Trusting God may be the hardest thing you’ll ever do. Some days it's like hurling yourself over a cliff, hoping by some magical force, there will be something to catch you. And that cliff is high…most likely with sharp rocks at the bottom…didn’t even think about the parachute as you climbed out of bed this morning…you would rather have a 'ho-hum' day if that's ok with God…etc.
I had an experience today that kind of reminded me of this constant struggle of trust.
As I leaned carefully over my little sisters 'science lab' I asked casually what she wanted to do today. She answers in pig latin, "cientistsay".
"ok...." I answered.
Gently tipping the chair I smiled as her eyes widen in amusement.
"Don't worry." I laugh.
"Cause you've got my blind-side, right?"
"Yeah..." I sniffed. "That's right.
The end
Sniff
Ok. If I am willing to watch my little sister, even when she’s in no danger at all (besides lab explosions) then how much more do you think God would watch over his children. The ones who He has kept under his wing for thousands of years. Why not trust ourselves with Him. After all, He’s the guide, and probably brought an extra parachute along for just such an occasion. God’s got our blindside and He won’t ever give you more then you can handle. That’s a promise.
Going to check on the ‘lab’,
~Stac
P.S.
Check out the movie, 'Blindside'...Very inspiring. =)
20.7.10
14.7.10
Why don't I ever win?!
Story time:
A couple days ago, I was procrastinating whether I should go to a certain place or not. I sulked into the kitchen and threw myself into a chair and sighed loudly. My sister calmly asked what my matter was. I explained, and, (she being bestowed with great sense) suggested that I go and get a verse about it. I rushed to my Bible , fully expecting to get back-up for my case.
When I did succeed, I went back downstairs, dragging my feet with every step. Finally reaching the kitchen my sister, as cheerful as ever, asked what I got.
"Well..." I answered slowly, " Let's just say I think I should go."
"Ok." She smiled. "Go get ready then."
"But I-"
"Don't argue with me. God's the one who gave you the verse. What was it anyway?"
"Ummm....something like, 'Go. And the Lord be with you.'"
The End.
Now, personally, I really don't like arguing with God. He always wins. And, once you think about, He always will. So, If you take my opinion, don't. I still haven't learned it's absolutely futile. Every once in while I'll find myself blaming HIm for something I know is probably just part of the bigger scheme. Sometimes it's hard to accept the part given to you. You're the either the star of the show or just an extra. But remember. Extra's are important. After all, what would the whole dramatic world do without them. They're willing stepping-stones, always looking at the bigger picture. And helping. Always helping.
Getting ready to go,
~Stac
A couple days ago, I was procrastinating whether I should go to a certain place or not. I sulked into the kitchen and threw myself into a chair and sighed loudly. My sister calmly asked what my matter was. I explained, and, (she being bestowed with great sense) suggested that I go and get a verse about it. I rushed to my Bible , fully expecting to get back-up for my case.
When I did succeed, I went back downstairs, dragging my feet with every step. Finally reaching the kitchen my sister, as cheerful as ever, asked what I got.
"Well..." I answered slowly, " Let's just say I think I should go."
"Ok." She smiled. "Go get ready then."
"But I-"
"Don't argue with me. God's the one who gave you the verse. What was it anyway?"
"Ummm....something like, 'Go. And the Lord be with you.'"
The End.
Now, personally, I really don't like arguing with God. He always wins. And, once you think about, He always will. So, If you take my opinion, don't. I still haven't learned it's absolutely futile. Every once in while I'll find myself blaming HIm for something I know is probably just part of the bigger scheme. Sometimes it's hard to accept the part given to you. You're the either the star of the show or just an extra. But remember. Extra's are important. After all, what would the whole dramatic world do without them. They're willing stepping-stones, always looking at the bigger picture. And helping. Always helping.
Getting ready to go,
~Stac
13.7.10
Impossibilities Are His Delight
“We have a God who delights in impossibilities.” ~Andrew Murray
Now that is something to stop and think on.
There are many instances in our lives when, by instinct, we know what to do…Your reading an amazing book, and need to pause, you mark or save the page. Your writing something in Word, or Pages, and you save it (I always forget this, but that is just me.) You make sure you have your Drivers Permit before going out. Your cell phone is dead: you charge it. Your little brother is crying- you locate an ice cream bar.
There are just automatic responses to some things, but others: requires a second thought. The times when you debate with yourself about what is right, what your friend think, or how it will it affect you later. Those are the times when it gets harder, and when your first instinct, may not be the correct route to take, ya know what I mean? That’s why God tells us to ask Him when we don’t know what to do, and stop and think. “He Delights in impossibilities.” That means its His favorite thing to do! To reveal Himself to us and others around us-in the most miraculous ways.
Some choices will affect more then you know….and some bring pain, too. In times of grief or tough situations, we tend to forget this and just go for what ‘seems’ right. Pain blinds our perspectives and makes everything look fuzzy. That’s why instead of plowing ahead, we gotta think. And ask. And pray.
I walked a mile with Pleasure,
She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne’er a word said she;
But, oh, the things I learned from her
When sorrow walked with me
There’s something to add to the stash of insight ;)
Blessings,
Bri
Now that is something to stop and think on.
There are many instances in our lives when, by instinct, we know what to do…Your reading an amazing book, and need to pause, you mark or save the page. Your writing something in Word, or Pages, and you save it (I always forget this, but that is just me.) You make sure you have your Drivers Permit before going out. Your cell phone is dead: you charge it. Your little brother is crying- you locate an ice cream bar.
There are just automatic responses to some things, but others: requires a second thought. The times when you debate with yourself about what is right, what your friend think, or how it will it affect you later. Those are the times when it gets harder, and when your first instinct, may not be the correct route to take, ya know what I mean? That’s why God tells us to ask Him when we don’t know what to do, and stop and think. “He Delights in impossibilities.” That means its His favorite thing to do! To reveal Himself to us and others around us-in the most miraculous ways.
Some choices will affect more then you know….and some bring pain, too. In times of grief or tough situations, we tend to forget this and just go for what ‘seems’ right. Pain blinds our perspectives and makes everything look fuzzy. That’s why instead of plowing ahead, we gotta think. And ask. And pray.
I walked a mile with Pleasure,
She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne’er a word said she;
But, oh, the things I learned from her
When sorrow walked with me
There’s something to add to the stash of insight ;)
Blessings,
Bri
12.7.10
Where Are My Wings?
Where Are My Wings?
Yesterday afternoon, Stac and I were peacefully each engrossed in a new book…As we poured over our fiction in the living room, suddenly: “BA-BOOM!!!” came as an impound shook the ceiling above. We both looked at each other calmly, and I said, “Well. Somebody just tried to fly.”(We returned to our reading.) You know those great memories you try to block out. I tried multiple times to fly-leaping from high objects and spreading my ‘wings.’ Stac, do you remember the incident with the laundry basket? Yeahh…..Um….thats another epic fail which we’ll save for another time.
Sometimes, even as the “brightest crayons in the box” that we believe ourselves to be as teens-we have ‘epic fails’ too. Now, if I had been the ideal child, I would have asked if it would work. But most of the time, kids don’t ask if things will work before they attempt. And then there’s a problem-whether bruised knees are involved, or, as we get older, broken dreams and aching hearts.
Most of the times we get ourselves into a dilemma, its because of our will and pride. Next time your parents say ‘no’….don’t get bent out of shape. There are somethings in this life that we don’t see from our perspectives, and only a fall would be involved. And usually shakes more then the ceiling. Maybe we need to look for more than a landing spot. Maybe we need to look for Someone who can get us there….There’s some deep insight.
Blessings,
Bri
PS Today, pray for safe travels as the Generations of Virtue Team heads out to the CA and AZ conventions. Here’s the link of GOV’s Travel Schedule: http://www.generationsofvirtue.org/read.php?tag=calendar
Yesterday afternoon, Stac and I were peacefully each engrossed in a new book…As we poured over our fiction in the living room, suddenly: “BA-BOOM!!!” came as an impound shook the ceiling above. We both looked at each other calmly, and I said, “Well. Somebody just tried to fly.”(We returned to our reading.) You know those great memories you try to block out. I tried multiple times to fly-leaping from high objects and spreading my ‘wings.’ Stac, do you remember the incident with the laundry basket? Yeahh…..Um….thats another epic fail which we’ll save for another time.
Sometimes, even as the “brightest crayons in the box” that we believe ourselves to be as teens-we have ‘epic fails’ too. Now, if I had been the ideal child, I would have asked if it would work. But most of the time, kids don’t ask if things will work before they attempt. And then there’s a problem-whether bruised knees are involved, or, as we get older, broken dreams and aching hearts.
Most of the times we get ourselves into a dilemma, its because of our will and pride. Next time your parents say ‘no’….don’t get bent out of shape. There are somethings in this life that we don’t see from our perspectives, and only a fall would be involved. And usually shakes more then the ceiling. Maybe we need to look for more than a landing spot. Maybe we need to look for Someone who can get us there….There’s some deep insight.
Blessings,
Bri
PS Today, pray for safe travels as the Generations of Virtue Team heads out to the CA and AZ conventions. Here’s the link of GOV’s Travel Schedule: http://www.generationsofvirtue.org/read.php?tag=calendar
11.7.10
Decisions, decisions.
Hi again...
I couldn't decide wether to write about Toy Story 3 or the sunset tonight, so, I decided to write about indecision.
I'm sure its happened to you. There are SO many choices in life today. Tests (hopefully you don't choose on those...), friends (quite the experience), and electronics, etc.. How many times have you made a decision you regret. Even something as simple as lunchtime. By dinner you're famished and throughly regret that 'brilliant' plan. Maybe it's that ‘one chance in a lifetime’ kind of thing and, somehow, (poof) it's gone. Missed by not keeping an eye on the clock or a busy schedule. Or, you just plain don’t want to do it.
Personally I think it's high time we let Someone who governs all time, knowledge and the great decisions of our universe take over our small minded plans and simple ideas. Proverbs 16:33 says,
The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
Come to think about it, we don’t even own what we think we own, including our resolutions. We have no idea where they will lead us, or even lead our Nation (no, I’m not exaggerating). =) Everything on the face of this earth belongs to God. And I can’t imagine it being in better hands.
Sorry I’m late...
~Stac
I couldn't decide wether to write about Toy Story 3 or the sunset tonight, so, I decided to write about indecision.
I'm sure its happened to you. There are SO many choices in life today. Tests (hopefully you don't choose on those...), friends (quite the experience), and electronics, etc.. How many times have you made a decision you regret. Even something as simple as lunchtime. By dinner you're famished and throughly regret that 'brilliant' plan. Maybe it's that ‘one chance in a lifetime’ kind of thing and, somehow, (poof) it's gone. Missed by not keeping an eye on the clock or a busy schedule. Or, you just plain don’t want to do it.
Personally I think it's high time we let Someone who governs all time, knowledge and the great decisions of our universe take over our small minded plans and simple ideas. Proverbs 16:33 says,
The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
Come to think about it, we don’t even own what we think we own, including our resolutions. We have no idea where they will lead us, or even lead our Nation (no, I’m not exaggerating). =) Everything on the face of this earth belongs to God. And I can’t imagine it being in better hands.
Sorry I’m late...
~Stac
9.7.10
Waiting....
“The times we find ourselves having to wait on others may be the perfect opportunities to train ourselves to wait on the Lord.” ~Joni Eareckson Tada
Whoa. “Deep, that is.” (Stacia and I agreed after staring at the screen for a long minute.) It’s so true though. Sometimes, as teens- we feel like all we do is wait/hang around. You know, the instance where your friend is over and you both spend 45 minutes deciding, ‘Idk, dude, what do you wanna do?’
That’s why there’s tons of songs out there about waiting. Obviously, instances will occur when we’re all like, “Well, I’m just waiting on God for His calling.” (John Waller: “While I’m Waiting”/ (Brandon Heath: “Wait and See”) or “I’m just waiting for ‘the one.’” (Rebecca St. James: “Wait for Me”)
And good grief, these questions are critical in our lives, I sure am not down-playing their significance! Hey, I ask myself these questions all the time, as I’m sure you do too. Its important to have these questions, and find time to answer them.
I want to encourage you to do two things: #1: Most importantly- Build a foundation in Christ. Make Him your ultimate ‘BFF’ (that’s ‘best friend forever,’ guys ;) ) and focus on Him. Sheesh, how many times has He waited on you? #2: Ask God to open doors for you to do something for Him as you wait. They might not be big, but they’re out there. Get more connected with your family, check out opportunities around you too.
So there you go peeps: some deep insight there for y’all today. And as to tomorrow’s post…well, you’ll just have to Wait for it ;)
Blessings,
Bri
PS: Check out: http://christianforex.com/
http://www.generationsofvirtue.org/read.php?tag=InternshipProgram
Whoa. “Deep, that is.” (Stacia and I agreed after staring at the screen for a long minute.) It’s so true though. Sometimes, as teens- we feel like all we do is wait/hang around. You know, the instance where your friend is over and you both spend 45 minutes deciding, ‘Idk, dude, what do you wanna do?’
That’s why there’s tons of songs out there about waiting. Obviously, instances will occur when we’re all like, “Well, I’m just waiting on God for His calling.” (John Waller: “While I’m Waiting”/ (Brandon Heath: “Wait and See”) or “I’m just waiting for ‘the one.’” (Rebecca St. James: “Wait for Me”)
And good grief, these questions are critical in our lives, I sure am not down-playing their significance! Hey, I ask myself these questions all the time, as I’m sure you do too. Its important to have these questions, and find time to answer them.
I want to encourage you to do two things: #1: Most importantly- Build a foundation in Christ. Make Him your ultimate ‘BFF’ (that’s ‘best friend forever,’ guys ;) ) and focus on Him. Sheesh, how many times has He waited on you? #2: Ask God to open doors for you to do something for Him as you wait. They might not be big, but they’re out there. Get more connected with your family, check out opportunities around you too.
So there you go peeps: some deep insight there for y’all today. And as to tomorrow’s post…well, you’ll just have to Wait for it ;)
Blessings,
Bri
PS: Check out: http://christianforex.com/
http://www.generationsofvirtue.org/read.php?tag=InternshipProgram
7.7.10
Forget the Plain.
Ok...
An old Chinese Proverb says that you can't see the plain without scaling the mountain. One thing. Why do we want to see a plain? So we can see the beauty of reward, usually, right? What if we could see more then that. What if we could see the future. Don't panic. I do still have a brain in my noggin. But seriously, who doesn't worry about the days ahead? Tests to complete, friends to keep and schedules to hold.
My chief worry is what I'm going to do with my life. I know, I know. Sounds pretty drastic, doesn't it. But I do. There is so much opportunity out there and differences to make. I could do that! Where to start, though? Plenty of examples. Just take the Harris brothers, for one. And I could go on and on. The future is such a large subject that most people avoid it completely, or just don't take it seriously.
One day, I was flipping through my Bible, when I came upon Matthew 6:25-34.
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Each day has trouble enough of its own. You could say that again. I found so much comfort in these verses. It has SO many points to delve deeper into. But for now look carefully at verse 27. Worrying our lives away is no way to dilly-dally! There's a world out there, waiting to be discovered! Why complain, gripe and procrastinate when we could be scaling our mountains. Life's out there. Jump for it. God will be there to catch you.
Feeling very inspired,
~Stac
An old Chinese Proverb says that you can't see the plain without scaling the mountain. One thing. Why do we want to see a plain? So we can see the beauty of reward, usually, right? What if we could see more then that. What if we could see the future. Don't panic. I do still have a brain in my noggin. But seriously, who doesn't worry about the days ahead? Tests to complete, friends to keep and schedules to hold.
My chief worry is what I'm going to do with my life. I know, I know. Sounds pretty drastic, doesn't it. But I do. There is so much opportunity out there and differences to make. I could do that! Where to start, though? Plenty of examples. Just take the Harris brothers, for one. And I could go on and on. The future is such a large subject that most people avoid it completely, or just don't take it seriously.
One day, I was flipping through my Bible, when I came upon Matthew 6:25-34.
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Each day has trouble enough of its own. You could say that again. I found so much comfort in these verses. It has SO many points to delve deeper into. But for now look carefully at verse 27. Worrying our lives away is no way to dilly-dally! There's a world out there, waiting to be discovered! Why complain, gripe and procrastinate when we could be scaling our mountains. Life's out there. Jump for it. God will be there to catch you.
Feeling very inspired,
~Stac
5.7.10
Request #1
Come right on in!
"God of This City" by Chris Tomlin is what Stac and I were listening to as we were praying about starting this blog.....and its what I'm listening to as I type...and eat Oreos. Check out the lyrics!
As a teen in this fast-paced culture, its super hard not to get caught up in the 'now' of well..."now." Which is why its so vital to plant seeds where it will matter in the future. On Govjrcrew, we'll keep ya up to date on how YOU can make a difference from right where you are! Anywho- onto our first request, all you followers out there- ya, I know your there. I think-all the faithful four of you so far :)
As Generations of Virtue plans and prepares for our upcoming Asia Ministry trip, we'd sure appreciate your prayers. It's an 8 week missions trip with 15 people; beginning in early October. An endeavor to be sure, but one which is going to impact so many people: especially teens like you. As our leaders prayerfully consider our destinations, where our toothbrush will live, plane tickets, and all those resources- we'd appreciate you to pray for a "Shamu" the whale. It would be so helpful getting all of us and our luggage over to the other half of the world! Or: if its easier then explaining to Seaworld why you must take its star, how about praying for smooth travels, frequent flyers points, funds and luggage space to multiply!!!
Good afternoon to ya'll out there- and thanks for stopping by,
Bri
"God of This City" by Chris Tomlin is what Stac and I were listening to as we were praying about starting this blog.....and its what I'm listening to as I type...and eat Oreos. Check out the lyrics!
As a teen in this fast-paced culture, its super hard not to get caught up in the 'now' of well..."now." Which is why its so vital to plant seeds where it will matter in the future. On Govjrcrew, we'll keep ya up to date on how YOU can make a difference from right where you are! Anywho- onto our first request, all you followers out there- ya, I know your there. I think-all the faithful four of you so far :)
As Generations of Virtue plans and prepares for our upcoming Asia Ministry trip, we'd sure appreciate your prayers. It's an 8 week missions trip with 15 people; beginning in early October. An endeavor to be sure, but one which is going to impact so many people: especially teens like you. As our leaders prayerfully consider our destinations, where our toothbrush will live, plane tickets, and all those resources- we'd appreciate you to pray for a "Shamu" the whale. It would be so helpful getting all of us and our luggage over to the other half of the world! Or: if its easier then explaining to Seaworld why you must take its star, how about praying for smooth travels, frequent flyers points, funds and luggage space to multiply!!!
Good afternoon to ya'll out there- and thanks for stopping by,
Bri
The Beginning...
Hi there,
The Beginning. A very good place to start. If you have a good subject that is...Anyway, I will try to find good subjects for this blog that will not send your eyelids to drooping. Bri and I have been planning this blog for a grand total of (drum-roll please): 7 hours! Woot-woot! So, if you have a record of explosive and hurried planning, please let me know.
This is a blog that will hopefully glorify God in every aspect, and show teens and tweens a new perspective of our world today. Traveling in 2010 and beyond is quite an experience. Oversize airplanes, brand new entertainment and trying not to panic while avoiding being crushed by a 2 ton whale.
Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done in our world, and I think kids like us can have a pretty big impact, no matter what our age is. So here it is. The GOV Jr. Crew blog. Enjoy!
~Stac
P.s.
http://generationsofvirtue.org/read.php?tag=-submenu-,international
Is the page we base this off of. =]
The Beginning. A very good place to start. If you have a good subject that is...Anyway, I will try to find good subjects for this blog that will not send your eyelids to drooping. Bri and I have been planning this blog for a grand total of (drum-roll please): 7 hours! Woot-woot! So, if you have a record of explosive and hurried planning, please let me know.
This is a blog that will hopefully glorify God in every aspect, and show teens and tweens a new perspective of our world today. Traveling in 2010 and beyond is quite an experience. Oversize airplanes, brand new entertainment and trying not to panic while avoiding being crushed by a 2 ton whale.
Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done in our world, and I think kids like us can have a pretty big impact, no matter what our age is. So here it is. The GOV Jr. Crew blog. Enjoy!
~Stac
P.s.
http://generationsofvirtue.org/read.php?tag=-submenu-,international
Is the page we base this off of. =]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)