Everything at Once!

So much has happened this week, mostly in the last two days that I want to share with you so here it is everything at once.
First off, yesterday in my acting technique class I had the honor to work with a group of Chinese drama students who are visiting the University. Dr. Patton took us through several acting exercises with them that were a lot fun, then before they left us he had us American students either pray for or encourage the Chinese students. I was privileged to spend a half hour with them and even got to pray for a girl who called herself Katie - for the sake of all of us Americans who cannot pronounce their real names. It took a couple of tries to communicate what I wanted to tell her but after a few different explanations and some hand gestures she said that I could bless her which was close enough for me. Then she let me take her hand and pray for her. After they had all gone, we discussed our individual experiences with them. We talked about how awesome it was to see their faces light up after they had been prayed for or "blessed". I'm so thankful for the opportunity I had to speak up and the fact that I actually did it!
Next topic - at Chapel this morning the University’s President’s son spoke on living dangerously. He presented the question “will I live dangerously for God, or will I just live dangerously? Lets face it life isn’t safe no matter what we think. In every moment, there is a chance that we could die, because we don’t know when that will be. We need to get past busyness, get off Facebook, and get out into the world. Reaching out to the people around us who are in need, and whom we need. We need to STAND OUT for God with our love for each other “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples--when they see the love you have for each other” – John 13:35 MSG No matter what the cost. The Bible tells us of the many horrible ways that the Apostles died for example, stoning, and flogging, being crucified upside down. Now, in America it is less likely that you will encounter such horrendous persecution for your faith. However, isn’t that even more reason to speak up and reach out? What do you have to lose? So, people will fight with you, disagree, call you names and make fun. So what? I’ll ask again, what do you have to lose? Your probably not going to be crucified or stoned and God is on your side. The speaker quoted Craig Graeschel who says, “The difference between where we are and where God wants us to be is the painful decision you refuse to make.” What is that decision for you? What can you do today to progress in making that choice? Will you ask for help? He also quoted Narnia, "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the king, I tell you!" Jesus was in danger several times throughout his life. He isn’t safe, but he’s good. He is the King!
One last thing, tonight I read Haggai Chapter One which really goes along with everything I’ve been writing this week and learning. There it says, “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?.... You have planted much but have harvested little…. You expect much but see, it turned out to be little….Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house…. Therefore because of you….I called for a drought…. The people obeyed the voice of the Lord…. And the people feared the Lord”
God calls us to get out of our comfortable place and restore His house. To stop being busy, get priorities in line, and obey God’s commands. Here he cursed the people for disobedience, He disciplined them.
I leave you with this thought, my prayer.
Psalm 119:73 “your hands made me; give me understanding to learn your commands.”