Ponder and pursue

Hello friends! Again, I've decided to give this week's column an early release on the blog. Here's to hoping that 2015 ends swell and that 2016 kicks off tremendously! And if you like what you read, pass it along! Thanks again for joining me and supporting this writing venture of mine--much love!

Original publication date: Friday, January 1, 2016 
Random Writer 
Ponder and pursue 

This past week--the last week of the year--is always one that slowly creeps along...that time bunched between Christmas and New Year. In my opinion, there’s no time to begin a diet after that Christmas feast, especially since that tray of finger foods awaits you at that New Year’s Eve party.

From a media standpoint, this was the week when everyone looked back on the year that was. (For some reason, some media outlets tend to start at the beginning of December as if nothing will happen over the course of the month, which really bugs me.) And as morbid as it sounds, I always try to make a point to watch ABC World News on the last night of the year because they have the “in memorial” section that shows who died over the past year. But on the other end of the spectrum, it’s rather sobering--while I’ll never be as famous as those folks, it makes you put things into perspective while taking part in some introspection as to what kind of impact you made over the course of the year.

2015 was odd, at least for me. Things I never imagined would happen actually occurred. I lived through my very-first power outage to kick off that year--37 hours of living in a cold and dark house. It makes you appreciate the under-appreciated, like those workers who venture out into the cold and ice to restore power to houses.

People near and dear to my family--relatives, church members and family friends--passed away last year, which led to a somber start to 2015. Meanwhile, my dad turned sixty years old this past year, while my parents reached the thirty-year milestone in their marriage.

I actually focused more on Lent and Advent in preparation of Easter and Christmas, respectively. It’s one thing to just dive into those holidays, but I fully believe observing those two seasons served as a spiritual motivator in 2015.

Additionally, I celebrated my tenth anniversary of graduating high school and 14 years of spiritual rebirth. I “adopted” a little girl through Compassion International, and for the first time in my life I became a pet owner to Toulouse (those two fish I won as a white elephant gift several Christmases ago don’t count). It’s crazy how that little cat has stolen my heart, no matter how obnoxious he can be at times.

Through it all, the Lord has blessed and brought me through. Even during that period of time toward the end of the year when fear, anxiety and worry overwhelmed my  heart and mind, He was there to hold me and help me overcome. And for that, I’m extremely thankful.

But as 2016 has arrived, it’s time to look ahead. While I certainly don’t know what’s in store, I want to make it a point to make it an active year, at least a little more so than last year. With the Holy Spirit’s leading, if there is something I’d like to attain, I have to make an effort to pursue that goal. Whether it’s in the realm of spiritual growth, relationships, career, etc., being proactive (as much as is allowed by the Lord) shows how much that particular thing means to you. If you didn’t want it, you wouldn’t pursue it.

I will, however, add this to that statement I just made: pursuit can lead to failure, rejection or both. Don’t expect it, but be prepared for it. It can happen as a result of others’ actions, or God’s work in it all doesn’t allow it. However, we must remember that God’s ways are so much better than ours and we have to cling to that promise if pursuit ends in a way different than we would prefer.

If we allow God to be at the forefront of our lives and purpose to place His Word in our hearts and minds, 2016 can be a great year. Let’s thank Him for the year that was, and allow Him to lead us in the year that’s ahead.

Reflect and ponder

Hello friends and readers! I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Christ while spending time with those that we love. I hope that this week's column will speak to you, and if it does, feel free to pass it along. (And if it doesn't...sorry...) Much love!

Original publication date: Friday, December 25, 2015 
Random Writer 
Reflect and ponder 

Merry Christmas, dear readers!

I trust that this time of year has been one of reflecting on the birth of Christ and why He came--to be the sacrifice for us so that we might have eternal life.

I hope that this time has been one spent with family, friends and loved ones in sweet fellowship.

And I hope that this time has been as stress-free as possible in the midst of the parties and presents and preparation. (And if it hasn’t, you’d better take some things off that list for next year...or if you’re like me, let’s promise to manage our time better.)

But if this season has been one full of burdens and heartache and loss, then I pray that you will bring all of that to God and remember that the same Father who provides in the good times is also the same Father who will provide relief and happiness and replenishment in the bad times.

This holiday season has been one of reflection for me. I spent the days in December leading up to Christmas celebrating Advent through daily devotions. In its Latin origin, the word meaning is “arrival” and “to come”. As I look forward to the remembrance of the birth of Christ on my calendar, I also look forward to the day when Christ will return for His people.

I’ve been blessed to read the Old Testament prophecies, the story before the story--Elisabeth’s birth of John the Baptist, and the Nativity account in the Scriptures this season. I hope we never forget to marvel about the greatness of it all. But in the last couple of years, especially this year, one portion of Scripture has hit me in such an astounding way. In the all-familiar account in the book of Luke, a small verse is tucked in the middle of it all.

“...Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19 (King James Version)

The Savior had been born, the angels announced it to the shepherds, and the shepherds made their way to the stable. And as everything unfolds, Mary takes a moment to soak it all in. To reflect. And I don’t think it would be a stretch to say she was probably in a spirit of gratitude.

I think we’ve abandoned that concept here in 2015.

We send our Snapchats, post our photos, and tweet our thoughts. I’m just as guilty as the next person. And a lot of times, it’s nothing that really needs to be shared (seriously guys. I’m preaching to myself now.). Yes, I believe my cat is cute--the cutest animal ever. Whoever is working at the restaurant I’m in did a great job plating the meal I’m about to devour. And maybe at that time, I thought social media was the best place to vent (which it really never is).

We put our A-game out on display when maybe we’re barely above a passing rate. Or at the other end of the spectrum, we cast out our problems to see what kind of response we can get. If we have a pure motive in the things we do and say on social media, then there’s nothing wrong with that. But I think we’ve strayed away from the introspective way of life and made a display of it all instead of bringing it back to the One who made this life possible to begin with.

Can we take a lesson from Mary this Christmas season? Can we take a moment to keep the good and bad to ourselves and reflect on them as we bring them to God? Whether it’s to thank Him for it all, or to ask Him for help, let’s make pondering a new trend as we wrap up this year and look ahead to another.

Short sayings: Christmas edition

Hello all! After a brief break, I'm back with a bit of a twist. It's time once again for my "short" sayings column, so check it out. And if you like a quote or two or the whole thing...pass it along! Much love :)

Original publication date: Friday, December 18, 2015 
Random Writer 
Short sayings: Christmas edition 

And so it goes, on those weeks when I have the urge to write but don’t know what to write about (this is actually only the second time I’ve done this), I’ve decided to share some of my short sayings with you readers once again.

This time, we’ll take a look at some of my tweets from the month of December and notably around Christmas.

Short long story: Tweets are the 140-character sentences you post to Twitter, the micro-blogging social media site. Kinda like Facebook, but more abbreviated.

Here you go:

If anyone wants a Christmas album that will truly lead you to worship, I suggest the Peace on Earth album by Casting Crowns...phenomenal.

Gotta love the winter weather--I’m all about the warm sweaters, cute scarves, and fun Christmas socks.

“On the contrary, I didn’t know I looked that good.”--Pigpen in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’.

Good times in the Serrano household on Christmas...making tamales.

The lady next to me waiting for the parade to start is whistling “Jingle Bells”...gotta love Christmastime.

Watching “I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown” with my daddy.

“The greatest Christmas gift was delivered on Easter Sunday.” - Max Lucado

“Try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup—Christmas Diet tips from Buddy the Elf” - Jennifer Rothschild

“The genealogy of Jesus includes Bathsheba to show that God can work through our mistakes and our sin.” - Mark Driscoll

Gonzo’s sweater vest/button up shirt reminds me of how Raj from the Big Bang Theory would dress... #muppetchristmas

When I hear “All I Want For Christmas” by Mariah Carey I wanna start dancing but I’m afraid I’ll look like Snoopy from the Christmas special.

Was just asked to write a Christmas story for work. Shall I continue my new tradition of using the Peanuts movies? (I did.)

Happy National Poinsettia Day! Now the question is...how do YOU pronounce “poinsettia”?

“What do Santa’s elves learn in school? The Elf-abet!” - Cathleen Hunt

I have no reason to complain this Christmas because I’ve been abundantly blessed while others carry burdens, loss and heartache.

Christmas always reminds me that I need to accomplish my LifeGoal of recording/selling a Christmas album. This STILL needs to happen.

“Christmas: That time of year when we offer hellos to strangers, and good-buys to friends and family.” - Nicholas Sparks

*GASP!!!* I MISSED International Answer the Phone like Buddy the Elf Day! (P.S. This takes place on Friday, December 18 [TODAY!] each year...all you say is “Buddy the Elf...what’s your favorite color?” just like he does in the movie.)

Watching the amazing dance scene from #CharlieBrownChristmas.

The best #LettertoSanta request yet? A kid wants a street named after him.

Why is it that most renditions of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” have an old man and a young woman singing to each other?

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Yay for Jesus’ birthday, family time and good food and fellowship!

In the middle

Hello again! Hoping your Thanksgiving holiday went well and the Christmas season is going just as well! Take a look at this week's column and pass it along if you like it.

P.S. Please continue to pray for me. I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago about this ongoing bout against anxiety and it's been quite a bit better (thank the Lord that He listens to the prayers of His people!) but I'm not 100%. I'd greatly appreciate it.

Original publication date: Friday, December 4, 2015
Random Writer
In the middle 

A couple of weeks ago, I sat in Sunday School and something said by my substitute teacher (I find it funny to use that phrase at my age, but truly, she wasn’t my original teacher) has stuck in my mind all this time.

It wasn’t a long, drawn-out thought, but she said that the current season of her life is in a prime position--her parents are still around and doing well, while her children are now adults and also doing well. And once I thought about it, I resigned to the fact that I’m in that same position...sort of.

I may not have kids, but the next generation of Serrano kids are growing up right before my eyes. From my niece who’s in middle school to my nephew who hasn’t even started school, and to the two nephews in the middle--a kindergartner and a fourth grader, “my kiddos” are growing not only in a physical sense, but intellectually and spiritually as well, and for that I’m blessed.

And then I have my parents--one who just cracked the six-decade mark and another who’ll be there, Lord willing, in a few years. They’ve lived to see their sons have children, and at this age, they can still get around and go to work. That, too, is a blessing as some people who are that age are unable to do that.

And then there’s me, right in the middle of this blessedness. This season of life has been stranger than I would have imagined, but the spiritual lessons that I have learned in this time have strengthened me and my reliance on God.

It was a joy to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with them. But every now and then, as it usually happens, this feeling of remorse likes to linger--I feel bad for being blessed.

Because I’ve seen people my age who aren’t “in the middle” like I am. They’ve gone through the loss of a child, or a parent has passed away. They’re both unimaginable to me. But there are some who have gone through that valley in their lives, and due to social media, sometimes we catch a small glimpse of how they process and deal with it. And I can only hope and pray that when that particular season enters my life, that I can deal with it with the grace and God-given strength that many have exemplified in their own lives.

And I’ve written about it before. This time of year is hard when a loved one has gone. We can’t be all bent out of shape when Christmas party plans fall apart when others are dealing with much more serious matters.

So as I find myself in the middle of this season of life, I’ll relish the memories all the more. I’ll resolve to give that hug or voice my love for those special people in my life. And while it will be hard to break the habit, I’ll do my best to pull my eyesight from the glow of the smartphone to look at the ones I love and thank the Lord that He’s given me this time to spend with them.

My thank-you list

Hello to all! It's been awhile since I've made my way 'round here, but I kind of fell into a personal writing slump (which I didn't like) and nothing came to mind, or random ideas came to mind but nothing that I thought would produce a quality column. Nevertheless, I'm back!

Take a look at this week's column, as I'm sure you'll relate to it. And if you like it, pass it along to others! Thanks for supporting my writing adventures!

P.S. And if you're reading this, I ask that you would please pray for me. I alluded to it in a past column, but fear and anxiety and worry have been something I've been dealing with lately (another reason for my lack of writing) and my prayer is that God would replace those emotions with His Word and His love, peace and joy. Much love.

Original publication date: Friday, November 20, 2015
Random Writer
My thank-you list

A couple of weeks ago at church, our guest speaker for the day spoke on something that has resonated within me since that time. It’s taken me some time to really gather all my thoughts, but with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, the timing is finally right to compose these thoughts into words.

The guest speaker, in his 30-plus years of pastoral ministry, met scores of people and built relationships. He talked about some people end up being a blessing during a particular season in life, but even after so many years have passed, they still held a special place in his heart.

He listed the prayer warriors of his church, the faithful volunteers, the teachers, and others who were a blessing to his ministry. He even mentioned how in many of his epistles to the churches, the Apostle Paul rounded out many of his New Testament books with “shout outs”, if you will, of people who had been a blessing to him--the ones who opened their homes to him, the ones who stood by him in the midst of persecution, the ones who ministered with him for a moment--yet their impact made an eternal imprint.

And when we think about it, we all have a list like that. There have been people in our lives who reached out to us in a particular way or helped us with a particular project, and their actions or even affirming words have stuck out after all of these years.

In my lifetime, I can recall the Sunday school teachers and children’s church teachers who took time out of their own learning experience every Sunday so that I and countless children could learn about Jesus.

I remember the music directors that had enough faith in me and my talent to give me the opportunity to sing in church as a means of worship.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the people who joined me in that worship experience by accompanying me, either on guitar or piano or even as a vocalist.

I remember those youth leaders who managed to find that balance of teaching us about Jesus while providing us with some fun fellowship in a church setting.

I recall the folks who made a financial investment in me and my family by helping us to pay our way for church camp--whether it was by working for that money or by being a blessing and anonymously providing those funds.

I remember the people who drove that giant church bus or church vans to provide a way for me to learn about Jesus. And if that one bus driver never came by our house to tell my family that church existed beyond Vacation Bible School, I can’t even imagine how my life would have ended up.

I remember the couple who took on the responsibility of teaching our college Sunday school class after my first year of college and the way they opened up their home and hearts to me. And on that same note, I’ll never forget the elderly couple who showed their love by feeding us college kids lunch every other Sunday, which was such a blessing to us.

I recall those pastors who gave me the opportunity to minister in so many different ministry programs--teaching Bible lessons to students, leading the kids choir, directing VBS, facilitating outreach programs. To add to that, I’m so thankful for the folks in the church who decided to join me in executing these programs so children and their families could learn about Jesus.

I could list names one by one, but I’m scared that I’d miss somebody. But I’m just so thankful that God has given me people beyond my bloodline who have been a blessing to my life. I thank Him for them, and I probably need to take more time to thank those people in those moments, because we never know if we’ll get the chance to see them again. Last week, one of the people who allowed me the chance to raise money for church camp--by going around the park and picking up aluminum cans--finally succumbed to his years of health problems, and part of me wondered if he knew how much that simple task meant to me.

We all have that thank you list. But don’t just limit that multitude of thanks for when late November falls on the calendar. We are provided with ways like social media, text messages, and old-fashioned letters to tell these people thanks. We can even go up to a person and simply say thank you. Let’s show our thankfulness to those people, and then thank God for those people as well.

Painting with a blessing

If you want to see the end result of what took place in this week's column, check out my Facebook page! It's almost quitting time...so much love!

Original publication date: Friday, October 16, 2015
Random Writer
Painting with a blessing 

Very rarely do I like to try new things. I’ve said it before--I don’t like change. I also don’t like doing something when I know I’m going to be bad at it (here’s looking at you, sports).

But when one of the ladies from our fellowship group at church came up with the idea of our own version of “Painting with a Twist” that was eventually named “Painting with a Blessing”, I wanted in. I’d always seen the commercials showing where you can begin with a blank canvas and end with a glorious picture that looks like it came from an art gallery. Part of me wanted to see if I could have the same happy ending like the people on the commercial, while the other part of me wanted to prove that there was no way possible for an un-artistic person like me to produce a quality piece of art.

Drawing and painting and such was one of the first things I came to realize I was bad at in life. I was in elementary school and we had to draw a picture from that story about the mouse and the lion, and my picture was pitiful. It wasn’t the best in the class--something I had always done until that point in second grade. And in typical Belinda fashion (at that time), I cried.

Twenty years later, I knew I wouldn’t cry over being the worse, but as soon as our class began on Monday night, I joked with my mom and sister, “This is the mouse and the lion all over again!” I was--in the typical yet modern Belinda fashion--extremely nervous, especially when our teacher began the class. Seriously, I tip my imaginary hat to our teacher. Not only was she a great teacher, but she had such patience with all of us in the class that nearly numbered 20 ladies. She was so affirming, especially when I proclaimed that I’d ruined my canvas after the first step and she came in and fixed it.

We would be painting a cross, and even with that our teacher helped draw mine on the canvas. Was I stressed during most of the class? Most definitely. It would be out of my character if I wasn’t (which is a bad thing, I know). But I had fun even in my anxious state as I enjoyed sweet fellowship with the ladies in our group and even when I finally realized that my little painting was, in my opinion, “meh”. And thankfully, I didn’t cry when I finally made the decision to look at my sister’s artwork (because she’s amazingly talented). I was in complete awe at how great it looked, even though I shouldn’t have been because she always produces great-looking work.

As I sit here to try and come up with some sort of spiritual application, a thing or two comes to mind. Fellowship with believers is always a blessing, whether it’s over dinner or a painting project. I can’t think of a scriptural reference, but don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know what you might be missing out on if you don’t try it out.

After painting our crosses, we decided that our next class will have us painting a pumpkin and maybe a sunflower. Will I make it to that class?

I’m not gonna lie: at this point...I’m still undecided.

There's something about music

Hello all! Here's to hoping that you're enjoying the fall weather in your neck of the woods--we've been blessed with some rain, clouds and cooler temps this week!

Anywho, after last week's column, I found a sweet relief in listening to music to ease the anxiety. But once I began to write this week's column, I came to discover that I had written one very similar but it was never published (because this happened). So after some revisions, here is this week's written work. Take a look and if you like it, as always, pass it along to someone else who might like it too!

Original publication date: Friday, October 9, 2015
Random Writer
There's something about music 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved music. Some of my earliest memories in life are of me sitting in front of the TV as I watched CMT and listened to country music as the little ball on the screen bounced from word to word.

My love for music led to my love of singing, which started in church as an elementary-age student singing “Amazing Grace” (I know, it’s that typical story told by the professionals time and again, but it’s true). Some time after that, I made my local talent show debut in Star Search when I sang “Crazy” by Patsy Cline. It humors me when people in town recognize me in that young role rather than me as an adult writing for the newspaper.

I kept singing all the way through school, auditioning for the honor choirs  in school and singing specials at church (and I still sing at church all these years later). Somewhere during my middle school years I picked up songwriting (which is harder than it looks) and those couple of years of piano lessons in Bible college helped to expand my limited expertise as an amateur singer-songwriter.

And as I’ve grown up, my love for all genres has expanded. While I’m conservative in my religious and social beliefs, I’m actually somewhat liberal in my musical preferences. Lyrics are an entirely different facet that I won’t dive into today, but my love for music itself surpasses all genres. Case in point: one of my favorite playlists on Spotify is by the Christian rapper Lecrae.

And in the span of five days, I went from having a good ol’ time during a Southern Gospel concert at church on a Wednesday night, soaking in the sounds at the Broadway Lights concert on Saturday night, and head-bopping to the beat of bluegrass Sunday night at church...and I loved it all! But many times, just when I’m about to boast in my musical open-mindedness, I usually find that many more people out there have a wider musical spectrum than me.

For me, when things aren’t going so great, I can drown the emotions (or sometimes, reignite them) by throwing in some earbuds and listening to music until the feelings subside. I love how the opening five seconds of a song can be attached to a memory, whether it’s good or bad. Music has this effect that can bring people together in times of joy and sorrow. It transcends time; just look at how church hymns from centuries passed have held true and remain popular today.

My love for music compares to the way people in this area love West Texas high school football or the way kids love getting presents for Christmas. I just have this intense passion for the way that a bevy of instruments can bring different sounds and beats together to form such beauty.

Maybe music isn’t your thing; maybe something else stirs up a passion within you. But whatever craft or skill or hobby it might be, embrace it. Learn it. And remember that whatever we might do, we should do it for God and His glory (Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Easier said than done

Hello readers! Thanks again for following me and this weekly column of mine--I feel like I can't express my gratitude enough. 

Anywho, take a look at this week's column. If you get something out of it, pass it along! And if you remember, say a prayer for me. I need it!

Original publication date: Friday, October 2, 2015
Random Writer
Easier said than done 

I think way too much. Way more than I should. I’ve often pegged this to the fact that since I write for a living, I kind of have to. I have to be willing to see something from all perspectives, whether I agree with it or not.

The other part of me just likes to know all perspectives. I tend to go straight to worse case scenario, just because I like to be prepared for the worst. But every now and then I let my mind travel to the most positive aspect of something, even though something within me immaturely thinks that focusing on the best possible scenario will somehow jinx it.

Honestly, as of late, I’ve been filled with anxiety. With a little bit of fear added to the mix. I’ve been worrying about the future and all the different ways it could end up playing out. I’ve been wondering if this life I live right now will be all that I know, or if something else is in store. And if something is in store, then how will it play out? What will it feel like? Will I know in advance that something new is on the horizon, or will it just happen suddenly?

Again, back to thinking way more than I should.

So after experiencing what I self-diagnosed as a mini panic attack, I came to this realization: there are a lot of things out of sync right now in my relationship with God.

First, if I’m worried--about anything--I’m not following the Scriptures. “Be anxious for nothing” is so far out of my mindset at this point. “God didn’t give us the spirit of fear” is out in the left field of my mind if that emotion lingers within me.

Then, if my mind is on the future, then I’m not resting in what James 4:13-15 talks about. We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Life is like a vapor. Everything should be planned in accordance to God’s will.

It also reminds me of that classic song, “One Day at a Time”, when it says, “Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine. So for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time.”

But here’s the thing. These verses--and so many more...I’ve shared them on numerous occasions throughout this writing space. So why does it seem like I know what they say in my mind, but I struggle to grasp its message within my heart?

Because that’s the way that Satan likes to attack. Maybe because we’re not as close to the Father as we had been before. Or maybe we are striving to live for Him, but there’s one more step to take before we fully surrender.

Because life wasn’t meant to be easy. It’s about overcoming the trials and tribulations through His leadership in our lives. So if someone told you that the Christ-following life was going to be full of easy routes and full of prosperity...well then, you were told wrong.

And because at the end of the day, things like this are easier said than done. But that doesn’t mean we have to hang our heads in defeat or throw in the towel. It just means that we’re not meant to go about it on our own. We can call on God in prayer for help, or go to our fellow believers in Christ, or ask Him to provide community for support.

And I have to admit, ever since I realized that this journey of worry required Him to take the wheel, it’s nice to ride shotgun.

Seasons of change - revisited

Hi friends! I hope your week has gone well. In the midst of the busyness of life and such, I kind of had to go back in my files for this week's column. You'll remember it in its original form here. But here's to hoping that a new audience will get something out of it, and if you do, pass it along! 

Original publication date: Friday, September 25, 2015
Random Writer
Seasons of change 

Fall. Autumn. Whatever you call it, it’s that season--that ever-so-short season--that leaves as quickly as it comes in West Texas.

When I lived in Springfield, Missouri as a Bible college student, the Texas kids would eat it all up and enjoy the changing of the leaves in their deep-hued glory. The crunch of the leaves was a sweet sound to my ears, and I was enamored with it.

That season is typically what I miss the most when I recall my years in Springfield (almost as much as I missed being nowhere near a Whataburger, but not as much as I missed being 10 hours away from my family).

But as much as I love fall, the seasonal transformation that leads into a cold season can sometimes be a picture of our own lives.

Before fall comes, the summer season brings about a carefree spirit, an awareness to live in the moment and embrace life. It’s about the new adventures and new experiences--sometimes it’s like a preview of what’s to come.

Then again, fall also ushers in a transition to get back into the regular routine of life--work, home, church, etc. And for all the preparation, sometimes challenges and bumps can come along the way.

But sometimes the bumps start to come closer together. Change starts happening in a way that you always thought and fear would happen, and it shatters your world.

So when different situations shake you to your core, you find yourself alone. The wintry cold sometimes leaves you forsaken in solitude, and sometimes...everything you’ve ever known is questioned.

But with the winter--this dramatic change--comes truth. Truth that sprinkles you like snowflakes...you’re not really alone. Truth comes alongside you with the promise that God would never forsake you, so you cling to it that much more. Sometimes we want to shake the snow off but once it latches itself to your clothing, it seeps in.

And then, whether there’s someone physically next to you or not, you’ll find yourself in the midst of spring--a renewal, a rebirth. It’s reminiscent of the buds of the flowers and the leaves on the trees that begin to blossom.

But remember, sometimes that season of winter might be a bit longer than you expect. Or that the growth of springtime and joy of summertime might be so short that the autumn atmosphere transitions into yet another period of change.

I’ve been there before. And for all I know, you might be in a particular season of life that seems never-ending, or that season just went by too quickly and you long for those spring-like days again. But if we remember the memories of the good seasons, the lessons from the bad seasons, and more importantly, the Creator of all these seasons, we can make it through it all.

Bernie, Liberty and civility

Hi all! Consider this week's column my foray into political journalism...although it's probably pretty pathetic. I try to stay away from topics like this because, honestly, I feel like I don't know much about these issues and I'm--being honest again--too lazy to do the research that goes into topics like this. But this one really intrigued me, so I figured, "why not?" and just went with it.

So in advance, if it seems like I have no clue what I'm talking about, I apologize. But if you like it, please pass it along to your friends and followers. Much love!

Original publication date: Friday, September 18, 2015
Random Writer
Bernie, Liberty and civility

I could be wrong (which happens from time to time), but I feel that there hasn’t been much news coverage about this. And in my perspective from a media standpoint, it makes sense when the major networks’ goal--especially in this political season--is to show the stark divisions among all the presidential candidates.

On Monday, Democratic presidential nominee Bernie Sanders--who really hasn’t received much coverage until it began to be seen that he was making some headway in some polls against Hillary Clinton--spoke at Liberty University, the largest Christian university in the nation.

But why?

In a society where people believe that Democrat equals liberal and Christian equals Republican (a belief of many, though I personally understand that’s not the case entirely), the decision to make the speech there wouldn’t make sense on paper. But Sanders made the option to do so, and as a result, I believe he can teach us a thing or two about civility.

In the transcribed speech found on the Washington Post website, Sanders initially states that there are differences between him and the audience with women’s rights and gay rights, as he is in favor of them.

“But I came here today, because I believe from the bottom of my heart that it is vitally important for those of us who hold different views to be able to engage in a civil discourse,” said Sanders. He acknowledged the “shouting” and “making fun” that usually takes place when people state their opinions, especially when they differ.

But Sanders points something out that is so very true, it’s almost convicting.

“It is harder, but not less important, for us to try and communicate with those who do not agree with us on every issue.”

Personally, it’s easy to say “Amen” when the preacher makes a point that I agree with or I know that it aligns with Scripture. I can immediately like a post on Facebook or Instagram when someone else echoes my beliefs, or retweet something that makes me think, “Wow, it’s like we were thinking the same thing.” But to exchange dialogue with someone different than you? It’s hard. And unfortunately, in many cases today, we’ve thrown civility out of the window during those dialogues.

Sanders also points out another valid point: he knows why the audience believes what they do. He knows that the religious foundation of the school is used in teaching students in regards to morality and decency and honesty. And he uses what they know--in this case, Matthew 7:12, also called The Golden Rule--to state his belief. Now, whether he was trying to bring everyone over to his side or not is a different issue, but he used what the audience was familiar with to make his case.

I think that’s one of the reasons I grew up being taught about different religions while in church and even in Bible college. Because in the instance that we shared the Gospel with them, we knew their vantage point. We knew what was considered right and wrong and the difference between “us” and “them”. But I think when we have that understanding of different perspectives, dialogue can take place without shouting and bickering. And should it venture off into a negative course, then I believe that the conversation has become nothing short of immature, at best.

From this point on, Sanders discusses income inequality and the “injustice” he sees among the wealthy versus the poor, whether it’s from finances, nutrition, the workplace, healthcare or even maternity/paternity leave. And there’s an awareness in Sanders’ speech that the discussion has to be broad and not narrowed to those in position to make change, but for all involved.

As he concluded his speech, Sanders urged the audience to continue the discussion, to ask questions and have debate about the issues of which he spoke, among others.

“If we are honest in striving to be a moral and just society,” he concluded, “it is imperative that we have the courage to stand with the poor, to stand with working people and when necessary, take on very powerful and wealthy people...”

I may not agree with his viewpoints, and he’s not my candidate of choice, but I have to say that after this particular event, I have some respect for him that I didn’t have before. I have no idea if anyone in that audience joined Team Bernie after that speech. But I’m fairly confident in saying that the moment he was introduced onto the platform, someone probably shut him off entirely just because it was him, even if everything he had to say was completely true. Because, sadly, that’s how we as humans are.

I’ve had conversations with people who shut me off--even though all of my points were valid and correct--just because I was the one making the case, or because they didn’t want to admit that they were wrong. And in those moments, we have to push emotion out of the window and not only come out with logic and reason, but as Christ-followers (not in name only but also in actions and deeds), we also have to present our case in a way that pleases Him.

Too many times, I’ve seen unhealthy dialogue take place not only between “right wing” and “left wing”, but “Christian” versus “Christian”. And a lot of times, it’s over the dumbest issues--I heard of one church who ended up splitting just because of carpet. So if that’s the kind of conversation we have “among believers,” then how can we speak in civility and “speak the truth in love” to those of differing viewpoints, if we can’t even do it within the body of Christ?

Maybe we should take a page out of Bernie’s book.

Dates

Hi all! I hope your week has gone well. As for me, I've stuck to my usual routine...

I don't have much to say this week, except I hope you enjoy this week's piece and if you like it, then share it! Also, THANK YOU for reading my columns each week. Feel free to let me know who you are and where you're from in the comments. Much love!

Original publication date: Friday, September 11, 2015
Random Writer
Dates

I begin this week’s column in solemn remembrance of the events that unfolded fourteen years ago this very day. I’ve shared before in this space what unfolded in my own life as the global stage was forever changed with those terrorist attacks.

We say each year that we’ll “never forget” what happened and take time to honor our firemen and policemen and first responders. Unfortunately, for the latter, the recent killings that have taken place seem like we actually have forgotten about their sacrifices--not just on days where terror unfolds but in their everyday routines.

But switching gears, today marks one year when I first started my weekly column. I hope you, dear reader, have enjoyed my random thoughts and have been blessed by some of them. And if you’re even able to say that you learned something from this space of mine, well...I’d be really surprised.

Dates have a particular way of sticking out in our minds. I remember everyone’s birthday in my family, so I’ll call or text or Facebook them (especially my sister in law, because today’s her birthday). We all remember holidays on the calendar, especially those that result in having a day off from work.

We even remember the bad dates, like 9/11. I remember coming home from elementary school in second grade when I found out my grandmother died. I can’t help but remember those days when I was told no after waiting to hear an answer about a particular opportunity, which has happened on several occasions throughout my life.

People remember their first dates, when they got engaged, and their wedding anniversary. I know my birthday--both physical and spiritual, but I don’t know the day of my death. The only one who knows that is God.

And the other thing that God knows and we don’t is when His Son will return for His children. Chapter 24 in the Gospel of Matthew relays Jesus explaining signs that point to His return, but we’re never given actual dates. I believe that a majority of these signs are unfolding before our eyes right now, but it really irks me that on social media, I’ve seen several posts giving actual dates of the Rapture of the Church.

Verse 36 says (KJV), “Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not that angels of heaven, but my Father only,” so if God’s Son doesn’t even know the date, we as human beings have no idea. At all.

But even after verse 42 stresses again that we don’t know the hour of His return, and verse 43 uses an example of a thief in the night--which the example is also used in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, verse 44 in Matthew 24 reminds us that because we don’t know when that date is, we need to be ready for His return, which is done by living in accordance to what the Bible says. Not what man says and not what is portrayed as “the norm”, but by the authority of God.

The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a season for everything. Some dates are imprinted with good memories, while others are marred by bad experiences. But regardless of how we view them, trust that God has a purpose and a plan in every date.

Life happened

Hey folks! Here's to hoping your week went well and that you'll have a great Labor Day weekend! Today's kind of a big deal here in my hometown, so I kind of hit on that in this week's column. Take a look and share it if you like it or want others to check it out!

Original publication date: Friday, September 4, 2015 
Random Writer 
Life happened 

This weekend of Homecoming marks my tenth year from graduating high school. Will I take part in any of the festivities? No. In all honesty, I’m holding out for a reunion of sorts with the folks from Bible college that provided me with some of the best memories of life, and that hasn’t happened yet, so...

Anyway, I would be remiss if I didn’t just look back to see what happened between walking down those steps in the Mustang Bowl through today. A lot of it just boggles my mind, honestly.

I love that the breakout person from The Class of 2005 ended up being Edward Villanueva, who most people know as the drummer in the Josh Abbott Band. I had the opportunity this past year to conduct a phone interview with him regarding the band’s new album, and I always enjoy it when people end up recognizing me from way back when, as he did in an email I sent him for the story.

But the Class of ‘05 also ended up with business owners, coaches, and doctors. Some people stayed single and some got married, which led to some becoming parents and step-parents.

Some people ended up in other states or even other countries, to where the only time we’ll ever see each other--which for me, is most of the class--will be on Facebook or some other social media site.

Some people never left Sweetwater. But for some of us, we ended up coming back to the place we tried to leave all these years.

Still, an event like Homecoming reminds me of a song I heard so many years ago and after all this time, the lyrics relate to my life. Tammy Cochran’s song “Life Happened” seems to ring true:

“It seemed like it was only yesterday--

standing in the gym in our cap and gown,

full of wanderlust and glory bound.

We set out to chase our dreams on wings of passion,

but somewhere along the way we got distracted.

Life happened--

our clothes went out of fashion with our songs.

We started families and bought SUV’s, 

became step-dads and soccer-moms...

Life happened.” 

For all the dreams we had, some of them were attained while others weren’t. But for those of us whose dreams never came to light, it doesn’t mean that we fell short--it means that God had another route for our lives to take. It allows for events like Homecoming to give people a chance to catch up on the past, even if all the Facebook and Instagram posts take care of the big events.

All the details on how each life transformed from then until now can’t be completely seen on social media. It can’t be captured in a post, photo or hashtag. Sometimes, only human, face-to-face interaction can recap how life--in all its grand moments and its ordinary details--actually happened.

That question

Man, it's been a WEEK...good and bad....crazy and calm, but the good Lord brought me through! I don't have much to say about this week's column, so just read it and pass it along if you like it or relate to it!

Original publication date: Friday, August 28, 2015
Random Writer
That question

About a month ago on Facebook, I posted a question that wouldn’t leave my mind. After it lingered in my thoughts for a while, I finally had to get it out of my system.

“Does anybody else start randomly looking back on their life and think, ‘Man, I really haven’t accomplished much’?”

Knowing me, I was probably having a pity party of sorts wondering what I’ve done over the last twenty-something years of my life. I was probably playing that horrible game called Comparison where I look at the lives of others--mostly on social media--and say to myself “well, I don’t have this or that or [fill in the blank], but she does or he’s working toward that.” And then I probably began wallowing in self-pity instead of thinking about how to better my situation...even though going after the goals of others probably isn’t what I should be doing anyway.

It’s funny how that question likes to come to the surface more than we’d like.

It was the question that came to mind this week on my birthday, while looking back over 28 years of life and trying to figure out what I could call as my “accomplishments”. I fared well in school, competing in music and writing competitions. I established friendships in college and traveled more than I would have imagined. But life post-college hasn’t been what I thought it would be, with many shortcomings in the areas of career, relationships and ministry.

Many times I’ll waste time (yes, that’s what it essentially is) trying to figure out if there was a particular moment in life where I made the wrong decision, which led to the path that I’m on now, and I begin to think, “Well, if I hadn’t done it this way, would things have gone the same? Or would have life changed...for the better?” At times, I think I’ve narrowed it down to a few situations, but I guess I’ll never get those answers until I ask God in Heaven.

Then, on a few occasions, I try to push that question out of my mind. It’s not for me to know; if I was supposed to have it all figured out, God would have told me from the beginning. A question of this magnitude is a trick of Satan to cast doubt on my life and the way that God works in my life. It allows worry and anxiety to creep into my life and thought process, and Jesus addresses those things, those sins. “Cast your anxiety on Him” and “Don’t worry about anything” can be found in Scripture.

So when our birthdays come around, that question shouldn’t even surface. We should just thank God that He allowed us to live another year. We should strive to remain in fellowship with Him so that He can chart our course in life and that we can be centered in His will. And we should ask God to help us follow after Him so that the next year in our lives will promote His name and bring Him glory.

I'm worn

Hello friends and followers! I hope you've had a great week, because I have! This week, Vacation Bible School took place at church--Cartoon VBS. We had a great time of fun and close-knit fellowship, so stay tuned for a recap video!

Anywho, take a look at this week's column. I'm sure someone else besides me relates to this, so if you or someone else you know can relate, share it along! Much love!

Original publication date: Friday, August 21, 2015
Random Writer
I'm worn

A month ago, I had the opportunity to sing one of my mother's favorite songs at church. "Worn" by Tenth Avenue North is an anthem of sorts before her. The lyrics, which overlap an exceptional piano accompaniment, shed light on physical and spiritual weariness but stress that restoration can only come from God. (Seriously, go find it on YouTube and let this song be an encouragement to you.)

But when I think about it--why do we find ourselves worn out? Is it really  because we've failed to seek restoration from the Father? I don't really think that's the entire reason.

Sometimes, the everyday routine of life wears us out. The homefront includes cooking and cleaning and shuffling the kids from one place to another. It's helping with homework or attempting to fix that one household item that decided to bite the dust when we need it most. In most cases, I think it's a matter of prioritizing and realizing that some of the things we want to do--we can't (though there are some things, like broken down items, that just take place and we can't plan when that's going to happen). We've been given these responsibilities and more by God, and in order to please Him in our houses, they have to get done and be done in a way that brings Him glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

A lot of us are also aware of the fact that our jobs will lead us to weariness. As Christ-followers, we should have an awareness that in our work spaces, we represent Him. And when we remember that several verses in Proverbs condemn laziness (Proverbs 6:6-11, Proverbs 19:15) and also note that no work equals no food (at least that's the way it should be), we complete the tasks that have been assigned to us.

I will say, however, that in some cases, those with exceptional work ethics tend to end up doing the job of everyone else because whoever is in authority will give them those additional tasks. But isn't that almost like a way of rewarding the lazy? And punishing the hard working? Shouldn't the current and incoming work force be trained to perform at the same level? (not all of them are lazy, but it seems that they make up the majority, and not just people in my age bracket) I fear that as time progresses, this trend will continue. And in cases like these, the only solution is taking it to God in prayer to seek rest and relief and hopefully a change in the situation.

But back to the original topic at hand. Weariness can result from good, in an odd combination of sorts. This week, Vacation Bible School has taken place at church. And while it's rewarding and fun, it's tiring. I can't remember the last time I went to bed at 10:30, but VBS has a way of happily wiping you out, physically and mentally. But ministry or outreach has to take place. Galatians 6:9 (KJV) tells us to "not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Yes, our bodies and minds will grow tired, but I think Paul is saying that the payout--seeing others come to a saving faith in Christ--is much higher and definitely worth it.

When Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 (NASB), "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest," I think there's the expectation that weariness is a given in this life. It's just that in order to overcome being weary, we have to make the choice to come to Jesus for that rest.

Welcome, Toulouse

Hi everyone! I trust that this week has gone well for your. This week's little blurb will be a PSA to invite you and yours and anyone who qualifies to the VBS that God is allowing me to direct. Cartoon VBS will be for students entering Kindergarten through 5th grade from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Broadway Baptist Church for a week-long journey of learning about the awesome things God does! Help pass the word along, please!

And this week's story is one I never imagined I'd write either, but it happened and I'm here to tell you my story! Enjoy!

Original publication date: Friday, August 14, 2015
Random Writer
Welcome, Toulouse 

Who knew having a pet was more challenging than I would ever imagine?

No, seriously, if you knew...why wasn’t I told?

Last week, my family got its first pet. Toulouse was born as an outside cat, but in an effort to save him from the big bad world we brought him into our home.

And that first day, he hid under the furniture for a few hours.

But once he realized that our house was his new home, he slowly emerged and roamed the house. And after that first day, I realized what we had been told was true: we don’t own that cat, he owns us.

Case in point: that next morning...Saturday morning!...at 6:11 a.m. Toulouse bursted through my bedroom door and started meowing. This is how awesome my family is: I actually thought my mom threw him in there as a joke. Half-awake, I said, “Mom?” but when I realized he just barged in there on his own, I became aware that the continuous meowing meant one thing: he was hungry.

A couple hours later, after roaming the house and being told by me, “Don’t jump on this” or “Get off of that”, Toulouse finally fell asleep in my lap. And for the most part, he sleeps a lot. (Whether that’s a good thing or not, we’re still determining that.)

In the week that we’ve had Toulouse, we’ve spoiled him with wet food and are now trying to add dry food to the mix. We’ve bought him toys that he enjoys, even that one little mouse toy that doesn’t move that great on the carpet.

He only seems to really relax once someone lays on the couch, and then he climbs up on the armrest and falls asleep in the craziest positions. And already, he’s experienced the struggle of taking a bath to clean his coat and get rid of those pesky fleas and ticks. Poor guy, he was so traumatized that he wore himself out and just slept after his bath.

It’s crazy too...I find myself talking to him in the way I would to a small child. “Good morning Toulouse” or “Hey little man”. And I always want to affirm him, especially during his bathing battle--”You are loved, but sometimes we have to do things you don’t like for your own good.”

I’ve also come to find that my world is no longer my own, because my attention has to be on Toulouse to make sure he’s not doing what he isn’t supposed to, and I want him to know that he can just spend time playing and I’ll be watching him. (Now if some of today’s parents would just realize that truth, then maybe the children of today would benefit from that as well.)

And I’m sure that there’s some type of spiritual application to all of this. The way my family looks over Toulouse to provide food and shelter is the way God provides my needs (Philippians 4:19). Self-centeredness goes out the window when you have to look after someone else besides yourself. Sometimes we have to go through tough things--like a cat bath--to ensure our optimal well-being, whether physical or spiritual.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve had a pet for years on end or you’re new to having a pet, it’s fun. It’s challenging. And it’s definitely a teaching experience. Here’s to hoping our pets provide us with love and joy in the weeks, months, and years to come.

Some of my short sayings

Hey folks! I trust this has been a good week for you! This week has been a weird one of sorts...working in a community feeding program for kids (refer to my "Old-school mentality" column to hear my thoughts on that, basically), all while still working at the Reporter before and after that, and then getting ready for VBS...it's been a bit hectic but as long as y'all pray for me, I'll be good! 

This week's column is rather different than my usual ones, but I hope you'll read it and enjoy it! Much love!

Original publication date: Friday, August 7, 2015
Random Writer
Some of my short sayings

I’ve struggled with what to write about this week. I even got as far as writing a column earlier in the week, but yesterday after looking over it and even editing it...I just wasn’t too keen on publishing that column.

So as I thought about it and (in typical fashion) stressed over it, an idea came back to mind that had originated almost a couple of years ago.

About six years ago I joined a social media site that had always piqued my curiosity. Twitter was known for its micro-blogging, where the user has 140 characters to share thoughts with his or her followers. It’s basically just like Facebook, but at the time it seemed better because users were able to connect with their favorite celebrities because many of them had jumped on the Twitter bandwagon.

So when I became a newspaper writer, and when I began writing columns, I knew it would be a place to express myself. And when Twitter gave users the option to keep an archive of every tweet they posted, I thought about sharing some of my short sayings in my column.

And here they are:

Trying out Twitter for the month... (that didn’t work out)

“Just for today, let’s focus on the good things that happen, so they don’t get lost in the shuffle of life.”

“Be kind to yourself. God thinks you’re worth his kindness. And he’s a good judge of character.”-- Max Lucado

“Hope doesn’t promise an instant solution but rather the possibility of an eventual one. Sometimes all we need is a little hope.”

“If we can give the best to a friend, how can we do less for our Lord who gave His very life for us?”

“I know we’re all God’s children, but sometimes I think He likes me extra special”--Doug from King of Queens

Gotta love Sweetwater...the Long John Silver’s mobile is in town! (Question: Does anyone miss that truck coming into town?)

“You both have the same face”--a five year old in Awana to me and my twin sister Cynthia.

Sometimes I wish I was more creative and profound. It would make writing so much more easier.

If people say ‘quit bugging me’, then what do bugs say?

This drummer is seriously like the muppet Animal...totally all over the place with those drums.

What kind of person would really give a kid a rock for trick or treat?

You know it’s almost Christmas in Sweetwater when Coach Mayes has his lights up counting down the days to the 25th.

Being a writer: Thinking of something funny & not writing it, then to come back & either forget what it was or realize it wasn’t that funny

P.S. This is just from the first year and a half, so maybe somewhere along the way I’ll post more of them to be read.

Year-long lessons

Hello readers-of-the-blog! I hope that you've been doing well. As for me, I've been stuck in Memory Lane in my own version of Timehop in the "one year ago" section...

So I attempt to make sense of my mind in this week's column--key word: "attempt". Maybe you relate and maybe you have no clue what I'm talking about. That's just fine. But if you get something out of it, pass it along. Thanks again for reading these tidbits of mine!

Original publication date: Friday, July 31, 2015
Random Writer
Year-long lessons 

Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. That number amounts to the number of minutes in one year. It seems like a lot of time, but when you look at life from one calendar year to another, it seems to just whiz by.

I may or may not have shared this before, but I struggle with nostalgia. Don’t get me wrong--I love looking back on the times that were, but sometimes I find myself dwelling there a little too long and longing for those days again. I consider the smartphone app Timehop a blessing and a curse, especially when one memory brings about another memory that makes me shake my head in disbelief or stuns me to silence.

A lot can change in the course of a year. Things can change for the better, like a new job or relationship. And things can change for what we deem as worse, like the loss of said job or relationship.

Change has a way of altering our mindsets in life to be seen through a different lens than before--whether it’s having a bigger picture of the world or narrowing that viewpoint for self-introspection. But the other part about change is that it should bring about teaching opportunities, lessons that we can take with us into the future. If we’re not learning new things from these changes, then I think we miss out on a valuable opportunity for growth.

For me, I’ve learned that it’s okay to miss people who made an impact on your life, whether you’re still close to them or not.

It’s okay to have emotions like frustration or sadness, but we can’t reside there and they shouldn’t lead us to sinful actions.

Rejection happens. And it will hurt.

The removal of something--whether it’s a person or opportunity--tends to usher in another set of people or opportunities. It’s up to us, though, with what we do with it.

Long-term planning isn’t always ideal or necessary. Especially because sometimes, one small item will rearrange everything.

Life is too short to take part in things you don’t like, even if you found joy in it before. (But use common sense. Don’t quit a job you don’t like, especially if you have no future prospects. You still need an income to pay the bills.)

Sometimes, one little thing will come to mind and bring back a flood of memories. It’s bound to happen, so welcome the memories but don’t let them overwhelm you.

If God has closed a door, don’t try to force it open.

You’ll emerge from the bad. God will get you through it.

God will bless you in His timing. And it won’t always be what we or the world considers as big and grandiose--He might just grant you another day to live among family and friends.

And don’t just use God as a genie to get you out of a bad situation or to get what you want. Accept His gift of salvation; let Him guide every step of your life.

This list is easier said than done. Even just writing these down, I can recall not following this advice, especially in the past twelve months. But God bestows grace, and every morning is a new opportunity. Moment by moment, He gives us chances to make the choice to follow Him. So whatever you might be going through, take a chance on that change. God’s bound to teach you something that you can take on your next journey.

A transition of rest

Hey friends! I don't have much to share in this intro space of mine this week about my column, so just dive on in and take a look! If you like it, then share it along. 

And before I skedaddle, Sunday is my parents' 30th wedding anniversary, so I wish them the best! :)

Original publication date: Friday, July 24, 2015
Random Writer
A transition of rest

In this life, transition comes in one form or another, either as a choice of our own or a choice that is made for us. Personally, I’ve learned that I enjoy transition, but the changes that take place from point A to point B...I’m not really a fan of that.

Recently, I’ve decided to make some changes in my life. And my faith in God leads me to believe that He oversees these changes and allows them to happen for a reason. Again, He’s proven that the things that I think I want the most are not what He really wants for me, so I have to take a step back. I know my limits--what I can and cannot handle, even against the face of adversity. And He knows my limits, too, which is a great comfort.

In my young life, I feel like I’ve always been doing something. Not a continual busyness, but more like an ongoing involvement. Most of it hasn’t been stressful or irksome, but there have been times when I wondered if there would be any improvement, any semblance as to whether my work made a difference, or if my investment would result in a tangible and visible result.

And in some cases, there was no change, at least immediately. In time, a change--in most cases, for the better--would be seen and relieve my worrisome mind and heart. But when change never occurred, it brought to mind the concept of insanity--doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting a different result.

So as I make these changes in my life (under the leadership of Christ), I actually find myself going into a transition of rest. And isn’t that what He wants for His children?

Psalm 37:7 begins with “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.”

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

I think sometimes, we become so busy that we have no time to rest. We prohibit ourselves from falling into the arms of the Lord as a respite for our weary bodies, minds, and souls. In our minds...in my mind...taking part in this or that means that we’re doing okay, that we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, but we end up losing that time which can and should be used to spend with God and see how He wants us to grow.

It’s not that we’re throwing in the towel, yet people might see it that way and people, unfortunately, will talk whether you take a step back or continue with your routines and tasks. But when we pull away from the to-do list and pull closer to God, He will comfort us, teach us and strengthen us in Him.

Think about the story in the Bible when Jesus came to visit Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was so busy serving; she was making her best effort to serve Jesus, of all people. But Mary simply sat at Jesus’ feet and soaked in His words. And when Martha basically called Jesus out for not reprimanding her sister, He told her “Mary hath chosen that good part” (verse 42).

The things we involve ourselves in can be good things, but if they take us away from the Savior and rest in Him, well... are they really good things? The best thing we can have in this life is Jesus and His life-saving sacrifice. And in this time of my life, I hope to use this transition as a means of resting in Him and seeing what He has for me. It will be different and less hectic, but as long as He’s at the forefront, as one of my favorite songs says, “let the future begin.”

Old-school mentality

It's been awhile folks, but I'm back! I hope during my brief hiatus that you've been well, but with this week's column I come back in full force. During my away time, several things transpired that led me to write this column. 

It's not a column I ever thought about writing or ever really wanted to write, but I believe, in part, that this platform was given to me by God to pour my heart out over issues that concern me and that people need to be aware of. This week I fully express my opinion, and with all opinions, people will agree, disagree, agree to an extent, and/or understand your perspective but not agree with it. I believe that's how this week's topic will be taken, whether it's admitted or not.

If you get something out of it, please feel free to share it. Or, maybe we can even have a healthy dialogue over it. But again, I thank you for hearing me out on this and all the other topics I've shared in this writing journey of mine. :)

Original publication date: Friday, July 17, 2015
Random Writer
Old-school mentality

Before I headed out for a week as a church youth group camp counselor, I posted on Facebook that I had no idea what the week would hold (which, as a planner, scared me), but my prayer was that each teenager would have an experience with God that could only be explained by Him.

When I arrived home, my Facebook post was that camp was “quite the challenge” and that our teenagers needed to be covered in prayer for their attitudes and behaviors.

So what happened during that week? I’ll do my absolute best not to go into detail, but I want to spend some time addressing the concerns I have with the teenagers in our church and society in general that came from that week. And I’ll do my best to not just gripe about it, but express how we can deal with it and work toward resolving these concerns.

First, we need to be aware that there are some students in our respective ministries that don’t want to be there. They are being forced by a parent or guardian to attend, and those parents and guardians don’t realize or understand or want to understand that this attitude hinders student participation. Beyond that, other students then become aware of this attitude, and it puts a damper on the ministry or program because our groups or ministries are only as strong as the weakest link. Or worse yet, other students who straddle the fence on wanting to participate make the choice to leech onto these poor influences, which leads to more students with bad attitudes or poor behaviors, some of which end up being directed toward other students.

This leads me to another situation. What do we do when a group of students has emerged that has a bad attitude and start displaying bad behaviors? I think we as leaders take the wrong approach by simply “talking it out”. It’s something that society does because the world tries to hide the fact that there are consequences to poor choices. I believe talking it out tells some students that their behavior will be tolerated because the only consequence is a strong verbal reprimand.

I don’t buy the excuses of “kids are kids” or “they acted out just to one-up each other”. Some students are just looking for someone else who acts like them, and when they find it, those attitudes and behaviors grow into negative situations. Thus, the solution is that the students have to be separated. And then from that point, if they still choose (yes, it is a choice) to behave badly and have bad attitudes, I believe dismissal is the next step. We as leaders can’t and shouldn’t have to use all of our time and energy policing the misbehaving students, especially if we have students who actually want to be a part of the program and, even more, if they have a desire to learn about Christ to become more like Him in their daily lives.

Society, and even The Church today, has given kids and people in general so many excuses that allow them to not own up to actions or behaviors. “They come from a bad environment” or “They don’t know any better.” We say that they’re just “rambunctious”--instead of just behaving poorly--because their parents don’t attend church. And at the other end of the spectrum, sometimes we give students whose parents are involved in the church the freedom to misbehave, as if it’s okay because their parents join them for worship.

I can’t continue this discussion without acknowledging my understanding that God can indeed change hearts and mindsets. But going back to one of my points, it is the choice of the person to want to make that positive change in his or her life. He or she has to be open to the call and work of God in his or her life and choose to let God lead their attitudes and behaviors.

Secondly, I know that we have to show the love of God to these students. We have to make every effort on every occasion to let them know that there is a Savior that loved them enough to die on the cross to save their soul from an eternity separated from Him. But we as leaders can’t confuse “showing love” with “allowing them to act however they want” in order to keep them happy or even keep them within our congregations and ministries.

I believe one of the purposes of The Church today, especially in a society where many parents don’t care about their spiritual well-being of their children (or place it solely on student leaders), is to take on that “parental” role, even if we only see them for an average of three hours a week (Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night). During those few hours, we as church members--not just student workers--have to let them know how they are expected to act within The Church. If we as adults in The Church see bad behavior from students, we have to speak the truth in love by calling them out on their wrongdoing and then showing them how to correct their wrongs. And then from that point, if they still continue to choose to have bad attitudes and/or misbehave, I still believe that dismissal is the next option, either on a short-term basis or indefinitely.

We as Christians in today’s society and those of us in The Church might gripe and complain about how bad the kids and teens in today’s society are, but we have to make an effort to resolve the problem if we’re really concerned about this upcoming generation and how they will shape The Church and our country as a whole in the years to come.

I’m not a parent and I haven’t worked with children and teens in The Church as long as many others have, but I’m aware that there are some situations that need to be addressed and have to be resolved for the better. I have an old-school mentality and belief system that many people in general, especially people my own age, don’t have. But it was the old-school mentality that shaped me and raised me, and by the grace of God I think I came out all right. And even though it might be hard at times, if we really want to see a group of young people emerge that demonstrate positive behaviors and attitudes, we’ll take the good aspects of how we were raised and expected how to act and pass that along to the upcoming generation as well.

My problem with intuition

Hi friends! I hope this note finds you doing well. This week's column basically gives you a glimpse into how I think, and a lot of times, it's not a good thing. Find out more by reading my column, and if you get something out of it, pass it along to your friends and followers. Thanks for reading!

Original publication date: Friday, June 26, 2015
Random Writer
My problem with intuition

Intuition is "the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning." Something in our gut just tells us that something is going to happen--whether good or bad, or whether all the details have been laid out.

Growing up, I almost thought I didn't have any kind of intuition. At this point in life I still think it's barely there, but several times in the past year or two I've seen that intuition grow, and in some instances I was right. When my friend told me about an upcoming foreign missions trip, my first thought was, "it will be a spiritual game-changer". And two months later, after that trip and other events that took place, my friend told me what I already knew--that the trip was where the spiritual growth began.

Recently, intuition has really played a role in my life, and unfortunately it hasn't been a good thing. Watching things take place or what's said in conversations can lead to conclusions or the belief that intuition is telling you something is going to happen, and it isn't a good thing. And one of the bad qualities that I've picked up along the way in life is that once I believe something is going to happen, nothing will change my mind; I think it's set in stone. And because I'm a person who loves to prepare, I begin making plans for any and all possible scenarios that might take place--because I'm one of those people that tries to see what will happen if Route A, Route B, etc. is followed.

So when all my little ducks are in a row for as many rows as I can imagine, I wait, mostly under the canopy of anxiety. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. In most cases, it's a lengthy wait that's eventually accompanied by stress and lack of rest. And when I finally step back to see everything as it is--after all that time--I realize something: I'm not letting God be in full control of the circumstances.

First, what is intuition after all? Why am I letting my own thoughts lead and guide my steps instead of the Holy Spirit? My thoughts can lead to paths of destruction to where I lose focus on the things of Christ, whereas following the leading of the Holy Spirit can take me through paths of righteousness.

And why am I planning so much? Yes, we've discussed this topic a time or two in this little writing space of mine, but in James 4 it explains the danger in making all these plans on our own instead of under the leadership of Christ. The writer explains that life is a vapor and how our plans ought to be prefaced with "if the Lord wills" (James 4:15).

The Bible also calls out worry and anxiety. "Be anxious for nothing," says the Scriptures. "Don't worry about what you'll eat or drink or how tomorrow will unfold" (Matthew 6, my paraphrase). Instead, I should replace worry and anxiety and stress with patience, peace and easiness.

The God who created the universe also created me, and He knows the plans He has for me. If His plan is to bring me through a hard situation, He does it so I can call on Him for rescue; He does it so that people will see His awesome ways; He does it in order for me to grow. If He bestows blessing upon blessing, He does it because I am His child, because He loves me.

Maybe, as Christ-followers, we should reconsider the role of intuition in our lives. Maybe we should replace it with prayer and Bible reading so that we can line ourselves with the will of God. Because when we find ourselves centered in God's will, we'll find ourselves in a beautiful and safe place.

Happy birthday "Little Kim"

Good morning! I know I'm posting early today, but I love this story. Mainly because it's really not about me but the awesome ways of God.

Speaking of His ways (which certainly aren't my ways), I would ask that you pray for me in a particular area that the Lord is fully aware of, so I won't go into further detail. If you could just lift me up in prayer to the Father, I'd appreciate it.

Again, thank you for joining me on this journalistic journey of mine. I am greatly appreciative! 

Original publication date: Friday, June 19, 2015
Random Writer
Happy birthday "Little Kim" 

My Sunday was going to be crazy-busy, I knew that. If not, then there wouldn’t be any other reason in the world why I would be awake at 5:30 a.m.

With the help of my mother and sister, we’d be facilitating a luncheon and dessert auction at church which would raise money for our teenagers to go to church camp. And we didn’t do it alone. I believe in working for what you want, so the refilling of drinks and taking up trash and “playing Vanna White”--showing off each dessert before the bidding--would be the job of the teens. But the cooking and preparing and all of that kitchen stuff was our job...like baking 90 potatoes starting at 7 a.m. All of this...obviously with the help of Jesus at our side.

But before the craziness began, I found myself staring at the mirror. Not to give myself a pep talk to prepare for the long day ahead, and not to make sure that my hair looked halfway decent. But slid in between the mirror itself and its decorative frame is a photo of a little girl whose birthday happened to fall on Sunday. She was turning four years old, and I asked the Lord to give her a great day from half a world away.

No, she’s not my daughter. I don’t have kids of my own; I’m not married. But I entered her life in late January through Compassion International, a global organization that allows people to sponsor children who suffer from poverty.

I first became aware of “Little Kim” at the women’s conference I attended with a group from church. In the guest bag were tons of papers about the conference and the speakers and the list of door prizes (that no one from our church would win!...), but also there was a little packet from Compassion International. They had already taken on the task of giving every single lady who attended a packet that showed a picture of a child in a country devastated by poverty.

“Well that’s not right,” I remember thinking. “It’s almost like they’re guilt-tripping you to participate.”

She was cute, in her little candy-cane like dress that had a big blue stripe on the blouse. She was only three, and she didn’t have long hair but it was cut short. But she was precious, and for some reason Little Kim wouldn’t leave my mind.

Before the first night ended, a Compassion representative spoke to the crowd of ladies. He told of his personal involvement in Compassion, and how he actually ended up adopting the child he sponsored who lived in India. But he also told the crowd about one of his trips where a sponsor had the opportunity to travel across the globe to meet the child he had sponsored for years, who was already a teenager almost out of the system. He showed the video recapping the trip, and if it wasn’t already an emotional story, the waterworks began for me when the young man showed his sponsor a little hiding spot in his family’s hut where all of the letters he’d ever received had been placed.

If their plan was to guilt-trip me, well...that video was doing its job. But when the Compassion representative told the crowd that there was a place to turn in the packets if we couldn’t sponsor the child, something within me couldn’t do it. I held onto it that night and told my roommates that I was undecided. I’d love to help that little girl in the picture in my packet, but it was a financial risk that I didn’t know if I could take based on the monthly sponsorship versus my salary and bills.

Before I fell asleep that night, I asked God for wisdom on what to do. But upon waking up the next morning, I was still undecided.

“This shouldn’t be this hard of a decision,” I thought.

Another announcement was made to turn in the “unused” packets. I sent a whole slew of texts to my mother--what do I do? do you think I can afford it? what if I can’t afford it after awhile?--and in typical fashion, my mom told me to do what God was leading me to do. And in my heart of hearts, if God had burdened my heart about it this much, then it was something He really wanted me to do.

I headed to the Compassion booth and filled out my card. I opted for the chance to be billed after being placed in the system, and they also gifted me with a necklace made by children in the Compassion system. I also texted my mom and told her, “Congratulations...you now have a ‘granddaughter’.”

I think God used this lesson to teach me to step out in faith. He would provide the funds to sponsor Little Kim each month. He would guide my steps in making wise financial decisions. But I think He also wanted to remind me that this world isn’t about me. The globe doesn’t revolve solely around Belinda but around all His children, and He needed to remind me that a little three-year-old girl in Africa needed someone to help her make her way in the world.

Since the sponsorship began, Little Kim and her family have sent me a couple of letters. The first one was an introduction that told me about her siblings and what she likes to do. Some of the facts, however, moved me to tears. Her toys are rocks, which was mentioned in the first letter, and the letter I received this week said she sleeps on a mat inside her house with a mud floor.

I thank God that He put this little girl in my path to be used by Him to make a difference in her life. The sponsorship, now that she’s four, will go in part toward her schooling. One email I received from Compassion even said that as she learns more, she would be able to actually write to me, and I’m so excited over that!

It’s amazing that while being able to be a blessing in the life of a child half a world away, He uses Little Kim to be a blessing to me. If you’re not part of a program like Compassion International or Feed the Children or World Vision, I would encourage you to prayerfully consider doing so.

Second chances

My goodness...it has been a WEEK! The Lord has blessed with the opportunity to write several stories this week and for that, I am thankful. But I have to tell you that this is my FAVORITE story of all that I wrote over the past five days because it means so much to me. I hope you take the time to read it and that it ministers to your heart.

Original publication date: Friday, June 12, 2015
Random Writer
Second chances


There I was, standing there, knowing I needed to do something about this tugging at my heart. It was a now or never moment, and I finally took that first step.

What led me here? Let me share this tale of mine...

My earliest memories of being in church are in the toddler classroom, which is still located where it was all those years ago. I remember when I promoted up to the beginner department (which is now the young adults’ Sunday School classroom) and my time in the primary department (which is now the Sunday School class for the middle-aged adults). During my time in the latter department, I can recall someone in our second grade girls class asking what it took to get to heaven. The teacher told us she would come by during the second hour service to talk to all of us, and she kept that promise. She spoke on salvation and how we needed to pray a particular prayer and mean it with all of our heart in order to be saved from spiritual separation from God.

I did that, along with all the other girls in my Sunday school class. Later we would be presented before the congregation to let them know about our decision, and some time after that, we were baptized. And that was that.

But was it? Not for me.

Fast-forward almost seven years later, when I was about to start high school. And in between all of those years, I was faithful in church. At that young of an age, I was singing solos in front of the entire congregation. I was involved in children’s choir. I helped my mom when she taught children’s church or worked in the nursery. I sang in the music competition, prepared speeches for the object lesson competition, and learned a lot of Scripture as part of the Bible quiz team, all of which took place during church camp every summer. And that summer before starting high school, I was going to do all of that.

But also in the midst of those seven years, especially the latter part of that, something within me felt off, like I was lacking something. There was a need for something, and at times I admitted what I needed. Sometimes I would push it off, sometimes I would just think about it and consider fixing the problem, and other times I would think that there was no problem at all. I was just being silly.

Yet growing up in church, we’d always been taught that faith without works is dead. We don’t need works for our salvation, but the things we do and say are proof of that life-change. And admittedly, the way I acted and what I said weren’t proof of that, even in contrast of all the things I did in church.

Then sometimes, a speaker would say that the only way you knew you were “truly saved” was if you remembered when and where that prayer you prayed took place. Prayed a prayer? Check. Remember where it took place? I could take you to that room. When it took place? I couldn’t point it out on a calendar, but according to the next speaker that showed up, that one didn’t really matter after all.

So as an incoming high school freshman, I wrestled with eternal security. I remember thinking to myself that at camp that year, I would actually do something about it. Maybe I’d pray a prayer again, or talk to a leader, or just tell Satan that I’d about had it with his nonsense. But it wasn’t nonsense when I would lay in bed and hope that I wouldn’t drift off into eternity in my sleep, because if I did, there’s a chance I wouldn’t have seen Jesus when I woke up.

I can recollect how excited but extremely nervous I was for camp that year...until sickness made its way into the picture. I had some kind of allergic reaction that led me to break out in this crazy rash. To this day, I still have no clue what it was (in retrospect, it was Satan at work trying to hinder things), mainly because when the doctor’s appointment was made, it was scheduled for that Thursday when camp was taking place. My mom let me decide if I wanted to stay and go to the doctor or go to camp and hope that I wasn’t infectious. There was no way I was going to miss camp, and by that time, salvation wasn’t even part of that reason. I’d just never missed camp before, and this rash wasn’t going to stop me.

I remember being in excruciating heat that week, because I wore jeans to cover up that ugly rash on my leg. I have pictures to prove it, me in my long overalls as we took that one picture by the lake. We had a great group that went that year too--most of us were already really close and we got to know the newcomers really well.

But with church camp, the main thing of the week is the evening service, and we had a great speaker in Kent York. He was funny and he mispronounced “Skechers” (he called them “skee-chers”), but he spoke truth. And each night during the invitation, I remember standing there in front of my pew and wondering if I needed to go and talk to the youth pastor’s wife. I passed on that chance on the first night, the second night, and the third night. But that fourth night, I couldn’t do that.

Kent York gave a message that literally scared me. I don’t think that was his point, but frankly, it did. As a note taker in my younger days (which I still have these notes), his message was titled “Who cares if you get saved?” He talked about its importance to friends and family and the church, but his last point was simple: all the people in Hell care. Those people who went through life and never made it a point to really consider their spiritual destination after death. Or maybe they did consider it, but it wasn’t a big deal and they could push it off until later, or in their minds Hell was going to be a big party that they would enjoy...but that’s not what the Bible says. It calls Hell a place of weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. It’s a place where eternal separation from God would take place, and I...I didn’t want that.

So in that moment, I took that step. All the pride I’d carried before--about doing all the right things for Jesus that hindered me from making a decision, which would basically tell the congregation at church that I’d never been saved to begin with--faded away. I approached my youth pastor’s wife, April Miller, and I plainly told her, “I don’t think that I’m saved and I want to make sure of it.” We kneeled on the concrete floor of that open-air tabernacle and she opened her Bible and showed me the verses that I’d known so long, but never really believed. I prayed another prayer, but this time, it was real. It was genuine. It was Romans 10:9-10 manifesting itself, that if we confess with our mouths AND believe in our hearts that Jesus was raised from the dead by God, then salvation would take place.

That took place on Thursday, June 6, 2001. This past Sunday marked 14 years of being redeemed by Jesus. It has certainly been a crazy and bumpy ride. Looking back on my four years of high school, I wasted that time in a spiritual sense. My four years in Bible college made a dramatic impact on my spiritual life, and the year after that was one that I’ll never forget. And in these past five years, God has continued to work in my life in the strongest way yet, in ways that I can adapt to and other ways that I really don’t like, but He does it for His glory. So that I can be molded into the child He wants me to be. There have been a lot of ups and a lot of downs, but I can say for certain that the Lord has been with me every step of the way. Not just a recognition and awareness of Him in my life, but truly calling on Him to be the Savior of my life.

Some people don’t get second chances like I do. Or some people get chance after chance to confirm their spiritual destination because God bestows to them grace upon grace upon grace. But we’ll never know if that next chance is our last chance until it truly is. My hope is that you, dear reader, will truly make sure that Jesus really is the Lord and Savior of your life.