Walk the Walk? Or Just Talk the Talk?

One of my professors today said "Your integrity will follow you for the rest of your life, a grade will not. Are you willing to sacrifice your integrity for something that no one will remember in a year or two?"

How many times are we willing to sacrifice just "one quiz" its no big deal.
I'll just look at her work to see how she did it... just this time.

I'm not going to lie... I've sacrificed things before that when I look back... I just think how stupid I was. They were just little things... things that probably no one else even noticed. But I've learned my lesson, and not only do I try to hold up my integrity, but by doing so, I help others as well. Maybe I sound like a hypocrite, but that is not my intention. I have to work at it too, its definitely not easy choosing the right thing. Even when no one else is watching. I know so many people who live two different lives though; one at school, one at home, etc., etc. We all do it, but I think the world needs to work at being real, being genuine. The definition of integrity is "being honest, and having strong moral principles."

One of the things that has hit me the past few days is that people do watch you. They remember things. Even if you're not aware of it, you could be changing someone's life. Its happened with me, and  I've been told that I've changed peoples' lives. I know I have changed simply because of something a person said or did when they had no idea I could hear them. It was awful... but I was able to take that and change how I handle certain situations in my own life. People that I only know bits and pieces about are telling me that the things I write on here have influenced some things in their own life. WOW.  Half the time I write, I feel like I'm just posting my rambling thoughts. No one really cares what I write, but somehow God turns my jumbled up thoughts into something that He can use to reach someone else.

So are you willing to sacrifice your integrity for a grade? or for something bigger? or even smaller?
Think about it.

Passages to look up:
Job 27:6
2 Cor 4:2
Hebrews 13:8

"Honesty is the best policy, as the saying goes. It works in business as it does in all of life. Without honesty, relationships fail, business turns sour, and self-respect goes right out the door. Honesty is the bedrock upon which we build our marriages, conduct our businesses, and sell our products."
~Edward Hayes~

Summer's End

Dear Family and Friends,

            I am now back in Lynchburg for my senior year at Liberty University. I’m so excited to see what God has me learning during my final year of nursing school! This past summer was full of amazing experiences, and there are entirely too many stories to share on one page! Bear with me as I try to give you just a glimpse of what happened during the past two months.

            Once I arrived back from another year of summer missionary training school, I started right in with a full week of clubs. I taught at 3 day cares and one private home. The daycares averaged 12-15 children per day, so we always had a lot of fun. The kids loved the Bible lessons that taught the I Am’s of Christ. The first day we learned that He is the Good Shepherd, then the Bread of Life, and so on throughout the week. During the games we play to help the children learn their memory verses there was lots of laughter and carrying on, but the kids knew their memory verses the next day! At one of the clubs, 5 year old Curtis piped up and said “When Jesus died on the cross and went to Heaven, He left ME in charge of the world!” I wasn’t quite sure what to say to that…. During my second week of clubs, they were all in private homes or at the CEF county office. It was great being able to teach the same children as previous years and see how much they had grown in their faith. My last week of clubs were all local clubs in the Jonestown and surrounding area. In total I was able to teach about 25-30 kids every day. Because I work alone, counseling children for salvation is one of the biggest challenges I face. Mr. Ralph was able to come to club a few days throughout the summer and counsel children total for salvation. At one club we had 6 children respond to the invitation.

            One of the “favorite” parts of club for the children was the missionary story we teach every day. We always leave off at a cliff hanger so the kids want to come back the following day. This year we taught the story of John Paton who was one of the first missionaries to the Vanuatu islands. During his lifetime he was able to minister to many different groups of people on the islands. This was, by far, my favorite missionary story. Vanuatu has been close to my heart since I was in 9^th grade. I got to hear a group of missionaries speak about the island peoples, and I have felt a burden since then for this people group. Financially, and schedule-wise, it has never worked out for me to go to Vanuatu. However, at the end of next summer, before I start full-time hospital work, I am praying for the opportunity to finally go to Vanuatu! The short-term trip schedule is not online yet for 2013, but if God allows, next August or September I will be making my way to those special islands off the coast of Australia prior to starting work full-time.

            Once again, thank you so much for your prayers and support during this summer. Financially you have helped me complete my last year of college, and pay for my car to be fixed (three times) in the past two months. Talk about Satan not wanting me at clubs… thank goodness we have an extra family car! Spiritually, I have felt your prayers at work throughout the summer when it felt like I couldn’t do one more thing. I would greatly appreciate your continued prayers as I finish up this rigorous last year at college, and make plans for the future. As of right now I will finish up with school mid-June of 2013, and begin studying for State Boards. Currently I do not know where I will be working after graduation, nor what my summer plans will be, but God will lead me in the right direction. I just continue to walk through the doors until God shuts one, and opens another. I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future!

Thank you again.

In Christ,

Meagan Gerberich

Memorable Moments.... 

Sabastian getting revenge with a bucket of water!

Mmmmm babies :)

Sister picture.

Me being "Dandy Lion" for the kids' game.

 

Mind Your P's & Q's

Ever heard the phrase "Mind your P's and Q's?" It actually came from  the old saloon days when beer was served in pints and quarts. When people would get rowdy, the bartender would yell "Mind your P's and Q's."

I always thought it meant "mind your own business," but now I think of old drunks when I hear that saying. Ironic huh? Assumptions.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about this... assumptions. It doesn't matter who someone is, what kind of background they come from, or their current station in life: he or she will always be a victim of other people assuming things about them.

Home schooled? No social skills, friends, etc.
Dressed in expensive brands? Pampered rich kid.
Lots of clothes and shoes? Spoiled.
Nice car? Mommy & Daddy paid for it.
Fashion smart guy? In touch with his feminine side or gay.
Girl dresses a little sexy? She's scandalous or worse a slut.
Birth control? Girl is having sex.

If any of those offended you... I'm sorry. They were not meant to offend, simply to point out assumptions that people have each and every day. Sadly, I've assumed things similar to those, and have also been the subject of people's assumptions.

I will be one of the first to say that first impressions can make or break a meeting, friendship, etc. However, how often do those impressions stem from assumptions, which then lead to judgement?

It may sound like I'm generalizing, which I am not intending to do. When I write my blogs, I write to an intended audience, and if others read it - great.

Have you ever seen a homeless person and wondered what their story was? Maybe you think "wow, what a bum, go get a job." What if they can't get a job? Half the time if someone is homeless, they have no where to receive disability checks, welfare checks, or food stamps -- let alone to receive a paycheck. Sometimes it seems there is no way for them to get out of the poverty. There is a book called "The Street Lawyer" that I picked up the other day. Such an awesome book with a very different and eye-opening perspective about life on the streets. There are over 10,000 homeless in Manhattan... over 15% of those homeless people are Vietnam Veterans. Why in the world are military veterans homeless?! PTSD, various psychological disorders, overly qualified for jobs so they can't get work, many various reasons. Homeless people are just that - people

How about assuming something because of the way they're dressed? A few days ago someone assumed I was in the military because I had a certain "physique" and was dressed in workout clothes. Why they assumed that? I have no idea. How about the opposite direction? What if I had been dressed in a short jean skirt and tank-top? The assumption would have been much different.

I've seen people judged for being on birth control. Well why not? They're obviously having sex... right?     There's multiple health reasons someone could be on birth control medication. Health reasons. Not necessarily sex reasons.

I wear a ring on my left hand. Its my Nanna's ring that she gave me over 10 years ago. I rarely go without it. No, its not a wedding ring. Its not a purity ring. Its a simple gold ring, with special sentimental value, and it reminds me not to settle for anything less than the best. My Nanna didn't, why should I? Not to mention it doesn't fit on any of my other fingers lol

Jesus didn't assume things. Of course, He already knew everything, like with the woman at the well. He already knew she had 5 different men, and in fact, none of them were her husband. But did He judge? No. He welcomed her into God's loving embrace, and shared the gospel with her. Can we really be completely like Christ? Of course not, but isn't that what being a Christian is all about: being like Christ? That should be our goal in life, to live like Christ. We should strive to be the the perfect reflection.

Sometimes people need to stop assuming, stop making judgments, and start Minding Your Own P's & Q's. 

The "Feminization" of Men

"He's so emotional." 

"He's a little too in touch with his feminine side." 

"There are no good guys out there. They're either the 'bad boys' or 'verging on gay.' Why can't I just find a good guy?" 

"Where have all the real men gone?"

My friends.... You asked them to be more like women!! 

"I don't want you to fix it, I just want you to listen!"

"Why can't you be more romantic honey?"

"Why can't you be more sensitive?" 

"You never talk to me, what are you thinking about?"

Women have confused the heck out of Men!

Women have started to act more like men and it all started with the feminist movements in 1848. Although the first convention dealt with women having the right to vote (which I am completely for), the feminist movements eventually became about equality in the business world, and women having the capability of doing everything a man can do. And in turn, women have forced men to start having female emotional qualities. 

Can women do everything a man can do? Sure. Should they? No. 

I sometimes wonder why on earth females get offended when the guy opens the car door for them, or holds the door, or offers to carry something for her. What is so offensive about that? He's not saying you can't do it. He's being a gentleman, and not making you do it.

So again, the question is raised: "Where have all the real men gone?" 

God created men and women to be different, for different purposes. He gave men certain qualities, and women equally important, but different, qualities. If men and women were created the same, good Lord in Heaven, we'd have a boring world. 

Think about it this way. A group of 10 executives are working on improving their company. However, all 10 executives were brought up in the exact same community, they grew up going to church, school, daycare, etc., TOGETHER. Their family mindset is the same, their values are the same, beliefs are the same. Because of the nature of their background, the executives cannot move forward with the improvements. There are no new ideas brought to the table, no new perspectives to glean from, no "outside experience." STALEMATE. 

Newsflash: Men & Women are supposed to be different! 

Someone told me the other day that she can talk to her boyfriend for over 3 hours on the phone. Why on earth would you want to do that? I can understand if you don't see each other very often, long distance relationships, school breaks, etc. But EVERY DAY?! When do you get everything else done in your life? I sometimes wonder how much of the talking he actually does... 

Men are not talkative beings. They don't need it, nor do they bond by verbal communication. Women however, crave conversation, they thrive off it. To women, a 3 hour phone conversation could mean that a man is extremely interested in her. To men, it might just mean he wasted 3 hours on the phone.  

Instead of having girlfriends who fill our need for conversation, and the emotional sides of our lives, we have molded men to fit into that role now. 

But men, you're not off the hook either. It all started with Sadie Hawkins and her dad. I'm sure you've heard the story... women have started to take over the dating world. And men, you've sat back and allowed them to do so. Some women believe they have the right to ask a guy out. But then where do the roles reverse? "If she asks, then she pays. But if she pays, does she pick you up? Does she get you at your front door? Where does it end -- when she carries you over the threshold? When do you become the man so she gets back to being the woman -- when she gets pregnant? It won't work. Take back your manhood and find a woman to ask out." 

Yes, girls can be pushy and very assertive when getting a guy. BUT, if men stepped up their game, maybe the roles wouldn't need to be reversed. Afraid of rejection? Don't be! So one girl doesn't want to go out with you. Take a step back, and revise the way you asked her, and try again with someone else! There are 6 billion people in the world. One of them is bound to accept the date ;) 

So where have all the real men gone? We've made them disappear, fade into the woodwork, and smothered them

"The truth is guys, that every woman, whether she will admit it or not, wants to be chased. It's as ancient as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Women have a deep desire to be so beautiful that men would search the ends of the earth for them, fight for them, and yes, even risk rejection for them. Nothing is more attractive to a woman than a man she's interested in being sure enough of himself to ask her out." (Haley DiMarco, Marriable). 

The Three C's

"The proper female is efficient in the 3 C's -- Cooking, Cleaning, and Conceiving." Oh can I still hear my friend teasing me the first time I heard of this old adage. Well... surprise. The C's I'm thinking about are not just for women, but for men too!

Confidence
Compassion
Courage


Let's talk about confidence - 
The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust, the state of feeling certain about the truth of something. 


Confidence is a state of mind, not a reality. You don't have to BE confident to ACT confident. Do you smile when you walk into a room, OR do you timidly try to blend into the wallpaper? (are there even houses with wallpaper anymore?!) Do you accept compliments when they are given, OR do you roll your eyes and blow them off? Do you find yourself attractive, OR do you have to tear others down to make yourself feel better? (is this you? Check out That Gossip Girl) Do you laugh at yourself when you make a mistake or do something embarrassing, OR do you make others feel awkward by making a scene? Do you constantly fish for compliments, OR do you realize you're exactly who God created you to be and you're a one-of-a-kind person? 
But on the flip side; are you so confident that you don't allow others to do things for you? Are you cocky instead of confident? You're so self-assured and capable that you don't need anyone or anything else in your life? 
Girls: Do you ever let a guy open a jar, or soda for you "just because" even though you know, eventually, you will get it open? Sometimes its nice to make the guy feel needed (altho he'd never admit it lol). Do you let guys open the door for you, even though you are perfectly capable of opening it yourself? Don't just stand there awkwardly and wait until the next guy comes along 10 minutes later, but if he's in front of you, by all means SMILE and graciously say thank you. 
Guys: Do you ever let a girl in on a problem in your life, or maybe *dramatic gasp* ask her for advice? Women LOVE to talk! Maybe you won't end up taking their advice, and you certainly don't have to go into extreme detail, but it doesn't hurt to ASK! Girls love when a guy thinks her advice or input is wanted. Who knows, maybe you'll be surprised and gain some insight from her ramblings. 


Remember: Everyone else is or was at one point in their life, just as scared and insecure as you are. 
As one author put it, "confidence isn't about being all cocky and self-assured; it's about being holy and giving a rip about other people."


How about some compassion. Do you have a servant's heart? 

 For you have been called to live in freedom --

not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, 

but to serve one another in love. 

Galatians 5:13 NLT

This is where confidence can actually trip you up. "We are all made to serve one another, but if I never allow you to serve me, then I will never allow you to fulfill the command of God on your life." Allow others to do things for you, but don't be afraid to DO THINGS FOR OTHERS. Proverbs 15:28 says the godly think before speaking... do you speak with compassion? Sometimes it's better to keep quiet than anything else. A truly beautiful and confident girl givers her tongue a rest. That means that she shuts up! Guys aren't going to go after a girl that is constantly harping on others and putting others down. You can take Mark 9:35 to heart -- "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." 

And last but not least, courage. 

One of the most attractive things I find in a person is when they are willing to stand up for something they believe in. However, this go go really well, or really bad. Really well is when it's being used for GOOD, and can build people up, push people, and encourage a person to expand their views. But the really bad side is, well, BAD. It tears another person's beliefs down, and begins to attack the person (ad hominem). 

Do you have the courage to be yourself, and stand up for what you believe? 

Maybe for a girl, that means picking out your outfit without consulting five other girls that are going to the party. For example, "Ginger" and I were both going to the same small get-together with mutual male friends. She called about an hour before the party and asked me what I was wearing. When I replied "white shorts and a tank top," she said, "Oh... I was going to wear MY white shorts... are you sure you want to wear them too?" I had to laugh, because the only reason I picked them was because they were on the top of my clean laundry pile. I couldn't have cared less what I wore that night, but I could tell she reeeeally wanted me to change. Don't worry about what everyone else is wearing. Wear something that YOU are comfortable in, and that makes YOU feel good!
For a guy, maybe it means taking a day off from bragging about yourself and your accomplishments. "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness" 2 Cor 11:30. Paul isn't saying to go around and complain about things you can't do... but maybe think about aspects of your life that could use a little work. Get input from people on how you can improve in those areas. Eat a little piece of humble pie. 

Don't forget: You were made in God's image, so you MUST have been made right. 

What Takes My Heart Captive

As you can probably tell if you've been following my blog... I love children. I grew up around kids, I helped raise my youngest sibling, I grew up babysitting, and have been involved in a children's ministry for the past 15 years. Needless to say... these children hold my heart. Especially during the summer. They fill my thoughts, my prayers, my heart and my life. I know that not everyone is able to support the ministry financially, but I'd like to take a moment to ask you... will you pray for me as I undertake this ministry again for the 5th summer? It is prayer warriors like yourself that keep me going throughout the long summer days. 

Dear Family and Friends,

I am finally able to say, that I am a senior in Liberty University’s nursing program. I have just returned from my 3^rd year at Liberty, and CEF has once again asked me to be the summer missionary for Lebanon County. While talking to one of my friends the other day, I realized that this will be my 15^th year involved in CEF. How time does fly! I am very excited to start my fifth summer working with CEF as a summer missionary. The clubs are very dear to my heart and the excitement on the children’s faces when they hear the Bible lessons, and missionary story is incredible.

Throughout the years I’ve worked with CEF, I have come into contact with countless children. Sadly, it is impossible for me to remember each one by name, but I know I was able to make an impact. I will never forget one specific little boy that touched my heart. While sharing the wordless book, I realized that one of the two boys I was talking to was Muslim. When I had gotten to the gold page and was talking about Heaven, he stopped me and said “This is so weird. I was just thinking about this last night, wondering if I will go to Heaven someday.” I told him maybe God was answering my prayer, and that’s why I was talking to him right then. Ahmed was so close to accepting Christ as his Savior. I was just about to ask him if he’d like to pray, when he got a scared look on his face and said I have to go. I gave him a Jesus Loves you tract, but I still remember him looking back over his shoulder as he ran through the gate to his house. Leaving Ahmed there that day was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life. I am praying that someone, somewhere, felt the same burden I do for these children and was able to reach little Ahmed for Christ.

Last year during one specific club, I had the awesome privilege of leading two brothers to Christ. The older brother Aiden broke down into tears as he was talking to me and said his parents were getting divorced and he didn’t know what would happen. He quietly told me it felt like his Dad didn’t love him anymore. I was able to explain to him about the Father who would always love him, and never leave him. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior that day, and was able to smile through his tears when he realized that even though his earthly father might not always be there for him, God the Father would never leave him.

            I am very excited to begin my ministry this summer. On June 10, I will begin my two week training to become a summer missionary again. Throughout those two weeks my schedule will be filled with learning the various materials for the summer. In previous years, I have been a Prayer Captain, which is the prayer leader of the dorm of four other girls. This year I again have been given the privilege of being student staff as well. Although our phone usage and other technology use is limited we are permitted to receive mail during the two weeks of training school. If you would like to write to me the address is:        

Meagan Gerberich

c/o Mt. View Bible Camp

2671 Snydertown Rd

Danville, PA 17821

            Just as I have the past four years, I am taking on this ministry by faith concerning my financial needs. I will need both financial and prayer support.  While I will receive 90% of what comes into my account, the remaining 10% will go towards my training, teaching materials, and travel expenses. Will you please consider showing God’s faithfulness by supporting me financially? The CEF County Office is located at 637 Chestnut Street, Lebanon, PA, 17042. If sending in donations by check please remit to “Child Evangelism Fellowship.” The “MG” on the envelope or memo line will indicate that it is for my account, please do not address the check to me  because of IRS standards.  The CEF organization is asking that all donations be in their office by August 12, which is my last day of ministry due to leaving for college the following week.

            By prayerfully and financially supporting my ministry you will play a very important role in reaching children with God’s Word. Your partnership can bring about eternal investments in the Kingdom of God. Thank you for any help you can give to me in this very important ministry.

                                                            In Christ,

        Meagan Gerberich

That Gossip Girl

Gossip: noun. Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. Some would take this definition and run with it... saying that "as long as the information is true, then I'm not gossiping." Still others would say, as long as they're not actively participating in said conversation then its not wrong. I've also heard it said that as long as you're just venting to one person its not gossip. Or what about the reasoning "I'm just trying to talk through my problems." I've also had experiences where prayer groups/meetings and people in spiritual leadership positions have been the initiators of gossip. I can just imagine those prayer request slips being opened and discussed among those in "leadership." So and so has a problem with this? Oh my, no wonder ____ said ______ about her. And the conversation goes on... down a rabbit trail... with no end in sight.

Gossip ruins friendships, relationships, job opportunities, campaigns, Bible studies, leadership teams, churches... it can destroy anything.

I'm not saying I haven't taken part in gossip before, I believe that everyone has at one point, girl and guy alike. Its wrong. Period. Will we ever get away from it? Probably not. Its not a debbie downer look at life, its just a fact of life. People are sinners, and people love to talk. Its going to happien. Recently I've had some experience with "gossipers." During a particular conversation, I was listening to someone vent about a mutual friend of ours. I knew that anything I said confirming or denying her statements during this vent session could and would be used in the future against me. (sheesh I sound like a lawyer) Anyways, because of this, I said nothing, I just listened. Was this taking part in gossip? By some standards, maybe.
Although I wasn't actually participating in the gossip by actively giving feedback and telling more information about the mutual friend. If I had taken anything she said and made it change my opinion of the other friend, then yes, I was participating in the gossip. Did I allow her thoughts and opinions change my thoughts, feelings, opinions, and friendship with the other person? No. If anything it made the friendship stronger.  

On the flip side of this topic, I have also been the subject of said gossip. Was I supposed to find out the things that were being said? No, of course not. 99% of the time the subject of gossip is not supposed to hear what is being discussed. Does that make it less hurtful? No. What was being said actually hurt me, a lot. Even the adults that were part of this situation played the busybody gossip wives. The stories that came back to me from those women's mouths... sheesh. What do they take me for?

Back to the subject at hand... the way I look at things....
If I wouldn't say it to the person's face... then I don't say it at all.
If I wouldn't want it being said about me... then I don't say it at all.
If I wouldn't want those facts to be known about me... then I don't say it at all.
If the person told me the information in confidence... then I don't say it at all.
And so on... Get the picture?

As a friend said in his blog... Christianity is losing its beauty. Not because the truth of Christianity is failing. God's Gospel NEVER Fails. Its because the Christians of today are falling into the temptations of this world. They are losing the Hope that Christ alone can give them.