Daughter of the King

Growing up I had many nicknames: Binkie, Ruder Girl, Lovie, Wubbie. Each and every one of them had their own special meaning an origin. Some of them started with one version and after one sibling couldn't pronounce it, a new one was formed. I've always love my nicknames. Even though my siblings make fun of me for them sometimes, I've enjoyed each stage of life that the nickname represents. I particularly like "Wubbie". It's a special name that my dad still calls me (to this day and I'm 24!). When he calls me Wubbie, I know that he is speaking with as much endearment and affection that a father can bestow upon a daughter. I feel loved and often reminds me of times we had when I was much smaller, reading books or just talking about life. The word resonates with joy and happiness with being a daughter dearly loved by her father. As I thought about this today, I was also struck by the thought that I am also the Daughter of the King. A Heavenly Father who loved me even before I was a thought in my parent's minds. I thought about the names that God bestows upon His children in the Bible. One that came to mind was "Beloved". The Greek word is Agapetos which means beloved, esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love. Wow. All those powerful words smooshed into one.

In the New American Standard Bible, the word is use 60 times in the New Testament. I marvel at the choice of word. As children of God, we are unconditionally love by Him. Why? Not because we have done anything to deserve it, but because He has chosen to love us. He esteems us. We are dear to him. We are his favorite (yes, all of us) and best of all, we are worth of His love. Again, not because of anything we have done but because the Blood of the Lamb covers all transgressions and makes us blameless in His sight. What a powerful feeling. And nothing, neither heights not depths, nor anything in this world can separate us from that love.

I'm fascinated by the comparison between my earthly Father and my Heavenly Father. My Dad loves me unconditionally - always has and always will. I know that if I ever needed a hug from my daddy he would be there to give it to me. And in the same way, our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally. No matter what, he brings us back to himself, even when we screw up. His love is never failing and the magnitude of this amazing gift is something that hadn't struck me until today. What a blessing to be called a Child of God!

"When the waves are taking you under...."

** Disclaimer: This particular blog is going to me made up of mostly ramblings. Kudos to you if you can follow my thought pattern... :) **

"Hold on just a little bit longer, believe me this is gonna make you stonger..."

I love the song "Stronger" by Mandisa. Sometimes I hear it right when I need it the most. 

This week has been good and bad. It's Spring Break which gives me a nice staycation, so to speak, from school and the crazy schedule I've had for the past 2 and a half months. On the other hand, everything that I've put on the back burner has suddenly jumped forth and needs attention. Yesterday, I got so overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with decisions that didn't need to be made right then, with consequences that hadn't happened yet and frankly may not happen, with situations and scenarios that I create in my head etc. While it never hurts to be prepared, it's not always a good thing to focus on the "What ifs". I find that my attention is focused on the "what ifs" in life and that's not always a good thing.. It's rather detrimental actually. By focusing on the what ifs and letting worry consume your life, you're ultimately taking your eyes off Jesus and the results are never good. Again and again, I'm reminded that in order to leave a peaceful life, Christ has to be the center of it. No matter what situation you're going through.

I read a quote that in order to be lifted up, you have to first lift someone else up. Going back to being the sunshine in someone else's life.

I also read the purpose driven life once. It seemed to allude that after reading it your purpose would suddenly become clear. I used to think that it would outright tell me: Catherine, your purpose is ______. It didn't.  So what is my purpose? Frankly, I don't know. But, life's questions aren't always answered that easily. I'd like to think it's in ministry somewhere, but I've never delved deep enough into a ministry to find out for sure. It's kind of like college I suppose. Sometimes you start the curriculum for your major and suddenly find out that you really hate the lower level classes. Or maybe that Bio course was just not for you. So you swtich majors, swtich classes until you find something that fits you. I feel so focused on my own life, my own goals and dreams...that I fail to seek or even sieze opportunities to help other people find theirs. I've seen friends give up job security, leave family and friends, move thousands of miles away to serve the Lord in the capacity He has placed in front of them. My question to myself is, would I be strong enough to do that if an opportunity ever presented itself?