Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
Dec. 9, 2004, Page 8
The sounds of the seasons seem to be all around us this time of the year. Christmas music began playing well before Thanksgiving.
Every time I hear “Mary, did you know?”(sung by Kenny Rogers & Wynonna Judd) it makes me stop and wonder.
This simple song describes the things that Christ would do for the world; heal the blind, calm a storm, allow the deaf to hear, make the lame walk, raise the dead and deliver the world. The phrase, “Mary, did you know?” is constantly repeated. And it makes me wonder; did Mary realize what she was holding? Holding the child that would save the world, was not necessarily a normal child.
One story that tells of how Jesus was different was when Jesus stays behind at the Temple to talk to the teachers and preachers. When Mary and Joseph finally found him, Mary said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
Jesus responded, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:48-49).
Unfortunately, Jesus’ parents didn’t understand this statement until later. But eventually they realized how special their son was. This was the boy who would grow up to save them and all generations to come.
Sometimes we just don’t know, but sometimes that’s ok. Mary, of course, knew that she was caring for someone very special after the angel Gabriel told sher what was to come.
Mary, questioned this at the time, but after the angel reassured her and responded, “for nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Mary, was willing to take on this responsibility.
There is great responsibility that gives us uncertainty in an undecided world. But do not be afraid; have faith and trust in God.
Showing posts with label Kaylene Vieselmeyer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kaylene Vieselmeyer. Show all posts
Monday, May 7, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Life’s lemons
Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
May 6, 2004, Page 4
Finishing faithfully! This catchy phrase can help describe the final stretches of the school year. I also heard someone call it today, “a rush to the end.” So how can we finish it all and yet maintain our sanity. Well, for starters we can’t do it all in one day, even God took six days to create the universe and then rested on the seventh day (Genesis 1-2).
When it comes to finishing the race faithfully the first thing is about sometimes starting correctly or maintaining the course. Now we may have false started at the beginning, tripped on a hurdle or just got off the course. The important thing is that you finish. It’s true that many times we won’t win the race , but the important thing is that we started the course and finished.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers when ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may mature and complete, not lacking nothing” James 1:2-4.
Out of this race of life we have gained maturity, wisdom, patience and perseverance. The same is true for our time at Doane. Many times its easy to get off course and forget the reason that we are here. We may trip at the beginning, be stopped by a hurdle or just deviate off the course. But the main thing is to finish what we begin. For many seniors this will be some of their last days at Doane and we wish you the best as you have grown in this maturity and use this knowledge granted!
The course maybe uncertain, but do not give up hope and more importantly never lose sight of the end. Finishing faithfully means believing to the end! Just like Paul put it, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained” Philippians 3:14-16.
More importantly just remember that the growing pains of life may over take us sometimes, but they need not defeat us. Chart your course on Christ and you will never go wrong, it may not be easy, but He will see you to the end!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
Columnist
May 6, 2004, Page 4
Finishing faithfully! This catchy phrase can help describe the final stretches of the school year. I also heard someone call it today, “a rush to the end.” So how can we finish it all and yet maintain our sanity. Well, for starters we can’t do it all in one day, even God took six days to create the universe and then rested on the seventh day (Genesis 1-2).
When it comes to finishing the race faithfully the first thing is about sometimes starting correctly or maintaining the course. Now we may have false started at the beginning, tripped on a hurdle or just got off the course. The important thing is that you finish. It’s true that many times we won’t win the race , but the important thing is that we started the course and finished.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers when ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may mature and complete, not lacking nothing” James 1:2-4.
Out of this race of life we have gained maturity, wisdom, patience and perseverance. The same is true for our time at Doane. Many times its easy to get off course and forget the reason that we are here. We may trip at the beginning, be stopped by a hurdle or just deviate off the course. But the main thing is to finish what we begin. For many seniors this will be some of their last days at Doane and we wish you the best as you have grown in this maturity and use this knowledge granted!
The course maybe uncertain, but do not give up hope and more importantly never lose sight of the end. Finishing faithfully means believing to the end! Just like Paul put it, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained” Philippians 3:14-16.
More importantly just remember that the growing pains of life may over take us sometimes, but they need not defeat us. Chart your course on Christ and you will never go wrong, it may not be easy, but He will see you to the end!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Life’s lemons
Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
April 29, 2004, Page 6
Ever tried putting together a puzzle in the dark or putting it together without looking at the picture from the box?
Isn’t it true that our life is full of lemons of puzzle pieces that we try to put together?
Many of the pieces of life are easy to place, some may be broken and others may not fit right.
These pieces are the pieces of our life; they are things that challenge us, the problems, the stresses, the highs, the lows, the fears, the anger, the frustration, the joy, the laughter, the tears, the hate, the love and the list goes on and on.
Whatever the pieces of the puzzle are, they make up our lives.
But imagine life without these pieces, how would we grow? These pieces are the parts of our life that make our life exactly what it is and exactly what God intended it to be.
Granted we don’t always find the easiest puzzles to put together and we try to do it on our own.
Many times we think we know the right places for the pieces, but then we find out they just don’t fit. God then pulls us aside and places the pieces together.
Faith is a lot like that. We can’t always understand why we need it, but we do need it and we are so glad when Christ helps us to use it.
We are truly blessed that we do have the ability to come to Christ, either in prayer, in His Word or listening to a friend that has something special to say that can help our puzzle.
The best part about our puzzle is we don’t have to put it together alone.
God is there guiding the way. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
God’s promises to be there helping us to fit it all together.
It is true that right now we can’t see how all the pieces of the puzzle fit, but God can! The best part is He has already completed the picture.
“I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).
So when the pieces don’t fit or they don’t seem to make sense—don’t worry about it. We are not suppose to know how they fit—that’s God’s job!
Just let Him put the puzzle together!
Columnist
April 29, 2004, Page 6
Ever tried putting together a puzzle in the dark or putting it together without looking at the picture from the box?
Isn’t it true that our life is full of lemons of puzzle pieces that we try to put together?
Many of the pieces of life are easy to place, some may be broken and others may not fit right.
These pieces are the pieces of our life; they are things that challenge us, the problems, the stresses, the highs, the lows, the fears, the anger, the frustration, the joy, the laughter, the tears, the hate, the love and the list goes on and on.
Whatever the pieces of the puzzle are, they make up our lives.
But imagine life without these pieces, how would we grow? These pieces are the parts of our life that make our life exactly what it is and exactly what God intended it to be.
Granted we don’t always find the easiest puzzles to put together and we try to do it on our own.
Many times we think we know the right places for the pieces, but then we find out they just don’t fit. God then pulls us aside and places the pieces together.
Faith is a lot like that. We can’t always understand why we need it, but we do need it and we are so glad when Christ helps us to use it.
We are truly blessed that we do have the ability to come to Christ, either in prayer, in His Word or listening to a friend that has something special to say that can help our puzzle.
The best part about our puzzle is we don’t have to put it together alone.
God is there guiding the way. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
God’s promises to be there helping us to fit it all together.
It is true that right now we can’t see how all the pieces of the puzzle fit, but God can! The best part is He has already completed the picture.
“I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).
So when the pieces don’t fit or they don’t seem to make sense—don’t worry about it. We are not suppose to know how they fit—that’s God’s job!
Just let Him put the puzzle together!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Column: Life’s lemons
Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
April 22, 2004, Page 4
The flip-flop season is upon us.
The sound of plastic flopping down the path and the sight of bare toes exposed to the cool spring air reminds me of service.
Feet are a frequent topic in the Bible. Feet are a symbol of service and how we are to serve one another.
I realized after a road march this weekend how important it is to take care of your feet and the feet of those around you. When the blisters come the trail seems to grow longer.
It seems the older we get the harder it is to look at them. Each callus, each blister and each crocked nail reminds us of the roads we have all been down.
The service of feet was especially important during Bible times since everyone wore sandals.
Feet would become very dirty from the sand and dirt roads which they traveled on.
Traveling by foot was usually the only way to travel.
In Luke chapter 9 we are reminded of how important the feet of Jesus were.
"When a women who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." (Luke 9:37-38)
Jesus used this symbol of feet to show something to His disciples. In the Gospel of John we find how Jesus washed each disciples feet.
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ He asked them. You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:10-17).
Jesus asks us to do the dirty things and the tough things for each other, even if it involves washing each others feet.
Doing for others as He has done for us. No matter the roads or trails that we travel our feet will be guided by Christ.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105).
Columnist
April 22, 2004, Page 4
The flip-flop season is upon us.
The sound of plastic flopping down the path and the sight of bare toes exposed to the cool spring air reminds me of service.
Feet are a frequent topic in the Bible. Feet are a symbol of service and how we are to serve one another.
I realized after a road march this weekend how important it is to take care of your feet and the feet of those around you. When the blisters come the trail seems to grow longer.
It seems the older we get the harder it is to look at them. Each callus, each blister and each crocked nail reminds us of the roads we have all been down.
The service of feet was especially important during Bible times since everyone wore sandals.
Feet would become very dirty from the sand and dirt roads which they traveled on.
Traveling by foot was usually the only way to travel.
In Luke chapter 9 we are reminded of how important the feet of Jesus were.
"When a women who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." (Luke 9:37-38)
Jesus used this symbol of feet to show something to His disciples. In the Gospel of John we find how Jesus washed each disciples feet.
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ He asked them. You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:10-17).
Jesus asks us to do the dirty things and the tough things for each other, even if it involves washing each others feet.
Doing for others as He has done for us. No matter the roads or trails that we travel our feet will be guided by Christ.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105).
Monday, April 2, 2007
Life’s lemons
Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
April 15, 2004, Page 4
How big was the stone? This question came to mind this weekend as I pondered the Easter season.
It seems as though the stone that was placed in front of the tomb of Jesus was a concern and is mentioned by each Gospel writer.
Matthew talks about how an earthquake came upon the earth and an angel rolled the stone way (Matthew 28:2). In Mark when the women were going to the tomb they asked one another, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they came to the tomb it was already rolled away (Mark 16 :3). Luke and John also mention how it was rolled away from the entrance of the tomb. (Luke 24:2 & John 20:1).
It is interesting that each account of the Resurrection mentions something about how the stone was rolled away. A minor detail, but a very big significance for the story!
Try to imagine the size of the stone or the tomb itself. The best idea when I think of stones or boulders is the magnificent rocks in the “Garden of the Gods” in Colorado.
These huge rocks tower over the land.
When I look at photos that were taken of my family next to these rocks it helps me realize just how small we really are.
Imagine a huge stone in front of the tomb of Christ. Most likely it took several people to roll it over to the entrance.
It is true that many times in our own lives we have a huge stone or boulder in our life that keep us from seeing Jesus.
Maybe we know and accept the risen Lord, but there is always something that we feel we need to do first; we have to finish this project or that job and don’t seem to have the time for Jesus.
Amazingly enough Jesus is all the time we need. His death wasn’t anything fancy, in fact it was horrifying and terrible. He endured tremendous torment, beating and insulting word. But He endured it all and on the third day the stone was rolled away allowing us to see the risen Christ.
It is still true today in our own lives and the stones that we build up. Maybe the stones are things like money, greed, envy, jealously, lust, self-centeredness, anger and the list goes on.
These things block our view of Jesus. Even our own busyness can get in the way of the One who really matters.
So find the stone that is blocking the light of Christ and ask Christ to remove it. Trust Him—He has the power to move mountains!
Columnist
April 15, 2004, Page 4
How big was the stone? This question came to mind this weekend as I pondered the Easter season.
It seems as though the stone that was placed in front of the tomb of Jesus was a concern and is mentioned by each Gospel writer.
Matthew talks about how an earthquake came upon the earth and an angel rolled the stone way (Matthew 28:2). In Mark when the women were going to the tomb they asked one another, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they came to the tomb it was already rolled away (Mark 16 :3). Luke and John also mention how it was rolled away from the entrance of the tomb. (Luke 24:2 & John 20:1).
It is interesting that each account of the Resurrection mentions something about how the stone was rolled away. A minor detail, but a very big significance for the story!
Try to imagine the size of the stone or the tomb itself. The best idea when I think of stones or boulders is the magnificent rocks in the “Garden of the Gods” in Colorado.
These huge rocks tower over the land.
When I look at photos that were taken of my family next to these rocks it helps me realize just how small we really are.
Imagine a huge stone in front of the tomb of Christ. Most likely it took several people to roll it over to the entrance.
It is true that many times in our own lives we have a huge stone or boulder in our life that keep us from seeing Jesus.
Maybe we know and accept the risen Lord, but there is always something that we feel we need to do first; we have to finish this project or that job and don’t seem to have the time for Jesus.
Amazingly enough Jesus is all the time we need. His death wasn’t anything fancy, in fact it was horrifying and terrible. He endured tremendous torment, beating and insulting word. But He endured it all and on the third day the stone was rolled away allowing us to see the risen Christ.
It is still true today in our own lives and the stones that we build up. Maybe the stones are things like money, greed, envy, jealously, lust, self-centeredness, anger and the list goes on.
These things block our view of Jesus. Even our own busyness can get in the way of the One who really matters.
So find the stone that is blocking the light of Christ and ask Christ to remove it. Trust Him—He has the power to move mountains!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Life’s lemons
Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
April 8, 2004, Page 4
Some amazing things come from laughter.
It seems as though God Himself even has a touch of humor.
One story that reminds me of this humor is the story about a man named Balaam. Balaam was instructed by God to do what he was told. Balaam decided that he would rather do what he wanted and go where God had not commanded him.
God sent an angel to stand in the road on which Balaam was traveling (Numbers 22).
The irony of this story is the fact that this angel could only be seen by the donkey. Balaam was riding on the donkey. Because the donkey could see this angel it decided to stop. Balaam became frustrated with the donkey and beat it each time the donkey would not move.
This happened three times before the Lord finally opened the donkey’s mouth, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”
“Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.’”
“The donkey said to Balaam, ‘Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you’?”
“No,” he said.
“Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell face down. The angel of the Lord asked him, ‘Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me,’” (Numbers 22: 28-32).
Isn’t it amazing the techniques and circumstances that God uses to help keep us on the right path? Although this story of a talking donkey is quite comical, it shows us much truth.
There are many things out there that God will continue to use to keep us going on the right path.
I’m not sure if He would make our car talk to keep us on the right path, but, hey, who knows! The path that the angel was describing wasn’t exactly a path of dirt or concrete, but a path which can detour us from God.
Many times it’s true we set out on our own thinking that we are going in the right direction, but then it turns into a ‘reckless one.’ We feel as though we can do it all alone, but God always has a way of bringing us back—even if it turns out to be a talking donkey!
Columnist
April 8, 2004, Page 4
Some amazing things come from laughter.
It seems as though God Himself even has a touch of humor.
One story that reminds me of this humor is the story about a man named Balaam. Balaam was instructed by God to do what he was told. Balaam decided that he would rather do what he wanted and go where God had not commanded him.
God sent an angel to stand in the road on which Balaam was traveling (Numbers 22).
The irony of this story is the fact that this angel could only be seen by the donkey. Balaam was riding on the donkey. Because the donkey could see this angel it decided to stop. Balaam became frustrated with the donkey and beat it each time the donkey would not move.
This happened three times before the Lord finally opened the donkey’s mouth, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”
“Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.’”
“The donkey said to Balaam, ‘Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you’?”
“No,” he said.
“Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell face down. The angel of the Lord asked him, ‘Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me,’” (Numbers 22: 28-32).
Isn’t it amazing the techniques and circumstances that God uses to help keep us on the right path? Although this story of a talking donkey is quite comical, it shows us much truth.
There are many things out there that God will continue to use to keep us going on the right path.
I’m not sure if He would make our car talk to keep us on the right path, but, hey, who knows! The path that the angel was describing wasn’t exactly a path of dirt or concrete, but a path which can detour us from God.
Many times it’s true we set out on our own thinking that we are going in the right direction, but then it turns into a ‘reckless one.’ We feel as though we can do it all alone, but God always has a way of bringing us back—even if it turns out to be a talking donkey!
Holy Week explores opinions of Christ
Amanda Millard
Editor in Chief
April 1, 2004, Page 3
Doane’s Christian organizations will be “constructing the composite Christ” with a dedication to Holy Week that begins Sunday night and ends with a concert Thursday.
The idea began with a small group of students attending chapel and enrolled in Arnold Betz’s historical Jesus class. Seniors Jeff Daniels and Chris “Howie” Howard; junior Kaylene Vieselmeyer; and freshman Robbie Trent began discussing this idea at the end of last semester. Doane Chaplin Jeff Hagamann said he wanted people to really stretch their image of who Jesus was and is to them.
Junior Kaylene Vieselmeyer, who helped coordinate the event, said she thought it was good to go back to Doane motto engraved on the Bell Tower—“We build on Christ.”
“I think it will be a great representation of how the campus feels about Christ,” Vieselmeyer said.
An image of Christ will be present in the Great Hall Sunday through Thursday. Students can share their ideas of who they believe Christ is by writing their thoughts on a wall in the Great Hall of Perry Campus Center.
A panel of faulty will talk about their images of Jesus Christ and beginning 6 p.m. Sunday in the Great Hall. The panelists are Kathleen Tallman, assistant biology professor; Arnold Betz, assistant professor of religion; and Tom King, associate professor of secondary education. Students are encouraged to participate in the discussion.
The Christian organizations will each sponsor a day of the week. The Newman Club is sponsoring Monday, Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) will sponsor Tuesday and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) will sponsor Wednesday. The Newman Club will have an image on the wall and will discuss the Easter Triduum—the three day period from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday—at their meeting 8 p.m. Monday in Communications Building Room 30.
CCC’s view of Christ for Tuesday is “Christ as a savior.”
FCA will have a mural and is sponsoring a concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Cassel Open Air Theatre. The concert will feature “After the Order,” an up and coming Christian rock band. howie&scott will open for them. The wall that was up during the week will be put up behind the performers.
Senior Raye Wilmes, Newman Club president, said she thought Holy Week was a good idea.
“It allows students to take a step back and see what our Lord went through,” Wilmes said.
Senior Liz Wells, a member of the Newman Club and CCC agreed.“A lot of people forget a lot of the preparation that goes on before Easter. Also, we’re a Christian college and we don’t do many Christian events,” Wells said.
Trent said that he thought the week might start off slow but would pick up as people gained interest:
“Hopefully it will be the beginning of a tradition.”
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Life's Lemons
Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
April 1, 2004, Page 4
It seems as though many times there is much pain before the gain.
We must endure some type of soreness before we can succeed.
There are always those long, late night studying hours and constant homework assignments that must be done before the test.
Once the test has been taken it is used to show our understanding. The pain in the studying helps to show us where we need to be or how far we have come.
The military even uses a physical fitness test to evaluate where their men and women are physically. This test consists of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, running or swimming and is used to gauge how fit individuals are.
The same was with Jesus; He endured soreness before His test. Jesus was in the desert for 40 days and during this time he was tempted by the devil.
We know from Luke chapter four that Jesus never gave into these temptations. He stood His ground and persisted through the temptations.
The apostle Paul discusses pain this way; “For Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Corinthians 12: 10.
The same is true for our own lives. God uses many things to help keep us on the straight and narrow. Our tests are usually miserable and do create pain, but these situations help prepare us for far greater tests.
Christ’s preparation through His temptation was in a sense used to help Him prepare for His ultimate test and sacrifice—death on the cross. This test was something that He did for us so we could win forgiveness. At any time He could have decided not to take this test, but He didn’t. Jesus chose death for us so that we could have life. He scored a perfect 100 percents on this test and rose from the grave.
Now its our turn to take a test of faith and answer the following:
1) Who/what is the most important thing in my life?
2) Would I sacrifice everything I have for this?
3) Am I willing to fight through the pain in life to finish to the end.
Remember these questions can’t be answered without Christ‘s help; His score was perfect.
Sometimes there will be a storm before the rain, but once the rain stops the beauty of the Son shines through and a rainbow is revealed.
Columnist
April 1, 2004, Page 4
It seems as though many times there is much pain before the gain.
We must endure some type of soreness before we can succeed.
There are always those long, late night studying hours and constant homework assignments that must be done before the test.
Once the test has been taken it is used to show our understanding. The pain in the studying helps to show us where we need to be or how far we have come.
The military even uses a physical fitness test to evaluate where their men and women are physically. This test consists of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, running or swimming and is used to gauge how fit individuals are.
The same was with Jesus; He endured soreness before His test. Jesus was in the desert for 40 days and during this time he was tempted by the devil.
We know from Luke chapter four that Jesus never gave into these temptations. He stood His ground and persisted through the temptations.
The apostle Paul discusses pain this way; “For Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Corinthians 12: 10.
The same is true for our own lives. God uses many things to help keep us on the straight and narrow. Our tests are usually miserable and do create pain, but these situations help prepare us for far greater tests.
Christ’s preparation through His temptation was in a sense used to help Him prepare for His ultimate test and sacrifice—death on the cross. This test was something that He did for us so we could win forgiveness. At any time He could have decided not to take this test, but He didn’t. Jesus chose death for us so that we could have life. He scored a perfect 100 percents on this test and rose from the grave.
Now its our turn to take a test of faith and answer the following:
1) Who/what is the most important thing in my life?
2) Would I sacrifice everything I have for this?
3) Am I willing to fight through the pain in life to finish to the end.
Remember these questions can’t be answered without Christ‘s help; His score was perfect.
Sometimes there will be a storm before the rain, but once the rain stops the beauty of the Son shines through and a rainbow is revealed.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Life’s Lemons: Learning who both Jesus and you are takes time
Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
Mar. 4, 2004, Page 6
“Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are.”
These words are from the chorus of “Who Am I,” by Casting Crowns.
This song is describing Jesus and who he is and what he does for us.
The amazing thing about this song is it reminds us of how we so often try it alone.
We feel that we have to do everything by ourselves. Sometimes this works, but other times we are more successful when we reason a problem out together.
Just think about all the things that we relay on each other for our every day needs.
Everything we own was probably created or grown by someone else.
The list is almost endless of all the things that we have and all the people that help us through this world.
The song above actually raises a question, “Who Am I?”
For many of us that is a tough one, but it is something that we can answer over time and with the help of others and especially when we listen to Jesus.
“…I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours...”
The answer is simple. Once you accept it won’t be an easy road.
It will be a road that was never intended to be easy, but one that He will always promise to be near.
Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches.
If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
It is because of who He is, not because of who we are.
Columnist
Mar. 4, 2004, Page 6
“Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are.”
These words are from the chorus of “Who Am I,” by Casting Crowns.
This song is describing Jesus and who he is and what he does for us.
The amazing thing about this song is it reminds us of how we so often try it alone.
We feel that we have to do everything by ourselves. Sometimes this works, but other times we are more successful when we reason a problem out together.
Just think about all the things that we relay on each other for our every day needs.
Everything we own was probably created or grown by someone else.
The list is almost endless of all the things that we have and all the people that help us through this world.
The song above actually raises a question, “Who Am I?”
For many of us that is a tough one, but it is something that we can answer over time and with the help of others and especially when we listen to Jesus.
“…I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours...”
The answer is simple. Once you accept it won’t be an easy road.
It will be a road that was never intended to be easy, but one that He will always promise to be near.
Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches.
If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
It is because of who He is, not because of who we are.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Life's Lemons: Unity evident on campus
Kaylene Vieselmeyer
Columnist
Feb. 26, 2004, Page 6
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1.
I came across this Psalm the other day and it made me think about our unfortunate water situation this past weekend.
I usually don’t address topics like this, but there was something about the situation and the word ‘unity’ that wouldn’t leave my mind.
Right now many of us are making adjustments to new roommates or loses.
But seeing a campus come together in ‘unity’ almost made it all worth it.
Everyone seemed to worked together and pitch in where they could.
After the first day there was laughter in the hallways, but still tears in some eyes.
This reminds me of another thing that deals with positive faith.
We always seem to talk about faith, but what about having “positive faith.”
Faith is invincible and surpasses our human understanding.
Having faith that gets us through, around or over life’s obstacles. Faith that the sun will rise tomorrow and set in the evening keeps us going strong.
Faith relies on trust and hope. Having faith means believing that whatever the situation, good will prevail.
Many times when we take our eyes off this positive faith we are left with emptiness, self-pity, resentment and loss of focus.
We try to do it all on our own and forget about how we desperately need each other to help us through life.
The same is true when we look at the life of Christ.
When we lose that positive faith in Christ we lose track of His calling for us.
We give into the Devil’s ways and try to take the easy way out.
But if we arm ourselves for battle nothing can stop us, not even a little water.
“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” Ephesians 6:16.
So the best thing to do is keep that positive faith, trust God and look to the One who will see us through it all.
This positive faith and unity will help to season the road ahead and help us become a stronger Doane family.
Russell J. Fornwall once said, “Try to regard every problem that comes your way as opportunity rather than opposition.”
Columnist
Feb. 26, 2004, Page 6
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1.
I came across this Psalm the other day and it made me think about our unfortunate water situation this past weekend.
I usually don’t address topics like this, but there was something about the situation and the word ‘unity’ that wouldn’t leave my mind.
Right now many of us are making adjustments to new roommates or loses.
But seeing a campus come together in ‘unity’ almost made it all worth it.
Everyone seemed to worked together and pitch in where they could.
After the first day there was laughter in the hallways, but still tears in some eyes.
This reminds me of another thing that deals with positive faith.
We always seem to talk about faith, but what about having “positive faith.”
Faith is invincible and surpasses our human understanding.
Having faith that gets us through, around or over life’s obstacles. Faith that the sun will rise tomorrow and set in the evening keeps us going strong.
Faith relies on trust and hope. Having faith means believing that whatever the situation, good will prevail.
Many times when we take our eyes off this positive faith we are left with emptiness, self-pity, resentment and loss of focus.
We try to do it all on our own and forget about how we desperately need each other to help us through life.
The same is true when we look at the life of Christ.
When we lose that positive faith in Christ we lose track of His calling for us.
We give into the Devil’s ways and try to take the easy way out.
But if we arm ourselves for battle nothing can stop us, not even a little water.
“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” Ephesians 6:16.
So the best thing to do is keep that positive faith, trust God and look to the One who will see us through it all.
This positive faith and unity will help to season the road ahead and help us become a stronger Doane family.
Russell J. Fornwall once said, “Try to regard every problem that comes your way as opportunity rather than opposition.”
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