Looking Behind, Looking Ahead

2013 Year In Review

Looking Behind (Highlights of 2013):

• Dating my best friend. This is probably a given, but it has been an incredible time, and it is so fun to look back and see how much we've grown together since January.
• Traveling to St. Croix. Getting to share God with some awesome kiddos in a beautiful place is definitely one of my favorite memories of the year.  Mmm, passion fruit.
• Expanding my sewing skills. I know I haven't posted anything here (sorry!), but I've gotten to do a lot of creative things over the past year, including designing two (three, counting the Black Eyed Peas) halloween costumes, learning how to fit a paper pattern, and continuing to work in the Costume Shop.
• Maturing. I've seen myself grow in a lot of different ways over the  last year. I think I've changed in the way I do life, and it is a good change. God has taught me a lot about myself, about others, and about relating.

Looking Ahead (Dreams and Goals for 2014)
What will 2014 be like? When I started to write this, I got rather stuck because I couldn't think of any fancy "Dreams And Goals For 2014." But then I realized, who knows what this next year will hold? How exciting is that? There are things that I am expecting to happen, and things that I am hoping will happen, and things I wish would happen. What is exciting, though, is that I don't know. God is the only one who knows what might happen this next year. That is what makes life so exciting: It is like a roller coaster ride, and you never know what is around the next bend.

Sabbath.

What is Sabbath? Isn't it a weird thing to think about? One day, out of every week, when God commanded us to not do things.

To rest.

But what does that look like? For the Pharisees, that meant doing absolutely nothing. Jesus' disciples even got in trouble for picking heads of wheat as a snack! For Jews living in present-day Israel, it means not even pushing the button on the elevator (the elevator is programmed to stop at ever floor because of this). For some of my friends, Sabbath is simply taking a break from the routine, and doing fun things for a day.

But is that all? A set of rules (or not!) of how not to work?

Sabbath is based on this: God performed the work of creation for six days, so on the seventh day, He rested.

God - the all-powerful King of the universe - needed a break. If He needs to take a break sometimes, how much more so do we, weak, human beings we are!

But how on earth do we do that? In this fast-paced, plugged-in environment we live in, it can be hard to get away for an hour, let alone a whole day.

Here's what I propose: that, rather than a set of Don't's, Sabbath should be more about the heart. Take a day to do what you find fulfilling and restful, and find God in that. For example, you can probably guess by the title of this blog that I very much enjoy sewing. To make that my Sabbath, I would set aside some time to simply sew. As I sewed, I would dwell on the good things that God has done for me, and reflect on the questions that have been on my mind.

Sabbath is a heart attitude. It is a matter of finding God in the little, fun, joyful moments that fill your day. It's a matter of taking the time to spend time with God, and glorify Him.

Sexy Gospel (Or, This Is What I Teach My Youth Kids)

I just got back from helping lead an awesome youth retreat (so if this post seems rather scattered, it's because I haven't gotten much sleep haha). The topic was sex and relationships, and we had a really amazing time talking about what a healthy relationship looks like, why we have the natural urges and desires that we do, and what sorts of things we can be doing to prepare for a God-glorifying relationship and marriage in the future. It was an awesome retreat. I was so impressed by the kinds of questions the kids were asking - they were really deep! I also learned a lot myself. There was so much great stuff brought up, and I wanted to share some of the highlights that really stuck out to me.

• Purity is not just "avoiding sex". It is way more. True purity is seeking to live out your life - and your relationships - in a way that constantly glorifies God. This definitely includes avoiding sex before marriage, but it also affects many other aspects of a relationship.
• Sex is not the point of marriage. In Christian circles, it is easy to fall into the trap of just getting to the honeymoon, but if that's all there is, then why bother getting married at all? The point of marriage is to spend your whole life growing closer to one person, allowing yourself to be totally vulnerable with them, and learning to love them unconditionally - the way God loves each and every one of us.
• It is important to be aware that other people may give and recieve love and affection differently than you. Things that you might consider totally fine (hugging your friend, for example), they might consider to be too forward or uncomfortable. Communication and openness are key.

The retreat was a really awesome, and I loved getting to talk through some of this stuff with my youth girls. They had so many profound thoughts and questions, I'm pretty sure I learned more that they did!

Let's catch up!

You: Oh, hey Lydia! It's been forever! How have you been??
Me: Oh, hi there, Reader!! I know, I disappeared for a bit there...sorry about that...I don't even have a good excuse! I've been good, just busy with school and stuff!
You: That's okay, I've been busy too!
Me: Thanks Reader! That is so nice of you! you're so understanding.
You: What kinds of things have you been up to?
Me: Well, school is in full swing, but I have fun classes this semester so that's good. For one of y classes, I even got to design two halloween costumes and display them in a fashion show. It was super fun. I've also continued my involvement with the Well, my church, and my other on-campus activities.
You: That sounds awesome! So, what has God been doing in your life the last few months?
Me: Well, I think He's been showing me a lot about myself and my relationship with Him. It has been a rather humbling experience (Isn't that always the case? Nobody quite likes getting a good look at their true self), but it has been really cool at the same time. Here are some things I've learned about myself:

• I struggle with actively engaging - if I am not consciously thinking about what's happening or being said, I can fall into a pattern of passivity and check out.
• I don't like being in front of large groups of people, but people tend to see me as a leader.
• I am an ISFP on the Myers-Briggs personality test - i.e. I'm pretty quiet until something needs to be done.
• I have the spiritual gift of Shepherding - i.e. I love, love, love taking care of people and guiding them.
• I am a daughter of the King, and that is the important thing. (hey look, I made a rhyme!)

You: wow, that's great! Sounds like you're doing great! Can't wait to read more of the blog  posts that you will regularly write...RIGHT?
Me: yes, yes I promise! ;)

The Fruits of the Spirit

This semester at The Well, we've been memorizing "heart verses". I.e., we're not committing them to memory, we're learning them by heart. One a week.

 I've taken to writing them on my white board so I can read them easily during the day. As I was sipping my coffee this morning, I began meditating on this week's verse: Galatians 5:22-23.

 The fruits of the Spirit.

I was familiar with the verse, of course. There isn't a PK in the world that hasn't heard it in Sunday School at some point. But I hadn't really meditated on it. For a long time, in my mind I had thought of the "fruits of the spirit" as this list of characteristics of the perfect Christian. To be a "good person" you had to be loving and have self-control. So, naturally, I tried to be better at these things. But it was hard! How do you just have more faithfulness? Seriously?

It's not up to me.

They're fruits.

By-products of growth.

If I'm growing closer to God, and seeking His face, these things will come. The Holy Spirit is the one who gives joy, peace, and patience.

That is so sweet.

Helping Hand

I am so thankful for the community at the Well. Tonight, I got to see just how much God moves through this community.

Nate spoke on Matthew 6, and he divided the chapter into two sections: the first part, which is about being real with God as you live out your faith (not performing in order to impress others), and the second part, which is about not worrying or living in fear, because God is in control. (If you'd like to listen to the message, it should be posted here very soon).

Nate challenged us to live as a community this way - not faking, and not judging others for their vulnerability. I know I needed to be reminded of that - it is so easy to fall into this trap of believing that if you don't have it all together, then you must not be a good Christian. If you'd just "pray harder" your life would be perfect.

But this is so not true. As Christians, we should be striving to be more Christ-like, but that is only possible if we allow each other to see our weaknesses and help us work through them. At the same time, we cannot judge those around us, because who wants to be judged when they are trying to be vulnerable?

I got to see this demonstrated in an inspiring way tonight. At the end of the sermon, Nate invited people to come up to the front, cut a piece of twine, and tie it around their wrist as a reminder to live committed to Christ. What Well leadership hadn't realized, though, is that it is very hard to tie a piece of twine around your own wrist. I was sitting in the front, and I got to witness people helping each other out left and right. One girl was struggling with it, and another girl, who I am pretty sure was a total stranger to the first girl, just walked up to her and helped her out. To me, that was a beautiful metaphor for how the Christian family is supposed to work: I may not know you that well, but we're in this together so let me love on you.

What I love: 8/9/13

When God answers prayer. This morning, I was really exhausted, had a headache, and didn't want to go to work. I knew this wasn't a good attitude to start the day with, so I prayed and asked God to change my view and help me have a good day. And He did! The store wasn't too busy, but it was just busy enough to keep me from getting bored. My boss was in a good mood, and I got to play with lots of pretty fabric. :) Thanks God!

What I Love: 7/26/13

This video about bikinis and modesty. I came across it here. It is so true - our culture has completely stripped away modesty, and turned the very word into some sort of idea of a frumpy old grandma wearing eight layers of clothing. But what's it given us instead? Vulgar, less-is-more, the only way to look good on the beach is to wear as little clothing as possible. But it goes deeper than that. So much of our culture revolves around sexuality and attractiveness, but the world's broken idea of that is "I have to show myself off in order to be loved and attractive". But isn't it more attractive to be a little different, a little mysterious? To simply be a reflection of God's character that He made you to be? We are made in God's image, and our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Shouldn't a temple be taken care of, kept holy, and not trashed?

Thank you to Jessica Rey for speaking truth. Also, if you are interested in her swimsuit designs, the website is here but it looks like a lot of them are sold out at the moment.

What I Love: 7/24/13

That God forgives. It is so crazy to know that despite my sins, despite my pride, despite my selfishness, God loves me and has forgiven me, simply because His Son thought I was worth it.

What I Love: 6/10/13

Colossians 1: 9-14. Sometimes, when I feel like I need to pray for someone, but I don't know what to pray about, I start here.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[e] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

What I Love:6/2/13

Well, the Blog Every Day in May challenge is over. It was really fun! I did miss a few days though, oh well. Now it will be back to the regular What I Love posts, at least for a while.

So today, I love the hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness". We sang it in church today, and it is just so moving and beautiful and TRUE.

What I Love: 5/23/12

Today's topic: Things you've learned that school won't teach you.

This is slightly different for me, due to the fact that I was homeschooled so I have very little idea what a public school actually teaches. But here are some things I've learned along the way that I didn't learn in a "school setting"

People are nice. In general, people are friendly, willing to help you out, and often just as nervous as you are. A smile can go a long way.

Life is short. Eat dessert first. Now, I don't necessarily agree with this statement, but I love the sentiment behind it. Don't waste time worrying about your weight or looks or what others think. Be healthy, but that does not mean you have to be the calorie police. If you like a little chocolate with dinner, go for it.

God really is in control. He's got everything taken care of. It may not always feel this way, but it's true. Even in the crazy seasons when it does not feel like it, He's there.

I guess the overarching theme of these things is don't worry. About anything.

What I Love: 5/6/13

Today's Blog Every Day in May challenge is "If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question 'What do you do?'"

I do a lot of things...I sew, I make things, I eat (a LOT), but the one thing I do above all else is worship God, and seek to glorify Him in every part of my life.

What I Love: 4/20/13

Identifying my ministry profile. Last night and today, I attended a Spiritual gifts and Callings seminar, and I learned a lot about myself. Some of it I already knew, some of it I suspected, and some of it I had no idea about. I learned that my top spiritual gifts are Shepherding  Helps, and Hospitality, my ministry style is People-oriented and flexibly structured, and my calling and desire in life is to seek out those in need and care for them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I can't wait to learn more about these things and explore what they will look like in my life.

Things I Learned In College

I am nearing the end of my second year, and my little sister is getting ready to graduate. When I think back to high school, I realize just how much I have grown, matured, and learned in the last two years. So even though there will be a lot to add in the next two years, I thought I'd write down some of the things I've come to realize during my college education.

1. Everything changes. Seriously. Everything.
2. It is possible to be friends with boys. I don't know what I thought in high school, but it was something along the lines of "boys are aliens from another planet".
3. Hair straighteners work great in a pinch to iron clothes. Especially for hems and other small spots.
4. Be yourself, or you'll end up with friends who don't know the real you. Nobody wants that.
5. There is a distinct difference between boy movies and girl movies. Who knew?!?
6. The occasional C is okay. Really.
7. Community bathrooms are not that bad. I promise.
8. Most people consider hanging out in graveyards abnormal behavior. The things unique to your family may not be common practice.
9. There will be times when your academics are not your top priority. Things happen, friends need you, it's okay.
10. Most of the time, academics will be your top priority. Everyone stresses about papers and tests. That's okay too.
11. Join only the clubs you love, and get leadership positions in them. Fun times and resume building! Win-win!
12. Don't join everything, just because you don't like saying no. Too many clubs just means too much stress. It is okay to say you aren't interested.
13. You will remember the nights spent stargazing, not the nights spent studying. Live a little.
14. God's got everything under control. Let Him take your stress and worry.

What have you learned in college?

What I Love: 3/31/13

The Easter season... isn't it incredible to think that God loved us SO MUCH that He died for us? and not just any death, one of the most painful deaths known to man. Even though we reject Him and forget Him, He  is still madly in love with each and every one of us.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

What I Love: 3/24/13

Taking Three-Fold Communion. Three-Fold Communion is based on what Jesus  did in the upper room the night He died. He not only broke bread and passed the cup, but He also washed the disciples' feet and had a meal with them. That is Three-Fold-Communion; a Love Feast, Foot Washing, and taking the Bread and Cup.

What I Love: 2/16/13

whoops, unintended hiatus there.

Anyway, what I love today is the Women's Retreat I was on. So many good things came out of it. I definitely felt God move, and that is a big deal for me. He was in the space, and He showed me some amazing things about myself and where He wants me to go.

He's been so good, so so good to me.

What I Love: 2/10/13

Prayer. You know, it is pretty incredible that we can talk to the God of the Universe, and He listens to us. I've been thinking about this a lot in ELI and in Church today, and the speaker pointed out that prayer is an invitation for God to come into our lives and keep His promises. What does this mean? Does God only work through our prayers? I'm not sure about that, but what I do know is that God loves to answer prayers and provide for His children. And I love talking with Him. It's a win-win. :)

What I Love: 2/6/13

Taking time to sit in God's presence. I am learning that though He may not answer my queries and demands, He is there, and that is all that matters.