.foolish.wise.

Today = Matthew 1-2 + Exodus 20-23 + Proverbs 9-10

Tonight I feel so blessed for so many reasons. First, I'm finally done with the week! and now starts spring break! I'm staying at school for the break, which might sound completely and totally boring.. but I'm so excited! I get to bake and run and talk to people downtown and work and work on my projects without being unbearably rushed! And BEST of all, my whole family is coming on Thursday!!! I can't even wait. I've been looking forward to it since mid-October. And another thing, I got to hang out with some awesome people to celebrate Linda Womer's birthday. Linda is an amazing woman from Terra Nova that heads the kids program. And now I get to read and then go to bed early. I'm just thrilled about life right now. I'm about to fall asleep, so I'm only going to comment quick, but in general, life is really really good!

So anyway, back to the scripture :)

I like Proverbs. It makes me think with each sentence, even though sometimes it seems pretty repetitive. Proverbs 9 and 10 talk much about the righteous and wise vs. the foolish. This specific passage is pretty famous:

"Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days iwll be many, and years will be added to your life. If  you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer." (Proverbs 9:8-12)

I like these verses because they challenge me to examine whether I am foolish or if I'm wise. Now of course calling myself wise is the beginning of my foolishness, but sometimes I think I feel like I'm pretty smart sometimes. Ha.. that's totally false. Why? Because I know that I do not always thank people for rebuking me, for challenging me. Sometimes I really don't feel like being pushed. Sometimes it's so much more appealing to be utterly and completely lazy. I'm working on my laziness. It's a ridiculously long process. (Myfoolish self just wishes I could ask God for wisdom as a birthday present.. butt something tell me that's not quite how it works ;)

.entertaining angels.

Today = Hebrews 13 + Exodus 18-19 + Proverbs 8

Well first, before I get into the passage, I just want to say how bless I am to have the Christian community I have here at RPI now. At the beginning of my freshman year, I had no inclination I would ever have good Christian friends, who challenge me and love me with Christ's love. But he has given me more than I had ever hoped for. It has been amazing getting involved with my church and with other groups and friends on campus. My only prayer now is that God would use me in these relationships to glorify Him.

Ok, so along the lines of this is Hebrews 13! Basically this chapter is chock full of amazingness. I would write the whole thing....but that would be excessively long. You should look it up though :) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2013&version=NIV

"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13:1-3)

I am enamored and terrified of the thought of entertaining angels. I know that I definitely don't act in a way welcoming to angels, or even to humans for that matter, all the time. Not even close. But it's also a beautiful challenge. What an amazing thing that we are able to interact with angels?! Pretty cool. I'm pretty sure I've done just this before, but I had no clue at the time. Sometimes I'm glad for the way I interacted with these people, sometimes I'm so disappointed. But in every situation, there seems to be a pattern of them coming in the form of a child, an elderly woman, or someone not necessarily "regal." God did not come for the strong and righteous, but the weak, weary sinners.

I also love the last part, which is pretty self explanatory:

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good  and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:15-21)

.worth it.

Today = Hebrews 11:23-40 + Exodus 15 + Proverbs 6:1-7:5

Ok, I'm going to try to make this a quick post because my computer is about to die and my charger is in studio!

I love Hebrews 11. It's one of those passages I go back to time and time again when ..well.. when I feel persecuted or made fun of, etc. Or when I feel blah. Which is probably the worst of them all.

"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated- the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had bee promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:32-40)

Yep, it's a pretty intense passage. I have never been put in chains or flogged due to my faith. My days are soooo much easier than they could be. I have brothers and sisters all over the world suffering these very things. But no matter what, God has something better for us. He is so extremely set apart from us and this world. And he is SO WORTH IT.

.glad to not be egyptian.

Today = Hebrews 9:23-10:18 + Exodus 9-10 + Proverbs 3

I realize I haven't commented much on the Old Testament passages... probably because, frankly, sometimes they are hard to relate to. But I stopped when I read these words in Exodus:

"For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." (Exodus 9:15-16)

This comes in the midst of God sending the plagues against Pharaoh and Egypt. I think sometimes I read the story and I wonder why God doesn't just wipe them out, or why he's pestering the people of Egypt who may have nothing to do with keeping the Israelites as slaves. But none of that really matters because the point  is that God displays his ridiculously incredible power in each of the plagues and the signs that he sends. Again, I am humbled to see his glory set so drastically against my .....lameness. Ha, that's a horrible way to say it, but it's true. God's glory is displayed everywhere - in the snowstorms and the wind and the power, and the soft hush of the quiet afterwards. It's crazy stuff. We serve a crazy, amazing, powerful God.

.hidden treasure.

Today = Hebrews 9:1-22 + Exodus 6:28-8:32 + Proverbs 2

Honestly, Proverbs is just so useful. Of course, this is not to say that the rest of the Bible isn't, but somehow reading Proverbs always seems to refocus my attention. Which is definitely a good thing.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."  (Proverbs 2:1-5)

I really love all of the analogies and depictions of truly searching after God. Filling up our lives with the things of him and thirsting after it like we thirst for water. It challenges me extremely. I'm developing and hunger and thirst for these things, to look at them as the prize of my life. It's growing slowly, but it's growing :)

.complacency.

Today = Hebrews 8 + Exodus 6:28-8:32 + Proverbs 1

well, yesterday was a complete blogging fail.. mostly because my internet failed. RPI's internet seems to be having major issues lately, and my internet likes to quit randomly when I least like it to. Sigh, oh well.

I get to start a new book today! Proverbs has always been a crazy book - it's just so.... instantly practical? I don't know if that's the best description. Anyway, I always feel young and foolish when I read it. I suppose that's a good thing.....because I'm definitely not wise in the slightest sometimes.

"For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." (Proverbs 1:32-33)

These two verses stood out to me, I think first because it spoke of complacency. I think complacency can be a problem in all of our lives, but I have definitely felt it's affect in mine. It's so easy to find a pattern to sink into, one that isn't productive, but that's very comfortable. Looking back it seems idiotic, but in the present you have no thirst for change, a challenge. I love that if we listen to wisdom and put it to practice, we will live in safety and be at ease. I think it's kind of ironic though. Complacency happens, at least for me, because I don't want to take the effort or the risk of changing. I don't want to change my ways or push myself. But if we do push ourselves to live wisely, to answer God's call to wherever he leads us, it might be utterly chaotic, but we can be certain that we can still live in safety without fear of harm.

.muck and mire.

Today = Hebrews 6:13-20 + Exodus 1-2 + Psalm 40

Well I wasn't going to post until I got back to my room tonight.. but I'm sitting here bored out of my mind at work because 1) I can't find any paper to make a crib sheet with (you'd think in an office you could find something.. ) and 2) reading through more Bible is always a good thing :)

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; he set my feat on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." (Psalm 40:1-5)

I love the imagery of these verses. God lifts us out of "the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire." He takes us out of the darkest grossest messes, and brings us to a rock - a solid place in the midst of chaos. God's been teaching me a lot of humility lately, or at least I feel like it. Of course as I say that it's not longer the most humble thing.. but really God is showing me how perfect and amazing and glorious he is, just small glimpses at a time, while also showing me how crappy I am. Sounds bad, but God is so much more infinitely perfect and majestic than I could ever imagine. I am by nature messed up, but his grace is what pulls me out of that mire, bringing me into a place of amazing love and grace, hope and security. The more and more I grasp that fact, the more and more I feel like I need to hold on to him for dear life. He is truly my only lifeline. My All. My Everything.

.gimme sympathy.

Today = Hebrews 4:14-6:12 + Genesis 49-50 + Psalm 39

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)

I really like these verses. It displays the amazing love and grace of our God, his ability to come to us where we are, understand us fully and teach us, but also show that he is infinitely above us in every way. The stupid little things we deal with and struggle through every day, he struggled with too! But he didn't cave in! Every temptation we've ever encountered, and struggle or trial we have had to endure, he can be there with us and understand it because he experienced it too. He is not an impersonal God who sits high up, unconnected with the matters of this world, the ordinary things of the lives of ordinary people. But he is so extremely connected with us - he came HERE. That's like the CEO of a major company coming and hanging out with a pizza delivery person. Well, that might be a horrible analogy.. but imagine the most powerful leader you can think of, then stepping off his place and position of power and taking up the lowest, most menial job. And yet God is so beyond that! Infinitely more so! I am so thankful for such a personal God. I still don't comprehend it all.

.attitude of the heart.

Today = Hebrews 3:1- 4:13 + Genesis 48 + Psalm 38

The passage in Hebrews is super good today. Not that it wouldn't be normally.. but sometimes things just strike you and get to your heart. Such is the case here:

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."  (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Wow, what a challenge. Nothing we ever say or do is hidden from God. I love the part that his word is living and active, though it scares the crap out of me at the same time. Sometimes the Bible seems full of nice stories, comforting words and prayers in time of trouble.. but it is so much more than that. It is controversial and revolutionary. It is unlike anything else. For truly it is what can get to our hearts, 'dividing soul and spirit.' God is infinitely more perfect than we are, and we are judged by his standard. Who can uphold it? Surely we can't. We flinch and fall instantly at the slightest pressure. Jesus as the substitute truly is the greatest gift. My prayer is that when God does look at the thoughts and attitudes of my heart, that it will be more Jesus's and less mine.

.trust.delight.commit.wait.

Today = Hebrews 2 + Genesis 46:28- 47:31 + Psalm 37

Ok I promise I will pick something that is not a psalm soon... but once again I really like this passage in  Psalm 37. It's so comforting and challenging all at once:

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." (Psalm 37:3-7)

I love the commands in this because they challenge me so incredibly much: TRUST in the Lord, DELIGHT yourself in the Lord, COMMIT your way to the Lord. WAIT for Him.  And God gives us so much back - not that we deserve anything at all! But honestly, I think trusting God, making sure my delight is in him and him only, and just waiting for him are some of the hardest things to do! I'm so impatient sometimes. So I think that is what I need: to still myself before God, waiting and trusting in Him alone. As much as it sucks sometimes, his love is so worth it. He truly does give us the desires of our heart when we seek him first.

.filled.

Today = Hebrews 1 + Genesis 45:1- 46:27 + Psalm 36

Ok, so I'm trying to quickly write a post before my computer battery dies; somehow I forgot my cord in studio!

So quickly I will comment on Psalm 36 because I love it and it is definitely the source for one of my favorite Hope songs. I love that David just praises God without ceasing. His words obviously do not do God justice, but it doesn't stop him from trying.

"Your love, O lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among en find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." (Psalm 36:5-9)

I am realizing lately that God's love is infinitely more than I will ever grasp. Also his justice. All life that is true life comes through him. True love comes from him, true life comes from him. All else is just an imperfect image. But when I am drawn close to God and experience some of that love and that life, it truly is amazing. Lately I have been so pleased and relieved to have my joy back; I don't know when I lost it, but in the process of drawing near to Him I feel so much more filled.

.Jesus is hungry.

Today = Luke 24:13-53 + Genesis 44 + Psalm 35


Today's reading in Luke is of Jesus appearing to the disciples. First, as I read it, I didn't immediately recognize some of the passage. Which, I must admit, I feel kind of awful about seeing as it's the description of my beautiful Savior rising from the dead! But in the midst of this, God made me laugh. I'll explain. I think these might be my new favorite verses:

"While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.' When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, 'Do you have anything here to eat?'" (Luke 24:36-41)


Do you have anything here to eat??? I laughed out loud when I read that! But it did serve a purpose - Jesus was showing that he was real, flesh and bones, hungry like any other human. Dead people are not hungry. Sick people aren't even hungry! But here Jesus was, back from the dead and standing in their presence, asking for food!! I feel like there are much bigger/more important concepts to take from the passage, but I really loved that verse, and its bluntness and, well, humor.

The last verses are awesome too. My prayer this week is to be filled with that joy and praise toward my risen, living, ridiculously amazing God.

"When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God." (Luke 24:50-53)

.worth seeking.

Today = Luke 24:1-12 + Genesis 43 + Psalm 34

I know I've been commenting on the psalms a lot, but I really really like this one. It is referenced a bunch of times in the New Testament, especially by Paul. As Pastor Ed says, Psalm 34 was Paul's verse - he knew it in its entirety, and he let him change it from the inside out.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:9-22).

I love these verses. Last night I was feeling pretty stressed, but it's things like these - the reminder that God is bigger, SO MUCH BIGGER! What the heck do I need to be worrying about? One of the verses that challenge me is verse 14: 'Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." It is so ridiculously simple, but heavy. It is hard to physically turn away from the things we know are not healthy for us. It's difficult to abandon those things that feel good and may even be culturally accepted, But God asks us to turn from the bad, to move toward doing good. And then there is the challenge to 'seek peace an pursue it.' That is hard. I haven't quite grasped God's version of peace. My version is laying in a nice comfy bed, going to sleep early with little to no work (ha like tonight!). His peace is more like the supernatural peace, the peace in the midst of hardship or chaos. I've gotten a taste of it sometimes, and it's incredible. It's definitely worth seeking.

.long absence.

Well as you might have noticed, I hadn't posted in a ridiculously long time..
I've generally kept up on reading, but I haven't posted. Obviously.

This week has been a crazy week, physically, emotionally, spiritually.. and school-wise. I'm currently waiting for my computer modeling program to start working again so I can finish my work and finally go to bed.

So, once again I won't actually be posting tonight, but I will write this verse, which I have been carrying in my pocket all night. It helped :)

"Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:1-5)

Well, through all the craziness, I can really feel God pulling me and moulding me. Sometimes it really hurts, a lot. But conditioning my heart for him is so worth it.

.confident of this one thing.

Today = Luke 20:1-26 + Genesis 35-36 + Psalm 27

Lately the Psalm have been reminding me of Hope CC's songs. Probably because they come from the Psalms! Anyway, it makes me thankful for the church, the body, the community I've been brought up in. Even though I am 1250 miles away, I still feel a part of that body. The church is definitely a bod, not a building.

Anyway, "The Land of the Living" was the song I was thinking of, stemming from these verses:

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:13-14)

I love that last part. I'm definitely in need of patience lately.

.revolutionary love.

Today = Luke 19:28-28 + Genesis 34 + Psalm 26

Well today has once again been a busy day full of architecture, long reviews, and long lectures. And pizza. Anytime I get stressed or overwhelmed or just want to feel better, I start baking or cooking something. Kind of ridiculous, but tasty.

Each story from today's reading is fascinating and has a lot that could be unpacked, but my mind keeps resting on these words from Psalms:

"Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for you love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth." (Psalm 26:2-3)

What I've noticed lately is that it is easy to ask God to test us and try us, to examine us through and through. There are lots of psalms and worship songs that say just that. But being examined with God's X-ray pierces us to the core. It hurts.

I would so much rather someone be angry at me than disappointed in me. It's the worst feeling. But it's what I feel when I feel God searching my heart, finding all the dark places where the light hurts like sweet against cavities in my soul. The feeling where I have disobeyed and failed to live to his perfect standard hurt, but it's the feeling after, when I know that I am forgiven and welcomed into his love, a love that truly is 'ever before me.' Surrendering to God's ways is really hard; it means exposing the nastiest parts of me. But there is a peace, a trust, a hope, and a love that come in an overwhelming flood afterwards. That is what is revolutionary.

.to you O Lord.

Today = Luke 19:1-27 + Genesis 32-33 + Psalm 25

I'm having an interesting day, to say the least. I don't have much to say, but Psalm 25 really spoke to me. I think it pretty much speaks for itself:

"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperit, and his descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!" (Psalm 25)

yep, this is definitely the cry of my heart tonight.

.persistence.

Today = Luke 18:18-43 + Genesis 29:31-30:43 + Psalm 24

Finally I'm posting again. I came back late last night and was still planning on posting, but I didn't want to wake my roommate up, so I thought it would be best to just post today. I really hate not being able to post. But it does feel so good when I finally can again.

Though I think I will be focusing on the passage in Luke, which really challenges me, I did want to comment on Genesis. Somehow I never quite remembered this story before, but chapter 30 about Jacob's children is ridiculous! Oh my word I was thinking the whole time, how on earth is this kosher? It's like a really messed up soap opera. yikes. I haven't quite made sense of it all, nor will I ever I think. But anyway...

I am really challenged by the passage in Luke, especially the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector and the Parable of the Persistent Widow:

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. he said: 'In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in tha town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't know fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' And the Lord said 'Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you , he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'" (Luke 18:1-8)

I think it's easy for me to be lazy and not persistent in my prayer, and in other things as well. But God wants us to ask him, and he will answer! Of course, God's timing is completely different from ours; he's rarely early, always on time, but never late. I've had a few things on my mind, answers to questions that he doesn't seem to be answering. But then again, I haven't been very persistent lately either.

.overflow.

Well, in the insanity of yesterday, I did manage to read through everything, but completely forgot about posting. Usually I do it in the morning, so I think I just assumed I had already posted.. and then today realized I hadn't. But I did the reading! So that was good.

Today = Luke 17 + Genesis 29:1-30 + Psalm 23

Well, I really have no choice but to comment on Psalm 23. I memorized it with my Grandma Ruby when I was four or five years old, kneeling by the side of her bed at their old apartment in St. Paul. I remember the imagery distinctly. Psalm 23 is no a passage that I wish to really comment on; it is one of those that must just be read over and over, letting it marinate and sink in deep. I pray that each time I read it I will be filled again with renewed thankfulness toward my Almighty, Perfect Shepherd.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23)

.lost and found.

Today = Luke 15 + Genesis 27:1-45 + Psalm 20

Today's reading from Luke is ridiculously famous, in both Christian and secular culture. The parable of the lost son is referred to often, but I've been hearing it more frequently and in new contexts lately. Back at Hope CC in Minnesota, the last sermon I heard before I left was on exactly this passage. Bart Carey was speaking, and he told of how we are all either the older or younger son, or a bit of both. The youngest son is foolish, selfish, and squanders all that he has. The older son is a judgmental, jealous, and selfish as well. I can definitely relate with both, unfortunately. It's easy as a 'veteran' Christian (if there is such a thing) to become bitter or angry toward those that have gone astray, just like the younger son. We just can't be happy and celebrate them coming back or making any headway. As the younger son I find it so easy to want to live for the moment and make instantly fun, but eternally stupid decisions. God welcomes those that have abandoned him back, which makes no sense. That's grace. It really doesn't make any sense at all, practically speaking. So I understand the older son complaining when the younger son receives gifts and celebration upon returning. But the father says this:

"'My Son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:31-32)

Truly God will welcome us back with open arms when we make stupid decisions and run away from him. But when we are back in his arms, we need to make sure we are loving of those who have just come back, the lost who have been found again. That is definitely something I need to work on.

.state of the heart.

Today = Luke 14:25-35 + Genesis 26 + Psalm 19

Well, I made it through the day of craziness. I finally got to bed last night around 5:00 am. Not fun. I was able to complete all my work, which was good. I thought I was behind and just working slow, but apparently I was one of the few who had everything done for today. Oh well, at least I'm feel a little better about having all the final requirements done for this Thursday's review. Of course, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about, but basically my day was not horrible. Not great, but not horrible.

All the readings from today were really interesting, but for the sake of fun for me, I'll comment on the Psalm. Psalm 19 is heavily used, and very familiar to many people. The beginning is perhaps the most recognizable:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world..." (Psalm 19:1-4)

I love that God's glory is always visible, always heard. It's comforting to me for the mere fact that I will be in Italy next fall, with an unfamiliar language. But still, God's glory will be heard. Yep, I definitely like that verse. But what caught my eye in the passage at first was the end:

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

I think that verse sums up a lot in a short sentence. The only thing we can really give God is ourselves. He wants us to have a pure heart, one that is focused on the right things. I feel convicted by this; are the things I meditate on, think about the most often, truly pleasing to God? Would I be ashamed if I were speaking about the same things if I were in his presence, face to face? It definitely reminds me of Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." God wants our attention in the right place. If our hearts are supposed to be a gift to him, he wants them clean and pure, imprinted with the influence of good things. He doesn't want a bitter, jealous, callous, or untrusting heart. I think I will definitely be challenged to discipline my thoughts. I want him to be pleased at the state of my heart.

.stress.. and hopefully less stress..

Today = Luke 14:1-24 + Genesis 25 + Psalm 18

Well I usually post early in the morning when I get up, but I'm posting a bit later since this morning was filled with architecture, light tables, and rabid skunks. To be honest, I'm feeling exceptionally stressed right now. I have an enormous amount of work to do, and very little time to do it. I would love to have multiple iterations completed and extensive research toward my studio project, but with all of this first-week-back-craziness, I don't feel as accomplished as I would have hoped. I feel as though I have wasted hours and hours of precious time, which I cannot regain. So, in the stress of reading about Shakers and crazy archie-diagramming madness, I decided to take a 'break' and finally post. I was praying for something with an ounce of encouragement, anything to get me through this night, this week. Luke and Genesis are good today, but Abraham dying and a list of unpronounceable names was not exactly the encouragement I was hoping for. Thankfully, the end of my reading today included a Psalm with some hope. Psalm 18 is pretty long, otherwise I would just post the whole thing. But in a nutshell it speaks of God's faithfulness and steadfastness. Yep, just what I needed.

"To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.  You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For how is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Your give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet." (Psalm 18:25-38)

Yeah, I feel so much better now. It makes it a lot easier when I know that I have a Great and Mighty God on my side in the battle against stress, worry, and the perils of archi-torture :)

.narrow doors.

Today = Luke 13:18-35 + Genesis 24 + Psalm 17

In the reading in Luke, Jesus speaks of entering through the narrow door:

"Someone asked him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?' He said to them, 'Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.'" (Luke 13:23-24)

He goes on to speak of people coming to the door, pleading with the owner of the house to let them in, saying they ate and drank with him, but the owner insists that he does not know them and tells them to leave. I may not have the perfect interpretation of this ( and probably not), but I think the story speaks of how many people will play with the idea of following Christ, but they never act on it. They come to church or they do 'good' things, but they do not seek Him, which is the whole point. It is a very very narrow door. Some days I realize that more than others. We are not living to a cultural standard of being a 'good person,' but a holy and perfect standard created by God. Obviously we can't stand blameless in front of him. Jesus is the only way to do that. And following him is hard. It's not natural or easy. It is simple, but it is not easy. And it is worth it. To be able to enter into God's house is worth it, no matter how narrow the door is.

.more and less.

Today = Luke 13:1-17 + Genesis 23 + Psalm 16

I might be stuck on Psalms, but I really like Psalm 16. I am excited to be discovering all these new wonderful Psalms to keep on hand :) Anyway, Psalm 16 is another hymn of praise. I love them because they are so sincere. David's life might be falling apart at the moment, or maybe not, but regardless he praises his God. It makes sense why it is said that he was a man 'after God's own heart.' I really hope to be that one day, someone who is truly searching for God. Here is the second half of the passage:

"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One (your faithful one) see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with you in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:7-11)

I love that we are not shaken because God is with us. We can rest because he will not abandon us. It's not that he wants to give us eternal life because then we can live forever, it's because we can praise him forever. Honestly, it's really not about us at all. We aren't calling the shots, God is counseling us. We aren't supposed to be consumed with thoughts of ourselves and our problems, but we are supposed to be filled with his presence. We will let ourselves down each and every day, but he will always be faithful and never abandon us. More and more I see how ...well.. lame I am. How much I really don't deserve him, this love. It's amazing how he does begin to mold and transform me into someone who is slowly but surely filled with a little more Him and a little less me.

P.S - We met back for the first New Tribe after Christmas break last night, which was amazing! It was back to the normal loudness, excitement, and seemingly perpetual rabbit trails, but it was definitely good.  I missed it a lot. I'm so thankful to have such a group that is so supportive and likes exploring the Bible and truly searching after God. 

.the oath.

Today = Luke 12:32-59 + Psalm 15 + Genesis 22

The passage I'm focusing on today is pretty short - Psalm 15, but it's really good. I don't think I ever noticed it before.

"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken." (Psalm 15)

It is so humbling to see the kind of person God wants in his kingdom and compare it to who I am. I definitely can't say my walk is blameless, or that I always speak truth from my heart. I think the greatest challenge is the part in verse 4 where it says "who keeps his oath even when it hurts." How powerful is that!? It is so easy to just give up when things get hard. I admit I've done it many many times. I think a lot of times we feel that God wouldn't want us to have any pain, that we should have to go through it. Newsflash: the Christian life is not pain-free nor easy. We follow a homeless man who was tortured and hung up on a tree to die. If we're truly following him, we might come to that same end. It is worth it, but it doesn't come without sacrifice. Some days I don't feel like making that sacrifice, but I know it's the only way to dwell in his sanctuary.

.my favorite!.

Today = Luke 12:1-31 + Psalm 14 + Genesis 21

Well, as much as I would love to write about the awesome passages in Psalms or Genesis, I'm just way too excited about Luke. You see, it's probably one of my absolute favorites. I memorized Luke 12:22-34 a few years back - maybe 9th grade? Anyway, it always seems to bring me comfort when I need it the most, and comes to mind at the most random times.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you , do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable  you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and you Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."(Luke 12:22-34)

I realize it's a little long.. but I LOVE it! I love that God provides for birds and flowers so well, so obviously he will provide for us. I always use this passage when I'm ridiculously stressed out with school or something else. I know that no matter what, God will provide for me. It might not be what I had hoped for, but it will be what I need.

I love that we look pretty ridiculous worrying about food and clothes. We buy magazines and catalogues with all the new stuff we 'just have to have,' and billions of dollars are spent on diet books and gym memberships because we worry about how our body looks. Botox, plastic surgery, hair treatments, skin whatchamacallits, and constant manicures and pedicures fill our lives because we must be beautiful. When did you last see a gorgeous rose getting surgery so it's petals can be in the right arrangement? How ridiculous is the though?! But this is what we do all the time. We can sit back and trust in the simple, gorgeous beauty God has given each of us. I like the part that says that God knows that we need these things, that we worry about all of it, and if we seek him first, all of them will fall into place - even these things will be given to us as well.

These verses always challenge me because they remind me how ridiculous it is for me to be worrying about foolish things. It also reminds me of how abundantly God loves me despite my ridiculousness. And I'm always challenged to make sure my heart is focused and filled with the things of heaven. Because it is true, that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. What you invest in, that is what will consume your thoughts and actions. And there is no greater investment than my Saviour and his ridiculous abundant love.

.abnormalcy?.

Today = Luke 11:29-54 + Genesis 19 + Psalm 12

"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, 'I have overcome him,' and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." (Psalm 13)

I've decided that the writers of the Psalms are not normal guys. They were just ordinary men but their faith has made them extraordinary. There are very few people, when persecuted heavily, will react with praise. It's just not something that is humanly natural. But when God has a hold of someone's heart, it's pretty obvious. Even though David feels like God has forgotten him, has extreme sorrow, and has enemies that are rejoicing in his failures, he still says that he will trust in God's love and rejoice in his salvation. There is something more to Christianity - the following of Christ than meets the eye. It's not following rules and adhering to guidelines, for that is religious and is not out of the ordinary or radical at all. But being able to praise like this when things are bad and trusting with a full heart that God's got it under control - that is a pretty radical though. Faith is by no means 'normal.'

.ask.seek.knock.

Today = Luke 11:1-28 + Genesis 19 + Psalm 12

The passage in Luke is uber-famous, but it is good, especially when I look at it a second time:

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if you son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:9-13)

I love that. It challenges me still some. I feel like it is so easy to accuse God of 'giving me a bad gift' and doing something unwise or harmful. But really, we are just humans and sinful and evil, and we know how to give good gifts. God is, well, God! How much more will he give us! How much better are our gifts from him?! God does answer our prayers and our inquiries,  but sometimes I think I'm too stupid to realize that I'm asking for a scorpion or a snake, when God would much rather give me something good, something worthwhile, and something of worth. How twisted our perception of gifts is. I think I really need to work on that this week, realizing that God's gifts truly are good, and I will receive if I ask.

.VeggieTales flashback.

Today = Luke 10:21-42 + Psalm 11 + Genesis 18

The passage in Luke is the story of the Good Samaritan. I think each time I have read this, I see something different. I know at first I just thought the priest and the Levite were just jerks, and the Samaritan was the only one that was normal and actually stopped to help. Later, when watching a very good animated Veggie Tales short, I finally realized that the Samaritan was not 'normal' at all, but was actually going against culture and the rules he had grown up with. The two different groups HATED each other, yet he went out of his way, provided care, food and shelter for a complete stranger who by all means could be dangerous. And this is what we are called to do; it is not just the people we are close to that we need to look out for, but those that are different from us as well. Of course, sometimes this seems like the hardest thing in the world to do, but following Christ is by no means easy.

Personally, I definitely feel convicted about this. Honestly I can be lazy caring for the people I like, much less the people I don't like. I think it's easy most days to feel 'ok' about not stepping in and helping out when people are in need. We find that we always have something better to do. Yet this is one of the two biggies God asks us to do: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,' and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27) I think it is going to become one of my goals, to truly step beyond my comfort zone and care for those I don't feel like caring for.

Transition back to RPI... and lots of reading..

Well, I really have no time to write unfortunately, but I wanted to comment on Psalm 9, which is another Psalm of praise and thanksgiving. I wish I was this adamant about praise to my God. I"m working on it. My goal is to praise God like like Psalm 9:

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to you name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously." (Psalm 9:1-4).

I definitely don't always praise my King with all my heart or tell of his wonders all the time. I think just living in America with a consumerist attitude, it's easy to want "stuff" from God, but no care about the true wonders. Stuff comes and goes; it's taken out with the trash regularly on Wednesday mornings. The wonders of God are eternal and all-consuming. Why do we ever covet shiny metal things in stores that have cool buttons, but we never wish for God's grace, peace, and truth which are far more valuable?

.first post from NY.

Well I'm back in Troy safe and sound. It's "chilly" so the pilot said.. pssshh.. it's 36 degrees! Practically summer! haha. Anyway, it's weird being back at school, but kind of nice at the same time. I just wish I could move into my dorm! Tomorrow will come soon enough....

Today = Luke 9:1-27 + Genesis 15 + Psalm 8 + Luke 8:26-56 + Genesis 13-14 + Psalm 7 (from yesterday)

Well, I'm going to try to address everything without this becoming a ridiculously long post..
Of the reading I really like, well, all of it, but especially Luke 8:40-48. It tells the story of Jesus going out and healing the sick, and going on his way to heal the daughter of one of the Jewish rulers. On his way a woman reaches out and touches him because she knows that even by just touching him she may be healed. I think her faith is so powerful. To be perfectly honest, I think for a while I kind of looked down on this woman, thinking she was from the slums and was a little to sketchy just to ask Jesus to heal her. But it's really not about that - she acted on faith. People can say things and conjure up this great "faith" that never seems to be put to the test. But the woman reached out and touched because she knew. I think it's pretty cool. I think I just need to do things more than talk about them more often. It's easy to say that you trust God and that you rely on him, but it's a heck of another story when you actually have to act on it.

Psalm 8 is the other part of the reading that really caught my eye - It seems to be one of the ultimate praise Psalms, like David was out-of-his-mind in love with God and how awesome and majestic He is. Every time I read it I feel humbled. I wish I could say I praise God like this all the time, that these are the words that spurt out from my lips, that I don't 'hide it under a bushel' sometimes. I'm working on it. I have definitely noticed that it's much easier to praise God continually when you are closer to him, because then you actually take the time to notice His glory and you finally look past your own.

"When I consider your heavens, the work of you fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you take care for him?" (Psalm 8:3-4)

No post :(

I won't be able to post tonight due to frantic packing and an early flight. So I'm going to have a double post tomorrow if all goes well. I can't believe I'm going back to school. It feels so normal and so weird all at the same time. I'll write more soon :)

.this little light of mine.

Today = Luke 8:1-25 + Psalm 6 + Genesis 12

Again, I'm posting ridiculously late, but I haven't really been home since this morning.... so it makes it a bit difficult. I'm frantically trying to get everything together to go back out to school. It should be interesting...

I love today's verses in Luke. They are extremely familiar, but really really challenging. The passage includes the parable of the sower, the lamp on a stand, and Jesus calming the storm. The lamp on the stand stood out a little more just because it brought me back to the first days of Sunday school singing "This Little Light of Mine." Of course, now it's stuck in my head... "This little light of mine / I'm gonna let it shine / This little light of mine / I'm going to let it shine.. / Hide it under a bushel? / No! (screamed loudly by many excited small children) / I'm going to let it shine / Let it shine / Let it shine / Let it shine..

I butchered that a bit.. but you get the idea. The story makes a lot of sense. It seems like a pretty easy concept, and it is: if you have a light, you don't cover it. Duh. But when referring to faith and following Christ, it's very easy to sidestep this. We don't want to offend people, or it's not 'politically correct' to talk about your faith, or it's somehow 'your little secret.' If anyone is truly following a leader, they don't keep it a secret. They tell the world that their leader is worthy of following, is laudable. Jesus was the greatest leader this world has ever seen. He was not politically correct, and I'm pretty sure he offended quite a few people. If we say we follow him, yet are too scared to step on people's toes a little, I think there is a problem. We Christians have been accused often of 'not believing the product we're selling.' It's hard to trust, and to go out on a limb and probably look a bit foolish in the eyes of the world. But it's a lot more foolish to keep the greatest Truth a secret and try to hide the Light.

.a hidden lesson for archies?.

Today = Luke 7:18-50; Genesis 11; Psalm 5

Today has been a busy day, full of Cuban food, thrifting, skiing, and my dad's tasty dinner. We've been frantically trying to get everything together for when I leave Thursday morning. I can't believe I'm leaving so soon! It's been so good to be home and to see everyone. I'm excited to go back, but I'm always sad to leave. I'm starting to really hate goodbyes.

Completely unrelated is today's reading. (And I'm actually posting before midnight!). Since I haven't really commented on Genesis much, and it is pretty important, I thought I would start with Genesis 11. It tells the story of the Tower of Babel, and then goes on to describe one of the numerous lineages in the Bible. The Tower of Babel is an interesting story for me, and I admit I don't quite understand it. It's crazy that God confused the languages for so many people so quickly. It would be crazy to wake up one morning and not understand anything your neighbor is saying. Languages have always been fascinating for me. I wish I was faster and more diligent at learning them, especially given my study abroad trip in Italy next fall. Anyway, the story of Babel basically describes a large group of people who decide to build a giant tower to reach to the heavens so that they can make a name for themselves.

When I first read the story, I wondered what cause God had to create mass confusion and rip a population of people apart. But I think a lot of it has to do with that part about "making a name for themselves." In truth, God's name is the only one that should ever be praised, he's the only one who should be really famous, and the only one who should ever be worshiped. But these people wanted that for themselves. Unfortunately this tradition continues to today, with everyone wanting their name known and anxiously waiting for their "fifteen minutes of fame" to begin. It's comical how we believe we deserve to get recognized for making witty comments on camera, pulling some backyard stunt, or even building a tower out of mud bricks. God made the whole earth just a few chapters back, and they thought they should be famous for using something he already made to make some baked tower in the desert. Smart. It reminds me of the all-important, yet sometimes instantly-forgettable lesson in humility; "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:5-7)

I find it interesting that people are always searching for power, strength, fame, money, ... even new clothes or a better house. But God doesn't ask us to take on any of that. He want's us to lean on him for might and power. We should never be anxious or worried about anything. And yet we always take our life into 'our own' hands. If the people were building that tower as an Ebenezer, or as some kind of praise to God, it would have been seen as a worthy venture. But because they made it to glorify their name, it is look at as pure foolishness. Which reminds me of the importance of this story for me: I'm going to have to check my motives with architecture often. It's easy to construct a Tower of Babel with your name stamped on it. It's difficult to surrender your talents and abilities to God, the one thing that actually matters. Buildings and towers and bridges and monuments all fall.

.dwelling.

Today = Luke 7:1-17 + Psalm 4 + Genesis 8-10

Well I wasn't going to post today because I got back much much later than expected and I'm completely and totally exhausted. I could sleep until noon if my body got the chance.... but a certain family Cuban breakfast at 7:30 tomorrow will prevent that I'm afraid...

I've been commenting mostly on the reading in Luke, which is fine because I do love Luke, but I need to switch it up just a little. And hopefully I will have a little more time to write some days... Psalm 4 is the reading I really paid attention to today. It's a psalm of David, and speaks of deliverance and struggle and love. I'm just going to write the whole thing, well, because I can :)

"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Many are asking, 'Who can show us any good?' Let the light of your face shine upon us O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4)

I love seeing a glimpse of David's heart for God in this. He loves him and trusts him so much. He doesn't wish for anything more than God's love and is satisfied in it. I wish I could say the same. I wish I could always say "Your have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound..." Sometimes I'm not satisfied. Heck, most days I seem to be thirsting for something other than God. But in everything that I've ever thirsted for or sought after that wasn't God, it didn't give my that peace. God's peace is not a sunny cloudless day with no obligations or fighting or problems. God's peace is something that happens when there ARE problems, and turmoil and hardship and during those times of chaos we feel that we truly are dwelling in safety. That the Lord will hear us when we call. I also love the line from this psalm that says, "In your anger, do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." (Psalm 4:4) I love the thought of just laying down on my comfy bed to rest, and examining the depths of my heart and just being silent and listening for God. Not with expectations of an epiphany or of angels popping out of the sky, but just of a heart-surrender to my God. Of waiting and listening and loving all that he is.

.a change of heart...

Today = Luke 6:27-49 + Genesis 6-7 + Psalm 3

Well once again I'm posting late... but it gave me lots of time since this morning to think about the verses!
Anyway, the verses in Luke are some of the more famous in the Bible, at least as far as popular culture goes.. The "Golden Rule" has been utilized by countless numbers of teachers, parents, and babysitters. Even in just my three days of reading through the Bible, I keep hitting verses that I think I am super familiar with, but look at a second time and find so much more meaning.

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you...." (Luke 6:27-31)

This "Do to others as you would have them do to you" is the basic rule I've had pounded into my head since I was old enough to write my name with all the letters facing the right direction. But I think I never really took the preceding verses into account. I could never quite picture God asking us to act poor and defenseless, handing out our clothes to whoever might like them (which is an insane thought during the dead of winter in Minnesota.). But I think I feel like we're being called to something different, something more than just giving material items.

Thousands of people give to charity or donate their old used broken things to the local Salvation Army, or spare a quarter or two when they start ringing the bells for the red kettles. I think we are asked to give more than that. It's not our broken unused stuff that we should give because it is not truly giving; we aren't sparing anything, and it doesn't hurt us in the slightest. Lately it seems to be the 'holy' way of taking out the materialist trash. The thrift store or shelter takes our rejected stuff off our hands, and we get nifty tax breaks and brownie points for being 'Good Christians' or "Caring Citizens." Bogus. When have we truly given anything? Time, clothes, food, money.... we never give in an act of sacrifice and humanity; we always give out of our wealth.

I feel challenged to give of myself a little more. No, I don't have money, I'm a poor college student. No, I don't have time because I'm in a long-term relationship with this thing called 'Architecture.' No, I don't have a whole lot of wisdom or skills that I feel are worthy to teach. No, sometimes I feel like I don't have any clothes to spare, even though I have them falling out of every drawer and swallowing every hanger. But these are the excuses I find it all-too-easy to make for myself. But in this lack of 'stuff,' I find myself feeling a little rich. Because when I do give, I feel like I am giving much because I have little. And gosh, when you're poor you have to be creative! There are other things to give: prayer (when was the last time you had someone pray over you?), cooking a meal, sharing music, giving friendship, giving coffee (gotta love a cup of joe!), giving an old textbook instead of selling it.... We are never rich because we have things, but because we have a King who provides all that we need. We can be rich in love and joy, which are so much more satisfying. God's lending plan ("But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back" Luke 6:33) doesn't seem very sound in todays' market of sharks, but when looked at as an investment of love and kindness, it does make perfect sense.

I think my favorite of all the reading is Luke 6:45. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." I think this verse challenges me so much. It's not about what I do that matters. In the end I can't control that. What I do and what I say will happen because of the state of my heart. So I think I need to stop asking myself, "What have I accomplished today, yesterday, this past year..?" and begin asking myself, "What have I done to change my heart?"

Luke 6..... and a super late post

Luke 6:1-26; Psalm 2: Genesis 3-5

Unfortunately it is not exactly the 15th anymore.. but sometimes there are crazy busy days and I stay up late sewing with my mom :) I don't have time for a long post, but I really liked the reading. Especially Luke. And especially verses 20-26.

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers teated the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets." (Luke 6:20-26)

This passage makes me happy and confused and .. almost saddened.. all at the same time! I love that God loves people so much, that in the midst of hardship they can be called blessed. And then weeping will turn to laughing, sadness to joy. I really never feel when I'm in the midst of those situations, though. When I'm hurt and people are abandoning me and I'm left out and feel alone, the last thing that comes across my mind is, 'Jump for joy!'

It reminds me that this life on earth is short, and the rewards we have.. and the trials we have are only momentary compared to infinite time.. I also feel guilty when reading this because compared to many I am rich. No, I don't have a shiny new car.... or even a brand new pair of jeans.. but compared to so many I have so much. I've been thinking about Haiti a lot today, and I'm starting to realize just how incomprehensible it is. It hits a little closer to home now that I have a fellow student that lives in Haiti. She has been on my mind a lot. Haiti has been on my mind a lot. I pray that though they weep now, they may one day laugh again.

1st Day!

Well, now for the first day! we'll just see how this goes..

Today's reading was Luke 5:27-39; Genesis 1-2; and Psalm 1

The passage in Luke is about the calling of Levi, who was a tax collector. i think my favorite thing is that all Jesus said was "Follow me" and Levi got up, left EVERYTHING and went with him. And then threw him a huge party! It always frustrates me to hear then the Pharisees asking about His association with the tax collectors and 'sinners.' Honestly, they sound so stupid when they are so self-righteous. It seems so obvious that they are so wrong sometime, and yet they never get it. I think what is truly scary about the Pharisees is that I see myself in them much too often. It is too easy to put myself and others in the right just because we've been Christians for a while, or because we belong to a certain church or group. it's sickening. my greatest fear is of becoming religious, but that fear becomes reality more than I'd like to admit. The line Jesus says in reply is one of my favorites:

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:31)

Why must Christians always parade around like we are so deserving of Christ? What in our lives deserves his love? Nothing.

"Come, all you who are thirsty, to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk with no cost.. " (Isaiah 55:1)

I love Isaiah 55. It's one of my favorites. I love the imagery and that description of God giving to us freely - we have nothing to bring to the table, nothing to give him in exchange, but he gives to us so freely and so abundantly.

Also today is Psalm 1: "Blessed is the man.. his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night.. whatever he does prospers..." Oh I wish I could say I always loved what God had to say and had it on my mind 24/7. Definitely not there yet.. not even close. But I guess that is what I'm attempting to develop. it's not going to be easy I know, but my God is worth it.

The longest section from today was Genesis chapter 1 & 2. I know I've heard it a thousand times it seems. But each time I do hear something new. Today I realized what beautiful chaos that must have been when the world was created - to have sea and sky separating and everything going on at once. A beautiful mess it sounds like to me. It also sounds like God had fun :)

new year | new blog | new love | new challenge

Well I mostly have failed at this blogging stuff, mostly because architecture causes my life to border on a level of insanity due to busyness. I also never feel like I have anything worth writing about. That last fact may not change, but I thought I would try something new for the new year.

What brought me to this conclusion might be epically cheesy, but I think it would be amazing if it worked out. I sat down with my family the other night and watched "Julie & Julia," which if you haven't seen it, is about a woman who decides to cook all of Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" recipes in one year. It intrigued me to write a blog about a challenge like that, which I know is not a new idea. When thinking about what I could possibly write about, many ideas came to (and left) my mind. I could write about my random happenings, as I have done .. and failed to do; I could challenge myself to do a drawing study every day, but the time consumed by that, though awesome, would be detrimental; I could write about food .. or design or architecture.. or something.. but I am not nearly an expert in any field, so I felt them all less than desirable.

After thinking for quite some time, I found that some sort of faith/Bible related thing could work. possibly... Any other subject I would write about might be interesting, but would probably not make a lasting impact, not in the way that impacting my faith, my core, would. I have always wanted to read through the Bible in a year.. but I never accomplished it. I have always been too busy, or too tired, or too separated from my Bible to keep on track. So thinking of blogging about reading the Bible in a year seems unrealistic, and in fact it might be. But whatever reading and writing I do complete, the outcome has to be positive. When did reading about God and thinking about God and writing about God ever hurt? I've been longing to have some excuse to fall madly back in love with my Savior, and now I think I may have found a challenge to do just that, by reading his Word: his love letter to the world.

Now, I really have no expertise in the Bible. Yes, I've been a follow of Christ for a while, but loads of technical Biblical knowledge is something I would not dream of pretending I had. I'm imagining this writing is going to be a bit rough, and I'm sure I will come to wrong conclusions... but my only goal with this challenge to myself is to go on an adventure and hopefully become more in love with my God, Savior, and very best Friend.