Right Now

This morning was one of those mornings where you step out your front door to a chilly fall breeze and a gloomy overcast sky. It was one of those mornings I just yearned to be somewhere else. I walked to my car with backpack slung over my shoulder thinking to myself, I can’t wait to be at OU instead of FSU. From there my mind just wandered. I started thinking about how I wished it was the heat of summer and I was at K-West playing sports and talking about Jesus with precious little middle school children or how I would love to be at the institute studying God’s love letter to us (the Bible) or how I would adore simply being home in the magnificent Lone Star State of Texas with my family.

On my way from my first class to my second class I literally had to stop in the middle of the path I was taking.  I realized I had been walking around this stunning campus the past couple weeks without recognizing its beauty. I was so focused on the future I wasn’t paying attention to the present. The fall breeze that I had previously thought felt chilly now felt refreshing; and the overcast sky was no longer gloomy but just a change from the typical sunny backdrop.  Some bright yellow leaves still connected to the trees fluttered in the breeze while the remainder of the leaves rested in the still green grass.

I realized because I was living in the future I was not enjoying God’s current blessings in my life.  As I continued on my journey to class I couldn’t help but think of one of my favorite verses 1 Corinthians 7:17.

           “And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with 

            someone else. Where you are right now is God’s 

            place for you. Live and obey and love and believe 

            right there.”

The precious Lord placed each of us where we are and put us in the situations we are currently going through for a reason. I am at FSU for the next two weeks because God wants me here.  I need to learn to not only be content in my current surroundings, but to be intentional with those around me while I still have the time.

How are you doing buddy?

How are you doing? This may be the most common question you hear everyday. As I was wondering around campus today I heard a response that kind of took me by surprise. "Living." This made me wonder, is this a negative response or positive? To me "living" is such a blessing... Each day the Lord surprises me with beautiful gifts every where I look, whether or not I recognize them is up to me.  But the precious Lord doesn't bless only me. Psalm 128:5 "May the LORD bless you... all the days of your life." But what about those around me? What about you? We fail to recognize God's blessing all the time. Some of my favorites that I get to see daily are sunsets, beautiful scenery, smiles and laughter, and even the fact that I am physically able to walk using my two feet and have all of my senses. (Just to name a few)

Sunset at Kanakuk K-West (thanks to April Dickerson's wonderful photography skills)

The beautiful entrance to FSU

 

Flashback to cheer practice

Another flashback to a fun snow day in Texas goofing off with friends

But maybe the answer "living" doesn't have to be a positive or negative response. Maybe it is just stating your complacency with life. So are you "living?" Actually "living?" Or have you fallen into a pattern and just living a complacent life?

I challenge you to LIVE and be BOLD.

Philippians 4:4-7
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Who do you Rep?

Take a moment and look around you. Notice the girl sitting at the table or the group of friends walking by you. I hate to admit it, but as humans we all do it- what are your thoughts about them? Do you wonder what they are smiling/talking about? Or think cute shoes? Why are they in such a rush? Or think they seem like they would be a fun new friend? We automatically size up those around us and put them into categories. Now, put your self in their shoes. What do they notice when they look at you? Hmmm... What do you hope their thoughts are?

So often we forget that most peoples opinions about us are formed based on our body language, the way we carry ourselves, the conversations they may over hear or by what we are wearing.

You walk around not only representing yourself, but also what ever it else you claim or belong to. You represent your family, your faith, your club, your sorority or what ever it is you are a part of. Today, I want to encourage you (I fail to remember this often so I'm including myself in this) to possess qualities that others would admire.

You may be the only Christian, Theta, fashionista, soccer player, etc. that one person meets. Let people look at you and admire the qualities that you possess.

Represent Him all day, everyday. Represent your family.

Be thankful and joyful that you are blessed enough to represent so many different things.