Day number twenty three :: child like faith

For awhile now I have been trying to figure out what Matthew 18:3 was trying to say:

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

I think I truly knew the essence of the verse, but it still wasn't very clear to me... until recently.

My nephew and I headed out to walmart, in hopes of finding everything I needed for a preschool lesson at church. He loved being able to pick out the "little kids" craft. I told him how in church the next day, we would be talking about how Jesus is going to come back one day and those who truly believe that Jesus died for our sins would live forever with Him. He didnt really have much to say about this, but I could tell his little seven year old mind was thinking.

Finally, after getting all the odds and ends from walmart, we made our way to the cash register. About half way there, Dominic perked up and practically shouted, "Wait!" Being the typical Aunt, I thought he wanted candy for being good in the store, but looking at him, he was not centered on the candy aisle. Instead he was looking at an older man, standing in line at the register. "We need to tell him about Jesus, aunt Lauren. Can we? Jesus might come back tonight, and it wont be nice if we dont tell him."

I literally had to do everything I could not to start crying right there in Walmart. My seven year old nephew was showing a child like faith, and being completely intentional. He didnt care what people thought.

I want that faith.

He asked me what he should do, and I couldn't muster up any words. Within seconds the older man had paid for his items and was heading out the door. Almost as soon as he stepped outside, his wallet fell out of his back pocket and it took only a second after my nod of approval for Dominic to run at full speed to the man. Dominic picked up the wallet and ran to the doors to give it to him. He was upset that he didn't tell the man about Jesus, but I said that sometimes we do nice things for people and they can see Jesus through that action.

I really dont need to explain why I am thankful for this. I couldn't believe how blessed I was to be able to witness a verse that I have been wanting to see for so long... and through my own nephew. :)

Day number twenty two :: Prayer

When I first became a Christian, five or so years ago, I didn't really like the idea of prayer. Don't get me wrong... I did pray. But I never really connected myself to Christ through that. To be real, I felt it more as a burden. It was just another person that I had to tell all my crap to.

Back in my 15 year old mind, I should have dug deeper. Why was it that praying was so hard to do? As I mentioned before, I was a "newbie Christian." The things I had done before I gave my life to Christ (and was currently going through) I wasnt the least bit proud of. I was afraid to confess and give it to Christ. If I would have seen a clear picture of Christianity, I would have seen a God that was yearning for me to come to Him and cling to Him. Instead, I saw a God who was waiting to smite me and tell me that I wasn't good enough for His grace.

And the thing is - I'm not. Nor will I ever be.

The funny thing about running from God, is that He knows exactly what is on my heart anyway, so I might as well give up from hiding. A speaker came to Chapel this semester and emphasized the fact that we GET to pray. We should be completely honored that Christ wants to have an intimate relationship with us and wants to hear our burdens and praises and comfort us when life just seems to suck.

Anyway, I choose prayer particularly for today because I was blessed with a couple opportunities to pray with people and be prayed for. It is a huge blessing for us as sisters and brothers to come together and pray....admitting that we cant go through this life without our Savior.

Day number twenty one :: 2 Day Weeks

The typical dread of a Sunday night hasn't hit me yet. Usually this feeling comes around Sunday morning before church and peaks at about 7 PM on Sunday. That gross feeling of the weekend being over is definitely not my favorite.

But tonight it is different. The teacher that I am a TA for has cancelled her class tomorrow, therefore putting me off the hook to work. Instead of not having a break between 10 AM to 9 PM, I actually have a break in my day. :) Yay!

Also, this week is a TWO DAY WEEK. I will be going home to spend some lovely time (and turkey) with my family. Cant wait!!

Day number 20 :: Giving

(( I was going to take a picture of the "ornament" Im going to talk about .. But  I have lost it))

Today at church, an announcement was made by a member saying that the place she works at for under privledge homes was going to partner with us. In the back of the church was a Christmas tree with little paper ornaments with a gender, age and list of a few things that particular person wanted for Christmas. She told us that most of these families do not have electricity nor have an idea where their next meal comes from. All of the familes live in east stl and are in great need of help. Also, the lady at my church is going to personally deliver all of the gifts herself to the families... what a blessing!

I picked up one that was for a two year old little boy.
He wanted:
Socks
Pajamas
Craft Supplies
3T Clothing

Today I picked up for him two pairs of pajamas, six outfits, a baseball bat & ball, trucks, coloring books, crayons and bubbles.

I told you what I got because I wanted to jumpstart some of your own ideas. I pretty much got the little boy covered, but if you would feel led to donate anything (gift cards, girls clothing, toys, body gel... etc) I am positive they can find a good, loving home for it thiis Christmas.

Let me know if you want to donate anything and I will pick it up from you :)

Day number nineteen :: Laughter

I know I have said this before, but this world would be so boring without laughter. Think about how strange the concept is all together.. When we find something funny, we smile. Ever think about why? Scientifically, it is crazy. To God, it is to show joy. I love it. I love seeing others smile, laugh, laugh til they cry... I bet God was giving His own little smirk when creating laughter.

Also, the SOUNDS of it.. A childs first laugh, a toddlers belly laugh, a teens giggle...

Laughing is contagious, and so is smiling. Be sure to spread it :)

Day number eighteen :: Security Systems

You may be thinking... security systems? Really? But this post has a story to go along with it.

This night I was babysitting two preschoolers.. I have watched them regularly for about the past two years. Right before their mom left this time, she pulled me away from the children to remind me of the home security code. She also gave me a print out of all the neighbors numbers. Confused with all sudden new information, she told me that there have been several break-in's on the street she lived on within the week.

Was it too late to make an excuse why I had to leave?

Yes, it was too late. Seconds later she was out the door on the way to "date night" with her husband. Only a half an hour later the kids went to sleep and I was left to deal with a spooky, large and quiet house to myself. Each noise outside made me jump and when the dogs barked, I pretty much took cover.

Sitting there, scared, I realized how thankful I am for security systems. I knew if anything really did happen, alarms would sound and police would be there quickly. Thankfully it remained a quiet night of bed-time stories, checkers and "monster checks." :)

Day number seventeen :: Sun

How beautiful is that? Ridiculously beautiful.

Anyway, the sun holds a lot of meaning.. one (the most obvious) is that it gives us light, energy etc. not to mention the wonderful sunsets and sunrises we get to witness to EVERY day. I absolutely love that blessing and never take it for granted. Also, the sun can make peoples day better, like coming out after a rain storm.

On the day I was supposed to update day 17 (fell behind!) a friend asked me a simple question. She said, "Will the sun still rise tomorrow?" She asked this because the silly rough day I was having was so small in retrospect to my God. I am so thankful for that humble question, and of course that friend.

So, I ask you, Will the sun still rise again tomorrow?