Last night I had a pretty decent conversation with a close sic. We discussed a lot of topics including faith, relationships, the future, and what to do when were cooped up in a stress ball. Half way through the conversation, we decided to hold each other accountable and at least try to fit in a talk once a week to catch up on each others' lives and keep ourselves sane. After this great conversation I started reading parts of a book called "Everyday Justice" by Julie Clawson (a Christian perspective). A pastor at church had lent it to me because there was a chapter on ethical consumption regarding clothing, and knowing that I was a textile student, she thought of me. I've had this book in my possession for a while now and I didn't really read too much into it (some topics were actually boring), also, I felt like I should return it soon, so I thought I should read into it just a little bit more. However, as I was reading it yesterday, a few verses popped out at me and made me reflect on them a lot. As a matter of fact, I've been reflecting a lot these last few days of my break and I got reminded of my role as a Christian and what it truly means to be Christ-like.
Here it goes:
"We are called to seek first the kingdom of God- including the call to love God and love others" - Matthew 6:33 & 22:37-39
This one stuck out like a sore thumb because its not easy at all. I know my priorities aren't set on things above and it crossed my mind how everything we do on Earth is suppose to contribute for God's kingdom and HIS plans, so I definitely have to work on this one and be less selfish and more self-less.
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions" -Luke 12:15
I know I spent quite a bit over this holidays, and January will definitely be pay the bills month-especially the Visa bill. But when I really think about it, its so easy for us, as humans to get caught up in sales, up to _ _ % off, BOGO, discounts- but were the things I bought really necessary?
"the Sabbath made for people, not people for the Sabbath" -Mark 2:27
I know I've been not treating the Sabbath day as a holy day of rest, sometimes it a work work work, finish errands, run around & get things done (possibly last minute too) day and mentality- a polar opposite from rest
I tend to worry a lot on a usual basis, but I find myself worrying A LOT lately.I really don't know my future at all. I find myself tossing ideas of where I will be or what I will be doing a few years from now, but then I'm held back by something or posing "what ifs," so again and again I turn to this:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" -Jeremiah 29:11
&& lastly, my favorite, keeps me going and assured that God will always provide. Always.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" -Matthew 7:7
Cheers to a great break and it ended off just right.
we'll just have to wait and see what good cheer this term brings...
hey! great stuff. about your sabbath thing, i dont think its only you. in fact i think most of us dont treat it the way it should be treated. it's a lot like communion. we don't realize how sacred it is so we just kind of go through the motions sometimes when we shouldnt be taking communion.
ReplyDeletemaybe step 1 is to realize how important sabbath is and then work everything around the day. even if it is as far as stressing and worrying over finishing everything so you can have sabbath off. i think it makes it that much more worthwhile if you prepare well for it.
i know its hard but keep it up!
Hi Sawa,
ReplyDeleteWe can do this. We can make it through this term! I was just thinking last night, before bed, about how much God has blessed me throughout year 2010. Even though there were many times of complete shattering breakdowns, I've grown up so much and used what He has given me. So, in a way, going through 2011 may be exciting because of we don't know what blessings God has in store for us this year. I hope that helps you a bit. Also, we just have to know and TRUST in God. That completing school is not just a end destination. But that completing school is a step (a something-along-the-way) because our life is not just based on school. It's based on doing what we can for Him on this earth. I thought of that as I was praying and it helped me have enough courage to face today.
Anyways, hope you had a good first day back.
Take care,
Tea