The only person you have any type of control over is yourself. You can not change a person. They have to choose to be different. I will not deny the power of influence, but regardless it is still a choice to change. You choose to worry. You choose to let someone/thing bother you. You choose to be angry. You choose to forgive. You choose to love. You choose to believe. You choose to pray. You choose to set a positive example. Your life is a series of choices.
I am going to choose what is right regardless of what everyone else decides to do. I can not determine what is important to someone else, but I can choose to fight for what is important to me. Again, I do not have control over anyone by myself. Why waist so much effort getting someone else to change.... to see things the way I see them? What would happen if I stopped looking at what is wrong with everyone else and started look at myself? (the only person I can actually do something about) Just because I am one person does not mean that I cannot make a difference. Just because people do not do things the way I would do them, does not make them wrong. It makes them different. This world is made up of about 7 billion different people. Welcome. Explore. Change you to make it better.
May 20, 2012
May 7, 2012
i 'bought' into it
Somehow we have convinced ourselves that buying things for a 'good cause' is justified regardless if we need it or not. I might buy a t-shirt or get a bracelet, and who knows if the people for that 'cause' are actually ever going to see any benefit from my purchase. This is not a post to talk bad about non-profit organizations. I believe most of them are out there working for/with issues that have touched their lives. They are getting our money the only way that seems to actually work. They get us to buy things.
What if we stopped feeling the need to get something for what we give? What if we just gave without the expectation of even a thank you? As a Christian, my mindset is that what I have is not mine anyway. Why do I feel so entitled? We shouldn't have to have 'fair trade' merchandise, but instead we should trade fairly. Non-profit organizations shouldn't have to sell shoes, t-shirts, or whatever else to meet the needs of people around the world. I should see that need and be compelled to meet it myself.
An organization buys merchandise (usually from 3rd world country) and then that merchandise gets shipped to the United States. The organization will send out emails, visit college campuses, and travel to different fair trade stores to sell the merchandise. Then, I drive to the store to purchase it. OR I will get online and order the merchandise and have it shipped directly to my house. (wow I'm lazy) I get my new product and use it. The organization eventually gets my money from a purchase order or through their website. Then the organization takes that money (after cost of the original item) buys more merchandise and then gives it to the people who actually need it. Talk about a middle man.
I don't want to buy things for 'a good cause,' I want to be out in the world and cause good.
God, teach me a life of simplicity. Show me opportunities to truly make a difference.
What if we stopped feeling the need to get something for what we give? What if we just gave without the expectation of even a thank you? As a Christian, my mindset is that what I have is not mine anyway. Why do I feel so entitled? We shouldn't have to have 'fair trade' merchandise, but instead we should trade fairly. Non-profit organizations shouldn't have to sell shoes, t-shirts, or whatever else to meet the needs of people around the world. I should see that need and be compelled to meet it myself.
An organization buys merchandise (usually from 3rd world country) and then that merchandise gets shipped to the United States. The organization will send out emails, visit college campuses, and travel to different fair trade stores to sell the merchandise. Then, I drive to the store to purchase it. OR I will get online and order the merchandise and have it shipped directly to my house. (wow I'm lazy) I get my new product and use it. The organization eventually gets my money from a purchase order or through their website. Then the organization takes that money (after cost of the original item) buys more merchandise and then gives it to the people who actually need it. Talk about a middle man.
I don't want to buy things for 'a good cause,' I want to be out in the world and cause good.
God, teach me a life of simplicity. Show me opportunities to truly make a difference.
May 3, 2012
oh how time flies
I can't believe it's been nearly 2 months since I have made an update. I'm seriously going to have to start doing better at this. Once I start, I really enjoy it. (mental note made)
Two months. I've turned 24. Had an amazing surprise b-day party. Experienced the first Gray family Easter. Wrapped up my third semester of graduate school. Moved into the next phase of life. Started to think about some long term goals. I graduate this time next year. I've been planning the youth trip to OK. Ready to see the things God is going to do while we are there. I preached last Sunday. Everyone keeps telling me that I've missed my calling, and I've been told that for years. I hope I'm making the right life choices. The next few weeks are going to be really busy, and honestly I'm ready for a few weeks of nothing. Can't wait to go and visit my grandmother this summer at the beach! Life is good. Stress is starting to decrease and I'm finding myself at a place of peace. Well, more often than usual.
I have noticed recently, however, that there are a lot of little things that get on my nerves. I've really been trying to work on it. Just to let things go. I think the more I pray for patience, the more God gives me opportunities to be patient. And let me tell you...It's been a struggle.
Last final tonight, and then strawberry picking tomorrow with Jazzie! Oh sweet summertime, welcome!
Two months. I've turned 24. Had an amazing surprise b-day party. Experienced the first Gray family Easter. Wrapped up my third semester of graduate school. Moved into the next phase of life. Started to think about some long term goals. I graduate this time next year. I've been planning the youth trip to OK. Ready to see the things God is going to do while we are there. I preached last Sunday. Everyone keeps telling me that I've missed my calling, and I've been told that for years. I hope I'm making the right life choices. The next few weeks are going to be really busy, and honestly I'm ready for a few weeks of nothing. Can't wait to go and visit my grandmother this summer at the beach! Life is good. Stress is starting to decrease and I'm finding myself at a place of peace. Well, more often than usual.
I have noticed recently, however, that there are a lot of little things that get on my nerves. I've really been trying to work on it. Just to let things go. I think the more I pray for patience, the more God gives me opportunities to be patient. And let me tell you...It's been a struggle.
Last final tonight, and then strawberry picking tomorrow with Jazzie! Oh sweet summertime, welcome!
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