"Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly,knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence." ~Pope John Paul II
Yes, I know it's easier said than done. But hey, my blogs about it so it must mean something to me, right? Well let me tell ya, this pretty much sums up my life lately.
Long story short I've been feeling amazing inside, and dancing my heart out with God. My soul is singing! It is absolutely beautiful. But I still have a ton of work to do with my faith (we just keep learning!), because I'm scared to let others see my faith. How dumb is that? I mean, I don't have the most supportive family in the world, but they would by no means be ashamed of me or put me down in any way if I lived out my faith more prominantly. And really, what's the worst that could happen? They use me as an example?-Oh no! Geez....I'm pathetic. But I'm also human...and God loves me anyway :)
It's the little things like staying kneeled down a little longer at mass, or closing my eyes when I pray that scare me the most. I mean, I want to so bad. I want to stay kneeling before the blessed sacrament, because I can feel Him there, and He deserves for me to be on my knees. I want to close my eyes and let the Spirit guide me in prayer. I want to reach over and touch that person sitting beside me who looks like they are struggling-I really do! And in my heart, I know it's what God is calling me to do. But why do I keep refusing? Because I'm scared. I'm scared to put my faith out there for others to see-because I don't want to be labeled as that "church girl," written off as different, or watched by everyone in mass from now on. I'm scared of trying to make a difference, and finding out I can't. But who isn't?
I'm learning-with the help of God and a couple of REALLY great friends to chat with-that He will provide. There is always something better around the next corner, even when we think we have all we could ever want right here in the present.
That unknown territory is faith....take the first visible step.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Extraordinary Influences
"Do not let mediocrity get you down! Be extraordinary. Most importantly, help others be the
same. You officially have the influence to do so."
This is some of the best and worst advice I've ever been given, all rolled into a few sentences. I LOVE the first three sentences-especially the third one. Fourth sentence...not a fan. Let me explain: This was part of a congratulatory email from an FFA friend of mine. I had been recently elected to the position of President for our district this coming year, and she had held that same office just last year.
These words are so true. We can't let "average" bring us down if we want to be something more. And let's face it-there is a lot of average in our lives. We have to put in the "extra" in order to truly be extraordinary. But more importantly than anything else, we have to help others cross over that barrier and become better than they thought possible. We can do this by leading through example. We can give a kind word, and a sincere smile. Or-better yet-we can be a believer, an encourager, and a friend.
Now to the part of this lovely advice I'm not in such grand agreement with: "You officially have the influence to do so. " What does that even mean?! I mean, sure I have the new jacket that says South Central District on the back instead of Arkansas City. I have a shiny new President's pin to wear to FFA events, and I have a few more opportunities to put in my vote on how the organization will run nexy year. But other than that, I'm still Ellen Walker. Putting on that jacket in no way changes who I am. I've always had the influence to make others be extraordinary-just like you do.
There is always someone who needs your influence, and who needs YOUR talents and abilities. You wouldn't have been given them otherwise. I mean, think about it: The people who make the most difference in our lives aren't the ones with the highest titles. They are the ones who sincerely take our interests to heart. They laugh at our jokes, smile at us when we're down, and maybe, just maybe, know what Sonic drink to bring us when it hasn't exactly been the best week. Most of us won't ever really get to know a movie star, a professional athlete, or the President. But all of us will get to know the people who have been placed in our lives. And we can make a difference in the lives of those people. By being placed onto this Earth, we've officially been given the influence to do so.
same. You officially have the influence to do so."
This is some of the best and worst advice I've ever been given, all rolled into a few sentences. I LOVE the first three sentences-especially the third one. Fourth sentence...not a fan. Let me explain: This was part of a congratulatory email from an FFA friend of mine. I had been recently elected to the position of President for our district this coming year, and she had held that same office just last year.
These words are so true. We can't let "average" bring us down if we want to be something more. And let's face it-there is a lot of average in our lives. We have to put in the "extra" in order to truly be extraordinary. But more importantly than anything else, we have to help others cross over that barrier and become better than they thought possible. We can do this by leading through example. We can give a kind word, and a sincere smile. Or-better yet-we can be a believer, an encourager, and a friend.
Now to the part of this lovely advice I'm not in such grand agreement with: "You officially have the influence to do so. " What does that even mean?! I mean, sure I have the new jacket that says South Central District on the back instead of Arkansas City. I have a shiny new President's pin to wear to FFA events, and I have a few more opportunities to put in my vote on how the organization will run nexy year. But other than that, I'm still Ellen Walker. Putting on that jacket in no way changes who I am. I've always had the influence to make others be extraordinary-just like you do.
There is always someone who needs your influence, and who needs YOUR talents and abilities. You wouldn't have been given them otherwise. I mean, think about it: The people who make the most difference in our lives aren't the ones with the highest titles. They are the ones who sincerely take our interests to heart. They laugh at our jokes, smile at us when we're down, and maybe, just maybe, know what Sonic drink to bring us when it hasn't exactly been the best week. Most of us won't ever really get to know a movie star, a professional athlete, or the President. But all of us will get to know the people who have been placed in our lives. And we can make a difference in the lives of those people. By being placed onto this Earth, we've officially been given the influence to do so.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Smacked in the Face with a Train
Today, God gave me a train.
What?! No, I'm not crazy (well, technically, anyways ;)), and I don't mean that God gave me a train with a bow on it wrapped up on my front doorstep, or that it suddenly rained down trains in Ark City, America. What I mean is that my Creator,once again, gave me exactly what I needed, when I needed it.
It's been a crazy week! Amazing, not so hot, and everything in between. Today was especially crazy in my conversation with God department. Nothing special really happened, it was just one of those days. My family isn't the most supportive of faith-not just mine, but any kind really-and I've been getting very annoyed with little comments and the way we live our lives. They can't see what I see, and instead of striving for more, they settle for living selfishly like most of us do....but thats a whole other ramble ;) For now, back to the train:
Tonight I was feeling...empty, I guess. Because of the whole family thing, and because I haven't had the best of luck with my friends lately, I hadn't really talked to God. I did the prayers I have been doing daily as a sacrifice for the upcoming TEC retreat-but not with any kind of heart. Believe me, they were just words. I did them first thing this morning so I could get them over with too. Basically, I was trying to hide from the one who knows everything. Dumb, right? And I decided that I didn't really need to talk to Him-I could handle my spiritual life just like I'd always done-on my own. That dang human thing....:)
So on my way home I got stopped by a train. Nothing too unusual-this happens all the time on the way to my house from town. Except usually, the trains last two or three minutes, max. Then the train moves on, and my crazy life resumes. Normally I appreciate these little "breaks." I can listen to some music, sit still for a second without thinking about driving, and just breathe. But tonight, I wasn't such a fan. I just wanted to get home, crawl in my bed, and escape. Don't worry...God had other plans. You see, when you have a few moments of silence between you and the maker of the universe, it's kind of impossible to avoid Him. God always seems to be able to break that silence without saying anything! So after ten minutes of this awkward silence, I got mad. I'd been having such a great couple of weeks with my faith-why did it have to go like this? Why must I always do it on my own?! Another ten minutes of anger went by before I decided I was going to try to fix it. "Fine God, I'll do night prayer. It won't be heartfelt, but at least it will be something." And, as you would imagine, night prayer ensued-in my truck at a train stop. You betcha, I'm Catholic. This took about....ten minutes. So this train stayed stopped for THIRTY minutes! He had put an extension on the 2-3 minute train wait so that I would finally give up and talk to Him. Greatest part was, as soon as I said "Amen," the train began to move again :)
The rest of my short drive home, I was blessed with songs on the radio from Switchfoot, Matthew West, and Tenth Avenue North-three of my favorite artists ever! So....win, win :) I took the long way home, praising Him, and thanking Him for cracking my stubborn shell.
People, don't try to avoid God. There's no point-he already knows everything anyways. But if you're human and do decide to be stubborn occasionally...just be prepared for a smack in the face with a train :)
Choo choo, Father..........choo choo!
What?! No, I'm not crazy (well, technically, anyways ;)), and I don't mean that God gave me a train with a bow on it wrapped up on my front doorstep, or that it suddenly rained down trains in Ark City, America. What I mean is that my Creator,once again, gave me exactly what I needed, when I needed it.
It's been a crazy week! Amazing, not so hot, and everything in between. Today was especially crazy in my conversation with God department. Nothing special really happened, it was just one of those days. My family isn't the most supportive of faith-not just mine, but any kind really-and I've been getting very annoyed with little comments and the way we live our lives. They can't see what I see, and instead of striving for more, they settle for living selfishly like most of us do....but thats a whole other ramble ;) For now, back to the train:
Tonight I was feeling...empty, I guess. Because of the whole family thing, and because I haven't had the best of luck with my friends lately, I hadn't really talked to God. I did the prayers I have been doing daily as a sacrifice for the upcoming TEC retreat-but not with any kind of heart. Believe me, they were just words. I did them first thing this morning so I could get them over with too. Basically, I was trying to hide from the one who knows everything. Dumb, right? And I decided that I didn't really need to talk to Him-I could handle my spiritual life just like I'd always done-on my own. That dang human thing....:)
So on my way home I got stopped by a train. Nothing too unusual-this happens all the time on the way to my house from town. Except usually, the trains last two or three minutes, max. Then the train moves on, and my crazy life resumes. Normally I appreciate these little "breaks." I can listen to some music, sit still for a second without thinking about driving, and just breathe. But tonight, I wasn't such a fan. I just wanted to get home, crawl in my bed, and escape. Don't worry...God had other plans. You see, when you have a few moments of silence between you and the maker of the universe, it's kind of impossible to avoid Him. God always seems to be able to break that silence without saying anything! So after ten minutes of this awkward silence, I got mad. I'd been having such a great couple of weeks with my faith-why did it have to go like this? Why must I always do it on my own?! Another ten minutes of anger went by before I decided I was going to try to fix it. "Fine God, I'll do night prayer. It won't be heartfelt, but at least it will be something." And, as you would imagine, night prayer ensued-in my truck at a train stop. You betcha, I'm Catholic. This took about....ten minutes. So this train stayed stopped for THIRTY minutes! He had put an extension on the 2-3 minute train wait so that I would finally give up and talk to Him. Greatest part was, as soon as I said "Amen," the train began to move again :)
The rest of my short drive home, I was blessed with songs on the radio from Switchfoot, Matthew West, and Tenth Avenue North-three of my favorite artists ever! So....win, win :) I took the long way home, praising Him, and thanking Him for cracking my stubborn shell.
People, don't try to avoid God. There's no point-he already knows everything anyways. But if you're human and do decide to be stubborn occasionally...just be prepared for a smack in the face with a train :)
Choo choo, Father..........choo choo!
Striving for Peace
May today there be peace within you.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
~St. Therese of Lisieux
This is one of my all-time favorite quotes-and coming from me, the quote nerd-that means a lot! It makes peace seem so...simple. If it's there for each and every one of us, why in the world do we strive so long and hard for it in our lives?
You know those times when you're really, really sleep deprived, but you feel sooooo awake because you just keep doing things that are keeping you busy? You don't realize how tired you actually are until you sit down and begin to rest-then you usually crash, right? Well, that's kind of what striving for peace feels like to me. There are some days when I'm so set on being productive and getting things done that I forget to remember what I already accomplished. I feel like I'm doing nothing until I make myself sit still and reflect back on all I've been doing. We strive so long and hard for peace in our lives, and we just make it that much more difficult to actually attain.
You are a child of God. Our Father, the Creator of the universe, WILL take care of you-in more beautifully complex ways than you could ever imagine.
Still your soul, and strive for peace in that concept!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Shovels vs. Snuggies
Say you were going through a hard time, and your friend decided they were going to do something for you. Would you rather them say "I've been offering up the 2 hours a day I spend poop scooping," or "I've been offering up the 2 hours a day I spend wrapped in a blanket watching movies?"
I would go with the first option. Not as pleasant, not as easy, and not a very common offering. But that's exactly why I would want someone to offer it up for me. Now, in reality, nobody will spend 2 hours a day poop-scooping- that's what I've been doing and will continue to do for the next month (thank you Cowley County 4H!),so it was on my mind. But really.....would you rather know that someone is sitting and being lazy for you as an "offering," or offering up their blood, sweat, and tears doing something that they really don't consider to be very pleasant? Hmm....
God picks the same answer you just did. He doesn't care that we aren't perfect-He cares that we care. And an offering of sweat and hardship will mean more to Him than an offering of coasting. Because in hard times, we learn what we're made of. And if we can give glory to God through those little hardships of life (like scooping poop), just imagine the marvelous things He can do with our offerings of deeper troubles-relationships, jobs, school, etc.
So next time you feel like a poop-scooper, just remember that your shovel and seat make a much better offering to Our Lord than snuggies and a bowl of popcorn ever could ;)
I would go with the first option. Not as pleasant, not as easy, and not a very common offering. But that's exactly why I would want someone to offer it up for me. Now, in reality, nobody will spend 2 hours a day poop-scooping- that's what I've been doing and will continue to do for the next month (thank you Cowley County 4H!),so it was on my mind. But really.....would you rather know that someone is sitting and being lazy for you as an "offering," or offering up their blood, sweat, and tears doing something that they really don't consider to be very pleasant? Hmm....
God picks the same answer you just did. He doesn't care that we aren't perfect-He cares that we care. And an offering of sweat and hardship will mean more to Him than an offering of coasting. Because in hard times, we learn what we're made of. And if we can give glory to God through those little hardships of life (like scooping poop), just imagine the marvelous things He can do with our offerings of deeper troubles-relationships, jobs, school, etc.
So next time you feel like a poop-scooper, just remember that your shovel and seat make a much better offering to Our Lord than snuggies and a bowl of popcorn ever could ;)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
"Friends"
I've been on this kick lately-like, my brain just won't shut off....ever. Not that this is an unusual occurance, but my brain usually doesn't focus on just one thing at a time :D So here is the topic of interest of late: Friends
I'm at kind of a weird place right now when it comes to the people in my life. I have those "friends" that I've had since early middle school, or maybe even elementary school, and I have those that I've met within the last 3 years of high school. And then.....I have my real friends. Now I don't mean this to sound hurtful in any way, shape, or form. But that's honestly how I feel. Don't get me wrong-those friends I have in my own town are amazing people. They are those who make my everyday life the way it is, and who have helped shape me into the person I am today. So why do I feel like I'm hiding part of myself every time I get around them? I mean, of course we have fun! We bowl, watch movies, go to the major Ark City attractions of Walmart and Sonic, and hang out everywhere in between! But to me, there's still something missing. I know that if I ever have trouble with homework, need a stress-relief sonic run, or even lose a loved one, that they would be there for me in a heartbeat. But when it comes to me having trouble with my faith-whether that be faith in God, faith in myself, or faith in others-they just won't understand. I'm continually finding out that those I call my real friends are those who draw me to things greater than myself. They challenge me in my faith. We may not see each other daily, weekly, or even for months at a time, but I know that if I ever need ANYTHING-from frozen yogurt to fighting spiritual warfare-they will be standing right behind me. And for that, I am thankful every single day. So I challenge you to identify some real friends in your life-ones those you have talked to today or years ago today-and tell them thank you. Because trust me, those who draw you towards something greater are rare. And if you have even a single person who is willing to help you fight those battles within yourself, well, you're luckier than most. Take this blessing, and make use of it. Thank those in your life who are there for you, and try your hardest to be there for those in your own.
I'm at kind of a weird place right now when it comes to the people in my life. I have those "friends" that I've had since early middle school, or maybe even elementary school, and I have those that I've met within the last 3 years of high school. And then.....I have my real friends. Now I don't mean this to sound hurtful in any way, shape, or form. But that's honestly how I feel. Don't get me wrong-those friends I have in my own town are amazing people. They are those who make my everyday life the way it is, and who have helped shape me into the person I am today. So why do I feel like I'm hiding part of myself every time I get around them? I mean, of course we have fun! We bowl, watch movies, go to the major Ark City attractions of Walmart and Sonic, and hang out everywhere in between! But to me, there's still something missing. I know that if I ever have trouble with homework, need a stress-relief sonic run, or even lose a loved one, that they would be there for me in a heartbeat. But when it comes to me having trouble with my faith-whether that be faith in God, faith in myself, or faith in others-they just won't understand. I'm continually finding out that those I call my real friends are those who draw me to things greater than myself. They challenge me in my faith. We may not see each other daily, weekly, or even for months at a time, but I know that if I ever need ANYTHING-from frozen yogurt to fighting spiritual warfare-they will be standing right behind me. And for that, I am thankful every single day. So I challenge you to identify some real friends in your life-ones those you have talked to today or years ago today-and tell them thank you. Because trust me, those who draw you towards something greater are rare. And if you have even a single person who is willing to help you fight those battles within yourself, well, you're luckier than most. Take this blessing, and make use of it. Thank those in your life who are there for you, and try your hardest to be there for those in your own.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Dancing With God
Sisters in Christ:
"Dance with God, and He'll let the perfect man cut in."
I know you've heard this before, but I absolutely love it. And the past few days, I'm realizing just how fulfilling this dance can be.
I have a few close girlfriends who are in serious dating relationships. And they always seem to be having issues-not all of them at the same time, not all of them all of the time-but someone most of the time. Which is fine! It really doesn't bug me-I'm not complaining I promise! It's just that by being the odd one out who is single (and loving it, btw), I get to hear many sides of many stories. And I try my best to listen patiently. But sometimes I just want to grab the shoulders of my friends and shake some sense into them! Don't they see what's being offered to them? Don't you see what's being offered to you?
God is offering you a love story. He will never leave you. He will never hurt you.
Now, when I say He's offering you a love story, I mean exactly that. He's offering you the chance to be completely and totally fulfilled. Today, I was driving home from our band concert. It was a great evening, and I just couldn't stop thinking about how blessed I am. I'd been thinking a lot about dancing with God, so this just went right along with the theme of my inner-ramblings. The sky, the music on my radio, the air coming in through the windows....it all made me smile. Uncontrollably. Because He was providing me with it all. Because He loves me so much that He wanted to surprise me with a beautiful gift for making it through the last couple of tough weeks. He offers the love story daily. He gives us beautiful sunrises, and sunsets that take our breath away. He gives us the stars and the night sky (my personal fav) so that we might be in awe of His wonder. The flowers that bloom in the spring are his invitation to Tango, and the harvest moon to slow dance. The beauty we see in others, and the people we are blessed with in our lives are all small surprises He throws in to keep the relationship strong. He is inviting you-all you have to do is dance!
God is offering you a love story. He will never leave you. He will never hurt you.
Now, when I say that He will never leave you, I mean just that. He won't run off chasing some woman who better suits His needs. He wants you, and only you. He created you so you could be His! He is pursuing you in your very own way, and will never give up that pursuit. He won't get scared of getting in too deep, or getting "too serious." He won't. That's not to say sometimes it won't feel like you're alone. There will be times when you feel like you have no one-and you may not on this Earth. But you have a lover, a father, and a friend watching over you always, just to make sure you don't lose your step.
God is offering you a love story. He will never leave you. He will never hurt you.
Now, when I say that He'll never hurt you-I tell the truth! He won't break your heart, He won't hit you, and He won't pressure you to do anything you aren't ready for. There will be times when you're broken on the ground, and it seems like you will never be able to get back up. It may seem like you've been hurt beyond repair. He will never hurt you. The world may hurt you by rejecting Him or rejecting you. Relationships may hurt you because you get in too deep, or you're scared. But He will never hurt you.
God if offering you a love story. He will never leave you. He will never hurt you.
My point is, sisters, that no matter what happens in this life-no matter what kind of relationships you have, or how many relationships work or don't work-you always have one. And it's by far the most important one you'll ever have. In fact, it's the only relationship you should ever center your life around. And in those moments when you manage to get it right, that relationship will be the most fulfilling one you have ever and will ever experience.
So start taking lessons, ladies. Get ready for the dance of a lifetime!
"Dance with God, and He'll let the perfect man cut in."
I know you've heard this before, but I absolutely love it. And the past few days, I'm realizing just how fulfilling this dance can be.
I have a few close girlfriends who are in serious dating relationships. And they always seem to be having issues-not all of them at the same time, not all of them all of the time-but someone most of the time. Which is fine! It really doesn't bug me-I'm not complaining I promise! It's just that by being the odd one out who is single (and loving it, btw), I get to hear many sides of many stories. And I try my best to listen patiently. But sometimes I just want to grab the shoulders of my friends and shake some sense into them! Don't they see what's being offered to them? Don't you see what's being offered to you?
God is offering you a love story. He will never leave you. He will never hurt you.
Now, when I say He's offering you a love story, I mean exactly that. He's offering you the chance to be completely and totally fulfilled. Today, I was driving home from our band concert. It was a great evening, and I just couldn't stop thinking about how blessed I am. I'd been thinking a lot about dancing with God, so this just went right along with the theme of my inner-ramblings. The sky, the music on my radio, the air coming in through the windows....it all made me smile. Uncontrollably. Because He was providing me with it all. Because He loves me so much that He wanted to surprise me with a beautiful gift for making it through the last couple of tough weeks. He offers the love story daily. He gives us beautiful sunrises, and sunsets that take our breath away. He gives us the stars and the night sky (my personal fav) so that we might be in awe of His wonder. The flowers that bloom in the spring are his invitation to Tango, and the harvest moon to slow dance. The beauty we see in others, and the people we are blessed with in our lives are all small surprises He throws in to keep the relationship strong. He is inviting you-all you have to do is dance!
God is offering you a love story. He will never leave you. He will never hurt you.
Now, when I say that He will never leave you, I mean just that. He won't run off chasing some woman who better suits His needs. He wants you, and only you. He created you so you could be His! He is pursuing you in your very own way, and will never give up that pursuit. He won't get scared of getting in too deep, or getting "too serious." He won't. That's not to say sometimes it won't feel like you're alone. There will be times when you feel like you have no one-and you may not on this Earth. But you have a lover, a father, and a friend watching over you always, just to make sure you don't lose your step.
God is offering you a love story. He will never leave you. He will never hurt you.
Now, when I say that He'll never hurt you-I tell the truth! He won't break your heart, He won't hit you, and He won't pressure you to do anything you aren't ready for. There will be times when you're broken on the ground, and it seems like you will never be able to get back up. It may seem like you've been hurt beyond repair. He will never hurt you. The world may hurt you by rejecting Him or rejecting you. Relationships may hurt you because you get in too deep, or you're scared. But He will never hurt you.
God if offering you a love story. He will never leave you. He will never hurt you.
My point is, sisters, that no matter what happens in this life-no matter what kind of relationships you have, or how many relationships work or don't work-you always have one. And it's by far the most important one you'll ever have. In fact, it's the only relationship you should ever center your life around. And in those moments when you manage to get it right, that relationship will be the most fulfilling one you have ever and will ever experience.
So start taking lessons, ladies. Get ready for the dance of a lifetime!
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