Author: adacostauf

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Fading Churches

adacostauf

I’m not bold. I do not like to share every detail of my life on social media.

If you know me, you probably know that I am a Christian. That I was raised in a Christian church by a Christian family. Those wise by this world’s standards might deem it a mental crutch or unpopular today.

Which is fine. I never cared about popularity anyway.

I was speaking with a friend who’s from another country because they had asked me about church (I had tried a new church that morning). He asked if it was a different religion or connected to other churches I had been to.

I answered and asked him how it was where he’s from. In Europe, the churches are historic and beautiful and practically museums. But he simply shrugged and said that people don’t really go to church. He said that people might believe, but they aren’t “outspoken” about it. He referred to religion – Christianity – as being a passing fancy. A phase the world went through, and he spoke as if it was losing its popularity.

As if The Bible hasn’t been the best-selling book throughout history.

As if wars haven’t happened because of it.

As if people aren’t being persecuted – to this day – because of it.

As if a small country still isn’t the most controversial country in history.

As if the Name of Jesus isn’t the most controversial, popular and beloved figure throughout history.

As if Christianity is just a pleasant label for a simple-minded belief and being a follower of Jesus is just a term and a crutch, and not an all-consuming fire of the most important relationship anyone could ever be blessed to be chosen to have.

As if this world simply exists for us and our own pleasure, and there isn’t hope.

Seeing a person I’ve known since I was little speak in such a dismissive matter literally made my heart ache. For him and his dismissive view. And for Europe and the fading church. For the people in countries where the Bible is banned, and who do anything to simply read a page of it – and are overjoyed when they do. And for this country I’ve been born in, which was founded so we could have the freedom to boldly worship – but we’re more into what influencers are telling us to believe than in picking up the Word of God and letting that influence us. We’re more into our right to choose than what the Creator of the World says for us to obey.

I love Jesus with all my heart, soul and strength. Not because of a beautiful church building. Not because of eloquent words that a church elder might string together. Not because of a community of lukewarm Christian-labeled Sunday-goers.

I love Jesus because He is Lord. I love Jesus because, though I’ve lost those I love the most in this world, He has never left me or forsaken me. I love Jesus because though I am a wretched anxious  sinner, He came here and took my place, He bore all of my sins and sickness on the cross, and conquered death. He took my punishment. And on top of everything, He gives me eternity and I get to see my loved ones again. I love Him because He created dogs and gave them their quirky personalities. I love Him because of my Jesus-following friends who are not afraid to pray bold prayers that shake the heavens and be raw with life. I love Him because He makes the sun rise and the sun set and the stars dance along the sky; all the while creating the most beautiful sky-paintings no earthly artist could ever begin to compete with.

I love Him because He gives us His Word.

I love Him because no matter how many times I read it, there is always something new to be discovered. It is the living Word of God.

I love Him because His Word says He adopts us. Those who accept Jesus into their hearts are adopted – are born again!

I love Him because, right before I was at my darkest point of loss, I heard His still, small, ocean-wave-overwhelming voice say, “Do not be afraid.” I had no idea why. Then I did.

I love Him because He is a God who sees and a King who cares.

I love Jesus because in spite of the how horrible, messy, sad, angry and destructive this world gets, he bore the hate of it first. He bore our death. And He has overcome the world.

I love Him because the King of Kings – the only leader who has ever truly been just – is so completely merciful and loving that He has done everything He could to give us the hope of eternity. If only we pick up our crosses and follow Him.

I love Him because though I have lost everyone and everything; He is my everything and He is enough.

I love Him because I know my love is insufficient. But it was never about my love for Him. It Is about is love for me. For all of us.

King Jesus is not a passing fancy. He is the Almighty Great I Am and He is coming soon.

I dare you to step out of your formal motions and eloquent speech (though I know God is worthy of all formality). I dare you to come to Jesus broken, with all of your pain, all of your sin and grief. I dare you to be raw with God who also says you are His beloved child. Who also promises to be your Friend who sticks closer than a brother and to be a Father to the fatherless. Pick up the book that He provided for you – and maybe read the rawness of the Psalms and ponder why King David who penned them – noting his sin, failures, and asking God to ‘slap his enemies in the face’ – was the apple of His eye. Then go to John and see the Word. The Word who was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone…”

“The Light shines in the darkness. And the darkness can never extinguish it.” – John 1

If you do anything, don’t fall for the formality of formal fancy churches that are fading. Do not fall for religion and labels. Fall in love with the one who Created you, for He will never fail you.

Strive to know the Author and Perfector. Find a church passionately on fire for Him. And be the church on fire for Him.

Know Jesus. Seek Him. If you sincerely do, His Word promises that He will be found by you.

THE WAY †, Wander

Through Sand & Waves

adacostauf

 

It’s amazing how God can use the smallest, simplest things in life to make the biggest impact. Growing up in Florida, I’ve walked by countless sea turtle nests and have never seen a hatchling. Until last night. I’d been dealing with some anxiety and the sun had finally come out after a pretty terrific rain storm – so I decided to do a prayer walk on the beach.

When I was ready to head back to my car, I noticed this tiny thing moving through the sand. My first instinct was that it was a crab. As I grew closer, I saw it was a turtle! A tiny hatchling. Just ploughing its little way through the sand in kind of a zig-zaggy, desperate manner. He looked determined and helpless at the same time.

I glanced around to see if there were more, or to see if I could find its nest – but I couldn’t. I also looked for other people to tell – because this was a turtle hatchling! How cool was this?! There weren’t any people close by. So I just watched as he made his way through the sand, seemingly covering himself with it – with every swipe of his flippers – yet he finally reached the sea. Then I watched – mesmerized – as the waves tossed him a bit – then he took off into the sunset (quite literally).

Then I was in awe. I was in awe of the instincts built into this tiny little creature. In awe that he seemed so determined to reach the ocean, even though he had no idea what it held for him. He had to get there. He somehow seemed to have faith that it would be ok. That it would be good. Even though he was this itty-bitty thing taking on a giant body of sand and crashing waves. He was cool with it. A bit of a hot mess but he was cool.

And Jesus used this little guy to get to me.

This has been probably the hardest, scariest year of my life. Because my whole immediate family is with Jesus, and it’s just me. I feel too young for this – to be left alone in this big world. To, in my mid-twenties, have no parents to ask advice of. To be brave. To handle all the adult things. To not have my precious loved ones to talk to and run home to.

So this little turtle hatchling taught me a lesson. Because, right now, I have no idea what my future holds. I can only handle tomorrow. I have goals and a list of things I have to do. I have dreams of how I’d love to help people learn about Jesus, what I’d like to write and where I’d love to travel. But it’s so unknown! Will the house I grew up in ever feel like a home again? Am I meant to wander for a while? Will I one day be blessed with a family of my own and sweet children I can name after my Mama and Papa? I wish I knew.

But God. God knows.

I have this hope. This one hope. That had I not been able to handle this, God wouldn’t have allowed it to happen. Had I been destined for the melancholy and depression – it would be so easy to fall into that. But I have this hope. That God has a purpose. He placed me here for a reason. Through every heartbreak and tragedy, I’ve ever been through – He has gotten me through. Through every time I’ve messed up, He’s demonstrated His grace in ways I’ve never thought imaginable.

While I might feel at my loneliest and most scared, He’s still right here. He’s never left me or forsaken me. And while I can’t see what the future holds because right now my sea is rough and I’m new to this chapter of my life, it is in His hands. He will see me through. He will bring out the sun and calm the storm. He’ll help me fight through the rough sand and find His peace beyond the waves. All the time, God is good. All the time, His love never fails. When I’m lonely, He’s never left me. When I’m afraid, He’s still in control. When I’m weak, His power works best in my weakness. And while I want to be sad and question everything, He’s still constant and good. Because He is the Everlasting Father who loves His children more than any of us are capable of understanding.

So why do we have to go through rough sand and rougher waves? This world is broken. It’s rough. It’s a fallen world filled with sin.

But we can cling to our faith – cling to our hope, that among these blinding grains of sand and rough waves there’s a Savior who sees. Who knows the future. He holds the keys to eternity in His hands and wants us to have joy on earth because we are His beloved children. He knows the future. Jesus sees. But even while we’re in the midst of sand and waves He’s here with us every step – or flipper swipe – of the way.

 

THE WAY †

The Choice of Life

adacostauf

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Before I was born, I was given life.

A woman did the most selfless act for me. She chose to carry me in her womb for nine months so I could live. She couldn’t afford to raise me, to keep me – but she chose to carry me. She gave me up for adoption; and from the second day of my life, I had my family. The family that I was made for. I am so immeasurably blessed because of it.

Yet sometimes I can’t help but wonder why. Why me? How did I get this blessed? Because I’ve seen the videos.

You know the ones. They’re all over the news now.

So many people want to ignore them and say that it’s not that big of a deal.

Oh, but it is. Life is a big deal. Choosing life is a big, wonderful deal.

Infanticide is also a big deal. Causing a little one harm and pain is a horrific thing. Just because they don’t yet have a voice doesn’t mean they don’t feel.

I’m a 20-something female “millennial” with a degree in journalism. I’m supposed to be feminist. I’m supposed to believe that because it’s a woman’s body, she can do whatever she pleases with it.

But I can’t. Because when someone who had every opportunity to say no to giving you life chooses life for you, you grow up wanting to fight for life. Wanting to defend precious babies – fetuses – because you know how precious life is. What a true blessing it is.

I just wish I could make it better. I wish I could tell every woman considering abortion that there is a better alternative. A choice where not only will she be greatly rewarded, but she will know that this little baby she chooses life for will have the opportunity to grow up and do great things. There won’t be any more opportunities for videos with people speaking about doing things that are so indescribably awful and utterly evil. There would be life and beautiful – amazing – adoptions.

Of course I can’t understand all circumstances. I can’t truly fathom how scary and uncertain it must be. But I know how precious life is and how grateful I am for it.

And for all of the precious little babies that were never born – I believe that they’re the most special. Because they’re the ones who go straight to the arms of Jesus. They get to dance along golden streets and play hide-and-seek with angels. They’re the ones who have truly seen grace fulfilled. These aborted babies are living in the reality of everything this world could be if only we would choose grace and life.

Some will think that I’m contradicting myself with that. Because how could life down here ever be better than what’s up in heaven? But Jesus is the one who gives us life. He’s the one who forms us in the womb. He’s the one who places us here for His own, special purpose that no one else can do.

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart.” –Jeremiah 1:5

“I Am your Creator. You were in My care before you were born.” –Isaiah 44:2

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” –Proverbs 30:8

“Choose life, that you and your descendants may live.” –Deuteronomy 30:19

“It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” – Luke 17:2

“’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.’” –Jeremiah 29:11

 

**Originally posted on my former blog, Guide My Every Way.

THE WAY †

Jesus, America & Football

adacostauf

 

As a person who avoids controversial posts like the plague, I decided to write about three things I know: People who love Jesus, America & football.

I rarely post on Facebook, but the night of the Super Bowl last year (Eagles vs. Pats), I wrote about how I love any team that beats Brady (a diehard Saints fan over here…all in good fun!); and how, most of all, I love any team that gives glory to God. To which someone asked me if I love any team that disrespects the National Anthem.

How do you respond gracefully to that? Politics and sports shouldn’t be mixed!

Here’s the thing: I grew up watching football. I’ve always believed that it was the greatest, most entertaining game to watch. I loved it because it’s athletes from all different classes, religions and races – unifying for one cause. A game where people put aside their drastic differences to unite for the whole.

Along with journalism, I studied sport management in college. I had classes with athletes. Several of them went to my church. They became friends – normal people. Not objects.
So when the Eagles made the playoffs, and one of my favorite Florida Gators (whom I shared a class with every other day for a semester), was going to be in the Super Bowl, I was ecstatic. I’m a Giants fan (as well as Saints), so I never thought I’d see the day where I’d be pulling for the Eagles aside from the Gators on the team. But then I started reading about the team and their testimonies. So many of the men on that team are outspoken about Christ.

Continue reading “Jesus, America & Football” →

Wander

Popovers in Portsmouth

adacostauf

In early June, it can get freezing in the northeast. Well, for a Floridian. Anything below 74 falls under the “freezing weather” category for Floridians (we’re wimps).

But there we were, driving up to Maine, freezing (it was about 60 degrees outside) and starving. My grandpa was driving and I was researching restaurants in Portsmouth, NH. It seemed like a good stopping point for food, and I was determined to find a warm bowl of clam chowder.

Somehow between Zomato and Google, I found the second heaven. This particular version of heaven looked like it was in a little hole-in-the-wall place in the business district of Portsmouth.Popovers on the Square.

Being downtown, it wasn’t exactly fun finding a parking space – not that anything looked extremely crowded. But it was drizzling rain, the brick streets were crooked to walk on, and Popovers looked like a sweet site for sore eyes and hungry stomachs. But when the kind manager opened the door for me, I was confused. It was set up like a Panera wannabe with more comfortable seats. There was the pastry section and then the ordering section, and somewhere in the back food was being made (I hoped).

I seated my grandpa and walked up to the lady at the counter.

Crab cakes @ Popovers on the Square
Crab cakes @ Popovers on the Square

“What would you like?” She had white hair, kind blue eyes, and I regret not getting her name.

“Ummm…What’s good here?” She laughed at me.

“It depends on how hungry you are.”

We were starving.

I ordered clam chowder, crab cakes, and a lobster roll to share with my grandfather. I’ve never been a fan of seafood – I had my eye on the dessert bar. But about five minutes later, our food was ready, and I suddenly wanted to understand what all the hype is over New England seafood.

Growing up, I’ve had clam chowder every now and then – from Red Lobster. It’s fine. Yet when I tried the chowder at Popovers, it was…beyond words. I wanted to lick the bowl, but I settled for de-layering the adorable popover and dipping it in the chowder. It was scrumptious.

Lobster Popover @ Popovers on the Square in Portsmouth, NH
Lobster Popover @ Popovers on the Square in Portsmouth, NH

Next came the lobster roll, or lobster popovers. It was a basic lobster salad and a flaky, doughy popover and perfect. Then the crab cakes. They were pan seared with scallions, bell peppers, aioli and a green salad. I’ve had crab cakes before – but they’ve always felt heavy with a weird texture and a just-OK taste. But these Portsmouth crab cakes were flawless. The pan-seared texture was just right, and the aioli made a scrumptious addition to the already tasty meat. I wanted more, but after the delicious meal I also wanted to try dessert.

I ordered two lattes, a slice of the chocolate hazelnut torte and a slice of the raspberry torte. The desserts were just as delicious as the meal.

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I’ve been to a lot of different restaurants in a lot of different places, but I can’t remember eating food as comforting, delicious and rich as the food at Popovers on the Square. I’d never been to a restaurant that made me wish I could move to a different state just to eat there every day. But I can see myself driving – or flying – out of my way just to eat at Popovers. And I’d dearly appreciate it if they’d open about a thousand in Florida!

*Since I originally blogged about Popovers, I’ve been back twice on different trips. Both times it was just as good!

*Popovers menu here

*For more about Popovers and other locations, click here

**Unless otherwise stated, I am in no way affiliated with the restaurants or companies mentioned on this blog.

*Post taken from my former blog, Guide My Every Way.

THE WAY †, Wander

Wander & The Way

adacostauf

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Sometimes the best journeys in life happen when your plans get thwarted. A couple of years ago, I was so set in my ways. After graduating college, I planned on being a sports reporter (I dearly love sports!). After graduation, caring for a sick family member happened instead. Then a road trip to several National Parks happened, and I fell in love with traveling and capturing creation.

Prior to that, I thought beach destinations were the only worthy places to travel. Yet I’ve learned that I love wandering. I love discovering new lands, meeting people from different places, trying different food (I really love food). It’s amazing how similar yet how different places are around the country and around the world.

Most of all, I love seeing God’s hand everywhere I go. The more I wander, the more I see how amazing and vast His creation is. So here’s a little about wandering with wonder and a lot about pursuing The Way.

***

“Jesus said to him, ‘I Am The Way, and The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” – John 14:6

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien