Love is love

I have an opinion about a lot of things. Some of my opinions are just a lot of hot air. But sometimes, my opinion comes from deep, personal, and moral ties to an issue.  This is one of those times. If you don't agree with me, that is fine, but I hope you will respect me enough to read all of what I have to say.

The hot topic right now is equal rights for all people to get married. I am all for it! From a political stand, I don't think the government has a right to say who you can and can't marry. America was built on religious freedom, choice, and diversity.....or so we say. Why does someone's sexual preference deny them rights? I have never understood that. I also don't think being gay is a sin. Over the years I have had several friends come out, and I came to a point where I decided I needed to know for myself what I believed about being gay. Not what the church told me or what society told me. I needed to know for me, where I stood on the issue. I spent time in prayer and read scripture. And I came to the conclusion that God creates people for love. I believe some people find that love in a heterosexual relationship and some find it in a homosexual relationship. But we all desire love.

That is my OPINION. I believe some people are born gay, and should have every right that a straight person has. And I am entitled to that opinion, as you are to your opinion. We live in a country where we are free to safely voice what we think. As Christians  we also worship a God who gave us free will, allowed us to think for our selves, and have opinions. So if your opinion is different from mine, that is okay! What is not okay, is when we hold so tightly to our opinion that we outcast others. If you don't agree with someone's lifestyle, fine. But when you tell them they are a mistake, going to burn, or treat them like a second class citizen, that is NOT okay! That is when a line is being crossed. Not only a christian line, but a line in humanity!

Why do we think we have the right to condemn?  To Judge? To assign worth to a person? What kind of message is the church (as a whole) sending? The church teaches that we are ALL made in God's image and we are loved and valued. But what is practiced is some of us are made in God's image and some people don't deserve love because they are different.  Didn't Jesus hang out with the sinners and outcast? And we are to follow the example Christ set right? So, by that logic, shouldn't you be hanging out in a gay bar, building relationships and sharing the Gospel? God didn't call us to love some people or only people who 'sin' the same way we do. He called us to love people. PERIOD.

So you can have a different opinion. That is perfectly acceptable! But think about how you are voicing that opinion. Do you want to be the person holding a sign saying "God hates gays" "Gays will burn"?
or
Do you want to be more like this group.

This is a church group that went to a gay rights parade and had signs that says "I'm sorry for how the church has treated you." They are not (from this picture) taking a stand one way or another on the issue. But they are standing up for people, for human beings that have been told they are worthless. They are showing the love of Jesus by building relationships, giving a hug, and knowing what we are ALL valuable because we are created by God.

Where do you stand?



equal rights for all people!

"This is my Body, broken for you"

I promised you a communion blog, so here it is! Yesterday marked the start of Holy Week, and I felt like this is as good a time as any to blog about communion.

If you don't know, Holy Week is an extremely important part of the Christian faith. It is the week leading up to Easter. Easter is not about colored eggs and slightly creepy over-sized bunnies. Easter is about Jesus sacrificing his life, to die on the cross and pay the price for our sins, then rising up from the dead 3 days later. We worship a risen and living Christ!

So how does communion fit into Holy Week? On the Thursday of Holy Week, Jesus and his disciples were celebrating the Jewish holiday/festival of Passover. The disciples were unaware that Jesus would be crucified the next day, although I'm sure they knew something was coming.  As they set down for the passover meal, Jesus explained. 

26 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is my blood of the[d] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.Matthew 26:26-30 NRSV

I'm sure this confused the disciples. We understand what Jesus was talking about because we are on the resurrection side of the story. They did not expect Jesus to die.

So now, we partake in communion/the Lord's Supper/ Last Supper as a way to remember the amazing sacrifice Jesus made for us. I talked a little about communion in my previous post, so I don't want to repeat myself here. I want to tell about some of my personal experiences with communion. These are in no real order, just some of the times that God has really spoken to me through communion.

The time wine came out of my nose.
This past summer I went to Macedonia for a month. First of all, in some of Paul's letters, he calls people to Macedonia! So to be in a place where Paul was, stand where Paul stood, and be called to a place where God called Paul to share the Gospel was incredible! Second, church was a house (apartment) church, just like the founders of Christianity did! It was toward the end of my stay in Macedonia and we were having communion that Sunday. Normally, someone would translate worship for me, but I knew enough about communion to know what was going on even if it wasn't in English. There was something so powerful about hearing the prayers and scripture in Macedonian. The act of breaking the bread and taking the cup ties all believers together. It bridges language barriers, closes culture gaps, and links all followers of Christ together. I was sitting in total amazement of God. We broke the bread, pass it around.

Then comes the cup. First of all, it was a communal cup, one cup for everyone sitting in the apartment. I'm not a germ freak or anything, I don't mind drinking after other people, but I had never done communion that way. I thought it was really cool though because that is how I picture Jesus doing it. So the first 2 people drink from the cup, then it is passed to me. So I take a drink. Not a baby sip, a drink, because there is enough to take an actual drink! It was wine. Now, I've had wine before, but NEVER at communion. I grew up SBC, and it was always grape juice. ALWAYS. So the thought that it might be wine didn't even cross my mind. It hit me about a second too late that it was wine. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I immediately started to forcefully choke, which caused wine to come out of my nose! I don't know if you have ever had wine come out your nose, but that junk BURNS! The two Journeymen sitting beside me were trying not to laugh, and I was trying to breath, but hold in a cough. A little wine got spilled, but we made it through. Despite the sensory overload, that was probably my favorite communion I have ever taken part in!

The time it had meaning
I was working at CMV and about 17 or 18. We did communion a lot that summer as a staff. Around mid-summer, we were sitting down to do communion again, and someone sitting next to me said "I can't...I just can't do it again. It's not special anymore." I knew what it was about and understood why we as believers did it, but it was always very much of a tradition for me. I had no problem taking communion over and over because I was going through the motions. I had never thought about the personal aspect, the 'special' mind-set that comes along with breaking bread and drinking from the cup. The issue wasn't how often I did communion, but that I had never seen it as something deeper than just a tradition. From that moment on, my mindset changed, I looked at the bread and the cup differently. It has intense meaning and moved me in a powerful way.

I also love communion with BFA. There isn't one defining moment or time I remember more than others. God has used BFA to grow me and impact my life in ways I can't even explain. I love doing communion there, with my church family.

I feel like I just rambled on about a lot of different things. I hope you got my over-all point though, which is Communion is about remembering the amazing sacrifice Jesus made for us because of his love for us! He broke his body and poured out his blood so our sins can be forgiven!

This isn't a communion song, but I love it and it has been on my mind.

ONE NIGHT

Every spring all the campus ministries come together once a year to join forces and have ONE NIGHT - one night of worship, one body/one united campus ministry, and ONE GOD! Tonight was SO AMAZING! I have been so excited about this for days. There was an energy, and excitement that was bigger than just leadership promoting it. God is moving in powerful on this campus! There are big changes coming to the hearts and minds of the students that walk around this campus. I wish I could tell you about every single God filled moment but I am just going to hit the high notes.

Community
The chapel was packed tonight! I LOVE worshiping in a huge community. The energy is just powerful in a huge group! There were people from all 7 campus ministries along with tons and tons of people who aren't involved in campus ministry but just want to come worship! As an extrovert  I am all about some community. Worshiping in a large group fuels me in a way I can't really explain. I feel God's presents and I also draw energy from the people worshiping around me. There was a girl leading worship who would jump around in a circle because she was just so happy to praise God. Her excitement made me more excited and more open to what God was telling me!

Communion
Before we started communion, Faithe talked a little about it. As she was talking, she said "every Christian through out all time and space has done communion. Everyone from the disciples in the upper room to us right now."  That really stuck out to me. I guess I knew that but I had never really thought about it. It is a really amazing thought! Communion ties people together. Not only the people that were worshiping at ONE NIGHT, but all Christians  throughout history. Isn't that the coolest idea?  It made me rethink communion and some important or really meaningful times I have taken communion. (I'm sure a communion blog will follow shortly....including the time wine came out of my nose during communion. But more on that later.) I love doing communion in a large group. I love getting lost in crowd, but not in a bad way. It is a reminder that communion is so much bigger than me and my life. But at the same time, it is also very personal and intimate.

SHINE
I was so proud of SHINE at ONE NIGHT! God has been moving and growing SHINE as a group and as individuals. As a group we have learned to put our fears aside and to know that God is the force that is driving this group! I feel like every week we as a group celebrate something else God has done for us, shown us, or taught SHINE at CU! I have also watched individuals  my friends grow spiritually! People in the group are struggling, rejoicing, learning, and following. It is amazing to watch week to week as God moves and molds their heart and their life.  At ONE NIGHT, several SHINE people participated in the service. Most campus ministries have a band and all the bands come together. We do not have a band, so some of the testimonies and scripture reading came from members of SHINE. They opened their heart and allowed God to speak through them! I am so proud and was sitting there beaming the whole time! I felt like a proud momma or something! This is an incredible group of women. They are special on their own, but their openness to God, to being broken, to reaching out, and to following when God calls is what makes them so incredible. 

Two days ago I wrote a blog about how much pain is in the world and how I don't understand that but desperately want to. I am in an amazing place spiritually. I feel like at least once a week I have a new story of something God has done or shown me! My friends laugh at me when I tell the stories because I start talking so fast, but I'm just so excited, I want to get it all out! Sometimes I feel bad celebrating my joys when I feel like everyone around me is hurting. Not bad as in guilty. I'm not and don't feel guilty about the fantastic things God is doing in my life. I don't really have an outlet though. I just have this excitement inside me that I don't know what to do with it. I talk to friends and they are truly happy for me. But God used ONE NIGHT to give me a place to celebrate! God also reminded me that he is WAY bigger than the hurt and the joy!

There were many amazing songs at ONE NIGHT, but the last one is one of my favorites! As the band started to play and I realized what song it was, I couldn't stand still! It had been such an amazing night and this song was totally perfect to send people out!

As we left and now the next day, my prayer is that the fire that was felt that night will continue! ONE NIGHT is awesome and one of my favorite events of the spring semester, but ONE NIGHT is not ONLY NIGHT.
Creator God,
remind us that we can always be excited to praise you. Awaken in us a desire to hear other people's stories and to tell our own journey! Give us a heart for those who are hurting and for those who are rejoicing. Most importantly, remind us who you are and the sacrifice you gave for us!

Until he returns....

There has been a question on my mind lately. The question of 'why is there so much pain in the world? I know this question can often lead to anger, running from God and getting really off track but I promise that is not the case here! I am in a really good place spiritually. I just feel like I am surrounded by people who are hurting.( I am also surrounded by people who are celebrating.)

 I have several friends who are either physically, emotionally, or spiritually hurting. Working at SAFE, I am surrounded by hurt all the time. It breaks my heart when I don't understand the pain. I hate seeing people feeling isolated. I hate not knowing what to do.  But my heart breaks just as much when I do understand someones pain, when I understand being so deep into the dark you didn't think you will ever see the light again. It hurts me physically to know exactly how they feel but can't fix it.

I don't understand pain.
I don't understand why we are relational beings if we continue to hurt others and to be hurt.
I don't understand why there is so much pain and what feels like not enough love.
I don't understand why we have free will and choice when we continuously screw up.
I don't understand why there is depression, war, suicide, abuse, fighting, abandonment, and regret.

 I watch people struggle. I have hurt people and people have hurt me. And deep in my heart, I just don't understand it. Don't mishear me. I do, from a logical stand, understand why there is pain. I know where it comes from and I can see the cause and effects of how things happen. But in my soul, my heart, and my spirit, I don't understand why we live in a world with so much brokenness but serve a God who is so completely whole.

Sometimes I let the pain and not understanding totally consume me. I ask God why he allows this to happen, like God is unaware of what is going on.  I forget that God feels every pain I do. That God suffers along with me. I know if it is hard for me to see someone hurting, it has to be unbearable for God. We were not made for pain and hurt. We were made to be perfect, sinless. We were made to be in Eden, to walk with God, to be in perfect relationship with each other. Pain is unnatural. Maybe that is why I don't understand it.

The only thing I can do is pray for God to show me how to love people until Christ comes back.

A day with technology

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog about going a day without technology and how wonderful it was. I often find myself wishing I could go without technology for good.  (and by that I mean, no phone. I'm not going Amish or anything.) Sometimes I complain about technology and think it just makes things more complicated.  And sometimes it does. But sometimes it is a BEAUTIFUL thing and I am reminded how blessed I am to have it.

I have a really good friend on the world race. It is a mission organization that travels to 11 countries in 11 months. they go all over the world sharing the love of Jesus. So my friend Marie just started month 3 of her race. I have missed her like crazy! I haven't been able to text her, very very few facebook conversations, nothing really. But, the other day we got to skype!!!!! She was in between countries, debriefing from one country and preparing to go to the next.  We skyped for about 3 hours. (Granted, about half the time was spent trying to get a internet connection. it kept cutting in and out. But that isn't the point.) It was soooooo wonderful to sit and talk to her and to SEE HER FACE! We laughed, and talked, and caught up on life. It was the best thing ever! There was a little bitter-sweetness to it. I don't know when I will get to talk to her again. But it was such a blessing from God. I needed time with her. Without technology, I wouldn't be able to talk to her at all for a year. They move so much, there is no way I would send her a letter. I am so thankful for technology because it allowed me to sit and talk to Marie.

I have also been missing Hawaii and Macedonia like CRAZY. I don't know why I miss them so much lately but I do. My heart longs to be on Moloka'i, at our Monday night community dinner or sitting at a cafe in Ohrid talking with friends. I wish I could say God is telling me to move, saying it is time to go somewhere again. But God is without a doubt telling me to stay. School is where I need to be. Maybe that is why I miss Hawaii and Macedonia so much. I'm being told to stay, so naturally I want to go. This morning when I was getting ready, I put on a tshirt I got in Macedonia. As I was putting on a necklace I got in Hawaii, an idea hit me out of nowhere. I downloaded the 'I heart radio" app ages ago. You can listen to live radio from anywhere. I had saved this christian station that airs from Honolulu. So I turned it on as I was getting ready. They were doing their morning talk show. It was several local christian business people that were there to talk about their conversion, God's call on their life and how they try to reflect Jesus in their work place. It was sooo wonderful to hear the Hawaiian accent, and Hawaiian words,familiar places on the weather and traffic. And to hear them praising God!! Without technology, I wouldn't be able to be connected even a little to what is going on in Hawaii. (If I could understand Macedonian radio, I would listen to it too!) 

I still firmly believe there needs to be a balance with technology. Our entire day should not be controlled by buzzes and beeps. There are times to turn the phone off, shut down the computer, turn the tv off, and go outside, pick up a book or spend real time with people. But technology is also a truly wonderful thing. Something I often take for granted and seldom thank God for. This week I have been reminded of not only the wonderful people God has placed in my life, but also the means God has provided so I can stay in contact with those people. 

To all my Hanai around the world, Te Cakam!!!

All you need is love

Love is important...duh.

Every person shows love and receives  love in a way unique to them. It is called your love language, things that you value and let you know you matter. There are 5 love languages  and everyone has them.

Love Languages
Gifts
Acts of Service
Quality Time
Words of Affirmation
Physical Touch

Everyone needs all 5 types of love, but we need some more than others. My love languages, on a scale of 1-12 are; quality time (10), touch and words tie for second (8). Acts of service is next (2)  and dead last is gifts (1).  I need time, touch, and words on a daily basis. I'm not saying I have to have hour long intense conversations every single day while holding someones hand. But small things like coffee with a friend, a hug, being excited for me (when I do something like get into Div school!), or tell me I've done a good job. That stuff makes me happy. When someone does affirm my gifts and talents, spends real quality time with me, or plays with my hair, I hold on to those things!  On the other hand, if someone blows me off or says something hurtful, that sticks with me too! In a powerful way.

The way you show love can be different from how you receive it. I can't find a test for that, you just have to know yourself. For me, the biggest way I show someone love is through service. I want to help, to take the stress off someone, to fix things. (This also makes me really protective of my friends and family.) The way I show love also varies depending on the person. I have a  friend who's love languages are the exact opposite of mine! So I make more of an effort to do gifts for her.

So where is all this coming from? Did I just decide to educate the world on love languages? no. All this came from a conversation I had yesterday with a friend. We were talking about love languages and how it effects a person emotionally and psychologically. There is so much material out there about how to show love and what happens when you receive your love language.   During our conversation, we came to the question "what happens when you don't get your love language?" "when you feel like you are being denied your love language?"

When you are lacking your love language, things start to fall apart. Plain and simple. It can throw your whole day off. If your love language is lacking for a long period of time, you can start to question who are you as a person! I can testify to that personally. A few years ago I was at a job that I felt like I just sucked at. I was already questioning my abilities. At first, I wasn't getting words of affirmation at all. So all I had were my own negative thoughts. Then as the job went on, I started to get a lot of negative comments, blame, and criticism. I think everyone goes through a period when they aren't receiving their love language and they have to seek it out. That is extremely hard to do! In that situation, I didn't seek it out. I just suffered through. And the negative effects it had lasted long after the job was over.

There isn't really much of a point to this. I have just been thinking about some other situations, and the conversation about love languages I had yesterday tied nicely into the other issues. (I know that's vague.) It has just been on my mind all day. I guess I have just been more aware of how love languages effect so many different situations. Take time to figure out what your love languages are. Figure out the love languages of those close to you. And if you are lacking your love language, know that it is okay to seek it out!