In honor of Mother's Day I thought I would share 10 things that my mom has taught me over the years.
Here we go...
What my mom taught me:
1. Trust God. Follow His ways. Depend fully on Him and know that He has everything under control
2. Love. Love everyone. No matter where they're from or what they've done. Love.
3. Don't judge. It's not our place to judge people. The only person who can judge is God.
4. Have grace. No one is perfect. People will make mistakes. Give them grace, they're only human.
5. Be willing to listen. No matter if the person is your best friend or worst enemy. Listen.
6. Try to look for the good in people. Even when it's hard.
7. Breathe. Getting stressed over insignificant things is a waste of energy.
8. Always take your vitamins. Turns out they do actually make you feel better.
9. Some of what might seem like the world's biggest problems at the time can be solved by eating ice cream or taking a trip to a coffee shop.
10. Pray. Always pray.
Thank you Mama, I love you!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Run
It wasn't until recently that I truly discovered the joy that it is to run. Granted, my positivity about doing so isn't always there. AVH and AW can attest to the fact that I've had my fair share of complaints about the activity when we go out for our jogs. But deep down, I know there's something freeing about it.
Ask me about my opinion of the sport a year or two ago, I'd probably smirk. It was a punishment in the activities I had participated in, so why would I do it for fun?
Fast forward to today.
To say the least my week has not been easy. The weight of heavy thoughts. Lack of sleep. Students causing problems. Discussions with parents. (Though, compared to that of the bombings in Boston, my week has been fabulous.) All enough to make me burst at the seams. I could feel pent up energy and adrenaline pulsating it's way through my body. For the first time in a while I looked forward to running my 3ish miles.
I began.
My feet tapping the pavement.
Legs getting stiff
Heart pounding.
Breathing getting heavy.
I always wondered what my face looked like to the cars passing by...meh, who said running had to be attractive.
My thoughts soon moved to everything that brought me down this week.
I ran harder.
Each word that was said.
Each action that was done.
I ran harder.
All I wanted to do was to keep running.
Let it go.
I felt a sense of freedom.
I kept telling myself, The more you run the farther away the worries will be.
Running, running, running.
And turn.
My journey back began.
Despite a painful side-ache or two on my return, I did it. As I slowed to my cool-down I could feel the endorphins exploding inside my head.
To be blessed with such a marvelous ability to move is overwhelming.
A gift that I know I truly take for granted.
Ask me about my opinion of the sport a year or two ago, I'd probably smirk. It was a punishment in the activities I had participated in, so why would I do it for fun?
Fast forward to today.
To say the least my week has not been easy. The weight of heavy thoughts. Lack of sleep. Students causing problems. Discussions with parents. (Though, compared to that of the bombings in Boston, my week has been fabulous.) All enough to make me burst at the seams. I could feel pent up energy and adrenaline pulsating it's way through my body. For the first time in a while I looked forward to running my 3ish miles.
I began.
My feet tapping the pavement.
Legs getting stiff
Heart pounding.
Breathing getting heavy.
I always wondered what my face looked like to the cars passing by...meh, who said running had to be attractive.
My thoughts soon moved to everything that brought me down this week.
I ran harder.
Each word that was said.
Each action that was done.
I ran harder.
All I wanted to do was to keep running.
Let it go.
I felt a sense of freedom.
I kept telling myself, The more you run the farther away the worries will be.
Running, running, running.
And turn.
My journey back began.
Despite a painful side-ache or two on my return, I did it. As I slowed to my cool-down I could feel the endorphins exploding inside my head.
To be blessed with such a marvelous ability to move is overwhelming.
A gift that I know I truly take for granted.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Uncontrolled Circumstances
I've been meaning to write about this for a while, I suppose I just couldn't figure out the proper wording for such a post.
As many (if not all) of you know I live in Saipan. A tropical island that sits approximately 155 miles away from Guam. Yes Guam. A target in the eyes of a war empowered, North Korean leader who is trying to prove himself.
It's strange to think such a thing could happen so close. I didn't realize the seriousness of it all until my mom sent me a message about it a couple weeks ago. Good Friday to be exact. Without a television one has the ability to lose touch with what's going on in the world (though sometimes Facebook has all the news you need). Yet, through it all I have found no reason to worry. No anxiety about what "might" happen. A simple "This too shall pass" feeling.
Let's go back to Good Friday.
My body rested on a stiff church pew, my whole being emotionally exhausted from the day. In my mind whirled news articles, pictures, what have you. The concern of my family back home and how there was absolutely no way that I could tell them for sure that everything would be alright. All I could say was that God's got this. I suddenly blinked back to reality. My eyes panned around the sanctuary, people were still worshiping and praising God.
Despite the possibility of an over looming tragedy, people rejoiced. Despite the terrifying news feeds, people went on with life as usual. It was as if this whole thing, in that moment, was nothing. Our tiny island was focused in the moment, not what might come.
Now I've heard it from both sides, some don't think it's a big deal (almost an empty threat if you will) while other's watch their news tickers like hawks.
I choose to take it a day at a time. I don't look at the papers much, or watch things about it. Occasionally my friends and I will joke about it, like maybe we'll escape to a neighboring (unthreatened) country or something. Sometimes humor is the best in heavy situations.
What has kept me sane though is my faith.
I know I serve the God who holds my life in His hands. He knows my future and what is to come. There is no sense for me to worry about the unknown when I know that He has it under control. What will happen is going to happen (whether or not that includes nuclear warfare). There is nothing I can do so why try to control what I cannot?
This verse has been swimming its way through the lines of my thoughts lately:
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"
-Matthew 5:44
It's times like this when all we can do is pray. Pray for the leader in North Korea. Pray for the people of North Korea. Pray to ease the pain of worry that bubbles up in our hearts when we deal with the unknown. Pray for wisdom. Pray for strength. Just pray.
I don't know what is going to happen. I don't know when. I don't know where. But I do know, that I want you to know I'm alright. We're alright. God will bring peace, not matter the circumstance.
As many (if not all) of you know I live in Saipan. A tropical island that sits approximately 155 miles away from Guam. Yes Guam. A target in the eyes of a war empowered, North Korean leader who is trying to prove himself.
It's strange to think such a thing could happen so close. I didn't realize the seriousness of it all until my mom sent me a message about it a couple weeks ago. Good Friday to be exact. Without a television one has the ability to lose touch with what's going on in the world (though sometimes Facebook has all the news you need). Yet, through it all I have found no reason to worry. No anxiety about what "might" happen. A simple "This too shall pass" feeling.
Let's go back to Good Friday.
My body rested on a stiff church pew, my whole being emotionally exhausted from the day. In my mind whirled news articles, pictures, what have you. The concern of my family back home and how there was absolutely no way that I could tell them for sure that everything would be alright. All I could say was that God's got this. I suddenly blinked back to reality. My eyes panned around the sanctuary, people were still worshiping and praising God.
Despite the possibility of an over looming tragedy, people rejoiced. Despite the terrifying news feeds, people went on with life as usual. It was as if this whole thing, in that moment, was nothing. Our tiny island was focused in the moment, not what might come.
Now I've heard it from both sides, some don't think it's a big deal (almost an empty threat if you will) while other's watch their news tickers like hawks.
I choose to take it a day at a time. I don't look at the papers much, or watch things about it. Occasionally my friends and I will joke about it, like maybe we'll escape to a neighboring (unthreatened) country or something. Sometimes humor is the best in heavy situations.
What has kept me sane though is my faith.
I know I serve the God who holds my life in His hands. He knows my future and what is to come. There is no sense for me to worry about the unknown when I know that He has it under control. What will happen is going to happen (whether or not that includes nuclear warfare). There is nothing I can do so why try to control what I cannot?
This verse has been swimming its way through the lines of my thoughts lately:
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"
-Matthew 5:44
It's times like this when all we can do is pray. Pray for the leader in North Korea. Pray for the people of North Korea. Pray to ease the pain of worry that bubbles up in our hearts when we deal with the unknown. Pray for wisdom. Pray for strength. Just pray.
I don't know what is going to happen. I don't know when. I don't know where. But I do know, that I want you to know I'm alright. We're alright. God will bring peace, not matter the circumstance.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
I Do
Let me start off this post with saying that I personally am not married.
Nor is it likely that I will be in the near future...at least as far as I know.
With that being said you are probably asking yourselves...sooo why are you writing about it then?
Be patient.
Like all my entries I have a point.
I've found that I come from a society where marriage (at least media-wise) is not as highly favored as it once was.
In some instances it would seem that some people would deem marriage a let down. I suppose if one has his or her mind set in that way then it probably will be. Then again, these thoughts can arise from different, more serious, situations as well...
(Of course there is the polar opposite of things...I went to a college where engagement was as common as turning in a homework assignment. Some girls even went there just so they could find a husband. But I digress)
What about the good that can come out of marriage? I have a lot of respect for those couples who are married (not that I don't have any for those who aren't, it's just a different kind). Two people who share a promise to stay committed to each other for the rest of their lives, even when times turn sour. Two people who think of not only themselves but each other. Two people who cheer on and take care of each other. Two people who can fight, bicker, and have completely different opinions but still love each other despite it all.
I don't know about you, but I think that sounds pretty fabulous.
Nor is it likely that I will be in the near future...at least as far as I know.
With that being said you are probably asking yourselves...sooo why are you writing about it then?
Be patient.
Like all my entries I have a point.
I've found that I come from a society where marriage (at least media-wise) is not as highly favored as it once was.
In some instances it would seem that some people would deem marriage a let down. I suppose if one has his or her mind set in that way then it probably will be. Then again, these thoughts can arise from different, more serious, situations as well...
(Of course there is the polar opposite of things...I went to a college where engagement was as common as turning in a homework assignment. Some girls even went there just so they could find a husband. But I digress)
What about the good that can come out of marriage? I have a lot of respect for those couples who are married (not that I don't have any for those who aren't, it's just a different kind). Two people who share a promise to stay committed to each other for the rest of their lives, even when times turn sour. Two people who think of not only themselves but each other. Two people who cheer on and take care of each other. Two people who can fight, bicker, and have completely different opinions but still love each other despite it all.
I don't know about you, but I think that sounds pretty fabulous.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Church Mouse
As I trecked back from my (somewhat, but not really) weekly ritual of Sunday night grading, I made a pit stop at the church sanctuary.
In all honesty I'm not sure why, I mean I've spent quite a bit of quality time with said building. With chapel on Friday and church on Sunday, one would think it's not a place that would draw me in too quickly. Yet there was something about it tonight that seemed so inviting.
A quiet, calm place with uncomfortably inviting pews. I took a seat in the very front left. Even after being in said space multiple times I realized I had never taken a chance to see the sanctuary as it really is.
My eyes followed the rows and rows of pews lined up parallel from each other. All in perfect formation, almost as if they were soldiers marching. Up from the seating my eyes traveled to the ceiling. Each rafter connected to the next by large bolts screwed tightly in place. My eyes followed them until it hit the cross, standing ever so luminously in the soft light of the stage.
A billowy glow outlined the most important symbol I have ever come to know. It gave me a sense of peace. In fact the whole experience of just sitting there did. To be seated in complete silence. Stillness even. The only movement were the carlights shining on the walls as each vehicle passed by.
My eyes soon traveled down to the floor where I saw a mouse rushing back and forth. His tiny feet scurrying from one hiding place to the next.
I suppose mice to need a calming place too.
In all honesty I'm not sure why, I mean I've spent quite a bit of quality time with said building. With chapel on Friday and church on Sunday, one would think it's not a place that would draw me in too quickly. Yet there was something about it tonight that seemed so inviting.
A quiet, calm place with uncomfortably inviting pews. I took a seat in the very front left. Even after being in said space multiple times I realized I had never taken a chance to see the sanctuary as it really is.
My eyes followed the rows and rows of pews lined up parallel from each other. All in perfect formation, almost as if they were soldiers marching. Up from the seating my eyes traveled to the ceiling. Each rafter connected to the next by large bolts screwed tightly in place. My eyes followed them until it hit the cross, standing ever so luminously in the soft light of the stage.
A billowy glow outlined the most important symbol I have ever come to know. It gave me a sense of peace. In fact the whole experience of just sitting there did. To be seated in complete silence. Stillness even. The only movement were the carlights shining on the walls as each vehicle passed by.
My eyes soon traveled down to the floor where I saw a mouse rushing back and forth. His tiny feet scurrying from one hiding place to the next.
I suppose mice to need a calming place too.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Doubt
So I'll be honest, I've been doubtful about things lately.
Doubtful God will provide for this.
Doubtful God will change that.
Is it normal for anyone to have doubts? Yes of course, we're human and have sin festering inside of us. Someone without doubt would seem alien.
Is doubt with God something we need to fight to over come? Well, I think you probably know the answer as best as I...a big, whopping, affirmative.
In order to help aid my feelings of uncertainity I cracked open the B-I-B-L-E (yes that's the book for me!). Generally I would consult the concordance first, but the book of James made its way into my mind before I even touched the pages.
My eyes fell on this passage:
This section brought me back to a section in the book of Job when Job is questioning God and God answers with full force:
“Who is this that obscures my plans
with words without knowledge?
Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.
Doubtful God will provide for this.
Doubtful God will change that.
Is it normal for anyone to have doubts? Yes of course, we're human and have sin festering inside of us. Someone without doubt would seem alien.
Is doubt with God something we need to fight to over come? Well, I think you probably know the answer as best as I...a big, whopping, affirmative.
In order to help aid my feelings of uncertainity I cracked open the B-I-B-L-E (yes that's the book for me!). Generally I would consult the concordance first, but the book of James made its way into my mind before I even touched the pages.
My eyes fell on this passage:
"If you do not have wisdom, ask God for it. He is always ready to give it to you and will never say you are wrong for asking. You must have faith as you ask Him. You must not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave which is pushed around by the sea. Such a man will get nothing from the Lord. The man who has two ways of thinking changes in everything he does."
You must have faith.
You must not doubt.
You must not doubt.
Part of me found it eerie that such words would pop out at such an appropriate time...but at the same time part of me wasn't surprised. The Bible is the living word of God. He speaks to us through it.
This section brought me back to a section in the book of Job when Job is questioning God and God answers with full force:
“Who is this that obscures my plans
with words without knowledge?
Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?"
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?"
He continues on and on and on as He tells Job all that He has done and has the power to do.
Who am I to let the enemy overcome me with doubt when I know I have a savior and maker who is more powerful. A maker who can produce miracles so mind crippling that science could look foolish.
Have faith my friends, for He makes the impossible possible.
Who am I to let the enemy overcome me with doubt when I know I have a savior and maker who is more powerful. A maker who can produce miracles so mind crippling that science could look foolish.
Have faith my friends, for He makes the impossible possible.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Love is Patient, Love is Kind...
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.
A holiday that can be both loved an hated based on the status of one's personal dating or martial relationship situation.
Those who do have a significant other consider February 14th a day of romance, love, and surprises. Whereas some of those (notice how I said some, not all, or even a small majority) without may speak bitterly of how it's a day solely based around shoveling money into greeting card companies and thus choose to boycott said holiday (DOWN WITH SENTIMENTAL NOTES OF VALUE AND SUGAR FILLED COCOA PRODUCTS!).
I myself don't really fall under either. For the first time in about 6 years I do not have an official date for Valentine's Day. Am I crushed? Shamed? So downtrodden with depression that I'm going to watch sappy movies, cry, and consume copious of amounts of chocolate as I come to grips with my current stag situation?
Not at all. (Though, I can't promise you a Hershey kiss or ten wont be eaten. A chocoholic needs to get her fix somehow).
Instead I choose to take this day to focus on the following passage from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Read it again
And again
Ok one more time.
Done.
Everytime I go through that passage a pair of humbling hands place themselves on my heart.
Love is patient.
Love is,
Patient.
Love
Is
Patient
I know I am not always.
It is not easily angered
It is not easily,
Angered.
It
Is
Not
Easily
Angered.
I know that sometimes I am.
I believe that one of the greatest things that we can show to each other is love. I'm not just talking about boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife. I'm talking about anyone. There is not a soul on this planet who is of lesser value than you or I. There is not a soul on this planet who does not deserve to be cared for, respected, or loved.
The best way to do so is by following the words written in that of 1 Corinthians.
"...Love never fails"
A holiday that can be both loved an hated based on the status of one's personal dating or martial relationship situation.
Those who do have a significant other consider February 14th a day of romance, love, and surprises. Whereas some of those (notice how I said some, not all, or even a small majority) without may speak bitterly of how it's a day solely based around shoveling money into greeting card companies and thus choose to boycott said holiday (DOWN WITH SENTIMENTAL NOTES OF VALUE AND SUGAR FILLED COCOA PRODUCTS!).
I myself don't really fall under either. For the first time in about 6 years I do not have an official date for Valentine's Day. Am I crushed? Shamed? So downtrodden with depression that I'm going to watch sappy movies, cry, and consume copious of amounts of chocolate as I come to grips with my current stag situation?
Not at all. (Though, I can't promise you a Hershey kiss or ten wont be eaten. A chocoholic needs to get her fix somehow).
Instead I choose to take this day to focus on the following passage from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Read it again
And again
Ok one more time.
Done.
Everytime I go through that passage a pair of humbling hands place themselves on my heart.
Love is patient.
Love is,
Patient.
Love
Is
Patient
I know I am not always.
It is not easily angered
It is not easily,
Angered.
It
Is
Not
Easily
Angered.
I know that sometimes I am.
I believe that one of the greatest things that we can show to each other is love. I'm not just talking about boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife. I'm talking about anyone. There is not a soul on this planet who is of lesser value than you or I. There is not a soul on this planet who does not deserve to be cared for, respected, or loved.
The best way to do so is by following the words written in that of 1 Corinthians.
"...Love never fails"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)