Hello everyone! Seeing that none of us had posted anything new recently, I will take the opportunity to share a thought that has been on my mind for a couple of weeks now...
I was reading Genesis chapter 6 a few weeks ago, and this verse just stood out to me. I kept reading it over and over again and looked into different translations of it, and basically here is what I got out of it for myself.
"...the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose..." Genesis 6:2 (NLT)
To give you just a quick reference to the context, this is just before God sends a flood to wipe mankind from the face of the earth, when people and their wickedness were multiplying. The Bible says that men increased in number and had children, and then...well here, read from the begining of the chapter:
"1 Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them,
2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.
3 Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." "
- Genesis 6:1-3 (NASB)
(Please note* by no means am I trying to define what this excert from the Bible mean, or use it out of context , or apply it in a different way...If someone is affended by this post or if you can see it clearly crossing limits I am not supposed to, please let me know and I will remove it from the blog...)
Okay, so now to emphasize what was twirling around in my head while I was concentrating on this verse were the questions: Why does it say sons of God, but daughters of men? Why does it emphasize the beauty of the daughters these men married? Why did they marry them? Was it bad that they married them? Why was the Lord's Spirit not contend with mankind after this? ...Why did the days of man decrease dramatically after this event is accounted for in the Bible? (if you just look back a few chapters you can see that people lived to be over 900 years! and then suddenly the Lord says "...his days will be a hundred and twenty years..." -Genesis 6:3
...so I coudn't answer all of my questions, but this was the overall message that I took out, (I should say that God showed me) ..maybe the reason that the daughters were called "daughters of men" and not "daughters of God" was because they truly were daughters of worldy men, unlike the righteous sons of God...
...maybe the fact that these daughters were "beautiful" was the reason that the sons fell for them and married them....
...Marriage is a union, and when the "Godly" were crossed with the "worldy" ...they were united and had children (read in verse 4, ) . Then the Lord says "how great man's wickedness on the earth had become..." verse 5...
And ofcourse we see soon after, the flood comming to wipe mankind...
Okay...so taking it deeper for myself...I was relating this to my own life and our time today...
All of us, (saved Christians, those who believe in Christ, believers)..are in essence "sons of God"...we are "children of God" sons and daughters of God...
All those who come from the world, things possesions, people, etc..whatever it may be...even if it doesn't seem wicked, I mean what's so bad about "daughters of men" right?...wrong...We know there are only two masters, and everything that is not from God...well you do the connection where it comes from...
...Often times what catches our attention is the "beauty" that the world offers whether it may be in another person, an object, an idea, a thought, etc...BUT ...if that person, object, idea, thought, etc is not "Godly" but instead "worldly" ....the first thing we should do is NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT!....
what do we end up doing instead?
...bringing it in to our life, getting attached to it, uniting with it... "they married ...them"...I am not talking about literaly getting married to someone God doesn't want us to (although that happens too,) but taking that idea and applying it to other aspects of our life...and the fact that we get attached to them even...
Okay...so I hope and pray that this makes sence to some of you...it was a big eye-opener for me personally....and after this I was praying for God to show me what things in my life are "worldy"...what is from the "world" that I need to get rid of and de-attach from...
It's amazing how God works, and before I can even honestly say that I really began to focus on trying to figure out what those things are...God already sent someone to show me what some of those things were... AMAZING!!!
And I am still having a hard time understanding if many of the things that are in my life are okay just because long ago I had that crosslink of the "Godly" with the "worldly" and now it just seems okay for me, I got used to it don't pay attention to it... still don't understand many things, but this amazing lesson that God taught me from a single verse in the Bible...really is begining to make a difference in my life...
Also want to say that I hope the Lord works in your hearts as well, and even through this blog....please leave your comments if you have some answers for me, ideas, thouhts, if you want to add anything, if it oppened your eyes like it did mine, ...and ofcourse if you are offended and I will do what I said I would...
Thank you for taking the time to read this...May God Bless you!
*May all GLORY be given to GOD!!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I am a... trashcan?
Ok so Vickie did an awesome job at going over the topic of gossip and behind-the-back conversations that so often occur as a result of judgement, scrutiny, or misunderstanding. I find myself in these situations soooo often!!! Before I say anything else, I would like to first say (not boast) that I was born a listener in my family. Since I'm the baby of the family, I learned that what i'm great at is listening (praise the Lord of course).
The only thing slightly wrong with my gift of listening is that I encounter many different people (occasionally with negative things to say about others) in my lifetime and I... listen. At work I had to encounter frustrated employees who had plenty to say about our "wonderful' store managers and I like so many other times...listened. Then there are girls forever frustrated with their friends or relationships and I...listened. But just like Vickie Victoria pointed out, listening to another person venting about someone and asking of your opinion, is just like participating in venting and gossipping YOURSELF. That's why you politely excuse yourself and zoom your way outta that situation like your tails on fire!!! lol Because in the long run, you won't feel horrible for listening and then feel compelled to answer when you're being confronted.
I am still a listener and I enjoy or actually LOVE to listen to people (topics that are positive of course) but I know that whenever I was in that situation where I'm caught in the middle with an irritated person who's spewing out flames and judgements at someone and I listened, I felt really dark and nasty inside because I sat around and listened. Of course, after listening you feel obligated to speak also and I was pulled into that vacuum of judgement and venting. I came out feeling horrible, restless, and very ashamed. Instead of functioning as a listener for helpful purposes, I was nothing more than a trashcan walking away feeling dark and dirty. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God. John 3:21
The only thing slightly wrong with my gift of listening is that I encounter many different people (occasionally with negative things to say about others) in my lifetime and I... listen. At work I had to encounter frustrated employees who had plenty to say about our "wonderful' store managers and I like so many other times...listened. Then there are girls forever frustrated with their friends or relationships and I...listened. But just like Vickie Victoria pointed out, listening to another person venting about someone and asking of your opinion, is just like participating in venting and gossipping YOURSELF. That's why you politely excuse yourself and zoom your way outta that situation like your tails on fire!!! lol Because in the long run, you won't feel horrible for listening and then feel compelled to answer when you're being confronted.
I am still a listener and I enjoy or actually LOVE to listen to people (topics that are positive of course) but I know that whenever I was in that situation where I'm caught in the middle with an irritated person who's spewing out flames and judgements at someone and I listened, I felt really dark and nasty inside because I sat around and listened. Of course, after listening you feel obligated to speak also and I was pulled into that vacuum of judgement and venting. I came out feeling horrible, restless, and very ashamed. Instead of functioning as a listener for helpful purposes, I was nothing more than a trashcan walking away feeling dark and dirty. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God. John 3:21
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
All the Christian Ladies.
actually, AND GENTLEMEN!!! =) now put cho hands up, UP, hahah.
yes, put them up if you are also Guilty, with a capital Gee, of accidentally, coincidentally, or purposefullyently =) joining in on a conversation where someone was speaking negatively about another person!!
I love the lessons God Gives me. He is SO SO awesome. so I will share =) i just Cant hold it in!
numero uno: in work, or school, or wherever we are stuck in close proximity to others for a while, there will be differences in personalities, opinions, ways of doing things, expectations...yadda yadda
there WILL be moments where, if not youuu, someone else will need to "VENT", so to speak, about what happened/who-said-what/ how Becky Smith sucks at stapeling papers... or how Rude she is today...
PLEASE please, whatever you do, DO NOT engage in a conversation like that...I'm not even mentioning not to be the one to START one. oops, I just did huh...
but you know what I mean?
It's so easy to be SUCKED into conversations like that, and although "people do it all the time" "no harm in discussing the facts" "its' the truth and she needs to know/change" unchristian people will expect you to nod, agree, add in your two cents, or at least act surprised with a "REALLY?". No no no no no
even though others may have been doing it, a Godly woman does not. Even on your suckiest day ever, take a deep breath, but don't let out ANY of your thoughts...even if you are right, even if it is all true. not even a "Did she ever seem _____ to you?"
If you stay cautious of yourself and keep your mouth shut even when something horrible obviously happened and Becky Smith is obviously the one who made the happened horrible...ugh-u get it....as a Christian, you a sheltering yourself with the Light of God..Because when you leave home, from day 1 at your job...or after 25 years at your job...let them say "you know, I've never heard her say anything about anyone. Ever. I respect her for that".
You will stand out.
because your reactions and deeds go against the "expected" or "normal"
it will be tempting sometimes because someone will approach you and go "can you believe so and so did this and that" and, in my opinion, the best response who be...a slight curve of your lips and a "hmm"..."Is there anything I can do"...or if it's completely direct a response like "I'm sorry but I feel uncomfortable at conversations like this".
well, what do you think?
*Nadia I apologize that this isnt exactly how it went....you know what I mean, please add the missed gaps. gracias*
Something new to share!!
Hi everyone!! I would like to share with you the Seppi blog. Regina and Lance Seppi are the ones who came down to the Salt and Light conference and spoke at the workshops. Their family's blog link is http://melodys-notes.blogspot.com/ There you will find lots of awesome information as well as pictures of the Choban brothers and Vlad Musorovichi who took a road trip down to San Antonio, Texas to be at the Christian Film Festival. Enjoy!!!
"...seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you..."
" But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Luke 12:31 (King James Version)
We have all heard and read this verse in the Bible at least once. If you havent, congradulations! you just did. Often times when people are addressed about a specific issues/thought/ idea...whatever it may be...in a large group or in a general public, they are not as deep and meaningful as when they are pointed out specifically to you...meaning one on one...directly refered to you...pointed out more clearly...ye I can go on, but I think you get the point...
Those of you who know me more personally and know what has been on my heart for the loooooooooooooooongest time...yeah...I mean long...the worries that just seem to come and go, the conffusion, the uncertainty, just this BIG issue that has been dragging me down...which didn't seem to go away...well (1st of all thank you sooo much to those who prayed)...I know I talked a lot about it, and maybe even to the point of making some of you sick! (not to mention any names..hmmmm...) well that was honestly because it was bothering me soo much that it was all I could think off.
One day I was out with a few close friends, and I was once again...addressing my issue to them for the bizillionth time, and I was basically explaining to them how I saw myself in these situations. I pictured it this way: There was me...and there was this straight pathway up towards God...but around me there were all these little things that surrounded me...these little things added up to being this one big weight on my shoulder that didn't let me focus on the straight pathway up...my relationship with God...I thought (for some reason) that in order for the pathway between me and God to be clear and working properly (if I can say it that way) all these little things around me needed to be cleared up...all these little issue needed to be solved, all them needed to be addressed, analyzed, thought throught, analyzed some more...BIG desicions needed to be made, MAJOR changes, ...and only then...finally...when all the little things were solved, then I can start focusing on my direct pathway with God...
Well, God looking down upon my situation and probably chukling at my childish way of thinking, knew exactly what words to put in my frined's hearts to change my outlook...one of them pointed out that maybe I was going about things in the different order...she said that maybe instead of focusing on all the little things around me, I need to just focus on the straigth up relationship with God...(the BIG thing) and all the little things will fall into place.
Well...that thought rang through my mind really sharp (even though i didn't say so at the time...(thanx hun)) ...and just in continuing my everyday life trying to clear up the little things...God worked in my heart. ..Immediately the verse that pops into my head throughout this while situation is the verse quoted at the top of this page...
God really has HIS wonderful ways of having all things work together for a greater good, and that is exactly what is happening with me now.
I now understand on a more deeper level that going out of order, will not solve anything but make things more conffusing...i was worried too much about the things that would mean nothing if God was out of the picture...
Instead of seeking HIS Kingdom, and trying to work out that relationship first, I was seeking the other things that are secondhand...my order was off and that threw off everything. you see, in my little diagram that i was sharring with my friends, I was in the ceter, God was straight above, and all the 'little things' were all around me...see the resemblence...me, I, me, I, me, I...I..I..me...(i should lowecase the i's cuz i'm feeling shamed)...but what I did, was place everything out of order...I put myself in the center and worked my way out...when what I really needed to do was allow GOD to be the center of all like it is in reallity, and work my way IN. i am in the outside, i am the little problem that needs working to be solved, i cause my own worries and stress...because I didn't see things in the right perspective. ..
I know this is long and probably hurting your eyes to read like it's hurting mine to type this at this time (please don't judge me for it...I just have to get this out before I explode with these feelings)...but I'm comming to a close here...bare with me...(right now I can totaly understand the preechers that go over their time limmit...hehe)
...just read this verse again...
"But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."
It didn't happen over night, and it took many different people and preechers /speakers/conferences/ church services/ friends/ prayers/... for me to realize where I went wrong...a big part of that was this past youth service..(All Glory to God for it)..but basically it was all pointing me in the direction of seeking God, seeking HIS kingdom, HIS Glory, HIS prescence, HIS purpose, HIS plans for me...and after reallizing all of this...it was like that verse was written SPECIFICALLY to me...not just to the public, the general crowd, but individually to me...speaking to my heart..."Natasha...seek the Kingdom of God first"....
...and even thought the second half of that verse is still not clear, and all the little things are far yet not solved, and there are still plenty of questions and concerns and worries, ...I feel so relieved and energized...I got this passion back again to honestly and deeply from the bottom of my heart...to seek HIS Kingdom...to seek GOD...and just allow HIM to take care of the second part. and you know...whatever it may be...those other things that will be added, i'm sure GOD has that set straight, planned out, mapped out, and diagramed for me already...(such a relief...because if it were me doing the diagrams...like i mentioned...i'd be the one in the center...
...To those of you who know exactly what battle i'm talking about, i'm pretty confident it is now solved. But God has HIS ways, and HIS plans go above my own. At anny moment things may change, but if they do...i will know it is for the greater good...and not for my own purposes.
I truly believe, that God allows us to stumble at times, so that we can learn from our mistakes...because once we go through them ourselves...things become so much more personal and specific towards us. This verse has so much more value to me personally now, even though it should have always...
Just want to say that God really has HIS wonderous ways.... and wish for all of you reading this..." seek the kingdom of God..."
Luke 12:31 (King James Version)
We have all heard and read this verse in the Bible at least once. If you havent, congradulations! you just did. Often times when people are addressed about a specific issues/thought/ idea...whatever it may be...in a large group or in a general public, they are not as deep and meaningful as when they are pointed out specifically to you...meaning one on one...directly refered to you...pointed out more clearly...ye I can go on, but I think you get the point...
Those of you who know me more personally and know what has been on my heart for the loooooooooooooooongest time...yeah...I mean long...the worries that just seem to come and go, the conffusion, the uncertainty, just this BIG issue that has been dragging me down...which didn't seem to go away...well (1st of all thank you sooo much to those who prayed)...I know I talked a lot about it, and maybe even to the point of making some of you sick! (not to mention any names..hmmmm...) well that was honestly because it was bothering me soo much that it was all I could think off.
One day I was out with a few close friends, and I was once again...addressing my issue to them for the bizillionth time, and I was basically explaining to them how I saw myself in these situations. I pictured it this way: There was me...and there was this straight pathway up towards God...but around me there were all these little things that surrounded me...these little things added up to being this one big weight on my shoulder that didn't let me focus on the straight pathway up...my relationship with God...I thought (for some reason) that in order for the pathway between me and God to be clear and working properly (if I can say it that way) all these little things around me needed to be cleared up...all these little issue needed to be solved, all them needed to be addressed, analyzed, thought throught, analyzed some more...BIG desicions needed to be made, MAJOR changes, ...and only then...finally...when all the little things were solved, then I can start focusing on my direct pathway with God...
Well, God looking down upon my situation and probably chukling at my childish way of thinking, knew exactly what words to put in my frined's hearts to change my outlook...one of them pointed out that maybe I was going about things in the different order...she said that maybe instead of focusing on all the little things around me, I need to just focus on the straigth up relationship with God...(the BIG thing) and all the little things will fall into place.
Well...that thought rang through my mind really sharp (even though i didn't say so at the time...(thanx hun)) ...and just in continuing my everyday life trying to clear up the little things...God worked in my heart. ..Immediately the verse that pops into my head throughout this while situation is the verse quoted at the top of this page...
God really has HIS wonderful ways of having all things work together for a greater good, and that is exactly what is happening with me now.
I now understand on a more deeper level that going out of order, will not solve anything but make things more conffusing...i was worried too much about the things that would mean nothing if God was out of the picture...
Instead of seeking HIS Kingdom, and trying to work out that relationship first, I was seeking the other things that are secondhand...my order was off and that threw off everything. you see, in my little diagram that i was sharring with my friends, I was in the ceter, God was straight above, and all the 'little things' were all around me...see the resemblence...me, I, me, I, me, I...I..I..me...(i should lowecase the i's cuz i'm feeling shamed)...but what I did, was place everything out of order...I put myself in the center and worked my way out...when what I really needed to do was allow GOD to be the center of all like it is in reallity, and work my way IN. i am in the outside, i am the little problem that needs working to be solved, i cause my own worries and stress...because I didn't see things in the right perspective. ..
I know this is long and probably hurting your eyes to read like it's hurting mine to type this at this time (please don't judge me for it...I just have to get this out before I explode with these feelings)...but I'm comming to a close here...bare with me...(right now I can totaly understand the preechers that go over their time limmit...hehe)
...just read this verse again...
"But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."
It didn't happen over night, and it took many different people and preechers /speakers/conferences/ church services/ friends/ prayers/... for me to realize where I went wrong...a big part of that was this past youth service..(All Glory to God for it)..but basically it was all pointing me in the direction of seeking God, seeking HIS kingdom, HIS Glory, HIS prescence, HIS purpose, HIS plans for me...and after reallizing all of this...it was like that verse was written SPECIFICALLY to me...not just to the public, the general crowd, but individually to me...speaking to my heart..."Natasha...seek the Kingdom of God first"....
...and even thought the second half of that verse is still not clear, and all the little things are far yet not solved, and there are still plenty of questions and concerns and worries, ...I feel so relieved and energized...I got this passion back again to honestly and deeply from the bottom of my heart...to seek HIS Kingdom...to seek GOD...and just allow HIM to take care of the second part. and you know...whatever it may be...those other things that will be added, i'm sure GOD has that set straight, planned out, mapped out, and diagramed for me already...(such a relief...because if it were me doing the diagrams...like i mentioned...i'd be the one in the center...
...To those of you who know exactly what battle i'm talking about, i'm pretty confident it is now solved. But God has HIS ways, and HIS plans go above my own. At anny moment things may change, but if they do...i will know it is for the greater good...and not for my own purposes.
I truly believe, that God allows us to stumble at times, so that we can learn from our mistakes...because once we go through them ourselves...things become so much more personal and specific towards us. This verse has so much more value to me personally now, even though it should have always...
Just want to say that God really has HIS wonderous ways.... and wish for all of you reading this..." seek the kingdom of God..."
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sometimes, we need to be Reminded
Although what I am about to talk about isn't some new theological/philosophical whatever you wannacallit...it was a wonderful reminder nonetheless.
Someone I am close to shared a quote that made them stop in their tracks:
"prayer without deed is begging and deed without prayer is slavery."
so If I am praying really hard on an important topic for me, for example: Finding a job, School/Career, Emotional life/spiritual/Love...but am not ACTING...searching online/applying to school, getting involved in church..etc, then I am as good as a beggar. Quite honestly, I do get softened up on the streets of Arden..and occasionally, I have given a few bucks on a super long red light... to the beggars. However, I always imagined that people who really do want help, will work for it, they will be driven by the constant yearning feeling to get out of the uncomfortable situation they are in. but, that's another topic. Frankly, I think of those beggars as lazy, most of them. I don't ever want God to see me begging without already trying everything in my own power to change "xyz" in my life. hmm something else comes to mind: it's almost like whining! whining or the state of being unhappy/unsatisfied/even depressed is like sitting and rocking yourself in a rocking chair--it keeps you busy but doesn't get you Anywhere! (I don't remember where I heard that.)
On the other hand, If I am already involved somehow in church...or if I am doing something that I feel is good/important/requiring responsibility...something that I am sure God would acknowlegde or approve of...but am NOT PRAYING about it, it will soon become a burden!! Believe it or not, the feelings of satisfaction or simply being happy about what you do will dissolve if they are not seasoned by and accompanied with Prayer. When God is included in the CENTER of our deeds, it is only then that I will feel privilged, motivated, humbled and proud to continue "xyz" in my life with passion- rather than feeling like it is yet another task to complete.
I hope this leaves you thinking about How you Pray, and what areas in YOUR life need to be seasoned by Prayer.
God Bless You.
Someone I am close to shared a quote that made them stop in their tracks:
"prayer without deed is begging and deed without prayer is slavery."
so If I am praying really hard on an important topic for me, for example: Finding a job, School/Career, Emotional life/spiritual/Love...but am not ACTING...searching online/applying to school, getting involved in church..etc, then I am as good as a beggar. Quite honestly, I do get softened up on the streets of Arden..and occasionally, I have given a few bucks on a super long red light... to the beggars. However, I always imagined that people who really do want help, will work for it, they will be driven by the constant yearning feeling to get out of the uncomfortable situation they are in. but, that's another topic. Frankly, I think of those beggars as lazy, most of them. I don't ever want God to see me begging without already trying everything in my own power to change "xyz" in my life. hmm something else comes to mind: it's almost like whining! whining or the state of being unhappy/unsatisfied/even depressed is like sitting and rocking yourself in a rocking chair--it keeps you busy but doesn't get you Anywhere! (I don't remember where I heard that.)
On the other hand, If I am already involved somehow in church...or if I am doing something that I feel is good/important/requiring responsibility...something that I am sure God would acknowlegde or approve of...but am NOT PRAYING about it, it will soon become a burden!! Believe it or not, the feelings of satisfaction or simply being happy about what you do will dissolve if they are not seasoned by and accompanied with Prayer. When God is included in the CENTER of our deeds, it is only then that I will feel privilged, motivated, humbled and proud to continue "xyz" in my life with passion- rather than feeling like it is yet another task to complete.
I hope this leaves you thinking about How you Pray, and what areas in YOUR life need to be seasoned by Prayer.
God Bless You.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Freedom is more Damaging?!!
Believe it or not, this thought has been marinating for a year or so...and I never seemed to spit it out. so here it comes...minus the spit hahah
I was working with an RN (once upon a time) on the and the patient was really badly burned...now pause for a second...WARNING: if you currently have cardiac abnormalities or a history of Cardiac disease, please please please....stop the caffiene and salt and do continue to relax while reading our blog..lol but seriously, if you are the type of person who is visual, don't visualize this.=P fair warning buster.
So this patient, ummm Mr/Mrs Burn is almost unrecognizeable becuase of the severity of injury. He/she (for confidentiality reasons) has burns on face/head/ears/arms/legs/back/buttocks. I mean, it wasn't pretty. The name of the patient seemed familiar but didnt ring a bell...not much would ring any bells in my brain, but anyway, the RN I was working with didnt say anything either...that is, until the family of the patient came in!
All of a sudden, the RN realizes that the family of this patient and the RN are really good friends and...having your good friends' parent to take care of can be an overwhelming assignment. The patient, the patients' kin, the RN and me are in the room, and you know, the RN says "I'm so sorry about what happened..." then, being cautious so as not to be obvious, someone asks to pray....
yes, we bowed our heads, and all prayed. It felt like the MOST important moment of the day was fulfilled. I cannot describe the atmosphere in the room...it felt like the room was detached from the hospital, that somehoe, among all the rush and ado...the world stopped turning so that God can hear the prayer--The RN prayed for God's healing touch and blessing, for a great recovery, for the family to cope through this hard time...I mean, everything I learned in Nursing School cannot add up to the feeling of God leading you, hearing you, holding you, teaching you, touching others through you.
ok Victoria, get to the point...and whats with the title!
So, yea, why did I say Freedom is more damaging...I come from a church that is traditional, conservative, strict..Baptist...most of the european immigrants come from communist countries where freedom to believe and practice your faith was not an option. Here, we are SO tremendously blessed to have that. HOWEVER...time changes many things, and the devil does not sleep...as a matter of fact, he must have a pHD in deceiving....he uses his weapons against his Christian targets after a looooong time of examining the best attack method. I feel like..you know how things you can't have you want even more? like if you tell a kid he can't have chocolate, that's ALL he ever wants... well, in the communistic world, the bigger the pressure, the stronger, more sincere, more courageous Love towards our God was expressed, lived and so on.
Now that we have this freedom to practice, share our thoughts/blessings...we are BOUNDED by freedom to do so...and not only do churches (youth) become so uninterested and relaxed because of it (exactly what devil pondered would happen) , but this freedom of religion/faith causes us to be more "CAUTIOUS" about expressing it so that we don't "offdend/degrade/judge anyone else's faith. So there we stood, praying behind curtains so that no one can see or get offended.
I must admit, it kind of hurts that moments like that we tend to think should be hidden. I personally disagree. why? well, let me tell you! because I have taken care of a Buddhist who openly had his cd player playing the looooonggggg monotone prayers...I kid you not, i was in the elevator going to my car humming the darn prayers and nearly had to slap myself out of it! If I am taught to respect another person's faith, I shouldn't feel threatened to openly pray with my patient either. huh! well, i dunno what to think of all of it. ugh
but on another note, I am so proud to say that a man I havent even spoken to yet, who cleans our patients rooms every day almost, silently, slowly and humbly makes a world of a difference wihout even knowing it: first it was when he said "God Bless everyone" at the end of his shift, then it was from a patient who said "oh I am healing so well, its because the guy who cleaned my room said he prays for me every day" and another patient who said "the guy who cleanes my room brought me da Bible, so I best be readin it cuz I wanna get outta da Hospital, so Im gunna start readin it pretty quick now". hahaha a combination of smiles and tears fills my heart. Bless that man who cleans their rooms.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. We are free to shine darlings. free. to. shine.
I was working with an RN (once upon a time) on the and the patient was really badly burned...now pause for a second...WARNING: if you currently have cardiac abnormalities or a history of Cardiac disease, please please please....stop the caffiene and salt and do continue to relax while reading our blog..lol but seriously, if you are the type of person who is visual, don't visualize this.=P fair warning buster.
So this patient, ummm Mr/Mrs Burn is almost unrecognizeable becuase of the severity of injury. He/she (for confidentiality reasons) has burns on face/head/ears/arms/legs/back/buttocks. I mean, it wasn't pretty. The name of the patient seemed familiar but didnt ring a bell...not much would ring any bells in my brain, but anyway, the RN I was working with didnt say anything either...that is, until the family of the patient came in!
All of a sudden, the RN realizes that the family of this patient and the RN are really good friends and...having your good friends' parent to take care of can be an overwhelming assignment. The patient, the patients' kin, the RN and me are in the room, and you know, the RN says "I'm so sorry about what happened..." then, being cautious so as not to be obvious, someone asks to pray....
yes, we bowed our heads, and all prayed. It felt like the MOST important moment of the day was fulfilled. I cannot describe the atmosphere in the room...it felt like the room was detached from the hospital, that somehoe, among all the rush and ado...the world stopped turning so that God can hear the prayer--The RN prayed for God's healing touch and blessing, for a great recovery, for the family to cope through this hard time...I mean, everything I learned in Nursing School cannot add up to the feeling of God leading you, hearing you, holding you, teaching you, touching others through you.
ok Victoria, get to the point...and whats with the title!
So, yea, why did I say Freedom is more damaging...I come from a church that is traditional, conservative, strict..Baptist...most of the european immigrants come from communist countries where freedom to believe and practice your faith was not an option. Here, we are SO tremendously blessed to have that. HOWEVER...time changes many things, and the devil does not sleep...as a matter of fact, he must have a pHD in deceiving....he uses his weapons against his Christian targets after a looooong time of examining the best attack method. I feel like..you know how things you can't have you want even more? like if you tell a kid he can't have chocolate, that's ALL he ever wants... well, in the communistic world, the bigger the pressure, the stronger, more sincere, more courageous Love towards our God was expressed, lived and so on.
Now that we have this freedom to practice, share our thoughts/blessings...we are BOUNDED by freedom to do so...and not only do churches (youth) become so uninterested and relaxed because of it (exactly what devil pondered would happen) , but this freedom of religion/faith causes us to be more "CAUTIOUS" about expressing it so that we don't "offdend/degrade/judge anyone else's faith. So there we stood, praying behind curtains so that no one can see or get offended.
I must admit, it kind of hurts that moments like that we tend to think should be hidden. I personally disagree. why? well, let me tell you! because I have taken care of a Buddhist who openly had his cd player playing the looooonggggg monotone prayers...I kid you not, i was in the elevator going to my car humming the darn prayers and nearly had to slap myself out of it! If I am taught to respect another person's faith, I shouldn't feel threatened to openly pray with my patient either. huh! well, i dunno what to think of all of it. ugh
but on another note, I am so proud to say that a man I havent even spoken to yet, who cleans our patients rooms every day almost, silently, slowly and humbly makes a world of a difference wihout even knowing it: first it was when he said "God Bless everyone" at the end of his shift, then it was from a patient who said "oh I am healing so well, its because the guy who cleaned my room said he prays for me every day" and another patient who said "the guy who cleanes my room brought me da Bible, so I best be readin it cuz I wanna get outta da Hospital, so Im gunna start readin it pretty quick now". hahaha a combination of smiles and tears fills my heart. Bless that man who cleans their rooms.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. We are free to shine darlings. free. to. shine.
We give HIM a Manger...
Okay...to everyone reading this blog...even though I'm a bit late, my friends encouraged me to post this...here's a quick preface...
Durring the series of Christmas services we had at church just a little while ago, God sent me this thougth to show me personally the deep meaning behind Jesus being placed in a manger...now I say "me personally" because you may not agree, but regardless, here it goes...
...I was wondering what was the importance of Jesus being born in a manger...for the Bible says "Mary...gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." -Luke 2:5-7 (NIV)...
The people of Nazareth at that time did not know that Jesus was the Son of God and the King of Kings, and it seems acceptable that at that time, the only place that was available was the manger. So it was...Jesus was born in the only place that He was given...in a manger. Flying over thousands of years into today, we...(all of us still living) know that Jesus is the Son of God and King of Kings...and the sad thing is...WE STILL GIVE HIM A MANGER. ...think of it this way...instead of giving Jesus our whole heart, giving HIM our best and our all...the only thing we give Him is what's left...a small used manger in our heart...sometimes even that with no passion...How pathetic it is of us, to know that Jesus is THE MESSAIAH, KING, GOD, ...and STILL...give HIM only a manger instead of the best inn possible...our heart and soul. How unexcusable it would be for us to say that we didn't know HE was God, and how shamefull it will be to face JESUS one day, (if we even get that far) and have HIM say "you only gave me a manger...and I gave my life for you" .
It was like an eye opener to me...becuase like I mentioned above...this was for "me personally" God speaking and the Holy Spirit convicting me of being so selfish as to only leave a small part of my life to God instead of oppening my whole heart to HIM. If Jesus wasn't born in a manger but in a mansion with all the services at His side, then I think many people who live in poverty would not be able to relate to Him and understand...I would not be able to relate HIS comming into the world to HIS presence in my heart.
I hope and pray that this in one way or another, now or maybe years from now will help you or convict you just like it touched my heart.
~Blessings
Durring the series of Christmas services we had at church just a little while ago, God sent me this thougth to show me personally the deep meaning behind Jesus being placed in a manger...now I say "me personally" because you may not agree, but regardless, here it goes...
...I was wondering what was the importance of Jesus being born in a manger...for the Bible says "Mary...gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." -Luke 2:5-7 (NIV)...
The people of Nazareth at that time did not know that Jesus was the Son of God and the King of Kings, and it seems acceptable that at that time, the only place that was available was the manger. So it was...Jesus was born in the only place that He was given...in a manger. Flying over thousands of years into today, we...(all of us still living) know that Jesus is the Son of God and King of Kings...and the sad thing is...WE STILL GIVE HIM A MANGER. ...think of it this way...instead of giving Jesus our whole heart, giving HIM our best and our all...the only thing we give Him is what's left...a small used manger in our heart...sometimes even that with no passion...How pathetic it is of us, to know that Jesus is THE MESSAIAH, KING, GOD, ...and STILL...give HIM only a manger instead of the best inn possible...our heart and soul. How unexcusable it would be for us to say that we didn't know HE was God, and how shamefull it will be to face JESUS one day, (if we even get that far) and have HIM say "you only gave me a manger...and I gave my life for you" .
It was like an eye opener to me...becuase like I mentioned above...this was for "me personally" God speaking and the Holy Spirit convicting me of being so selfish as to only leave a small part of my life to God instead of oppening my whole heart to HIM. If Jesus wasn't born in a manger but in a mansion with all the services at His side, then I think many people who live in poverty would not be able to relate to Him and understand...I would not be able to relate HIS comming into the world to HIS presence in my heart.
I hope and pray that this in one way or another, now or maybe years from now will help you or convict you just like it touched my heart.
~Blessings
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Yes on 8!!!
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
So you all know how proposition 8 passed and I am super excited that we are still upholding that law that marriage is between a man and a woman!!! Well I of course have my Yes on 8! bumper sticker that I absolutely refuse to take off my car. I told myself that the only way that sticker will come off is if it dries off. Well, I was feeling pretty sure of myself up until I took a trip to San Francisco one weekday with one of my friends. Unfortunately, without a navigation we kind of got lost (no surprise!!!). So I'm driving up and down those hills and I feel as if we drove the whole length of Frisco without finding any familiar turning street (who invented confusing road maps with 0pt font that you have to read with an eyeglass anyway?). All of a sudden I see the "cheerful" colors of one rainbow flag, than another, than a BIGGER rainbow flag and then a panic seizes me and I'm like noooooooooooo way am I lost in Frisco, "accidentally" driving down Castro district ALONE with one friend, AND a super bright yellow yes on 8! sign right smack dab on my bumper! I got so used to driving around a city where a majority voted for Yes on 8 that when I drove into an area where it plainly screams "equality" I froze in fear. hmm.. But when I thought about it, I felt like a coward! If others who support NO on 8 still have the giant posters in their windows and the blue bumper stickers on their cars do so with pride, how come I'm so afraid of what others will think of my views? What those no on 8 people LACK is my God. My God who told me multiple times to not be afraid and be a light here in this world. I have His hands into which I could entrust my life, my family and my car (with my super cool Yes on 8! sticker) and I shall not be afraid to drive into life's "Castro" Districts and cringe in fear because I know ... that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 That yes on 8 sticker will remain until it dries off!!!
So you all know how proposition 8 passed and I am super excited that we are still upholding that law that marriage is between a man and a woman!!! Well I of course have my Yes on 8! bumper sticker that I absolutely refuse to take off my car. I told myself that the only way that sticker will come off is if it dries off. Well, I was feeling pretty sure of myself up until I took a trip to San Francisco one weekday with one of my friends. Unfortunately, without a navigation we kind of got lost (no surprise!!!). So I'm driving up and down those hills and I feel as if we drove the whole length of Frisco without finding any familiar turning street (who invented confusing road maps with 0pt font that you have to read with an eyeglass anyway?). All of a sudden I see the "cheerful" colors of one rainbow flag, than another, than a BIGGER rainbow flag and then a panic seizes me and I'm like noooooooooooo way am I lost in Frisco, "accidentally" driving down Castro district ALONE with one friend, AND a super bright yellow yes on 8! sign right smack dab on my bumper! I got so used to driving around a city where a majority voted for Yes on 8 that when I drove into an area where it plainly screams "equality" I froze in fear. hmm.. But when I thought about it, I felt like a coward! If others who support NO on 8 still have the giant posters in their windows and the blue bumper stickers on their cars do so with pride, how come I'm so afraid of what others will think of my views? What those no on 8 people LACK is my God. My God who told me multiple times to not be afraid and be a light here in this world. I have His hands into which I could entrust my life, my family and my car (with my super cool Yes on 8! sticker) and I shall not be afraid to drive into life's "Castro" Districts and cringe in fear because I know ... that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 That yes on 8 sticker will remain until it dries off!!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Hello and welcome! Thanks to our wonderful Nadia, you will now be able to join in and experience what will hopefully touch, inspire, or at least make you ponder in a new way =). My name is Victoria, and here I join two people I am blessed to call my closest friends.
I will ask that you make yourself comfortable in your chair, with tea or coffee...or whatever keeps your eyeballs open, and enjoy the ride inside my brain as I open the first discussion.
First, though, I would like to inform the readers that my blogs will be random, may differ in style, and might not always make complete sense =) but I assure that you will end it at least with a "hmm".
So, i have this super cool Bible, called the "One Year Bible" and this year, I chose to continue reading in English, and use the Russian Bible only at church...or small groups as necessary. Mornings before work is usually when I do my readings, which, honestly, has become a new consistent routine (since i am a night person). But look at how it worked in an amazing way one day for me:
So the cool thing about this particular Bible is that you open By the date, say Jan 1, and begin reading a chapter from Genesis, then Mathew, then Psalms and Proverbs...and January 2nd, would be Genesis ch2, mathew ch2...and they are one after the other--get the idea?
it was God's Word in Mathew 5:43-48 that helped me through the day of January 6th =)
it was an overwhelming day at work, and since I am still new, I don't know many people's personalities. well, Una Persona, wasn't exaclty the most welcoming that day, in fact, it got me really flustered and I felt a certain discomfort after her sharp, brief little barks, or so that's what it seemed like. Naturally, I make a mental note: STAY AWAY FROM MS> PERSONA. and moved on through the day. but nooo, I am a CHristian, and God speaks to the heart, overwhelming day or not. And that is when, as if an echo in my head from the morning...i remember, or..God strikes a chord rather--"If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much" and I realized how foolish I was to react or respond so quickly and naturally to the negativity that i felt. Although the person wasn't even close to being my "enemy," the little encounter caused me to pull up my invisible walls of protection, which is expected (human nature right?) but shouldn't be expected from a Christian.
then, of course, God points out in my head...or reminds me in my shame.."He gives His sunlight to both the Evil and the Good, and He sends His rain on the Just and the Unjust".
so, my darlings, go out there and do what is opposite of the expected!!!! You are a Christian, and THIS is how you shine in the world. "If you are kind only to your firnds, how are you different from anyone else?"...after what seemed like the red pigmentation of guilt subsided on my face, and smiled for God, and thanked Him in my heart for that morning's word. That persona is now one of the coolest people that I work with. Un Be Leave A Bull.
=)
now a suggestion to all ze night people out there: honestly, reading the Bible in the morning somehow makes more sense. Multiple Studies have concluded that 98% of those people who do read the Bible in the morning, and implement the learned, sin 50% less than average Joe.
hahah jk.
I will ask that you make yourself comfortable in your chair, with tea or coffee...or whatever keeps your eyeballs open, and enjoy the ride inside my brain as I open the first discussion.
First, though, I would like to inform the readers that my blogs will be random, may differ in style, and might not always make complete sense =) but I assure that you will end it at least with a "hmm".
So, i have this super cool Bible, called the "One Year Bible" and this year, I chose to continue reading in English, and use the Russian Bible only at church...or small groups as necessary. Mornings before work is usually when I do my readings, which, honestly, has become a new consistent routine (since i am a night person). But look at how it worked in an amazing way one day for me:
So the cool thing about this particular Bible is that you open By the date, say Jan 1, and begin reading a chapter from Genesis, then Mathew, then Psalms and Proverbs...and January 2nd, would be Genesis ch2, mathew ch2...and they are one after the other--get the idea?
it was God's Word in Mathew 5:43-48 that helped me through the day of January 6th =)
it was an overwhelming day at work, and since I am still new, I don't know many people's personalities. well, Una Persona, wasn't exaclty the most welcoming that day, in fact, it got me really flustered and I felt a certain discomfort after her sharp, brief little barks, or so that's what it seemed like. Naturally, I make a mental note: STAY AWAY FROM MS> PERSONA. and moved on through the day. but nooo, I am a CHristian, and God speaks to the heart, overwhelming day or not. And that is when, as if an echo in my head from the morning...i remember, or..God strikes a chord rather--"If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much" and I realized how foolish I was to react or respond so quickly and naturally to the negativity that i felt. Although the person wasn't even close to being my "enemy," the little encounter caused me to pull up my invisible walls of protection, which is expected (human nature right?) but shouldn't be expected from a Christian.
then, of course, God points out in my head...or reminds me in my shame.."He gives His sunlight to both the Evil and the Good, and He sends His rain on the Just and the Unjust".
so, my darlings, go out there and do what is opposite of the expected!!!! You are a Christian, and THIS is how you shine in the world. "If you are kind only to your firnds, how are you different from anyone else?"...after what seemed like the red pigmentation of guilt subsided on my face, and smiled for God, and thanked Him in my heart for that morning's word. That persona is now one of the coolest people that I work with. Un Be Leave A Bull.
=)
now a suggestion to all ze night people out there: honestly, reading the Bible in the morning somehow makes more sense. Multiple Studies have concluded that 98% of those people who do read the Bible in the morning, and implement the learned, sin 50% less than average Joe.
hahah jk.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The very first special posting!! Yea!!
Hello there! Me and my bestest girl friends are the writers of this blog. Many of what has to be said on here is based on our deep Christian beliefs and is not meant to offend anyone. If this blog offends you than I would nicely ask you to find another blog. Some of the things that my friends have to say are really meaningful and we would appreciate feedback from the readers. The purpose of this blog is to share many of our questions and insights as well as communicate with others on their opinions and beliefs. It's supposed to be a fun blog and we look forward to many visitors and friends to add onto this blog. Blessings!!!
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