Monday, February 14, 2011

That day of the year...

So, it's kind of funny: when I was single, I didn't really resent Valentine's Day. The people who hate it always disgusted me more.

I love rejoicing with my brothers and sisters when they start a relationship. I don't think there's enough of this. I would like to remind everyone that your job is not to be depressed about others being in a relationship; it's to encourage your brothers and sisters daily. When I was pursuing a relationship, my friends would be interested and would encourage me in it. When that relationship actually began, some of the FIRST comments I received were to the effect of "Oh, now you're one of them." Instant separation, even from people whom I greatly respect. I've tried to avoid doing this to my friends in the past, and I'm sorry if I ever spoke negatively of anyone in one of these times.

I also understand the need to encourage people who are single to be content and rejoice in giving even MORE of themselves to following God. However, when divorce rates among Christians are in some cases HIGHER than divorce rates of non-Christians, I wish I would see more encouragement for people in relationships.

Finally, this is not a call for pity upon myself. Go encourage someone who needs/deserves it, and I'll do the same.

Peace.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Thoughts on Life

So, I've been doing a LOT of thinking lately about my lifestyle choices. I've been learning a whole lot about America: corporations, fast food, Christianity, consumerism, health, etc. I don't like what I've been learning, to say the least. Most of my own friends have their own problems with the state of things here, but it seems like wherever I go and whatever class I'm in at Spring Arbor, I keep learning more and more that makes me disgusted with life here. I really don't like having so much stuff. I don't like being in debt. I don't like eating things that are destroying my body. I don't like being complacent in my faith because I don't need God where I am. God has a lot to say about all these things in Scripture, as well.

Some changes I'm currently working on in my life: I've almost completely given up Taco Bell (which was a hard decision, by the way) and I'm trying to get rid of ALL fast food out of my diet eventually, I'm trying to stop shopping at chain stores (even if their prices are cheaper...I'll say more about that in a moment), and I'm trying to get rid of certain items I don't need (like my stereo and iPod, among other things).

I'm really tired (literally and figuratively) of being unhealthy. I want to eat better, sleep better, and work better. This is why I'm trying to eliminate fast food out of my diet, with Taco Bell being the first to go. I've been seeing the value of supporting local businesses instead of buying everything from chain stores, even if their prices are cheaper. I don't think just because you save $1 you are necessarily being a good steward of your resources. I want to start buying things from Hutch's and Weatherwax instead of Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Wal-Mart. This isn't saying I'm not going thrift shopping anymore...I'm just trying really strongly to avoid chain stores. Some chain stores I will still support, like Goodwill, but for obvious reasons (Goodwill is actually helping people).

Some changes I want to happen in my life eventually: be debt-free, grow a lot of my own food, make a lot of my own stuff instead of buying things if possible, and generally live simply. I'm still working out a lot of my thoughts on these things, but one thing I keep thinking about is how much of this might be easier in another country/culture. I don't think God is currently calling me to be a missionary, but he may be preparing me for it with all this.

Those are my thoughts from the past week/month. Yours?

Monday, February 7, 2011

Joy in Suffering

So, first I would like to share a selection from the devotional "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:

"Anything that has even a hint of dejection spiritually is always wrong. If I am depressed or burdened, I am to blame, not God or anyone else. Dejection stems from one of two sources— I have either satisfied a lust or I have not had it satisfied. In either case, dejection is the result. Lust means “I must have it at once.” Spiritual lust causes me to demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Himself who gives the answer. What have I been hoping or trusting God would do? Is today “the third day” and He has still not done what I expected? Am I therefore justified in being dejected and in blaming God? Whenever we insist that God should give us an answer to prayer we are off track. The purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not of the answer. It is impossible to be well physically and to be dejected, because dejection is a sign of sickness. This is also true spiritually. Dejection spiritually is wrong, and we are always to blame for it."

I've been thinking about joy in suffering lately. I've realized that I can't really think of anyone off-hand who I personally know that I have seen be joyful in hard times, whatever they may be. What I very OFTEN see is people who are joyful because things are going well and God is doing great things in their life, or people who are depressed because they are going through a spiritually "dry" time or because of hard times. I almost NEVER see Christians rejoicing in suffering, like Paul is so often in his letter and exhorts us to. If hard times come, what I most often see is people moping around: "Yeah, times are hard...but God is good, right? I'm just getting through it." What a weak answer from people who are called to rejoice in suffering! I know I do this a LOT too, so I'm not immune to my own criticism. We should be joyful knowing that God is working in us in every circumstance.

Thoughts, anyone?