Conclusion & Day #43: Oodles To Grow

It seems like just a couple days ago I was writing an introduction post. I remember not knowing what to say. I wasn't sure how to start, or how to format my words, or if anyone would end up reading what I wrote! And honestly, I didn't even know if I was going to be able to stick with this blog for 42 days.

And now here I am. Writing my conclusion post. And boy, am I going to miss writing every day! I have learned so much. I've learned that journaling is the best way for me to understand and grow closer to God. I've learned how to manage my time effectively and how to become a better writer. And probably most importantly, I've learned how to listen to God.

A very specific lesson that I learned was that God knows exactly what I need. I've written about this previously, but I I experienced it in a major way this past week. I realized that when I fall down and scrape my knee (figuratively, but possibly literally, too), God will stick a band-aid on my boo-boo and allot me just the right amount of time to heal.

Over the past 42 days, I believe I have changed. I would like to believe that God has made some major positive renovations. I would like to believe that I have become wiser, stronger, more open to new things, more intelligent, and more full of the Holy Spirit than I was at the beginning of Lent. I think I am all of these things to a certain degree, but I absolutely have a multitude left to learn, and oodles left to grow.

I plan to continue journaling while spending time in God's word daily. I plan to pursue God with all my heart. And lastly, I plan to continue depending more and more on God, until He is my sole support.

I must reiterate the fact that I have learned so much. I hope you learned at least a portion of what I learned about God, and I hope you learned at least one thing about me. Thank you for sticking with me through my journey, or at least reading some of my thoughts. I pray God blesses your life greatly and that you grow closer to Him.


Photo #43: Oodles To Grow

Day #42: Ahhhh, I Love Happy Endings =]

The LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first.
~Job 42:12a

Happy endings. We all love 'em, right? And guess who got a happy ending to their story? That's right, Job.

In the first part of Job 42, Job repents. He admits to God that he has been foolish. And finally, Job repents in dust and ashes.

After Job repents, God finally takes away the suffering. And imagine what God does next. He blesses Job with TWICE as much as he had before. Do you remember how many animals Job had in the beginning? He had over 11,000 animals. God gave Job over 22,000 animals in the end! Job was blessed with 7 more sons, 3 more daughters, and even more numerous amounts of wealth than he had in the beginning. What a happy ending.

This final chapter of Job gave me so much joy. God has been working in my life and making some major rearrangements and renovations. Somethings have even been taken away from me. It has given me great hope that after Job had gone through many tribulations, God blessed him with twice as much as he had before. When I read those verses it felt like God was whispering in my ear 'If you continue to follow me, I'll bless you like that, too!'

Job was faithful to God. Sure, he spoke foolishly and harshly a couple times, but don't we all? If you think back to the deal God made with the Satan, Satan was trying to get Job to curse God. Job cursed himself, but never did he curse or blame God. So Job was faithful. And in the end, God blessed him for it.

Tonight I attended my church's Maundy Thursday service. Pastor Brown kept encouraging us to follow Jesus. He spoke about how following Jesus may cost you security, it may cost you what you think are your dreams, it may cost you friends, and it may even cost you your life. Yet in the end it will be worth it, and God will reward!

The past 42 days have changed me. I'll save the rest for tomorrow's 'reflection post', but I will say that I have made the strong commitment to eagerly pursue Jesus. I will follow His way no matter what I might lose. Because in the end I know there will be a happy ending.


Photo #42: Ahhhh, I love happy endings =]

Day #41: What Do You Think? Feedback And Interact

He makes the depths churn like a boiling cauldron
and stirs up the sea like a pot of ointment.
~Job 41:31

First, I must begin by saying that I can NOT believe this is my 41st post! I only have one chapter of Job left, then I will write a reflection post. The past 41 days have been amazing and I have learned so much.

Yesterday God described His behemoth, or what I believe to be a land dwelling dinosaur. Today God is describing His leviathan. The leviathan is spoken of as a huge fish ("Can you pull in the leviathan with a fish hook"). The leviathan is described as having fearsome teeth, and impenetrable scales. God also says the leviathan shoots sparks of fire from it's mouth while smoke pours from it's nostrils. Is it just me, or does the leviathan sound like a dragon?

We all thought dragons weren't real (unless you're part of some cult... No offense if you are). We thought they were just a well known, multicultural myth, like fairies or Pegasuses. But here we might have proof that God actually created a dragon... A water dragon, maybe, but nonetheless, a dragon.

This particular story/'myth' is spread through many cultures. The Irish, Vikings (How To Train Your Dragon is a cute movie, by the way =]), and Chinese all have dragons. And seriously, how many times have we heard a tail about sea monsters? Myths are just like rumors; they start with a seed of truth and grow. So realistically, how would so many societies so far apart from each other all base their culture on the same 'mythical' creatures?

God created leviathans, and humans inevitably saw them (considering humans and 'dinosaurs' lived at the same time) and probably even associated with them. And considering the leviathan was a sea dwelling creature, some of the leviathans could have potentially survived the Great Flood of Genesis chapters 6&7 (Yes, I'm talking about the Loch Ness monster).

I guess somethings will always be left to theory. Somethings we don't have definite proof on. Somethings, a lot of things actually, are left to faith. And for me, I have faith that God created a leviathan (sea dragon) and a behemoth (land dinosaur). Some might say the only proof I have is a book. However, I just so happen to think that book is pretty trustworthy.


Photo #41: What do you think? Feedback and interact. =]

Day #40: RAWR! Means 'I Love You' In Dinosaur

He ranks first among the works of God,
yet his Maker can approach him with his sword.
~Job 40:19

I found the 40th chapter of Job exciting. Today I get to talk about (drum roll please) behemoths!!! Woo hoo!

The behemoth is described as herbivorous, extremely strong, with a skeleton like steel and a tail like a cedar tree. Most people believe God is describing a hippopotamus. (A hippo? But hippos don't have tails like cedar trees! Most people think the 'tail' is a euphemism... But I'm pretty sure God said what he meant.) Seriously though, when is the last time you saw a hippo with a tail like a cedar tree?

I, personally, do not believe God has just described a hippopotamus. I think God described a DINOSAUR. In fact, I believe another dinosaur was mentioned earlier in the book of Job, the Leviathan (Job 3, also in Job 41).

First, I'm going to give you a short history (that was an oxymoron) of the word 'dinosaur'. In 1842 paleontologist Richard Owen coined the word 'dinosaur'. The word is a combination of the Greek words for 'terrible/powerful/wonderous' and 'lizard'. So 'dinosaur' actually means 'terrible lizard'. Before Richard Owen gave a name to these creatures, most common people only knew about Leviathans and Behemoths (even though no one knows exactly what God was describing).

I am a Young Earth Creationist. That means I believe God created the world in 6 consecutive days, not thousands of years (so I believe the world is only about 6000 years old). I believe God created what we call dinosaurs, along with all His other creations. Neither ourselves or birds evolved from dinosaurs, and yes, humans did live at the same time as the creatures called dinosaurs.

God is amazing! I keep saying it, but it's so true! I mean, He created dinosaurs. There aren't many things cooler than dinosaurs (except maybe ninjas). And what amazes me most about all of this is the fact that God could have stopped after creating dinosaurs. He would have had tons of fun playing with His dinosaurs (I know I would. RAWR!), but He decided to make us. And He loves us more than He ever loved His dinosaurs.


Photo #40: RAWR! means 'I love you' in dinosaur.

Day #39: Hakuna Matata!

Do you give the horse his strength
or clothe his neck with a flowing mane?
~Job 39:19

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?...See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin....If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
~Matthew 6:26,28,30

In Job 39 God is still speaking to Job. God is speaking of His knowledge of all His creatures' comings and goings. God asks Job if he knows when the deer or mountain goats give birth. God asks Job if it's by Job's power that the hawks fly and nest. God knows the answers to all these questions, and I'm sure Job does too, but God is reinforcing that he is, in fact, Almighty.

God knows about everything about that ostrich. He knows everything about the wild donkey and the wild ox. His eye follows every hawk and eagle. He cares about all His creations so much. Matthew 6 points out that he feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field. But ostriches, nor eagles, nor lilies were created in God's image...

God created us in His image. When I say us, I mean me, you, him, her, them... We were created in GOD'S image! Just think, if God cares so much about His plants and animals, then how much do you think He cares about His made-in-His-own-image-humans? Jesus even says 'Are you not much more valuable than they?' (Matthew 6:26)

I worry a lot. I worry about school, I worry about friends, I worry about myself, I worry about having the things I need, I worry about the future... All this worry can also be called stress. I know I shouldn't stress about things, but I do. I know I shouldn't have to worry about every single thing in the world, but for some reason I do. Sometimes I feel like everything is up to me and I have to be the one to take care of it.

Why should I worry and stress? I don't see the birds, or the bugs, or the flowers worrying, and God takes care of them! We're even more valuable than the birds and bugs and flowers, so how much more will God provide for us and take care of us? I don't need to worry or get stressed about life. God will take care of me. He knows exactly what I need and will always provide in due time. So in the mean time, I will work on stressing less and focusing more on a Hakuna Matata life.


Photo #39: Hakuna Matata!

Day #38: The Moment We've All Been Waiting For!

Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm...
~Job 38:1

Okay, so picture this. A dark stadium with a single spotlight focused on a podium in the center of the stage. At the podium stands an announcer with a hand-held microphone. In a deep rumbling voice the announcer proclaims 'And nowwwww... The moment we've allll been waiting for...!' A drum roll resounds throughout the auditorium...

Do you have that scene pictured? Well that's how I felt when I read the first verse of Job 38. Job has been speaking and speaking, wishing (but probably not expecting) that God would reply. Well, the moment we've all been waiting for is here. God has replied!!

Ahhhhhh, it's a nice feeling knowing that God has a sense of humor. In fact, I think God just used sarcasm (Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years! ~Job 38:21)! I guess God did create us in His own image. Where else would we have gotten humor from?

I love my Lord! He is BY FAR the coolest person I will ever meet! The things he says just amaze me. I mean, take verse 22: Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or seen the storehouses of the hail...? Or if that isn't cool enough for you, how awesome is it that God uses the pronoun 'I'? "When I made", "When I fixed limits", "When I said". I just find it all so exhilaratingly mind-blowing!

Probably the thing that has made the biggest impact on me about this chapter is how personal God is being! I mean, He's directly talking to Job, Elihu, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. This is also the first chapter I've read (out of the entire Bible) where God describes Himself making the world. In Genesis He just kinda gives an outline of what he made, but in this chapter He speaks about His creations in more detail.

I think I'll just end by saying this: I serve and love an AWEsome God.


Photo #38: The moment we've all been waiting for! (Which in this case would be sandal weather. =]]])

Day #37: Smashing Stereotypes

The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.
He loads the clouds with moisture;
He scatters his lightning through them.
At His direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever He commands them.
~Job 37:10-12

I must admit it. The first time I read Job 37, I imagined Dumbledore standing in a pool of clouds, gracefully performing all the actions Elihu describes. I'm sorry for being such a dork, but I did. =]

Just in case you've lived in a hole for your entire life, I'll describe Dumbledore's appearance to you. He's quite old, has long white hair and a long white beard. He has a long nose, blue eyes, and wears librarian-style glasses. I'd say he kinda looks like a taller, thinner version of Santa Claus. He's also a bit intimidating... It may seem kind of odd, but that is how I imagine God looking.

I guess sometimes I get these ideas of what people look like. I hear someone speak, or I read something about them, and poof, here comes this little painting of what they (theoretically) look like. A perfect example is listening to a radio show; the portrait you paint in your head is the complete opposite of what the person actually looks like.

Does all of this actually come down to stereotyping? I visualize what people look like based on what kind of people I think they are. Then I assume they look that way.

God is far greater than any Dumbledore or Santa Claus. So it may be an automatic reaction, but God is way more than I can begin to imagine about, so why try to stereotype Him? I think I also need to try to keep my mind open and not be so quick to stereotype (I find stereotyping completely irrelevant and potentially hurtful)...


Photo #37: Smashing stereotypes. (Yes, I am actually a squirrel. My favorite trees are redwoods. =])

Day #36: I've Always Been A Bit Of A Nerd...

He draws up the drops of water,
which distill as rain to the streams;
the clouds pour down their moisture
and abundant showers fall on mankind.
Who can understand how He spreads out the clouds,
how He thunders from His pavilion?
~Job 36:27-29

Science has always been a subject that interests me. I've always enjoyed learning how things work, what makes things go, and why things are the way they are. It fascinates me how much we have come to understand of our world, and it amazes me that there is even more to discover!

But see, that's the thing, there is more to discover...! Elihu brings up a good point, 'who can understand how He spreads out the clouds'? God does so many wondrous things. How could we ever try to understand them all?

There have been numerous scientific discoveries throughout all of history. The discoveries of electricity, radiation, medical cures... If you know about it, well, it's obviously been discovered. Many many many things have been discovered. There is still a copious amount of things still to be discovered. And yet, there are things that we can never even begin to wish to discover, let alone understand!

Science can only explain so much. Eventually you get to a point where you have to start guessing (Those guesses are called THEORIES and should NOT be taught as fact, in my opinion! [Excuse my little rant...]). However, if you crave a little more understanding than science can provide, God's Word can usually explain things pretty well.


Photo #36: I've always been a bit of a nerd... (My first [or was it second?] grade science fair. =] Happy memories.)

Day #35: In The Words Of Abe Lincoln

So Job opens his mouth with empty talk;
without knowledge he multiplies words.
~Job 35:16

Elihu is giving Job the smack-down!! Elihu may be young, but he is speaking words of truth. Elihu has a problem with Job's words and thoughts, so he is standing up for what he knows and believes.

Abraham Lincoln said it is 'Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt'. Job did not choose to remain silent and made a fool out of himself. Job doesn't seem to be getting that he isn't as important as he thinks.

I've made a fool out of myself before. I've thought I knew what I was talking about, but didn't. There have been times where I have spoken out when I should have remained silent. If I want to avoid smack-downs, maybe I should make sure I know what I'm talking about first!

God, please give me wisdom. Help me know when to speak and when to remain silent.


Photo #35: In the words of Abe Lincoln. (^^She has got to be the cutest little girl in the world! =])

Day #34: Breath And Spirit

If it were his intention
and he withdrew his spirit and breath,
all mankind would perish together
and man would return to the dust.
~Job 34:14-15

Sometimes I feel like God has left me. Like he has withdrawn from my heart, and my home, and my life. I feel empty, and confused, and I feel a lack of guidance. It honestly feels like God has left me, at those moments, but I know he hasn't.

Let's take a trip back into Genesis for a moment. In Genesis 2:7 'the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being'. God's breath of life in is all of us. So he can't leave us completely. If he were to leave us completely, we would perish and return to the dust!

Job feels like God is condemning him and has left him completely. Job doesn't realize that even though God maybe not be speaking or intervening, God is still right there beside him and inside him. God isn't condemning Job, or punishing him, God just isn't sheltering Job from hardships that he might not have faced before.

Even when it feels like God has left me, I can think about Job 34:14-15. Even though it may feel like I'm alone, my heart is still beating, I'm still breathing, and God's Spirit and breath have not left me. And God's Spirit and breath never will leave me.


Photo #34: Breath and Spirit. (^^ My 'cheesy' mother. =P)

Day #33: Following Jesus Is A Lot Harder Than I Thought

For God does speak—now one way, now another—
though man may not perceive it.
~Job 33:14

It can be hard to hear God. Sometimes you may think God is speaking, but He isn't. Or He is speaking, but you don't realize that it is Him. Or sometimes God is speaking, but he speaks in a way that we don't understand.

The other day I discovered what was holding me back from following God wholeheartedly: the fear of what he would tell me to do. I came to the conclusion that His instructions are part of the journey and I can't live in fear of them. So I committed to earnestly pursue God and His commands.

Right after I made that commitment, I heard God speak. When you do hear God speak, you can't ignore Him. You have to follow his instructions to the dot. You can't hesitate at all. But when I heard God speak, I did not want to do what He told me to. I did not want to follow His instructions to the dot. But I knew I had to.

I'm still in the midst of following His command, and some day I might be able to share how it turned out. But for now, no matter how hard it might be, I'll continue to work toward fulfilling his command.


Photo #33: Following Jesus is a lot harder than I thought.

Day #32: Young People Can Be Wise Too

I thought, 'Age should speak;
advanced years should teach wisdom.'
But it is the spirit in a man,
the breath of the Almighty,
that gives him understanding.
It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right.'
~Job 32: 7-9

Wow, I found so much truth in today's chapter. The entire chapter reminded me of 1 Timothy 4:12 (Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young...). In this chapter we introduce a new character: Elihu. Apparently Elihu has been there the entire time, but has been too afraid to speak up because he was the youngest.

In verses 17 and 18 Elihu says 'And I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know. For I am full of words, and the Spirit within me compels me;'. And so Elihu speaks his mind. And now, I will speak mine, for I am greatly troubled by recent events.

The health care bill. It disturbs me greatly. Although I am young and do not know as much about the subject as I would like to, please hear me out, for I will speak only on what I do know. I do not mean to offend anyone by saying what I am about to, but 'I too will tell what I know, for the Spirit within me compels me'.

I know that God created us. He created us in his image, and gave us his breath. I also know that Jesus died for us. He thought we were worth his life. He loved us, all of us, enough to leave his heavenly throne, and then DIE for us. Lastly, I know that God gave us Life, and Jesus saved our Life. Those are the greatest gifts anyone will ever receive.

Now think about that greatest gift. Now think about a person who was supposed to 'help'. A person that is supposed to be a hero. Someone who doesn't know you, or what you can accomplish, or what you might be able to do. Now think about that person being given the ability to throw your life away. Think about that person assessing you to see if you are good enough to live. That is what is happening in our world. 37 years ago it was made legal in the form of abortion. And if we don't do something about it, it will soon be made legal in the form of 'healthcare reform'.

Like I said before, I am not educated on the subject as thoroughly as I would like to be, but there are still things that I am educated on. God gave us the gift of Life. We are meant to live our lives to the fullest, to the day that God himself brings us back to Him. I firmly believe that my Heavenly Father, and no one else, should be able to decide how long my family, my friends, myself, or any unborn human should get to live.

Photo #32: Young people can be wise too.

Day #31: Mind Games?

If I have concealed my sin as men do,
by hiding my guilt in my heart
because I so feared the crowd
and so dreaded the contempt of the clans
that I kept silent and would not go outside
~Job 31:33-34

Today at my church, the sermon was partly about the power of the spoken word. When God created the earth, he spoke, and it became. Spoken words have power. Curses and blessings actually have significant effect when spoken out loud (which is why it is important that we keep our mouths clean. [James 3:10]). Spoken words have power. Did you know that some cultures regard the spoken word as so powerful, that they believe simply whispering a thought or dream could make it become reality? Spoken words have power.

Philippians 2:10 & 11 says that in the name of Jesus every knee will bow, and that someday every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Notice that it doesn't say every heart will confess, but every tongue. Therefore, spoken words have power. Romans 10:9 says if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart, you will be saved. Spoken words have power.

Spoken words have power. I keep saying it, but it's true! So to conclude this post and tie my 'rant' back to the verse from Job chapter 31, I will share three reasons why I know I personally might hide my guilt in my heart. One: I am afraid of what people will say about the sin I had committed. Two: I don't want to admit that I am not perfect and that I do, in fact, have sin in my life. Third: I think I hide my guilt in my heart because I fear if I were to speak of it, the guilt would become even heavier. But maybe if I were to confess my guilt out loud, the guilt would become lighter...

Maybe all of this is just a mind game. Maybe spoken words have power because once you say something out loud, it's easier to believe... I'm not for sure, so if you like, feel free to add your thoughts. But in the mean time, maybe I'll think about it out loud (I told you I wasn't crazy for talking to myself!).


Photo #31: Mind games? (^^Jameson and 'Beary'. =])

Day #30: Not By Choice

They were banished from their fellow men,
shouted at as if they were thieves.
They were forced to live in the dry stream beds,
among the rocks and in holes in the ground.
They brayed among the bushes
and huddled in the undergrowth.
A base and nameless brood,
they were driven out of the land.
~Job 30:5-8

Job is talking about the men of low social status. The men who have little money, possibly no job, or if they do have a job, one that isn't respected. Job is speaking of the men who maybe don't have a home every night, or a meal every day, or maybe can't take care of themselves hygienically. I think Job is talking about the homeless.

Homeless people are often shunned because they look strange, or they don't smell very good, or because they can't afford to live a 'normal' life. When people see someone who is homeless on the street, they often look away and pretend they aren't there. But how would you feel if someone walked by you and pretended you weren't there?

I've heard people blame the homeless of being drunk addicts who can't hold a job because they aren't responsible, or that they don't have a home because they spend all there money on alcohol or cigarettes. That may be true for some homeless people, and some people even choose to be homeless, but I think it is safe to say that 95% of homeless people are not irresponsible and do not choose to be homeless.

I do not remember the exact number, but you would be surprised if you knew how many families in America are only one paycheck away from being homeless. If all of a sudden the major source of income in your family disappeared, would you be able to stay off the streets? Especially in these times of economic stress? Even if you are responsible, work hard, maybe have a college degree, how do you find work when no one is hiring?

We push the homeless out of our society and act like they aren't there. Kind of like 'out of sight out of mind', as if not seeing the need means the need is not there. Instead of ignoring the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to meet their needs with love. And at every opportunity, that is what I will do.


Photo #30: Not by choice.

Day #29: Kinda Like A Loan

Job is reminiscing in chapter 29. He speaks of how blessed by God and prosperous he was. He was an ideal citizen, it seems. He cared for orphans and widows. He helped the blind and lame. It sounds like he participated in a city council, and from what he says in the last couple verses, people thought extremely highly of him.

The only major thing that I can think to pull out of this chapter, is that everything is a gift. All of it can be taken away from us at any moment. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. Maybe God is trying to tell me that I'm being too possessive in my life. Everything I have (including my time, talent, body) is God's; He's just loaning all of it to me until I don't need it anymore.


Photo #29: Kinda like a loan.

Day #28: Easier Said Than Done

But where can wisdom be found?
Where does understanding dwell?
~Job 28:12

This chapter of Job is by far my favorite chapter so far. I don't quite understand my attraction to this chapter. It must have something to do with the simple analogies and thoughts held within it. In fact, this chapter is almost poetic.

The first time I read the chapter my mouth literally fell open. Job begins the chapter by speaking of mining for silver, gold, iron, and sapphires. Just as I am beginning to wonder where Job is going with this, he gets to his point. Job pretty much says 'So people know how to find gold, big deal. I want to know where can I find wisdom and understanding!'

My mind was blown when I realized the comparison Job just made. Finding a vein of gold or silver is hard to do. The difficulty required in procuring it gives gold and silver it's value. If the amount of complication involved translates to the value of the object, how much do you think wisdom would be worth? But how do you mine wisdom? Especially when you don't know where it is?

Before we get to the answer that lies in the bible, can I talk about my theory for a second? I think that wisdom and understanding lies with God, and my reasoning behind it is this: God created everything, therefore everything belongs to God. God created wisdom, so wisdom belongs to God. From this point, we come to my previously given answer that wisdom lies with God. If wisdom lies with God, is there a way we can 'mine' it or find it by ourselves?

Take a look at my handy little format gig down below to see the answer that is given in the 28th chapter of Job...

Q: 'But where can wisdom be found?' ~Job 28:12a

A: 'God understands the way to it,... And He said to man "The fear of the Lord-- that is wisdom,"' ~Job 28:23a, 28a

Q: 'Where does understanding dwell?' ~Job 28:12b

A: 'and He alone knows where it dwells,... and to shun evil is understanding.' ~Job 28:23b, 28b

So I guess I was kinda right. Only God knows where true wisdom is. However, God has just shared the first step to gaining true wisdom: fear the Lord and shun evil. ....... Much easier said than done... I guess I better get to work on that.


Photo #28: Easier said than done. (Once again, irrelevant. But I like it. I'm going to stick to pictures I like, whether they relate or not. =])

Day #27: Hardheaded, Stubborn... A Donkey, or Me?

I will never admit you are in the right;
till I die, I will not deny my integrity.
~Job 27:5

Doesn't pride come before a fall?? If so, I think Job might have a fall coming in his future.

I'll admit it. I like to be right. And when I'm wrong, I'm not quick to admit it. Eventually I usually admit that I am wrong, but I sure don't like doing it. But would I rather wallow in my bad attitude and mistakes, or admit I'm wrong and get it over with?

I think Job doesn't want to admit his inaccuracies because everything else in his life seems to be going wrong, why add another thing that isn't right? I can't possibly imagine the suffering Job is going through at this point in his life, but not admitting his friends' correctness is folly.

Even though I don't like to, I need to admit when others are right, and I am wrong. It isn't my first choice, however, I would think that being hardheaded and stubborn is anything but healthy.


Photo #27: Hardheaded, stubborn... A donkey, or me?

Day #26: The Fringe Of His Work

He spreads out the northern skies over empty space;
he suspends the earth over nothing.
He wraps up the waters in his clouds,
yet the clouds do not burst under their weight.
He covers the face of the full moon,
spreading his clouds over it.
He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters
for a boundary between light and darkness....
By his breath the skies became fair;
his hand pierced the gliding serpent.
And these are but the outer fringe of his works;
~Job 26:7-11, 13,14a

I must apologize for the length of my excerpt. But I couldn't help it. Job's words made me smile. Today is the first day with blue skies all week. And on that day Job says 'By his breath the skies became fair'. I like it when God makes little things line up.

The 26th chapter of Job made me realize how awesome God is. Not just the 'whoa, dude, that was awesome!' kind of 'awesome'. The 'God-just-struck-AWE-into-me' 'awesome'.

I don't have much to say about Job 26. There is one thought that keeps repeating in my head as I read this chapter of Job. 'I love God. I love Him and everything about Him, and His marvelous works, and His wonderful awesomeness. I love God.'

Take a look out your window. Even if it's gray, think about God creating everything out there. Picture God spreading the northern skies over empty space. Picture God breathing to make the skies fair. And thank Him for it.

Thank you, God. I love you.


Photo #26: The fringe of His work. (the photo is kinda irrelevant, but I took this one today and I loved it. =])

Day #25: His Light Rises Upon All

Upon whom does his light not rise?
~Job 25:3b

The 25th chapter of Job is short, sweet, and to the point. Today Job's friend Bildad is speaking. All Bildad really says is 'Job, God is... God! He'll work everything out.' You know, I think I'm starting to like Bildad... =]

One thing that Bildad said stuck out at me. It is found in the Book of Job, 25th chapter, second half of the third verse. (It's also up ^^ there.) 'Upon whom does his light not rise?' Hmmm... Okay, so God's light rises upon everyone. But what does that mean?

Before I get to the core of this verse, can I talk about light? Light often represents grace, or holiness, sometimes Heaven. But light also represents truth, understanding, exposure. Light helps us see, gives us hope, burns us, blinds us...

I interpreted this verse (you may interpret it differently, for we all unique in our interpretations) to have two implications.

The first implication: God's grace and hope falls upon everyone. Everyone has the chance to receive his mercy, and gain heart through his love.

The second implication: God's light falls upon everyone, exposing their faults and deepest secrets, and all those little things we don't want to see. God's light travels to every corner of everyone's life, showing those little piles of dirt we push there, and all the cobwebs on the ceiling.

God is loving. God is strict. He is equally just in both aspects. God does not show favoritism. His light rises upon all.


Photo #25: His light rises upon all. (I know I have a lot of sun pictures, but sometimes they're the only appropriate image. =])

Day #24: Some Cities Just Need A Little Love

Lacking clothes, they spend the night naked;
they have nothing to cover themselves in the cold.
~Job 24:7

There is plenty work to be done. No, I'm not talking about vacuuming, or dusting, I'm talking about God's work. Feeding those who are hungry, clothing those who are naked, caring for those who are sick, and basically loving and helping anyone who is in need.

Along with Michigan, Ohio has some of the fastest dying cities in the nation. Although Dayton, Ohio is a relatively small city, there are still many who are in need. Dayton is a place that has potential to be a substantially successful city, all it needs is a little love.

I have gone on several summer mission trips to the city of Dayton. There are several local organizations that have much impact on the Dayton. The one that has made the most profound impact on me is called Target: Dayton! Ministries.

Target: Dayton! is a church for the homeless which serves a meal after each service. Their choir (of homeless Dayton residents) gives concerts all over the city. They hold a service for the members of the church almost every day of the week. Target: Dayton! not only impacts the citizens of Dayton by feeding them at least one meal a day, Target: Dayton! impacts their members by sharing the message of Jesus Christ.

There is plenty work to be done. Just look around you and you will find work that God needs done. And if you can't see anything, ask him to open your eyes and show you. Once you find something to do, your life will be impacted as much as the people you are serving.


Photo #24: Some cities just needs a little love. (Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of Target: Dayton!, so here is a picture of my dear city of Dayton.)

Day #23: Trying To Stick To The Path

My feet have closely followed His steps;
I have kept to His way without turning aside.
I have not departed from the commands of His lips;
~Job 23:11-12a

Those are Job's words ^^ up there. He's claiming to have 'kept to His way without turning aside.' Job says he has 'not departed from the commands of His lips'. Job has pretty much just claimed to be perfect. Job has just said he has never deviated from God's path. Is it just me, or does it seem like Job is deceiving himself?

No one can keep to God's way without turning aside. No one can follow God's commands to the dot. We may try, but we never will. We can't be perfect, and Job was being foolish and asinine to claim that he was.

In my quest to become more like Jesus, I think it is important to remember that although I am a new creation and have had my slate wiped clean, I will always wander back to old ways. I'm not giving excuses for my sin, I am accountable to all my actions. However, it is an arrogant assumption that any human (besides Jesus) could be immaculate, and I won't deceive myself by thinking that I (of all people) can.
Photo #23: Trying to stick to the path.

Day #22: Gold, and Phones, and Bibles, Oh My!

If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored:
If you remove wickedness far from your tent...
then the Almighty will be your gold,
the choicest silver for you.
Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty
and will lift up your face to God.
~Job 22:23, 25, 26

Which of your possessions do you treasure the most? A book? Money? A memory? A photo? Your phone, iPod, TV remote, or camera? Or maybe like me, your most treasured possession is your computer?

A friend forwarded an email to me the other day. Usually I don't read forwarded emails, but that day I decided to read it. The email was about how different our lives would be if we treated our bible like we treat our cell phone. I know it sounds cheesy, but stick with me for a second. This email had some pretty good points. Think about how many times you look at your cell phone during the day. Now think about how your life could be changed if you looked at your bible that many times in a day. If you forget your cell phone at home, do you turn around to get it? Now what if you turned back when you forgot your bible?

The last few verses in the 22nd chapter of Job speak of God being our gold and silver. Back in Job's time gold and silver were the big deal. Gold and silver were used for currency, jewelry, decoration, sacrifices. Gold and silver were used to adorn homes, bodies, places of worship. If you had gold or silver, it meant you were rich and had a place in society. If you were without gold or silver, hardly anyone even looked at you. In that time, gold and silver were people's most treasured possessions.

So what did Eliphaz mean when he said God will be our gold and silver? I think Eliphaz was saying when we repent from wicked ways and treat God as our most treasured possession, we can find wealth and delight in God. So instead of just wondering how things could change, I think I'll treat God as my most treasured possession and see how things do change.


Photo #22: Gold, and phones, and bibles, oh my!

Day #21: Who Would Stay With You?

Bear with me while I speak,
and after I have spoken, mock on.
~Job 21:3

For the past 19 chapters Job has been arguing back and forth with three of his friends. First Job speaks some nonsense and heaps on the self-pity. After that either Eliphaz, Bildad, or Zophar gives a reply, usually trying to talk some sense into Job. Don't get me wrong, Job definitely has it tough and his friends don't always speak appropriately, but at some points Job is being irrational in his logic.

Job is so caught up in his misery and arguments that he has become blind in some aspects. Job seems to be under the impression that the entire world hates and mocks him and that he has no friends. However, even though Job is most likely inflicted with every contagious disease, even though he is at the bottom of the social chain, and even though he is being nonsensical, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar are sticking with Job. Job may think he has no friends, but it seems like Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar are the best friends out there!

There are two questions that have come to mind after learning from Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.

One: Do I have an Eliphaz, Bildad, or Zophar in my life (Do I have an amazing through-thick-and-thin friend who I don't properly appreciate)?

Two: If I were in Job's place, how many of my friends would stay?


Photo #21: Who would stay with you?

Day #20: Only You Can Let It In

My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer
because I am greatly disturbed.
~Job 20:2

Be the change you want to see in the world.
~Mahatma Ghandi

I tend to hold my tongue. This is a good characteristic... If never want things to change. I'm afraid if I say what I think it might offend someone. Some might call this being polite, but is it politeness or cowardice?

If I have a problem with something, I should do something about it. No one else is going to speak my mind. No one else can act on my accord. Why should I sit back and wait for someone else to do it if I have the power to do it myself? Like Ghandi said, 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'

Random song time! Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. Do you remember it? It was her first big song. I was nine-years-old when it came out and thoroughly obsessed with the song. But what does Natasha Bedingfield have to do with 'being the change'? Take a look at the lyrics to the chorus: 'Feel the rain on your skin/no one else can feel it for you/only you can let it in./No one else, no one else/can speak the words on your lips.'

Ghandi is saying 'be the change' and Natasha's song says only I can speak and act for myself. So what am I going to do? I can't trust anyone else to be the change our world needs, so I'm going to be the change. I'll be the change by speaking my mind and working in the ways that only I can.


Photo #20: Only you can let it in.

Day #19: Talking the Talk, Walking the... Plank?

If it is true that I have gone astray,
my error remains my concern alone.
~Job 19:4

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
~Matthew 7:5

When you point out a friend's fault, you usually think you're doing it in their best interest. It's a common self-deceiving thought that by pointing out somebody's fault, you're helping them. Truthfully, it's not helping them at all. If your friend sees you doing exactly what you told them not to do, they'll be pretty confused.

When I think of 'removing planks' I think of my sport: karate. Before I can teach someone else a new move, I have to make sure I know how to do it first. It'd be hard to teach someone a jump spinning kick if I can't do that particular jump spinning kick. How can I correct somebody's hand position if my own hands aren't in the correct position?

Basically Job is telling his friends that what he says and does, righteously or sinfully, is between him and God. His friends don't need to get in the midst of it. Although Job's friends are trying to talk some sense into Job while Job is being senseless, that isn't their job, nor their place. They love Job and they are trying to help him, but that isn't what is best for him at the moment.

In order to make sure my own plank is gone, I think for the next couple days I'm going to take a step back and examine myself and my habits. Once I have isolated behaviors, habits, and attitudes that need to be changed, I will change them. After all, I'm sure my plank is much bigger than the speck I see in other people.

A thought for YOU: Are there any planks you need to remove?


Photo #19: Talking the talk, walking the... plank?

Day #18: Wicked: Book, Musical, Adjective, Slang, and Verb

The lamp of the wicked is snuffed out;
the flame of his fire stops burning.
~Job 18:5

Wicked [wik-id]: evil or morally bad in principle or practice; sinful; iniquitous

Wicked. It's a book. It's a musical. It's an adjective. It's slang for 'awesome'. It's a verb. But what classifies something as wicked? Are actions the only things that can be wicked (dictionary wise)? 1 Samuel 17:28 says our hearts can be wicked, and Jeremiah 4:14 says our thoughts can be wicked, too.

Just like sinning (although come to think of it, wickedness is sin) wickedness doesn't only come about through actions. Just as sinful thoughts count as sin, wicked thoughts also counts as wickedness (and sin).

There is no justification for wickedness. Wickedness is sin, and the penalty for sin is death. Lucky for us, we have a man who loved enough to take away our wickedness and sin by dying for us.


Photo #18: Wicked: book, musical, adjective, slang, and verb. (My dad's picture from when he went to go see the production!)

Day #17: Even Kings Get Lonely

Surely mockers surround me;
my eyes must dwell on their hostility.....
God has made me a byword to everyone,
~Job 17:2,6

In the movie Where the Wild Things Are, the main character, Max, goes to his imagined world because he is an outsider who is feeling lonely. Once he is in his world, he meets some monsters. The monsters soon pronounce Max as their king. Things start going wrong and when Max tries to clear things up, all the monsters get angry with him. They mock him and look upon him with hostility. Once again, Max is an outsider. (Everything works out in the end, though. =])

Job has become an outsider. After losing all his possessions, his social status, and his health, who would want to still hang around him? In a stranger's eyes, Job is nothing more than a beggar. He is mocked and looked upon with scorn. Luckily for Job, even if he doesn't realize it, he has three great friends sitting by him, mourning with him.

I have felt lonely many times, just as I'm sure everyone else has. Of course God is always with us, and of course I know I don't need to feel lonely. But sometimes the loneliness just creeps in. There really is only one satisfactory cure for loneliness: a friend. I don't know about you, but I definitely don't carry an insta-friend around in my back pocket. So when loneliness strikes, what am I to do? I can pray for God to send me a friend, but God's results aren't always immediate.

So maybe I can't cure my own loneliness, but I can cure other people's loneliness. When I see someone by themselves, I can go to them and be their friend. And who knows? Maybe next time I'm lonely that person will be the one to cure my loneliness.


Photo #17: Even the kings get lonely.

Day #16: Starting From A Block Of Wood

I also could speak like you,
if you were in my place;
I could make fine speeches against you
and shake my head at you.
~Job 16:4

I'm going to be honest. Sometimes I'm not sympathetic. I speak before putting myself in the other person's shoes. I admonish before I love. And frequently, I am much rougher than necessary. I have many downfalls, and I am no where near perfect.

Let me tell you a secret. I don't like drawing self-portraits. Like I literally don't like drawing self-portraits. I don't like stepping back and assessing who I am because I am afraid I won't like what I see. Not saying I'm insecure, I love being me, and I love who God created me to be. However, I'm afraid that if I were to look hard enough, I would see all my faults and negative traits.

A couple weeks ago my brother entered a pinewood derby. He and my dad spent hours perfecting his car. Cutting it to shape, sanding it down, and painting it. They worked exceptionally hard on it, and their work paid off. Jameson won first place in his pack, out of 27 cars. At the district races Jameson's car made it to the second to last heat, racing against 41 cars.

I guess I'm kinda like God's block of wood. I'm a raw piece of wood, and He's shaping me into who He wants me to be. Every time he reminds me to be loving instead of admonishing, He sands down a rough edge. And finally, one day when I'm finished, He will paint me. He knows who I am and who I will be. He knows my faults and is working on fixing them. I'm on my way to my destination and God is leading me there.


Photo #16: Starting from a block of wood.

Day #15: Besties Foshizzle

Are God's consolations not enough for you,
words spoken gently to you?
~Job 15:11

When you're feeling down, who do you go to first? When you have exciting news, who is the first person you tell? When you're happy, who do you usually share your joy with?

I've noticed, personally, I always go to my best friends. God put those people in my life for that very reason, however, I think I forget that humans aren't the only beings I can share my sadness, excitement, and jubilation with. God wants to know what's going on with me, too (even if He does already know, I think He likes it when I tell Him).

Quite often I tend to skim over God's presence and search for consolation and affirmation in my fellow humans. I realize now that I need to stop doing this. Although my friends love me and can almost always cheer me up, no one can care for me and love me better than God. God put my best friends in my life so that I can commune with them and go through life with them, but God is my Creator, Savior, and Lord. Why shouldn't He be the first I go to?


Photo #15: Besties foshizzle.

Day #14: Just Chillaxing

Today I am having trouble finding something to write about. As always, today's chapter of Job offered a glimpse into Job's life and contained many snippets of wisdom. Usually when I read the chapter through, if not the first time the second or the fifth, something sticks out and pokes me in the rib. That didn't happen today, though.

I guess sometimes God is silent. He's not gone, He just doesn't have anything to say to me. Maybe those are God's chillax days.

I've been a bit tight today. Maybe I should chillax with God. Hmmm, that reminds me of a thought I wrote out a couple months ago. Would you like to read it...?

Gallop

The little blue marble we know as Earth is a very fast-paced area to reside. From the time we are born, to the day we die, we are taught that fast is good, and slow is bad.

When we are infants, we are entertained to our hearts content. Almost never do we go a moment, at that age, where we aren’t the center of attention, being played with or being taken care of. When we move on to early childhood there are games and television amongst other forms of entertainment. In games, board games, or computer games, the pieces are always stirring. Something is always going on. With television, the whole concept of TV is that everything is moving. Commercials, cartoons, educational shows, they are all continually shifting, never resting for a moment. As we grow older, we then receive cell phones, then cars, and then jobs. These enforce a fast pace even more.

Cell phones, the internet, new forms of transportation: they all make the world go faster, and become smaller. The population enjoys these things, but they also despise them. Why do you think people take vacations? But even vacations are full of speed and activity.

So what are we to do in a world that refuses to slow down? Well, even if we can’t make the rest of the residents of Earth slow from their gallop, we can make time for ourselves. Psalm 46:10 says to “Be still and know I am God.” Have you ever made the connection that God most often appears to people in dreams? Maybe that is because that’s the only time most people take to rest.

In a world where our entire lives are full, we need to remember to take some time to be still, and just... chill with God….

Photo #14: Just chillaxing.

Day #13: Here Comes Morning

Will there really be a "Morning"?
Is there such thing as "Day"?
~Will There Really Be A "Morning"? by Emily Dickinson

The morning and the rising sun often symbolize the end of a trial. Like in a movie if the characters are fighting a long, hard battle way into the dead of night, the good guys usually emerge from war, victorious, with the sun climbing over the horizon behind them.

Job is still suffering greatly. He does not understand why all this misfortune has been mounded upon him, and Job is ready to give up. Job is at a point where he is wondering when the morning will come. Like in the poem by Emily Dickinson, he is asking if there even is a morning.

Often while we are in the middle of our troubles, it is hard to see beyond them. We get so bogged down by all our sorrows that we miss the glimpse of sun just over the horizon. I don't want to get bogged down, though. I want to be so consumed in Jesus that I have the strength to lift my head and see that sun, even when I am facing trials.

Photo #13: Here comes morning.

Day #12: Greater Than Our Own

Reason is God's crowning gift to man, and you are right to warn me against losing mine.... Yet there are other men who can reason too.... You are not in a position to know everything that people say or do, or what they feel.
~Antigone by Sophocles

But I have a mind as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
~Job 12:3

Sometimes when we get caught up in our own thoughts and accomplishments, we forget about others around us. We get a little, may I say it, cocky. ([kok-ee]: arrogant; pertly self-assertive; conceited). We forget others have great ideas and achievements, too, and sometimes others' feats are even greater than our own.

I'm not trying to put anyone down or say that all you've done isn't great. I just think people, myself included, forget to encourage other people's ability, as well. I've realized that if I not only share my ideas with others, but also have others share their ideas with me, our combined ideas can achieve so much more than just one idea alone. They do say two heads are better than one.

Since we are all part of the body of Christ, one of our jobs is to lift up other members. If we're all holding and lifting each other up it'll be exceedingly harder to tear us down. So today, I challenge you to see and acknowledge someone else's greatness. It makes the acknowledger feel just as great as the acknowledge-ee.

P.S. I think you've done some pretty awesome things. I would also love it if you shared your great ideas with me sometime. =]

Photo #12: Greater than our own.

Day #11: Wisdom Right In Front Of Me

Oh, how I wish that God would speak,...
and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom,
~Job 11:5 & 6

Wisdom [wiz-duh m]: knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action.

If I had God's secrets of wisdom, I would always know what to do. I would be able to decide what is right, and I would be able to act on it. No more moral dilemmas, no more indecisive moments... Sounds good, huh? The problem is I don't have God's secrets of wisdom. I only have the amount of wisdom that God built into me, and sometimes that doesn't seem like enough.

The wisest man in the bible is king Solomon. How did he get so wise? He asked for it. He did not pray for a long life, or for wealth, he prayed that God would give him the ability to discern between what is right and what is wrong. So God gave him wisdom.

Through writing this post, my thinking has changed. Instead of wishing I knew God's secrets of wisdom, maybe I can ask God to reveal some of these secrets to me. And wait, another brain wave! I have a very handy book that contains TONS of God's secrets: the bible!

Hmmmmm, I guess I've had the ability to gain more wisdom all along. All it took was a simple blog post to make me realize it.

Photo #11: Wisdom right in front of me.

Day #10: Hardly A Comparison

Do you have eyes of flesh?
Do you see as a mortal sees?
Are your days like those of a mortal
or your years like those of a man,
~Job 10: 5-6

God. He is the only entity I know that can be not only in two places at once, but everywhere at once. He is omnipotent (all powerful). He loves everyone, no matter what they look or act like, or where they come from. He is unchanging, completely pure and sin free, truthful, faithful, patient, and alive.

Now let's take a look at me. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty much confined to one spot at a time (unless you stand on the border, for you A Walk To Remember fans). Even if I have power over something, my power is limited. I find it challenging to love people I don't necessarily 'approve of'. I change my mind and myself constantly. I sin every day. I tell lies (not gonna lie). I'm not always faithful to my word. I am usually running just a little too short on patience. And last but not least, I am dead (in my sin).

Wow. What a difference. I am trying to become more like Christ, and therefore more like God, but I still see a lot of things I need to change. One thing I see specifically is what I think of things. Guess what, Madelyn? What you think doesn't actually matter!

Anyway, the above can hardly be called a comparison, although I don't know what else to call it. However, I do know that I will keep this 'comparison' as a To-Do list. Hopefully it'll help me keep track of the things I still need to work on.

Photo #10: Hardly a comparison.

Day #9: Intervention, Not Abandonment. Catastrophe At Its Finest.

He moves mountains without their knowing it
and overturns them in his anger.
He shakes the earth from it's place
and makes its pillars tremble....
God does not restrain His anger.
~Job 9:5-6, 13a

Today Chile was hit by an 8.8 earthquake. A month ago Haiti was hit by a 7.8 earthquake. Four and a half years ago New Orleans, Louisiana was hit by a category 3 hurricane. All three have taken lives, and left devastation in their wake. I've heard people asking where God is. Why did he leave when New Orleans, Haiti, and now Chile, needed him most? What is God doing while we're down here trying to sort everything out?

I believe that these natural disasters are not God letting us fend for ourselves, but him intervening. I do not know God's ulterior motives, nor will I ever know, but I firmly trust that God knows what he is doing and has not left these places through the current turmoil.

Please do not falsely interpret my words. I am not trying to seem uncompassionate or indifferent in anyway. My heart cries out for those who are in the midst of all this pandemonium, turbulence, and great suffering. I pray that God will give all these people comfort in this time of distress.

My God is a loving God. In fact, He IS love. However, He is also a jealous God (Exodus 34:14), and does not hold back His anger. If He has a problem with something that is going on, He will not bite his tongue and stand by and watch. He will, and has, take action. When has He ever done that, you ask? He took action when he flooded the entire earth. He took action when he rained burning sulfur down on Sodom and Gomorrah.

God has a plan. I don't recommend trying to figure out His plan; you might hurt yourself. However, I do recommend trusting in His plan. No matter how doubtful we may be, His plan will always always always work.

Photo #9: Intervention, not abandonment. Catastrophe at its finest. (This is obviously not my picture. Taken from united-ri.com)

Day #8: MentoRs, Not Mentos

Ask the former generations
and find out what their fathers learned,
for we were born only yesterday and know nothing,
and our days on earth are but a shadow.
Will they not instruct you and tell you?
Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?
~Job 8:8-10

First of all, I would like to say that reading the bible is almost like an I SPY book. Little snippets of applicable truth are hidden in plain sight, just waiting for you to find them. Anyone trying to tell you the bible is irrelevant to this day and age is lying. From reading a book like Job, (even though I'm only 8 days in) I have already noticed all sorts of little pieces of advice. It seems like God put those little golden nuggets in places where I have to read it several times to understand it's meaning. So if you've never read the bible in a thorough manner (especially the Old Testament), I dare you to try it sometime. It's better than a psychiatrist, medication, and even bubble wrap. And I guarantee it'll change your life.

Anywho... It looks like Bildad (one of Job's other friends) is talking about mentors up ^^^^^ there. No, not those candies that you put in diet coke, mentors, with an 'r'. A mentor is someone who is usually older and more experienced than yourself. A mentor guides you, helps you think things through, and helps you learn from a situation. A mentor can be anyone. Your parents, your youth pastor, your teacher, an aunt, an uncle, an older friend, anyone. A mentor can also act as a role model.

Mentors are pretty good people to have around "for we were only born yesterday and know nothing." With a mentor, you can not only learn from your mistakes, but from your mentor's mistakes, too! It's almost like having double knowledge. *wink*

God has put quite a few mentors in my life, and I have learned so much from all of them. I am thankful that I have them around, and I surely have avoided many mistakes that I could have made, but didn't. I hope I continue to have my current mentors, and many more mentors, in the future. And I can only pray that someday God will lead me to be a great mentor to someone else.

Photo #8: MentoRs, not Mentos. (My grandpa, one of my many mentors.)

Day #7: Noticing Every Little Thing

What is man that you make so much of him,
that you give him so much attention,
that you examine him every morning
and test him every moment?
Will you never look away from me,
or let me alone even for an instant?
~Job 7:17-19

How often have I wondered exactly what Job has just voiced? Why does God love us? Why does God watch over us? Why does he care what we do? Does he love, watch, and care because he has to? No, I don't think God has to do anything.

*Sigh.* I don't get it. What makes me so important to God?? I mean, I screw things up, I don't listen, I hurt people... Why does God bother with me?

You know... Maybe he wants to. I mean, he created me and all. I guess I'd be pretty interested in my creation, too. It still seems pretty crazy that the Creator and Lord of everything would bother taking notice when I burn my fingers while straightening my hair, or when I get scared by a bug, or any other little thing.

And guess what? He cares that way about you too! And everyone, for that matter! Wow... My God is one big God. And I think he's stinking amazing, too.

Photo #7: Noticing every little thing.

Day #6: The Ugly Truth

How painful are honest words!
~Job 6:25a

This blog is going to be about Truth. So are you ready some for some honest brutality? Well ready or not, here it is: The Truth hurts. The Truth is hardly ever what you want to hear. The Truth can be ugly. But does that mean we should avoid it? Does that mean the Truth is bad? Does that mean the Truth isn't what is best for us? The answer to all of those questions is a big, fat, (honest) 'NO'. Just like nasty cherry-flavored medicine, the Truth is often the only thing that can cure us, even if we don't like it.

You know what are honest and truthful? Shadows. You can't fool shadows. They will show the real you. The you God created you to be (unless you're wearing a box as a skirt). A shadow can't convey immodest clothing, or makeup. You'll never hear a shadow uttering obscenities or attention seeking phrases.

A lot of times we try to fool ourselves into believing things that are not the Truth. But it always comes back to the Truth, doesn't it? God knows how things are supposed to be, and lies and cover-ups will never deceive him. So why try to fool ourselves and others?

Photo #6: The ugly truth.

Day #5: Despising Discipline

Blessed is the man whom God corrects;
so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
For he wounds, but he also binds up;
he injures, but his hands also heal.
~Job 5:17-18

God is my parents' role model. They strive to be like him, they listen to his words, and they try to obey what he tells them to do. As parents, they have to (yes, I am going to say it) discipline their children (my brothers more than me, heh heh heh).

I, as one of the children being disciplined, don't always like the way my parents discipline me. Wait, I take that back. I never like the way my parents discipline me. But God is my parent too, and the fifth chapter of Job includes a verse that says 'Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.'

Hmmm... I guess God and my parents know what they're doing when they discipline me. And I know they're going to love reading this, but I suppose I'll trust their judgment and, uh, cheerfully obey them.

Photo #5: Despising discipline. (I did not take this photo, however it most definitely fit the description.)

Day #4: Behind The Clouds Still Shining

Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
~The Rainy Day by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It's rainy-ish today. It's been like this for a couple of days. It's relatively bright outside, but there still has not been a sighting of the sun, that elusive golden entity, for several days. I'm having trouble remembering that my friendly little yellow orb is still there. I feel if I don't see it soon, it will cease to exist all together.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem called 'The Rainy Day'. The second line of the last stanza reminds the reader that the sun is always there, even on rainy days. Sometimes the sun is merely hidden behind a layer of clouds. Yet, it is always there.

Eliphaz (one of Job's friends who mourned with him) offers Job words of encouragement in the fourth chapter of Job. Eliphaz was reminding Job that God would never leave completely, just as the sun never actually vanishes from the sky. Both God and the sun are always there, we just can't feel or see them all the time.

Photo #4: Behind the clouds still shining.

Day #3: A Time To Weep

A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance,
~Ecclesiastes 3:4

Do you remember Mr. Rogers? When the puppets were experiencing sadness, but weren't quite sure why, Mr. Rogers would ask them, "Are you feeling sad because of ______?"

Job definitely knew why he was sad. He was sad because of all the misfortune that had fallen upon him. He began to curse the day he was born, and he began to wish he was dead. Yet again, however, he never cursed or blamed God.

I've been sad many times before. I have one memory where I was distinctly sad: when I found out I had to move from Michigan. (I thought I knew what was best for me, and I thought I knew what God wanted to happen. Obviously I knew neither of those things, and I still don't, but that is another story.) I remember being sad because I had to leave all my friends behind. I was sad because all the friends that I hardly ever saw, I would most likely never see again. (However, I didn't know about all the amazing friends I would make in Ohio.)

The third chapter of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time for everything. One of those things is mourning. We are supposed to rejoice and be glad in the Lord, despite the circumstances. But does that mean we can't be sad?

I think that God wants us to be sad and mournful when something sad happens. It's part of how God created us to be as humans. Jesus cried, too! But when we're feeling sad and alone, God is there to remind us it's okay to be sad. He is also there to tell us we can always find joy in Him.

Photo #3: A time to weep.