sunscreen and seat belts

Every work morning, I roll out of bed around 4:45. One of the first things I do is get dressed. One of the perks of my job is that I get to be in a swimsuit all day. That also means I'm in the sun. So I've started this routine of lathering up in sunscreen. (My favorite is Ocean Potion because it smells like a dreamsicle--thanks Leslie!)

One morning, as I was rubbing in this glorious spf, I started to ponder some deeper meanings of sunscreen. I'm getting to the age where I'm realizing the effects of things. Food I eat, vitamins I take, not exercising, exercising too much, what causes back pains, flossing, etc. It means something to me now. I put on sunscreen every day for two reasons. 1. Let's be honest, sunburns don't look good on anyone. 2. Skin cancer prevention. I thought about the emotional decisions I make every day. They effect my future, right? I put sunscreen on as an effort to protect myself from future problems. Are the decisions I'm making now righteous decisions that will make my future easier and less painful?

I had the same realization as I put my seat belt on, while driving to work in the dark hours of dawn. Windows down. Palm trees sprinkling the horizon. Singing at the top of my lungs. Breathing in sugar cane ash. Coughing. Wheezing. Windows up. Sun peeking out from behind Haleakala. Moon slipping bashfully behind the West Maui Mountains. Hazy and subtle. I've trained myself to put my seat belt on. I even sometimes mindlessly grab for it when I sit down in normal chairs. Sigh. We know that it is something we are doing to better ourselves. It's a righteous decision.

"This is the history of the generations of Noah. Noah was a just and righteous man, blameless in his [evil] generation; Noah walked [in habitual fellowship] with God." --Genesis 6:9

-righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God]-

Obedience is tough. Putting sunscreen on in a sleepy stupor is frustrating. It would be so much easier to not do it. Or only on some days. Seat belts are annoying and constricting. Now that I view sunscreen like the Lord's protection over me, it's more fulfilling to put it on. And if I view my seat belt like God's armor, I'm willing. That hard decision you are making now WILL make your future easier. Trusting God now, before you see the benefits is worth it. Trust. Faith. Obey. Discipline. Righteousness results. IT IS WORTH IT.

This is our promise:

^"12The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].

¹³Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.

¹⁴[Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment].

¹⁵[They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." --Psalm 92:12-15

In Him,

Risa

literary snapshots

Every day I have moments that I wish I had an iphone to whip out and snap a photo of what my life is like. Some literal, some figurative. A sunset. A smile. A snapshot of the happiness in my heart.

New things are happening.

I island hopped with Leslie and Tiffany to the north shore of Oahu for the weekend for a Young Life Leader's retreat. Camp Mokule'ia. We got off the plane and clambered on a school bus. Ukulele tunes. Sun beams through the windows.

A weekend filled with worship, Jesus, laughter, rest, prayer, adoration, and skits/games. Laughter breaks down walls. Let the truth of God sink deep into your bones. Life. Abundance.

I loved the consistent background noise of gentle waves. God reminding us: "I love you. I love you. I love you."

I love what Young Life stands for. I went to my first official Kihei Young Life leaders meeting on Sunday night. New faces. Fresh perspective. Lost kids. Sharing Jesus. Eternal mindset. Walking life together. Stokage. I don't know where God is calling me to specifically yet, but I am already seeing SO MUCH FRUIT from faithful prayer. It works. Big things are happening on the islands of Hawaii :)

I started a new job on Thursday. Pacific Whale Foundation. Each morning, we take out a boat of 100 plus passengers and snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town. There is nothing better than jumping in and wiggling my fin free toes in the Molokini blue waters. I'm learning a ton. Did you know that boy turtles have long tails and girl turtles have short tails? Or that a clove hitch knot is incredibly useful on a boat? Or that baby shampoo and water is excellent for defogging goggles? I like it a lot. And if you want to snorkel, you should definitely check this trip out :)

I am content. Satisfied. I want to be with God and let HIS grace and love wash over me. I want to write. Pen to paper. Fingers to keyboard. I want to sing. Strum guitar strings. Hum a thankful harmony to the melody God is singing over me. It's catchy.....and I like it :)

In Him,
Risa