Change and Movement

Picture this: It was yesterday around 2:30 PM. I was sitting in my least favorite class of the semester. Women and Gender Studies. With a focus on The Individual, Sexuality, and the Family Unit. What it really translates to is a study of transgenderism, gays, women power, and an open mic for man haters.
One thing our professor had us do at the beginning of the semester was repeated yesterday. She had us write down our vision of the perfect community (or world) and what it needs. This time she added on two more questions at the end, what our motivation for fixing the needs of the world are, and also what keeps us from doing these things. Here is what I wrote.

My vision for the world: A world that recognizes the need for a Savior. That they need Jesus. The Love of the Father motivates me to act.
The needs of the world: Repentance and faith. The forgiveness of sins. The greatest source of suffereing is our own selfish, sinful natures.
My motivation for change: I know the Love of the LORD. I know it endures. I know that His words bring healing and conviction, forgiveness and grace. Knowing the LORD moves me to act.
What is stopping me: Sin. Fear of Man. Comfort. Selfishness. The feeling of being overwhelmed.

As I was thinking about what I wrote, I remembered that the same exact thing was written in the begining of the year. For what really is the point of change if it is not for the LORD? If we do things out of love for the Father, they will come out much better than if they are done out of selfish ambitions or altruism. The LORD is what changes and moves in the hearts of believers, and through believers God changes and moves the hearts of the lost.

Things I Enjoy-For Philip

Saturdays
Ice Cream
Icees
Sewing
Fresh Laundry
Brushing my teeth
Flowers
Music
Singing
Photography
Reading



CS Lewis
The Bible
The Sunrise
The Beach
Lake Tahoe
Snow
My Family
Kate
Shannon
Baking
Being Neat
Serving
Children
Loving Others
Stationery
Laughter



Shoes
Sweaters
Funny Sounds
Traveling
People Watching
Having a Garden
Writing
Praying
Knowing God
Redemption
Warm Socks
Driving in Silence
Cooking



Bike Rides
Train Stations
Airports
Myth Busters
My Roommates
Deep Conversations
Seeing God in Others
Mail
Naps
Opposed Thumbs
Being Creative
Costa Rica



Thinking about moving to Denver
Teaching
English
Tea
Coffee
Cakes
Cafes
Helping People
Frebreeze
Frisbee
Hot Chocolate
Talking of God
Hiking
the Guitar




Dancing
Fixing Things
Being Outside
Being by Myself
Being with People
Dogs
Ice Water
Recycling
Nalgene Bottles
Smelly Soaps
Long Shadows
Bread
Boy Bands
Nutella
Tea Cups
Grits
Good Books
Rainy Days
Movie Marathons
Crisp Mornings
Clean Houses
Impressionism
Simple Practical Theology
Feeding People




Singing Songs Really Loud
Big Cities
Watching Jen Watch Football
Costco
Pea Coats
Old Songs

Ask Your Barista for Details

As I am sitting in Starbucks with a pumpkin spice latte attempting to edit an essay, I look up from my computer and see the following words: “Today’s Song Is: Ask Your Barista for Details.”
This seems peculiar to me. If they have the “Today’s Song” sign, why would they not change it to actually read what the song of the day was? Why should I bother myself with asking someone if I have the possibility of having no interaction with humans and just looking on a board?
Sometimes I feel like this is the way I treat God. “Alright God, what will the blessing of the day be?” Well, Tam, you gotta ask him to find out. Not that God necessarily blesses us every day with some big, profound, life-changing thing, but could it be something as simple as the voice of a mockingbird, a good laugh with a friend, an opportunity to serve? Is it not even a blessing to breathe or to see a sunset? To feel the wind in your face and touch the leaves fallen to the ground?
I encourage you, Dear Reader, to seek God in the little things. Feel free to ask your barista for the details. Its quite helpful.

This is my favorite Barista.