Mr. Steve

I was watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Button the other night (just a heads up, that movie made me almost cry and I disliked it quite a lot), and besides the awkward sadness of Brad Pitt's character growing younger each year without much of a purpose in life, the movie did make me think. At one point in the story, when Benjamin is living in a retiree's home as a young boy (but he looks like an old man), he meets an older lady who teaches him how to play the piano and tells him advice that resonates with him for the rest of his life. He tells the audience that he couldn't remember her name, ever, and how it was funny that someone he could barely remember made such an impact on his life. I thought that was really interesting.

I was going through all of my cards the other day-- birthday cards, graduation cards, Christmas cards, and such, when I came across a little card with a picture of a house on the front. On the inside, someone had simply written, "Dear Mallory, just a reminder to talk to your best friend every day about your requests--He wants to hear from you." And it was signed Mr. Steve. I can't remember who Mr. Steve is, no matter how hard I try. I know he was one of my Sunday School teachers when I was in elementary school. But I have no clue what he was like or how he looked. And he still managed to make such an impact on me, even to this day. Just that simple reminder to talk to my Best Friend went straight to my heart.

You never know how much you can influence someone's life, even years later. Even if they can't remember who you are. Even if you haven't seen them in over 10 years. Even if you only knew them for a short time. Even if you never directly talk to them. People may be watching you no matter where you are.

Also, please pray for everyone affected by the theater shooting. I don't know anyone personally involved, but some people I know have friends who were injured or were at least there. This is a great time to show God's love to people, and I'm praying that God will bring the families and friends peace and comfort.

I'm Just Average

"No matter who you are...there is nothing average about what God wants to do in your life. There is nothing average about the purposes of God..."
           -Pastor Brian Houston
Today I started listening to Pastor Brian's podcasts from Hillsong Church for the first time. And this is one of the first things out of his mouth. WOW. Way to just speak something incredible right off the bat, Pastor Houston. It blew me out of the water faster than a fish riding on dynamite. (Just picture that.) But in all seriousness, this statement is so true. I can honestly say that in less than a year, God has done incredible things in my life, and changed me into a completely different person from who I was two years ago. God doesn't do average things. God is not average. And people who follow Christ shouldn't be average either. Keep in mind, "not average" doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be famous or everyone will love you and your quirky, "not average"-ness. "Not average" means you should live in such a different way from the world around you that people notice. That you do things like sacrifice your time and money for God. You aren't content with the American dream of getting a college degree, finding the perfect job, getting married, and having 2.5 beautiful children playing on your perfectly green lawn (not that I'm bashing it, but it's pretty average). I don't know about you, but I want to change the world. I don't want to die without changing someone's life, or being able to show as many people as possible that God loves them and wants a relationship with them. 


Another amazing part of this quote is this: God wants to do incredible things in everyone's life. It never ceases to amaze me that God cares about every person in the world. That's over 6 billion people. And He knows every single one by name. He knows their struggles and dreams. He knows your struggles and dreams. God is big enough to do that. 


One more thing. Even if you can't understand how your future can possibly be more than average, God does. He is doing things you might not be able to see, setting things up and causing doors to open so that you can move forward. Just something to remember.


You can listen to the podcast "Better Than Average" here.

Mad Man

Nope, I'm not talking about Mad Men. Or the mad man that Jesus set free from his demons (although that was super cool). Or anything like that.

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If you have no idea to what that picture is referring, I don't blame you. Not many people I know even like this show. It's not the most popular show, but it's extremely addicting. My poor family has to put up with me talking about it a lot. It's not my fault I had about 4 seasons to catch up on before the new season in AUGUST. Don't worry, guys, I'm just talking about Doctor Who. It's a British sci-fi show that really can't be explained. But I really really really like it. (Because using the word "love" isn't applicable in this case. "Like" vs "Love," that's a good subject. Blimey Cow has a really funny video about that. But I digress.) Best explanation: it's about a Time Lord over 900 years old who travels in time, saving people and defending the Earth. DONE. And every time you watch an episode, you never know if it'll be funny or scary or sentimental or any combination of the above. It's basically my favorite show. I'm a nerd. And I'm okay with it.

But you know what's even better than Doctor Who? Jesus. Jesus saved the whole of humanity, everyone who has lived, is living, and will live, by giving himself on the cross. And not only are we saved from death (should we choose to believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior), but our lives are forever changed and made exponentially better! 

I really tried to think of a serious post this week. But I just couldn't. I'm sorry. One of these days, guys. God is doing cool things, He's bringing my attention to some of the things I do, and it's all good. I hope you guys have a good rest of your week and I promise something a little bit more exciting soon!

Just Too Much

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Hey, everybody. I have at least 3 unfinished posts that I just can't complete. I have so many ideas and I'm just not sure which one to pursue. So instead, I give you this lovely picture of an older lady. Feel inspired. Laugh. Wonder why in the world I would put such a dumb picture up. Do what you want! 


Here are some things that have happened lately/ I've been thinking about lately:
                      -Hillsong Live's new album, Cornerstone, came out today. That's a big deal. The first three songs are really good. Those are the only ones I've listened to.
                      -Joyce Meyer is super cool. She's almost 70 and her ministry is still going strong. I've been listening to her podcasts lately.
                      -If you don't put forth effort into a relationship, it begins to deteriorate. 
                      -God knows the exact time that you need something, even if you want it now.
                      -July is the month that The Dark Knight Rises comes out. Batman is the coolest superhero. It's going to be a wonderful movie.
                      -Christianity is not about fame. Sure, there are some well-known people in the kingdom of God, but most of what they do is made possible by people you never hear about. Serving God will not make you famous in the eyes of men.
                      -Living as a Christian by A.W. Tozer is an incredible book and I highly recommend reading it.
                      -People can sport some pretty unattractive looks at a public pool. Yes, I mean you, the nearly bald man with one little rat-tail or something on the back of your head.
                      -Ted Dekker's book The Bride Collector is based in Colorado, and let me tell you, it's a little creepy to read about a serial killer choosing a place near where you live.
                      -This guy at church and I were wearing matching shoes. We're going to get married.


Well, have a lovely week and enjoy your summer! 


Mallory