Christians By Default

When I was a little kid, I assumed the world was split 50-50, Jews and Christians. If you weren't born into a Jewish family, you were a Christian. When I got a little older, I learned that there were more than just the two religions and that Judaism was a reeeeeal small slice of the pie!

Anyway, even though I learned that there were more religions than just the two, the idea that you were born into your religion never really escaped me. In my eyes, religion wasn't really a faith, it was much closer to a race. Your life didn't hafta reflect your religion at all, it's just what you were. I was born Jewish. I would be and will be Jewish for the rest of my life because Judaism is not just a faith, it's in my blood. It seemed to be the same with Christianity. My friends were Christians no matter what. They went to CCD and church on Christmas and Easter and that was it. It didn't matter whether they believed Jesus came and died for their sins or thought He was as real as Santa!

What I'm trying to say is that it seemed like if people weren't something else, they were Christian. In my small little town growing up, being a Christian meant not being Jewish. In my head, there were two kinds of Christians. The ones I knew, and the crazy evangelical ones. My friends at school, who used the title "Christian" didn't reflect Christ-like behaviors. Drinking, drug use, and sex were common things among my Christian friends at school and I didn't know any of the "Bible-thumpers".

But now I've come to question: What is Christianity without Christ? Doesn't the title "Christian" mean to be a follower of Christ? How can we call ourselves Christians and not believe Christ died for our sins? How can we call ourselves Christians and not believe in sin or that the Bible is God's word? How can we call ourselves Christians and not believe that Christ is Lord?!

We tend to enjoy categories (I think maybe even especially in America) so we all hafta be able to check off a certain "religion box" in our minds. So we're holding a mental piece of paper with our options:

Jewish ____
Muslim ____
Buddhist ____
Hindu ____
Atheist ____
Christian ____


And we think, "Well, I'm not Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or atheist. I guess I'm a Christian!" But it doesn't really work like that. You can't be a Christian by default. You're a Christian by a faith that Jesus is Lord and that He came and died and rose again and only through Him and Him alone can we be made righteous and see the Father in heaven.

Heathen Books

Ok, so the topic's been out for a while and I feel like everyone's been looking to me to comment so it's time I put the statement out. I like Twilight. Wow! It feels good to really get that off my chest. There's actually more. I like Harry Potter too. I've read them all. I've seen all the movies for both series (to date). I know the question on all of your hearts. Yes, I'm team Edward. (Actually I'm REALLY team Emmet)

So why am I telling you this? Because this past Sunday at church, Pastor Mark TORE Twilight a new one. I mean he really ripped it to shreds. I laughed and all because he was stinkin' hilarious but when he talked about a 108 year old vampire marrying a 17 year old girl, I admit my first thought was to raise my hand and inform him that she was actually 18.

But here's the thing: I'm not addicted. I enjoy the books, I enjoy the movies. They entertain me. I do not idolize the books. I simply enjoy them. Furthermore, I do not, nor have I ever, thought for one second that the books were real. I've never believed that vampires or werewolves are real. I am able to recognize that this book is fiction and that romance isn't really like this.

Same with Harry Potter. Love the books! Loved em when I read em as they came out, loved em again this past year when I re-read them! I like the movies (although not as much as the books...but enough to enjoy a 15-hour movie marathon with my roommates, Cheryl & Katie one night). However, I'm not addicted. I've never been inspired to attempt sorcery. Not even when I read the first book when I was 7 did I consider attempting magic. As a 7 year old, I was STILL able to differentiate between reality and fiction!

So what's everyone's deal?? I've heard so many people bashing these two series as if they gave instructions to children on how to make meth at home. I mean, they're books. I don't think the problem is in the books! I think that if you, as a parent, haven't instructed your child on the differences between what's real life and what's fiction or that they shouldn't be practicing sorcery, that's on you! But don't try to make me feel bad for enjoying these books, because I DO understand the differences.

Hot dog! Who knew I felt so passionately? But for realz, if you don't like the books, that's cool. You don't hafta. I bet you have bad taste in a lotta books that I'm not interested in. It happens. But really, this doesn't hafta be a moral/Christian debate.

Aight, that's it. Gimme your thoughts and lemme know...Edward or Jacob?

Psalm 49

This is coming straight from my journal (which I RARELY ever share anything I write in my journal so this is quite the honor to any of my readers).

"But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Like sheep, they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them." (Psalm 49:12-14a)

Money cannot save us. Only Jesus can save us. I am sinful and broken. Therefore, how can I expect to lead myself to goodness and righteousness? Sin produces more sin. I can only lead myself to more sin and destruction. I need something perfect to lead me to goodness. I need the Holy Spirit to lead me to goodness because it is the only light in all of my darkness.

That's it. Shortest post to date but it's just soooo true!

Christians Are Weird

Can I be honest with ya'll right now? Three years ago, this is what I thought all Christians were like:





I literally thought that Christianity was for people who were crazy, missing teeth, ignorant, hillbillies, racists, über-conservatives, republicans, and/or homophobes. I actually thought that Westboro Baptist Church (http://www.godhatesfags.com/) reflected the shared belief of all Christians. (Just to be clear, WBC is not associated with any other church in the world. I disagree with 99.9% of what they believe as do all Christians who believe what the Bible says)

But then my mind got BLOWN! I met a Christian and to my great surprise, she had teeth! And they were STRAIGHT! Also, she was cool. She wasn't weird at all. She enjoyed "normal" things, "normal" music, sports, she wasn't a hillbilly OR a racist! She wasn't even a homophobe! All my original concepts of what Christians were were ruined. Then ya know what I discovered? She wasn't the only Christian like this!

I learned that Christians listen to more than just hymns. Like this guy: His name is Lecrae and he's a sick rapper and he LOVES Jesus!!! All his music is focused on Christ.


The more I learned about the Bible and Christians, the more I learned that the faith is based on love. Yes, there are people who label themselves as Christians but don't love others as Christ taught us to love. There are always people who misrepresent a group and it's REALLY unfortunate.

This wasn't my original intention when I began this post but now that it's come up, I wanna remind my Christian amigos to take that label of being a Christian VERY seriously. You represent more than just yourself, friend. You represent our entire faith and our Savior! That's definitely not something to take lightly so please don't just throw the term "Christian" around as if it carries no weight.

Anyway, the point is I realized something. Christians are actually pretty cool. Not all of them. Some are still kinda weird. I've definitely met my share of socially awkward Christians. But I've also met WAY more really cool Christians. That listen to cool music and play sports and like fashion and have great senses of humor. And guess what! I voted for Obama. I helped on his campaign. And I didn't get kicked outta Christianity. Apparently it's acceptable to be a democrat. Christians are diverse so don't watch tv and see some weeeeeeird Christian who wears a black dress everyday with a collar and black cloggy lookin shoes and can't come out in the sunlight for fear of melting and be like "Yea, all Christians are like that." Believe it or not, sometimes television misrepresents and stereotypes Christians.

So if you don't wanna be a Christian because you're a democrat or because you think they're outta touch with modern culture or somethin (stupid-sorry) like that, you MIGHT wanna reconsider. I'm listening to M.I.A. right now that's ok with Jesus!

I also wanted to note what I meant by homophobe. Yes, I believe homosexuality is a sin just like lying or murdering or stealing or lusting, or sex outside of marriage. Hating the sin is not homophobic. Hating the PERSON is homophobic and a sin. I have many friends who are gay and I love them dearly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RWEllqh5J0

Awkward Moment With Fındık

So the other night, it was me and Fındık alone in the kitchen (she ALWAYS follows me there). So she was being so cute, I leaned down to kiss her snout. Well she completely misread my intentions and went to lick me when I kissed her. LUCKILY, I was able to dodge the bullet but now we had a clearly awkward situation on our hands. Apparently Fındık had feelings for me.

Well it was too late to pretend it hadn't happened. We HAD to talk about it now. So I sat her down and tried to explain to her that I DID love her, I just wasn't IN love with her. First, I reminded her, she's only 5 years old and I am 20! It would be inappropriate to say the least. Secondly, she's a girl. Thirdly, (and some of you may not understand this) but she has brown eyes. That's taking a risk that our children would have brown eyes and contaminate my gene pool. (If you didn't know this about me, I have GREAT eyes, true story!) (kinda small but you can tell)

Lastly, she's a dog. That also might mess up my genes. I think it would.

Sadly, even after explaining all this to her and reminding her that it wasn't her, it was me, she turned her back on me and walked (sulked) away. It was sad. Horrible way to ruin a great friendship. During dinner, she wouldn't even sit near me. She begged from everyone else (a sorry attempt to make me jealous. It just made me sad for her.) Eventually, our relationship has been reconciled and I'm able to scratch her belly like the good ol days but now, I make sure to preface it with a reminder that I see her only as a friend.

By the way, in case you were wondering, yes, I WOULD make an exception to my rules for Fıstık. THAT'S true love. Gah, look at the dog!!! Whatta stinkin' handsome monkey, he is! Hunky dog :)

Oh, hope there was no confusion. This post has nothing to do with Christianity. Just throwin ya'll a twist!

Lesson From A Baby

So many of you might know that I'm a nanny this summer out in Seattle for my two wonderful twin cousins, Elif and Jemre, who are just about to hit the 4 month old mark. These babies are great. People, you may THINK that your babies are/were the cutest but sadly, I have news for you. Elif and Jemre are the CUTEST babies. In the world. I love em I love em I love them!!! Not only are the adorable but they, these tiny three and a half month old babies teach me! They're just that great. So here's my lesson from Elif:

The other afternoon, I was trying to put Elif down for a nap. Elif was very very sleepy, it'd been about two hours since her last nap (wish I got to sleep every 2 hours, by the way!) and she was FUSSY! Now, I know exactly how to make Elif fall asleep. She likes me to hold her and listen to country (yep, I sing along- that's her favorite part) and we sway to that deliciously wonderful music.

But see, here's the thing. Elif wants to try everything wrong to make herself sleep. She opens her eyes as wide as possible, she kicks her feet, tries to eat her hands (she LOVES sucking her fingers) and does pretty much the opposite of what you should. The funny thing is all she has to do is relax and let ME do the work. I can do it all for her. I know just how to comfort her and all she has to do is trust that I'll do it. I wish she'd learn to submit. I wish she'd just learn to relax and let me be her comfort.

I bet God thinks the same things sometimes. I wonder if He's ever sitting up in heaven thinking "Wow. Stop kicking and pushing and trying to find your own way! Just relax here in my perfect arms and I'll do it all for you." That's really all there is. When we just say "Okay, I give in. I'm not going to try and do this my own way because it's just not working," that's when we can finally have peace. Real peace. Not peace as in "Great! I have a good job and won't have to worry about money for the rest of my life." I mean REAL peace.

You know that feeling when you're sitting on the beach at sunsetand it's just you and your friend or spouse or someone you care greatly for or you're even just alone but you can finally relax? Then you take that deep breath and exhale out and it's like your worries just got exhaled? You know that feeling I'm talking about? That's NOTHING compared to the feeling of relaxing in God's arms. There's something inexplicably peaceful and comforting in the words "Okay, God. I give up fighting You. I want Your way to be my way. I'm following You now."

The Gospel

Oftentimes I'm asked by a friend or relative "How can you believe that God hates non Christians?" or "If God's omnipotent and all-loving, why can't He accept me as I am and overlook my sin?" This leads me to think that a lot of people have a very skewed idea of what the gospel is all about or have never actually heard it and are doing the best they can based on a few things they've heard a a lot of lies. So I want to use this post to do my best to set the story straight.

Pre-Jesus Stuff: We screwed up. You may have heard of Adam and Eve. Well God told them not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil because it would kill them (Gen. 2:17). And what did the do? They ate from it (Gen. 3:6). They disobeyed a direct order from God. This is known as sin. Adam's sin was passed down from generation to generation. Not one person in the history of man has been able to spend even just one lifetime without sinning...until Jesus...but we'll get back to Him. So we realize that sin will cause death as we saw in Genesis but also in Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death." So in essence, if we do wrong (which includes thinking wrong- if we lust in our hearts, we've committed adultery in our hearts which is still sin), if we disobey God's commandments, we will be separated from God. Eternally.

So to have their sins forgiven, the people of ancient Israel (of the Old Testament)had to repent (repent means to turn away from sin) and offer a perfect sacrifice that God would accept to replace the sin. A friend phrased it like this: "What is needed for the forgiveness of sins? In short, the penalty for sin must be paid. What is this penalty? Death and the wrath of God. The eternal destiny for those who reject Christ is this: to stand before God on the judgment day (Revelation 20:11-15) and be cast into an everlasting lake of fire."

Jesus Stuff: A little over 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son to earth. He lived a perfect life, never sinning. Finally, He was crucified, but not before He told us "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life, no ones comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) He also said "Repent and believe the gospel."(Mark 1:15)

Jesus' crucifixion was His sacrifice for us. A great exchange happened when Christ died on the cross. He died and took our sin, and we receive His righteousness. Only by the righteousness of Jesus will any man be able to stand in the judgment and be declared not only innocent, but righteous. In other words, instead of performing sacrifices and trying to "fix ourselves" (stop sinning by sheer will power), He was our sacrifice for all past, present, and future sins. Only when we place our faith in Christ, when we believe that he is able to save us from our sins, give us the Holy Spirit, and change our lives, only then is real change is possible. Only with Christ. When he changes our hearts, we believe in Him and follow His teaching.His salvation is free. Jesus had some magnificent claims that he made and his followers reiterate. We must conclude that he is either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. God is calling all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). Turn from your sin and trust in Christ.

So I know that was a lot to take in and I wish I could write more. If you didn't follow all that (and it's okay if you didn't, it sometimes takes a while to take it all in, took me about a year!)then here's the thing I really want you to get from it. We all do bad stuff- we lie, we cheat, it's our nature and it's called sin. Sin is punished with separation from God forever (that's what hell is, it's separation from God). God CAN'T overlook our sin and "pretend" it didn't happen because He's perfectly just! Thirdly, Jesus died to pay the price of our sin so that we would be cleaned of it all. He loves EVERYONE and wants everyone to love Him back. He shows NO partiality ever (discrimination is purely human and purely sinful).

What I've found is that the more you come to know Jesus and recognize His overwhelming love for you, you can't help responding in love back to Him. Turning away from sin starts to feel more natural. You WANT to follow Him because you start to love Him so much!

Two very last things, promise! 1) Seriously, if you have ANY questions or comments on anything I've written, please please please email me, comment on this, text me (if you have my number of course)! I know I left out a lotta stuff like all the miracles performed and I love talking about it (thus the blog) so please, do not hesitate, even if you only wanna criticize me. I'll accept that too. And 2) I want to give a special thanks to a friend that helped me write this and put my thoughts into words. Friend, you know who you are, thanks for being awesome. You are a man after God's heart and I love that!