Forgiveness

Has someone ever wronged you? What was your response? Did you give them the silent treatment for a month? Or did you constantly remind them of their sin and stay angry at them? This is a perfectly human thing to do. We all have done it (or at least I have)! Maybe you don't tell it to their face, but inside continually hold a grudge. Forgiveness is the correct response. Not a "I forgive you" but still hate your guts for hurting me, but a "I understand you're human, and are sorry for your wrong. You don't deserve punishment from me. God convicts you of your sin. I forgive you. Let's start over and not fight again." That would be a perfectly, practical, easy approach right? Ha! Something tells me it's not that easy...

In the book of Job, three of Job's friends give him advice about the difficult situation he's going through. They don't mean harm, but happen to be wrong in a few areas and told him the wrong things. Job's forgiveness is an accurate example of how we're called to forgive.

Job 42:7-10 (NIV)

"After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, 'I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.' So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job's prayer.

After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before."

When I first read this, it was during a difficult time I was going through. I was hurt by a friend's actions and wasn't quite ready to forgive. To be honest, I had never really experienced true forgiveness, because I had never been hurt that badly. I was so angry. I kept on asking God, why me? Why do I have to suffer for someone else's wrongdoing? But I'm not perfect either. I've hurt people before too. And since God forgives everyone's sins, we should do the same. It's called compassion. You need to erase the bad memories, and start over. Wipe the slate clean and forgive, truly forgive them.

My Bible, the teenage girl True Images Bible by Zondervan (copyright 2007) had a perfect study insert in the Job chapter on forgiveness.

"For you, does forgiveness mean forgiving and forgetting? Or do you claim to forgive yet still hold a grudge? God promised to forgive the sin of Job's well-meaning but totally wrong friends. He didn't plan on reminding them about their sin later. Forgiveness is just like God says-it's not treating someone as he or she deserves. It also means wiping the slate completely clean. Is there someone who needs your forgiveness? How willing are you to totally forgive from the heart?"

Something else that struck me as important in the forgiveness concept is the reward. Forgiveness doesn't exactly benefit the person who sinned against you. They might not even know if you've forgiven them. But, it benefits who a whole lot more, when you can learn to love that person again. When you can learn to wipe the slate clean and not hold a grudge. I've realized that holding grudges is exhausting. It's not exactly comforting or my idea of fun. When you forgive, it's like a burden has been lifted. You're no longer worried about anything. You're free to love again. The number one, greatest commandment in the Bible is to love one another.

I think there's a direct correlation to love and freedom (see previous posts on freedom: Freedom! and Red, White, and Blue is not True Freedom). And forgiveness. Once you learn to forgive, you learn to love. Once you love, you experience freedom. It's like a bulls-eye if you hit all three!

Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

Perhaps you might have noticed it, but isn't it kind of contradictory that to be free, you must serve? After all, a servant is not free. They are the counter opposite! But, God works in mysterious ways, and He is the truth. There is truth in this message. To experience freedom, you must be a servant of God-obeying His commands and fulfilling His purpose for you. It may seem tedious, boring, or just plain weird, but trust me. You will never be free from sin without obeying God and trusting in His son Jesus, who died on the cross to set you free. Every time I hear of God's amazing love for us, I swell up with joy. How great is the Lord almighty! Praise His name for He has forgiven our sins!

I am reminded of the glorious plan in the Bible regarding Joseph. His brothers had really treated him badly. If you think you've been hurt, it's nothing compared to your own brothers selling you! They sold Joseph as a slave because of their jealousy for his father's favor on him. But, since God is so awesome, the plan worked out for the benefit of everyone! Joseph was put in charge of the kingdom's food supply, and shrewdly stored up enough. He saved many lives because a famine came to the region.

Genesis 50:15-21 (NIV)

¹⁵ When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?" ¹⁶ So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father left these instructions before he died: ¹⁷ 'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

¹⁸ His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said.

¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ²¹ So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

No matter how much pain someone has caused you, I encourage you to take a step of faith and forgive them. It may take some time. But in the end, you'll learn to love, and ultimately experience freedom! God's plan is so perfect, "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).

-Forgiveness picture and Forgiveness saying found on Google.

The Omnivore's Dilemma

I just finished reading this fascinating book for AP Environmental Science called "The Omnivore's Dilemma," by Michael Pollan. It discusses the rising epidemic facing our nation. We don't know what to eat! Even though we can eat practically everything and anything, we don't know what's the healthiest. Quite frankly, our government isn't providing us with adequate nutrition because they are so corrupted by money, and as a result we are facing a national eating disorder! The entire system disgusts me. Why does my health have to suffer by the hands of the corrupt world. Well, I guess that's what you can expect from sinful humans. But, you're probably asking, why not just eat organic? He shoots that argument down by stating various problems with organic food, that contain the same preservatives in all food. I have to admit, after reading this book, I wasn't exactly in an optimistic mood. But, it was an enlightening experience, and I acquired some different perspectives on life.

The following is a short summary (I paraphrased) of what he said regarding animals rights.

There is a rising controversy about the ethics of eating animals. The number of vegetarians is rising, so what's changing? We are experiencing a type of schizophrenia – we give our dogs Christmas presents while we eat our Christmas ham! A pig is as intelligent as a dog, so why the discrepancy? Our distance from animals allows for our mistreatment. Michael Pollan reads the book Animal Liberation by Peter Singer, which has turned thousands of people into vegetarians. He has a persuasive argument. Is equality for animals the same as for blacks and whites? Pollan immediately distinguishes his premise by explaining that "domesticated animals can't survive in the wild; in fact without us eating them they wouldn't exist at all" (pg. 310). There's mutualism between us and the animals. Predation actually keeps all species surviving. Isn't it natural, after all, to give rights to one's kind? The problem facing many is, animals can feel pain. Singer writes that "a lifetime of suffering for a non-human animal and the gastronomic preferences of a human being" (pg. 312) is not right. He suggests that you have two options: "You look away – or you stop eating animals." To effectively answer Singer's questions, Michael Pollan became a temporary vegetarian. He realized that he was isolated from society and that it's a "sacrifice of our identity as humans" (pg. 315).

The difference between animal pain and human pain is that human's have emotions: regret, self-pity, shame, humiliation, dread, etc. We have a self consciousness, unlike animals. Another argument religions make it that animals don't have souls, therefore they are (obviously) not as important as humans. Humans also possess language and the ability to have thoughts. But is it still right to make animals suffer? Because we don't "look," we are blind to the cruelty. Egg-laying hens is one example of the disturbing fate domesticated animals face. Our human morality wasn't meant to apply to nature, though. It was meant for other humans; animals are supposed to be our food. Killing animals is unavoidable in food – even wheat involves killing insects with its fertilizers and birds with its pesticides. We should concentrate on the health of nature instead of the moral code of eating animals.

Michael Pollan believes there are three options to the eating animals issue. He thinks that instead of either looking away or cease consuming meat, we should look with respect. We should continue to eat animals with a new perspective on life. All of America should put its slaughterhouses in glass, so we can see the brutality and change it! Creating a transparent (both literally and figuratively) meat industry could be a solution to all of our problems.

Although he didn't mention religion very much, I believe God created animals for us to eat. You can see this by nature! The biology and science behind life displays the complexity of life, and the perfect plan for it all. Here's a funny, yet true quote from the book:

"In a sense, the 'good life' for deer, and even their creaturely character, which has been forged in the crucible of predation, depends on the existence of the wolf. In a similar way chickens depend for their well-being on the existence of their human predators. Not the individual chicken, perhaps, but Chicken – the species. The surest way to achieve the extinction of the species would be to grant the chickens a right to life" (pg. 322).

Isn't that last line ironic? You would think it would be the opposite, but it's all part of God's plan. We depend on the animals for our survival, yet they depend on us for the survival of their species. Fascinating isn't it?

During one part of the book, Michael Pollan decides to go hunting, and make his own meal.

Being a young woman, I have never been hunting, and I don't plan on it. The idea of killing an animal frightens me, and I don't dare to think about the fact that I eat part of a live animal every day. When I was a little girl, I was unaware of this minor detail. I guess I knew (why did didn't bother me, I don't know) that a chicken was a chicken, but I never knew the meaning of the word "beef" or "bacon." Pork and hamburger were just food. When my parents told me that beef and hamburger was a cow, and that bacon and pork was a pig, I was devastated! You mean, I was eating a cow my entire life, oblivious to the situation. I always happily said, "Moo!" when asked what sound a cow makes, but knowing that I took the moo from my cow almost sent tears to my eyes. Poor cow…

Either way, I cringe when I hear my uncle (an enthusiastic hunter) say he killed another deer. Michael Pollan, to my surprise, had never been hunting either. I could actually relate to him! He had never even held a gun, and was reluctant to take the life of an animal. His conclusion at the end of the matter was encouraging, though. He realized the sacrifice of the wild pig had satisfied his family (something we take for granted) and felt gratitude. This is a completely new concept regarding hunting. But, it's what the Native Americans did when they used all of the contents of bison and other rituals – to preserve nature and thank it for providing for them. We do the opposite. Our society is wasteful and spoiled. We vacuum up all of nature's resources and don't care to leave a "thank-you." The Indians appreciated the gift nature brought them. So often we forget this! Because we don't see. We've isolated ourselves from our food and have forgotten the importance of it. Yes, it's difficult to overcome taking the life of an animal. But if that animal keeps you surviving, then thank it! That's a little weird for me, but I understand where Pollan's coming from. It's why he called his final meal the "Omnivore's Thanksgiving."

I think it's healthy to look at what you eat. Not just the nutrition label, but to appreciate what God has provided. That's why saying "grace" was invented. It was a way of thanking God for blessing the family with food. After all, we wouldn't live long without it.

Deuteronomy 12:21 (NIV)

"If the place where the LORD your God chooses to put his Name is too far away from you, you may slaughter animals from the herds and flocks the LORD has given you, as I have commanded you, and in your own towns you may eat as much of them as you want."

Throughout the Old Testament, God uses animals as sacrifices, to cover the Israelites' sin. Now, Jesus takes the form of a lamb, and died on the cross to wipe away all of our sins. But, I think the Bible is clear that animals were meant for us to eat them. It's how we were created - as omnivores. Unfortunately, we do face a dilemma with our new food chain, industry. The ultimate solution of how to eat is... still pending. Sorry. Perhaps someday I'll find a perfect solution, where we go back to the old ways of eating fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables. For now, I'll attempt to enjoy my yogurt fruit smoothies. Enjoy eating those Cheetos during the Superbowl (which just ended...), but remember the natural food God provided us with! Goodnight.

-God bless, Bubbly :)

-Omnivore's Dilemma picture, and chicken picture found on Google.

"Assurance is Attainable"

How do you know that you're saved? This seven-worded sentence is one of the most important questions you'll ever confront in your life. Answering it is vital to your life now, and eternity. That's a scary thought, isn't it?

Today, I decided to go to a different church. My FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) group and I went to our Coach's church to compare. We were talking about how a church is not the building, but the people, in this case the FCA huddle. It was nice to get a group from school to gather and come to the same church. It was an enlightening experience, and the sermon was inspirational!

The pastor began by reading 1 John 2:5-6.

"But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."

This is the NIV version, but the ESV version uses a different word for "live in him." Instead, it used the word "abide in him."

"but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

I had to look up the meaning of "abide" and found these definitions (dictionary.com): "to act in accord with; to submit to; agree to; to remain steadfast or faithful to; keep." Basically, if we're abiding in Christ, we are keeping a covenant with Him, similar to marriage. In fact, the word "know" in biblical times, was translated to the bond between the marriage of a husband and a wife. "Know" is used about 45 times in the book of 1 John, and the only way we can be assured salvation, is if we know God.

If I were to ask you, "do you know the president?" you might reply, "I know of him, but not personally." It's the same with God. I'm sure most Americans have heard of Jesus Christ, but do they really know Him? Perhaps some even know about Him. They could tell you a thousand facts about His life and the history behind the Bible, but they don't truly know Him. The pastor used an analogy to an apple. You could know the different types of apples, the biology behind it, even the nutritional value of it, but you'll never know how it tastes until you actually take a bite out of it. God tells us to "taste and see"! Taste the apple, and see it. Then you will really know it.

Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

There's a scary passage (the pastor claimed it was the scariest in the Bible) in Matthew.

Matthew 7:21-23

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

Do you understand the meaning of this? You can do everything right. Perhaps you're a pastor, serving God every day of your life. You might know the Bible inside out, and you give to charity, and you do good works. But when you get to Heaven, God looks at you and says, "Sorry, I don't know you." Say what? God doesn't literally not know who you are (he knows the number of hairs on your head!), but he might not personally know you. You can't ever get to Heaven by good works. But, you can by knowing God. Develop a relationship with Him. He'll be the best friend you'll ever have, and the perfect Father.

I'm paraphrasing some of the pastor's words, but he went on further to explain the linear relationship between assurance and love. When your confidence increases, so does your love for God. When your love for and from God escalates, so does your assurance in Him. God is love. If you want to know Him, you have to learn to love. Our subjective assurance comes from the historically objective love-God! The Word became flesh (Jesus), and now the tomb is empty. That's a historical reality-a fact. Now, the event that happened there is up for debate and is subjective, but Jesus' tomb is empty today. I believe that He raised from the dead! He raised from the dead and conquered sin. Jesus died for every one of us, and His love is the key to everything.

How do you know? How do you know that you know? This is not meant to be a trick question, this is a confronting question facing everyone at some point, and it roots from doubts. We all have them, but facing them can result in a stronger faith. The pastor came up with three bullet points:

-Have you trusted Christ?

-Have you confessed Christ through baptism?

-Are you abiding in community?

The first one, is of utmost importance. Believing in God isn't enough. Believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus isn't enough. You have to trust Him with your life! You have to truly know God. Now first, you have to know about Him, but then you have to personally have a relationship. Once you learn to trust Him, you can show the world your new-found love, and faith by being baptized. Baptism is in no way a substitute for salvation. Jesus' blood is the only thing that can remove your sin, being baptized is just a way of publicly displaying your trust in God. After that, don't dare live in solitude! You're not meant to live in Christ alone. God tells us to encourage each other and have fellowship with each other (that's what church is all about!). It's hard in this corrupt world, and we're all sinful. But having deeply committed Christians as friends will help you grow in your faith and relationship with God.

I hope everyone can know God. It's more fulfilling than anything, and it determines your eternity. Knowledge isn't enough, you can be sure that you know God. As the pastor today said, "Assurance is attainable."

-Apple picture taken by Bubbly :)

Wrong Way!

The sad thing about life is, just when you think you've conquered it all, you get caught in pride and stumble on the concept of humility. So really, you can't ever know it all. Of course God knows all (far more than we can comprehend), but even the knowledge He has given us (the Bible), is infinite! It's a never-ending learning process, and you never graduate.

A few days ago, I was telling my mom of some of my friends, who tell dirty jokes, and don't live a holy life. I was so frustrated, that they just didn't get it! Don't they understand how perverted they're being? Don't they understand that God wrote the Bible, and that Christianity is more than just being a good person? Don't they get it, that you can't go to Heaven by works, and that Hell exists when we don't believe in God? They don't get it.

What I failed to realize, is my own judgmental attitude! It's God's place to judge, not mine. He alone holds the power of judgment and will completely take care of that on Judgment Day. I'm not perfect. I don't live a "holy life" either. Yes, I will go to Heaven when I die because I follow Christ, but I'm no better than they are in sin. Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." All doesn't signify some, it doesn't mean, only non-believers. No! All. Every human being on the face of the planet. And I'm certainly no exception.

My mom told me that pride and being judgmental is one of the worst sins. It's how Satan, the highest angel, fell! He thought he was better than God, and his pride caused his fall. Now, part of the reason I failed to realize my own pride, is because it wasn't as obvious as a cocky attitude. I am actually very insecure sometimes (I'm praying for God to give me more confidence). When I go to school, I don't feel popular, or pretty, or even smart. I feel like an outcast who doesn't fit in, and is shy to share her faith for fear of losing friends (I am bold in my faith, but don't share it like I should). That's not exactly pride, is it? But, it's all about your inner attitude. When I look down on nonbelievers for being ignorant, or "horrible people," I myself am committing sin, worse than theirs!

Humility is tricky. Once you think you're humble, you're not, because you think you are, which is prideful! Talk about a confusing statement.

Matthew 23:12 (NIV)

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself
will be exalted."

This is such an encouraging verse, for both sides. I am judgmental. I admit it! But, I'm glad that God promises to humble me. Perhaps one day I'll learn to be humble (but I won't actually realize it...). Then God will exalt me! Either way, God has it under control. Right now He's teaching me to not think of myself as better than anyone. Because I'm not! I get angry at my family sometimes. I'm not always 100% of the time nice. I don't do everything in love, as God says. And I certainly am not very humble.

~Thanks Father for reminding me of my sin. I needed an evaluation check. :) Please forgive me for my sins. I want to repent and turn to you! Humble me, Lord.

Romans 14:10 (NIV)

"You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your
brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat."

-Repentance picture from Google. I thought it accurately described how I feel. I was going the wrong way, and now God put a big "Wrong Way!" sign in front of me. Thanks again God! I needed that.
-If you're interested, see previous post on humility: David-a role model for humility

Failure

On Monday I declared myself a failure at life. It might seem a little extreme for a girl with a 4.2 GPA, who's 1st chair second violin in orchestra, and (above all else) has Jesus for a personal Savior. I ignored these facts, and instead chose to focus on the negatives. Monday was just a terrible day! Everything seemed to be going wrong and I felt like a failure. I also chose to ignore what calling myself a failure does to God. He created me and gave me my talents! If I'm a failure, that's suggesting that He is too. But that's not what I mean at all! God is perfect. Last time I checked, perfect is the opposite of failure.

It started with the cheerio bars. I volunteered to make 150 peanut-butter cheerio bars for an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) fundraiser. I even sacrificed my Saturday morning! Unfortunately, my mother's amazing recipe is foreign to the average teenager. "What's a cheerio bar?" most people asked while glaring at the seemingly gross substance before them. I had to explain to them that it's just like a rice-krispee treat, but with peanut butter and cheerios. It really is better than a boring rice-krispee treat! If they would just try them, I'm sure we would have sold out in minutes. But, I was left selling cheerio bars all week. If that wasn't discouraging enough, the majority of people claimed they didn't have money with them! I felt like a hopeless mess.

The day progressively got worse. At lunch I asked a friend how the speech team did (since I had to work, and was making cheerio bars during the competition, luckily mine was pre-recorded). He said that 19 out of our 21 teams made it to state. This was exciting! But when I asked which ones did not make it, I was fortunate enough to hear that I belonged to the two losing teams. How wonderful! My math teacher asked if I felt better after lunch. If only he knew how much worse I felt! I told him I felt like a failure and he reassured me that I wasn't. But I still doubted that as I thought ahead to my orchestra auditions at night. If I didn't think negative thoughts about the past, or the present, you can be sure I thought negatively about the future! I know it's silly and pointless. But Satan was using my mind as a fortress for a low self-esteem. When I went home, I explained my horrible day to my dad, and he just criticized me! I ran to my room crying and thought that everyone thought I was as much of a failure as I felt.

Remember how I said that God is perfect? I found this neat verse in Hebrews:

Hebrews 2:10 (NIV)

"In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering."

I never thought I would see the phrase "perfect through suffering." Yet, here it is, plainly seen in the Bible! My failures turned into perseverance and built character. My suffering was made perfect through God's salvation. You want to know the end of the story and my horrible Monday? It worked out fine. In fact, my worst fear of not selling the cheerio bars and becoming stale were eliminated when I sold my last four bars Thursday morning. The speech team failure wasn't my fault, even though I told myself it was (Satan is the father of lies). My orchestra audition that I was afraid of failing, wasn't a complete failure. I got eighth chair, but the amazing thing is the audition excerpts they chose. It was the easiest part of the song! This was a gift from God and made my Monday better. My week as a whole was difficult, but I learned the value of perseverance.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Even though I felt like a failure at life on Monday, I persevered and held on to the hope of Jesus, who is right by my side through every obstacle. It all works out according to His plan. I had planned to sell every cheerio bar Monday morning. This obviously wasn't God's plan, considering we sold them till Thursday. But if I had given up, then I wouldn't have accomplished anything. Trusting in God is difficult when you feel like a failure. But through every trial, I know that He is teaching me an important lesson. Last week's lesson: perseverance.

~God doesn't view me as a failure in life, and neither are you! God bless you all! <3 Jesus loves you. :)

-Failure picture: I found this cool saying about failure on Google. It keeps everything in perspective!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

I'm a sucker for corny children's movies. Tonight, I watched a cartoon called "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," by Sony Pictures. I was reluctant to return to my favorite pastime, for fear of "growing out of it," but I realized that you can never grow out of being a kid. My favorite movie is Finding Nemo. Yes, the humor is corny. But I like it. Yes, the plot is predictable. But I'm okay with that. Yes, children's movies are simple and sometimes boring. But I don't think so!

Movies these days are inappropriate, violent, and immoral. At least, I think so. 99% of the Americans might disagree. They are desensitized. Some people (who I feel sorry for) don't even know the difference! Perhaps children growing up in this century are just used to the time period. Unfortunately, we live in a corrupt world. More so than even 50 years ago. This is scary! I am constantly horrified by each new perverted television show added to the list. To each swear word added to even children's movies. There's no escaping it. But I try to -my hiding place is in kid's movies. I lead a sheltered life, because I want to live a pure life. As the title of my blog suggests, I want to be "innocently yours" Lord.

John 15:18-19

"'If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.'"

Choosing to live for Christ is not the easiest route. It's the road less traveled. (But there are far more benefits than disadvantages!) It's difficult to be the only Christian in a crowd of my friends. The only one who believes the truth. I want nothing more than to let everyone I know of God's love, to be a light to them, and to truly live for Jesus! But that's a more easily stated goal than easily achieved. My friends and acquaintances (even perfect strangers) don't get it. I'm praying for God to open their eyes, because it's not easy to take the hugest leap of faith! I get ridiculed. I get made fun of. Not in a cruel way, but it's not exactly accepting. But then I realize that it shouldn't be! John 15:18-19 says the world will hate me, but only because I'm not part of it! That's why I choose to watch children's movies and isolate myself from corruption. It hated Jesus too. But He was perfect! Wow. How could we hate the only perfect man ever to walk the earth? At least that makes me feel better, I'm used to it. People aren't going to love and accept me for being a Christian. But that's life. I'm willing to endure hardships and persecution if it furthers God's kingdom by just one person. I hope the number is far greater! The Bible says that trials will only create perseverance.

Romans 5:3-4

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

Although it was just a children's movie, I actually gained some things from watching "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." I caught on to some AP Language Arts and Composition skills (amazing, isn't it?), God revealed to me some spiritual ideas, and I had a good laugh on more than one occasion. I even enjoyed a corny cartoon romance, while relating it to my own experience, and discovered a conclusion. Is it even possible to think all of these things while watching a children's movie? For me it is. Possibly only me (what can I say? I'm a girl with a knack for talking, thinking, and analyzing).



Here is a brief synopsis of the movie according to fandango (I feel the need to pull out a paper bag puppet now):

"Inspired by Ron and Judi Barrett's beloved children's book of the same name, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs follows inventor Flint Lockwood and a brainy weathergirl as they attempt to discover why the rain in their small town has stopped, and food is falling in its place. Meanwhile, lifelong bully Brent relishes in tormenting Flint like he did when they were kids, and Mayor Shelbourne schemes to use Flint's latest invention -- a device designed to improve everyone's lives -- for his own personal gain." ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

I remember reading the book when I was little. It was a great book-the idea imaginative and creative. But the movie went above and beyond! I read some reviews on it, and most critics claimed it was far more sophisticated for the intended audience. I agree. Not all children's movies, or cartoons for that matter, are automatically childish and simple. In fact, I've seen quite a few that even my parents and grandparents have enjoyed! Perhaps you could have predicted the plot, but I couldn't. It surprised me at every turn (but, my family agrees that most movies do... so I might not be a reliable source).

Outside of the movie's intended, actual purpose, I discovered some spiritual related purposes. The entire moral of the story, was to never quit inventing, to love your family and to realize that everyone has a purpose in life. The introduction caught me off-guard, and sparked some AP Lang. thoughts. It began with something like this: "Have you ever thought that you were different? That you were the only one in the world who could do something great, but no one else saw it? That's me." This was an effective introduction, and the music applied as well. I love it when a movie is good, but when the music is phenomenal as well, I'm in 7th heaven! Anyway, it ended the movie with the main character, who originally lacked appreciation from his father, hugs his dad when he tells him he loves him. This is, of course, seconds after he saved the entire world from hurricanes, tornadoes, and showers of giant hot dogs, meatballs, and any other food imaginable, from conquering everything. Okay, it sounds corny, but just watch the movie! It really is much better.

Anyway, back to the spiritual purpose. I found multiple references that I felt God was revealing to me. One of the characters, who developed as a dumb-jock bully in the main character, Flint's elementary school. He was the "popular" guy, with all the girls, in the town. Once Flint, the mad scientist, crazy inventor, who I actually found nice and funny, with a unique personality, becomes famous, Brent (the dumb-jock) is left with nothing. He screams, "I don't know what my purpose in life is anymore? Who am I?" When Flint is left to use his flying car to venture into the giant meatball-that is, his invention-that creates the food, and save the world, Brent agrees to come. I thought, why are they letting him come, how can he be useful? Since it's a movie, I did predict that he was going to become valuable. But I was clueless as to how. It turns out (which, by the way is entirely unpredictable, unless you possess the brain of sci-fci geek, no offense to all you guys, I'm actually kind of one myself... Star Wars and the Matrix-amazing!), the team encounters a gang of giant, headless, cooked chickens, who attempt to attach them! Brent gets eaten by one, and then... to my surprise, he becomes it! Yes, it's weird, but it was actually hilarious in the context of the movie. I literally laughed out loud (isn't "lol" far too clique anyway?). He became their hero by warding off the angry mob of chickens and saving the day.

Far too often, we overestimate God's plan for even the simplest things or people. But even the most, seemingly, hopeless cases, He can use. Actually, throughout the entire film, I found evidence of cases that worked out perfectly. I know a movie isn't reality, but it was interesting to see how everything worked together. Just like real-life, God makes everything work out according to His plan. It may not appear so, but I am confident 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 have to admit, although I thought about some deep, philosophical ideas during this movie, I laughed about every 15 minutes. It was just hilarious! I enjoy a good laugh, and I think I don't laugh enough! I read this morning in my Bible in Psalm 126:2, "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.'" I know that God enjoys humor. He made our bodies to be able to laugh, so I think it serves a purpose, just like everything in creation! One of the humorous parts is where Flint lost his USB drive that was supposed to save the world, and is depending on his technologically inadequate father to go into his lab and e-mail it to him. Actually, the world was depending on this. It reminded me of my mother and grandparents, trying to become caught up with the world. My grandma probably fit the description of Flint's dad best. He didn't understand how to "move a file" with the mouse, let alone find the ever-important "send" button, which he discovered shortly after a pile of food crushed his house. With a dramatic scene of coming out of the pyramid of food, he saved the world by pressing send. I couldn't help but burst into laughter. Someday, older generations might get the hang of technology (at least, I sure hope so...).

One of my favorite, and personal parts of the movie is the relationship between Flint, and his new crush, an intelligent weather woman, who happens to share his love for jello (sorry, just a funny side note). Anyway, I think the connection is adorable, and it makes me dream of my future "nerd," as I like to call him. I'm years away from marriage (or dating again, for that matter...), but I like the idea of having a husband, and someone to spend the rest of my life with! (I'm pretty sure girls think about this way more than guys! Which is why we're suckers for romances. <3) You can call me crazy, like my brother, but I consider myself a nerd. I'm even wearing glasses this moment! I don't wear makeup, and care more about homework than about my social life. Learning is fun, and I don't mind being recognized for my intelligence. I'm in no way "normal." But who wants to be normal? Someday, I'll meet a book-worm, different guy wearing glasses. I know that God has in store for me, an attractive, intelligent, Christ following, sweet, "nerd," with common interests, and who loves me for me! :)



-First movie picture, Book picture, Movie synopsis, Send button picture, Couple picture (from the movie!)

Life

Are you living? You may think it's a simple question and answer: "Yes, I do believe I am breathing and my heart is beating." I think there's more complexity lying beneath, though. This morning I finished reading Psalm 119-the longest psalm in the Bible, comprised of 176 verses. It's now one of my favorite psalms. Throughout it, the word "life" is mentioned twelve times. You probably think it's not significant, but every time it's used in the same way.

25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.

37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according
to your word.

40 How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.

50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

88 Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.

107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.

109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.

149
Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.

154 Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your
promise.

156 Your compassion is great, O LORD; preserve my life according to your laws.

159 See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.

I don't think God had short-term memory loss. If it's worth mentioning twice it's probably important. But twelve times in the same chapter? Most of the verses included "preserve my life." What does this mean? I don't think it should be understood completely literal, although that might be what it was originally supposed to signify. Christians can use this differently. God saves us everyday. Although we initially received salvation from Jesus' blood, God gives us life everyday also! He also preserves our life from unholy things that could shorten our life. If we just follow Him, we'll be safer all-around. And, we'll experience life to the fullest! John 10:10 is one of my favorite verses. It's God's promise for us.

John 10:10 (NIV)

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Not only does our heavenly Father promise us life (which is a precious gift), but He gives us life to the full! God didn't intend us to treat life as this serious, negative, horrible place. We should treat every second He gives us as a gift, and be joyful! No where in the Bible does it say "don't have fun." I often overlook this detail and treat life as this serious thing. Yes, some seriousness is healthy, but we weren't created just to work. Some people think being a Christian means being a "goody-two-shoes" who follows a list of rules and can't do anything fun. Now, my idea of fun might differ from a non-believer involved in the things of this world, but I know that wholesome, God-intended "fun" is better than any noddy, dirty, perverted "fun" of the world. I experience way more joy by knowing Jesus loves me and reading His word! Telling dirty jokes, drinking, doing drugs, having sex, and everything the world considers "a good time" leave you empty. It's only temporary. But God's joy lasts for eternity.

Life isn't meant to be boring or depressing. God brings life! Embrace His perfect gift, and experience His joy! :) You might have thought you were living, but are you really?

-Life picture found on Google. I thought it accurately displayed a full life, just like my Father promises. Thank you Lord for giving me life!