I've been thinking for hours of a good title for this... and what do I come up with? Nothing. Ok, well, that's not entirely true.. I had the title "Life?" but I didn't really like that one too much. Hm, I'll stop explaining why I don't have a good title, and I'll just get to the point of me writing this in the first place.
I'm not sure where exactly to start with this, so, I'll just go for the one I'm thinking of.
It was yesterday, 3/25/10, that I was talking to my friend Chris on facebook about the site that I had made. - http://one80turn.ning.com - I only made it because one of my friends wanted to listen to the song 'Because You're Mine' by Building429 and neither of us could find the song anywhere. (but if you want to listen to it, it's on the site I just told you about.) And we were talking about a contest thingy on there, and he said he'll send something out to the group "The New Breed For The Cause (A Devotional Group)" . I told him I'd send it out, but I'm not in the mood. Life took an unwanted one eighty on me.
If you know the story, fine, if you don't, you won't for a while... Unless someone can't keep their mouth shut. I don't want certain people to know... I'll get preached at, and then I won't talk to them for awhile... or maybe a long time. Depends on the person and/or on what they say. And don't ask for anyone to tell you either.
Anyways, I digress. Back to the point.
So after I told him that life took a one eighty, he said something like 'life is really good at that..' and all I planned on saying was 'yeah, I know.' but it got me thinking about what life really is and what it means... and what did Jesus mean when he talked about life.
Even though those three words were all that I wanted to put, I ended up putting something like this: I'm not sure if what I'm going through, you could label as 'life'... cuz in John 10:10, Jesus says that he has come so that you may have life and life to the fullest. And I really don't think what's happened to me, is the life that Jesus was talking about. Or maybe he ment something like in this world, you're going to have trouble, but to take heart because he's overcome the world. (John 16:33) and maybe he ment that even though you go through alot of things, you'd much rather not have to face, - and at times you'll feel all alone. Although that's not true at all. God promised he'd always be there... whether we feel him there or not.-
Even though we have trouble here and now, we should praise God anyways. Why? He saved you from hell didn't he? and by trusting in Him alone, you'll have eternal life. "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." - John 3:14-15
God is that one person you should turn to. He's a better listener than we ever will be. He knows our pain. Not only does he know it, he understands exactly how it feels. He'll listen. He cares. He loves. He understands. He , unlike us, actually sticks to His word. He's the only one I know that will keep all of his promises.
So, what'll it be? When you have hard times, what are YOU going to do? let them get the best of you? Worry? Cry? Depressed? Or are you going to praise God anyways? And say even though this is crappy, and I don't like it, if it brings God glory then let the waters rise. He was faithful before and he'll do it again.
Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Psalm 119:67-71 "Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees"
1 Peter 1:6-7 "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials."
1 Peter 2:21-24 "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
Daniel 3:16-18 "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
Romans 12:14 "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."
Philippians 1:19-26 "Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[a] 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me."
1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
- Katelyn
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Because You're Mine
As I was flipping through my music on my mp3 player to find that one "perfect song" that describes how you're feeling at that moment. Well, I didn't exactly find that type of a song, I found an even better one. It's titled 'Because You're Mine' by Building 429. Let's just say that I needed that reminder and that smile... or in this case I've been smiling ever since I started listening to it again.
What is it about music? That certain song that just says it all? like it says it better than your own words can? Well, I have no idea what the answers to those questions are, and I didn't write this to try and figure them out, because, to be honest, in this post, I really don't care what the answers to those questions are. I'm writing to make a very important point, and I pray you'll understand by the end.
My story of why this song made me smile, is the blog post below this one. I also posted it to facebook, if you want to view it, you might have to add me as a friend on there... but I don't know. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=418094360984
I'd have to say that while all the comments on there are amazing, Jon's comment was the one that did it!
Here's what he said:
" If I was there right now I would hug YOU, and I'm not even a 'hugging' type of person! :)
First off, even if we haven't met in person before, I want you to know that I love you like a sister! I mean it too!!! :) You have encouraged me sooo many times through your writings, and I know you are an awesome-amazing-super-cool-amazing-remarkable-marvelous-did I mention, amazing?-person!!!
Second, God is always with you! Even when you can't feel him, he is there! God knows what he is doing and he loves you more than anyone else on this earth ever can! Tough times maybe harassing you right now, but you need to hold on! At least for my sake, hold on! :)... See More
Third. I know you have, at least two guaranteed friends. Me and Jesus! =) (Here's a great song that applies quite well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn8FIFDgPXw )!!!
Fourth here's some great Bible verses that will hopefully encourage you a bit:
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?"~(Matthew 6:26)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."~(James 1:2-5)
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you”~ (Joshua 1:5)
"And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth To Him who LOVES us and released us from our sins by His blood--"~(Revelation 5:8)
Fifth. I hope that I have succeeded in encouraging you even if it was only slightly. I have been praying for you ever since the last time I said I would be and I promise you I will continue to pray for you every night! Also, if you EVER need someone to talk to, then I'm almost always available! You can message me through facebook, you can email me (joniller@gmail.com), or you can call my home phone. I'm your friend and, if Greg hadn't called you up on stage, I wouldn't even be writing to you right now! So don't despair, God has got the wheel and, trust me, he knows how to drive!!! =)
Your friend,
Jon"
Thanks again, Jon!
I love the reminder that I'm loved and that I belong to God and that He will never leave my side no matter how much I try to convince myself that he has... He hasn't and never will. It's us who "move" away, not Him. He's there, whether you believe in Him or not.
So today I promise forever
Tomorrow I’ll say it again
You would give it all to know the answers
And I know you’ve heard this all before
I’m just here to help your heart remember
That no one else could ever love you more
You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine
There are some Bible verses that come to mind on this...
Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
John 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you."
Romans 8:35,37 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
Isaiah 41:13 "I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I am here to help you"
Joshua 1:9 "I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord you God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go."
So, I'm really glad I posted that note to facebook, because if I didn't I don't think i'd ever be posting this.
I love my friends (: and my God.
I'm glad that this happened. Why? Because of what Greg did, and when I was walking back to my seat, people were like 'ADD ME ON FACEBOOK!' , and like 50-60 people have added me. And I love them all!! And because of what he did, and because I posted that one post (No Subject :'( ) on facebook, Jon (who was at d2s) commented and I'm glad he did. So, thanks Greg! I mean it too!!
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."(James 1:2-5)
- Katelyn
What is it about music? That certain song that just says it all? like it says it better than your own words can? Well, I have no idea what the answers to those questions are, and I didn't write this to try and figure them out, because, to be honest, in this post, I really don't care what the answers to those questions are. I'm writing to make a very important point, and I pray you'll understand by the end.
My story of why this song made me smile, is the blog post below this one. I also posted it to facebook, if you want to view it, you might have to add me as a friend on there... but I don't know. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=418094360984
I'd have to say that while all the comments on there are amazing, Jon's comment was the one that did it!
Here's what he said:
" If I was there right now I would hug YOU, and I'm not even a 'hugging' type of person! :)
First off, even if we haven't met in person before, I want you to know that I love you like a sister! I mean it too!!! :) You have encouraged me sooo many times through your writings, and I know you are an awesome-amazing-super-cool-amazing-remarkable-marvelous-did I mention, amazing?-person!!!
Second, God is always with you! Even when you can't feel him, he is there! God knows what he is doing and he loves you more than anyone else on this earth ever can! Tough times maybe harassing you right now, but you need to hold on! At least for my sake, hold on! :)... See More
Third. I know you have, at least two guaranteed friends. Me and Jesus! =) (Here's a great song that applies quite well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn8FIFDgPXw )!!!
Fourth here's some great Bible verses that will hopefully encourage you a bit:
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?"~(Matthew 6:26)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."~(James 1:2-5)
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you”~ (Joshua 1:5)
"And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth To Him who LOVES us and released us from our sins by His blood--"~(Revelation 5:8)
Fifth. I hope that I have succeeded in encouraging you even if it was only slightly. I have been praying for you ever since the last time I said I would be and I promise you I will continue to pray for you every night! Also, if you EVER need someone to talk to, then I'm almost always available! You can message me through facebook, you can email me (joniller@gmail.com), or you can call my home phone. I'm your friend and, if Greg hadn't called you up on stage, I wouldn't even be writing to you right now! So don't despair, God has got the wheel and, trust me, he knows how to drive!!! =)
Your friend,
Jon"
Thanks again, Jon!
I love the reminder that I'm loved and that I belong to God and that He will never leave my side no matter how much I try to convince myself that he has... He hasn't and never will. It's us who "move" away, not Him. He's there, whether you believe in Him or not.
So today I promise forever
Tomorrow I’ll say it again
You would give it all to know the answers
And I know you’ve heard this all before
I’m just here to help your heart remember
That no one else could ever love you more
You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine
There are some Bible verses that come to mind on this...
Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
John 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you."
Romans 8:35,37 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
Isaiah 41:13 "I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I am here to help you"
Joshua 1:9 "I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord you God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go."
So, I'm really glad I posted that note to facebook, because if I didn't I don't think i'd ever be posting this.
I love my friends (: and my God.
I'm glad that this happened. Why? Because of what Greg did, and when I was walking back to my seat, people were like 'ADD ME ON FACEBOOK!' , and like 50-60 people have added me. And I love them all!! And because of what he did, and because I posted that one post (No Subject :'( ) on facebook, Jon (who was at d2s) commented and I'm glad he did. So, thanks Greg! I mean it too!!
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."(James 1:2-5)
- Katelyn
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Please Read :'(
words can't explain how I feel right now... ever since Dare2Share in Lincoln, life has been, well, extremely extremely hard. (Yes, I know I put that word there twice... do you get the point? because ALOT of people I know don't... and you are probably one of them.) The friend I had come with me to the conference, well, she used me so she could stay with a friend there in Lincoln... and our friendship is well, over. She didn't want to talk to me about what I did(n't do) Friday night. (2/26/10) That's not the whole story about what happened there, but on Saturday night, she left, with permission... no one wanted to make the rest of the trip crappy. and when I got back into the room, I wasn't too happy... I started to cry, and Britney (amazing girl who I didn't know who sat in front of me) came back there and prayed for me while Greg was talking. (thanks, Britney!) and then maybe 5 minutes later, I was called to the stage by Greg. and I have NO clue what he said then or throughout the conference. :'(
Being called up to the stage, wasn't anything that I wanted at that moment... but it was cool even though I have no idea what he said... my mind was racing because of this way-to-convient-drama crap happened. I'm not mad at Greg, I'm mad because the drama shouldn't have happened.... and I'm mad because people have been ignoring me... they're not listening and not helping. I give encouragement, why not throw some my way? huh?
and 3 days after that, at school, in self development, we took a field trip to a prison in Cameron, Missouri... and I HATED it. I got yelled at like 4 times and nearly cried the fourth.... I don't get yelled at like that.
and the monday after the prison thing, I read a text from my grandpa telling my mom this 'You need to tell Kevin he needs to tell kt he's getting married again." Yeah, not how I wanted to find that out. I was supposed to go have lunch with him, my almost step mom, and my sister on the saturday that I was at dare2share... and I would've found out then from HIM. He himself should've told me... oh and he knows I'm a little ticked off at him too. & I was supposed to go have lunch with him on satuday 3/13/10, but he texted me and said he's "sick" and asked if we could have lunch tomorrow, that came and went. nothing happened. (Stop making promises you can't keep...)
all of this is hard for me to handle... it seems like EVERYONE (almost) has walked out on me... Ifeel like I'm being ignored when I say something like this. Don't just say "I'll pray for you." actually HELP me...throw some encouragement this way.
because with all of this crap, I've cried like every day. atleast 2-3 times a day maybe.... unless I'm actually in a good mood... and that hasn't happened much at all since d2s.
Please,help me and don't "ignore" me like OTHER people have.
Being called up to the stage, wasn't anything that I wanted at that moment... but it was cool even though I have no idea what he said... my mind was racing because of this way-to-convient-drama crap happened. I'm not mad at Greg, I'm mad because the drama shouldn't have happened.... and I'm mad because people have been ignoring me... they're not listening and not helping. I give encouragement, why not throw some my way? huh?
and 3 days after that, at school, in self development, we took a field trip to a prison in Cameron, Missouri... and I HATED it. I got yelled at like 4 times and nearly cried the fourth.... I don't get yelled at like that.
and the monday after the prison thing, I read a text from my grandpa telling my mom this 'You need to tell Kevin he needs to tell kt he's getting married again." Yeah, not how I wanted to find that out. I was supposed to go have lunch with him, my almost step mom, and my sister on the saturday that I was at dare2share... and I would've found out then from HIM. He himself should've told me... oh and he knows I'm a little ticked off at him too. & I was supposed to go have lunch with him on satuday 3/13/10, but he texted me and said he's "sick" and asked if we could have lunch tomorrow, that came and went. nothing happened. (Stop making promises you can't keep...)
all of this is hard for me to handle... it seems like EVERYONE (almost) has walked out on me... Ifeel like I'm being ignored when I say something like this. Don't just say "I'll pray for you." actually HELP me...throw some encouragement this way.
because with all of this crap, I've cried like every day. atleast 2-3 times a day maybe.... unless I'm actually in a good mood... and that hasn't happened much at all since d2s.
Please,help me and don't "ignore" me like OTHER people have.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Don't Say Good-Bye
It's hard to type this when it seems like some people have said good-bye to you... It seems like two important people have walked out on me.
1. A friend
2. A parent
for number one, I won't go into detail too much about. but it hurts... very much so. I don't know why anyone would let something so stupid happen and just throw the ENTIRE relationship away.
If that happens, then that relationship wasn't "important" enough to work together and try to save it... no matter what. That's what friends do, or should do... that is if they truly care about eachother enough to work things out and forgive eachother. Or am I wrong? Because I don't think so... all those words seem like the exact same ones I heard from a youth leader in the hallway at Dare 2 Share in Lincoln on Saturday night... and believe me, I was willing to fix whatever was wrong, but every time I tried, I got yelled at... which made it harder than need be.
Things are changing
It seems strange and
I need to figure this out
You've got your life
I got mine
But you're all I cared about
Yesterday we were laughing
Today I'm left here asking
Where has all the time gone now
I'm left alone somehow
Growing up and getting older
I don't want to believe it's over
it's hard for me and I know situations like these still affect my life and relationships... that's why I don't like forming any attachments with people, because I'm scared they'll leave just like the others have...
(that's not the best ending, but I had to vent. get over it)
- Katelyn
1. A friend
2. A parent
for number one, I won't go into detail too much about. but it hurts... very much so. I don't know why anyone would let something so stupid happen and just throw the ENTIRE relationship away.
If that happens, then that relationship wasn't "important" enough to work together and try to save it... no matter what. That's what friends do, or should do... that is if they truly care about eachother enough to work things out and forgive eachother. Or am I wrong? Because I don't think so... all those words seem like the exact same ones I heard from a youth leader in the hallway at Dare 2 Share in Lincoln on Saturday night... and believe me, I was willing to fix whatever was wrong, but every time I tried, I got yelled at... which made it harder than need be.
Things are changing
It seems strange and
I need to figure this out
You've got your life
I got mine
But you're all I cared about
Yesterday we were laughing
Today I'm left here asking
Where has all the time gone now
I'm left alone somehow
Growing up and getting older
I don't want to believe it's over
it's hard for me and I know situations like these still affect my life and relationships... that's why I don't like forming any attachments with people, because I'm scared they'll leave just like the others have...
(that's not the best ending, but I had to vent. get over it)
- Katelyn
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Behind The Scenes (Part Two)
Devotional for Saturday, March 20th, 2010 (I will be in Springfield, MO for a Junior Bible Quiz district meet thing whatever on the 19-20th) for the facebook group The New Breed For The Cause (A Devotional Group) < you should be really cool and join it... because the devotionals from Jon, Tina, Me, Rachel, Alice, Josh, and Chris are pretty good.
--------------------------
(I wasn't planning on this being a two part writting, but it is now. so enjoy.)
It's hard to play this song by Francesca Battistelli without thinking about one certain person... who, on Monday, said she's going through suicidal thoughts and is depressed and it doesn't seem to be helping her at all that she's a senior in high school.
when she said this, my heart started to brake for her. and the questions of "What could ever drive someone to such a painful place, to be so blinded from the truth, by lies, that the only conclusion to this madness is self murder?" that's crazy! We need to start seeing people the way Jesus sees them. Before it's too late.
When she said she's been like all suicidal, I was shocked... I never thought that she would be suicidal and hate the world. And what did I say? "Don't kill your self." That's it. That's all I said.
What did I think I should've said? 'People do love you whether you believe it or not. I love you and I don't know you. and killing your self will only hurt those who love you.. even those who don't know you will be hurt by it. it affects everyone in some sort of way. So, please, don't. I'll pray for you whether you want me to or not.' My God, why didn't I say that!? stupid of me to dismiss that as 'only saying that will only hurt her and make her mad at you...' Lies.
She sounded suicidal by her tone of her voice and you could see pain in her eyes and hear it through her tone of voice.
You may think I'm just fine
How could anything
Ever be out of line?
I take my timeTo set the stage
To make sure everything
Is all in place
That's the problem, I thought she was just fine... she acted like everything was going okay. but everyone, even me, takes their time making sure, if they're a lady, their make-up isn't messed up, and it doesn't look like they ever sheded one tear that day... and we just paint those pretty fake smiles on and laughs...and everyone is fooled and at the end of the day we wonder, "How come no one saw my pain? why did they add to it instead of making me feel loved and like I'm not just another face in this world?" but no one that I've met seems to see through that like Jesus does.
1 Samuel 16:7 - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)
Things aren't always what they seem
You're only seeing part of me
There's more than you could ever knowBehind the scenes
I'm incomplete and I'm undone
But I suppose like everyone
There's so much more that's going on
Behind the scenes
It's stupid judging people when we have NO idea what they go through, what's life like at home? What happens behind closed doors? Alot happens behind the scenes... and if we really start to look at people the way Jesus does, we'd do alot more than what we're doing right now.
What about those people you've walked by today? Did you ever think that you added to their pain by walking by and not seeing it? What happens when they go home? Does their dad beat them and curse at them and lock them up because of something dumb that that person had little to nothing to do with? But in a fit a rage, they get attacked just because they walked in the door to their home?
This is NOT the definiton of home for ANYONE... Christian or not.
Heaven is what comes to mind to the word 'home.'
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
I've heard people say that they want the pain to just go away, but it's not that easy here. I mean, Jesus did say we'll have trouble, but to take heart that he's overcome the world. (John 16:33) I'm guessing that means that there's nothing too big that he can't handle. After all, nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)
This may be random, and out of line, but, as I was writing this, I found a song on Youtube. it's called The Last Night by Skillet. and I'll post it here, on my blog.
We don't know what happens behind closed doors with people when they go home and who do we think we are to assume everything is a-ok? STUPID...
This is the last night you'll spend alone
Look me in the eyes so I know you know
I'm everywhere you want me to be
The last night you'll spend alone
I'll wrap you in my arms and
I won't let goI'm everything you need me to be
I won't let you say goodbye
And I'll be your reason why
Remember that question that I asked in part one of this? Don't forget it. Treat people like they matter, like they stand out and they're not just another person in the crowd... They're not just another person, they each have a story to tell, their story is THEIR story... it's unique. They're unique, God made them, how could they not be unique?!
What will YOU do to change someones story for the better of things? Will you share Jesus with them? Will you just SMILE? < that changes moods. (: Will you just go sit with that kid who's sitting alone at a table and just strike up a conversation and ask, really ask them, be really interested in what they have to say when you ask "Has anyone ever asked how you're really doing?" etc.
What will you do?
- Katelyn
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(I wasn't planning on this being a two part writting, but it is now. so enjoy.)
It's hard to play this song by Francesca Battistelli without thinking about one certain person... who, on Monday, said she's going through suicidal thoughts and is depressed and it doesn't seem to be helping her at all that she's a senior in high school.
when she said this, my heart started to brake for her. and the questions of "What could ever drive someone to such a painful place, to be so blinded from the truth, by lies, that the only conclusion to this madness is self murder?" that's crazy! We need to start seeing people the way Jesus sees them. Before it's too late.
When she said she's been like all suicidal, I was shocked... I never thought that she would be suicidal and hate the world. And what did I say? "Don't kill your self." That's it. That's all I said.
What did I think I should've said? 'People do love you whether you believe it or not. I love you and I don't know you. and killing your self will only hurt those who love you.. even those who don't know you will be hurt by it. it affects everyone in some sort of way. So, please, don't. I'll pray for you whether you want me to or not.' My God, why didn't I say that!? stupid of me to dismiss that as 'only saying that will only hurt her and make her mad at you...' Lies.
She sounded suicidal by her tone of her voice and you could see pain in her eyes and hear it through her tone of voice.
You may think I'm just fine
How could anything
Ever be out of line?
I take my timeTo set the stage
To make sure everything
Is all in place
That's the problem, I thought she was just fine... she acted like everything was going okay. but everyone, even me, takes their time making sure, if they're a lady, their make-up isn't messed up, and it doesn't look like they ever sheded one tear that day... and we just paint those pretty fake smiles on and laughs...and everyone is fooled and at the end of the day we wonder, "How come no one saw my pain? why did they add to it instead of making me feel loved and like I'm not just another face in this world?" but no one that I've met seems to see through that like Jesus does.
1 Samuel 16:7 - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)
Things aren't always what they seem
You're only seeing part of me
There's more than you could ever knowBehind the scenes
I'm incomplete and I'm undone
But I suppose like everyone
There's so much more that's going on
Behind the scenes
It's stupid judging people when we have NO idea what they go through, what's life like at home? What happens behind closed doors? Alot happens behind the scenes... and if we really start to look at people the way Jesus does, we'd do alot more than what we're doing right now.
What about those people you've walked by today? Did you ever think that you added to their pain by walking by and not seeing it? What happens when they go home? Does their dad beat them and curse at them and lock them up because of something dumb that that person had little to nothing to do with? But in a fit a rage, they get attacked just because they walked in the door to their home?
This is NOT the definiton of home for ANYONE... Christian or not.
Heaven is what comes to mind to the word 'home.'
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
I've heard people say that they want the pain to just go away, but it's not that easy here. I mean, Jesus did say we'll have trouble, but to take heart that he's overcome the world. (John 16:33) I'm guessing that means that there's nothing too big that he can't handle. After all, nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)
This may be random, and out of line, but, as I was writing this, I found a song on Youtube. it's called The Last Night by Skillet. and I'll post it here, on my blog.
We don't know what happens behind closed doors with people when they go home and who do we think we are to assume everything is a-ok? STUPID...
This is the last night you'll spend alone
Look me in the eyes so I know you know
I'm everywhere you want me to be
The last night you'll spend alone
I'll wrap you in my arms and
I won't let goI'm everything you need me to be
I won't let you say goodbye
And I'll be your reason why
Remember that question that I asked in part one of this? Don't forget it. Treat people like they matter, like they stand out and they're not just another person in the crowd... They're not just another person, they each have a story to tell, their story is THEIR story... it's unique. They're unique, God made them, how could they not be unique?!
What will YOU do to change someones story for the better of things? Will you share Jesus with them? Will you just SMILE? < that changes moods. (: Will you just go sit with that kid who's sitting alone at a table and just strike up a conversation and ask, really ask them, be really interested in what they have to say when you ask "Has anyone ever asked how you're really doing?" etc.
What will you do?
- Katelyn
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