Here's to Hindsight

I finished a book called Here's to Hindsight by Tara Leigh Cobble just a few days ago and would like to share some cute, funny, inspiring, comforting yet challenging parts from her story. Here goesss:

*As I drove back from the show later that night, I looked across the street from my hotel and saw war veterans crowded outside a shelter. It occured to me, momentarily, how very wrong this seemed. They fight for our country-- they get to sleep and eat in a shelter. I sing a few songs on a stage-- I get a posh hotel room and room service. It's something I don't know how to reconcile.

*I tend to lose my priorities when emphasis is placed on fame and fortune. I am entirely capable of becoming full of myself, and when I am constantly asked if I am famous or if I have a tour bus, I tend to focus on my pride and my new worth. I don't like the person I become when I focus on those things. But a lot of people don't want to hear "the gospel of smallness," and how I want to learn to focus less on myself and more on Jesus.

*I have to remind myself that God did not call me to be a rockstar-- He called me to express my salvation through mysic. And there is a vast difference.

*That's one of my favorite things about God-- that He is big enough to take the good, the bad and the ugly, and work them all together like some big masterpiece for my good and for His glory.

This part reminded me of an earlier post from last semester which I believe is titled "and now it all makes perfect sense" where I completed a painting and talked about each of the elements having their own characteristics brought together under Jesus, because He is the answer.

Andddd my favorite quote from this book-

*I'd grown up around all of those rules and regulations, and I know that they are probably a good idea for kids, but when you're and adult and you're making your own decisions, living by rules pales in comparison to loving something in a way that shows the change in you.

This book was a short and easy and overall, a lot of fun. It was a breath of fresh air to me, kind of like having fellowship through reading another Christian's story about her good, bad and ugly and how God brings it all together for His kingdom.

before it's too late.

And the risk that might break you
Is the one that would save
A life you dont live is still lost
-Goo Goo Dolls

A song I have heard hundreds of times, sang as the top of lungs doing 80 down the highway, cried myself to sleep to in my bed... you get the picture. Tonight as I listen to this song, it hits me a different way.

I was reading The Irresistible Revolution a couple of months ago and came across a quote that really struck me-- "Most good things have been said far too many times and just need to be lived." Wow. Contingent upon hearing the lyrics above, this quote popped into my mind.

Until now I had always thought of the quote to be referring to "good things" as ways to treat others. As children of God, we are called to create His kingdom on earth. To rid the world of starvation, hate and poverty. Tonight I thought of this quote and realized that it means those things as well as others. We are often afraid to let go.. whether it is of the past, of a fear, of an unhealthy relationship.. whatever it is- we as humans have a tough time letting go. "And a risk that might break you could be the one that would save"... how powerful. We are to gain nothing unless we risk everything; until we let go. And that brings back the book Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus and about how we must leave the comfortable sidelines to seize divine moments.. because "a life you don't live is still lost."

It all comes together and fits into this tiny neat package.. at least for a moment. We are called to take risks, to love God, to love others, to love ourselves, to do His will, to bring His kingdom to this earth, to rid this planet of evil... to stop talking about doing great things and actually do them.

Now I am no expert risk taker who easily just throws things up in the air and says "God do what you will". But I need to be. I need to get out of this should phase where I sit and ponder what my life would be like if I really surrendered it all to Him. I have to just do it already.

That is who we are called to be.. "just be who you are, it's all that we need in our lives."

photos.

Just a few of my favorites. Great reminders that there is so much beauty in this world. We just have to make the effort to see it.

Philippians 4:1-13

Ever open up your bible to a random page and feel completely floored by what you read? I've thumbed through pages before, praying about what I will choose to read.. but tonight as I turned the pages I just stopped and landed upon part of Philippians 4. I traced back to the beginning of the chapter and am just amazed at how much it speaks straight to my heart in this moment.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. Whatever you have learned, or receieved, or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:1-13

The first bolded part hit my heart hard about a situation I have been working through for the past week or so that surfaced again in a big way tonight. I stopped to pray and ask Him to put His will for this situation at the forefront of my heart, mind and soul. Reading this after that prayer was just an affirmation saying "Yes, Chelsea.. thank you for coming to me with this."

The second part I have bolded from this beautiful passage is something that is suggested throughout the bible, as clear as this and through other less direct messages. It was so great to read though, because I generally always look at the "well it could be so much worse" side of things rather than the "ahh this is terrible" point of view and quite frankly, it frustrates people. Lately, however, I have been falling into the second habit. This was a great reminder to constantly be grateful and never forget that I have tons of blessings around me and He is always showering me with more than I can open my eyes and heart to comprehend.

Quiet times like tonight really just rock my world.

Praise God.

PHP! get someeee.

Wow. The meeting has been over for 3 hours and it has taken me this long to even be able to try and put this feeling into words.

6:00- students start trickling into the Student Center Cafe and wearily ask if this is where PHP is meeting. Great!! People are showing up 15 mintues early.

6:10- I turn around to see a line out the door to sign in to the meeting.

6:15- Students are still coming in large groups to sign up to be apart of what was only a vision a year ago.

6:20- Nathan, Josh and myself stand up on the stage to introduce ourselves and look out to see all of the Cafe chairs filled and students standing as well as sitting on the floor- just flooding the meeting space.

Needless to say- we were blown away and far beyond excited. There are no words to describe the feeling. I can only imagine the way it must have felt for Nathan and Josh who were there when PHP was born a year ago. From a handful of students, to a small but dedicated group last semester, to a group of about 100 ECSU students all coming together to do meaningful service, to truly make a difference in this world.

This is such a blessing and I pray that God would bless this organization, the leadership and most of all-- the members.