Summer is always an interesting time in life. This summer is no exception. Since school let out, I've found myself in a different place almost every week: New Jersey, Philadelphia, Florida, Toronto, Cape May, and eventually more trips to come (Brooklyn, Maui, etc...). This summer is definitely one of constant moving around. I find myself longing to be home in the comfort of my room with my family mulling about in the house around me. There's something incredibly comforting about knowing that your family is right outside the door available to talk about anything. But I know that the opportunity I have to travel to these different places and make these trips is very rare and I'm blessed to have the ability to do this. This will probably be the last summer I'll be able to do something like this considering next summer will be the transition from college to grad school. Who knows what will be going on next summer...
All of this moving around makes me think about where my life will take me in the next few years. I'm a senior in college now, which means this is the time when everything starts to change and serious life decisions are to be made. One thing I can be certain of as all of this changes is God, who never changes. I take great comfort in that. And in all the people He's blessed my life with.
At this moment, I feel excited. And I feel eager to get to the next phase of life.
-c
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Musings on Love
Hi friends,
I’ve been thinking about love a lot lately. The other day was my grandparents 48th wedding anniversary. Can you believe that? Forty-eight years of sharing life, being in love, and supporting one another through thick and thin. I can’t imagine the depth of their knowledge, understanding, and affection for one another. (They had a little date last night to commemorate the occasion. I can just picture my grandparents speaking in Spanish to one another about movies and grandchildren while enjoying some customary rice and beans. Viva Cuba!)
Not only that but recently I went to see The King’s Speech (phenomenal movie) and during the previews I was struck by how idolized romantic love is in our culture. Now I think there’s some merit to how often it’s focused on because of how truly wonderful it is to be in love. Romantic love is one of the most incredible gifts God’s given us. Just go read some Song of Songs and let the poetic beauty of their deep affection for one another saturate your little heart. While you're at it, go ahead and read a bunch of the New Testament and notice that the Church is called the bride of Christ. The fact that the analogy used in Scripture to portray the relationship between us and Christ is that of a bride and bridegroom reflects the tremendous significance of this kind of relationship.
However, it’s crucial to remember that love between a man and a woman is not what is ultimately redemptive (as the media often portrays it to be). It has redemptive qualities, without a doubt, but if God is not one's primary source of worth, meaning, and acceptance then the danger of love (or anything else for that matter) turning into a form of idolatry is very real. Theologian Paul Tillich refers to God as “the ground of being” for this very reason. Anything can (and does) turn into an idol if we do not derive our worth from Him. As John Calvin said, “the human heart is a factory of idols... Everyone of us is, from his mother’s womb, expert in inventing idols.”
While it’s important to remember these things, it’s equally important to remember that love is fun, to be enjoyed, and an amazing gift that should turn our hearts ultimately and joyfully back to God in gratitude.
As CS Lewis said in one of my favorite quotes,
“It is one of the difficult and delightful subtleties of life that we must deeply acknowledge certain things to be serious and yet retain the power and will to treat them often as lightly as a game.”
Now watch this adorable video!
So friends, thank God for love. Not just between you and your significant other (if you have one), but between your friends and your family as well.
Love is awesome. And so are you.
Over and out.
-Chrissy
I’ve been thinking about love a lot lately. The other day was my grandparents 48th wedding anniversary. Can you believe that? Forty-eight years of sharing life, being in love, and supporting one another through thick and thin. I can’t imagine the depth of their knowledge, understanding, and affection for one another. (They had a little date last night to commemorate the occasion. I can just picture my grandparents speaking in Spanish to one another about movies and grandchildren while enjoying some customary rice and beans. Viva Cuba!)
Not only that but recently I went to see The King’s Speech (phenomenal movie) and during the previews I was struck by how idolized romantic love is in our culture. Now I think there’s some merit to how often it’s focused on because of how truly wonderful it is to be in love. Romantic love is one of the most incredible gifts God’s given us. Just go read some Song of Songs and let the poetic beauty of their deep affection for one another saturate your little heart. While you're at it, go ahead and read a bunch of the New Testament and notice that the Church is called the bride of Christ. The fact that the analogy used in Scripture to portray the relationship between us and Christ is that of a bride and bridegroom reflects the tremendous significance of this kind of relationship.
However, it’s crucial to remember that love between a man and a woman is not what is ultimately redemptive (as the media often portrays it to be). It has redemptive qualities, without a doubt, but if God is not one's primary source of worth, meaning, and acceptance then the danger of love (or anything else for that matter) turning into a form of idolatry is very real. Theologian Paul Tillich refers to God as “the ground of being” for this very reason. Anything can (and does) turn into an idol if we do not derive our worth from Him. As John Calvin said, “the human heart is a factory of idols... Everyone of us is, from his mother’s womb, expert in inventing idols.”
While it’s important to remember these things, it’s equally important to remember that love is fun, to be enjoyed, and an amazing gift that should turn our hearts ultimately and joyfully back to God in gratitude.
As CS Lewis said in one of my favorite quotes,
“It is one of the difficult and delightful subtleties of life that we must deeply acknowledge certain things to be serious and yet retain the power and will to treat them often as lightly as a game.”
Now watch this adorable video!
So friends, thank God for love. Not just between you and your significant other (if you have one), but between your friends and your family as well.
Love is awesome. And so are you.
Over and out.
-Chrissy
Friday, January 28, 2011
First Post of 2011
Hi everyone.
Happy snowy Friday! Today is yet another day this January spent cuddled up with a blanket, a cup (or three) of coffee, and some books. In case you don't know, I took a class in January called Creative and Expressive Movement. The class was definitely fun - who wouldn't like a class where your only course work is to act like a goof? The only downfall was the amount of free time I had. In many ways, it was a much needed respite from my typically jam packed schedule, but in a lot of ways it drove me nuts. I like to make myself busy but not for just the sake of being busy. Rather, for the sake of feeling like a productive and fruitful human being. I also hate the feeling of being idle. Not to mention the Bible says that my life is not my own, and faith without action is dead (1 Corinthians 6:19, James 2:17). I try to keep those truths at the forefront of my mind.
Living in Philadelphia last semester was a wonderful time of growing, learning, and experiencing so much. It challenged me continually and repeatedly sent my mind into webs of ideas, thoughts and questions. For instance, the variety of different types of people doing life in such drastically different ways through such individually formed, unique lenses stretched my own perspective on life in a number of ways. I'd probably never stop writing if I tried to elaborate on all the things I've learned. For everything that I took from this past semester, I am filled with gratitude.
When my time of living there came to an end and I returned to the (much) slower paced Grantham life, I found myself feeling anxious and unproductive. No more volunteering at LIFT, no more playing with 6 year old inner city kids at Norris Square after school program, no more involvement with Circle of Hope (the Brethren in Christ church I attended), no more city life at all! I still miss it. Needless to say, it was quite the adjustment.
As the super snowy month of February draws near, I've come to realize that the past few weeks of having a very open schedule have been quite valuable to me. I've had time (galore) to reflect on the past few months and subsequently journal a ton about it. I've also had so much time to read, opportunities to further invest in relationships with full devotion, and the chance to refocus my priorities and tune my heart to God (which is a daily, continual process).
And now, the weekend before real classes begin, I'm glad to say that I feel focused and ready to tackle the semester. I know it'll be a good one.
Now here's the cutest picture in the world:
Gosh, I just love foxes. Look at the little silver one!
Happy 2011! Make it the best year.
-chrissy
Happy snowy Friday! Today is yet another day this January spent cuddled up with a blanket, a cup (or three) of coffee, and some books. In case you don't know, I took a class in January called Creative and Expressive Movement. The class was definitely fun - who wouldn't like a class where your only course work is to act like a goof? The only downfall was the amount of free time I had. In many ways, it was a much needed respite from my typically jam packed schedule, but in a lot of ways it drove me nuts. I like to make myself busy but not for just the sake of being busy. Rather, for the sake of feeling like a productive and fruitful human being. I also hate the feeling of being idle. Not to mention the Bible says that my life is not my own, and faith without action is dead (1 Corinthians 6:19, James 2:17). I try to keep those truths at the forefront of my mind.
Living in Philadelphia last semester was a wonderful time of growing, learning, and experiencing so much. It challenged me continually and repeatedly sent my mind into webs of ideas, thoughts and questions. For instance, the variety of different types of people doing life in such drastically different ways through such individually formed, unique lenses stretched my own perspective on life in a number of ways. I'd probably never stop writing if I tried to elaborate on all the things I've learned. For everything that I took from this past semester, I am filled with gratitude.
When my time of living there came to an end and I returned to the (much) slower paced Grantham life, I found myself feeling anxious and unproductive. No more volunteering at LIFT, no more playing with 6 year old inner city kids at Norris Square after school program, no more involvement with Circle of Hope (the Brethren in Christ church I attended), no more city life at all! I still miss it. Needless to say, it was quite the adjustment.
As the super snowy month of February draws near, I've come to realize that the past few weeks of having a very open schedule have been quite valuable to me. I've had time (galore) to reflect on the past few months and subsequently journal a ton about it. I've also had so much time to read, opportunities to further invest in relationships with full devotion, and the chance to refocus my priorities and tune my heart to God (which is a daily, continual process).
And now, the weekend before real classes begin, I'm glad to say that I feel focused and ready to tackle the semester. I know it'll be a good one.
Now here's the cutest picture in the world:
Gosh, I just love foxes. Look at the little silver one!
Happy 2011! Make it the best year.
-chrissy
Thursday, November 25, 2010
A Day of Thanks, Contemplation, & Prayer
Thanksgiving does funny things to me.
While being surrounded by my family who simultaneously drives me crazy and makes me happy, I found myself trying to think of what I have to be grateful for. And of course, that’s the point of this day, but this year’s Thanksgiving was slightly different for me than they’ve been in the past. I’ll elaborate:
I woke up this morning and spent the precious early morning hours with a cup of coffee in hand and my prayer journal (aka - secret prayer blog. Sometimes I feel hesitant about such technological of a way of communicating with God, but I highly doubt He minds). Then I went for a run, which was freezing but also refreshing. I ended up being out for close to an hour without realizing it. Arcade Fire just fueled the fire of my run. I find running a really healthy way to clear my mind. I try to sort out my thoughts and give my concerns and fears to God. So I get rid of the junk in my brain as I get rid of the junk in my trunk. Ha!
Moving right along...
Somewhere in the midst of peeling potatoes and having conversations with both my mom and dad, I decided that instead of just thinking how grateful I am for them and the countless blessings I have in my life, I would pray over it.
I’ve become so aware of the power of prayer as of late. Not only am I communicating with the Maker of the universe, but the very act of praying changes me. I hadn’t considered how much prayer actually shapes us. In hindsight, that seems like a pretty obvious effect of prayer, but I really hadn’t pondered it as deeply as I did today.
Sure, I’ve always placed high value on prayer and known that it was really important to my walk and indispensable to me feeling a true sense of God’s reality. But there are so many vital subtleties of prayer that I hadn’t thought in depth about before.
Mainly, my source of enlightenment has been this book:
In it, Paul Miller said something that I found to be a precious reminder to my life. He writes,
“We forget that God is not a genie but a person who wants to shape us in the image of his Son as much as he wants to answer our prayers.”
Not only that, but prayer reminds us of who is in charge. Why do we pray? Because the Author of Life is the one who has power over our lives. When do we pray most? When we feel helpless or out of control.
Coming to grips with my complete lack of sovereignty and God’s complete and total sovereignty is initially an anxiety-inducing thought. But then I rewind my mind and realize that despite my natural proclivity to want to shape my fate, by giving it to God I’m leaving it in infinitely better hands.
So what do I do in order to keep my head on straight and my heart pointed due North? I’ll borrow an analogy from the brilliant Mr. Miller: grow my roots down deep and watch as God unfolds the story before me.
In fact, just ask my favorite author and speaker, Ravi Zacharias. In one of my favorite books of his, The Grand Weaver, he writes,
“I do not believe that one can earnestly seek and find the priceless treasure of God's call without a devout prayer life. That is where God speaks. The purpose of prayer and of God's call in your life is not to make you number one in the world's eyes, but to make him number one in your life. We must be willing to be outshone while shining for God.”
I am so thankful for the life I’ve been given. Every facet of it, good and bad. It’s all been hand woven by God to bring me here, right to this moment.
I am blessed beyond belief.
With a sigh of relief and a heart full of gratitude,
Chrissy Lynn
While being surrounded by my family who simultaneously drives me crazy and makes me happy, I found myself trying to think of what I have to be grateful for. And of course, that’s the point of this day, but this year’s Thanksgiving was slightly different for me than they’ve been in the past. I’ll elaborate:
I woke up this morning and spent the precious early morning hours with a cup of coffee in hand and my prayer journal (aka - secret prayer blog. Sometimes I feel hesitant about such technological of a way of communicating with God, but I highly doubt He minds). Then I went for a run, which was freezing but also refreshing. I ended up being out for close to an hour without realizing it. Arcade Fire just fueled the fire of my run. I find running a really healthy way to clear my mind. I try to sort out my thoughts and give my concerns and fears to God. So I get rid of the junk in my brain as I get rid of the junk in my trunk. Ha!
Moving right along...
Somewhere in the midst of peeling potatoes and having conversations with both my mom and dad, I decided that instead of just thinking how grateful I am for them and the countless blessings I have in my life, I would pray over it.
I’ve become so aware of the power of prayer as of late. Not only am I communicating with the Maker of the universe, but the very act of praying changes me. I hadn’t considered how much prayer actually shapes us. In hindsight, that seems like a pretty obvious effect of prayer, but I really hadn’t pondered it as deeply as I did today.
Sure, I’ve always placed high value on prayer and known that it was really important to my walk and indispensable to me feeling a true sense of God’s reality. But there are so many vital subtleties of prayer that I hadn’t thought in depth about before.
Mainly, my source of enlightenment has been this book:
In it, Paul Miller said something that I found to be a precious reminder to my life. He writes,
“We forget that God is not a genie but a person who wants to shape us in the image of his Son as much as he wants to answer our prayers.”
Not only that, but prayer reminds us of who is in charge. Why do we pray? Because the Author of Life is the one who has power over our lives. When do we pray most? When we feel helpless or out of control.
Coming to grips with my complete lack of sovereignty and God’s complete and total sovereignty is initially an anxiety-inducing thought. But then I rewind my mind and realize that despite my natural proclivity to want to shape my fate, by giving it to God I’m leaving it in infinitely better hands.
So what do I do in order to keep my head on straight and my heart pointed due North? I’ll borrow an analogy from the brilliant Mr. Miller: grow my roots down deep and watch as God unfolds the story before me.
In fact, just ask my favorite author and speaker, Ravi Zacharias. In one of my favorite books of his, The Grand Weaver, he writes,
“I do not believe that one can earnestly seek and find the priceless treasure of God's call without a devout prayer life. That is where God speaks. The purpose of prayer and of God's call in your life is not to make you number one in the world's eyes, but to make him number one in your life. We must be willing to be outshone while shining for God.”
I am so thankful for the life I’ve been given. Every facet of it, good and bad. It’s all been hand woven by God to bring me here, right to this moment.
I am blessed beyond belief.
With a sigh of relief and a heart full of gratitude,
Chrissy Lynn
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Dear World,
And by world, I mean the non-existent people who read this blog.
I don't blame you all for not reading this. I never write anything and when I do, it's just ramblings.
But I feel inclined to start again. Who knows if that'll stick or if I'll even have time to write as I desire to.
I'll start by posting this article I wrote for the Broad Street Journal. Here goes:
A Plea From My Inner Tree-Hugging Hippie
Living in Philadelphia can do some crazy things to you. After you get over the initial excitement of being in a new, bustling city, there’s a tendency to get overwhelmed. The first time you decide to take on the city alone, get off at the wrong subway stop and have a mini-panic-attack. Or perhaps you decided to go for a walk to clear your mind and be alone - but wait, there is nowhere to be alone! Some of these aspects of city life can be overwhelming.
I frequently find myself missing the low-key lifestyle of home (and Grantham). I despair over the lack of (clean) leaf piles to jump in. I long for open grassy meadows to run barefoot in until it gets dark and our friendly firefly friends come out to play. I suppose watching Lord of the Rings to admire the Shire in all its grandeur doesn’t help. But I digress. I have no nature trails to walk, no stars to gaze at after dark, and no forest critters to delight in. Granted, there are squirrels here, but they appear to have lost their minds. My point is: there are precious parts of the rural lifestyle that you just don’t get in Philly.
Don’t get me wrong, Philadelphia is incredible and exciting to live in. But I can’t deny that my heart longs for nature, and when the day comes that I can be home again, my inner tree-hugging hippie will emerge content and grateful. In the mean time, there are sights to see and experiences to soak up. I have only a short month left in this concrete jungle and I, for one, won’t waste it wishing I was somewhere else. On that note, I end this rant with a tiny love letter to nature: I miss you.Youda youda best. Don’t forget me while I’m away. We’ll be together again soon.
With all the love in my city-dwelling heart,
Chrissy Gelok
I don't blame you all for not reading this. I never write anything and when I do, it's just ramblings.
But I feel inclined to start again. Who knows if that'll stick or if I'll even have time to write as I desire to.
I'll start by posting this article I wrote for the Broad Street Journal. Here goes:
A Plea From My Inner Tree-Hugging Hippie
Living in Philadelphia can do some crazy things to you. After you get over the initial excitement of being in a new, bustling city, there’s a tendency to get overwhelmed. The first time you decide to take on the city alone, get off at the wrong subway stop and have a mini-panic-attack. Or perhaps you decided to go for a walk to clear your mind and be alone - but wait, there is nowhere to be alone! Some of these aspects of city life can be overwhelming.
I frequently find myself missing the low-key lifestyle of home (and Grantham). I despair over the lack of (clean) leaf piles to jump in. I long for open grassy meadows to run barefoot in until it gets dark and our friendly firefly friends come out to play. I suppose watching Lord of the Rings to admire the Shire in all its grandeur doesn’t help. But I digress. I have no nature trails to walk, no stars to gaze at after dark, and no forest critters to delight in. Granted, there are squirrels here, but they appear to have lost their minds. My point is: there are precious parts of the rural lifestyle that you just don’t get in Philly.
Don’t get me wrong, Philadelphia is incredible and exciting to live in. But I can’t deny that my heart longs for nature, and when the day comes that I can be home again, my inner tree-hugging hippie will emerge content and grateful. In the mean time, there are sights to see and experiences to soak up. I have only a short month left in this concrete jungle and I, for one, won’t waste it wishing I was somewhere else. On that note, I end this rant with a tiny love letter to nature: I miss you.Youda youda best. Don’t forget me while I’m away. We’ll be together again soon.
With all the love in my city-dwelling heart,
Chrissy Gelok
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Kept busy indulging in the pleasures of the wealthy.
(Someone make me afraid of what I’ve become!)
At the first sign of possible sorrow, I turned my heels and ran.
(Oh, I’ll never learn.)
My life is a cup of sugar I’ve borrowed before time began and forgot to return.
Thank you Aaron Weiss.
Love,
Chrissy
Sunday, July 18, 2010
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient
Love is kind
It does not envy
It does not boast
It is not proud
It is not rude
It is not self-seeking
It is not easily angered
It keeps no record of wrongs
Love does not delight in evil
But rejoices with the truth
It always protects
Always hopes
Always perseveres
Love never fails.
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