This last weekend I had all these wonderful plans of hanging out with friends in Simi Valley, going to concerts, going to church, all this "fun-ness." Well, Friday night I went to Collide, stayed the night at the girl's house, woke up Saturday morning to get ready for the day, and felt AWFUL! I knew there was no way I was going to survive the day and still make it to the concert that night. I packed up my stuff and headed home to Lancaster where I literally slept the weekend away.
Given that I had been looking forward to this weekend of fun, and especially the concert, I was super bummed and feeling quite the martyr for having to suffer giving up my fun to fight off a cold. Meanwhile, my pastor in Simi Valley preached about suffering and it had nothing to do with being sick or missing out on a little bit of fun... it was actually SUFFERING!
He outlined his sermon by presenting a verse from every book of the New Testament that referred to suffering... whether it was Jesus telling us we would suffer, examples of people suffering for Christ, or examples of what people would (and will) do to avoid suffering for Christ. Because God's word stands alone, I am presenting (also) the same list of Bible verses. Although I do recommend listening to his sermon sometime (http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/), one doesn't need to in order to see what the Bible says about suffering...
Matthew 10:34-35
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Mark 8:34-36
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Luke 6:22-26
Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
John 15:18-20
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
Acts 5:40-41
and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
Romans 8:16-18
The spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
1 Corinthians 15:19; 30-32
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied...
Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Jesus Christ our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."
2 Corinthians 1:5-7
For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
Galatians 6:12
It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church
1 Thessalonians 3:4
For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.
2 Thessalonians 1:5
This is the evidence of the righteous judgement of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.
1 Timothy 1:18
This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophesies previously made about you, that by them you may wage a good warfare
2 Timothy 1:8
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
2 Timothy 2:3
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
2 Timothy 4:5
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill you ministry.
Titus 1:10-11
For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
Philemon 13
I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel.
Hebrews 13:12-13
So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.
James 5:10-11
As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
1 Peter 2:19-21
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it is, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow his steps.
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
2 Peter 2:2-3
And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.
1 John 3:13
Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.
1 John 3:16-18
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
2 John 7
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
3 John 9-10
I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talk wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.
Jude 8
Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their own dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.
Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Do we, as Christians, have a choice as to if we want to live comfortably or suffer?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Favorite/Least Favorite
Because I have no creativity at this moment to write an actual blog, but I want to post something as I haven't in a while, I decided to cheat and use another one of those surveys floating around facebook:
Answer the question with your favorite first and then your least favorite with a comma in between.
1. Color: Green, Orange? (I like all colors so that's tough!)
2. Kind of chips: BBQ Chips, Original chips... so boring
3. Drink: Brisk Raspberry Iced Tea, Black coffee
4. Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (or pieces), Dark Chocolate
5. Fast Food: Daphne's, McDonald's (except for their breakfast sandwiches... mmmm...)
6. Restaurant: Ivan Kane's Cafe Wa s, Greasy places
7. Thing to do: Lately it has been going to shows/plays, commuting!
8. Type of flower: Daisies!, weeds
9. Smell: Guy's Cologne (as long as it's not too strong...), vomit
10. Place to shop: (Only if I *have* to shop) Target, any place on weekends or holidays or all the days in between... Ok so I don't like to shop
11. Place to visit: Simi Valley! haha, haven't been a lot of places to discern that
12. Theme park: Disneyland, Sea World
13. Movie: Right now is probably "Slumdog Millionaire" (and not because it won the Oscars... perhaps that should be for my next blog? haha), sorry mom and Ron but "Lord of the Rings"... took nine hours of my life
14. Television show: Seinfeld, anything reality haha
15. Holiday: Christmas, Groundhog's Day (only because I don't get it off work hehe)
16. Childhood toy: Doll with a purple dress and a bottle, not sure
17. Ice cream place (not flavor, place): Golden Spoon, there is no such thing as icecream that is not my favorite
18. Pizza place (place, not type): Nicky D's Wood-Fire Pizza, Dominos
19. Type of car: My Fiona Focus, PT Cruiser
20. Soda: Dr Pepper!, Jarrito's Tamarind
Answer the question with your favorite first and then your least favorite with a comma in between.
1. Color: Green, Orange? (I like all colors so that's tough!)
2. Kind of chips: BBQ Chips, Original chips... so boring
3. Drink: Brisk Raspberry Iced Tea, Black coffee
4. Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (or pieces), Dark Chocolate
5. Fast Food: Daphne's, McDonald's (except for their breakfast sandwiches... mmmm...)
6. Restaurant: Ivan Kane's Cafe Wa s, Greasy places
7. Thing to do: Lately it has been going to shows/plays, commuting!
8. Type of flower: Daisies!, weeds
9. Smell: Guy's Cologne (as long as it's not too strong...), vomit
10. Place to shop: (Only if I *have* to shop) Target, any place on weekends or holidays or all the days in between... Ok so I don't like to shop
11. Place to visit: Simi Valley! haha, haven't been a lot of places to discern that
12. Theme park: Disneyland, Sea World
13. Movie: Right now is probably "Slumdog Millionaire" (and not because it won the Oscars... perhaps that should be for my next blog? haha), sorry mom and Ron but "Lord of the Rings"... took nine hours of my life
14. Television show: Seinfeld, anything reality haha
15. Holiday: Christmas, Groundhog's Day (only because I don't get it off work hehe)
16. Childhood toy: Doll with a purple dress and a bottle, not sure
17. Ice cream place (not flavor, place): Golden Spoon, there is no such thing as icecream that is not my favorite
18. Pizza place (place, not type): Nicky D's Wood-Fire Pizza, Dominos
19. Type of car: My Fiona Focus, PT Cruiser
20. Soda: Dr Pepper!, Jarrito's Tamarind
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Wait... What? Yeah...
Have I mentioned I have a pretty huge change coming up in the next week? I don't think I have... oops!
*I am moving back to Lancaster!*
Sorry to spring it on everyone like that... how else do you announce something like that?
Oh and Jen? (you ask) Why do you seem so excited? Haven't you been trying to escape the dry, brown, ghetto desert all your life? What is going on? (Reaches for phone to call the white coats.)
I am glad you asked, my friend. I am glad you asked. (Reason #1 for moving home: living on your own, and pretty much by yourself, makes you go crazy and you have two way conversations with yourself on a public blog. Oh dear...)
God has a mighty great sense of humor. Yes he does.
(Why do I feel like I am totally not writing like myself? :::Steps away from computer to take a deep breath:::)
Ok I am back.
Although I hate lists (as previously discussed in an older blog), I think I will do a list today. That will help me stay on track.
Reason #2 for moving home: (this is actually my first initial reason, but I will say it's the second to not mess up my numbers) ...Finances. Yup.
Reason #4 for moving home: (Darn it... I mess up the numbers anyway) Neighborhood Impact ministry at Grace Chapel. This goes back to my wanting to work with World Impact. I started thinking about how safe Simi Valley is. And man... it is SAFE! How can I expect to be able to help a hurting community when I, not only, don't live in a community that needs that kind of help, but I also didn't do anything in the community I grew up in that really does need help?
Reason #5 for moving home: Now I get to carpool with my coworker who moved to Palmdale this last year! Ok so it's not really a 'reason'... but definitely a perk!
Reason #6 for moving home: Have you seen my adorable niece? Who wouldn't want to be close to her? (Oh and another is on the way!)
She is already practicing her skills to help with the new baby:
Reason #3 for moving home: (Yes! I knew I could get my numbers caught up!) I like being close to my family. :)
and finally, Reason #7 for moving home: (7 reasons... God's number... oh yeah!) God said to. Sigh... obedience... I think I make it so much harder than it needs to be...
So that's about it... for now. I will miss Simi Valley dearly (even though I will still be at Collide on Friday nights and Cornerstone church on Sunday nights) but I know this is something I need to do. It's going so fast too!! February 15th is my last day as a Simian! ;)
*I am moving back to Lancaster!*
Sorry to spring it on everyone like that... how else do you announce something like that?
Oh and Jen? (you ask) Why do you seem so excited? Haven't you been trying to escape the dry, brown, ghetto desert all your life? What is going on? (Reaches for phone to call the white coats.)
I am glad you asked, my friend. I am glad you asked. (Reason #1 for moving home: living on your own, and pretty much by yourself, makes you go crazy and you have two way conversations with yourself on a public blog. Oh dear...)
God has a mighty great sense of humor. Yes he does.
(Why do I feel like I am totally not writing like myself? :::Steps away from computer to take a deep breath:::)
Ok I am back.
Although I hate lists (as previously discussed in an older blog), I think I will do a list today. That will help me stay on track.
Reason #2 for moving home: (this is actually my first initial reason, but I will say it's the second to not mess up my numbers) ...Finances. Yup.
Reason #4 for moving home: (Darn it... I mess up the numbers anyway) Neighborhood Impact ministry at Grace Chapel. This goes back to my wanting to work with World Impact. I started thinking about how safe Simi Valley is. And man... it is SAFE! How can I expect to be able to help a hurting community when I, not only, don't live in a community that needs that kind of help, but I also didn't do anything in the community I grew up in that really does need help?
Reason #5 for moving home: Now I get to carpool with my coworker who moved to Palmdale this last year! Ok so it's not really a 'reason'... but definitely a perk!
Reason #6 for moving home: Have you seen my adorable niece? Who wouldn't want to be close to her? (Oh and another is on the way!)
She is already practicing her skills to help with the new baby:
Reason #3 for moving home: (Yes! I knew I could get my numbers caught up!) I like being close to my family. :)
and finally, Reason #7 for moving home: (7 reasons... God's number... oh yeah!) God said to. Sigh... obedience... I think I make it so much harder than it needs to be...
So that's about it... for now. I will miss Simi Valley dearly (even though I will still be at Collide on Friday nights and Cornerstone church on Sunday nights) but I know this is something I need to do. It's going so fast too!! February 15th is my last day as a Simian! ;)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
PG (Pink Gore) - disturbing images
There is something very ugly tainting the streets of Hollywood.
No, not the greed. That will always be there as long as people continue their self-addiction. Plus it is not to be seen with the eye.
No, not the homeless. That is a sad injustice that we can only blame ourselves for.
No, not the people falling due to the rain on the slippery Walk of Fame tiles... because that is actually super hilarious (except when it is me who falls... that is so not funny...)
I am talking about something that makes you feel sick to your stomach. Something that is so awful you can't help but stare. Something that can be described with one word...
PINK
Yes, Pink.
Please observe...
The wonderful Pantages. So unsuspecting of the injustice... until you take a step back...
So awful. Pepto Bismal is supposed to sooth your stomach. Not make it feel worse. So tacky.
"Nobody puts Baby in a Corner" banner cleverly placed on the corner of the building. Still awful... still tacky...
Pink. Placed right next to the majestic banners for "Phantom of the Opera." Poor Phantom.
Dirty Dancing will be running May 8 through June 14, 2009. That means if any of you show goers decide to visit the Pantages for any other shows (Phantom, Rent, Grease, Rain, or Mamma Mia) your eyes will be disgraced with this sight. Be advised barf bags will not be included with admission.
No, not the greed. That will always be there as long as people continue their self-addiction. Plus it is not to be seen with the eye.
No, not the homeless. That is a sad injustice that we can only blame ourselves for.
No, not the people falling due to the rain on the slippery Walk of Fame tiles... because that is actually super hilarious (except when it is me who falls... that is so not funny...)
I am talking about something that makes you feel sick to your stomach. Something that is so awful you can't help but stare. Something that can be described with one word...
PINK
Yes, Pink.
Please observe...
The wonderful Pantages. So unsuspecting of the injustice... until you take a step back...
So awful. Pepto Bismal is supposed to sooth your stomach. Not make it feel worse. So tacky.
"Nobody puts Baby in a Corner" banner cleverly placed on the corner of the building. Still awful... still tacky...
Pink. Placed right next to the majestic banners for "Phantom of the Opera." Poor Phantom.
Dirty Dancing will be running May 8 through June 14, 2009. That means if any of you show goers decide to visit the Pantages for any other shows (Phantom, Rent, Grease, Rain, or Mamma Mia) your eyes will be disgraced with this sight. Be advised barf bags will not be included with admission.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Rambling like a River
Don't you hate it when you feel like there are tons of things you should be blogging about but then when you sit down at the computer, you completely forget? I totally did that... oh well...
Ok so this is almost week old news, but oh well. It's my blog... actually, it's God's blog (nothing belongs to us right?) but I think He would like me to share this...
ANYWAY (I really shouldn't be blogging right now. My mind feels like it is all over the place so I just know I am going to go on a bunch of rabbit trails. Rabbits? Where?) ...so about two weeks ago I made the announcement that Rachel was at home and out of the hospital... super exciting!! But even then it didn't click what all that meant. So then when I randomly saw her at church that following Sunday, I was so excited!! She looks so great!
And then, I got to sit with her at Collide this last Friday! It is so great having her back! She still has some complications with her eye that had a transplant, not to mention she is still doing therapy everyday (that has to be SO draining!), but overall, she really is a walking miracle! How anyone can know about her and still not believe in God is so beyond me!
This picture was taken shortly before the accident at a going away party for a friend of ours. She was teaching everyone how to dance! In a few weeks we are having a 'Coming Home Party' for her. I can't wait for us all to join and celebrate the miracle God has performed in her life!
Ok so this is almost week old news, but oh well. It's my blog... actually, it's God's blog (nothing belongs to us right?) but I think He would like me to share this...
ANYWAY (I really shouldn't be blogging right now. My mind feels like it is all over the place so I just know I am going to go on a bunch of rabbit trails. Rabbits? Where?) ...so about two weeks ago I made the announcement that Rachel was at home and out of the hospital... super exciting!! But even then it didn't click what all that meant. So then when I randomly saw her at church that following Sunday, I was so excited!! She looks so great!
And then, I got to sit with her at Collide this last Friday! It is so great having her back! She still has some complications with her eye that had a transplant, not to mention she is still doing therapy everyday (that has to be SO draining!), but overall, she really is a walking miracle! How anyone can know about her and still not believe in God is so beyond me!
This picture was taken shortly before the accident at a going away party for a friend of ours. She was teaching everyone how to dance! In a few weeks we are having a 'Coming Home Party' for her. I can't wait for us all to join and celebrate the miracle God has performed in her life!
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