Summer Update: Using Our Gifts

God works in all things.  Even through Google.  I'll let you in on a secret: when I sit down to write I usually have some idea of what I plan to write about.  And when I write I try to use God's word in scripture as the center of my own writings as much as possible.  So I sat down to write today, without a scripture verse, but with an idea - I Googled that idea and 1 Peter 4:10 was the first verse that popped up.

Now, for those of you reading that know me personally, you know I'm not the type to be all The Holy Spirit just moved the Google to speak to me this morning.  No. I know how Google works - you get results based on what other people search most frequently.  But, I do believe that God would have brought me to this verse eventually in whatever way He chose.

Enough with that sidebar...

So this summer I am working at Sendiks, a grocery store that is local to the Milwaukee area.  It is a great job!  I get to work hands on (not directly hands on - I'm a food safety professional so I diligently wear latex gloves) with produce.  I love to educate people about food and nutrition, but I especially love working directly with food.  The people I work with are great as well!

But, this wasn't my first job interview or option of the summer...

Back in the spring, during my spring break, I applied to some retail stores at Mayfair Mall.  When I dropped off my application at Ann Taylor, the woman was all like "so, do you shop at Ann Taylor?"  I almost laughed out loud - I shop at Ann Taylor second hand when I can find her stuff on a rack at Good Will.  But I got out an "...um...yes...yes!"  Which was not totally a lie, because I bought one shirt, one time, off a the clearance rack.  I also applied to Aerie and Eddie Bauer - I wanted just a simple summer job where I could smile at people when they walked in the store, help them find the apparel that they wanted, and fold some $80 pairs of jeans.  But no interviews came of those places.

I also had an interview at a great local coffee place.  It was a great interview!  And as a loyal Milwaukeean, I still love this coffee place.  Unfortunately my schedule (with the upcoming internship) was not a good fit for all the training that job would require.  So at the end of that interview, like at the end of a bad date where someone says it's not you, it's me, I couldn't get up fast enough...but that's ok, I'll probably still drink their coffee from time to time.

Then, after a few more applications, Sendik's responded and called me in for an interview - and I got the job!  Which brings me to 1 Peter 4:10:

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

This past year, through the craziness of applying for my internship, I constantly prayed for God to reveal to me that He did want me to become a dietitian and serve Him through that career.  And if that was not His plan for my life, to begin leading me down a different path.  But through that time, I have learned that my passion to become a dietitian, work with food, teach others about good nutrition, are all gifts that God has given me.  

Peter urges us to use those gifts that God has given us.  He also urges us to be faithful stewards - that is the key phrase.  To me, a faithful steward is someone who devotes their gifts in a way that allows God to flourish them.

Even though I will not have this job forever, it is just a reminder that God longs to have me right where He wants me.  In Jeremiah 29:11, when He speaks of His plans to prosper us, His children, He is talking about using the gifts and blessings that He gives us so that they are abundant and prosperous.   That prosperity is for us and people around us.

He who lights the fire within us, will direct its light.

~SP

Summer Update: Mathew 6

May 10th marked my 22nd birthday and the completion of my undergraduate education.  Now that it is summertime, I have begun a wonderful summer (potentially fall/winter/spring) job at a local grocery store (more about that in another post).  I have my internship ahead of me, and I am excited that God has lead me to this place.  Like so many other students out there, my education has been partially funded by the United States of America - and they are going to be looking for a return on that soon.  Even if you got out of college unscathed by student loans, you might be facing the world of job-searching, or the reality of a tight budget.

I see God's grace in the opportunity to return home and do my internship at a location 10 minutes away from my house.  I am grateful to my parents for the home that they have provided and the ability to live at my house during this upcoming year - I won't have to carry the burden of rent and utilities.  (And if you know my parents, they aren't the type to kick their kids to the curb once they are done with school - even so, I want to express my gratitude to them.)

The financial stress we face on the cusp of adult life, or in the middle of adult life, or anywhere in life, is trying.  For me, where last year's journey was learning to trust in God's faithfulness in His plan and calling for my life, this year's journey is one where I will be learning to trust in God's provision in whatever form that may be.

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This evening, I sat down with a canvas and paintbrush, and I illustrated the verse that has convicted me as I move in to this next chapter.  I drew it out, and now I am prepared to stamp it on to my heart.  Matthew 6:24-26; a passage entitled "Do Not Worry."  I want to break down each of the three verses:

Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters.  Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and money."

We go through life with numerous financial obligations.  There are the monthly ones: cable, electricity, water, rent, etc.  There are the big ticket items: a house, a car, etc.  We have to buy groceries.  We have to buy clothing.  We have to manage money to do these things.  

But Jesus gives us a warning.  He alludes to what money can become: an idol.  We live comfortably, but we are tempted to have more of a cushion.  We have nice, clean clothes, but it would be nice to buy designer brand.  We have a house, but it would be nice to move into a bigger one.  And then we are driven by that next possible pay increase.

Idolatry of money can also happen if we are irresponsible with our monetary resources.  Part of being a faithful follower of Christ is setting an example for other believers and those who don't know Him.  It is hard to be pure of heart when we make selfish decisions or use the blessings that God gives us in a careless way.

Money does not give grace, or love, or forgiveness.  It is an idol that needs to be fed, but will never be satisfied.  We have the choice to surrender to a greater master who asks us to give a mere 10% to His church, our lives to Him - and whether or not we do that well or we stumble along the way, He will continue to pour out blessings unconditionally.    

Matthew 6:25 - "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"

This middle verse, I have to admit that I struggle with it somewhat.  I know there are a lot of people in this world who don't have enough layers of clothes to make it through a harsh winter.  There are also a lot of people that are wondering where their next meal will come from.  But I think there is something deeper to this verse than just food, drink, and clothing.

Last summer I gave a sermon to campers at Quest.  I talked about David and Goliath, and how God provides exactly what each of His children needs.  For David, God knew that Saul's armor would not help him defeat the Philistines.  God called David to be armed with faith, a slingshot, and a few stones.  

I pray that God's truth was heard through my words last summer.  Over the past year, I heard God speak to me through those same words.  I thought, Sarah, you got up and told those campers and friends that you love how God provides exactly what we need - you need to trust that the same is true in your life.  

Our needs are not the same as our neighbors'; and our needs range far beyond monetary needs. I would like to see everyone in this world with a warm winter coat when needed, and a meal three times each day.  We can help others, and share the blessings God pours out - and when our resources are limited, we have to trust that God provides for others when we can't.  

Matthew 6:26 - "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, or reap, or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?"

This verse reminds me again, that God is mindful of His children.  God pays attention to detail.  Even the smallest details.

At my house, we have a family room that was built on in 20th century, a while after the original house was built.  Three windows at the back of this room frame our back yard.  When I sit on my couch, I can look out these windows and see the metal fence that separates my backdoor neighbor's yard from mine.  One day in particular, I looked out to see this little puff of feathers perched atop than fence.  A little bird had made it from its nest, wherever that was, to the top of this fence.  The mother bird hovered by her baby, trying to encourage the little puff to once again take flight.  I watched as the little ball of feathers tried to stretch out its legs and take flight.  It took many tries, and then the little bird was finally able to leave the fence.

I'm sure that God was watching this same moment take place from a different point of view.  And if He cares for that little ball of fluff and feathers, He also watches me.  He looks out for my well-being.  He provides exactly what He knows I need.

~SP   

The Toys We Grew Up With: How We Treat Weapons

These last few weeks have brought unspeakable tragedy.  Some occurring far out on the east coast, and one occurring in the county just north of where I live.  But because they are precious lives, precious children of God, it doesn't matter if these events had occurred on another planet.  It is simply heartbreaking and spirit-crushing.

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When I was little, my mom was part of a Bible study that met at a local church.  The Bible study was called "Mom's and More."  The "...and More" part was where I came in.  There was childcare provided where kids would have there own sort of Bible study while the moms had time for fellowship.  We read stories, ate snacks, and sang songs.  I remember one of the songs talking about artillery and being in the Lord's army.  Although it certainly wasn't advocating for weaponry and fighting, it was not a favorite of my parents when I recited it for them at home.

I've written before about my desire to have Barbie dolls when I was little, and how my parents would not let me have them until I was older than most other kids.  For me, Barbie was the toy I really wanted, but I had to understand that the human body, the real human body, was carefully designed by God and came in many shapes and sizes that are all beautiful.

My brother David was not interested in Barbies.  David liked Transformers, and Power Rangers.  Many boys his age also had toy guns to play with - but not David.  When David was little my parents would not let him play with guns.  Why?  Guns are not toys.  Guns are weapons that are used with the intent to kill.  Whether it be aimed at a person, a deer or some other type of wildlife, the purpose of a gun is to destroy.  Yes, you can take it to a range to practice, shoot it at a target, hit clay pigeons - but a gun will never lose its capacity to end a life.  It will never not be a weapon.

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In these recent tragedies, I do not feel a gun law reform is the only thing that needs to happen.  I think that there are aspects of mental health that need to be addressed.  There are elements of spirituality that need to be addressed.  There are family health issues that need to be addressed.  Gun law reform alone will not end these tragedies.  

In our country we have the right to own a gun.  So if my neighbor decides to buy a gun, that is ok.  I won't be there to pat them on the back, or congratulate them.  They didn't just bring a new baby home or graduate from college.  It is a purchase.  If my neighbor decides to let their son or daughter play with bee bee guns, or other gun simulators, that is ok.  But my children will not.  I will not allow my son or daughter to play games with guns involved, where they pretend to shoot at other people, where they pretend to kill other people.  I will make sure my children know the seriousness of weapons and the consequences they entail.

So, is it un-Christian to own a gun?  No.  But I believe it is not Christ-like.  You may think those are similar things - but often being a Christian bears no semblance to the ways of Jesus Christ.  If I am striving to be a Christ-like Christian, then there is no room for a gun in my home.  My protection is in Jesus Christ.  I believe in a just God.  A gun cannot bring me justice.

~SP

Dating Advice (The Kind Paul Would Like)

I can tell you this confidently: I have never wanted a boyfriend or gone looking for a boyfriend.  I have never felt that I needed a boyfriend.  Yes, I have dreamed myself into every Molly Ringwald role in a John Hughes film where she gets the guy at the end after being the underdog for most of the movie.  The thought of having someone that you have an individual and special relationship with is exciting!  But chasing it down, and constantly fretting over finding someone destroys some of that joy and can render a relationship empty purposeless - it is just a "space-filling" relationship.

Dating should be purposeful.  We should date to find the person that we want to spend our lives with.  But there are other things that God wants for us in our lives.  Marriage is just one of those many things.  When we only focus on finding a partner, when we put all other things in life on hold, we may be giving up incredible opportunities that God has for us.  

So if I could give advice to myself, my peers, and younger men and women (yes, this is not just a call out to young women, this is about young men too), this is what I would offer.

Your date-ability is determined by the One who created you, not by the measure of another person.  The first time someone told you that your value is in Christ alone, did you believe it?  For some, it just takes one instance, and for others they have to learn what value and identity in Christ mean.  Because I know that my worth is in Christ, I am fulfilled in a way that can't be taken away or matched by a person.  So I don't need to date a handful of guys to know that I am worthy of dating.  More dating does not make you better at dating - it is not something you need to gain experience in.  Dating boy or girl A will not prepare you to date boy or girl B.  If you are not approaching each relationship you have in your life as individual, you may be setting yourself up for an unhealthy relationship.

Take the stigmas off of singleness.  Singleness is not a disease.  It is not a situation.  It does not need to be remedied.  If you are using single and taken as the predominant markers of your identity, then you are in crisis.  You have to have your own identity - know who you are - before you enter into a relationship with another person.  Constantly being on the search for a relationship, or constantly being in relationships can stifle that self-discovery process that God guides us each through.  We end up spending more time discovering others that we are a stranger to our own hearts and our own gifts and callings.  As I mentioned previously, dating does not give you more experience.  In the same way, not dating does not atrophy your heart muscle, or your ability to be thoughtful and romantic.  The movies will sell us this idea that you can be "out of practice" if you haven't dated in a while.  A first date is always going to make you nervous and excited.  You are approaching a new situation - you should feel like you are exploring and getting to know things all over again.

Think about your environment and the atmosphere of your friendships.  Have you ever seen someone you know, a friend of yours, and instead of asking you about how you are doing, the first thing they ask you about is another person, maybe your girlfriend/boyfriend?  It feels like they don't care about you.  They care about the latest updates on your relationship.  When you sit down to lunch with a friend, is the first thing you talk about dating, their relationships, your relationships?  It takes away your individuality and their individuality.  

Is your school one of those "ring by spring" schools?  That is an unfair expectation and an unnecessary pressure.  Marriage is not the sole purpose of your life, it should not be the sole purpose of your education.

Take your time; accumulate some "when we were dating" stories.  There is no rush.  You are never too old to get married or to start a new relationship.  When I am with friends later in life, or when I have children someday, I want to be able to tell them "when we were dating" stories.  Not just one or two stories, but a bunch of them.  There is something that is different about a dating story, that a newly married story.  There is a different element of excitement.  I also want to be able to tell my husbands stories.  Not just a few, but a bunch.  I really want to know about his life before we share our life together.  

~SP