National #LaughAtYourself Day (created after an embarrassing moment)

May 6, 2015 - AKA: #RideYourBiketoSchoolDay

I'm fortunate to work at amazing ES campuses where teachers get excited for kids.  They do what it takes to get their students excited about learning.  Even if that means showing up to school with a mini-scooter, classic retro bike, or even a double-seater on National Ride Your Bike to School Day! 

I show roll up in my husband's pick up with my torquise gently-used TREK bike placed strategicially in the bed.  I can't help but smile silently as I'm ready to capture the day in photo and enjoy these amazing people.  After checking in, I chat with excited front office staff and wait for 8:00 to come.

You can hear the excited cheers as upper grades line the front of the parking lot.  Butcher paper crinkles in the wind as first grade holds a big sign dedicated to the day.  Several policemen are in the front of a line of bikes, followed by teachers, and behind them, the entire first grade.  In this order, we will make laps to celebrate. 

My wheels start rolling, and this is by far one of the most exciting starts to the school day I've had all year.  I hear little feet and giggling behind me as the thought enters my tiny brain, "This is a kodak moment!"  Being the Instructional Technology coach on campus, I always have my phone attached at the hip.  One hand on the handle bars, the other stumbling to the camera app, I turn to see the canvas of faces.  Suddenly, my front wheel of my torquise TREK veers to the left.  I correct to the right, and before I know it, I am completely off balance.  I'm headed toward zealous kids who are at the front of the line.  "Watch Out...Sorry...Watch Out..." I yell as I take out three kids.  Yes I ran right in to three kids! I wind up inches from the parked cars in the lot.

Thought #1 enters my head, "Did I just injure sweet innocent 1st graders?" Then I look up to see them well on their way and completely happy as if nothing happened.  Though #2 rushes over me, "You're the worst role model EVER."  No helmet, phone in hand, steering one-handed in front of 1st graders who are well aware of their bike safety rules. Red flushes over my face.  The unbalanced move was slow mo...so much so, that NO ONE missed it.  I look up to see half of the well-entertained audience laugh with me (I preferred this response actually), the other half worried that I'm hurt.  The only thing hurt was my ego as I laugh out of embarrassment and wheel my bike back to the crowd.  

I left the day with three great things:

1. A priceless story - I could not have made this up!
2. A reminder of how some days, I just have to laugh at myself.
3. The power of being humbled and sharing my weaknesses with others. I will name this day #NationalLaughatYourselfDay as I was well aware of my human self and my weaknesses.  I have the tendendency to want to put on a pretty faucade, when really, I live in a body full of human limitations (physically, mentally, spiritually).      

Paul was humbled, and he both spoke and preached out of humility.  "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why I delight in in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecitions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong." -2 Cor 12:9-10

I'm not comparing myself to Paul. Paul is making reference to very difficult persecution, while I simply whitnessed a little embarassment, but I do believe that there is power in humility.  On May 6th God reminded me of my limitations.  My testimony is my weakness, and God's strength in every aspect of my life.  The cleaned up pretty self that I parade in, may not reveal my dire need for God each day.

Real Talk

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a people person. Striking up conversation with friends, teachers, my cashier at the grocery store, has never bothered me.  I both blame and thank my dad for this.  We were that family that everyone knew was on the plane, if you know what I mean.  My husband now gets to live with a little of that angst to stir up the silence and be connected.  It's like the desire to know poeple, and if I'm being honest with myself, to be known by people, is in my DNA.  

My amazing husband jokes with me..."someday we're going to run out of things to talk about and all there will be left is the weather."  He knows this is not true and I always laugh because I know it is not true either (If nothing else, we can talk about me...joking).  In a sense though, there is some truth to what he says.  While I love striking up conversation about the weather, favorite TV shows, new restuarants, coffee, crafts, my dog, etc. I long for meaningful conversations.  I long for conversations about Christ, the creator and sustainer of life. Conversation about salvation and purpose.  While talking is second nature to me, talking about Christ is not always easy, and not because I do not want to.  I fear the roll of the eyes, the silence that may follow, or the possibility that I may not get an invite to the next get together if I get "all spiritual."

Truth is, as a Christian, my whole purpose in life is to know Christ and to make Him known.  In fact, glorying God is what I was designed for, and it brings true joy.  Paul emphasizes this fact in Philippians 3:8 "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."  In Colossians, Paul says that he will labor with all of his energy to "present everyone perfect in Christ."  In Colossians 2:2 he writes, "My purpose is that they  may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ."  Even when talking to believers, Paul's purpose is to encourage them in their faith and bring others closer to Christ.  Paul had some "Real Talk" in his day, and honestly, he must have truly loved both God and others to have this mindset.

Even non-believers understand the extent of the Christian's purpose.  In an interview, Pen and Teller said, How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?"  You won't find me yelling from street corners or picketing with a Jesus sign, but my prayer is that I'll believe this truth so much, that I'll share despte the pushback that I may recieve.  My prayer is that bringing up Christ in conversation will be natural, because Christ is not a section of my life, He is my life.  My prayer is that my friends Christian and not, neighbors, co-workers, heck, even the cashier at the grocery store and other passengers on the plane will know that I am a believer in Christ.  I've got a long way to go friends.

Confidently Disciplined, Even in the Sight of Mr. Dreamy

As I indulge in the guilty pleasure of watching "The Bachelorette" with one of my close neighbors, we both pose the question, why is it seen as a fault or insecurity for a woman to be a virgin?  We're engulfed in the pivotal moment when the woman is invited into the fantasy suite and forced to tell "Mr. Dreamy" that she is waiting for marriage.  Before you read on, let me assure you, this is not a legalistic post about the do's and don'ts of purity, but more of a thankfulness of values that were instilled in me, and a fear to pass values on to others.

It feels crazy to think that I am at the age of wondering what I will pass on to the "younger generation," but the fact is, my whole life should be a testament to what I believe and I should live as a model for younger women.  As I keep up with a study in Judges, a certain verse has been on my mind, "When all that generations had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not knowt he Lord, or the work which he had done" (Judges 2:10).  This is scary, a generation who did not know God?  But it was true, and believe me, without God on their mind, they did not have good days ahead.  I firmly believe that the Lord has a perfect design for us as His children, he has set boundaries and rules for living that both protect us, and lead us to a life of joy.  Note, I did not say a life of happiness (sudden emotion), but a life of Joy (constant hope).

After looking at the evil that is in my heart, which I am happy has been revealed to me, my Father in Heaven would be so cruel to pat me on the back and say, "Keep it Up Britt Horn."  What if His thoughts were, "I will let her sin so that she doesn't have to feel shame, guilt, or consequence." This is crazy, no parent would do this to their child.  However, I feel that we do this, and I am guilty of it.  Don't get me wrong, full life in the Lord is not about following rules, but when we obey him and walk close to Him, we are sheilded from consequences of enticing our sinful nature.  Hebrews provides great advice for us as children of a good and perfect Father, "Endure hardship and discipline; God is training you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? (vs 7).  "Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12: 10-11).  God disciplines those He loves.  Like a good father, God is on our side and wants the best for us, even if that means discipline and being counter cultural.

I am glad that the woman on the Bachelor gets to tell Mr. Dreamy that she is a virgin, but what if she walked confidently in that statement?  What if I made a conscious effort to walk confidently in my decisions to follow the disicpline of my father?  This is a scary thought, but what if I was honest about my struggle and used that as a testament to my Father who is maturing me?  I hope and pray that I do not allow the generation following me to grow up without an example of what it is like to live a life of Joy as a daughter of the King.

Loving or Cruel? Understanding the Thorn in the Flesh...

Picking out the perfect outfit, going to a fun restaurant, the perfect cup of coffee...No one would argue that these are all fun perks of the life.  They are activities and gifts that are meant to be enjoyed, and believe me, I enjoy every bit.  The struggle is that I am drawn to making decisions that make me both happy and comfortable.  Anyone that knows me, knows I am a planner.  When I think about the way I structure my days and how I make plans, the motivating factor is usually Britt (even though I hate admitting that).  It is not until something happens within the world, or my life, that I quickly tend to prioritize my plans.  Suddenly, plans start including loving, serving, and paying special attention to others.  For Christians, the top priority in life is to Glory God, to know Him, and to make Him known. When I'm at my best, my attention is focused more on who I can love and serve that day, rather than how I can please self.

This is why I finally start to understand why God sent Satan to put a thorn in Paul's flesh. It sounds like a cruel act, but the Lord caused hindrance for Paul in order to humble him.  Paul saw visions and revelations from the Lord (2 Cor. 12:1-2), he writes "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." 

Paul prayed three times for the thorn to be removed, but God did not remove it.  While the thorn remains, God promises, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (vs. 9).  Christians should not seek comfortable lives, but rather the will of God.  We see Jesus plead three times for God to "take this cup from me" in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 13:32-41), but God knew that Jesus needed to be crucified for all mankind.

Coming in to 2015, my prayer is that I'll gladly submit to Christ and pray for humility rather than comfort.  I know that I have a good father, who disciplines those he loves.  While I am not hoping for a thorn in a flesh, I do pray that the Lord disciplines me as a good father would.  As stated in Hebrews 12:5-6 "do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son....for what son is not disciplined by his father?"  I pray that I'm convicted when I start to become prideful and selfish, so that I may experience the true joy of Christ and his bigger plan.  Someone once told me that the most mature men and women in Christ see their weaknesses more clearly because they are comparing themselves to Christ and not others around them.  I hope to start seeing Christ as the standard, so that more of my weaknesses are revealed because "His Power is Made Perfect in my Weakness."

Hopefully next time I'm looking for the perfect outfit, I'll be thankful for the clothes I have. When going to a fun restaurant, I'll think about how I can encourage the people with me, more than the menu.  When enjoying coffee I'll get time to think about what a good Father I serve.  And in both fun times and trials, I'll rely on Christ's strength as I'm well aware of my weakness.

Is There a Perfect Vote?

As I pass endless signs pasted with last names and catchy slogans, I am reminded that Texas voting

is November 4th.  Local TV channels discuss weather, traffic, and move through commercials advertising each side of the ballot.  Through the propaganda and announcements, I start thinking about what makes up a good leader.  I wish there was a perfect candidate to mark on the ballot, and while I have my choices, I realize that no name on the ballot even comes close to perfection.  No republican, democrat, male, female, or fancy campaign can guarantee victory.  While many can make promises, none can keep all of their promises.

What if there was a candidate who was completely just and fair?

What if there was a candidate who was willing to physically risk their life for everyone in the country?  What if they risked their life for people who didn't even vote for them?

What if there was a candidate who could guarantee a perfect future?

What if there was a candidate who had a plan that really did guarantee satisfaction?

If this candidate was on the ballot, it would be what I call a "No Brainer."  In fact, I doubt the election would even exist.

We live in a messy world, and although He doesn't need my vote, Christ sits on His throne daily as the perfect ruler.  He sees the broken world and promises a hopeful future for those who declare Him as Christ and submit to His authority.

Whoa Hold Up -SUBMIT? I know this word gets a very negative vibe in our "I do what I want society" (Or as Lady GaGa sings, "U Do What U Want").  However, submitting to a perfect ruler who literally gives me Hope when when I have none, is a proud choice.  The submission here is not a begrudging submission, but a glad submission to a loving, faithful, and just Father.

Unlike politicians and honestly all human beings, His promises are not empty.  In fact, he has never failed to keep his Word.

In fact, roughly 700 years before Christ was born, it was prophesied in Isaiah 53 that Christ would come, he would be despised and rejected, wounded for our sins, and God would be satisfied with this perfect sacrifice.  Then, the New Testament claims all of these things true through Jesus Christ and His death on the cross.  There are countless testimonies of Christ's true promises.

Is submission easy?  No, I am weak and full of pride, but the vote is clear and Christ will walk with us through our time on earth.  "In the world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world" John 16:33.

Fair and Just: 1 John 1:9, Psalm 5:4
Sacrificial Love: John 3:16. 1 John 3:16
Perfect Future: Phil 1:6, Rev. 21:1-4
100% Satisfaction: Isaiah 58:11, Luke 6:21

I may not understand everything that happens in the world, but I'll gladly submit to the Perfect ruler.  I love Ecc 5:2 because it reminds me that my understanding is limited compared to the One who I put my vote and trust. "For God is in heaven, and you are on earth; so let your words by few."

Jer 29:11 in the Insta-Society

"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11 is a beautiful verse!  A reminder that God is good, His Will is good, and His plan is good.

The problem lies in our haste to cherry pick verses from the Bible and make them fit our lives in the
way that we want.  When seeking a new job, new house, finding a spouse, etc., plans of prosperity and hope are what we desire.  So, what's wrong with clinging to this verse? Answer: "Instant Gratification in a ME society." We want prosperity now, so we twist it upside down.

I find myself guilty of a similar act in marriage. When my wonderful husband Tom makes a claim to enjoy something that I want him to, I tend to hold on to his statement and bring it up whenever it best fits my desire.  Prime example: Chick Flicks!   I love feel good movies that involve a love story.  Does Tom love chick flicks?  Not exactly, I can think of tons of other types of "man" movies he would rather watch.  However, when there is a rare occasion that he enjoys a "Britt Flick,", I tend to use this as a bargaining point for watching another similar flick.  "Remember, you said liked 'The Proposal' and 'About Time,' you will like this movie too...." 

When revisiting the Bible for the true context of Jeremiah 29, we see that Jeremiah is speaking to the elders that have been taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar's rule.  The Lord's message is to build, plant, multiply, pray, and seek peace in Babylon despite circumstance. "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fullfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  TIME OUT:  The prosperity comes after 70 YEARS?!  Yes, you heard it right.  The question is, do we trust in God's perfect will even when the prosperity may not even come in this life? 

Does God promise prosperity, hope, and a future?  ABSOLUTELY!  Does God promise prosperity, (otherwise defined as success, wealth, security) in this life, no.  God chooses to bless and we thank Him for that, but many strong men and women in the family of God have not lived "prosperous" lives.  We are to live seeking Him knowing that our Hope and eternal security is Him.  He will deliver us from this land.

Rather than twist this passage for our benefit and hold God to a promise that he has not made, we as adopted as his sons and daughters, should cling to this: He will never leave us and does not want to harm us.  He promises Salvation, Sanctification, Mercy, and Hope.

Canon in D, Sniffles, and the True Meaning of Ruth 1:16

"Where You Go I'll Go, and Where You Stay I'll Stay." I can hear Canon in D, sniffles, and feel love in the air as this verse is so commonly referenced during wedding ceremonies.  I love weddings and as I have said before, I love LOVE!  Ruth 1:16 has always brought one word to mind: COMMITMENT.  My husband and I received a beautiful gift for our wedding with this verse written on it. I found the perfect spot and hung it up with a smile.

It was not long after our wedding that we attended another wedding.  After all, wedding season is a reality for many mid-twenties couples.  This verse was referenced and I later looked it up to read it myself with the motivation of reminiscing our own wedding.  Brace yourself: True biblical literacy brought a whole new meaning to the art on our wall.  Did you know that Ruth 1:16 is not Ruth talking to Boaz?" WHAT?!!  Shock...Guilty again, I made this passage what I wanted it to be, a girl expressing her commitment to the man of her dreams.  Had I not read the passage intently before?  Ruth is actually speaking to Naomi (her mother in law) from her first husband who had passed.

After losing her husband and two sons, Naomi speaks.  With her daughter-in-law's (Ruth and Orpah) best interest at heart she states, "Turn back, why will you go with me?  Are there still sons in my womb that will be your husbands?" AKA: Go get on "Christian Mingle," find another husband, don't stay here with an old widow like me.

"Orphah kissed her mother in law, but Ruth clung to her" Ruth 1:14. Then Ruth states, "Where You Go I'll Go and Where you Stay, I'll Stay."  Wow, that is commitment!  Not only commitment, but a selfless commitment that is going to mean hard work. Naomi can not offer Ruth anything at this point, but Ruth cares for her and is truly committed to her family.  The beauty of marriage is in the covenant, not the emotional feeling that comes and goes with circumstance.

To make a long story short: In the midst of true commitment, the Lord brings Boaz to Ruth.  He provides for her and Boaz is attracted to the kindness, commitment, and loyalty that is Ruth.  They marry, have kids, and the Lord blesses their entire family.  True biblical literacy shows me that doing right does not always mean wedding bells and happiness, doing right can be tough, but the Lord provides and He is near! 

Disclaimer #2:
#write31days has turned into write___days.  I have come to the conclusion that writing is a hobby that I enjoy.  I  love the concept of #write31days, but writing to keep up isn't my personal cup of tea in the busyness of the school year.  I love focusing on the theme "Knowing the Author" and have learned from the process.  I hope to create many more posts before the end of the month, stay tuned!