Wandering

What Joy Means

September 9, 2022 adacostauf

What is the meaning of joy? What does it mean to you?

Is it happiness, elation, excitement? Is it something that happens when everything is going perfectly? You receive good news, and that triggers your joy?

Or does it run deeper, in a way that’s indescribable. Almost raw and bittersweet. Almost overwhelming. It’s every extreme, all rolled into one. You shouldn’t feel happy in the situation you’re in, and you don’t. Nothing is right in your world. But still, joy pursues you. It’s this innermost tug, that in the midst of your situation, you can still have hope. Maybe joy isn’t based on circumstance. Maybe it’s based on something else. Something far greater.

We like to bring up how “fear not” is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible; one statement for every day of the year.

Did you realize that various versions of the word “joy” (“rejoice” or “joyful”) is mentioned in the Bible about 430 times? Happiness, the emotion based on circumstance, is only in the Bible roughly ten times (openthebible.org).

If telling us to “fear not” is so important to God that He’d give us that phrase for each day, how much more joy.

If you’re like me and love starting in Genesis and reading through your Bible starting January 1, highlight every version of the word “joy.” Study those verses. See how they meld. See the situations they were in and the grief and the overwhelming places. See all that King David went through, every way in how he messed up and fell short – but He understood how important joy is to God. See Jesus praying for us, praying that we would have His joy.

Joy is Jesus’. He spoke so that we could have His joy. Joy runs deeper, because for those in Christ, it’s a spiritual birthright.

We’re good at hearing so many sermons under the sun, we’re good at saying how cool Jesus is. We’re good at condemnation. Yet maybe the key that we’re missing, the message that needs to be displayed to the world, is that Jesus is love. He is peace, and hope, and salvation. And Jesus is joy.

It doesn’t make sense, but His way seldom looks like the world’s. He transcends it. He’s God. And joy is so important to God.

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:10-11

Uncategorized

Fading Churches

October 14, 2021 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.

Wander

Popovers in Portsmouth

February 1, 2019February 1, 2019 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.

“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

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.

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

January 14, 2019February 1, 2019 adacostauf

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