Adversity

We all face adversity…sometimes as inconsequential as on the playing field, sometimes it has to do with a relationship ending, or a parent, teacher or boss who you feel gives you a bit too much to do. The scale of adversity goes all the way up to sickness and when a friend or family member dies.

Adversity is tough or else we would call it a good time. 

But though it is tough it can be good, because it shows who we really are, it shows what we truly believe and it shows what is most important to us. We see who we are through our reactions. 

Take a look at what happens to these chocolate bunnies when they face adversity. 

HT Marko

When adversity came, they melted, fade away, showed themselves to be hollow, and even lost their head. 

But check out Job, a man faced with more adversity than many of us combined, He said that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away but blessed be the name of the Lord. Job understood that God is good and that He is in control. 

So when you face adversity what are you like? The melting bunnies? Or Job who praised God? 

A few things to remember when you face adversity: 

• Look beyond the now: James 1:2-4
  You are going to grow. No athlete became good if they always thought about how hard practice was. Athletes persevere through tough times because they see that they are getting better and that winning down the road is the goal. 
• Serve God: Matthew 6:33
  Don’t worry, keep on serving Jesus. Make it your first priority to be about what God is about and you won’t have to worry. 
• Obey God (Love Him!): John 14:15
  Not just when it’s easy. Not cheating is pretty easy to do when you’ve studied for the test. But not cheating when it’s the final and your grade will determine if you pass or fail…that’s tough, but we still must obey in adversity.

Remember to the truth of Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

More to Come

In another post I said more to come... and I can't leave you hanging forever.

Pictured here is a image of joy renewed and lives that continue. I am happy to tell my blogging world of the engagement of my dad and Denise. Here they are on their trip to Arizona, stopping for the O-so-great-but-overrated In-n-Out. 

They are to be married on the 17th of May.

GPCC Year in review

Usually, the masterful Brian Eberly produces our church's year-in-review video for our annual celebration. But this year, due to a lack of computer resources (i.e. 6 year old macs w/ no hard drive space make for poor DVD production), I inherited the task. Fortunately, the good people of Grace Point had many pictures for me to use.

Our celebration is tonight, but for those who don't go there & those who missed the gathering and want a glimpse of this last year at Grace Point, check it out.

GPCC 2008 Year in Review from Aaron Geist on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday Mom

It's an interesting thing remembering a birthday of someone who cares not how old they are anymore. This would have been mom's 57th. It's been a hard year and a half, but a good one too. And I think she would be happy that we're moving forward, not forgetting the past, but moving on into all the new things God has for our lives while we're still here on this earth. It's nice seeing her mannerisms, traits, passions & gifting passed down to us kids and in my dad. More on the moving forward in a post to come. May you use your time to glorify God.

Mexico Missionaries

Last night was a treat. Usually, the only time we get to see Tim & Kathy Johnston is while we're in Mexico. But due to an unfortunate flight time out of Portland, they needed a place to stay. They were up visiting their son in Sweet Home and had to be at the airport at 4am! Needless to say, they didn't want to leave Sweet Home at 2am. :)

We had a wonderful time talking and finding out what is next for them. They are incredible people to be around. Such faith, such stories of the journey God continues to lead them on. It gets me all excited to return this Summer!

A Journey for This Year

Have you ever tried to read through the Bible and made it only for 2 weeks...or 2 days and then quit? Yeah, me too. It's the time of year for resolutions and though this isn't really a resolution, more just a desire for the year. I've invited our youth group in reading through the entire Bible this year. I found a cool plan from the You Version. It's a plan that has you read the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in one year. It's nice because it doesn't just go straight through. It has sections from the OT & NT each day.

Follow along with that YouVersion link. iPhone users will find it in the App Store too!

Today's thought from Genesis 1: No matter how you look at it...God created it all...and it is sure good! Praise God!