Have you ever wondered why life is so hard? And for those of you who have reached the stage between teenager and young adult, have you been amazed at how many decisions you have to make on a daily basis? For some of you, you did not decide anything before you went off to school; your parents decided everything for you, right down to what you were eating. Some of us (like me) had more control over some of the decisions we had to make, and a say in others.
Decisions are not always easy to make. Decisions like what you are having for supper are relatively simple ones. Start thinking about harder decisions. Like where to go to college. What to do with your life. Who to be in a relationship with, or whether to have a relationship at all. Who to have friendships with. You have to decide what influences you want in your life. You need to decide who you want to follow; the world, or Jesus.
Let me be super honest with you. I like to listen to me. I like to do what I want. I want to have control over myself and my life. And I have tried to live my life that way.
Let me tell you something... It has not been working well for me. It isn't easy.
And living for Jesus isn't easy either.
In fact, it is tough. You have to give up your own wills and desires to live for Him. Sometimes, you will have to make super tough choices, and give up the things that you want every single day. I'm learning all over again how to do that. And it is tough. Every day is a struggle. But living for Jesus will give you such peace in your life, and will help make a lot of the tough decisions easier. PLEASE NOTE: I did not say it will make tough decisions EASY. I said EASIER.
When I left school, I had high expectations for this summer. I knew God was going to do something awesome. And I had that in mind, plus the things I wanted. I wanted to combine the two. However, God threw some obstacles in the way. And I don't know if I am completely correct in saying this, but maybe this is what God had me excited for. Who says awesome things happen in only good times? Sometimes we have to go through some tough things to see amazing things happen. And I know God is working on me. I know in the end it is going to be amazing, even if right now it hurts and is uncomfortable. How do I know all this? Well, I don't have concrete evidence. I try to operate on faith. Many times faith has helped me more than concrete evidence. (If you don't know what I mean by this, think of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and given a certain amount of time to live and that time passes, they are alive, and then beat cancer. The doctor's report; the "evidence" showed one thing, but faith shows another... hopefully that made sense.)
The main thing I am trying to get to is this: The decisions you have to make in life won't be easy. Deciding whether or not to follow Jesus is one of the most pivotal and important decisions you will have to make in life. But I can promise you this; following Jesus will help you so much in your life, with decisions you have to make, and just with life in general. I invite you to join me in learning/learning over again, how to let Jesus make the decisions in our lives. It'll be a bumpy ride, but, my friends, it's gonna be worth it.
Romans 5:5-6
"Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Life Like a River
So this past year has been crazy. As you know from my last post, I've finished my first year of University... which is crazy. I had a lot of ups and downs in this last year. One day, I went with some of my friends to go hiking. We went up, and when we reached the top, we were able to look down and see the fields below us, and the river running through them. As I sat there taking some time alone with God, watching the river flow, He spoke to my heart. God definitely does speak through nature, I have learned that so much over the years. This is what he spoke to me...
"Life is like a river. Sometimes it flows fast, sometimes it flows slow. Sometimes it hits a rock or two and gets redirected. Sometimes there's a choice to make; a split; and one has to decide which way to go. Go where you flow naturally. Follow and trust the leading of the river. Trust that God guides the river, and He is guiding you."
This spoke so much to me. It helped me a lot when I was going through some tough times at the end of the semester. Some of my friends were not planning on returning to the University, and were planning to switch schools, which meant I would not be able to see them as much. I was unsure if the program I am in is the right one for me. I was having a hard time accepting things, and was just tired, mentally and physically. This boosted my attitude and my spirit. It helped me to accept things better. I was able to cope with the thought of my friends not returning in the fall, and it is amazing that God worked things out so that my friends were able to come back again!
God speaks to us in our times of need. He is there to always help us through things. There are countless instances that I can recall where just this thing happened. My challenge to you is to trust God. Listen to what He is trying to tell you. Flow where He leads you. Trust me, it is better than anything you can come up with.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV)
"Life is like a river. Sometimes it flows fast, sometimes it flows slow. Sometimes it hits a rock or two and gets redirected. Sometimes there's a choice to make; a split; and one has to decide which way to go. Go where you flow naturally. Follow and trust the leading of the river. Trust that God guides the river, and He is guiding you."
This spoke so much to me. It helped me a lot when I was going through some tough times at the end of the semester. Some of my friends were not planning on returning to the University, and were planning to switch schools, which meant I would not be able to see them as much. I was unsure if the program I am in is the right one for me. I was having a hard time accepting things, and was just tired, mentally and physically. This boosted my attitude and my spirit. It helped me to accept things better. I was able to cope with the thought of my friends not returning in the fall, and it is amazing that God worked things out so that my friends were able to come back again!
God speaks to us in our times of need. He is there to always help us through things. There are countless instances that I can recall where just this thing happened. My challenge to you is to trust God. Listen to what He is trying to tell you. Flow where He leads you. Trust me, it is better than anything you can come up with.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV)
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Learning the Hard Way
So some people who read my blog (when I put up the occasional post) may know that I have been in University, and am finishing up my freshman year! YAY! I survived!
I learned so much this past year... even this past month I have learned so much. I am not talking about learning from books (though I have done that too), but I am talking about the practical life experiences I have learned (most the hard way) in my first year of university. I'll put a few in bullet point, then I'll explain...
I learned so much this past year... even this past month I have learned so much. I am not talking about learning from books (though I have done that too), but I am talking about the practical life experiences I have learned (most the hard way) in my first year of university. I'll put a few in bullet point, then I'll explain...
- Spend time ALONE
- Spend time with God, in groups and separately
- SLEEP at decent times
- STUDY and READ THE SYLLABUS carefully
It is important to spend some time alone. It is healthy to spend time alone doing things you enjoy. Even if you just want to sleep, do it. Spend some time away from people so that you can recharge and relax your brain. Living with a ton of people around can make it tough, and it is easy to be annoyed or annoy other people. Spending time alone can help with that.
SLEEP... I cannot stress how important this is... my goodness... when you get a good night's sleep, the next day is so great. You can actually focus in class, pay attention, and it helps you to be more patient and less cranky. Trust me, I learned from experience... and so did my close friends. (Thanks guys! <3)
Studying and reading your syllabus... let's not talk about the paper I got a 0 on because I missed one direction on the syllabus... yes, it was 25% of my grade for the class, and yes I was upset. I learned how important it is to really read and understand the directions given to you. (If you don't understand, ask the professor!) Also, actually studying for a test can give you a 96 instead of an 80... just saying.
Now, back to what the most important thing is... spend time alone with God and in a group. Putting God first when you have so much to do is so difficult. Trust me, I know, I've been trying to learn how to put Him first all year. I have found though, that on the days I do put Him first, spending time in His Word and praying early on in the day, I do much better that day, and am in a much better mood. It affects the people close to you too. Personally, I have found when I am intentionally spending time with God and in His Word regularly, and praying often, I am in a much better mood, and in a much better frame of mind to deal with anything that I could come up against.
So, my point? Pretty much all I wanted to do is show you that you aren't the only one struggling. Tons of people have the same type of struggles. My list has tons more on it too, of things I have learned this year. I have something else I will be posting about, probably in the next week, that is a little more beneficial than what I posted today.
My challenge to you:
Try to spend time alone with God, in prayer and reading His Word. Also, take a moment to listen. You never know, He may have been trying to tell you something, or He has something to tell you. Just take a short time out of your day, even if it is 5-10 minutes to spend with Him. He loves you, and wants a deeper relationship with you. Put in your 100%, cause He sure is.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Crazy Life
Life gets crazy sometimes. This past week has been a testimony to that fact. There are times when we question God on where He is and what He is doing in our lives. We shed many tears, and almost lose our faith. During these times, we learn who our true friends are.
When I was feeling that way this week, my best friends in the whole world gathered around me to help me back up. It didn't matter that I was an emotional disaster... they just were there to help me, give me words of advice and wisdom, and get a laugh out of me once in a while. They were also there to point me back to the One Who controls everything... God. They told me stories of how God had been faithful to them in the past, and encouraged me that God had everything under control.
God reminded me this week of how much He loves me. He showed me that His plans are always for my good, and for the good of those around me, even if I don't understand. When I was struggling to understand why God allows young people to be really sick and in some cases die, God reminded me that our breath belongs to Him... He has the right to give it, and the right to take it away. We cannot question Him on His ability to provide for us. He always comes through. This morning while I was in church, God pointed me to this verse,
When I was feeling that way this week, my best friends in the whole world gathered around me to help me back up. It didn't matter that I was an emotional disaster... they just were there to help me, give me words of advice and wisdom, and get a laugh out of me once in a while. They were also there to point me back to the One Who controls everything... God. They told me stories of how God had been faithful to them in the past, and encouraged me that God had everything under control.
God reminded me this week of how much He loves me. He showed me that His plans are always for my good, and for the good of those around me, even if I don't understand. When I was struggling to understand why God allows young people to be really sick and in some cases die, God reminded me that our breath belongs to Him... He has the right to give it, and the right to take it away. We cannot question Him on His ability to provide for us. He always comes through. This morning while I was in church, God pointed me to this verse,
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.
This verse reminded me that God has been there all week, in the good and bad times. And I am so thankful that even when I was angry with Him, He stayed with me and never gave up on me, and showed me this promise that I can hold on to. He reveals things to us as we need to learn them, and He is always faithful to provide for us.
I just encourage you to lean in to God no matter what is going on in your life. He's the only One who can fix the mess you are in. And you can tell Him anything. Even if you are mad, tell Him. You'll be surprised how He can work in your heart and life.
Monday, November 2, 2015
"Gracious and Attractive"
Colossians 4:2-6 {NLT}
"Devote yourselves to prayer, with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone."
Why did I highlight the last part of this passage? This is something people (especially close friends) have been reminding me of this last little bit. I struggle with my conversations being "gracious" and "attractive," especially when I am stressed or overwhelmed or don't think I can do it anymore. God has been teaching me this last week about it. He uses people to speak to us, and when He highlights the same thing in Scripture, it is time to really listen and pay attention to what He is saying. This is what God taught me from this last part of Colossians:
We need to be careful in our conversations. We need to make sure that they are indeed "gracious" and "attractive" so that we can be leading people to God instead of driving them away from God. If we focus our conversations on things that are, as Philippians 4:8 says, true, right, pure, lovely, honorable, and admirable, we will be more likely, and more able to lead people toward God, instead of driving them away with "unattractive" and "ungracious" conversations.
This is hard to do sometimes. I know, especially when people upset me, that I am not likely to be very "gracious" and "attractive" in my speech. Did you know that our thoughts are important as well? Philippians 4:8 (as referred to above) is talking about our thoughts. As Jesus says in Matthew 15:18, "But the words you speak come from the heart - that's what defiles you." What we are thinking can be just as bad as what we are saying (or, in some cases, worse than what we are saying). Our heart is the center of us. Everything springs forth from the heart.
How can we practically "put into practice" what we have learned? Well, I have a few suggestions. Like I said before, this is something I struggle with, so I am definitely no expert on this! The best place to go is to the Bible or to ask the Lord in prayer.
Here are a few ways we can learn to be "gracious and attractive" in our conversations:
1) Listen! We do not have to agree with them. We do not have to even support what they are saying. But we need to be gracious enough to let them speak their mind, and then we can share our opinion on the topic.
2) Be gentle! Do not force something on someone. It is disrespectful, unattractive, and not at all gracious.
3) Stop! If you cannot be calm and rational with someone, do not talk to them. Walk away. Come back and talk to them. I have had to do this when I have gotten into heated debates, or even arguments with people, or if I am upset with them about something. Remember what Mom always taught... "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"
In the end, most of it is common sense. Be kind to people, gracious and forgiving in speech and in manner. If you are unable to do this, walk away and calm down instead of saying something that could be very damaging to someone. Remember Philippians 4:8 and apply that to your life, in every aspect, and you will be well on your way!
"Devote yourselves to prayer, with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone."
Why did I highlight the last part of this passage? This is something people (especially close friends) have been reminding me of this last little bit. I struggle with my conversations being "gracious" and "attractive," especially when I am stressed or overwhelmed or don't think I can do it anymore. God has been teaching me this last week about it. He uses people to speak to us, and when He highlights the same thing in Scripture, it is time to really listen and pay attention to what He is saying. This is what God taught me from this last part of Colossians:
We need to be careful in our conversations. We need to make sure that they are indeed "gracious" and "attractive" so that we can be leading people to God instead of driving them away from God. If we focus our conversations on things that are, as Philippians 4:8 says, true, right, pure, lovely, honorable, and admirable, we will be more likely, and more able to lead people toward God, instead of driving them away with "unattractive" and "ungracious" conversations.
This is hard to do sometimes. I know, especially when people upset me, that I am not likely to be very "gracious" and "attractive" in my speech. Did you know that our thoughts are important as well? Philippians 4:8 (as referred to above) is talking about our thoughts. As Jesus says in Matthew 15:18, "But the words you speak come from the heart - that's what defiles you." What we are thinking can be just as bad as what we are saying (or, in some cases, worse than what we are saying). Our heart is the center of us. Everything springs forth from the heart.
How can we practically "put into practice" what we have learned? Well, I have a few suggestions. Like I said before, this is something I struggle with, so I am definitely no expert on this! The best place to go is to the Bible or to ask the Lord in prayer.
Here are a few ways we can learn to be "gracious and attractive" in our conversations:
1) Listen! We do not have to agree with them. We do not have to even support what they are saying. But we need to be gracious enough to let them speak their mind, and then we can share our opinion on the topic.
2) Be gentle! Do not force something on someone. It is disrespectful, unattractive, and not at all gracious.
3) Stop! If you cannot be calm and rational with someone, do not talk to them. Walk away. Come back and talk to them. I have had to do this when I have gotten into heated debates, or even arguments with people, or if I am upset with them about something. Remember what Mom always taught... "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"
In the end, most of it is common sense. Be kind to people, gracious and forgiving in speech and in manner. If you are unable to do this, walk away and calm down instead of saying something that could be very damaging to someone. Remember Philippians 4:8 and apply that to your life, in every aspect, and you will be well on your way!
Monday, June 8, 2015
Look Around
So often I get caught up in my own little world. I get caught up in my own problems, and forget that everyone else around me has problems of their own too. I try to handle things on my own instead of trusting my Heavenly Father to take care of it for me. I focus only on myself sometimes, when I really should be looking out for and helping other people.
You see, as a Christian, I am supposed to be like Jesus. I am supposed to be His hands and His feet. I am supposed to help and serve others. I am supposed to be living my life in a way that includes those around me, and is not centered on me.
When I stop and take a look at the world around me and see all of the hurt that is around me, it is hard to think that I could make any difference. I am sure some of you feel the same way. It seems like a daunting task that only a crazy person would take on. But the truth is, if everyone helped just one person, the world would be such a better place.
Ever see the movie Pay it Forward? The kid on the movie came up with the revolutionary idea to change the world. This kid knew he could not do it by himself though. He broke it down so as to reach as many people as possible. He would help three people. In return, they were to help three people each. The cycle would continue. Imagine if we could do this. The world would be so much better! We would be helping and serving others, just like Jesus wants us to do.
Something I have come to realize is that you do not have to have a lot of money, talent, skill, or even education to help people. Sometimes all people need is someone to listen. They need someone to help them get something off the top shelf at the grocery store (this has happened to me because I am tall enough to reach :P). They might need someone to mow their lawn. They might need someone to drive them somewhere. Whatever it is, big or small, it can make a huge impact on that person. And it may spark the desire inside of them to help others.
I am calling all of us to work to impact one person. It may not seem like much, but it is still one person. Imagine the spark that could quickly turn into a flame. One person impacts another who impacts another... and this continues... forever! Wouldn't it be so amazing if we could all stop being so caught up in "me" and work on being caught up in helping others? It's your choice. Impact the world for better. Leave behind a legacy that says, "I lived for others. I showed Jesus to everyone I could." Go ahead. I know you can.
Here's a little inspiration for you... :)
"What you are tomorrow depends on what you do today."
"Your life is God's gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God."
"God's best gifts are opportunities."
*Quotes above are taken from "101 Secrets Every Teen Should Know"
You see, as a Christian, I am supposed to be like Jesus. I am supposed to be His hands and His feet. I am supposed to help and serve others. I am supposed to be living my life in a way that includes those around me, and is not centered on me.
When I stop and take a look at the world around me and see all of the hurt that is around me, it is hard to think that I could make any difference. I am sure some of you feel the same way. It seems like a daunting task that only a crazy person would take on. But the truth is, if everyone helped just one person, the world would be such a better place.
Ever see the movie Pay it Forward? The kid on the movie came up with the revolutionary idea to change the world. This kid knew he could not do it by himself though. He broke it down so as to reach as many people as possible. He would help three people. In return, they were to help three people each. The cycle would continue. Imagine if we could do this. The world would be so much better! We would be helping and serving others, just like Jesus wants us to do.
Something I have come to realize is that you do not have to have a lot of money, talent, skill, or even education to help people. Sometimes all people need is someone to listen. They need someone to help them get something off the top shelf at the grocery store (this has happened to me because I am tall enough to reach :P). They might need someone to mow their lawn. They might need someone to drive them somewhere. Whatever it is, big or small, it can make a huge impact on that person. And it may spark the desire inside of them to help others.
I am calling all of us to work to impact one person. It may not seem like much, but it is still one person. Imagine the spark that could quickly turn into a flame. One person impacts another who impacts another... and this continues... forever! Wouldn't it be so amazing if we could all stop being so caught up in "me" and work on being caught up in helping others? It's your choice. Impact the world for better. Leave behind a legacy that says, "I lived for others. I showed Jesus to everyone I could." Go ahead. I know you can.
Here's a little inspiration for you... :)
"What you are tomorrow depends on what you do today."
"Your life is God's gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God."
"God's best gifts are opportunities."
*Quotes above are taken from "101 Secrets Every Teen Should Know"
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
How the Body of Christ should Really Work
Oftentimes, I see people around the community, and even around the world who feel like they are not needed. They constantly think that no one would notice if they disappeared. They don't realize that there are people out there who care about them, when there are many who do.
I have to say, I've seen this happen in churches to. People feel they need to have a certain "gift" in order to be useful. They see people who get up and speak, sing, play an instrument, do sound, run power point, or help with the children, and think, "I'm of no use. I'm not gifted like these people are! Why am I even here?" They do not see their gift of encouragement, prayer, praise, writing, etc. as important. They think that they need one of the "special gifts" to be important. They undermine the gifts God has given them.
Paul addresses this issue in his letter to the Corinthians in chapter 12. He tells us, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone is the same God at work." (1 Cor. 12:4-6, NIV) Verse 7 tells us that "to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." This means that ALL GIFTS not just SOME GIFTS are important. Paul goes on to tell about the different gifts; wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discerning between spirits, and so many more. Some of these terms are not used very much in this day and age. But all these gifts still exist.
In verses 12-31, Paul tells us about the body, and how important each part is, and gives a ridiculous illustration of different parts of the body saying they don't need each other. The foot is self-loathing because he isn't a hand, so he doesn't feel important. The same happens with other parts of the body, and Paul says that "God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be." (Verse 18.) Paul goes on to talk about how each part fits together, and why and how each is important. He says the parts that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we think are less honorable are treated with special honor. (Verses 22-23.) He talks about how if one part of the body suffers, we should suffer with it, and if one part rejoices, all should rejoice. (Verse 26.)
The body cannot be divided against itself; neither can the church. We need to learn to work together and respect each other, and value everyone's gifts. All can be used. Not everyone has the same gifts. Encouragers can help those who get up in front of people every week, or even the single mother who sits in the back row. Prayer warriors can pray for anyone and anything. People who have wisdom or knowledge can share it. The list goes on and on. Find a way to use YOUR gift. Learn to work together. Imagine what will happen when God's church unites.
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-- whether Jew or Gentiles, slave or free-- and we were all given the same Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many." (1 Cor. 12:12-14.)
ALWAYS remember you have a gift. NEVER think otherwise.
Suggested reading- 1 Corinthians 12
I have to say, I've seen this happen in churches to. People feel they need to have a certain "gift" in order to be useful. They see people who get up and speak, sing, play an instrument, do sound, run power point, or help with the children, and think, "I'm of no use. I'm not gifted like these people are! Why am I even here?" They do not see their gift of encouragement, prayer, praise, writing, etc. as important. They think that they need one of the "special gifts" to be important. They undermine the gifts God has given them.
Paul addresses this issue in his letter to the Corinthians in chapter 12. He tells us, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone is the same God at work." (1 Cor. 12:4-6, NIV) Verse 7 tells us that "to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." This means that ALL GIFTS not just SOME GIFTS are important. Paul goes on to tell about the different gifts; wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discerning between spirits, and so many more. Some of these terms are not used very much in this day and age. But all these gifts still exist.
In verses 12-31, Paul tells us about the body, and how important each part is, and gives a ridiculous illustration of different parts of the body saying they don't need each other. The foot is self-loathing because he isn't a hand, so he doesn't feel important. The same happens with other parts of the body, and Paul says that "God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be." (Verse 18.) Paul goes on to talk about how each part fits together, and why and how each is important. He says the parts that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we think are less honorable are treated with special honor. (Verses 22-23.) He talks about how if one part of the body suffers, we should suffer with it, and if one part rejoices, all should rejoice. (Verse 26.)
The body cannot be divided against itself; neither can the church. We need to learn to work together and respect each other, and value everyone's gifts. All can be used. Not everyone has the same gifts. Encouragers can help those who get up in front of people every week, or even the single mother who sits in the back row. Prayer warriors can pray for anyone and anything. People who have wisdom or knowledge can share it. The list goes on and on. Find a way to use YOUR gift. Learn to work together. Imagine what will happen when God's church unites.
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-- whether Jew or Gentiles, slave or free-- and we were all given the same Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many." (1 Cor. 12:12-14.)
ALWAYS remember you have a gift. NEVER think otherwise.
Suggested reading- 1 Corinthians 12
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