For the past 6 weeks, God has been challenging me to think larger and to dream bigger. So, I have been thinking about my future and asking myself questions like, What would I do if I had a lot of money? And If I could do anything in the world, what would I do and why? At first I felt selfish and thought that I shouldn't be thinking so lavishly. But when I asked God about it, I believe He was saying that the things I want to do are not selfish and that I was created for great things. And when I really thought about it my life would be somewhat different, but my passions for bringing people closer to God and inspiring them in truth remains the same. Maybe one day God will bless me with a platform to speak truth and inspire people much like the popular NFL player, Tim Tebow .Or maybe one day I will be working a minimum wage job with what appears to be little influence. It doesn't matter to me as long as I am being obedient to the things God is asking of me. Another things that I have been thinking about is the fact that recently people have told me that I am being a good steward of the things God has given me; which makes me think of this scripture and wonder what other things will God have me be in charge of.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Matthew 25:23 NIV
Again I ask myself, If I could do anything in the world, what would I do and why?
Sometimes when I begin to think of "my dream job", having a nice house with little to no bills, and having the privilege of speaking truth to thousands of people - I become awestruck thinking Really? Me? No, someone else can do a better job or communicate things better. But why not? Why not me? If that's how God will use me, then so be it. If God wants to use my life in such a enormous way, then let it be. Why should fear of failure, or fear of not communicating effectively get in the way? WHY NOT?! This makes me think of the life of Moses, who led thousands of people out of Egypt (a place filled with many lies and injustices) with a speech impediment. If God used Moses, why not use someone else like me? I don't have a speech impediment, but I do struggle when stressed or under pressure to communicate clearly. With every opposing question that comes in my mind, I realize more and more that it's only a lie. A lie to get me to not walk in the fullness of who God created me to be. However, I will not succumb to these lies. I will not settle for anything less than my best. I will live my life humbly and obediently for God and only Him, no matter how big or small the platform may be.
2.02.2012
You Think You Are Dreaming Big, Dream Bigger With God
1.03.2011
Growth and Maybe More...
It’s 2011 and I hardly have any insight from God as to what this year will bring for me. Usually by this time I have a word or some insight into the new year, but this time… not much. I have myself to blame. I have been procrastinating in asking God questions about this next year, because honestly I was extremely disappointed in the month of December. The plans and ideas that I had thought I heard from God did not come true as I had envisioned they would. Now I know last year was a year of “Great Expectations” and “Big Things”, even if they did not meet my own expectations and desires. But my disappointment is in the past and it’s a new year, so I am moving on.
I really believe that this year is going to be a year of tremendous growth. At first this sounds exciting and new, but as I have learned in the last 3 months – growth does not come easy. You have to choose to grow and be stretched. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone. You have to be sensitive to God’s leading, because He will lead you to places where you will not fall or stumble. He is a safe place of refuge. Growing is not an easy thing, and it doesn’t always come naturally. But the end result is life, nourishment, and fulfillment.
All I know for this new year, is that the journey is going to be difficult at times, but the end result is going to be fruitful.
12.21.2010
I Don't Want To Ride On Somebody Else's Passion
9.25.2010
a BIG season
For me, the new quarter is about to begin with about 105 students arriving on Monday. I am very excited to be staffing my 1st school as a Small Group Leader (SGL). I will be a SGL for the Musician’s Discipleship Training School. I will also be the Hospitality Assistant and helping out with some childcare (babysitting). It will be a busy quarter. With being a SGL, I will be discipling 3 young women throughout their 3 months of teachings. I will be meeting with them once a week for a one-on-one, and we will have Small Group times with all of us together. I am really looking forward to getting to know these women, along with the other people in the Musicians DTS.
On a more personal level, I am expecting highs and lows this season in my life. I am expecting good time and hard times. Now, I know that through the lows and hard times I will grow more and I will learn more, but I am prepared for it to not come “easy” or naturally. I have noticed a pattern of God revealing really significant things to me during seasons like this, and I am anticipating for God to reveal some answers to questions that I’ve had for a while. I am really looking forward to this season in my life, and the BIG things that are going to happen.
8.20.2010
Twenty-Five
I am twenty-five years old. I am a quarter century old. I am old enough to rent a car without under age fees. I am more beautiful inward and outward than I was a year ago.
As of August 13th, I am twenty-five years old!
I am really excited for this year of my life. I feel in my spirit that big things are going to happen this year. I am going to go through a huge amount of growth and maturity. It’s going to be good.
At twenty-five, I would have thought that I’d be married, have at least one child, and possibly live the American Dream. But at twenty-five I am single, have no children, am living on my own in a suburb in Denver, Colorado, working for a non-profit organization, trusting in God to provide for my finances, and living off of faith for God to provide all of my needs. It is wonderful. God knew what was best. I love my life!
This year I spent my birthday away from my family. It was hard at times, but I have such great friends and people that are like family here. I think because of these people, I had the best birthday in long time. I felt so loved and encouraged. I spent some quality time with several friends and went to downtown Denver for a girls night out. I am so blessed.
I am looking forward to what God has planned during my year of being twenty-five years old, and I am prepared to let Him use me in any way He has planned.
4.30.2010
Intended for Larger Things
Picture taken from flickr.com
For the past week I’ve been reflecting on the personal growth that I’ve experienced. As I looked back I was reminded of a quote from the movie BIG FISH…
… Kept in a small bowl the goldfish will remain small, with more space the fish will double, triple, or quadruple it's size. It occurred to me then that perhaps the reason for my growth is that I was intended for larger things
After all, a giant man cant have an ordinary size life.
If I were a goldfish, I feel like I have already doubled in size and I am going to grow even more. I have gone through several difficult things: moving away from home, living on my own, being out of my comfort zone, etc. And through these things, like the picture above, I have jumped from the little bowl to the bigger bowl.
When I look back on my life and even think of the small town I grew up in. I think about the times that I have wanted more space to grow, but didn’t know how to obtain it. Now, I understand that I had to wait until it was given to me.
One of the biggest thing that I enjoy about my job is that I don’t have someone frequently checking up on me. Don’t get me wrong, I have a supervisor but they give me a task and expect me to get it done or most of it done. I’ve noticed that by having this freedom I have grown tremendously in maturity, discipline, and even spiritually. I love growing and moving forward in life. I’ve also realized that I like to be challenged because it stretches me to learn more and experience more.
Although hard, I am enjoying this challenging time and season of growth. I wonder how big of a fish I will grow to be.
12.31.2009
2010: Great Expectations
As the end of a year approaches, I find myself and others reflecting on the current year and making plans and goals for the year to come. Sometimes dreams and visions get pushed aside throughout the year, but as a new year begins those dreams and visions sparkle and shine. Again hearts are captured and desires are stirred up, giving hope that something better will come for that new year.
5.11.2009
A Little Creativity
This is my 4th Video Blog this year. Since I was busy working more during the month of April, I didn't have much time to put together a blog... so this is my blog for April & May.
I am really enjoying my new hobbies (crocheting and painting) and I am looking forward to learning how to sew and knit. Just a couple more things that I will learn from my talented grandmother.
5.02.2009
Moving in Slow Motion
Continuing on from the last blog:
There are days when I feel like I've taken a step forward and other days when I feel like I've taken a step backwards. Day after day I feel like the world keeps moving and the things that I know God wants for me are moving in slow motion. But are those things moving in slow motion or just not as fast as I would like them to move.
This year in my blogs I've been talking about how I need a significant amount of money to do what I believe God has called me to do. It's extremely frustrating because when I get a some extra cash, an unexpected bill seems to pop up. I'm trying to save money for the leadership school that I believe God has told me to do this fall, but I've only got 5 months now to get the money that I need.
I've asked God and even friends if they have any ideas on how I could get some cash. But God is still quiet and I'm not sure what to do. I've pursued God about getting a 2nd job numerous times, but I never have peace about it and then He'll bless me by picking up some extra hours at my job. I've still been trying to Give God More Spiritually , but it's difficult when like last month I'd work the equivalent of a full time job (my current set hours are part time hours).
Despite my frustration and being impatient, I've been praising God for the little ways that He blesses me and continues to bless me.
P.S. God gave all of us extra organs that we don't need to survive on, so maybe I could sell some organs... like one of my kidneys. Just Kidding! Ha Ha! :-)
3.24.2009
What Does That Look Like?
About a month ago, I was feeling like someone had hit the "pause button" on my life. I felt like no matter how much I'd push forward, I'd end up not going anywhere. I was frustraited with God, because I was lacking any direction from Him. So I asked some respected elders in my church to pray for me. I told them that if God wanted me to head in another direction of my life, then NOW would be the time for Him to lead me to where ever He wanted me to go. After praying for me the couple told me that I needed to give more spiritually, but what does that look like?! I understood what they told me, but as time went on I realized that I still had no clue what specifically I was to do.
Once again, I pushed forawrd in my life and with the things I believe God was telling me to do. But instead of feeling like my life was "paused" I felt like it was going in slow motion. I decided to not stress about things not going my way, and just relax as I planned for a road trip with a couple friends to Colorado for 2 of my good friends wedding (March 14th).
On the way home from Colorado, a wise friend confirmed some things about what he believed God was laying on his heart to tell me. It was about giving spiritually and some ideas on how to do that.
I enjoy giving. I feel like I give so much of myself, time, money, and other things freely... sometimes a little too freely. I don't consult God in what I'm giving and I've realized sometimes I'll say "I really feel like God wants me to give __________ to you." But really it's me being impulsive and the adrenaline of being spontaneous makes me think that God's telling me these things.
I believe that consulting God more about the things I give, and giving more to Him spiritually is going to be a HUGE step in maturity and growth spiritually.
With this said, I feel like it's going to be a slow process, which makes me anxious about the things I need (finances) and I'm feeling the crunch (6 months) of when I need these things. But I know that God has put this passion inside my life for a reason, and that reason is not for failure. I know God will provide, and I need to be patient for His timing for it all take place.
I made my 3rd Video Blog while I was at the YWAM Denver base, and I've put some pictures in the video as well to help you see the place where I know God has called me for another season of my life.
Watch and Enjoy!
P.S. Comments are always welcomed!!!
2.22.2009
My Faith in God = God's Faithfulness
Just a brief update from the last blog.
After completing the all natural cleanse, I feel amazing! I feel more alert, have a clearer mind, I lost 10-15 lbs, and I'm still trying to break old habits by making healthier choices and practicing moderation. I often tell people that I feel like I've drank a cup of coffee without the negative effects, and the energy I have continues throughout the day.
Now, here's my 2nd Video Blog about Faith and Faithfulness. Also, here's a scripture God gave me last week about having Faith in Him and He will show me His faithfulness.
He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." - Matthew 13:31-32 NIV
2.08.2009
Cleansing
Day 15 of 21:
For 15 days I've been doing an all natural body cleanse which is also a liver detox. Days 1-10 I was ONLY eating raw fruits and vegetables, and taking vitamins and minerals. The 1st day I had a terrible headache which lasted through most of the next day. A cold was going around and I got it. I almost thought I should quit the cleanse, but I knew that if I quit I'd either have a lot of vitamins left over or I'd just have to start over from day 1. So I pressed on and I got over my cold much faster than other times. On day 11 I was able to allow my taste buds to have a dance party with fish and chicken. Mmmm... it tasted SO good.
How am I feeling now? GREAT! Most days I feel like I've had a cup of coffee without the tired feeling after it wears off. My energy has increased, I'm more focused, and I just feel good for eating healthy. I have also lost an average of a pound a day of weight. When I've gone on the Wii Fit my BMI continues to go decrease to a healthy BMI, and my Wii Fit age has gone from 48 to 30.
While being on this cleanse, I've noticed things about my eating habits... they are terrible. When I'm really hungry I reach for the the thing that will give me the quickest fix to get rid of my hunger pains, which are usually things filled with refined sugars or something that processed. I hardly ever want to eat a piece of fruit or even munch on some veggies.
Just the other day I realized that I have bad eating habits with my spiritual life. I may "eat" good for a season, but then I binge on junk:TV, movies, music, things on the Internet, etc. or sometimes I become spiritually anorexic by not eating at all (reading the Bible, praying, etc). As is true in the flesh, it is not spiritually healthy that I have developed these bad eating habits. I need to do a spiritual cleanse.
So, I've started a spiritual cleanse. I'm making sure I read my Bible and pray everyday. I've also put a filter and a conscious effort to be careful what I watch and listen to. I'm hoping that this isn't just a season that I periodically go through, but a life change. And I am aware that I will encounter things along the way that will make me want to quit, but I know that I have enough discipline to press on.
1.20.2009
More Reflections of 2008
So there I was unloading dishwasher when I began to have a conversation with God. I started talking and voicing all of my problems; asking Him to take care of them. A few minutes later I realized I wasn't talking,nor was I thinking of my problems. I was remembering the things God taught me during 2008 and wondered why I wasn't ecstatic about 2009anymore. God is always faithful to fulfill His promises, so what happened to that excitement of what God is going to do...?
Thinking back on 2008...
God has taught me many things about being a mother. I've spent many days being with children: In the Spring, I helped out with nursery in my church, watching and teaching about 1-4 toddlers (some of them only knew Spanish); In the Summer, I babysat my cousins (then ages 6, 9, and 11); And in the Fall/Winter, I began working with physically and mentally handicapped adults in their home (which sometimes would be like dealing with children). God also showed me how He's teaching me how to be a wife through Proverbs 31, by serving with a giving attitude, by learning how to cook and clean with a loving heart, learning how to crochet, and how to live selflessly. Oh, how quickly I had forgotten about these things I've learned. I've tried do these things on my own before, but it took God to mold and soften my heart to effectively learn what it was that He wanted me to learn.
So as I found myself silently reflecting on 2008, I noticed a smile come across my face and a giggle burst out of my voice. God didn't teach me how to be a wife and a mother for no reason. So as every day passes I get more and more excited for the days when I will be a wife and a mother.
P.S. Some day I would love to be a stay at home mom.
1.01.2009
Words for the New Year
At the end of every year I ask God what He is asking of me for the upcoming new year. And every year I ask, I get at least 1 word.
The word for 2007 was Sacrifice. He taught me so much about that with little things like giving up social time with friends to work or do fundraisers, to big things like losing friends when they were killed for doing what God called them to do.
The word for 2008 didn't come to me until 3 months into the year and it was Serve. A word I thought would be easy but was everything but easy. However, I did notice my character slowly growing with this action word.
And now as I've asked God to reveal to me something for the year 2009, He's given me Love and Patience. I absolutely love to love, but I have a feeling that the word love is going to have a whole different meaning to me as I patiently press on through this New Year.
I've decided to do something a little different and a little more personal this time. So please watch my 1st video blog to hear a little more about what I am passionate about and also what God's been doing in my life.
Love,
Rebecca Lynne
10.30.2008
Yarning
"Yarning" is the word I've made up when I want to talk about crocheting and knitting. For the last month I've been trying to teach myself how to crochet, with the help of my grandma. It's been a lot of fun! Next, I'm going to try and learn how to knit. Maybe even as soon as next month (1 day away).
I've felt like God stirred up a rebellion inside of me that I will not let fear of failure control what I do or don't do. So all of the things I've wanted to learn how to do, or even things that I want to do just once - I WILL DO or try to do! I will face fear because fear does not control me, love surrounds, I will be everything God wants me to be! (Maybe I'll use that in a song sometime!)
So anyways, I've kind of always wanted to learn how to crochet, knit, sew, paint, cook, and many more things; but I would push it aside and tell myself that I couldn't do it or I would try it and get frustrated by my failure. But now with this new "rebellion" the disappointment or frustration only pushes me forward to succeed.
I was reading Proverbs in The Message version one day and I realized that God is shaping me into this type of woman:
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.(just a few sections of Prov. 31)
It's so cool how God speaks to us, we just need to make sure we are listening.
Here are a couple of pictures of what I've done this month.
They are 2 years and 2 days apart: Nov. 3, 2004 and Nov. 5, 2006
This is a soft and fuzzy scarf I made my mom.It's a "just because" scarf because she thought it was really cool what I was doing.
Content with Cornfields and Bean Fields
I've been at my job for 1 month already and I still love it! But as I watch the leaves change color and fall I begin to feel restless. The last 2 years I have been away from October - March, so I assume that's why I feel like I should be going away again. A few weeks ago as I was driving home from a friends house God shared with me (once again) that I should be content where I am, where He's told me to be for right now. So I took a deep breath and looked around at the Mid-Western scenery. I saw cornfields and bean fields on each side of me, a beautiful sunset sky, and I felt the peace only God gives. So once and a while when I begin to feel restless I think back to that day and what God told me. I take a deep breath and look around at my surroundings ... what I see is beauty and what I feel is contentment and peace.
