I got inspired to do this from random readings and been thinking about how i need to be more proactive in really showing love to others. [1 c. 13] I guess you could use this for romantic interests but i think it’ll work for anyone you are really trying to be a blessing to. I’m sure its not comprehensive so if you have MORE suggestions lemme know, I would love to make a COMPLETE list

1. Details matter

Take notes if you have to, esp  if you don’t have good memory. What kind of coffee do they like to drink? What’s their favorite color? Do they enjoy a nice walk after an exam or a trip to cocomero to relieve some stress? Do they love the security found in silence or the comfort of chatter? The details, most would say, are everything! It declares, I love you and like you so much that I care about what you enjoy – I care about what will put that smile on your face… forever. Jesus, in the midst of the huge crowd, sees that one lady who had been sick for many years. Love is in the details.

2. Thoughtful interruptions

The old skoolers of love handled this through letters placed in their loved ones’ favorite book they read every night or secretly putting it in their purse. Some use post it notes. But these days, I think we can have thoughtful interruptions by sending them a text or an email whenever we think about them. We interrupt their world by reminding them that “Hey, I’m thinking of you and wondering how you are doing.” A simple act of kindness go a long way! But a word of caution to those who lack the noon-choy (noon-chi), make sure these are “thoughtful” interruptions or they might just become an INTERRUPTION that is annoying. You want to come off caring and cute, not contriving and careless. Jesus, stops by the well and interrupts a woman who needs to know that she is loved.

3.  Love in the mundane

A dozen roses (or her fav flower) on Valentine’s day. A romantic home cooked meal and her favorite movie on her birthday. Christmas gifts, Anniversary presents and so on, these are important days to remember and put some love into. However, how about the other 360 days of the year? The mundane Monday or Thursday. It is a good idea to show that you care in times where there is no “significance” or in my eyes, no pressure to give the BEST gift. As you are living your daily life, find ways to show that there are moments in a day that captures our breath away and share it with them. You know she loves McDonald’s ice cream, so pick one up by the one that you pass by everyday. You know he likes words of affirmation so don’t wait until a “Day” to tell him, tell him on a random Wednesday night. You know she has been eyeing those kicks every time you go to mall, buy it for her EVEN before it’s her birthday! We often wait too long or find an occasion to say I LOVE YOU or that I appreciate you. Life is short. Show love any chance you get! With most people, it really isn’t a money issue. It just requires the combination of points 1 & 2 and expressing it on any day. ANY. Jesus, during one of the dinners, knelt down and washed his disciples’ feet because he knew his time on earth will end soon.

4. Spur of the moment surprises that are planned

Spontaneity is a lost art in this busy and schedule everything lifestyle. If you ever want to do anything, it always has to be planned. And if you don’t, you will come off sloppy and just uninterested. Yet, if you do try to do something in the moment, the restaurant might be full or the dessert place might be closed or you’ll just be waiting for a very long time. It can get pretty awkward. However, boys and girls, there is a way out of this while saving two lovers with one slice of wit! It’s called “Planned Spontaneity.” (Are you taking notes?) This requires a little bit of planning and creativity but the results I heard are worth it! So, if you are planning to go out on a saturday night, you would make reservations at a few places that you think your person would like. I would do 2 safe locations that you know she likes and one reservation at a place she might go for if she is feeling adventurous. Then, after you pick her up, give her some options and be SPONTANEOUS! You could even place reservations for an activity and a restaurant and a dessert place or cafe. You don’t always need to eat at the same restaurant for the entree and dessert and coffee How cool would you look if you walked into a restaurant that she WANTED to go to and that she PICKED and though it was packed, you walk right in because you made a reservation! I often think about the time when Jesus told the disciples to go and feed the multitude of people that were following him. I think he knew that the disciples wouldn’t know how to do that and yet he was spontaneous and surprised everyone by his miracle. How cool it would have been to walk around and gather exactly 12 baskets of bread after everyone had enough to eat!

5.  Note moments of eternity

Take a picture. Journal. Save a memory item, a receipt or ticket stub. There will be many moments in a friendship or relationship, but only a few glimpses of eternity. Those are the ones you want to remember! In any relationship, there will be struggles and challenges but the most important thing is to focus on these “Moments of Eternity” to remind you that it’s all well worth it. A picture of the bench where you had THAT conversation. Saving a piece of memory from your first date. These are moments that will stay with your relationship forever. They are milestones of love. They show growth and faithfulness of the relationship. Guys especially are not good with this so remember to think 40-50 years ahead and make an effort to care about the history and future of your relationship. All throughout the OT, the people of God would set up memory stones to remind them of God’s faithfulness to them. They were to teach the next generation as they recalled these milestones of God’s goodness to them, often in the midst of hardships.

I would have to say, in my life up until now, there is one lesson that I have to keep reminding myself: Love is not true love unless it is the way they want to be loved. I may have the greatest intentions but that kind of love falls short. Through small groups and different ministries, I’m learning how true the words of Jesus are, “Love others as they would want to be loved.”

It’s just crazy amazing how GOD can show every single person in the world that He loves them in a very specific and authentic way.

Teach me your ways

So what?

One day, it’s THIS and then a week after, it’s THAT!

This month it’s that person, then later THAT person.

I’m tired of living to get whatever I want. It sucks.

woah, calm down sean.

Okay okay.

Today is one of those days I spent yelling, LOORRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD! Why am I like this? Why do I keep seeking for the same things that won’t reconcile anything in my life?!

If I could. If I really could… I just want to take my WHOLE life and just hand it over to GOD.

NO restraints, NO turning back. Taking everything that comes with The Package. My life was a package deal when I became His.

Happiness, Joy, Success, Security, Comfort, Peace are not what I am to expect. At least not in the way I perceive it. Or the way I want it. And sometimes, I just think I got it right. I think I really know what is GOOD for me.

But, God’s plans are bigger. God’s future and hope for me is FAR greater. AND, my plans? My plans “may” work out. It “may” give me what I want. But I’m way too risk averse for that kind of gamble. The future, marriage, career, what to do with my life… are far too big for me to handle. I NEVER want to look BACK on my life and regret. And the solution to not having any regret is TRUSTING in GOD. And moving forward with Trust versus Fear. The Christian is one that is courageous, not fearful. Choices made based on Fear is never a good one. But one that is with Trust, it will bring fruit for the Kingdom.

I’m just ranting now.

This insatiable desire to get what I want has become idolatry. I must kill it before it kills me. I see it alive. It’s moving and working. Always planning and scheming.

So today is one of those days I HATE this idol and want to tear it down!!

Help me to cry out to You. To seek after You. I need You.

Waking up to the glow of the sun on my face,

I hear the whispers of my lifesong playing.

Smell of fresh roasted coffee escaping the coffee press to rescue my new day,

I take a moment to reflect and recount my greatest need in life… Jesus.

I am free.

Free to conquer the world. Free to spend today’s eternity for Him.

Every worry I share. Every heart ache I ask for healing. Every sin, I go once again to the Cross.

People? They exist to share in these moments with me. A community that experiences the reality of depravity. Yet, a family that will Together go along with you, never leaving you, always supporting.

I wish my life was like this…

I wish it wasn’t a lie. I wish I won’t grow jaded. I wish my heart will be sustained.

Sometimes I feel that in age I am growing, but in heart, I am just aging.

Life will always have its issues and problems, but only a deeper and greater Trust in Jesus resolves all these things. It is life’s greatest X-Factor.

Keep trusting my friend. Jesus really is the answer for the world today.

]]> http://coramdeosean.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/i-wish-my-life-was-like-this/feed/ 2 coramdeosean http://coramdeosean.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/whether-it-is-revival-or-fact-i-wanna-learn-his-heart-i-wanna-know-what-he-feels-i-wanna-change/ http://coramdeosean.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/whether-it-is-revival-or-fact-i-wanna-learn-his-heart-i-wanna-know-what-he-feels-i-wanna-change/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:14:04 +0000 coramdeosean http://coramdeosean.wordpress.com/?p=249 ]]>

This week I’m realizing that I don’t care about people and others the way God wants from me.

With FACT in just a few days, God’s been convicting me that I need to have GOD’s heart like this EVERY SINGLE DAY and MOMENT.

My initial thought was, “How does one DO that?” How does my heart beat for God and for Others, constantly? continuously?

It only takes the Work of the Holy Spirit. Because one thing is for sure, I’m not wired that way. I have other things that I think are more important.

Yet, at the VERY heart of God is one that beats for His People to know him and trust him and love him. Every page of the OT rings true to this fact. Every truth in the NT shows Jesus who becomes this reality.

However, this week, I see how far my heart is from God’s heart. I guess that’s why God allows me to participate in FACT. To remind my selfish self to think and desire like Jesus.

Lord, help me.

I need some major heart work and change.

GOD sure can move mountains but FAITH and PRAYER move the heart of God. (EM Bounds)

I love this quote because it shows God’s heart and sovereignty but also the response that is necessary by His people.
Whether it is revival or FACT, I wanna learn His heart. I wanna know what He feels. I wanna change.

No matter how amazing a spiritual event was, Satan and the Self is constantly working to kill it all. The thief only comes to steal, KILL and destroy.

It could be one misunderstanding, one phone call, one look, one interpretation of something or just another good ol fashion demand from your heart, “I want what I want!!” or “Don’t give me what I don’t want!!”

Revivals, Devotion times, prayer mtgs, holy encounters are very much needed. I need them. But the BIGGER question is, will I keep at it?

Will I use those means as a launching pad for more of JESUS?

Will I be addicted to worshiping Jesus?

Will I continue pouring what is in my heart to God?

Will I keep believing that Jesus should be my only desire?

Will I go back to my sinful “comforts” or CHANGE?

I sit here contemplating in the slow glow of a great weekend of spiritual fire. The BKs are all around me. BK as in Blessing Killers. Just like the cube of God’s future presence, all around me are sprinkles of water to kill the fire. Here and there. Slowly.

I face the greatest battle not in the huddled barracks where the General gives out the weapons and ammunition. The Battle is now GOING OUT. Have I really learned well? Did the Revival kick me in the right direction? Did it heal me of past gunshot wounds? Did I find encouragement from others who are fighting their own individual battles?

What I need to do now, according to Polycarp,  is “play the man.” Be a man! Be a Man of God.

Failure awaits, wounds are coming, battle scars will form but the Battle MUST BE FOUGHT. Now, it’s a little bit different though.

How so?

I have a RENEWED desire and direction. Desire that comes because my days and whole life has been BOUGHT with the BLOOD of Jesus. And my Direction is a bit more clear. I clearly know what is wrong with me. If I don’t trust God in healing me, Imma have some major issues to say the least.

This weekend, I really needed the church to be that “Inn” for me. But I know I cannot stay in the Inn forever….

We had a lil get together with the isr serving body at P.Jong’s house. The food was amazing! Haven’t had a good burger/dog in a LONG time… It’s nice having a meal at a family’s house once in a while. It reminds me that LIFE is really more than what I see in a college campus. I live and breathe college life so I sometimes forget that this is one phase of my life.

Well, one thing happened that just blessed me so much. Of course, the sharing time and praying together was very blessing. Like I said, there is nothing more fulfilling than enjoying the company of those that you are doing ministry with. Anyway, what really blessed me was P.Jong’s 2nd daughter, Lydia.

A few times, she just sat next to me. There were other aunties and uncles but she chose me. haha. And it seemed genuine And then as I was leaving the house, I saw Lydia and her dad just playing. It was a great sight to see… Daddy’s little girl.

All this just reminded me how much God is just happy when I sit with Him… When I sit with His words… When I am just gazing at Him. And not because I “have” to or I “need” to but because I just want to.

I just want to be with Jesus.

Isn’t that what this Christianity thing is all about? Isn’t this what a relationship is? Sometimes I just forget what Jesus really wants from me…. He just wants ME.

Do I just want Him?

Just got convicted again about the “highest pleasure” principle in life. I will think, desire and do whatever will give me the highest pleasure in any given moment.

It almost sounds too simple.

Do I wake up early to pray or sleep? Do I demand respect or not think of myself too highly? Do I show disdain or give grace to people? Do I spend my time getting closer to God or use the time to entertain myself?

I am revisiting how I always operate under this principle of pleasure. Always.

The bottom line is, Jesus has to be my highest pleasure every moment of the day. And of course, THAT in itself is the spiritual battle. Who do I love more?

I was very challenged by watching the speeches of two accomplished people, MJ and David Robinson. They were both accepted into the hall of fame. However, their attitudes were so different. Yes, I do want to be very well accomplished like MJ and ‘be the man’ but when Robinson at the end of his speech mentioned how he really felt like the Leper who was so undeserving, I just remember thinking, all of MJ’s accolades pales in comparison to WHO Robinson was living for!

MJ did have a great metaphor about how all the people in his life helped burn his fire to become the man he was… what does his fire burn for now? and in the future?

Robinson’s ending lines challenged me to FOCUS on who I am living for and to make sure I don’t strive for accomplishments for myself… to make sure that I don’t use people to make my own Kingdom’s fire burn hotter… because who cares about that kind of fire.

The fire that I want is the Spirit’s fire that can only be kindled by Jesus’ fire that wants to bring glory to the Father. Like Father like Son. I want… and need a fire that burns so that others may not Burn. I want a fire that burns not so that others can see ‘me’ burning but that they will see Jesus’ burning heart for them as he Leaves No One Behind…

marantha!

ugh.

the worst 1.5 weeks so far.

this was the week where i needed to pray the most and for some reason, my alarm stopped working… so i couldn’t wake up to MP at all…

i have no idea how people back in the day would wake up in the morning w/o an alarm clock!

anyway… i need to figure out how to get my alarm to work again or there is no way i’m waking up at all in the mornings! arghhh

Anyway, on a side note, I realized again that you just don’t get what you want in life. Some days all your circumstances might be great but your heart is messed up. Other days, your heart is on fire but your circumstances are all messy. Then, there are those days when everything is just not going well.

I’m seeing again that GOD really is very purposeful with my day to day life; giving me more opportunities to SEE Him and HEAR Him and be full of Him and less full on myself.

focus sean. Focus!

I’ve also been realizing that even though I might get involved with godly ventures or opportunities, being divided, could make me less effective. Division of focus and purpose is so detrimental! You could be the most capable person but once divided, its all over.

i hate journaling and esp these days, just reflecting in general, so hopefully this will get me more disciplined to think, evaluate and reflect.

Today’s emotion: frustrated.

Every battery, esp on the Mac has cycles of use. After some point, even though you charge it, it’s just not the same. You’ll need to replace the battery itself.

I hate having to plug the adapter in every time I use the computer. I’d rather use the battery. It’s more convenient. It’s easier. But, there will be a time when the battery will run out.

I got this epiphany while getting my cord out to recharge my laptop again. I was frustrated and annoyed that I had to plug it in again and again. Time after time. I just felt like it was unnecessary. And then I remembered that if I use the battery too much, I would need to replace the battery itself…. which is pretty costly!

If a simple laptop that can do many things need to be recharged daily, how much more i need to be charged and filled up as well. Cell phones needs charging, ipods, all sorts of things. But I esp need it… my problem is that I run out my heart battery until I come to a point where I just need to replace the whole thing. It just takes deep moments with God and a longing to obey His Word that can CHARGE me right up.

The greatness of GOD is that even though i feel like my heart battery needs a complete replacement… one CHARGE of His grace can make is ALIVE and on FIRE again. That’s the most profound thing about the Holy Spirit’s power. It can recharge me in an instant (Though it will require some response on my part).

I would always challenge the jteam that ONE prayer meeting, ONE quiet time, ONE sermon could CHARGE your life that moment. Eat your own words Sean!! SEEK GOD WITH FIRE.

This is what I want my focus to be this 2009-2010 year.

I feel that my fire is sometimes growing dim… yet it’s not really about how “my fire” is doing, compared to how much GOD’S FIRE makes MY fire burn even more brighter. FIRE begins and ends with GOD. That’s so hopeful.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/3867/Video/

1. Jesus being the only way… in relation to other more acceptable major beliefs.

2. Practical family issues: spanking kids, husband/wife roles

3. Tolerance with what is preached…

These are the things they say we’ll face in the next 20 years… Just thinking about how I need to have firm convictions from Scripture with all of these key issues… to the point where I would be willing to go to jail!

here we go…