I love having visitors here!
Last week my grandparents were here from New Mexico. We had a wonderful evening, went out to dinner and took a tour of some of the places I frequent in Jackson. We were able to do lots of talking, laughing and catching up. It was FABULOUS! I miss them already.
God is too good. Not only did I get to see my grandparents last week, but tomorrow I get to see another of my favorite people.....Jeremy! He's coming down tomorrow afternoon and staying until Sunday. I am SO excited! I probably won't write for the next few days. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week....I'll talk to you Monday!
Love,
Julie
10/16/2007
10/15/2007
The goal
Pain, suffering, trials, hardships, battles....those are not words that I like. I'd love for life to be all "sunshine and roses" but it's not, and it isn't ever going to be. Of course, as I go through trials, God is ALWAYS faithful to remind me of my ultimate goal....becoming a better servant of Christ. His Word is a constant reminder to press on toward that goal, and take joy in the process of being refined by the Holy Spirit.
I read something in 2 Timothy that talks about this same thing: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this."
Okay, so at first, I didn't really understand that passage, but as I've been thinking on it, I've got a few ideas.
Not only does Paul mention the goal of each of these three people, but he's looking at the process of getting to the goal.
The soldiers goal? Pleasing his commanding officer. How does he get there? By not becoming sidetracked with "civilian affairs".
The athletes goal? Receiving the victor's crown. How does he get there? By competing by the rules.
The farmer's goal? Receiving a share of the crops. How does he get there? Hard work.
Back up to the begining of the passage....what is our goal? Becoming good soldier of Christ. How do we get there? Hardships.
Trials, suffering and pain are part of the process, leading to the goal of becoming a better servant of Christ. So, as it says in James 1: 2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
So there you go. Trials aren't SO bad....they're just the means to a better end....being a stronger follower of Christ! Amen? That is something to be joyful about.
I read something in 2 Timothy that talks about this same thing: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this."
Okay, so at first, I didn't really understand that passage, but as I've been thinking on it, I've got a few ideas.
Not only does Paul mention the goal of each of these three people, but he's looking at the process of getting to the goal.
The soldiers goal? Pleasing his commanding officer. How does he get there? By not becoming sidetracked with "civilian affairs".
The athletes goal? Receiving the victor's crown. How does he get there? By competing by the rules.
The farmer's goal? Receiving a share of the crops. How does he get there? Hard work.
Back up to the begining of the passage....what is our goal? Becoming good soldier of Christ. How do we get there? Hardships.
Trials, suffering and pain are part of the process, leading to the goal of becoming a better servant of Christ. So, as it says in James 1: 2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
So there you go. Trials aren't SO bad....they're just the means to a better end....being a stronger follower of Christ! Amen? That is something to be joyful about.
10/13/2007
The Lord is good.
What else can I say? The Lord is good. He is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Who is like the Lord? He is King of kings, Lord of lords, he is faithful to all who call on him. There is no one like our God. No one who can match his power and might. He made the heavens and the earth and everything in between, and yet he knows my name, and he loves me. How is it that he sees my great sin, and yet loves me? Does he not know how worthless I am? Why does he choose to be with me, to bless me, despite my imperfection. I do not understand your ways Lord....but I thank you for them. You are good! You are holy, awesome and righteous. All the earth declares your glory, and history speaks of your power and might. All that is, all that was and all that will be are yours, for you created them. How is it that you are father, friend, brother, king, lover and Lord? It is too much for me to comprehend. All I understand is that you are the precious Lamb, my savior. There is no one who compares with you my Lord. You are higher then the angels, and yet you have choosen me to do your will. You are pure and holy, yet you live inside my heart. Wouldn't it be easier to use the heavenly hosts to do your will? They never sin or falter, they would carry your plan out perfectly! Yet you choose me, an imperfect human. Praise you. Thank you. I love you.
10/08/2007
What are you focusing on?
I can just picture it....the storm is raging....the disciples are nervous...and all the sudden, they see someone walking toward them on the water. It looks like a ghost....but as it comes closer, they can tell who it is: JESUS.
Peter sees where Jesus is going, and he wants a part of it, so he jumps into the water. With his eyes fixed on Jesus, he begins to walk....but soon the winds and the waves drown out the savior's voice....Peter's vision gets blurry with water, salt and tears....he begins to falter. Suddenly, the water swirls around him. Fearing for his life, Peter begins to panic. "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"
That's me.
As I continue this wondrous journey, I am beginning to see the storms....and my focus has been taken of off Jesus. The moment I focus on my tiredness, or my emotions, or my wants....or anything else...is the moment I begin to sink. I MUST focus on Jesus, or I will go down. Thankfully, Jesus is there when I cry out. He immediately pulls me up...and reminds me that I have no reason to doubt.
So, what are you focusing on??
Peter sees where Jesus is going, and he wants a part of it, so he jumps into the water. With his eyes fixed on Jesus, he begins to walk....but soon the winds and the waves drown out the savior's voice....Peter's vision gets blurry with water, salt and tears....he begins to falter. Suddenly, the water swirls around him. Fearing for his life, Peter begins to panic. "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"
That's me.
As I continue this wondrous journey, I am beginning to see the storms....and my focus has been taken of off Jesus. The moment I focus on my tiredness, or my emotions, or my wants....or anything else...is the moment I begin to sink. I MUST focus on Jesus, or I will go down. Thankfully, Jesus is there when I cry out. He immediately pulls me up...and reminds me that I have no reason to doubt.
So, what are you focusing on??
10/06/2007
Choir and Selfishness
Guess what?? I'm singing in my church's choir tomorrow....!
I'm excited/nervous. I don't mind singing at my church...because I know everyone....and I didn't mind singing at SAFM or Bible quizzing, because it was just a bunch of teenagers having fun and worshiping....but THIS makes me nervous. Our services are broadcast on T.V. and on Itunes (not sure about the music....so I may be off the hook at least for that). Anyway, I'm a little nervous...but excited to be getting involved. I do NOT like just "doing church" which is what I have been doing for about a month and a half now. I want to be involved, I don't want to be a leech. So anyway, I'm really excited/blessed to have this opportunity...and I'm sure that as long as I focus on Jesus (instead of on myself) I'll be less nervous.
I was thinking the other day....being homesick is pretty selfish. I mean, it's okay to miss people, but when it consumes your thoughts, it's just plan old self-centered. Think about it...."I wish I was home....I want to see my friends and family....I don't know why I have to be here...."
I just want to yell, SNAP OUT OF IT!! It's so easy to get bogged down in selfishness. It's so easy to focus on myself....but what does that do?? It leads to more selfishness. I need to think of how to bless others, and make that my focus, instead of thinking about what I don't have.
Praise Jesus! He is so awesome. He is SO worthy to be praised. He deserves my every thought....he deserves my undivided attention and devotion. I WILL praise the Lord. I WILL worship Him. I don't care how I feel. He IS worthy, and I WILL honor him.
I'm excited/nervous. I don't mind singing at my church...because I know everyone....and I didn't mind singing at SAFM or Bible quizzing, because it was just a bunch of teenagers having fun and worshiping....but THIS makes me nervous. Our services are broadcast on T.V. and on Itunes (not sure about the music....so I may be off the hook at least for that). Anyway, I'm a little nervous...but excited to be getting involved. I do NOT like just "doing church" which is what I have been doing for about a month and a half now. I want to be involved, I don't want to be a leech. So anyway, I'm really excited/blessed to have this opportunity...and I'm sure that as long as I focus on Jesus (instead of on myself) I'll be less nervous.
I was thinking the other day....being homesick is pretty selfish. I mean, it's okay to miss people, but when it consumes your thoughts, it's just plan old self-centered. Think about it...."I wish I was home....I want to see my friends and family....I don't know why I have to be here...."
I just want to yell, SNAP OUT OF IT!! It's so easy to get bogged down in selfishness. It's so easy to focus on myself....but what does that do?? It leads to more selfishness. I need to think of how to bless others, and make that my focus, instead of thinking about what I don't have.
Praise Jesus! He is so awesome. He is SO worthy to be praised. He deserves my every thought....he deserves my undivided attention and devotion. I WILL praise the Lord. I WILL worship Him. I don't care how I feel. He IS worthy, and I WILL honor him.
10/04/2007
How to say "I love you"
Revelation!
I finally figured out why I love dance so much......
I know, I know, I should have realized it before, but I could never articulate it. Well here it is:
It's how I say "I love you."
For me, words just don't cut it. I can tell Jesus that I love him a thousand times, but somehow the action of pouring out everything I have, mentally, physically and spiritually, says more then words ever could.
It's not the same for everyone. Some of you say "I love you" through music, singing, writing, art, giving.....there are a million different ways to express it...and most of us use more then one. But to me, the deepest, most profound way to say "I love you" is through giving my sweat, blood and tears, day in and day out, to turn myself into a living instrument, creating beauty through movement. It is my offering. It's not much, and it is SO flawed (just ask Mr. Yuri!) but it's a gift he's given me, and it's my job to give it back.
I finally figured out why I love dance so much......
I know, I know, I should have realized it before, but I could never articulate it. Well here it is:
It's how I say "I love you."
For me, words just don't cut it. I can tell Jesus that I love him a thousand times, but somehow the action of pouring out everything I have, mentally, physically and spiritually, says more then words ever could.
It's not the same for everyone. Some of you say "I love you" through music, singing, writing, art, giving.....there are a million different ways to express it...and most of us use more then one. But to me, the deepest, most profound way to say "I love you" is through giving my sweat, blood and tears, day in and day out, to turn myself into a living instrument, creating beauty through movement. It is my offering. It's not much, and it is SO flawed (just ask Mr. Yuri!) but it's a gift he's given me, and it's my job to give it back.
10/02/2007
Joy!!
Hey there!
Today was SUCH a good day. Last week was hard....just one of those weeks where everything seemed to frustrate me....for no reason (at least now I see that, at the time it seemed like real frustration.) Anyway, this morning at work I started out with that same mind set. "Poor me....life is hard....why is God so far away....why the heck do I live in Mississippi....why is it still so long until I get to go home....blah, blah, blah." How stupid is that? I was enjoying being miserable. No good. So anyway, I half heartedly prayed, "Lord, please help me to have joy....because I can't take this anymore."
Why do I ask God for things, and then act surprised when they happen? You'd think I'd catch on by now....
Anyway, about five minutes later, I just started grinning. No reason, except that Jesus reached down and touched me. Then, tons of scriptures started coming to my mind:
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess 5:16-18
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."Romans 12:12
"The Lord is my shepherd....."Psalm 23
I just started smiling, bigger and bigger, until I broke out into laughter...(the looks on my coworkers faces were priceless....I felt like a total idiot, but hey, if my pride has to take a hit for God to do some work, then I'm good with that.)
God is so good!! His joy is so incredible! Why do I ever think that I need ANYTHING else to make me happy? I have joy in him, because he loves me! He has called me to be his own. That is MORE then enough reason to celebrate.
Anyway, so God continued to work on me this morning at Ballet Mag devos (we have devotions every morning....it is awesome! 25 or so people, all loving the Lord, sharing in prayer and worship together....a little taste of heaven!) We went around in a circle, and just shared a little of what God is doing in all of us in our personal devotions. Mr. Yuri is doing a two year study of the book of Genesis, and so he's been studying Joseph for about six months now. For some reason, that story really stuck out to me today. Here we have Joseph, an innocent man, in jail, waking up everyday in a cell, and still praising God. He didn't have a "valley" time for a few weeks...he had it for two years! Yet, he still clung to God's promises. His life made NO sense. Why would he be locked up in jail, for a crime he didn't commit? Why would God let that happen? He had no reason to believe that he'd ever get out of prison, except the fact that he knew God had a plan.
Mr. Yuri made the point that even when we don't see God working, or when his plan is hard, or makes no sense, God is still God. God is still sovereign, and he is still with us. It may not "feel" like that, but so what? Emotions change like the wind. God does not. He's solid, steadfast, unchanging.
Now, I'm not in a prison by ANY means. I really enjoy it here, but for the last few days I've allowed myself to be overwhelmed with the darkness, instead of clinging to Jesus. The thing is, back when I was a baby christian...and even a child in my faith, God would always send me the "warm fuzzies" when I needed to feel close to him. Not so much anymore. He's asking me to stand in my faith, believe in his promises, and trust in his plan. I have to choose to believe that God's will is being accomplished, even when it makes no sense. Even when he "feels" far away...even when the path he's got me on is frustrating....even when I'm so tired I don't think I'll ever recover.....God is still God, and I am still his.
Today was SUCH a good day. Last week was hard....just one of those weeks where everything seemed to frustrate me....for no reason (at least now I see that, at the time it seemed like real frustration.) Anyway, this morning at work I started out with that same mind set. "Poor me....life is hard....why is God so far away....why the heck do I live in Mississippi....why is it still so long until I get to go home....blah, blah, blah." How stupid is that? I was enjoying being miserable. No good. So anyway, I half heartedly prayed, "Lord, please help me to have joy....because I can't take this anymore."
Why do I ask God for things, and then act surprised when they happen? You'd think I'd catch on by now....
Anyway, about five minutes later, I just started grinning. No reason, except that Jesus reached down and touched me. Then, tons of scriptures started coming to my mind:
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess 5:16-18
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."Romans 12:12
"The Lord is my shepherd....."Psalm 23
I just started smiling, bigger and bigger, until I broke out into laughter...(the looks on my coworkers faces were priceless....I felt like a total idiot, but hey, if my pride has to take a hit for God to do some work, then I'm good with that.)
God is so good!! His joy is so incredible! Why do I ever think that I need ANYTHING else to make me happy? I have joy in him, because he loves me! He has called me to be his own. That is MORE then enough reason to celebrate.
Anyway, so God continued to work on me this morning at Ballet Mag devos (we have devotions every morning....it is awesome! 25 or so people, all loving the Lord, sharing in prayer and worship together....a little taste of heaven!) We went around in a circle, and just shared a little of what God is doing in all of us in our personal devotions. Mr. Yuri is doing a two year study of the book of Genesis, and so he's been studying Joseph for about six months now. For some reason, that story really stuck out to me today. Here we have Joseph, an innocent man, in jail, waking up everyday in a cell, and still praising God. He didn't have a "valley" time for a few weeks...he had it for two years! Yet, he still clung to God's promises. His life made NO sense. Why would he be locked up in jail, for a crime he didn't commit? Why would God let that happen? He had no reason to believe that he'd ever get out of prison, except the fact that he knew God had a plan.
Mr. Yuri made the point that even when we don't see God working, or when his plan is hard, or makes no sense, God is still God. God is still sovereign, and he is still with us. It may not "feel" like that, but so what? Emotions change like the wind. God does not. He's solid, steadfast, unchanging.
Now, I'm not in a prison by ANY means. I really enjoy it here, but for the last few days I've allowed myself to be overwhelmed with the darkness, instead of clinging to Jesus. The thing is, back when I was a baby christian...and even a child in my faith, God would always send me the "warm fuzzies" when I needed to feel close to him. Not so much anymore. He's asking me to stand in my faith, believe in his promises, and trust in his plan. I have to choose to believe that God's will is being accomplished, even when it makes no sense. Even when he "feels" far away...even when the path he's got me on is frustrating....even when I'm so tired I don't think I'll ever recover.....God is still God, and I am still his.
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