Hey, Christians...

FYI, this post will mainly be food for thought for my Christian friends out there...

My mom sent me a link to a neat video by David Barton as he gives part of a tour in the US Capitol. Many of you know that Barton is a US historian and an authority on US Christian history, in particular. He likes to set the record straight on a number of issues that our ever-increasing secular world brings up. If you, like me, enjoy history and are interested in how Christianity played quite a role in United States history, check out this video!

(You can find out more about David Barton's work here. I've heard him speak live on several occasions, and am always thrilled an amazed at new, enlightening info that he shares! It's pretty cool. The guy is SO smart and on top of all sorts of historical, factual things. Warning: a lot of non-Christians and historians don't like the things that Barton teaches. But most of what he presents can't be refuted. Do some thinking, folks!)

Next, in one of my textbooks for the fall semester, I came across a neat quote. It really struck a chord with me, as a Christian. I am a Christ-follower. While there are a million other aspects that make me who I am and define me (like sports and patriotism), I know that my relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important and what makes a real difference. However, I am always running across other Christians (especially within the Seminary bubble) who are so wrapped up in their "holy living" and debate about "Christian things" {my own terms/views used in quotations here} amongst themselves that they forget to live their lives. While theological debates are important in the fact that its imperative you know what you believe and how to defend it, a Christian arguing with another Christian is not going to impact eternity. You're not loving others by arguing, and you're certainly not living or telling the Gospel to a world who desperately needs some Good News. That said, here is the quote that I'd love Christians to meditate on:

"We are a disobedient people. We argue about the definition of worldwide evangelization and we debate the details of eschatology, while we neglect the command of the Word of God to evangelize the world". -George Ladd

I'm not out to point fingers or start a useless debate or argument. These things just made me think and put stuff into perspective. Maybe they will for you, too.

Merry Christmas!

The incredibly busy semester I had is over, I've already traveled home for a week with family (and to celebrate Christmas early with them) and now I'm back in NorCal and hard at work at the "Starbeezeys" (Starbucks) and getting ready for a J-term class in two weeks.

This year I've decided to not let the commercialism and materialism of the season get to me too much. Being in a retail-type job, it rears its ugly head, but I've made a conscious effort this year to not let it get to me in the long run. I know what the season is about... and I've tried to spread that joy. I also have been laughing off those who want to "over-spiritualize" Christmas (for lack of a better term). You know... people who are constantly reminding us that the Christmas tree has pagan roots and all that jazz. I'm not going to argue the point... I don't have time for that. Many of our Christmas traditions have become part of culture, and since culture is dynamic, alive, and always changing, I'll just roll with it. One of my professors, Dr. Gregg Watson, said it best last Christmas when he remarked "Jesus was probably born in the springtime. Then why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th? What about Christmas trees? They have pagan origins. I DON'T CARE! That's not what I'm celebrating. I'm celebrating the birth of Jesus, and giving gifts to the people I love. Put another bulb on the tree!"

As Christmas approached this year, I was struck with a mixture of thoughts. I think a lot about how grateful I am that God thought enough of me (and you) to send His son as a little bundle of joy born in a barn because there was no room made for his parents in a local inn. How humbling! Also, I think of people who don't ever get the opportunity to celebrate this joyous time of year because of oppressive governments and the war torn countries they live in. I think of my trip to teach English in an East Asian country a few years ago at Christmastime. They didn't even get the day off of school. I think of our military friends who are serving overseas and certainly don't get a break from a war- they're away from their loved ones, too, fighting and serving to keep us safe and to protect our freedoms. This Christmas, find a way to count your blessings. Christmas is about joy, about love, about remembering. 

Since I'm posting this on Christmas Eve, I'll post one of my favorite Christmas songs. Check out The Night Before Christmas by Brandon Heath. It brings a tear to my eye almost every time...

So to you and yours, Merry Christmas!! Remember the reason for the season - a baby born in a manger so long ago. It's true. It's real. It really happened. The Christmas story from the Bible is so precious and dear to me... from Luke 2:1-20... you should read it.  :-)

My Hope is in You

Whew! I am just finishing up week three of my new semester. It's gonna be a rough one, by all predictions! I am taking 15 hours of graduate level classes (which equates to about 15 hours of reading and homework per week, too) and working 30 hours a week at Starbucks. While I love my job and coworkers and am enjoying my classes, that's quite a load! So, friends and family, if you don't hear from me very often in the next few months, wait until after December 13. I'll be more available! ;-)

In addition to a super busy schedule, "life" is happening around me. I find myself in a financial bind trying to pay tuition, as well as simple bills like my car payment and rent. (The cost of living here in the Bay Area is astronomical!) Even though I'm keeping my head above water, it's still bringing stress into my life. More important than my (silly) money worry are health issues some of my dear friends are having. I have a friend who is struggling with chronic pain, and another who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis and impending surgery. My grandmother is suffering from dementia (and other old age ailments) and I have several other special people in my life who are dealing with terrible allergies and other sickness. "Life" is hitting others I love, too. My brother is taking 18 hours of coursework at Florida State this semester as he pursues two engineering degrees. I am so very proud of him, and I know he's working hard. That's a lot of stuff to handle!

I say all of this not to be dramatic and sound downtrodden. The Lord is teaching me lately to not focus on the "bad" or hard parts of life. Even when I feel defeated, I am often reminded that I am more than a conqueror! Whether facing death, persecution, sickness, struggles with school or finances or relationships, God is with me! As a Christ follower, I know I will triumph. I will have victory in the end. My Jesus wins! 

I pray that if you are going through a difficult time (whether it's actually difficult, or if you are just having a pity party day like we all need every once in a while), you'll put things into perspective. Take a minute and realign your focus. 

Romans 8:31-39 is an encouragement:
³¹ What then are we to say about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?
³² He did not even spare His own Son
but offered Him up for us all;
how will He not also with Him grant us everything?
³³ Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect?
God is the One who justifies.
³⁴ Who is the one who condemns?
Christ Jesus is the One who died,
but even more, has been raised;
He also is at the right hand of God
and intercedes for us.
³⁵ Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
³⁶ As it is written:
Because of You
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than victorious
through Him who loved us.
³⁸ For I am persuaded that not even death or life,
angels or rulers,
things present or things to come, hostile powers,
³⁹ height or depth, or any other created thing
will have the power to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
(HCSB)

And if you read a little before that section, there is even more encouragement!

Well, as I close this short post, I have had life put into perspective again. Aaron Shust, an amazing award-winning Christian musician and artist was a guest worship leader at my church (First Baptist San Francisco) this past Sunday. Aaron's got a song called "My Hope is in You" that you may have heard if you listen to Christian radio. I've always liked it when I heard it on the radio or if it would pop up on my Pandora. But when he led us on Sunday singing this, some of the words really hit me. I am going to post a link to the song on YouTube with lyrics. Take a minute and watch and listen if you'd like some encouragement. No cancer, no sickness, no lack of money, no disease, no earthly relationship will keep me from having hope! 

Find the My Hope is in You video here.

Be blessed, friends, and put your hope in Christ alone!

Olympics

The Olympics are back. And like a lot of people, I'm an Olympic addict, and am enjoying watching everything from fencing to table tennis to beach and court volleyball to basketball.

I live on campus here at seminary, so a friend and I hosted an Olympic Opening Ceremony party for our building (and whoever else wanted to join). We strung the lobby in our building with streamers in the colors of the Olympic rings... and the Olympic rings themselves. I even made a replica torch! We plan on leaving these awesome decorations up for the duration of the Games.

Having been close to realizing my own Olympic dream several years ago, it's fun to watch the athletes on team USA compete against the world. So far, I've enjoyed team USA's drive; as a shooting athlete, I'm very proud of Kim Rhode breaking an American medal record in skeet! And we're only a few days into over two weeks of intense competition.

For the next few weeks, my life will consist of the Olympics, major league baseball, and work. (Tonight and Wednesday afternoon I'm headed over to Oakland to see my Rays play the A's.) YAY, sports!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Today is my dad's 57th birthday. Jeff Meahl is the best dad I could ever have dreamed of or asked for. Earlier, I was thinking about all the things that make my dad amazing.

My father taught me to shoot. As you probably know, this led to years and years of competition at the state and national level. He and my mom sacrificed time and money to support me as I competed in shooting sports. My dad was my biggest shooting cheerleader, and he probably remembered more of what my coach told me than I did. 

Dad and I after I won the state air pistol championship in high school

My father taught my to drive a stick shift. In fact, he insisted that I know how to drive a manual before he'd let me get my driver's license. This led to him buying me an '89 Bronco, 4 on the floor, 4x4. I had a love affair with that truck. I cried when we sold it a few years ago....

My father taught me about commitment. He has been married to my wonderful, beautiful mother for 33 years. Not only is he committed to family, he's committed to his friends and clients. When he tells someone something, he means it. When I watch others give up or back out of a commitment or difficult situation, I watch my dad stick with it.

My father has taught me about fun. Sometimes I think my dad's still a teenage boy. He can prank others like a pro, can TP a car like no other, and can build a sandcastle that would make those sand masters on TV jealous!

My father taught me to love sports. (He now admits that my brother, AJ, and I have surpassed him in sporting love and knowledge.) Now I'm a Major League Baseball addict, a Florida State girl who loves the sound of a finely tuned F1 car and the roar of a NASCAR field taking the green. Hardly a day goes by when I don't watch SportsCenter. And the Olympics.... well, let's just call that a fetish. (We'll reserve another post for that.)

Dad ready for a Rays game! He knows what's important!

My father taught me to enjoy life- to sing "Song of the South" loud and proud... and to not leave out "Sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth". ;-) He taught me to respect and love history. (Yep, we're the only family I know of that spent a month on vacation traipsing through Civil War battlefields. And enjoying it.) {Sidenote: it was actually the War between the States, not a Civil War, my dad would tell you [and he's correct]. But for all of you who know it by that name, I included the PC name.} Which leads me to another thing: my dad taught me to always be aware. Be aware of politics, be involved, know what you believe and what you want and what you're willing to stand for. But to be careful of what you want to define you.

My dad taught me to serve others. My dad serves others. Almost to a fault. I won't go into detail, because a lot of what he does is in confidence. Whether a little help is needed by someone else in our church body, or whether a nation needs help healing (such as rebuilding in Thailand after the devastating tsunami), my dad will be there. He taught children's Sunday school for years and now he's a huge part of the leadership for the youth group at church. Countless people look up to him and see him as a role model and confidant.

My dad taught me to love food. I still clearly remember my dad telling me when I was small that sugar wouldn't hurt me; that it was, in fact, good for me! Momma still rolls her eyes and sighs at the retelling of that story. He taught me to appreciate meat and to grill burgers, steaks, ribs, pork chops and chicken. 

My dad is a man's man. He can fix a truck, sew a shirt, bake cookies, and gather eggs from his chickens. I've witnessed all of it. He's the hardest worker I've ever known.

Most importantly, Daddy taught me to love God and love people. Those are the things that define a life. They define my dad's life, and I hope and pray that they define my life, too.

Proverbs 22:6 says to teach a child the way they should go, and when they grow up, they won't depart from it. I know that my parents taught me the way I should go. I hope I'm making them proud.

There's so much more I could say. I love you, Daddy! Have an extraordinary birthday. Wish I were home to celebrate with you!

Sweet Summertime

After another long semester of classes and working, I am mid-summer break! My family (Mom, Dad, Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Jim) came out for a week and a half of vacation from the east coast at the end of June, and we did a lot of sightseeing and had lots of fun! I'm enjoying not having classes or homework to worry about, as I decided not to take any summer classes.

My biggest summer love, sports, is taking up most of the time I'm not working. Summer brings all the best events each year, like Wimbledon, the Tour de France, and the boys of summer playing baseball. I'm looking forward to the All-Star break and the ESPYs next week. BUT, the biggest of all events, the summer Olympics, is right around the corner. Many of you know about my obsession with the Olympics, and this summer is no different. I'll be hosting an Olympic opening ceremonies party on July 27 for the London games.

Hopefully it'll dawn on me to update this blog a few times over the remainder of the summer. Usually I just stick to Facebook and Twitter updates. For now, I sign off to go to work and make those frappuccinos everyone is craving this summer.