A Really Good Friday

What a difference a year makes.  Last year on Good Friday morning I was having a D&C after my second miscarriage.  I was heartbroken and grieving, but at the same time I was thankful for the foundation in my life, the Savior that died for me on this day over 2000 years ago.  When I woke up from the procedure, the first question I asked my doctor was if I could go to church and sing with the choir that night.  I woke up knowing that I had so much to be thankful for in spite of the pain and grief I was feeling.  I woke up determined to live out the words that I read so often in Job 1:21,

"I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away.  Praise the name of the Lord!"

It didn't matter what my current pain was because in my heart I knew it was temporary, just as this life on earth is.  The greater joy in my life is my eternity.  The forever that I get to spend with Christ when I leave this world is enough reason to praise God no matter  my circumstances.  That joy, that hope that I possess is something I want to share with others who don't yet know it.   As I enter into this Easter weekend, I'll continue to invite as many people as I can to the Good Friday and Easter Sunday worship experiences at my church, because I know there are people who will hear the Gospel this weekend and become a part of the family of God through Christ. 

This Good Friday, I woke up not just to the incredible joy of my salvation, but the extra bonus gift I've received.  My child kicking in my womb.  I'm 100 days from my due date and beyond thankful that God has chosen to bless me in this way.  This current happiness is the overflow I believe David was referring to when he said, "My cup overflows with blessings." 

Whatever your circumstances may be this Friday, I encourage you to praise the name of the Lord.  Remember that your joy is based on your Savior and not on your situation.  If this year finds you at a low point, know that it is temporary.  If this year finds you at a high point, rejoice in the abundant blessings.  Don't let your faith and your joy be swayed by your right now.  Base your faith and your joy on your forever, Jesus Christ.  Share that faith and joy with others this weekend and every day of your life on this earth so they too can know the joy of a loving Savior!

If You've Ever Had to Struggle

Recently my church hosted a guest pastor, Greg Rohlinger, who shared not just a message, but his life.  It is by far one of the most incredible messages I have ever heard and one I plan to revisit regularly to remind me of the profound truth shared, that is so easily forgotten when we go through difficult times.  I implore you to take the time to watch this message.  I promise you will benefit from his words and gain perspective from his story.  

Greg Rohlinger's Incredible Message

Just Janky

So, I like to use the word "janky"!  I've used it for years and, occasionally, I forget myself and use it when I'm speaking.  When this happens, I realize it is a slang term that may not be widely known so I have to pause and explain it to my audience, not because I'm worried they won't get what I'm saying, but because I don't want them to go out there and use it incorrectly.  That is the worst.  So I decided it was worth a blog post to explain the word.  

janky: (jan'-kee) low quality; messed up 

Some examples? 

"All I know is when I put on that polka dot top with those paisley pants, I looked janky!"

"I knew this cake would taste good, but it looked so janky when the top layer fell apart,  I had to just eat it myself." 

"The reason no one wants to hear her talk about Christ is because her attitude is so janky!"

Now, that last statement is not just to help you know how to use the word, but to remind you of how your attitude and behavior can misrepresent Christ!  I spoke to a fabulous group of women this weekend at Fellowship Orlando about the danger of Christians walking around being rude, judgmental, superior, and antagonistic, making our Savior look bad.  There is absolutely nothing unattractive about Jesus, so when people find our faith unattractive it is because of something we are doing.  I understand that we all have bad days and a janky attitude can sneak up on the best of us. I've certainly had one from time to time.  However, we don't have the luxury of taking a day off from being the salt of the earth, the light of the world. 

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others,that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:13-15

God is counting on us to be His representatives to the lost people of the world. Lost people are watching you all the time.  Whether you are at home, work, school, the mall, or the gym.  People are watching you who know you are a Christ-follower, and what you do and say will either draw them to Christ or turn them away from Christ for another day.  I'm not saying every time you correctly represent Christ in the world someone is going to accept him in that moment, but I do know that you are either moving them another step closer to the Lord, or driving them a little farther away. Each day we have to choose our attitude.  Sometimes each minute of each day.  We have to choose to selflessly put aside our own feelings or frustrations and represent our God to the best of our ability. What does that look like?  I think the best description of a "non-janky", Christ-like demeanor is found in Galations 5:22-23,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

If your behavior can be described by any of these words, then you are safe from being described as just janky!