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Saturday, March 13, 2010

worth a read.




http://www.4marks.com/articles/details.html?article_id=4543

In July 2008 a severe persecution of Christians broke out in the Indian state of Orissa. A 22 year old nun was burnt to death when angry mobs burnt down an orphanage in Khuntpali village in Barhgarh district, another nun was gang raped in Kandhamal, mobs attacked churches, torched vehicles, houses of Christians destroyed, and Fr. Thomas Chellen, director of the pastoral center that was destroyed with a bomb, had a narrow escape after a Hindu mob nearly set him on fire. The end result saw more than 500 Christians murdered, and thousands of others injured and homeless after their houses were reduced to ashes. Recently a strange and dramatic event took place in Orissa, which has many people talking and wondering.

In recent months, herds of wild elephants have begun to storm villages that are home to some of the worst persecutors of Christians during the troubles. In one village, where in August a year ago the Christians had to run for their lives while their homes were being destroyed by rioters, a herd of elephants emerged from the surrounding jungle exactly one year later, in July 2009, at the same time of the day of the attack.

These elephants first attacked a rock crusher machine owned by a key leader of the persecution movement. They then went on to destroy his house and farms.

Hundreds of villagers have been forced to take shelter in camps in the Indian state of Orissa after repeated attacks by a herd of elephants.

Seven people have been killed and several others injured in attacks by a herd of 12-13 elephants over the past few weeks in Kandhamal district.

Over 2,500 people living in 45 villages have been affected by the attacks, district chief Krishen Kumar said.


It is, however, unclear why this herd of elephants migrated from the Lakheri sanctuary in a neighbouring district. He said the herd had travelled some 300km into Kandhamal, and even entered a town in the district. Wildlife officials were camping at the site of the attacks and trying to find out why the elephants had come out of their sanctuary. The villagers say elephants attack their areas in herds, causing heavy destruction.

Gaining momentum, they rampaged through other non-Christian homes, demolishing gardens and singling out the home of persecutors, leaving Christian homes untouched.

These strange attacks have spread, and according to a report, the elephants have already destroyed more than 700 houses in 30 villages, and killed five people. Nobody in this area has seen or even imagined the unique appearance of a herd of wild elephants such as this. The elephants are not ordinary elephants; they appear to be on a mission.

Typically, smaller elephants enter a village first, appearing to survey the community. They then rejoin the larger herd, and larger elephant soon follow and get the job done.

The ministry partner in India stated “We think that it might have something to do with the avenging the blood of martyrs. In fact the fear of God has fallen on the local people, who have labeled these elephants “Christian elephants.”


With little help coming from the administration, the villagers have taken to road blockades. “The elephants have destroyed crops and selected houses. But officials too express helplessness. “There is no permanent habitat of elephants in Sundargarh. They come from Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand where their habitats have shrunk. But is not clear how and why these elephants reached Orissa.

..wow.

his love.

Friday, March 12, 2010

comfort zone


Friday again, already? Having a break from school just within reach provides some serious motivation, which is much needed. Everyone talks about this 'senioritis' deal, but what about us Juniors? Don't we deserve some sort of diagnosis? Junior pox. Juniorization. Flujunior. Juniorphobia (okay, I'm not scared to be a junior..). Well, whatever the name, I'm feeling it!

Been reading this awesome devotional with First Christian Church, "The Relationship Principles of Jesus." I highhhhly recommend it! This past week was focused on judgement (I'm a little behind, don't.... judge...). It brought up the point of why we as christians are sometimes more likely to be judgmental--"Because they have forgotten how deeply they need God's grace." I cannot forget how much I need his forgiveness and I cannot deny to actually recognize that I have sinned and really believe I have been forgiven. If I can see the truth, I become more merciful, and less judgmental. "Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:13) So true, huh?

Ah, and the self test section.
I have only made it to question two ( there are like, twenty or eighty questions..). I'm stuck on the "Questions about Ignoring the Plank in My Eye". There are a lot. When I really thought about this just in general yesterday, I was just..disgusted, really. Or at least at first. Then I decided to actually read the question
-- "What do I know to be true that I'm pretending is not true...
1) In my relationship with others 2) In my relationship with God? 3) In my thought life?

...And that's as far as I got. I absolutely could not believe how stumped I was, and still kind of am. How I am so, so quick to focus on the sin of others just so I can hide from my own. So, I started thinking a little more, and realized at the heart of it (I think there's a lot more, but for now..)

I've managed to put God outside my comfort zone. I've been pretending I'm totally comfortable, but something is off. Somewhere my heart has hardened. Then, it hit me. It's not comfortable to let someone else take control of your life. It's way more comfortable to be stubborn in my ways and continue to keep God in this confined, emotionless bubble.

The times I've felt the closest and just wondered how I was ever not so in love with God is when I've trusted him most, and when I give him control and let him turn down the roads I would never have chosen on my own.

I also realize I've sought comfort in other people. It's so strange how when someone enters your comfort zone, the walls around your heart seem to literally melt away. It's great to have relationships within your range of comfort, and those relationships will test you for sure, but something about not knowing is almost exciting now. I don't think God was ever meant to be inside my comfort zone. Yes, he provides comfort, and I long to experience a confident relationship that's genuine, but he also loves to challenge our minds, our hearts, our sincerity. It's how he allows us to see where we need his wisdom and how he will grow us up in him.

Main Entry: comfort zone1
Part of Speech: n
Definition: "the range of temperature within which an environment is comfortable for most people with no heating or cooling necessary


What if everything in your life was continuously constant? Nothing about you ever changed. I cannot imagine. I need and crave this heating, and cooling. I want God to put me in uncomfortable situations, an unknown environment so my faith may be established. I may break a sweat, experience some discomfort, but that way he can be the one to cool me off and provide the anecdote he knows I need. Maybe it's gatorade, or maybe just some water instead. Ha, strange analogy, but it kind of makes sense...maybe:) Or maybe I should just go workout. And drink gatorade.

:)

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word." 2 Thes 2:16-17

I'll post again soon.

his love!





Sunday, March 7, 2010

Free write


It's been said that I should free write. I feel like I usually write fairly freely (alliteration?). Really is amazing how I start out not quite sure what on earth to ramble on about, and then I get going, and somehow he does this blog justice, or so I'd like to think, by providing a little clarity on the chosen matter. :) So, thanks, God for not making me appear half as crazy as my thoughts might actually be.

Naturally, the future is still on my mind, but I don't feel as if the load is quite as heavy anymore.
Pro 19:21 "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

HIS purpose will stand. Wondering (okay, worrying..) over which internship to apply for, where I'll live, how I'll get by financially--he'll prevail, not me. not my purpose. not my motives. not my emotions. I just have to TRUST.

Prov. 16:1-3

"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord .

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

Commit your work to the Lord , and your plans will be established."

es·tab·lish [ih-stab-lish]
--to put beyond doubt

So, I've actually been doubting God?
..Yeah, I think I have.
I say "I trust him", and I think many times I do, but I've allowed a lot of different aspects to be infected by other's opinions, my own insecurities, selfish thoughts, discouragement, and even strangely encouragement in my own efforts.

So what have I been looking to for guidance, really?
..Whatever feels most comfortable? Whatever is easiest? Wherever I'll gain most praise?
..So, It's been me looking within.. myself for the wisdom? Man.

(ha, see what I mean by this blog helping me understand)

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

What am I actually doubting, then?
--His goodness.
My mind is being tossed back and forth between God and the world.
Why on earth would I allow that when the Lord KNOWS my heart. HE knows ME, and I know HIM.
I wondered why I've been feeling so unstable in many areas. Hm. Lately I've been so moldable, so easily swayed. In fact, I've been that way most of my life. I don't want to be the one tossed back and forth between the world and God. I will stand firm in my faith, I will not be double minded. :)

Yes, my heart is subject to change according to where he decides to call me (that's okay, he is God after all..)but in every matter, He is sovereign over all trials, and his will is sovereign over all the little insignificant plans building up in my head.

Worrying about tomorrow never did nobody no good.
...Southern spin on Matthew 6:34?

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matt 6:19 & 21
I cannot continue to make all these little earthly achievements and plans my "treasures". It's like saying to God, "eh, you're alright, but I doubt you could possibly be better than this."
ah, lots to learn. The plus side? ..there's always room to grow :)

pieces of joy!
- friendships and the ability to just relate in general
-realizing it's already March 7! Only 2 months left of school before becoming a senior!
-the possibility of going to Anna Maria Island for spring break, and getting to stay with my precious grandparents
-still attempting to write music
-God showing me I needed to do a little heart-check
-eating at the GREEK restaurant downtown. mm!
-going to bay's soccer tournament last weekend and watching her be awesome:)
-watching 13 Going on 30 with mom and bay, and remembering how much I really truly love that movie..
-going with Tae to Bartram Forest and walking her little pup!
-three hour conversations at Starbucks :)
-walking halfway to workout at the Depot and then deciding to turn around, and not workout.
-pumped for spring, and getting to bring my bicycle back to school after next weekend! Oh, and pumped for taking pictures of a sunny sky!
-running outside, and not in a sweatshirt!

whoops, out of time once again.

I'll be posting later about some organizations to checkout:)

-his love! that's all.



About Me

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I am a student at Georgia College and State University majoring in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and working toward a certification in Non Profit Management. I genuinely love my Lord, writing, and relationships.

Twitter / kelley_sue