Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Having read James many times before, I finally read this passage and saw that it is really just a fancy way of the old saying that anything hard that you must endure is a way to 'build character.'
In response to complaints about frustrating or unfair things in a child's life, many times adults say that it is building character. Of course, this response is usually met with sighs and more complaints by the frustrated child.
However, after reading, reflecting, and hearing someone's thoughts on this very passage, I find that I have a new understanding.
Instead of responding in childish ways, I can respond in a different manner.
When responding to trials, I have the choice to either respond by relying on God, or I can become 1) resentful, 2) retaliatory, or 3) resigned.
Do I want to endure this process at the present moment?
No, not always.
But willl I endure?
Yes.
In light of the end result, I seek to endure, striving for patience and perseverance. For I want God to produce stability and spiritual maturity in my life.
Therefore, I endure through the present and temporal trials to receive the future and eternal results.
Also of great importance is the first part of verse two, 'Consider it pure joy,' or 'Count it all joy' in another version. We are to welcome, embrace, and find joy in times of trial and tribulation; as we struggle in facing trials, we are brought closer to God in a more meaningful relationship and intertwined existence.
So when I'm old, this is what I will tell people younger than me. Not only do trials simply 'build character,' it is written in the Bible, God's personal words to humans, that trials produce a rooted, established, and mature life in Christ.
I can count a million times
People asking me how
I can praise You
with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain
I am yours regardless of the clouds that may loom above
because you are much greater than my pain
you who made a way for me
suffering your destiny
so tell me whats a little rain
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty
I'm forever singing
About Me
- grace
- Hi. You found me. Thanks for clicking over! Sit and stay awhile..... This is the view from my window... As I move around my little valley I call 'home,' I've had many different views & this is the one that I keep coming back to.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Choose
I CHOOSE LOVE… No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I CHOOSE JOY… I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of a lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I CHOOSE PEACE… I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I CHOOSE PATIENCE… I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I CHOOSE KINDNESS… I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I CHOOSE GOODNESS… I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS… Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I CHOOSE GENTLENESS… Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL… I am a spiritual being… After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
Max Lucado (When God Whispers Your Name)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
metaphor for my life
“I will tell you what a tragedy is.
I will show you how to waste your life.
Consider this story from the February 1998 Reader’s Digest:
A couple ‘took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast
five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in
Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30-foot trawler,
play softball and collect shells. . . .’
Picture them before Christ at the great day of judgment:
‘Look, Lord. See my shells?'
That is a tragedy.
Wise words for how I've been feeling about my relationship with God lately. Not bad, but definitely not good. More like pathetic, apathetic, and most scary of all, complacent. I have not been awake and have not been watching God work and move. At the end of the day, the most frustrating thing for me is that I have not even been trying to work and move in this world for Him.
No.
I have been pathetically saying, 'Look, Lord. See my shells?'
I will show you how to waste your life.
Consider this story from the February 1998 Reader’s Digest:
A couple ‘took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast
five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in
Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30-foot trawler,
play softball and collect shells. . . .’
Picture them before Christ at the great day of judgment:
‘Look, Lord. See my shells?'
That is a tragedy.
Wise words for how I've been feeling about my relationship with God lately. Not bad, but definitely not good. More like pathetic, apathetic, and most scary of all, complacent. I have not been awake and have not been watching God work and move. At the end of the day, the most frustrating thing for me is that I have not even been trying to work and move in this world for Him.
No.
I have been pathetically saying, 'Look, Lord. See my shells?'
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Simple Things
It's the simple things in life that make me tick.
Being called 'Gwace' by cute little 3 year-olds.
Learning how to throw a football from the coolest little boy.
Smelling like a baby after having held one for a few hours.
Seeing it as a treat to make a funny noise while washing your hands.
Having everything you say repeated in two cute and low little voices.
Smelling a brewing storm in the air.
Having my hair blown around in the wind.
Watching for puddles on the ground.
People watching from a bench. or from my window.
Blasting whatever music you feel like in the moment in your car.
Eating parmesan pretzels.
Seeing little kids with big bellies.
Smelling fragrant flowers that remind you of home.
Getting to class on time.
Binge-reading. Reading for FUN!
Blogging/journaling.
Playing that amazing chord progression or phrase in a song, over and over again.
Swings.
Watching the best parts from your favorite movie.
Eating just about anything super chocolatey.
Getting paid for doing nothing.
Dreaming of home decorating.
Shopping with friends.
Dashing from place to place in the rain.
Exercising and pushing your body hard after a stressful day.
Seeing old, familiar faces in unexpected places.
Waking up with a smile on your face.
Taking naps.
Knowing that you truly earned that good grade.
Reading about other peoples' lives.
Taking pictures on amazing beautiful days.
Having joy.
Realizing I am not in control. and life is perfect that way!
Dreaming and praying about the future.
Being spontaneous with friends.
Making a fool of myself. And being loved for it.
Knowing the thrill of communicating in another language.
Helping out an unsuspecting person.
Wearing that outfit that always makes you feel hott/comfy/cozy/amazing.
Being complimented on days you didn't 'try.'
Eating childhood favorite recipes.
Spontaneously making yummy desserts.
Getting green lights.
Being introspective.
Feeling cozy, relaxed, and not being busy.
Crossing things off the 'to do' list.
Meeting randomly cool new people.
Seeing a cute person.
Being checked out by said person.
Giving and getting hugs.
Celebrating birthdays.
Surprises.
Reading the Bible.
Being challenged by God, friends, life.
Realizing who I am at my core: an introverted, placator. Always apologizing, giving people too many excuses, not realizing my own needs. I'm sorry.
Seeing guys act like little boys.
Reading favorite books over and over again.
Having windows blow in fresh air and sweet breezes.
Taking pictures with friends.
Acting goofy with kids.
Spending time with cousins.
Having honest conversations with friends and strangers.
Being blessed with cool roommates.
Getting the gift of a full gas tank.
Going on adventures with friends.
Driving with the windows down at night in the mountains.
Taking naps in hammocks.
Lazy Sunday afternoons.
Sleeping.
Sleeping in. And not needing an alarm!
Being captivated by beautiful skies. sunsets. clouds.
Living in California.
Being blessed to live in the USA.
Having enlightening teachers.
Having mentors and accountability partners.
Doing satisfying work.
Working hard until you're physically exhausted.
Using power tools.
Impressing your parents.
Heck, impressing anyone!
Surprising yourself.
Being outspoken on important things.
Finding cool photographers.
Getting House Beautiful in the mail.
Watching cheesy, silly movies.
Drinking tea.
Drinking chocolate soy milk.
Eating summer fruits.
Watching leaves fall.
Watching little kids play like there's no tomorrow.
Having summer vacation.
Learning about people.
Being involved in my community.
Being surprised with the 'magic number' at the atm.
Hanging out with positive and uplifting friends.
Knowing for once that you didn't procrastinate.
Creating with my hands.
Having memories connected to smells, songs, and colors.
Seeing glimpses of God.
Traveling outside my comfort zone.
Having people remember my name.
Knowing someone well enough to finish their thoughts or not needing to use words to have conversations.
Having predictable friends.
Cutting my hair short every spring!
Dreaming about 'what I want to be when I grow up.'
Forgetting to tell people I have a twin.
Outsmarting a kid.
Taking relaxing showers.
Walking around barefoot.
Painting my nails.
Wearing jewelry.
Falling asleep while watching a movie.
Eating cereal.
Being intrigued by crime shows.
Looking at old pictures.
Going to concerts.
Curling my hair.
Having meaningful conversations, and heart-to-hearts.
Realizing and thanking God for all his blessings.
Being called 'Gwace' by cute little 3 year-olds.
Learning how to throw a football from the coolest little boy.
Smelling like a baby after having held one for a few hours.
Seeing it as a treat to make a funny noise while washing your hands.
Having everything you say repeated in two cute and low little voices.
Smelling a brewing storm in the air.
Having my hair blown around in the wind.
Watching for puddles on the ground.
People watching from a bench. or from my window.
Blasting whatever music you feel like in the moment in your car.
Eating parmesan pretzels.
Seeing little kids with big bellies.
Smelling fragrant flowers that remind you of home.
Getting to class on time.
Binge-reading. Reading for FUN!
Blogging/journaling.
Playing that amazing chord progression or phrase in a song, over and over again.
Swings.
Watching the best parts from your favorite movie.
Eating just about anything super chocolatey.
Getting paid for doing nothing.
Dreaming of home decorating.
Shopping with friends.
Dashing from place to place in the rain.
Exercising and pushing your body hard after a stressful day.
Seeing old, familiar faces in unexpected places.
Waking up with a smile on your face.
Taking naps.
Knowing that you truly earned that good grade.
Reading about other peoples' lives.
Taking pictures on amazing beautiful days.
Having joy.
Realizing I am not in control. and life is perfect that way!
Dreaming and praying about the future.
Being spontaneous with friends.
Making a fool of myself. And being loved for it.
Knowing the thrill of communicating in another language.
Helping out an unsuspecting person.
Wearing that outfit that always makes you feel hott/comfy/cozy/amazing.
Being complimented on days you didn't 'try.'
Eating childhood favorite recipes.
Spontaneously making yummy desserts.
Getting green lights.
Being introspective.
Feeling cozy, relaxed, and not being busy.
Crossing things off the 'to do' list.
Meeting randomly cool new people.
Seeing a cute person.
Being checked out by said person.
Giving and getting hugs.
Celebrating birthdays.
Surprises.
Reading the Bible.
Being challenged by God, friends, life.
Realizing who I am at my core: an introverted, placator. Always apologizing, giving people too many excuses, not realizing my own needs. I'm sorry.
Seeing guys act like little boys.
Reading favorite books over and over again.
Having windows blow in fresh air and sweet breezes.
Taking pictures with friends.
Acting goofy with kids.
Spending time with cousins.
Having honest conversations with friends and strangers.
Being blessed with cool roommates.
Getting the gift of a full gas tank.
Going on adventures with friends.
Driving with the windows down at night in the mountains.
Taking naps in hammocks.
Lazy Sunday afternoons.
Sleeping.
Sleeping in. And not needing an alarm!
Being captivated by beautiful skies. sunsets. clouds.
Living in California.
Being blessed to live in the USA.
Having enlightening teachers.
Having mentors and accountability partners.
Doing satisfying work.
Working hard until you're physically exhausted.
Using power tools.
Impressing your parents.
Heck, impressing anyone!
Surprising yourself.
Being outspoken on important things.
Finding cool photographers.
Getting House Beautiful in the mail.
Watching cheesy, silly movies.
Drinking tea.
Drinking chocolate soy milk.
Eating summer fruits.
Watching leaves fall.
Watching little kids play like there's no tomorrow.
Having summer vacation.
Learning about people.
Being involved in my community.
Being surprised with the 'magic number' at the atm.
Hanging out with positive and uplifting friends.
Knowing for once that you didn't procrastinate.
Creating with my hands.
Having memories connected to smells, songs, and colors.
Seeing glimpses of God.
Traveling outside my comfort zone.
Having people remember my name.
Knowing someone well enough to finish their thoughts or not needing to use words to have conversations.
Having predictable friends.
Cutting my hair short every spring!
Dreaming about 'what I want to be when I grow up.'
Forgetting to tell people I have a twin.
Outsmarting a kid.
Taking relaxing showers.
Walking around barefoot.
Painting my nails.
Wearing jewelry.
Falling asleep while watching a movie.
Eating cereal.
Being intrigued by crime shows.
Looking at old pictures.
Going to concerts.
Curling my hair.
Having meaningful conversations, and heart-to-hearts.
Realizing and thanking God for all his blessings.
Living life.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Pajama Day
Yep! I tottled around my apartment all day in my pajamas!
Now for most people this happens occasionally on Saturdays, but since I have been having busy and early mornings on Saturdays for about the last 2 months, today was the day. I believe I got my full 12 hours of sleep last night. maybe just a little shy of that but oh well. I tried :)
If you know me pretty well, you know that I function much better with long periods of rest. (Hence the childhood nickname Sleeping Beauty and the contest of seeing how late I could sleep past my sisters on Saturdays.)
However, if you also know me much at all, you know that I am a night owl and love to stay up late doing really pointless stuff. Like watching tv or movies, eating ice cream, doing on-line window shopping, or looking up recipes that I'll probably never make. or... -ahem, reading tons of blogs-
Now don't go thinking I'm a bad person for sleeping in so late on a Sunday. It is a day of rest after all and I like to go to church at night when I'm in Fresno.
It has been a rather relaxing day. Slept in late, had some crazy-weird dreams, made a simple lunch that somehow took a loong time, ate some chocolate covered strawberries (cassie- you probably shouldn't have offered them to me- they may be gone soon!), thought about going to the gym, sort of unconsciously decided not to go to the gym, talked to my seester on the phone and had to keep asking her the same question because I wasn't really listening to her, caught up on some blog stalking, and did the norm of avoiding homework. Maybe I'll do some later- I really need to start studying for some finals. I would LOVE to get A's in all of my classes- especially because I know I'm capable of doing so in most of them! Hmmmm I wonder what I got on that test on Friday? (An A???? Please God? I studied real hard!)
Okay so yeah, I have a few blogs to be posted soon- probably tonight. Gotta dash to get ready for church- yeah, should have done that after I woke up this morning :)
Who am I kidding? If I get married, the guy better know these flaws about me, needing tons of sleep and not getting 'ready for the day' (as my mom would say) until about 2 o'clock, and not getting much done in a day. And you know what? I'm praying for a guy that will love me for that! or maybe motivate me to get my butt moving earlier in the day!
PS: prayer request: God please give me some answers about a job and housing! I'm getting antsy and starting to lose hope! Ah! Give me peace and please keep the reminders coming that I do not have control over my life and your plans always win over mine. (Last night was a good reminder of that: good friend had her car broken into. Thanks God for blessings that will come out of her situation and thanks that it wasn't me!) Ta ta for now!
Now for most people this happens occasionally on Saturdays, but since I have been having busy and early mornings on Saturdays for about the last 2 months, today was the day. I believe I got my full 12 hours of sleep last night. maybe just a little shy of that but oh well. I tried :)
If you know me pretty well, you know that I function much better with long periods of rest. (Hence the childhood nickname Sleeping Beauty and the contest of seeing how late I could sleep past my sisters on Saturdays.)
However, if you also know me much at all, you know that I am a night owl and love to stay up late doing really pointless stuff. Like watching tv or movies, eating ice cream, doing on-line window shopping, or looking up recipes that I'll probably never make. or... -ahem, reading tons of blogs-
Now don't go thinking I'm a bad person for sleeping in so late on a Sunday. It is a day of rest after all and I like to go to church at night when I'm in Fresno.
It has been a rather relaxing day. Slept in late, had some crazy-weird dreams, made a simple lunch that somehow took a loong time, ate some chocolate covered strawberries (cassie- you probably shouldn't have offered them to me- they may be gone soon!), thought about going to the gym, sort of unconsciously decided not to go to the gym, talked to my seester on the phone and had to keep asking her the same question because I wasn't really listening to her, caught up on some blog stalking, and did the norm of avoiding homework. Maybe I'll do some later- I really need to start studying for some finals. I would LOVE to get A's in all of my classes- especially because I know I'm capable of doing so in most of them! Hmmmm I wonder what I got on that test on Friday? (An A???? Please God? I studied real hard!)
Okay so yeah, I have a few blogs to be posted soon- probably tonight. Gotta dash to get ready for church- yeah, should have done that after I woke up this morning :)
Who am I kidding? If I get married, the guy better know these flaws about me, needing tons of sleep and not getting 'ready for the day' (as my mom would say) until about 2 o'clock, and not getting much done in a day. And you know what? I'm praying for a guy that will love me for that! or maybe motivate me to get my butt moving earlier in the day!
PS: prayer request: God please give me some answers about a job and housing! I'm getting antsy and starting to lose hope! Ah! Give me peace and please keep the reminders coming that I do not have control over my life and your plans always win over mine. (Last night was a good reminder of that: good friend had her car broken into. Thanks God for blessings that will come out of her situation and thanks that it wasn't me!) Ta ta for now!
Friday, April 24, 2009
My Future
Having the ability to know tentatively what will happen in my future has been somewhat lacking in my life for the last year. So when I was able to register for classes on Wednesday, I was praising God for allowing me this treat of knowing what I am doing in my life much sooner than I have been able to know recently- in at least one important area- school!
Thank you God that I was able to add the classes I needed! After a few minor setbacks and dashed hopes, God answered my feeble prayers to place me in the right classes for my next semester at State and to pretty please, especially allow me the schedule I had planned:)
God does answer prayers, no matter how insignificant they seem! I was able to do something- with His help and that of a good new friend (Heidi), to plan a little bit more of my life. Doing such planning is always a stressful and hopeful thing for me. Now I need to focus more prayer on bigger things: finding/getting a summer job and finding out where and with whom I am going to live next semester! I would really like that one answered for me, and prefer it to be answered sooner, rather than later!!
Thanks again God for providing for me, reminding me of your amazing Sovereignty, giving me surprises, and for replacing my dour spirit with one of JOY!
{The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.}
-Amazing song, amazing truth, amazing verse: Psalm 145:8
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
My Prayer for Today
I made you promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all, No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life its name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
Learning to trust God and completely give up my worries, dreams, and future to Him is quite amazing.
I have been learning lately that I really need to do this.
If I do not, I stand against God and I am plaqued by the devil.
It may seem a bit strange at first, but it's true.
I have learned the hard way that worry, anxiety, and most forms of stress are not of God but of the devil.
Therefore, I have to remind myself over and over again who I belong to, who I am living for (well, who I aim to live for), and I have to literally tell myself 'worry is not of God'.
Yes, a certain amount of stress is a part of life but what my mind has been wandering to lately is not right.
I do have to add that I don't always help myself out. I can do things to make things run smoothly. However, I am often forgetful, lazy, and do not want to actually put effort into things that are important.
School is a big example of that. Lately, I have been procrastinating a lot but honestly, it ends now.
Now, I am going to be proactive and truly live my life.
Simply Live
- Ephesians 4:1-
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
-Romans 12:12-
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
I used to think this prayer was a load of baloney, but it really has helped me lately.
Things do not always have to come straight from the Bible to still contain bits of wisdom.
God grant me....
the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all, No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life its name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
Learning to trust God and completely give up my worries, dreams, and future to Him is quite amazing.
I have been learning lately that I really need to do this.
If I do not, I stand against God and I am plaqued by the devil.
It may seem a bit strange at first, but it's true.
I have learned the hard way that worry, anxiety, and most forms of stress are not of God but of the devil.
Therefore, I have to remind myself over and over again who I belong to, who I am living for (well, who I aim to live for), and I have to literally tell myself 'worry is not of God'.
Yes, a certain amount of stress is a part of life but what my mind has been wandering to lately is not right.
I do have to add that I don't always help myself out. I can do things to make things run smoothly. However, I am often forgetful, lazy, and do not want to actually put effort into things that are important.
School is a big example of that. Lately, I have been procrastinating a lot but honestly, it ends now.
Now, I am going to be proactive and truly live my life.
Simply Live
- Ephesians 4:1-
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
-Romans 12:12-
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
I used to think this prayer was a load of baloney, but it really has helped me lately.
Things do not always have to come straight from the Bible to still contain bits of wisdom.
God grant me....
the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
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