I am hoping to be a volunteer with an organization in Cambridge that works with elderly people. I had an "interview" with the coordinator today, and she asked me all about myself, what my interests are and such. The premise of their program is that they pair volunteers with elderly people who have similar interests, to ease loneliness for them, as well as to give their caregivers a break. I am interested in doing this so that I can bring happiness to people's lives, as well as give them something to look forward to. I also don't volunteer of my time and abilities as much as I should, so I think this will be a good experience.
It's free iced coffee day at Tim's today, so I got one and pretty well fell over. They are SO incredibly good, and definitely refreshing on a day like today! The sun is shining so bright and strong that I am inclined to go and sit outside!
I also cleaned my room today-it wasn't too messy, but it definitely needed straightening up. There is something so relieving in getting things in order.
I hope you have a great day-don't forget to sit outside and drink your free iced coffee :) It's only until 5 pm by the way.
Love,
Ashleigh
5.21.2009
5.20.2009
Goodbyes are not forever....
Wednesday already! How is it that time goes by so fast! Even though the week-end was a long one, it sure flew by.
Last night we drove my roommate to the airport. She's going on a missions trip to Japan. I'm excited for her, as she graduated this year and is ready for whatever God will bring her way. But I know I will miss her this summer! She will do fine, I'm sure. Adventures are always good!
I'm sitting in a room that's not my own(simply because my own internet jack doesn't work), listening to Albanian music. I am debating whether to go to bed or not. I don't have anything specific to do tomorrow, but I am sure sleep would be good. I always find myself puttering before I go to bed, dreading going to bed but knowing I should at the same time. It's the weirdest thing.
Have a great night/day, depending on when you read this!
Love,
Ash
Last night we drove my roommate to the airport. She's going on a missions trip to Japan. I'm excited for her, as she graduated this year and is ready for whatever God will bring her way. But I know I will miss her this summer! She will do fine, I'm sure. Adventures are always good!
I'm sitting in a room that's not my own(simply because my own internet jack doesn't work), listening to Albanian music. I am debating whether to go to bed or not. I don't have anything specific to do tomorrow, but I am sure sleep would be good. I always find myself puttering before I go to bed, dreading going to bed but knowing I should at the same time. It's the weirdest thing.
Have a great night/day, depending on when you read this!
Love,
Ash
5.15.2009
Weddings and Pollen...
Tomorrow, a couple from my first year is getting married. I was talking with some other girls, how we have pretty much grown together over the years, watching each other mature and change. It's so neat, and sad at the same time. I think these next years will be so different as all my friends start to get married. But it's good. Weddings are good, and symbolize people's love for each other. Love is good :)
It has been so interesting watching the transformation into spring here at the school. Usually we aren't here long enough in the year to see all the different trees that flower and the beautiful grass in the front. I have been enjoying all the beauty around me, including the hidden lilac trees among the other shrubs that line the sidewalk. I have also been soaking up the sun, when it's not too chilly from the wind. I got the funniest burn on Monday, however, because I was sitting cross-legged. You can imagine what my legs looked like!
I do not enjoy sitting in the sun as much as i used to, because I am more aware of the dangers of the rays. The pull to enjoy the warmth, however, oftentimes supercedes my health conscious attitudes :)
God bless!
Love,
Ashleigh
It has been so interesting watching the transformation into spring here at the school. Usually we aren't here long enough in the year to see all the different trees that flower and the beautiful grass in the front. I have been enjoying all the beauty around me, including the hidden lilac trees among the other shrubs that line the sidewalk. I have also been soaking up the sun, when it's not too chilly from the wind. I got the funniest burn on Monday, however, because I was sitting cross-legged. You can imagine what my legs looked like!
I do not enjoy sitting in the sun as much as i used to, because I am more aware of the dangers of the rays. The pull to enjoy the warmth, however, oftentimes supercedes my health conscious attitudes :)
God bless!
Love,
Ashleigh
5.04.2009
April showers bring May flowers...
I haven't been able to write since I've been out of the hospital, but I figured I should start blogging again sooner or later. On Saturday it was exactly a month from the time I collapsed, and since then I have not doubted God's love for me, although I have doubted why this happened to me. Unless God decides to reveal the answer to me, I will never know, so it is almost better to stop thinking about it. I know that everyone says God had a reason for this, and it touched many people's lives, but it's different for me because I was actually the one who went through it. I am experiencing it from another point of view. However, I don't want anyone trying to give me answers, because I think sometimes we speak too much, rather than just accept the fact that God knows them all. I am just giving some random thoughts, things I have been thinking about.
I know one thing for sure. God is breaking down my pride, because I have had to be dependent on people for things. It is so hard to ask for rides places, or ask someone to help me carry something when I know full well I can carry it. Even being in the hospital was humiliating itself, having no modesty, and people seeing me at my "worst", as it were. I know God will continually do work on me over the span of my lifetime, and this is definitely the lesson for right now.
However, there is much to look forward to, like getting a job, and finishing out my semester. I decided to live in dorm this summer, and I am looking forward to it.
I want to thank all of you again for your prayers while I was sick, but please continue to pray for me, because I am still trying to recover and test my limits.
Thanks so much!
Love,
Ashleigh
I know one thing for sure. God is breaking down my pride, because I have had to be dependent on people for things. It is so hard to ask for rides places, or ask someone to help me carry something when I know full well I can carry it. Even being in the hospital was humiliating itself, having no modesty, and people seeing me at my "worst", as it were. I know God will continually do work on me over the span of my lifetime, and this is definitely the lesson for right now.
However, there is much to look forward to, like getting a job, and finishing out my semester. I decided to live in dorm this summer, and I am looking forward to it.
I want to thank all of you again for your prayers while I was sick, but please continue to pray for me, because I am still trying to recover and test my limits.
Thanks so much!
Love,
Ashleigh
4.03.2009
A Living Goddess...
I learned something on cbc.ca today, and it has blown my mind ever since. To get it off my chest, I am going to share it with you.
In Nepal, which is a country in Asia, near India, the people are Hindus. If you don't know anything about Hinduism, there are close to 33 million gods that are worshiped. It is a very idolatrous religion. In Nepal, they have what they call a "living goddess", or the Kumari, which translates as "virgin". The Buddhist priests search for a young girl from the ages 2-4, and she must fit 32 different requirements to become this goddess, things from physical requirements to temperment. Once they are satisfied that a girl fits these requirements, they go through a four day process of purifying her, and after she is purified, they announce that she is now prepared to be indwelt by the goddess Durga. She is now a "living goddess". She moves to live in the temple, isolated from family and friends, and surrounded by servants who perform at her beck and call. Because it is Durga's nature to be sedate, this young girl will not necessarily be bossy with her servants, but they must guide her as she grows up in a manner that allows her to still be above them. Because her entire body is considered to be sacred, she is never allowed to walk outside when she makes public appearances, but rather is carried around by servants in a palenquin. Because she is considered to be the living form of the goddess, people actually worship her, and seek blessing from her by touching her feet. When she makes her public appearances, she is painted with elaborate make-up and jewelry representing her power, not to mention a round sticker in the middle of her forehead representing her perceptivity. She will remain the Kumari until her first menses,or if she becomes injured and loses much blood, as it is the flowing of blood that signifies the exit of the goddess. At this point the Buddhist priests will find another Kumari to replace her. There are Kumaris in many of the major cities in Nepal, and the one in the capital is considered to be the Royal Kumari.
Consider the implications of this on the young girl that is chosen. She is isolated from family and close relationships, and after her term is up, is expected to pick up life where she left off. The thing that scares me is the belief that the goddess actually lives within her. I wonder if something does enter her, an evil spirit or something. I don't know, but this whole situation is so frightening and disturbing. It is so far from what God intended, and reminds me of how people considered the Pharaoh in ancient Egypt to be a living deity as well. I still don't know how to deal with all of this, except to pray for this country that is so lost in the dark.
Love, Ashleigh
For more information, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Goddess
In Nepal, which is a country in Asia, near India, the people are Hindus. If you don't know anything about Hinduism, there are close to 33 million gods that are worshiped. It is a very idolatrous religion. In Nepal, they have what they call a "living goddess", or the Kumari, which translates as "virgin". The Buddhist priests search for a young girl from the ages 2-4, and she must fit 32 different requirements to become this goddess, things from physical requirements to temperment. Once they are satisfied that a girl fits these requirements, they go through a four day process of purifying her, and after she is purified, they announce that she is now prepared to be indwelt by the goddess Durga. She is now a "living goddess". She moves to live in the temple, isolated from family and friends, and surrounded by servants who perform at her beck and call. Because it is Durga's nature to be sedate, this young girl will not necessarily be bossy with her servants, but they must guide her as she grows up in a manner that allows her to still be above them. Because her entire body is considered to be sacred, she is never allowed to walk outside when she makes public appearances, but rather is carried around by servants in a palenquin. Because she is considered to be the living form of the goddess, people actually worship her, and seek blessing from her by touching her feet. When she makes her public appearances, she is painted with elaborate make-up and jewelry representing her power, not to mention a round sticker in the middle of her forehead representing her perceptivity. She will remain the Kumari until her first menses,or if she becomes injured and loses much blood, as it is the flowing of blood that signifies the exit of the goddess. At this point the Buddhist priests will find another Kumari to replace her. There are Kumaris in many of the major cities in Nepal, and the one in the capital is considered to be the Royal Kumari.
Consider the implications of this on the young girl that is chosen. She is isolated from family and close relationships, and after her term is up, is expected to pick up life where she left off. The thing that scares me is the belief that the goddess actually lives within her. I wonder if something does enter her, an evil spirit or something. I don't know, but this whole situation is so frightening and disturbing. It is so far from what God intended, and reminds me of how people considered the Pharaoh in ancient Egypt to be a living deity as well. I still don't know how to deal with all of this, except to pray for this country that is so lost in the dark.
Love, Ashleigh
For more information, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Goddess
3.23.2009
Raptor's Game...
Good morning, everyone! I hope this blog greets you, sun-kissed by the morning rays that will probably appear somewhere near my window. I should not be awake right now. But I have a good reason for being up at 4:30 in the morning. I had to finish homework that was due today, because I was away all day yesterday.
One of my best friends, Missy, invited me to go to an NBA game, to watch the Toronto Raptor's play the Los Angeles Clippers at the Air Canada Center in Toronto. So we went there yesterday. I had the best time ever! We went on the GO train to get there, because neither Missy nor her boyfriend cared to drive in Toronto traffic and pay $30 for parking once there. It was fun, and now I know how Nana and Poppa feel like when they take the GO to Toronto. It was such a fun experience, and the basketball game itself was really great! The Raptor's won, thankfully, since that is who we were cheering for. I would probably go again if I had the opportunity. It was so neat to get out of Cambridge for a while and go on an adventure!
Well, I'm off to bed now, so I hope you all have a great day!
Love, Ash
One of my best friends, Missy, invited me to go to an NBA game, to watch the Toronto Raptor's play the Los Angeles Clippers at the Air Canada Center in Toronto. So we went there yesterday. I had the best time ever! We went on the GO train to get there, because neither Missy nor her boyfriend cared to drive in Toronto traffic and pay $30 for parking once there. It was fun, and now I know how Nana and Poppa feel like when they take the GO to Toronto. It was such a fun experience, and the basketball game itself was really great! The Raptor's won, thankfully, since that is who we were cheering for. I would probably go again if I had the opportunity. It was so neat to get out of Cambridge for a while and go on an adventure!
Well, I'm off to bed now, so I hope you all have a great day!
Love, Ash
3.16.2009
13 Degrees...
I am loving this weather. For the past two days I have worn capri pants and t-shirts; I have also been basking in the beautiful sunshine. I will admit, that sometimes I need to wear my sweater, but for the most part, I am just fine without. Days like these make me want to be somewhere other than school, with all that is looming overhead me.
I have been thinking a lot about love lately, and I am almost positive it is due to this weather. Springtime and love just go hand and hand. This isn't going to be a single woman's rant about the lack of romantic love in her life, so don't start rolling your eyes. I just love the concept of love. I know this isn't Valentine's Day, but we should reminisce about love more often. Isn't it a wonderful thing? Think about all the people in your life who love you. Now think about all the people in your life whom you love. What happens to your heart? Does it swell, almost bursting at the seams? What happens to your face? Does your mouth tip in a smile? Do memories come flooding in, of interactions with your loved ones? Do you remember the fun you have together? The times you cried together? It's such a powerful emotion, one that we take for granted much too often. We speak of the love chapter in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, but it has been read in a nonchalant manner. How often do we actually take the time to think about all that love actually entails? There is work we must do to truly LOVE someone, without simply saying it.
It is PATIENT. Many times I find myself impatient the most with those I love. Why is that? How dare I say I LOVE them, and lose my temper with them at the same time!This ought not to be. We must be patient with those we do not know, but more so with those we LOVE.
Love is KIND. I have struggled with this one a lot over the years. I have been so mean to my siblings and my parents, yet still profess to LOVE them. I am truly sorry for this!
Love does not ENVY. Wow. There's a tough one for many of us. I cannot say more.
Love does not BOAST, nor is it PROUD. How often do we carry pride within our hearts, hurting others in the process? We are called to love one another in humility.
Love is not RUDE. It is not SELF-SEEKING or EASILY ANGERED. It does not seek out EVIL but cherishes the TRUTH.
It PROTECTS, and TRUSTS, and HOPES, and PERSEVERES.
Above all, it NEVER FAILS.
Wouldn't you like to have someone love you like that? I'm sure that none of us can say we know ONE person who loves with all of these qualities. It is a shame, really, because I know there is much hurt caused in relationships where someone has too much pride, or envy. When someone is rude to the other person, or becomes angered easily. It's a hard list to remember, and even harder to live up to. Thankfully, we are only human, and while we should constantly strive to live up to these things, we should not beat ourselves up if we mess up sometimes.
I am happy to say I do know one person who loves me like this.
He is the only One who will EVER love me like this, even if I do find someone who loves me with that Romantic Love we all long for.
And so, I wrote a poem in honour of Him:
God, you are my rock of ages
My strength when I am weak.
You are the wisdom of the pages,
The treasure that I seek.
My Lord, my King, you're all to me,
I need You every hour.
You hear my cry, my urgent plea,
You only, my Strong Tower.
Speak words of life, into my soul,
Your love to me abounds.
With breath alone you make me whole,
Your peacefulness surrounds.
O God, You're true, You never fail,
You are a faithful friend.
Redeemer, Saviour, never frail,
Your glory will not end.
-AshWin-
March 16, 2009
Love, Ash
I have been thinking a lot about love lately, and I am almost positive it is due to this weather. Springtime and love just go hand and hand. This isn't going to be a single woman's rant about the lack of romantic love in her life, so don't start rolling your eyes. I just love the concept of love. I know this isn't Valentine's Day, but we should reminisce about love more often. Isn't it a wonderful thing? Think about all the people in your life who love you. Now think about all the people in your life whom you love. What happens to your heart? Does it swell, almost bursting at the seams? What happens to your face? Does your mouth tip in a smile? Do memories come flooding in, of interactions with your loved ones? Do you remember the fun you have together? The times you cried together? It's such a powerful emotion, one that we take for granted much too often. We speak of the love chapter in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, but it has been read in a nonchalant manner. How often do we actually take the time to think about all that love actually entails? There is work we must do to truly LOVE someone, without simply saying it.
It is PATIENT. Many times I find myself impatient the most with those I love. Why is that? How dare I say I LOVE them, and lose my temper with them at the same time!This ought not to be. We must be patient with those we do not know, but more so with those we LOVE.
Love is KIND. I have struggled with this one a lot over the years. I have been so mean to my siblings and my parents, yet still profess to LOVE them. I am truly sorry for this!
Love does not ENVY. Wow. There's a tough one for many of us. I cannot say more.
Love does not BOAST, nor is it PROUD. How often do we carry pride within our hearts, hurting others in the process? We are called to love one another in humility.
Love is not RUDE. It is not SELF-SEEKING or EASILY ANGERED. It does not seek out EVIL but cherishes the TRUTH.
It PROTECTS, and TRUSTS, and HOPES, and PERSEVERES.
Above all, it NEVER FAILS.
Wouldn't you like to have someone love you like that? I'm sure that none of us can say we know ONE person who loves with all of these qualities. It is a shame, really, because I know there is much hurt caused in relationships where someone has too much pride, or envy. When someone is rude to the other person, or becomes angered easily. It's a hard list to remember, and even harder to live up to. Thankfully, we are only human, and while we should constantly strive to live up to these things, we should not beat ourselves up if we mess up sometimes.
I am happy to say I do know one person who loves me like this.
He is the only One who will EVER love me like this, even if I do find someone who loves me with that Romantic Love we all long for.
And so, I wrote a poem in honour of Him:
God, you are my rock of ages
My strength when I am weak.
You are the wisdom of the pages,
The treasure that I seek.
My Lord, my King, you're all to me,
I need You every hour.
You hear my cry, my urgent plea,
You only, my Strong Tower.
Speak words of life, into my soul,
Your love to me abounds.
With breath alone you make me whole,
Your peacefulness surrounds.
O God, You're true, You never fail,
You are a faithful friend.
Redeemer, Saviour, never frail,
Your glory will not end.
-AshWin-
March 16, 2009
Love, Ash
3.11.2009
Coffeehouse...
We had another coffee house tonight. I played a small piece from my Gr. 8 book. The actual coffee house was much better than the last one, which I believe I complained about in an earlier post.
I honestly don't have much to write about tonight. I hope you all take care...
Love, Ashleigh
I honestly don't have much to write about tonight. I hope you all take care...
Love, Ashleigh
3.10.2009
Thoughts on Prayer
I'm reading my one of my textbooks for a class, the book is Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, and many of you may have heard of it.
I'm reading an article on "Strategic Prayer", and a quote from theologian Walter Wink has caught my eye, and I would like to share it with you:
"Prayer is not magic; it does not always work; it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world. Our prayers are the necessary opening that allows God to act without violating our freedom. Prayer is the ultimate act of partnership with God."
I love this quote because it broadens my thinking of what prayer should be. I think a lot of us do pray in expectation of what God will do, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it could pose as a problem if we don't accept any answer God gives us, including "no", or "not right now".
For me, sometimes I do find prayer to be somewhat of a chore, which of course it shouldn't be. I envy people who can pray for long periods of time and never run out of words. This is why I liked the part in the quote where Wink says, "it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world."
We can't let God speak to us without responding back to him. Prayer is also humbling, because we actually need to ask for something, or need to confess something we have done wrong, or give praise that God is God and we are not. It breaks down the barrier between ourselves and God, allowing him to work within us and transform our lives.
I think if I keep practicing intentional and intercessory prayer, it will become less of a chore and allow for more intimacy between myself and my God and King.
I'm reading an article on "Strategic Prayer", and a quote from theologian Walter Wink has caught my eye, and I would like to share it with you:
"Prayer is not magic; it does not always work; it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world. Our prayers are the necessary opening that allows God to act without violating our freedom. Prayer is the ultimate act of partnership with God."
I love this quote because it broadens my thinking of what prayer should be. I think a lot of us do pray in expectation of what God will do, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it could pose as a problem if we don't accept any answer God gives us, including "no", or "not right now".
For me, sometimes I do find prayer to be somewhat of a chore, which of course it shouldn't be. I envy people who can pray for long periods of time and never run out of words. This is why I liked the part in the quote where Wink says, "it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world."
We can't let God speak to us without responding back to him. Prayer is also humbling, because we actually need to ask for something, or need to confess something we have done wrong, or give praise that God is God and we are not. It breaks down the barrier between ourselves and God, allowing him to work within us and transform our lives.
I think if I keep practicing intentional and intercessory prayer, it will become less of a chore and allow for more intimacy between myself and my God and King.
3.09.2009
Prayerfully consider...
For those of you who are on Facebook, you may have already read half of this note. I am finally feeling back into the swing of things, just enough to start writing blogs again :) I will update you all on my Louisiana trip soon enough. For now, it is just going to be some random thoughts. Well, they aren't exactly random, because I have thought about them before.
This morning in my Educational Practice and Theory class, we were discussing the pros and cons between having children leave a church service halfway through to go to "Junior Church" or Sunday School, or whatever you want to call it. I have a HUGE problem with this, which probably stems from the fact that I was never raised this way. When I was growing up, we had Sunday school before the actual service, and children and adults alike would learn about different things in the Bible in a more intimate and less formal setting. After Sunday school was over, we would then proceed to church service, and all worship God together in a time of praise, prayer, and teaching from the pastor. Now, it's like we have made the assumption that kids will not be able to sit still in a service, or that they will be bored, or that they won't understand the topic the pastor is talking about. Of course children may have a hard time understanding, especially if it is a topic like marriage or something else. One student in my class suggested that kids should not be present for topics that are somewhat "for adult ears only", like sermons from Songs of Solomon and the like. In some ways I agree with him, but in most ways I do not. I think all children should have had some degree of introduction to topics like marriage, sex, the supremacy of God, and other things so that when they become old enough to fully understand, it will not become a shock to them. How can we expect children to have godly worldview if we don't let God infiltrate their lives from the very beginning? I know they go downstairs for the topics that are more age appropriate, which they need, but at the same time, Christian teaching needs to be holistic. They need to hear about EVERYTHING the Bible has to offer, not just the stories that everyone loves so much. We give children too little credit for what they are capable. I believe if we started training young kids to sit in the service again, we would see more youth staying in the church and becoming more active. Think about it: if we segregate the ages within a church, when the 12 and 13 year-olds come back upstairs after being "entertained" for so long, how can we expect them to sit still and pay attention to the sermon? I believe it is so important to allow every person of every age to learn together, and grow together. If this does not apply to your church and I have offended you in some way, then I am sorry, and I commend your church for still having Sunday school separate from the sermon. It could be that I am getting into the semantics of it all here. I know this way may not necessarily be the best way for every church, but that is how I feel about it.
I'm reading my one of my textbooks for a class, the book is Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, and many of you may have heard of it.
I'm reading an article on "Strategic Prayer", and a quote from theologian Walter Wink has caught my eye, and I would like to share it with you:
"Prayer is not magic; it does not always work; it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world. Our prayers are the necessary opening that allows God to act without violating our freedom. Prayer is the ultimate act of partnership with God."
I love this quote because it broadens my thinking of what prayer should be. I think a lot of us do pray in expectation of what God will do, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it could pose as a problem if we don't accept any answer God gives us, including "no", or "not right now".
For me, sometimes I do find prayer to be somewhat of a chore, which of course it shouldn't be. I envy people who can pray for long periods of time and never run out of words. This is why I liked the part in the quote where Wink says, "it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world."
We can't let God speak to us without responding back to him. Prayer is also humbling, because we actually need to ask for something, or need to confess something we have done wrong, or give praise that God is God and we are not. It breaks down the barrier between ourselves and God, allowing him to work within us and transform our lives.
I think if I keep practicing intentional and intercessory prayer, it will become less of a chore and allow for more intimacy between myself and my God and King.
Have a great day!
Love, Ashleigh
This morning in my Educational Practice and Theory class, we were discussing the pros and cons between having children leave a church service halfway through to go to "Junior Church" or Sunday School, or whatever you want to call it. I have a HUGE problem with this, which probably stems from the fact that I was never raised this way. When I was growing up, we had Sunday school before the actual service, and children and adults alike would learn about different things in the Bible in a more intimate and less formal setting. After Sunday school was over, we would then proceed to church service, and all worship God together in a time of praise, prayer, and teaching from the pastor. Now, it's like we have made the assumption that kids will not be able to sit still in a service, or that they will be bored, or that they won't understand the topic the pastor is talking about. Of course children may have a hard time understanding, especially if it is a topic like marriage or something else. One student in my class suggested that kids should not be present for topics that are somewhat "for adult ears only", like sermons from Songs of Solomon and the like. In some ways I agree with him, but in most ways I do not. I think all children should have had some degree of introduction to topics like marriage, sex, the supremacy of God, and other things so that when they become old enough to fully understand, it will not become a shock to them. How can we expect children to have godly worldview if we don't let God infiltrate their lives from the very beginning? I know they go downstairs for the topics that are more age appropriate, which they need, but at the same time, Christian teaching needs to be holistic. They need to hear about EVERYTHING the Bible has to offer, not just the stories that everyone loves so much. We give children too little credit for what they are capable. I believe if we started training young kids to sit in the service again, we would see more youth staying in the church and becoming more active. Think about it: if we segregate the ages within a church, when the 12 and 13 year-olds come back upstairs after being "entertained" for so long, how can we expect them to sit still and pay attention to the sermon? I believe it is so important to allow every person of every age to learn together, and grow together. If this does not apply to your church and I have offended you in some way, then I am sorry, and I commend your church for still having Sunday school separate from the sermon. It could be that I am getting into the semantics of it all here. I know this way may not necessarily be the best way for every church, but that is how I feel about it.
I'm reading my one of my textbooks for a class, the book is Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, and many of you may have heard of it.
I'm reading an article on "Strategic Prayer", and a quote from theologian Walter Wink has caught my eye, and I would like to share it with you:
"Prayer is not magic; it does not always work; it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world. Our prayers are the necessary opening that allows God to act without violating our freedom. Prayer is the ultimate act of partnership with God."
I love this quote because it broadens my thinking of what prayer should be. I think a lot of us do pray in expectation of what God will do, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it could pose as a problem if we don't accept any answer God gives us, including "no", or "not right now".
For me, sometimes I do find prayer to be somewhat of a chore, which of course it shouldn't be. I envy people who can pray for long periods of time and never run out of words. This is why I liked the part in the quote where Wink says, "it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world."
We can't let God speak to us without responding back to him. Prayer is also humbling, because we actually need to ask for something, or need to confess something we have done wrong, or give praise that God is God and we are not. It breaks down the barrier between ourselves and God, allowing him to work within us and transform our lives.
I think if I keep practicing intentional and intercessory prayer, it will become less of a chore and allow for more intimacy between myself and my God and King.
Have a great day!
Love, Ashleigh
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