The yellow ball..

It's so simple, as a child's toy.


All parents know the trap of Christmas gifts and birthday presents. The list is long and often expensive. Christmas morning all the gifts are nicely wrapped and under the tree.
A couple hours later the presents are unwrapped and all the toys are in a pile. The expensive gift is the one that is played with and all the others are left for another day. But that remote control car or talking dolly will soon break or the batteries die.

But that one toy you bought for 99 cents just to fill out the list.. the ball.. is the one that will hold the longest.

The ball - so underestimated.

One of the most simple toys a child can have and yet one that brings so much joy and play.
We have no big expectations for the ball, it rolls, it bounces. We are content with that.

The smile it brings to a young child. It isn't scary, it is a trusted toy.

Although this ball sometimes knocks vases over when kicked inside or crashes through a window when playing soccer we still love this toy.
Children and adults alike. Boys grow up into football or soccer players, from high-school ball to collage scholarships. The ball follows, to something that might even become a career.

So simple, yet such a big part in our lives.It exist only for the purpose of bringing happiness.
Just as simple as a bright yellow ball is, so is our existence on earth, there is no anxiety in the ball it doesn't have to preform or achieve anything. It is still loved.

We were not created to do good or be examples. We were not created to help others or to find a cure for cancer. There is no complex reason for our being it is very simple.
We were created because God loved us and wanted to love us. It doesn't matter how much you give or how good of a person you are. It doesn't matter if you have alot or a little. It doesn't matter if you achieve great things in your life or don't achieve anything.

We see our lives as a remote control car or Ipod or something other complex, when all that matters and the only reason for our existence is the fact that God loved us.

In our standards we decide that if it doesn't cost us anything it's not worth anything.

Remember that God paid the ultimate price for us, He gave His son.

We don't have children because it's easier to live.
Children cost money and time and effort.. sleepless nights, school projects, worry.. the list goes on and on.

So why do we have children? - Because we love them.

Simple.
Just as simple as a bright yellow ball.

Where is your focus?

When Jesus walked on water, Peter climbed out of the boat to meet Him.

Matthew 14 14:29

He said, "Come ahead."

14:30

But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"

14:31

Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"

~

The Message Bible

Accidents, sickness, theft, endless unemployment, money or lack of it, unfairness!... Lack of love, restlessness, problems in the family, no family, problem with friends, no friends, bullshit, anguish, depression..!

It seems like as soon as a problem is solved a new one takes its place, and often it's even worse then the one before.

Everybody's talking about problems.. It's in the music and in the movies, TV shows.. everywhere.

The pop idol Pink sings about family problems and taking pills, Curt Cobain wants to die and later fulfills his own death wish.

We've got pills to help us sleep and pills to keep us awake. At the same time these pills are used as something to do to spice up a party.

This is not the fate of only those who don't have Christ in there lives, we all know this from experience. Accually one of the most frequent promises Jesus gave His disciples was...

In this world you will have trouble.” John 16:33

Even our own christian music artists clothe our anguish in melodies. Mac Powell from Third Day sings - ”When You are lonely and it feels like the whole world is falling on you.”

We as christians have someone to turn to though, which we also do and especially in these situations. We comfort ourselves in verses like Isa 40:29. ”He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the week”. But at the same time that we turn to Christ we have a question.. Jesus.. Why?

Why haven't you solved my problems? Why did this happen in the first place?

Then we've got the quiet non rebeling typ that says - "God must have a reason for all this."

But our focus is still on the problem, still on the "storm".

If we keep our focus on the storm we, just like Peter, are going to sink. The storm will take over.

When Peter climbed out of that boat it wasn't calm seas, if you read a couple verses back - Matt 14:24 By this time the boat was in the middle of the sea and was being battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.

So the sea is roaring especialy for Peter that was right in the middle of it. When he gets out of that boat he has a complete faith in that Jesus will take care of him. So what happened?

Instead of focusing on Jesus, he starts focusing on the problems around him, he focused on the storm and he starts to sink. When he then calls out to Jesus to save him - Jesus didn't calm the storm so Peter could swim back to the boat. No, Jesus grabs ahold of him and asks.. "What got into you?!"

When I felt like my whole world was dark from depts and problems that I just couldn't handle anymore, I cried out to Jesus and asked - Jesus! I have had faith in you, why haven't you helped me yet?

His answer to me was - Aleczandra, Focus on ME and I will teach you to walk on top of the storm.

At that moment I understood what Jesus meant by what He said to Peter. It's not about us living a problem free life, or a life where God just calms the storm so we can swim back to shore. We are always gonna have problems, BUT if we focus on Jesus instead of the problem, we will learn to walk on top of the storm.

Jesus, Santa and Tom Cruise

Who is the real deal?

Well we can remove Tom Cruise imediatly.. He lost it years ago.



But the fact is I'm starting to wonder how many have confused Jesus with joly old St: Nick?!

I know so many who only come to God in times of need or want.

Help my sick friend.

Help me get this appartment.

Help me get an A on the test.

Help me get a raise at work.



God has promised to be there for us in every situation, but I don't think he meant that we should treat him like Santa Clause..

So many even think that if we are good we can go to heaven... Free pass for those on the "nice" list.



While pondering over this a thought hit me.. Is it maybe so that Santa was created in a fake image of our awsome God?

Was he created to bring children to believe in a character that judges our doings and sentences us to good or bad. With the power to be everywhere in the world at the same time. He sees you when your sleeping he knows when your awake - remind you of somebòdy?



One of the most important beings in many childrens lives. Then one day it's all over..

WHAT? Santas not real!! He's make believe?! Only little kids believe in Santa!

Your too old to believe in someone that sees you when your sleeping and knows when your awake.. someone who can be everywhere at the same time, someone who accually has the right to judge our actions. You've grown out of such nonscence....

Harmless people say, it's just something for the kids...



How very easy we make it for satan. Is no one seeing the conection here?

Interesting isn't it?



We create an image of a god for for our children then tell them he does not exist they grow up and the new image is of The real deal Jesus Christ, He doesn't want cookies and milk... He just wants to know us, befriend us... How are we supposed to earn our keep in heaven if not through cookies and milk?! When will this story figure disapear and aply to our better knowledge..

Childish beliefs...

And if we do descide to believe, we act like we're writing a letter to the nick of the north... Dear Jesus, I would like ... job, raise, puppy......

He's just a new figure with a lap to sit on.



So to conclude this. How about we dump the Clause and flying deer and start teaching our children about the real reason for the season...

No Fear!

When something is important to me I nag, I will repeat this important message until my face is blue if thats what it takes.
The world around me says that I shouldn't nag and that nagging is anoying. They say that naging destroys relationships and degrades you. How many movies do you hear them talking about nag nag nag from the wife or the husband in some cases or whatever. They never seem to wonder if there might be a reason behind the irritating noise.. I hate to nag and I deeply believe that noone likes it. But as I mentioned earlier if it's important enough I will keep repeating myself till the info is understood and dealt with. Wether I'm right or wrong the situation needs a discussion.
In the Bible there is a couple things God mentions more then once..
But the one thing that is mentioned more then any other is three words. Three words that are so very important it is mentioned 365 times, once for every day in a year. And you know that when God says something so many times He means it!

DO NOT FEAR!

Don't believe me.. take a look see..

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_times_does_the_phrase_

First John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

God knows that we are not perfect, not one of us. So he added 364 more times in the bible that we should not fear!

God does not punish! I don't care what you've heard in sunday school, because it's just not right.

We do things and our actions have consequenses yes. But the only punishment mentioned in the Bible is that the "wages" (punishment) of sin is death (hell).. But do not fear!! The verse continues saying ... But the gift of God is eternal life!

When Jesus said it is finished on the cross He meant it. The new testiment proclaims our savior that made the world new! God does not curse, He does not punish .. But he does give us many chances to test our faith in Him. When we walk through difficulties in life He waits patiantly for us to grab on to Him so He can show us His awesomeness!

Everybody needs to feel acknowledgement from time to time and we are created in His image. He needs to know that we are still with Him, and also so we can get confirmation on our faith in Him. But He will never leave us nor forsake us! He will never give us more then we can handle!

He gives us so many reasons not to fear and yet He still gives us 365 verses saying that He's got everything covered!

Now that is an awesome God!

Thank You Jesus!

For knowing us so well and preparing for our needs!

Thank You for giving us a gift of fearlessness, knowing that in You there is no fear!

Knowing that in you we are taken care of and that you have already provided for our every need. That You love showing us that You love us!

You are an awesome Father and a great God.

No Fear!!!

~

Amen

Morning has broken!

"In the morning. O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you and wait in expectation." ~Psalm 5:3

[Expectation = The act or state of expecting or looking forward to an event as about to happen. ~Tennyson.

The prospect of the future; grounds upon which something excellent is expected to happen; prospect of anything good to come.]

This morning the first of the year I started my day by worshiping my awesome Father, reading his word and having a great conversation with him.

I came to the cross and dumped all my guilt, anger and pain before him.. pleading to Him to bless me first and to give me the chance to speak to over 1 million people at one meeting before His return.

Jesus has never let me down or given me false hope before, and this is a promise he has given me, that he will hear my vioce and that all I need to do now is wait. Not only wait but to wait in expectation!! How awesome is that?!

Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of being used as a tool of God reaching hundreds of thousends with the words He has given me.

Readers! Please pray for me and see the wonder of God happen - One day you will hear of me and the work God has done. We are all in this spiritual war together! I pray for each and everyone that reads my blog!

So Go to Jesus and ask for your hearts desire and just wait in expectation as God makes it happen!

Embrace His awesomeness!

My New Year Resolution = No more resolutions!

It's that time of the year, I'm gonna stop smoking, I'm gonna lose wieght, I'm gonna run a marathon... In my case it's always the same one.. I want to do more for you this year Jesus, I want to get to know you more... I'm gonna really try to live for you this year!
And like most new years resolutions the promises fade and the year starts anyway and you haven't changed much at all.
How is it that we think that we can change just because the year does? Who came up with this idea? Or .. is it that we see the chance of becoming new just because the world is?
This year I'm focusing on looking back and seeing the things that really did change in me, not the things I promised last New Years.
The experiences I've had and the choices I've made.
Every day is new but time flys and we seem to forget the unwritten page given to us every single day.
I learned to keep my focus on Christ, even through the storm only then can I walk on top of the water..
I learned to trust in God no matter what and that he takes care of what is his. I will never be alone I will never stand without His devine grace!!!
Worthy is the lamb the God allmighty He who riegns the heavens and the earth..
This day I will bow down and worship Him who all knees shall bow and all tougnes confess to.
Amen