A Brother, A Skeptic, and God's Perfect Plan

It's not very often that we experience a day that stands out as being completely put together by God, but as I was thinking back through today, I realized that every single little piece aligned perfectly to what I asked God to do this morning. Every morning while I'm eating breakfast I read the day's entry in a book called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (I highly recommend this little power-packed faith booster!). Today's entry happened to be about asking God to speak through you before every conversation you have - how appropriate for a day where I spend 9 hours giving campus tours, talking with prospective students and their families, and intentionally leading conversations in such a way that makes UW-River Falls sound like the best place on earth (by the way, it does rank pretty high up there ;) ). So, as I was finishing my breakfast, I asked God to take advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves today with every family that saw my face at the college visit day. And He did exactly that!

In one of the question and answer sessions we (the student panel) were asked to tell the visitors where we graduated high school from, what year we are in college, and our major/minor of study. Usually with this kind of a question I don't specifically state directly out that I attended a small, private, Christian school in Brooklyn Park, however, as I was waiting for my turn to come I felt the strongest urging to say exactly that. Little did I know that there was a family that I had never met before in my life sitting in the audience who attend Living Word and were immediately drawn to this campus when they heard where I came from. The dad, Craig, came up to me after the session and asked me what private school it was that I went to. I said, "Maranatha Christian Academy" and his eyes lit up with a smile I wish I could have photographed. He said, "That's our church!" Of course, I had to share in his excitement and say, "Mine too! Been there my whole life!" Well, our conversation progressed and we talked about the Christian groups I'm involved with on campus and he asked if we could meet up after the tour to talk more and so I could meet his family. In the end it didn't work out for us to meet later, but if my willingness to put myself out there made for a memorable visit for Craig and his family, then I praise the Lord that they had a positive experience that might just be exactly what they needed to help them make their college decision. Perhaps I'll even get to see them at church sometime, even though it is an awfully big place.

As soon as Craig and I ended our conversation I walked over and joined the other tour guides, and one of the other girls I've been getting to know better asked me who the guy was that I was talking to. I said, "He goes to my church and I didn't even know it! But then again, my church has like 10,000 members..." She didn't even flinch at the number like so many other people do and said, "Do you go to Eagle Brook?"And for a second I had to repeat what she said because it was so unexpected, but I replied, "That's the church I go to when I'm at school, but he goes to the church I went to back home." We got into a conversation about EBC and she told me how it's the only church she's found so far that has actually sparked her interest - she identified herself as a skeptic but said that EBC actually makes it fun. While we had to break our conversation there, I made a point to talk to her more about it later.

This goes back further than it would seem - while I was on the staff retreat with the Admissions office in May, I felt very out of place and almost like I had a spotlight on me because I am the only one on the student staff who openly expresses my Christianity. When I got home from the retreat I was reflecting on it and almost trying to get God to commisterate with me over that fact, but He didn't let that last long. Right away I knew there had to be a bigger reason that I was chosen to be on that staff again this year besides my ability to perform the job well. All the sudden things are starting to come into perspective and I can't wait to see where God takes it!

So, overall, today was just totally God doing exactly what I asked Him to do. I haven't even mentioned yet the fabulous tours that I had with some of the families today and the excitement that I saw in the students about the opportunities and experiences that UW-River Falls has to offer. I had one girl look at her mom and say, "I am for sure going here!" That was enough to make the sore feet, tired voice, and long day completely worth it. That, and the doors that God is opening inch-by-inch in my relationships with people at my college. It makes me very excited to see what all He has in store for me this coming school year!.

Bible Studies

This is a list of some great studies in print from The Navigators, an International Campus Ministry that has been a huge encouragement to me in my faith during my time in college.

Finding Mercy:Wouldn't we all like to taste more of God's mercy? Especially for those struggling with the things heaped on us by our culture, life experiences, and relationships. There is hope to be found at the feet of Jesus.
GOD - Connecting with His Outrageous Love: This Bible study will help you explore the faithful love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Experience the power of life in Christ as you learn how to hear and trust God’s gentle voice of truth.

How Do We Walk in the Light?

I sat down to read 1 John 1 - 2 (NIV) last night for the second time and I was struck by a question as I was getting to verses 5-7. This is something that I've read and heard many times, being raised in a Christian home; but as I looked at it, I realized that I wasn't totally sure about what it means to actually "walk in the light" in everyday life. I did a closer study on these two chapters, and this is what I came up with:

Ch 1:
                  darkness = sin (v 6)                                        light = God (v 5)
       *So to walk in the light means to walk in God - it doesn't mean we deny our sins (v 8) but instead acknowledge them, confess them to God, and ask Him for forgiveness (v 9). When we do this we are promised forgiveness and cleansing.
                  forgiveness: to grant pardon for or remission of; absolve; to cancel any debt
                  cleanse: to remove guilt from
       *Doesn't take away the consequences of sin, but brings complete restoration and takes away the residue of sin: the guilt, shame, fear, etc.

I often find I hide my sin out of fear of the pain involved in changing the way I live.      

Analogy Time:    
      *The forgiveness isn't the painful part - the cleansing can be. When we humble ourselves to God, take His hand, and let Him pull us out of our heap of shame, the act of being pulled up doesn't hurt us(forgiveness) because we are letting God do all the work. What hurts is when the shame tries to keep it's grip on us (our struggle or the flesh not wanting to let go or give in to the Spirit) as we are being pulled away. It can rip pieces of us away with it and cause open sores; but when we are pulled all the way out, God wraps His arms around us and His embrace covers us with a healing love that repairs the places where hurt ans hame have had their way with us.

If we deny sin we deny grace and ultimately reject Him altogether. (v 10)

Ch 2:

                  Jesus Christ = Advocate (v 1) and Propitiation (v 2)

       I've met and discussed with many people who have a hard time with the word 'propitiation' and I really don't blame them. Until now, I really didn't have a decent way of explaining what it means for Jesus to be the propitiation for our sins without mudding the waters even more. Take a look at this:

                  propitiate: to bring to a state of peace, quiet, ease, calm, or contentment; to reconcile -->

                  reconcile: to bring into harmony

How do we know that we know Him?

•  If we keep His commandments, God's love is perfected in us - brought to maturity (v 3)
• Walk just as He walked - in love (v 6)

       *The word from the beginning (referenced over and over in John's 3 epistles) is to love one another (1 John 3:11, Deuteronomy 10:12) (v 7)
       *The same commandment of love is also new as it is continually reapplied in our lives (John 15:9-13) (v 8)

                  Hatred = Darkness (v 9, 11)                                     Love = Light = God (v 10)
       *So, to walk in the light literally means to walk in love, and since God IS love, walking in the light is the same as walking in God

The mark or evidence of a true Christian is love.

How do we overcome darkness?

• Don't love the world or the things of the world (v 15)

       This doesn't mean we don't love the people in the world - we can love them while hating their sin

• Love one another - you'll abide in Him and will be given eternal life (v 24)

       True believers love one another and even love their enemies

                  Enemy: anyone who does not agree with the entire message of grace and redemption in

                  Christ Jesus

Evidence of Faith:

• Walk in obedience and love
• Deny our own interests on behalf of others
• Love one another with the love of Christ
• Pray for those who are living in sin

Now it's you're turn! Leave comments of practical ways that you have found to walk in the light, or walk in love, in your everyday life.

 

Original S'mores 5-Layer Bars

My mom came to stay with me in River Falls last night and, as always, we had to dream up a new culinary creation! Based on this recipe, my mom and I designed a version that epitomizes the glorious camping tradition we love: s'mores!
We're still working on the official name, but we decided to share the recipe with you all to try! Of course, in true nature of my mom, I was asked to leave out what we did to make it absolute perfection (so she can still claim to make the best ones of course!) but we're giving you enough to at least recreate the bars yourself :)

Ingredients:

1 packet Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix                                    
1 pakcet Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
9 Nature Valley granola thins, dark chocolate
1 bag (14) snack size Reese's peanut butter cups
1/2 stick butter, softened
2 TBSP water
1/3 C oil
1/2 bag Mini Marshmallows

Materials:
8x8 cake pan
mixing bowl
wire wisk
measuring cups and spoons
Oven, preheated to 350 degrees F

Steps:
1. Lay out granola thins on the bottom of the ungreased cake pan with the chocolate side facing up
2. Mix sugar cookie dough as directed on package for drop cookies
3. Press cookie dough into pan on top of granola thins. We recommend wetting your fingers so it doesn't stick to your hands. The granola thins move around a bit, so you'll need to kind of hold them in place while you spread out the cookie dough.
4. Place peanut butter cups side-by-side on top of cookie dough. You may want to use Reese's miniautres instead, or cut the last one in half to squeeze it into the gaps.
5. Mix brownie mix as directed on package
6. Pour and spread brownie mix over peanut butter cups and level the top.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes or until brownie starts to have slightly dry edges and a crips top. If it doesn't bake completely, that's ok - makes the chocolate even gooier like a s'more!
8. Immediately pour marshmallows over the top and place back in the oven to brown the marshmallows (takes just a few minutes and may work easier if you switch the oven to the broiler setting).
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Enjoy when still warm!

Memory Joggers

Well, as most of you know, I am spending my summer working in the University Center here at UW-River Falls. With this job comes A LOT of down time and that means I have to find things do to do keep me busy. The thing is, I don't like busy work. In fact, I hate it! So, to cure my boredom and be productive at a relatively unproductive job, I decided to continue a project I had started last Christmas: filling my house with the Word of God!

This is something I started as a way of helping a friend find encouragement in the scriptures, and it has proven to be an incredible thing for me as well. Most of the verses I have are on peace because most often I find myself worried, stressed, or anxious. I know this is one of my weaknesses and a way that often leads my heart and mind away from God at the times when I need Him the most.

My friend and I started making these cards (see photos below) from verses that we found encouraging during our quiet times. Most of them are nice and short so they are a quick read when we see them. I have mine posted all over my house: on my bedroom door, next to the lightswitches, on the mirror, etc. so I literally see them everywhere I go. It is impossible for me to see them without it at least snapping my memory, and after awhile you can recite them in your head without even looking at them!

When I picked back up with making new verse cards last week, I felt very driven to do mine a little differently this time. God reminded me of the power I felt it hearing an English speaker recite memory verses in Spanish while I was on my spring break mission trip to Colorado Springs in March. So this time around I wrote the verses in English on one side and in Spanish on the other. For now I have the English side posted around my house, but after I have the verses memorized in English, I will flip them over and begin memorizing them in Spanish too.

There is something very powerful in scripture memory - just like Joshua 1:8 tells us,  "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Since starting my scripture memory I am finding myself keeping it on my lips all the time and hearing it first in my heart at times that I used to hear the anxious thoughts first. What a blessing it is to be immersed in the Word of God all the time!

Isaiah 26:3 is posted on my bedroom door. This verse has been my mainstay for the past year and is the first verse I memorized in Spanish.



New Favorite

Lean On Who?

God has created us to be social creatures, each one of us having different traits, likes, and dislikes that make us unique so that we all have something to contribute to the body of Christ. He has placed us where He has so that we can function by our design - to build relationships with others and with Him to bring glory to His kingdom. I thank God every day for the friends He has allowed me to have during my time on earth, and quite honestly, I don't know what I would do without them. But I have also come to a realization that I think God has tried to show me more than once before. I realized I've started relying more on the companionship of my friends than on my relationship with God.

Yep, there ya go. Plain and simple, right? You would think that would be something that is pretty obvious when it's happening. But in reality, you get into the flow of your every day schedule with the set times that you're doing your set activities; and in my world, a lot of my set activities have to do with time spent with friends. In looking at my schedule during any given week, I probably spend on average 10 hours a day with my friends. 10 hours! That's over half my day, not including the time I'm sleeping, in class, or at work. When this finally hit me, I realized there was a big part of my life (at least about 10 hours a day) that was devoid of time spent with God. I began to see all the areas where I was counting on my friends to eat lunch with me, walk to class with me, text me all day long, do homework together, and spend our free time together. While it's good that we can have friends to have fun with, confide in, and find joy in relationships with, God did not intend for that to be all there is.

God's intention for friendships was to be a human extension of our relationship with Him, not a replacement for time spent with Him with the excuse that if they're Christian friends it's almost like spending time with God while we're with them. No. That's not how it works. Sorry if that bursts your bubble. God is so jealous of our hearts that it tears Him apart when He sees us counting on our friends more than we look to Him. It's such an easy thing to do because our friends are right here standing next to us, watching the things happen in our lives in such a tangible way. What we often forget is that God, too, is standing right next to us already knowing what's going to happen and what needs to be done to take care of it.

Friends are going to come and go. They're going to be on your side one day, and against you the next. They may answer your text messages for awhile, but there will come a time when they are going to get caught up in the craziness of their own lives that they won't be as available to you. God never leaves, He's walking with us always. He is always on our side and is fighting constantly for our lives. Every little prayer we send His way gets a reply, no matter what time of day it is or how many He's receiving at once.

I'm not saying we shouldn't have friends. Rather, we should have a relationship with God so strong that our friends are just an added bonus.