Ok, so way back in November, when I wrote that I was going to write about the Holy Spirit, He was doing a whirlwind of stuff. I saw Him working in many of my high schooler’s lives when they went on the retreat.

Consistently, I would hear the Spirit and do what He asked. It was awesome. Unfortunately, I didn’t write much of it down, so I’ve got nothing for you.

BUT, I’m really excited to read this book by Francis Chan and learn all the more.

Click here for all the other links to my thoughts on what God has been teaching me.

When I was a kid, my brothers told me that I couldn’t take more than 10 steps on Sundays because it was against the Sabbath rules. I remember thinking that everyone I knew was blatantly disobeying God’s commands but nobody cared.

At one point I assumed that the Sabbath was only about church, and if you didn’t go to church on Sunday, that was bad.

Saturday night service was always anti-sabbath to me, until my thoughts were challenged in high school by a friend who belonged to a church/sect that is completely dedicated to the belief that the actual Sabbath should be from sundown on Friday evening to sundown on Saturday evening. That encounter really made me wonder if I was totally disrespecting God with my actions of going out of my house on Friday nights and doing homework on Saturdays.

So, I’ve already misinterpreted the Sabbath many times in my life, and now I’m trying to interpret it correctly. So here’s what God has been teaching me:

This cartoon is actually a really good picture of what the Sabbath feels like to me. In one word, it feels selfish. Just like this kid shows, the Sabbath kind-of sounds like an excuse to not do what you should do.

I’m reading a book right now called Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life. The author references her idea of “Sabbath Simplicity” a lot in it, which explains why I’m reading it. I like the book; it’s as good as any other Christian how-to book. But every suggestion she makes reads as selfishness. I can’t seem to shake my opinion and learn with an open mind.

Let me re-phrase: To me, the very idea of taking a whole day to rest seems lazy. I instantly consider the question, “but what would I do?”

There are two reasons I think this a natural reaction for me:

One: If there have been busy-bodies in every generation, my generation has reached new heights. We’ve developed any and every way to simply keep busy. And not just my generation, but my nation is the hardest working nation, and I don’t mean that as a compliment. Breaks are for losers in America! So if I’m going to rest, I’d like to accomplish something while I’m at it!

Two: The amount of stuff to do that has no impact on the real working world is astounding. It’s disgusting actually. I can “do” so much and accomplish so little these days. So if I’m going to rest, I’d rather not kill brain cells by watching TV all day or the like.

So, because I was raised to work hard, rest seems like laziness or like I’m shirking my responsibilities. And because I was raised with pile of technology that accomplishes nothing as you use it, laziness reaches new levels.

I want to actively follow all of God’s commands to us, including this one, but I just don’t want to be lazy!

Ok, I need to start bullet-pointing. Enough about how I feel about the Sabbath, here’s what I’m applying to my life:

• I just can’t be convinced that the Sabbath has to be on a particular day of the week. Sunday, Saturday, the debate will go one but if that Sabbath is about having a day of rest and not work, do Pastors ever get a Sabbath? Exactly. So for me, it made sense to make the Sabbath the most free day for me anyway: Sunday. Although it could have been Thursday or Monday for all I think it matters.
• Anything that drains me is work in my opinion. So I’m trying not to do anything that drains me on Sundays. What drains me? Still working on that list.
• I’m trying NOT to do things that are simply time-wasters. Being on facebook all day, or sleeping all day, or watching tv allll day are not my idea of a Sabbath. These things usually make me more tired and lazy, rather than bringing rest.
• I think I’m going to make Sunday’s about doing things that I like doing in contrast to what drains me. Spending time with Bryan, creating things, hanging out with my easiest friends, enjoying the Lord.
• I do want to prepare my soul and life for the week to come. I feel rested when I feel prepared, so I’m also going to spend some time on Sunday figuring out my goals for the week and preparing.
• Last, but certainly not least, I definitely don’t want the Sabbath to focus around me and my rest, but around the Lord, and accessing His restful peace in a sort-of fresh way.

I’m sorry if you were expecting more from me, especially after waiting so long to read this (yes, I have resorted to back-dating my posts…). But this area is still a little foggy for me and I have the feeling it will take more than a few months to learn.

Click here for all the other links to my thoughts on what God has been teaching me.

This will mark the halfway point for this little “series.” God continues to teach me so much, even as I’m still mulling over what He started teaching me months ago. I has been extremely healthy for me to write through my thoughts, it helps the revelations stick a little better in my mind!

So far, I’ve written about:
Staying Excited about Salvation

Being Vulnerable vs. Being a Pushover
and
My Thoughts on the world of Christian Women

My goal is to move a little faster and get through all of my thoughts by the end of the month, so here we go:

Study vs. Passion

Let me start off with a little disclaimer here: It’s not really a competition. Both are valuable. Both are necessary. There are also not opposites. Passion is often spurred by study, and study often increases passion. I’ve just been considering that there may be a time for one or the other to be more prominent.

Study

For about a year and a half, I was in a Bible Study. Not a small group, a connection group or an accountability group, but a straight-up Bible Study, where we studied the Bible hardcore. We outlined every book, then we went back and looked at the details of each one. We didn’t get through a ton of the Bible over that year and half, mostly because we worked so arduously on each book, but we got through over half of the Old Testament. It was intense, hard work, and I loved it.

While at that time I was learning so much about God, His Word, His character and His purpose in creating the earth, I can’t say that “study” helped me connect with God personally. Everything I was learning was so…educational. It was if I was in a history class, granted it was the most impacting history class ever.

I once heard a very wise speaker (I can’t remember his name) while taking some Junior Higher’s on a Student Life Retreat. He taught us how to study the word of God, asking us to study God’s word everyday. He recommended having a Bible Dictionary by your side while you, each day, looked deeply into the context of the Scriptures. His method was simple and effective and, after applying it to my own daily routine, I found myself getting a lot more out of the Bible.

I love studying the Bible. In fact, I highly recommend it.

Passion

Do you know that word? It starts with a “d…” Ah, yes, discipline. Well, I’m going to be the first to admit how little discipline I have when it comes to the study of the Word of God. I’m awful. I put it off, make excuses, you know the drill.

It’s always been hard for me. And frankly, at least in the last few months, the thought of waking up early so that I can research and study the Bible just doesn’t motivate me very well. I’m a horrible person. A horrible Christian!

So, I’ve been trying this new thing. Every morning, I attempt to read one chapter of scripture and just listen. And I’ve heard so much.

I have felt so much more passion about His word. It has been absolutely wonderful to hear His voice so often. I just don’t get that when I read the Bible like it’s a history book.

Eventually, I hope to find a balance between the two, because I love both equally. But for now, I’m in a season where instead of studying Him, I simply need to dialogue with God, talk to Him, and hear from Him.

It’s possible you remember this blog, and it’s probable that you don’t. But I’m going to continue finishing all of my thoughts!

I can really relate to what Paul has to say to the Corinthian church here:

Ok, I’m just going to lay this out there, I’m still struggling to find the difference between those two words. In my life, I honestly can’t seem to separate the two!

But I am learning.

More than a few of my experiences in life have shown me that if you become vulnerable with someone, they begin to take advantage of you. And it hurts. Everytime. Tears are inevitable for me, and bitterness easily takes root in my weak flesh.

And contrarily, some of the best moments in some of the best relationships come when I’ve totally laid my heart out there and they’ve received me, despite my sin with love, comfort, and gentle correction and accountibility. Tears are inevitable for both of us, and somehow the tears aren’t as painful or embarassing when someone is just as brokenhearted over my sin as me.

I’ve lived in the aforementioned bitterness because of “more than a few” experiences. I’ve reveled in it, complained about it to my husband and to others who would listen. I’ve been corrected about it, several times. I’ve asked God to rid me of it. But ultimately, over the past couple of years, I’ve shut myself in a steel box with it. I’ve held fast to it and didn’t allow anything in.

So far, I sound kind-of hopeless don’t I? I can’t help but laugh at myself. I feel so pathetic reading that last paragraph!

But I am learning.

At least, I’m opening my gigantic steel box. Just a crack.

Learning Point #1: There are people who will take advantage of me when I am vulnerable! It happens. I’ve experienced it. Christians, non-christians, both.

Learning Point #2: Ultimately, I need to get over it. But more than that, I need to forgive them. Everyday, if necessary. I repeat some version of, “Even though they hurt me, I still need to love them.” when I’m in a bitter mood.

Learning Point #3: More often than not, love means honesty, and especially if a believer is the one who hurt me, I need to be honest with them (according to scripture). Often they will admit they were wrong and we’ll discuss how to improve our relationship. Sometimes, which has only happened to me once or twice, they will continue in their ways.

Learning Point #4: It’s ok to not trust everyone I meet. And it’s ok to not trust those who have broken my trust. I’m not talking about acquaintance trust, but deep trust. I still tend to generally trust people not to mug me upon that first handshake, you know.

Learning Point #5: It’s even more important to find someone I can trust!!! I can’t shut everyone out because one person hurt me. This was/is the hardest part for me. For at least a year, I didn’t trust anyone. I kept everything to myself, in that steel box. But the people in my life that I can share everything with, I cherish more than anything.

Finally, I would simply like to share with the world today that I am pathetic. I am often a pushover and allow myself to be taken advantage of. I am more often bitter at everything that has wronged me.

But.

It actually makes sense that I’m that way. I am a child in need of a Savior. He loves me. He wants me to love everyone around me. And He wants me to have fellowship with those who will sharpen me.

So I will not be conquered by my sin! I trust Him, who sees me in my most vulnerable states.

Following typical Sunday routine, I went to church with my husband and one of his best friends, Joel, who became a believer about a year and a half ago. We’re going through Ephesians as a church and if you’ve ever read Ephesians, it’s easy to feel the joy of salvation as it just reeks from the text. Adoption, inheritance, and chosen are the words used to describe the relationship we are to have with the Father. It’s a happy thing!

Admittedly, though it should feel easy to get sucked into that joy, I find it’s difficult for me to appreciate the true gift of salvation, to truly recognize the power of the gospel. Can I get an amen?

During worship that Sunday morning, I couldn’t help but being overcome with jealousy for what Joel (and even Bryan) had that I didn’t: A fresh view of the gospel, of salvation.

Jealousy was followed quickly by conviction and the Holy Spirit led me to write down exactly what was going through my heart. Directly quoted from scribbles on my church program:

“Is it possible that I am so numb to salvation because I am not experiencing it often enough? I of course can not experience it again in my own life but I could-if I was involved enough-experience it again and again vicariously through others…”

Though Joel has been a believer for a year and half already, there is still much that is new to him. It’s still easy to compare the new Joel to the old and it’s hard not to smile at the obvious changes. And Bryan too gets to experience salvation in a new way, being so directly involved in Joel’s life and story.

It made me ponder. Maybe, God’s command to share the gospel isn’t simply what’s best for those who need to hear it, but it’s also best for us and for me, who need to be reminded of the power of salvation.

Could I possibly serve a God who has my best interests in mind when He asks me to do something?

hmmm. Interesting theory, eh?

I think I’m becoming convinced that the key to staying excited about salvation is experiencing it…as many times as possible. And God has already given us a manual for this experience. Go. Make disciples. Share the Truth!

My Life: Under Construction
Micah 3:3

To several different people, I have recently described my life as a construction zone, a remodel if you will. Jesus Christ purchased me with His blood and though I am stubborn in my own sinful structure, He has torn down walls, ripped out the flooring, threw my appliances to the curb and so on. This is an ongoing process, of course, one that has been at work since the beginning of my relationship with Him. Slowly but surely, He makes me new.

But recently, this construction site of mine has become a little intense. Think: Extreme Home Makeover style. One week to blow up a house and build a new one from scratch.

There have been many, many things God has been teaching me and many things in my happy LisaGrace world that have been shattered because of it. And I intend to share all of it with whoever chooses to listen. Here’s a current list of the things I’ve been stewing over:

1. The complete plan for our lives as believers: Staying excited about Salvation
2. Is it wisdom or selfishness? Being vulnerable versus being a pushover
3. Insight in the world of Christian women: Relating to the Corinthians
4. Study versus Passion when it comes to the Word of God
5. What does the Sabbath look like for me?
6. The Holy Spirit actually does stuff! Cool!
7. This life is hard, suck it up and get to work. (stole that from Travis Pierce)
8. What do I do after I share the gospel?

Stay tuned faithful readers!

remember this post?

well, it’s the end of september and i have not really gained any understanding of the word, “sabbath.”

i think i will move on to “streamlining” next month (read: tomorrow) while keeping the idea of keeping the sabbath holy in the back of my mind.

does anyone have any suggestions for unlocking the secrets to this lost commandment?

(i.e. opinions, books, messages, etc)

i’ll take any and all suggestions, thank you!

just kidding, i don’t care. just kidding, i love iowa state. just kidding, i don’t. just kidding, of course i love the cyclones, i’ve lived in ames my whole life. just kidding, i’m not cheering for anyone. just kidding, who else would i cheer for? just kidding, go hawks! just kidding, just kidding, just kidding.

have you ever seen this lady?

ahahahahahahaha. so funny.

the above basically explains why i haven’t been blogging: our lives are so uninteresting right now that all have to keep you entertained are random clips and movie reviews. (see previous post)

uninteresting is NOT a bad thing though. we’ve gotten into a very normal, steady stream of life. everything is really great actually. like i said in my last post, bryan and i are definitely having the most fun in our marriage ever. our apartment is slowly coming together as a home. bryan has been very disciplined in his work, school and ministry. he seems to have developed a good schedule in which he’s not so overwhelmed with everything. and i have too. i’ve developed a perfect balance of work, high schoolers, time with bryan, cooking and cleaning and small projects.

confession: the only thing that’s missing for me is time with God. why is it so easy for making dinner, organizing something or going to work to take priority over what might be the most important part of my day? well, i think a simple answer is that feeding my family and going to work and keeping things sane around here are priorities of the day. bryan and i do need to eat.

here’s the real dilemma though: i love being a wife. i’ve never been more joyful in the mundane tasks of the everyday. i’m really content. and even more, Christ is doing things in and around me in the midst of my being a wife and especially a high school small group leader!

so, i think that’s the real answer. everything i’ve ever asked to have when i’m 21 years old has been given to me. and i’ve just never been able to figure out how to be content and in need of God. i’m either crying out in bitter need and seeking His word daily, desperate to see Him move. or I’m content and happy with my life and occasionally seeking His word, without much passion.

however, i KNOW that the Bible, being the book it is, has wisdom for the content heart as well as the weary. and i definitely know that God wants MORE for me and those around me then i could ever imagine, so being content is somewhat silly. and i know that seeking Him daily will also prepare me for the day which i am not so content. all in all, it sounds like i should quit writing and start hanging out with God.

if you are willing:
please pray that i can learn passion in times of contentment.

wow, i just looked at the title of this blog, ha, bet you weren’t expecting THAT!

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and dripping of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.“
-Psalm 19:7-11 (ESV)

i had a sweet moment with God this morning-what a unbelievable joy it is to speak to and hear from my Creator, Savior, and King!?!

this passage was so good for me to hear. i’ve recently been particularly caught up by the just, powerful, and destructive aspects of God’s perfect and holy character. there are many moments in the old testament when i find myself saying, “really, God, is that truly the best decision? completely destroying a nation for their sin while forgiving a flagrant sinner of a king just because he was ‘chosen’-is that really justice?”

i know it’s the pride in my bones that causes me to ask such a question, but i’m searching to know my God more. and He answers me.

He gives me Psalm 19, which reminds me of the message of Galatians:

“We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners” know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law, no one will be justified.” 2:15-16 (NIV)

“What then is the purpose of the law? It was added because of trangressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come…So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.” 3:19, 24 (NIV)

“the law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul“-literally! my soul has been revived by the sacrifice of Christ and that law is what has led me to Him!

i put my full confidence in all the words recording in the old testament, or the book of the law, because i know that “that law was put in charge to lead us to Christ.“