10 Things Disney can Teach us About Jesus

I don't think this post warrants much introduction, so without further adieu...


1. Woody's Boot 
In the movie Toy Story one of the main Characters 'Woody', the toy cowboy has his owner's name written on the bottom of his boot. The name 'Andy' reminds Woody that even when he is lost, even when he is taken away from Andy, even when someone else tries to cover it up, that permanently written name is still there and proves his ownership to Andy who loves him.
Jesus wrote his name on our hearts when we asked Him to come in to our lives. No matter what we do; if we run, if we try to cover it up, if we try to wipe it off, Jesus has marked us. He reminds us that we belong to Him and that He loves us enough to claim us as His children. Sometimes we get lost in the world and forget our mark but somehow Jesus always finds us again and brings us back to Him.

I thank God that my 'Soul' is marked with the name 'Jesus'.

John 1:12New International Version (NIV)

12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

2. Lilo's Perseverance
In the movie 'Lilo and Stitch', Stitch,the terrible alien, crashes on Earth and is discovered and loved by the native Hawaiian girl Lilo. Stitch is designed and programed to be destructive and designed to have no purpose in the world. Lilo, however, having such a pure childlike faith, is determined to make Stitch good.
We all need a Lilo in our life. Someone who invests in us and helps us grow in our faith, someone who disciples us. We also all need a Stitch in our life. Someone we can disciple and help grow. We are all called by God to be disciples disciplining others.

Hebrews 10:24-25New International Version (NIV)

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

3. The Hatter's Madness
As bizarre as this is, the Mad Hatter in Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland' makes a profound statement to Alice's question: "Have I gone quite mad?" He replies "You're entirely bonkers, but I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are." Everyone is going through crazy stuff. Life is full of challenges, and overwhelming situations. To assume the church is an exclusive paradise of perfect people is false. The Hatter says it best, "We're all mad here!" Let's do a little less judging and a whole lot more loving because everyone is dealing with craziness in their life.

1 John 4:8New International Version (NIV)

8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

4. The Bare Necessities 

This one hits right at home for me. I am certainly guilty of forgetting my bare necessities such as being in the word everyday and praying. I let my ministries override the very base of my faith. If I'm not practicing in the necessities then everything else is going to be strained. It's important not to forget our foundation for growth. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17New International Version (NIV)

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

5. Marlin's Love 

In Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' we see a perfect example of the distance a father would take to go after his lost son. Jesus is depicted as a shepherd in Scripture when he leaves the 99 to go after the one lost sheep. Likewise Marlin goes all the way to Sydney, Australia to find his lost son and encounters great difficulties in doing so. Same as our heavenly father who goes after the lost with endurance. 

Luke 15: 6,7

‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

6. Cinderella's Glass Slipper 

When Prince Charming ordered the hunt for the owner of the glass slipper, he searched all over the kingdom. He was determined to find his heart's desire. Many of us can remember a time when we searched all over for something to fill the big hole in our heart. When we finally found Jesus that hole was no longer there, but we were filled with His fullness and given true joy. Like Cinderella' slipper that fit just right, Jesus is that wholeness that gives us true life. 

Colossians 2:10New International Version (NIV)

10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

7. The Genie's Wishes 

I'm sure you have heard this before, but it is always a good reminder: "God is not a magic genie". We shouldn't only turn to God when we want something. Treating God like a wish granter rather than a heavenly father and great king is essentially selfishness. 

Psalm 29:2King James Version (KJV)

2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

8. Mufasa's Spirit 

Mufasa reminds Simba that even when he feels alone that he is watching over him and is in his heart. Jesus operates the same. When we feel alone and afraid, we must remember that Jesus is in our hearts and goes with us and watches over us. He will never leave us or abandon us. Even if we can't see Him, He is here. 

Psalm 121:5-8New International Version (NIV)

5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

9. The Incredibles's Talents 
Everyone has their own gifts and talents that can be used to bless others and glorify God. Each member has a unique superpower that they develop and use to contribute to their family's team effort. The Incredibles beat their enemies and saved each other from harm by functioning as a team. As a church team we need all the superpowers not just the visible ones. Everyone plays a part in helping the church grow, from the lead pastor to the custodian.

1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 (NIV)

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

10. Peter Pan's Belief

When teaching Wendy and her siblings to fly Peter Pan gives an inspirational quote "The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it. For to have faith is to have wings." Sometimes it is difficult to jump and trust Jesus to help us fly. We lose faith in our doubt, we lose faith that Jesus can do what he says. Trusting God and having faith in Him will help us soar to new heights, if only we just believe. If you're having trouble dealing with the doubt, do like Peter says and "Think happy thoughts." If you think about how Jesus will lead you and go before you, you will begin to know it in your heart that He will. 

Philippians 4:8King James Version (KJV)

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What Disney characters teach you about Jesus? Comment and Share! 

The Diagnosis of the Christian

a.

I really love crazy people. I love them so much that I have dedicated the better half of my young adult life slaving over APA style papers on Friday nights, skipping beach days to sit in stuffy monotnounous lectures, and  tossing buckets of money at universities all in order to gain an education in the field mental health counseling. One and a half degrees later... I'm getting there.
It's obtrusive into my social life, my family life, my sleeping life and all, but I do it for those future crazy people who may need me one day. That is... if I survive the next year or so.
I look forward to my career and eagerly anticipate wading in to these experiences through my practicums. But for now all I have is lots of books to study and people to observe and being an avid church goer you can imagine my range of interest.
Over the last several years, as I have dove into the the more applicable side of my degree, I have seen an alarming deficit of mental health in the world. It's heart breaking. And the worst part is that most of the people who suffer don't reach out for help until their burdens are so crushing that they can no longer stand. I see it time and time again. We wear our masks as long as we can until the cracks begin to show, we patch the cracks until they break off and leave deep cuts, then and only then do we stretch out our hands and seek rescue.
This is when the church comes in to affect. Many scoff and adamantly proclaim "The church is full of hypocrites!" Well yes, as they should be. The church is more than a place of worship. It is a hospital for the sick. People come to be healed. To be cured of brokenness. To be made well. What a lovely, lovely thing. However, like most hospitals, we as the church tend to hide the psychiatric wing. We close it off and deny ourselves the very care we need. Then comes burnout. Then comes physical ailments. Then comes even more mental discord. Why spiral around the circle? Why not tend to the symptoms before they spread? Let us be more open about the needs of the mind!
So in oder to spot the signs before they increase, let us highlight a few metaphorical disorders that Christians often deal with before hitting burn out.

1. The ADD Christian
Attention Deficit Disorder is a well know diagnosis. Everyone and their mother's brother's goldfish these days seems to have it. However those who truly are ADD know the significant woes of this disorder, including myself. However the Christian version looks like this:

Symptoms:

• Signs up for every church small group, bible study, and volunteering event, and most likely runs a few of these groups themselves.
• Has difficulty focusing on a project and which leads to incompletion. 
• Has a lot of vision but not enough time or ability. 

Solution:

• Say no.
• Delegate some responsibility to others.
• Cut some things off your schedule and limit yourself on what you take on.
• Reorganize your priorities with God as #1. If you're not making time for him, then everything else will go to pot. 

b.

2. The Anger Management Christian

Unfortunetly the spirit of offense is rampant in the church. I can't tell you how many times I have heard the phrase, "I don't go to church anymore because someone there offended me." Well welcome to the United States of America. It's not just the church full of offenders, it is this world, and anyone living in it is going to offend someone at some point in time. Christians however are held to a higher standard and are often dehumanized by their own kind. It is essential to recognize that we are all sinners and we are all at different levels as we try to be like Christ. So forgive one another and release that white knuckled grip of bitterness. 

Symptoms:

• Easily roused to anger.
• Quick to speak and quick to judge.
• Frequently holding a grudge.
• Often feeling offended. 

Solution:

• Seek out past bitterness and ask forgiveness.
• Forgive those who hurt you. 
• Seek the good in others. If you go looking for bad. I assure you that you will find it. 
• Pray for those who hurt you and pray for peace in your soul.
• Think before speaking. 

c.

3. The Multiple Personalities Christian

Though there has never been  a true recording of "split personalities" in psychological history there is a significant population of Christians who I would say show more than one face. 

Symptoms:

• Come to church with their best face on.
• Go to places outside the church with their true face on. 
• Have difficulty balancing both worlds.

Solution:

• You cannot blend the two, so choose one.
• Be honest with your self and others. 

d.

4. The Traumatized Christian

Unfortunately we live in a fallen world and many people, even good people, have experienced some terrible things. This can have a complicated effect on a person's future and influence their perceptions of others. Past traumas cause future fears. This is especially inclusive of the relationship between you and God. 

Symptoms:

• Does not trust others.
• Has difficulty developing intimate relationships. 
• Crippled by insecurities. 
• Fears future hurts that have yet to develop. 

Solution:

• Pray. Only God can heal the brokenhearted. 
• Seek out someone to mentor you and help you develop trust. 

e.

5. The Depressed Christian

Life can be overwhelming sometimes and wanting to give up on life is an easy relief. Many people choose this option in order to check out of the world's problems. However God can give us an unexplainable joy that does not fade and it begins with giving your life to Him. 

Symptoms:

• An overwhelming sense of hopelessness.
• Gives up on hobbies and passions.
• resorts to numbing the pain through different means. 
• Feels separated from others and God

Solution:

• Investigate origination of sadness. 
• Evaluate and remove unhealthy relationships from life. 
• Seek joy through Christ. 

f.

6. The Anxious Christian

It is so natural to worry. Many of us are very skilled at this task. Life is hectic and crazy and it seems there is always something to worry and stress about. It can be crippling at times. I often find myself lying in bed at night contemplating future woes such as towering student loans, the ever-glowing check engine light on my dashboard, and such extreme far-fetched ideas like "What will I do if I become a parent and totally mess up my kids because I'm bad at it?" or "My husband hasn't called in a while, what if he got into a car accident on the way home!". It's pure insanity but we find the "what if's" so sensible in the moment. We try and see so far into the future that often times we lack the simple ability of experiencing the present. We must acknowledge these maladaptive behaviors and seek peace in the things we cannot change. 

Symptoms: 

• Stressing about things in the future that are unpredictable. 
• Unable to focus on present. 
• Assumes worse case scenario. 
• Worries about things that cannot be helped. 

Solution:

• Practice correcting your hurtful thoughts and refocus them in positivity. 
• Do what you can in the natural and trust God for the supernatural. 
• Pray about everything.
• Let go of what you cannot control and let God. 
• Remind yourself to breathe. It's going to be ok. 

g. 

If you feel that you can relate to the above, please note, you are NOT alone. The church is a place of healing, a place of hope, and a place of understanding. Let us as the body "bear one another burdens" like it says in Galatians 6, and be that person that grasps the outstretched hand of the hurting rather than turning a blind eye to their brokenness. My pastor pointed out in our leadership meeting last evening that "Loving God with all our soul and strength means ministering to people even when it's emotionally draining, inconvenient, and even irritating." But if we are going to be like christ we are called to be there for one another. 

So let us reach out. Both ways. If you are hurting reach out for help and those who able to help reach out to those who are hurting. If we shoulder one another burdens, the load will not be so heavy. 

h. 

a. http://www.riskmanagementmonitor.com/author-dan-gardner-talks-risk-decisions-and-psychology-at-the-2012-rims-canada-conference/

b. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/5a/de/3d/5ade3de2168cc3ab8a10ad4cc07a17d2.jpg

c. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/6d/88/48/6d8848b77330c3daaefd12569de1b440.jpg

d. http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/one-minute-your-posts-are-cussing-people-out-next-minute-youre-quoting-scriptures-can-both-fresh-water-and-salt-water-flow-from-the-same-spring-f6a06.png
e. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/17/e5/17/17e517b3aada737bb5812135651c2753.jpg
f. http://in1.ccio.co/JE/fE/a6/e5cb809701f8d2e6340c2c5d3eff887f.jpg?iw=300
g. http://www.jennifershopeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ANXIETY.png
h. https://rogernewberrydotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/01-bearing-one-anothers-burdens4.jpg

6 Sayings I'm Sick of Hearing from Married Couples

In honor of this Sunday being my husband and I's first wedding anniversary I thought I would release a new post. This one is a little feisty... so seat belts everyone! We are taking a quick ride on the soap box express!

As soon as my darling husband Evan proposed in December of 2013, our relationship suddenly became a topic of interest. Everyone and their mother's brother wanted to give us "advice". Some was pleasant and endearing but unfortunately the bulk of these little conversations was blatantly negative. I was shocked by the world's view of marriage. People seemed to focus on the tragedies of marriage rather than the wholesome beauty of the commitment. Furthermore, even in to almost a year of marriage we are still hearing such life-draining advocacy for marriage being a dead end rather than a journey. It's exhausting. So without further adieu... 

Here are 6 Sayings I'm Sick of Hearing from Married Couples

1. "Aww, you're just in the honeymoon stage."

I have heard this saying more times than I can bear in the past 12 months. Anytime Evan and I are being silly and sweet in public someone (mostly strangers) make this comment. We may be newlyweds but the honeymoon lasts as long as you let it. My pastor quoted this past Sunday in service "My wife and I have been married 24 years and we are still on our honeymoon." 

This is how marriage should be. Don't let the fire die after the suitcases are unpacked! Keep adding kindling! 

2. It's all downhill from here!"

Well the best part of the roller coaster is the drop... so I'm game! 

3. "The old ball and chain"

I have heard this phrase several times in T.V. shows, movies, and by people who have been married for a while. I don't know how this quote became so popular but it's rather unpleasant. Marriage is not a cage but an open door! Adventure does not end after the "I do's", but begins! 

4. "The first 6 months are the hardest." (or something to that equivalent).

A week before Evan and I got married a young married couple emphasized to us how hard the first six months were going to be and they "just wanted us to be prepared". As endearing as this is, the fact of the matter is that every relationship is different. Your struggles will not be the same as our struggles. Some couples told us the first year is the hardest, some said the first three years, others said the first three months. It's all different for everyone. More importantly though is how you A) prepare for marriage and B) how you invest in your marriage. Evan and I had a pretty strong base dating for 5 and 1/2 years before we married. We felt pretty confident going in, however there is always that learning curve. We went through some challenges in the beginning as many new couples do. Not anything threatening just normal growing up stuff, like learning how to make a budget for our home and learning each others particular style of doing laundry. I wouldn't consider this a hard season though. It was new, fun, interesting, and exciting.... because we had that positive perspective. We could have just as easily looked at these experiences and stamped them in our memories as difficult. It's all about how you look at it and how you react. I can happily say that our first year of marriage was a blast! I hope the same for others too. 

5. "Don't you wish you had a guy like (insert fictional movie/book character)?" 

The men and women in movies/books are NOT real and they DO NOT depict real life. Indulging in thoughts like these just creates an unrealistic standard that is unfair for us to hold our spouse to. I wouldn't want Evan to hold me to the standard of women on T.V. with their tiny waist, big chest, and flawless skin and hair. So why would I hold him to the standards of the men on these shows. Even reality shows are fake and must be interpreted as such. Let's keep things real. I really love my real husband with all his real flaws and real features. 

6. "But the divorce rate is so high!"

Well frankly I would like the change that statistic. Evan and I made a promise to one another that we were going to stick it out till the end. The "D" word is not allowed in our marriage vocabulary. We don't even make it an option. If something in our marriage gets broken, we're not going to throw it out. We're going to fix it and make it better than it was before. I don't want to be another statistic. Marriage matters people! If other marriages fall apart around me, it will only encourage me to fortify mine. 

The point of all of these ramblings is this: Don't speak negativity. Speak life. What you say can affect people. You have the power to uplift or to destroy. Let your words be an encouragement not a discouragement. Don't even allow yourself to poison someone else's thoughts due to your own bitterness. 

Marriage matters! Monogamy is not unrealistic! Marriage rocks! Let's tell people so! Media portrays marriage as a joke. Let's change societies perceptive of marriage by encouraging each other not discouraging one another. 

#marriagematters 

6 Lessons from the Best Western

I am always amazed at the journey God takes us through when we dedicate our lives to Him. I'm a Psychology major working on my master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and yet have spent almost a year working in the hospitality industry. For whatever reason God led me here and I believe that God speaks to us even in our random experiences. There is always a purpose, So through working at two different Best Western's over the past 11 months here is what I have learned.

1. Trust God
After my husband and I got married this past July we moved back to Springfield, MO so Evan could finish his schooling.  We had a lot of uncertainty of what was needed for him to graduate so we moved in to a sketchy little apartment that operated in a month-by-month lease, registered him for a full load of classes, and then prayed to God that we found jobs ASAP to support all of this. I applied in multiple locations with little luck. I had a variety of experience in the professional world so many businesses were hesitant to hire me due to "over qualification". I was perturbed. I had a fancy four year private college degree and had nothing to do with it other than go to graduate school. Finally after responding to a craigslist ad with great desperation and humility I applied for a position as a housekeeper at a local hotel. I interviewed that afternoon and the manger referred me over to another hotel they were partners with for a front desk position.  The next day I met my wonderful future GM Brandy. She hired me that day and I started working the front desk two days later.
I had never worked the hotel industry before but God's hands were certainly in this. Evan and I had been praying daily for jobs and were beginning to fear that we wouldn't be able to pay rent. Every day I would read scripture with my morning coffee and sure enough God made a way. I truly learned to trust God in all things.

Matthew 10:29-31

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

2. Appreciate the Little Things

My shift at the Best Western Rt, 66 Rail Haven started at 7AM so every morning I drove the short route from my apartment to the hotel. During this time there was always a beautiful sunrise beaming up over the silhouettes of the little town. I have never seen such beautiful sight. I would thank God for the sunrise often and I learned just how important it is to see the little beauties of daily life. Instead of grumbling and complaining about the early hours or that we didn't get enough sleep the night before, I learned to choose to enjoy each morning as God's gift to me. I learned thankfulness. 

Lamentations 3:22-23New International Version (NIV)

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

3. Listen to the Stories of Others

My GM at the Springfield Best Western taught me a lot about life. I got to know her over the time I was there and she told me different things about her life that inspired me. She was a fearless woman who rose out of a bad situation and provided for her and her son. She started as a housekeeper and worked her way up from there. She is now the General Manger of a beautiful vintage themed hotel. I think it is important to take the time to hear people's stories. Everyone has a story and we can all learn something from one another. We often dehumanize each other and thus we miss out on valuable life lessons due to our own inhibitions. 

I cried in Brandy's office the day I told her I was leaving. Evan was starting a job back home in Florida and we were moving back in two weeks. I had never felt so sad to leave a job. 

4. Hurting People Hurt People

The hotel industry can be frustrating just as many jobs can. I began to get irritated by guests constantly complaining about silly things. One day a woman came up to the front desk at the Best Western in Florida and chewed me out because her lightbulb was out in her room lamp and then proceeded to complain about everything in the hotel. I was so angry I was shaking after she left and my voice wobbled as I called in the maintenance request over the radio. I wanted so badly to tell that woman what was up and give her a taste of her own crudeness. How could anyone be so miserable while on vacation at the beach??? The next day I saw the woman pass by the desk, however she was not alone. She was pushing a young girl in a wheel chair who was hooked up to several tubes and looked very frail. Turns out the girl was the woman's daughter and was dying from a rare form of cancer. I instantly understood the woman's outburst. I remembered a quote my pastor told me once, "hurting people hurt people." Sometimes we must have compassion on those who slander. They may not know how to cope with the pain they are dealing with so they release it on others. I learned to have more compassion and empathy that day. 

Matthew 18:21-22New International Version (NIV)

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]

5. Don't Check Out

Many times I found myself just going through life. We often get in a rut where we clock in and out, make the same commute back and forth, and simply try and get through the day. This really isn't the way to live. I found myself totally checked out of life and just getting on with the hum drum of my daily routine. I realized one day that because of this "checked out" state I was missing vital opportunities to learn. grow, and minster to others. Many times God gives us the open doors we pray for, but we don't see them because we are tunnel visioned on getting through to the weekend. 

Ephesians 5:14New International Version (NIV)

14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,

    and Christ will shine on you.”

6. Know Your Priorities 

In my career counseling class a few weeks ago we read a short story about a fisherman who would go out everyday and fish for a while, catch a few fish, sell some at the market and take the rest home to his family. Once he had done that he would go home take a siesta with his wife, play with his children, and share a hot meal with his family. One day he meets a  businessman who tries to convince him to grow his fishing business. he explains that he can catch more fish, get more boats, and run a whole fish canning industry. The businessman explains that then the fisherman can then retire and do whatever he wants. The fisherman replies, "I'm already doing exactly what I want. I fish on the lake, I have a siesta with my wife, I play with my children, and enjoy a hot meal with them every evening." 

The fisherman has wisdom that I believe many people turn a blind eye too. We admire the "keeping up with the Jones's" mentality and forget our priorities in the process. I realized in that class that I was reaching for a unrealistic goal and moving away from my true joys in life. I felt very privileged that I had been given a promotion and was working a well-paying manager job, however I was missing several church functions, loosing out on valuable time with my husband and friends, and tearing my hair out with the monstrous stress that comes with the job. I finally reached a breaking point. The lightbulb finally flickered on and I realized... "this is not worth the money." What does it matter about price when the cost is too high? 

Matthew 6:24New International Version (NIV)

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

So today I clocked out for the last time from the good ol' Bestie Westie. I'm thankful for the time I spent there and for the many interesting things I learned there. It's brilliant the places God takes us. Even when we don't really know why we are in a place, there is purpose for everything. 

Monday I start my new job and a new adventure. My wonderful church hired me on as an administrative assistant and I can't wait. I finally understand the quote "do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." I am truly, truly blessed!
Thank you everyone for this past season, God Bless you all!