Kelly: After much discussion and deliberation, Holly and I have decided to indefinitely take a hiatus from The H and K Chronicles.
Since I've begun my endeavors in travel nursing, it has become increasingly difficult for the two of us to reach out on a time that works out for the both of us to continue to contribute to this blog. To be honest, it's something we've talked about for a while now but we haven't really been sure how to approach it. Yes, it is difficult and this was a difficult decision for us. However, we have really enjoyed figuring out who we are as individuals and watching how God has worked in our lives as His children. We are also each regularly contributing to our own separate blogs. I am further pursuing my career while Holly is further pursuing her own paths, including her relationship over the last 10 months (and some change).
So fear not, we are still around on Facebook and Twitter and if you have our numbers, feel free to reach out to us in that way! To close, I want to say thank you all for reading, following, commenting and going through life with us on this avenue for the last 5 years. It has been a pleasure and a joy expressing ourselves in this way, but as they say, all good things must come to an end! Keep the faith, and remember Jesus loves you, and so do we.
Showing posts with label accountability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accountability. Show all posts
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Let's go to church!
Kelly: This is something that has been stirring around us just recently actually. And first and foremost, apologies for the lack of posts. 2016 has been off to a GREAT start, but new found friends, work, and other things have gotten in the way. Anyway, like I said, it's only been recently that this has stirred in us a desire to blog about this, but it's something I'm sure every church has experienced. Some call them not regular goers, I call them "Creasters," or those who only attend church on Christmas, Easter, one or the other or both. And then there's me. I am a member of one church by definition, another church I regularly attend doesn't necessarily believe in "members," and the third I attend twice a month on Saturday nights. Yes. I regularly attend 3 churches. Now some of you I'm sure are asking....well, why?
Because I want to.
Seriously. That's it. While it is a requirement of Christians to attend church and fellowship regularly with other believers, for me, it's a choice. It really is that simple; I want to. My needs are met each time at each church I attend and I get something new and exciting out of each one. I have connections to each one that I care very much about. And this isn't to say I have no intention of leaving the church I have called home for nearly 7 and a half years, no. Not at all! But it's really awesome and moving to see how God's people are working across Madison County; it's pretty incredible. Lives are being changed for Him!!!!! That's what's important. I'm not telling you about my 3 church attendance to brag, not at all. But this fact has had me thinking about the other end of the spectrum; those who for whatever reason used to go to church and have stopped going or "church hop," as I call it. They find a church, things go really well, and then they leave and the cycle repeats over and over. I'm still not sure why that happens, honestly. I think part of the reason is that for some reason someone feels ostracized or "bullied" is another word I think seems fit, and instead of just letting folks get absorbed in their...ostracized...ness? (ok....) that we as the church should be asking what led them away from their previous church and how we can make them feel welcome. Sometimes that may not always work, and it's incredibly frustrating. I've witnessed folks from my home church, regular attendees and who were very plugged in members, just up and leave suddenly. They've never come back. I'm not entirely sure they've been invited back. Why not? Those are the kind of questions we should be asking. And it's something that part of my churches have been asking and wondering ourselves.
So if you're reading this and haven't been to church in a while, why not? What's stopping you? If you're one of those "church hoppers," why do you leave from church to church? If you want someone to talk to, talk to me. I'd be happy to discuss and answer any questions you have about church. Because let me tell you, if it's the stereotypical "Christians" you see on the media or have experienced firsthand that you're deterred from, it's ok. I am too.
Holly: Here's my thing on church: If you go to church, and then leave because YOUR needs aren't being met, because YOU'RE not getting fed, then I think you've completely missed the point. It's not about you. It's about God!
I believe that attending church, regularly, is not only crucial in a Christian walk, it's obedience to God. I believe that when we attend church, we are responding to His faithfulness to us. We are giving back a portion of our time and spiritual gifts to Him- He doesn't give us those things just for us to keep to ourselves. Because of that, I think the other things (the ability to meet physical and emotional needs, elements of service to the community and congregation, and fellowship among members) are the results, or byproducts, if you will, of attending in the first place! And as for it being crucial: Man, it is so much easier for the enemy to attack us when we're just by ourselves. If we're surrounded with a network of strong, faithful believers who are investing in you, I think you're a much stronger adversary against the enemy. And let's face it; God designed us to be relational creatures. We're simply not made to go through life alone!
Sometimes, and I've heard many conversations over the years, people leave church for just all the reasons we've mentioned. While I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you're wrong, I would just encourage those who might be in that boat to stop and think for a moment: God often puts us in situations that are outside of our comfort zone. God often uses difficult people or circumstances to teach us about grace and how we should react to those circumstances or treat those difficult people. Because, once again, it's not about you.
P.S. While writing this we've mused at just how much we miss this, this blogging thing, so we'll be back on a more frequent basis. God bless y'all! Thanks for reading! :)
Because I want to.
Seriously. That's it. While it is a requirement of Christians to attend church and fellowship regularly with other believers, for me, it's a choice. It really is that simple; I want to. My needs are met each time at each church I attend and I get something new and exciting out of each one. I have connections to each one that I care very much about. And this isn't to say I have no intention of leaving the church I have called home for nearly 7 and a half years, no. Not at all! But it's really awesome and moving to see how God's people are working across Madison County; it's pretty incredible. Lives are being changed for Him!!!!! That's what's important. I'm not telling you about my 3 church attendance to brag, not at all. But this fact has had me thinking about the other end of the spectrum; those who for whatever reason used to go to church and have stopped going or "church hop," as I call it. They find a church, things go really well, and then they leave and the cycle repeats over and over. I'm still not sure why that happens, honestly. I think part of the reason is that for some reason someone feels ostracized or "bullied" is another word I think seems fit, and instead of just letting folks get absorbed in their...ostracized...ness? (ok....) that we as the church should be asking what led them away from their previous church and how we can make them feel welcome. Sometimes that may not always work, and it's incredibly frustrating. I've witnessed folks from my home church, regular attendees and who were very plugged in members, just up and leave suddenly. They've never come back. I'm not entirely sure they've been invited back. Why not? Those are the kind of questions we should be asking. And it's something that part of my churches have been asking and wondering ourselves.
So if you're reading this and haven't been to church in a while, why not? What's stopping you? If you're one of those "church hoppers," why do you leave from church to church? If you want someone to talk to, talk to me. I'd be happy to discuss and answer any questions you have about church. Because let me tell you, if it's the stereotypical "Christians" you see on the media or have experienced firsthand that you're deterred from, it's ok. I am too.
Holly: Here's my thing on church: If you go to church, and then leave because YOUR needs aren't being met, because YOU'RE not getting fed, then I think you've completely missed the point. It's not about you. It's about God!
I believe that attending church, regularly, is not only crucial in a Christian walk, it's obedience to God. I believe that when we attend church, we are responding to His faithfulness to us. We are giving back a portion of our time and spiritual gifts to Him- He doesn't give us those things just for us to keep to ourselves. Because of that, I think the other things (the ability to meet physical and emotional needs, elements of service to the community and congregation, and fellowship among members) are the results, or byproducts, if you will, of attending in the first place! And as for it being crucial: Man, it is so much easier for the enemy to attack us when we're just by ourselves. If we're surrounded with a network of strong, faithful believers who are investing in you, I think you're a much stronger adversary against the enemy. And let's face it; God designed us to be relational creatures. We're simply not made to go through life alone!
Sometimes, and I've heard many conversations over the years, people leave church for just all the reasons we've mentioned. While I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you're wrong, I would just encourage those who might be in that boat to stop and think for a moment: God often puts us in situations that are outside of our comfort zone. God often uses difficult people or circumstances to teach us about grace and how we should react to those circumstances or treat those difficult people. Because, once again, it's not about you.
P.S. While writing this we've mused at just how much we miss this, this blogging thing, so we'll be back on a more frequent basis. God bless y'all! Thanks for reading! :)
Monday, October 12, 2015
You're the Inspiration!
Holly: No, we're not about to break out into song here...although who doesn't love Chicago? Anyway, a little off topic here. Happy October, everyone! Is it just me or is 2015 flying right by? It seems like just yesterday we were all digging ourselves out of substantial amounts of white stuff, and now it seems like a distant memory, one I'm sure many of us wouldn't mind forgetting.
Life is pretty swell for us lately. It definitely hasn't come without its share of bumps, but that's another set of stories for another day :) Part of the swellness of life for us is our work, and that's where my story begins...
Today I attended a workshop that catered to, admittedly, mostly Berea faculty, but there were Development staff present, as well as myself and one of my bosses. The topic, along with many other sub-topics, was philanthropic fundraising: identifying donors, relating to donors on a personal level, some strategies, etc etc etc. I won't bore y'all, but one of the "kickers" was sharing stories that inspire. I was seated next to a current Berea professor and we both marveled at the fact that Berea draws in a crowd that has some pretty incredible stories. This professor was telling about a current student of his: how she'd come from a poor family in Alabama, how she'd had numerous travel and internship opportunities, how she was doing "exceptional work" (his words), and that she was working multiple jobs even as a student. And, he concluded, "she's still not done yet." I was immediately struck by something, and I verbalized it almost immediately, "I love this story," I said, "I mean, I could be here all day going on about the professors that inspired me, but it's so cool- the professors are inspired by the students too." He agreed, but then commented that he didn't think that he made an impact on his students- it was the joy of seeing his students thrive and realize their potential that made the difference.
But that's where I [mentally] disagree. If you don't think you've made an impact, or been at least some degree of inspiration, that is not true. For me, anyway. Even with the classes that I absolutely HATED (and there were a few), I still learned something. I was still challenged in some way, be it through an assignment, or even a way of thinking. And with those professors that immediately stick out in my mind having been the most influential to me, both personally and professionally...I could fill volumes. There is something to be said about attending a college in which the opportunity to build a relationship with a professor, both in and out of class, is not only more than just an idea; it's a living, tangible, meaningful reality. From way too many after-class conversations about EVERYTHING, to just learning how to deal with people when they weren't at their best, I graduated from Berea College with more than just a Bachelor's degree.
Kelly: I was sitting in the chair of my department's office, crying. Graduation was 3 months away, and I was dead set in my head that I was going to fail the program in my last semester. I was pouring my heart out, verbalizing feelings of "feeling picked on," like a failure and feeling like I was miles behind my 12 classmates. After I got it all out, she first said that I was past the point of failing. The second thing she said to me I still remember to this day.
"You can do this, and you're going to do this."
So I did. I made it through, graduated, and passed the boards the first time around. I feel like I owe part of my career and the nurse that I am to Berea College. They pushed me and all of us not because they didn't care, but because they did care. I feel like at any other college they would just be like "well too bad" while still taking my money. Now that I'm a working nurse, I find myself hoping that I say or do something to inspire my patients. But 9 times out of 10, it's them who are inspiring me. I have learned so much from these people, because that's who they are before patients, they are people. Just recently, I was thinking about my time at Berea, which is something that I still do from time to time. One professor came to mind, and ironically it wasn't one I had for one of my nursing classes. I took this class with this specific professor on the recommendation of Holly and also, quite frankly, I just needed the filler so the college wouldn't get mad at me and drop me to only part-time status. It turned out to be one of the most challenging, yet fulfilling courses in my time. Completely disregard the fact the professor had bipolar disorder and....yeah.....part of my career goes there too. That class and the teaching and the all of it also spear-headed me to being where I am.
The point I'm trying to make through all of this is that you never know whose lives you are changing, and whose changing your lives. Think of those in your life that have inspired you. Is there a possibility that you've inspired them as well? My answer is probably.
Life is pretty swell for us lately. It definitely hasn't come without its share of bumps, but that's another set of stories for another day :) Part of the swellness of life for us is our work, and that's where my story begins...
Today I attended a workshop that catered to, admittedly, mostly Berea faculty, but there were Development staff present, as well as myself and one of my bosses. The topic, along with many other sub-topics, was philanthropic fundraising: identifying donors, relating to donors on a personal level, some strategies, etc etc etc. I won't bore y'all, but one of the "kickers" was sharing stories that inspire. I was seated next to a current Berea professor and we both marveled at the fact that Berea draws in a crowd that has some pretty incredible stories. This professor was telling about a current student of his: how she'd come from a poor family in Alabama, how she'd had numerous travel and internship opportunities, how she was doing "exceptional work" (his words), and that she was working multiple jobs even as a student. And, he concluded, "she's still not done yet." I was immediately struck by something, and I verbalized it almost immediately, "I love this story," I said, "I mean, I could be here all day going on about the professors that inspired me, but it's so cool- the professors are inspired by the students too." He agreed, but then commented that he didn't think that he made an impact on his students- it was the joy of seeing his students thrive and realize their potential that made the difference.
But that's where I [mentally] disagree. If you don't think you've made an impact, or been at least some degree of inspiration, that is not true. For me, anyway. Even with the classes that I absolutely HATED (and there were a few), I still learned something. I was still challenged in some way, be it through an assignment, or even a way of thinking. And with those professors that immediately stick out in my mind having been the most influential to me, both personally and professionally...I could fill volumes. There is something to be said about attending a college in which the opportunity to build a relationship with a professor, both in and out of class, is not only more than just an idea; it's a living, tangible, meaningful reality. From way too many after-class conversations about EVERYTHING, to just learning how to deal with people when they weren't at their best, I graduated from Berea College with more than just a Bachelor's degree.
Kelly: I was sitting in the chair of my department's office, crying. Graduation was 3 months away, and I was dead set in my head that I was going to fail the program in my last semester. I was pouring my heart out, verbalizing feelings of "feeling picked on," like a failure and feeling like I was miles behind my 12 classmates. After I got it all out, she first said that I was past the point of failing. The second thing she said to me I still remember to this day.
"You can do this, and you're going to do this."
So I did. I made it through, graduated, and passed the boards the first time around. I feel like I owe part of my career and the nurse that I am to Berea College. They pushed me and all of us not because they didn't care, but because they did care. I feel like at any other college they would just be like "well too bad" while still taking my money. Now that I'm a working nurse, I find myself hoping that I say or do something to inspire my patients. But 9 times out of 10, it's them who are inspiring me. I have learned so much from these people, because that's who they are before patients, they are people. Just recently, I was thinking about my time at Berea, which is something that I still do from time to time. One professor came to mind, and ironically it wasn't one I had for one of my nursing classes. I took this class with this specific professor on the recommendation of Holly and also, quite frankly, I just needed the filler so the college wouldn't get mad at me and drop me to only part-time status. It turned out to be one of the most challenging, yet fulfilling courses in my time. Completely disregard the fact the professor had bipolar disorder and....yeah.....part of my career goes there too. That class and the teaching and the all of it also spear-headed me to being where I am.
The point I'm trying to make through all of this is that you never know whose lives you are changing, and whose changing your lives. Think of those in your life that have inspired you. Is there a possibility that you've inspired them as well? My answer is probably.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Somebody else's responsibility and not sure who's responsible for what and so what you're not coming back?
Holly: Yes, the title is a mouthful. And we are erring a bit on the silly side, but it all boils down to one thing: accountability. I think we lack none nowadays. Seriously. No one is held accountable for their actions anymore, it seems. Or lack of actions.
I'll give an example that is also a wee bit of a pet peeve: Something that really drives me crazy about churches is that we are often told "We should pray more" or "We should read the Bible more". Well....great. I won't disagree with you. But how? There's usually no follow-through, and we're left to our own devices, which usually turns into a never-ending mental battle of "doing it right" versus "doing it wrong". As someone who has been a follower for a few years now, I am STILL struggling to find out what works for me. Here's another example: when someone decides to leave a church or a small group (we ran into this back when we participated in BCM); there was a bit of persuading to try to stay, and then after it was all said and done, that was it. Basically all forms of contact were cut off. ALL. There was no "Hey, how are you doing?" after we left. There was nothing.
If we really are the hands and feet of Jesus, if we are brothers and sisters in Christ, shouldn't we be looking out for one another...really looking out for one another? As I mentioned in our small group discussion this morning, I would much rather have someone take me aside and tell me I was going down the wrong path, versus being left alone in the assumptions that everything was hunky-dory. At what point do we stop saying "someone else will take care of it?" and just take up the gauntlet ourselves? Now, I'm not saying I am an expert in this. Trust me, I have A LOT to learn from all of this as well. I've thought of several potentially difficult conversations that I should be having, most of them with myself. I hope that we as Christians, or just decent human beings, if Jesus isn't a part of your life, take responsibility for our actions and how we truly, really, wholeheartedly, interact with each other.
Kelly: In light of recent events, our church will soon be discussing how to fill a vacancy that has since March been empty, and God has called some wonderful volunteers to attempt to fill this vacancy whilst a decision is being made. I know that sentence seemed like a lot of garbled gobble-dee-goop, but it hones in on what this post is about. Throughout the years I've been attending church, many programs, groups and once active and thriving ministries have fallen off the wayside because in my opinion there's no accountability. Some of thought "well, nobody cares about this anymore" or "the need is being met elsewhere in the church" or the most common one I've heard "well, a piece of it is covered so as a whole this area is being taken care of." Not necessarily heard by me, but by other members that I am close to and trust. It's quite sad, to be honest. When this meeting rolls around, I don't know if I'll have anything to say, but if I do, I hope it's from my heart and that I feel led by God to share. I think instead of asking "who's going to do something" let's maybe perhaps ask "what can we all do as a body of unity and a body of believers?" Having said that, I'm going to share a story.
When I was in college, Holly and I joined BCM. We went regularly for about 2 years and on and off for about a year. I went more often than Holly, as she was busy doing RA stuff, which was no big deal. So I came and went for a while, but my schedule was starting to become busy and I made the decision that I was going to have to devote more time for my nursing work and explore other means to grow in my faith. I presented my thoughts to several members at the time, and I guess there's no way to say it, but in a way I was shunned. I stopped receiving invites to attend when I could, no one checked in with me regularly, and then the time came for the end of the year party. I actually was invited to attend, and I did. It was like walking into a completely different atmosphere. At that point I realized this was not a place for me to grow in my faith and my walk with Christ. That warm, welcoming, open and accepting environment was gone and replaced with favoritism, unwelcoming and feeling lonely. Now please do not misunderstand me. I have quite a few very fond and powerful memories from my time that I spent and will cherish the friendships I had. I'm not saying don't ever do a college BCM program, because that's not what I'm saying at all. All I am saying is this; at what point should we stop asking "who" and start asking "what." Instead of chastising for forgetting your Bible, greet one another and genuinely say "I'm glad you're here. We're happy to help you in any way we can." (Bible chastising c/o church camp). I am so happy and blessed that I am currently in a small group where I feel safe to share my needs and know that I am going to have follow-up with it or them, and I do my best to do the same. It honestly takes a little bit of an extra effort to hold someone accountable, but to me it's worth it. I think it can make the difference between someone staying in a church/small group and someone leaving it.
I'll give an example that is also a wee bit of a pet peeve: Something that really drives me crazy about churches is that we are often told "We should pray more" or "We should read the Bible more". Well....great. I won't disagree with you. But how? There's usually no follow-through, and we're left to our own devices, which usually turns into a never-ending mental battle of "doing it right" versus "doing it wrong". As someone who has been a follower for a few years now, I am STILL struggling to find out what works for me. Here's another example: when someone decides to leave a church or a small group (we ran into this back when we participated in BCM); there was a bit of persuading to try to stay, and then after it was all said and done, that was it. Basically all forms of contact were cut off. ALL. There was no "Hey, how are you doing?" after we left. There was nothing.
If we really are the hands and feet of Jesus, if we are brothers and sisters in Christ, shouldn't we be looking out for one another...really looking out for one another? As I mentioned in our small group discussion this morning, I would much rather have someone take me aside and tell me I was going down the wrong path, versus being left alone in the assumptions that everything was hunky-dory. At what point do we stop saying "someone else will take care of it?" and just take up the gauntlet ourselves? Now, I'm not saying I am an expert in this. Trust me, I have A LOT to learn from all of this as well. I've thought of several potentially difficult conversations that I should be having, most of them with myself. I hope that we as Christians, or just decent human beings, if Jesus isn't a part of your life, take responsibility for our actions and how we truly, really, wholeheartedly, interact with each other.
Kelly: In light of recent events, our church will soon be discussing how to fill a vacancy that has since March been empty, and God has called some wonderful volunteers to attempt to fill this vacancy whilst a decision is being made. I know that sentence seemed like a lot of garbled gobble-dee-goop, but it hones in on what this post is about. Throughout the years I've been attending church, many programs, groups and once active and thriving ministries have fallen off the wayside because in my opinion there's no accountability. Some of thought "well, nobody cares about this anymore" or "the need is being met elsewhere in the church" or the most common one I've heard "well, a piece of it is covered so as a whole this area is being taken care of." Not necessarily heard by me, but by other members that I am close to and trust. It's quite sad, to be honest. When this meeting rolls around, I don't know if I'll have anything to say, but if I do, I hope it's from my heart and that I feel led by God to share. I think instead of asking "who's going to do something" let's maybe perhaps ask "what can we all do as a body of unity and a body of believers?" Having said that, I'm going to share a story.
When I was in college, Holly and I joined BCM. We went regularly for about 2 years and on and off for about a year. I went more often than Holly, as she was busy doing RA stuff, which was no big deal. So I came and went for a while, but my schedule was starting to become busy and I made the decision that I was going to have to devote more time for my nursing work and explore other means to grow in my faith. I presented my thoughts to several members at the time, and I guess there's no way to say it, but in a way I was shunned. I stopped receiving invites to attend when I could, no one checked in with me regularly, and then the time came for the end of the year party. I actually was invited to attend, and I did. It was like walking into a completely different atmosphere. At that point I realized this was not a place for me to grow in my faith and my walk with Christ. That warm, welcoming, open and accepting environment was gone and replaced with favoritism, unwelcoming and feeling lonely. Now please do not misunderstand me. I have quite a few very fond and powerful memories from my time that I spent and will cherish the friendships I had. I'm not saying don't ever do a college BCM program, because that's not what I'm saying at all. All I am saying is this; at what point should we stop asking "who" and start asking "what." Instead of chastising for forgetting your Bible, greet one another and genuinely say "I'm glad you're here. We're happy to help you in any way we can." (Bible chastising c/o church camp). I am so happy and blessed that I am currently in a small group where I feel safe to share my needs and know that I am going to have follow-up with it or them, and I do my best to do the same. It honestly takes a little bit of an extra effort to hold someone accountable, but to me it's worth it. I think it can make the difference between someone staying in a church/small group and someone leaving it.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Who's kidding who?
Kelly: Hey look, here's a random funny, especially if you're a fan of The Hobbit and The Office (the British one...)
The Office: An Unexpected Journey
Now that we've gotten out of the way, we're going to delve into the purpose of this post. There are many that I know that carry the name Christian, myself included. However, there are those that I know that carry that name and the way they act/speak do not reflect that. Having said that, I'm going to share a story. I was on my way home with my clinical group and two of my classmates were in the front seat. For about 10 minutes they were talking about another classmate and her current relationship. What they were saying...were some of the most judgmental remarks I had ever heard. I had my headphones in and was listening to my iPod, but finally I had to put an end to it; it was getting ridiculous. I took my headphones out and said "could you please just stop?" And that was that. I didn't say a word the rest of the ride home.
It makes me wonder; do we ever think about what we say or do or do we just do/say it and forget who hears or sees? I catch myself thinking about that a lot. And it has made me think if I am guilty of the same thing. Are my actions building people up or tearing them down? Are the words I'm saying about others, whether or not they even know it, those of love instead of hate or judgment? So as a result, I'm trying to be more consciously aware of what I say/do around others. I want my words and my actions to resemble that of love and kindness instead of the opposite. It's our Christian duty to build people up with what we say AND do. So if I have ever said or done anything that has not been reflective of that, please tell me. IF I say or do something that is not reflective of that, call me out on it. I don't want to just throw words out there; I want to BE better. I think we should all try to be better. Having been a victim of bullying, words...really do hurt.
Holly: When I heard our pastor preaching those words this past Sunday, all I could keep thinking was "Dear God, that used to be me." The going-through-the-motions, catty, lukewarm, stagnant Christian who only showed up for church on Sunday and youth group on Wednesday. Other than that, you really couldn't tell much else. After that Sunday I vowed that I would NEVER go back to that place. Kelly brought up the fact that by me saying I would never go back, that I was already moving forward. Also, when I heard our pastor preaching those words this past Sunday, all I could think was "I sincerely pray that I am not like that."
To be completely honest, because I too, sadly, know many Christians who do not act as such, it does not surprise me the number of people, particularly those in my age group, who are either leaving the church or are not interested in it at all. I can't help but think of (and please pardon my extreme example) Westboro Baptist Church...a CHURCH, no less, who claim to carry God's message but instead are infecting the nation with their blatant and sickening hate and ignorance of those different from themselves. That is NOT the way to go! Period. While God is vengeful (I mean, have you read the Old Testament??) and definitely powerful, I am captivated by His neverending love and mercy for all of His people, and ultimately that's what keeps me running to Him again and again. I too am also trying to BE better. The next time we see someone slandering, gossiping, or being downright spiteful...what are we going to do about it? Let it slide, or speak up for those who may not have a voice? I detest spitefulness and meanness...I think there is too much of it and it has to stop. Words really do hurt people.
Bottom line: I am here to live like Christ. Please make sure to tell me if I'm not.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters...Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth. ~1 John 3: 16, 18
Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it. ~Albus Dumbledore
The Office: An Unexpected Journey
Now that we've gotten out of the way, we're going to delve into the purpose of this post. There are many that I know that carry the name Christian, myself included. However, there are those that I know that carry that name and the way they act/speak do not reflect that. Having said that, I'm going to share a story. I was on my way home with my clinical group and two of my classmates were in the front seat. For about 10 minutes they were talking about another classmate and her current relationship. What they were saying...were some of the most judgmental remarks I had ever heard. I had my headphones in and was listening to my iPod, but finally I had to put an end to it; it was getting ridiculous. I took my headphones out and said "could you please just stop?" And that was that. I didn't say a word the rest of the ride home.
It makes me wonder; do we ever think about what we say or do or do we just do/say it and forget who hears or sees? I catch myself thinking about that a lot. And it has made me think if I am guilty of the same thing. Are my actions building people up or tearing them down? Are the words I'm saying about others, whether or not they even know it, those of love instead of hate or judgment? So as a result, I'm trying to be more consciously aware of what I say/do around others. I want my words and my actions to resemble that of love and kindness instead of the opposite. It's our Christian duty to build people up with what we say AND do. So if I have ever said or done anything that has not been reflective of that, please tell me. IF I say or do something that is not reflective of that, call me out on it. I don't want to just throw words out there; I want to BE better. I think we should all try to be better. Having been a victim of bullying, words...really do hurt.
Holly: When I heard our pastor preaching those words this past Sunday, all I could keep thinking was "Dear God, that used to be me." The going-through-the-motions, catty, lukewarm, stagnant Christian who only showed up for church on Sunday and youth group on Wednesday. Other than that, you really couldn't tell much else. After that Sunday I vowed that I would NEVER go back to that place. Kelly brought up the fact that by me saying I would never go back, that I was already moving forward. Also, when I heard our pastor preaching those words this past Sunday, all I could think was "I sincerely pray that I am not like that."
To be completely honest, because I too, sadly, know many Christians who do not act as such, it does not surprise me the number of people, particularly those in my age group, who are either leaving the church or are not interested in it at all. I can't help but think of (and please pardon my extreme example) Westboro Baptist Church...a CHURCH, no less, who claim to carry God's message but instead are infecting the nation with their blatant and sickening hate and ignorance of those different from themselves. That is NOT the way to go! Period. While God is vengeful (I mean, have you read the Old Testament??) and definitely powerful, I am captivated by His neverending love and mercy for all of His people, and ultimately that's what keeps me running to Him again and again. I too am also trying to BE better. The next time we see someone slandering, gossiping, or being downright spiteful...what are we going to do about it? Let it slide, or speak up for those who may not have a voice? I detest spitefulness and meanness...I think there is too much of it and it has to stop. Words really do hurt people.
Bottom line: I am here to live like Christ. Please make sure to tell me if I'm not.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters...Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth. ~1 John 3: 16, 18
Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it. ~Albus Dumbledore
Friday, October 19, 2012
Tips for being happy, healthy and wholesome!
Holly and Kelly: It never fails that over and over again we get asked how we maintain a positive attitude. If you know us, you notice that we are usually have very bubbly personalities. Sure we get angry, sad and stressed and we don't automatically dismiss them when those emotions come along. Our personalities have often been described as "contagious." The secret to how? We have compiled a list of "how Holly and Kelly carry their contagious positive attitudes" on a seemingly daily basis. Now we are not robots. Some of these things are harder/easier than some, and we fall constantly in one or more of these things. But we're really trying to make an effort.
Take intiative. Take a chance. Sometimes that means you have to pick up the slack. I struggle with this a lot, especially at my job. There's a pile, no...a MOUNTAIN of dirty dishes in the sink. Nobody is assigned to clean the kitchen at my job; we have an honor system...that usually works. Sometimes it crashes and burns. But what do you do? Leave someone else to do it? Assume someone else will take care of it? Yeah I do that sometimes. But other times I just do it myself. Then you always feel better when it's done.
ASK for help when you need it. Face to face! This simple truth took me 9 semesters of college to reach. It's a pride thing, for sure. Since I've taken this 100 level Biology class, I've learned more by going outside of class and talking things over that I don't understand. It makes me more confident. And confidence=happiness.
Make a plan and stick with it. Seriously. What I've been doing in regards of school work is writing weekly to-do lists and crossing things off as I finish. I wish I would have done this last year during my hardest year of school. But better late than never. Also, Holly and I are planning on returning to Europe in 2015 (our 25th birthday European hullabaloo). We've ALREADY started planning....like little stupid things. But hey. Little stupid things turn into great big things if you keep building on them!
Pray. Constantly. Not just for the bad things but praise for the good. And be honest with God. You ain't going to hurt His feelings! If you're happy, tell Him. If you're pissed off, tell Him. If you're unsure about what He's doing in your life, tell Him. I feel like God was real with us when He sent His son Jesus to die for us; I feel it's the least we can do.
Pace yourself. This is the one who tries to do 666634513049852341452345819574 things on a daily basis. It's so easy to get caught up in this, that the other and XYZ and heeeey macarena that you're on the floor at the end of the day collapsed with exhaustion. This holds true for me with my ankle problems; i INSIST that I can do all the things! I have to remind myself that sometimes I have to take a step back, slow down and just take a break. I relate this also to academia; I'm slow. Not a slow reader, but slow as in the MASTER PROCRASTINATOR. So like my weekly to-do lists, I also write to start something earlier than its due. Saves me a lot of cramming and disappointment when I get that paper back that I worked on the night before and see how crappy it really is. Been there, done that. Not doing it anymore.
Say "no" sometimes. And this is hard. This is really hard because I am such a people person and I love hanging out with others and having fun. My friends mean the world to me and I love spending time with them. But if you know you have something due or if you're just too busy, you may not get to do those fun things. Or if you don't have the MONEY to do those fun things because you've got those bills due that aren't going to go away. Ever. This has been especially hard for us this year since we're on our own now, but it gets easier. It does.
Don't settle for anything less than your best in ALL areas of your life. Yes, this means I've had to be ok with "D's" sometimes because I walked out of there knowing I did my best. I always tell people "yeah I'm not a straight A student and I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. But you bet your bottom dollar I will work SO HARD and will never give you anything less than 110%." Easier said than done, but the outcomes definitely outweigh all the tears and blood spilled to get to those outcomes.
Be open minded. I really don't think I need to go into any more detail.
TRY!!!!! When we were younger, our mom would always make us trying food before we decided we didn't like it. And we have kept that same mentality now that we are in our 20's. You never know unless you try. Sure your photograph didn't win the contest. Doesn't mean you should stop photographing. Giving up and quitting has never done any good for me. If I had given up my dream of going to Berea, I'd be probably still living at home going to a local college. And I'd be miserable. If I hadn't listened to my friend when she gave me the GlobaLinks catalog, I NEVER would have discovered Scotland. What's the worst that can happen? Or be like me (Holly) and take that crazy risk and be a Mary Kay consultant!!! I've only been going at it a week and I have SO MANY ideas and so much support and I can't wait to see what God is going to do with this thing that I have now.
See people. I like faces. I have fostered some of the best relationships here at Berea simply by putting myself out there. Going to a new church with a new denomination. Going abroad. Being AT Berea exposes you to so many different people, and I hid most of my freshmen year because I wasn't used to well...everyone being all up in your business. Then I realized that not all people want to be all up in your business; they just want to love you and they want you to do the same.
Act and don't just speak. We have based this largely on our new healthy habits plan. For years we would tell ourselves "we should eat healthier" or "let's try this exercising thing" or whatever. We would try those new habits and new exercises for a while, then slowly slip back into our old routines. Finally, this May, we made it simpler and made goals more attainable. The results have spoken VOLUME. We feel better, we're not as tired during the day, we have more energy, our clothes are fitting looser, and we hold each other accountable and keep each other on track. And we don't get bent out of shape if we slip; we get back up and start trying.
Fake it. This is similar to just trying. Some of the times when you see me and I'm happy and bubbly that does not mean I woke up that way. I used to be miss crabby face when I would get up in the morning, but I faked being happy and cheerful. And eventually me faking be happy and cheerful turned me into a happy cheerful person. This happened in BME a lot when our fearless leader would say if we didn't feel like singing or worshipping, fake it. Eventually you just would get lost in the music and let God open up your mind and heart that you would really feel it and let Him in. If I wake up in the morning and I'm tired or grumpy for some reason, I just tell myself: "I do not have to feel this way. It is not going to do me any good to be a Debby downer for the rest of the day. I am going to at least TRY to smile and be happy." Then I pray. It is amazing that when I try this how I change from the beginning of the day to the end of the day. Friends, this isn't always easy. In fact, it's never easy. But it is worth it.
Get up and MOVE every once in a while. Kelly and I do something that EVERY SINGLE PERSON should know how to do (unless you're a baby): walk. We walk. Every day. Not for long, but still, it's something, it's exercise, it's our time to talk and catch up and just connect with the outside world and nature and God. If you're on a track to lose weight it is absolutely imperative that you exercise!!! Changing your diet alone does not work! (Trust me, we've tried). And Kelly and I don't even need to lose weight, we're just simply trying to be healthier. If you're physically healthy, then all the other "healths" will be strengthened too.
Take a break. I made a New Year's Resolution back when I was still in school that when times got stressful, break out into bad dancing. Obnoxious pop music optional. Sometimes while I'm cooking, or at work standing in the hallway with a dog, or just sitting in the living room I blast loud music and just start dancing and acting stupid. It's a great release! (Kind of goes hand in hand with getting up and moving.....). Sometimes you just have to break down your barriers and walls and just act stupid with no regards. We shouldn't take ourselves too seriously!
Well there you have it. Secret's out! It ain't rocket science.
Take intiative. Take a chance. Sometimes that means you have to pick up the slack. I struggle with this a lot, especially at my job. There's a pile, no...a MOUNTAIN of dirty dishes in the sink. Nobody is assigned to clean the kitchen at my job; we have an honor system...that usually works. Sometimes it crashes and burns. But what do you do? Leave someone else to do it? Assume someone else will take care of it? Yeah I do that sometimes. But other times I just do it myself. Then you always feel better when it's done.
ASK for help when you need it. Face to face! This simple truth took me 9 semesters of college to reach. It's a pride thing, for sure. Since I've taken this 100 level Biology class, I've learned more by going outside of class and talking things over that I don't understand. It makes me more confident. And confidence=happiness.
Make a plan and stick with it. Seriously. What I've been doing in regards of school work is writing weekly to-do lists and crossing things off as I finish. I wish I would have done this last year during my hardest year of school. But better late than never. Also, Holly and I are planning on returning to Europe in 2015 (our 25th birthday European hullabaloo). We've ALREADY started planning....like little stupid things. But hey. Little stupid things turn into great big things if you keep building on them!
Pray. Constantly. Not just for the bad things but praise for the good. And be honest with God. You ain't going to hurt His feelings! If you're happy, tell Him. If you're pissed off, tell Him. If you're unsure about what He's doing in your life, tell Him. I feel like God was real with us when He sent His son Jesus to die for us; I feel it's the least we can do.
Pace yourself. This is the one who tries to do 666634513049852341452345819574 things on a daily basis. It's so easy to get caught up in this, that the other and XYZ and heeeey macarena that you're on the floor at the end of the day collapsed with exhaustion. This holds true for me with my ankle problems; i INSIST that I can do all the things! I have to remind myself that sometimes I have to take a step back, slow down and just take a break. I relate this also to academia; I'm slow. Not a slow reader, but slow as in the MASTER PROCRASTINATOR. So like my weekly to-do lists, I also write to start something earlier than its due. Saves me a lot of cramming and disappointment when I get that paper back that I worked on the night before and see how crappy it really is. Been there, done that. Not doing it anymore.
Say "no" sometimes. And this is hard. This is really hard because I am such a people person and I love hanging out with others and having fun. My friends mean the world to me and I love spending time with them. But if you know you have something due or if you're just too busy, you may not get to do those fun things. Or if you don't have the MONEY to do those fun things because you've got those bills due that aren't going to go away. Ever. This has been especially hard for us this year since we're on our own now, but it gets easier. It does.
Don't settle for anything less than your best in ALL areas of your life. Yes, this means I've had to be ok with "D's" sometimes because I walked out of there knowing I did my best. I always tell people "yeah I'm not a straight A student and I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. But you bet your bottom dollar I will work SO HARD and will never give you anything less than 110%." Easier said than done, but the outcomes definitely outweigh all the tears and blood spilled to get to those outcomes.
Be open minded. I really don't think I need to go into any more detail.
TRY!!!!! When we were younger, our mom would always make us trying food before we decided we didn't like it. And we have kept that same mentality now that we are in our 20's. You never know unless you try. Sure your photograph didn't win the contest. Doesn't mean you should stop photographing. Giving up and quitting has never done any good for me. If I had given up my dream of going to Berea, I'd be probably still living at home going to a local college. And I'd be miserable. If I hadn't listened to my friend when she gave me the GlobaLinks catalog, I NEVER would have discovered Scotland. What's the worst that can happen? Or be like me (Holly) and take that crazy risk and be a Mary Kay consultant!!! I've only been going at it a week and I have SO MANY ideas and so much support and I can't wait to see what God is going to do with this thing that I have now.
See people. I like faces. I have fostered some of the best relationships here at Berea simply by putting myself out there. Going to a new church with a new denomination. Going abroad. Being AT Berea exposes you to so many different people, and I hid most of my freshmen year because I wasn't used to well...everyone being all up in your business. Then I realized that not all people want to be all up in your business; they just want to love you and they want you to do the same.
Act and don't just speak. We have based this largely on our new healthy habits plan. For years we would tell ourselves "we should eat healthier" or "let's try this exercising thing" or whatever. We would try those new habits and new exercises for a while, then slowly slip back into our old routines. Finally, this May, we made it simpler and made goals more attainable. The results have spoken VOLUME. We feel better, we're not as tired during the day, we have more energy, our clothes are fitting looser, and we hold each other accountable and keep each other on track. And we don't get bent out of shape if we slip; we get back up and start trying.
Fake it. This is similar to just trying. Some of the times when you see me and I'm happy and bubbly that does not mean I woke up that way. I used to be miss crabby face when I would get up in the morning, but I faked being happy and cheerful. And eventually me faking be happy and cheerful turned me into a happy cheerful person. This happened in BME a lot when our fearless leader would say if we didn't feel like singing or worshipping, fake it. Eventually you just would get lost in the music and let God open up your mind and heart that you would really feel it and let Him in. If I wake up in the morning and I'm tired or grumpy for some reason, I just tell myself: "I do not have to feel this way. It is not going to do me any good to be a Debby downer for the rest of the day. I am going to at least TRY to smile and be happy." Then I pray. It is amazing that when I try this how I change from the beginning of the day to the end of the day. Friends, this isn't always easy. In fact, it's never easy. But it is worth it.
Get up and MOVE every once in a while. Kelly and I do something that EVERY SINGLE PERSON should know how to do (unless you're a baby): walk. We walk. Every day. Not for long, but still, it's something, it's exercise, it's our time to talk and catch up and just connect with the outside world and nature and God. If you're on a track to lose weight it is absolutely imperative that you exercise!!! Changing your diet alone does not work! (Trust me, we've tried). And Kelly and I don't even need to lose weight, we're just simply trying to be healthier. If you're physically healthy, then all the other "healths" will be strengthened too.
Take a break. I made a New Year's Resolution back when I was still in school that when times got stressful, break out into bad dancing. Obnoxious pop music optional. Sometimes while I'm cooking, or at work standing in the hallway with a dog, or just sitting in the living room I blast loud music and just start dancing and acting stupid. It's a great release! (Kind of goes hand in hand with getting up and moving.....). Sometimes you just have to break down your barriers and walls and just act stupid with no regards. We shouldn't take ourselves too seriously!
Well there you have it. Secret's out! It ain't rocket science.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Coffee Talk
Holly: No, I'm not talking about the SNL Linda Richmond sketch...although it is quite humorous. "Like BUTTAH!" Anyway...
I got off work a wee bit early today so Kelly and I met up at our usual favorite coffee spot and we had cinnamon hazelnut coffee and just talked about life and all its grandness. She brought up something that she had read earlier today, and I'm going to share the link (Yes, I KNOW it's about our favorite illustrious Brit Mr. C, but before you groan, roll your eyes, and call us a couple of crazy twitty fan girls, just read it):
Article here
Basically, our twin consensus boiled down to "Uh...for real?" I don't think circumstances or behavior have anything to do with how people perceive us. In some situations people can't help the way they were brought up. And just because you come from an upper class family, as Benedict Cumberbatch seems to have, it doesn't mean you're a posh snob. Or just because you come from a working class family of educators (like myself) doesn't mean we're poor or teachers pets. For me, I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt because we have no idea where people come from and what their stories are. I think it's really sad that a man of great talent (and I'm sorry, but in my opinion he is a BRILLIANT actor) is considering leaving his own country and coming to ours just because he's tired of all this mud-slinging. It's not even an issue of getting tougher skin, as one commenter put: it's like bullying, straight up. Bullying: yeah, that's something to get my blood boiling. I mean, kids are literally killing themselves over what others say about them. It's sad. Really, really sad.
I know I digress a lot, and I apologize. I guess my point is as simple as a cliche, which is don't judge people. I read a quote somewhere: If you judge people you have no room to love them. It's all about love, folks. Love people, love yourself. Or, like Kelly and I, love some Mr. C. Whatevs. Off to trim my child's claws (while she's sleeping!). Cheers!
Kelly: I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but after reading this it sort of hit a nerve. Having been in similar shoes such as his, it's very frustrating. People just make assumptions about other people for no reason just for the sake of hearing themselves talk. Living an ordinary life is just too ordinary; some people have to get a rise out of staging a coup in other people's lives. And it's so sad. The question I kept thinking to myself was: is there an end in sight? My answer. I don't think so. Another unfortunate truth. Maybe I'm over thinking this or reading into it too much. Or maybe this is just one of the steps that I as a civilian am trying to take to put an end to this petty nonsense.
I was then thinking about stereotypes...slipping a bit into some things I learned in my summer class. It goes back to that quote that Holly mentioned. And we do it. We ALL do it. We make assumptions about people before we even know them. Though we have absolutely no way of knowing what is going on in their lives as soon as we start hurling those assumptions in our heads. I'm in no way not trying to preach or put myself above the common folk; I'm speaking for myself as much as anybody else who reads this. This is something that I am going to try to work on myself...shut off the assumption filter in my head. It's not easy and I am going to start....now. But I will close with this; just because someone is "posh," "poor," or whatever does not mean that its one size fits all. We are all not a one size fits all.
I got off work a wee bit early today so Kelly and I met up at our usual favorite coffee spot and we had cinnamon hazelnut coffee and just talked about life and all its grandness. She brought up something that she had read earlier today, and I'm going to share the link (Yes, I KNOW it's about our favorite illustrious Brit Mr. C, but before you groan, roll your eyes, and call us a couple of crazy twitty fan girls, just read it):
Article here
Basically, our twin consensus boiled down to "Uh...for real?" I don't think circumstances or behavior have anything to do with how people perceive us. In some situations people can't help the way they were brought up. And just because you come from an upper class family, as Benedict Cumberbatch seems to have, it doesn't mean you're a posh snob. Or just because you come from a working class family of educators (like myself) doesn't mean we're poor or teachers pets. For me, I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt because we have no idea where people come from and what their stories are. I think it's really sad that a man of great talent (and I'm sorry, but in my opinion he is a BRILLIANT actor) is considering leaving his own country and coming to ours just because he's tired of all this mud-slinging. It's not even an issue of getting tougher skin, as one commenter put: it's like bullying, straight up. Bullying: yeah, that's something to get my blood boiling. I mean, kids are literally killing themselves over what others say about them. It's sad. Really, really sad.
I know I digress a lot, and I apologize. I guess my point is as simple as a cliche, which is don't judge people. I read a quote somewhere: If you judge people you have no room to love them. It's all about love, folks. Love people, love yourself. Or, like Kelly and I, love some Mr. C. Whatevs. Off to trim my child's claws (while she's sleeping!). Cheers!
Kelly: I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but after reading this it sort of hit a nerve. Having been in similar shoes such as his, it's very frustrating. People just make assumptions about other people for no reason just for the sake of hearing themselves talk. Living an ordinary life is just too ordinary; some people have to get a rise out of staging a coup in other people's lives. And it's so sad. The question I kept thinking to myself was: is there an end in sight? My answer. I don't think so. Another unfortunate truth. Maybe I'm over thinking this or reading into it too much. Or maybe this is just one of the steps that I as a civilian am trying to take to put an end to this petty nonsense.
I was then thinking about stereotypes...slipping a bit into some things I learned in my summer class. It goes back to that quote that Holly mentioned. And we do it. We ALL do it. We make assumptions about people before we even know them. Though we have absolutely no way of knowing what is going on in their lives as soon as we start hurling those assumptions in our heads. I'm in no way not trying to preach or put myself above the common folk; I'm speaking for myself as much as anybody else who reads this. This is something that I am going to try to work on myself...shut off the assumption filter in my head. It's not easy and I am going to start....now. But I will close with this; just because someone is "posh," "poor," or whatever does not mean that its one size fits all. We are all not a one size fits all.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Change EVERYBODY can believe in!
Kelly: No, this has nothing to do with politics, I promise. It actually has to do with, well...us. Last night, Holly and I stayed up until the wee hours talking about everything. Everything on our minds, and our hearts. The conversation started with me, pondering over a very powerful sermon that was spoken. When I was about to go to sleep, I was thinking to myself about my walk in Christ. Ever since I re-affirmed my faith in Christ over three years ago, I as well as others have noticed a change in me. A positive change. But in the midst of yesterday's sermon, I realized that "a good change" isn't enough anymore. I have to be perfect. If we want to live a Christ-like life, then we ALL have to be perfect.
Sure, easier said than done, right? That was the first thing that popped into my head. Well gee, thanks for lowering my self-standards to the point of almost non-existence. HELLLLOOOOOO!!!!!! The flashers went off in my head. This life, that I am living, is NOT. ABOUT. ME. It never has been!!! People, readers, it's about choices. I by myself cannot be perfect, but with God I can. It says in His word: "With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Now please don't misunderstand me. I am in no way trying to preach. We are just sharing what is going on in our lives and what we are going to do about it. Anyway, while sitting in church, I realized that I do the "big things" as a Christian and I do them well, well...you know what I mean. But then I thought of the "little" things; in my opinion the things that should matter. Then, it hit me again; accountability. I've never really asked for it. Ever. Many times in the past I have gotten these ideas of how to be a "better" Christian and what I can do. Everything goes hunky-dory for about a week or two, then all of a sudden I can feel myself slipping back into my old ways. Nobody was there to keep tabs on me, so for me it was just really easy to forget about what I was wanting to change. Before I knew it, I let myself take over again.
This is where you (the readers) come in. The changes we are making, though are important, are between us and God. If you are interested in what they are, please feel free to ask and we will be happy to discuss them with you. However, our request is simple; every once in a while, however often you feel led to do so, if you wish to do so, just see how we're doing. Doesn't matter how you ask, but this is something we would really appreciate. Think about it, consider, and if not, well then, now you know what's going on in our world. :]
Holly: Something else that's been weighing on us for a bit, and this is especially for our Christian readers (but if you're not and still would like to contribute, by all means please feel free...any advice is sound and considered), is how we should read our Bibles. Is there a right way? Is there a wrong way? How often? How do you know what to read? The thing is, I've tried the lists, the devotionals, but to me, it encourages passivity and the act of merely "checking things off a list". aka TOTALLY missing the point of growing in the Word. I've also tried reading whatever is on my mind for the day, and it goes ok for a bit, but then 2, 3, 4 days pass with nothing. Are we making this more complicated than it needs to be?
Friends, please do not misunderstand us. I love that my faith is being challenged right now. I don't think you should EVER stop questioning what you believe in and why you do what you do. That's my advice to you all: never stop questioning!
I cannot emphasize with Kelly enough: GET ON US ABOUT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please. And pray for us. The change thing is going to take some time, and our lives are going in very different directions now. Thanks all. :)
Sure, easier said than done, right? That was the first thing that popped into my head. Well gee, thanks for lowering my self-standards to the point of almost non-existence. HELLLLOOOOOO!!!!!! The flashers went off in my head. This life, that I am living, is NOT. ABOUT. ME. It never has been!!! People, readers, it's about choices. I by myself cannot be perfect, but with God I can. It says in His word: "With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Now please don't misunderstand me. I am in no way trying to preach. We are just sharing what is going on in our lives and what we are going to do about it. Anyway, while sitting in church, I realized that I do the "big things" as a Christian and I do them well, well...you know what I mean. But then I thought of the "little" things; in my opinion the things that should matter. Then, it hit me again; accountability. I've never really asked for it. Ever. Many times in the past I have gotten these ideas of how to be a "better" Christian and what I can do. Everything goes hunky-dory for about a week or two, then all of a sudden I can feel myself slipping back into my old ways. Nobody was there to keep tabs on me, so for me it was just really easy to forget about what I was wanting to change. Before I knew it, I let myself take over again.
This is where you (the readers) come in. The changes we are making, though are important, are between us and God. If you are interested in what they are, please feel free to ask and we will be happy to discuss them with you. However, our request is simple; every once in a while, however often you feel led to do so, if you wish to do so, just see how we're doing. Doesn't matter how you ask, but this is something we would really appreciate. Think about it, consider, and if not, well then, now you know what's going on in our world. :]
Holly: Something else that's been weighing on us for a bit, and this is especially for our Christian readers (but if you're not and still would like to contribute, by all means please feel free...any advice is sound and considered), is how we should read our Bibles. Is there a right way? Is there a wrong way? How often? How do you know what to read? The thing is, I've tried the lists, the devotionals, but to me, it encourages passivity and the act of merely "checking things off a list". aka TOTALLY missing the point of growing in the Word. I've also tried reading whatever is on my mind for the day, and it goes ok for a bit, but then 2, 3, 4 days pass with nothing. Are we making this more complicated than it needs to be?
Friends, please do not misunderstand us. I love that my faith is being challenged right now. I don't think you should EVER stop questioning what you believe in and why you do what you do. That's my advice to you all: never stop questioning!
I cannot emphasize with Kelly enough: GET ON US ABOUT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please. And pray for us. The change thing is going to take some time, and our lives are going in very different directions now. Thanks all. :)
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