Today is Father's Day.
A week ago Saturday was my dad's memorial service.
I've had a few people ask me how I'm doing with the whole Father's Day thing and I keep telling them the same thing, though it's a little weird, not having gone out shopping for a present, not wasting my time on a card because according to dad, for occasions like these, they were unnecessary cause "they just get thrown away anyway.", secretly wrapping a present in my disastrous room (the first miracle would be finding where I hid the present in my room, not like anyone dares to walk into my room anyway for fear that they won't be able to climb out of the abyss), and coming out to watch dad as he opens the gift that I spent hours thinking about because he was THE hardest person to buy a present for. "I don't need anything" He would say, "Yes, I know that, but what do you WANT?" I'd ask. "Nothing, I have everything I want." He would reply.
Imagine that response for about 21 years of birthdays, Christmas' and Father's Day gifts.
I think I had exhausted all the good gifts when I was younger, like stuff for the bbq, which I am convinced is one of the best Father's Day gifts you can give. As I got older the gifts turned into books, cd's and movies which were all permeated with a western tone.
But, I digress. Sure, it's unusual, but it's not bad. I'll tell you why. Not because it isn't sad that he isn't here and can't interact with my life anymore, I miss that. But, it's not bad because of everything beautiful that is in his life right now.
I would be crazy to wish he was back on this sin-filled planet, when right now he's celebrating Father's Day with his Heavenly Father.
No one will replace who my dad is, but today has given me time to contemplate the men in my life who have made an impact on me. (This is the part where I'm proud to brag about a few people.)
Number 1 being my Uncle Mark. He's been like a second father to me since I was a kid. He's always looked out for me and practically considered me to be one of his own daughters. I've been so blessed by the role he's taken in my life.
My Grandpa Roth is number 2. I've never met a man more generous and sweet in my entire life. I'm sure a part of that is because he's surrounded by females. But I know that regardless, God has given him a spirit of gentleness and care for others.
Geno is definitely number 3. He reminds me of my dad, how he's bold in his statements and honest to boot! He keeps me in line and never fails to show honest concern for my life. I'm blessed by his example to me.
Number 4 goes to Ryan, my brother and best friend. He's just about the best guy I know. He's shown me so much and pushed me to new heights that I didn't think I could reach!
Brandon is number 5, my actual brother. He's impacted me a lot through the years. He taught me to roll with the punches (sometimes literally =P) and how to be goofy. He's helped shape me into who I am today.
More recently my Uncle Guy makes number 6. He being the younger version of my dad makes it hard for him not to have an impact. He's modeled his work ethic and love for the Lord after my dad. He's one tough guy, but a big softy at heart. His zeal for growing into a man of God has impacted me.
Those are just a few guys. There are more who have impacted me over the years. The list would grow infinitely long if I named all of them.
Anyway, I am blessed by these men. I was blessed by my dad, though not a perfect man, a man that God put in my life for a reason, even though it was for a short amount of time, it was for the right amount of time because it was God's timing. And for that, I am grateful.
Let us not take these relationships we have on this earth for granted because they truly are a gift from above.
Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there! Make every moment count!
Signed,
gypsy girl
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Priorities
It's interesting to me, in the short 21 years I have been alive, what priorities people have in their lives. I find I'm disappointed in what I see.
Instead of young men seeking God's heart, shaping their values, morals and habits to be pleasing to God, they are still concerned with frivolous things... non-eternal things.
Young women are no better, seemingly always being led by their emotions, they can't think logically enough to learn what it really means to be a woman of God.
Our priorities are mixed up. Our senses are gone. We have been desensitized to worldly things. We laugh at the things that should offend us.
What.
Has.
Happened?
Jobs, money, relationships, they are not bad things, but we seem to twist them into something they are not. We prioritize them wrongly. They become idols in our lives.
We talk about these things as though they are of extreme importance. Instead of realizing that the only thing of extreme importance is the Creator and Sustain-er of the universe in which we live.
We don't fix our eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and because we don't, we suffer. We suffer through our sin, we may not realize the suffering at first as we dethrone God in our lives, but we suffer through grieving the Holy Spirit and causing our relationship with Christ to dwindle.
It starts small and works its way into every area of our lives. When we don't have our priorities straight, things do go wrong.
Your boyfriend/girlfriend becomes higher on the priority list than they ought to, your job, friends, family, even church can become an idol.
All these things are not bad, but as we make them big in our lives, we also end up making God small.
The Bible calls us to love God and one another.
That is our first priority. When that gets out of whack, so does everything else.
When you love God, you want to obey him.
When you obey him, you don't want to sin.
When you don't want to sin, you want to live righteously.
When you want to live righteously, you want to continue to obey his commands.
Suddenly, you will find yourself not laughing at the things that should be offensive, because once again, they are offensive. Why are they offensive? Because they are not Phil 4:8. We alter our thinking so that we are no longer desensitized to worldly things. This is hard. It takes work. We have conditioned ourselves to think that so many things are okay, when in reality they are against God.
We live selfishly, we don't love others.
We don't think before we speak and we offend our brothers and sisters in Christ. We set a poor example to those around us, all because of our selfish tendencies.
Don't get me wrong, I write this as a sinner just like everyone else. My priorities are not always in the right order, but I become convicted every time I see this blatantly in others. Instead of judging them for their actions, I try to examine my own heart and life.
I encourage all of you to examine yourselves and to really see if your priorities are straight.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Instead of young men seeking God's heart, shaping their values, morals and habits to be pleasing to God, they are still concerned with frivolous things... non-eternal things.
Young women are no better, seemingly always being led by their emotions, they can't think logically enough to learn what it really means to be a woman of God.
Our priorities are mixed up. Our senses are gone. We have been desensitized to worldly things. We laugh at the things that should offend us.
What.
Has.
Happened?
Jobs, money, relationships, they are not bad things, but we seem to twist them into something they are not. We prioritize them wrongly. They become idols in our lives.
We talk about these things as though they are of extreme importance. Instead of realizing that the only thing of extreme importance is the Creator and Sustain-er of the universe in which we live.
We don't fix our eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and because we don't, we suffer. We suffer through our sin, we may not realize the suffering at first as we dethrone God in our lives, but we suffer through grieving the Holy Spirit and causing our relationship with Christ to dwindle.
It starts small and works its way into every area of our lives. When we don't have our priorities straight, things do go wrong.
Your boyfriend/girlfriend becomes higher on the priority list than they ought to, your job, friends, family, even church can become an idol.
All these things are not bad, but as we make them big in our lives, we also end up making God small.
The Bible calls us to love God and one another.
That is our first priority. When that gets out of whack, so does everything else.
When you love God, you want to obey him.
When you obey him, you don't want to sin.
When you don't want to sin, you want to live righteously.
When you want to live righteously, you want to continue to obey his commands.
Suddenly, you will find yourself not laughing at the things that should be offensive, because once again, they are offensive. Why are they offensive? Because they are not Phil 4:8. We alter our thinking so that we are no longer desensitized to worldly things. This is hard. It takes work. We have conditioned ourselves to think that so many things are okay, when in reality they are against God.
We live selfishly, we don't love others.
We don't think before we speak and we offend our brothers and sisters in Christ. We set a poor example to those around us, all because of our selfish tendencies.
Don't get me wrong, I write this as a sinner just like everyone else. My priorities are not always in the right order, but I become convicted every time I see this blatantly in others. Instead of judging them for their actions, I try to examine my own heart and life.
I encourage all of you to examine yourselves and to really see if your priorities are straight.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Goin' to the chapel.
Whenever I say the word "marriage", I instantly think of the movie "The Princess Bride" and that weird priest who said the word "marriage" odd.
But, that's beside the point.
Everyone is getting engaged! And by everyone, I mean only a few people. From my left and right, I continually hear of people finding that someone special, getting engaged and then married.
Praise God!
Sadly, not everyone has that mindset. Instead, there are the bitter leftovers who wish it was them. Discontent with the way God has their life right now and wanting more than anything to play the role of "God".
Because clearly, life has shown us multiple times, that when we take life into our own hands, it ALWAYS turns out so much better (Please note the intense amount of sarcasm in that statement).
We, as humans, so easily look at everything negatively. Why is it so much easier to focus on what we don't have then on what we do?
Doesn't the Bible tell us to; "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."? (Romans 12:15)
So I wonder why we give ourselves the right to find sadness in a joyful time of life? Is not marriage a union created by God that is supposed to exemplify Christ and the church?
Though, it's not to go unsaid that when taken lightly, such a union can be a bad thing. But when the union is clearly backed by biblical principal and the two people are definitely right for each other, why do we decide to mourn over that?
Assuming we try to live our lives in a godly manner, we have no right to turn such a joyous event into a time of self-pity.
I challenge those out there who are struggling to any degree about dating/engaged/marriage relationship status' to take a step back and realize the motive behind your struggle, address it, and move on, especially since we should be supporting and uplifting those who are blessed to enter such a stage in life!
I won't sit here and pretend I have all the answers or that I never struggle with being single. But I have learned what it means to be content in singleness and I hope to encourage those out there who don't know what it means.
Discontent is just another way of thinking you're so self-important that you deserve something better than you already have. Even though, as selfish, horrible sinners, we deserve nothing but God's wrath. Yet, we have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
So, in conclusion, remember that it's important to examine one's motives and to practice self-control as well as love and humility. Because pride has a way of coming out in many facets of our lives. I would be the first person to admit that. Mostly, because I would be stupid AND I would be lying if I didn't.
Signed,
gypsy girl
But, that's beside the point.
Everyone is getting engaged! And by everyone, I mean only a few people. From my left and right, I continually hear of people finding that someone special, getting engaged and then married.
Praise God!
Sadly, not everyone has that mindset. Instead, there are the bitter leftovers who wish it was them. Discontent with the way God has their life right now and wanting more than anything to play the role of "God".
Because clearly, life has shown us multiple times, that when we take life into our own hands, it ALWAYS turns out so much better (Please note the intense amount of sarcasm in that statement).
We, as humans, so easily look at everything negatively. Why is it so much easier to focus on what we don't have then on what we do?
Doesn't the Bible tell us to; "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."? (Romans 12:15)
So I wonder why we give ourselves the right to find sadness in a joyful time of life? Is not marriage a union created by God that is supposed to exemplify Christ and the church?
Though, it's not to go unsaid that when taken lightly, such a union can be a bad thing. But when the union is clearly backed by biblical principal and the two people are definitely right for each other, why do we decide to mourn over that?
Assuming we try to live our lives in a godly manner, we have no right to turn such a joyous event into a time of self-pity.
I challenge those out there who are struggling to any degree about dating/engaged/marriage relationship status' to take a step back and realize the motive behind your struggle, address it, and move on, especially since we should be supporting and uplifting those who are blessed to enter such a stage in life!
I won't sit here and pretend I have all the answers or that I never struggle with being single. But I have learned what it means to be content in singleness and I hope to encourage those out there who don't know what it means.
Discontent is just another way of thinking you're so self-important that you deserve something better than you already have. Even though, as selfish, horrible sinners, we deserve nothing but God's wrath. Yet, we have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
So, in conclusion, remember that it's important to examine one's motives and to practice self-control as well as love and humility. Because pride has a way of coming out in many facets of our lives. I would be the first person to admit that. Mostly, because I would be stupid AND I would be lying if I didn't.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Monday, April 16, 2012
I can only imagine...
I remember sitting in the hospital room, MercyMe was playing in the back round, and the 3 of us were entertaining ourselves with the iPad.
Then I looked up and realized the time was near. So, with my brother on one side and I on the other, we watched as God ended my dad's battle with cancer forever.
And as he exited the world in which we live, the song "I can only imagine" came on. Dad's favorite song.
I sat there, wondering, what was dad doing right now? Was he dancing for joy? Or was he still in the presence of Christ, amazed at his glory? Was he standing, or had his knees gone weak at the sight of eternity?
I could only imagine.
He may have taken his last breath on this earth, but he took his first breath into eternity. Though eternity is at hand and our soul never dies, I can only imagine how amazing it must be to see it, rather than just believe it.
And then I realized what I had seen; the gospel.
We often think that we see the gospel only when someone comes to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. But, you see the gospel completed in a believer who fought the good fight, who ran the race with endurance and now stands in the victory of Christ. Had Christ not resurrected, neither would my dad. But he did. They both did.
Because of Christ, I have no fear in death, and I know my dad didn't have any fear in death either. We both have the promise of life.
Dad loved the gospel, it was his passion. He talked about it all the time and tried his best to live it out. And through his faithfulness, even to the point of death, he fulfilled God's purpose for him on earth and showed so many people how important the gospel of Christ is.
Because of this gospel, we have peace, knowing full well that dad was released from his earthly body and now resides with Christ.
Wow.
He resides with Christ.
No more sin, no more cancer, no more struggles...
To live is Christ and to die is gain. (Phil 1:21)
In Christ, to die is gain.
Sometimes, when people die, others will say "may he rest in peace". That's a silly statement when I know he's at peace. I don't need to wish it upon him because I know it's true.
I can "rest in peace" because I don't doubt that I will see dad again, when my purpose is done. But, for now, I will try to live out my purpose, just like dad did. Glorifying God in everything I do.
Will I fail? Yes.
Did dad fail? Yes.
But then, there's the beauty of the gospel. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:1-4)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..." (Phil 1:27)
My dad didn't live a perfect life, but he left an amazing legacy. A legacy I hope to continue.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Beautiful girl
My entire life I have been judged unfairly. And no matter what I have said or done, I've always been negatively attacked for one thing, my body type.
When I was little, no one thought anything of the fact that I was so skinny, especially those who knew my parents, it was easy enough to see where I got my high metabolism from. But, as I got older, things changed. I noticed that girls would look at me with harsh, judgmental eyes, even if I had never said a single word to them in my life.
Growing up, through those awkward, teenage, junior high years, I was accused of many things, including having an eating disorder, whether it be anorexia or bulimia. Even my own friends, though jokingly, would flippantly say mean things about how skinny I was, their words were full of envy and disdain towards me.
The thing I never understood was why they couldn't seem to accept my size for what it was (and is). It was as though they thought that it was my doing. I was the one who picked my body type, when in fact, I had nothing to do with it.
To this day, I still get dirty looks and people still make jokes and it reminds me of back when I was in jr. high and high school all over again.
And all I have ever wanted to say to each of those girls who have ever looked at me scornfully is this; you are beautiful.
God created you in his image, he made you with the specific body type that you are and it wasn't a mistake. Media and our culture have twisted our views on what looks "good" and what does not. But the world's standards are not God's standards. When God created Adam and Eve, he saw what he had made and said that it was "good". He didn't say it was "okay" or "fine", he said it was "good". Now, after the one, true, living God created Eve, somehow I doubt she looked down at her body and said "Um, you made me wrong. I think I look ugly."
I kind of don't think that she was concerned with self-image (at least not yet). Humans tend to elevate appearance much higher than it ought to be.
Sure, I think we can all agree that being in shape is a good thing. Eating healthy, staying fit... it's a way to take care of the body that God has given you. But, that's not my point. My point is that God made you beautiful.
Maybe it doesn't seem beautiful to the guy at school or down the street or whatever. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and God beholds you as stunning.
He doesn't make junk.
Don't waste your time envying someone else's body. You will never have their exact body because you are not them. You are you. And you are made in the image of God.
It doesn't matter what body type you have, you, as a human, will always find something you don't like about your body. So why envy someone else's?
My story continues as such, I have never had an eating disorder in my life. God gave me this body because he wanted to and it served me very well for the 7 years that I did ballet. But, this same body that so many girls have envied now has an incurable auto-immune disease that's basically arthritis in a nut-shell.
Sure, I understand that some girls would rather be skinnier, but, I would rather be able to open jars and doorknobs without being in massive pain. God creates us each uniquely and with a purpose. Don't undermine God.
And better yet, lets not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to, especially by prioritizing image, because that's prideful. Whether you think too much or too little of yourself, it's pride.
I do realize this rant was somewhat random, but I want to encourage you girls and even guys out there, know who you are and whose you are. And don't elevate body image, it's not worth it.
Signed,
gypsy girl
When I was little, no one thought anything of the fact that I was so skinny, especially those who knew my parents, it was easy enough to see where I got my high metabolism from. But, as I got older, things changed. I noticed that girls would look at me with harsh, judgmental eyes, even if I had never said a single word to them in my life.
Growing up, through those awkward, teenage, junior high years, I was accused of many things, including having an eating disorder, whether it be anorexia or bulimia. Even my own friends, though jokingly, would flippantly say mean things about how skinny I was, their words were full of envy and disdain towards me.
The thing I never understood was why they couldn't seem to accept my size for what it was (and is). It was as though they thought that it was my doing. I was the one who picked my body type, when in fact, I had nothing to do with it.
To this day, I still get dirty looks and people still make jokes and it reminds me of back when I was in jr. high and high school all over again.
And all I have ever wanted to say to each of those girls who have ever looked at me scornfully is this; you are beautiful.
God created you in his image, he made you with the specific body type that you are and it wasn't a mistake. Media and our culture have twisted our views on what looks "good" and what does not. But the world's standards are not God's standards. When God created Adam and Eve, he saw what he had made and said that it was "good". He didn't say it was "okay" or "fine", he said it was "good". Now, after the one, true, living God created Eve, somehow I doubt she looked down at her body and said "Um, you made me wrong. I think I look ugly."
I kind of don't think that she was concerned with self-image (at least not yet). Humans tend to elevate appearance much higher than it ought to be.
Sure, I think we can all agree that being in shape is a good thing. Eating healthy, staying fit... it's a way to take care of the body that God has given you. But, that's not my point. My point is that God made you beautiful.
Maybe it doesn't seem beautiful to the guy at school or down the street or whatever. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and God beholds you as stunning.
He doesn't make junk.
Don't waste your time envying someone else's body. You will never have their exact body because you are not them. You are you. And you are made in the image of God.
It doesn't matter what body type you have, you, as a human, will always find something you don't like about your body. So why envy someone else's?
My story continues as such, I have never had an eating disorder in my life. God gave me this body because he wanted to and it served me very well for the 7 years that I did ballet. But, this same body that so many girls have envied now has an incurable auto-immune disease that's basically arthritis in a nut-shell.
Sure, I understand that some girls would rather be skinnier, but, I would rather be able to open jars and doorknobs without being in massive pain. God creates us each uniquely and with a purpose. Don't undermine God.
And better yet, lets not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to, especially by prioritizing image, because that's prideful. Whether you think too much or too little of yourself, it's pride.
I do realize this rant was somewhat random, but I want to encourage you girls and even guys out there, know who you are and whose you are. And don't elevate body image, it's not worth it.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Friday, March 9, 2012
Never stop learning.
God has been teaching me a lot lately. He's been teaching me how pride really does come before a fall, that sin really is disgusting, and how a life of independence from God is really no life at all.
I believe God places people in our lives to convict us, push us and live life with. And he has placed some pretty amazing people in my life.
I think too easily, we as Christians, take the simple, basic principles of the Bible, for granted. Instead of realizing that those principles are the foundation on which we stand in the truth of God.
All this to say, it really does all connect, I promise. Though, today I have been rather A.D.D., I swear all of this has a point.
And the point is this, God purposes everything for a reason. He places us in situations in life to help build our faith, he places people in our lives to keep us accountable and he gives us the foundations and principles in which to firmly stand upon.
We serve an awesome God.
I continue to grow and learn and make mistakes, get back up again and then try for the thousandth time to figure things out.
We serve a patient God.
Through struggles and trials and doubts, there's triumphs, reiterations and joy.
We serve a big God.
Every time I find myself starting to wander like a stupid sheep, he takes his staff and gently pushes me back in the direction I need to go.
We serve a personal God.
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 (emphasis added)
Signed,
gypsy girl
I believe God places people in our lives to convict us, push us and live life with. And he has placed some pretty amazing people in my life.
I think too easily, we as Christians, take the simple, basic principles of the Bible, for granted. Instead of realizing that those principles are the foundation on which we stand in the truth of God.
All this to say, it really does all connect, I promise. Though, today I have been rather A.D.D., I swear all of this has a point.
And the point is this, God purposes everything for a reason. He places us in situations in life to help build our faith, he places people in our lives to keep us accountable and he gives us the foundations and principles in which to firmly stand upon.
We serve an awesome God.
I continue to grow and learn and make mistakes, get back up again and then try for the thousandth time to figure things out.
We serve a patient God.
Through struggles and trials and doubts, there's triumphs, reiterations and joy.
We serve a big God.
Every time I find myself starting to wander like a stupid sheep, he takes his staff and gently pushes me back in the direction I need to go.
We serve a personal God.
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 (emphasis added)
Signed,
gypsy girl
Friday, February 24, 2012
Conviction carries...
Writing is something I have always been passionate about, even from my earliest days. I used to write stories and share them with my mom, who praised my work, though to look back now it was probably shameful. I'm sure back then the stories consisted of princesses and dragons, or ninja's and sonic the hedge hog, thanks to my brother's influence.
Books, writing, poetry, simple notes, they've all impacted my life over the past 21 years because for some reason they speak to me in a way other things can't.
So, of course, tonight as I sit in Starbucks talking with one of my best friends, she would use my love of writing against me, only to convict me of how insignificant I am compared to the great God we serve.
Life is like a book, God of course is the author, and we are the characters. We each have our own different roles and paths of life and God, just like a writer, knows the outcome. As my dearest Kelsey said, "The characters don't get to look at the writer and say, 'you're writing this wrong' or 'I think I'd rather have that character's plot line instead.'"
The interesting thing is, whenever I'm writing a story, I always try to take great care in my characters. I want them to be dynamic characters who have meaning and purpose and I connect them with other characters for different reasons because it serves the overall purpose of the story line.
In comparison to my mediocre writing skills, at best, I can only conclude that God, being the author and perfecter of our faith, would be able to write out the best story of all. Life.
He seems to have it under control, starting off with a beginning; creation, and of course working out the details in between and even having the ending all figured out. It's almost like he thought everything through or something (please note the sarcasm).
Why is it, that as humans, we aren't satisfied with the Author or the story? Are we so selfish to think that we could write a better story for our lives?
Are we so stupid to think that our story isn't good enough? We take what we've been given for granted and instead of being thankful for what we have, we waste our time wishing for things we don't.
The beauty of it is, we don't need to waste our time trying to figure out why our story was written the way it was, or is, all we have to do is keep going. Put one foot in front of the other and continue on our journey.
I think, if more people viewed life as an adventure or journey rather than a mundane existence, life as we know it, would be much different.
I can far more understand why Christ said we should have a child-like faith, in retrospect, everything was easier to grasp because I wasn't searching for endless answers, I was more content because I decided to be. Children don't have it easy, life isn't always simple for kids, but often times they choose for it to be, just because they want to. Sometimes, I wonder, if that couldn't be such a bad idea for adults too.
Random thoughts at 11:30pm.
Always learning and growing. Thank God for tomorrows.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Books, writing, poetry, simple notes, they've all impacted my life over the past 21 years because for some reason they speak to me in a way other things can't.
So, of course, tonight as I sit in Starbucks talking with one of my best friends, she would use my love of writing against me, only to convict me of how insignificant I am compared to the great God we serve.
Life is like a book, God of course is the author, and we are the characters. We each have our own different roles and paths of life and God, just like a writer, knows the outcome. As my dearest Kelsey said, "The characters don't get to look at the writer and say, 'you're writing this wrong' or 'I think I'd rather have that character's plot line instead.'"
The interesting thing is, whenever I'm writing a story, I always try to take great care in my characters. I want them to be dynamic characters who have meaning and purpose and I connect them with other characters for different reasons because it serves the overall purpose of the story line.
In comparison to my mediocre writing skills, at best, I can only conclude that God, being the author and perfecter of our faith, would be able to write out the best story of all. Life.
He seems to have it under control, starting off with a beginning; creation, and of course working out the details in between and even having the ending all figured out. It's almost like he thought everything through or something (please note the sarcasm).
Why is it, that as humans, we aren't satisfied with the Author or the story? Are we so selfish to think that we could write a better story for our lives?
Are we so stupid to think that our story isn't good enough? We take what we've been given for granted and instead of being thankful for what we have, we waste our time wishing for things we don't.
The beauty of it is, we don't need to waste our time trying to figure out why our story was written the way it was, or is, all we have to do is keep going. Put one foot in front of the other and continue on our journey.
I think, if more people viewed life as an adventure or journey rather than a mundane existence, life as we know it, would be much different.
I can far more understand why Christ said we should have a child-like faith, in retrospect, everything was easier to grasp because I wasn't searching for endless answers, I was more content because I decided to be. Children don't have it easy, life isn't always simple for kids, but often times they choose for it to be, just because they want to. Sometimes, I wonder, if that couldn't be such a bad idea for adults too.
Random thoughts at 11:30pm.
Always learning and growing. Thank God for tomorrows.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Colors
I've been walkin' down this road for quite a while now
Sifting through the good and the bad
I've been waiting for the world to make a change for the better
But then I realized the world was just so sad
And when the rain hit my window pane
And the stars started falling from the sky
I realized the sun will keep on shining
Because the dark is never dark inside the light
Oh, the colors burst open wide
When your heart and mine collide
Then one day while I was walking down my path
My legs gave way and I stumbled upon the ground
But when you picked me up I looked a little down
You said sorry but I'm stronger than you now
My world had changed from the sorry state I was in
Now I know I can't change the world I live
But when I feel like the end is chasing me down
I'll give you all I have and that's all I can give
Oh, the colors burst open wide
When your heart and mine collide
Oh, the ray of reality will shine
When I put into your hands what was not mine
Signed,
gypsy girl
Sifting through the good and the bad
I've been waiting for the world to make a change for the better
But then I realized the world was just so sad
And when the rain hit my window pane
And the stars started falling from the sky
I realized the sun will keep on shining
Because the dark is never dark inside the light
Oh, the colors burst open wide
When your heart and mine collide
Then one day while I was walking down my path
My legs gave way and I stumbled upon the ground
But when you picked me up I looked a little down
You said sorry but I'm stronger than you now
My world had changed from the sorry state I was in
Now I know I can't change the world I live
But when I feel like the end is chasing me down
I'll give you all I have and that's all I can give
Oh, the colors burst open wide
When your heart and mine collide
Oh, the ray of reality will shine
When I put into your hands what was not mine
Signed,
gypsy girl
Friday, February 3, 2012
On my mind
Today made me think of random things. For instance, it was sunny and nearly 60 degrees out today and it made me think of how poorly my body acclimates to the weather. Here I was expecting the same temperatures we've been having, so I dress accordingly and then I go outside only to realize that I have far too many layers on.
It's moments like those that at the end of the day, I hang onto. Those simple moments where nothing much else matters except for the fact that I dressed too warm for the day.
I cling to those moments because these days I have far more on my plate then I normally do.
I've been told quite a few times that I should become a nurse, or do something in the medical field, though I don't think I'd really like it. I admire those who have a passion for the medical field, it's very stressful, though I'm sure entertaining as well.
But, even though the medical field is not my calling in life, you try and find a 21 year old girl who can handle any disgusting, graphic medical thing thrown at her... we are few and far between!
So, how am I holding up? To be honest, I'm not sure. Probably prayer. No doubt, actually. There's no way I'm able to handle all of this on my own. Though, I wish I could stop relying on my own strength as much, that's always been a weak point for me.
My days begin and end with information overload, but luckily, I have a God-given brain that allows me to store and sort all of that information and pull it out at a moments notice for whatever may come.
I ramble because it's the easiest way to maintain sanity. If I could continually talk about the weather or how not clean my room is, I would. But, alas, the only thing that surrounds my mind these days is hospitals, doctors, decisions, helping, hoping and praying.
I didn't know things would turn out this way, when I was a kid the last thing on my list of "things to deal with when I got older" was so many medical issues. I thought my biggest problem would be picking out a car when I was 16. Ha! That's so laughable now. I guess I've come to appreciate the truly important things in life. Learned not to doddle in insignificant matters. Still.
I guess, at this point of my rambling, I would like to encourage anyone who had the patience to read this random post to really realize what's important today. To tell those you love that you love them. To spend more time showing you love people than telling them. To smile to random strangers because you never know if that one smile will brighten their whole day.
To enjoy life because it's shorter than you think. To trust God more than you trust yourself.
Yeah, and anything else that you deem as very important... do those things today, because you never know when today will be your last.
Signed,
gypsy girl
It's moments like those that at the end of the day, I hang onto. Those simple moments where nothing much else matters except for the fact that I dressed too warm for the day.
I cling to those moments because these days I have far more on my plate then I normally do.
I've been told quite a few times that I should become a nurse, or do something in the medical field, though I don't think I'd really like it. I admire those who have a passion for the medical field, it's very stressful, though I'm sure entertaining as well.
But, even though the medical field is not my calling in life, you try and find a 21 year old girl who can handle any disgusting, graphic medical thing thrown at her... we are few and far between!
So, how am I holding up? To be honest, I'm not sure. Probably prayer. No doubt, actually. There's no way I'm able to handle all of this on my own. Though, I wish I could stop relying on my own strength as much, that's always been a weak point for me.
My days begin and end with information overload, but luckily, I have a God-given brain that allows me to store and sort all of that information and pull it out at a moments notice for whatever may come.
I ramble because it's the easiest way to maintain sanity. If I could continually talk about the weather or how not clean my room is, I would. But, alas, the only thing that surrounds my mind these days is hospitals, doctors, decisions, helping, hoping and praying.
I didn't know things would turn out this way, when I was a kid the last thing on my list of "things to deal with when I got older" was so many medical issues. I thought my biggest problem would be picking out a car when I was 16. Ha! That's so laughable now. I guess I've come to appreciate the truly important things in life. Learned not to doddle in insignificant matters. Still.
I guess, at this point of my rambling, I would like to encourage anyone who had the patience to read this random post to really realize what's important today. To tell those you love that you love them. To spend more time showing you love people than telling them. To smile to random strangers because you never know if that one smile will brighten their whole day.
To enjoy life because it's shorter than you think. To trust God more than you trust yourself.
Yeah, and anything else that you deem as very important... do those things today, because you never know when today will be your last.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Monday, January 16, 2012
Day 7
Topic 14: You are a food. What are you and why?
Well I'd like to start off by saying that I am NOT a food, nor do I believe in cannibalism. But in light of this 20 day topic thingy, I will pretend to be a food.
My favorite food is pickles, though I'm not sure I'd want to BE one. I don't really think of myself as bulky with bumps and of course, I'm not really green.
Perhaps I'd be a lemon. I add color and a bit of zest to people's lives... I, er, um, mean food. It's tangy and you can't quite seem to forget the flavor even after washing it from your mouth. Plus, it can be sweet, if you put a little sugar on it.
Yup. I'm definitely a lemon.
P.S. I highly suggest people don't go around saying that about themselves. People will take it the wrong way.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Well I'd like to start off by saying that I am NOT a food, nor do I believe in cannibalism. But in light of this 20 day topic thingy, I will pretend to be a food.
My favorite food is pickles, though I'm not sure I'd want to BE one. I don't really think of myself as bulky with bumps and of course, I'm not really green.
Perhaps I'd be a lemon. I add color and a bit of zest to people's lives... I, er, um, mean food. It's tangy and you can't quite seem to forget the flavor even after washing it from your mouth. Plus, it can be sweet, if you put a little sugar on it.
Yup. I'm definitely a lemon.
P.S. I highly suggest people don't go around saying that about themselves. People will take it the wrong way.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Day 8
Topic 13: If you could have any job, realistically and/or unrealistically, what would it be and why?
Any job... Okay, ideally I'd love to be a well known author/motivational speaker. Traveling around talking about my books, encouraging people from all walks of life to run this race with endurance. I've always been a writing freak. Just ask my mom. Unlike most children who would sit around playing with toys, watching hours of mindless television, (not like I didn't do those things... but that's beside the point) I, as a child, would come up with fictional stories and write them. Then of course give them or at least tell my magical stories to my mom, who couldn't help but love them. Naturally my mom wasn't the best critic, seeing as everything I did was far too cute in her eyes to ever really be THAT stupid.
Looking back I'm appalled at some of my earlier stories. But, you have to have a starting point. I won't put down meager beginnings.
Anyway, that's what I would do. Of course, this would mean I would actually have to learn to care about run-on sentences and proper grammar, which I have NEVER cared about. But, to me, writing isn't about structure, it's about imagination, clarity and getting the point across. And I'm okay if people use too many or not enough comma's as long as those are their goals.
Signed
gypsy girl
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Day... umm, all the way til day 9
Okay, so I officially suck at this. In my defense, I was deathly ill until today. When I was finally able to re-enter society, which was quite fun!
Anyway, I'll be doing quite a few Q&A's in this one blog to try and catch up. Apologies for the delay.
Topic 9: Tell me a story about how you are stranded on a small island. What 5 things would you bring with you? What are some of the things you would do first upon your arrival? How would you get rescued? What would you say to the first person you see after being rescued?
Topic 10: Your a Llama. What would you do?
Topic 11: Favorite Book or Series. Why should we read it. Convince me.
Topic 12: What one thing would you die happy upon completion.
#9 A: So this one time I was stranded on a small island and I only had 5 things with me, my toothbrush, a pocket knife, a box full of hair ties, a self-filtering water bottle and naturally my laptop. One of the first things I did was take note of my surroundings, it was a tropical island, I could tell by all the palm trees and bunches of coconuts and banana's. No sign of ferocious animals... yet. Was there human life on the island? Couldn't tell yet. But then again, I had just arrived, so how would I know? After looking at my surroundings and taking mental note, I began to do what any sensible person would do. I got out my laptop and started writing about my little island and of course named it the island Thurco. Don't ask me how I came up with this, I was just struck with a stoke of genius. (I actually was looking around my room and saw my book "Sherlock Holmes" written by Arthur Conan Doyle, so naturally I took the "thur" out of Arthur and the "co" out of Conan" and came up with Thurco. But... anyway, back to my imaginary, amazing, island story) Then, I took my pocket knife, climbed up a tree and cut down banana's, cause I don't like coconuts and I ate them. The banana's, not the coconuts, because I don't like coconuts. And then I brushed my teeth, cause sometimes those funny stringy things will get between your teeth after eating banana's and I wanted to look cute when I was rescued. Then, I took my pocket knife and cut branches and big leaves and tied them together with my hair ties to make a shelter. I then went and filled up my self-filtering water bottle, went back to my hair tie made hut and got back on my computer, wrote down everything that had happened that day and then linked onto some random space wifi connection and IM'd my cousin Mindy (A: because she's the one who told me to write this ridiculous story and B: because my mom and dad don't know how to IM), I told her I was in trouble, stranded on a small island and she sent help to come get me! And like a good cousin should, she sent me a very single, very good looking, very tan, very tall man who had a great smile and nice, white teeth to come save me and the first thing I said upon seeing him was; "God is good."
The End.
#10: I would NEVER, I repeat, NEVER be a llama. But if I were, I would go jump off a cliff and end my useless, disgusting life.
#11: Robin Jones Gunn, The Christy Miller Series. Best series because it's very relateable to this generation of girls, it had many dynamics, including (but not limited to), humor, romance, christian principles and real life scenario's. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid, christian series for teen girls & young adult women.
#12: Living a life honoring to God through my conduct and speech, being the example of Christ, relying on His strength and not my own. (Of course, the end of my sanctification will be the completion of that, but ya know.)
Signed,
gypsy girl
Anyway, I'll be doing quite a few Q&A's in this one blog to try and catch up. Apologies for the delay.
Topic 9: Tell me a story about how you are stranded on a small island. What 5 things would you bring with you? What are some of the things you would do first upon your arrival? How would you get rescued? What would you say to the first person you see after being rescued?
Topic 10: Your a Llama. What would you do?
Topic 11: Favorite Book or Series. Why should we read it. Convince me.
Topic 12: What one thing would you die happy upon completion.
#9 A: So this one time I was stranded on a small island and I only had 5 things with me, my toothbrush, a pocket knife, a box full of hair ties, a self-filtering water bottle and naturally my laptop. One of the first things I did was take note of my surroundings, it was a tropical island, I could tell by all the palm trees and bunches of coconuts and banana's. No sign of ferocious animals... yet. Was there human life on the island? Couldn't tell yet. But then again, I had just arrived, so how would I know? After looking at my surroundings and taking mental note, I began to do what any sensible person would do. I got out my laptop and started writing about my little island and of course named it the island Thurco. Don't ask me how I came up with this, I was just struck with a stoke of genius. (I actually was looking around my room and saw my book "Sherlock Holmes" written by Arthur Conan Doyle, so naturally I took the "thur" out of Arthur and the "co" out of Conan" and came up with Thurco. But... anyway, back to my imaginary, amazing, island story) Then, I took my pocket knife, climbed up a tree and cut down banana's, cause I don't like coconuts and I ate them. The banana's, not the coconuts, because I don't like coconuts. And then I brushed my teeth, cause sometimes those funny stringy things will get between your teeth after eating banana's and I wanted to look cute when I was rescued. Then, I took my pocket knife and cut branches and big leaves and tied them together with my hair ties to make a shelter. I then went and filled up my self-filtering water bottle, went back to my hair tie made hut and got back on my computer, wrote down everything that had happened that day and then linked onto some random space wifi connection and IM'd my cousin Mindy (A: because she's the one who told me to write this ridiculous story and B: because my mom and dad don't know how to IM), I told her I was in trouble, stranded on a small island and she sent help to come get me! And like a good cousin should, she sent me a very single, very good looking, very tan, very tall man who had a great smile and nice, white teeth to come save me and the first thing I said upon seeing him was; "God is good."
The End.
#10: I would NEVER, I repeat, NEVER be a llama. But if I were, I would go jump off a cliff and end my useless, disgusting life.
#11: Robin Jones Gunn, The Christy Miller Series. Best series because it's very relateable to this generation of girls, it had many dynamics, including (but not limited to), humor, romance, christian principles and real life scenario's. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid, christian series for teen girls & young adult women.
#12: Living a life honoring to God through my conduct and speech, being the example of Christ, relying on His strength and not my own. (Of course, the end of my sanctification will be the completion of that, but ya know.)
Signed,
gypsy girl
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 13
Another day laying around the house from being sick/not feeling well. How lame.
I think I've watched at least 5 hours of tv, drank too many cups of tea to count and I'm beginning to become bored out of my mind.
But, I digress.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would we find you and why?
Good question. I've always had a fascination with Alaska, ever since I was a kid. Why does the sun stay up in the summers? How come it seems to never rise in the winter? Are moose actually as violent as people say? And, can people really ride around on sleds, pulled by dogs, in the winter?
When you go there, can you see the northern lights from anywhere? Or, do you have to be in some special spot?
Even though it's technically considered a state in the U.S. of A., it seems almost like a different world. Sure, I'd like to travel to different places, but living? I would pick Alaska.
Of course, I can't deny that I thoroughly enjoy the humble states of Washington and Oregon, both hold a special place in my heart. But, for some reason, Alaska has never left the back of my mind. Maybe, one day.
Signed,
gypsy girl
I think I've watched at least 5 hours of tv, drank too many cups of tea to count and I'm beginning to become bored out of my mind.
But, I digress.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would we find you and why?
Good question. I've always had a fascination with Alaska, ever since I was a kid. Why does the sun stay up in the summers? How come it seems to never rise in the winter? Are moose actually as violent as people say? And, can people really ride around on sleds, pulled by dogs, in the winter?
When you go there, can you see the northern lights from anywhere? Or, do you have to be in some special spot?
Even though it's technically considered a state in the U.S. of A., it seems almost like a different world. Sure, I'd like to travel to different places, but living? I would pick Alaska.
Of course, I can't deny that I thoroughly enjoy the humble states of Washington and Oregon, both hold a special place in my heart. But, for some reason, Alaska has never left the back of my mind. Maybe, one day.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Monday, January 9, 2012
Day 14
What's on your bucket list?
Well, to be honest, I don't really have one. There are things I would like to do one day, maybe, if I ever get the chance. Perhaps that IS the definition of a bucket list, but in my mind, a bucket list is something a person is nearly determined to make happy before they die.
But in the spirit of answering the question, I will tell you a couple things I've always wanted to do.
1) Fly on an airplane (my family does road-trips, I've never been on a plane)
2) See the northern lights
3) Write and have published a best selling book
4) Be en pointe (ballet stuff)
5) Have 12 dogs at once
6) Have a pet cow
Random? Yes. Logical? Probably not. Will they happen? I dunno. But that's all I got.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Well, to be honest, I don't really have one. There are things I would like to do one day, maybe, if I ever get the chance. Perhaps that IS the definition of a bucket list, but in my mind, a bucket list is something a person is nearly determined to make happy before they die.
But in the spirit of answering the question, I will tell you a couple things I've always wanted to do.
1) Fly on an airplane (my family does road-trips, I've never been on a plane)
2) See the northern lights
3) Write and have published a best selling book
4) Be en pointe (ballet stuff)
5) Have 12 dogs at once
6) Have a pet cow
Random? Yes. Logical? Probably not. Will they happen? I dunno. But that's all I got.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Day 16 and 15
So, recently I've dropped the ball on quite a few tasks because I haven't been feeling so well. You'll have to excuse my lateness...
Anyway.
Who are the most influential people in your life and why?
I find this to be a hard question to answer. Easily, because I live with my parents, they are the most influential because I'm around them the most. But have I let their lives influence my life the most? I don't know.
Truth is, I don't let many things influence me. Not even people. I've pretty much always gone against the grain ever since I was little. Questioning things, figuring out answers, not jumping on the bandwagon like most people...
Not to say people never influence me, they do. But I don't think I could honestly answer this question without saying that Jesus is the answer. He's the only person who has influenced my life decisions, my heart attitude, etc. Cheesy as it may sound, it's true. He's the only person I've really allowed to influence me fully because I know His influence is perfect.
If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
Well, that's not nearly as in depth as the first question, but it's interesting nonetheless. Most people would probably say flying or having super strength or something to that effect, but personally, I think I would choose invisibility. Which definitely goes against my nature of being very outgoing, but if you think about it, it'd be rather perfect. What better way to trick your enemies? Not like I have multiple enemies trying to seek revenge on me, but if that were the case, I think invisibility would come in handy.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Anyway.
Who are the most influential people in your life and why?
I find this to be a hard question to answer. Easily, because I live with my parents, they are the most influential because I'm around them the most. But have I let their lives influence my life the most? I don't know.
Truth is, I don't let many things influence me. Not even people. I've pretty much always gone against the grain ever since I was little. Questioning things, figuring out answers, not jumping on the bandwagon like most people...
Not to say people never influence me, they do. But I don't think I could honestly answer this question without saying that Jesus is the answer. He's the only person who has influenced my life decisions, my heart attitude, etc. Cheesy as it may sound, it's true. He's the only person I've really allowed to influence me fully because I know His influence is perfect.
If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
Well, that's not nearly as in depth as the first question, but it's interesting nonetheless. Most people would probably say flying or having super strength or something to that effect, but personally, I think I would choose invisibility. Which definitely goes against my nature of being very outgoing, but if you think about it, it'd be rather perfect. What better way to trick your enemies? Not like I have multiple enemies trying to seek revenge on me, but if that were the case, I think invisibility would come in handy.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 17
Pick a classic Disney character, how do you relate and why?
I'm pretty sure, at one point in a person's life, everyone needs to consider how Disney affected their childhood. I am no different, as a child, I was that girl who would watch the same Disney movies over and over again until my parents had every line of each movie memorized.
To this day, I wouldn't be surprised if either of my parents could act out Pocahontas and Beauty and the Beast on command.
As to which character I would relate to the most, I believe most would agree, I would be Tinkerbell.
Tinkerbell (although being a fairy in Never-Never Land), is a feisty, theatrical character who has no problem being honest (even though she can't exactly talk). She functions through one emotion at a time, and tries to rationalize her insane behavior. She's funny, loyal, hot-headed and yet totally loveable. People can't help but love the little pixie for all she is.
Now, of course, not all of those characteristics are a good thing - but we're all a work in progress. I don't feel the need to explain WHY I relate to this character, because if you know me, it's pretty obvious.
So there you have it! If you think another classic Disney character would suit me better, I would LOVE to hear it. I would always love to hear which classic Disney character YOU think you'd relate to best and why.
Side story: When I was around 6 or 7, while watching Pocahontas (one of my all time favorite Disney classics) I would crawl around on the floor like Pocahontas would... talk about getting into character!
Signed,
gypsy girl
I'm pretty sure, at one point in a person's life, everyone needs to consider how Disney affected their childhood. I am no different, as a child, I was that girl who would watch the same Disney movies over and over again until my parents had every line of each movie memorized.
To this day, I wouldn't be surprised if either of my parents could act out Pocahontas and Beauty and the Beast on command.
As to which character I would relate to the most, I believe most would agree, I would be Tinkerbell.
Tinkerbell (although being a fairy in Never-Never Land), is a feisty, theatrical character who has no problem being honest (even though she can't exactly talk). She functions through one emotion at a time, and tries to rationalize her insane behavior. She's funny, loyal, hot-headed and yet totally loveable. People can't help but love the little pixie for all she is.
Now, of course, not all of those characteristics are a good thing - but we're all a work in progress. I don't feel the need to explain WHY I relate to this character, because if you know me, it's pretty obvious.
So there you have it! If you think another classic Disney character would suit me better, I would LOVE to hear it. I would always love to hear which classic Disney character YOU think you'd relate to best and why.
Side story: When I was around 6 or 7, while watching Pocahontas (one of my all time favorite Disney classics) I would crawl around on the floor like Pocahontas would... talk about getting into character!
Signed,
gypsy girl
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Mindy's list of 20 topics.
So I have found what I shall be blogging about for the next 18 days. 18, you ask? Well yes, because my dear cousin Mindy (my newest inspiration for the next 18 days) made her first two topics about me going to visit her. So I'm gunna group together topic 1, 2 and 3 for the first day. That way I don't offend any other cousins (because, lets face it, I have a lot of cousins).
Topic 1 & 2 combined.
Yes, my dearest cousin, I do love you very much and I want to come visit you ASAP. I'll talk to the parental units and get right on that.
Okay, NOW for the actual topic of the day... Which person in the Bible do I most relate to and why?
Yikes. What a question. I barely know how to answer that one.
My first initial thought is Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi. To paraphrase, this is how the story goes. Naomi had a husband, two sons and two daughters-in-law. Her husband and two sons die, so she tells her two daughters-in-law to go home to their families. One of her daughters-in-law does, Orpah left with a heavy heart. But Ruth stays. She has a loyalty towards her mother-in-law and does not want to leave. So it happens that through Ruth staying she ends up meeting and marrying her new husband, Boaz.
Okay, but the question still remains, how can I relate to this woman from the Bible? I believe, like Ruth, I have the same sense of loyalty. I try to know where I am most needed and stay there for however long I am needed. Though Ruth did not know God's ultimate plan of good for her life, she was obedient to Him. That is how I want to be.
I guess she is a role model to me. I strive to be as obedient to the Lord as Ruth was. Not only was she obedient to the Lord, but she also respected the authority placed in her life, her mother-in-law. I like her story because it encourages me, that through obedience to God, his purpose and plan for your life is easier seen. Not that it's easy, I mean, she lost her husband, but through obedience, gained a new family who led to the line of David, and eventually, Jesus.
So there you have it. Day 1 of 18. Topics about life, serious or silly, that will hopefully challenge both you and me.
I hope you take time to really think about who YOU relate to most in the Bible and why. Simply because it helps put into perspective who you are and who you want to be. Ultimately, we all strive as Christians to become more like Jesus, so maybe think of a characteristic of Jesus that you know you need to work on and try very hard today or maybe the entire week to put that characteristic into practice. Not just in your heart, but also through your actions.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Topic 1 & 2 combined.
Yes, my dearest cousin, I do love you very much and I want to come visit you ASAP. I'll talk to the parental units and get right on that.
Okay, NOW for the actual topic of the day... Which person in the Bible do I most relate to and why?
Yikes. What a question. I barely know how to answer that one.
My first initial thought is Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi. To paraphrase, this is how the story goes. Naomi had a husband, two sons and two daughters-in-law. Her husband and two sons die, so she tells her two daughters-in-law to go home to their families. One of her daughters-in-law does, Orpah left with a heavy heart. But Ruth stays. She has a loyalty towards her mother-in-law and does not want to leave. So it happens that through Ruth staying she ends up meeting and marrying her new husband, Boaz.
Okay, but the question still remains, how can I relate to this woman from the Bible? I believe, like Ruth, I have the same sense of loyalty. I try to know where I am most needed and stay there for however long I am needed. Though Ruth did not know God's ultimate plan of good for her life, she was obedient to Him. That is how I want to be.
I guess she is a role model to me. I strive to be as obedient to the Lord as Ruth was. Not only was she obedient to the Lord, but she also respected the authority placed in her life, her mother-in-law. I like her story because it encourages me, that through obedience to God, his purpose and plan for your life is easier seen. Not that it's easy, I mean, she lost her husband, but through obedience, gained a new family who led to the line of David, and eventually, Jesus.
So there you have it. Day 1 of 18. Topics about life, serious or silly, that will hopefully challenge both you and me.
I hope you take time to really think about who YOU relate to most in the Bible and why. Simply because it helps put into perspective who you are and who you want to be. Ultimately, we all strive as Christians to become more like Jesus, so maybe think of a characteristic of Jesus that you know you need to work on and try very hard today or maybe the entire week to put that characteristic into practice. Not just in your heart, but also through your actions.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
It's a new year!
Hey all you bloggers,
As par usual, I have been absolutely terrible in thinking of what to blog about next! Although, I can't say I didn't warn you this would happen... Because I did.
In this new year of 2012, unlike a lot of people, I didn't really make a new years resolution. Though, off the top of my head, I could think of many that I could have made, but decided against it. I didn't make any, because I knew I wouldn't follow through. It's like when you tell someone you'll pray for them, but then forget. (Which I have also been working on)
Don't get me wrong, I think resolutions can be really great, so long as you don't follow in my footsteps and about 10 days in, give up, forget or procrastinate.
So as I sit here and write this nonsensical blog, I'm still trying my best to think of what in the world to actually blog about. Lets face it, unless I have a topic or goal, I never get anywhere with these things! Of course, I could always do what I'm doing right now, which is rant about virtually nothing, but I feel like that might get really old, really fast.
Okay, I have decided... Not what I'm going to blog about, but how to find my topic. I need help from my fellow bloggers and readers (if I even have any that is). So, if you have a good topic that I could use, feel free to tell me. I don't want this blog to just sit around and collect dust... so to speak.
I'll be thinking too, don't worry, we'll make this a virtual think-tank thing.
Signed,
the gypsy girl
As par usual, I have been absolutely terrible in thinking of what to blog about next! Although, I can't say I didn't warn you this would happen... Because I did.
In this new year of 2012, unlike a lot of people, I didn't really make a new years resolution. Though, off the top of my head, I could think of many that I could have made, but decided against it. I didn't make any, because I knew I wouldn't follow through. It's like when you tell someone you'll pray for them, but then forget. (Which I have also been working on)
Don't get me wrong, I think resolutions can be really great, so long as you don't follow in my footsteps and about 10 days in, give up, forget or procrastinate.
So as I sit here and write this nonsensical blog, I'm still trying my best to think of what in the world to actually blog about. Lets face it, unless I have a topic or goal, I never get anywhere with these things! Of course, I could always do what I'm doing right now, which is rant about virtually nothing, but I feel like that might get really old, really fast.
Okay, I have decided... Not what I'm going to blog about, but how to find my topic. I need help from my fellow bloggers and readers (if I even have any that is). So, if you have a good topic that I could use, feel free to tell me. I don't want this blog to just sit around and collect dust... so to speak.
I'll be thinking too, don't worry, we'll make this a virtual think-tank thing.
Signed,
the gypsy girl
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
