When joy dies

So I told myself that I wouldn't blog about the death of Robin Williams, because everyone is doing it.

Well, clearly I have turned my back on my oath and now blogging about Robin Williams.

Everyone's Facebook newsfeeds have been covered in clips and pictures of Robin Williams. Just a little while ago, someone posted a video Jimmy Fallon doing a tribute to him so we watched it.

Before it began, I was wondering, "Wow, this man really touched many, many peoples' lives...what was so different about him than other comedians and actors?"

Now don't get me wrong, he is one of my favorite actors. In fact, Mrs. Doubtfire is one of my favorite movies. It has just been amazing to me what an influence he has had on SO many people.

As I was watching the tribute I found my answer...joy.

That was what was different about Robin Williams, I think.

He clearly brought so much joy to life. He didn't seem like he was different on camera, than off.

Joy seemed to radiate through him or at least that is what it seemed.

When joy dies, of course, many, many people are affected.

He was a source of joy for many and now he's gone.

That's a tough pill to swallow for many of us.

It makes me think when true joy died two thousand years ago.

I can't imagine how Mary, Mary Magdeline, and the disciples (along with many, many others) felt when Jesus was crucified.

It's tough to lose such an amazing comedian and actor because he brought so much joy to our lives.

However, it's even more tough for me to think of the day when Jesus died because he is the true source of joy.

Thanks be to God, our joy was not taken away forever, but three days later, our joy was risen again.

I feel like this post would be great for Easter time, but then again, I don't think we can ever be reminded enough of the amazing joy that the two Marys' and the disciples must have felt when joy was resurrected that very normal, yet sacred day.

This joyful truth can hopefully remind us in our deepest, most sorrowful times in life, that Our Joy of Jesus never leaves us. He's always here for us waiting.

I'm not sure what was going on in Robin's life or what he might have been facing, but this terrible time of loss for his family (and everyone else for that matter) can be a reminder of how important it is to seek joy and seek joy for others, as well.

Find joy in the deep crevices of life even when financial burdens, illnesses, and broken relationships seem to be filling in around us.

However, when depression takes over it can be hard, practically impossible to find joy, but realizing that we need joy is our first step.

Finding joy in Christ and his resurrection and sharing it with others who may be struggling should be one of our top priorities, because when joy dies...life dies.

Let's try our best to keep joy alive.

Prayers for Robin William's family, those who are struggling with depression, and the rest of us, that we might go out of our way to bring joy into someone's life.

via

Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Jack, and License to Wed will always be in my top favorite movies :)

Movie Review: Heaven is for Real

A couple weeks ago we saw Heaven is for Real. 

A few years ago, I read the book in about a day because it was an easy read and rather interesting. 

I didn't think too much about it, but mainly, "well, anything is possible."

However, a couple things stood out as a little fishy, which caused me to wonder, "Why do pastors always come out with books like these? Why can't someone who's not in ministry write about visiting heaven?"  But then again, I can't argue with his experience.

Dave, on the other hand, has read plenty of books like "90 Minutes in Heaven", "23 Minutes in Hell", and others. He was more of a skeptic than I was. So when Heaven is for Real came out in movie theaters, he wasn't so sure about seeing it. However, something must have peeked his interest because we ended up seeing it.

Guess what?
I was very, very impressed with it.
It wasn't a corny Christian movie (however, some people may disagree) with terrible acting, but it was very real, humorous, and thought provoking.

One thing I think they did very well, was the portrayal of doubting and questioning.
Although Colton (3 year old boy who visited heaven) was convincing, his dad (the pastor), had a really hard time believing him. The movie really showed Todd and his wife struggling with the revelation that Colton kept bringing up.
I've said before, there's nothing wrong to question. 
It is often in our questioning, that leads us to a deeper faith. 

I also liked how they focused on the goodness of God.
There is a scene where Todd is talking to one of his church member's who lost her son in the war.
Their dialogue consisted of showing that God didn't favor Todd over her because Colton was still living rather than her son.
He made it clear to her that God loves her just the same and that unfortunately, death is a part of life.
I think it presented such a profound truth, that just because something bad happens in your life, doesn't mean God loves you any less than anyone else. 
He loves us all the same with an unconditional love, but it doesn't take away the truth that evil still exists in the world and death happens.
However, Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Lastly, I think the most important truth they portrayed through the movie was that "neither death nor life can separate us from the love of God" (Romans 8:38-39). Even if Colton was making all this up, he shed light onto the wonderful news that God gives us peace through everlasting life. We don't really know what heaven is like, but we should rest assured, that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. 
He offers us peace in knowing that He never leaves us, He loves us with an everlasting love, and He gives us the gift of eternal life.

So whether or not, you believe in near death experiences or visions, this movie is still enjoyable and portrays many important points that we should remember every day. 

Where are you?

 

¹ As the deer pants for streams of water,
    so my soul pants for you, my God.
² My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
    When can I go and meet with God?
³ My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
    “Where is your God?”
⁴ These things I remember
    as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
    under the protection of the Mighty One^[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
    among the festive throng.

⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

~Psalm 42

 

Yesterday, I went to my boyfriend's church.

The sermon was based upon Psalm 42. It was very relatable so I figured I'd share some of my favorite points with you.

 

During the sermon, Pastor Eric painted us a picture of what it looks like to be caught in the middle of a drought. Not literally, but figuratively.

The kind of drought that brings about questions and emotions. Not just any questions, but questions that are so desperate for answers. Questions that are life changing. Questions of why, where, and how.

Not just any emotion, but raw emotion. The emotions that well up deep within the soul that are fighting so desperately to come out. Emotions that come from an experience that often leaves a person feeling wrecked.

This is the kind of drought I'm talking about.

 

As I listened to the message, tears rolled down my cheek. My mind went straight to my close friends who have recently lost parents. I haven't experienced the death of a loved one so I can't really relate, but I do know that what so often follows a death are questions like "Why God? Where are you?!"

My heart aches for them.

 

Although I haven't asked those questions in that sense, I have asked them.

I've asked these questions when plans haven't work out the way that I had planned.

I've asked these questions when I've seen the world, as well as the tragedy it has faced.

Mostly, I've asked these questions in terms of my health. While I've writhed in pain, I've cried out to God, "Where are you? Why are you letting this happen? Rescue me!"

 

I'm sure you've faced similar experiences. If it hasn't been a death or illness, maybe it has been a broken relationship or disappointment. Who knows, but I bet that you've asked the why, where, and how questions before.

 

While some people may say that questioning God is bad, Pastor Eric encouraged us that questions are good. Questions are healthy, as well as emotions (even anger and sadness). He said, "being Christian doesn't mean we have it altogether, but what happens when you get it wrong."

 

So be encouraged if you are facing a drought right now and don't understand why...I may not have an answer for you, but I do know it isn't because God has left you. He hasn't left you. He is by your side. He never promised that life would be easy. He never said that if you follow Him nothing bad will happen, but instead Jesus said, "take up your cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).  The cross may be heavy and may rub the wrong way at times, but it's worth it in the end.

 

Don't feel ashamed to question or to feel emotion. Lean upon God and have hope.

You see, a drought is always followed by a shower.

If you are in a drought, I pray that you will feel a shower of love, peace, and comfort that only God can provide.

(If you need more encouragement check out my post, Joy Abounds),

 

In loving memory of Andi & Jim - 2 people I was blessed to have known.

 

 

 

Don't forget to pray for the unreached people group of the day!

 

Reading plan for the week:

Today: 2 Chronicles 28-31

Tuesday: 2 Chronicles 32-34

Wednesday: 2 Chronicles 35-36

Thursday: Ezra 1-3

Friday: Ezra 4-7

Saturday: Ezra 8-10

 

 

 

Life or death?

Life or death?

Which one would you choose?

I would think you would choose life, but you may not realize that you are actually choosing death.

Let me explain...

 

Yesterday, my family and I went to hear one of my good friend's preach.

He brought a very convicting message and we were blessed to hear it.

 

Our reading was Galatians 5:16-24:

¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. ¹⁹ Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, ²¹ envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Now those who  belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

 

A little fact about me: I can be very indecisive. Sometimes it's very hard for me to make decisions. It's a problem that I'm working on, that's for sure.

My friend, as he was preaching, made me realize that decision making can be quite easy.

He said, "reduce it down to the simplest form...does it feed the spirit or the flesh?"

I had never thought of it that way.

When I am making a decision, I should focus on my motive.

Am I doing this for me? Will it bring me closer to God or will distance me from Him? Will it feed the Spirit or my flesh?

 

He said something else that really stood out to me...

"Choose the spirit...it frees you from the law...it's impossible to be perfect."

A lot of people think that Christianity is all about rules. You can't do this, but you can do that. Actually, it's not that way at all. Jesus has freed us from the law (10 Commandments). The 10 Commandments prove that we can never be perfect and we desperately need Jesus, only Jesus was perfect. Being a Christian, is not about doing good works, it's about being in relationship with God and following His will. When we choose the Spirit, then good works should become natural to us.

 

I can't wake up one morning and say,

"Okay, I am going to be kind, patient, gentle, good and have self-control today."

It doesn't work that way, because I don't have the power to do that since I am imperfect. I am sure to mess up at some point, because I am sinful creature. BUT when I make a point to be in the Spirit (meaning reading the Bible, praying, being in community with other believers, worshiping), God will help me to be all those things because those are the fruit of the Spirit. Those are things that can only come from being in Christ.

Just like watering an apple tree....you have to give it all the nutrients it needs in order for it to bear fruit, but if you don't it is sure to die.

I have to water myself with God and He will bring the good out of me.

He is the only one that can.

Does that make sense? I hope so.

That is living in the Spirit, but what about living in the flesh?

 

Well, "living by the flesh leads to unintended destruction/consequences."

If we choose to live by our selfish desires, consequences are sure to follow and not good consequences either. When we live in the Spirit, we produce good consequences. When we live in the flesh, we produce bad consequences.

These consequences are unintended because I doubt that anyone wakes up in the morning saying, "I want to go to prison today." I highly doubt that people seek a life of bad consequences on purpose.

I'm sure if you were to ask a prisoner if he/she wanted to end up there, they would probably say no, but because of a selfish decision they have found themselves in a prison cell. Whether it be drugs, alcohol, lying, cheating, stealing...these are all choices of the flesh, not of the Spirit. Doing those things may satisfy you at the moment, but in the long run, it can only lead to destruction. When you choose the flesh, you are heading for death. Maybe it's not physical death, but more importantly it leads to spiritual death.

Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

 

So when you go to make a decision which will you choose...

Spirit or flesh?

Life or death?

 

Who will you serve - you or God?

 

 

This week's reading for the year long reading plan:

Today - Leviticus 14-15

Tomorrow - chapters 16-18

Wednesday - chapters 19-21

Thursday - chapters 22-23

Friday - chapters 24-25

Saturday - chapters 26-27

Sunday - catch up day, if needed!

 

 

What a week...

First of all, I apologize for the long lapse of posting. This week has been crazy!!! So normally my job is part-time, but this week I was full-time due to my boss' family emergency. Great news though, I made it through the week! I am completely worn out, that's for sure, but I'm back to part-time this week.

Rest, rest, rest for me this week! I don't want a relapse, no siree.

 

My class is going really well! This week we learned about Cat and Dog theology. Sounds funny, huh? I'll give you a short summary...

 

Dogs say, "You feed me, you shelter me, you love me...You must be God."

Cats say, "You feed me, you shelter me, you love me...I must be God."

 

Dogs are all about giving God the glory. They worship God in their everyday lives in everything they do. They praise Him for who He is.

Cats are all about focusing on themselves. They worship God on their own time, usually on Sundays. They praise Him for what He does for them.

 

Dogs think, "What does God get?" when they read the Bible. They focus on every character of God...love, grace, discipline, wrath, mercy, sovereignty, etc.

Cats think, "What do I get?" when they read the Bible. They focus on God's blessings...only one aspect.

 

Dogs want God's will, whether they like it or not.

Cats want what they want, not God's will.

 

Everyone has at least a little bit of cat in them, because we are all humans. We can tend to focus on ourselves more than God, because we can be selfish. It's not fun to think about, but it's true.

 

So which one are you? Are you a dog or a cat?

Needless to say, that lesson was very interesting, convicting, and made me want to get rid of my selfish, cat ways.

If you want more information on Cat & Dog Theology, check it out here.

 

So work and class have been good, but yesterday I woke up to some very sad news. One of my best friend's mom died yesterday morning from cancer. I've never lost anyone close to me, so she is actually the closest person I've lost. I can't imagine how my best friend feels. I'm so happy for her mom because she is now pain free, walking on the streets of gold, hand in hand with Jesus. Gives me goose bumps (aka God bumps) everytime I think about it. However, my heart breaks for my friend and her family. I can't imagine losing someone as close as a mother or father. Please pray for my friend Katelyn and her family. That they may feel God's peace and rest knowing that one day they will meet her again. That they will be comforted in knowing that she now has a new body and is with her Savior for eternity. That they will feel blessed to have had so many wonderful years filled with many memories with such a wondeful, faithful woman. Also, please pray for me in that I can be the friend I'm supposed to be. That the Holy Spirit will give me the words when needed to speak words of encouragement. That the Holy Spirit will give me discernment when silence and a hug is needed. That God would give me the strength she needs. That God would make me a safe haven for her to come and express her hurts and doubts.  I'm pretty much at a loss for words so your prayers are appreciated!

 

Although she has left her earthly, temporary home, she is now in her permanent, heavenly home. I know that God is working through this for His glory. It's just hard to see and understand right now. Death happens...it's a part of life and this was just her time for God to call her home. You may have dealt with death before, but always know that God brings good from the bad.

 

So now that I'm on a part-time schedule again, I should be back soon!

I hope you all are doing well & giving God all the glory with your life :)