tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55421982737902200392024-03-13T05:31:48.244-07:00She Laughs Without Fear of the Future'She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future' - Proverbs 31:25Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.comBlogger1099125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-79159641531956977572013-08-25T20:24:00.001-07:002013-08-25T20:24:29.156-07:00Failures. I shared not too long ago about a conversation I had with my sister in which she told me she couldn't remember a time when she had seen me this happy. I don't give all the credit for that to any one thing or person. But I will say that coming back to Tampa was the beginning. <div>
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This weekend I was called by my college and asked for donations. The irony is that I can't even believe I paid for four years there. I didn't donate. I doubt I ever will. My time at Purdue was not my better years. While I'm thankful for some of the friends I made that are still a big part of my life today and of course for the opportunity to learn while I was there - I can safely say college was not the best years of my life. </div>
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When I think about my time here, in Tampa, I am most grateful that I have finally learned to trust myself. I lived in fear of disappointing people, of failure, and of trying anything I wasn't sure I could succeed at. It was a limiting and honestly rather exhausting way to go through life. I was reminded of how far I've come since those days this week as I was talking to a friend who just moved back. He went away for a few month to try living somewhere else, away from his family, and pursing a career in an industry he hadn't tried before.</div>
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As I said, he's back now. And I couldn't help noticing he seemed down about the experience. As I was driving us to our plans for the night I said, 'you know, I think sometimes trying is the win. Trying in and of itself can be a success. So it didn't turn out the way you thought, right? But I don't see that as a failure. You put yourself out there, you took a risk, and you experienced something ... I don't see any failure in that'.</div>
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I am a big proponent of practicing what you preach. While I am always growing, I will say, my time in Tampa has really changed the way I define success. Better still, along the way I've learned to give myself room to try. And most of all I've quit seeing everything I didn't accurately predict as a failure. Sometimes the win is what you learn in the experience. Turns out when I take risks, my wins are bigger and better. </div>
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As I said my years at Purdue were not my best years. But, I will say I wouldn't trade the experiences that I had or what I learned. Though admittedly when asked this week by our middle school youth Pastor if I got the chance to relive my life is I would, the answer is an easy no, it's probably not for the reason you think. Each year for me is better than the one before. I don't want to go back and I don't want to change the journey. What I do want is to keep growing, learning, and experiencing. I want to try. I want room to be creative and daring.</div>
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Perhaps one of my favorite books this year was 'Love Does' by Bob Goff. As I was talking it over with a coworker, we realized we loved the same thing about the story. Bob wasn't afraid to take chances and he wasn't afraid to be bold. Even more I love that he has raised his children to be daring and creative - that few things are impossible or out of reach. I want that. I want that childlike sense of adventure. </div>
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The craziest part about taking chances and giving yourself room to experience? You start dreaming again. Like A kid, I wake up with crazy ideas running through my head and sometimes, I give them a whirl. As a girl whose biggest fear is failure, it's refreshing to dream. I guess if I'm being completely honest, I'm still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up. But I'm also enjoying the road to get there.</div>
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Love,</div>
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B </div>
Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-80387797111206666272013-08-22T07:46:00.001-07:002013-08-22T07:46:42.586-07:00Ever After: Life Lessons Learned in my Castle of Chaos.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We all rolled our eyes as children as our parents told us
life wasn’t fair, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for many of
us we didn’t realize just how unlike we imagined life could turn out until we
were adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, this became
abundantly clear after college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For four
years of high school we were working towards college because getting a college
degree would secure our future and our jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Right? Wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While I was able to secure a job before graduation I watched
as it took some of my closest friends nearly 5 years to get in their first
professional jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched them live
at home and defer loans while waiting tables and saying, ‘I went to college for
this?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, this and a mountain of student
loans and a facebook page full of memories – but yes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vicki Courtney’s book, ‘Ever After’ is a real, honest, and
humorous look at real life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s not
afraid to tell it like it is and to show her own flaws while talking through
the real phases we’ve all been through or are likely headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She offers great perspective as well as
practical tips for surviving each phase of adult life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my favorite chapters was when Vicki talked about
weddings v. marriages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re in my
age group, this will ring true for you as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Vicki writes, ‘Our culture has made an idol out of the wedding day and a
mockery out of marriage’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She goes on to
point out that we have a website full of unrealistic wedding expectations by
girls who don’t even have boyfriends yet – here’s looking at you, Pinterest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while there’s nothing wrong with big
dreams of beautiful wedding dresses we miss the bigger point of the actual
marriage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The relationship you’re
committing to for the rest of your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vicki writes out of personal experience of unmet
expectations as a woman, a wife and a Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She relates to us but also challenges us to make the right things a
priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love her fresh perspective
and biblical basis for her advice and counsel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of all I love her wit as the
wades through real life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who should read this book? Anyone woman who's life hasn't turned out exactly how she imagined. Not just married women, not just Moms, but all women who are dealing with unmet expectations about how your life has turned out and where it's headed. You won't be disappointed and I promise you'll each take something away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disclaimer: This book was donated to me for review. This review however, is all me. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-20409415928075612672013-08-18T07:22:00.002-07:002013-08-18T07:22:55.767-07:00Lessons from a Recovering Yesaholic.I am in the midst of reading a book I was sent to review. I've greatly scaled back book reviewing in the last 2 years because it turns out the library lends them free and I can read whatever I want. But one particular publicist has sent me several great ones over e past year so I continue to consider everything she sends my way. Actually, I would kind of like to be her friend in real life since she didn't even judge me when I turned down Beth Moore books with an honest, ' I just can't read her'.<br />
<br />
You'll have to hang tight for me to reveal the book and the review but one chapter if the book hit particularly close to home. The author, Vicki Courtney talks about yesaholics. This is when I stopped and looked for her on twitter so we could be friends. Those of you who have known me for a while won't be surprised when I say this was me! I am a yes girl. I love to say yes so much I use to commit to things and immediately think - wait, what?<br />
<br />
Let me give you an example. A few years after I started going to my church which would later also become my employer, they asked me to work with middle schoolers. Our middle school youth pastor is amazing and so are the gals who work with him, as I've learned since being on staff. But God bless people who love middle schoolers because as it turns out - I do not. I mean, from a distance sure but not in a way that requires me to interact with them. See where I'm going with this?<br />
<br />
I said yes and a month later I had to come back and say a very firm no to continuing. I love people but it turns out that excludes most people between the ages of 12-14. Later I plugged into women's ministry and it was a much better fit. But I not before saying yes to several other ministries that weren't! I just didn't want to say no.<br />
<br />
Saying no continues to be a battle for me even though I now consider myself a recovered Yesaholic. Two-ish years ago our pastor did a series called 'creating space' that rocked the way I see my time. See, I was so busy working two jobs (to get debt free), buying a house, leading a bible study, reading 2 books a week, working out, making friends, traveling, and saying yes to every single opportunity to do anything that I was missing out on everything. Track with me here. I wasn't doing anything great, I was sliding by doing just enough at everything.<br />
<br />
After that series about creating space for a heathy relationship with The Lord and with other people I caught the vision and decided to buckle down. I swung far onto the other side at first. I said no, no,no, no, no like a two year old first learning to talk. But I refused to be a crappy Christian and a lazy friend because I was saying yes to a bunch of junk I really didn't even want to do!<br />
<br />
It leveled off after a while. I didn't keep saying no forever. Eventually the space I created allowed me to say yes to the right things. To the things I'm passionate about. Most importantly it gave me time to listen. Listen to my Savior. Time listening to my friends. And to really be there for my family. I finally started to do the right things well.<br />
<br />
I still catch myself from time to time. Even this week as I was preparing to be one of the point people on a 1,000 person event I caught myself saying I would do everything instead if recruiting volunteers or delegating. 'Oh I'll just do that myself'. They do say once an addict always an addict right? I guess I'll always be a Yesaholic it's just a matter of staying recovered. Vicki Courtney shared this verse and I am going to be placing is all over the plCe (probably starting with my color coded planner I take everywhere with me):<br />
<br />
Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of hard worm and striving after the wind' - Ecclesiastes 4:6<br />
<br />
Create space for a handful of quietness friends. Great things happen in those quiet moments but it turns out they don't happen by accident. For me it's first thing in the morning. And I know y'all are already making excuses in your heads as to why your couldn't possibly get up 30 minutes earlier than you do but I don't want to hear Em! Few things if value come easy kids. I don't love the crack of dawn either but it turns out that time is like money - if you plan to save what's leftover there never is any.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BBecca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-8030841726458105612013-08-10T06:05:00.001-07:002013-08-10T06:05:20.678-07:00Lessons I Learned From A Thief. In June I went on a retreat at a beachfront Hotel. It was for work and we spent our days in planning meetings. The last morning of the retreat I woke up early and read my bible on my iPad before heading out to walk on the beach for some exercise and to pray for my friends (some of you will remember getting those texts: this is where I'm praying for you today).<br />
<br />
What haven't shared yet is that while I was on this retreat my iPad stolen.<br />
<br />
When I got home that night and unpacked my car, I realized I didn't have anymore. I immediately called the hotel and let them know. Later I was able to ping it to the location the thief had taken it (and possibly lived) with the Find My Phone app. The police went to the home and tried to recover it but weren't able too. I spent 2 weeks anxiously waiting for another ping but of course none ever came.<br />
<br />
In the 5 weeks that followed I continued to pray and tell The Lord that I wanted it back but I wasn't unwillingly to learn a hard lesson if he was trying to teach me. See, the beauty of growing in my relationship with The Lord is that is has greatly impacted my reactions to things I would had formerly lost my religion over. I will speak for myself and not my amazing closest guy friend who called I. My behalf a few times when I say The Lord allowed me to be gracious and kind through the whole ordeal (and believe me when I tell you it was an ordeal).<br />
<br />
I waited on the Lord's timing. Three weeks went by with no contact. Finally I felt the Lord prompt me to write one last email. I woke up early and wrote the email before work. By that afternoon my new iPad was ordered.<br />
<br />
So I've been asking myself this week as I celebrate the Lords provision for something I wanted but certainly didn't need and his favor in a frustrating circumstance, what was he teaching me? I continue to believe this year is about learning to count all circumstances as joy. This has been incredibly challenging for me at different points along the way. But I believe that the Lord gives and it's within right to take away. I believe that he is sovereign and good times and frustrating. And most of all I believe that he continues to remind me that I don't get to lose my joy when I am mad, sad, frustrated, or fed up.<br />
<br />
Also I think that it's interesting I spent the month I was focused on simplifying and eliminating excess for my house and my life being without my most used electronic. Maybe The Lord needed me t be without during this month of July so he could have my attention, fully, and so that he could be heard.<br />
<br />
It is an incredible blessing to have one again, especially as I write this blog on it, from home. And I have so desperately missed being able to FaceTime with my niece from here (I've already done that twice this week).<br />
<br />
Do I hope I go the rest of my life without being stolen from again? Yes. It probably goes without saying how violating it feels to have something taken from a locked hotel room. And certainly having your information, photos, etc be taken from a stranger is alarming. But thankfully I was able to erase things remotely and none of my personal information seems to have been effected. It has been an annoyance but graciously, only that.<br />
<br />
I am working at not allowing anything to distract me from living simple and being ambitious about the right things as Bob Goff says. And I continue to work at seeing every challenge or bump in the road as an opportunity to choose to be joyful. Can I just add that sounds so easy but as a lifestyle choice is rockier.<br />
<br />
Ok.ok on a serious note y'all: getting your stuff stolen stinks and I may have prayed that the thief would feel sick everyday until they return it to the hotel. Yah, so there's that.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BBecca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-79798626433076019592013-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:002013-08-07T08:00:03.123-07:00Books You Can't Put Down.I like to describe things in extremist form. If I bake something for you I will always ask if it changed your life a little bit. With books I define a great book by whether or not I can put it down. I actually mean this literally as I nearly chopped my own toe off with a ceramic coaster this week because I wouldn't close my book to walk upstairs and as I grabbed my coffee cup, didn't realize the coaster was stuck to the bottom until it fell off and stabbed my toe on the way down. So there's that.<br />
<br />
Here's my book I couldn't put down list from this summer for those of you who keep asking me what you should read next:<br />
<br />
First and foremost read this one:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lr4KdW1Xm9lwO2U8Uw5SrVE2ha-VifmjrfBKPJgUGcwLCAzMXv6q82OhcizvrvgQlcqJRmpLdGATP0506T6EU0BB_oqt1AnG4HvKKwR0o5kC-5SXBSz1UzyWV8b5SAHa0kT-B_jdEev-/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lr4KdW1Xm9lwO2U8Uw5SrVE2ha-VifmjrfBKPJgUGcwLCAzMXv6q82OhcizvrvgQlcqJRmpLdGATP0506T6EU0BB_oqt1AnG4HvKKwR0o5kC-5SXBSz1UzyWV8b5SAHa0kT-B_jdEev-/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
Now only could I not put this book down, I raved about it so much 3 of my friend finished the same copy of my book within a week. Yes, that good. Buy it, read it, pass it on, rave about it and repeat.<br />
<br />
Here's the summary from Amazon:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>A pilot's wife is taught to be prepared for the late-night knock at the door. But when Kathryn Lyons receives word that a plan flown by her husband, Jack, has exploded near the coast of Ireland, she confronts the unfathomable-one startling revelation at a time. Soon drawn into a maelstrom of publicity fueled by rumors that Jack led a secret life, Kathryn sets out to learn who her husband really was, whatever that knowledge might cost. Her search propels this taut, impassioned novel as it movingly explores the question, How well can we ever really know another person?</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><br /></strong></span>
This next one is a 4-in-1 recommendation and actually Amber of Brunch with Amber the blog gave me this set so thanks girl - you're the best.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bM5nTA7jnvDdCQeWjNoc4QyRN2WBCeALVs1z-6UZ-qe2jqdEbdR7yz4bbdY2-mH9tp-rq65RD7pb9YWnqfcKL2Ir1TYtnC1MddJYBXa0kvAniomUrO2Kf85kPQcj_Uu9sQB15hlp6QWz/s1600/bride-quartet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bM5nTA7jnvDdCQeWjNoc4QyRN2WBCeALVs1z-6UZ-qe2jqdEbdR7yz4bbdY2-mH9tp-rq65RD7pb9YWnqfcKL2Ir1TYtnC1MddJYBXa0kvAniomUrO2Kf85kPQcj_Uu9sQB15hlp6QWz/s1600/bride-quartet.jpg" height="116" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started this on Monday and I'm almost done with book 3. Yeah, so there's that. And no, I haven't been home sick in bed, I've just been staying up too late and getting up too early to work it in. Oh and reading in the gym, at stop lights, and every other chance I get. My warning on this one is some parts of the book are a little 'racier' than my usual recommendations so if that bothers you, steer clear. You've been warned.<br />
<br />
I love the theme of the friendships in the books though and I have to say I'm a sucker for friends who turn into couples.<br />
<br />
I'll skip the amazon on this one and tell you that it's about 4 best friends who go into the bridal business together. They are: an event planner, a florist, a baker, and photographer. Each book follows a different friend on the path to love and romance.<br />
<br />
Ok, 5 books is enough for now kids. I'll get back to you with more soon since I have the most amazing friends in the world and they gift me books (oh hey, maybe I'll get a whole new stack for my birthday next month?).<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
B<br />
<br />
<br />Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-66068240248679231772013-08-06T08:41:00.000-07:002013-08-06T08:41:00.355-07:00Simplify.
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<br />
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In prep for a blog I’m writing for my work (our women’s
ministry blog) I’ve been on a mission to purge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I shared a few years back about reading the book Seven: An Experimental
Mutiny Against Excess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Meagan
and I read it together and immediately caught the vision of life on the simple
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Over the last two years I’ve tried to stick with it and not
revert to my old ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly I’ve
picked simple ways to keep the crap from piling up like: giving away every book
after I read it, going through my closet once a month and pulling out things I
haven’t been wearing, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But no matter
how hard I try, I always realize that I could do better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So as we went into a month of living the Seven Experiment as
a women’s ministry I tried to decide what I wanted to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some women did the section on food, some did
spending, still others gave up media, but for me I kept coming back to the same
thing: I have too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could I improve
in all of these areas? Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t
have cable or Internet at home which limits my media intake anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I could certainly spend less, shop less,
or eat less. But I really just want to live simpler.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I say purge I should tell you that it was a little
untraditional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not a clutter keeper
by ANY stretch of the imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
it’s not your typical ‘stuff’ I needed to purge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am excessively OCD and therefore I keep
a stash of everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, for a month I
didn’t restock my fridge, or my pantry, or my hall closet (which holds 3 of
everything from shaving cream to cleaning supplies to light bulbs).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am constantly couponing and bargain
shopping and squirreling away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
honestly, it’s excessive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I started the month by purging my entire garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents were in town, I’d just traded out
my vehicle and gone bigger so I had a great excuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While my Dad was away with friends for the
morning my Mom and I went to town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything that was ‘on the border’ as in ‘I should probably keep this
because I may one day use it’ got pitched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gone. Done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t need it. We
cleared out an entire driveway full of stuff so obviously I’d been hanging on
to more than I thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Next came the pantry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pulled up an e-mail from one of my favorite coworkers who runs our
food pantry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything on their need
list that I had – I gave them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pasta,
canned goods, snack foods, peanut butter, pancake mix, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bagged it up and gave it to someone who
actually needed it because Lord knows I’m not about to starve to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fun part about this was my entire bible
study got on board – and we were able to stock the food pantry at church, many
of us using only things we already owned!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did make myself eat even the expired food in my pantry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I survived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So don’t stress.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There’s really one other category I really wanted to share
with you all about because this has been a fun one for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the process of purging I’ve been able to
sell a ton of the extras I have around the house and put that money into other
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wanted new dishes which
sounds silly but I had this vision in my head of what I wanted to do with my
new color scheme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I sold 2 sets of
dishes and bought the ones I really wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I sold a bunch of used books and I bought a few new ones that I would
leave with people along the way on my vacation this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been incredibly fun to hear back from
each person I’ve hand-me-downed a book too and be able to talk to them about
their takeaways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This wasn’t the most intense Seven Experiment I could have
chosen but I have to tell you it’s been a blessing and it’s been fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve made it fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is obviously a lifestyle change that I
have to continue to choose, to live simply, but as one of my goals for this
year this has really been a great way to renew my efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jen Hatmaker’s book is really interesting and
I highly recommend it. Also, stay up with our women’s ministry blog and read
all of our writers experience with the experiment – <a href="http://www.gfcbeautifulblog.com/">www.gfcbeautifulblog.com</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lastly, I should note that I’ve committed to keep giving
away 2 things a day for another month with Meagan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the purge continues.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-24820043983311584072013-08-05T14:07:00.000-07:002013-08-05T14:07:00.728-07:00Steady.
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<br />
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This year has been one of spiritual growth for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have pursued the Lord harder than ever
before and He has shown up big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
reading through the bible in the year and I’ve been having these amazing coffee
times in the morning just reading the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s amazing that even though I’ve been churched my whole life and I’ve
read the bible all the way through three times before – I am learning so many
new stories and verses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part
is, suddenly my life is relating back to scripture because I actually know it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s my preference to share what the Lord has challenged
me with this year. He is teaching me what it looks like to choose joy. One of
my favorite verses to come out of this year in my bible reading and from my
summer small group which studied David faithfully for 7 weeks is this: The Lord
is my shepherd: I lack nothing’ from Psalm 23.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any of you in a season where you need to wake up every morning and
remind yourself that the Lord is your shepherd and you lack nothing?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now hear me when I say that I don’t mean that to say this is
a bad season of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it’s a
great season of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not however
an easy season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good, big, healthy
things are happening but on the day to day there’s been some hard days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am walking through a tough season alongside
my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have recently walked away
from a close friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going
through some transition in my job that has challenged me and stretched me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am learning in this season to choose joy daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bible is so clear that we are meant to be
joyful in trials of ‘many kinds’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as
I was talking this thought process through with my Mom I said, ‘I’m learning to
be steady’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what choosing joy has
looked like for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be steady in my
joy no matter what storm I’m weathering.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a kid I had a lot of attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this shocks you all but it’s
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I would tell my Mom just how
mad I was she would say, ‘well, that’s your choice’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hated that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Actually I’m feeling annoyed just thinking about it now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The worst part?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was mostly right. I don’t know that we
really can choose to turn off an emotion completely, but I do think we choose
our attitudes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think it every season of life we have to choose to be
joyful in our circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, the
best way to do this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I particularly crummy day or
circumstance I call up my best friend and we play ‘high/low’, a game a few of
my fellow bloggers will appreciate came from a great fiction read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You talk about the high and your low of the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nice to be able to acknowledge
the crummy but even better to celebrate something that went right about your no
good day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re in a tough season try it – a high and a low
everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teach your heart to be
grateful for what you do have, who you have, and what’s going right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow it makes the crappy other stuff seem
smaller.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-13827977536133934802013-08-01T12:21:00.001-07:002013-08-01T12:22:21.249-07:00Busy.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I never want to be the girl who’s too busy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know the one I’m talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d meet you for lunch but she’s too
busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d help out or volunteer but
well, she’s just too busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d take
your call or at least call you back but gosh, she’s just so busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d read books, or workout, or remember
your birthday except well, she’s busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even when you manage to get on her radar, she’ll probably just cancel
because well, something else came up or she’s just so dang tired.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t want to be that girl.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I recognize the longer I’m in the real world is it’s
hard to be available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jobs are
demanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are demanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family is demanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And each year we pile on new roles and
responsibilities and if we’re not careful we may feel more like we’re treading
water than swimming laps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I refuse to be the girl who survives life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to thrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to enjoy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to actually
live in big and small moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That sounds good and simple, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except, you’re talking to the girl who is
currently working in 3 different departments in 4 days of every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bounce from women’s ministry to small
groups to finances and if my brain’s still working by day four I write for the
blog, reach out to newcomers, or occasionally have an original thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That probably sounds like a decent amount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now add that I’m a bible study leader, I
write a personal blog (sometimes… ok, rarely), travel, workout, cook,
volunteer, keep up a condo, and mentor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh wait, and I’m in the process of reading 80 books this year and
starting to study for the GRE – but hey, what’s 1.5 books a week and a study
guide, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
my job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And most of all I love the
amazing people that I get to be surrounded by at my job and in my personal
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, I have to be the most
blessed person relationally you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
that being said I can’t afford to be the girl who’s too busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would miss such incredible opportunities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as ludicrous as this sounds – I’ve actually already cut
back the things I’m willing to part with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The stuff I listed is the stuff that made the cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, what does it look like to honor my
commitments, do my job with excellence, and still be available for family
(first), friends, and coworkers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well,
that’s what I’m working on finding out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here’s a few lesson’s I’ve learned by trial and error:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You cannot be a best friend to 50 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is probably common sense to absolutely
everyone but me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know exactly who my
best friends are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the line gets a
little blurrier for me in trying to BE a best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow I find myself trying to be that for
way more people than I expect a best friendship from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m learning, I’m learning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->No matter how busy I become or how many people
want or need my attention – God gets trump card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give him this by spending the first part of
my day with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This usually happens at
5:30am which ironically I consider to be an ungodly hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I wake up, drag myself downstairs, put on
a pot of coffee, and curl up with my Kindle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From time to time he has to use his trump card randomly throughout the
day and that’s allowed but no matter how busy or how long the day – it starts
with us, on my red velvet couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I
just tell you that giving him your time is like tithing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has a way of multiplying what’s left
afterwards.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Keep your circle tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One rookie mistake I made over and over is
letting my circle get too big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m an
includer. I like (almost) everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
collect friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everywhere I go I find
someone and want to adopt them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s
nothing wrong with this, it’s the way I’m wired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The important thing, however, is that while I
can like and chat with every fun looking person I bump into at the gym, the
grocery store, or while taking out the trash in my bathrobe – they can’t all be
my new best friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping your circle
tight lets you actually BE a good friend to the people in it and give them
adequate time and attention which is key in relationships, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, this REALLY cuts back on having to
manage your privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep my circle
tight and trustworthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to live in
the honest box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also like to know that
what I say won’t be used against me to 349238402 other people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Don’t sweat the small stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve all heard this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for me this has been an important lesson
in friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some day’s you have to
chuck your to do list aside and just be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was right in the middle of FINALLY filing everything important I’ve
been letting pile up all year when I got a text from a friend – movie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put the filing back in a pile and texted
back ‘I’ll leave in 5’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the next day,
I addressed the pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t miss out on
people for the small stuff anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
ok to fly by the seat of your pants, in fact, I recommend it from time to time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Keep it close to home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no greater opportunity to invest in
people than to invite them into your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve tried to set mine up as the ultimate haven for my friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know they can show up unannounced and
they will be welcomed and fed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also
know they can use my pool or eat my leftovers or borrow a handbag without me
even being home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s exactly how I
like it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But most of all, I try to make
sure I’m consistently inviting people over and showing them some southern
hospitality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This also helps with the
whole being available thing – Sundays are my day at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Jess comes over every single Sunday
and hangs out with me there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
that includes having to pause the apple TV for me so I can vacuum ‘real quick’
or switch the laundry – but we get to just hangout together all day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ok, 5 is enough for now. I don’t need you all knowing how
many lessons I’ve had to learn in one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a great jumping off point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keep the main things the main things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Give the right things trump cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And throw your schedule to the wind to just enjoy people from time to
time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-79309631345078804572013-07-23T06:54:00.000-07:002013-07-23T06:54:00.280-07:00David.
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘What I chase won’t set me free…’ – the Goo Goo Dolls</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spend our days chasing something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This summer with a brilliant group of 11
women I have been chasing after the heart of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as I was taking a drive past my childhood
house, clearing my head this weekend that line from the Goo Goo Dolls
‘Sympathy’ really struck me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we
chase won’t set us free, because we weren’t made to chase things but a
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were made to Chase Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our final chapter of Chase this week Jennie wrote that
David experienced something many of us long for more than any other thing: he
experienced God’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I think of
David I imagine this hardcore sinner with a heart after the Lord I imagine him,
well, smoking hot for starters – but what I was going to say is he LIVED God’s
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t just know it,
acknowledge it, and leverage it – he breathed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every single day he was chasing God’s heart
above all else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I waited patiently for
the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my
feet on a rock and he gave me a firm place to stand. – Psalm 40:1-2<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He gave me a firm place to stand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will venture out on a limb here and say that someone who
reads this blog needs just that – a firm place to stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to know from the bottom of my
heart that I understand that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
talking to the girl who’s lived in 7 states, over 20 houses, and who spent her
childhood debating ‘to unpack or not to unpack’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a rocky four years of college trying to
live outside of faith – I found a firm place to stand but for the girl with a
rocky foundation and insecure footing, it was finally enough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So if you’re in a season of your life where you’ve sought
the wrong things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re craving firm
ground in a tough season, know that it’s there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But you have to teach your heart to stop chasing something and chase
someone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jennie writes, ‘God made David great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David just let Him’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This reminds me of an e-mail I got a few
years back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was blogging a lot more
regularly then and this e-mail came from a long-time reader who knew me in real
like during my first couple years of college (when I was actually in high
school but being a nerd and taking classes early).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m paraphrasing here but after a blog post
where I confessed (not that it’s ever been a secret) what a wretch I really am
without Christ, she said she thought even if I wasn’t a Christian I’d be a
really good girl.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t for a second want to discount what a sweet gesture
it was of her to write to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
grateful for people who still believe there are a few ounces of good left in
me. But unlike some of you who haven’t known me a real long time – I knew me
without Christ and it wasn’t pretty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that wretch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had a Savior who wanted her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who chased
her even when she was running away arms full of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kind of crazy love is powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That love makes all the difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later in Psalm 40 David writes: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He put a new song in
my mouth,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A song of praise to
our God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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That’s what I love most about my relationship with the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that old ish?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like an eternity ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because this new song?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty freaking fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord has had to continue to take me through a few slimy
pits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days are tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some months are tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck, last year was tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, the whole year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the new song has prevailed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been in my mouth the whole time. I
haven’t been able to stop praising him come heck or high water for five years
now and for that, I’m grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
honestly, I don’t even remember the words to that old tune.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This summer has been incredible and it was tough to end it
last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Made tougher by the fact
that I have handed off my group to a leader we raised up from within. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My season to lead these girls has been
precious but it’s come to an end as the Lord has lead me to a new season of
leadership – and thankfully, I get to keep my little family of women together
with a leader that’s been with us the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that is a blessing and I think that’s how
the Lord intended discipleship to look – that we hand of the baton and keep on
going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I’ve done my job as a leader than Kayla will continue our
group and do an even better job that I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m confident of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I end
this season of studying Chase and sharing it with you here with a quick tear,
it’s been a great year and a half with my girls and I’m a little teary about
the changes but I’m also excited and expectant for this new chapter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep on chasing friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-55030381954133745102013-07-22T08:30:00.000-07:002013-07-22T08:30:34.762-07:00#midwestroadtrip Recap.This B is back. Oh heeeey.<br />
<br />
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I had grand intentions of updating this blog from afar but
once I got in the air and later on the road I realized, I really need to just
be for a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That of course didn’t
keep me from an influx of photos from my absolutely wonderful week long Midwestern
road-trip adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here’s a quick
recap…<o:p></o:p></div>
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This trip was about people. </div>
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I should start by confessing: I don't go to weddings. It's not that I don't like marriage and people's holy matrimony and all that jazz. It's just that when you're 27 you get invited to weddings every weekend and I just don't have the time and travel fund to accommodate everyones nuptials. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why then did I fly 800 miles north, borrow a car and drive another 3.5 hours to attend one? Because Mer isn't just a friend, she's family. When I moved to Tampa once day after finishing my last class at Purdue I had a few remaining friends down here but essentially, I was on my own. A few months later, Mer moved to Orlando. </div>
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We hadn't been close friends in college but she immediately got in touch and you know me, I was happy to plan a visit. We spent the next two-ish years being each others Florida family. We commuted back and forth on the weekends to spend time together, exploring our own cities and each others, and doing life together. I honestly look back and can't imagine that season of my life without Mer and her friendship. She was exactly what I needed.</div>
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Eventually, sadly, she moved back up north which I guess was good since that's how she met Nick, her now husband. But for me it was a sad, sad time of saying goodbye. But she helped me through the hardest years and for that I owe her big. So when the invite to her wedding came I thought, I'm going to make this happen.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hQWJlae_MYC8zu0J_lmrgywFQTYQIq3G39pj-em9EQzjbSvZGs4jGuBSP_vex_VS3Dz0f2OHwjNa6B8ai0TeCHCMwm6XvkL2A23iz3cduYEsCemVoBNUBp6NWr8ZnhlYm0DlvEf5EiFN/s1600/Mer-+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hQWJlae_MYC8zu0J_lmrgywFQTYQIq3G39pj-em9EQzjbSvZGs4jGuBSP_vex_VS3Dz0f2OHwjNa6B8ai0TeCHCMwm6XvkL2A23iz3cduYEsCemVoBNUBp6NWr8ZnhlYm0DlvEf5EiFN/s1600/Mer-+Wedding.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh Mer - I'm so happy for you and so extremely grateful for your friendship. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
While in Chicago I got to catch up with my very first college roommate, Alyssa. We were put together by some brilliant person at Purdue in Shreve Hall and we've been friends ever since (though I admit, I wasn't the best roommate on the planet)...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU9VHelKwT6IVK3_b2Upa7e73AisYKkujTm1daLVRd1ujHHTHnR_ELenepRQ4a-WzHVqgd5F22FtxFbdXUuS4JvA2E4EmBQ20f1KAe9YBdbPQp3xPsqsE2Ei3Fb_MO1p8awcqT3g25ZQf/s1600/Alyssa+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU9VHelKwT6IVK3_b2Upa7e73AisYKkujTm1daLVRd1ujHHTHnR_ELenepRQ4a-WzHVqgd5F22FtxFbdXUuS4JvA2E4EmBQ20f1KAe9YBdbPQp3xPsqsE2Ei3Fb_MO1p8awcqT3g25ZQf/s1600/Alyssa+and+I.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here are, 9 years later.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmM8RjMqv17Vih7BoVSueCNo0pxaehJuLRJdg6FEMwZqU2iEfUWw_mUUKu1j6ItWdJ3PwjMmtzP1hpQsp-tXgNJlR0mLRQZJNqSrDjT_84-hZuGsMqH8feZLROS0wLuVcnU715tf1XtkK/s1600/Ethan+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmM8RjMqv17Vih7BoVSueCNo0pxaehJuLRJdg6FEMwZqU2iEfUWw_mUUKu1j6ItWdJ3PwjMmtzP1hpQsp-tXgNJlR0mLRQZJNqSrDjT_84-hZuGsMqH8feZLROS0wLuVcnU715tf1XtkK/s1600/Ethan+and+I.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I even got to meet her sweet boys - I can't believe she has 2 kids! Ack! This handsome boy is Ethan, her oldest. What a doll he was.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Since I was cashing in all my frequent flier miles for this trip, I decided to make it an adventure and soak up as much face-time with friends as I could squeeze in without falling asleep behind a wheel.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I flew in Friday and Jared picked me up. Ya'll probably know this sweet boy has become one of my closest friends. How is it I adopt all my bff's from the midwest? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyObmERZOk5NnI6GgPAB04AtEH0BvhppdwnRHzvqxvDl88HLV2EOG52eMvpoY55Xr42qYRhWvlz4XoAOgtCZZESclf9txmkCCKRE6eogitR9fMn38W7g4lKHea9T5UvKziijQC4gysixY/s1600/Jared+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyObmERZOk5NnI6GgPAB04AtEH0BvhppdwnRHzvqxvDl88HLV2EOG52eMvpoY55Xr42qYRhWvlz4XoAOgtCZZESclf9txmkCCKRE6eogitR9fMn38W7g4lKHea9T5UvKziijQC4gysixY/s1600/Jared+and+I.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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He gave up his Friday night to pick me up from the airport and do dinner with me. And then dropped my off at my parents house. They were still on their own road trip adventure down south so I felt like a high schooler being in my high school bedroom with no parents home. </div>
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Lucky for me, he also gave up his Monday to hangout with my down in southern Indiana and show me around his families farm and I finally got the pleasure of meeting his family - including his parents and one set of grandparents. I officially love his family as much as he's come to love us crazy Christensens. In my book, there's really no greater friendship honor than being welcomed into someones family. This kid has become one of us, and may his fam will let me do a little bit of the same now.</div>
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The remainder of my trip I spent in Seymour, IN with my main girl Meagan and her family. This part of the trip has left me with a vacation hangover. I almost cried in my coffee the first morning I wasn't drinking it beside her, reading my bible, and talking about life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRiGz-f2UD_fkSvtrBnsXLa3vCKZDJklTSWrKoB9Z9F1nu9oUpoiXlVxS6H8QYvnW7WVFTTBvHY0gTiggn7918OT6srSQSns1cp3HkPYpVPZ9doPfF9NVcj6x0AqsW_Uz6HrWafJFqljS/s1600/8340_10102644367578108_1827276990_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRiGz-f2UD_fkSvtrBnsXLa3vCKZDJklTSWrKoB9Z9F1nu9oUpoiXlVxS6H8QYvnW7WVFTTBvHY0gTiggn7918OT6srSQSns1cp3HkPYpVPZ9doPfF9NVcj6x0AqsW_Uz6HrWafJFqljS/s1600/8340_10102644367578108_1827276990_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vuUHXB2aXbDWEyRErqdZBeTffn-BCHOnOpl155JytUywOCS6_NaM73tBLFoPyNCGLfgPRuBwXaLDhAX5eUpmA245C05YJVM41lUSZLPYD04JMvk50gCMbjARTFOAoq57GvGR01KWaxx4/s1600/421209_10102648198346218_1303305052_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vuUHXB2aXbDWEyRErqdZBeTffn-BCHOnOpl155JytUywOCS6_NaM73tBLFoPyNCGLfgPRuBwXaLDhAX5eUpmA245C05YJVM41lUSZLPYD04JMvk50gCMbjARTFOAoq57GvGR01KWaxx4/s1600/421209_10102648198346218_1303305052_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMqeaxF5CDqrKxJ5nkoyH5oOjitmNKfIqZI1qrDhPHCjALzgdrymz6qzA3REcp_TROrBWNsJ4ieoeX-7xIUtXjKB_Yslh0IbYMWpPQsMt9sYAp9DS11ocjEhRHG4hVgczy73QiXARV4CC/s1600/1069366_10102651540044428_950018337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMqeaxF5CDqrKxJ5nkoyH5oOjitmNKfIqZI1qrDhPHCjALzgdrymz6qzA3REcp_TROrBWNsJ4ieoeX-7xIUtXjKB_Yslh0IbYMWpPQsMt9sYAp9DS11ocjEhRHG4hVgczy73QiXARV4CC/s1600/1069366_10102651540044428_950018337_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's hard to believe that this girl also came into my life 9 years ago during my freshman year at Purdue. But really the last 2ish years have been when our friendship has become overwhelmingly my saving grace in good times and in bad. This girl encourages me, keeps me going, challenges me, and blesses me every.single.day with her friendship. I hope I never have to do a day without her (except when I go on missions trips and have to be sans phone, I guess).</div>
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There were fairs, homemade ice cream, dinners out, mornings in, coffee, smoothies, vintage shopping, reading, talking, pool days, and even a girls night. It was a blast. Can't wait to have her on my turf in the fall for a few days. Meagan and Tyler are such amazingly gracious hosts - I just love when I get to go to their house. </div>
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I also got to see this long-time friend for a lunch date while I was in town...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4ulkIcM_T738SxP4StlNHMOZkmi8_qKqX8MQ4jZleeCMPaIG9ZPEhf9agWkPq2L_WJ4fLNfoF2lQC3xMh6T2PLFZAOfdJDBrsQrS1U4u1UcPQsajmZeT8a_y0di43np0P0BluRFyDM9V/s1600/Candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4ulkIcM_T738SxP4StlNHMOZkmi8_qKqX8MQ4jZleeCMPaIG9ZPEhf9agWkPq2L_WJ4fLNfoF2lQC3xMh6T2PLFZAOfdJDBrsQrS1U4u1UcPQsajmZeT8a_y0di43np0P0BluRFyDM9V/s1600/Candy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lucky for me Candy now works in the same town Meagan lives in, and one town over from where Jared's family lives. So when I go south I get to see all of these fabulous people at once! We caught up over lunch (delicious mexican, I might add). It was so good to see her.</div>
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I can't believe I didn't get pictures of everyone I got to see but I also enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with Jodi, who lead me during my time in Indianapolis youth group - she's amazing. I caught up over Fro yo with Josh, my first college friend ever - from my 2 years at IUPUI when I was technically way too young to be in college (16) - and almost 12 years later, he's still such a sweet friend. Loved getting time with him and hearing what he's been up too. I love friendships that weather time and distance. And I even got a great visit in with my sweet friend Sean who has been such an incredible friend from college through my summers in Indy and now through the 5 years of my being in Tampa. I'm so grateful for his friendship and prayers. He never misses a chance to pray for me and with me - what a blessing. I also got to see my Eric, my dear, dear college friend who lives in the Chicago area now and has graciously stayed friends with me all these years. Loved catching up with him over lunch and seeing his family who will soon be headed down to Tampa!</div>
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Whew. So I'm back in Florida and recovering from a whirlwind of fun. I have had a lot on my heart and mind this week so there may be more writing to follow soon. But for now - there's a little snippet of my Midwestern adventure.</div>
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Love y'all.</div>
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B</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-19913209325384704452013-07-12T07:12:00.000-07:002013-07-12T07:12:00.550-07:00#midwestroadtrip
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Hello adventure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Welcome to house swap week. I left my keys on the counter my
sweet friends are going to play at my place this week and I took a borrowed set
of car and house keys and headed to the Midwest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the Midwestern road trip begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indy, Chicago, Seymour, and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t wait to land in Indy and spend some
quality time with my faraway friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of my goals this week is to be less available while I
enjoy some face time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m sure I’ll
be updating my social media (and maybe this blog) along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday I will be celebrating the nuptials
of my sweet Mer, without whom I never would have survived my move to
Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we graduate from your
Purdue we both took Florida jobs and for those 2 years we were family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so excited to spend a day in Chicago
celebrating her marriage!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Along the way I will finally get to meet the sweet sons of
my first college roommate, what a treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will get to see a little of the windy city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to crash my parents country club
with Meag on our girls weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had
to guess I would say there will be some serious book devouring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few projects, some shopping, coffee, and
maybe some fancy nails while I’m in Seymour (oh, and taco bell, of course).<o:p></o:p></div>
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So here I go on another crazy adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh how sweet this life is – full of amazing
people and places I never get tired of seeing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-10700047201673647602013-07-08T15:35:00.000-07:002013-07-08T15:35:00.092-07:00Belief.
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<br />
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Back to Chasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week are were back at it with our Monday night summer
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you couldn’t tell, I have
loved this summer group and I have an amazing group of girls to grow with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week’s topic, believing was really
timely for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not a secret that my time in college was a ‘dry season’
in my walk with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact in my
small group we say ‘when I took a vacation from my faith’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t say that to be flippant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the Lord’s grace has covered even those
years when I knew better but I didn’t act better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The summer before my senior year of college I was interning
at the Boys and Girls Club in inner city Indianapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my last week of orientation/training
and I had just left for the day to begin the 45-minute trek up to the burbs,
where I was staying in my parent’s home for the summer. I got in the car and
headed home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few blocks away from the
club I was making a turn in an intersection when I was t-boned by a man going
75 in a 30.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My memories of the actual accident are scattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember the sound it made when he crushed
my car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I remember being pulled
out of what was left of my car – several blocks down a cross street where my
car had eventually come to a stop after shattering every window, losing both
wheel axels, and all of the fluids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sure I was in some sort of shock even as we waited on the officers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People kept asking over and over if I wanted
to sit down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally after a quizzical
look from me a guy turned me towards a parked car and showed me my reflection…
I was covered in my own blood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the first things I remember being told after that
accident (by the police officer) was: ‘Miss, it’s a miracle you’re alive’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miracle sure was an interesting word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only was I alive, I managed to survive
that crash without a broken bone or a single scar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I didn’t even go to hospital.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week I realized that was 6 years ago this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realized this as I was pulling into the Target parking lot
on my vacation and I set my head on my steering wheel and cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s grace is so precious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, if the Lord hadn’t protected me on that
day I would have missed the chance to really live for Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew the Lord then but I didn’t love
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not like I do now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon after that accident I began to get my life right and I
pursued the Lord as never before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
realized that my time to ‘come back’ may not be as long as I had once thought
and I decided I couldn’t afford to keep putting it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of that accident and the Lord’s
gracious love, I won’t have to go home to meet Him without ever having really
lived for Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t live in fear of dying or even of car accidents (that
second part took a little longer).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
if he gives me 6 or 60 more years I can’t wait to live them for Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See for this strong-willed fearless girl, it
took a miracle to get my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
that accident broke me and the Lord was there to put me back together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pulled it together and finished up at Target and I spent
my drive home having a chat with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot put into words how thankful I am that He gave me a
2934839280423th chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That I have had
6 amazing years of getting to know Him, love Him, and serve Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great and underserved honor it is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our bible study this week Jennie wrote, ‘How we live our
lives will flow out of what we believe about God’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh Jennie, how right you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May my belief grow stronger every day and my
life reflect that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never doubted
for a day since that accident that God is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But occasionally I go back to that day in my mind and remember that my
Savior has saved me more than once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
He keeps on saving me...that illuminates my ability to have unbelief.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-28860975660201993532013-06-24T15:48:00.000-07:002013-06-24T15:48:00.083-07:00Characteristics.
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyov9NDST4aZGCJO_NjmSk2nM2wrSzmXRr4QbPxr1dzqg5L6QzAk5AT1Bxm1rybkO5C3moa8hXarobIc-BQHzngwaLohlKLDXHyGa4O-kkQCITzKl0V4oAGY-3Ji5-AdXq1agHwVIWFH3/s1600/530777_10101922302447418_566544549_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyov9NDST4aZGCJO_NjmSk2nM2wrSzmXRr4QbPxr1dzqg5L6QzAk5AT1Bxm1rybkO5C3moa8hXarobIc-BQHzngwaLohlKLDXHyGa4O-kkQCITzKl0V4oAGY-3Ji5-AdXq1agHwVIWFH3/s1600/530777_10101922302447418_566544549_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello friends!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Greetings from Clearwater Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of you know that I have been swept up in
a whirlwind this past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left
Thursday morning bright and early for Raleigh, North Carolina where I would
celebrate the marriage of my sister Ruthie to her one and only sweetheart,
Luke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a precious weekend with my
family and a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness to a couple that fell in love
in high school (maybe even before) and dated long distance for four years of
college, hours and hours apart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a crazy four days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I landed, picked up a rental car, and drove straight to my sister
Rachel’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I pause here and be
sappy? My 1 year old niece came toddling out the front door with her arms
outstretched to me <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I started my
weekend with watery eyes (which continued most of the weekend).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gosh I love that sweet little girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully Thursday day was low key and I was
able to have a lunch date with Rachel and my niece Noa, just us three.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After that lunch date however, things geared up quick!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel planned an amazing bachelorette night
for Ruthie and I was thankful to be a small part of the day of prep for
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food was delish, the panty
game was hilarious, the dessert was on point (as it always is in the Breslin
household), and the closing of the night was my part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in charge of bringing the serious,
spiritual element to the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess
this makes sense being that I am the one working for a church now, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the ultimate charge I read Proverbs 31 – the wife of noble
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we’ve all heard that
at some point but how often do we take that line for line and consider what it
would be like to be that wife?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are
a few highlights:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is virtuous.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is capable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is trustworthy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She brings good to him (her husband) every day of her life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is a cook.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is a businesswoman.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She helps the poor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She is strong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She is dignified.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She is wise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She is hardworking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I read that on my own to prepare for Ruth’s party I
thought, man, this is it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This encompasses
all that I could want for her as a believer and a wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s whole and complete in and of
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s sweet about looking at
this now is as I prepare myself for this life and eventually (not REAL soon, so
don’t get too excited) to be a wife myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a goal to strive towards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
better still?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have to wait to be
married to work at being this type of woman.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We used this as a guideline to pray for Ruth as she
transitions into this new role, the biggest one yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a precious time for Rachel and I
to pray for her and to hear 15 of her closest friends who know her differently
than Rachel and I do pray over her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is
was truly a sweet, sweet time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m really continuing to muscle through this in my mind as
I’ve come back to my hometown (and left again, for a retreat across the
bridge).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God continues to challenge me
every time I start to get a little bit comfortable where I’m at in my
relationship with Him and in my identity (hey, did I JUST write about
this?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously I’m not giving you the
whole description of my weekend today but I really wanted to share this portion
by itself because it spoke to me even as I was the one supposedly leading the
charge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<br />
B<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-89342059475023667142013-06-19T06:48:00.000-07:002013-06-19T06:48:00.972-07:00Sanctuary.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0SyBur5wyFh6siR_dQQT-KtJ-okcOfxWuomwfzbO3O9vWaokY1KLFb7XVc-gJ4qyRsz_MlLPu9WIMfc6pIQ6eDQZjhtzlwhqS3TgBI7kUQnd70HhoQi9_qXiafB2pJy5Wk1M2-2yJioE/s1600/vlcsnap-2010-07-03-13h44m10s119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0SyBur5wyFh6siR_dQQT-KtJ-okcOfxWuomwfzbO3O9vWaokY1KLFb7XVc-gJ4qyRsz_MlLPu9WIMfc6pIQ6eDQZjhtzlwhqS3TgBI7kUQnd70HhoQi9_qXiafB2pJy5Wk1M2-2yJioE/s1600/vlcsnap-2010-07-03-13h44m10s119.jpg" height="173" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
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Most of what I know about Disney movies I learned as a
result of my baby sister’s obsession with one at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For 6 months we could only watch Beauty and
the Beast for example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But eventually we
broadened her horizons (and thankfully moved out of the Holiday Inn we
temporarily had to live in… for 6 months).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of my favorites to this day is the Hunchback of Notre Dame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, of course, read the book.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I promise this post is not about Disney movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What it IS about, is the concept of
sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the days of the hunchback
you could claim sanctuary within church walls and you were untouchable – it was
a safe place, always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the walls
of a church in those days one could not be arrested (which is how it is used in
the book/movie) and you could not be kicked out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I dream about what my home will be I want it to be a
sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sanctuary is a place of
refuge or safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people enter my
home that’s what I want them to feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had a great chat with my Mom the other day about the book Love Does and how Bob
Goff has created this culture of welcoming people into his home that I’m in
love with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next week I found myself
telling my 5 dinner guests ‘my home is your home from now on – show up whenever
you need or like’ and meaning it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Last week I was thrilled as people came and went all
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinners, desserts, movies, and
even one ‘I just need somewhere to go’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After hosting a roommate for a year I really considered whether or not I
was going to explore doing the roommate thing again and I finally concluded I
would rather make some sacrifices financially and leave that room open and
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only does this allow my
home to feel like MY sanctuary but it gives my friends and family a place to
run too when they need to clear their heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the longer I’ve stayed put there and worked at that environment –
the more people have come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sanctuary Sunday’s began a few weeks ago when after a tough
couple of days a friend and I decided to literally weather a storm at my
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were due for a tropical storm
(it’s that season here) and she came over in her comfy clothes to wait it out together. We lit candles, grabbed throw blankets, and I made a
spread of tacos while we watched Netflix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually we talked through some of the
craziness the week had brought (and I cleaned).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following week we decided we wanted to do it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the third week, another friend popped in
and raided my fridge of leftovers and joined us for a bit, eating and talking
about his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following week 2
became 3 and so the tradition continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have made Sundays my day of rest at home (I attend church on Saturday
nights – for those of you wondering) and my door revolves on those days for any
who need a place to veg and seek sanctuary (or food).<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Sundays have become my chance to say no my my usual chaos and busyness. To carve out time to just be available...and I'm wow'd by the results of that simple change of pace.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>'I use to want to fix people, now I just want to be with them'</i> - Bob Goff, Loves Does</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-66060984389821007542013-06-17T07:47:00.001-07:002013-06-17T07:47:51.677-07:00Courage.
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJZSJ49dl4nK9r6usffu2WiRd4IB0HEIoDHJm1DaZRPFow0isr4_omkDr4B-BLCxRpwl-U1onJpA4uKFC-3X21kRrUdh32Ho8XuPpWP9PfPl0KEmWm28kUwAyK_XrV7aSoZd8dJpd2ejf/s1600/IMG_0792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJZSJ49dl4nK9r6usffu2WiRd4IB0HEIoDHJm1DaZRPFow0isr4_omkDr4B-BLCxRpwl-U1onJpA4uKFC-3X21kRrUdh32Ho8XuPpWP9PfPl0KEmWm28kUwAyK_XrV7aSoZd8dJpd2ejf/s1600/IMG_0792.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sit down to write to you this morning feeling humbled.
It’s Monday morning and I’m coming off 4 days of being a counselor for my
churches kid’s camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took 600 kids to
Daytona Beach and on the last day they baptized about 100 of them in the ocean
before our return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a powerful
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what I wasn’t expecting is the
Lord to take me away to Daytona and really open my eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert Madu did a fabulous job speaking this week and my
biggest takeaway was this: ‘<b>It is easier to walk in what is familiar than to
walk in freedom’</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one hit me right across the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been walking in the familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been playing is safe and the Lord is
trying to pull me out of this place and into what He has for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I came home Saturday with my head swimming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had some big decisions, some tough
conversations, and some changes to make after having my eyes opened last week
being away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke up Sunday morning
sick and spent the day playing catch up around the house and entertaining three
friends who came in and out throughout the day to spend time with me and
chat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I muscled through some of what I’d
been thinking with one of these friends and when she left, I jumped in with both feet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today before I head to work I’m reviewing what I will be
leading my bible study through tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our lesson is so fittingly on courage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She writes that courage is grown in the mundane, small pieces of our
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where my failure
lies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the mundane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the small, seemingly ‘no big deal’ things
in my life I have lost sight of freedom and I have clung to the familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later she had us read Psalm 27 and these words leapt off the
page to meet me: <b>Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take
courage</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh how sweet those words rang
true to me this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to let,
allow, and encourage my heart to take courage and be strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I am learning to stop clinging to the familiar and walk courageously towards what the Lord has for me. It is thrilling, exciting, and terrifying in equal measure. But as Jennie Allen so wonderfully said in this weeks study 'you are going to wish that you had not live in fear'.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Love,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">B</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-1312709788585636902013-06-10T15:17:00.000-07:002013-06-10T15:17:00.490-07:00Identity.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMyk0N0vByXfLgLuWLEz4Nxtw5MrMFCDRMNAigRnfcXvrs03iT2Pn9oaD_y9HM7hSiUGYVgVvyt1nGAKgvEV9QNpsWRxSoR7tpWhpDqUiMAU7kgUheQKfAJFJCvWkt16om5MemIWmMYzk/s1600/319376_10101715210316708_505385498_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMyk0N0vByXfLgLuWLEz4Nxtw5MrMFCDRMNAigRnfcXvrs03iT2Pn9oaD_y9HM7hSiUGYVgVvyt1nGAKgvEV9QNpsWRxSoR7tpWhpDqUiMAU7kgUheQKfAJFJCvWkt16om5MemIWmMYzk/s1600/319376_10101715210316708_505385498_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Identity is the central theme of this decade of our lives,
don’t you think?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our twenties we’re
constantly changing roles from student, to employee, to boss (for some of us),
girlfriend/boyfriend, husband/wife, parent, friend, sibling, bridesmaids/groomsmen,
etc…the roles are endless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a crazy
how different the 20s can be for each person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re all finding our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it
seems fitting that identity was the second week of our Chase study as I lead
these sweet 20 and 30 something’s through this study because who isn’t chasing
their identity in some way?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each week has ‘homework’ which includes reading, projects,
and some thought provoking questions. I like to write out my answers in prep to
share with my group of course, but also so I have a ‘roadmap to my soul’ if I
ever lose track. I love retracing my steps through what the Lord is teaching
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which has made this particular study
fun – as I compare my answers I wrote in Africa 6 months ago when I first did
this study to where my heart is today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week she asked, ‘What is your worth built on and how is
it working for you?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a moment to
process the weight of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with
this we were asked to draw ‘blocks’ and put on each of them you write something
you have built your identity on…this could be your job, your family, a
relationship, a friendship, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I
sat and wrote five of my own. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Who are you if you lose all of this?</b>, she asks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who indeed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sat on my red velvet couch in my home that I guess you
could say now factors into my identity. This is where I meet the Lord most mornings. And I stared at my notebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read and reread the 5 blocks I listed, the
foundation of my identity and wondered: if you took them all away, who would be
left?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I know who I am without my
Becca-made identity?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is I
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the core of me I know who I am in
Christ and that foundation is even stronger than this earthly one I’ve built
primarily throughout these 7 years of being in my 20s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does the idea of losing each of these 5 components scare
me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially since one of those blocks contains
the thing I love most on this earth – my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What this means though, is that this study is
meeting me where I need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s getting
to the core of what is defining me and by result, keeping me from defining
myself wholly in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennie Allen
and her description of David chasing the heart of God are challenging me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She writes, ‘<b>we have an identity crisis because we build our
identity on things that move – things that aren’t dependable or constant</b>’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s so much wisdom in that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While my love for my family never fails to be
there – my family could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever your
five blocks say if you study each one you realize that any of them could
move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could I lose a family member or my
whole family? Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could I lose my job
or a friend or a guy I’m in love with? Absolutely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if I build my identity on these shifting,
changing things then who is left when they’re gone?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who indeed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If this idea is panicking you a little bit: take a deep
breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This study is based in Psalm and
if you know me you know that I am in love with this book of the bible written
by David who I suspect I would have been great friends with (I like to say he’s
fiery and more than a little emo at times).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And in the twenty-third Psalm he writes:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The Lord is my
shepherd; </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Courier;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>I have all that
I need.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">He lets me rest
in green meadows; </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Courier;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>he leads me
beside peaceful streams.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>He renews my
strength. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">He guides me
along right paths, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Courier;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>bringing honor
to his name.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>Even when I
walk through the darkest valley,<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will not be afraid, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Courier;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>for you are
close beside me. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Your rod and
your staff </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Courier;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>protect and
comfort me.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>You prepare a
feast for me in the presence of my enemies. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">You honor me by
anointing my head with oil. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Courier;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>My cup
overflows with blessings.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Surely your
goodness and unfailing love will pursue me </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Courier;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>all the days of
my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">That’s just the
first 6 verses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re in need of
encouragement, please read it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
if you’re wanting more keep reading in Psalm – each chapter is truly
amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I love that chapter 23, the
one Jennie shares in this identity lesson is full of such rich promises:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I have all that I
need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">He renews my
strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Surely His
goodness and unfailing love PURSUE me all the days of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And I, for one,
can’t hardly wait to dwell in the house of my God forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">That is where my
identity belongs, in His unfailing promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In He who created me to chase something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In the one who created me to chase Him.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David,
God bless him, had a clear picture of what he was chasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was chasing the heart of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we see over and over in the book of Psalm
that David knew where his identity was, in Christ alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in being a King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in being the man who defeated
Goliath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in being a murder or an adulterer
(though he was both).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in being the
youngest of Jesse’s sons or a soldier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>David had more labels and titles and responsibility then I could ever
handle but he didn’t let any of those define him, his identity was found solely
in His relationship with a big God.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Whew. Only the first real week of study and already we're in the deep end. Stay tuned, we're just gearing up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BC</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-6877136397311136882013-06-05T08:00:00.000-07:002013-06-05T08:00:23.175-07:00We Were Made to Chase...
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I’m thinking outside of the box this summer on this
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you’ve all noticed I’m writing
less (at least publically) these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But this is my blog and well, I do what I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, let me share that over the summer I am
leading a bible study by Jennie Allen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of my faithful readers may remember I did this book in January
while away in Africa but now I am leading it with 11 girls over the
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to (try) to write
each week and share a little with you all here about what I’m learning and
maybe just offer you a few nuggets of truth to think about each week this
summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I should confess I’m not a particularly disciplined writer.
I write when I feel lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly because
I don’t want a blog full of fillers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want you to come here and each time to experience a piece of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want this blog to be authentic even if some
weeks that’s sharing a project, a recipe, a story, or and experience not
necessarily deep, heart-wrenching truth (I’m not deep every day, by the way).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We were made to chase.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each one of us is chasing something everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acceptance, love, family, marriage, kids,
education, success, prestige, community, friendship, money, knowledge,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or maybe even just stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re like me you’re not chasing the same
thing every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days are good,
motivated days where my heart is desiring the right things and my actions are
in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And other days, like Jennie so
perfectly says it, ‘And then there are days when I am not chasing meaningless
distractions, I am flat-out running from God, arms full of sin’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be the first to say I have those days. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In our first discussion as a group this summer we were
asked, ‘what are you chasing?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’ve
spent the days since pondering that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What am I chasing right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
went back and read my notes from the first time I did this study, in January,
and I thought about what looks different in my life from then to now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How have my desires changed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How has my life changed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not going to give you the token Christian answer – that
I’m chasing God and God alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
say I have pursued my relationship with Him harder this year than ever and it
has been epic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this blog is my
‘honest box’ and so here’s the bigger picture of my answer…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am chasing freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am breaking free from the expectations of my family and friends in new
ways and learning to stand on my own two feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am chasing success and each month I seem to define that differently –
success in my career path, success in my finances, success in my relationships,
success with my health journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
chasing opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opportunities to
travel, to see the world and the people in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Opportunities to lead, to grow, and to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am chasing wisdom of the spiritual and
earthly variety through reading the bible in a year and reading 80 book this
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am chasing community because I
crave authentic, thriving friendships.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our video lesson this week Jennie talked about the things
she wants – to be loved, to be accepted, to be a success, etc and then she said
‘and these things aren’t bad… until they become more important to me than
chasing God’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The things I want, they’re not bad things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But some days they become the most important
thing, the only thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am intense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever
I do I am hardcore committed too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
quality has made me successful in many areas of my life but like any strength
it can also be my greatest weakness, especially in my spiritual life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I get focused on a good thing, like say,
being debt free – sometimes I obsess so single-mindedly about that one thing I
lose sight of the bigger picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
case of my debt-free journey – I caught the vision because I want to be able to
live simply and generously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
motivation is biblical but as I was working 16 hour days to accomplish it I
wasn’t always focused on the why – sometimes I was just doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the ‘what’ becomes the god, when
the ‘who’ wants to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I making
sense?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were made to chase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were made to worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this
summer we are getting to the core of what 20-somethings are tempted to chase
and what as believers we’re supposed to be chasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my way of welcoming you along for the
journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will leave you will my favorite verse from this starting
chapter:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>I devoted myself to
search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under
heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human
race.<b> </b>I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it
is all meaningless—like chasing the wind</i>. – Ecclesiastes 1:13-14</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p>Love,</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>B</o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-82085512297420278772013-06-03T14:00:00.000-07:002013-06-03T14:00:08.986-07:00Love Does.
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<br />
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I am 32 completed books into 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That may sound like a lot but I’m actually a
little behind on my reading goals and I’ve been playing catch up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a recommendation recently from a
friend, Meghan, who goes to my church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She told me about ‘Love Does’ by Bob Goff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t particularly familiar with the book
itself but I was familiar with Bob Goff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Donald Miller’s book ‘A Million Miles in a Thousand Years’ he tells
an amazing story about Goff and his family and once I put two and two together
I decided this was worth a read.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I snagged it on Kindle a few weeks ago and dug right
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could give you quote after quote
of Goff wisdom but really what spoke to me about ‘Love Does’ were two main
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first is that when someone
asked Bob for his help he didn’t just meet their most basic need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would ask himself how to do more, bigger,
and better than the request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the book this was illustrated when a young stranger
approached him on his porch and asked him if he could borrow his backyard to
propose to his girlfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time
the proposal rolled around 3 months or so later it involved 20 of his friends
making this couple dinner in Bob’s kitchen, he and his girlfriend eating on the
back porch, borrowing Bob’s boat which he would drive them around on, and the
added surprise that Bob recruited the local coast guard to do fireworks on his
signal after she said yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wow’d by Bob.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I honestly can’t think of a time a stranger asked me to go
out of my way for them and I thought ‘how can I do one better’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This attitude and his burning desire to do
for other people really spoke to my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do I seek out opportunities to bless others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I go above and beyond meeting people’s
basic needs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second was the way Bob wasn’t held back by the usual
standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never let the practical be
the determining factor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When his kids
wanted to meet leaders of other countries he said – why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He let them write letters and he said if they
got a ‘yes’ – he’d find a way to take them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think so often as we enter adult life we
forget how to dream big and we find all these ‘responsible’ reasons not to just
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Bob is right, love does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is active. It’s bold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want that kind of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The kind, like Bob’s, that makes strangers family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kind that tells people to ‘come by the
house anytime’ and means it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
want to love people in a way that impacts one or two people but to love in a
way that inspires everyone who comes in contact with me to love others
harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what Bob’s book did for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell in love with his style of
love and it made me want to live a little more radically.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days later I was sitting in my own living room of my
sweet little starter home that God has so graciously kept intact despite my
knowing little about being a homeowner when I bought at 24.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting on my zebra ottoman chatting
with 5 interns from my church over dinner I had prepared for them after one of
them said ‘hey, we’d like to come to your house sometime – you’re a good cook
and we like to eat’ .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that kind
of thing so of course I said yes and spent literally three weeks scouring
Pinterest deciding what to prepare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
anywho, I’m halfway through Love Does and I’m on my zebra ottoman talking to
these fabulous, inspiring interns of ours and I thought – hm, love does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s that simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concept of love doing can be as simple as
cooking and inviting someone over to be part of your home, your family, your
life instead of just meeting them for a sandwich at Panera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes we make things big in our head that are really
quite small in reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes doing
love isn’t a boat and fireworks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last
week, for me, it was waking up early so I could call and pray with a friend
that had a court date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The week before
it was 2 pounds of bbq with 5 sweet interns in my kitchen talking about their
next steps. And a month ago it was going shopping with a coworker who wanted a
second opinion on clothes for her cruise with her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing love can be simple and still have a big
impact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know the best part about it though?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you love people right, they keep coming
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That friend I prayed with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time they asked for that because once,
months ago, I offered to call and pray with them not just for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And those wonderful interns?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re coming back this week for some more
dessert and fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my new coworker
I went shopping with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s taking me
shopping this weekend to help me pick out a few things for my sisters wedding
festivities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love is funny and contagious in the best possible way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been more intentional this year with
learning to love and serve my friends well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know what’s funny?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without
meaning too I’ve paved the way for them to do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I’ve been more consistent in my efforts
you know what’s happened?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mailbox has
filled up with encouraging cards (my love of snail mail has spread like anthrax
apparently).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people who’s prayer
requests have graced my fridge this year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’re praying for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
people I’ve moved mountains to me there for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were there for me when I didn’t even know I needed it last fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So for the nudge towards doing love better and for creating
a sense of community that isn’t limited only to what’s practical and convenient
– I’m grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you’re looking
for a little inspiring summer reading, pick this one up – he knows what he’s
talking about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-72359122567595991132013-05-23T07:43:00.000-07:002013-05-23T07:43:00.113-07:00Another Adventure...
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS3iZN8wfHmL2Wso8hyPcaHzLKzjmNJcCDuFDDKowduRvpo2zxak-j8nSAmECvE8sIKLh0XXrqko1O2FTlvRU6YE3scIPkT9QPyOkfqjzz2MaVV2qFqvJ8d7isLU5qgcrTQDfxLdG5Hzn/s1600/9f2a43f1537e42feca3b1c2c5bbd41be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS3iZN8wfHmL2Wso8hyPcaHzLKzjmNJcCDuFDDKowduRvpo2zxak-j8nSAmECvE8sIKLh0XXrqko1O2FTlvRU6YE3scIPkT9QPyOkfqjzz2MaVV2qFqvJ8d7isLU5qgcrTQDfxLdG5Hzn/s1600/9f2a43f1537e42feca3b1c2c5bbd41be.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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(Image from Pinterest)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love to get away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am busybody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a doer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am an OCD housekeeper, a bible study
leader, a writer, a reader, a friend, a sister, a daughter, an assistant, and a
great many other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love each of
my roles (most days).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for me,
getting away is when I do my best thinking, planning, and recouping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a hard time relaxing when I’m home
because there is always much to be done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So when I run away for a weekend here and there it gets me the chance to
recharge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To eliminate the distractions
long enough to assess where I’m at and where I want to be headed and if
necessary, recalculate (that’s for all you Garmin users out there).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sat down with my calendar this past week and noted all
that I have going on this summer and promptly texted my best friend ‘Oh my
gosh, Christmas is going to be here before I can blink’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I wear contacts I couldn’t wait very
long to blink…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So today I’m headed off on my next adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m running away for four and a half days to
spend time with one of my longest surviving friends, Sean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I think about it now it’s so sweet to me
that we met when I was literally in the 5<sup>th</sup> grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who have had the luxury of
growing up somewhere (as in one place) then this may not seem special but for
the girl of many cities – this is a treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And to have found a guy who still wanted to be my friend after meeting
me in my days of loving Judo of all things – can we say winner?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m working this morning and then experiencing a
professional first – I’m taking a half-day for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have literally never just taken a half-day
to spend alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought a groupon and
I’m going to get a mani/pedi, read a book, and leisurely pack for my weekend
away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I’m going to take a few good books, my journal, my DSLR,
and I’m sure an excessive amount of clothes and board a plane for Denver then
Salt Lake City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so looking forward
to time with my friend, his family, and even a Friday where he will be working
and I will be relaxing in a home that isn’t mine so therefore I can actually
relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah….travels.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m even looking forward to the plane rides since I’ve
stocked up on new books and I have a fresh notebook to fill with ideas (my
accountability partner, Kayla, is probably cringing just thinking about this).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I’m out of here – for 5 days of adventures
with one of my favorite gents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you
next week Tampa!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-63766348007731819402013-05-22T07:23:00.000-07:002013-05-22T07:23:17.340-07:00A Good Place.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Anyone else feel like 2013 is flying by?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost JUNE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I head out Thursday evening for Memorial Day
weekend with one of my favorite people in Salt Lake City and as I began making
a packing list I thought – good grief, it’s already Memorial Day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me this has been a big year already – new
job, Africa trip, new cities, new states, lots of travels, lots of changes both
big and small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even with all that
has already happened this year I’m surprised to say this year still feels like
it has flown by.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve shared in a few previous posts that I spent much of
this past fall deciding what I wanted this year to look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been listening to what the Lord was
telling me and I knew this would be a year of change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to make sure I didn’t let this year
slip away without accomplishing my goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I knew this year would require that I be intentional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I wrote them out as always but this time
I made a plan to meet with my accountability partner over a cup of coffee and
report in on my progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have 11 goals on my list for this year and I have
completed 5 now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not ready to tell
you all of my goals yet but I will tell you about four that are checked off…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Travel to one new
place.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I’ve accomplished this
once already (oh Austin, Texas how I loved you) but I’m headed this weekend to
check another city/state off the list in Salt Lake City, Utah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Choose/begin new job.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how much I shared about this
previously but going into the Christmas break I had a few job offers and I felt
the Lord was leading me into something new but I just couldn’t quite put my
finger on what that might be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned
them all down in early January when I returned, feeling as though the Lord was
telling my to be still and wait for his leading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three months later I would start my job here
at the church and I have felt the Lord confirm over and over that this is what
He had for me all along.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Missions trip</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I completed this one early on with a trip to
Togo in West Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing. I
could have done without the whole food poisoning thing but honestly, I’m
anxious to plan my next one already.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lead a bible study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>I just finished a semester and I’ve
decided to go ahead and lead one for the summer as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has been such a sweet, sweet time with
girls I have grown to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely a
worthwhile goal for the list.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I should probably say that many of the remaining goals are
in progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m reading through the
bible in a year with several of my friends and I’m on track with that but of
course I won’t be finishing that til the end of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my goals involves weight loss and I’m
on my way but I haven’t completed it just yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Two of my goals are financial and I’ve made big strides towards those
but they will likely take til late in the year to be checked off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m 28 books into my 80 book reading goal for
this year as well for those of you not keeping up with my on Goodreads.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But most of all as I think about how this year has gone and
where I am in my goals – I’m just thankful to be in a good place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am humbled by the Lord’s guidance,
provision, and overflowing blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
has been so good and so faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
continued to be wow’d and truthfully – I’m having a blast!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-74915266662088565042013-04-29T13:51:00.003-07:002013-04-29T13:51:44.000-07:00Don't Make Me a Fool.Take a trip back in time with me and revisit <a href="http://becca-christensen.blogspot.com/2012/10/maybe-maybe-not.html">this post</a>. This was quite possibly my most read, best received post to date. And honestly, when I look back - it's one of my favorites. Later I revisited to share my <a href="http://becca-christensen.blogspot.com/2013/01/circle-makers.html">first</a> victory with you. It was a beautiful, emotional circle completed. I kept the remaining post-it notes on the fridge and I kept those prayers in the cue. And a few months later the Lord would complete my second circle - my prayers for a friend in an bad situation with a guy at work. We prayed and prayed for resolution in the situation and she received a promotion that now allows her to work from home, away from that unhealthy and uncomfortable environment but she also got the chance to further address it even as it was being resolved. God is good.<br />
<br />
Last week the Lord finished my third circle, another request that has graced my fridge for almost 6 months. That prayer was for a friend who after leaving a job told me where his heart was and what he wanted out of his next job. I sat down a few days later and I wrote my desire for him/summary of what I was reading between the lines of what he was saying which was that his next job would allow him the opportunity to help people in a hands on way and that it would allow him to travel (a love we share). The Lord answered and in September he leaves for the Coast Guard.<br />
<br />
As I took that post-it dated November 4th off the fridge and wrote answered in April 2013 I was reminded yet again of the Lord's faithfulness to His people. See what I didn't share about The Circle Maker the first time around is Honi's. Honi was the original circle maker and this is the legend:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Cambria; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>When rain is plentiful, it’s an afterthought. During a drought, it’s the only thought. And Honi was their only hope. Famous for his ability to pray for rain, it was on this day—the day—that Honi would earn his moniker.</i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Cambria; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Cambria; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>With a six-foot staff in his hand, Honi began to turn like a math compass. His circular movement was rhythmical and methodical. Ninety degrees. One hundred and eighty degrees. Two hundred and seventy degrees. Three hundred and sixty degrees. He never looked up as the crowd looked on. After what seemed like hours, but had only been seconds, Honi stood inside the circle he had drawn. Then he dropped to his knees and raised his hands to heaven. With the authority of the prophet Elijah who called down fire from heaven, Honi called down rain.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Cambria; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>“Lord of the Universe, I swear before your great name that I will not move from this circle until you have shown mercy upon your children.”</i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Cambria; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Cambria; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>The words sent a shudder down the spine of all who were within earshot that day. It wasn’t just the volume of his voice. It was the authority of his tone. Not a hint of doubt. This prayer didn’t originate in the vocal chords. Like water from an artesian well, the words flowed from the depth of his soul. His prayer was resolute yet humble; confident yet meek; expectant yet unassuming.</i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Cambria; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Cambria; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Then it happened.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>As his prayer ascended to the heavens, raindrops descended to the earth. An audible gasp swept across the thousands of congregants who had encircled Honi. Every head turned heavenward as the first raindrops parachuted from the sky, but Honi’s head remained bowed. The people rejoiced over each drop, but Honi wasn’t satisfied</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>with a sprinkle. Still kneeling within the circle, Honi lifted his voice over the sounds of celebration.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>“Not for such rain have I prayed, but for rain that will fill cisterns, pits, and caverns.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>The sprinkle turned into such a torrential downpour that eyewitnesses said no raindrop was smaller than an egg in size. It rained so heavily and so steadily that the people fled to the Temple Mount to escape the flash floods. Honi stayed and prayed inside his protracted circle. Once more he refined his bold request.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>“Not for such rain have I prayed, but for rain of Thy favor, blessing, and graciousness.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Then, like a well-proportioned sun shower on a hot and humid August afternoon, it began to rain calmly, peacefully. Each raindrop was a tangible token of God’s grace. And they didn’t just soak the skin; they soaked the spirit with faith. It would be forever remembered as the day. The day thunderclaps applauded the Almighty. The day puddle jumping became an act of praise. The day the legend of the circle maker was born. It had been difficult to believe the day before the day. The day after the day, it was impossible not to believe. (From Mark Batteron's Legend of the Circle Maker).</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I share this with you because the Lord continues to use this in my life. He continues to make this story real to me and to challenge my prayer life. What I love about Honi is if the Lord hadn't shown up, if the Lord hadn't answered, he would have looked like a fool. But he wasn't afraid. He didn't doubt. His faith was solid and unwavering. And the Lord showed up.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">That's the kind of prayer life I want. I want to pray boldly and live big and I'm going to live in a way where if the Lord doesn't show up I will likely look a fool. But I don't want my prayers to be for things I could do myself - I was God-sized prayers. I want the kind of faith that when the Lord shows up leaves no room for doubters. I want to be a true circle maker.</span></div>
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Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-36936781359806070302013-04-26T07:10:00.000-07:002013-04-26T07:10:00.094-07:00Once a Year...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello friends and blog readers! Happy Friday to each of you. I'm taking this weekend to follow the wise advice of the Dalai Lama and heading to enjoy a place I've never been though I will confess I would probably be the teacher's pet if he knew me because this is my second new place this year and I have one more already booked. This weekend I'm off to Austin, TX to enjoy a city and state I have yet to meet and to spend time with my sweet bestie Auburn who moved from Tampa to Austin just over a year ago.</div>
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Auburn is my cheerleader. She has cheered me through the challenges of my years in Tampa and built me up when I was at my lowest. She has given me tough love and honesty when I've needed it most and sweet, kind, encouraging words on the days my heart has most needed them. I can't wait to be part of her big Texas life for a weekend and fall in love with the city that's stolen her heart (and her from me and my city). There is something so sweet about seasons of being able to visit faraway friends and love them and their new seasons. Look out Texas here I come...</div>
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Love,</div>
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B </div>
Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-85563178369382202872013-04-25T12:45:00.000-07:002013-04-25T12:46:41.785-07:00Home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wanted to share with you all my the finished product (finally) of my third floor hallway. It has literally been a giant, empty wall for the three and a half years I've owned my place while I worked on deciding what would fill the walls. Anytime I decorate a part of my house I want it to reflect my style but also who I am. This wall was no exception. Over a year ago I bought on Etsy a print of each of the 7 states I've lived in to date. </div>
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Finally with my Mom's visit approaching I cashed in my Homegoods rewards and bought 7 matching frames so that she could hang the images for me while she was in town. As I was framing them I was more and more pleased with the decision to make this hallway a reflection of where I grew up (which was basically the entire east coast). Now that they're hanging I love it. It seems the perfect way to honor my childhood and show all of the places that have earned a piece of my heart. Of course, Florida is the middle: the place that finally feels like home.</div>
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I'm thankful that after years of moving I finally have a home of my own for the foreseeable future. It feels good to have roots but I wouldn't trade in the experience of living in each of these places for the world. I'm also thankful for the collection of friends I've acquired over the years and through my mobile childhood. </div>
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It is finished.</div>
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Love,</div>
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B</div>
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<br />Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-74128725765198766682013-04-24T06:22:00.001-07:002013-04-24T06:22:35.328-07:00This.I shared previously that I spent Easter weekend with my sister and her growing family. While I was there she said something that has continued to come to mind in the month since my visit. She said, 'You seem happy Beccs, happier than I ever remember you'. You know what? I am. I am enjoying this year more than any before it. And as I sat back the other day and thought about where I'm at and what I want I thought...this. I want this.<div>
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I want deep, meaningful relationships. I want great, Christian community. I want to laugh til my sides hurt on facetime with faraway friends (here's looking at you and your dance moves Jared) and cry on the couch during quiet times with my Mom. I want e-mails from college friends after my blogspots that tell me what the Lord is doing with their story. I want to laugh, cry, eat, chat, text, pray, share, and grow with my bible study girls. I want to crave morning quiet times and have hilariously transparent conversations with my Savior over coffee in the mornings. I want to devour 100 books a year.</div>
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I want to host friends, neighbors, and maybe even occasionally strangers for dinner at my house. I want to enjoy the small stuff like Sam's club shopping trips with my Mom and new beach towels for the pool. I want to be part of the biggest and smallest moments of my family members lives. I want to cheer my Dad on at his football games or in a sports bar faraway. I want to read the same books as my Mom and stand up as a bridesmaid and support my baby sister in her wedding this summer. I want to hold my new niece or nephew this fall and realize even more fully what unconditional love feels like. I want to eat an omelette made from my bro-in-laws chicken's eggs and watch my cousins baseball games.</div>
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I want to travel to Austin to be with Auburn so I can fall in love with her new hometown. I want to watch Meagan's son's basketball games with her and watch Duck Dynasty with she and her husband, as I cheer on her dreams and share my hardest moments. I want to fly across the country to Utah to see if they really have multiple wives...I mean, to spend the weekend with one of my oldest friends and his family. I want to see new places, learn new things, and meeting person after person.</div>
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I sat on the couch with my Mom while she was in town this weekend and I read her what I wrote in response to the 'Stop Instagramming Your Perfect Life' article and we talked about it. And what I finally realized was, I don't want perfect. I WANT messy. My relationships aren't tidy. My house isn't perfect. But I wouldn't trade it for a million perfect days in neat little frames with flattering filters. I love to share images and I love to share with you here what's happening in my life... but this is it! Sometimes it's simple and others it's thrilling. Sometimes it's hard and sometimes it's a picnic. Somedays my floors are clean and my meals are homemade and sometimes it's taco bell on the fly with undone laundry on the floor. This is it. This is what I want. A million days like these....full of the people, the moments, and the God that make this life worthwhile.</div>
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This. I want this.</div>
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B</div>
Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542198273790220039.post-10012834718402318362013-04-17T07:00:00.001-07:002013-04-17T07:00:32.480-07:00To Endure the Betrayal of False Friends Revisited.I took a walk down memory lane via the blog this past weekend and I read back over several posts from last fall when I endured one of the hardest seasons of my life to date. Now, 6 months from the start of that hard season I'm happy to report I'm in a completely different place. When I wrote <a href="http://becca-christensen.blogspot.com/2013/01/to-endure-betrayal-of-false-friends.html">this post</a> I was mucking through the aftermath but the best part about reading back over this was that I've taken my own advice. After realizing where I was in my relationships and my rescuer tendencies I have spent 2013 investing the right amount of time into the right relationships and I'm happy to report it's made a world of difference.<br />
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I am in the best place relationally, mentally, spiritually, and financially that I have ever been in. Wow, even writing that gives me chills. God has been so faithful to me in the wake of a tough season. I have been blessed in my friendships. I have seen the fruits of my efforts to show better initiative and even to enforce better boundaries. I hesitate to use the word 'happy' because I think as a believer it's not really about feeling happy it's about being joyful (which is a choice in the midst of all seasons). But I can report that I have truly never been in a better place in life than I am today.<br />
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The scars I wrote about as I closed our 2013 still exist today and I have caught myself being guarded. It takes constant effort to knock down the walls I catch myself building and to be authentic in my relationships. A girl friend of mine said to me over dinner a month or so ago 'you share the least with me of any of my friends'. What I've found is that the more I've been burned in relationships the better listener I've become, because I'm willing to share less and less of myself with others and this is something I'm fighting. I desire to be someone who is honest and open.<br />
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After the tough loss of a coworker at my last job I recognize the incredible value in having people you share the tough stuff with. You need people in your life who can bare your burdens when you can't handle it all yourself. Who you can show your weaknesses too. People you can let your guard down with. I have those people and I'm working at being honest with them and allowing them the chance to be there for me in the tough stuff as well as in the fun stuff.<br />
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The best takeaway for me has been this: you do become like the people you spend time with. You adopted their habits good or bad and even more you adopt their attitudes. So choose wisely who you invest in and who you ask to pour into you. Find people who challenge and inspire you. Find people who do a few things better than you do and learn from them.<br />
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Thank you Emerson for walking me through a season of betrayal but now I am moving into a season of loving Shakespeare for this:<br />
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'A friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow'.<br />
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Cheers to growth.<br />
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Love,<br />
B<br />
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<br />Becca Christensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888637069084794227noreply@blogger.com0