I find it a little hard to write this. I don't like to open up my heart to the vulnerability of my insecurities, but as I was evaluating some of the issues that I was dealing with last night I was reminded that I am not defined by this world's standards or views of me.
You know that feeling of feeling 'second best' or like you tried your best, but it just wasn't good enough? What a lie those things are, but they are such real feelings for so many of us. Even as I enter into my later 20s I still deal with these insecurities that have been lingering with me since middle school. Even though I am becoming a mother, I am a wife, I still feel like I am not good enough for some of the blessings in my life. As if my self isn't worth a life full of greatness.
I laugh even as I write this as I am a mentor to many young college aged girls and I tell them all the time how worthy they are of love and greatness. That they are worth the life that God has in store for them, so then why can 1 little thing happen to me and I find myself questioning my own worthiness of greatness.
God did not intend for us to live a life that is filled with negativity and lies. That is what the devil has in store for us--for the thief comes in the night to steal, but GOD, He came to give us LIFE and life to the FULLEST!
I want that life. I want the life that is so filled with God's presence that I know where my security lives. I know who I am in the eyes of my Creator. I know that I am seen through the eyes of Grace and not the eyes of judgement or condemnation.
So how do we get there? How do we get to the point in our lives where we are able to find our security in our Maker. Well it starts with acceptance. Acceptance that no matter what we do, we are not going to make ourselves worthy on our own. It's acceptance of the gift that Christ gave us on the cross. The gift that FREED us from death. The gift that gave us LIFE!
It's not an easy journey, it requires dedication and sacrifice. But that's what Christ gave us when he came to earth and if we learned anything from His life, it's that hard work and dedication pays off. Let us focus on what is unseen, not what is seen--as what is seen is fleeting, but what is unseen is eternal.
I unfortunately will not be able to let go of my deep insecurities overnight, but with the acceptance of God's grace and love, I will be able to begin to find my true security and full life in our One True God.
Thank you Lord for that gift, may we begin the journey of accepting it. We Love You.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
BE. STILL. [[and know]]
If any of you know me well, you know that I tend to move at a quicker pace. I like to get things done, I enjoy being productive. I think I get this wonderful characteristic from my lovely mother.
Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy this part of myself. It has gotten me pretty far in life. I am a motivated individual that likes to go after things and get things done. It has helped me in all my different jobs I have, and it encourages me in my relationships. It's a great 'problem' to have.
For years now though, God has been trying to teach me his discipline 'Be Still and Know that I am God.' (Psalm 46:10). Here are a couple more versions of the same verse:
"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Stop your fighting--and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth."
Be in awe and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted throughout the earth.
Let go [of your concerns]! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.
Be Still? How can I be productive when I am being still? How am I supposed to get things done then?
The funny thing about the questions that I have asked God about this verse is that it is all about me. It's about what I am doing, not what he is doing. Re-read those different versions. God is wanting us to experience HIM! God is wanting to reveal HIMSELF to us. He doesn't want us to do anything.
If I have learned anything over my 20-some years on this earth is that God isn't asking me to do anything but accept His love and be in His presence. He's asking me to give up the reigns to my life and let him be the leader. He is asking me to BE STILL so that I can see His works.
This makes me feel conflicted. I have tension in my spirit knowing that I have to learn to Be Still so that I can truly know God and his ways.
But God granted me a tangible experience of this discipline recently. I am just about 6 months pregnant with our first little baby. It has been an amazing experience to say the least, but as I have been thinking about this concept of being still, God reminded me of something I've learned in my pregnancy.
One of the best parts of being pregnant is the first few feelings of baby moving around. It reminds you that life is being created and that you are apart of an amazing miracle. Well for me the times that I feel baby move the most, is when I am being still and at peace. It's the times when I am not thinking or worrying about anything. It's the times where I am truly content. It hit me just this weekend that God is just asking us to trust Him. Let go of our life so that He can give us His.
See God is always moving. God is always working in our lives. But the question I so often ask myself is, am I paying enough attention? I am being still so that I can see God working in the nations? More often than not, the answer is no.
Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy this part of myself. It has gotten me pretty far in life. I am a motivated individual that likes to go after things and get things done. It has helped me in all my different jobs I have, and it encourages me in my relationships. It's a great 'problem' to have.
For years now though, God has been trying to teach me his discipline 'Be Still and Know that I am God.' (Psalm 46:10). Here are a couple more versions of the same verse:
"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Stop your fighting--and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth."
Be in awe and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted throughout the earth.
Let go [of your concerns]! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.
Be Still? How can I be productive when I am being still? How am I supposed to get things done then?
The funny thing about the questions that I have asked God about this verse is that it is all about me. It's about what I am doing, not what he is doing. Re-read those different versions. God is wanting us to experience HIM! God is wanting to reveal HIMSELF to us. He doesn't want us to do anything.
If I have learned anything over my 20-some years on this earth is that God isn't asking me to do anything but accept His love and be in His presence. He's asking me to give up the reigns to my life and let him be the leader. He is asking me to BE STILL so that I can see His works.
This makes me feel conflicted. I have tension in my spirit knowing that I have to learn to Be Still so that I can truly know God and his ways.
But God granted me a tangible experience of this discipline recently. I am just about 6 months pregnant with our first little baby. It has been an amazing experience to say the least, but as I have been thinking about this concept of being still, God reminded me of something I've learned in my pregnancy.
One of the best parts of being pregnant is the first few feelings of baby moving around. It reminds you that life is being created and that you are apart of an amazing miracle. Well for me the times that I feel baby move the most, is when I am being still and at peace. It's the times when I am not thinking or worrying about anything. It's the times where I am truly content. It hit me just this weekend that God is just asking us to trust Him. Let go of our life so that He can give us His.
See God is always moving. God is always working in our lives. But the question I so often ask myself is, am I paying enough attention? I am being still so that I can see God working in the nations? More often than not, the answer is no.
So, I am learning to Be Still. I am learning to Let Go and Let God. Who knows what could happen in our lives, but again, if I've learned anything from my faith journey is that God does not disappoint.
So let's BE STILL and KNOW!
Friday, September 5, 2014
How 1 Year Can Make a World of Difference
Wow. It's been awhile since I have written a post. It makes me chuckle a little just because of all the stuff that has happened since my last post.
It's kind of amazing, the last week or so I have been in a state of reflection. I think it started with my Grandma Schultz's passing a few weeks ago and just reflecting on my Schultz family and everything we have been through together. Then it led me to realize that my 1 year anniversary was coming up at the current job I have. Now this was a big realization for me since when I started the job, I thought I was only going to be there for maybe 5-6 months. Now I am celebrating 1 year and looking at my future here at this company--as a long-term thing. This crazy change of events has sparked my writing again. To share with you all the craziness and dramatic changes that I and my husband have gone through this past year. I would not trade what happened to us and the things that we have learned for anything. So here you go:
The 3 life changing REVELATIONS this year has brought:
1. Stepping Stones are so much more.
I literally just googled 'Stepping Stone meaning' so that I can help you have the same visualization that I do when talking about stepping stones:
Stepping Stone:
-a raised stone used singly or in a series as a place on which to step when crossing a stream or muddy area
-an undertaking or event that helps one to make progress toward a specified goal.
I like these definitions because it gives you a literal meaning of a stepping stone and a more figurative outlook to it. Whenever I have thought of a stepping stone I think of something that is leading you from one area to the next. It takes you from the beginning of something to the end of something. Rarely did I think that a path of stepping stones could just lead you to another path of stepping stones (figuratively speaking). I just thought there was one path for your jobs, your marriage, your relationships, etc and that one path would have an end to it and once you reached that end, you made it! No more stepping carefully to one to the next-keeping your eye on the 'end goal'.
You are probably reading this and thinking...'What is she talking about?!?!' Well let me tell you what I learned about stepping stones this year. So I thought that my whole job/career journey was leading me down a path with only one outcome--to work in ministry at a specific organization. Every job I took I thought about how this could help me with my end goal. Well the funny thing is, I got to my end goal, I got a job with the specific organization, doing the one thing I thought I was supposed to do. But, that wasn't my end god...there was more. There is always more with God. He doesn't lead us down a path and then just leave us there. Our end goal isn't something we obtain here on earth. Our end goal is eternity with Christ! My job here on earth is to further the kingdom and serve our God. If I do that with a Christian organization or a company that sells nuts and bolts, does it matter? If I can take the opportunities God presents to me and humbly accept them, more often than not, not sure of where they are going, but do it with JOY-isn't that the 'die to self, and live in Christ' mentality? My one year anniversary with my current job isn't one of relational ministry, like I thought, it is actually sitting at a desk and analyzing and inputting data, but I have never felt more like in the right place and right where God wants me. I challenge you to not look at your opportunities in life as stepping stones to some great end goal of becoming the next CEO, the employee of the month, the best parent, friend, spouse, but look at these 'stepping stones' as God leading you on one fun, crazy, unknown adventure that will eventually end with eternity with Him.
2. Perfect timing is God's timing.
This is something that I have tried to wrap my head around time and time again throughout my life. This lesson isn't an easy one to give into, especially when your timing doesn't line up with God's timing. This was pretty evident this year for me and my husband. We decided at the end of 2013 that once Jan 2014 hit we were going to start actively trying for a baby. Now this decision did not come so easy and quickly. We knew that we wanted a few things in place before taking this step. So in October of 2013 one of big prayers was answered, my husband was offered a full time job at his company after a long time contract position. HUGE news!! That means we had full benefits and way more stability, something we knew we needed that to have a baby. My job was giving me great stability and flexibility also, so we just knew it was time. Well we tried and we succeeded! We were over the moon to take that pregnancy test at the end of Jan and find out it was positive!! We began to dream and talk about what we think our baby would be like and what we were going to do. I had everything figured out about what I was going to do with my job and how Young Life was going to fit into that too. It was turning out so great!
Our first doctors appt was at the end of Feb. Your first prenatal appt is around 8 weeks, the doctor said that we were going to take a look at the little soybean since there would be something to see at that time. Well our ultrasound didn't show anything. After 3 different ultrasounds in one day our doctor advised us that we were going to have take a few tests to see what is going on, but that we should prepare for if things don't go well. Well a week and a half later we confirmed that we had lost that pregnancy to a spontaneous miscarriage. A situation where we did nothing wrong, it just wasn't the right time.
Now it's hard for me to argue that is wasn't 'the right time'. Everything was in place for this to be the next step in our life. I was ready, Matt was ready, logistically everything was right so why did this have to go so wrong. It's a question I asked so many times during the weeks after losing our baby. I remember talking with Matt about it though, man I have an amazing husband. Matt kept telling me that God will grant us with a baby one day and that we just have to cling to Him. I don't think I have prayed and spent so much time with God in those couple of weeks than I had in a long time. God's timing isn't about making sure everything here on earth is perfect. His timing is about Him. It's about drawing us closer to him. I've experienced some big loss in my life. Losing my Dad at age 19 is not the timing you think a parent will be gone. Losing your first baby isn't the way you picture timing out starting your family. But God typically has a bigger and better plan for us. Sometimes it requires us to step out of our circumstances and focus our attention on Him, not us. Which leads me into my last revelation of this past year.
3. Focus on God, not yourself.
As humans, its in our nature to focus on ourselves. It's the survival of the fittest. Whoever can rise above everyone else and gain the most will be the one to succeed. Yes, this is true in our limited understanding here on earth, but through all of the hardships and difficult situations that we faced this year, I realized the more I focus on God, the more I learn about Him and myself. If I were to look at my job situation right now, and that's it, I would wonder why am I doing this. I am working in a office with numbers, not people like I thought I would. But then I take a step back and look at the environment that I work in. God has me working in a office that needs Him. His children are lost and need Him. Now I am not on my soap box preaching to the people I work with, but I am loving them. I am praying for them, even when they drive me crazy, I am doing relational ministry. I am being Jesus to these men and women who desperately need Him. Now don't get me wrong, I am not perfect at this, I get annoyed with my co-workers as much as anyone else, but it has challenged me to focus my attention on God's work in my life and how and why he has me places. And there are days, few and far between, that he shows me the work that I am doing there in the lives of my co-workers. I may never see the fruit of the seeds that I am planting, but it's not about that...it's about the love that Christ has for these people and how he chose me to help show that love.
I can't tell you how to live your life. I can't even really advise you on how to do it. But I can challenge you. I have learned that we cannot plan so far in advance that we lose sight of how God is working in our present. God wants to live our life with us. We need to let him lead us down the path. Once we can do that, the stress and anxiety of figuring 'What's Next?!?' isn't as strong because we trust our Creator. We trust that God is a good God. We trust that even when things don't go the way we want, He has a bigger and better plan for us. I've had to learn to let go of the so-called 'good' stuff, so that I can receive the amazing GREAT things that God has for me. Even if to the world they look like plain, boring things.
Our life with Christ is an amazing adventure. I've learned that they more open and welcoming you are to God and His ways, the more enjoyable life can be. Ministry can happen anywhere. God can happen anywhere. The question is: 'Are you looking for it?'
PS. Matt and I are almost 5 months along with our first baby, and our future looks more bright than I ever imagined.
It's kind of amazing, the last week or so I have been in a state of reflection. I think it started with my Grandma Schultz's passing a few weeks ago and just reflecting on my Schultz family and everything we have been through together. Then it led me to realize that my 1 year anniversary was coming up at the current job I have. Now this was a big realization for me since when I started the job, I thought I was only going to be there for maybe 5-6 months. Now I am celebrating 1 year and looking at my future here at this company--as a long-term thing. This crazy change of events has sparked my writing again. To share with you all the craziness and dramatic changes that I and my husband have gone through this past year. I would not trade what happened to us and the things that we have learned for anything. So here you go:
The 3 life changing REVELATIONS this year has brought:
1. Stepping Stones are so much more.
I literally just googled 'Stepping Stone meaning' so that I can help you have the same visualization that I do when talking about stepping stones:
Stepping Stone:
-a raised stone used singly or in a series as a place on which to step when crossing a stream or muddy area
-an undertaking or event that helps one to make progress toward a specified goal.
I like these definitions because it gives you a literal meaning of a stepping stone and a more figurative outlook to it. Whenever I have thought of a stepping stone I think of something that is leading you from one area to the next. It takes you from the beginning of something to the end of something. Rarely did I think that a path of stepping stones could just lead you to another path of stepping stones (figuratively speaking). I just thought there was one path for your jobs, your marriage, your relationships, etc and that one path would have an end to it and once you reached that end, you made it! No more stepping carefully to one to the next-keeping your eye on the 'end goal'.
You are probably reading this and thinking...'What is she talking about?!?!' Well let me tell you what I learned about stepping stones this year. So I thought that my whole job/career journey was leading me down a path with only one outcome--to work in ministry at a specific organization. Every job I took I thought about how this could help me with my end goal. Well the funny thing is, I got to my end goal, I got a job with the specific organization, doing the one thing I thought I was supposed to do. But, that wasn't my end god...there was more. There is always more with God. He doesn't lead us down a path and then just leave us there. Our end goal isn't something we obtain here on earth. Our end goal is eternity with Christ! My job here on earth is to further the kingdom and serve our God. If I do that with a Christian organization or a company that sells nuts and bolts, does it matter? If I can take the opportunities God presents to me and humbly accept them, more often than not, not sure of where they are going, but do it with JOY-isn't that the 'die to self, and live in Christ' mentality? My one year anniversary with my current job isn't one of relational ministry, like I thought, it is actually sitting at a desk and analyzing and inputting data, but I have never felt more like in the right place and right where God wants me. I challenge you to not look at your opportunities in life as stepping stones to some great end goal of becoming the next CEO, the employee of the month, the best parent, friend, spouse, but look at these 'stepping stones' as God leading you on one fun, crazy, unknown adventure that will eventually end with eternity with Him.
2. Perfect timing is God's timing.
This is something that I have tried to wrap my head around time and time again throughout my life. This lesson isn't an easy one to give into, especially when your timing doesn't line up with God's timing. This was pretty evident this year for me and my husband. We decided at the end of 2013 that once Jan 2014 hit we were going to start actively trying for a baby. Now this decision did not come so easy and quickly. We knew that we wanted a few things in place before taking this step. So in October of 2013 one of big prayers was answered, my husband was offered a full time job at his company after a long time contract position. HUGE news!! That means we had full benefits and way more stability, something we knew we needed that to have a baby. My job was giving me great stability and flexibility also, so we just knew it was time. Well we tried and we succeeded! We were over the moon to take that pregnancy test at the end of Jan and find out it was positive!! We began to dream and talk about what we think our baby would be like and what we were going to do. I had everything figured out about what I was going to do with my job and how Young Life was going to fit into that too. It was turning out so great!
Our first doctors appt was at the end of Feb. Your first prenatal appt is around 8 weeks, the doctor said that we were going to take a look at the little soybean since there would be something to see at that time. Well our ultrasound didn't show anything. After 3 different ultrasounds in one day our doctor advised us that we were going to have take a few tests to see what is going on, but that we should prepare for if things don't go well. Well a week and a half later we confirmed that we had lost that pregnancy to a spontaneous miscarriage. A situation where we did nothing wrong, it just wasn't the right time.
Now it's hard for me to argue that is wasn't 'the right time'. Everything was in place for this to be the next step in our life. I was ready, Matt was ready, logistically everything was right so why did this have to go so wrong. It's a question I asked so many times during the weeks after losing our baby. I remember talking with Matt about it though, man I have an amazing husband. Matt kept telling me that God will grant us with a baby one day and that we just have to cling to Him. I don't think I have prayed and spent so much time with God in those couple of weeks than I had in a long time. God's timing isn't about making sure everything here on earth is perfect. His timing is about Him. It's about drawing us closer to him. I've experienced some big loss in my life. Losing my Dad at age 19 is not the timing you think a parent will be gone. Losing your first baby isn't the way you picture timing out starting your family. But God typically has a bigger and better plan for us. Sometimes it requires us to step out of our circumstances and focus our attention on Him, not us. Which leads me into my last revelation of this past year.
3. Focus on God, not yourself.
As humans, its in our nature to focus on ourselves. It's the survival of the fittest. Whoever can rise above everyone else and gain the most will be the one to succeed. Yes, this is true in our limited understanding here on earth, but through all of the hardships and difficult situations that we faced this year, I realized the more I focus on God, the more I learn about Him and myself. If I were to look at my job situation right now, and that's it, I would wonder why am I doing this. I am working in a office with numbers, not people like I thought I would. But then I take a step back and look at the environment that I work in. God has me working in a office that needs Him. His children are lost and need Him. Now I am not on my soap box preaching to the people I work with, but I am loving them. I am praying for them, even when they drive me crazy, I am doing relational ministry. I am being Jesus to these men and women who desperately need Him. Now don't get me wrong, I am not perfect at this, I get annoyed with my co-workers as much as anyone else, but it has challenged me to focus my attention on God's work in my life and how and why he has me places. And there are days, few and far between, that he shows me the work that I am doing there in the lives of my co-workers. I may never see the fruit of the seeds that I am planting, but it's not about that...it's about the love that Christ has for these people and how he chose me to help show that love.
I can't tell you how to live your life. I can't even really advise you on how to do it. But I can challenge you. I have learned that we cannot plan so far in advance that we lose sight of how God is working in our present. God wants to live our life with us. We need to let him lead us down the path. Once we can do that, the stress and anxiety of figuring 'What's Next?!?' isn't as strong because we trust our Creator. We trust that God is a good God. We trust that even when things don't go the way we want, He has a bigger and better plan for us. I've had to learn to let go of the so-called 'good' stuff, so that I can receive the amazing GREAT things that God has for me. Even if to the world they look like plain, boring things.
Our life with Christ is an amazing adventure. I've learned that they more open and welcoming you are to God and His ways, the more enjoyable life can be. Ministry can happen anywhere. God can happen anywhere. The question is: 'Are you looking for it?'
PS. Matt and I are almost 5 months along with our first baby, and our future looks more bright than I ever imagined.
Friday, September 6, 2013
BOLD.faith
BOLD.faith....
There are a lot of things that I love about being a Christ follower, but one of my favorites is when you are able to explicitly experience God's reigning truth that He speaks about in His word. So today's post is to encourage you all to know that God is real, living, and ready to reveal Himself to you.
So if you have been reading my previous posts, you know about my God-sized dream that I have been pursuing...well I guess I haven't been too explicit with what the dream is exactly, but let's just say it has to do with proclaiming God's truth to the nations...well maybe just a group of college students, but it still my nation. Anyway, having a God-sized dreams requires some God-sized faith.
For the past few months I have been struggling with this idea of BOLD faith. Faith that is so confident that the outcome will be right and positive, faith that was convinced that what you believe in 100% sure. Faith that is absolutely certain.A lot of those words kind of scare me since there is so much defined certainness in them. But truly my 'doubt' or 'fear' per say was what was holding me back from my BOLD faith. Doubt that God's truth wasn't really truth. Doubt that what I have told many students and mentees was not true. I doubted that God wasn't going to bless his children who followed him. I doubted his faithfulness and thought that He was going to abandon me in times of trouble. I thought that this God-sized dream that He has put in my heart was not in fact HIS dream for me. I doubted God's truth.
One morning I was reading a devotion and came across this verse:
'Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete' -John 16:24.
As I read it and I thought..well I have too asked for these things that I desire...I've been praying for a full time job for my husband for more than a year! I have been praying that I would be able to do full-time ministry for what seems like forever...or have I? Was I praying in the name of Jordyn or the name of JESUS? There is a difference-am I praying for me and my selfish plan or was I praying that God's plan for me would happen? So that day I decided to change my prayers...I decided to start praying in BOLDNESS that God's plan would happen, not mine. I struggled with this quite a bit since I didn't want to continue at my current job and I truly wanted to pursue my God-sized dream but I knew that I needed to pray in the name of Jesus. So I prayed for days, weeks, months in the name of Jesus Christ.
Through these weeks of BOLD prayer and faith, I was offered my dream job (it requires some hard work, but I got my God-sized dream) AND my husband was offered a full-time job at his company. The two things that, for the last year I had been praying for, but this time I was praying in the name of Jesus Christ and the scripture from John just became my reality. Even as I write this I am overwhelmed with humility, knowing that God's faithfulness and blessings do not require us to do all these dramatic and over the top things. Having BOLD faith doesn't require us to be the most popular person, the person who everyone loves...BOLD FAITH REQUIRES TRUST IN HIM, CHRIST'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, and A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST! Those are the things that we need to focus on and strive for. I have never been more ON FIRE for our Savior and my love for him grows EVERYDAY!
But I had to take a step of faith...a step of BOLD faith. Matthew 21: 21-22:
'Jesus replied, Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer'
Do you believe? Do you trust that God is who he says he is? Then have BOLD faith to ask for things in the name of Jesus...
Please remember...asking for things in the name of Jesus doesn't mean that you will become rich and famous and have these earthly things given unto you...praying in the name of Jesus means that HIS will be done, not yours and when you are walking hand in hand, heart in heart with Him, the things that you desire for your life will be the same God desires for you too.
I pray that you all have BOLD faith and experience the truth of God that is written in His word. I pray his truth becomes your reality.
There are a lot of things that I love about being a Christ follower, but one of my favorites is when you are able to explicitly experience God's reigning truth that He speaks about in His word. So today's post is to encourage you all to know that God is real, living, and ready to reveal Himself to you.
So if you have been reading my previous posts, you know about my God-sized dream that I have been pursuing...well I guess I haven't been too explicit with what the dream is exactly, but let's just say it has to do with proclaiming God's truth to the nations...well maybe just a group of college students, but it still my nation. Anyway, having a God-sized dreams requires some God-sized faith.
For the past few months I have been struggling with this idea of BOLD faith. Faith that is so confident that the outcome will be right and positive, faith that was convinced that what you believe in 100% sure. Faith that is absolutely certain.A lot of those words kind of scare me since there is so much defined certainness in them. But truly my 'doubt' or 'fear' per say was what was holding me back from my BOLD faith. Doubt that God's truth wasn't really truth. Doubt that what I have told many students and mentees was not true. I doubted that God wasn't going to bless his children who followed him. I doubted his faithfulness and thought that He was going to abandon me in times of trouble. I thought that this God-sized dream that He has put in my heart was not in fact HIS dream for me. I doubted God's truth.
One morning I was reading a devotion and came across this verse:
'Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete' -John 16:24.
As I read it and I thought..well I have too asked for these things that I desire...I've been praying for a full time job for my husband for more than a year! I have been praying that I would be able to do full-time ministry for what seems like forever...or have I? Was I praying in the name of Jordyn or the name of JESUS? There is a difference-am I praying for me and my selfish plan or was I praying that God's plan for me would happen? So that day I decided to change my prayers...I decided to start praying in BOLDNESS that God's plan would happen, not mine. I struggled with this quite a bit since I didn't want to continue at my current job and I truly wanted to pursue my God-sized dream but I knew that I needed to pray in the name of Jesus. So I prayed for days, weeks, months in the name of Jesus Christ.
Through these weeks of BOLD prayer and faith, I was offered my dream job (it requires some hard work, but I got my God-sized dream) AND my husband was offered a full-time job at his company. The two things that, for the last year I had been praying for, but this time I was praying in the name of Jesus Christ and the scripture from John just became my reality. Even as I write this I am overwhelmed with humility, knowing that God's faithfulness and blessings do not require us to do all these dramatic and over the top things. Having BOLD faith doesn't require us to be the most popular person, the person who everyone loves...BOLD FAITH REQUIRES TRUST IN HIM, CHRIST'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, and A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST! Those are the things that we need to focus on and strive for. I have never been more ON FIRE for our Savior and my love for him grows EVERYDAY!
But I had to take a step of faith...a step of BOLD faith. Matthew 21: 21-22:
'Jesus replied, Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer'
Do you believe? Do you trust that God is who he says he is? Then have BOLD faith to ask for things in the name of Jesus...
Please remember...asking for things in the name of Jesus doesn't mean that you will become rich and famous and have these earthly things given unto you...praying in the name of Jesus means that HIS will be done, not yours and when you are walking hand in hand, heart in heart with Him, the things that you desire for your life will be the same God desires for you too.
I pray that you all have BOLD faith and experience the truth of God that is written in His word. I pray his truth becomes your reality.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Good. Better. BEST.
I want an awesome life. Not the type of life that is filled with worldly awesome things, but a life that is filled God-awesome things. I've been on a pretty interesting journey with God that last few months. One of my first blog posts here was about having God-sized dreams and how I was going to pursue mine...well guess what...my God-size dream is COMING TRUE! Ha. I laugh a little now even as I write about my new reality, but for so long I've been living a life that is filled with content. A life is that okay with 'good'. A life where something 'good' happens and I think I'm living in God's living power.
Well I'm here to remind us all that God came to give us LIFE and life to the FULLNESS! But what does a 'full life' look like? I mean I have lived a great life, a life filled with life-giving truth. But could there be more? Does the reality of God truly wanting to give us a truly full life really reign true in our life?
This brings me to the title of this post. Good. Better. BEST! I know that God wants good things for all of his children. And believe me, I can look back on my short 24 year long life and point out countless 'good' things. But my challenge is for myself and anyone who cares to read this...what if we wait for God's 'better' things...or even 'BEST' things? We could go through life choosing the first opportunity that God places in front us thinking that's all He's going to offer, but what if God has more for us and if we are willing to wait just a little longer, we would be able to experience the God-awesome things he has.
Now don't get me wrong, God will use every choice that we decide to make to his glory and his will, but I am trying something a little different in my life right now. I am really good at choosing the 'good' things that come along in my life, some of may be that I don't think I am good enough for anything more. But after pursuing my God-sized dream, and it coming true, it made me stop and think a little. What if these dreams aren't really that giant of things, but really just the amazing, great, best things that God has in store for me? What if I choose to just trust in the maker of this creation, the one who is more constant than anything here on earth, the one who CHOSE to die for me? What would happen if I waited for the best things God has for me? What if?
This journey that I chose a long time ago, the one that entails a sacrificial lifestyle, I knew was going to be hard, but who knew how rewarding it could be. I challenge you all to just wait one moment, let the good things pass and let God show you the GREAT, the BEST things he has for you. They may not be perfect and filled with rainbows and butterflies. Maybe it is a job that allows you to minister to other non-believers, maybe it's an opportunity to travel to a city with an unreached people group, maybe it's your God-sized dream, or maybe it is as simple as experiencing God's love through this human race...I don't know what the best thing is for you...but GOD DOES! and if we chose to believe that He is the God that He says He is and TRUST his goodness, we will be able to experience his GREATNESS!!
Pray for me...this journey isn't easy, but I know God has GREAT things and his BEST in store for me! I will pray for you. God is GREAT! Amen?
Well I'm here to remind us all that God came to give us LIFE and life to the FULLNESS! But what does a 'full life' look like? I mean I have lived a great life, a life filled with life-giving truth. But could there be more? Does the reality of God truly wanting to give us a truly full life really reign true in our life?
This brings me to the title of this post. Good. Better. BEST! I know that God wants good things for all of his children. And believe me, I can look back on my short 24 year long life and point out countless 'good' things. But my challenge is for myself and anyone who cares to read this...what if we wait for God's 'better' things...or even 'BEST' things? We could go through life choosing the first opportunity that God places in front us thinking that's all He's going to offer, but what if God has more for us and if we are willing to wait just a little longer, we would be able to experience the God-awesome things he has.
Now don't get me wrong, God will use every choice that we decide to make to his glory and his will, but I am trying something a little different in my life right now. I am really good at choosing the 'good' things that come along in my life, some of may be that I don't think I am good enough for anything more. But after pursuing my God-sized dream, and it coming true, it made me stop and think a little. What if these dreams aren't really that giant of things, but really just the amazing, great, best things that God has in store for me? What if I choose to just trust in the maker of this creation, the one who is more constant than anything here on earth, the one who CHOSE to die for me? What would happen if I waited for the best things God has for me? What if?
This journey that I chose a long time ago, the one that entails a sacrificial lifestyle, I knew was going to be hard, but who knew how rewarding it could be. I challenge you all to just wait one moment, let the good things pass and let God show you the GREAT, the BEST things he has for you. They may not be perfect and filled with rainbows and butterflies. Maybe it is a job that allows you to minister to other non-believers, maybe it's an opportunity to travel to a city with an unreached people group, maybe it's your God-sized dream, or maybe it is as simple as experiencing God's love through this human race...I don't know what the best thing is for you...but GOD DOES! and if we chose to believe that He is the God that He says He is and TRUST his goodness, we will be able to experience his GREATNESS!!
Pray for me...this journey isn't easy, but I know God has GREAT things and his BEST in store for me! I will pray for you. God is GREAT! Amen?
Monday, July 8, 2013
'Tis the Season
So here I am, awake at midnight on a work night, unable to turn off my mind. So I guess it means that I should blog.
Well I cant stop thinking about Ecclesiastes 3 and God's truth on seasons. Now there are all different kinds of seasons in life, I mean at Christmas we say 'Tis the Season' since it wouldn't be acceptable to have a Christmas tree up in your house in the middle of June...although some people do (to each their own), but there are certain times for certain things. Now this is exactly what God is saying in Ecclesiastes 3--There is a time to laugh, there is a time to cry, there is a time for hate there is a time for love, there is a time to tear down, there is a time to rebuild--there is a time for everything.
Well this is easier said than done. I think so many times we want to think that there is only times of joy, laughter, building up, living, etc for our journey with Christ, but what type of journey would it be if everything went as planned. I mean how many movies go exactly perfect to plan...well i mean besides the fact that everything is scripted. But I mean even the bad stuff if scripted there. Our lives are filled with ups and downs, good and bad. So why does it always surprise us when we enter into a season of crying, or tearing down. I mean aren't those the moments that shape us the most?
So here I sit at my computer realizing the season that I am in. I would compare it to, if you live in Minnesota, about January 28th when the winter storms just keep on coming and you never think winter is going to end and you are tired of all your sweaters and just want to go outside and enjoy the joyous sun. Well we all know that come May, most years, that the sun eventually comes out and the grass gets green and you find yourself just happy about life whenever the sun is shining. The thing is every year at the end of January, beginning of February, we doubt that summer will never come. Well if the past nth amount of years tell us anything, it is that the seasons are consistent. We know that after winter comes spring, then summer, than fall and again winter. It's a cycle and every season has it purpose and meaning.
So my challenge to myself and to anyone who may read this is that the seasons in our life are consistent too. We will have beautiful days that are filled with laughter and joy, but there will be times when you are in the dead of winter and not sure you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The thing to remember though is that God is constant, He is faithful and He cares more deeply for us than we can ever think or imagine. Therefore as we sit in those 'downs' of life, the seasons that we don't appreciate or like, remember that even GOD is in the midst of those. Maybe he brought you to this time and place so that you will be reminded of his glory. To be reminded that everything that happens in our lives is to be brought back to him. So when we have those crummy days we go to God and say. 'God, please help me. I cannot do this on my own. I need you in my life. I love you!' And then on those glorious days, we say, 'God, you are good and mighty. Thank you for these amazing blessings you pour out to me! For you are a loving God!'
Again, this is easier said than done, but as I, you probably need a reminder, so read Ecclesiastes 3 and remember there is a time for everything, and in the midst of everything there is God and he will ALWAYS be by your side leading you in His direction, even if you feel like you are ready or not.
to Him be the glory.
Well I cant stop thinking about Ecclesiastes 3 and God's truth on seasons. Now there are all different kinds of seasons in life, I mean at Christmas we say 'Tis the Season' since it wouldn't be acceptable to have a Christmas tree up in your house in the middle of June...although some people do (to each their own), but there are certain times for certain things. Now this is exactly what God is saying in Ecclesiastes 3--There is a time to laugh, there is a time to cry, there is a time for hate there is a time for love, there is a time to tear down, there is a time to rebuild--there is a time for everything.
Well this is easier said than done. I think so many times we want to think that there is only times of joy, laughter, building up, living, etc for our journey with Christ, but what type of journey would it be if everything went as planned. I mean how many movies go exactly perfect to plan...well i mean besides the fact that everything is scripted. But I mean even the bad stuff if scripted there. Our lives are filled with ups and downs, good and bad. So why does it always surprise us when we enter into a season of crying, or tearing down. I mean aren't those the moments that shape us the most?
So here I sit at my computer realizing the season that I am in. I would compare it to, if you live in Minnesota, about January 28th when the winter storms just keep on coming and you never think winter is going to end and you are tired of all your sweaters and just want to go outside and enjoy the joyous sun. Well we all know that come May, most years, that the sun eventually comes out and the grass gets green and you find yourself just happy about life whenever the sun is shining. The thing is every year at the end of January, beginning of February, we doubt that summer will never come. Well if the past nth amount of years tell us anything, it is that the seasons are consistent. We know that after winter comes spring, then summer, than fall and again winter. It's a cycle and every season has it purpose and meaning.
So my challenge to myself and to anyone who may read this is that the seasons in our life are consistent too. We will have beautiful days that are filled with laughter and joy, but there will be times when you are in the dead of winter and not sure you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The thing to remember though is that God is constant, He is faithful and He cares more deeply for us than we can ever think or imagine. Therefore as we sit in those 'downs' of life, the seasons that we don't appreciate or like, remember that even GOD is in the midst of those. Maybe he brought you to this time and place so that you will be reminded of his glory. To be reminded that everything that happens in our lives is to be brought back to him. So when we have those crummy days we go to God and say. 'God, please help me. I cannot do this on my own. I need you in my life. I love you!' And then on those glorious days, we say, 'God, you are good and mighty. Thank you for these amazing blessings you pour out to me! For you are a loving God!'
Again, this is easier said than done, but as I, you probably need a reminder, so read Ecclesiastes 3 and remember there is a time for everything, and in the midst of everything there is God and he will ALWAYS be by your side leading you in His direction, even if you feel like you are ready or not.
to Him be the glory.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
How Big are Your Dreams?
I got this book a week ago or so that is all about having God-sized dreams. It was very intriguing to me since I have felt like God has been pressing his 'God-sized' dream on my heart recently. I read the first couple of pages and the author kept on saying how we were made for God-sized dreams, and that we were worth pursuing them.
Now as I grew up I never felt like there was anything that I was exceptionally good at. I mean I got good grades, was musical, fairly athletic, but nothing that was-stop in your tracks, 'wow' type of good. Therefore when I saw my future I didn't ever dream big dreams-or think I was worth dreaming big dreams. Well the past month or so I think God has been trying to break that lie within me, because that is what it is- A LIE!!
So many times God presses dreams onto our hearts and we look at them as impossible and unreachable, but doesn't the Bible tell as that nothing is impossible with God and we are able to immeasurable great things in his name?! Then why do we think that when God shows us a glimpse of his plan for us that we so quickly doubt it will ever happen?
Well even though pursing my great God-sized dream still scares me and I still feel my insecurities creep up, I know that when God has his hand in what is going on in our lives-things tend to go his way. Therefore I have decided to jump in-ALL in and run the race that God has placed before me. I approach this great dream as a mere sinful human that, on my own-I am unable to accomplish anything, but with the big man upstairs guiding me-showing me where to go- I CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING!
So I ask you, How big are your dreams? Do you believe that you are worth accomplishing them? Has God pressed something so great on your heart that everyday you wake up thinking about it?
I then challenge you to chase those dreams. Know that God is every so present on the path that he has sent up for you. Let us believe that God is capable of all things and that he has chosen us-his grateful children-to use to accomplish his God-sized dreams!
Happy Dreaming!
Phil. 4:13; Eph 3:20; Matt 19:26
Now as I grew up I never felt like there was anything that I was exceptionally good at. I mean I got good grades, was musical, fairly athletic, but nothing that was-stop in your tracks, 'wow' type of good. Therefore when I saw my future I didn't ever dream big dreams-or think I was worth dreaming big dreams. Well the past month or so I think God has been trying to break that lie within me, because that is what it is- A LIE!!
So many times God presses dreams onto our hearts and we look at them as impossible and unreachable, but doesn't the Bible tell as that nothing is impossible with God and we are able to immeasurable great things in his name?! Then why do we think that when God shows us a glimpse of his plan for us that we so quickly doubt it will ever happen?
Well even though pursing my great God-sized dream still scares me and I still feel my insecurities creep up, I know that when God has his hand in what is going on in our lives-things tend to go his way. Therefore I have decided to jump in-ALL in and run the race that God has placed before me. I approach this great dream as a mere sinful human that, on my own-I am unable to accomplish anything, but with the big man upstairs guiding me-showing me where to go- I CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING!
So I ask you, How big are your dreams? Do you believe that you are worth accomplishing them? Has God pressed something so great on your heart that everyday you wake up thinking about it?
I then challenge you to chase those dreams. Know that God is every so present on the path that he has sent up for you. Let us believe that God is capable of all things and that he has chosen us-his grateful children-to use to accomplish his God-sized dreams!
Happy Dreaming!
Phil. 4:13; Eph 3:20; Matt 19:26
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