Remembering 6

I had forgotten. How to hope, or how to hope in a God so big that nothing is impossible. I forgot to be six. I was so busy growing up that I forgot the most essential part of growing up is to not grow bitter. But I just caught a glimpse, of what it was like to sit in one place and loose track of the time, and even forget where I am because I was dreaming so hard. I missed that, and I think I realize that all it takes to go back there is surrender. Ah, surrender, every American adults favorite word.
Let's face it everything in our adult life is about control. That's all planning really is, an attempt at control, and I'm not saying that I think that its a bad thing. I know that it is important to plan, but there has to be balance. Not knowing doesn't have to be as scary as we make it. It's kind of the best part, especially if you assume that every change, every detour, every setback is ultimately a good thing. That they are all arrows pointing you to something greater.
So I've decided to embrace my inner six year old again and allow myself to embrace an impossible vision. One that God will get all the glory from because people will see it and know that there is no way that it could have happened without Him.

The Karate Kid

I know, I'm late. But I just saw the movie last week and it was great! What I saw while I was watching, (besides some excellent training and beautiful moments), was a lesson about teaching. Good teachers teach their students not only the subject, but how to learn. Unwise teachers however simply teach their students how to emulate, creating drones instead of students. Like the villain of the movie who attempts to teach his students how to cause fear in one's opponent, but if we have learned anything from movies about the underdog who rises to the top it is that a lesson of respect will always trump a lesson of fear. ALWAYS!

The other thing that I have learned about good teachers is, they usually learn as much from their students as they teach. I believe it has something to do with a method of openness. A good teacher is a lover of education, whether giving or receiving, they understand that knowledge is both powerful and sacred and they honor that.

I salute all of the wonderful teachers past, present, and future. This world's greatest achievements are yours first, for you shaped the minds that brought them forth. We are grateful and I pray that God blesses us with many more like you.

Love is Waiting

Brooke Fraser's album Albertine is on repeat in my car and on my computer right now. In addition to being a tremendous musical talent (seriously its so awesome you'll weep tears of joy), she also happens to be a fellow lover of Christ. The album is a wonderful mix of praise, worship, and reflection. She's the perfect soundtrack to my current journey.

There is one song in particular that seems to echo several conversations that I have had recently with some fellow Jesus girls and boys. The song is called "Love is Waiting," and it is a gorgeous song that answers the hearts of those who are waiting for true love.

In a world where there is so much going on to distract you from faith and commitment, the question seems to be not only is he/she out there, but also if they are, could they find me in the midst of all this confusion? "Love is Waiting" is an angelic reminder that God knows exactly what He is doing. He is ever present and orchestrating the "best possible results for the most people, for the longest time,"(from "God as He Longs for You to See Him" by Chip Ingram). It's important to remember that every area of our lives is meant to bring Him glory, including who/how we love, so it has to be in His time, and done His way.

"...give it time, give it space and be still for a spell. When it's time to walk that way we wanna walk it well..."


So thank you Brooke for the psalm of patience! I hope you all enjoy.

Happy Listening,
Ina