number 41

41. LISTEN FOR GOD

People who say they “talk to God” are often regarded with more than a bit of skepticism. But the truth is that all people talk to God on occasion  whether they believe He’s there or not. Universally, people cry out for help in desperate situations, even when they know no human ear can hear them. That’s the innate call of their hearts, the default switch of automatic prayer that all humans are designed with to help guide them home to God’s throne.

 

Yes, people who talk to God are really quite common. However, those who listen to Him are not. One reason is that God’s voice isn’t always easy to hear. Unless you’re actively listening for Him, you may come to the conclusion that He is silent - or not even there at all. To better attune your hearts to His whisper, become acquainted with His words in the Bible. The more familiar you are with His words, the easier you’ll find it is to distinguish His voice from your own random thoughts.

 

Also, get in the habit of listening for God’s response when you speak to Him. Don’t just ramble off a laundry list of what you want Him to do for you, slap on an “amen,” and then go on to the next chore on your to-do list. Think about whom you are speaking to. Pray that what He wants would be done. Ask God to help you hear His voice more clearly. Then, sit quietly and listen for His response.When you do feel His words of truth echo through your heart, when you believe He’s whispering the direction in which he wants you to go or what altercations He wants you to make in your life, act on what you hear. You’ll begin to see positive change taking place. On the other hand, if you are not seeing signs of improvement, you’re obviously having a very one-sided conversation. But don’t be discouraged. The more you listen for and respond to God’s voice here on earth, the more acquainted you’ll become with the sound of heaven.

First, I want to share the first time I really received a sign from God. It was a time where I wanted to quit being the Sunday School principal and I just hated everything. I felt unappreciated, frustrated, and tired. But then I helped out at a retreat and we did a Lectio Divina. Which is when you read a scripture passage, meditate on it, underline whatever stands out to you, pray about it and contemplate God. When we first started this activity as a group, I tried to focus on the theme (because it came from the passage) so I can try to relate it to the students in my group and so I can better lead them in discussion. I can’t really explain what happened next. I kind of blanked out, maybe I was tired, but when it was time to underline phrases and words that stuck out to you, I just underlined the first things that came to mind. And then we were told to pray. I prayed about the retreat I was at and prayed for some patience and wisdom so I can enlighten the students in my group. Then the lector told us to meditate on the words we underlined. I looked over at my booklet and read the phrases I underlined. I couldn’t believe it.

Brothers, even if a person is caught in some transgression, you who are spiritual should correct that one in a gentle spirit, looking to yourself, so that you also may not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deluding himself. Each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast with regard to himself alone, and not with regard to someone else; for each will bear his own load. 

One who is being instructed in the word should share all good things with his instructor. Make no mistake: God is not mocked, for a person will reap only what he sows, because the one who sows for his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows for the spirit will reap eternal life from the spirit. Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith.

GALATIANS 6:1-10 

I still love this story. It happened about a year and a half ago, but I always remember this. After this event, I was able to hear God speak to me more regularly. He helped me keep going as principal, sent me friends who motivated me and showed me his love, and he taught me to not give up. 

Lately, I feel that I need a message from him more than ever. Maybe I haven’t received one since I haven’t spoken to him in a while either… but things are getting hard again. I am not one who prays just for things I want and feel like I need at the moment. The way I pray is mostly in thanksgiving. Everyday, I write in a journal of the things I am most thankful for and moments that I experience and see God’s love. But now… I need help again for I have reached another crossroad. 

These days, instead of stressing and questioning my service to church I am questioning myself. I never understood why some people were so seemingly unsupportive of my decision to be principal or do camp or spend all my time doing church things. But I think I get it now. I have started to feel that I am nothing without my church service. I’m not saying I don’t want to have a relationship with God or belong to a community, but I am starting to realize that I can still do and have that among other things. But those “other things” are unknown to me. 

I have no other hobbies. I have nothing to offer anyone or any group outside of the Catholic community. I am not a good enough leader and person to help the volunteers I work with. I still want to make a long lasting impression and be a community leader. I will never stop working to be that person but I also have started to feel the empty space in my life that needs to be for me. I just don’t know where to start. 

Even more so… I don’t know if I can stop what I’m doing right now. I don’t know if it’s because I’m scared or if it’s because I don’t want to give up. 

I hope I can stop worrying and just listen. 

i love this team

(via officialwarriors)

number 40

40. DEVELOP YOUR OWN SENSE OF STYLE

Chances are, heaven will not carry any fashion magazines. So why worry about how you measure up to the latest trends here on earth? There’s a lot of pressure from advertisers, society, and peers (regardless of whether you’re seventeen of seventy) to look and dress a certain way. you know the rules… no white shoes after Labor Day. Don’t mix plaids and stripes. “Just say no” to a mullet or a bouffant hairstyle. Diet until you can wear a bikini with pride. Discard anything with shoulder pads. Buy new clothes each and every season to make sure you remain “in style.”

When God was here on earth, what did He choose to wear? From the Gospels, we can tell that Jesus stuck with the basic robe and sandals ensemble. Although He was - and still is - the King of kings, jesus clothed Himself with the outfit common workers wore. It was utilitarian and durable. it wasn’t designed to stand out in a crowd or call undue attention to Jesus’ divinity. It simply covered His body and helped protect Him from the elements. Jesus’ “style” reflected the character of His heart - that of a humble servant.

What’s the character of your heart? Express it with your very own style. Be authentic. Be pure. Be creative. Be comfortable. As long as your clothes are within your budget and work well for whatever purpose God has set in front of you today, the cut and color are simply an outward expression of who you are. Don’t dress for success - or to impress. Dress to express the unique individual God designed you to be. Then, forget about what you’re wearing and put your focus back on who you’re becoming. Let the real you shine through and through, from hairdo to shoes.

[ Tom Winters, 101 Things You Should Do Before Going to Heaven ]

When it comes to clothes, I am definitely a comfort over style kind of girl, haha. I hate wearing flats. I hate wearing heels. I hate wearing socks. I hate skirts and dresses (I always wear shorts under because it’s just always so foreign and I am not classy enough to trust myself). I love sports bras. I love baggy soft sweaters. I would live my life in basketball shorts if I could. 

I don’t know if the “character of my heart” expressed through my clothes are considered lazy or comfortable, haha. I like to keep it simple. Not that i don’t appreciate dressing up. I admire girls who always look so well put together and so well styled. I just don’t know how to do that for myself and I don’t really want to do that either. I remember when I graduated high school I told myself I would start dressing up better and build a better wardrobe. Never happened. I told myself the same thing upon graduating college. Never happened. I even told myself that when I started my job. I was good about it for the first two months or so, but then my boss told me that I can dress casually. So that’s what I did. And here I am… still plain Jane. 

And I love it. 

But on the subject of who I am becoming… That’s just a whole new subject. I haven’t figured it out yet where I shine, but I’m working on it.

Just Read: Life Prayer →

dpark27:

Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don’t know how long I’ll last

I try to be so tough
But I’m just not strong enough
I can’t do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be…

number 39

39. GIVE YOUR HEART AWAY TO A CHILD

Children are dependent, self-centered, creative, and trusting. They can laugh over almost anything, love almost anybody, and fall asleep almost anywhere. They are some of God’s most entertaining and enjoyable teachers in this life. But to really learn from them, you need to get close to them. Close enough to give your heart away.

You don’t have to be a parent to connect with a child in a life-changing way. And being a parent doesn’t automatically mean you’ve allowed yourself to learn from and wholly love a child. But whether or not this is something you’ve done before, giving your heart away to a child is a great prelude to heaven. Of course, this means you’ll have to actually spend time with a child. If one isn’t living in your home at the moment, volunteer to work in your church’s nursery, or babysit for a friend. But don’t settle for simply being a caregiver. Become an avid student and friend.

Play together. Listen, Watch. Learn. The Bible says that unless you become like a child, you’ll never get to heaven. Grab hold of the truth behind these words. Rediscover the beauty and power of innocence, humility, sincerity, passion, and faith. Catch glimpses of unconditional love and unbridled joy. But don’t study the child you’re spending time with like a scientific specimen. Risk showering him or her with love. Understand, that’s not synonymous with showering a child with gifts, unless those gifts are ones that can be held in a heart instead of human hands. And be forewarned that really loving a child will probably expose you to disappointment, frustration, and anger, as ell as joy. But that’s part of what giving your heart away involves. Just talk to your heavenly Father about what loving you has cost Him. Then, ask Him if it was worth it. Once you give your heart away to a child, your answer will echo God’s.

[ Tom Winters, 101 Things You Should Do Before Going to Heaven ]

Even though this says give your heart away to a child… I can’t help but think of my Sunday School teachers today. Today was the last day of our program for the year and was the end of my third year as principal. The volunteers I get to work with are definitely some of God’s most entertaining and enjoyable teachers and i love learning from them. They are always teaching me something new about being a leader, a friend, a sister in christ, and even helping me learn new things about myself. More than learning from them, I look forward to and gladly give my heart to them. 

It’s hilarious because we do everything this book tells us to do. We play together, listen, watch, and learn. What I love most about the group of volunteers I work with is that most of them are in college and they are in such a different place than I was in at their age. I definitely rediscover the beauty and power of innocence, humility, sincerity, passion, and faith through each and every on of them. These students sacrifice so much of their personal and study time for Oakland and it amazes me every Sunday when they show up. Not saying that they have bad attendance, but just knowing that I have a group of students who come on a weekly basis to do what they do… is absolutely inspiring. Seeing how their students love them and how they interact in class and retreats also make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. It’s great to see all that love between so many students and teachers. 

The biggest risk and greatest joy is showering them with love. True, I experience disappointment, frustration, and anger… as well as joy. Pure joy. The moments of joy definitely do not outweigh the moments of frustration and disappointment… but those small moments still make it so worth it.  But after a while… what if it stops being worth it? I’m thankful that I have had so many moments that I handled, eventually overcame and got over with my teachers…but what scares me is that one day… I won’t feel the same.

Sometimes I feel like it’s not wise to give my heart away to this group. Because sometimes… it’s too much. But I can never seem to stop.  

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sportingnewsarchive:

Kiss the baby

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, right, kisses his daughter, Riley, following their win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of a Western Conference semifinal NBA playoff series, Wednesday, May 8, 2013, in San Antonio. Golden State won 100-91. (Eric Gay/AP)

GALLERY: NBA Playoffs: May 8

so freaking precious

(via officialwarriors)

number 38

38. WALK IN JESUS’ FOOTSTEPS

Two thousand years ago, Jesus walked this earth. He laughed, cried, slept, wept, prayed, loved, and offered up His life so you could have a future home in heaven. One way you can get to know Jesus better before you meet Him face-to-face is to visit the place here on earth He called home. A visit to Israel is a great way to make the Bible come alive in your mind. Step back into history and view the same vistas Jesus saw. Dip your toe into the Jordan where He was baptized. Sail on the Sea of Galilee where He walked on water. Pray over the city of Jerusalem just as Jesus once did through tears. Break a loaf of freshly baked bread and remember Him.

Although the exact locations of Jesus’ birth, death, and burial are up for debate, the fact that these events really happened is as certain as the fact that you’re reading these words today. Seeing firsthand the part of the world where God walked on this earth will help you put flesh and blood on the frame of familiar gospel stories.

If, however, traveling to Israel is something that proves impossible because of physical, financial, or political concerns, the next best thing to wandering the streets of Jerusalem is taking a slow, thoughtful, walk through the Gospels themselves. Digest one miraculous event or parable at a time. Picture yourself in the crowd witnessing a miracle, as a disciple leaving your fishing net behind, as Jesus’ mother watching her son die on the cross, as Mary Magdaline discovering an angel at jesus’ empty tomb. Allow God’s Spirit to be your travel guide as you journey through Jesus’ life on earth. Then, walk in Jesus’ footsteps here and now by letting His example of compassion, forgiveness, mercy, and grace change the way you learn, live, and love. 

[ Tom Winters, 101 Things You Should Do Before Going to Heaven]

As much as I would love to make some sort of pilgrimage… I’m sure that wouldn’t happen any time soon. And even imagining myself in a crowd witnessing a miracle, as a disciple, or as Jesus’ mother watching her son die on the cross is so difficult. I do think about it though. Of course that was in an older time… but trying to live that way in a modern world is so hard.

The examples that number 38 discuss can never really be understood, I think. As much as I wish I could understand and feel what they felt. How mind blowingly amazing would it be to be a witness to a miracle? How unknowing yet reassuring would it be to know that you have met the Son of God and he asks you to give up everything and simply follow him? How can I ever understand how painful it must have been for Mary to watch Jesus nailed to the cross? And how confusing would it have been to discover that Jesus’ tomb was empty? All of these things… I feel just have a level of love and emotion that I have yet to experience. 

However, it is these exact examples that make me wish I was able to understand. I think I already do my best and I try to follow in His footsteps to learn compassion, forgiveness, mercy, and grace and change the way I learn, live, and love. I think I have definitely grown and gotten closer to this path and way compared to the high school and college me. But I have so much farther to go. It’s exciting and equally frustrating that I know I can be so much better but I’m just so ignorant or immature to learn a new lesson sometimes. 

It seems like the purpose of life is also the greatest challenge: be Christlike. 

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officialwarriors:

Before tonight, last time #Warriors beat Spurs in San Antonio, #SplashBrothers were about this old.

hella cute

officialwarriors:

Golden State Warriors’ Pregame Dance Routine

dude. why are they so cute?

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sick pic

(Source: officialwarriors)