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All The Little Pieces

Posted on by lainamunoz

I will likely always be my worst critic, which means you’ll likely be your own as well –  So I’m going to attempt to be less critical and judgmental because we subconsciously do it enough for everyone a few times over.
I didn’t post last week for a few reasons:
1) Friday seemed to throw its own surprise party and didn’t tell me about it, so it wasn’t until viewing the remanence of it on Saturday’ Facebook feed that I realized I had failed to post, or even realized that it was Friday. Life does that.
2) I was having a cute little whinge about why the heck I feel called to write when others are better, others are more noticed and others will probably have a wider reach. That got corrected real quick.

So what do I do with that?

The point of this site is to share my weekly “Jesus Story” or the things I’m learning so that I document being in Australia, at Hillsong College, and continue to develop the craft I feel passionate about (because Lord knows I suck at doing it with pictures). I share my story because I have decided that all of my story is going to be apart of my ministry. That usually looks like being sold on the idea to share, sharing, being happy about myself and then discouraged, wanting to quit and then being graciously reminded of my passion. Sometimes I feel like if I walk away from this I wouldn’t know what else to do – not walking away from this blog, but walking away from sharing.

So this week, after wanting to give up and walk away I sat in a chapel with Catrina Henderson, our school Principle and a brilliant woman in love with G-d. She spoke about jig-saw puzzles and puzzle pieces – I couldn’t possibly regurgitate all of her information on here the same way she did, but I will tell you what stuck out to me.

She talked about the need to be who we are called to be, because we FIT inside of this beautiful family and puzzle by not trying to be someone else. We also help others fit when we are ourselves. If one puzzle piece tried to be a little bit different it would actually cause the pieces around it to be misfits as well and would cause an even bigger issue. We give freedom to those around us to be the most confident and feel the most at home when we ourselves just BE who we need to be. When we live inside of our callings, when we operate inside of our grace zones (our areas where we excel because we are actually good at what we are doing), when we post every week to learn more about ourselves than to see how many reposts we can get.

We actually grow in general when we become more natural to ourselves. 

One of the most impacting things I heard out of this sermon was the call to not only take our place, but to remain there. Being a blessing to others requires more than just turning up sometimes to fill our roles. Being a blessing to others requires the day in, day out consistent giving of ourselves – our FULL selves.

Thinking that people need me more when I am myself is such an odd thought for me to wrap my brain around. I don’t think I’m often NOT myself but I don’t think about how much more I contribute to life when I am fully me and I remain fully me and inside of what I’m passionate about and called to do.

I deeply appreciate and love each one of you, even if I don’t know you or don’t know you well. I love when you are fully you so I think maybe I just need to work on allowing myself to be fully me.

Quality, Quantity: Both and Neither

Posted on by lainamunoz

*Downtown Tulsa – Shades of Brown. Hot and fresh chai tea lattes in hand – you know, the ones that taste like Christmas if Christmas was a marshmallow. The background music is even farther away with the sounds of the kitchen staff yelling through the teatime rush and I am staring out the window trying to collect my thoughts*

Thing 1: “Whats going on Laina?”

Thing 2: “… I think sometimes my standard for myself is too high, or maybe that it’s just high enough and I don’t forgive myself well enough.” 

I’m sure from this point they break out into High School Musical-type song but I’m not songwriting today.

I was reminded again this week of my passion, which is funny enough because I continue to do what I love even when I don’t love it. I made a commitment to write every week (or every day and post once a week) and for the most part I’ve loved what it has taught me. It taught me that I CAN.

I missed two weeks ago and was frustrated with myself until last night. We had a masterclass for the Writers Guild in our creative community where Kylie Beach read to us her Letter To The Poets. Please do take a read, it’s beautiful.

As she read this letter I thought of my daily/weekly commitment and how sometimes I actually miss the mark. Sometimes I write a blog that I hate or feel isn’t my best work and I don’t want to publish it. Sometimes I post on Saturdays even though my goal is Fridays. Sometimes I post at midnight even though my goal is noon. Sometimes (only once in over a year) I actually don’t set the time out to post at all.

Occasionally though, I write a blog that I actually tell my friends in person about (with my real words) because I feel like G-d just might have put His seal of approval over it. But set aside all the good blogs, the bad ones and the ones I haven’t written to be judged yet and I still have a need inside of me to write my heart out.

“Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred.
What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all.
We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits.
We are terrified, and we are brave.
Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful privilege.
Only when we are at our most playful can divinity finally get serious with us. Make space for all these paradoxes to be equally true inside your soul, and I promise—you can make anything.
So please calm down now and get back to work, okay?
The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes.”
– Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert

What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all. I could never post again and what G-d wants to accomplish though my writing will still happen if I continue to seek Him. But, I could continue to post every week and grow, learn discipline and correct my sometimes terrible grammar. I can read articles on what makes a great blog, how to edit, study literature and use all the tags on WordPress… But at the end of the day my prayer is that if any of what I write is what you need to read – that it finds you timely. And if anything I need to learn is something that you’re creating, that you’d be brave enough to create, share and discipline yourself in your craft. I promise – you can make anything.

*I’ve never read Big Magic before but this quote was shared last night as well…
I’ve attached a link to the book on Amazon for some birthday ideas, or some random gift ideas, or some
“Happy Friday” ideas. So. That’s that.

Obey: Journey and Heart

Posted on by lainamunoz

I think this one is hitting home for the last #ThinkBackThursday this season. It’s now been a year; 52 posts of old material that G-d used to once again locate me and challenge me. This blog was birthed out of obedience, and while I didn’t want to be THAT Christian-Hillsong girl who writes a blog about my journey… I am. And I LOVE it because it’s what G-d has put on my heart and in my hand to do. So dang it – I’m going to do it well. I’m going to do it out of obedience and trust and I’m going to do it out of self-reflection and self-location because I’m going to want these things written; I’m going to want these stories that I get to live with others retold because I have enough faith to believe that Jesus will turn up in the midst of them.

The biggest THANK YOU to those of who you have read my blog faithfully, inconsistently, never read it but always intended to and to those who’ve stumbled upon it now.

THANK YOU for reading… not because it’s my blog but because I’m honoured that you somehow might believe in my story. Thank you because your time is valuable and spending 5-10 minutes, twice a week to catch up with me means heaps to me. You are so treasured.

I have such love for you all.

5 November 2008-

“G-d, I’m listening, and I don’t know what to do-
I’m doing my best to listen to what you tell me to.
Putting actions with my words has become the hardest thing
When I cannot speak anymore, LORD, you’ve taught me how to sing.”

All I’m hearing lately is “OBEY”; Even though I have NO idea the outcome or the process that He will lead me though. Sunday night G-d surprised me and just told me to obey… it hurt worse than anything I’ve ever felt (thus far), but I did. I have no idea when He will mend what he’s asked of me or how many days it will last. But, I’m learning that it’s not about me anymore.

G-d has something amazing in store for those who seek them, and He’s leading me beside the still waters so that I can.

I watched “Everything Is Spiritual” by Rob Bell, with our leadership core on Sunday afternoon, and throughout all of it what really stuck out to me is “Sitting on top of the mountain”.

*G-d called Moses to Obey… Exodus 3.11-14 ((EDITED))
(a)
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go ((Insert G-d’s resolution to a personal problem here))?”
12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have ((Fixed your problem the way I TOLD you to)), you will worship God on this mountain.”
13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go ((Oh, I dunno… OBEY, what then should I tell people?)), ‘The God of your fathers has sent me…’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am… ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

(Actual Verses Cited below)

Something that I couldn’t get out of my head is the thought that all He’s asked us to do is obey. Just to sit with Him, hear Him out and obey the words He has given to us. Moses was instructed by G-d to go up Mount Sinai and meet Him there.

– (b) “The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain.”

Just to meet Him. Just to spend time with Him. Just to listen to Him.

I attend The University of Tulsa (Community College) ha… Ahem, anyway I have classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 8-9.20am, and then another class at 11am. I was given a book called “Practicing the Presence of God”, so I thought I would read it during break. There is a hallway at TCC that everyone refers to as the ‘breezeway’, because it is a hall of windows, and I suppose seeing the outside is just as good as being there nowadays? I sat in the breezeway staring out until a bench outside caught my eye. It was tucked away underneath two trees no taller than a one-story house and decently shaded, and still allowing enough light to keep whomever was underneath warm. I gave G-d a sarcastic look in my head and thought, “Why do you want me outside? I could just read in here and not have to move.” G-d has a funny way of returning my cheeky favors, so a little more clear and for no particular reason I get a nudge to get off my rear and go outside. I start down the breezeway when I realize that I’ll have to walk through the smoking area to get to my little picnic table that G-d wanted me at, and I begin to think “I don’t want to go through the smoking area, I hate the smell of smoke it’s bad for you.” As I make my way to the Library G-d pulls all the more hard telling me to go to table and reminding me that sometimes he takes you through something you don’t really want in order to get you alone with him.
I sat and read and didn’t really understand why I had to be there. But it’s not about me… G-d just told me to obey and I’m trying my hardest to do so.

(c) “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”

G-d, do you really think that of me? Am I really a treasured possession of YOURS just because I listen? That’s enough for me – it has to be enough for me.

So I’m stuck, at the top of the mountain waiting on the Lord to come find me. I can’t do this alone because I wasn’t created to be alone, and right now trusting in G-d is all I need to be leaning on.

Just some thoughts of a Follower of Christ trying to find whatever He needs of me.

“And I’ll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm”

Exodus 3.11-14 (a)
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

Exodus 19.20 (b)

Exodus 19.5 (c)

Before The Beginning

Posted on by lainamunoz

I suppose this is a bit of a reflective post. But, I suppose it’s also an update.

I’m not sure what constitutes a reflection vs. sitting and wondering where the heck a year went but it will end up one of those.

We’re almost to the start of another year of school and have three beautiful new students who’ve moved into our home here in Sydney – I think that’s why the realization of, “Wait, no? I JUST got here!”

But alas, I have to act like I know my way around campus now.

One thing I quite enjoy to do is look through old journals, also I don’t mind if I start a journal on a particular date and end up finishing it off exactly a year later. I’ve been scanning through my journal that I’ve kept this last year and recounting all the things that I could only see clearly after the fact. Trials that seemed never-ending that now I am thankful for. Blessings that I couldn’t have counted on from anywhere that gave me exactly the provision that I needed and many, MANY friendships that I never knew could grow so deep. I’ve been so blessed this year and I can only attribute it all to a G-d who’s had my path and story written since before the beginning. He knew me; the G-d of all of heaven and earth and the creator KNEW who I was and my personality and character before my mother knew of my existence AND He loves me.

He had my 2015 mapped out and He knew just how long it would take me to finally arrive in Australia.

He has my 2016 in His hands. I fully expect this year to learn and grow be it painful or fun. I am looking forward to a year of abundance in both memorable experiences and the ability to give even more of myself. I have had a BLESSED year and I hold G-d to His word when we learn that He takes us from glory to glory. He is in the business of having better tomorrows, ones where we look a little more like love and compassion.

In the year of abundance I’ve also been praying about a job, I’m ready to work anywhere I can but also whilst on the job hunt praying that G-d opens the doors He intends. With school (and writing) being the priority that it is this year and the goals I’ve set for myself I think my biggest prayer is for a job that is well paying and flexible for all the opportunities I have to serve here at Hillsong. Pray with me, if you will as I look and pursue opportunities. I’m very ready to be back in the working world all the while praying that G-d grows my capacity to accomplish all the dreams He’s allowed invade my heart.

It’s not a balancing act, it’s a faith act.

  • If you will pray for a flexible job, this upcoming year and the strength to continue and flourish in all the goals I’ve had set.
  • If you can financially support this in between area my gofundme account is still up and running. Any support is appreciated more than words and a huge blessing for school fees and rent… and food… I still eat food.
    • And as always, the fact that anyone reads this means the world to me.

      My gift that I love to give is words in any capacity I can articulate them.

Break The Microwave

Posted on by lainamunoz

Throughout my 25 years hanging out, I’ve had a heap of interesting things happen to me. I’m not sure if everyone would see it that way or if it’s because I overthink everything. I often see a picture or scene while walking around or an item and think to myself, “That’ll preach”. I see blogs everywhere in my days and wonder the stories of people walking around downtown or see an object and think of a list of reasons why it has everything to do with my relationship to Jesus.

I don’t fish for these things, it’s the blessing and curse of an overactive imagination shoved into an introvert.

Yesterday I was driving around with my good friend Ashlee and we saw an older lady on a moped with a man sitting behind her teaching her how to drive it. She had the biggest, toothless smile across her face and then we noticed a carton of milk bottles attached to the side of their moped. We drove half a block up to see a delivery truck with the same brand of milk and men standing outside looking in the direction of the seemingly crazy couple (now in my mind) escaping on their little moped with their (now in my head) stolen carton of milk. I narrated the moment out loud for Ashlee to enjoy. Although I have NO idea what really happened, I secretly and publicly on the internet hope that some crazy couple on a moped stole a carton of milk from a delivery truck because that’s hilarious. 

Along with some of the items I’ve seen and thought would make a good blog is our microwave in Sydney, Australia. Our original one was taken from us (which is an entirely different story in itself) and we had a friend give us two different ones. They both worked but one apparently had a ridiculous smell that the girls couldn’t get out of it so we used the other one. “The other one” quit working a short time after we started using it and proceeded to be left in the microwave spot for a while (I believe it’s still there). The broken microwave forces us to plan and cook food on the stove or in the oven, there are no quick fixes for food which I don’t really mind because I’d have a hard time believing anyone who thinks microwave quality food is anything in comparison to stovetop or oven.

I was reminded of all of this Sunday in church listening to Pastor Bruce. He began to talk about the “Microwave Mentality” that plagues this generation and bleeds into our prayer life. We want our prayers answered now or we will have them cold or unanswered. I’m a part of a very technical generation that can hardly remember dial up and I’m afraid for the majority, can hardly pray.

I can’t remember the last time I prayed for something and expected to wait, although I would have to say it’s much more rewarding to my character if I have to. I sometimes need to be given the opportunity to wait for things and grow in that.

I don’t want to belong to the unfortunate some of those who haven’t sat and waited. I don’t want to be one of the ones who don’t know how to pray. I’m ready to break the microwave and wait for what’s good.

What I Thought I Didn’t Know and What I’ve Known All Along

Posted on by lainamunoz

While being at my parents house I decided to go through my old things and sort out how to consolidate anything I had left before I moved. This is always a challenge for me because while I’m not very sentimental with items I do hold on dearly to words. I began scanning through old cut sheets from Family Group meeting with my girls, old poems and ‘sermons’ (for lack of a better word). I realized that I was just as passionate back then as I am now about my what I do, even though I didn’t realize how much it meant to me at the time.

One thing I’ve noticed while being here is that sometimes in the midst of not realizing – we are doing exactly what we were made to do. I never came to a season full of knowing that I was right where I needed to be, I never fully ‘figured out’ life. But I did have enough to know I should keep going and that has been a large part of my journey with writing. I love what I do so I guess I got that down.

13 October 2010 – #ThinkBackThursday

I kinda thought that eventually I’d have life “figured out” and that if I didn’t there was something wrong with me, or that I wasn’t listening to G-d enough. But “I don’t know” has become an everyday phrase for me and for a while I thought it was acceptable. Lately though G-d’s been working on getting it through my head that His word is full of promises for me to ‘know’ about His faithfulness and my future.

He’s given me something to hold onto – and I’m slowly realizing how selfish my ignorance was. I still have “I don’t know’s” in my life – I might not know everything, but I know Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” Declares the LORD”
-Jeremiah 29.11-13

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart”
-Jeremiah 1.5

“If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to have favor with you.”
-Exodus 33.13

“Know therefore that the LORD your G-d is G-d; He is faithful G-d. Keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”
-Deuteronomy 7.9

“I KNOW my Redeemer lives…”
-Job 19.25

I might not know the answer to all of my life questions – but I know the One who holds me, the One who believes in me and loves me. HE knows my future.

So I guess, (I know) I’ll be alright.

((It’s ok not to know some things as long as you’re learning how to trust.