Fasting

The idea of fasting has intrigued me for a while now. Not complete fasting (no food at all), more like the kind of fasting people do for Lent. Finding one thing, giving it up for about a month, and spending time getting closer to God. I am considering fasting from something during the month of May as a little personal challenge. I'm just not sure what to give up.

I thought about chocolate, but then I would just make up for that loss by eating other sugary things. I could give up added sugar entirely. It scares me but that's kind of the point of fasting, isn't it? :)

I've also thought about doing the social media fast (no Facebook, no Twitter, no Pinterest, maybe even no blog). Or maybe giving up any drinks besides water.

Have you ever fasted? What did you give up? What did you learn from it?

Love God and do as you please

"Love God and do as you please." -St. Augustine

I have read this quote exactly three times in the last couple of weeks. First in a book by Robin Jones Gunn. Then in an article in Relevant Magazine. And finally on a Facebook post. I swear it is following me around! And if you know anything about teaching, you have probably heard that if you want your students to remember something, you should tell it to them at least three times. I don't really know if this is just a coincidence or what... but I do think this is something I needed to hear at this time in my life. I recently made a big decision about college. Even though I feel good about it, I still occasionally question myself. Did I make the right decision? What if God wants me somewhere else? Etc, etc.

Here is the full quote from Augustine:

“Love God and do whatever you please: for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.”

And that pretty much says it all.

Bon Voyage

If you didn't know already, I'm going on a trip to Thailand and Cambodia in a week and four days (March 15-30). I've been getting excited with it coming up so soon, but it still seemed really far away for some reason. Today we had a meeting with everyone who is going (9 of us total) and it is finally starting to feel so real! I only have 8 days of school between now and then, and one more full weekend. Aaahhh! Like I said, I am way excited, but pretty anxious too. I would love it if you would remember to keep my group and I in your prayers, both as we prepare and when we leave, for safety, health, and that we would make a positive impact. It's going to be a crazy awesome adventure and I can't wait to see what God will do.

Oh and p.s. if you have any great tips for surviving across-the-world flights, let me know. That's the part of the trip I am least looking forward to.

True Love

Today, I am celebrating the One who loves me no matter what. The One who will never let me down. The One who gave up the most precious thing he had in order to save all of us. And I hope that you are too.

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." 
-Ephesians 3:16-19

Widows in their distress

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress..." -James 1:27

I was listening to a podcast one day when this verse came up in the discussion. The host mentioned that we, as Christians, really love this verse, especially the part about orphans. We sponsor starving children from third-world countries, we help out at fundraisers and events to raise money for orphanages, and some people even go to the point of adopting these children and providing them with a safe and loving home. While all of this is wonderful, we do not do very much to care for the widows. Why is that? I have a few ideas, but I am not entirely sure. What I do know is that they do not have easy lives. Think about your great-grandmother (or grandfather, or an elderly person in your church, or the next-door neighbor...). What are a few little things that would make a big difference to this person? It may be as simple as just sitting down and talking with them. Having a simple conversation, listening to their concerns, desires, feelings, etc. and offering some of your own. Or playing a game of cards. Or delivering some groceries. These are not hard things, so why aren't we doing them?

Check out this video, which inspired this post. The Seales are in the process of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. As part of the adoption process, they participated in a Both Hands Project and made the day of a widow in their community. So cool.

Privileged

This year, my school is undergoing a lot of changes after receiving a large grant. A brand new astroturf football field has been installed, and the baseball and softball fields are in process now. Portable buildings are being taken down, new classrooms and courtyards are being built... it's going to be a pretty snazzy place when it's done. I think it is great that our school is upping its game and making it a better place for students to learn. But it frustrates me when I still hear students and teachers complaining about the poor quality of the school's technology, or the lack of electives offered.

It can be easy to think that in order for students to be successful, the schools have to have the latest technology. However, that is not true.

All of these pictures were taken at schools that I saw during my trip to Honduras this past June. None of them had electricity--that means no computers, no Active Boards, and no lights. They had windows to let in light, and school only meets during the day, so why would they need electricity? None of these schools had turf fields either. A dirt field or an open clearing will do just as well. But, amazingly enough, the kids that we saw were still learning.

I hope that this post doesn't come across as overly cynical. I understand that technology can be a very useful tool in education. I just want people to realize that it is a privilege, not a right.