What Has Happened to Community?

I know, I know! I said that my next post would be about missions and my mission trip experiences, but....................................

I got distracted!

It happens a lot....maybe I have ADD.....see there it goes again!

Oh boy...

Okay, well, I have been thinking about this lately with the Baltimore Riots happening and all that.

I asked myself..."Why did this happen? What started this?" Yes I know...

Ferguson happened

and then

Freddie Gray happened

but I'm trying to think deeper! What is the underlying problem here?

Now....I was hesitant to write this post due to the controversy of this particular subject, but I just shrugged my shoulders and said "Ehhh, who cares?" I'm a rebel like that!

Anyway, the underlying problem....what is it?

I had a discussion with some of my family members recently and kinda answered my question.

The underlying problem is (I think, in my limited 17 years of observation)

The church.

I know! A shock! We Christians are supposed to be the ones who promote peace and help people!

We are the GODLY people! We don't start these kind of things!

Or do we?

Jesus talks a lot about community and loving each other.

For example:

Hebrews 10:24-25
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Mark 12:31
"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Last one;

Romans 13:10
"Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

But honestly...

We as a church body are pretty bad at this.

We are not in our community like we should be! We focus so much on the structure of the building, the 'ministries', the various activities that are provided for church people and their 'friends', but you don't see people outside of the church in their community! Sure, you do sometimes, but it isn't common.

Maybe the actual 'church' building is a hindrance for us...maybe we go there on Sundays, and for that one activity that you do weekly, etc.

Maybe we shouldn't even have a building! Okay that might be taking it a little far, but the point is that I think we get so wrapped up in the building and the various ministries that we forget the people outside of those walls! 

I work for a secular nonprofit that does almost exactly what we should be doing!

They are out there providing for people's needs and truly loving on people. People feel safe as soon as they walk through those doors! There are workers that go out into the community just helping out a family that lost a loved one, or a family that just had a baby, or even just a listening ear!

Why don't we do that?

It is the church's job to be providing for people's needs, both physical and spiritual, but why is that not happening?

Why are these secular programs and the government having to step up and do that?

I mean, the government is setting up all this welfare stuff to 'help' people with poverty.

But isn't that our job? To help people, build relationships, and share the gospel?

Why don't we start doing what Christ told us to do! Stop being SO singly focused on what is happening INSIDE the building and start focusing on the people OUTSIDE of the building.


Well guys, this was kind of a harder post, a little less carefree! I just had that conversation and just felt like I needed to share!

Hope you guys enjoyed it! Love you all!!

~ Cait

The College Student's Nemesis

It's an omnipresent part of life. It can trigger the "fight-or-flight" response, which can cause hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to surge through the body.

Stress...a college student's nemesis!

 


As a college student, I struggle with stress every single day!

I'm constantly running through my mental and physical lists of everything I have to complete! It's exhausting!

I try to balance getting good grades, homework, social life, relationships, and work!

I've come to realize that I can't control the common stressors in my life.....but I can control how I react to them!

Instead of getting frustrated and taking my anger and frustration out on people and my poor punch bag ( yes, I do punch things when I'm upset) I can pause and reflect on the root problem here.

The root problem is that I'm not trusting these problems and things that are stressing me out to Christ!

I've been trying to get into the habit of speaking truth to myself in moments of overwhelming truth and I do this with some Bible verses that kind of speak about stress in some way, shape or form...

Here a couple:

James 1:2-4

"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I guess you could call some of my stressors, trials, but regardless I love this verse because I can either view my stressors as either a curse or a blessing! I can view this stressful time as a time where God is reminding me to totally surrender to Christ and rely on Him!

Psalms 94:19 

"19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

Pretty much all I can say to this verse is AMEN!!!! 

Romans 8:6

"6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;"

By taking EVERY thought captive and truly analyzing it, we can determine whether truth is running through our minds or lies, planted there by the cunning devil. If we are listening to a lie we can quickly turn it around and speak truth. 

Now this verse or should I say... verses is a pretty cliche one for anxiety and stress, but I don't think we should discount it because there is truth dripping from the very words! 

Philippians 4:6-7

"6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Hmmm great words to ponder huh?

Now, how do we combat stress? I guess we talked about it a little, but I think we should look at a few tangible ways....

*DISCLAIMER: this is not a formula! These are things that work for me...this doesn't always work for everybody!*

 

- Learn how to say NO!!! If you are anything like me, saying 'no' is the hardest thing to do! I could have a ton going on, but if someone asks me to do something for them or to join something, I just can't say no! But saying no has prevented a lot of stress in my life! The more things you add to your life the higher your stress levels will go up! 

- Exercising!! Trust me! It really works! I'm not going to go into all the science behind it, but exercising releases the adrenaline hormone resulting in a much clearer head! When I'm starting to stress out about something the punch bag and the gym become my best friend! Punching the bag is much safer then punching someone else...right? Plus you can get a nice work out in! Hey! Stress can be good for something! 

-Cut somethings off your To Do list. Are there things that can wait until whenever you are less stressed? Cut them off! Save them for a less busier week! Or you could be like my best friend and get everything done BEFORE you get stressed so it is already done! Yeah she's crazy! 

- Plan things out! For all my visual friends out there...get a planner and plan out what you are going to do each day! The key is to ACTUALLY do it though! No procrastinating here, which leads me to the next point..

-DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!!! I can not say this enough....

Procrastinating = A Ton Of STRESS. So just don't do it!

 

- Express your feelings. Don't bottle them up! Talk about it! Talking through the things that stress you out will not only give you a chance to process what you are thinking and feeling, but it will also allow someone to help you problem solve and come to a solution. 

- If all else fails....resort to chocolate! I can't personally tell you if this works because I don't like anything sweet! Least of all chocolate ( I know I'm weird...people tell me that ALL the time) But I know plenty of chocoholics and they say it works!

 
 Personally, I prefer chips and guacomole and some hot tea ( weird combination I know...don't judge)...that's my comfort food, but whatever works for you is good! Just looking at that picture makes me feel less stressed about whatever I'm stressed about! ( I don't even know what stresses me out sometimes!)

 

- I saved the BEST for last! This I know works for EVERYBODY! If you don't try any of those ideas, at least do this one! 

Prayer and being totally engrossed in God's word is KEY!! I can't stress how vital this is!! When you get up in the morning just spend like 5-10 minutes in prayer...it is a great start to the day! Whenever you start thinking you can't do something or feel like you just don't have the time, remember Philippians 4:13 " I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."

 Well guys...I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it! Maybe I will write something fun and carefree soon! 

Love you guys! 
~Cait

Valentines Day Twist

I know, I know...I'm a day late. The love holiday was yesterday....in my defense I wrote this yesterday, but just didn't finish editing until today! Sorry!

I was thinking about a good Valentines Day topic that wasn't all mushy or that wasn't about how to be single and survive February 14th! I have been reading this book called "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers and it is a fictional, more modern version of the Old Testament Bible story about the prophet Hosea and his love story with a prostitute named Gomer. I also just finished reading Jefferson Bethke's book, "Jesus> Religion" and he used the same analogy that I thought of when I read "Redeeming Love"!

I think this Bible story is one of the greatest love stories....except for one (we will talk about this later)! (The book of Hosea)

*********Here is a narrative story about Hosea and Gomer told by yours truly! ***********
Here is a well to-do, man of God. He was a prophet, which meant God used him to reach His people, whether it was to encourage them or correct them! Either way, this man was extremely important!
God told him, Hosea to marry a prostitute woman named Gomer. I think I'm safe to think that Hosea was probably in shock....who wouldn't be? A good, righteous man, marry a prostitute? Come on! Is this how God rewards His faithful followers? But, this upstanding man did what God told him to do...he married her!

But....this story doesn't end like you would think! Hosea and Gomer didn't have a happily ever after!

Gomer continued to run back into prostitution, away from a man who loved her and could give her what she wanted and needed!

Hosea even bought his wife back from slavery! He pursued her even when he was humiliated, and angry.

Why?

Because God told him to! (A good enough reason, I think...God can see the big picture!) I'm sure it was hard to love her, but because God told him to do this.... Hosea obeyed!

You see.... it think this love story is so great because it is real....it isn't a fairytale, it doesn't sugar coat the whole 'love' thing! 

I don't know if Gomer ever remains with Hosea, of if she kept running away, the Bible doesn't really say.

*****************

Remember I said that there was a greater love story than even this one? Here it is....it is God's relationship with us! No, it isn't weird that a great, heavenly being loves us....

 Guess who we are though....we are Gomer. Startling I know! I will give you some time to process this.....( confession...I need time to process this so I can write it....)

.....................................................................................

Okay, now that we are ready to move on, here we go! 

Think of God as Hosea (granted, Hosea wasn't God , but bear with me!) and think of us...human beings, as Gomer- the prostitute. 

Just as Hosea pursued Gomer even after she kept going back into prostitution, so does God keep pursing us, loving us, and wanting us to be with him eternally! 

Hosea wasn't perfect. I'm sure he got tired of chasing after her; I'm sure he hated her; I'm sure he got angry that she couldn't just be thankful that she had all her needs taken care of; and I'm sure he questioned God on why He was making his faithful servant go through all this pain and hurt! 

But imagine being loved and pursued by a someone who is ultimately perfect! 

So here is my Valentines day post!!

Love you all!! 

~Cait  

Finding the Light in Singleness

 I don’t really feel adequate writing on this topic, but it is something that I struggled, and still struggle with! I’m not a 26 year old where this is something that actually is a big issue, but I think I still have about the same thought process!

I cringe at the word singleness! Ugg, that word! Just, uggg! Okay I'm done! When I think of the word single I think of an old maid…. someone I would rather not be! No offense my old maid friends!

 I don't know about you (you meaning my single friends!), but I want to settle down and get married (when I’m old enough obviously!) I have had that dream for as long as I can remember! I have my wedding planned out, kid's names picked, dream home decorated…..etc!

Getting married and having that strong handsome prince charming is something that our society has…hmmm, exalted. Think of all those Disney princess movies that we girls (and guys…I’m talking to you too!!)  watched and re-watched when we were little! (*confession* I still watch them!)  

Hollywood has drilled the fact that in order to be happy or have a Happy Ever After… we must have a boyfriend or girlfriend! I hate to break it to you my friends, but though I have never had a boyfriend I can tell you that they can’t make you completely happy! They will let you down; break your heart, and a lot of other stuff! There is only one who can truly satisfy that craving for love and that is our Beloved Creator, Redeemer, Jesus Christ!

I digress…

I have struggled in the past with feelings of discontent because many of my friends around me were getting ‘asked out’, or dating, and none of that had ever happened to me! That really bothered me! It bothered me so much that it consumed me!

  

I felt sad and gave up hope that I would ever get married and be able to use those names for my kids, or decorate my dream house!

A little extreme and ridiculous? Yeah I would agree!

Those feelings were of someone who had not yet been satisfied in the point of life that God had put them in! Yeah that was me!

I can't remember the point in where God actually showed me this... whether it was book I read, a blog post, or a conversation with someone. But that is beside the point! The point is, God worked in that moment. He basically told me that I wasn’t letting Him be enough. I didn't trust Him! I was trying to take matters into my own hands and making a mess of my own heart in the process! (Now I know why we aren't center of our universe...because we really screw this thing up!)

It is super hard! I'm not denying that! Trust me I struggle with this every single day! So don't think for a minute that I am saying this is a piece of cake!

When I started to view my current singleness as a blessing, I began to think...Wow, this whole singleness thing is actually pretty cool!!! I can focus on the passions and gifts that God has given to me, I can be open to how God wants me to further his kingdom, and say yes to the opportunities that may arise out of the blue!

My friends...being married is a beautiful thing (at least I'm assuming it is! I'm not really knowledgeable in that department), but God created singleness too! He gave us a time to do everything that we want to do (those things we want to do should be what God wants us to do....just saying!) before we are having to provide for and take care of a family!

These single years are an amazing blessing my friends!!!!!

Love,

~Cait

Taking in The World Through New Eyes

The grocery store was busy for a Wednesday afternoon. People buzzed in and out of the aisles. As I stood there, waiting for my mom to hurry up her shopping, I watched these busy people. I looked at their clothing, and their external features. I watched how they walked, how they priced each article of food to make the large amount of things they wanted fit into their shrinking budget.

 Suddenly a light bulb went off in my head, not a dim one, but a bright white light.

             

 God spoke to me right then and there

             

 Guess what He told me;

He told me to look deeper than just the outside. He told me to look at their heart not their external features. I saw these people with hearts as black as coal. Just like mine was until Jesus Christ changed it and made it sparkle like snow.

He showed me that these people, who didn’t have Jesus, were going to go to Hell, unless someone told them about the love of Jesus.

As Christians that is our call.

Matthew 28:19 says “Go therefore and make disciple of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

This time when I looked around I saw people who needed Jesus desperately just like I still do.

My eyes didn’t change, but my view and the way I looked at the world did.

My question for you is, how do you see people? When you look at someone ask yourself “This person could be destined to hell and I could, through the power of the Holy Spirit, stop this, but will I make the move to do it?”

Brandon Heath- Give Me Your Eyes

Why Some College Age Kids Leave Chruch

Someone in my church recently asked me if I could write on this huge topic that is greatly debated in Christian circles.   

Wait for it…..

Why Some College Age Kids Leave the Church (Notice I underlined the ‘some’ because thankfully there are still many young adults that attend church!)

I have to be honest with y’all I have no idea about this topic at all!! I’m going solely off of what I feel in my heart, and the responses I got when I posed this question on Facebook.  I’m not even in the college age group yet! I have grown up in church my whole life and the thought of leaving hasn’t even crossed my mind yet! So I have no personal experience and know scholarly knowledge about this!

Now that I have shown how non-creditable I am, I will proceed to share with you mine and other people’s (who, I might add, are all people currently attending church- super creditable I know!) opinions on this topic.

#1 Kids are too “busy” to go to church

I’m still in High School and I’m even busy, I can’t imagine how someone can possibly juggle school, work, and relationships! That sounds way complicated! No wonder they are too busy for church! Church is clearly not a big deal to some kids for them to drop their attendance to church.

#2 The Desire for Complete Independence

Um, I’m pretty sure when you are 18yrs old you are pretty sick of your parent nagging you and telling you to do stuff. I even get tired of it sometimes!!

#3 there isn’t any kind of group or study for that age group

I know how helpful my youth group is in my walk with the Lord so I’m sure it’s really hard if there isn’t always that kind of option for a college age person.

#4 The Hypocrisy in the Church is Unbearable

This would really turn me off too. There is a lot of hypocrisy in the church and many college age kids see that and turn away because they see that the church isn’t perfect and they don’t want to be associated with it! I guess that is the church’s problem, we don’t have these kids trust.

#5. I’m probably going to get some heat for this one, but I think it is necessary to say. If a person is truly a 

Christian they will not be turned off by their parents when they tell them to go to church. In fact, parents won’t even have to push their kids to go because their child will want to go on their own. So when a young person doesn’t want to go to church at all maybe there is no heart change towards Christ. Obviously I’m not saying that when a young person doesn’t go to church he/she is not saved because I am in no place to judge that person’s heart. That is between them and God. But since I am writing on this topic I would say that is a pretty big indicator on why someone doesn’t want to go to church.  

Those are just a couple reasons that myself and some other people I know came up with! Obviously, seeing how I am clearly not an expert I wouldn’t go using this as a source for a paper! Okay I’m done! Until next time dear friends!
~Caitlin