"I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams. And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things. I'm here for you whatever this life brings. So let my love give you roots, and help you find your wings." - "Find Your Wings" - Mark Harris
Upon graduating high school, I've taken a look back at the way I have come the last 4 years. My journey has been one that has shaped much of my life, but even more so, the people that I have come to know through those years have been an influential part of who I have come to be. I think it is safe to say I wouldn't be where I am or who I am without them in my life. Looking back, I see how God had a plan and a reason for each person that stepped in my life. When as well as how long they stayed or if they're still there were all part of God's plan.
Sometimes people are only meant to be in our lives for a season, sometimes longer. But no matter how long they are there, they have a reason to be there. God placed them in your life for a reason, whether it be you help them, they help you, or you help each other. And when they leave, they almost always leave a mark, a reminder of what they did in your life. No matter where we go in life, how close or how far apart we become, we always carry a bit of each other everywhere.
It is those people that came into my life that slowly helped to bring me about. It is those people that came in my life at certain seasons and were always there, always praying, and who invested into me and encouraged me to keep going that made such a difference in my life. And because of their love and encouragement, I am finding my wings. I'm getting ready to fly. Those people were such an influential part of my life and ultimately directed me to seek God in everything.
Under their encouragement and guidance I really began to seek God. And little by little, my dreams of what I would be in the future changed. Slowly what I once dreamed of began to seem empty and meaningless, and God's dreams for me, became my dreams. At first they seemed unreachable. But on more than one occasion, God has proven that He is faithful and that He will bring me through what He has called me to. I just have to listen and obey His voice. All in all my heart is fully driven to achieve the dreams that God has laid in my heart...
"May passion be the wind that leads you through your days, and may conviction keep you strong and guide you on your way. May there be many moments that make your life so sweet. Oh, but more than memories..."
It's my faith that keeps me going after these dreams placed in me. And my faith is the reason that I am still standing. I'll be honest, sometimes it can be easy to forget how good God is, and all that He has done. (Which happens when you give into circumstances and take your eyes off Him). But sometimes I like to look back, because it's the memories of where He brought me from that keep me moving forward. There are times I would love to go back to how things used to be. But that season is over. It was a time of growth, and now it's time to move on. God had me placed there for just long enough, but now a new season has come and looking back, I have far more than just memories from the last season. I have much more that I carry from that time in my heart. And what I carry from that is much of what keeps me pushing forward...
"Visions that can change the world trapped inside an ordinary girl
She looks just like me too afraid to dream out loud
And though it’s simple your idea, it won’t make sense to everybody
You need courage now If you're gonna persevere
To fulfill divine purpose, you gotta answer when you're called
So don't be afraid to face the world against all odds
CHORUS
Keep the dream alive don't let it die
If something deep inside keeps inspiring you to try, don't stop
And never give up, don't ever give up on you
Don't give up
Every victory comes in time, work today to change tomorrow
It gets easier, who’s to say that you can’t fly
Every step you take you get, closer to your destination
You can feel it now, don’t you know you're almost there?
To fulfill divine purpose, you gotta answer when you're called
So don't be afraid to face the world against all odds."
-Never Give Up - Yolanda Adams
God has given me a vision that I choose to go after with everything in me. It hasn't been an easy journey, and it is not going to be. But It is what He has called me to. It's my destiny, and I'm going to be sure that I am the one who will fulfill it and that He won't have to send another to take my place. Obedience is key. I will not run from the way that God has planned for me. I'm just me. And although it might not always be in the worlds eyes, "just me" is enough for God. But he has to take ALL of me. Not just a part of me. And because I'm giving Him my all, I know that my life is in His hands. And thus, I go after what he has called me to. And I know that He will bring me through. I will have the Victory in Jesus. It will come one day....I heard once that "We are called to be today, what we will be when Christ comes." So I press forward. I want to fulfill the dreams that God has placed in me.
"Go make the best of everything you want to be
With ambition pushing forward
Your dreams upon your shoulders" -"We've Only Just Begun" Run Kid Run
I'm running. I've just hit a milestone. Each day is bringing me just a bit closer. A good friend told me that "We have to be who God called us to be." Those ten words changed my life. With that reminder I continue. Another friend told me to "Call on the promise..." which through that I learned to call on the promiser. These four years, I could never summarize well. It would make a novel just to begin. (Thus this is my terrible summary). There is much written between the lines, and even more written across my heart.
All in all, what I've learned these last four years, I pray that you don't need to see what I write to know what I have brought with me. Because what I have learned, I pray that you see it daily in my life. That you will see how I've learned to love, and how I've learned to give, to sacrifice, to live all for God and to seek and find. I pray that you see daily how my struggles have made me strong, and that God in me who brings me through those trials makes me even stronger. I pray that when the time comes, you will see me fly and as I do, that you will see these last four years through my eyes.
"Live like your loved by the Lord up above. Spread out your wings and never give up. Cause you can do anything, be who you're meant to be. Always remember to dream. Keep your head up, and live like you're loved." - Live Like You're Loved by Mark Schultz.
To all who were with me -- Thanks for coming on this journey. Your influence in my life changed me and made me who I am today. Above all, thank you, Jesus for being my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my savior, friend, help, my light, my strength, my God. Thank you for bringing me here. My life is all yours. Take me as I am and mold me to your dreams for me. I love you, Lord! <3
Dancing in the shadow of His cross,
Brittany (1 Peter 3:4)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Kidney Transplant
Hey everyone! This is a really good friend of mine. She was one of my youth leaders at church and is simply amazing! God isn't done with her yet! So, please keep her in your prayers and donate if you can. I really appreciate it! Thank you all so much! <3
Here is the link for her story and for more information:
http://www.transplants.org/donate/madeeleombruno
God bless,
Brittany (1 Peter 3:4)
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Ready, Salt....Answer!
“In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 [emphasis added]
It was a typical day for me. I did school, ran some errands, and then began to get ready for work. The sounds of spring were in the air and the weather was warmer than it had been in weeks. I put my window down a bit as I drove breathing in the warm fresh air. There was feet of snow on the side of the road just beginning to melt, but I still enjoyed the scenery that clearly showed that winter was fading and spring was finally coming. More than ever, I was ready for spring. It had been a long winter that included a record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures. Spring was more than welcome to be on it’s way.
Upon pulling into work, I said a prayer for God to use me and that he would shine through me and that he would be seen in me. Just like my typical day, I did my typical work. Notices, processing, shelving, repairing, working at the desk - nothing abnormal for me at all. But then something that was a bit different did happen. I was sporting my Southeastern University shirt which has printed into the design, “Be Salt.” As I was checking out a patron, he noticed my shirt asked me what “be salt” meant.
So many thoughts when through my head at that moment, the foremost being that this was a chance I had been praying for. But then, I realized, how could I explain “be salt” to a non-Christian? This stumped me for a moment and I slowly explained what it meant to me and how in the Bible in Matthew 5 it says that,
“You are the salt of the earth. If the salt loses it’s flavor, how then can it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do you light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and praise your father in heaven.”
I went on to say how salt cleanses, and although it irritates the wound at first, it ultimately benefits you greatly in the end. Salt is pure. We are told to be salt and light in the world.
I grimaced inwardly at my poor explanation. The man looked at me trying to understand what I had said. He made a short reply about that being cool, and then took his books and left. As he walked out those doors I realized something, that I had lost a real chance to be salt and to be a light. And why? Because I wasn’t ready. I was not ready to give an answer.
After that day, I set out to ready myself and to arm myself with answers that I can give to anyone who asks. I came upon 2 Timothy 4 which says, “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.”
We all need to be ready. Whether it is our time to go out or our time for staying where we are. We need to be ready to give an answer. We need to be prepared. How can you prepare yourself today? Are you ready?
~Brittany
It was a typical day for me. I did school, ran some errands, and then began to get ready for work. The sounds of spring were in the air and the weather was warmer than it had been in weeks. I put my window down a bit as I drove breathing in the warm fresh air. There was feet of snow on the side of the road just beginning to melt, but I still enjoyed the scenery that clearly showed that winter was fading and spring was finally coming. More than ever, I was ready for spring. It had been a long winter that included a record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures. Spring was more than welcome to be on it’s way.
Upon pulling into work, I said a prayer for God to use me and that he would shine through me and that he would be seen in me. Just like my typical day, I did my typical work. Notices, processing, shelving, repairing, working at the desk - nothing abnormal for me at all. But then something that was a bit different did happen. I was sporting my Southeastern University shirt which has printed into the design, “Be Salt.” As I was checking out a patron, he noticed my shirt asked me what “be salt” meant.
So many thoughts when through my head at that moment, the foremost being that this was a chance I had been praying for. But then, I realized, how could I explain “be salt” to a non-Christian? This stumped me for a moment and I slowly explained what it meant to me and how in the Bible in Matthew 5 it says that,
“You are the salt of the earth. If the salt loses it’s flavor, how then can it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do you light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and praise your father in heaven.”
I went on to say how salt cleanses, and although it irritates the wound at first, it ultimately benefits you greatly in the end. Salt is pure. We are told to be salt and light in the world.
I grimaced inwardly at my poor explanation. The man looked at me trying to understand what I had said. He made a short reply about that being cool, and then took his books and left. As he walked out those doors I realized something, that I had lost a real chance to be salt and to be a light. And why? Because I wasn’t ready. I was not ready to give an answer.
After that day, I set out to ready myself and to arm myself with answers that I can give to anyone who asks. I came upon 2 Timothy 4 which says, “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.”
We all need to be ready. Whether it is our time to go out or our time for staying where we are. We need to be ready to give an answer. We need to be prepared. How can you prepare yourself today? Are you ready?
~Brittany
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Faith that moves...
"I've seen dreams the move the mountains, hope that doesn't ever end even when the sky is falling. And I've seen miracles just happen. Silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new. That's what faith can do..." - That's What Faith Can Do by Kutless.
That's what Faith Can Do - that song portrays so much. My faith is important to me. I relate with this song so much. I want my faith to be like that. I want my dreams to move mountains, I want to always hope and believe, even when things seem like they will never come to be. I've seen miracles, I want to see God move again and again. I want to see those silent prayers answered, and broken hearts become new. I want everyone to see what Faith can do.
Faith is a powerful thing. In Hebrews 11:1 it says: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see."
Nothing in this life is certain. Nothing in this life is constant. Nothing except for one thing - Jesus. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He is the only constant, the only certainty. That is why faith is so powerful, because it is standing fully on what is unmovable and unchanging. Faith is powerful because it is standing on the solid rock when all else is shifting sand. The power of faith is in God. Everlasting, never changing, and eternally existent. What in this life is there that you can hold to? What stability is there in this world. I am certain and sure that the only answer is Jesus. When you have faith - you know and believe that no matter what comes to pass, that God will always keep you.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.
I know that no matter what happens, no matter what trials that come my way or what storms may come to pass that God will always be there and He will always see me through. I just have to trust him, believe in him, and have faith. My faith is my story. My relationship with Jesus Christ is the theme. And above all, God is writing my story. I know he has plans for me, and I can't wait to see what he will do through me. My life will be all to bring Him glory and it will be in his way and in His plans for me.
One of my favorite verses is in Jeremiah 29:11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.'"
I don't know the plans that God has for me. There have been many times where I've gone to God not knowing which way to go or what decision to make and I'd pray, "Lord, would you please clue me in on your plans a little?" But it doesn't always work that way. I have to believe that when I trust God that He will help me make the right choice. I can't see the road a head of me. I am unsure of where I'm going in this life. But we are meant to walk by faith and not by sight.
I'm not your typical girl, but I am who God is making me to be. I'm shaped by his hands and as he shapes me, he is keeping the purpose that he has for me in mind. I had dreams of my own, but coming to God, my dreams changed. Admittedly part of me still wants those former dreams of mine, but God's dreams for me are so much better, and I know that it is in God's will that I'll be the happiest, and where my purpose will be fulfilled. I also know that the center of God's will is not a destination, it's a journey, and it is a journey that I will take all of my days.
I once dreamed of med-school and being a doctor. I had dreams of being able to help people and save lives that way. But it is so clear to me now that going into medicine is not where God wants me, even when there are still days that I want it. But no, God is calling me to minister. He is calling me to preach the gospel, bring freedom to the captives, and bring release to the prisoners. He has called me to comfort those who mourn, and to declare the year of the Lord's favor! (Isaiah 61:1-3)
Now I dream of ministry. I dream of ministering in a church, and to youth, teen girls and women. I dream of missions to Haiti and India. I dream of ministry with dance and with the arts. God has given me a heart for such things. And although I at times look back at my dream of being a doctor, I don't miss it, although I want it at times, I've recognized those times for what they are -- those times are pure selfishness in me. I wanted to be a doctor to help people yes, and to minister that way -- but also for my name to be known. With these new dreams God has given me, it is not about me, it is all about him. It is about how everything that I do and say glorify Him in every way. This life is my praise, my offering, my everything. God will speak through me, - He's promised me the words. God will go before me - He has already made my way. God will guide me - He is my light and my salvation. God will use me - He's had a purpose for me since before I was born.
You may by now be wondering who I am. I've said much and yet very little. I am servant of the Most High. I am a young woman of Faith. I am a daughter of the king of kings. I am a dreamer holding to God's dreams. I am a sinner redeemed by the blood that poured from Jesus as he hung on the cross, I am a warrior in the Lord's army (by the way we already win.). I am who God the Father calls me to be, but above all - I am His and my life is to bring him glory!
To God be the glory, honor and praise!
~Brittany (1 Peter 3:4)
That's what Faith Can Do - that song portrays so much. My faith is important to me. I relate with this song so much. I want my faith to be like that. I want my dreams to move mountains, I want to always hope and believe, even when things seem like they will never come to be. I've seen miracles, I want to see God move again and again. I want to see those silent prayers answered, and broken hearts become new. I want everyone to see what Faith can do.
Faith is a powerful thing. In Hebrews 11:1 it says: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see."
Nothing in this life is certain. Nothing in this life is constant. Nothing except for one thing - Jesus. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He is the only constant, the only certainty. That is why faith is so powerful, because it is standing fully on what is unmovable and unchanging. Faith is powerful because it is standing on the solid rock when all else is shifting sand. The power of faith is in God. Everlasting, never changing, and eternally existent. What in this life is there that you can hold to? What stability is there in this world. I am certain and sure that the only answer is Jesus. When you have faith - you know and believe that no matter what comes to pass, that God will always keep you.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.
I know that no matter what happens, no matter what trials that come my way or what storms may come to pass that God will always be there and He will always see me through. I just have to trust him, believe in him, and have faith. My faith is my story. My relationship with Jesus Christ is the theme. And above all, God is writing my story. I know he has plans for me, and I can't wait to see what he will do through me. My life will be all to bring Him glory and it will be in his way and in His plans for me.
One of my favorite verses is in Jeremiah 29:11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.'"
I don't know the plans that God has for me. There have been many times where I've gone to God not knowing which way to go or what decision to make and I'd pray, "Lord, would you please clue me in on your plans a little?" But it doesn't always work that way. I have to believe that when I trust God that He will help me make the right choice. I can't see the road a head of me. I am unsure of where I'm going in this life. But we are meant to walk by faith and not by sight.
I'm not your typical girl, but I am who God is making me to be. I'm shaped by his hands and as he shapes me, he is keeping the purpose that he has for me in mind. I had dreams of my own, but coming to God, my dreams changed. Admittedly part of me still wants those former dreams of mine, but God's dreams for me are so much better, and I know that it is in God's will that I'll be the happiest, and where my purpose will be fulfilled. I also know that the center of God's will is not a destination, it's a journey, and it is a journey that I will take all of my days.
I once dreamed of med-school and being a doctor. I had dreams of being able to help people and save lives that way. But it is so clear to me now that going into medicine is not where God wants me, even when there are still days that I want it. But no, God is calling me to minister. He is calling me to preach the gospel, bring freedom to the captives, and bring release to the prisoners. He has called me to comfort those who mourn, and to declare the year of the Lord's favor! (Isaiah 61:1-3)
Now I dream of ministry. I dream of ministering in a church, and to youth, teen girls and women. I dream of missions to Haiti and India. I dream of ministry with dance and with the arts. God has given me a heart for such things. And although I at times look back at my dream of being a doctor, I don't miss it, although I want it at times, I've recognized those times for what they are -- those times are pure selfishness in me. I wanted to be a doctor to help people yes, and to minister that way -- but also for my name to be known. With these new dreams God has given me, it is not about me, it is all about him. It is about how everything that I do and say glorify Him in every way. This life is my praise, my offering, my everything. God will speak through me, - He's promised me the words. God will go before me - He has already made my way. God will guide me - He is my light and my salvation. God will use me - He's had a purpose for me since before I was born.
You may by now be wondering who I am. I've said much and yet very little. I am servant of the Most High. I am a young woman of Faith. I am a daughter of the king of kings. I am a dreamer holding to God's dreams. I am a sinner redeemed by the blood that poured from Jesus as he hung on the cross, I am a warrior in the Lord's army (by the way we already win.). I am who God the Father calls me to be, but above all - I am His and my life is to bring him glory!
To God be the glory, honor and praise!
~Brittany (1 Peter 3:4)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
DIESEL - This is our year! <3
"Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction..." 2 Timothy 2:2
Diesel, This is our year.
I really believe that this season we have to prepare. This Spiritual battle is real.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
Are we ready? Do we fit into our armor?
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Ephesians 6:13-16
We are leaders here. We can start a revolution. There is a war to be waged here. We have to fight. We have to stand. If you were called to go out now, tonight, would you be ready?
This is our year! What are we going to do with it -- or you know what -- What are we going to let God do with it? How are we going to let him work in our lives so we can do the impossible? Are we going to be open to him to let him move?
I believe this is our year. It is time we stand up and take our place on the battlefield. We Are DIESEL - fueled by the spirit---or are we? Consider this - What drives you? Are you fueled by the Spirit? Is it God that keeps you going with every breath left in you? Is it God that consumes your every thought and every motive? Is is the Spirit of God in you that fuels you?
We have so much power right in our hands that God has laid out for us to grasp. Are we ready to take it up? Do we believe? Do we know? Are we fueled by the Spirit??
You are called tonight. Are you ready to fight? Do you fit into YOUR armor? As an individual - are you ready for battle. If no one else were to stand with you tonight -- would you be able to stand your ground?
As a group - are we ready for battle? We could be so much - we have the potential. We cover each other's weaknesses. We are strong together. but if we aren't ready to fight, when will we be?
it is time for us to take up our armor. It is time for us to take a stand. This is our year, Diesel! This is our year to see the impossible. It is our year to move mountains. it is our year to lead - to start a revolution. Are you open to the supernatural? It's time to get out of the ordinary. We are extraordinary.
Do you believe in this year and what it has in store?
One last question,
Will you stand with me??
It is our time. This is our year.
"A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12
-giving
-prayer
-fasting
Time for battle. Take up your armor. We're waging war! <3
We are DIESEL - FUELED BY THE SPIRIT!
Diesel, This is our year.
I really believe that this season we have to prepare. This Spiritual battle is real.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
Are we ready? Do we fit into our armor?
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Ephesians 6:13-16
We are leaders here. We can start a revolution. There is a war to be waged here. We have to fight. We have to stand. If you were called to go out now, tonight, would you be ready?
This is our year! What are we going to do with it -- or you know what -- What are we going to let God do with it? How are we going to let him work in our lives so we can do the impossible? Are we going to be open to him to let him move?
I believe this is our year. It is time we stand up and take our place on the battlefield. We Are DIESEL - fueled by the spirit---or are we? Consider this - What drives you? Are you fueled by the Spirit? Is it God that keeps you going with every breath left in you? Is it God that consumes your every thought and every motive? Is is the Spirit of God in you that fuels you?
We have so much power right in our hands that God has laid out for us to grasp. Are we ready to take it up? Do we believe? Do we know? Are we fueled by the Spirit??
You are called tonight. Are you ready to fight? Do you fit into YOUR armor? As an individual - are you ready for battle. If no one else were to stand with you tonight -- would you be able to stand your ground?
As a group - are we ready for battle? We could be so much - we have the potential. We cover each other's weaknesses. We are strong together. but if we aren't ready to fight, when will we be?
it is time for us to take up our armor. It is time for us to take a stand. This is our year, Diesel! This is our year to see the impossible. It is our year to move mountains. it is our year to lead - to start a revolution. Are you open to the supernatural? It's time to get out of the ordinary. We are extraordinary.
Do you believe in this year and what it has in store?
One last question,
Will you stand with me??
It is our time. This is our year.
"A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12
-giving
-prayer
-fasting
Time for battle. Take up your armor. We're waging war! <3
We are DIESEL - FUELED BY THE SPIRIT!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Who Measures Up?
I stood against the measuring stick as tall as I could and was disappointed to find that I was still too short. I came to this amusement park every year only to find that I was still too short to ride what I looked to be the best ride in the park, a roller coaster called the Wild Mouse. It was fast with sharp curves and dips and it slammed you around the whole ride. Does this sound like fun? Well it did when I was six. However, once again, I didn’t measure up to the requirements. The only requirement – “You must be this tall to ride.” Well I was not “this tall,” in fact, I came up quite short. And the “shortness factor” would get me a lot in life. I’m not just talking about height either. Back to the park, my older brother got to ride the Wild Mouse while I was watching. The next year, I was finally tall enough –barely that is. (I may have stood on my tippy toes just a bit.) After waiting in that line for what seemed like an eternity, I sat myself in the seat with my brother and waited with anticipation for what was to come. We started moving; up – up –up we went. The car stopped at the top for a few seconds, and I held my breath in anticipation, then all the sudden, we whipped around a tight left bend, and then another, followed by a tight right and a drop, only to go up again and twist sharply. I recall hitting my head of the side of the roller coaster car several times on those turns as I was too small to really stay in place. In spite of that fact, I loved it. I wanted to ride again. It did beat me up a little, but I finally “measured up” to the requirements.
This is how our world today is. We see others doing what we want nothing more than to do ourselves, but we come up too short. We don’t “measure up.” Society today is like that roller coaster. We want to be the ones riding it, but the bar has been raised too high for us to measure up to. We try to stand as high as we can as to look tall enough. The requirements are there because anything less cannot handle the ride. If we stand tall and just barely reach the mark to ride – we might get whipped around a bit. We may get beat up along the way. Will the ride be worth it? Are we riding because it’s where we are meant to be, or because we finally fit the requirement? Is finally making it what keeps us holding on for our dear lives?
“You must be this tall to ride” – These days to measure up, you have to be the best of the best. You have to have a better education, a better job, and even be better looking than the next guy. Not everyone is going to “measure-up” to the world’s standards. It seems they are continually raising the bar, and we just can’t seem to stand to it. We all have standards (or at least I would hope we do.) Some of us have our standards higher or lower than others. It’s the standard that defines what people expect of us. At times we can be overwhelmed by what is expected as what we have to bring is never enough to satisfy the requirement. What we have to bring is never enough for us to measure up to the expectations that are set before us. When we reach that, we just drown in a sea of what we may see as failure. We fail to reach the mark.
Since creation, we've been raising the bar, pushing to do more, to go farther, to reach higher than we ever have before. We’ve been reaching to make ourselves better, or to make a name for ourselves. In the Garden of Eden, Eve was deceived and tempted to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. As Satan, in the form of a serpent told her, “…when you eat of it [the fruit of the tree] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Eve wanted to be, “like God.” “Ironically, in trying to be “like God,” humans separated themselves from God Almighty and became false gods to themselves.” (FIREBIBLE Student Edition, © 2007, p. 35)
The Tower of Babel is another example. In Genesis 11: 4 says this:
“Then they said, “Come, let us build for ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” (emphasis added)
When we try to make a name for ourselves, we push the limits, we reach as high as we can manage, and when that isn’t enough we stand on our toes hoping that we will finally reach the standard. We can only do that for so long. We’re only made so strong.I find it ironic that what seems to be labeled as the "world's standard," is higher than the standards of the world. It seems that the world expects so much, but they expect it not of themselves, but of others.
Who really measures up? For how long will we continue to raise a bar that we can't stand to ourselves? Standards are good to have - high standards, but when too much is expected - when perfection is expected, who will stand to the bar? We can try and reach for it. Is it worth getting beat up along the way? Will we survive it?
I find that the "shortness factor" can get me quite a bit. I don't always "measure up" to other people. I can't sing like many people I know, I'm not the greatest with drama, and memorization. I'm not good with people all the time. I'm not the best at anything, but I'm good at many things. However, the gifts I've been given and the skills I have acquired still leave much to be desired at times. Sometimes I feel like I have an image to hold that I CAN do the requirement. That I CAN reach the standard, but really, I'm barely making it. I'm not steady. I'm on a roller coaster ride that continually beats on me with every twist and turn. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself in those places. At times, it is to stretch and to grow, at others it is because of what is expected of me, and still others, it is just waiting to be held to the bar so that I can finally step down, be satisfied that I've reached it and go back to where I measure to. Who really measures up?
I thank God continually that He takes me as I am. He made me to be who I am. He takes everything that I have to bring - failures, short comings and all - and he makes them perfect. His power works best in my weakness. (2 Corinthians _:_) In the end, it is not about whether I measure up to the world's standards, but do I measure up to God's standard? No. No one can. None of us are perfect. But he loves us.
Thank you, Jesus for taking me as I am, and loving me for who I have become. Thank you for shining through my weakness.
~Brittany
"Its a fear that keeps me wide awake,
in the middle of the night.
When the expectations are too great,
and the bar gets raised too high.
So I do the best with what I've got,
and hope that no one knows,
that I strain to see how high I can
try to stand on these toes
until I'm measured
but you know better so...
CHORUS:
Thank you Jesus,
even when you see us just as we are
fragil and frail and so far from
who we want to be so
thank you Jesus, even when the pieces
are broken and small
dreams shatter and scatter like the wind.
Thank you even then.
So I put aside the masquerade,
and admit that I am not okay.
Which may not be the thing to say,
but I'm not ashamed to need you,
more each day so
CHORUS
We raise the standard and try to reach it,
but we'll never make it and we don't need to...
so thank you....just as we are, we are fragil
and frail and so far from, who we want to be so...
CHORUS
"Even Then" - Nichole Nordeman
This is how our world today is. We see others doing what we want nothing more than to do ourselves, but we come up too short. We don’t “measure up.” Society today is like that roller coaster. We want to be the ones riding it, but the bar has been raised too high for us to measure up to. We try to stand as high as we can as to look tall enough. The requirements are there because anything less cannot handle the ride. If we stand tall and just barely reach the mark to ride – we might get whipped around a bit. We may get beat up along the way. Will the ride be worth it? Are we riding because it’s where we are meant to be, or because we finally fit the requirement? Is finally making it what keeps us holding on for our dear lives?
“You must be this tall to ride” – These days to measure up, you have to be the best of the best. You have to have a better education, a better job, and even be better looking than the next guy. Not everyone is going to “measure-up” to the world’s standards. It seems they are continually raising the bar, and we just can’t seem to stand to it. We all have standards (or at least I would hope we do.) Some of us have our standards higher or lower than others. It’s the standard that defines what people expect of us. At times we can be overwhelmed by what is expected as what we have to bring is never enough to satisfy the requirement. What we have to bring is never enough for us to measure up to the expectations that are set before us. When we reach that, we just drown in a sea of what we may see as failure. We fail to reach the mark.
Since creation, we've been raising the bar, pushing to do more, to go farther, to reach higher than we ever have before. We’ve been reaching to make ourselves better, or to make a name for ourselves. In the Garden of Eden, Eve was deceived and tempted to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. As Satan, in the form of a serpent told her, “…when you eat of it [the fruit of the tree] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Eve wanted to be, “like God.” “Ironically, in trying to be “like God,” humans separated themselves from God Almighty and became false gods to themselves.” (FIREBIBLE Student Edition, © 2007, p. 35)
The Tower of Babel is another example. In Genesis 11: 4 says this:
“Then they said, “Come, let us build for ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” (emphasis added)
When we try to make a name for ourselves, we push the limits, we reach as high as we can manage, and when that isn’t enough we stand on our toes hoping that we will finally reach the standard. We can only do that for so long. We’re only made so strong.I find it ironic that what seems to be labeled as the "world's standard," is higher than the standards of the world. It seems that the world expects so much, but they expect it not of themselves, but of others.
Who really measures up? For how long will we continue to raise a bar that we can't stand to ourselves? Standards are good to have - high standards, but when too much is expected - when perfection is expected, who will stand to the bar? We can try and reach for it. Is it worth getting beat up along the way? Will we survive it?
I find that the "shortness factor" can get me quite a bit. I don't always "measure up" to other people. I can't sing like many people I know, I'm not the greatest with drama, and memorization. I'm not good with people all the time. I'm not the best at anything, but I'm good at many things. However, the gifts I've been given and the skills I have acquired still leave much to be desired at times. Sometimes I feel like I have an image to hold that I CAN do the requirement. That I CAN reach the standard, but really, I'm barely making it. I'm not steady. I'm on a roller coaster ride that continually beats on me with every twist and turn. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself in those places. At times, it is to stretch and to grow, at others it is because of what is expected of me, and still others, it is just waiting to be held to the bar so that I can finally step down, be satisfied that I've reached it and go back to where I measure to. Who really measures up?
I thank God continually that He takes me as I am. He made me to be who I am. He takes everything that I have to bring - failures, short comings and all - and he makes them perfect. His power works best in my weakness. (2 Corinthians _:_) In the end, it is not about whether I measure up to the world's standards, but do I measure up to God's standard? No. No one can. None of us are perfect. But he loves us.
Thank you, Jesus for taking me as I am, and loving me for who I have become. Thank you for shining through my weakness.
~Brittany
"Its a fear that keeps me wide awake,
in the middle of the night.
When the expectations are too great,
and the bar gets raised too high.
So I do the best with what I've got,
and hope that no one knows,
that I strain to see how high I can
try to stand on these toes
until I'm measured
but you know better so...
CHORUS:
Thank you Jesus,
even when you see us just as we are
fragil and frail and so far from
who we want to be so
thank you Jesus, even when the pieces
are broken and small
dreams shatter and scatter like the wind.
Thank you even then.
So I put aside the masquerade,
and admit that I am not okay.
Which may not be the thing to say,
but I'm not ashamed to need you,
more each day so
CHORUS
We raise the standard and try to reach it,
but we'll never make it and we don't need to...
so thank you....just as we are, we are fragil
and frail and so far from, who we want to be so...
CHORUS
"Even Then" - Nichole Nordeman
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)