[its because i didnt want to end my xanga blogging days with an
entry about partying and clubbing...its because there are things that
are more important...]
i get weirded out sometimes.
you know those dry spells we all go through? well God never ceases to remind me...
there's been a lot of bad news lately. people are gone, loved
ones are sick, friends are hurting. so i guess im in a spell
right now. or at least until 3 pm this afternoon.
i went to sit outside with my chocolate chip muffin cause it was
just that nice today. i picked a spot right under the biggest
tree. FLOW was at my school today and they were a couple of
metres ahead of me, playing good music and calling after pretty girls
who make York look like a fashion show. it was one of those days
when i didnt feel like calling anyone or meeting up with
friends.
finishing up the last few bites of my muffin, i was interrupted by
two girls who introduced themselves and asked to sit down with
me. they told me they were from Campus for Christ and just wanted
a few minutes of my time. seeing the 'Religion and Society'
book on my lap, the conversation started. they asked me about my
journey in strengthening my relationship with God, about my prayer
time, guilt, salvation and the Holy Spirit. it was
all pretty heavy. feeling kind of awkward, i cooperated and
answered their questions. this led to one of them, Terra, pulling
out a little booklet titled "Satisfied?" we literally read the book,
front to back, together. out loud. i even did the little
activities in it. it sounded very much like the discussion groups
we have at camps but the fact that they weren't catholic made me guard
myself as i listened. although i found a couple of
differences in our beliefs, i felt very comforted after it all.
we even prayed together at the end. not that i didnt already know
all they've told me, i forget sometimes and need reminding. so
God did:
He told me that He has, and will always hear and answer my prayers.
He told me that everything I ask of him, according to his Will, will be given to me, as long as I ask.
He told me that He has already forgiven me for all my
sins; past, present and future. confessing to Him just
means I agree.
He told me that I need to trust Him more. That though I'm commited, I still have yet to surrender.
He told me to come back.
He never gives up on me...no matter how many dry spells i get.
one day, a long time ago, a friend made me a package of reflections
and stories that from time to time, make me feel better. so in
case anyone of you need to feel better, here:
A SOLDIER'S REQUEST - part 1 of 2
Topic: Service, Spiritual
Title: Request for Transfer
To: Commander and Chief Spiritual Armed Foreces, Jesus Christ
Dear Lord:
I am writing this to You to request a transer to a desk job. I herewith present my reasons:
I began my career as a private, but because of the intensity of the
battle You have quickly moved me up in the ranks. You have made
me an officer and given me a tremendous amount of responsibility.
There are many soldiers and recruits under my charge. I am
constantly being called upon to dispense wisdom, make judgements, and
find solutions to complex problems.
You have placed me in a position to function as an officer, when in
my heart I know I have only the skills of a private. I realize
that You have promised to supply all I would need for the battle.
But Sir, I must presnt You a realistic picture of my equipment.
My uniform once so crisp and starched is now stained with tears and
blood of those I have tried to assist. The soles of my boots are
cracked and worn from the miles I have walked trying to enlist and
encourage the instructed troops. My weapons are marred, tarnished
and chipped from constant battle against the enemy. Even the Book
of Regulations I was issued has been torn and tattered from endless
use. The words are now smeared. You have promised You would
be with me throughout, but when the noise of the battle is so loud and
the confusion is so great, I can neither see nor hear You. I feel
so alone. I'm tired. I'm discouraged. I have Battle
Fatigue. I would never ask you for a discharge. I love
being in Your service. But I humbly request a demotion and
transfer. I'll file papers or clean latrines.
Just get me out of the battle--please, Sir.
Your Faithful, but tired soldier
++++++
THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S RESOPNSE - part 2 of 2
To: Faithful, but Tired Soldier, Spiritual Armed Forces
Location: The Battlefield
Subject: Transfer
Dear Soldier:
Your request for transfer has been denied. I herewith present my reasons:
You are needed in this battle. I have
selected you, and I will keep My Word to supply your need. You do
not need a demotion and transfer. (You'd never cut it on latrine
duty.) You need a period of "R and R" - Renewal and
Rekindling. I am setting aside a place on the battlefield that is
insulated from all sound and fully protected from the enemy. I
will meet you there, and I will give you rest. I will remove your
old equipment and "make all things new."
You have been wounded in the battle, my
soldier. Your wounds are not visible, but you have recieved grave
internal injuries. You need to be healed. I will heal
you. You have been weakened in the battle. You need to be
strengthened. I will strengthen you and be your strength. I
will instil in you confidence and ability. My Words will rekindle
within you a renewed love, zeal and enthusiasm.
Report to Me tattered and empty. I will refill you.
Compassionately,
Your Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ
- Author unknown.
| 
