Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Good things He planned for us...
"David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God." (1 Samuel 30:6 AMP)
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Coming back to what matters
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
-Matthew 13:2-9 NIV
“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
- Matthew 13:18-23 NIV
I want to focus this blog on, "the seed falling among the thorns". The Word of God says this, "refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful." How many of you have worries about life? I know I do sometimes! Our worries leave us open to deceitfulness, because we start looking for worldly things to meet our needs. I'd like to encourage you to, "come back to what matters". That's how the Lord spoke it to me. Most of us start out fine and balanced, but as time goes on the thrones grow in around us, we begin to choke. In these seasons, when we are grasping for air, we need to recognize the root of our suffocation and struggle - (root: worry, the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth.)
I was inspired to write this because of my own struggles lately. I began feeling like the worries of life were choking out the good seeds that had been sown. Worries about money, weight, family...just LIFE. I found myself not being as fruitful as I wanted to be. The Lord spoke to me using these verses and I'm passing them on to you. If we don't cut/pull worry from our life, it will grow up, and choke every good, perfect and beautiful thing the Lord is growing in us- just like a garden taken over by weeds.
How is wealth deceitful? Wealth is deceitful because it keeps us craving more. We believe if we acquire just a little bit more we'll be okay, but once we reach that goal, we want more...on and on the cycle goes. Before we know it we are worshiping money and NOT God. The truth is if we focus on God, God will take care of our LIFE.
I feel like I was tested and held accountable by the Lord with this very thing this week, "the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth" began choking the word in my heart. I feel blessed to have such a relationship with God, that I still hear and recognize His red flags in my life. I pray that never changes. I never want to be taken over by thorns.
Since the Lord brought this to my attention, I've fixed my eyes back on Him (right where they belong), and I'm healing from the emotional roller coaster the enemy took me on and my heart is coming back to what matters most - my dependency and trust in God.
I want to be good soil for God's word, so I will produce a crop as the Bible says.
I was inspired to write this because of my own struggles lately. I began feeling like the worries of life were choking out the good seeds that had been sown. Worries about money, weight, family...just LIFE. I found myself not being as fruitful as I wanted to be. The Lord spoke to me using these verses and I'm passing them on to you. If we don't cut/pull worry from our life, it will grow up, and choke every good, perfect and beautiful thing the Lord is growing in us- just like a garden taken over by weeds.
How is wealth deceitful? Wealth is deceitful because it keeps us craving more. We believe if we acquire just a little bit more we'll be okay, but once we reach that goal, we want more...on and on the cycle goes. Before we know it we are worshiping money and NOT God. The truth is if we focus on God, God will take care of our LIFE.
I feel like I was tested and held accountable by the Lord with this very thing this week, "the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth" began choking the word in my heart. I feel blessed to have such a relationship with God, that I still hear and recognize His red flags in my life. I pray that never changes. I never want to be taken over by thorns.
Since the Lord brought this to my attention, I've fixed my eyes back on Him (right where they belong), and I'm healing from the emotional roller coaster the enemy took me on and my heart is coming back to what matters most - my dependency and trust in God.
I want to be good soil for God's word, so I will produce a crop as the Bible says.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Worship Wednesday
Today for Worship Wednesday I'm sharing a blog I wrote back on September 19, 2009, a day after going to a Kim Clement event. This blog gives an account of what I experienced at Kim's event. I hope it blesses you! People have mixed feelings about Kim, but one thing is for sure, his music ministry is powerful. I've never entered into worship at Kim's event and not been touched by God in an intimate way.
"The Kim Clement event last night was amazing, like always. He walked on stage and started singing “The enemy is trying to suffocate you and steal your breathe away but I will deliver you” from that song he began speaking about “python” and “divination.” He used the verse in Acts 16:16-19 about the girl who followed Paul around crying out “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” He said many who are trying to prophesy and speak over our lives are only using a familiar spirit and are sucking the life out of us. Kim never allows anyone he does not know to speak over him for that reason. Prophesy should allow you to take a much needed breathe in,
He explained that when God breathes out (prophesy) you take a breath in, which then allows you to breathe out (prophesy) to others. But many in the church are listening to python, which prophesies what the enemy sees and thinks about you and your situation NOT what God sees. I can personally attest to this. I’ve allowed people I did not know to pray and speak over me and I left in chains, not free! I have since then learned to put my foot down. I’m not trying to be rude but if I don’t know you don’t ask to pray or speak over me.
Kim continued teaching about how he never watches the News anymore, not because he doesn’t like it but because it suffocates him and he rather speak to God about God’s deeds rather than his needs. The news says one thing BUT “What does God have to say about that?” which lead him to sing a song about American, “America, America you are salt to the world, America American you are light.” From there he started teaching about how we need to speak life into our future, “Our today is the tomorrow we didn’t sow into” so sow into your future and when tomorrow comes you will have a harvest waiting for you. We have today what we spoke about yesterday!
Every deed is a seed for tomorrow but if we can’t see it we won’t sow it which started him on the subject of revelation. “Revelation is seeing what is not seen” but when we get revelation it induces an action based on what was heard. God is waiting to hear Himself in us and when He does it will move Him in our behalf. We were each created as originals and God is waiting to see us walk in that originality; not trying to copy and mimic other “anointed” people but releasing the voice He placed inside of us. When we begin to speak what God is speaking the way He created us to do it, He will draw near. Like for me personally I can pray all day and have an awesome time with Jesus but something special happens when I begin to write in my journal. I have more prayers answered in a physical way and in dreams when I write poetry, prayers, and journal entries in my journal. Some people it may be singing, painting or playing the guitar whatever it may be release the fire in you the way God created you too.
Anyway in closing Kim mentioned how he sometimes feels sad leaving an event because he’s leaving something special that has been released in the atmosphere and he does not want to part with it. I thought that was really neat and confirmation to me because many times when I leave certain prophetic events I get very sad. I’ve even found myself crying once. I prayed and asked the Lord what was this inside of me. For years the best way I was able to explain it was like “coming down from a spiritual high” though I still don’t completely understand it. It’s like having your head in the clouds and coming back down. How can anything compare to the presence of God? It can’t! Everything else is dull compare to Jesus!
I once read a story about a man who died and visited heaven and then was brought back to life. He spoke about going through sadness. How could he have been in such a place like heaven and see it’s splendor and then come back to earth and be happy? Nothing compares to where he had just been, everything else is dull and lifeless compared to what he just experienced. In the same sense something powerful happens when we gather with a group of believers and prophesy and sing songs to God. Though we can and should do it alone every day and continually in our spirits it’s still extra special when we all come together and hard to part with that intensity"
"The Kim Clement event last night was amazing, like always. He walked on stage and started singing “The enemy is trying to suffocate you and steal your breathe away but I will deliver you” from that song he began speaking about “python” and “divination.” He used the verse in Acts 16:16-19 about the girl who followed Paul around crying out “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” He said many who are trying to prophesy and speak over our lives are only using a familiar spirit and are sucking the life out of us. Kim never allows anyone he does not know to speak over him for that reason. Prophesy should allow you to take a much needed breathe in,
“Prophecy never suffocates but lets you breathe.”
He explained that when God breathes out (prophesy) you take a breath in, which then allows you to breathe out (prophesy) to others. But many in the church are listening to python, which prophesies what the enemy sees and thinks about you and your situation NOT what God sees. I can personally attest to this. I’ve allowed people I did not know to pray and speak over me and I left in chains, not free! I have since then learned to put my foot down. I’m not trying to be rude but if I don’t know you don’t ask to pray or speak over me.
Kim continued teaching about how he never watches the News anymore, not because he doesn’t like it but because it suffocates him and he rather speak to God about God’s deeds rather than his needs. The news says one thing BUT “What does God have to say about that?” which lead him to sing a song about American, “America, America you are salt to the world, America American you are light.” From there he started teaching about how we need to speak life into our future, “Our today is the tomorrow we didn’t sow into” so sow into your future and when tomorrow comes you will have a harvest waiting for you. We have today what we spoke about yesterday!
“If you are unhappy today it’s because you didn’t sow into it.”
Every deed is a seed for tomorrow but if we can’t see it we won’t sow it which started him on the subject of revelation. “Revelation is seeing what is not seen” but when we get revelation it induces an action based on what was heard. God is waiting to hear Himself in us and when He does it will move Him in our behalf. We were each created as originals and God is waiting to see us walk in that originality; not trying to copy and mimic other “anointed” people but releasing the voice He placed inside of us. When we begin to speak what God is speaking the way He created us to do it, He will draw near. Like for me personally I can pray all day and have an awesome time with Jesus but something special happens when I begin to write in my journal. I have more prayers answered in a physical way and in dreams when I write poetry, prayers, and journal entries in my journal. Some people it may be singing, painting or playing the guitar whatever it may be release the fire in you the way God created you too.
Anyway in closing Kim mentioned how he sometimes feels sad leaving an event because he’s leaving something special that has been released in the atmosphere and he does not want to part with it. I thought that was really neat and confirmation to me because many times when I leave certain prophetic events I get very sad. I’ve even found myself crying once. I prayed and asked the Lord what was this inside of me. For years the best way I was able to explain it was like “coming down from a spiritual high” though I still don’t completely understand it. It’s like having your head in the clouds and coming back down. How can anything compare to the presence of God? It can’t! Everything else is dull compare to Jesus!
I once read a story about a man who died and visited heaven and then was brought back to life. He spoke about going through sadness. How could he have been in such a place like heaven and see it’s splendor and then come back to earth and be happy? Nothing compares to where he had just been, everything else is dull and lifeless compared to what he just experienced. In the same sense something powerful happens when we gather with a group of believers and prophesy and sing songs to God. Though we can and should do it alone every day and continually in our spirits it’s still extra special when we all come together and hard to part with that intensity"
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Easily Dissatisfied
"Whatever is TRUE, whatever is NOBLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE- if anything is EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY- think about such things." - Philippians 4:8 NIV
The last few years God has done amazing things for me. I couldn't go a day without thanking Him over and over for making a way where there seemed to be no way. But the past few days I had a little bit of a negative attitude. I searched my heart and found that I had taken my eyes off of Jesus and put them on other people's blessings. Let me tell you, the fastest way to become dissatisfied with what we once considered a blessing is to start envying other people's stuff. We're all running our own race. God is not taking all of us down the same road. That's why we shouldn't compare ourselves, it's apples and oranges.
If you're like me, and have found that you aren't rejoicing in the things you once rejoiced over, search your heart, and see if you, like me, have taken your eyes off of Jesus and put them on other people's material gain. The fastest and shortest road to "Ungrateful-ville" is to envy others.
I always try to keep a thankful and grateful heart about everything, because God truly has done great things for me (and you). So a red flag pops up when I begin feeling depressed, sad or negative in some way. Let those things be a red flag to you as well. Remind yourself that God IS FOR you! God LOVES you! And God DOES provide! Praise always precedes the victory! Whereas, envy always precedes a down fall!
The enemy and our carnal nature love reminding us of everything we don't have, and conveniently FORGET to remind us of what we DO have. It's our job to encourage ourselves in the Lord and remind ourselves!
Don't allow other people's gain to destroy the joy you once had over your answered prayers!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
America's Entrepreneurial Spirit
Finding a job is getting more and more difficult it seems. The typical system of going to college, making a resume, and getting a well paying job is not a fully functioning system anymore. The younger generations are going to have to start thinking more creatively to earn a living.
“I think entrepreneurship used to be a renegade’s choice, but today it’s a viable career path,” said Gerber, author of “Never Get A ‘Real’ Job“, whose mantra is “you need to create a job to keep a job." - Scott Gerber
I believe America has gotten into a rut. We've become complacent and comfortable. The majority of people have stopped dreaming outside of the box. We are dependent on established businesses to provide jobs instead of thinking for ourselves and developing new businesses. An Entrepreneurial spirit formed America's foundation and it's this spirit that will lead many of us successfully into the future.
People shouldn't be afraid to dream! We need to be risk takers and step away from the normal way of doing things and dare to go a new way. There may not be a road leading the way you want to go, so make a road! It will pay off in the long run. Technology is changing, but our way of finding jobs isn't, at least not fast enough. The way our grandparents, and even parents found jobs and made a living will not be functional for future generations.
As Christians we have a major edge over our competitors! We have God- THE Master Creator! Talk about having the right guy on our team - eh? As we seek the Lord, He will show us what path to take. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:6 NLT, "Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
God has a plan for each of our lives, and He wants nothing more than to share that plan with us! What gifts has He given you? What are you naturally good at? How can you market the talents He's placed in you? God's got an answer for all these questions. He will show you one step at a time.
I believe America has gotten into a rut. We've become complacent and comfortable. The majority of people have stopped dreaming outside of the box. We are dependent on established businesses to provide jobs instead of thinking for ourselves and developing new businesses. An Entrepreneurial spirit formed America's foundation and it's this spirit that will lead many of us successfully into the future.
People shouldn't be afraid to dream! We need to be risk takers and step away from the normal way of doing things and dare to go a new way. There may not be a road leading the way you want to go, so make a road! It will pay off in the long run. Technology is changing, but our way of finding jobs isn't, at least not fast enough. The way our grandparents, and even parents found jobs and made a living will not be functional for future generations.
As Christians we have a major edge over our competitors! We have God- THE Master Creator! Talk about having the right guy on our team - eh? As we seek the Lord, He will show us what path to take. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:6 NLT, "Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
God has a plan for each of our lives, and He wants nothing more than to share that plan with us! What gifts has He given you? What are you naturally good at? How can you market the talents He's placed in you? God's got an answer for all these questions. He will show you one step at a time.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Worship Wednesday
Today for "Worship Wednesday" I want to introduce you to the band, Malachi! Malachi is an independent, traveling, prophetic worship band. The word prophetic is simply used to describe the band's ability to communicate God's message to the church. I love that all Malachi's songs are original! Not only are they spirit-filled ministers, they are talented song writers! I often go to their site and listen to their playlist, on the right side of the page, while I surf the net, write blogs or catch up with e-mail, but I always have to stop what I'm doing, lift up my hands and worship, I can't help it! There's no way I can listen and not worship! I love this band!
Wherever this band goes, churches are blessed, people are encouraged, healed and filled! Malachi's raw genuine sounds are some of my favorite. I'm personally loving "Want To Be Like You" and "Run To You". The lyrics come from a surrendered heart, passionately seeking God.
I came across this quote yesterday, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say "I used everything you gave me."
(Click image to visit Malachi's website)
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Cream Cheese Brownies
I was reading a Christian, Amish, chick-lit book last week and one of the characters mentioned something about Cream Cheese Brownies. I thought, "hmm, that sounds really good!" So, yesterday I made some!Yummy! I had never heard of Cream Cheese Brownies before last week, but finding a recipe online was super easy. I used the "Joy of Baking" recipe (http//:joyofbaking.com). I'm not much of a baker and found the brownies a little challenging to make, but not impossible, just more work than I like.
Brownie Layer Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces (I used salted butter, and left out the 1/4 teaspoon salt) 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped. (I didn't chop mine, simply melted the block)
1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
(Makes about 16- 2inch squares)
Cream Cheese Layer Ingredients:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature1/3 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven: 325 degrees F
Place the rack in the center of oven
Have a 9x9 inch square backing pan lined with aluminum foil
In a stainless steel (heatproof) bowl placed over a sauce pan of simmering water, melt the better and chocolate. (I didn't have a stainless steel, heatproof bowl. So I filled a large skilled less than half way with water, then placed a medium size skilled inside the larger one. I have no idea if placing bowls inside each other with simmering water makes a difference in the ingredients, so that's what I did to compensate, instead of microwaving. When the water began to boil and heated the medium pan, I placed the butter and chocolate on the pan and stirred until melted. Honestly, it could have been a big waste of time ha-ha.)
Next, Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Add eggs and beat well. Then, stir in flour and salt. Mix until batter is smooth, glossy and comes away from the sides of the bowl/pan. Remove 1/2 cup of the brownie batter and set it aside. Spread the remainder of the batter evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
Then, use a food processor or hand mixer ( I used a blender), and process the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, vanilla and eggs. Process just until creamy and smooth. Spread the cream cheese filing evenly over the brownie layer. Spoon small dollops of the reserved brownie batter evenly on top of the cream cheese filling. Then with a table knife or wooden skewer, swirl the two batters without mixing them.
Bake for 25minutes or until brownies start to pull away from sides of the pan. Allow brownies to cool. Refrigerate until they are firm (at least 2 hours) (I only refrigerated mine for 1.5hrs and they were still soft. The next day when I tried another, after they'd been in the refrigerator all night, they tasted MUCH better and were firm.) Once chilled, remove the brownies from the pan by lifting foil and transfer to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 16 squares. It is a good idea to have a damp cloth nearby to wipe your knife between cuts. You can store brownies in refrigerator for several days.
This recipe was taken from JoyOfBaking.com (Whatever is in italics, is mine)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Caught the rascals!
(Buddies on a friend's porch)
(Mercy)
(Buddies)
(Grace)
(Winston)
(Mercy rubbing her head on Grace's chest, like she does every single day when she comes inside. Grace usually licks her ears, but is to focused on treats in this picture.)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Worship Wednesday
Today for Worship Wednesday, I'd like to share a video of Jason Upton singing, "I Built My House Upon a Stone" in London on October 14, 2010. (I added a few more videos through out this blog as well, just to help introduce some of you to Jason. I also have six of his more spontaneous videos under, "My Current Worship Set" on the bottom right side of my blog.) Many have never heard of Jason Upton, though his music ministry has picked up a bigger following the past few years. I was introduced to Jason Upton's ministry by a friend back in 2003, and I was glued! The intimacy at his conferences are matched by none, in my opinion. I can honestly say that Jason's pastoral heart and spirit filled music marked a major cross road in my life. It changed my walk with Jesus, for the best.
People often write lyrics about, hearing "angels singing", but I wonder how many have actually heard the angles, or are they just wishful thinking. I can say that I've actually encountered "angels singing/praising" with my own ears at one of his events. The list of supernatural encounters people have had are numerous. I don't think Jason is anything special, or MORE special than anyone else. I simply believe that his honesty, vulnerability and openness to flow with the Holy Spirit makes room for these supernatural encounters, where as other musical artists and ministers are more concerned with "performance".
I will admit when I first listened to his music, it sounded a bit weird to my ears. I was used to very polished artists that had been edited and produced to the max; you know the type you hear on the radio. Jason's raw sounds were new to me, but my spiritual ears opened and the honesty behind his music changed my heart. It led me to listen to more spontaneous worship and taught me to worship God differently in my private time. My personal worship time with God changed from just singing to having power encounters with the Holy Spirit and all sorts of fun stuff. I learned how to sing my own songs to God , how to sing in the spirit and to flow with words and utterances only God could give. My relationship with God became alive. I could feel Him, hear Him, experience Him.
If I could offer any advice to Christians, I'd say, listen to music and ministers who have encountered God. Follow those who flow in the Holy Spirit because they can show you how to enter in. If you only listen to "Christian" music that's polished, marketed and produced for radio, you'll miss out on some amazing things. Are the people you're listening to hearing from God? Do they get revelation or are they making excuses about God's silence? The truth is God is speaking! Are we listening?
People like Jason Upton, bring prophetic vision and refreshing to the people, because they are intimately connected with God. It's not their great musical skills, perfect pitch or flashing lights that encourage the people, it's the presence of God. They create an atmosphere that welcomes God's manifested presence.
I hear so many people who are discouraged with their life, and it saddens me! Discouraged people need prophetic revelation! If that's you, you need to become friends with people who walk in the Holy Spirit, you need to go to conferences where the ministers prophesy over the people! Why? Because God WANTS to speak to you! He does NOT want you walking around in doubt, fear, and hopelessness. He has something to say to YOU! You just have to find people who are willing & able to release it. I can't tell you how many times I felt discouraged, but went to a prophetic event and God literally spoke to my situation. I felt so special. He never leaves me! He hasn't left you either!
There is power and hope, when people release divine words from God, for us. We are able to hear God for ourselves, but many times our emotional state blocks us from hearing clearly, that's why I suggest going somewhere where people are flowing in the Spirit. These gifts are given to us to encourage one another! People have prophetic gifts to encourage the Body of Christ!
I challenge everyone who reads this "Worship Wednesday" blog to try listening to Jason Upton. I know his ministry will bless you just as it has me!
You can find more Jason Upton videos by going to YouTube.com and typing "Jason Upton" in the search option.You can also visit Jason's website: http://www.jasonupton.net/site/
And don't forget to stop by next Wednesday to see what musical artists or videos I highlight next!
Till next time remember the question is not, "Is God speaking?", the question is, "Are we listening?"
Monday, August 8, 2011
Making new friends
"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."
Any girls remember that song?
When I was a little girl, I was part of the Girl Scouts, specifically the Brownies. I only participated for a few short years, if that, but one thing I remember is this song.
I don't know how it is for boys, but for many girls growing up, this song is extremely appropriate because little girls are always exchanging their "old friends" for new ones. One minute we'd be friends with so and so, until a new girl comes along and we ditch our old friend for the new. As kids we often failed to realize we could have MANY friends, even many BEST friends. However, I do love how kids are excited about making new friends, minus the whole jumping from one new buddy to another. So in Brownies when we'd sing "Make new friends BUT KEEP the old", it was always as if the leaders knew, that us girls needed that song. (ha-ha)
The funny things is, as we grow older, things begin to turn the opposite way. We no longer go from friend to friend, but stick with those we've grown to feel safe and comfortable with. Instead of the, "but KEEP the old" part of the song being important, us adults need the "Make NEW friends" part.
What's sad is that lonely people don't stand a chance. How are they to make new friends, when most people already have friends and aren't open to investing in more? That's the point of my post today. To help shine a light on this issue. Let's remember there are many lonely people now more than ever. Loneliness comes in many forms and is not always dressed in black with a sad face. Many lonely people wear a smile everyday. A lonely person may try to make friends by inviting people places and initiating a connection, but those who have friends usually turn them down, because their cups are already full, and they don't even realize they are being unfriendly, or they may simply not care.
As a Christian, I know what "Sunday morning" friends are, and you may too! Those are people that only want to talk to you on "Sunday morning", they aren't looking to connect with you on any other level or day, but Sunday. They may be super sweet people, but unwilling to be more in your life - typical "Sunday morning" friends. Are you a "Sunday morning" friend? Have you already established your "group"? You already have people to call, hang out with and DO life WITH and have no intention, motivation or desire to invest in any other meaningful friendships? If that's you, you're missing out on some incredible Godly connections, and people are missing out on YOU. Everyone loses when we're closed off in our "safe group".
There is also a new type of friend created by online social networking. The friend that says, "Oh how is so and so? I haven't talked to them in forever, BUT I check up on them through Facebook." Heads up!! Stopping by and visiting someone's Facebook page doesn't feel nearly as good to the other person as it does for us. You see, we have this false sense of connection, without having to invest anything tangible. This mentality is contributing to the empty hole in some people.
As a Christian, I know what "Sunday morning" friends are, and you may too! Those are people that only want to talk to you on "Sunday morning", they aren't looking to connect with you on any other level or day, but Sunday. They may be super sweet people, but unwilling to be more in your life - typical "Sunday morning" friends. Are you a "Sunday morning" friend? Have you already established your "group"? You already have people to call, hang out with and DO life WITH and have no intention, motivation or desire to invest in any other meaningful friendships? If that's you, you're missing out on some incredible Godly connections, and people are missing out on YOU. Everyone loses when we're closed off in our "safe group".
There is also a new type of friend created by online social networking. The friend that says, "Oh how is so and so? I haven't talked to them in forever, BUT I check up on them through Facebook." Heads up!! Stopping by and visiting someone's Facebook page doesn't feel nearly as good to the other person as it does for us. You see, we have this false sense of connection, without having to invest anything tangible. This mentality is contributing to the empty hole in some people.
We may think, that lonely people MUST be unfriendly, but that's often times not the case. Those with friends can be some of the unfriendliest, because they're already connected. Their emotional cup is full and they don't have a need for more friends at the moment which leaves a lonely person feeling more rejected and alone. (We don't learn this hard lesson until we are in a season where we need friends and see how hard they are to make.)
Anyway, as adults I think we should be more receptive to accepting new people into our lives. I'm not saying to get overwhelmed with commitments and break a bunch of promises, but a simple willingness to "see where things go", type of attitude could be really helpful on all sides.
Jesus is in the business of multiply what we have, to better serve others. I'm willing to bet if we extent ourselves in genuine friendship to others, He will expand our capacity to hold more friends. He will give what is needed, whether that means multiplying our time, emotional tanks, money, trust, love, whatever it may be that's stopping us from creating friendships outside of our "group", He can multiply.
Lets not allow the fear of "not having enough" stop us, from loving those God has placed all around us. I'm sure the little boy in John 6:9 NIV thought he didn't have enough, but his one lunch of five small barely loaves and two fish fed 5,000, with left overs!!! And just like that little boy, your love, your friendship and your time can feed many more than you may know or feel comfortable with
Just say, "Yes!" and let God make room; creating a healthy cycle of making new friends, and also keeping the old.
Anyway, as adults I think we should be more receptive to accepting new people into our lives. I'm not saying to get overwhelmed with commitments and break a bunch of promises, but a simple willingness to "see where things go", type of attitude could be really helpful on all sides.
Jesus is in the business of multiply what we have, to better serve others. I'm willing to bet if we extent ourselves in genuine friendship to others, He will expand our capacity to hold more friends. He will give what is needed, whether that means multiplying our time, emotional tanks, money, trust, love, whatever it may be that's stopping us from creating friendships outside of our "group", He can multiply.
Lets not allow the fear of "not having enough" stop us, from loving those God has placed all around us. I'm sure the little boy in John 6:9 NIV thought he didn't have enough, but his one lunch of five small barely loaves and two fish fed 5,000, with left overs!!! And just like that little boy, your love, your friendship and your time can feed many more than you may know or feel comfortable with
Just say, "Yes!" and let God make room; creating a healthy cycle of making new friends, and also keeping the old.
God Bless! :) :)
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