Katie's prayer: Newsong's "All Around the World"

When I was in middle school, there was a girl in our class we thought was the next Mary. She got all A's, was really quiet so we never really got to know her. We thought she was perfect, sinless, going to give birth to the next Jesus. After middle school, I got to know her a little better, realized she isn't perfect, she isn't sinless, and most likely isn't going to give birth to the next Jesus.

But the possibility is still there. Jesus could really come back to earth anytime He wants! Or He could take me from this earth anytime he wants! I had a teacher that once said "America is the only country that believes death is avoidable." It's true. It's stupid, but it's true.

I've been reading recently about Charles Untz, a young man who died a few years back, who many to believe a saint. Here's a quote from one of the things I read from his website:

Speaking about usual teenage issues and events that seem to tire and drain one spiritually, he states, "Don't let yourself get caught up in that never ending cycle. Keep in mind that Heaven is the ultimate goal of life, all other goals and things should be directed in attaining it." Charles loved life, but he understood his goal! He once said, "I'd rather be in heaven than spend one more day on this earth."

So here's the point of all my random musings:
The end of the world could come at anytime. Death is not avoidable at all, but that isn't a bad thing. Death = life in Heaven with God. But until that time when death comes (and it will come) we should (I mean I should) be treating everyday as if it were the last.

All around the world
Can't you hear creation calling
Make way the Savior's coming

Jen's prayer: Newsong's "All around the world"

I was gonna try to not copy the same line as Megan, but it's a good one. So too bad.

So let us not becoming entangled by the trappings of this world

The Bible tells us to always be ready for Jesus to return. You never know when you might die, or when Jesus will decide, "Hey, let's just take all my pals up to heaven now." (Apparently Jesus is talking to children or something.) But anyways, it is hard to always be ready, anxiously awaiting for Jesus' return if you're entangled with the world.

I think right now I'm trying to learn what that balance is between being IN the world and not OF the world. How do you connect with people and show them Christ's love without being so much like them...but you can't be such a nun that people don't want to be around you either, ya know? It's something I think I need to pray about more.

And that line is also a good reminder that this worldly stuff that bothers me is simply that: worldly. I should be more concerned about becoming more like Jesus.

Megan's prayer: NewSong's "All Around the World"

So let us not becoming entangled by the trappings of this world

I get so hung-up on things that shouldn't matter all that much. These things cause me to struggle in my faith sometimes.

Dear Lord, help me to not get caught up in the pointless things of my life. Help me stay focused.