Getting off the Bus

God finds amazing ways to humble me.

Last week, my flat iron broke. For me, that is tragic. I HAD to have another one before the following morning ;)
So, that night, after hanging out with my friends, I headed off to Walgreens to find me a hair straightener. No luck. Frustrated, I traveled across town to Wal-Mart (its about 12:30-1 in the morning at this point). I knew this would be a quick trip. No luck. With a mini mental breakdown in the aisle of Wal-Mart that doesn't have what I want. Fine, I could go another day without my beloved straightener. I would just wear my hair up the next day and borrow my mother's for the necessities. Done. Okay, leaving Wal-Mart empty-handed and even more frustrated. At this point, my only thought was going home and going to bed.

On my way out of the parking lot I noticed a large, black, charter bus with people getting off carrying luggage. My first thought was that someone's bus broke down and they were unloading to get on another one. But as I got closer, I realized what was really happening in the parking lot of Wal-Mart at almost 1 in the morning. Mexicans. Mexicans were getting off the bus grabbing their luggage. They were coming here, like many others, for work. They were getting off a bus in the parking lot of Wal-Mart in a foreign country that speaks a foreign language. Their courage alone humbled me.

What if....what if WE were that courageous. WE as Christians....what if WE were as courageous as those Mexicans getting off that bus into a new life. When I see something new or scary, I feel as though I should run. But that is not what we are called to do. We are called to go boldly. Those Mexicans were getting dropped off to provide a better life for themselves and their family. They chose that. What if you took a risk like that in your faith? How would that change you? They took a risk...they went boldly...they were courageous. Are you? Get off the bus.

Blessings,

Faith

Foreign Affairs

foreign (adj.)
    not familiar; strange
    in an abnormal place or position

Foreign is the best word I can possibly think of to describe my current situation. I truly feel like each day is a new, foreign matter to me. It's frightening, exhilarating, and downright interesting..

Ever since I can remember I have been a "crew leader" at my home church's Vacation Bible School. Bible School at my home church is a HUGE event. The Children's Minister has been nationally recognized for the huge, awesome Vacation Bible School that takes place at our church...100+ children attend and the entire church comes together to make it happen.
That being said, Tuesday begins my first ever Vacation Bible School as a leader. It's a foreign concept. Let me be the first to tell you, it's not easy. On top of that, I'm scared out of my mind. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO RUN A VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL?! I'm terrified that it will flop, the children will learn nothing, and I will feel like a complete failure. Thank goodness God is on my side.  Getting everything scheduled and planned and getting all the materials and remembering every little detail...its stressful. Today, I went to Wal-Mart and got pretty much everything I needed to successfully execute this Bible School. Guys, it's getting really really real. I am beyond excited about it!!!

Despite being stressed and scared out of my mind, I couldn't possibly love my job any more. How could it get any better? Part of my job is coloring and crafts...I get to bring out my inner child! Plus, I get to be surrounded by people that love the Lord, believe in me, encourage me, and love me. In addition to all of this greatness, I get to teach these wonderful children about the love and the peace and the grace of Jesus Christ. Nothing could be better.

Last week at church, another foreign matter...I began taking a more active role during the Sunday morning church service. Announcements, call to worship, and coming soon...communion. When my preacher began telling me all the things he wanted me to take part in, I remember saying, "You do know I'm only 18, right?" The trust my new church has in my is unbelievable. Each week, each task is new...its foreign.

Also, within two weeks I say goodbye to two of my greatest mentors. Scary. Foreign. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do at the church without Christy Jo to guide me..? I swear I'm going to be like a lost puppy for at least the first month.

We can't forget about beginning college, either. Yeah, I'd like to forget about it though... (Speaking of which, I have all my classes on Tuesday/Thursday...I'm pretty excited about that.)

Foreign to me is a lot like "change". Its new, its scary, but its worth it. God takes us on these crazy, amazing rides. I've learned more about myself, my faith, and my future in these last few, hectic, scary, exciting months than ever before. I've even come up with a new "motto" about it...."If you're doing something for God and aren't absolutely terrified, you are probably doing it wrong."

Blessings,

Faith

The Unknown

The unknown is so unsettling. At my age especially. I don't know what my future holds. Quite frankly, it's terrifying. What if I never get married? What if I become homeless? Okay, a little dramatic, but still! I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what my future holds.

I often think how much easier life would be if I knew who I was going to marry. If I got a letter from God on my 18th birthday saying, "You're going to marry _______" Then, I wouldn't have to go through terrible relationships, I wouldn't have to get my heart broken, and I could go ahead and get started on my life. But that's not how it works. Why not? Why can't God just make it easy on us?

Because through all of those broken hearts and broken relationships we learn. We learn what we want and what we don't want. We learn about people and we learn about relationships. If we didn't get a chance to date those losers, we would never appreciate what we have when we found it. If God just told us, we would never have the freedom to choose...we would never make those mistakes. Mistakes stink, but they also allow us to better ourselves and our faith. If you go through a broken relationship and don't learn, you're wrong. That's the whole point of relationships:  to learn. To learn about ourselves, to learn to be less selfish, to learn how to live peacefully with one another.

Although I think it would save a lot of time, sanity, and tears, I wouldn't give up the things I have learned/will learn from relationships just to find out my future. Good has great plans for each of us as long as we trust in Him and His timing!

Blessings,

Faith

Full Measure

It has been a while since I've posted, and hopefully this will be the first of several in the next couple of weeks. I have to say though, Faith has been holding down the fort here really well (her last post was incredible if you haven't read it yet, do).

As I am right now getting ready to start the first of three straight days working 7 am to 8 pm, I am left remembering what it was like two summers ago working for YouthWorks where I would wake up at 6 ever morning and spend the entire day serving and getting to know the youth and adults who came to visit along with people in the city of Chicago. I never considered that a job because everyday was a blessing in and of its own. I still think back to those hot summer days where I got to see the Lord work in so many different kinds of people, in so many different ways. Right now I'm on my way to work maintenance in a factory followed by working the evening shift at my neighborhood pharmacy. Not exactly the same kind of work I did two summers ago. It is sometimes hard to give our all when we are doing something that isn't as fun or as rewarding as something we've done in the past. I've struggled at times motivating myself these past couple summers to give the same effort and joy that I did two summers ago. Life is like that in a lot of ways too. We enjoy the rewards that life can give us, and sometimes struggle to find joy in other areas of our lives. The truth is though, those joy's are there, we may just have to look a little harder, and work a little harder to find them. It is kind of like being at a restaurant and ordering something to drink. You want that drink to be full, no matter what restaurant you are at, who you are with, or what you are ordering. Pretty much every time, the server will come your cup filled all the way, and with the drink you ordered. Things shouldn't be done with the final result being only halfway filled.

So whether you are spending your day working out in the yard, at a job you really don't want to be at, or just spending it with your friends and family, I say do everything with a full measure. So when you go to bed at night, you can say you filled your days cup up all the way. By doing that, I think the joys in the more difficult parts of life can soon become clearer to the eyes.

Be great today, because tomorrow is only a rumor.

Make today great, and I hope to be talking to you all soon.

Andrew.

We Are Under Construction

Each of us are a work in progress:  our faith is under construction. Our faith journey is much like building a house.

Our Solid Foundation
What makes you different from everyone else? Your hair color? No, millions of people have your hair color. Your eye color? No. So what sets you apart? It’s your faith. But millions of people are ChristianY so how does that set you apart? Your faith is unique…some say as unique as a fingerprint. Your faith is the foundation of your life and the basis of your beliefs. Different people affected your faith, and obstacles that you have shaped your faith into what it is today.

Who/what helped to build your foundation in faith?

How has your foundation helped you grow? 

Structure

The structure of our faith is based upon our lives and the people in our lives. People are a large part of our journey as Christians. We have people in our life that build us up and some that bring us down. But either way, our peers shape us into the people we are. They help us build that structure. They are the support structuref our lives. You are surrounded by many people that have helped you build those walls of faith. Maybe a parent that has pushed you to follow Christ, maybe a youth director that has taught you something new, or maybe a friend that first took you to church….but no matter who it was, someone has changed your faith…someone has transformed your journey with Christ.

Who has helped you build those walls?

Upkeep

As a Christian, your faith can always improve. Improving and maintaining your faith is considered “upkeep.” Upkeep is crucial to maintaining a strong faith. Upkeep can be considered many things. It can be praying, reading the bible, going to church, or even attending a bible study. Just as you have to do upkeep on your house or it will get dirty or dingy, you have to do that with your faith. If you don’t, your faith will become frail.

In what ways do you need to work on your upkeep?

What things are you doing to help keep your faith strong?

Tools

We all know that tools are used to build things. Without tools, building would be quite difficult. This is true to our faith. Without certain tools, building our faith would be difficult as well. Our spiritual lives are full of tools to build and renew us.

What are some “tools” that help your faith grow?

Our Bible is a big “tool” that can help us grow spiritually. Oftentimes, this “tool” isn’t used…instead it is often put in a chest drawer or pushed under the bed. While this tool is valuable, many don’t use it. What can the Bible show us? The bible is God’s teachings. The Bible is an example for our lives that can encourage us and lead us in the right direction. How often do you spend time with the Bible?

Mission Trips are also a “tool” to renew our faith. No matter what, we can always return renewed and blessed.

This youth group or bible studied are also a “tool” for our faith. Youth group teaches community, love, and teaches each of us how to live in a way that pleases God.

Music can also be a wonderful “tool” in our faith. Each person feels God in a different way. For many, music is the best way to feel God.

What other “tools” in your life help to build your faith?

Landscaping

The landscaping is an important part of any structure. If a house has no landscaping and looks bad, we as humans are reluctant to enter. We often consider our “landscaping” our outward appearance. But our clothing and looks do not matter to God. But what landscaping does He care about? As Christians we need to SHOW others we are Christians by our love. We need to have the appearance of Christ. WE are His disciples. People need to know we are Christian by what they see…our “landscaping.” If we have bad “landscaping” others may be reluctant to join our Christian path. So what appearance are you showing? What does your landscaping look like? Are you one person at church and a totally different person on Friday night? What does your “landscaping” tell people? Our “landscaping” should be a shining example of Christ each day.



Being under construction means far more than being a work in progress. Just as building a house, our faith goes through a process. First, we have the foundation. As everyone knows, the foundation is possibly the most important part of a house. When you are building a house, you always start with the foundation. Without out one, the house will more than likely fall to pieces from the shifting ground. The foundation of our faith is much like the foundation of a house: it is extremely important. The shifting ground that is beneath us is considered “change” or “hard times” where we need that steady foundation in Christ to keep us on the right path.


Next comes the main structure of the house or the layout of our faith. In a house, the structure lays out each room and gives structure and support to the rest of the house. As we grow older, we build those structures in our faith. People are key to our structure in faith. People come and go in our lives, and mold us and change us to be the person we want to be—thus building those walls. Much like the foundation walls, the people in our lives help us to become the person we want to be…they help structure our lives. Just like in the prayer walk, people mold us in faith. People are models for faith, or even introduce us to our faith. We are constantly changing, and being changed. These walls help to keep us on the right path with God.


Finally, there are the finishing touches. The drywall comes, then the paint, then finally the decorations. This is stage in our faith that maybe we haven’t gotten to yet. This is when you’ve chosen God’s path. This is when you are strong in your faith, your foundation and support are there, and you are fully and whole-heartedly following Him. Our house is complete, right? Of course not! Now, the fixtures need to be updated, the walls need to be repainted, and the front door needs to be replaced. All of these “additions” and “repairs” and “upgrades” are considered upkeep. This upkeep happens in our faith as well—we have to continue working at our faith constantly—praying, reading the Bible, attending church—to continue to have a strong faith. Our analogy isn’t over yet—you may be quite clumsy…you may get hurt while building this house (you may smash your hand with a hammer.) And our faith can be like that too! Its life, we get hurt emotionally. But God is on our side to make everything right. You might not know how to build a house correctly—you may put the sheet rock on before installing the insulation. We often make mistakes in our faith, we sometimes mess up. But God died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. His GRACE covers our mess ups.


We also have tools. Tools are the basis of building a house. Without tools, our house would not withstand wind, much less the rain or more intense weather. Nails would have to be beat with our hands, and so on. Tools are important. Tools in our faith walk are important as well. Tools like our Bible, youth group, mission trips, people…they are all tools that build our faith.

Lastly we have the Landscaping. No matter what we think, our outward appearance is not our landscaping. Instead, our landscaping is how we show Christ. People should be able to know us by the way we act and by the way we love. Our appearance does matter, but not the way we look…instead the way we act.

We are all Under Construction. Our lives are a work in process. But, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Blessings, 

Faith

Summer of Change

Change used to mean bad, but maybe not. Maybe I was too quick to judge.

I got back on Sunday night from my last ever mission trip as a youth. And Tuesday, I leave for my first ever trip as an adult leader. I even planned my own worship that I'm super excited about (it's not as easy as it may look...at least for your first time...)
Not only that, but our new preacher begins this Sunday. I'm super excited to start working with him...I see him doing great things for our church!
Another change that will take place is that two of my greatest mentors will be moving away. Both Christy Jo and Amanda will be attending divinity school...one in Nashville, one in Atlanta. I'm super excited to be working with Amanda though, as we will both being doing pretty much the same things I'm our ministry positions and we'll be able to work together. My youth leader, my mentor, and my role model will now become my partner in ministry.
But as August comes and Christy Jo is gone, I will be forced to go full force into this ministry thing alone. It's scary. I'm young and quite frankly have no clue what I'm doing, but I'll do my best to serve Him.

Here's to change and all the many blessings it may bring and all the many places it will take me.

Blessings,

Faith

Church's Faults

I love the church. Not only do I regularly attend church, but I now work at a church. The following things I'm saying are NOT geared toward a particular church, but the world church as a whole. Quite honestly, these things I'm saying are quite opposite of how I feel at my new church.

1) We preach about love, but rarely show it. We as a church talk about how we should be God's love to others. Yet, we are so unloving. We judge others--we label them as sinners. We shun homosexuals, we turn away the homeless, and we put ourselves above others. We say we love them, yet we do not welcome them into our church. So how are we as a church supposed to teach love when we don't show it? Are we saying to only love the "worthy?" The house of God is a hospital for the sinners, not a meeting place for the saints.

2) We harp on the value of missions and the importance of tithing, but we spend millions of dollars on a high-class, high-tech sanctuary. I don't mean that our sanctuaries should be old and run-down, but I think that we should consider what we are showing. Is the latest technology completely necessary? This past week I got the privilege to attend a very large church. It was absolutely beautiful. Yet, all I could notice was all the wasted money. Nothing is wrong with nice things (I just bought a brand new phone, so I really don't think that new things are bad...). They had two Mac computers (how about a less-pricey computer that gets the same job done?) and automated blinds that slowly rose during the "send off" song (which were more than likely a few thousand dollars a piece). This all wouldn't have bothered me as much if they didn't talk about missions during the service and said, "Please be generous in your giving" during the service. Why not, as a church, spend less on high-tech things and more on what we preach about? The thing that made me think was the people around me that kept saying, "that's cool" and "awesome" at the automated blinds. We live in a world that is so caught up on technology. Yes, I admit that it's cool...but also so unnecessary. Christians harp on giving yet we do a poor job of showing how to give.

3) Christians of the church do a poor job empowering our children and youth--the future of the church. While the church I work at prides themselves in the children and youth, many churches are not like that. So often children and youth of the church are forgotten or left out. The ideas and opinions are often overlooked. If we don't feed these children now, what will our future church look like?

4) Worship services are being treated as a concert instead of a service to glorify God. I love Christian concerts and I love to worship at concerts. But the difference between a church service and a concert is the purpose behind them. For a concert, the purpose is money. The church these days is treating the church service as a performance instead of a service glorifying God. I feel like it is often done for all the wrong reasons. I love that my old church had a band--it makes worshipping fun for me. But it also didn't feel like a concert--I felt like the band members were doing it for all the right reasons. A worship service is for God's glory, not anyone else's.

5) Service is supposed to be the basis of the church, but we often hand out some charity or hand over some money and forget about it. Service is not only giving money, it is providing means and then giving the service of prayer. Service is a daily living, not a charity. Service is supposed to be something we live, not something we do. We should stoop down to the level of the broken and the hurting. Just giving out money isn't always the answer. If someone is homeless, giving them money is great, but getting on their level and serving them, feeding them, is more. Jesus stooped to that level when he washed the feet of His disciples. Us giving away stuff is like Jesus telling a servant to wash the disciple's feet. Yeah, their feet still would have been washed, but how humbling and how selfless is the act of personally stooping to the lowest of low and washing their feet. I feel that the church hands out so much money, but doesn't actually wash the feet, the church just gives means for someone else to wash their feet.