Stable Crew

The sign out in front of Mathews Chapel says "Are you part of the inn crowd or the stable crew?" When I take a moment to really ponder this question, I am amazed at the many different meanings of this question, and the play on words is uncanny. The world pushes us to desire to be a part of the "inn crowd." The "inn crowd" seems glamorous, fun, and appealing. But the "inn crowd" doesnt' have room for everyone. If we are not extremely careful and on guard, we find ourselves willing to compromise our beliefs and values just to be accepted by this "inn crowd." We live in a dark world, and so many things take our attention away from our true mission, which is glorifying God. Think about the original "stable crew." No one ever would have imagined that the King of Kings would have been born in a lowly stable, yet that is exactly how God chose to bring his Son into the world. When we think about the Christmas story, it's easy to say we want to be a part of the "stable crew." But what about the other days of the year? Being part of the "stable crew" requires service and sacrifice, but it's so worth it. 1 Peter 4:11 says, "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." So during the Christmas season, and every other day of the year, let's strive to be a part of the "stable crew." And when we find ourselves getting wound up and a little stressed out because of the holiday busyness, a little dose of "stable" will go a long way!

Half Empty

I don't know about you, but I have always been the kind of girl who likes to know the best and worst case scenario for every situation. I'm pretty certain I get this trait from my dad. Mom gets on us all the time for it, saying we are always being negative and thinking of the worst. She says we are "the glass is half empty" kind of people. We always justify this best/worst case mentality by claiming it makes us prepared in every situation. If the best scenario happens, we can rejoice! But if the worst scenario happens, we will not be totally devastated, but instead we will be prepared to handle the situation. But if I am 100% honest with you, it would probably be way more accurate to say I am a worrier. I don't want to brag or anything, but I am a really GOOD worrier! I know this is not healthy, and it is something I constantly have to keep in check. I know when I worry about things, it says I am not fully trusting God in the situation, and I certainly don't want to be THAT girl! I do trust God, and I know His plans for me are good. God offers us advice on this situation. In multiple places in the bible. Matthew 6:25-36 is that whole passage about worry that ends, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."There's the one in Philippians 4:4-7 reminding us not to be anxious about anything. If you Google "What scripture talks about worry?" you will get many, many scriptures to address the topic. If you, too, are a worrier, it would be wise to Google and then pour over scriptures about worry. It will definitely encourage your heart, and who knows, it may even help you see the glass as half full. Here is a piece of good news, in case you are a "glass is half empty" thinker. I heard this quote in a Hallmark movie once, and I think it is very fitting: Somebody has to see the glass half empty, or else we'd run out of milk! Happy Wednesday, my friends. I hope your cup is mostly full, but in case it's not, turn your worry over to Jesus and allow Him to fill up your cup.