A Christmas Story

(Don't forget to check out our giveaway here - accepting entries through January 2!)



   This is the last Christmas post for a long time - I promise! I just really wanted to share one of my favorite Christmas movies with you guys. I actually watched it the day after Christmas because it kind of got lost in my DVR queue and it ended up being the perfect way to wrap up the holiday season.

   Not everyone chooses to celebrate Christ on Christmas, and because of that many Christmas movies, songs, activities, etc. have themes and plots that are not blatantly Christian. This movie is one of them. The last time I watched it I was much younger and hadn't yet began to look for the deeper meaning in the movies I watched. But this year, I noticed something lingering in the undertones.

   Three Days is a pretty classic, cheesy, Christmas film that involves traveling into the past to restore a broken relationship - but the depth of characters, the realistic relationships, and the overall message were enough for me to overlook the cliche. Now I don't want to give away too many details, because I'm hoping that you'll want to watch this wonderful Christmas movie! But what I will say is this:

   One question that kept being asked throughout the movie by the main character was, "What gift can I give my wife to show her that I truly love her?" I think that is such an interesting and useful question for us to ask in our own lives (whether we have wives/husbands or not - we all have people in our lives that we love). When we are giving Christmas gifts or going about our business on any other July 15 or April 3 - what does it mean to really show people that we love them? What does it mean to love sacrificially? What kinds of sacrifices does that or could that include? How does that apply to my life right now?

   The more I thought about the film, the more clearly I was able to see the Christ-filled Christmas message displayed through it, whether that was the intention of the filmmakers or not. This was the true meaning of the Christmas Story shown through the fictional lives and relationships of others! I love engaging in those types of stories so much because they allow me to view something that has become automatic, expected, and typical in a new light. And that light usually shines on new areas of my own life that I discover the need and desire to consider and assess.

   After those original questions about love and self sacrifice are answered, bigger questions arise. How do the sacrifices I make compare to those that Jesus made for myself and for others? How does that make me feel? What does/should that mean for the way that I live out my life?

   Three Days explores what it truly means to love and be loved, as well as how that is shown. The ending gave me a new way to view sacrificial love and to meditate about Christ's work on the cross. I honestly can't remember why I initially decided that I liked this movie so much, but after viewing it recently I'd say that my younger self made a pretty solid decision (even if it wasn't on purpose;) ). 


   Has anyone else seen this movie before?
   What are your favorite Christmas movies? (My other favorites are Christmas Vacation, Elf, The Grinch, and almost anything done in clay-mation - especially Rudolph and Nestor the Long Eared Donkey.)
   Have you had a similar spiritual experience with a movie that made no blatant mention of Christ?


-Courtney
 

Our Christmas Gift to You

   We would like to take the time to thank you for the reading, exploring, and discussing you've done with us this first month of American Christian's existence, and for (we hope!) the future months that you continue to do so. We really hope that you have felt welcome here at our blog because we sure are glad that you've stopped by to engage with us.

   In order to show our appreciation, we have a belated Christmas gift that we would like to offer you!

   One $25 gift card to Red Robin (yumm!) and one beautiful, bird's nest, hand-crafted necklace will go to whomever wins the raffle below. It will be open through January 2 and the entries are pretty simple, but if you have any issues with them please let us know through email or in the comments below. Some of the entries can be done once per day for additional points, so be sure to keep an eye out for that!

   Again, thank you so much for joining us on this journey of exploration, and best of luck with the raffle!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Love,
Ariel & Courtney

Random Post After A Long Drive Home

So I drove to my parents home yesterday for Christmas. It’s only a four hour drive, but quite a lot can happen on these drives I’ve found. Allow me to share with you the thoughts that went on in my mind (brace yourself. You’ve been warned). I should note that for the majority of it, I was praying about what to write about for this post...


My drive began with a cd I made (I don’t want to toot my own horn but, toot toot, I make awesome mix cd’s). So, I started my drive by singing so loud and so much that my voice hurt. Let’s be honest. You simply cannot listen to Jesus Culture without shout-singing. So, that was fun.

Humility.

Listening to Dance With Me by Jesus Culture (one of my absolute favorites) I daydreamed about dancing with Jesus. O I’m sorry. You didn’t already know I’m a weirdo? You’re going to start to find that out if you keep reading this blog. Courtney’s very normal though, so you can find comfort in that





Humility.

What music would I get if I had an itunes card that never ran out of money? I couldn’t really comprehend the vast amount of music I would get but, needless to say, I’d be buying music every day for a loooong time.

I hope my husband (someday... if he exists) sings to me like a mixture of Newton Faulkner, Joe Purdy, and John Mayer. And I hope he sings to me alll the time. With his guitar. 

This prompted me to daydream about being married some day, and what I hope my husband is like. I really hope I’m not the only girl who does this.... Anyway, he’ll have a nice thick beard, and dreadlocks, and glasses, maybe a bit of a pudgy tummy, and he’ll wear button down shirts with his sleeves rolled to his elbows, and he’ll sing and play guitar and the harmonica, and he’ll be so sold out to God that I can always look to him and find Christ, and he’ll think I’m the greatest lady to ever live. That last one’s a bit of a stretch, but that’s ok because it’s a dream.

Humility.

What the heck am I going to write about?

Humility.

Exclaims “CARROOOTS!!!! YES!!!”. I packed snacks for the ride, including grapes, carrots, triscuits, and fruit snacks. I had eaten everything else, so I went for the fruit snacks when my hand felt something else... carrots! Clever little me had only eaten half and then put the rest back in the bag so I could save the good stuff for later. I was a very happy camper at this point.

Humility.


Munches on my carrots, and ponders the fact that I love crunchy foods. Carrots, snap peas, celery, bell peppers, crackers.... you name it. What does this say about me? Can you tell something about a person’s personality by the texture of food they like? I don’t really like mushy food. Why is this?

This prompted me to think about my oral fixation, as Freud would call it. Something about how often I was or liked to be fed as an infant. I haven’t left that stage, so now I’m orally fixated. I love to munch on things, drink things, chew gum, suck on lollypops, kiss (sorry. That’s awkward), smoke cigars.... What does this say about me? I’m such a weirdo.....

HUMILITY!!!

THE HECK?! This dang word had been popping into my head all stinkin day, but nothing ever came along with it! The fact of the matter is, I am entirely not humble. I’m arrogant, greedy, and self-centered. So humility is something I very much desire in my life. I think about it allll the time. How can I be more humble? How can I get rid of Ariel, and replace her with Christ? Here’s why I’m having a hard time with that: I’m so dang arrogant that I don’t want to get rid of Ariel. It’s incredibly frustrating!! But how on earth is HE going to shine through, when I’m so busy thinking about making myself shine?? Here’s what I need to do: BE. PATIENT. Another something that I’m just not good at, although I’m getting better. Why? Because of GOD. He’s the only reason I have any good qualities to begin with. He is helping me to be more patient, less bitter (specifically towards men, who as of late I’ve basically hated save for Daddy and my brothers), less angry (something I’ve always struggled with), and, especially recently, less proud. So maybe what I need to do to work toward a more humble character is simply to acknowledge God in not only my accomplishments but in all of my endeavors. Yes, I was able to pay for gas to get home when I didn’t think I’d be able to. That’s because our Provider provided for me, just like He promises He will. Yes I painted that for you. The only reason it looks nice is because God moved my hand, because I have zero artistic talent. And maybe the biggest thing I need to do is stop listening to myself, who might, in fact, not actually be me. Maybe it’s some loser named lucy (remember, we’re not capitalizing his name) who tries to tell me that everything I do is wrong. That I’m a selfish fool who is still being arrogant even when I give it all back to God. Maybe I just need to proclaim His promise over me, and listen only to Him. Or maybe, most certainly, I should have stopped thinking about myself and thinking about foolish things on the drive home and just prayed. Without ceasing. Maybe when I want to talk about me (which is too often) I should talk about Him and to Him. Maybe that’s what He was trying to tell me during that whole drive....

This is one of my greatest struggles: being humble. Is it this hard for you? How do you deal with it? Do you have other struggles you face? Tell us about them. It’s always nice to not feel alone in these things :) Thanks for reading my crazy rant! I love you!
Ariel




Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Romans 12:3

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

P.S. Here’s the soundtrack to my drive:
You Are by Colton Dixon
Long Way Home by Steven Curtis Chapman
Dance With Me by Jesus Culture
Let It Rain by Jesus Culture
You Won’t Relent by Jesus Culture
Where You Go I Go by Jesus Culture
Old Pine by Ben Howard
Tenuousness by Andrew Bird
I Need Something by Newton Faulkner
Teardrop by Newton Faulkner
I Would Die For You by Matt Walters
On Top Of The World by Imagine Dragons
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Isn’t Love by Joe Purdy
I Love The Rain The Most by Joe Purdy
Losing You by John Butler
Ocean by John Butler

Faith Alive: Pilot

Ariel and I are starting a series with video installments, vlogs if you will. We will be going out and keeping our Faith Alive each month, documented partially through on-the-scene photo & video and partially through our later reflection of the experience.

Our desire for this series is to show people God's love through our actions, but also to help them better understand who Christ is and why we care.

This is our first outing and it definitely didn't go the way that we had planned, but we are learning from it and hope to grow with each new experience.

Enjoy!

--- Courtney

Christmas Shopping: The Win-Win Gift

Need some last minute shopping ideas? 
It's easy to get caught up in giving to our friends and families with commercialized things that have no real significance to the giver or receiver, so it's nice to sometimes find a deeper meaning for our Christmas gifts.

Here are 5 ways to give gifts that really do keep on giving!

1. Shop Fair Trade

    What It Is: Fair Trade is a movement committed to providing consumers with ethically produced shopping options. Members of the World Fair Trade Organization follow a set of 10 principles which include creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers, paying producers a fair price, ensuring no child or forced labor, and ensuring good working conditions. Fair trade employs manufacturers and producers of goods in countries where these qualities may not always be the norm.

   Why It's Cool: You can help reduce poverty by providing manufacturers and producers of goods in developing countries with the skills and resources necessary to be ethically competitive in the global market.

   Ways to Shop: Fair Trade USA, Ten Thousand Villages, Nkuku

2. Shop Non-Profit Merch

   What It Is: Non-profit organizations are just that – organizations that do not seek to turn a profit. They use their income for growing the organization, helping its cause, and paying the necessary expenses (like salaries and costs of business).

   Why It's Cool: It’s a way to buy physical gifts for people while simultaneously supporting your or the gift receiver’s (or both) favorite organization.

   Ways to Shop: American Widow Project, To Write Love On Her Arms, Empowerment Store, Your local no-kill animal shelter

3. Shop Small (Teeny Tiny) Business 

   What It Is: The internet is full of individuals seeking to start business ventures without actually starting a “business”. They offer a craft or service in order to support themselves and their families.

   Why It's Cool: You can buy a craft or service which supports that specific artisan and his/her family.

   Ways to Shop: Etsy, Novica

4. Shop Donations

   What It Is: This would be gifting money to a charitable organization (a specific type of non-profit).

   Why It's Cool: You can give monetary or physical object donations to charity in the name of someone else.

   Ways to Shop: Greater Good, Samaritan’s Purse, Your local food Drive

5. Shop Your Own Home

   What It Is: There are sometimes things that we love and treasure that aren't suitable for us anymore or that we still enjoy but know someone who would enjoy them more. You can find a collection of things to turn into a new thing, Etsy style, or decide to give an unadulterated beloved item to a new owner. 

   Why It's Cool: People tend to have negative connotations toward re-gifting, but if done properly it can actually be a great gift – maybe even a gift that is passed on in the following years. This could be particularly cool to pass on through generations or specific life stages. 
   Ways to Shop: Books, Nice jewelry, Family heirlooms

-- Courtney
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

A Testimony: Ariel

  

   Courtney and I have decided to share our testimonies, though not at the same time, because we feel it is essential in sharing our faith. We're hoping to make a series of it, and be able to share others as well! Telling mine, unfortunately, is not something I've done many times, so this is a tad uncomfortable for me. In fact, let me tell you that I am terrified right now. One of the biggest things Yeshua has been doing in my life lately, however, is making me uncomfortable and through that, growing and strengthening me. So, I’m gonna do it!
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2


                                                                It starts......
    My family is literally amazing. I have been surrounded by love and support since before I was born. My Poppa tells me every time he talks to me that I am beautiful and that he is proud of me. Momma has always been one of my greatest comforters, sometimes just by the simple sound of her voice - she literally sings like an angel. I spent my childhood in Maryland and moved to Texas when I was about 13 years old. In Maryland, my parents raised us in the Church, the majority of the time in a Lutheran church. We are not Lutherans, my parents just really liked the church.

 
    After 9/11 (keep in mind, living in Maryland meant it affected us differently than it did many others, especially given the fact that Poppa worked in D.C.) our pastor gave a controversial sermon that caused my parents to sever our family's ties with the church. After that, we never found another church to attend. We moved to Texas, and never found a church here either. I had a good friend in middle school (we'll call her Wanda), though, who began taking me to her church and its youth group, with which she was very involved. I was in no way accustomed to the church life that is here in Texas, so going to church with her was probably the greatest culture shock I faced from the move. It was beautiful though, and I found myself wanting what everyone at that church had. The people of faith here are so in Love with God. It's not an act of getting out of bed in the morning and dragging yourself to church. They want to go! They love one another, are kind to one another, and there's just a light around them that I had never seen before.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3

                                                           

The worst part

    This is probably where I should make note of an important part of me, and it’s usually the hardest part for me to say. The fact that I’m putting this on the internet only feeds that difficulty. Although my parents are believers, although they raised me in the faith and brought me to church, I was convinced from the time I understood who God was that He was a myth. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that he didn't exist and that everyone who believed in and worshiped Him was a fool. I never told anyone this until I was half way through high school, and even then, I told very few. So going to this new church with my friend, and seeing how the people acted and looked and felt, made me crave what they had. I tried, and I prayed, but a voice (we all know who that loser was. You may know him as lucifer. One of my favorite speakers, Tim Ross, calls him lucy, so we'll stick with that. And no, I'm not going to capitalize that fools name) kept telling me that God wasn't real. That I was right, that no one was listening to me, and that I was horribly and terribly alone.

   At the same time, I was comparing myself to my sister on a daily basis. She is older, incredibly beautiful, and was popular in school (and we all know popularity is essential to success in school...... please note the sarcasm). I also fought constantly with both of my sweet brothers, hated the way I looked and how I was known in school, and, again, knew I was alone in all of this. To cope, I began to cut myself. I did that to myself for four years.

    In high school, Wanda and I grew apart and I stopped joining her to church. But, when I was 16, I started dating a boy who then started to take me to his church. The hunger for something I didn't quite understand returned, and I began to beg for God’s presence in my life. My boyfriend and I went to his church two or three times a week and became very involved. The summer going into my junior year of high school, I went on my first mission trip with him to a town in southeast Texas that had been affected by hurricane Katrina. That trip was my first step towards actually taking God’s outstretched hand. I confessed one night to a good friend of mine about my cutting. She and two other friends of mine stayed up late into the night with me, praying for and encouraging me. After that night, I never hurt myself again. I eventually told them I wasn’t even sure God existed. Booooy was I wrong!

                         God held His arms out, and inch by inch, I crept into them....

    My journey was no where near over. My doubts continued, but I didn’t give up. Eventually, I graduated high school and went to college (which I’ve mentioned is a Christian school). There isn't a doubt in my mind today that Lord led me there so that He and I could finally become best friends and sweethearts. Every semester there promised some giant mountain I had to climb; appendicitis, a destroyed meniscus, break ups, lawsuits, you name it! My theory is that God was breaking me in every way imaginable so that I might finally get it!

Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her [boy did He!!].

Hosea 2:14

    I hit my lowest point in my faith by my second year of college. Although I had stopped hurting myself for some time now, my doubts in the existence of an omnipotent being were still incredibly strong. During the summer leading into my junior year of college, my boyfriend (the same one from high school - yea, we kinda stuck together for a while) went off to California for basic training for the Marine corps (oorah!!). This was my first time in years to not have him within an arms reach, whether that be physically or simply by phone (we dated long distance while I was in college, but we still got to talk every day), and it was also the greatest summer of my life. Note: that’s not a dig at him! He’s delightful. My summer was not fantastic because he was gone. It just happened to work out that way. 

                                                          THE BEST PART 

     One of my best friends (we'll call her.... Sanni) and her mom hosted a weekly event at their house that summer called “Dating Jesus”. Through this, the Lord woo’d me in the way every girl dreams of! Then, one night very early on in the summer, Sanni and I were at church worshiping. I was crying while we were singing, begging God to show Himself to me and finally expunge all traces of doubt in my heart. In the middle of my prayer, Sanni lightly touched me on the arm, and told me Lord was telling her something for me: “She’s the most beautiful girl, and she doesn’t even know. She doesn’t even know how much I love her”.... Without boring you with every detail of the summer I dated (and married... literally. We had a fantastic service) Jesus, I will more than joyfully tell you that I have literally not had a single doubt in my heart since that summer. And it has been pure. bliss.

 You believe at last!! [This is what Lord said to me during our sweet summer. I cried then, and I'm pretty sure I haven't stopped crying since. Tears of joy are one of my favorite things]

John 16:31

 
       I had been a “Christian” for about five or six years by this point. I was, however, what I think is a “Christian American”. I was a socially acceptable Christian, who lived with one foot in this world so that I could enjoy what it had to offer. My arrogant refusal to believe in the reality and truth of Christ, however, kept the Holy Spirit from consuming my soul. I'm not saying "Christian Americans" don't believe in God. That's just me (though there may be others who struggle with it). My doubt didn't keep me from trying to live for God, however, because all of me wanted Him to be real, and wanted to devote my life to Him. That's just not an easy task when you don't have the Holy Spirit living within you! I walked the walk (kind of), but had no internal transformation. This transformation, and praise God for it, is what caused everything to change. It’s what made me hungry to know the Lord and desire to pursue Him just as much as He pursued me.

                                                    And it only got sweeter

    I returned to school the next fall for my junior year, and was astonished to find that God was not done loving on me! I was enormously blessed to participate in a pageant that my school hold’s annually, and the Good Lord taught me lessons through that which I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It was literally a gift He gave me, just to cement in me His massive love for lousy me. He carried me through school to graduation and beyond, blessed me over and over again, and never relented in showing me just how much He loves me!

    To finish my story, I want to make one, very important point clear. Every day since the summer of my transformation has indeed been bliss, because whenever I think about the fact that I know, believe wholeheartedly in, and love the Lord our God, I am consumed with an inexplicable joy that can only be described as the pure joy, love, and spirit of Christ. However, I have still continued to face trials, pains, and struggles. I have known the heart ache that makes it impossible to breathe, and have had to make choices in my life that once would have been easy as pie (but are now tougher than the apples that go in the pie. Lame, I know. I make lame jokes. You'll get used to it). The Gospel, the Good and Wonderful News, is not a ticket to a life handed to one without struggles or strife. It guarantees the strife in fact. What it also guarantees though, is that this time, I - you - don’t have to face the hardships alone! When my heart is broken now, I can turn my face to the Artist who crafted it and wait patiently on Him to mend it in a way that no one else can. The Good Lord cradles me, kisses me, dances with me, sings to me, laughs with me, and loves me in every way I've ever dreamed. The feeling I once had was a hollow barrenness void of any warmth, love, or tiny trace of comfort. The feeling I am now consumed with is ecstasy, euphoric, elated, joy! The joy of the Spirit. The joy of our Lord.

                                                 It can be just as sweet for you!!!

My prayer is this: If there is anyone who knows the emptiness I once knew (though I don’t wish that on anyone), may they hear that it doesn’t need to be that way. May they hear that the hollow black void is a lie, and does not need to remain in your heart! I beg you to ask us (or someone you know who believes) if you wish to know the Lord. I promise you, it will be the hardest decision you ever make in your life, but it will also literally be the greatest!

   I love you. Thank you for taking your time to read about my love story :) Tell us yours!!!!
Ariel

Christmas Spirit

The Giving Mentality

   The Christmas Spirit is intoxicating for many people during the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Ask any number of people and I bet you’ll get the same number of different definitions of the term “Christmas Spirit”, but an aspect inherent to most is probably an attitude of selflessness and giving. Everyone seems to be more concerned with giving rather than receiving during the holiday season and there is research to show that they act upon these feelings.  One third of charity online donations were made in December during 2010 and a multitude of opportunities see too many volunteers during this small window of the year. But it isn't just the act of partnering with and financially contributing to charitable organizations that is prevalent. There are activities such as Angel Tree shopping and selfless gift giving to friends, family members, school teachers, and mailmen that supersede the norms of altruistic behavior at other times of the year. The celebration of a season of giving is fantastic, just as celebrating love on Valentine’s Day and celebrating a person’s life on their birthday are great festivities as well! But does a problem arise when that mentality of selfless generosity disappears with the change of the calendar, wiped clean with the arrival of a new year?

    I think the first question we should ask ourselves is, why should we give at all? That one is pretty simple and straightforward. One of the places we find that answer is Deuteronomy 16:17: Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.* The Lord has given us stewardship over our time, resources, and money. As he gave, we are also to give. This is not always such a natural, automatic behavior in a nation where the cultural notion of self-sufficiency is rampant. To an extent, the idea of being self-sufficient is a very positive one, but it is oftentimes taken too far in practice. It is taken too far when all we do is expect what we feel is owed to us, and that becomes our number-one concern. It is taken too far when it keeps us from showing grace to our neighbors. And it is taken too far when we refuse to view ourselves as more than individuals, but as a loving community of many individuals. Taking pride in our ability to provide for ourselves and our families is one thing, but becoming arrogant and judgmental through that is quite another. The Lord has done more for us than we could ever hope to do for ourselves and we should find humility in that. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son (John 3:16) - and what did God owe us? What reason did he have for giving to people that constantly turned their backs on him? We should take joy in that gift and desire to give to others all the more because of it. (Not to mention, who here would be alive if it weren't for God? That's a pretty massive gift). 

   The second question is how do we give? Meaning - How much should we give? Where should we give it? And what giving is most beneficial? It seems to me that this is where we run into a grayer area. I think the stewardship of money, time, and resources that we have been given look different for everyone. I also think that each particular opportunity to serve people is unique. There are two main types of giving: monetary gifts (you know, money) and service gifts (time and energy). Both types of giving come from the same root thought processes and end goals, but allow for different talents and abilities to be utilized. The important thing is the heart behind the gifts. The important thing is that we're assessing where we store our treasures (in savings accounts?** in possessions? or in the love of Christ that we share with others?) and how we can help our community, as we are gifted and as we are able. Let's look through some examples of giving behavior in the Scriptures: 

Ability

Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hardpressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: "The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little." 

2 Corinthians 8:11-15

Joy

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

2 Corinthians 9:7

Heart

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman name Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all of the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:38-42

Generosity

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of perfume. But one of his disciples objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages" . . . "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

John 12:3-7

   Does giving mean that I need to hand out a dollar to every homeless person I pass? No. In fact, if I did that, as a resident of the city of Austin, then I would be out on the streets with them in a very short time.*** We don't have to become poverty stricken in our giving and we have the freedom to do things purely for our own enjoyment (including giving), but we should be making an effort to ensure the comfort and livelihood of others and to shower love onto our fellow human beings. These passages show us that, like many directives and themes of Scripture, we are not called to one extreme form of behavior, but an attitude of the heart. We are called to love and to show grace and, most importantly, to focus on the Lord, letting all else flow from there. 

   So, what does it really look like to not only celebrate giving for a time, but to be a giver all the time? After all, we don't stop loving our significant others on February 15th, or stop caring about the lives of our friends and family the day after their birthdays. How can we treat the Christmas season as a celebration, rather than a radically different mindset? Should we be upset that giving is associated with a sense of Christmas Cheer, but is overlooked for the rest of the year? Or should we just be happy that there is giving being done at all? Does a person need to give regularly or can they pay/serve a lump sum during the month of December and call it good for all of the missed opportunities in the past 11 months? Should gifting and volunteering be the first things we think of when we become infected with Christmas Spirit, or should we begin with a greater focus on the birth of our Savior, and let all else stem from there? What do you think? Post your thoughts in the comments below!

Love,

Courtney

*While this particular verse is speaking of the Feast of Tabernacles, it's concept is found throughout the Bible in various instances and across a variety of situations. For brevity's sake, I'm choosing this one.

**Savings accounts are good things. I have one. But they can also be sources of anxiety (not trusting in God's provision), arrogance (hey - look how cool I am from all the money I saved up), and hoarding (I'm going to keep all this money for myself, even though I know this dude is hurting and God is speaking into my heart to give to him - I'm just going to use my savings account as an excuse to rack up more money that I never intend to use) 

***Also, it's not always the best idea to give homeless people cash if you want to do something actually beneficial for them. I know a guy that used to be homeless and we discussed this for a while.

God Over Country

Living in the Bible Belt

    So, Courtney and I both live in Central Texas, which is located in what is commonly referred to as the “Bible Belt”. I’m not ashamed of this. I’m super proud and grateful for it, because as much as I hate to admit it, I’m not sure how my faith would have turned out had I not been surrounded by so many strong believers in the Way. However, there are still a load of problems faced in this belt, and we as it’s inhabitants have to decide how to face these challenges (if at all). Unfortunately, I think the common approach is: not at all. Shove them under the rug. This is what Court and I are challenging ourselves and you with; to face them head on when we meet them, to proclaim our beliefs and the Truth, and to live not for the people we are surrounded by (way easier said then done), but for our savior and redeemer and lover, Christ!! So let’s talk about some of these challenges shall we?

   A really, really common phrase we hear in this geographical area is that one should “pull himself up by his own bootstraps”. Often when someone has accomplished such a feat, they are praised. On the other hand, those who find themselves struggling are met with the mentality of “We’re not going to help, because this is America, and you can get up on your own” (said in a twangy southern accent). There are a couple of problems with this:

   1. To claim one has done this (as in gained success on their own) is an incredibly arrogant and proud statement to make, neither of which leave much room for Christ within the heart. Claiming this is to claim that one has achieved their station and success on their own, with no one’s help. What many fail to hear is the fact that included in that “no one” is the Lord. Southerners are obscenely proud and like to take credit for everything they have done. So what happens when we do so is the most important contributor of all, the entire reason for the individual’s very existence, is left out!

   2. The reaction to an individual who holds such a claim self success is praise. So the individual is taking credit for the work of the Lord and giving Him none of the praise, and the respondent is endorsing this credit. Thus, this culture encourages, condones, and praises arrogance, little by little squeezing out the room for the only One who really has any reason to be arrogant (but who, it should be noted, is the ideal example of  humility). "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you" Romans 12:3

   

    Another problem inherent among us is the fact that many church-goers go for the social aspect, rather than what it’s intended for: the coming together of the Bride and Body of Christ to celebrate and worship Him, and to serve and love one another. Instead, many go to say they went, and pick where they go (i.e. many of the mega churches throughout the area) to be able to say they go there. They want to meet people (maybe even a significant other), to be recognized for going, to be able to say they are “good” Christians (but are instead perhaps what is referred to as “Sunday Christians”), and to be respected because they go somewhere with a good and famous reputation. I’m not saying mega churches are bad. I’m not saying it’s bad to meet others at church. In fact, we’re supposed to build relationships and brother and sisterhoods with those we meet. But, going should not be for show, as it too often is. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them" Matthew 6:1

    The largest challenge I see, and am most often approached with, is that of giving to the poor. This isn’t just a Bible belt problem (as really none of these are*), but is a problem we have brewed in America out of, once again, arrogance and pride. The idea of giving to the poor is not ignored; it’s literally frowned upon! What has been engrained into us is “We live in America. They can get a job. They don’t need to live off me. I earned my money. It’s mine. I don’t owe them anything”. What absolutely none of these responses consider is what Jesus had to say on the topic. Matthew 25:40 tells us “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”. That’s literally Jesus talking. 1 John 3:17 says “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”. How can we claim to know the Lord and love Him if we hoard what He gives us? Which feeds into 1 Corinthians 13:3, “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”. (Courtney's going to post more specifically on this next Sunday. My point: Stay tuned!!)

     What is our mission as Christians? To live good, moral lives? To be nice to people? To go to church on Sundays? No, although when the motivation behind them is right, then these are all fantastic. No, our mission as Christians, as Christ followers, is to bring others along with us. To show and spread His unconditional love so that more and more souls will join us in eternity. Lord has been separated from His beloved children by their sin and wants desperately to be with them again. He desires for us to help Him rekindle that broken relationship. So what we need to do to get started on this is to stop thinking it’s all about us, stop thinking everything is ours and that we don’t need to share, and focus on someone other than ourselves! I think once we get our focus right, these challenges will become a bit less challenging for us.

      There is a reason we are here. It’s not to make money. It’s not to have a big house and a fancy car and to keep our possessions to ourselves. It’s not to find someone to marry or to have children. Once the reason (the Great Commission) becomes a reality to us, once it sinks in and we embrace it and chase it, then these “problems” won’t matter anymore! "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'” Matthew 28:16-20. What do you think? Are these issues to you? What other issues do you face as an inhabitant of the Bible Belt (or anywhere for that matter)? Talk to us! Let’s help one another erase these problems from our lives and see the bigger picture.

I love you!

Ariel

*These problems are faced by Christians all over. I write this because it’s not ok that they are so prominent in the “Bible Belt”. If this area stood true to it’s name (which should be a name of honor), then we would not struggle with these, but would be more like the early churches in the sense of breaking bread together and sharing with one another. It’s about time we act like a Bible belt.

"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" Galatians 5:14

Welcome!

Hi friends and welcome to American Christian!

We are Ariel and Courtney, long-time best friends who share a passion for the Lord. We both studied  psychology and religious studies in college and now wish to use those studies to further enhance our walk with Christ.

Our desire for this blog is to explore a matter that we feel has been swept under the rug for far too long. As Christians who live in America, our wealth, materialism, and emphasis on individuality often become stumbling blocks to our faith. We feel that the views of the American culture have seeped their way into the Church, confusing American Christians as to what is Biblical and what is just a part of the American mentality. We are all then subconsciously faced with the choice of Country or Christ.

In these posts we will be discussing contemporary Christian issues, what it means to live out our faith as Americans, and some fun stuff, in addition to attempting to debunk the practice of Christianity as a subculture of America.

Our prayer is that you will discuss this with an open mind and an open heart, no matter what you believe. Please join us as we explore our beliefs and opinions. Be sure to share your own thoughts and let us know how we can pray for you today.

Love,
Ariel and Courtney




Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2