Redefining Normal.

How do we redefine normal?

1. Keep Plugged into the power source.

       

In order to receive the power from our father- you must be plugged in through faith, prayer, and fellowship.

Just as in John 15:5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."

Just as we continue to grow through the love of the father- so the vines continue to grow through the branches.  We must continue to be connected and in order to grow and expand.  I never realized until listening to this sermon the realness of this idea. When I am turned away from God, or forget to give Him Thanksgiving- is when my faith begins to struggle and wilt. Yet, in times when I continue to give my faith, life, and hope to God is when I feel renewed daily and am less agitated.


In his sermon on 1-9-11 Dave Barlett instructed the congregation to try three tasks in his daily life. I challenge you to do the same.

Step ONE of creating a new normal is- remember to plug into God. The power source for change, is in God.

       - Give positive affirmations.

       - Practice loving when it is the hardest.

       - Choose your battles. 

Practice for our daily lives- This is how I am going to try and live my life. I want to begin to be plugged into God, and let other people know it through, affirmations, loving, and choosing my battles.  

Taken from a Sermon at Orchard Hill Church given by Dave Bartlett. 

2. Live not for yourself-but for the life of others. Carry each other burdens. 

We agree that our homes need to be a place to be ourself. We must live our daily lives as though Jesus is living along side of us--instead of us. Second, our Families must be like Jesus. Third, we must  look not only at ourself but also others life-we must begin to ask ourself the question of " How would Jesus live my life today?"

All to often we give into the ideas and ways of society-letting out faith and beliefs fall by the wayside.  WE struggle, I struggle, to uphold a Christian faith in a society that is always putting my faith down and out. It is in this time we( as Christians) must stand up and strong to help the rest of society see what the good works can do in their life. 

As I begin to look to the future I struggle to understand exactly where God wants me to go-or do. I pray that he leads me to be fully used by him for his good works. We must live by the Jesus Creed "Love the Lord you God with all your heart and soul and mind-and love your neighborer as yourself."

Part of living that Jesus Creed is to continually give of yourself for others.  Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Of course this task is not easy. But who said believe is easy?  This is a spiritually battle. One must overcome their sinful hearts to live like Jesus.  Live your life the Jesus Christ.  Through our faith we must show respect and honor to Jesus Christ. 

STEP TWO of f creating a new normal is- remember to live the Jesus Creed. 

    - Daily ask yourself- How would Jesus live my life if he were living it today?

    -  Continue to seek God as you move through your day-don't leave him as the book ends. 

    - Stand strong in your faith-and remember Jesus is the example. 

Ideas for number 2 were taken from Ed Baker from Orchard Hill Church on January 16, 2011. Thank you for speaking to my heart. 

A friend from my major, Jess, invited me to Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Fall, IA. Although, I wasn't sure upon going off campus to worship I thought I would give it a try. I am so glad I have I have grow more in the last few months of attending OHC than I have in a long time. I thank OHC for nurturing my faith, and talking to my heart, mind, and spirit- to help me want to learn and grow in my faith. This post was taken from two of the messages that were given as part of a Redefining Normal.

4-3= 1... I hate subtraction

Oh Clinton Hall. I have resided in your halls for three years- and you have served me well. Although, each year I worry about the students you bring in- you help shape each student in a life of lifelong learning for leadership, faith, service and diversity.  Thanks for all you do for the students. Be orange Clinton Hall!



I have lived in this building for three years and have many fond memories in this building. It is only now as I prepare for the "real world" that I find my self attached to the building that I have called home for many years. I have seen three batch of freshman through this dorm, been a mentor two those batches, and seen the different lifestyles each has choose to lead. I have seen raves, and "elfing the hallway", I have seen sorrow, and true happiness. I respect every person who has lived in these halls, and the memories we have created together.  I believe I was put here to learn respect for my peers, and leadership through my many roles over the years. I have overcome the stereo of living in the "party dorm", and taught at least my residents to be proud of where they reside. This is home-if only for 10 months.

Thank you for all have lived with me, around me, or even had contact with me in the building. You have a memory.

I love you Grandma ;D

Today, two years ago, my grandmother Mary Lou Lundberg joined her savior in heaven.  I love(d) her dearly and will always remember her for her willingness to be an individual, love for life, and pride in her family. Gma Lundberg was always there to rejoice in my successes and comfort in my sorrows.  She is dancing and rejoicing with my Grandpa Arlo.

Grandma-give a hug to all who are currently enjoy heaven. ;D

Blessings to all who have lost someone in the last year. 

Is God alive today?

While talking with my friend Jess last night we discussed how to answer the hard questions of-Why do difficult things happen? Although we both pondered different options- and put our thoughts into words.

God is all knowing and powerful. God has a plan for each of his children and through the gifts of grace in each of his children's life-he plays an active role. Although, we do not understand why different events happen in our life- through our faith we are able to over come the hard times. We turn to our faith, grace, and prayer to help us through the hard times.  God is active in our lives-one just has to look at the people, events, and creation around you.   Below is a great quote that allows us to see how God plays an active role in our life:

Jess as we continued to talk made a very valid point as well- "And maybe this is a stretch, but think of it this way. . .John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. As Jesus was dying on that cross, he begged God "Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they have done". The ones that have hurt Jesus the most--the ones that were KILLING Jesus, he still loved. Still wanted to believe there was good in them."

You see God plays an active role and lifts a person up. Jess and I discussed the way that through our friendship we are able to see GOD active and His love in our life.  Thank GOD for blessings of friendship life Jess. 

Praise GOD!