No, I haven’t seen the movie.

I’m not a huge fan of Jack Nicholson, (although Morgan Freeman is up there on my list with Denzel W as far as acting capability and charisma) and I’m pretty (okay, extremely) picky about which movies I see in theatres. Especially considering nowadays a trip to the theatres (plus popcorn, a drink, and something to munch on as a distraction while we stare at the candy-stained floor during horrendous previews, whether the movie be an adult flik or a child’s cartoon (!)), even during matinee hours, costs about 20 bucks a person – at least!

But don’t get me started on inflation…

I was thinking the other day about the concept of the movie, and the idea of a “Bucket List”, and I thought to myself, “this isn’t such a bad idea”. Why not make a list of goals; both realist and seemingly impossible? It could be fun to see what God allows us to acheive, and there doesn’t seem to be anything inherently wordly about dreaming/wishing for things in the future, as long as those dreams don’t fog up your reality and make you misstep where God has currently called you.

So that said, I’m curious to see other people’s Bucket Lists (in case you haven’t figured it out or didn’t know, this is a list of things you would like to one day do/achieve/etc. on this side of eternity) and I’m going to list a few of my own. (I may add to it, and I definitely can’t remember all of the times I have said “hmm wouldn’t that be a cool thing to do one day….”)

Spiritual goals are wonderful, but they make a separate list. This is more the practical, the crazy, the whimsical, and quite possibly the laughable.

Here are a few of mine (not in order of significance)

My Bucket List (“one day i would like…”)

1. To dance in the rain (preferably w someone else) with no umbrella and most definitely in public

2. To participate in a well-organized flash mob

3. To conquer my fear of flying

4. To go ice fishing

5. To write a book and have it published

6. To do the ironman in Hawaii

7. To contribute to the fight against cancer or the AIDS crisis

8. To do undercover journalistic work for the sake of something important, such as fighting abortion, genocide, abuse, etc.

9. To hike/run/bike (w/e) the entire C&O

10. To raise a bunch of boys (I like girls, but I like little boys more; they are a whole lotta fun and a lot less emotionally complicated! ) and do crazy non-momish things with them (climb trees, survive in the wilderness, go ziplining… idk – things like that) until I’m too old and decrepit to keep moving around

11. To visit Cicily/Ireland

12. To get paid to run (I’ve heard that Nike and other sports companies pay you to test out their shoes/clothes as a runner… that would be so sweet…)

get the idea? cool.

So before God calls you home, what are some things you would like to do to enjoy what He has made for our good pleasure? Why not make a list?

(Yes, there are many more important things to do, but please tell me this could potentially rank above watching “American Idol” for 4 hours, 2 nights in a row…)

I’ve been double-posting for a while (weighted heavily towards one side, as you may have observed) on xanga and wordpress, and I’m feeling the urge to stick with the more user-friendly wordpress environment. So, goodbye xanga, and watch out wordpress… this blog could get a little crazy. ::jen 

Still a christmas favorite

Today I was reading in Psalms 19 and was freshly struck by the beauty and simplicity of this verse “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You”.

In my decision to take it as a subject for the morning’s bloggage (I made that word up – you can thank me later…), I went to a plethoric (which is also not a word but certainly should be) source of information for some details concerning this psalm, and found a wonderful explication which I’ve used to help create the basis for this post. Through this source, I found that it is important to note that the backdrop of the categories of praise in this psalm and David’s rehearsal of them is not a backdrop of serenity, pleasure, and stability. No, David is in the midst of fleeing for his life from King Saul; furious with rage and jealousy! When we keep this in mind as we read Psalm 19, it makes the world of difference in our interpretation and application!

Here is a simple breakdown of this psalm: (my own… not anything profound!)

1. David begins the Psalm with a description of the heavens and their majesty; the works of creation drawing attention and worship to their Creator. This also denotes acknowledgment of the existence of the Creator, as Romans states: “They [we] know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them [us].”

2. David goes on to speak of God’s display of power in creation – particularly referencing His sending of the Sun to light the world; giving warmth and energy. (see a little foreshadowing there?)

3. David “switches gears” and begins to speak of the Word of God (which gave power and form to creation): “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul…” In this description (read the whole thing! it is one of the most beautiful descriptions of the Word that I have read!) David demonstrates the all-sufficiency of scripture and the soul-satisfying results of walking in God’s ways.

4. In conclusion, David does what he could not help but do after contemplating the character, creation, and Word of the Lord: he worships! Because he has recognized who God is and what He has done, he moves to respond in praise and devotion. (Which brings us to…)

5. A statement of commitment and an acknowledgment of dependence and desire are the basis for the final words of Psalm 19: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” In these words, David also summarizes what he has just emphasized in the entirety of the psalm: the power, stability, salvation, and trustworthiness of God; his “rock and redeemer”.

What I drew from this Psalm (especially knowing the circumstances in which David is speaking) is the following:

A contemplation of the character, work, power, and purposes of God results in trust, faith, and devotion.

When I consider the works of His hands, the beauty of His promises, the steadfastness of His nature; the joy of knowing this God, this Savior, this loving Father must indeed overwhelm me, and force from my heart the passionate cry;

“Oh, that the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, may be pleasing to you – because of who you are; my Lord!”

Today, as I walk the road He has traced for me, I find assurance not in my circumstances (David was certainly not looking to his circumstances for joy and motivation for devotion to God!) but in the very knowledge of God; the contemplation of His creation, character, promises, and power to work out that entirety of what he has purposed.

I would so encourage anyone struggling in the area of trusting or doubting God (as well as finding fresh passion and devotion to “walk in a manner worthy”) to study Psalms 19 (or any of the Psalms – I love them! )…

This will allow you to understand and appreciate the words of Romans 11:33; “Oh the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” and will impart much faith to your soul!

Only when you come to know God will you come to rejoice in even the “unsearchable judgments” and “untraceable paths”, and find your heart crying (despite these mysteries!) “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you!” as you worship this God with your life.

The other day, I remembered a project I had completed in… oh, maybe 8th grade? Maybe even 7th… yes.

All I can say is thank God for the progress, over time, of my “design” instinct.

It’s good to remember humble beginnings.

disclaimer: guys, this is a site directed to girls, because it’s about modesty – just a head’s up.

Waiting

A few weeks ago when I posted about a small difficulty, a kind friend sent me this meditation by Paul Tripp on Psalm 27: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” It had encouraged her as she waited to have children and she thought it might encourage me as well. It did. So much so that I sent it to another friend whose husband is waiting for a job.

What are you waiting for today?

May these thoughts encourage you to make it a “Productive Delay:”

“Waiting on God isn’t about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It’s part of the meaning and purpose that God has brought into my life.  Waiting on God isn’t to be viewed as an obstruction in the way of the plan.  Waiting is an essential part of the plan. For the child of God, waiting isn’t simply about what I’ll receive at the end of my wait.  No, waiting is much more purposeful, efficient, and practical than that. Waiting is fundamentally about what I’ll become as I wait.  God is using the wait to do in and through me exactly what He’s promised. Through the wait He’s changing me.  By means of the wait He’s altering the fabric of my thoughts and desires.  Through the wait He’s causing me to see and experience new things about Him and His kingdom.  And all of this sharpens me, enabling me to be a more useful tool in His redemptive hands.”

Instead of focusing on what we’re waiting to receive, let’s turn our gaze to God and ask Him to make us “a more useful tool in His redemptive hands.”

Today I have been thinking much about prayer. And I’ve got downtime at work (this is the time frame where I go…. wow I can’t believe I get paid to do this… and then soon, we’ll get slammed again and I’ll think… wow I can’t believe I’m not being paid more for doing this…) so I spent much of the morning looking up quotes by respected “friends” (as C.J. calls them) and from Scripture, and formulating some thoughts.

Here ‘goes… (always start with the essentials: scripture!)

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

“…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26).

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

 
Here’s what I gleaned from a brief analysis of those verses:

Because of Christ’s work, and according to the teaching of scripture, we have confidence that:

1. Prayer is mandatory:
   1. “do not be anxious… but… present your requests to God”
   2. “and pray in the Spirit on all occasions”
   3. “pray continually.. for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
2. Prayer is effective: (*note: when in accordance with God’s will – 1 John 5:14)
   1. “this is the confidence we have in approaching…”
   2. “the Spirit himself intercedes for us”
   3. “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (we are righteous because of Christ’s work on the cross)
3. Prayer is a HABITUAL action:
   1. “but in everything”
   2. “on all occasions”
   3. “pray continually”

 

The last point was the one which has fascinated me, and it’s the one I’d like to focus on. I think the necessity of habitual participation in the life of the believer in “presenting [our] requests to God” is much overlooked and undervalued in evangelical culture today.

In a wonderful message on prayer (the link is at the end of this post… I highly encourage a thorough reading of his words!) Spurgeon states:

“Shall God be expected to give to us that which we do not value?…Are we to treat him as though it were quite enough for him if we gave him a stray thought, or a half-hearted desire, now and then, as a sort of compliment?”

After reading Spurgeon’s sermon and doing some “research”, I was surprised to come to a beautiful and (I dare to say it!) life-altering conclusion.

Prayer is not only (see quotes below!) a means of communicating with God and a means for God to communicate with us( revealing our sin and showing us more of himself and his character); it is a posture of the heart, or—as Mueller puts it—

“Prayer is not merely an occasional impulse to which we respond when we are in trouble: prayer is a life attitude.”

In this message, Spurgeon also gives the illustration of a hunting dog pursuing a stag:

“We saw him rushing like the wind after his game, but this will not be enough if it only lasts for a little; he must continue running if he is to catch his prey. It matters not how fast [he] goes if after having kept the pace awhile he begins to slacken—the stag will escape from him…if prayer be the Christian’s vital breath, how can he leave off praying? We must maintain the ardour of prayer, we must be intense always. Prayer is not to be a thing of yesterday, but of to-day, and to-morrow, until it changeth into praise above…“That is difficult” says one. Who said it was not? All the processes of the Christian life are difficult; indeed, they are impossible apart from the abiding help of the divine Spirit: but “the Spirit helpeth our infirmities.” Now then, brethren, that we may be helped to keep up our fervency in prayer, please to notice that prayer must be continuous, because it is so singularly mixed with the whole gospel dispensation… “Behold, he prayeth” is the very mark of the individual Christian, and the unity, the life, and the spirituality of the church are best seen in prayer.”

You cannot divorce prayer from Gospel truth. In SO many ways, the Gospel message must, and will (if properly understood) – drive us to daily, consistent, and arduous “praying with our lives”…

A friend and I were discussing relationships a while back, and talking about communication “barriers” and the necessity of integrity and open communication in the foundation of lasting friendships, and especially marriages—and I was considering this morning how it seems so obvious to us that in order to love someone, you must know them. You must regularly seek them out and value their thoughts, counsel, character, and company. “True love” involves a constant and fervent desire to be with, learn from, and enjoy the very presence of another. It also involves dependence and humility; acknowledging that you are incomplete without that individual. (speaking here of marriage relationships… I love the Mohler quote: “I cannot be who God made me to be without you…”)

If this is true, how much more so of our Lord and Savior!

We are nothing without our God! And if this is true, should it not drive us to constant and fervent desires to be with him, learn from him, and enjoy his presence?

Should we not, in acknowledging our dependence, regularly seek Him, valuing above all else His thoughts, counsel, character, and company?

You cannot be in love with God if you do not know him. And I’ve often heard it said that if your love for God seems to wane, it is “because you know Him not”.

Oh, that I may posture my heart always to be ready to run to, to speak with, to depend upon and seek my Savior! I want to walk out my day as if he stands beside me, and in all things – acknowledge His presence by communing with Him…

“Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees.” ~Victor Hugo

Prayer (as you will see if you read Spurgeon’s sermon) is the very lifeline of the Christian… prayer will ignite in you a passion for the Word, a love for the church, a greater sensitivity to sin, a greater joy in living for Christ… and so much more!

Here are some magnificent quotes concerning prayer:

“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” ~Søren Kierkegaard

“When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words without heart.” ~John Bunyan

“Before we can pray, ‘Lord, Thy Kingdom come,’ we must be willing to pray, ‘My Kingdom go.’” ~Alan Redpath

“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” ~Corrie ten Boom

“God will either give you what you ask, or something far better.”~Robert Murray M’Cheyne

”The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.” ~Samuel Chadwick

As for being convinced of the truth of the vitality of prayer in the life of the believer—although I’d like to delve deeper into this topic, I can’t— so read this:

http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/1480.htm

I promise it will either alter your perspective of the necessity of prayer, or ignite new passion in your heart to make prayer a daily, hourly, moment-by-moment element of your walk with God.

Friend, as you walk out your day today, and as you live your life – may your soul always be postured upon it’s knees—ready and willing to commune with God.

Introducing Andrew and Leah.

Andrew has taken over a year to pray and seek counsel and prepare his heart to pursue Leah. A godly, upstanding young woman in his church, her sweet spirit, outgoing nature, and servant’s heart have captured his attention. Hence the year of dedicated preparation.

After gearing up the nerve with a call to a good guy friend and a long night of no sleep and all prayer, Andrew makes the call.

“Leah… uh. Yeah… hi. This is Andrew. Oh, yea. Sorry… haha. You have my number. Um. So… yea I was just wondering. Would you be…. okay with going out to get some coffee or something? Do you drink coffee? Tea is fine… of course – if you don’t drink coffee… or you could always like, get a muffin. I think they have bagels too. Oh – you like coffee. Well, good. So… Thursday morning? 8? Is that too early? I’ll do any time… 8 is okay? Oh good. Well… see you then, thanks. Oh yes of course, I’ll pick you up. Sure. Yea. See you then.”

And after all the drama and surrender of the past year, Andrew and Leah finally get together for coffee – and a muffin – on Thursday. At eight.

And to Andrew’s relief, surprise, and joy, Leah agrees to his fumbled and stuttering request to begin a “courtship”. And so begins the journey… over the next few months, Andrew and Leah frequent various coffee shops and restaurants, moving forward from friendship, to romance, to engagement and marriage.

Doesn’t it all sound so romantic and meant-to-be?

There are a gazillion stories like this. I’m sure you’ve heard of a few yourself or maybe even have a similar one to share.
Here’s my question:

Who in this bally universe decided that the best way to get to know someone is to eat together?

This may seem a trivial question, but honestly…

Have you ever been over to someone’s house for the first time, or been in a setting where you aren’t all the best of friends; used to watching Bob spill mustard on his tie, and Ruth pull the tomatoes out of her burger and put them on her napkin, or John’s attempts to manage the melted cheese in his Philly cheesesteak which always comes out in awkward strings of melted goo – creating an inverted rainbow of curdled milk from the toasted bun to his open mouth?

While you are strangely comfortable with the eccentricities of Bob, Ruth, and John – when it comes to the less familiar, well – maybe it’s just me, but i think it can be quite disconcerting to observe the eating habits of newer acquaintances.

Pretend you are Phil.

“So, Phil,” says Mr. Doe – the executive director in your new job environment who has kindly invited you to share a meal with his family – “where exactly were you raised, and how did you get into biomechanical composting manufacture and maintenance?”

The question comes two bites into your chicken noodle broccoli casserole; you have been dreading it.

All eyes are on you… Mr. Doe’s steely grays, those of his four attentive and obviously pre-sedated children, and his soft-spoken wife’s large, naively anticipating blues.

You try to swallow casually, realizing simultaneously that you have broccoli sprouts populating your lower lip in distressing abundance, and wondering if they have made it into your front teeth or onto your collar.

The lump of chicken you hastily swallowed (which flavor you would have preferred to enjoy) has managed to clog your airway in a decidedly nasty fashion. Eyes watering and awkwardly attempting to inhibit the wretching, coughing sound emenating from your lips, you manage a half smile and a raised finger and reach for your water glass, trailing your sleeve through the cooling casserole.

An eternal minute later, you have a distressed airway, a deteriorating level of self confidence, an innatentive audience, a glass half empty, and an unanswered question.

You give up all hope of satisfying your hunger and abandon your food to the air-conditioned cooling powers of the environment, proceeding to answer questions and make a pretense of eating the rest of the meal by stirring your fork through delectably enticing, creamy chicken and raising it half-heartedly to your lips at periodic intervals.

And hey, this is just your boss.

Transfer the awkwardness of this all too familiar experience to your first date with a prospective soulmate.

Get the picture?

Here’s my opinion: skip the food. Get a drink, take her out for a walk, and do some crazy fun things together to REALLY get to know her.

Falling in love isn’t just about getting used to the fact that she/he cuts the crust off of their toast, prefers their steak medium rare, and hates using spoons (I actually know someone who refused to have spoon-food at their wedding – they only use forks… and no, it’s not a biblical conviction) – it’s about seeing them in different situations (not how they look in McDonalds vs. Outback Steakhouse) and how they react to different things (not a mistake in their order or the fact that their cous-cous is limp and watery) and what they know and believe and act upon.

And trust me – take the mouthful of gravy and mashed potatoes out of the picture, and you’ll get a whole lot more talking and getting-to-know-you-ing done and a lot less polite staring at your napkin while it dribbles down their chin.

“Not a sermon, just a thought.”

I just have to say a quick word in praise of God’s creation.

Autumn is my favorite season. No contest.

And if it isn’t yours, you obviously have not experienced this season in Maryland; the tree/leaves colors; crisp, sort of alive air; piercing rays of sunshine on mountaintops; apple-picking (and eating… with a good book); fresh homemade bread toasted with cheese; hoodies and long walks on the canal or through the woods (hiking!); hot soup and herbal teas; long runs by twinkling streams through sunlight-speckled paths with crunchy leaves underfoot; hammock naps with a soft, plushy blanket… and so much more.

There is something about this season that makes you want to slow down; to breathe.

It’s a season conducive to thoughtfulness and pensive reflection.

For some reason, autumn always reminds me of God’s faithfulness.

Joel 2:22-24 says, “Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.”

This is what I am oft-reminded of during these few short months of fall weather; the dependable, unchanging nature of the Creator. Although leaves turn from green to golds, burnt oranges, and copper; and crops are harvested, winter preparations made, and daylight becomes shortened (yes?) … yet the Creator, the Sustainer of life and the Maker of all things – he does not change. There is a beautiful song by Nicole Nordeman entitled “Seasons”, and in it she sings;

“And even when the trees have just surrendered to the harvest time; forfeiting their leaves in late September and sending us inside…still I notice You when change begins, and I am braced for colder winds; I will offer thanks for what has been, and what’s to come;
You are autumn.”

and the song ends with the following words:

“So it is with You, and how You make me new with every season’s change: and so it will be, as you are re-creating me; summer, autumn, winter, spring.”

Is. 25:1

“O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.”

So.
Having posted several “core” compositions on different aspects of “running” in the biblical “race” towards eternity, I want to slightly alter the nature, if not the purpose – of this blog.
My speech class and fitness instructors, as well as friends and relatives, have encouraged me to find an outlet for creative writing.
Watch out world – you guessed it.

It’s gonna be here!

Not only that, but I also want to begin posting a few things that have to do with health, caring for our bodies as God desires us to, and fitness/running/etc.

Don’t worry; I still plan on posting things similar to what I have in the past, but I also plan on enjoying myself in other ways (::mischievous grin::).

I want to be able to discuss relationships (possibly the easiest topic to have fun with/critique), culture and society, politics (maybe) and hot topics such as abortion and homosexuality – along with questions I’ve had to deal with or am currently addressing in my own life – such as the place of a Christian witness in a speech or writing class in college. (i.e. a paper I finished last night on “anxiety management”, in which I decided to discuss the REAL cause of anxiety and the REAL answer to the problem!)

So, all this to say, you should be prepared to read things slightly different from the norm of this blog – and yet again, hopefully nothing heretical, disturbing, or confusing… but I’m not making any promises!

Always remember to have complete freedom in providing feedback.

Enjoy your weekend!!