this morning, our church participated in 'serve the city.' it's a day where local churches take on a variety of projects to bless our community. this year, the college group did something a little different. the project was called 'suds & serve.' our pastor's goal was simply to go to a laundromat with rolls of quarters and bless people by paying for their laundry. it sounds totally different from your usual church outreach, right? when he first told our group about the project, i'll admit that i was definitely a little hesitant. who's really going to accept our money? won't we look silly just asking people to pay for their laundry? thoughts and doubts like that raced through my mind, and i instinctively wanted to serve in a different way - maybe a beach clean-up, or helping at the rescue mission, or something else task-oriented. nope, T put his foot down and said we'd be serving with the college group.
so, this morning i dragged myself out of bed, rolled up to church, and had no idea what to expect. we prayed for boldness and opportunities, and then carpooled out to 2 laundromats. still, i had no idea what to do. it's moments like these that i am extremely grateful for T and the ways he challenges me. our group of 5 college students went to the coin laundry, with quarters in our pockets and our bags. almost immediately, T started marching up to people asking them if they wanted change - some accepted, the first few refused, telling us to give it to someone more...(they didn't finish their sentences). we sat down in front, and after a while, we started intercepting anyone headed toward the change machine. i think people thought we were just giving them change, but when we started refusing the $5, $10, and $20 bills they were handing us, they were shocked. no, we said, we want to bless you today by paying for your laundry. please, just take it. and they did, with faces in shock. after an hour, we started feeling pretty comfortable, and readily approached people saying hi, we're from a local church and we were wondering if we could bless you by paying for your laundry today? the responses were amazing.
some people shouted for joy, some hugged us, others just came over and started chatting with us while their loads were washing. a few people stopped and looked up, searching for cameras. no, we're not punking you, we said. the idea that people were just giving away quarters was absolutely dumbfounding to them. what a great idea! some said. we encouraged those who reluctantly accepted the change to pay it forward and to give the bills they saved to someone else they thought may need it. the last family we ran into just moved and was looking for a church. 10:45 on sunday morning! i said. even inviting someone to church is something i rarely do, but i wish i would more often. people left the coin laundry with either a God bless or a thank you. no, thank YOU i wanted to say back. once again, i was reminded of how awesome it is to serve people and to give, without expecting anything in return.
maybe that's why God places such importance on living out our faith, not just talking about it. yes, it's uncomfortable and different, but it has always been so rewarding to me in the end.
Showing posts with label the pursuit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the pursuit. Show all posts
May 19, 2012
March 20, 2012
blessed, & we don't deserve it
i've been thinking a lot lately. well, more than usual. thinking about freedom, opportunity, and how stinking blessed we are to live where we do.
maybe it was the KONY 2012 that triggered these thoughts.
maybe it's this summer's mission trip to a religiously oppressed country.
maybe it's just the Holy Spirit nudging me toward something bigger.
my life is average, i'd say. i'm a college student living in a studio apartment dating the man i hope to marry one day and working part-time to get through school. it's not extravagant. it's not lavish. all around me friends are getting engaged, married, are graduating, or are moving away. i'm here, and i plan on staying for a little while still. i'm like every other student who's counting down the days to Spring Break and isn't paying attention in class whatsoever. in fact, as i type, my professor is rambling on about i-don't-know-what.
lately though, i've been hearing a lot about power, about pressing on toward greater things. and i think i've caught that bug. a few weeks ago, pastor Dave spoke on God's power - a characteristic that we all too often ignore. we focus on His love, His grace, His forgiveness and completely miss that He is also all-knowing and all-powerful. maybe it's because we live in a culture that we can control. we wake up expecting to go through our day as we plan it, eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, go to church on Sunday, and fall asleep again under our stable roofs. to us, that's normal. we are raised by our parents, knowing that they will always be there. we take them for granted and become teenagers. we grow up and [grudgingly] go to school every day. we graduate high school and expect to start college. we build relationships, hope to marry one day, and then raise a family of our own. and most importantly, we hope to please God with our lives. but how do we do that? what does that even mean?
i've been going about my day-to-day tasks lately, amazed at how much freedom i have and how much stability my life offers me. in the simplest ways, i am protected. i live in a country where i can expect the police to actually help. i can go to a public restroom and expect a toilet, a sink, and toilet paper. i can drive throughout town expecting that everyone around me follows the same driving rules as i do. i can go to work, knowing that i am protected from my boss and protected by the government through laws and health codes. i'm an American, and i have rights.
it almost sounds silly for me to mention all those seemingly trivial things. you know what? i think it's ignorant not to recognize them. i read a leadership training manual a few days ago where a Kenyan pastor described his perception of American missionaries. it was summed up like this: everyone knows about America. America knows about no one but themselves. it might be a stereotypical generalization, but if you really think about it, it's true. we know that everyone knows about us, and we do life and go on mission trips and travel around expecting that. and we don't care about them. we don't come down to their level.
none of this is meant to guilt us. i don't feel guilty about it all - but it begs the question: why am i here?
i didn't do anything to deserve the family i have.
i didn't do anything to deserve to live in the United States of America.
i didn't do anything to deserve a public education.
i didn't do anything to deserve the friendships and relationships i have.
i didn't do anything to deserve a life in a country that is filthy rich and disgustingly blessed.
yet, the Lord has placed me here - so why?
our generation today is a young generation of movers and shakers who are all pushing on toward greater things. we are a generation with influence and impact. we possess incredible knowledge and have instant access to an ocean of resources. so how do i fit into that?
there is something bigger than all of this. until that's revealed to me, i plan on being faithful in the little things, faithful in the things God has placed in my life right now, opportunities He's given me, and responsibilities He's placed on me.
Jesus was a radical man. He did not live carefully. His life was not contained in a box. and i am called to be like Him - in fact, the Bible tells me that i will do even greater things because He lives in me. do i believe that? do i live life empowered? do i act like i belong to the Almighty? because i do. and so do you.
there is something bigger out there. there's a restlessness inside me, and yet, there is also peace, because i know that my life is in His hands. every day, i pray He would draw us nearer to Him.
maybe it was the KONY 2012 that triggered these thoughts.
maybe it's this summer's mission trip to a religiously oppressed country.
maybe it's just the Holy Spirit nudging me toward something bigger.
my life is average, i'd say. i'm a college student living in a studio apartment dating the man i hope to marry one day and working part-time to get through school. it's not extravagant. it's not lavish. all around me friends are getting engaged, married, are graduating, or are moving away. i'm here, and i plan on staying for a little while still. i'm like every other student who's counting down the days to Spring Break and isn't paying attention in class whatsoever. in fact, as i type, my professor is rambling on about i-don't-know-what.
lately though, i've been hearing a lot about power, about pressing on toward greater things. and i think i've caught that bug. a few weeks ago, pastor Dave spoke on God's power - a characteristic that we all too often ignore. we focus on His love, His grace, His forgiveness and completely miss that He is also all-knowing and all-powerful. maybe it's because we live in a culture that we can control. we wake up expecting to go through our day as we plan it, eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, go to church on Sunday, and fall asleep again under our stable roofs. to us, that's normal. we are raised by our parents, knowing that they will always be there. we take them for granted and become teenagers. we grow up and [grudgingly] go to school every day. we graduate high school and expect to start college. we build relationships, hope to marry one day, and then raise a family of our own. and most importantly, we hope to please God with our lives. but how do we do that? what does that even mean?
i've been going about my day-to-day tasks lately, amazed at how much freedom i have and how much stability my life offers me. in the simplest ways, i am protected. i live in a country where i can expect the police to actually help. i can go to a public restroom and expect a toilet, a sink, and toilet paper. i can drive throughout town expecting that everyone around me follows the same driving rules as i do. i can go to work, knowing that i am protected from my boss and protected by the government through laws and health codes. i'm an American, and i have rights.
it almost sounds silly for me to mention all those seemingly trivial things. you know what? i think it's ignorant not to recognize them. i read a leadership training manual a few days ago where a Kenyan pastor described his perception of American missionaries. it was summed up like this: everyone knows about America. America knows about no one but themselves. it might be a stereotypical generalization, but if you really think about it, it's true. we know that everyone knows about us, and we do life and go on mission trips and travel around expecting that. and we don't care about them. we don't come down to their level.
none of this is meant to guilt us. i don't feel guilty about it all - but it begs the question: why am i here?
i didn't do anything to deserve the family i have.
i didn't do anything to deserve to live in the United States of America.
i didn't do anything to deserve a public education.
i didn't do anything to deserve the friendships and relationships i have.
i didn't do anything to deserve a life in a country that is filthy rich and disgustingly blessed.
yet, the Lord has placed me here - so why?
our generation today is a young generation of movers and shakers who are all pushing on toward greater things. we are a generation with influence and impact. we possess incredible knowledge and have instant access to an ocean of resources. so how do i fit into that?
there is something bigger than all of this. until that's revealed to me, i plan on being faithful in the little things, faithful in the things God has placed in my life right now, opportunities He's given me, and responsibilities He's placed on me.
Jesus was a radical man. He did not live carefully. His life was not contained in a box. and i am called to be like Him - in fact, the Bible tells me that i will do even greater things because He lives in me. do i believe that? do i live life empowered? do i act like i belong to the Almighty? because i do. and so do you.
there is something bigger out there. there's a restlessness inside me, and yet, there is also peace, because i know that my life is in His hands. every day, i pray He would draw us nearer to Him.
December 8, 2011
catching up - small group night out
with today marking the end of class this semester, i think my brain is in catch up mode! a few months ago, my fabulous small group spent our 'night out' baking cupcakes and cookies for our local firemen. when we went and delivered our goodies at the end of our baking feast, the 2 fire departments we visited were so surprised to see us, with yummies in hand. we hope we were able to bless their evenings a little - these people are truly heroes!
 |
| instagramming |
i am so blessed by these ladies - every week!
September 30, 2011
sisters in Christ
i have a million blogs forming in my head, but before i get to glowing oceans and baking for firemen, this comes first.
this semester, Erin & i have taken the women's side of our college ministry under our wing, and it has been so fun! i think that especially at this time in our lives, it is so huge to be built into as women, to build connections with each other and mentors who can guide us and give us wisdom. there are so many decisions, so many roads to take, and so much confusion; i firmly believe God gave us a 'family' away from home, or wherever we are, to help us in those choices and walk alongside us through these shaping years.
our first meet up in september was such a blessing. we ate, we talked, we laughed, we learned, and God totally showed up.
i am so looking forward to our next meet-up in just a few weeks. i'm so thankful for these women and their beautiful hearts, our mentors and their willingness to build into us, and the opportunity to grow together over the next few months (& maybe even years).
this semester, Erin & i have taken the women's side of our college ministry under our wing, and it has been so fun! i think that especially at this time in our lives, it is so huge to be built into as women, to build connections with each other and mentors who can guide us and give us wisdom. there are so many decisions, so many roads to take, and so much confusion; i firmly believe God gave us a 'family' away from home, or wherever we are, to help us in those choices and walk alongside us through these shaping years.
our first meet up in september was such a blessing. we ate, we talked, we laughed, we learned, and God totally showed up.
i am so looking forward to our next meet-up in just a few weeks. i'm so thankful for these women and their beautiful hearts, our mentors and their willingness to build into us, and the opportunity to grow together over the next few months (& maybe even years).
September 24, 2011
retreat-ing
i am SO tired - 'sitting here in front of the computer with my eyes half open' kind of tired - & yet, my soul is so refreshed after the past 18 hours. challenged, but refreshed.
the last 18 hours were spent retreat-ing with the leadership staff of the pursuit college group, and it was fantastic. it's not often that you get to spend a big chunk of time with friends, and being all together, in one place, without distractions or homework, was incredibly refreshing. the night started off with a team-building adventure - rock climbing! the last time i went was in the 6th grade i think, so i was a little nervous, but let me tell you - we had a blast. unfortunately, i was too afraid of misplacing/breaking my camera, so i left it in the car, but just trust me, the night was full of fun/frustration/reward/& rope burn.
last night we spent a good few hours analyzing the college ministry with something called a S.W.O.T. analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, & threats. we could have spent more than the 2 1/2 hours we did discussing the group and all its aspects, but in the few hours we had, we were able to gather a thorough overview of our group. these last 6 months have shown so much growth and improvement, and for once, we feel like we're all back on track. i know that all glory goes to God for that and i am just so thankful for the fruit that's been shown so far.
this morning was spent in quiet time 'resting' with our Lord. this verse is always something i come back to; that proverbs 31 woman is a true inspiration.
a walk up signal hill, journaling, reflection, listening to some phil wickham, taking pictures, and praying seriously started this morning off right - & look at this shot i captured! i know 'flower' photos are so overrated, but i just love something about this one. thank you to photog friends who can teach me the ways of shutter speed, aperture, & ISO. so many fun things to play with!
of course, my weekend wouldn't have been complete without this man by my side. i love that we get to serve together, grow together, and do [almost] everything as a team. and that he's the most patient person when it comes to me paparrazi-ing him with my camera.
the last 18 hours were spent retreat-ing with the leadership staff of the pursuit college group, and it was fantastic. it's not often that you get to spend a big chunk of time with friends, and being all together, in one place, without distractions or homework, was incredibly refreshing. the night started off with a team-building adventure - rock climbing! the last time i went was in the 6th grade i think, so i was a little nervous, but let me tell you - we had a blast. unfortunately, i was too afraid of misplacing/breaking my camera, so i left it in the car, but just trust me, the night was full of fun/frustration/reward/& rope burn.
last night we spent a good few hours analyzing the college ministry with something called a S.W.O.T. analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, & threats. we could have spent more than the 2 1/2 hours we did discussing the group and all its aspects, but in the few hours we had, we were able to gather a thorough overview of our group. these last 6 months have shown so much growth and improvement, and for once, we feel like we're all back on track. i know that all glory goes to God for that and i am just so thankful for the fruit that's been shown so far.
of course, my weekend wouldn't have been complete without this man by my side. i love that we get to serve together, grow together, and do [almost] everything as a team. and that he's the most patient person when it comes to me paparrazi-ing him with my camera.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)