Last week we discussed in our small group the moments in our life when we "got it." By got it, we were talking about God's crazy love for us. I had been able to think about this for a few weeks and came to the realization that God has shown me this concept a number of times . . . don't know if I'm just dense or if that's normal for one's spiritual walk to be a continual flow of mountain top experiences. With each one . . . I get it a little more and my love for Jesus just increases. It was fun, though, to think back on these experiences and to express my gratitude to God for his amazing gift of his son Jesus.
*Numerous summers at Quaker Haven church camp where I experienced real Christian fellowship and God answered a prayer of mine for the first time.
*Experiencing true worship for the first time at the Aquire the Fire conference in high school.
*The Shane & Shane concert at Cornerstone my freshmen year when God showed up in a big way . . . impromptu worship like that was very new for me, but so incredible!
*A hike in South Africa meditating on Jesus' command to get out of the boat . . . another impromptu moment, which was huge for our group.
Reflecting on my spiritual journey is an awesome experience for me. My memory is fairly good, but long-term is not as strong. All of these memories are not always prevalent, but when I take the time to reflect and let God bring these experiences to me . . . it just fills my heart with gratitude for those times when God gave me a swift kick in the butt and said don't you get it . . . I love YOU! And he does and I feel it everyday. I'm grateful for this time of learning how to better love him back with my whole heart!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
quick words
The craziness of life is upon me, but even in the midst of work, prep for housewarming, and club vb starting God has been speaking so loudly and clearly to me. I am so grateful for what he is doing in my life . . . the thing that is frustrating is that I don't have enough time to just sit and reflect on his words. I wanted to note a few quick reflections that I hope to expand on soon.
*I'm working on balancing a healthy fear of God with returning his unconditional love for me.
*I want to speak/respond to God like I would a friend and I want to respond to my friends like that . . . not just sharing about me even though that's all I want sometimes and no one asks.
*God's love for us is so incredibly awesome . . . and he wants us to love him in the same way . . . WOW!
*When I look at my to do list I find myself constantly saying "I can do this." I cannot do anything, though, God is in control of all things . . . not me.
*We cannot run from our history, it will forever be connected to our destiny. This is a hard one I am working through.
Ahhh, there's so much more. I'm just grateful that God wants to talk to me and wants my reciprocal love and has blessed me with incredible friends. Life is terribly hard at time, but God is good ALL THE TIME!
*I'm working on balancing a healthy fear of God with returning his unconditional love for me.
*I want to speak/respond to God like I would a friend and I want to respond to my friends like that . . . not just sharing about me even though that's all I want sometimes and no one asks.
*God's love for us is so incredibly awesome . . . and he wants us to love him in the same way . . . WOW!
*When I look at my to do list I find myself constantly saying "I can do this." I cannot do anything, though, God is in control of all things . . . not me.
*We cannot run from our history, it will forever be connected to our destiny. This is a hard one I am working through.
Ahhh, there's so much more. I'm just grateful that God wants to talk to me and wants my reciprocal love and has blessed me with incredible friends. Life is terribly hard at time, but God is good ALL THE TIME!
Monday, September 28, 2009
crazy love
A couple months ago I sat in a meeting preparing myself to let go of something that I love with my whole heart and that is a part of my soul. I was so sad to let go. That is a mark of my life . . . my passion and how I throw my whole self into the things I love. Some people avoid loving like that because they are afraid of the hurt if they lose what they love. I never thought I would take that attitude. That was until the other night when I was speaking with a friend and I made the comment that I was unsure of the future of our organization and I just don't feel like investing myself. Last night I thought of my comment and couldn't believe I said that. I was convicted while at a kickoff event for our new church wide study of a book called Crazy Love. It is an excellent book that is centered on the reciprocation of the amazing, crazy love God showed for us by sacrificing his Son to forgive our sins and promise us eternal life. That is a huge investment in sinful people that constantly let God down. After being reminded of that, I couldn't believe the attitude I was taking. The investment is so worth it and I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to invest myself again with this organization.
We are starting the study on this book in a couple weeks and I cannot wait to see what God does through it. God keeps hinting that big things are coming . . . eeeee!
We are starting the study on this book in a couple weeks and I cannot wait to see what God does through it. God keeps hinting that big things are coming . . . eeeee!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
new beginnings
First of all, I love fall! Not only the colors, sports, sweathshirts, and food, but the time for new beginnings. I've taken on a couple new things this fall to help me achieve some goals I've set for myself.
Number 1 - the end of my fat summer. The summer is the time where I say yes to anything and everything and thus my pants are starting to get too tight! For the last 3 weeks I have been diligent about my food (logging what I eat online) and exercising like crazy. So far so good. Hoping my body responds the way I want it to and that I can stick with it even when volleyball starts. It also makes me feel better about asking the same things from my clients.
Number 2 - c0-leading my small group. Our original leader had to step down b/c she doesn't attend our church anymore. Another girl and I are doing it and are so excited about it. God has placed it on both our hearts that God has big things in store for our group. It is a challenge for me, though, to get back on track and be disciplined about the things that go with leading the group.
Number 3 - reach out at church and meet new people. To accomplish this, I joined a Beth Moore bible study that meets on Tuesday mornings. I went to the first meeting today and discovered that I was the only single, non-mother in the whole group of about 30 women! I've been praying for an older mentor to come into my life so I'm hopeful that God has someone for me in that group. It looks like a great study that will challenge me to really dive into God's word. It's really going to challenge me to connect with others, but I'm excited about it.
Here's to a great fall!
Number 1 - the end of my fat summer. The summer is the time where I say yes to anything and everything and thus my pants are starting to get too tight! For the last 3 weeks I have been diligent about my food (logging what I eat online) and exercising like crazy. So far so good. Hoping my body responds the way I want it to and that I can stick with it even when volleyball starts. It also makes me feel better about asking the same things from my clients.
Number 2 - c0-leading my small group. Our original leader had to step down b/c she doesn't attend our church anymore. Another girl and I are doing it and are so excited about it. God has placed it on both our hearts that God has big things in store for our group. It is a challenge for me, though, to get back on track and be disciplined about the things that go with leading the group.
Number 3 - reach out at church and meet new people. To accomplish this, I joined a Beth Moore bible study that meets on Tuesday mornings. I went to the first meeting today and discovered that I was the only single, non-mother in the whole group of about 30 women! I've been praying for an older mentor to come into my life so I'm hopeful that God has someone for me in that group. It looks like a great study that will challenge me to really dive into God's word. It's really going to challenge me to connect with others, but I'm excited about it.
Here's to a great fall!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
the gift of age
I met some new clients if I need to change this week who are 27, but I never would've guessed their age if it wasn't written on their questionnaire. I am terrible at guessing people's age because I have such a skewed view of my own age. I thought to myself . . . "I don't look as old as them." The same thing happened when I watched Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion last week. They were going to their 10 year high school reunion (which we have next year) and I know I don't look as old as them! When I shared this with Karen, she just responded . . . "we are old." Great! It's not a bad thing, I just don't know if I need to change my self perspective or something.
One thing I know for sure is that I am grateful for the gift of age and all the things I have learned along the way (knowing that there is still much, much more to come). All of our FaR Out freshmen have been away at college for a few weeks now and it's interesting to read their facebook statuses. They share about going through the hardest time of their life - physically, emotionally, and mentally. I remember those days . . . your whole identity changes and you are pushed to the max. I thought I would never be challenged more than that in my whole life. I thought that until I graduated and was on my own . . . then I realized that life could get a whole lot harder. Through all of those experiences I realized that life can always get harder and it's important to find a way to enjoy the period that you are currently in. There will always been challenges, but if we dwell on those we will miss all of the joys that we could experience at the same time.
Oh, I love thinking I am so wise at a mere 27. :) I do appreciate the peace that God has given me about my current life stage. It's fun to just enjoy myself. Although I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me next . . . I'm trying noo to rush because I know the unknown will be a lot of difficult challenges.
One thing I know for sure is that I am grateful for the gift of age and all the things I have learned along the way (knowing that there is still much, much more to come). All of our FaR Out freshmen have been away at college for a few weeks now and it's interesting to read their facebook statuses. They share about going through the hardest time of their life - physically, emotionally, and mentally. I remember those days . . . your whole identity changes and you are pushed to the max. I thought I would never be challenged more than that in my whole life. I thought that until I graduated and was on my own . . . then I realized that life could get a whole lot harder. Through all of those experiences I realized that life can always get harder and it's important to find a way to enjoy the period that you are currently in. There will always been challenges, but if we dwell on those we will miss all of the joys that we could experience at the same time.
Oh, I love thinking I am so wise at a mere 27. :) I do appreciate the peace that God has given me about my current life stage. It's fun to just enjoy myself. Although I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me next . . . I'm trying noo to rush because I know the unknown will be a lot of difficult challenges.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
family
I know they are not perfect and sometimes I complain about them, but I love my family. My mom and dad's side are extremely different, though. My mom's side is a lot smaller. We are sarcastic with one another and mostly like sports. My dad's side really values extended family and is a lot bigger. My grandpa has two brothers . . . between the 3 of them they have 11 children and 30 grandchildren. We have a get together at Christmas time that is a lot of fun. I really value that history and tradition of the Garners. We have relatives who were Quaker pastors and most of the family still attends the Friends church. I don't get to be around all my cousins as much as I'd like, but last weekend many attended a bridal shower for my first cousin Lindsey who is getting married next weekend. My Grandma said it used to be a tradition to have a couples shower for whoever was getting married. I think that is such a great idea because it just another reason for everyone to get together. During the shower we were asking Lindsey & Mike questions then were discussing all the marital wisdom that was in the room. Between my Grandpa and Great Uncles, they have been married for 163 years! I just think that is incredible!
I just feel so blessed to be a part of that family. I can't wait to honor them at my wedding someday.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
just for fun
I thought this looked like a fun post for today.
1. What time did you get up this morning?5:00 a.m. . . . Wednesdays are rough
2. How do you like your steak? I try to get it medium, but sometimes need it medium well.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? ahhh . . . I can't remember!
4. What is your favorite TV show? How bout top 5 . . . Cobsy, So You Think You Can Dance, Biggest Loser, Young & The Restless, Friends
5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? South Africa
6. What did you have for breakfast? Peanut Butter toast and a banana
7. What’s your favorite cuisine? Cheap mexican, i.e. Taco Bell
8. What foods do you dislike? let's see . . . mustard, pickles, sauerkrat, coconut, nuts
9. Where is your favorite place to eat? The Winchester
10. What is your favorite salad dressing? blue cheese
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Leo - Oldmobile Alero
12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and flip flops
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? So many places I want to go . . . Outer Banks are at the top of the list, along with more of Africa, Ireland, & Italy
14. Is the cup half empty or half full? half full
15. Where would you want to retire? somewhere without snow
16. What is your favorite time of the day? my most productive, yet peaceful time is morning
17. Where were you born? Wabash, IN
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? football & volleyball
19. Are you a bird watcher? not really
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? morning
21. What did you want to be where you were little? my mom says a meteorologist, but I remember wanting to be a teacher
22. What’s your best childhood memory? don't have many . . .
23. Do you always wear your seat belt? Yes, of course!
24. Do you have any pet peeves? people who don't use turn signals, pessimism
25. Favorite type of pizza? bbq chicken
26. Favorite flower? dahlias
27. Favorite ice cream? Mint Oreo
28. Have you done anything spontaneous lately? can't think of anything
29. Do you like your job? most of the time
30. Do you like broccoli? yes I do
1. What time did you get up this morning?5:00 a.m. . . . Wednesdays are rough
2. How do you like your steak? I try to get it medium, but sometimes need it medium well.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? ahhh . . . I can't remember!
4. What is your favorite TV show? How bout top 5 . . . Cobsy, So You Think You Can Dance, Biggest Loser, Young & The Restless, Friends
5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? South Africa
6. What did you have for breakfast? Peanut Butter toast and a banana
7. What’s your favorite cuisine? Cheap mexican, i.e. Taco Bell
8. What foods do you dislike? let's see . . . mustard, pickles, sauerkrat, coconut, nuts
9. Where is your favorite place to eat? The Winchester
10. What is your favorite salad dressing? blue cheese
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Leo - Oldmobile Alero
12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and flip flops
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? So many places I want to go . . . Outer Banks are at the top of the list, along with more of Africa, Ireland, & Italy
14. Is the cup half empty or half full? half full
15. Where would you want to retire? somewhere without snow
16. What is your favorite time of the day? my most productive, yet peaceful time is morning
17. Where were you born? Wabash, IN
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? football & volleyball
19. Are you a bird watcher? not really
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? morning
21. What did you want to be where you were little? my mom says a meteorologist, but I remember wanting to be a teacher
22. What’s your best childhood memory? don't have many . . .
23. Do you always wear your seat belt? Yes, of course!
24. Do you have any pet peeves? people who don't use turn signals, pessimism
25. Favorite type of pizza? bbq chicken
26. Favorite flower? dahlias
27. Favorite ice cream? Mint Oreo
28. Have you done anything spontaneous lately? can't think of anything
29. Do you like your job? most of the time
30. Do you like broccoli? yes I do
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