You Are A Living Temple

 1 Corinthians 6:19

Don't you know that your body is a temple that belongs to the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit, whom you received from God, lives in you. You don't belong to yourselves.


 We all know those people who say they need to make changes but the struggle is real! I  am one of those! Recently before New Years God started laying on my heart that change needs to come! I started this adventure thinking this is perfect I could do the Daniel Fast because it's a great way to push eating healthy. Yet, God had a bigger picture to teach me. It hasn't been so much the fasting part as it has been that I need to take care of my body. I am still trying to examine more what fasting really means but however I had a good reality check that I need to take care of me. After all 1 Cor. 6:19 tells us that our body is a temple!

Taking care of our temple physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally is super important! It's not easy an climb but we have to start some where! For me it has been day two since I started this change I desire. It's not to say that I can't have coffee or I can't enjoy icecream because if you know this girl then you know the battle is real! It's all about moderation! Taking in more healthy then the things are not so good for my body!

You may be even thinking how can I do this especially if you like sweets! Have no fear friends! A good friend of mind introduced me to rice cakes with natural peanut butter, berries or better yet bananas!

Or if your needing a little creativity try some salad with berries, your favorite veggies & alvacado  cilantro greek yogurt dressing!

I share these with you because I know that it can be hard knowing where to start. I know for me it has been. I even joined an accountability group called Breaking Free! It really helps not doing these things not alone! I think for those who want change as well we have to focus not so much on the cant's but what these changes are allowing for us! I know it's super easy to think, " Man....  I can't have ____________________"  You feel in the blank but if we look at these things simple as we may have more energy  then  we just might stand a little taller!

 Our relationship with God in how we take care of us shouldn't be just a check list! Another one of my goals is to seek the Lord more in prayer! I recently not only made a change to my diet but I created my own War Room. You may be like me thinking space is limited but no worries there is always a way! For me there isn't much space in my apartment, so I am using cardboard to write down the things I really want to see God move in!

My point is all this change is possible! Don't let your goals seem impossible! Do what it takes to be the best you! And simply be encouraged!

Addressing Who We Are

 Vulnerability... What is vulnerability?  This is a topic we have been addressing at Love Thy Neighborhood.  Whew! Yeah, did your heart stop? Mine did! This topic isn't foreign to me but as  we talked about it I realized yeah I have some work to do. All of us do if were really going to drink from the cup of honesty; however it can be a challenge!  This is one thing that has been hitting me.  Especially when  our directors wife read the book, " The Heart and The Bottle" by Oliver Jeffers.
Yes, its a child's book but I could relate and I am sure if you did you would as well.   I come from the emotional side of sharing which sounds crazy because so often my face shows a lot. However, to verbally tell you how I am feeling is hard at times. At the same time depending who you might be. As much as I hate to own I am very good about being passive at times saying, " I am okay but truly not okay." Yet, its tricky because sometimes I do feel okay but I can't put my finger on the emotion if it is real.

I know all emotions are real. Yet, from someone who analyzes I take deep thoughts into if I really am that emotion. The hard part I have been learning is that it can hurt people. Sure there is no intentions to hurt any one yet its hard to control at times. Or for me any ways. My heart tends to shoot out of my face before the words flow.  That one I am trying to think through. I know emotions are not bad. Yet, the balance of how we handle can be so hard at times.

For me its hard to say, " I am angry." or " This bothered me." There are two images I would like to share with you from the book.

 I can relate to this little girl because I can remember being so curious light hearted with out a care in the world but when I became older realizing the world can be a hard place too I learned how to put my heart in the bottle.  You would think that I would have this one down but it still in the works.  This one especially when I enter new relationships. I often hide because I am afraid what I say will hurt someone.  I hide because I imagine how it may go wrong. Can you relate? So yeah emotions are hard. Not only that if I could pass a special note to others who may come from a different perspective * Please have grace on me and others as well who do struggle with this one. This may sound very blunt but often when  I maybe have had moments where my heart finally caught up to my brain I want to tell others, " Its not like I have a remote control on my heart that says I would like this emotion today."  It just doesn't work that way! Or if I am wrong I am willing to hear.

 I don't know why but for me at least for someone who struggles with dwelling its hard to say I feel blah blah at this time because as mentioned I often feel my brain & heart our on this race. My heart tends to think more for me then my brain. Yet for those who are logical I crave to be that way at times. So yes I too am learning to give myself grace! The second image reminds me of moments I have had this with my Celebrate Recovery Family.

You can interpret as you would like but this person in the picture represents many people for me in my CR family as well church. My CR family was one of the many first to help me realize I am not alone. I can share who I am.  And there have been other people who have shown me this one too like my mentor Magan!  So, as I thought about what I wanted to write next I thought yes this is my next piece!  I don't always see myself as a profound speaker but writing has tend to be a way I could express myself. I hope as you read this that what you take away is your not alone.

At the same note there are two things or perhaps three things I would love to share.

*" Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, and sometimes afraid but that doesn't change the truth I am also brave , worthy of love and belonging"- Brene Brown

*  Try writing this verse with your name in the blank. It may encourage you as it did me:

Ephesians 1:4-5

Before  the creation of the world  He chose __________ to be Holy and perfect in His presence. Because of His love already decided to adopt __________ through Jesus Christ. He freely chose to do this

I leave you with this verse because so often I hate dealing with my imperfections. In fact I am the great one at cranking out the list of  who I am not and if I had done or I should..... So for me owning my struggles is hard! I need the reminder that who I am in Christ is accepted! He loves me for me! The same message He gives to others about not having it all together goes to me too. Yeah... so this is me and where I am!

 For those who would like to hear the story I leave you with the link as well:

 Thank you for letting me share and thanks to the ones who push me to my best!

We Must Say No To The Things We Want

 The other day I was just having a chat with the Lord. I was thinking of all the missionaries who have went before me in how brave they were. I began to think if even I would up root myself from my home. I have left for a year and I'm gone for a year this year but reality check I think my heart would struggle if the Lord ever told me to leave Corbin building a new home. I'm just like many of you! I love the comfort of my home, friends and familiarities. This one really hit me on that head because I can remember saying in high school Lord, I believe your calling me into missions.

Yet, I don't think my heart could count the cost. Oh I believe I would come to a point of saying yes if the Lord ever so choose to take me long term but it would be hard.

Luke 9:23 tells us:
He said to all of them, “Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses every day, and follow me.

 This verse I just shared with you really hit me in a fresh way especially the part that says, " must say no to the things they want."  That's hard my friends to say I will give up Lord whatever you call me too. I think so often I dream of the grand adventure but not picking up my cross to truly follow. I say I will but doing is another thing! This has really been making me think because I  can count the times thinking ,"Wow! Look at what so & so is experiencing."

Yet, if they hadn't left home they wouldn't experience! On another note  sometimes its not the relocation God calls but that He is calling us to give up something else so we can experience who He is or what call He may have on our lives. It may be something like: adopt a child, teach a Bible study, serve as a greeter at the church,  leave your job and so the list goes on. I know this is one verse but I want to boldly ask us as a whole, " Are we really to give up what we want to follow Jesus?" Some crazy thoughts to ponder but so much truth when it comes to the human heart!  Yet, how will we move forward as we think about Luke 9:23?

Passion & Calling

  Are passionate and calling the same or do they have different meanings? This is thought that provoked me as I thought about perhaps they are different. I  collected some other perspectives as well decided to define both words.

Passionate- Strong emotions ( Latin word Pati) means to suffer

Calling- A strong urge toward a particular way of life, career/vocation

At first I thought they were different but they in one way go hand in hand. Yet another part wonders, What if God calls you to something your not passionate about? That's what stumps me. If you have any insight I would be all ears!

Yet, I kept thinking of the verse James 1:27

 Pure, unstained religion according to God our Father is to take care of orphans, widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted  by this world

I understand we all have different gifts as well callings; however I think I thought of it as the Christian declaration. That we are called to needs of the world. Are we asking how God wants us to be active? For example I wouldn't consider myself to be called to work with  the elderly, teens or etc. Yet, for me how can I ignore the need if the Lord presents.

I think I have been thinking on this one a lot because I wouldn't of considered myself passionate about teaching but it was the call God gave me for  a year with a preschool in my hometown. I think for me I was passionate for the need because this was the call God put before for a season. At this point reflecting on my journey I feel I am at this point with palms up asking the Lord, "Where is it that you have called me?"

 I am really enjoying my internship at Scarlet Hope! I have many questions.  I admire the director & her story how she just showed up never having any training that I am aware of. I too wonder can I have this same obedience?  All in all I really thing there will be things we love. We may not feel we are called to go but in same way I believe as Christians were to be active in some capacity even if its just prayer. The needs are all around us. We can easily say I don't feel called but if scripture tells us to go to the orphans widows and etc; How can we not go or stop? Any thoughts are welcome :)   These words definitely have me thinking and I hope maybe this piece may challenge others as well! Thanks for letting me share!

The Desire of Dignity

 How do you define poverty? This is the question we have been asked over the last couple of weeks with Love Thy Neighborhood.  For me  the first thought or picture I  would have is low income people, lack of education, health or even finances. Yet, what if we looked at it differently?

 I would like to share this definition with  you that was shared me  today. 

Poverty is  the result of relationships that do not work, that are not just, that are not for life nor harmonious or enjoyable. Poverty is the absence of shalom in all its meanings.

 What a profound way to look at poverty? What words you see missing? I really want us to think about it as a whole because to honest I never considered myself poor but in reality we have all been poor in some aspect. Especially when you think about our relationship with God. At one point if were truly going to accept God we must accept we are spiritually poor.

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless.
    The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

 I've heard this verse many times but reading it now I understand it better because  the richest gift mankind could have is a relationship with God. This concept is important to accept if were not doing work on our souls we have very little to offer. It becomes difficult to help others unless acknowledge our need. There has to be a connection point some how because our help means nothing if we don't meet people where they are.

 

No matter the level were on we all want to have dignity.  As Christ followers our help must go beyond identification.  People don't need just a quick fix. We're called to go into the trenches! There is nothing wrong to help materially but take account the aftermath. For example: Don't just give someone groceries.  Do an inventory of life with them.  Teach them the things you know but most of all meet them where they are too!

 Remember they are people too!  Don't treat them as projects!  Be willing to live with them. Treat them like you want to be treated!   Show people your serious!  That's something I want to end with above all! I don't know how many of you have seen the Second Chance movie but I do think it helps paint some of the picture. Here is a small clip!

 I would encourage you to watch this movie because it reminds us don't just show up! Get to know the people! May this empower us to take heart of our surroundings.

God Is

 God Is

At age 5,
 He is curiosity
 At age 6,
He is my friend and I own I need Him
At age 13-18,
He is my peace giver & healer
At age 20,
He is my Father
At age 22 to 25,
He is the one who holds pen
At age 26-27,
He is who I am with palms up. He is the driver in the seat. He is the hand that walks me into the unknown. He is the ultimate listener. He is the one I dance with. I could call Him many things but today I call Him dreamer with great expectations of is next. He is my Abba and I love Him!

God's The Perfect Listener

Listening  is hard but it's a lost art that doesn't  happen as often as it should. It's easy to give more advice thinking people want a solution  but really they just need a voice. It can be testing when perhaps that is all we have heard but perhaps it's a reminder be more of a listener. Sure the person may not need to dwell on the topic but we can encourage  one another in listening  even if it seems  like the same story.  Think about  what matters  to you and how much you want to be heard? Don't assume they expect  change or advice like I said. Perhaps they just needed to be heard.
Same time humans need to take note humans will fail one another but God has the perfect ears. Don't forget the one who knows you most Psalm 139.