When Will We Take A Stand?

Some things I read online or see on the news just really infuriate me, and nothing gets me more upset than people ignoring, disrespecting, and not caring about God. I think of all the things God has done for me in my life, how I can wake up every morning in this country of freedom, have all kinds of luxuries, food to eat, clothes to wear, never live in fear, able to worship in freedom...fill in the blank. We are blessed beyond words! Has anyone else noticed how God is being pushed out of everything in our society? We have people protesting about saying, "One nation under God", and my goodness, don't even THINK about praying in schools. And now we are headed for the season that has always been shared with me called Christmas. But how much longer will it be called Christmas?? We have people throwing a fit about calling them "Christmas Trees", and we need to call them "Holiday Trees". Or how about "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" so we don't offend someone. Really?? Offend someone because I believe in Christ, and I'm not ashamed of Him? Am I the only one that this bothers? Where have all the people who profess Christianity gone? Why are we letting "the world" take over our beliefs? I see it all the time how society thinks everything is "ok" now days, and we, as Christians, just sit back and go along with it. I see Christians going along with lots of things that the world views as "ok", and I don't get it. I hear conversations going on with Christians that I expect to hear from my non-Christian friends, but not from those who claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. No one wants to take a stand for anything, and if it feels good and makes you happy, then God must be all for it. Oh how we don't get God!! I see a lot of "religious" folks using God's grace as a means to justify how we want to live. We even have to squeeze God into OUR busy schedules, and it can only be for an hour or two on Sunday at the most, because God, let's face it, I have more important things to do than worship you. It breaks my heart to think of all the Lord has done for us, and we can't even take a minute out of our busy day to just say thank you to Him. One of these days, this world is going to come to a screeching halt, and the wrath of God is going to be unleashed, and that is a scary thought to me. I think we sometimes forget how BIG God is, and we put Him on our lowly, human level, and we just think He's going to be ok with things and overlook them. I'm just tired of Christians not taking a stand for things, and letting society control us. You can call it a "Holiday Tree" if you want, but to me?? It will ALWAYS be a CHRISTmas tree!!! Can you really sing the lyrics to this hymn honestly, and say you are not ashamed of our Lord?? I don't know of too many Christians today who are "defending His Cause". And that's just sad. When did we become so lax in our Christianity? I don't know why God puts up with any of us, but I'm thankful He does.

"I’m not ashamed to own my Lord,
Or to defend His cause;
Maintain the honor of His Word,
The glory of His cross."

Stop "going along" with the world, and take a stand for God!! The world sure doesn't care if they "offend" Christians. God Bless!!

Oh My ________!!!!

Fill in the blank! Why is it that we ALL more than likely put God in that blank?? Could it be because we hear it all day long at work, all night long on our tvs, constantly thrown around loosely in movies? Do people even stop to think what they are saying?? I also don't like the abbreviation "OMG", and I see it all over Facebook. Why do we have to degrade our Father who has given us everything?? A few years ago, our drama ministry at church put on a skit that made you think! The scene was 2 girls engaged in conversation about shopping. One girl was so excited about the clothes she bought, and she just kept saying, "Like, oh my God...". She would say this about everything, well the other girl starts talking, and she would say, "Like, oh my Dennis..." over and over. The girl taking God's name in vain finally pipes up and says, "Why do you keep disrespecting my father?" The other girl points to heaven and says, "Why do you keep disrespecting mine??!!" OUCH!! I'm telling you, that one hit home!! People just don't even think about what they are saying. We all know the commandment, "Do not take the Lord's name in vain", but as with most things with spirituality, we don't get it!! I've even heard people comment, "Well, there's alot worse things you can say!" Um...really? You are slamming the Creator of everything we know, but there's worse things we can say? Wow! The only time I better be saying, "OH MY GOD", is when I'm kneeling by my bedside, crying out in prayer! Think about it, and think about our God when you say it, would you want someone taking your father's name in vain?? Probably not! Have a blessed day, and remember what our Lord has done for us! Oh...my...God, none of us are worthy to be in your presence!!

Listen To Him!!!!

How many times do I find myself listening to other voices, and not listening to God's?? "Jesus Calling" hit the nail on the head again today. I'm going to share the whole devotional thought as I've had "Christian voices" telling me to do something that I know in my heart is not of the Lord. Kinda sad when your Christian brothers and sisters can lead you astray, too, but we are human.

"THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Me. The law of the Spirit of Life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Not many Christians know how to live in the radical freedom, which is their birthright. I died to set you free; live freely in Me!

To walk along the path of freedom, you must keep your mind firmly fixed on Me. Many voices proclaim: "This is the way for you to go," but only My voice tells you the true way. If you follow the way of the world with all its glitter and glamour, you will descend deeper and deeper into an abyss. Christian voices also can lead you astray: "Do this!" "Don't do that!" "Pray this way!" "Don't pray this way!" If you listen to all those voices, you will become increasingly confused.

Be content to be simple sheep, listening for My voice and following Me. I will lead you into restful green pastures and guide you along paths of righteousness." ~Jesus Calling

Oh, how I love this!! I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. If you don't have this devotional book, please invest in it. It is so incredible, and each day is just a short script like the one above, but so powerful. I can honestly say it's one of the best birthday presents I have ever received!! I have been confused by other voices I've heard saying, "this is wrong" or "this is right", and I get to a point that I don't know who to believe. What I have to learn is all I want and need to do is listen to the voice of my Father. Isn't this what we all want deep down?? We cannot make it in this life alone, and people who don't believe...well, I just don't know how they ever make anything work in this world. I know for me, I cannot survive in this world without my God! I just long to love Him and listen to Him more, and I pray that this is what you want, too!! God wants us to listen to Him, why is this so hard for us to understand? God Bless!!

The Fog...

Do you ever feel like you're in a fog? It's like you're trying to see God, but you can't? No matter how hard you pray, it feels like He's so far away. I get this way at times, and wish I didn't. Sometimes I feel SO close to Him, and I know He's guiding my every step, but other times, when I feel I need Him the most, I can't seem to get past the fog that is between us. Distractions are the worst for me. Someone who deals with a bit of ADD has a HARD time focusing. I can really try spending quiet time with my Lord when all of a sudden, I let the cares of my day get in the way. Thinking of bills that need paying, trying to book another job, or just letting the worry of "things" bog me down. It is so frustrating the way distractions keep my eyes off of God. It's ironic how more times than not, the "Jesus Calling" devotional book, seems to "fit" what I'm going through on the day I need it most. Today is no exception, and inspired me to write this blog. I've definitely been struggling lately on a career path, I love what I do, but it's just not cutting it for the bills, especially when you can't count on people to keep you booked. I book jobs and then people back out on me. Owning your own business is great, but it's tough not having a guaranteed pay check on a regular basis. Part of me just wants to pack up and move away, saying screw it all. I just wish I knew the direction I'm supposed to go. Am I supposed to stay in Nashville, or does God have bigger plans for me?? Just what am I supposed to be doing with my life? Right now, I'm trying to see past the fog to what God really wants me to do.

"As you look at the day before you, you see a twisted, complicated path, with branches going off in all directions. You wonder how you can possibly find your way through that maze. Then you remember the One who is with you always, holding you by your right hand..." ~Jesus Calling

No matter how dense my fog becomes, there is always "something" that brings me peace, "something" that tells me to hang on. I hate the fog, I wish I could see God clearly all the time, but I think we have the fog to make us draw closer to Him. Do you feel like you're in a fog right now? Don't give up, friends. Keep clinging to the One that matters...He is ALL that matters!! I'm praying for you all, and ask you to please pray for me, too!! One day the fog will lift eternally! Oh what a glorious day that will be!! God Bless!

Two Years!!

It is hard to believe that the NorthField Church is getting ready to celebrate it's 2nd anniversary this Sunday!! NorthField is a satellite campus of the Madison Church of Christ in Madison, TN. I have been a part of NorthField since the beginning, and it's hard to believe that we started out with 85 people, and now we have a little over 200!! We first began meeting in a school cafeteria, but starting Sunday we are moving into the school gymnasium because we are outgrowing the cafeteria! How awesome is that?? God is truly blessing us in our work with this church. I'm so excited to be a part of it, and I can't wait to see where the future takes us. I've heard so many incredible things from members who were looking for a church home. I can honestly say that this church is like no other I've ever been a part of. Most churches I've been to go something like this, you just show up for your hour or two, have your "social time", and go home until the following week. At NorthField, we are not like that. It's about getting to know people on a deeper, personal level, plus we have to work setting up and tearing down each week because the cafeteria has been our "sanctuary". There are no padded pews here! I love the fact that we meet in a school cafeteria, and soon to be gym, because church is not about BIG buildings. Church is about being Christ to a lost world! Pretty sure Jesus never taught in a multi-million dollar building! I just love this church!! I can't say it enough! Unfortunately, I will be out of town this weekend attending a conference that is near to my heart, and I'm really torn about not being here for the 2nd anniversary, but I feel God calling me to attend this conference. So please be in prayer for Sunday to be greater than we ever dreamed or imagined for God's glory, and that we will just continue to grow! I see God doing BIG things with NorthField, and that's exciting!!! God Bless!!

Why Do I Worry?

Lately, I've been a little bit stressed and down right worried about my work. Those that know me, know I pet/house sit for a living. I knew these slow times would come, and I really thought I was prepared for it, until I get a bill in the mail that, DOH!! I forgot all about! I LOVE having my own business, being my own boss, and not having a boss hover over me 8 hours a day, but running your own business means you have to work harder to make sure you get jobs to pay your bills, eat, etc. I've been trying to trust, and give it all to God, but the fact is, I still doubt. I still worry that He's not going to take care of me. I get so frustrated with myself because all of this fretting and worrying steals my joy. The joy I have most of my days, the joy I have with the smile on my face more times than not, the excitement of all the blessings I have in my life. I just hate myself when this happens because Julie KNOWS that God is gonna work it out, He has ALWAYS taken care of me and never let me down, so why would I worry now? I came across this quote on Facebook today, and had to put it on my status. Many times, I post status updates for, yes, other people, but more times than not, they are for ME. And this one today was right on the mark:

“Worry is a down payment on a problem you may never have.”

Isn't that true? I usually get worked up over stuff that never even happens. And when I look back at what I was worrying about, I see God's hand in the whole thing. Why do I always have to be in control? Why can't I just let God have everything because He sees the whole picture where I can only see part of it. The "Jesus Calling" devotional says this today, "Your sense of security must not rest in your possessions or in things going your way. I am training you to depend on Me alone, finding fulfillment in My Presence. This entails being satisfied with much or with little. Instead of grasping and controlling, you are learning to release and receive. Cultivate the receptive stance by trusting Me in every situation." This is what I long for, I long to give it ALL to God and worry no more. Even though right now I can't see the jobs He is preparing for me, I know that He is as He continues to whisper, "Julie, stop worrying!! TRUST ME! That's all I ask of you." So what's worrying you? Are you letting God control you, or are you complaining about it on your Facebook status? Let go and give it to God. He's got you and me!! Let's all let go and let God!! God Bless!!

Are You Living For Today Or For Eternity?

Are you living for today or for eternity? That's a tough question, but one I would like to ask some people. It's funny how I can spend about 10 minutes with people, and I can usually tell if they are living for today, or living for eternity. The ones living for today are consumed with talking about things of earth, or this or that "thing" to buy, or this or that trip to take, but then there are others in my life, and all they want to talk about with me are spiritual things, living in Heaven, seeing our Glorious God. Honestly, I don't mind talking about "things" here on earth, but I would much rather talk about the things of God. God excites me, Heaven excites me, and sometimes I just don't get that vibe from some who call themselves Christians, and I really don't see much difference in them than the world. We can sure get excited about sports, new gadgets, or fill in the blank (me included), but why can't we get this excited and more for God? It's amazing the difference in faces I see at church on a Sunday morning to the ones I see at sporting events or a shopping mall. We can rush right out the door early from church to go to a football game, but we sure don't rush away from a game to worship God. Why is that? We should be screaming our heads off in church like we do at sporting events, we should be getting there early to get a good seat, but instead, we waltz in 15 or 20 minutes late. You may laugh, but isn't it true? God wants us to get more excited for Him than someone who makes millions of dollars to run a football into an end zone that won't mean a hill of beans 10 years from now. Don't get me wrong, I love sports as much as the next person (those who know me know how much of a sports fanatic I am), I would just like to see us get as excited for God as we do for fleeting sporting events. I'm just being real here, so love me or hate me, deal with it. :-) I'm just tired of God taking a back seat to everything. Life can change in the blink of an eye, and trust me, I don't think on judgement day God is going to care who or who did not win the Super Bowl in 1993. I have no clue who won that year, it was just a random year I pulled out of my brain. :-)

Life changed for several people yesterday from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas in the blink of an eye. I've never been to ACU, but it's still special to me because it is a sister university to where I went to school at Harding University. We are Church of Christ affiliated schools, and have several schools around the country. When tragedy hits at one of our campuses, it affects all of us as a body of Christ. There was a bad bus accident yesterday carrying ACU students and staff/faculty. A 19 year old student was killed, and several others injured. This is just how fast life can change, and my heart grieves for the family and people who lost a daughter, granddaughter, sister, roommate, and friend. I'm thankful in Christ, we know there are no goodbyes, but we need to be grateful for each day God gives us because we never know when we might be called home. So if you're just living for today, or for that certain sporting event or next thing to waste money on, stop for a minute and think where your life is going. What are you doing to make a difference in the lives of others? We were not made for this world, but for the next one. Nothing excites me more than thinking of that day when I go home. I don't belong here, and I don't want to live for today, but for my God and eternity. I find comfort in knowing that with each passing day I'm getting closer to my eternal home where there will be no more pain or sorrow. It may be today or it may be 40 years from now. Either way, this world has nothing for me...as Paul said, "I consider everything I once treasured to be as insignificant as rubbish." I TOTALLY get Paul!!!!! So as I end this blog, I ask you to please keep the ACU family in your prayers. Remember to live each day as if it's your last, and cherish the times with your loved ones because we just aren't guaranteed tomorrow. And when that day comes, I'm pretty sure you will not be caring about a sporting event or keeping up with the latest trends, but where your heart is with the Lord, our God. God Bless!!

But The Voice Of Truth...

Casting Crowns is one of my favorite Christian artists. They have a lot of songs that speak to me. "Voice of Truth" has always been one of my favorites, especially in the times that I'm feeling like Satan is beating me down. I can put this song on, and it gives me a renewed strength and confidence of where my help comes from. As I was reading my Jesus Calling devotional this morning, it kind of goes along with this song. It says, "Walk peacefully with Me in this day. Challenging times wake you up and amplify your awareness of needing My help. When you don't know what to do, wait while I open the way before you. TRUST that I know what I'm doing, and be ready to follow My lead. I will give strength to you, and I will bless you with peace." I was so comforted when I read this this morning. I realize when I try to do things on my own, they just don't work, and as the song "Voice of Truth" states, "...but the waves are callin' out my name and they laugh at me, reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed...but the voice of truth tells me a different story..." Nothing works without God...NOTHING. And if we don't make Him our first priority, we end up feeling lost, confused, and alone. Today I feel peace in my Lord because I know He's in control, and I'm listening to his voice of truth!! God doesn't want us to fail, He wants us to soar like eagles for His glory!! Why can't we just let go and let Him take complete control? I leave you now with the song, "Voice of Truth". It is my prayer that if you're having a rough time right now, that the lyrics of this song speak to you like never before. Do NOT let Satan win, he wants you to give up and remember all the times you've failed! He is NOT your savior! Stop listening to that voice, and listen to the one who wants nothing but the best for you!! He loves you more than you will ever understand and know!! God Bless!!

Debbie Downer Doesn't Live Here!!

You know, I find it amazing how God works when we least expect it. I write the blog I wrote last night, only to wake this morning to read in my Jesus Calling Devotional Book something that smacks me in the face. I LOVE it when God does this!! It's one of those, "Stop worrying, Julie! I've got this!!" moments!! I'm going to share the short devo from this book, and if you don't have this devotional book, I highly recommend it. A friend gave it to me on my birthday this year, and I absolutely love it. It's called, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. It is just a short daily devotional for every day of the year. Anyway, this is today's thought:

"Every time something thwarts your plans or desires, use that as a reminder to communicate with Me. This practice has several benefits. The first is obvious: Talking with Me blesses you and strengthens our relationship. Another benefit is that disappointments, instead of dragging you down, are transformed into opportunities for good. This transformation removes the sting from difficult circumstances, making it possible to be joyful in the midst of adversity.

Begin by practicing this discipline in all the little disappointments of daily life. It is often these minor setbacks that draw you away from My Presence. When you reframe setbacks as opportunities, you find that you gain much more than you have lost. It is only after much training that you can accept major losses in this positive way. But it is possible to attain the perspective of the apostle Paul, who wrote: Compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, I consider everything I once treasured to be as insignificant as rubbish."

Wow!! Talk about powerful and a jolt from God! I love this, and everything it has to say. I don't want to be a "Debbie Downer", even when life stinks, she doesn't live here!! :-) I want to still find joy and peace whatever my circumstance through our Heavenly Father. He has done SO much for me, how can I not be happy and rejoice? God Bless!!

Sometimes You're The Bug...

Are you ever surprised or disappointed by life? I mean things that happen to you that you're not expecting? I know I am. Just when I think I get something figured out, and everything is going smoothly, WHAM!! I'm the bug smashing into the windshield. I try to be a pretty positive person, but sometimes, life just stinks. Bottom line! We've all "been there, done that"! I think the thing that stinks the most is when you count on people, and they let you down. Yep, you know what I'm talking about there, too! I can't count the number of times it has happened to me, so much so, that I've pretty much put up a wall because I am tired of being hurt and let down. Sometimes I wish life had an instruction book to tell me where to go and what to do. Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing the right thing, or living in the right place? I have so many dreams, and things I want to do, but yet I find myself many days stuck in the same rut and routine. Today has been one of those days where I just want to get in my car and drive to who knows where, just to get away and tell no one. I want to chunk my cell phone out the window and not talk to anyone. Another plus to being single, I can really do this if I want to! haha! I'm just stressing a bit right now over several things, and I just ask you to please pray for me. I want to trust God, but just like every other human being, we all go through these times of doubt. I just want to believe that God's got me, and He is in control!! I know I'm gonna be that bug from time to time, and so are you, but what if instead of running into a windshield, we ran into our Father's arms?? Isn't that where we find our true peace? Sometimes this life is not always roses, but praise God this life is not the end of our story!! Thanks for your prayers and letting me vent!! :-) God Bless!!