As my week back home in Baptist Country was drawing to a close, I pondered who I had gotten to see for a substantial amount of time and who I wanted to spend more time with.
The friends I am closest to, naturally, fit into the "I want more time!" category. But I began to wonder, how much more time did I want? If life and other obligations were no object, how much time would be sufficient with them?
Forever.
I wanted to stay in their apartment forever. I wanted to sit in their offices and chat days away. I wanted to never ever leave again.
Of course, an infinite amount of time with my friends would be fun.
But I decided that's what kind of relationship I want with the Lord. I want to lock myself in the prayer room and never come out. I want to sit at His feet and never move. I want to rest on the chest of my Abba Father.
Forever.
<>< Katie
Showing posts with label relationship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relationship. Show all posts
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
A Saved Catholic?
"I don't know if you can be Catholic and be saved... I'm still figuring that out," cried one of my Catholic friends during our team worship night in Nicaragua.
When she first made the statement, my defenses went up. I'm not Catholic, but I have a lot of friends and family who are Catholics. Of course you can be Catholic and be saved.
Throughout the rest of the week, God let me see the plight that literally brought her to tears before us in a moment of transparency.
We walked into Central American cathedrals and my heart broke due to the distorted Jesus so many people have been taught.
The man huddled in the corner fervently praying to the painting of a deceased bishop.
The woman filling the offering box with Cordobas as if she could buy forgiveness.
The crowds ritually progressing through the streets holding a crucifix high in the air.
Jesus still on the cross.
As we walked through those decorated cathedrals, I found myself praying for the lost within the sanctuary. I wanted to stay and minister there rather than be a tourist.
It wasn't the label "Catholic" that bothered me. It was the un-biblically based Jesus. The Jesus represented is not the Jesus I know. That's what broke my heart. The desire to earn forgiveness and eternal life doesn't take into account for grace and mercy. The lack of understanding that Jesus is accessible to each and everyone of us, made me sad.
I'm not bashing Catholicism, I promise. I'm bashing the missing of Jesus that we are all guilty of. We get caught up in talking about homosexuality, abortion, and divorce rather than showing and teaching the love Jesus was adamant about.
We can call ourselves Christians and not know Christ. Worship can be a weekly event we attend out of habit not a lifestyle we lead.
Yes, you can be Catholic and be saved. But going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to the race track makes you a race car driver... going to a ballet makes you a ballerina...
The Christ I know is more than a character in a big book. He's more than a man who did some really nice things.
He's God and man. He lived by example, practiced what He preached, and gave the ultimate sacrifice. And He calls us to do the same.
Do you agree?
Then show it. Not in my comments section but today on the road, in the classroom, in the cafeteria, and at the store. Let's redefine Christianity.
It starts with me.
<>< Katie
When she first made the statement, my defenses went up. I'm not Catholic, but I have a lot of friends and family who are Catholics. Of course you can be Catholic and be saved.
Throughout the rest of the week, God let me see the plight that literally brought her to tears before us in a moment of transparency.
We walked into Central American cathedrals and my heart broke due to the distorted Jesus so many people have been taught.
The man huddled in the corner fervently praying to the painting of a deceased bishop.
The woman filling the offering box with Cordobas as if she could buy forgiveness.
The crowds ritually progressing through the streets holding a crucifix high in the air.
Jesus still on the cross.
As we walked through those decorated cathedrals, I found myself praying for the lost within the sanctuary. I wanted to stay and minister there rather than be a tourist.
It wasn't the label "Catholic" that bothered me. It was the un-biblically based Jesus. The Jesus represented is not the Jesus I know. That's what broke my heart. The desire to earn forgiveness and eternal life doesn't take into account for grace and mercy. The lack of understanding that Jesus is accessible to each and everyone of us, made me sad.
I'm not bashing Catholicism, I promise. I'm bashing the missing of Jesus that we are all guilty of. We get caught up in talking about homosexuality, abortion, and divorce rather than showing and teaching the love Jesus was adamant about.
We can call ourselves Christians and not know Christ. Worship can be a weekly event we attend out of habit not a lifestyle we lead.
Yes, you can be Catholic and be saved. But going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to the race track makes you a race car driver... going to a ballet makes you a ballerina...
The Christ I know is more than a character in a big book. He's more than a man who did some really nice things.
He's God and man. He lived by example, practiced what He preached, and gave the ultimate sacrifice. And He calls us to do the same.
Do you agree?
Then show it. Not in my comments section but today on the road, in the classroom, in the cafeteria, and at the store. Let's redefine Christianity.
It starts with me.
<>< Katie
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Ultimate Valentine
Happy February 14- the day singles stick out like sore thumbs and couples flaunt their relationship.
I'm not bitter.
No, really, I'm not. My self worth is not measured in how many flowers are delivered to my doorstep today. This may be the one day a year when my self esteem is not directly related to what I find in my mailbox.
Valentine's Day shouldn't be about sappy cards, chocolate, and candy hearts (although, those things are nice), it should be about the same thing the other 364 days a year are about: showing love. Why celebrate in one day what God commands us to do every day?
Even though today creates a chasm between the two, couples and singles still have something in common: someone loves them. A spouse, a friend, a parent, a roommate...
A Creator of the Universe? Uh, yeah!
Friends, God loves you. Yes, you. He loves you more than you could ever know. He loves you so much He sacrificed His Son. Christ relinquished His position in the eternal, wonderful heaven, came to earth in a germy manger, and lived a perfect life just to die a criminal's death. Because of that love for you, He didn't stay dead! Yes, for you.
Jesus provided the perfect example of love, not just for February 14 but every day.
My prayer for you today is that you find peace and comfort in the truth that God loves you. May the Holy Spirit fill you with His love and may you radiate that love to others.
Love,
<>< Katie
I'm not bitter.
No, really, I'm not. My self worth is not measured in how many flowers are delivered to my doorstep today. This may be the one day a year when my self esteem is not directly related to what I find in my mailbox.
Valentine's Day shouldn't be about sappy cards, chocolate, and candy hearts (although, those things are nice), it should be about the same thing the other 364 days a year are about: showing love. Why celebrate in one day what God commands us to do every day?
Even though today creates a chasm between the two, couples and singles still have something in common: someone loves them. A spouse, a friend, a parent, a roommate...
A Creator of the Universe? Uh, yeah!
Friends, God loves you. Yes, you. He loves you more than you could ever know. He loves you so much He sacrificed His Son. Christ relinquished His position in the eternal, wonderful heaven, came to earth in a germy manger, and lived a perfect life just to die a criminal's death. Because of that love for you, He didn't stay dead! Yes, for you.
Jesus provided the perfect example of love, not just for February 14 but every day.
My prayer for you today is that you find peace and comfort in the truth that God loves you. May the Holy Spirit fill you with His love and may you radiate that love to others.
Love,
<>< Katie
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Relational Obsession
Allyson, Amy, and I were sitting in the food court zoning when Allyson turned to me.
"The world is so obsessed with relationships!"
Her comment caught me off guard.
"You know," she continued, "like if you're single you're told you're not worth anything. And if you're in a relationship it's the best thing that has ever happened to you. I bet that's a way satan uses to distract us from God's love!"
Woah! That was way too deep for my hazy brain. As I regained full consciousness and began to process her words, I decided she is absolutely right!
I'm single. But a disgusting amount of time is spent wondering and day dreaming about my future husband and family. I spend a lot more time yearning for what I can't have rather than embracing the unfailing love that was graciously given to me.
Allyson wasn't done. "And if that one relationship is the best thing that ever happened to you, what about all of your other relationships? Don't they matter?"
Recently the loss of a close friendship has left me mourning and dejected. But what about all of the other flourishing relationships in my life? Don't they count for anything?
Sure they do. But they aren't the one completing relationship. The one we girls think a man can fill. The one, truthfully, only God can fill.
Allyson's thoughts were spurred by a music video I wasn't watching. I looked up at the end to see a mother and father playing with their two sons by splashing each other in the ocean and jumping on the bed. It was really sweet.
I hope to one day have that. But until then, can I embrace the love of God given to me? When I do have my own family, will I still put my joy and hope in Christ?
Right now, I honestly don't know if I can answer yes to both of those questions. Maybe that's why I'm single. There are still a lot of things for me to learn before someone else can walk into my life.
<>< Katie
"The world is so obsessed with relationships!"
Her comment caught me off guard.
"You know," she continued, "like if you're single you're told you're not worth anything. And if you're in a relationship it's the best thing that has ever happened to you. I bet that's a way satan uses to distract us from God's love!"
Woah! That was way too deep for my hazy brain. As I regained full consciousness and began to process her words, I decided she is absolutely right!
I'm single. But a disgusting amount of time is spent wondering and day dreaming about my future husband and family. I spend a lot more time yearning for what I can't have rather than embracing the unfailing love that was graciously given to me.
Allyson wasn't done. "And if that one relationship is the best thing that ever happened to you, what about all of your other relationships? Don't they matter?"
Recently the loss of a close friendship has left me mourning and dejected. But what about all of the other flourishing relationships in my life? Don't they count for anything?
Sure they do. But they aren't the one completing relationship. The one we girls think a man can fill. The one, truthfully, only God can fill.
Allyson's thoughts were spurred by a music video I wasn't watching. I looked up at the end to see a mother and father playing with their two sons by splashing each other in the ocean and jumping on the bed. It was really sweet.
I hope to one day have that. But until then, can I embrace the love of God given to me? When I do have my own family, will I still put my joy and hope in Christ?
Right now, I honestly don't know if I can answer yes to both of those questions. Maybe that's why I'm single. There are still a lot of things for me to learn before someone else can walk into my life.
<>< Katie
Monday, January 4, 2010
Book Review: Love Languages
I asked for the Five Love Languages for Christmas. Grandma thought it sounded dirty but didn't consult my mother before buying it. She figured the singles edition would be cleaner, so she made the executive decision that I needed The Five Love Languages: Singles Edition.
Ouch!
Upon further investigation, I realize I do fit the target audience.
Adult? Check
Single? Check
I could not help but laugh to myself because receiving the singles edition of a book is in stark contrast to the Christmas with the other side of the family the night before ("Katie, any cute guys at your school?"). The irony is that the stalking-family doesn't invite boyfriends/girlfriends to Christmas and the book-gifting side included four boyfriends in our midst. Mixed messages here, folks.
I put the "You're going to be single for the rest of your life" condemnation aside and read the book. Enjoyed it, too.
Gary Chapman analyzes five ways people feel loved:
1. Quality time
2. Gifts
3. Acts of service
4. Words of encouragement, affirmation
5. Physical touch
He argues every person enjoys all five but has one specific love language they need in order to truly feel loved. I struggled to figure out my own primary love languages but had no trouble discovering the love languages of those around me. It was actually really fun to think about the important people in my life and how I can best express my love and appreciation to them.
Even though I am not currently in a romantic relationship, I feel this book was worth my time. I'd recommend reading it (singles edition or normal edition) to anyone who interacts with people on a regular basis. Chapman is not humble when discussing how the concept of the five love languages has saved countless marriages. I don't know if this is true or not but I can see how it could be helpful between couples, struggling or not. I would love to someday read it again with my fiancé prior to our marriage because I think it's an area where we should be on the same page.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, the singles edition isn't actually cleaner but neither book is dirty. I've read things in class that are dirtier than this (BEFORE I took an entire semester of Beat Lit).
One book down for 2010, meaning 14 to go!
<>< Katie
Ouch!
Upon further investigation, I realize I do fit the target audience.
Adult? Check
Single? Check
I could not help but laugh to myself because receiving the singles edition of a book is in stark contrast to the Christmas with the other side of the family the night before ("Katie, any cute guys at your school?"). The irony is that the stalking-family doesn't invite boyfriends/girlfriends to Christmas and the book-gifting side included four boyfriends in our midst. Mixed messages here, folks.
I put the "You're going to be single for the rest of your life" condemnation aside and read the book. Enjoyed it, too.
Gary Chapman analyzes five ways people feel loved:
1. Quality time
2. Gifts
3. Acts of service
4. Words of encouragement, affirmation
5. Physical touch
He argues every person enjoys all five but has one specific love language they need in order to truly feel loved. I struggled to figure out my own primary love languages but had no trouble discovering the love languages of those around me. It was actually really fun to think about the important people in my life and how I can best express my love and appreciation to them.
Even though I am not currently in a romantic relationship, I feel this book was worth my time. I'd recommend reading it (singles edition or normal edition) to anyone who interacts with people on a regular basis. Chapman is not humble when discussing how the concept of the five love languages has saved countless marriages. I don't know if this is true or not but I can see how it could be helpful between couples, struggling or not. I would love to someday read it again with my fiancé prior to our marriage because I think it's an area where we should be on the same page.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, the singles edition isn't actually cleaner but neither book is dirty. I've read things in class that are dirtier than this (BEFORE I took an entire semester of Beat Lit).
One book down for 2010, meaning 14 to go!
<>< Katie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)