So I am currently working on a lesson plan for Balaam's Donkey (Numbers 22:21-40) and thought it would be cool to do a skit... My friend pipes up and starts making up this song (sung to Yankee Doodle) that is now going to be included in my lesson plan!
Prophet Balaam went to town
Riding on the donkey
Hit the donkey on the head
and donkey started talking
Why'd you hit me on the head
Why'd you hit me Balaam
Why'd you hit me on the head
That Angel's got a sword!
(Sung to Yankee Doodle)
I LOVE SEMINARY!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sometime's it's hard going down Memory Lane...
I went looking for a bag today. There generally is not anything special about a bag... However, this bag is special. It holds many letters and notes from friends in Edmonton! These letters remind me how loved I am and when I go back to visit, how many friends are going to want to see me.
So I have now been in Calgary for 2 months. It does not feel like it has been 2 months. It feels like forever!
Where to begin... So much has happened and yet, there is still so much that is going to happen! In the last month, I have:
A) Found a home church
B) Got a job at another Oxford
C) Applied for a 'real world' job
D) Visited Elbow Falls with friends
E) Made some AMAZING new friends!
F) Met friends who will be lifelong 'family'
G) Joined the Seminary Student Council (SSC) as the PR co-ordinator
H) Made it on to another committee
I) Attending Classes
J) Had/Having my mind blown with new information in my classes
K) Having information presented in a new way where my mind becomes blown
L) Found a new small group to join
M) Celebrated my 24th birthday with friends after one of my weekend modulars
(This was a birthday to remember!!! All I have to say is... Pictionary Man!!! LOL!!!)
This list is not exhastive, but it has been a full and exciting 2 months. God has been teaching me a lot. My classes have all changed how I view the church and what goes on in it. I find I am becoming more aware of lots of different things. I am also becoming more aware (and scared) of what I am called to do. I have realized that in Children's Ministry a lot of curriculum is watered down for the Children. I also feel like we do not give the kids enough credit. We keep telling them that they are only kids and that they don't know anything... but we are wrong. I find that sometimes, the kids can hear God better than we can because they are not constricted by social structures and views that hinder them. I find that we tell them they dont understand or know things because they are children. If you know me, this is something that I am really passionate about. I could talk for a while on this, but if you want to talk more, let's go for coffee.
One thing that scares me is that I am called to teach the Children. I keep asking and wondering how I take what I am learning and teach it to the Children. It is something that I have asked my profs, and they keep telling me to keep asking that question.
It's challenging, but what can I say, I LOVE IT!
I love Seminary! I feel like I belong in Seminary. I have made so many new friends and not just people who are just there, but friends who will be friends for life. These people have been my support and kept me sane. They are willing to go the extra mile to make me laugh and the stuff we have done... Memories have been made! :)
So, on another note... If you know much about my health in the last few years, you know that I have had a terrible time. I have had tonsilitus for the last 4 years (multiple times a year) and I am often sick. In May, I started feeling sick everytime I had dairy... So I got checked out and found that I now have a lactose intolerancy. Fine, I can deal with that. I also found out this summer that with my thyroid disease, I should not be eating a bunch of things. This list is rather long... it includes Gluten (any form of wheat products), soy products, certain vegetables, etc... SO I went from having no food allergies at all to an interesting list of DO NOT EAT foods. By God's grace, I am survivng. There is still lots I can eat, but it forces me to eat healthy so it's a good thing. I am learning how to eat gluten/soy/dairy free and most places are accomidating, and as long as I remind people when I go out, it's managable. I also have some amazing friends who try to accomidate me when we
share meals together. Have I mentioned that I love my friends? In response to all these new issues, the one thing that has been amazing is... I HAVE NOT BEEN SICK SINCE THE SUMMER!!! No tonsilitus, no colds, no flu... NOTHING!!! This is the time of year where I have been sicker than a dog. Amazing eh? Somehow, my body has been trying to tell me this for the last few years, but no one thought to check for intolerances or things that might be affecting me when ALL my tests ALWAYS came back clear... Hmmm... Some doctors eh?
God has been doing so much in these last 2 months, that it is hard to count all the blessings! I feel blessed and Loved.
I have more to share, but for now, you have to wait. There is stuff going on that I won't share about yet. If you have had a chance to talk with me, you might already know. However, in due time, you shall find out.
Prayer:
A) That God will show some discernment to those involved
B) That God will continue to bless and strengthen me as I finish this semester
C) That God will continue to teach me and show me what He has in store
D) That as I am learning, God will show up in unexpected ways
E) That I will continue to be blessed with good health.
Praise be to God for all that He has done.
Where to begin... So much has happened and yet, there is still so much that is going to happen! In the last month, I have:
A) Found a home church
B) Got a job at another Oxford
C) Applied for a 'real world' job
D) Visited Elbow Falls with friends
E) Made some AMAZING new friends!
F) Met friends who will be lifelong 'family'
G) Joined the Seminary Student Council (SSC) as the PR co-ordinator
H) Made it on to another committee
I) Attending Classes
J) Had/Having my mind blown with new information in my classes
K) Having information presented in a new way where my mind becomes blown
L) Found a new small group to join
M) Celebrated my 24th birthday with friends after one of my weekend modulars
(This was a birthday to remember!!! All I have to say is... Pictionary Man!!! LOL!!!)
This list is not exhastive, but it has been a full and exciting 2 months. God has been teaching me a lot. My classes have all changed how I view the church and what goes on in it. I find I am becoming more aware of lots of different things. I am also becoming more aware (and scared) of what I am called to do. I have realized that in Children's Ministry a lot of curriculum is watered down for the Children. I also feel like we do not give the kids enough credit. We keep telling them that they are only kids and that they don't know anything... but we are wrong. I find that sometimes, the kids can hear God better than we can because they are not constricted by social structures and views that hinder them. I find that we tell them they dont understand or know things because they are children. If you know me, this is something that I am really passionate about. I could talk for a while on this, but if you want to talk more, let's go for coffee.
One thing that scares me is that I am called to teach the Children. I keep asking and wondering how I take what I am learning and teach it to the Children. It is something that I have asked my profs, and they keep telling me to keep asking that question.
It's challenging, but what can I say, I LOVE IT!
I love Seminary! I feel like I belong in Seminary. I have made so many new friends and not just people who are just there, but friends who will be friends for life. These people have been my support and kept me sane. They are willing to go the extra mile to make me laugh and the stuff we have done... Memories have been made! :)
So, on another note... If you know much about my health in the last few years, you know that I have had a terrible time. I have had tonsilitus for the last 4 years (multiple times a year) and I am often sick. In May, I started feeling sick everytime I had dairy... So I got checked out and found that I now have a lactose intolerancy. Fine, I can deal with that. I also found out this summer that with my thyroid disease, I should not be eating a bunch of things. This list is rather long... it includes Gluten (any form of wheat products), soy products, certain vegetables, etc... SO I went from having no food allergies at all to an interesting list of DO NOT EAT foods. By God's grace, I am survivng. There is still lots I can eat, but it forces me to eat healthy so it's a good thing. I am learning how to eat gluten/soy/dairy free and most places are accomidating, and as long as I remind people when I go out, it's managable. I also have some amazing friends who try to accomidate me when we
share meals together. Have I mentioned that I love my friends? In response to all these new issues, the one thing that has been amazing is... I HAVE NOT BEEN SICK SINCE THE SUMMER!!! No tonsilitus, no colds, no flu... NOTHING!!! This is the time of year where I have been sicker than a dog. Amazing eh? Somehow, my body has been trying to tell me this for the last few years, but no one thought to check for intolerances or things that might be affecting me when ALL my tests ALWAYS came back clear... Hmmm... Some doctors eh?
God has been doing so much in these last 2 months, that it is hard to count all the blessings! I feel blessed and Loved.
I have more to share, but for now, you have to wait. There is stuff going on that I won't share about yet. If you have had a chance to talk with me, you might already know. However, in due time, you shall find out.
Prayer:
A) That God will show some discernment to those involved
B) That God will continue to bless and strengthen me as I finish this semester
C) That God will continue to teach me and show me what He has in store
D) That as I am learning, God will show up in unexpected ways
E) That I will continue to be blessed with good health.
Praise be to God for all that He has done.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Bless the Lord oh my Soul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
Currently this is one of a few songs stuck in my head.
The last few days, I have been feeling restless... I don't know why and I can't figure it out. My thoughts are going a million miles/minute and when I try to quiet down and get in some God time, it doesn't always happen.
When I moved from Edmonton, a friend of mine gave me a book. What's so special about a book you wonder? This one is called "Sacred Caos" by Tricia McCary Rhodes. It is about finding God and listening to Him through the caos. I don't know if this friend had any insight into what my life would become going fultime into seminary... but as I read it, I am finding some hope that I will still be able to hear God through the caos in my daily life.
I am also learning that I need to worry less about the little details and try to focus more on the larger picture. Don't get me wrong, little details are important too, but I also need to look at the bigger picture too.
Currently this is one of a few songs stuck in my head.
The last few days, I have been feeling restless... I don't know why and I can't figure it out. My thoughts are going a million miles/minute and when I try to quiet down and get in some God time, it doesn't always happen.
When I moved from Edmonton, a friend of mine gave me a book. What's so special about a book you wonder? This one is called "Sacred Caos" by Tricia McCary Rhodes. It is about finding God and listening to Him through the caos. I don't know if this friend had any insight into what my life would become going fultime into seminary... but as I read it, I am finding some hope that I will still be able to hear God through the caos in my daily life.
I am also learning that I need to worry less about the little details and try to focus more on the larger picture. Don't get me wrong, little details are important too, but I also need to look at the bigger picture too.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Following God's plan even when I don't understand
So here it is... already Sept. 7th. How crazy is that? I have been in Calgary for almost a week and it feels like longer.
Highlights:
-Starting classes
-Meeting new friends
-Seeing old friends
-Finding a church to connect with
Lowlights:
-Coming to grips with how much work this semester is going to be
-Leaving Edmonton
I have decided that even though it was hard leaving Edmonton and my family of friends there, God has a greater plan for me here. My chapter in Edmonton has finished for now. This next chapter has been exciting so far and pretty cool. I am getting to know some people from the seminary and making friends with them too. Classes have started and I am excited with what I will be learning this semester... Trust me, it's going to be a lot!
I have even found a church where I already feel at home! For me, that is God letting me know that this is where I am supposed to be.
It has only been a week since I moved, but I can tell you already that it feels like I belong.
Highlights:
-Starting classes
-Meeting new friends
-Seeing old friends
-Finding a church to connect with
Lowlights:
-Coming to grips with how much work this semester is going to be
-Leaving Edmonton
I have decided that even though it was hard leaving Edmonton and my family of friends there, God has a greater plan for me here. My chapter in Edmonton has finished for now. This next chapter has been exciting so far and pretty cool. I am getting to know some people from the seminary and making friends with them too. Classes have started and I am excited with what I will be learning this semester... Trust me, it's going to be a lot!
I have even found a church where I already feel at home! For me, that is God letting me know that this is where I am supposed to be.
It has only been a week since I moved, but I can tell you already that it feels like I belong.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Ola.
Aug. 20
So it has been a while since I have blogged. There has been so much change that I needed to process before I shared with you. So as of right now, I am unemployed, homeless, and on vacation with my mum. I can't be any happier. I quitmy job and have decided to move to Calgary to focus on school. Which means that my time in Edmonton has come to an end. I have spent 6 years in the city and have loved very moment of it. I grew up spiritually there and have come so far. If you have been following any of my posts, you have read what changes have happened in my life the last few years. The past few months have been a struggle for me. Back in May I was struggling with moving to Calgary. I didn't want to leave my church family and my friends in Edmonton. 3 months later, I have quit my job and have moved all my stuff backto my parents...at least the stuff I won't need in Calgary. I move to Calgary on the 1st of September and start classesthe next week. Now that I am on vacation and have moved, I am super exited to move and start the next chapter of my life in Calgary. I believe that God already has a church for me and that He has provided all that I need in Calgary.He will have a job for me and friends. Have I ever mentioned that I am an introvert and that I have anxiety issues? This is where I start to struggle and where you can help. Naturally, I am the girl who sits and watches people. I don't normally join in conversations or activities. With the move to Calgary, I am going to have to force myself intosituations where I am uncomfortable. I am going to have to force myself to make new friends and get involved in minstry. The part where I start to fail is in the putting myself out there. In my head, I do know that it is not that hard to makefriends and put myself out there, but there is always a part of me that will have me staying home or avoiding issues so that I don't have to deal with them. It's not ok for me to do that anymore. This is going to be part of the next step; working through the anxiety and fear to allow others to know me as God has created me. I have to learn how to work through the anxiety and introversion; I can't let them stay the boundaries that I know they can become. These boundaries have given me excusses not to put myself out there and have created so much fear in me that I can not physically deal with anything. This is the year that I learn how to deal with my anxiety. This is going to be a year of change where I let God work healing into my life and cure me of my fear and anxiety. This is going to be a year of change.
So it has been a while since I have blogged. There has been so much change that I needed to process before I shared with you. So as of right now, I am unemployed, homeless, and on vacation with my mum. I can't be any happier. I quitmy job and have decided to move to Calgary to focus on school. Which means that my time in Edmonton has come to an end. I have spent 6 years in the city and have loved very moment of it. I grew up spiritually there and have come so far. If you have been following any of my posts, you have read what changes have happened in my life the last few years. The past few months have been a struggle for me. Back in May I was struggling with moving to Calgary. I didn't want to leave my church family and my friends in Edmonton. 3 months later, I have quit my job and have moved all my stuff backto my parents...at least the stuff I won't need in Calgary. I move to Calgary on the 1st of September and start classesthe next week. Now that I am on vacation and have moved, I am super exited to move and start the next chapter of my life in Calgary. I believe that God already has a church for me and that He has provided all that I need in Calgary.He will have a job for me and friends. Have I ever mentioned that I am an introvert and that I have anxiety issues? This is where I start to struggle and where you can help. Naturally, I am the girl who sits and watches people. I don't normally join in conversations or activities. With the move to Calgary, I am going to have to force myself intosituations where I am uncomfortable. I am going to have to force myself to make new friends and get involved in minstry. The part where I start to fail is in the putting myself out there. In my head, I do know that it is not that hard to makefriends and put myself out there, but there is always a part of me that will have me staying home or avoiding issues so that I don't have to deal with them. It's not ok for me to do that anymore. This is going to be part of the next step; working through the anxiety and fear to allow others to know me as God has created me. I have to learn how to work through the anxiety and introversion; I can't let them stay the boundaries that I know they can become. These boundaries have given me excusses not to put myself out there and have created so much fear in me that I can not physically deal with anything. This is the year that I learn how to deal with my anxiety. This is going to be a year of change where I let God work healing into my life and cure me of my fear and anxiety. This is going to be a year of change.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
God leads, I follow?
I know I've posted this song before, but it has been in my head for a while now. Read the lyrics and let the truth wash over you... I often want to lead my life and go where I want to. I was in Calgary a while ago for a course and there had been something that I was struggling with (and maybe fighting against)... It was the decision to move to Calgary for school... My reasons for not going? A) I have a job here B) My church is here - I'm heavily involved in the childrens' ministry and other ministries C) My life has been here the last few years... I had been fighting with God about not going... and although I had made the decision to stay in Edmonton... I had no peace about it. While in Calgary for my course, one of the questions God asked (through my prof) was "Do you think that you are the only one who loves your kids?" WOW... Ummm... There's not much to say to that. I had time to reflect and really take a look at why I wanted to stay in Edmonton and what God was calling me to do... I realized that I was scared. I was scared of saying yes to God and letting Him lead me where He wants me to go. By the end of the week, I knew for sure that I was moving to Calgary at the end of the summer... I still am not sure where I am going to live or where I am going to work (although there is a good opportunity coming up), but God has provided a church where I can serve and gain valuable ministry experience. And you know what? I have complete peace about this decision. I have no fear, no anxiety, no worries at all about moving. I know that God has called me to Calgary for this next season in my life and that He has it all under control.
God is AMAZING!
God will make a way - Don Moen
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today
God is AMAZING!
God will make a way - Don Moen
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today
Sunday, March 25, 2012
S.N.O.W.
No, that does not mean the white fluffy stuff that falls to the ground... It stands for Sunday Night Of Worship. It happens once a month between some of the churches. It's a glorious night where we can come together as brothers and sisters in Christ and worship our AMAZING God! Tonight, was a wonderful blessed night. God was definately praised!
I've been struggling for the last while with fear. Fear of social situations and fear of being myself in front of others... It's irrational, but I struggle with it. This first link is to a song that we sang tonight. As we started singing it, I had to stop and let the words wash over me. The chorus goes like this:
When all you are is Glorious, Oh God
Victorious and strong
Whom shall I fear?
When all you are is Powerful and True
And good in all you do
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
These are some powerful lyrics. Through the lyrics, God reminded me that I am not alone. He is always beside me, holding me close through the pain and fear. He will never leave me and never let me go. That is one AMAZING promise! It's a great reminder when I am struck by fear and too scared to be myself when I know others would love to get to know the real me. Listen to the song. It is a great reminder for myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJfatpypaXY
This second song is from Hillsong. The whole lyrics are amazing. It reminds me that I am Restored, Redeemed, and Free. I am free to fall at the feet of Jesus in worship, in pain, in fear, and in surrender. However I am feeling, God is there, waiting to share my pain and love me. I can fall at the feet of Jesus and worship, worship as the broken, sinful, sinner I am; knowing that I am saved and loved unconditionally.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlrrHoM_tUU
Be blessed this week.
~C
I've been struggling for the last while with fear. Fear of social situations and fear of being myself in front of others... It's irrational, but I struggle with it. This first link is to a song that we sang tonight. As we started singing it, I had to stop and let the words wash over me. The chorus goes like this:
When all you are is Glorious, Oh God
Victorious and strong
Whom shall I fear?
When all you are is Powerful and True
And good in all you do
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
These are some powerful lyrics. Through the lyrics, God reminded me that I am not alone. He is always beside me, holding me close through the pain and fear. He will never leave me and never let me go. That is one AMAZING promise! It's a great reminder when I am struck by fear and too scared to be myself when I know others would love to get to know the real me. Listen to the song. It is a great reminder for myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJfatpypaXY
This second song is from Hillsong. The whole lyrics are amazing. It reminds me that I am Restored, Redeemed, and Free. I am free to fall at the feet of Jesus in worship, in pain, in fear, and in surrender. However I am feeling, God is there, waiting to share my pain and love me. I can fall at the feet of Jesus and worship, worship as the broken, sinful, sinner I am; knowing that I am saved and loved unconditionally.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlrrHoM_tUU
Be blessed this week.
~C
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Myths...
Do you keep secrets? Are you an open book to those around you? I often wonder what's not being said... by nature I'm an introvert. I know... not a huge surprise... but it's a fact. I'm not shy, I just don't like being around people all the time. I don't talk to others easily either. I am not a fan of small talk and would rather go for coffee one-on-one than deal with large groups... I found this and thought it was interesting... and kinda true... Thoughts?
10 Myths on Introverts...
Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.
Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.
Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.
Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.
Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.
Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers.
10 Myths on Introverts...
Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.
Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.
Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.
Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.
Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.
Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
2012
Welcome to 2012. Over the last few weeks, I've been reflecting on 2011. For me, it was a year of expenential growth and changes. Starting seminary, my niece being born, getting involved in a small group, friends moving 1/2 way across the world... just to name a few. I think that God really had His hand in my life last year. If you had asked me where I was going to be at that time in 2012, my answer would have been entirely different than life now. I would have said I would be in the education program with plans to teach overseas. Well, as you know, I am not in the Ed program. I am in my first year of seminary... becoming a children's pastor... and you know what? I don't regret saying 'yes' to God when He called me into ministry. These last few months have been a learning curve for me, but I have also learned some valuable lessons through that.
1. God is in control, not me - This was probiably one of the hardest lessons to learn (I am still learning this). I like to be in control of things, that way they get done properly and in a timely fashion. I like to always have a plan of what/where my life is headed. For years, that was what kept me motivated to study. I had a plan of where I wanted to end up. This past year, God has been teaching me that what I want is not always necessarily the best thing for me or His kingdom. The gifts and talents He has given me are better used where He wants me than where I wanted to be. Through different situations, God has been showing me that life is much better when He is in control instead of me... I am finding that there is much less stress when He is in control. God has also been teaching me to give up my dreams and desires so that I can serve Him. If you had asked me 5 years ago where I wanted to be when I was 23, I would have said graduated (with 2 degrees), teaching in a school, married and possibly having children already. I have only accomplished 1/4 on that list... I graduated University, there's a possibility of arguing the teaching one (I do teach preschool and tutor...) This last year has taught me that I don't need a plan for my life when God is in control. He leads me where He wants me to go and that will be far better than what I could have ever imagined! (It already is!!!)
2. I am stronger than I thought - life doesn't fall apart just because someone moves. I used to think that I really needed certain people around (you know who you are) to be comfortable and be there for me if something failed. God has taught me this year that He is enough for me. I don't need others around for me to be in my comfort zone... (this has slowly been increasing over the last year...) With God at my side, I am able to conquer anything... even when the anxiety sets in and my flight response kicks into full gear! (This is one God and I are still working on).
3. He is constant - No matter what is happening, God is always there. He never hides or stops pursuing me. I love that about God. I can often get so caught up in the here and now that I forget about spending quality time with God (notice the 'quality' there... just reading a few verses doesn't really count as 'quality'). No matter what I am going through, He is always there waiting for me to talk to Him about it. I may not always get an answer or a response that I want, but that doesn't mean that He doesn't care or wants to listen. He is always there. He stays the same no matter how much I change.
These are just some things that God has taught me this year. As we start the new year, we tend to make resolutions... I don't like resolutions. Most people don't keep them or they have no real purpose. This year, instead of making a resolution, I made a goal. A friend of mine did this last year, and I think it's an amazing thing. I started a Thankful List. Each day, I write in my thankful book something that I am thankful for... Something that God has shown me or has blessed me with that day. The idea behind the list is to remind myself that what I have been given is not of my doing... It's a gift from God. Each day is a gift that I can enjoy and serve.
Can I challenge you? What has God done in your life recently? What blessings (or unfortunate events) are you thankful for?
1. God is in control, not me - This was probiably one of the hardest lessons to learn (I am still learning this). I like to be in control of things, that way they get done properly and in a timely fashion. I like to always have a plan of what/where my life is headed. For years, that was what kept me motivated to study. I had a plan of where I wanted to end up. This past year, God has been teaching me that what I want is not always necessarily the best thing for me or His kingdom. The gifts and talents He has given me are better used where He wants me than where I wanted to be. Through different situations, God has been showing me that life is much better when He is in control instead of me... I am finding that there is much less stress when He is in control. God has also been teaching me to give up my dreams and desires so that I can serve Him. If you had asked me 5 years ago where I wanted to be when I was 23, I would have said graduated (with 2 degrees), teaching in a school, married and possibly having children already. I have only accomplished 1/4 on that list... I graduated University, there's a possibility of arguing the teaching one (I do teach preschool and tutor...) This last year has taught me that I don't need a plan for my life when God is in control. He leads me where He wants me to go and that will be far better than what I could have ever imagined! (It already is!!!)
2. I am stronger than I thought - life doesn't fall apart just because someone moves. I used to think that I really needed certain people around (you know who you are) to be comfortable and be there for me if something failed. God has taught me this year that He is enough for me. I don't need others around for me to be in my comfort zone... (this has slowly been increasing over the last year...) With God at my side, I am able to conquer anything... even when the anxiety sets in and my flight response kicks into full gear! (This is one God and I are still working on).
3. He is constant - No matter what is happening, God is always there. He never hides or stops pursuing me. I love that about God. I can often get so caught up in the here and now that I forget about spending quality time with God (notice the 'quality' there... just reading a few verses doesn't really count as 'quality'). No matter what I am going through, He is always there waiting for me to talk to Him about it. I may not always get an answer or a response that I want, but that doesn't mean that He doesn't care or wants to listen. He is always there. He stays the same no matter how much I change.
These are just some things that God has taught me this year. As we start the new year, we tend to make resolutions... I don't like resolutions. Most people don't keep them or they have no real purpose. This year, instead of making a resolution, I made a goal. A friend of mine did this last year, and I think it's an amazing thing. I started a Thankful List. Each day, I write in my thankful book something that I am thankful for... Something that God has shown me or has blessed me with that day. The idea behind the list is to remind myself that what I have been given is not of my doing... It's a gift from God. Each day is a gift that I can enjoy and serve.
Can I challenge you? What has God done in your life recently? What blessings (or unfortunate events) are you thankful for?
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