A time for everything.

Most of us have been on this earth for at least two decades. Yet, we are still taken by surprise when one area of our life such as family, friends, relationships, finances, work, school, health, and the like undergo a change. If this change is seen as bad, people tend to get angry about it. Often, they'll ask "Why me?" or "How can God have allowed something like this to happen?" Then their anger will be directed towards God. We cannot expect things to stay the same forever. Things must change. It is a fact of life. If things are going great, you should expect it to rain sooner or later. If things aren't going too good, you should expect to see the sun shine once more. Everything in this life has its proper time.

"1 There is a time for everything,

      and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,

      a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,

      a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,

      a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

      a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,

      a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,

      a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,

      a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-14)

Nothing in life is a mere coincidence. The environment you were raised in, the silly mistakes you made as a teenager or college student, your heart's greatest passions, the pain and happiness you have endured, the people you have encountered and let go of. All of these things have had a specific purpose in your life. The best things are usually the most unexpected. The change you're going through right now, or will soon be going through, is necessary. While it is not intentional on your part, it is quite intentional on God's part. Our desired timing for something can be non-beneficial. So whether or not this change seems to be good right now, endure it. Embrace it. Challenge it with a smile and be ready for whatever it brings. It may have taken you by surprise, but it was already foreseen by someone else. Although it looks like an inconvenience, it might become your biggest opportunity. Let go of those things or people you had wished for but never received. Be humble, thoughtful, and accepting towards change. Their seems to be an ever silent hand guiding us to where we need to be. Just think about it. Don't things always seem to work themselves out in the end?

*Satan*

While I was on facebook I came across a page called *Satan*. I looked at the page out of curiosity. What I saw didn’t surprise me too much. There were a ton of people bashing religion and God and His “fans”. Naturally, there would be Christian responses. I didn’t like most of them. There were Christians “defending the faith”. They did this by posting Bible verses and telling the people that they needed to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. That the Lord will execute His enemies. That everyone needed to repent and shouldn’t sell their soul to the Devil. And we wonder why people don’t like Christians? That’s why.

            Although the Christians may have had good intentions, they went about it the wrong way. There’s a good way and a bad way to approach these things, and that was definitely a bad way. If you tell people these kinds of things when they already have a negative view of Christianity and God, then you are going to get a not-so-cheery response. You need to remember that they don’t have the same beliefs as you. They are going to think that what you’re saying is hog wash and label you as an unintelligent loony-tune. Being “Holier than thou” will not get you anywhere. The only thing you will get from it is closed doors, smirks, and curses. You don’t want to lose an opportunity because you’re trying to be pious. Do you think that will please God? Think again.

            Why not discuss how they came to their conclusion about Christianity and God instead of condemning them to hell? That will open the door for a good discussion. You will be able to see their side and learn how they think. Then in turn, you have a chance to share how you came to your conclusion about God and Christianity. I couldn’t see this page and say nothing. I posted “So this is an anti-Christianity & anti-religion page. Why do you hate Christianity or religion in general? I’m not taking any sides, but want genuine feedback please.” I’m hoping that people give real, thoughtful responses. I will make another blog that will anonymously list some of the responses. If you ever hope or intend on talking to people who see things differently, then you need to know their point of view.

Tragedy Strikes.

In my community, today is hard to bear. It is hard to smile or laugh when we remember what happened two years ago. Today marks the two-year anniversary of a tragedy: a beautiful & beloved teenager got taken from us. Her eyes closed: never to be opened again.

I remember when I first heard about it on April 10th, 2010. Sophomore year. Spring break is only a week away. Amanda, Chrissy, and I are in their living room. Amanda gets a call from one of our close friends. Tears start rolling down her face. Waiting impatiently, we all want to know why she's crying. The phone call ends and there is a moment of silence. Finally Amanda says, "Allie got into a car accident yesterday." Heart drops. "Is she okay?" It seemed like we spent forever waiting for the answer. Phone calls were made to find out more information. We were worried. Finally we find out that she's in the hospital. All we know is that she's unconscious and hasn't woken up yet. My mom took us to go see her. On the way there my mom reassures me that people can regain consciousness.

We arrive at the hospital and make the journey up to her room. There are a ton of other people there already. Some of them are mutual friends. The waiting room next to her room is full of family; the hallway is full of friends. They let us know that Allie has no brain activity. Machines are keeping her breathing, but they will be shut off tomorrow. Our close friend is never going to wake up. We will never hear her mellifluous laugh again; never see her contagious smile. It took a few minutes for that to sink in. The tears started flowing and would not stop.

Her mom let us go into Allie's room to see her one last time. Allie is laying there peacefully. Her eyes are shut and there is a subtle rising and falling in her chest. Good friends gave her a manicure and pedicure. Not a single blond hair was misplaced. Her pink skin was lotioned. Allie looked so alive. Like she was only sleeping. Her mom told us that we can talk to Allie. We could give her a hug or a kiss on the cheek. I was speechless. Words refused to come out of my mouth. I couldn't touch her because she wouldn't be able to give me a hug in return. All she had was a small sign of impact on her forehead and a broken nose. Untouched by death, Allie was still beautiful.

Allie was taken off of life support on April 11th, 2010. The rest of April was a living hell. It would not stop raining. Heaven was mourning with us. My sisters and I were very close with Allie Freshman year. She used to come over almost every day after school. A part of our hearts died with her. All of us had a different way of coping. My sisters and a few friends painted the pole that the car crashed into. Many of her close friends spent a lot of time together. I coped by withdrawing from everyone. The anxiety was too much to handle, and I couldn't be there for anyone. I wish I had been there more for my sisters.

How could a sixteen year old believe there was justice in an undeserved death? I couldn't. So I was angry. I was angry with God for taking Allie away from us. She was one of the last people on Earth who deserved to die so young. She loved life and she lived it. I was bearing an unbearable burden. In my anger I yelled at God. I yelled for weeks. I didn't understand. All I wanted was to understand. I had believed that God was just and He had a purpose for everything. So I was shaken up because I couldn't see a purpose in this. My anger had gotten so bad that I couldn't pray without crying. Nor could I read my Bible without crying. I used to turn to my faith in God when I was confronted with pain or grief. With my faith running dry, where else could I have turned?

The time came where I was tired of yelling at God. I was honest with Him and told Him that it was too much. I needed comfort. It was all or nothing. I demanded an answer as to why He allowed this tragedy to strike. I could not move forward without clarity, and my faith was running thin. I opened my Bible to a random place expecting to finally hear from God. And oh I definitely heard Him. I opened my Bible to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.


 " ¹³ Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. ¹⁴ We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ¹⁵ According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage each other with these words."

I miss her sooo much. But that day God answered my yells. He gave me comfort knowing that there is hope. I will see her again. Not in this life, but in the next<3. When you call on Him, He will answer.

Sing a new song.

"1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
       he turned to me and heard my cry.
 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
       out of the mud and mire;
   he set my feet on a rock
       and gave me a firm place to stand.
 3 He put a new song in my mouth,
       a hymn of praise to our God.
   Many will see and fear
       and put their trust in God."

Psalm 40:1-3

Today I was doing my daily Psalm reading, and Psalm 40 really got to me. I recommend you read the entire Psalm, but these were a few of my favorite verses. The psalmist is in incredible despair. He waited for the Lord and prayed to God when he could not handle it anymore. Then, God heard him and rescued him. Being in a pit of mud and mire, you are only sinking further and further down until you cannot help yourself. You would be so trapped that it is nearly impossible for someone else to pull you out of that wretched pit. The psalmist trusted in God alone to rescue him from sinking. He did not trust in man. When rescued, he was able to stand firmly. Given a new song to sing, he praised God.

February was a difficult month. There was a lot going on that I wasn't sure how to deal with. I was waiting on the Lord for answers I felt would never come. I felt like the psalmist: trapped in a slimy pit of mud and mire. I was sinking and no one could have helped me. Only God could bring me peace of mind and a clear heart. He always heard my pleas, and He answered my cries. Now I have clarity and a firm place to stand. I'm going to continue trusting in God. Finally, there is a new song to sing. Not a song of despair, but a song of HOPE.

For Free?

During college group two weeks ago, everyone was going around in a circle giving prayer requests. When my turn comes, I ask everyone to pray that I'm able to find an affordable piano. I really wanted my own piano so I can practice and improve my playing. I have a keyboard, but it just sounds so different than a real piano. Everyone said they would let me know if they came across anything. Honestly, I didn't know how I could afford a good piano unless I saved up for a good portion of the semester.

Today, I get a call after my Personality Theories class is over. It's Ms. Patti, the wonderful woman who leads college group. She called to let me know that she has a friend named Chad who has a piano they don't want anymore. Awesome, and how much is he selling it for? Oh, he isn't selling it. He's giving the piano away for free. That's right. FREE! So Ms. Patti called to let me know and asked me when I would be able to pick it up. At his earliest convenience, of course. But my own piano, for free? That is just UH-mazing!

Ironically, I got this glorious news after withdrew from my Piano 1 class today.  I don't have time to practice. Nor did I own a piano to play on. Yet, God gives me a piano the same exact day I gave up my only opportunity to play. Now I can play at my leisure and without having to stress out about keeping up with the class. I can play and learn the songs that I desire. I didn't have to look for it or save up for one. This is a blessing in its greatest form . Nothing is out of God's power. He always takes care of me, and gives me more than I deserve. It's moments like this where I'm reminded how great and infinite God's love is. :D

Are You Listening?

I just read an article on Yahoo about a high school shooting that happened in Ohio. Five students were shot. Four of them were injured but one of the students have already died. The shooter was a Junior. They described him as quiet and goth. He had tweeted that he was going to bring a gun to school the next day. He posted that on the Internet. In plain sight. Where people could read it. And react to it. The problem?

  NO ONE TOOK HIM SERIOUSLY. 

This entire tragedy could have been prevented. Clearly, this boy was crying out for help. No one had listened to him. No one responded to him. So, he made them listen. In a horrible way. Other people paid the price. A high school student died because of other people's silence. The shooter is lost too. This is nothing but a tragedy.

What if someone had tried talking to him? It may have made a difference. Maybe he wouldn't have gone to such drastic measures to get someone to listen to him. Someone would not have died. All it would have taken was for someone to reach out to this quiet kid. To have compassion and an open ear. But no one did. And probably because they thought this goth kid was weird or not worth their time. Oh how wrong they were.

Every human being is worth something. I don't care if you think they're weird or annoying or funny looking. Every single person has a voice that needs to be heard by someone else. There are so many people around you crying out for help. So many people who are broken and doing anything to let others know that they need help and love. They need to be loved. They shouldn't be overlooked for any reason. We need to take action. Stop and look around you. Are you listening?

Rain and Sunshine.

Aren't we all promised a peaceful, comfortable life? Didn't God promise there will only be smiles? If so, then why do we have to suffer?

My friends, we were never promised that things would be easy peasy. Sometimes we are required to go through times of hardship. We suffer and cry and feel despair. Our faith is tested and we don't always know what to do. Whether we should scream or fall to our knees. Well, there are two ways to react during suffering: play the victim or accept it.

The first reaction is what many, many people choose. We like to play the victim. We ask God why He is putting us through something so terrible that we cannot bear. We simply give up and do not see the point in it. We feel that there is no reason behind suffering and we throw ourselves a pity party. We feel like life is not fair and that we don't deserve this. Simply, we become Suffering's angry victims that turn away from God. The second reaction is acceptance. We accept the situation that inflicted the pain. We may ask the reason for the pain, but we do not remain angry over it. We believe that this pain is not for nothing. We believe that this pain has purpose. We cling to God knowing He will wipe away our tears.

Which reaction is the correct response? The second one: reacting to pain and suffering with acceptance. Truthfully, God did not promise us a life that would only bring smiles. There is sunshine as well as rain. Life consists of good and bad. It is our choice to do what we want with pain that we are given. While we are going through pain, we become blind. We are consumed by our emotions and by the circumstances. Although you are temporarily knocked down, get back up. Don't let your pain and suffering get the best of you.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 'Make level paths for your feet', so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." Hebrews 12:11-12

It is so easy to be happy when everything is going the way we want. It is when some trial is thrown into our life that we cease being happy. I implore you to try and see a bigger picture. Although the purpose is not in front of you, you will come to see it. One day. But you can make the choice, right now, to accept it and turn it into something positive. To grow from it. As much as we don't like going through pain and suffering, we will always learn something from it. For accepting things as they are, we build find peace rather than anger. After we successfully endure suffering, there is a sense of triumph. Faith allows us to look forward to that triumph. Despite the circumstances, there is hope, always.

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:1-4