. Such a fun album, but there are also some really beautiful, slower songs. My favorite song on here is Anything Could Happen...I'm pretty sure that this is one of the best pop songs ever. 


Pure Heroine by Lorde: This will be on loads of people's lists this year. It's such a good album. Everybody has heard Royals, but Lorde's album is so much better than just that one song. This was another, when I heard Royals back in May, I knew this girl had talent and was about to make it big. I'm so excited for her! She's such a talented writer...I think it's amazing how she's explained so well in her music what it's like to be a teenager and grow up. It's not the fluff that so much of media makes people thing youth is. My favorite songs on here are probably Team and Buzzcut Season.

Joy of Nothing by Foy Vance: Bless Ed Sheeran for tweeting about Foy Vance. Foy Vance is a middle-aged, North Irish man with an amazing soulful voice. Joy of Nothing gets better with each listen and the whole album is a work of art. Foy conveys real, true emotion in every single song. I can't pick a favorite on this album, either.

Glorious Ruins by Hillsong: I highly anticipated this album, and it didn't let down! I love that this album includes songs that just make me want to burst with joy while worshiping God and then there are the more quiet, reflective, worshipful moments. Definitely my favorite worship album from this past year. I love all of the songs on here, but the title track is probably one of my favorites...I mean this is beautiful: "I'll walk through the fire/With my head lifted high/And my spirit revived in Your story/And I'll look to the cross/As my failure is lost/In the light of Your glorious grace."

English Rain by Gabrielle Aplin: Joelle (my sister) introduced me to Gabrielle Aplin's music this year and we have since both been gobbling up her music. I had to have English Rain imported because it wasn't being released in the US until sometime next year. All of the songs on here are beautifully written poems, really. Gabrielle sings all of the songs in her clear, ethereal voice and conveys doubts, questioning, sorrow, pain, and love. Certain parts of this album are so sublime while other songs are more simple. My favorite song is either Gabrielle's cover of Power of Love or else Human. Beautiful.

Several other's that I've been loving or I am still working on thoroughly listening to: In a Perfect World (Kodaline), Fire Within (Birdy), If You Wait (London Grammar), Midnight In the Garden (Lily Kershaw). And haters gonna hate, but I'm loving Midnight Memories by One Direction right now (it's a fun, 'guilty pleasure' listen).

Also, I have to mention that one of my favorite songs this year is "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United. Beautiful, powerful song. This song is always such a worship moment for me...and it's pretty much daily my prayer.

You should check out all of this different music!

"I'm not Bono!"

When I was a child, I wanted to help people. I was that 6^th grade kid who wanted to start a disaster relief fundraiser when the tsunami hit Indonesia. One time, when the power was out at our house because of a snow storm (read: an inch or two of snow on the ground), somebody mentioned the homeless in our city and I'm pretty sure I burst out crying right then and there thinking of these people huddled somewhere in the cold. This isn't to pat myself on the back...it's just how I was as a child. And I think it's how lots of children are. Children have big dreams. Big dreams of making a difference and they don’t think of being held back.

Somewhere along the way though, we grow up and our thought process changes. We let things stand in the way of stepping out to help others and attempting to positively impact someone's life. 

I've noticed that there appears to be two groups of people. (1) Those who believe they can help, and, therefore, do. And (2) those who let fears stand in the way of helping, then don’t.

Most people are the latter--thinking that they’re inadequate and therefore can’t do anything to make a difference.  As we age, these fears of certain deficiencies inundate us, and, the train of thought that follows is “I can't make a difference unless I've got enough *blank* (influence, money, or resources, etc.).I'm not Bono*! Nobody will pay attention to anything I attempt to make a difference.” Or, even more seriously, people think that they’re so messed up, that God cannot actually use them to make a difference. They let these fears hold them back, possibly from something that God has called them to.

Basically, the fear of lacking holds us back. There's no way that God can use us to make a difference in somebody's life, so besides the occasional service project, why even attempt?

We let so much stand in the way of following the Lord's leading. We don't step up and into situations to serve because we let our fears of inadequacies get in the way. But listen, we are never too messed up, screwed up, sinful, under resourced, poor, un-influential, or ill equipped for the Lord to use us.

If the Lord is calling me to something, you'd better believe He'll equip me, teach me, lead me. So how dare I look at the Lord and tell Him that there's no way I can or will do what He wants and is calling me to do--there's no way He can use me? Because, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called."

God is calling masses of believers to step outside of their comfort zones. People of differing backgrounds who have experienced different joys and heartaches and who have their own area of influence. God is calling us here, and now. Are we going to get past any inadequacy we feel we have in order to step into a role of mercy to the hurting in the world? Because once we do that, God is going to use us for His glory. Use us to impact the hurting world.

*Note: I use Bono as an example because he's someone who has not only the money to get things done, but the influence not only to draw attention to certain issues but also to encourage others to act.

(Via Christine Caine's Facebook page)

"Why ya gotta be so mean?"

There's so much mean in the world.

Every day we see snide remarks online--Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. We read mean comments in magazines and newspapers. We hear ugly comments on TV. Mean is everywhere...it doesn't take long at all to find it.

What do snide, flippant comments add to human kind? To this world? It's a serious question.

What do my mean comments add to the world? 

Why do I feel that it's alright to tear somebody down? Sure, my witty, but biting tweet about, lets say, a singer I dislike will probably go unseen by its subject, but does that make it any less wrong?

What if they did see it?

My spur-of-the-moment comment could be the one thing that ruins their day. Or it could be what causes them to feel self-conscious. 

There's a fine line between stating an opinion about likes/dislikes and using my dislike in a witty way at another person's expense. 

The victim of my senseless words is someone's child, sibling, friend. Most importantly, they're somebody that God loves. 

What does my comment say about me? Because most often, what I say about others reflects more of me than them.

So, again...what does my comment add to the world? Because I'd rather physically bite my tongue or cover my mouth to keep a little bit of mean out of the world. The world doesn't need any more of that...there's already far too much of it. 

So why don't we all keep a little bit of ugly out of the world by holding back mean comments. And let's build up others by speaking beautiful words of them. Because, couldn't the world use a bit more beauty?

(Picture found on Pinterest)

Vulnerability and Flaws

A few months ago, and then again this week, I found myself watching Brene Brown's TEDTalk on the Power of Vulnerability. In this talk, she discusses shame, vulnerability, and joy. 

Shame, she says, originates from the feeling of not being "enough"--not feeling worthy. Brown says that the people who did not feel shame, were the people who had " the courage to be imperfect." They were vulnerable with their flaws. They were authentic. "As a result of authenticity, they were willing to let go of who they thought they should be in order to be who they were, which you have to absolutely do for connection."

Our vulnerability increases connection with people. 

I think it's absolutely amazing how our flaws make us who we are in a sense...they make us authentic. (Yes, we live in a fallen world--and ultimately our flaws are the result of the Fall--but our flaws also make us unique and real). We so badly want to hide them away from everybody, but a majority of people would rather just see us be us than be a fake. So, laying them all out there is painful...and yes, it might mean that in some cases we are hurt, but having the courage to say "this is me, I'm imperfect, but I'm loved" is not only powerful in bringing more joy into our lives, but in connecting us to others as well.

Our flaws are just begging for these connections and for human relationship to come and fulfill whatever it is that we lack.

Recently, I fell in love with the absolutely beautiful song "Flaws" by Bastille. They sing of our flaws being necessary to be who we are as people. And the need for connection...for someone to come fill the hole that a flaw has left. Check it out, because I think that the song portrays a certain openness and authenticity that "digging up" and being vulnerable with our flaws can bring.

Strong & Courageous?

Yesterday, one of my favorites--Bianca Olthoff--tweeted "God didn't tell Joshua to be 'safe and comfortable' or 'mediocre and average.' He said to be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Just like we should be." To which a follower responded "Joshua's job was to wage war to capture a foreign land. How does 'strong and courageous' apply to a dull life of TPS reports?"

But, really, how? I think his question is valid. Let's be honest, the majority of us are not leading soldiers into battle. A majority of us aren't facing danger everyday. So how are we to be strong and courageous in the mundane?

This question, when it's boiled down, plagues us in every day life. How are we to do anything great or radical for God when our life is so average? (*brief connected segue*) We see this same question when we ask how we are to live on mission. In the same way we ask "I'm just an ordinary person living an ordinary life, how do I live as a missionary for God" we think and question how we can be courageous and strong when we're ordinary. But the thing is, God calls the ordinary. He uses the ordinary. He uses the monotony of life. (*Ends all talk of missional living in this post*)

God has called us--everyday, ordinary people--to be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Every day when we make the decision to stand up for what's right, to push back against the temptation to sin, to take a stand in the spiritual battle that's being waged all around us, to show love to those that are difficult to love, we are being strong and courageous.  

Strength and courage don't only belong to people on the battlefield. Or in high danger jobs. We can be strong and courageous in the monotony of life. Ultimately, strength and courage don't really depend on where we are or what we do occupationally, but rather Who we follow.  So then, be strong and courageous in whatever and wherever.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9b)."

Brennan Manning Quote

Missional Christianity: The "New Legalism?"

I recently ran across an article posing the question: "Has radical Christianity become the newest form of legalism?" I didn't read the article right away, but instead let the question roll around in my mind for a few days and thought on it. Here's what I've decided:

Legalism can be explained in an easy equation, which states that "Jesus + Something=Nothing." When we add anything to Jesus/the Gospel and believe that it--no matter how good "it" is--will make us more meritorious in God's sight, we've entered into a legalistic mindset. So, yes, when focusing on "being uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel" becomes the "endgame" and attempts to take the place of the gospel, then it has become legalistic.

BUT simply focusing on missional living and questioning if I'm too comfortable where I am does not signify legalism.

After skimming the article, I understand the point the writer is attempting to make. He believes that when churches focus on missional, radical living "ordinary people" are shamed by not living extraordinary lives.

The writer makes generalizations, though, assuming that by encouraging believers--specifically millenial believers--to live on mission end up shaming thems. Being shamed, young Christians no longer want to work in ordinary jobs and do ordinary things with their life, and feel bad if they go about life this way. While, unfortunately, there are probably a handful of churches that participate in this type of shaming, I don't believe that this is the majority of missional churches.

These missional churches are not force-feeding the idea to their people that they all need to give up all of their belongings, move to a third-world country, and sleep on a hard floor. The idea of missional living is simple...no matter where we are or what we’re doing, where we’re at is a mission field. We have the opportunity to build intentional relationships with co-workers, classmates, acquaintances, etc. And, to me, the idea of Radical Christianity (as I’ve read about it)*** means that we are offering our full lives to God and saying “Do as You please.”

For some, the radical living and living in step with the Spirit will mean moving to a third-world country. While for others, it might mean loosening the grip on material possession and self-focus to, instead, spend time building relationships with the single mother down the street.

The missional, radical way of living is a way that I hope and pray I live out my daily life...not because I believe it raises me any higher in God’s sight, but because I want to make His name known to all that I encounter.

***I will be the first to admit that I have not completely read all of David Platt's Radical, which this idea is based off of. I am basing this off of other reading I've done on the idea of Radical Christianity through blog posts, articles, and other books.

To My Mother

Growing up, I don't think I could have been any different than my mom. We didn't really "get" each other for a long time. I was quiet and shy about my opinion. Mom was assertive and strong. People never really told me that I looked like my mom or acted like her.

Later on in high school my mom became one of my best friends. And I started to understand her more. And I think she started to understand me more too. Once I started working at the church, I started seeing my mom in action and picked-up different things about her. For the first time, after I started really coming into my work role there, people started to tell me that I was like my mom--in the way I looked and talked and in the way I did certain things. She didn't understand why I thought this was the coolest thing ever. 

But it was. 

My mom is a great leader, she's funny, she's creative, she's smart, she's a good wife, a great mother, an awesome friend. And most importantly, a strong woman of God. That's why I get a big smile on my face when people tell me that I remind them of my mother. One day, I hope to be a good mother, just like her. 

Happy mother's day mommy, I love you.

Sports & Life: Why I Couldn't Be Prouder of Michigan Basketball

I'm a sports person. I've been raised this way, and I truly believe it's in my veins. Heck, I'm from Indiana, from the get-go it was basically predetermined that I would especially love basketball. Add on top of that the fact that my dad is a basketball coach, yeah, it's in my blood.

There is something so great about sports--especially college sports. Sports, in general, are such great opportunities for character growth and maturation. Dad said it best after one of his games: "We play sports because they are a microcosm of life." And it's true. Sports grow us. Teamwork. Work ethic. Integrity. Loyalty. Perseverance. Character. Anybody who plays a sport has the opportunity to grow in these areas and more.

Watching Michigan basketball this season was one of my favorite sports moments ever. Ok, ok...pretty big "moment," but seeing those guys--some younger than me, some older--start out so strong, grow, and then finish strong was amazing. I truly believe sports are one of God's greatest gifts. 

So in college sports, you'll see kids act like kids. They'll be selfish. They'll taunt, smack-talk, jerk-off. They'll make foolish choices and big mistakes. But in brief moments--ranging from a few seconds, a few minutes, maybe even a majority of the game--we catch glimmers of who the athlete is growing to be and what's to come.

That's why when Michigan lost in the National championship game on Monday, April the 8th, I cried, was upset, but was also prouder than ever of "my" boys, and probably couldn't be any prouder had they won. Sure, we lost by six, but building up to that final game, the national audience saw the guys work like a team. Play unselfishly. When Trey had an off game, Spike or Nik stepped-up. When we needed the charge, Jordan got it. When we needed someone to get us a couple points on the board, Karis stepped up. And when we needed that clutch three, Trey got it. Seeing the excitement and hard-work of the guys and coaching staff excited me. Seeing how the guys surpassed everyone's expectations thrilled and made proud. That's why, although sad and disappointed, I couldn't be prouder. And why I"m proud to be a Michigan Wolverine--win or lose.

Hail yeah!

(A great blog post by senior Wolverine Josh Bartlestein)

Christianese Part 2

God has a plan for this (trial, situation, etc.). This sentiment is Biblical and can be found in Romans 8. I don't think that this is "inappropriate" to say, but I  personally believe that this quote and similar variations are thrown around way too often and have become cliched. 

A lot of times, I think we don't know what to say to comfort somebody during a difficult time and this is what comes out of our mouths first. But sometimes, it seems as if we're saying "Well, you're going through this problem, but just remember, it's not a huge deal because God will work it out to His glory in the end." Yes, it's true that God will work the situation out for his glory in the end, but when we just leave it at that, we come off as insensitive (even if it's unintentional). 

Several months ago, I was watching one of my favorite shows, Parenthood. Kristina was battling a severe case of breast cancer. Adam--her husband--came into the house angrily exclaiming that the neighbors had the audacity to say this to him. When an unbeliever hears this, they (generally) shut down. Unbelievers don't understand that God has come to redeem this world and that he will come to restore it. They don't understand that the trials we go through are light and momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4). If they don't believe in God, why would they believe that he would work out a sad situation for his glory? In this type of situation, maybe it's best to just show that, as a friend, you're there. You're willing to help out with physical needs, and if the opportunity presents itself, you can then share the gospel.

Maybe no matter who the person is--Christian or unbeliever--it's best to remind them of this, but also remind them that it's okay to grieve and lament. Point them to Psalms of lament. Remind them of God's goodness. But for goodness sake  don't just end your sympathies at "God has a plan for this." 

(Please do not think that I believe this passage has become cliched, I just believe that the way we throw it around has become cliched)

Christianese Part 1

We, as Christians, have a certain set of sayings that we like to throw around in any given circumstance. Some of these are true--but have become so cliche--while others don't seem to actually be Biblical. If you're a Christian and you say some of these things, no, I don't think you're a bad person. I do think it's time, though, that we reevaluate some of the things we say.

Image Via: Google Images

God will never give you more than you can handle. When I first saw this quote, it bothered me a bit, but not too much. Therefore, I didn't really think about it too much. When I started seeing it everywhere (read: Pinterest) and considered it more deeply, I thought: "No, that's not right. I don't think that's actually even Biblical." 

I'm sure whoever first started saying this had good intentions, but I just don't agree. I think it's more likely that God does give us more than we can handle sometimes. Why? Probably because people frequently realize they need God when they're in the middle of a crisis--when they're on their knees. This isn't always the case, but God uses trials in our lives to build us, shape us, and grow us. It makes sense then that He would give us trials that we physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually cannot find our way through on our own. 

What are your thoughts on this saying? Agree? Disagree? If you can point me to a verse or passage that says this, I will gladly take back what I've said.

"All the Poor and Powerless"

"Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy, come down hard on the cruel Tyrants...he rescues the poor at the first sign of need, the destitute who have run out of luck. He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out, he restores the wretched of the earth. He frees them from tyranny and torture--when they bleed, he bleeds; when they die, he dies." Psalm 72-Various Verses-The Message

God has always been caring for the poor and oppressed. This care is a common thread throughout the Bible--from Exodus and Leviticus to the Psalms and the Gospels. In the Old Testament, God instructed his people not to pick up crops that fell to the ground, so that the destitute among them would be able to come and gather the abandoned fruit. Psalm 9:9 states that "The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." And Psalm 35:10 asks the questions "Who else rescues the weak and helpless from the strong? Who else protects the poor and needy from those who want to rob them."

All of these verses--and the countless others--show the Heart that the Lord has for the poor, the widowed, the orphaned, the oppressed, and the "just plain down-and-out." 

Before Christ's redemptive work begins in our lives, we are these people. We might not all be physically poor, but in a sense, we are all poverty-stricken. Because of the Fall, our relationship with Christ has been distorted and we are poor in spirit. Where Adam and Eve once literally walked in fellowship with the Lord, we are now--by our own feeble attempts-- trying to reach God. Thankfully, God has always had a heart for the poor and he sent his Son to save us. He came, and in doing so, has piled blessings on us. 

As a Believer that is being sanctified to become more and more like Christ daily, one specific area I want to look more like Christ is in my care for the oppressed and the poor. Because...

"He loves us without condition, unrelentingly  forever. He loves us broken, and he loves making us whole again. And he asks those of us who love him to love others the same way. To choose them. To be agents of his hope, his forgiveness, his grace. He asks us to join him in rescuing others." Christine Caine-Undaunted  

All Sons and Daughters--All the Poor and Powerless 

Find You On My Knees

Troubles chasing me again,
Breaking down my best defence,
I'm looking, God, I'm looking for you
Weary just won't let me rest and fear is filling up my head.
I'm longing, God I'm longing for you

But I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees.

So what if sorrow shakes my faith,
What if heartache still remains,
I'll trust you, my God I'll trust you.
'Cause You are faithful and

I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees, my knees.

When my hope is gone, when the fear is strong
When the pain is real, when it's hard to heal
When my faith is shaken and my heart is broken and my joy is stolen, God I know that

You lift me up, you'll never leave me searching,

Find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees.

End It

Slavery still exists. 

Right now, there are 27 million people trapped in slavery around the world. 27 million men, women, and children.

I remember first seeing something about human trafficking/slavery when I was younger, and not fully realizing what an epidemic this is worldwide. Even in the Unites States, people are being sex trafficked. In Atlanta alone, 5,000 women and young girls are yearly trafficked. 

It's time to take a stand and stop the spread of slavery. We need to provide a voice for these voiceless. 

Learn. Become aware of statistics. Read books like: Refuse to Do Nothing, The White Umbrella, and Not for Sale.

Raise awareness. Use social media to raise awareness about this massive issue in our world today.

Donate. Donate money and time to movements like the End it Movement which shines a light on slavery and provides resources, knowledge, and tools to end it. Check out A21 who strive to prevent, rescue, restore, and protect sexually trafficked girls. Or Wellspring Living works with girls and young women in Atlanta and neighboring communities who are forced into prostitution. 

Pray. Become a prayer partner with some of these organizations. Start a prayer group that prays specifically for the men, women, and children being sold into slavery daily. 

I know that through God's power and grace, we can make a difference in the world by working to end slavery. I pray that you will be a part in serving others and working to End It.

Food for Thought

"When we know Who we serve, it will determine how we live." Bianca Olthoff

As Christians, we've probably all heard something along the lines of this quote. I love how simple, yet convicting and truthful it is. 

In chapel this past year, the theme has been "Knowing God." I think this is an important concept to grasp. Knowing someone isn't just about knowing who they are or what they do--it's not the head-knowledge. When we truly know someone, we begin to grasp their essence and personally get to know them. With God, the more I know God and focus on the cross, the more I want to know of God...my desire to deepen this relationship grows. 

When we truly begin to grasp a tiny picture of who God is and we begin to know Him better what flows out of our lives will change. We need to keep our personal, relational knowledge of God at the forefront of our lives.

Last night I read a few chapters in Deuteronomy, and Moses reminds the people of Israel how they were afraid to go meet with God and talk with God because they believed His glory and power would be too much for them, so they sent Moses instead. God tells Moses "they are right in all that they have spoken. Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever! (Deut. 5: 28 b & 29)" If God's chosen people had kept this experiential knowledge of God at the forefront of their lives it would have changed how they lived.

It's the same for me, when I take into consideration all that I personally know about God and all that I've experienced because of God, the way I live out my life will be determined. I desire then, to more deeply understand and know Who I serve.

The Problem of Separatism

I go to a very conservative fundamentalist (southern) school. While I have grown-up in a Christian home, went to a Christian school, and attend a non-denominational church, it is nowhere near the level of conservatism as my college. 

Growing up in a Christian environment an idea heavily stressed was that of picking good friends. This has always been logical and obvious to me. Your very closest friends should be a group of people who are morally upstanding (don't read perfect), kind, loving, edifying, etc. This is something that my parents, teachers (in high school), youth-group leaders, and Pastors have taught. I've grown-up with an amazing group of close friends that have encouraged me and edified me spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. 

One thing that was not taught to me was the idea of separatism. When I went off to college, this message of choosing good friends was constantly brought-up. Something else that was taught was the idea of separatism--which, save evangelizing, is separating yourself completely from anybody that is "worldly." This idea to me was, and is, so antithetical to the message of the gospel. How can we, as followers of Christ, completely separate ourselves from lost people--people that need God desperately--when Christ Himself went and ate with sinners?

Today, in a Bible-conference service at my school the speaker took words in Psalm 1, which states "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers" and twisted them to fit his idea of separatism. He completely disregarded the fact that this first verse warns against "walking in the counsel of the wicked" rather than separating completely from the wicked. I don't believe that you can take this verse and completely write-off relationships with non-believers.

Sure, as Christians, there are certain things we are not to be a part of, but walking in the counsel of a non-believer is completely different than being a friend to someone who is not a believer. I believe we are to take Christ's example of befriending non-believers, but we obviously would not take their advice on important matters. Rather, we walk in the counsel of the godly.

A friend and I discussed this idea several months ago and she shared with me her disgust with this idea of separation. She works in the fast-food industry alongside Believers and non-Believers, and she is friends with a majority of them. Often times, she will choose to participate in certain activities with these non-believer friends--such as going out to eat or shopping--but she uses discernment and chooses not to be in certain situations with them that would damage her testimony. She would never separate herself completely from these friends though solely because they're not Believers.

So while there is to be some level of separation (perhaps in certain activities/situations) with these friends, as Christians, I don't believe in separating ourselves from these people completely. We are to use discernment in these cases and love on these friends like Christ loves on us. 

If we completely separate ourselves from non-believers, how is that a good testimony?

Five Books I've Read this Year

Blogging Prompt: List Five Books I've read this year.

Since we're only about three months into this year, I will include books from this past year that I have read.

1) The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian: This is one of my new favorite books. A literary friend suggested it to me, so I had to read it (: This book is about a girl, who after being attacked, goes on a hunt to figure out why Bobbie Crocker, a recently deceased man in the homeless shelter, has a photo of her from that awful afternoon. This book also winds in The Great Gatsby, so if you're a fan of that book (another favorite) this book will be interesting to you. It's not necessary, but it's a good idea to re-read The Great Gatsby before reading this book.

2) Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund: This fictional memoir about Marie Antoinette is interesting, even if you aren't a big history person. Although this is fictional, Naslund used real journal entries and letters either to or from Marie Antoinette, and she made it as close to how she believes life would have been for Marie Antoinette (after thoroughly studying her life). This book changes the way you perceive the Austrian-French princess, realizing that she's not the villain that history has made her out to be. 

3) Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis: This is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever read! Katie Davis, now in her early twenties, moved to Uganda straight out of high school, started a non-profit ministry, and is in the process of adopting fourteen Ugandan girls. Katie shares the story of her life in Uganda and how God has completely changed her life and the way she goes about doing things. God's strength and grace is so dominating in her life and it just pours through this book. It's both encouraging and convicting.

4) Midwives by Chris Bohjalian: Yes, another by Chris Bohjalian. He's just so good! This book is about *shocker*a midwife. The story, told from the point of view of a midwife's daughter, is about a delivery gone awry, the woman who dies in labor, and the trial to determine whether guilty or not. This story is so gripping, you will not want to put this book down. (As a side note: if you are squeamish, this book is probably not for you.)

5) When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty without Hurting the Poor...and Ourselves by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett: It's pretty obvious what this book is about based on the title. This book is really good for anybody that wants to be involved, or is already involved, in a care ministry or outreach ministry. This book helps break down common misconceptions about the poor and about ourselves as care-givers. Very interesting and informative read. This book has definitely helped me shape the way that I go about working in ministry.

Quotation

Find a quotation that moves you and write it down. Why does it move you?

"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake." Victor Hugo

A Facebook friend posted this quote the other day as encouragement for anybody in an overly busy, stressful period of their life. It was an encouragement for me. Everyday we are faced with numerous road-blocks, grievances, or just flat-out stressful moments, but we are to face these with courage...more particularly, courage from the Lord.

This Sunday, at church, we went through Hebrews 2:14-18 and our Pastor said that as believers, we are to focus on the cross. This isn't some magical "make your problems go-away" cure; when focusing on the cross though, we remember that Christ suffered, and he didn't have to, but He loved us enough to do that. Remembering this gives us courage not only to face our current struggles, but also courage to not fall into temptation.

When we have this courage to face our sorrows, patience to face the small every day issues, and we've done all that we can do of our simple tasks in a day, we can go to sleep. We can rest in what Christ has done. That He has won the battle over sin and death; eventually these afflictions we've faced will be light and momentary (2 Corinthians 4). We can go to sleep, knowing that "God is awake." And how comforting is that?

<sup>Hebrews 2:14-18

14</sup> Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. ¹⁷ Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.