Slowing Down

So, as it turns out, the other day I had started to write a post and didn't finish it. I am actually now thankful that I did not get to finish it. I have been able to tie it in with some things that have happened to me since Sunday, so this should be able to cover what I was writing then.

Well, let me start on Sunday. I was sitting in church, and as usual, I felt myself drifting away a little from the message. (I absolutely hate when I do this. I tend to find myself doing it later in the sermon.) However, I heard one of the things that my pastor was speaking about, which she had tied back to the gospel reading. It hit me pretty hard and has left a pretty good impression on me the last couple of days. She said, "God doesn't save us in halves and bits, so why do we give Him bits and pieces of our lives?"

It doesn't make much sense, does it? Why are we so unable as humans to give Him our entire lives? Well, that answer is pretty easy -- sin. However, what isn't so easy to accept is the fact that we do it. The fact that we don't give our Creator, who could take everything away if He so desired, our complete devotion and lives. So, how do we change this? How can we rededicate our lives to our precious and loving Father? It won't be easy, or maybe even possible, but I am willing to try.

One thing that I have recently read in a book that I highly recommend, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, has helped me in this area. Or maybe provoked more questions about the issue. I am not sure, but I guess sometimes that is a good thing. So, Rob writes, "We have to stop. We have to slow down." What he is speaking about here is observing the Sabbath and finding the peace in God that Jesus offers, and how we need to alter so that we might be able to find this peace.

Slow down?

In today's society. Everything keeps on going, and going, and going.

It is a challenge to slow down. How many classes did you go to today? How many meetings are you attending today? This week? Just think about it. Our society pushes us to the extreme, making us seem like we aren't doing enough. We've all heard it, "If you want to do something about it, then join so-and-so group." Or, "I would love to devote more time to God, but school is just so pressing." It is amazing, isn't it? How far out of line our priorities are.

Think for a second about Jesus' disciples (well, that is all of us, but here I am refering to those he called in his human life). Jesus is just strolling along the Sea of Galilee and sees some fishermen. They are working, making money, doing what they are supposed to in their culture. But this was a special day for them; Jesus calls them to follow them. And what do they do? They don't say, "Wait, we have to finish our work for the day. We'll catch up with you later." They immediately drop their nets and FOLLOW HIM.

No delay, no hesitation. They took the time to slow down from their lives and follow Jesus.

I am guilty of not slowing down my life; however, it is now apparent to me. I know where I must slow down, let God to work, do His thing. He is faithful, He will be there, He will help you through it. We just have to slow down, not rush through life -- notice God and what he does.

Disclaimer: This is a little disorganized, meant to be so. I must admit that Rob Bell is rubbing off on me a little with his style of writing. It is unique, and thought-provoking.

Plans and Goals

One of the issues that I have wretled with this semester is what my plans will be in the next year. I have already made some plans, but I am still pondering others. If you have any suggestions please leave them:

Wrestling -- no longer for me. I feel God calling me in other areas than wrestling. This semester has been amazing without it; therefore, I haven't missed it at all.
Summer plans -- right now, I feel a strong, strong calling to the Ocean City Beach Project, held by the Coalition for Christion Outreach. This was one of the hardest decisions. I was also thinking about going to Student Leadership Training or Xining, China for a "cultural and linguistic exchange." I am still keeping my options open; however, the strong calling to OCBP has been overwhelming.
Life -- still unclear. I am hoping that OCBP and Jubilee will help me to see where God is calling me with my accounting major. Also, Urbana might be able to help.

I also have some goals for the rest of the semester:

Memory verses -- up to 50 or more by the end of the semster. I would have to memorize about 5 to 10 for the next five weeks. If you have any good verses or passages for me to memorize, let me know.
Small group -- have at least 3 regular attendees. Hopefully, when Ryan and I change the time and meeting location, more people will be able to attend. Also, this change will provide a reason to talk to those who we already have and get to see how their semester has been already.
Academics -- maintain at least a 3.8 this semester. I will have to work to keep this, but I am hoping to raise my grade in Intermediate and Principles.
With Ryan -- learn to play at least 2 songs on the piano and maybe the guitar. This area will be more difficult than the others. I will have to keep on myself to practice and, with Thanksgiving break, this could prove to be difficult.

By writing down my goals and plans, I am hoping that it will allow me to really see where I am going and what I need to do to get there. With God's help, anything that will glorify Him is possible.