Living missionally...
I'm currently on my first mission trip in NYC. It's probably my most favorite place in the world. Thank you God for culture!! I love seeing all walks of life intermingling in the streets and subways, encountering street performers that I want to kiss on the mouth b/c they are so dang gifted, and being spit on and offered a romantic night of "relations" by homeless people (yes that seriously happened...insert gagging noise here).
I kind of had this brief moment of "Am I crappy Christian for never embarking on this"- not homeless relations but mission trips...and then I quickly corrected myself...NO! I'm the most awesome Christian ever (now instead of gagging like you did previously...we can insert a sarcastic undertone here). Obviously I'm not the best Jesus follower, but I do feel blessed to have grown up in church that taught me to live missionally. Our life's very purpose should be to embrace others that don't know Jesus, to love them, to learn about them, to pray for them...It's called investing, and we suck at it!
Now if you are wondering...what the crap that term is: "missional living"... well Brittany's dictionary defines it as, "quit keeping that joy and hope to yourself and get off your (expletive) and go ask people about their worlds, while lovin the livin crap out of them." OR you could read up on Matthew 10:26 & 27...Jesus probably has some better words for you.
26"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the rooftops.
I'll race you to the rooftop...
Baker out!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Hop on the wagon...
1. Notebook for Bible Study: Created some charts to record prayer requests, memory verses, wonderful quotes, and all in a "made from recyclable material notebook"... ROme wasn't built in a day people ;)
2. Poem: What is it about me writing poetry sound so cliche? The whole time I was writing I was criticizing my thoughts, my heart, and my feelings. It was such an eye-opener as to how hard I am on myself... I am the GREAT SUPPRESSOR! HEAR ME ROAR! This is not a poem to be published to the masses. It was for me to unleash the realness that is festering deep inside me. As I was vomiting whatever words I could on to this page, I realized I am quite the angry girl and some of that also translates into sadness, but for the most part...PMS has nothing on me. Who would of thought? Why is this such a frustrating process... where is this anger coming from? This poem allowed me do a real self-assessment that tapped into brokenness that I have been sweeping under the rug. Well my friend, that pile under the rug has turned into the elephant in the room. Let me tell you something about that elephant, its not a cute cartoon one with long eyelashes and butterflies circling its ears...it smells, it takes up a bunch of room, and it s crapping on my floor.
2. Poem: What is it about me writing poetry sound so cliche? The whole time I was writing I was criticizing my thoughts, my heart, and my feelings. It was such an eye-opener as to how hard I am on myself... I am the GREAT SUPPRESSOR! HEAR ME ROAR! This is not a poem to be published to the masses. It was for me to unleash the realness that is festering deep inside me. As I was vomiting whatever words I could on to this page, I realized I am quite the angry girl and some of that also translates into sadness, but for the most part...PMS has nothing on me. Who would of thought? Why is this such a frustrating process... where is this anger coming from? This poem allowed me do a real self-assessment that tapped into brokenness that I have been sweeping under the rug. Well my friend, that pile under the rug has turned into the elephant in the room. Let me tell you something about that elephant, its not a cute cartoon one with long eyelashes and butterflies circling its ears...it smells, it takes up a bunch of room, and it s crapping on my floor.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
30 day creative challenge
Boredom is the desire for desires."- Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy
I heard this quote today, and think no truer words have ever been spoken. I have been suppressing my inner artist since I moved to Jonesboro, and enough is enough. In the past few days, the Lord has revealed some things to me. 1. He purposefully created me with an artistic brain 2. He's sick of my whining and wants me to use this chained up imagination freely and fearlessly..
I don't know about you, but is anyone else completely frightened of their "gifts"? Personally, I have let fear govern my direction, and have allowed the thought of failure paralyze possibilities. I went on an amazing walk at Craighead Forest on Monday, and was stunned by the gorgeous array of colors that God had perfected for the chilly fall backdrop. I sat completely mesmorized by this single crimson tree. I was basking in God's creativeness, and thought you know what...I've completely avoided this "thing" inside me- that God specifically designed and wired in me. It was then that I had a nudge from the Lord to embark on a spiritually journey that taps into these creative wires of my fabulous God as well as those he uniquely designed inside me.
That crimson red tree taught me so much about how my mighty Savior molded me...thank you for creating that tree Lord. It spoke volumes, and sadly is living more brilliantly than I am presently.
Lord,
I'm so ready for this, and I can't wait. Both feet in... 30 days... you and me Abba -connecting at our imaginative roots. I'm bracing myself for the impending wonderment and awe under the umbrella of your intricate craftmanship.
Britt
I heard this quote today, and think no truer words have ever been spoken. I have been suppressing my inner artist since I moved to Jonesboro, and enough is enough. In the past few days, the Lord has revealed some things to me. 1. He purposefully created me with an artistic brain 2. He's sick of my whining and wants me to use this chained up imagination freely and fearlessly..
I don't know about you, but is anyone else completely frightened of their "gifts"? Personally, I have let fear govern my direction, and have allowed the thought of failure paralyze possibilities. I went on an amazing walk at Craighead Forest on Monday, and was stunned by the gorgeous array of colors that God had perfected for the chilly fall backdrop. I sat completely mesmorized by this single crimson tree. I was basking in God's creativeness, and thought you know what...I've completely avoided this "thing" inside me- that God specifically designed and wired in me. It was then that I had a nudge from the Lord to embark on a spiritually journey that taps into these creative wires of my fabulous God as well as those he uniquely designed inside me.
That crimson red tree taught me so much about how my mighty Savior molded me...thank you for creating that tree Lord. It spoke volumes, and sadly is living more brilliantly than I am presently.
Lord,
I'm so ready for this, and I can't wait. Both feet in... 30 days... you and me Abba -connecting at our imaginative roots. I'm bracing myself for the impending wonderment and awe under the umbrella of your intricate craftmanship.
Britt
Saturday, June 6, 2009
What in the World is Going On?
Everyday we hear about a new tragedy via the news, a friend, a family member...suffering is all over the place plastered on our TV's, the newspapers, and on our loved one's faces.
Many of us are sorting through our lives and realizing our priorities, me included. I'm not the first or last to come to the conclusion that if you have your faith and hope in the things of this world then this time will be frightening and threatening. But if your hope and faith is in Christ, then these challenges can develop things in us we never knew existed.
Recently, I started a nutrition plan and workout regimen... which requires that I cry in the middle of every workout. The first day I started this nearly impossible workout, I almost peed myself...not with excitement...because I was about to lose all bodily function. I mean this thing was rough. I've only been in the fight against this dumb workout for a week, but it's gotten slightly easier. It's still hard, but I'm making it.
Continuing through this workout has developed a physical discipline in me that hasn't existed in a while. It's rewarding to work hard and when I'm done it's just "sweet sweetness". (tribute to "Little Miss Sunshine")
In this time of craziness, and for some of us turmoil, I guess my challenge to us...is to be joyful about this time where we can refine our weaknesses and create in ourselves this strength the world can't possible strip away from us. Nothing in this world can strip me from my Savior, and I say "welcome" to these challeges and pray that we find our hope in Christ. I pray that we band together as a community and help each other fight all the things the world tells us is valuable.
God is love,
Brittany
Many of us are sorting through our lives and realizing our priorities, me included. I'm not the first or last to come to the conclusion that if you have your faith and hope in the things of this world then this time will be frightening and threatening. But if your hope and faith is in Christ, then these challenges can develop things in us we never knew existed.
Recently, I started a nutrition plan and workout regimen... which requires that I cry in the middle of every workout. The first day I started this nearly impossible workout, I almost peed myself...not with excitement...because I was about to lose all bodily function. I mean this thing was rough. I've only been in the fight against this dumb workout for a week, but it's gotten slightly easier. It's still hard, but I'm making it.
Continuing through this workout has developed a physical discipline in me that hasn't existed in a while. It's rewarding to work hard and when I'm done it's just "sweet sweetness". (tribute to "Little Miss Sunshine")
In this time of craziness, and for some of us turmoil, I guess my challenge to us...is to be joyful about this time where we can refine our weaknesses and create in ourselves this strength the world can't possible strip away from us. Nothing in this world can strip me from my Savior, and I say "welcome" to these challeges and pray that we find our hope in Christ. I pray that we band together as a community and help each other fight all the things the world tells us is valuable.
God is love,
Brittany
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Fallin Whistles
Last night I went to a movie called Slumdog Millionaire, which is absolutely amazing, but it is not an easy movie to watch. I was stressed out until the bitter end. The movie was very well done, and it opened my eyes to the harsh realities that exist in the world around us. I was driving home just so thankful that I didnt have to grow up around the intense violence, unsanitary conditions, or having to wonder where my next meal was coming from. There is one particular instance in the movie where this "orphanage" comes to their aid and they pick up these boys, and take them under their wing and feed them, give them a place to stay, and these children had previously been sleeping on these fly infested trash heaps. These kids thought they were saved...
Then the man they thought to be their "saint" then makes them go beg on the streets. He even burns a child's eyes out, saying "blind people bring in double." It's absolutely gut wrenching, but this goes on! All arouond the world their is horrible injustices and instead of thanking God I haven't experienced those things... I should be thanking God I have the means to do something about it.
My challenge this week is for us all to be educated about what is going on....spread the word...and most importantly take action! We are children of God, yet we sit hear, me included thanking God that we have the means, and go about our business making our second trip to the mall that week.
Let's put our wants away and get others what they need...check the link out below...this is the beginning of your education...
http://www.fallingwhistles.com/SOS-82644-FallingWhistles.pdf
Peace, Love, Action,
Brittany
Then the man they thought to be their "saint" then makes them go beg on the streets. He even burns a child's eyes out, saying "blind people bring in double." It's absolutely gut wrenching, but this goes on! All arouond the world their is horrible injustices and instead of thanking God I haven't experienced those things... I should be thanking God I have the means to do something about it.
My challenge this week is for us all to be educated about what is going on....spread the word...and most importantly take action! We are children of God, yet we sit hear, me included thanking God that we have the means, and go about our business making our second trip to the mall that week.
Let's put our wants away and get others what they need...check the link out below...this is the beginning of your education...
http://www.fallingwhistles.com/SOS-82644-FallingWhistles.pdf
Peace, Love, Action,
Brittany
Thursday, December 4, 2008
"I am Second"
Yo Yo Yo, I just had the most stressful week in the whole wide world, and now it's over and I just don't know what to do with myself.
I'm an intern at a Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, and they have partnered with a campaign called "I am Second".
My challenge this week is to go to this website and check out these compelling stories. God is big guys, and these stories are evidence of that. So get some kleenexes (<--- what the heck is the plural to that one?) and go to http://www.iamsecond.com/ - the pastor of my church, Pete Briscoe, is up there along with some famous faces. This is an incredible website for anyone to use...seekers, believer, and those needing hope. Check it out and let me know what you think. Love you guys.
I'm an intern at a Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, and they have partnered with a campaign called "I am Second".
My challenge this week is to go to this website and check out these compelling stories. God is big guys, and these stories are evidence of that. So get some kleenexes (<--- what the heck is the plural to that one?) and go to http://www.iamsecond.com/ - the pastor of my church, Pete Briscoe, is up there along with some famous faces. This is an incredible website for anyone to use...seekers, believer, and those needing hope. Check it out and let me know what you think. Love you guys.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Patience....
Hmmm... honestly, that title just typed itself. I was going to write about how I got engaged last week. Well, I guess that will a be a topic for another day.
So, I don't know if any of you have experienced this, but with each passing year I get more and more impatient. I used to get compliments about how patient I was, but I don't think I really had patience... I think I was just unaware of how to keep track of time... the big hand, the little hand, what did it all mean!! But now, with my clock-reading skills at their peak, I feel as though I have lost that "patience".
In the Bible, we are supposed to clothe ourselves with patience (Col 3:12), but I usually think it makes me look fat (insert lame joke here). Instead I like to put on impatience which usually makes me angry, and then before you know it I'm screaming at the car in front of me for going 5 under the speed limit and practicing my "are you freakin kidding me" face in the review mirror, and what's funny is most of the time I'm not even running late.
I definitely can blame it on society, because we do live in this "whatever you want, whenever you want" day and age of instant gratification, but I think what it boils down to for me at least is me just being disobedient. The book of Colossians talks about the transformation in our hearts when we become a new creation by accepting Jesus as our Savior and committing our lives to him. This transformation isn't this instant thing that happens overnight. Obviously b/c I still yell profanities at elderly drivers. But it should awaken this new purpose in our lives that we are called to- be in the world, but not of the world. I think sometimes, especially if you have been a Christian for a while, you get slightly removed from that purpose. My challenge to myself tonight is to come back to that place of direction and desire, and if anyone wants to come with me the water is warm, so come on in.
Colossians 3:12 in it's entirety says, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Proverbs 25:15 "Through patience, a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone."
Think about that, patience is this terriffic catalyst that can create relationships with people we never thought possible, it can force people to listen...people who would of never given you the time of day. A gentle tongue can break bone, how many times have you seen a tongue break a bone... well besides that one time...NEVER. Patience yields some powerful things in our spirits, so let's unleash it and change the world.
Missed ya'll.
So, I don't know if any of you have experienced this, but with each passing year I get more and more impatient. I used to get compliments about how patient I was, but I don't think I really had patience... I think I was just unaware of how to keep track of time... the big hand, the little hand, what did it all mean!! But now, with my clock-reading skills at their peak, I feel as though I have lost that "patience".
In the Bible, we are supposed to clothe ourselves with patience (Col 3:12), but I usually think it makes me look fat (insert lame joke here). Instead I like to put on impatience which usually makes me angry, and then before you know it I'm screaming at the car in front of me for going 5 under the speed limit and practicing my "are you freakin kidding me" face in the review mirror, and what's funny is most of the time I'm not even running late.
I definitely can blame it on society, because we do live in this "whatever you want, whenever you want" day and age of instant gratification, but I think what it boils down to for me at least is me just being disobedient. The book of Colossians talks about the transformation in our hearts when we become a new creation by accepting Jesus as our Savior and committing our lives to him. This transformation isn't this instant thing that happens overnight. Obviously b/c I still yell profanities at elderly drivers. But it should awaken this new purpose in our lives that we are called to- be in the world, but not of the world. I think sometimes, especially if you have been a Christian for a while, you get slightly removed from that purpose. My challenge to myself tonight is to come back to that place of direction and desire, and if anyone wants to come with me the water is warm, so come on in.
Colossians 3:12 in it's entirety says, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Proverbs 25:15 "Through patience, a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone."
Think about that, patience is this terriffic catalyst that can create relationships with people we never thought possible, it can force people to listen...people who would of never given you the time of day. A gentle tongue can break bone, how many times have you seen a tongue break a bone... well besides that one time...NEVER. Patience yields some powerful things in our spirits, so let's unleash it and change the world.
Missed ya'll.
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