Posts made in June, 2010

in a CASTLE with THE KING ( & Christy Nockels)

Posted by Caroline on Jun 25, 2010 in Amazing Grace, The Backpack | 0 comments

There’s something about worshiping the King in a castle.
It feels royal, sacred, and definitely heavenly.

One day we’ll stand before the Lord and probably laugh about our limited view of beauty back in the day with our finite minds.  Until then, I’ll marvel about the simple joys like this little castle tucked away in the mountains and thank God for the simple yet tangible gifts that show us a glimpse of what our home will be like in eternity.  Only instead of getting Christy Nockel’s autograph (SUCH A FAN) after the service, I’ll be bringing my crown to the Lord, and instead of closing my eyes to pray, I’ll probably be sitting down to coffee with the Lord (man, I can only think in finite terms; whether it’s coffee or some verb or noun or some part of grammar I don’t yet know, it’s going to be [insert another heavenly term we cannot yet imagine]).

Oh dear Coloradans, never let the mountains blend into your landscape, the extravagant sweep of the Master’s brush become merely background, or the poems expressing glory become an afterthought.

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Speaking of…

Posted by Caroline on Jun 17, 2010 in The Backpack | 0 comments

Speaking of childhood, these are fun…

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Childlike

Posted by Caroline on Jun 16, 2010 in Amazing Grace | 0 comments

There’s something refreshing about seeing a child completely in his element, unaware of danger, a to-do list, homework, or what will really happen if she continues to pull on her diaper or tug on the tablecloth.  However, when a stranger comes near, they’re quick to grab a mother’s pant leg or check in to see what Dad is going to do.

They aren’t concerned about much when they feel safe; they’re content; they’re free.

Jesus say “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Mark 10:13-16

Thus, the term childlike faith is coined, and like countless other Sunday school 5star students, I came to see that since even a child understands faith, a thinking adult should be able to understand.  It’s okay that none of your questions are answered; have faith like a child who isn’t concerned about details. Umm, no.  That will only lead to a shallow, unfilled Christianity.

This past week I’ve spent studying apologetics and each time I begin to sift through my own questions, I find rest and assurance by posing tough questions to the gospel and seeing it shine through as consistent, accurate Truth.

I want to interview Mark, and ask him about these children.  They were brought to Jesus, and while the disciples began to get angry, Jesus reached his hands out and said for them to come.  I wonder if they looked back at Mom and Dad and then back to Jesus.  I, in a very unscholarly sort of way, think the children probably saw the kindness upon Jesus’s face and an assuring smile from Mom.  Maybe they felt the comfort of Jesus’s presence and were oblivious to any questioning onlookers who thought it odd that this Jesus was taking time to kneel down.

Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.

Oftentimes we think of children as never questioning.  Childlike faith=not thinking too hard.  However, think of any small child; to the annoyance of many, they ask questions constantly.  I have vivid memories asking my mom how many stars there were… repeatedly.  I would not take “I don’t know” as an answer and persisted to get even a guess.  Through class this week, I’m beginning to see the joy in questioning, and to question requires a direct look in to who Jesus is;  He’s who we’re trying to understand.

The childlike faith we’ve come to admire and aspire was also a faith of risk, but at any point I know every child is quite capable of screaming and scurrying away, especially when Mom and Dad are near (envision children scared of Santa at the mall).  When you picture the children, how do you see them?

I see them as timid, watching, eyeing Jesus’ every move, first startled by the disciples and then unaware of the disciples, and slowly loosening as they hear Him speaking calmly in their defense.  Children don’t just sit in strangers’ laps, but they do warm up to those whom they feel are safe.

I remember being told that faith is like jumping off a bridge and trusting someone you cannot see is at the bottom to catch you.

not so, my friends.

Faith in Christ is an initial risk, yes, but like the children, we can begin to see whose embrace we’re going to step into.  They looked around Jesus, saw who He was, what He was doing.

Jesus said, “Do not hinder them.”

And they came to Jesus.  I envision them stepping forward, slowly but confidently.

Children might not challenge Jesus on his opinion (or rather knowledge) of predestination or the reason for suffering, but these children with Jesus did thoughtfully move towards Jesus with a trust that was earned.  I want to know what made those children feel safe, how validated they must have felt, and what Jesus said to them as he placed his hands on them and blessed them.

I know seeking out the Truth that consistently prevails makes me feel safer and safer in the knowledge of Christ… and, ever so grateful.

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Goal Met

Posted by Caroline on Jun 12, 2010 in The Backpack | 0 comments

Meet and get a picture with Jim Daly. Check.
Now what’s the next goal? Pikes Peak oh yeah.

“I am living proof that no matter how torn up the road has already been, or how pothole-infested it may look ahead, nothing – nothing – is impossible for God.”
-Jim Daly

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Dear Community

Posted by Caroline on Jun 11, 2010 in Amazing Grace, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Dear Community,

I don’t quite understand what all you entail, but I want to experience you.  Sharing without an agenda is the glimpse you showed me tonight.  Do keep sharing and thank you for being patient.

Love,
the student (who might need some tutoring; we’ll meet tomorrow and discuss it then)

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