My Bleeding Heart

So I have been thinking lately about this bleeding heart of mine. I have found myself wondering what exactly it is that makes me the kind of person who is willing to get out of bed at 3 in the morning to give a friend a ride when they get pulled over with a suspended license, or the kind of person who will be willing to listen to the troubles of a friend who hasn't spoken to me in years and try to help them, despite the person's selfishness. I give blood several times a year, despite my distaste for needles, to help total strangers. I am the kind of person who will drive out of my way to pick up a friend from the airport, train station, street corner, or where ever and give them a ride, not asking for gas money or expecting anything in return. I open up my home and room to people who need a place to stay and not expect compensation for my trouble. I am more than willing to give out of my excess, whether time, money, or resources, to help people who need it. But why?
It makes other people wonder too. My parents most of all. I don't say all this because it bothers me or because I want recognition or credit for my actions. I also do not claim to have obtained the utmost humility, but as I was pondering these things I came to what I think might be the conclusion. [Again I do not say this to be cocky or prideful] It's Christ-likeness. A very meager, pitiful, human attempt at Christ-likeness. I forgive people who hurt me, I help people who need me, and in my humanity I think this is good or that it makes me good. Christ does it so much better. He looks at the sinful, broken, dirty, prideful, selfish, stupid, lazy, lying, cheating, hateful, violent, careless people of this world-people like me-and he calls them his children. He knew that we would turn our backs on him, hurt him, and spit on his sacrifice, but he still chose to take our place and our punishment on himself.
It still amazes me. Whenever I see lives changed by this incredible love, it amazes me. I didn't deserve it. None of us deserve it. But still I look at my pitiful "sacrifices" like I have done something so noble. These things I do should be expected of me. It is the proper response to the love that has been shown me. I am truly blessed beyond belief and I appreciate any chance I have to share that blessing with others. I thank God for putting that in perspective for me.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

The Barefoot Book: Review

The Barefoot Book is written by Daniel Howell, PhD, who teaches human anatomy and physiology at Liberty University. I asked for this book for Christmas because I had been dabbling in barefootedness and wanted more information on the subject. I have just finished reading it and I am feeling much more informed-and much less likely to wear shoes if I can help it. The book outlines the way that unnatural shoes deform our feet and how the shoe is an incubator for infection and disease. There are several chapters educating the reader on the way the foot functions normally and shod, a chapter shows the ill effects of high heeled shoes on the body, and another discusses the detriment of growing up in shoes. There are also testimonials for barefoot living, encouragement to run, walk, and even hike barefoot, and ideas for minimalist footwear when it is necessary to wear shoes. There is a chapter devoted to getting started in a barefoot lifestyle and another that disproves many myths about barefooting. It also gives helpful resources for those new to baring their feet, including the Society for Barefoot Living. After reading this I feel much more prepared to attempt a completely (or at least mostly) barefoot lifestyle. There is still some research I would like to do, but for anyone who is curious or has questions regarding barefoot living, I definitely recommend this book. It is incredibly informative and an easy read. You might just change your mind about constant shoe wearing. So kick your shoes off and pick up a copy of The Barefoot Book today!

Birthday Wishes

Tomorrow I turn 21. Here are some things I want for my birthday:
World Peace
Hugs
Coloring books
Laughter
A baby dragon
A pet unicorn
iTunes gift cards
Adventure
And to make someone smile.
Other than that I think I have everything I need :)

Job Interviews

This is how I feel the night before the interview. I go rummaging through my closet thinking, "Why don't I own anything professional!?" I somehow manage to throw something together nonetheless.

 

This is how I feel during the process. They ask me questions and pick apart my answers. I'm so scared I'm going to say the wrong thing and get Blacklisted! It's nerve-wracking!

And this is how I feel now, knowing that I GOT THE JOB!!!

Mission Trip to Alaska!

I have the incredible opportunity this summer to go to beautiful Alaska to share the Gospel. The people of Alaska are largely unreached and unchurched. This July I will go with a group from Bedrock Community Church to serve the community in Kenai, Alaska during the Salmon Frenzy.We will be assisting the residents as they fish, handing out food and drinks, running kids camps, and leading a Sunday chapel on the beach. I am so excited to go and be the hands and feet of Christ on this trip. However I do need to raise funds. The trip itself will cost $425 plus air fare which is around $1,000. Prayers as I consider this trip and attempt to raise the money will be greatly appreciated.

Acts 4:13

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Reading in Acts today I came across this verse and it reminded me of something important to keep in mind: God doesn't do amazing things through our own strength. He does amazing things though us in his own strength. All he really needs is for us to make ourselves available; for us to be courageous. Peter and John were just average guys, "unschooled and ordinary", but their courage made it evident that they had been with Christ. That should be our daily testimony. We don't have to be extraordinary speakers, or unusually intelligent or good-looking. All we have to do is have courage and let God to the rest. People in our lives should be able to see us and know that we have been with Jesus. Another verse that comes to mind is in Acts 16. Paul and Silas had been thrown in jail and even in that situation their behavior was a witness to the jailer. They didn't even need to say anything, but their actions led him to ask, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" [Acts 16:30]

It is comforting to know that we don't need to rely on our own strength to do amazing things for Christ, but it is a challenge for us to have the courage to stand up and be the person of God that will make people notice something different about you and want to know what they can do to be saved.



This video is slightly relevant because it talks about what is at the root of courage, and that is fear and doubt. "Courage is when you're afraid, but you keep on moving anyway". To overcome that fear and doubt, the goal you intend to reach must be more important. Also, I just really like the song.