Everyday, a fairytale.

Book, Blog, or just the Bible?

2010-07-18T10:05:00.003-04:00

"The Word we study has to be the Word we pray. My personal experience of the relentless tenderness of God came not fro exegetes, theologians, and spiritual writers, but from sitting still in the presence of the living Word and beseeching Him to help me understand with my head and heart His written Word. Sheer scholarship alone cannot reveal to us the gospel of grace. We must never allow the authority of books, institutions, or leaders to replace the authority of knowing Jesus Christ personally and directly. When the religious views of others interpose between us and the primary experience of Jesus as the Christ, we become unconvicted and unpersuasive travel agents handing out brochures to places we have never visited." (-The Ragamuffin Gospel, p. 45 by Brennan Manning)

Here I go with the fairytale theme again.

2010-03-16T17:46:00.004-04:00

I was talking with a friend this afternoon about the goings on of life, and I mentioned that the biggest lesson God has taught me this year was that not every good opportunity is God's best opportunity for me. (Which by the way, He again reminded me of yesterday- but that's a different story.)

So, me with my everyday is a fairytale way of looking at life, had a burst of inspiration. When we're looking for God's will for our life, it can sometimes seem like we're looking for a needle in a haystack. We try, and try, and try some more. After several failed attempts, or sometimes by lucky chance, a few of us find satisfaction in our work. We find what we believe God has called us to do with our lives.

But, take a step back. Look at it from God's perspective.

Rather, it's like we're looking at the pebbles on the path of life, instead of the castle up the road. We find a pretty one, pick it up and ask God- is the the purpose of my life? When all along there's a beautiful castle waiting for us to just look up and see it.

Maybe, if we all just stop focusing on the little things, and look up at God, we'll find His will for our lives. We'll see the big picture. And maybe, just maybe, we will be satisfied with the path He's placed us on.

Passions.

2010-02-12T21:59:00.002-05:00

This is what I'm passionate about:

photography, especially of kids and animals
writing whatever comes to mind
reading the classics
music that inspires me (soundtracks, classical, etc)
design
travel
ballroom dancing (not that I know how, but I've always wanted to learn)
adventure
fashion, particularly shoes for every occasion
chocolate
random, interesting facts

Now I need something to do with them...

Why do we serve God?

2009-09-13T15:57:00.000-04:00

We serve out of gratitude.

God in the small things.

2009-09-09T21:31:00.003-04:00

Can I just say today was a great day? I knew it was going to be good, because the first thing I heard when I woke up this morning was a Christian Praise CD playing upstairs. Music in general always puts me in a good mood. But music that worships God, and draws me in, wanting to worship Him too-- now that's even better.

Nothing extraordinary happened today, but it's the small things that made it great. Like finishing all my laundry. (Never underestimate the power of clean clothes.) Or baking banana bread. Taking lots of pictures. Having a question asked of me by the kids that I was able to answer with a Bible story. The cool, but sunny weather. Talking on the phone with a good friend. Realizing that some people whom I've known for only a short time know enough about me, and trust me enough, to give me a huge responsibility at the church. An extra cup of coffee. Finally being able to braid Molly's hair. Organizing all my pictures from this past year.

To you, these may be nothing special. But for me it was a day of living, of laughing, and of loving. A day that I got to see things that remind me of my Savior, and His love for me, over and over again. A day that was in fact, truly extraordinary.

Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy

2009-09-07T20:01:00.007-04:00

I just finished reading Pride and Prejudice for the oh, 37th time? Needless to say, it never gets old. Every time I open that book I find myself lost in the world of Elizabeth Bennett. And every time, I fall in love with Mr. Darcy. (*sigh) I'd like to think that the temperament of Elizabeth is somewhat like my own. Being a romantic, adventuresome, intelligent, but also stubborn and opinionated. And then what's not to love about Mr. Darcy? His gentlemanly ways, confidence, violent love, and loyalty. The large fortune doesn't hurt him either... I think that'd be a good man to end up with :)

And just because, here are some of the best quotes:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.

A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment.

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?

Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.

I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.

Campfire Fairytales

2009-09-06T22:30:00.002-04:00

We were sitting around the campfire tonight, and Matty wanted a story. But rather than a normal story it was one where we each said a few sentences, each adding our own twist. (With two kids & Kelly, you know its going to be interesting.)

So anyways, it begins with Matty as 'Survivor Man' camping out, just like any other night. But on this particular night he sees an ogre shaking trees in the forest. Going up and talking to the ogre, he finds out that the ogre wants to build a fire, so Matty offers to help because he has some amazing survivor skills. Somewhere along in the story, princesses (Molly and Aimee) stop by. But Princess Aimee passes out at the sight of the ogre. When she awakes, she finds that the ogre has turned into a handsome prince. Surprised, she asks him his name, to which he replies, John. Upon hearing that name, Princess Aimee remarks that that name has only ever been trouble in her life. So she gets up and leaves. Later in the story we find out that the handsome prince really isn't a prince at all. In fact he really is just an ugly ogre in disguise.

Good story, but we'll have to wait for another time to find out when Princess Aimee is to meet the real handsome prince...

The many expressions of Molly.

2009-09-05T15:46:00.002-04:00

The title says it all.

tempers & motherhood

2009-09-03T22:38:00.004-04:00

Molly had a full blown temper tantrum today. Kicking, screaming, crying, the works. In all the months I’ve lived here, I’ve never seen her act like that. (She’s a good girl, really.) I was at a loss for what to do. Nothing I said I did could comfort her, or even calm her down. I was frustrated, and thought I had failed, because I couldn’t do anything. Dejected I went upstairs to wait.

Matty came and sat down with me, and says, “You’re going to be a great mother someday.”

I looked at him, still feeling like a failure. “You really think so? I mean I’m not doing so great here…”

“Yes, you did. And yes, I really think so.”

That kid makes my heart smile :)

This will be an everlasting love...

2009-08-13T17:09:00.003-04:00

I got to experience a small part of a fairy tale this past weekend. Set up in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, on a gorgeous summer day, it was a view that no painting or a photograph could ever capture sufficiently. Dresses of purest white, deep purple, and glittering gold, paired with roses and pearls accented the scene. Soft flowing music contrasted with "This Will be an Everlasting Love" played in the background. There were smiles, tears, and of course laughter. It was all-in-all a perfect day. Even with the splendor, something else rose above it, to be the crowning glory of the day-- my best friend walking down the aisle, saying her vows and riding off into the sunset with her Prince Charming.

I've always thought of weddings as being magical, but there's a different feeling when you're a part of it, even before it begins. To have dreamt with your friend before the guy is even in the picture, changes your whole perspective on the day. For me, to be a part of Catherine's life these past several years has been such a blessing. I know that the wedding, while a highlight in our stories, together and apart, is just one of many. That doesn't make it less special. If anything it makes it more so. Because I know that because she is my best friend, we will be there for each other as other defining moments occur throughout the rest of our fairy tale lives.

15 Books

2009-08-03T09:26:00.001-04:00

Fifteen books I've read that will always stick with me. They may not be the greatest books I've ever read, just the ones that stick with me. These are not in any particular order, just as I think of them, so I don't prefer one over the other.

1. Ecclesiastes
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
4. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
5. Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare)
6. The Odyssey (Homer)
7. The Importance of Being Earnest (Oscar Wilde)
8. The Ransomed Heart (John Eldredge)
9. What He Must Be (Voddie Baucham)
10. I'll Love You Forever (Robert Munsch)
11. Redeeming Love (Francine Rivers)
12. The Atonement Child (Francine Rivers)
13. The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)
14. Dear John (Nicholas Sparks)
15. Beauty and the Beast

Feeling at home.

2009-07-17T22:45:00.007-04:00

Today started out as any normal day. No real plans, no excitement planned, just a normal day. One could even say it was a not-so-great day. But all that changed mid-afternoon. While Glen and Kelly went out to celebrate his new job, I went bowling with Matty and Molly. It was an amazing night, full of laughter and ice cream smiles.

I love those kids. But what made the ending perfect was after bedtime. We read a bedtime story, said our prayers, and when Molly asked me to stay and sleep with them I thought, "Why not?" As were all drifting off to sleep in comfortable silence Matty rolls over and says, "I love you so much Aimee." Thank you God for bringing this family into my life.

Changing the World.

2009-07-16T08:39:00.004-04:00

World Changers 2009: Chicago

I went on this trip expecting a week of excitement, adventure, and amazing things from God. And while in retrospect it was, in the meantime it was a lot of waiting, and a lot of learning.

So starting from the beginning. World Changers is construction projects, a way to share God's love through service. Due to whatever reason, by mid-morning Monday all the projects had come to a halt, the city had taken back their funding. Honestly at first I was a little upset, I asked God why He was allowing this to happen when the purpose was to glorify Him. Then a friend reminded me that it's just all a part of God's plan, He is in control, He has a reason that is more wonderful than what we can imagine.

And what happened throughout the rest of the week was truly a testimony to that. The students gathered together giving their own money to the projects, back home churches gathered together to donate, the groups worked hard together- refusing to give up, refusing to just sit through the week. Not only did some of the original homes benefit from the kindness of the students, but also local churches and parks. It became more than just saying we're working for God, it was self-sacrificing action. And that speaks volumes about the love of Christ.

Construction projects aside, the downtime on Monday allowed for extended bonding time. Rather than a group of random students stuck together on a project, the crews became friends first. It also allowed for extended evangelism time. Personally, my crew didn't have much "success" walking the streets (I put that in quotations because while we may not have seen much fruit from those conversations, God plants the seeds). But overall, the Chicago group witnessed 11 salvations! How amazing is that?!

God was truly at work this week. Maybe the reason God allowed this to happen was to give the students the opportunity and the strength to step up in the face of adversity and continue on. I am so proud of what the students did this week. It was a huge encouragement to me, and so many others.

Fairytale world

2009-07-03T11:44:00.002-04:00

Who says fairy tales aren't real? I came home last night, and we walked out onto the back deck to light some sparklers. But looking out over the backyard and into the woods were God's sparklers-- fireflies. There were so many of them, glittering, glowing. The best way I can describe it is that it reminded me of something out of a fairy movie. And it was definitely one of the most beautiful displays of creation I've ever seen. Add to that scene a summer night, cool breeze, bright moon, sparklers, fireworks, and the kids laughing, it was definitely a night to remember, a night for the story books. A little bit of fairy tale in our everyday lives.

What he must be.

2009-06-29T19:46:00.011-04:00

I just finished reading a book, What He Must Be... If He Wants to Marry My Daughter by Voddie Baucham, Jr. Basically he outlines what young women need to be looking for in a future husband. Rather what the young women's fathers need to be looking for, as it is the father's role to protect, provide for, and teach his daughter about God, just as it is the husband's role to do this for his wife. I enjoyed the book, it articulated want I want my attitude towards preparing for marriage to be where I was having difficulty doing so.

I struggle with the concept of modern dating. Modern dating could be described as no more than glorified divorce practice. You date, you get your heart involved, and once that "happy-love" feeling is gone, you break up. Not to say that it hasn't worked in many marriages, but the more dating partners one has before marriage the more baggage is brought into the marriage. Along these lines (and in support of courtship), why is it acceptable for a young man to ask a father for his daughter's hand in marriage after he has already stolen his daughter's heart? Think about it. The father is either forced into saying yes, or risk breaking his daughter's heart. Unless the father plays an active role in the process leading up to the engagement, holding the young man accountable, making sure his intentions are clear, and discerning whether or not he can be a godly husband and father. To quote Baucham,

"If a single man is trying to avoid impurity, why would he pursue a woman unless marriage is his intention? And why would a man intent on marriage pursue a woman without first making those intentions known to that woman's spiritual protector? [A commitment to leading in love] is having enough maturity, sensitivity, and courage to avoid arousing affections prematurely."

I know I'm swimming against the cultural tide here, but I honestly believe this basic synopsis, courtship and actively pursuing a man who possesses (or at least shows strong signs) if the non- negotiable is nothing less than the standard God calls us to in His word. He must be a Christian (2 Corinthians 6:14); he must be committed to biblical headship (Ephesians 5:23ff.); he must welcome children (Psalm 127:3-5); he must be a suitable priest (Joshua 24:15), prophet (Ephesians 6:4), protector (Nehemiah 4:13-14), and provider (1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 2:5).

I don't believe I'm wrong in my thinking here. I'm just praying that God will bring me someone who not only holds the same views, but more importantly is an example of biblical manhood.

Dancing with God.

2009-06-26T22:48:00.010-04:00

A friend told me recently that when you completely let go, and let God, it's like dancing with Him. Dancing with God. How amazing does that sound? It would literally be the perfect dance.

One of my favorite scenes in Beauty and the Beast is when the Beast leads Beauty onto the dance floor, and they dance. It is the scene in which they fall in love, a tale as old as time. Not only is this scene so beautiful because of the dress, and the music, and the dancing. But to look closer, you can see a deeper significance of the dance. Beauty is allowing herself to be completely vulnerable. She has put her trust in the Beast completely. Yes, she still may be a little unsure, but she has stepped back and allowed him to lead her. And so he does-- but with patience, grace, and love, because he cares for her, and doesn't want to hurt her.

Think how dramatically different the scene would be if Beauty tried to take control and lead the dance? Or if the Beast force her ruthlessly across the floor. It would loose it's luster, the "perfectness" of the dance.

Isn't this somewhat representative of our relationship with God? Which scene more accurately represents my walk with God at the moment? I'd hope the first. I am dancing with God. I am allowing myself to be vulnerable, trusting that He knows what is best for me, that He loves me. And I know that He does not want to hurt me, and that He will love me with patience and grace. And because I am dancing, and allowing God to lead me across the dance floor of life, I am ever falling more deeply in love with my Saviour.

And to illustrate another point. Isn't God's relationship with us (the church) the example for marriage? Therefore, as a woman, I should be looking for someone to lead me, as Christ leads the church. Someone with whom I can be vulnerable and trust not to hurt me. But in turn, the man being the leader doesn't mean that he is forceful. But rather gentle, graciously leading me, loving me. Just as Christ leads and loves the church. Wives being submissive to their husbands, and husbands loving their wives as they love themselves is not a bad thing, if following the model of Christ and the church, of dancing the perfect dance.

Yes, there may be a few stepped on toes, and you might get out of sync at times, but when we let God lead totally, there can only be comfort, safety, trust, leading to an eternal love. So, let him lead. Trust. Follow. Love.

Dancing. There's something romantic, almost magical about it. I think Jane Austen accurately sums this up in Pride and Prejudice when Mr. Darcy asks, "So what do you recommend to encourage affection?" And Elizabeth simply replies, "Dancing."

Covenant

2009-06-22T09:56:00.002-04:00

Grace Baptist Church is a covenant church, and last night I signed the covenant. I now have a "home" church. Last night, to finally have a church to call home, a church to be a member of, to get involved in- it was a great feeling. Two of the requirements to be a covenant member are 1) to have accepted Christ as your personal Savior, and 2) to have been baptized by immersion. So I was thinking, these two plus becoming a member are probably three of the greatest events in our Christian walks. First we are transformed by Christ, we start a personal relationship with Him. Then we declare our faith publicly before the church by baptism. After that we join a church, we serve, we live out the faith we proclaim.

On top of that, yesterday was a special day for me, so signing covenant held a much greater significance. A year ago yesterday was a major turning point in my life. And then yesterday, I was able to tell my Father God, "I believe this is where you want me to be. I am willing to follow you. And I know that because you are my Father, you love me, and you will take care of me." What a great way to celebrate father's day, with the perfect Father!

Thoughts on Grace

2009-06-18T16:37:00.012-04:00

Grace. It kept popping up today. In my book, my devotions, the songs I was listening to. Grace defines my faith. I know that only by grace can I be saved. And I know that only by God's grace am I able to have such faith at my age. But what is it exactly?

Merriam Webster defines "grace" as: 1) unmerited, divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification, 2) approval or favor, 3) a charming or attractive trait or characteristic... the list goes on.

But is that really all grace is? I wanted more, a deeper meaning. So, I went to the source, the Bible. There are 28 verses referenced in my concordance, and I looked them all up. I wanted to know more, to understand deeper. It was an amazing study, too in-depth to post all here, but some of what I learned:

Those who love righteousness, and hate wickedness- God has set apart, he has blessed them. He has anointed their lips with grace, and blessed them forever. (Psalm 45)
From the fullness of grace we receive blessing. The law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Christ Jesus. Grace and truth give meaning to the law. (John 1:17)
Where sin has increased, so has grace. Can you imagine the grace we need today? But God still gives it freely, willingly, lovingly. As sin reigns in death, so grace reigns through righteousness, giving us eternal life. (Romans 5:20)
Sin is not my master, because I am not under the law. I am under grace. (Romans 6:14)
If we are saved by works, then why do we need grace? If the idea of being saved by our deeds alone was true, then grace would no longer be grace. And Christ would have died for nothing. (Romans 11:6; Galatians 2:21)
We can't receive grace in vain. We receive it in God's favor. He hears us, He helps us! (2 Corinthians 6:1)

And my favorite....

Because of grace we have all we need. Grace is sufficient for me. In my weakness, He is made strong. (2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:9)

God's grace is truly amazing. And to close with a song from Matthew West, "There is only grace. There is only love. There is only mercy, and believe me it's enough."

By Your Side

2009-06-18T10:27:00.000-04:00

Why are you striving these days?
Why are you trying to earn grace?
Why are you crying?
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love?
Why are you still searching?
As if I'm not enough?
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run?
To where will you run?

I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
Please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands at my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life

Here at my side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
Please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

And I, I love you
And I want you to know
That I, I'll love you
I'll never let you go

-Tenth Avenue North

Joy

2009-06-17T10:36:00.003-04:00

I heard back from the church yesterday, I didn't get the position. I will admit that I was a little disappointed at first, because it seemed like everything had lined up so perfectly for that position. But I was never mad at God, He said no, and I know that He has a plan for my life, and that He will open the door elsewhere. I just have to keep trusting Him to show me the next step.

But what happened later that night was even more amazing, and unexpected than not getting that job. I don't know what I expected, but what I got was hours of conversation about God, about life, about focusing solely on the Lord, loneliness, discernment, trust, encouragement. And if that wasn't enough to show me that God really does care about me, and has a plan for, when I got in my car to drive home, "Grace Like Rain" came up on my shuffle. I've heard the song a hundred times, but last night I was just filled with the most amazing sense of joy. I was laughing and crying at the same time. I wanted to tell everyone how great my God is, how much I love Him and He loves me. The joy was overwhelming, and I cannot remember ever feeling like that before. I really can't put the feelings into words.

You may look at me and call me crazy, but I know that there is absolutely nothing my God cannot do. And I am so thankful that by His grace, I am able to understand.

Friends, rather brothers and sisters in Christ.

2009-06-14T22:41:00.002-04:00

I was sitting here thinking about my "social" life since moving to the greater-DC-metro/NOVA/Woodbridge/whatever you want to call this area I am currently living in. For a long time, my only company was my family. But now, included in my company is my church. For the first time in my life, the majority of my friends, are also my brothers and sisters in Christ. I asked God for friends, for things to do, for people to meet. And He didn't just give me a random collection of people who do random things. He gave me other believers, a church family, that can build me up, encourage, and love me. I would've never expected this, but then again, when leaving it all up to God, can I expect any less?

Encouragement

2009-06-14T11:18:00.003-04:00

I was reading an old friend's blog this morning. She's spending the summer doing missions, and was talking about the mundane life of it all, and how some days it seems that we are just a small part of God's plan. While I don't disagree that our part in the story is small relatively speaking, this thinking can be very depressing. Because I chose to believe that in our time, our part is vital, an amazing addition to the overall story of humanity. I came across the following the other day and it really encouraged me. So I passed it along to her, and now I'm passing it along to you. I hope it will help for us to see our life as an exciting story that God has laid out for us- where everything is extraordinary.

Every human being is of great significance to God, but those whom God has drawn to believe in Him are center stage in a drama of cosmic proportions... In this desperate hour we have a crucial role to play. Of all the Eternal Truths we don't believe, this is one we doubt most of all. Our days are not extraordinary. They are filled with the mundane, hassles mostly. And we? We are... a dime a dozen. Nothing special really. Probably a disappointment to God. But as C.S. Lewis wrote, "The value of... myth is that it takes all the things we know and restores to them the rich significance which has been hidden by 'the veil of familiarity.'" You are not what you think you are. There is a glory to your life that your enemy fears, and he is hell-bent on destroying that glory before you act on it.

Matthew 7:1-6

2009-06-13T21:22:00.003-04:00

We've been going through the Sermon on the Mount at church, and tonight's was on judging. There were several interesting points that jumped out at me. Some very relevant to my life right now, others were just wow, I hadn't thought of it that way before. So, I thought I'd share some of my notes:

There are no ordinary people.
We fit into God's plan. Whatever your individual life, God already has it figured out.
Scripture gives us simple requirements (i.e. Micah 6-8), but there is no checklist for what you need to do to be a Christian. This is because God desires a personal relationship with you.
How many times does God do the same thing twice? There was only one burning bush. One time fire was called down from heaven. Only one time was it said, "You must be born again." He chooses to relate to us personally, individually.
The Christian is called to unconditional love, not unconditional approval.
First, the person needs God. Then rest is all little details.

While it may not look like notes from "not judging others," it all applies. Because we are all unique, not one of us ordinary, and God has an individual plan for each of us-- we do not have the right to judge others. We all have sinned, and God has an individual plan of redemption for us. I especially liked the last one, first the person needs God. Because only God can make everything new. And it's pretty amazing that He actually wants to do that for us.

Waiting.

2009-06-13T13:51:00.003-04:00

Do you ever have one of those days, when you're just left wondering what now? Did I make the right decision? Or the wrong one? What is the next step?

That's how I'm feeling right about now. About a lot of things. NOT to say that I regret any of my recent decisions, I don't. I made them, but the path ahead of me is veiled right now. I don't know the next step. I don't know what will happen next week, or where I'll be in a year. I just have to continue learning patience. Because I know that God will reveal all that we need to know in His time. Not a moment too soon, or too late. That's the hard part for me, learning to realize that I can't be in control of everything. Anything really. God is in control. I have to trust Him completely. And keep praying for patience.

Strawberry Shortcake

2009-06-08T09:36:00.008-04:00

Somewhere between Job, running errands, and strawberry shortcake, it hit me. I have an interview tomorrow. At the church. This is it, this could be the deciding factor of my career. (At least the next step.) And while I think I should be worried about it, I'm really not. Because I know that God knows what is going to happen tomorrow. And no matter the outcome, it'll be okay, because He knows what is best for me.

And then I got to thinking. The errands, the amazingly wonderful dinner, folding laundry, literally rolling-on-the-floor laughing with the kids, I could do this everyday. I want to do this. And I'm reminded of Psalm 37:4,

" Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

God really does love His children. He loves to bestow us with gifts, and to see us happy. He has a wonderful future planned for each one of us. You were made to fill a purpose that only you can do. Although, in the same breath, I have to say that I've been hearing a lot lately how life is meaningless- but is it really? If you choose to look at the little things, the everyday miracles: the sun, the smiles, the strawberry shortcake- doesn't that make it meaningful? The relationships: family, friends, and most importantly God- doesn't that make it meaningful? Of course it does. And thinking like that my friends, puts an entirely new perspective on this amazing life story we're living in.

We need a miracle.

2009-06-06T11:55:00.001-04:00

I am currently reading The Ransomed Heart (John Eldredge) as a supplemental to my devotions. And I was really intrigued by this passage this morning:

The phoenix rises form the ashes. Cinderella rises form the cinders to become a queen. The ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan. Pinocchio becomes a real boy. The frog becomes a prince. Wretched old Scrooge becomes “as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town or borough in the good old world.” The Cowardly Lion gets his courage and the Scarecrow gets his brains and the Tin Woodman gets a new heart. In hope beyond hope, they are all transformed into the very thing they never thought they could be.

Why are we enchanted by tales of transformation? I can’t think of a movie or novel or fairy tale that doesn’t somehow turn on this. Why is it an essential part of any great story? Because it is the secret to Christianity, and Christianity is the secret to the universe. “You must be born again.” (John 3:7). You must be transformed. Keeping the Law, following the rules, polishing up your manners—none of that will do. What counts is whether we really have been changed into new and different people (Gal. 6:15). Is this not the message of the gospel? Zacchaeus the trickster becomes Zacchaeus the Honest One. Mary the whore become Mary the Last of the Truly Faithful. Paul the self-righteous murderer becomes Paul the Humble Apostle.

And us? I doubt that many of us would go so far as to say we’re transformed. Our names are written down somewhere in heaven, and we have been forgiven. Perhaps we have changed a bit in what we believe and how we act. We confess the creeds now, and we’ve gotten our temper under control…for the most part. But transformed seems a bit to much to claim. How about forgiven and on our way? That’s how most Christians would describe what’s happened to them. It’s partly true…and partly untrue, and the part that’s untrue is what’s killing us. We’ve been told that even though we have placed our hope in Christ, even though we have become his followers, our hearts are still desperately wicked. And of course, so long as we believe that our hearts remain untouched, unchanged, we will pretty much live untouched and unchanged. For our heart is the wellspring of life within us.

We don’t need an upgrade. We need transformation. We need a miracle.

My BIG decision

2009-05-30T21:56:00.001-04:00

"How can I be a witness for God if I know I'm not where God wants me to be?"

I made a decision. While God did give me an interest for politics, the intelligence to do it, and the personality to succeed, it's not God's "perfect" will for my life. And honestly, I'm not happy working on the Hill. I feel like I can be better, do better things with my life- and do them all for the glory of God.

So I made my decision. I am postponing my career in politics indefinitely. I am hoping that I get a job with the church. If not that, children's ministry, missions, wherever God leads. And this time I'm ready. You know, it's like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders that I didn't even know was there. I'm finally happy, at peace, and trusting God to show me the next step to take. And it's totally worth it, living for Him.

Lead of Love

2009-05-26T12:11:00.001-04:00

Looking back at the road so far
The journey's left its share of scars
Mostly from leaving the narrow and straight

Looking back it is clear to me
That a man is more than the sum of his deeds
And how You've made good of this mess I've made
Is a profound mystery

Looking back You know You had to bring me through
All that I was so afraid of
Though I questioned the sky, now I see why
Had to walk the rocks to see the mountain view
Looking back I see the lead of love

Looking back I can finally see (I'd rather have wisdom)
How failures bring humility (than be)
Brings me to my knees (a comfortable fool)
Helps me see my need for Thee

I love this song (it's by Caedmon's Call). It is so true. Especially of my life right now. It's truly amazing that when I start to let go, and let God, things start to fall into place. Life, church, relationships, everything. Even the job search right now. If I get one on the Hill great, if I don't great. I'm learning to pray, to listen and follow where God leads. Because honestly, this has been a very difficult season for me. But each time I fell, God was right there, leading me back to Him. I'm not saying it's all better, everyday still holds it's hardships, but everyday is a conscious journey. And once I realized that, all I have left to say is life is good, but God is great.

Just maybe...

2009-05-23T18:45:00.000-04:00

When I re-opened this blog, I thought maybe I should change the name. After all, life right now doesn't feel like much of a fairy tale. But then I got to thinking...

Where would the action be if it wasn't for Gaston wanting to kill Beauty's Beast? And Prince Charming would've never woken Snow White with a kiss if it hadn't been for the evil queen poisoning her with an apple. Of course there's Cinderella too, would there be a happily-ever-after if her family actually cared for her? Even outside of the Princess stories, you have the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk, the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood, and Rumpelstilskin .

Life just wouldn't be a story if we didn't have the poisoned apples, the family members who hate us, the beanstalks to climb, and the wolf to stand up too. So maybe, just maybe, life really is a fairy tale story through and through.

The Ransomed Heart

2009-05-04T21:30:00.006-04:00

We have forgotten that [this world] is not
normal or scientific in any sense of the word.

It is fantastic.

It is fairy tale through and through.

Really now. Elephants? Caterpillars? Snow?

At what point did you lose your wonder
at it all?