Spirituality

Following high school graduation, I began my nontraditional journey through graduate and post graduate work. My journey began at a small community college in Northwest Arkansas. I completed the required course work for a two-year degree. I took a year off from school in order to marry Jay and work while he completed his degree. The following year I enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. It was at this point that I began to feel very nontraditional as I lived off campus with my husband and worked full time in order to help pay our bills.

By Andrea Lennon

One thing I can say with certainty is that the teachings found in the Bible are counter culture. If you dig deep into God’s Word, you realize that the instructions written in God’s Book go against the teachings perpetuated by today’s cultural norms. This is not a new occurrence; a study of Jesus’ life and ministry reveals that He lived counter culture. In other words, Jesus was not focused on living according to the cultural norms of His day.

Bezalel and Oholiab. Have you heard of them? Would it surprise you to know that their stories are recorded in the living enduring Word of God? That’s right. Two guys who never dreamed you and I would “talk” about them are well represented in the pages of God’s Holy Book. Let me assure you that the story of Bezalel and Oholiab is quite ordinary. Perhaps that is what I like best about these two guys, I can relate to them. I know what it is like to live a regular life with a daily routine. However, these two ordinary guys were used by God in extraordinary ways.

Recently, I led a retreat in Southeast Arkansas. During the first session, I shared tidbits of information about myself. I told the ladies about Jay and communicated the fact that Jay and I will celebrate our 14th anniversary in June. As the words came out of my mouth, I thought, “Fourteen years - that’s a long time!” As I continued to talk, my mind continued to process.

Can you believe 2010 is here? It seems like yesterday that I sat down and thought about the things I hoped to accomplish in 2009. Now, another year has passed, and once again I find myself taking inventory and asking the question, “What do I hope to accomplish in 2010?” The answer to this question in my life, as well as yours, should be driven by the truths revealed in the Bible - God’s holy Word.

The Christmas season brings feelings of warmth, love, harmony, and yuletide cheer. Family dinners, late night shopping trips, parties with friends, festive decorations, and the smell of peppermint mixed with cedar trees leave many women engrossed in the traditions that provide a feeling of Christmas spirit.

“So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 13:51-52,
New International Version
This passage seems strange when read outside the original context. However, when you understand the context of the passage, you see an important truth in regards to giving. The truth states that the success of your giving is not based on other’s responses; rather, the success of your giving is based on the intentions of your heart.

Most girls Emily Bullington’s age are focused on boys, clothes, and all things pop culture. However, Emily’s focus is on the preservation and sustainable future of an entire African slum in Kitale, Kenya. Armed with this information going into my discussion with Emily, I anticipate a very serious, driven 12-year-old girl. Upon arrival to her home, I am warmly greeted by her mother, Kelly, and introduced to an excited, happy Emily.

The holiday season brings out the best in our homes--- lights, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, and who can forget the mistletoe. It seems like everywhere you look you hear the sounds and see the sights announcing Christmas’ arrival!
One item that is used to bring the feeling of Christmas alive is lights. Lights line driveways, hang from rooftops, drape entryways, and fill Christmas trees. Lights play such a crucial role in my Christmas décor that I yearly hear the sounds of agony when I say, “Time to unpack the lights and untangle them.”