Daddy

Father's Day 2014 brings a new and greater appreciation for the caring Daddy that God gifted me with.  As I began mulling over what to write at the beginning of this week, all I could think of were cliche phrases at best-a phrase such as "Best Dad in the World."  I wanted to depict that to me-without going all adjective crazy on you- he is a wonderful dad, and that I'm thankful for him.

I'm writing a feeble, night-turned-morning-on-Father's-Day account of seven quickly unearthed snapshots of events -that were so normal and taken for granted as a girl, but so life-giving and valuable to me now-because I see these moments, some I still experience even today as pathways to thanksgiving to God!

1. Sky Aware.

He likes flying, sunsets, and the moon.  Daddy is constantly looking skyward at the slightest chop of a helicopter, the low rumble of a 747, or stellar heavenly handiwork displayed by evening light.  This "Ah! Cool! There's a massive rumbling sound in the air!!!" thought sticks with me through everyday. :)  As I sit at the park with Amanda and the kids, and I hear a plane I can't help but scan the blue atmosphere for an airplane-even if the planes are flying overhead at the rate of 1 per 4 minutes-and I like it.

2. Trails.

Daddy and Momma biking down the trails of the Cedar Valley with Anna and I in tow, is a memory that is pleasant to recall.  Anna and I always had a time of keeping up with our two bicycle-loving, fit parents.  I think the longest bike ride I  took before I was 12 was near Lanesboro Minnesota, and it was about 25-26 miles long.  Sometimes it was really great to be biking, and sometimes Anna and I would have thought to skip it; but now I appreciate it as great family-time fun.

3. Time Telling, Lefts and Rights, and Money.

Today, daddy was just "drilling" Asher about which hand was his left, and which was his right, and Asher passed the drill with flying colors at three years old (smartypants).  There were many kitchen-side drills similar to the one I witnessed a few hours ago.  "Raise your left hand, point to your right ear. . ."  I needed the practice with "left" and "right," and Anna needed the practice with her "face-telling-time," and you've taught both of us through the year about money.   Thanks for practicing these basics with us, without laughing at us, I don't know if I could have done it! :o)

4. The Treasure Tree. 

This is a book you read to Anna and I many times when we were tiny, tucked beside you, we would hear the tale of four animal friends finding great treasure when they all work together.  The stories were amazing then, but now I value the time you took to read story books, advent books, and God's Word to your daughters. Thank you for leading us to love learning.

5. Green and Yellow. 

I've been an extremely opinionated tractor observer since I was able to speak- I'm certain.  The Reed family is a "big green tractor" family, and it was always fun spotting the naughty blue and red tractors in the fields and yelling out incredulously, "That naughty tractor!"  You're a loyal hard working Daddy, thank you for working long hours to provide for your family.  I appreciate the work that you do, and I know you do it with excellence! And, I truly like the fun-spirited brand loyalty we have for John Deere.  [Gigging to myself as I write about this one.]

6. Subs, Pitas, and ice cream {and many other food adventures}.

I know, the heading for this one is broad. But we have spent a lot of time together over food, so I thought it appropriate. :)  One very big thing that happened to me around the dinner table, was a conversation about the Gospel lead by my Daddy.  God used that conversation to reaffirm my trust in Christ alone for saving me, not in my "good girl deeds," or trusting in a prayer I may have not understood when I was three when God first drew me to Himself. Salvation in Christ alone.  What an awesome time of hearing from God's Word, and being prompted to respond in faith to the Gospel that day!

Thank you for taking me on dates, to eat yummy food, ask thoughtful questions, and to give me space to talk about my life with you.

P.S. Tonight's ice cream date was really fun. :)

7. "I Spy." 

It's been a family tradition for years, whenever anyone sees something that is incredible in nature (for us, it's usually a sunset in the backyard), we say "I spy!" and it reminds us to marvel and be thankful for that gift we see right in front of us.  You'd better try this one sometime, it's a lot of fun to spot things that are marked with beautiful design in creation!

I'm grateful for my Daddy, because he leads me to wonder at little things, and then turn that enjoyment of the created, toward the Creator through thanksgiving.

Man, once I get going it's so hard to stop-- I just want to keep adding to the list of thankful thoughts for today!  My hope for you, dear reader, is that through small things (like the memories of my Daddy on this page), God would increase your joy in Himself in big ways, and that He would be magnified through your own memories of His faithfulness to you.

Happy Father's Day Daddy! 

I'm delighted that I get to spend the day with you!

John Deere Tractor Exploring Circa Sept. 27, 2008

More Like A Cloud At Sunset

Watching them as they take to the sky.
Those reflections of Light appear
Like clouds fresh, bursting forth-
and forward upward and onward
ever heightening and expanding their focused reflections of light.

That is for some. And its beautiful to behold.

Others are more uncomfortable to watch.
The pain of the growth burns them for agonizing moments-
and the wreckage is clear to the onlookers eye.
They glimmer for a moment and fade, 
the Light-
thought to be absolutely dissolved
this thought is only momentary.

To the others borne into the light
who feel slapped up there, still in the beginning stages
-it should be exciting-
and yet you feel really stuck under the pressures of
all the shapes you could take.
It aches somehow in the deep recesses of your existence
to know that you are struggling.

Even worse it seems,
when you need those who have seen the fog of you,
and they are the moving, growing, onward upward and expanding ones.
Their reflection of the Light is specific, faithful, and obvious.
While you seemingly just float.
You rest and you muse, and try spinning and waltzing the sky long,
you mull and you saturate you bask in the Light.
Hoping that it will reassure you of your chosen-ness,
your chosen-ness that you were made to reflect glory back to the True Light.

You stay in the wonder stage.
But it seems like nothing more than that.
Just wonder.

What about this beginning
makes it more completely terrifying than any other change?
This pondering of what shape to take to reflect His glorious Light.

Your deepest longing is for your reflection to be somehow unique and useful,
and to be a massive display of the deep love and grace of the Light.

You can feel a couple ideas to reflect tugging you to move more into the shape of them
yet, feel paralyzed by the knowledge of the possibility of one choice.
Each piece of knowledge adds a different voice to the cacophony vibrating through your being.
Each holds a thread of truth to its instruction,
Each a alluring option of reflecting.
You're torn down and looking rather flat do to knowledge of the opportunity of them all.

These are the ones who hold potential to shine and reflect Light.
If not afraid, then at the least, unwilling to relinquish their perceived control.

Will they break free from the overload of their ponderings?
will they embrace a possibly small opportunity for reflecting the Light?

For that is reality, and the Light is able to redeem our small shapes of reflection
into something with color, beauty, and wonder.

Just being

"Not a hint that she was devastated, 
nor even tempted for a moment to doubt that all is best. 
It is in fact, difficult to find anywhere in the writings of Amy Carmichael
anything akin to the poets admission, 'oft we doubt.'"
-Elisabeth Elliot

Any human ability to have faith in the goodness of God in the midst of a seemingly "crashing circumstance" is a total gift from God.  It is this realization that seeing the world and seeing my life and seeing God as good in so many ways is a gift. A grace that is completely unmerited, undeserved and it's one I could never earn-- no matter who I become, what I do with my life, whom I serve or where I am in the world...

Grace is a God-gifted way of seeing, a way of seeing that the believer's call to thanksgiving is truly an invitation to gain the perspective of trusting in Him who has given all.  He rescued, but the story of God and His redeemed does not end with a prayer to save from hell-flame.  No, God's salvation is in the daily living and recognizing moments as moments that are deemed good for you, a gift, a grace, from the "I AM" God. The God of every moment. 

It's in that practice of every-moment-remembering-trust-in-God, that I have found joy.  Joy? Yes, joy that only comes from God as only He can reveal in a life.  He revealed it specifically to me in the words of the Bible.  Though I struggle, loose my way, though I feel pain and loss, I have a New Hope each day that says that allows me to say: "yes, I hurt, yes, I don't understand," but this hope also reminds me that my God doesn't leave me there in the rawness of the shock, the emotion the hurt. No, I'm discovering His love in a whole new way, that rescues from everyday despair. He rescues me, and sets me high upon a Rock that is higher than I- that is His joy, a peace thay surpasses all understanding.

What I've found in this truth? I never want to leave. (I need daily reminders to NOT LEAVE!)  I never want to go back to the striving.  I want to be drawn into deeper understanding and loving my Abba with each passing day.

Because you know, this life? What is it but a training ground for eternity?  And Joy in this life: is the same as joy in eternity: God.  Oh my heart, I long for you dear sister, dear brother, to yes, dare I say it EXPERIENCE God every day. He is the Giver of all good gifts.  Turn away from the praising of the gift, and God is honored in our satisfaction in Him.   

Name the moments, name the good, name the hard, the ugly, and you may find yourself in the midst of an act of believing and trusting God is. That He is Creator of each day, and a day we can and ought to rejoice in!  He came to give abundant life and this is how to live it! In joy in praise and thankfulness, to Him no matter your current situation in life.

Why are you downcast oh my soul? Awake to the nearness and presence of GOD! Immanuel GOD WITH US. 

Practically what I have been learning is to keep a notebook handy, and just write my stream of consciousness in it, instead of spamming facebook, texts, and blogger with unruley thoughts that are frantic with the untainted unknown future.  Instead I'm learning to turn triggers to worry into means of trusting God with my likes, discomfort, hurts and happiness.

This and many more are the thoughts and lessons of the past few months.  Lessons that are deeply real.  When unbridled wild thoughts come stampeding through my brain I will stand by my God's grace alone (quite literally), His grace -a testimony of His goodness in the past- Eturnal life salvation in His hands and the promise of His presence in the future.

Oh for grace to trust Him more.

I will continue to be a student of these joy-lessons for the rest of eternity Lord willing. All of life all for His glory. This. is. life.

This is abundant life, counting the graces, and turning around and being the blessing to others. Not out of duty, or self-righteous "right thing to do," but because of the God-breathed-realization of His love for you in everyday moments.   Because what He says is true, it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Brain of mine, remember that.) This is where I want to live my next days, months and years.  In true joy/trust-driven-love-service of my Abba God. Show me how to love like you have loved me. I want to find meaning for my being, in just being His.  It is important to realize Who's you are, not WHO YOU are.  For you are bought with a price, therefore glorify God with your body.

"Spirit convince us of this truth, that all is well because we know God through the perfect work of Jesus Christ. Let that change the way we view our circumstances in this broken world."
-Pastor Mark of Redeemer Bible Church

And it’s then that working hard at our callings pleases God as we seek to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever by doing the good works that He has prepared in advance for us.

It is trusting God like Amy Carmichael, that the circumstances can be what they will, and still it is well with my soul because Romans 8:28 rings true.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Rock solid joy found in Jesus

October has been here and gone, and my, what a beautiful month it was here in East Dutchland.  The glow of finery that clothed the forests for weeks, brought new meaning to my definition of "pretty fall leaves."  But the display of blazing amber on the trees was not the only thing that was wonderful about this October- I could tell stories of Prague-one of my new favorite cities, a train ride with an imaginary bandit, a 10 hour graphic design installation party, and late night fine dining in Berlin (German schnitzel!) with great friends from the States- but I want to be a little bit more authentic than a puff piece about "adventures in traveling."

YWAM has been such a huge culture shock for me personally, the people/speakers here have challenged my thoughts about the vastness of the freedom in Jesus, the global bride of Jesus, and how the believer is to biblically have relationship with the Holy God of Israel... I could go on and on, but the truth that sticks out to me most on an almost daily basis, is that I must not let big questions rob me of joy in Jesus. 

Joy is one of those solid and concrete words.  It's an almost impossible state of mind for me to describe in a few words, my working understanding of it, means that even if my world seems to be crashing in around me, I have a deep, solid, hope and trust in God.  I know when I realized that I was letting questions rob me, God changed my thoughts.  The best I can think to try to articulate what joy in Jesus does is that a residing thankfulness for God's sovereignty and goodness no matter the circumstance cements in my heart.  The verse that has spoken so much truth in to my life about this joy is Philippians 4:6-7:   

^"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with                   thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Emphasis mine]"

There have been days of extreme confusion and debilitating disagreement here, but God has been so faithful, He provided such amazing FAMILY, brothers and sisters to listen to all of my sloppy processing.  And He has given me an attitude of sailing above the mire of confusion, the short-term life crisis-es in YWAM.  I'm learning that it's OK to not know all the answers, it's good to debate in a respectful, honoring way, and that it's helpful to see diversity in the Body of Christ as a thing of grace not of condemnation.

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." (Ephesians 4:1-7, italics/emphasis mine)

The grace that is given to each believer is according to the measure of Christ's gift (in otherwords the amount of grace given to each true believer is so big, it's incomprehensible!).  Let that sink in to your soul. When we gather as a body of believers with different views, there will be challenges -but be encouraged- God has made it clear in these verses that He is the unity of the church. Let the gravity of "ALL" settle in your heart believer in Jesus.  We are not called to manufacture an attitude of ignoring each other, of argument, or even to just "put up with each other;" but we are called to believe the promise of insurmountable grace that is present for the believer who is "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Oh man, it's a life-changing promise for a little Baptist girl in YWAM.  

That grace makes itself known in my life in different ways at different times, but I know that grace depicted in 2 Corinthians 12:9 is gut-settling truth no matter where in the world I am:

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

I believe this time in the lecture phase of YWAM has been a huge demonstration of this promise in my life.  Guys, I'm SO telling you that I don't have all the answers, that I don't know what the next God-glorifing step should be in the next few months, and that I react to situations without remembering the promises of God more often than not.  But I'm learning that there is so much freedom in Jesus, and I can rest assured that He will gather unto Himself His own- John 10:7-30. 

 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”

I'm so happy I can't make anyone be reconciled to God,  I'm so happy that souls are only won through the working of the Holy Spirit, and that I get to tell people about the incredible hope and joy that Jesus has given to me.  I am not responsible for the teachings of others, but boy- I sure pray for God to reveal truth in class, and I try to process best I can with many, many, many people.  If you have been a part of this wrestling through questions with me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You have been more of a blessing to me than you can imagine, I thank God for you brothers and sisters! 

That being said,  I'm so excited to relay where I'm going on a short outreach trip with my school, in Hamburg Germany.  Hamburg is a port city on the west side of Germany, it has an area that has a reputation similar to that of Las Vegas in the States.  The area is called the reeperbahn, it is a place that sex is openly bought and sold like it could be a loaf of bread.  Our team is going to tell of hope and joy found in Jesus' redeeming death, burial, and resurrection.  Out of that motivation, I'm excited to have an opportunity to help with a local ministry to the women caught in prostitution next week.  

Next weekend, November 8-9, the team and I will be attending the OBJECT conference in Hamburg.  Hope Dies Last is a ministry based out of YWAM Herrnhut, and they are running the conference.  The conference is focused on informing about the need for justice in the area of human trafficking, to
equip people with a biblical reason to care for people caught in the sad industry, and to give practical advice in how to engage in ministry in this area in your hometown.   God has placed the women who are being/have been trafficked on my heart over a year ago, and I'm soberly excited to join in loving people in this heartbreaking, but not hopeless, situation.



Thank you for taking the time to read this mess of a long overdue blog post, I'm thanking God for you, that you care to check in with me, and pray alongside me.  God is strengthening relationships I have with people at home even though I am hundreds of miles away!  I ask you to pray for:

• clarity and wisdom in how to move forward in the next few weeks (concerning "big outreach")

• that as a school we would be given many opportunities to talk about Jesus, and to show people Jesus' love in Hamburg

• that we would have the grace to love one another, because we will be known as Christ-followers by our love for each other (John 13:35)

• ideas for effective street ministry, or otherwise (Monday-Thursday)
•  
• that people would understand how to show Jesus to the people caught in slavery in their spheres of influence as a result of the OBJECT conference

• continued joy in Jesus

I'd love to talk with you if you have any questions or thoughts about any of this!  We need each other on this journey.   At the end of the day, my heart says: Bless the Lord Oh my soul.  He is good, and His mercies endure forever-heck they are new every morning! Yeah! Praise God!

 

Daily Life: In Thankfulness.

Today is Monday.  Many people may have feelings of lethargy, dread, or just plain tiredness when they hear that phrase.  Sometimes this mentality can strike me into a slump of "woe is me," but today is not one of them - by God's grace!  Before lecture this morning we had a time of giving thanks to God for not only who He is and what He's done, but also for how He continues to bless His children each new day.  I thanked God for blankets, for wood floors under my feet, tea in my mug, for sunshine, and warm socks...  I love giving God the glory and thanks for the small things in life- It's so wonderful He chooses to bless me.  It really changes my perspective on the day (Monday); and gratefulness is one way I abide in the Lord with joy!

The sun shining is not just a cliche thing for me to be thankful for this time.  This Friday was the first time the sun was truly shining for any period of time, in thirteen days.  I'm seriously thankful for the sun, and for the beautiful colors (fall leaves, grass, architecture) the light illuminates.  The air is crisp and cool, and my afternoons/evenings usually include a good cup of tea, seems so right for autumn!

Soon I will be off on my twenty minute walk to the Water Castle- through the bright forest, across the small creek and through the open gate.  On Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock the school comes together again for a learning time about Bible reading.  I think it's my favorite teaching time I've experienced so far.  Last week we were challenged to read Philippians with roommates. When Katie, Caty, and Andrea and I got together to read, it was such a sweet moment of hearing what God has to say to each of us as believers.  I am really focusing on Phil. 4:6-7 this week.  Hope God will encourage you through it as much or more than He has for me!  Have a great week!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

True and Better

 

 News flash for my soul: My relationship with Jesus Christ is the true relationship that earthly God-honoring marriage is to be a picture of.  There is no reason to constantly be “in search of the one” right now, because knowing Christ as the true satisfaction of my heart’s desire for wild, crazy, noble love is the real love story. He shows me that He loves me with a wild love in that ultimate sacrifice of His life on the hill called Golgotha, and that now he sits in glory in triumph interceding on my behalf before God the Father today.  Salvation is here! Glory in my Redeemer! My heart can not even imagine His Highness coming to rescue a harlot-heart like mine.  But oh am I satisfied in knowing that the most noble, loving Person has rescued me from my nasty prison of idolatry and sin.

 This truth was brought to my attention while my class and I praised God with the words, “I exult Thee” on Wednesday afternoon.  He showed me that He is true and better than whomever I could set my eyes on here on earth, on a person-to-person level.  If I was to really sing exultation to Jesus, I was to see that He is to be exulted above any other name on earth.

This may not have been brand new information to me on an intellectual level; but my heart was deeply impacted by this reality anew and afresh.  God’s amazing undeserved saving grace compels me to glory in his love, and desire to serve Him joyfully all the more!  This is one of the lessons God has reminded me of this week, to appreciate, love, and know Him through His Word as the one and only True and Better.  I want to be Overwhelmed by Jesus' heart-satisfying, wild love for me today and everyday for the rest of eternity. He is worthy of my praise! He is good!

Happy Friday dear ones!

 

Hello Wonderful Family and Good Friends!

I am writing again:

a. To keep my sanity, sort out thoughts, and reflect on God's goodness, grace, and glory
b. To keep loving prayer warriors informed and up-to-date
c. To keep you "in the know" - even though we're oceans apart

 

The first week of school has been quite the whirlwind and flurry of getting settled in, and getting to know the people around.  My roommies are pretty wonderful.  There are four of us total in our room and we represent 3 countries!  We have already had the privilege to travel together, hike together, laugh together, dance together, and have some really good deep conversations about life in Christ (together).

This is my new friend Elise.  She is probably 6 foot, 1-2 inches tall (SO cool-she's taller than me!).  The first thing I said to her was something along the lines of- "You're taller than me!"  Elise responded with a hearty, "Welcome to Europe!" (She is German and Dutch.) She's sweet and only a dash of silly. She has a huge heart for oppressed people of the world.  She is a woman with a heart after Jesus, which seems to be a reoccurring theme with the people around YWAM Herrnhut.



So, just in case you're wondering if I'm fluent in German since I've been gone for two weeks now... The answer is definitely-if the language only includes, "good morning, good day, butterfly, and flower!"  Alas, I really should show that I care enough about the people here to try to learn a bit more of their language-Hold me accountable! :)

On another note: Most likely had the best brat of my life on Saturday in Dresden. SO GOOD --->

I have just begun the art part of the program-Graphic Design.  I'm so excited about how the class is planned to run for the semester. We are going to be assigned projects within graphic deign that focus on some aspect of design, and focus on how we are processing the lecture topics. Our working space is in the attic of the Water Castle.  In the afternoon, the sunlight streams in through white window panes.  Thankful.

God's Gifts of Love.

A new way of thinking has come over me recently.  A wonderful, eye-opening way of thinking that makes me thankful. Thankful that God show me to look for the ways He loves me in every little joy and pain of life.  Obviously not there yet, but the journey has begun...

I have enjoyed looking for the gifts God has given over the past 4-5 days, and I'm writing a list of at least 1000 of them I experience.  Anything from laughing eyes, to my blue cell phone, to the sidewalk in my neighborhood, to the little boy full of imagination telling me a story.

I was inspired to do this challenge of gift listing as I read the book, "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are."  It's a poetic masterpiece, that beautifully laces your walk with God, to everyday life.  Making it almost impossible to feel blessed as you experience her worship sessions in her kitchen thankful for curls of cheese, freshly shredded, or the way the moon rose over the wheat field in the evening.

Contentment is something I lack usually in the area of wanting to be at a different stage in life, (to all you a smidge older than me, I know I'm crazy, it's my senior year of high school! Live it!).  I'm realizing now, it won't be the same again really, freedom-no full time have-to-have-it job, scared boys, mom and dad and Anna and I all together at home, no "bills", no debt, a fun night at Mc Donald's after a Ridge game...  I'm deciding to be content, and happy here in Waterloo Iowa, with my family, my interesting friends, .  And I'm learning to realize I'm blessed beyond measure by the Maker every moment.  It's crazy what you see when you're looking for gifts!

I would love to hear of all the ways you can think of that God has loved and blessed you.  Write them down, ponder, and praise the Lord. Repeat.

Faith

[By Faith] "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV) 


[Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith]
    Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 
(Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

Hebrews 11 through the first part of chapter 12 it's really hitting on faith.  I love the caption for the passage as well, "By Faith" and "Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith."  Amen!  Don't you love how faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1? It looks like a  simple sentence but it's well worth taking the time to muse over. 


What is faith?  It is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  So it looks like faith is related to assurance and conviction.  Faith is not always easy to have, as humans I think we would rather see it "with our own eyes." But it's what God calls us to do, have faith in Jesus, in His life, death, and RESURRECTION!  


Oh, what about how we use the word "faithful." You would think this would mean full of faith but no, we use it as meaning: consistent, constant, reliable.  Does this usage have any ties with it's root word faith?  Something to think on. 



I also noticed that what I need is built right in my name: Cally Faith Reed.  And I looked at the header as I wrote the last paragraph, and there it was again: Faith's Findings my blog's "title, name" or "theme."  I named it that way mainly because of the fact that Faith is my middle name, and I'd be posting my finding thoughts, ideas, memories and whatnot on the blog.  (Also, I did quite a bit of jewelry making back in the day, and a finding was the metallic part of the jewelry, the part that held it together, the clasp. I thought it was cool that it had some crafty meaning as well.)  But now I find yet another meaning the phrase holds: that in your faith walk, (your relationship with Jesus) you discover many new things along the way, and I hope never to stop learning new virtues and aspects along the way.  May the Gospel and anything to do with God and His Word, never grow to be "old-hat," boring or bland to my soul.   Ask God to revive a thirst for His all-quenching, satisfying truth.  


Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 
(John 17:17 ESV)

A question...

Deuteronomy 22:5 “A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.  

                              VS. 

This verse was used to back up someone's believe that skirts are the way to go for girls. For "everything."  But are we really-as New Testament believers still under the law? I don't think we are. Wearing pants as women has also become the social norm. (Not that I"m saying we can do anything cause it's what everyone else is doing.)  I not only like to wear pants... But I think wearing a tie is a fun fashion statement; used to spice up my wardrobe.  Yes, it's a guy's item of clothing; but is it really going against God's will?  As long as we dress modestly as women, we are free to choose what type of clothes we wear? 

Consider what is taught in 1 Timothy... 

[9] likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, [10] but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. [11] Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 

(1 Timothy 2:9-11 ESV)

What do you think? I'm open for a godly interoperation on fashion...etc. :)  

God's Grace and Wonderful Sufficiency

God has shown me I need to be ever so grateful for the people He has put in my life.  Each of you have helped me learn and grow more in Christ.  Here are some of the different types of people that influence the way I live my life, and how I think.

Some people some people in my life have different view points than mine; and you challenge me to think about why I believe what I believe-and for that matter- what I do believe. You challenge me to get into God's Holy word that is truth (John 17:17b).  You drive me find out what godly people have to say on whatever subject.  I hope I put His command's and word into action.

Some people in my life are an amazing example of following hard; I look up to you as sisters and brothers in Christ. You make me want to want God more.  You make me keep God as the love of my life.  You make me want to love God supremely.

 "I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus," -1 Corinthians 1:4 ESV

Some people in my life are struggling with some the same things I am/was; and you help me get through  tough times. You understand where I come from.  I love praying with you, talking about God's amazing-ness, and talking about what God is teaching us all. It's actually amazing to come broken, realizing that we are NOT perfect and we don't have everything together, but like it says in Philippians 3, we strive to glorify God and make his name GREAT!

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  -Philippians 3:12-14 ESV

God has been teaching me so much lately; one thing being- that it is possible to be content, happy and joyful with my heart belonging and held by my Savior. I don't always have to like somebody, or really care about who likes who. I can be CONTENT. I have hope! It was not a short, snap conclusion. It took  time, prayer, reflection, writing, talking, tears, and finally realizing I have everything I truly need. Lamentations 3:21-26 has been an amazing encouragement to me lately.  I must remember these verses as well:

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." -Philippians 4:19-20 ESV

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."     -Philippians 4:11 ESV

Why do I find it so hard to share all of the great hope we ALWAYS have no matter how crappy my day or week, or month is going.  How do people who do not have God to run to with their concerns make it through the day?!  I should be sharing the hope all the time. Why don't I?  It seems like it should be the easiest task of all.

"Keep your life free from love of money [or any other people, or things are an idol], and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say,    

'The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?'"
 -Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV

PRAISE GOD for bringing just the right people into life when I need them. God is so gracious in that way. Amen. And amen. :)

Dear deep-thinking and messy Brain,

You have spent enough time dabbling in nostalgic ideas. Seriously, brain you're only a little older than 16 years. Be patient. God already knows what your life will be like. Trust the God-who made you, and this designed world and everything in it-with your little tiny life. Don't be so self-concerned. Get a grip.

Your main goal MUST be to make much of your Creator. Now, why should that be a difficult thing Brain? It should seem like simple gratitude: to serve, love, and adore the God who saved your soul. How do people get through the simple everyday- and bigger events, without the ever-present comfort and peace of Jesus Christ?

Brain, you have some pretty crazy ideas; why can't you bring yourself to share your hope that is within your person? The God that holds your heart, when you think you're gonna throw up. The God who is the maker of every good and perfect gift. The God who is always a steady support-He never changes. It doesn't make sense, Brain. I think you're scared you won't know what to say; that you won't come up with the words.

Remember Brain? Moses thought the same thing-he wasn't good with words, and God wanted to use him, to deliver His messages to Pharaoh. He missed out on blessings. I am commanded to share the good news in all the world, and dear brain of mine, I require your cooperation. God sent His only Son-perfect, spotless, sinless-down to the earth, to pay for all of the sins of this corrupt and evil world; He died, was buried, and ROSE again the third day. He is alive and sitting at the right hand of the Father today. It's the story that's worth retelling, and rehearing over and over again. Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, there is more to life than your little dramatic spats, getting money, and living, dying-without a purpose-more than to live the American dream. A fun job, lovely house, creative clothes, and an amazing family of your own; are perfectly good things to want and have, as long as they don't steal God's spot (#1) in Heart. Alas there in-lies the problem: my Heart has rather failed at keeping God my first priority.

Yes, Heart, you may be a little lost with all of this conferencing with Brain... Don't worry about it. Cling to your Savior, He's the ultimate. Just do it. Be stubborn in your holding to Jesus. Be determined not to let yourself drift far from your Abba-Father. When you are in a tumultuous situation; He is capable of guiding you into a peaceful harbor.

Don't deceive Brain, Heart of mine. Who really can really know you. Brain sometimes tries to understand, but really, she doesn't understand the why's behind some your favorites, Heart. Brain is a curious sort, she wants to know what makes people tick, what some people know, and what people had for dinner that day. (Stomach may, or may not have had some input on that last one.) Brain hopes to understand someday, by God reveling to her some of the God-glorifying purposes to your self-propelled actions, or from some situations. For, I know, it's ALL for HIS glory; in the end.

So, Brain and Heart; I urge you to constantly think about your loving, caring Savior. Anytime, all the time. Oh? That's like an obsession, you say? Yes, yes it is. Your new goal is to be OBSESSED. Couldn't be that hard, you know how to obsess about other things. Because your person knows you a bit more than most, I'm gonna say it shall be difficult. But logically, it shouldn't be. So, pray, communicate with God often. And trust. Trust that He knows what He's doing with your small lives.

P.S. If at all possible, could you two get off the superman kick?

Sincerely,

Your person.

~Cally Faith

Amazing Eyes...

Those of you that know me pretty well, probably know that I have a keen lookout for pretty-and all of those adjectives...- eyes. :o) Its one of my quirks. Well, When I was pursing the Bible on the iPod touch and I came across a great verse to back me up on what you can tell about a person by just their eyes!
The verses are Matthew 6:22-23 (I think I'll be adding these to my favorite verses, at least verse 22.)-
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!"

This little one's eyes are super intense! Whoa. haha

The eye is the lamp of the body. You can communicate so much with just a glance... I think its really neat how God designed us!

Well, finding these verses brightened up my evening, and I thought I would share what I found with ya'll. More on life later. I'll post pictures sometime...I will! Drop me a note. I would like to hear from you!

God’s Perfect Timing

Do you ever sit in a message at church thinking "Goodness, I’ve been hearing a lot about that lately!" God has a way of reaching his children with a message, something that is emphasized in messages, it seems, wherever a sermon is taught. It’s awesome that God orchestrates just what He wants us to hear. But how many times must He stick it in our thick heads, until we hear it and apply it? Perhaps you’ve read a devotional book and a topic has applied perfectly to your situation in life. God has perfect timing for all of his messages. He gives us reminders of His promises and symbols of His love demonstrated toward us, such as the cross and communion. He is a personal God who has done you a personal “favor” (John 3:16) and for the whole world if they would believe. He knows exactly what you need to hear, understand, and apply to your life.
Everywhere you go you are placed there for a reason; God will give you the words He wants you to say if you ask Him to help you. Don’t waste your opportunities to learn and grow, and praise God. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," (2 Timothy 3:15). Anything you read or listen to that comes from the Word of God has the power to change you; no matter how many times you’ve heard the passage, it should be just as powerful to you as it was the very first time you heard or read it. Ask God to show you something you haven't thought about, before you start your devotions, or go to church; be alert and look for what God is teaching you.
Devotions are a great way to see God work in his magnificent timing. Doing daily devotions keep you grounded in the Word. If you have a devotional book written by a godly example there are many everyday applications to apply to your life. Make sure the devotional also has scripture quoted; because getting into the Bible everyday is important as well. Proverbs would be great to read along with a devotional. It has instruction on guarding your heart (Proverbs 4), the importance of being obedient (Proverbs 3), and a myriad of wisdom that is scattered throughout the entire book. We need wisdom, submissiveness, and we can always learn from words of wisdom; it would be good to get these character qualities working through our brains on a regular basis.
God brings these reminders to our lives just when we need them, reminders such as the symbols of communion, the cross, and even rainbows. God uses people sometimes to communicate reminders of the ultimate showing of love, Jesus’ death on the cross, and His resurrection. There was a sermon delivered recently at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, and the preacher, Joe Fox, gave a real and heart-wrenching description of what Jesus went through at the crucifixion, it was powerful, and needed. It was a call to praise and thank Jesus for doing that for me!
We must not get calloused to the great stories and verses of the Bible. We must not let ourselves slip into “auto mode” when we go to church or crack open a Bible. We must not forget that God uses what we are going through to grow us into a people that are more like Him. So pay attention in church on Sunday, when you have your personal devotions, and in your ordinary day to day life. Remember that-if you have trusted Christ as your savior alone-God is orchestrating your life. He will have the glory in the end, so why not praise him in what you are experiencing today?


This week is spring break! I don't really know what I'm going to be doing, but I'm sure it'll be fun. What are you all doing? I'll post again soon!