A Lesson Learned From Art Class

I made a mistake!  Oh no!  And it's too late to fix it, what should I do?

I was loving how everything was turning out on my paper.  In art class the other day we all got to play around with watercolors. The flower I was painting was slowly taking shape as I added on each layer.  An idea came to my head.  My flower needed outer petals.  I dipped my brush into the red and mixed it with some white until I had the perfect shade of pink.  Without much thought I placed my brush on the paper and painted more petals.  

Let's just say the picture I had in my head is not what happened on the paper in front of me.  I tried to make it work.  I added more paint and  then I tried to get rid of the extra paint.  Nothing worked, I messed up. 

Refusing to just push aside this piece as a mistake and try again I took out my pens and attempted to save my work.  I blended the pink colors into a background wash and added pen to make the flower stand out.  It worked! 

The painting didn't end up how I had originally planned it to turn out, but overall, I love how this piece turned out.  I couldn't resist adding a simple quote with hand lettering!

My art teacher even came over and commented on my work.  But the first words that came out of my mouth as she looked at my piece was; "This was a mistake."

She quickly told me that it was not a mistake, nothing in art is a mistake.  It may not have turned out how I wanted it to turn out, but it wasn't a mistake.  She pointed out how I was able to use my creative mind to solve the problem and still create a beautiful piece of art.  She also said if I keep trying to get the desired effect I will only get better as I practice.

Encouraged, I went on to play some more with my watercolors.  I painted more flowers and landscapes remembering to keep in mind that as I explore with art I'm not messing up or making mistakes, I'm making art.

As I reflect on the dilemma I had with my flower painting, I can't help but see a life lesson to learn from this experience.  So often in my life I find myself in situations that are similar to my messed up piece of art.   

My life is like the painting on the paper in front of me.  As each day goes by a new layer is added to the painting.   I make choices for my life each day.  I have dreams and hopes.  I have an idea in my head of what I want the painting to look like whens it's done.  

But, let's face it, things happen and my life takes an unexpected turn.  Maybe it's a season of pain, or heartbreak.  Maybe it's a prolonged season of waiting.   Hard times come and I start to wonder what happened to the beautiful picture?  It was turning out just how I wanted it to, but now...  The brush suddenly slips, the paints spill on the canvas, the beautiful painting is no longer perfect, it's messed up.  I made a mistake.

What my teacher told me about my artwork is true of my life as well.  There is no such thing as a mistake.  Maybe my life isn't turning out how I want it to turn out, but I must never allow myself to forget Who holds the brush.

God is the painter, I am a the painting.  God doesn't make mistakes.  When God has me go through hard seasons in life I can trust that He knows what He is doing.  Even if the painting looks like one big mess right now, I'll just keep trusting God.  I know that in time God will turn it into something beautiful.

30 Days Of Bible Lettering Challenge (First Five Days)

It's always fun to challenge yourself.  On Instagram I love to participate in various lettering challenges.  Last month (February) I enjoyed participating in a watercolor challenge. I did my best but  I missed most of the days due to always being busy or running out of inspiration. But I did my best and you can see the few watercolor creations I made on my Instagram: @uniquelyhis4ever.  If you haven't followed me yet on Instagram, I'd love it if you'd give me a follow, I try to post daily.  

This month I'm excited to be participating in round 4 of the 30 Days of Bible Lettering challenge.  If you haven't heard of this lettering challenge I encourage you to check out the 30 Days of Bible Lettering website.  It's never too late to join in the challenge.

Believe it or not, it's already five days into March, which means, I have five Bible verses lettered. I'm really excited to share with you all the the first five verses I lettered for this challenge.

Day one - "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance." Romans 5:3

Day two - "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Day Three - "As it is written, 'I have made you the father of many nations'—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist." Romans 4:17

Day four - "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

Day Five - "In God, whose word I praise-- in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" Psalm 56:4

I wish I could say I'm always on top of things but to to be honest with you, most of the time I find myself falling behind on these challenges.  All I can do is to do my best.  There is no shame in having a day dedicated to catching up on all the days I missed.

I can't wait to see what verses I will be able to letter next in this challenge.  I'll be sure to post more as continue working on the challenge. 

Here I am, Lord, Send Me

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send and who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here I am, send me.' " - Isaiah 6:8 

Hello!  I'm back.  It's a new year! I wish I could say that it's going to be a better year for my blog and that I will be posting more regularly.  I promise, I will try. But one thing I'm learning is that I have no control over each day.  I make plans, but it is God's plans that ultimately succeed.  It's already halfway through January and this week is the first week in a long time that actually feels normal.

I am beyond blessed in so may ways this new year.  This morning I had a wonderful quiet time with God as I read Isaiah 6.  Lately, I have been struggling with my morning devotions.  But God was very near to me this morning as I studied His word. Isaiah isn't the easiest book to understand but with the help of a commentary God revealed to me so many little nuggets of truth from His word. I just have to share.

It was with a humble heart Isaiah willingly cried out to God, 'Here I am, send me.' He was ready and willing to do whatever God would ask of him. But it was only after Isaiah realized how unworthy he was and after God cleansed him that he was ready to serve God in this way.

Just like Isaiah, we need to be humbled before we can be used by God.  God isn't looking for mighty men and women who are capable of everything and never fail.  God wants the willing, the humble, the weak.  He wants sinners saved by His amazing grace.  Each day I am in awe at how amazing God is and disgusted at how unworthy I am.  But God loves me even though I fail Him everyday.  And God loves you no matter how far you think you have fallen.

God doesn't look for those who are equipped.  I love the saying,  'God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called.'  God is looking for volunteers, not robots.  When we humbly cry out to God with a willing heart God hears and God answers.  God wants to use you.  He wants to use me. But we need to be willing to go wherever it is that God will take us.

 Oh, may that be my cry also, "God teach me to be humble. Thank you for saving me even though I don't deserve Your love. Fill me Lord with a willing spirit that longs to do Your will. May I cry out to you each day, here I am, Lord, send me."

How To Memorize Scripture

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

I have many fond memories of my family learning new bible verses to memorize each week. It's been years, but I can still remember the verses we learned.  It truly is amazing that our minds can recall all the things we learned years ago.  

It has been on my heart to memorize more scripture but I'm gonna be honest with you, I am not very good at it.  Multiple times I have started out memorizing a verse only to end up giving up about half way through.  Just this past month God has put it on my heart to memorized  Psalm 34.  This beautiful psalm has become very special to me... but to memorized the whole Psalm?  It seemed like an impossible task.  Why not just a few verses? If this was going to happen, I needed to come up with a method for memorizing scripture that actually worked.  

Well, I'm happy to say I found a way to memorize scripture that is successful!  I have not finished memorizing all of Psalm 34 yet, but I have memorized the first eight verses.  This is a huge accomplishment for me.  Here's how  I did it:

• The first step is commitment.  You have to be committed to actually taking the time out of each day to memorized and meditate on the verse(s).  

• When memorizing big scripture passages, or a whole chapter, take it small.  One verse at a time. Don't add the next verse until you are sure have the last verse down.  Sometimes I needed two days to meditate on the verse before I moved on.

• I am a very visual person.  Each night I would write out the verse I wanted to memorize in a fun creative way.  Then as I meditated on the verse the next day I had a picture in my mind to help me remember.

• Once you start putting the verses together it's no longer overwhelming.  Write out the whole scripture passage on paper a few times to help remember the order of the verses.  Repeat the verses over and over in your mind until you can say is smoothly.

And that's it!  That's my method for memorizing God's word.  Below I wanted to share with you all the lettering I created for each verse.   

"I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth, my soul makes its boast in the Lord, let the humble hear and be glad."

"Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together."

"I sought the Lord and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears."

"Those who look to Him are radiant and their faces shall never be ashamed."

"This poor man cried out to Him and the Lord saved him out of all his trouble."

"The angel of the Lord encamps around all those who fear Him and delivers them."

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."

If you liked my lettering and want to see more please check out my Instagram account: @UniquelyHis4ever

My True Home

I cannot describe to you the joy that fills my soul when I hear the waves crashing against the shore and feel the wet sand beneath my feet .  A huge smile spreads across my face.  I could stay here forever.  The ocean is home.

Yet, as I stand on the beach taking in the sights and breathing in the fresh sea air, I am reminded of my true home.  No, not my home here one earth, but my heavenly home.

"And I am going to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:3

Standing on the beach, with the ocean before me I can't imagine a better place to be.  The glories of heaven is a mystery to me.  My human mind cannot imagine it.  But I know one thing;  My king will be there and He is all I need.  

I'm challenged each day with a new goal in life.  To live for Jesus and to keep my eyes on the things above and not to follow the ways of the world.

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal". 2 Corinthians 4:18

Jesus is becoming my everything.  He is my joy, my comfort, my peace, my protector, my friend and He is my Savior.

One last time  I gaze out at the ocean, this time with a new perspective. I know that God's love for me is deeper than the deepest part of the ocean. With each wave that hits the shore I am reminded of the great promise God has given me.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

Investing in the Lives of Others

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth 1:16

I want to share with you all my most recent purchase. For the longest time I have been seeing so many post on Instagram about a new type of Bible. It's called a Journaling Bible and it's a special type of Bible that has extra room on each page for notes, or art, or whatever you are inspired to create in the blank space. I've been having a lot of fun learning new hand lettering and calligraphy techniques and the idea of using this new pastime to help you study God's Word seemed like such a wonderful idea.



Last week I finally bought myself this beautiful Journaling Bible. I love with the vintage cover! All my siblings agreed that it fits me perfectly. I can't wait to express myself creatively in the pages of this Bible. Already I have been able to create my first hand lettering art in the pages my Journaling Bible (as you can see in the pictures below).

This past week God has been teaching me a lot about what I, as a Christian girl, can do each day to bless those around me. God has put on my heart the need each day to take the time to invest more in the lives of each of my siblings. I'm really close to my sister and I have decided to start a weekly Bible study with her. The book of Ruth kept coming to mind and I knew God wanted us to go through this book together. Today we read the first chapter of Ruth. We had such a blessed time together.



I wanted to make this time together very special for my sister so I made a quick trip to Starbucks (my sister LOVES Starbucks) and got us a special treat to sip on while we dug into God's Word together.

I actually pre-read the first chapter of Ruth and wrote down in a notebook questions for her to answer to help us draw out the chapter. I also taught her one of my favorite ways to study the bible; The SOAP method:

S: Scripture (choose a verse that spoke to you in the passage you read)

O: Observation (What is that verse saying, what's the context around that verse)

A: Application (How can you apply this verse to your life, what can you learn from this verse)

P: Prayer (Ask God to help you to apply what you learned to your life)



Each day I see how God has blessed me in so many ways. I have such a wonderful family and I am so thankful for my sister. I'm so excited to see what God is going to teach us as we continue to spend time with Him each week.

Lastly, I want to encourage you to take the time each day to invest in the lives of those around you. God has put certain people in our lives for a reason. Are we actively seeking to help those people grow in their walk with God, or are we just around them to have fun? Who has God put in your life who needs that extra word of encouragement each day? How can your example bless those around you?

Lord, help me to bring You glory in all I do. Show me how I can invest in the lives of others. I want to make the best use of the time, Lord. I want to point others to You in all I do.

What ways have you invested in others? Has anyone ever taken the time to invest in your life? Are you currently in any Bible studies?

Where is Your Happy Place?

What makes you happy? Is it having the newest gadgets out on the market? Or maybe it's having the perfect wardrobe? It could also be your wonderful friends and family.

But though these things make us happy, can they off us the true lasting sense of fulfillment and contentment that we all long for? I'm afraid they can't. All this world has to offer is a fleeting happiness. Seeking after the things of this world will always leave us feeling empty and wanting more.

Since the world has nothing to offer us then, where does true happiness come from? It can only come from God. He offers it to us freely. We can have this happiness by spending time each day in Gods word and in prayer. As you spend more and more time with God each day He will fill you with His indescribable joy and peace.

So, where is your happy place? It is in chasing after the things of this world? Or is it in having a heart completely captivated by the loving God we serve?

He is waiting for you. Don't forsake the most important thing you could ever do in life. Meet with Jesus everyday. Make Him your happy place.

Is you true happiness found in Jesus? What are some things that make you happy?

God and the Internet

Texting, Facebook, Twitter, Tumble... It's been a constant question on my mind. Is it wrong to take part in any or all of these 'social' sites? What about the Internet in general? 

The internet opens up a whole array a new opportunities, but there is also much bad mixed in with the good. Everyone is entitled to their own personal convictions about the internet but can I still be a 'good'  Christian and be a part of the social world online?

It might help to look at this question under a new perspective. 
1 Corinthians 10:13 Says 

" Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 

This verse is pretty straight forward. We are to glorify God in everything we do, including what we do on the internet and social media. Our choices as Christians must reflect God in everything we do. 

We can't profess to be Christians while living our personal life for God and being someone completely different online.We don't get to pick and choose the things we want to glorify God in and the things we want to do for ourselves.  

With this mindset then, is it wrong to have Facebook, or twitter or any other one of these social media accounts found on the internet? 

In my opinion many of these social media sites aren't sites Christians should blacklist and avoid at all cost. It's a blessing to stay in touch with friends and relatives using these sites. I have relatives who live far away and by posting pictures on Facebook I'm able to share and update them on my family's life. But sometimes I get distracted and waste many hours scrolling through my Facebook news feed.

It is amazing how we can keep in touch with people and meet people from all over the world simply by sitting cozily on our coach with our laptop propped up on our 'lap'. But always remember that the internet is a tool.  It can be used properly to create and encourage, or you can use that same tool in the wrong way to destroy and hurt. 

So to answer my question - social media isn't bad, it is simply a tool for us to use.  I know that with God's help you can use the internet to be a light and share your faith when the opportunity arises.

Here are some general tips and personal pet peeves of mine about the internet:

• Set a Time Limit – Time is precious. I don't know about you but whenever I spend hour after hour on social media sites I feel like I've made no progress. Two, three, sometimes even four hours of my day can be wasted sitting on the couch scrolling through meaningless news-feeds. But when I purpose to do something productive with my time like practicing piano, sewing, or reading, I feel so much more pleased with my choices of how I spent my day. We must not forget to make time for God. Put the things you desire to get done as priority before you sit down to spend time online.

• Don't Let it Get in the Way of Your Personal Relationships - Your life and relationships online are in no way more important to you than your relationships in person. When you are in the presence of others put your device down! Unplug. Let your online friends know that you are busy at the moment and give your friend who is standing next to you your full attention. No one likes to have to wait while you pause the conversation to catch up on posts or reply to another friend's text. You are sending a message to your friend that you are not interested in him/her and your friends online are more important. So put your device down and don't pick it back up again until you are alone.

• Take a Break From it Every Once in a While - It's good to take a break from something every once in while. Especially if you get the feeling that it is taking control of your life. Try to go internet-free for the entire day or if you're brave enough, the entire week. This is a form of fasting. Use the time that you would normally be on the internet and spend it in God's word and in prayer. Then when your fast is over you will come back to your internet life with a renewed perspective.

• Make a List of What needs to be done – I find that when I get online I have a bunch of different things I want to do, but then I get distracted. Making a written list of the things I need to do online before I turn on my computer has really helped me. Place the list where you can see and check off each item as you go. Having a list keeps you focused on the task at hand and you are less likely to get distracted.  The less distracted you are the quicker you will be done. Then you can spend more time doing something productive with your time.

Lastly I would like to share a few simple ways you can easily point others to God by using the internet. Most sights have a description panel. I love to put a Bible verse in that panel. You can also post Bible verses on Facebook or a put a Bible verse in the description box of your Instagram post.  Never post anything that is inappropriate, or even questionable. It is better to be safe then sorry. Don't be preachy or try to force your views on others but on the other hand don't be the opposite and never post or say anything about your faith.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

Always remember, whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. He will richly bless you when you make the choice to honor Him with your life on the internet.  

A few of the social media sites I enjoy are Facebook, texting/emails, and my favorite is Instagram.  What are some of your favorite social media sites and how have you found a way to glorify God in how you use them?

Being Faithful with the Little Things

I have a longing in my heart to do great things for God.  Each night I pray for God to use me and to show me where He wants me to serve.

I have this idea in my head that to serve God I need to be doing something other than just the everyday tasks of life that can often become boring and feel so very unimportant at times.

But God's been teaching me something.  I've prayed for God to show me a place where I can serve and be used by Him but no doors have opened.  Because of this I too often find myself with an attitude that does not find joy in serving God because I can't serve Him in the big ways that I desire too.

But my perspective is changing.  I'm still praying for God's guidance in my life and God has been teaching me that I need to serve Him always.  No matter how simple or silly the little things may seem I need to serve Him in those areas of my life as well.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," Colossians 3:23

"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:21

How can I ever hope to do great things for God and to be able to serve God in great ways if I never take the time to give glory to God in the little things of life.  If I truly want to be used by God to do great things first I need to honor Him with how I serve Him now with the little things.

Then on that day when I get to see God face to face, He will bestow upon me the words my heart longs to hear,  "Well done my good and faithful servant."

My Prayer Board

Two things have been on my mind these past few days.  The fact that we are constantly in spiritual warfare, and what God has given us as our main weapon to fight against this kind of warfare 

Thinking back to last Sunday's sermon, which was on prayer, I was convicted of the power of prayer and important role it plays in our spiritual walk with God.

When I think of prayer a certain movie comes to mind.  Last October I went with my Mom and sister to see "War Room". If you haven't seen this movie, it is a very powerful, convicting movie about prayer that I believe all Christians should watch. I was encouraged and inspired by this wonderful movie.  click here see the War Room Trailer .

If you asked me what the one area in my walk with the Lord that I struggle with, without any hesitation, I would say my prayer life.  I pray everyday but I never feel like I'm focused or really pouring out my heart to the Lord when I pray.  I do it often as if I'm doing it just to check it off of my list of things to do for the day.  I have a prayer journal and whenever I write my prayers down it helps me to stay focused as I'm talking to my Lord but I don't always have the time to write down all my prayers.

After watching War Room I wanted to find a place to make into my 'War Room'.  I wanted a special room set aside for prayer where I could pin prayer requests and Bible verses on the wall. Unfortunately I could not find a place in our house that isn't already being used for something.  We don't have a large house and all our rooms have a purpose.  I was thinking of clearing some space in my closet but my closet is already packed full with too much stuff.   

When one way doesn't work though, you'll find another way, you just have to be a little more creative in your thinking.  As if out of nowhere, an idea came to me!  Since I didn't have an actual room to devote to prayer I needed something else that would help keep me focused as I pray.   I created what I call my 'Prayer Board'.  It has a list of prayer requests to remind me of what to pray for and some inspiration and guidelines for prayer.  I also ripped out a notepad from an old address book I don't use and added it to the board to write down daily prayer request and things I'm thankful for each day.

The clipboard I used was found at a thrift store (where I pretty much find most of my stuff). You can find them at Wal-Mart though.  I see this style clip board whenever I am browsing through the 'office supplies' aisle.   

On the inside of the clip board I decided to make a place where you can write down prayers that have been answered.  I also struggle with memorizing Bible verses so I stuffed some index cards (I use index cards for everything, they're so useful) into the pocket and each week I can write down a Bible verse to study and pray about.

This took me no time at all to put together.  I love being creative and organizing so I really enjoyed making this board. You can personalize it any way you want.  Now when  I pray I can grab my prayer board and everything I need is right in front of me to help me stay focused on Who I'm praying to. Another plus with this board is it will work great for traveling.  My family goes camping a lot in the summer.  When you find a nice quiet place in a beautiful valley or while taking in a majestic mountain view, there's no better time to pour out your heart to the Lord in prayer.  

With my new 'Prayer Board' I'm looking forward to growing closer to God in my prayer life.  Prayer is our strongest weapon  against the enemy and just like all weapons, we have to learn how to use prayer.  Only by  devoting a certain amount of time each day to prayer will we begin to reap the benefits and effectually fight off the enemy.  

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

Mary's Song

I don't know why but, whenever Christmas times comes I am always so fascinated by the songs that are written in Mary's perspective.  Songs like "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant and "You're Here" by Francesca Battistelli.

I think the reason that Mary's story has always seemed so fascinating to me is because she was just a girl.  She was probably not even twenty.  Maybe sixteen or seventeen.  She was most likely facing struggles similar to the struggles I face.  She was nobody special but she had found favor in God's eye's and she was to become the mother of His Son.  

I love learning about the women in the Bible because I find myself relating myself to them.  I believe that we can learn a lot from Mary.  

I can't imagine what would have been going through Mary's mind when the angel came to her and told her that she would bear God's Son.  The Bible tells us her response: 

"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; Let it be done to me according to your word." Luke 1:38

I am amazed at how willing Mary was for the Lord to use her.  She humbly accepted God's plan for her, even in knowing that it might change her life forever.  Following God would cause her a good deal of pain and embarrassment but nothing mattered because she knew that the Lord's will for her was the best.

Her faith and trust in God is an inspiration to me. I want to be like her. I know that God most likely won't appear to me the way He did to Mary but I know that God has great plans for me. With a humble heart, like Mary, I want to give up all my plans and hopes to God. I want to come before God with a heart willing to serve and ready for God to use me. Even when it doesn't make sense I know God's plan for me is the best.

And Mary's story doesn't stop there.  Luke 1:46 - 55 is just beautiful!  I often will read through this part of the Christmas story and never really take to heart this part of Mary's story.   

Along with a servant's heart Mary has a heart bursting with thankfulness and praise to God. I can only imagine how hard it would have been for Mary to follow God as she, a virgin, became pregnant with God's Son. Many of her family and friends probably shamed her. Joseph even planned to divorce her quietly until the Lord intervened.  Yet through all this Mary had a heart full of thankfulness.  Her words never once show resentment for what God was doing to her but instead she praised God for His goodness to her.

"My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savoir, for he has looked on the Humble estate of His servant, for behold from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name and His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation." Luke 1:46-50

I want to know her secret.  When I get overcome with life and the many struggles that are a part of life thanking God is the last thing on my mind.  But thanking God should be my response for everything.  Everyday when I rise and when I go to sleep I can thank God for His goodness to me. There is always something to be thankful for if you search your heart long enough.   

There is a beautiful song that has truly captured the essence of Mary's story and Mary's song.  It's called "Be Born in Me" sung by Francesca Battistelli.  This song is actually what has inspired me to write this post. 

I have found that I can listen to this song over and over again (I actually have listened to it over and over again as I wrote this post) and the words inspire and speak to me every time.  

    

I was thinking about the phrase 'be born in me'.   It doesn't only apply to just Mary.  Though in physical terms it perfectly describes Mary, it can apply to us spiritually. Because of Christmas, when God sent His Son into the world to save us, He gave us something special -  Jesus living in us. 

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20

Because of what Christ did we really are not that different than Mary.  This Christmas I want Jesus to be "Born in Me".  I want my life to be an example of God's love.  Just like it was obvious to those around Mary that she was carrying God's Son, I want my love for Jesus to be obvious as well. When the world sees me and my life I want them to see Jesus who is in me. 

So what about you?  Does Mary's story inspire you as it inspires me?  I hope that this Christmas season you find the true Joy that can only be found in Jesus living in your heart.  He will come and fill your life with love. 

God has great plans for you and me if you are willing, like Mary, to humble yourself and with a thankful heart place your future in God's hands.  Be ready to be amazed at how God will use you!

My Bible Study ~ The Book of Job

It feels like it's been awhile since I last said anything on this blog. I'm just really busy (I always am it seems).  I don't have the time to just sit down and write something because when I do I realize there is something more important I need to do.  But, however busy our lives get, one thing that is very important to me is having my personal quiet time with God in the morning.  

More often than not my mornings start right off being busy and I can't always find the time to read God's word. Sometimes all I can do is set aside 5 minutes to read a psalms or proverbs.  

In spring I decided to do my own study of the book of Job.  Just last week I finally finished reading through Job. I chose to study Job because it has always been one of the books in the Bible that I find hard to understand.

My approach to studying Job was to read one chapter and then in my notebook I would take each verse and rewrite it in a condensed way (I learned this method at a Bible study I took years ago and we called it "Think and Shrink").  I also read a study guide to go along with my reading in Job. Lastly I wrote out a summary and application for each chapter of the book of Job.  I found this method of studying to be very helpful and was able to actually pull out a lot of truths to the book of Job.  I want to share with you some of what I learned...

In the first part of Job (chapter 1-2) the text is pretty straight forward.  What really stuck out to me is the fact that Satan could not harm Job without God's permission.  It's a comfort to know that God is on our side and Satan can't harm us.  If we are God's children, Satan has no power over us.

The second part of Job (Chapters 3-37)  the writing becomes more of prophecy format and...well, it's lot harder to understand.  Job doesn't know why these things are happening while his friends, who think they know why Job is suffering, plead with him to repent of his sin.  

I tried to imagine this in a more modern day situation.  If I had a friend and all of a sudden she lost everything despite the fact that she is a strong believer in God and didn't do anything to deserve what happened to her. If all I did was tell her that she messed up somehow and she needed to repent I would not be a very good friend.  Yet, that is exactly what Job's friends were doing.  

Jobs friends are a good example of how not to comfort a friend who's hurting.  What Job really needed, and what those around us who are suffering really need, is not someone to criticize them and tell them what they have done wrong, but someone to be a shoulder to cry on.  Someone who knows to be silent and to just be there for their friend.  When we criticize and try to tell our friends what they did wrong it puts us in a judgmental frame of mind and it is very selfish because we end up thinking we are far better than 'that' friend who is suffering.

I hate to admit it, but often times I get caught up in this mindset. When  I have friends who are struggling I feel like I have the answer and I can help them by telling them what to do.  I'm slowly learning that at times it's best to be quiet and bite my tongue instead of always have to share my opinions and advice.  

In Chapters 38-41 when God finally speaks to Job I noted that God never does tell Job why he suffered. Sometimes we aren't always given a reason either when we suffer.  The whole point that God was getting across to Job was that He was God and that was enough. God is always greater than our trials and hardships.

Finally, the last part of Job (chapter 42) when Jobs suffering finally comes to an end and God richly blesses by restoring all of his fortunes and more.  In the long run Job ended up better off after his suffering.

I learned that we can trust God when we go through trials and sufferings knowing that He is growing us to be closer to Him. It says in Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  

Lastly, I just want to share with you my favorite chapters in Job;  I love Job chapter 28 because it talks about mining the earth for its precious metals and how none can compare to wisdom. I love it because it reminded me of the gold rush and I love the gold rush in particular because of an awesome living history camp I work at in the spring.  I also like Job 41 when God talks about the Leviathan because I believe the Leviathan was a dragon/dinosaur and that there were dinosaurs in Job's time.  The Leviathan truly does sound like an amazing creature and was fascinating to read about. 

I can now say that I understand Job a lot better than before, and I'm looking forward to the next book I shall decide to study.    

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4

The Last Fruit of the Spirit

Well, what do you know! We have finally made it to the last Fruit of the Spirit - self-control. This fruit is no less important than all the others. It is so important that we are constantly working on cultivating each of the nine fruits in our lives (I believe there's nine...yes, I just sang it in my head.  My mom had a song for the Fruit of the Spirit as well).  

Back to self-control.  If you were to ask me what self-control is my mind would instantly think back to when my siblings and I were little. We would often get rowdy and we could never keep our hands to ourselves.  Mom would say: "Show me what self-control looks like." We would fold our hands together (like you do when your praying) and place them in our lap.  It forced us to have to resist the temptation to be loud and out-of-control.  And that's basically what self-control is - not giving into temptation. It's having the will power to be able to say no.

Self-control not only deals with physical temptations but all types of temptations. Temptations relating to food, thoughts, money, relationships and so on.  Talking about temptation I have to share with you my favorite verse about temptation.  1 Corinthians 10:13 is such a comforting verse when you are dealing with temptation.  "No temptation  has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."  

We are all tempted.  Lots of times it feels like there is a battle going on inside my head.  My desires battle against what I know is the right thing to do.  If you want to know something about me I've always been really self-disciplined.  It's built into my personality.  I set my mind to do something and it gets done (well, most of the time at least).  But I'm still just like everyone else.  I make bad choices and give into my desires only to end up feeling horrible for letting temptation win.  

We all struggle with learning how to have self-control. Good news is there is a remedy. There is something that we can do to help us learn to have self-control in our lives.  When temptations come we need to be prepared with truth.  Have verses memorized to remind you to keep your eye's focused on God.  A good one when you are dealing with your thoughts is Philippians 4:8 
"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things."   

1 Corinthians 10:31 is a good verse to have on hand when you are trying to determine whether to say 'yes' to something or if you should say 'no.'  
"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God."  
If it glorifies God. go for it! If it doesn't. you might want to rethink it.

The more you say 'no' to your sinful desires the easier it will be for you to have self-control.  
With God's help each day, you can learn to say 'no' to temptation and you will grow in your walk with God.  

Sadly, this brings me to the end of my writings on the Fruit of the Spirit.   I've learned so much (and I hope you have too).  Most of my inspiration for my writing came from A Young Women's Walk with God by Elizabeth George.  I read this book for my morning devotions and I enjoyed it very much. If you ever get the chance it's a great read. 

Oh, and one more thing.  So now that I'm all done with writing about the Fruit of the Spirit I got a t-shirt to help me remember all that I've learned.  

My dad bought this shirt for me a few days ago, but I haven't worn it yet because I wanted to wait until I finished my last post on the Fruit of the Spirit.  I love new shirts and prefer to wear them a soon as possible...but I was able to show self-control and not wear my t-shirt right away (Ha! Victory!).  I'm so happy now because I can finally wear my new shirt!

Gentleness

When we (meaning me and my three siblings) were little my Mom used to put Bible verses to song to help us learn them. I have forgotten most of them but a few I can still remember and even sing still. One of the songs I can still remember happens to be about gentleness.  I remember it very well, because apparently we struggled with being gentle with each other so much that Mom was constantly reminding us of this verse.

It went: 

"Gentle words make peace...

 but harsh words stir up trouble!" 

And when you get to harsh words you pretend to stir a big pot (well, at least that's what I remember doing). And I'm sure we had a hand motion for the gentle words part but I don't remember it.  It must not have been as fun as pretending to stir a pot. 

So what comes to your mind when you think of gentleness? How can you, as a godly young women, have a life characterized by gentleness?  From the verse I shared above, which is Proverbs 15:1, we see that gentleness has a lot to do with our words towards others.  This verse is pretty straight forward, okay.  Gentle words make peace, and harsh words make trouble.  Yet due to our sinful nature we often find ourselves responding to others with harsh words, which results in, you know - trouble.

Every day with the help of God's Spirit within us we must strive to use gentle words.  You will find that when we are not always so set on having things our way but instead respond with gentle and encouraging words and when we are open to the ideas of others we become what you might call peacemakers.  In the beatitudes Jesus talks about peacemakers.  Mathew 5:9 says; "Blessed our the peacemakers for theirs is the kingdom of God."

All this talking about using gentle words reminds me of something else my Mom often told us when we were quarreling. My Mom loved to use the quote from "Bambi" when Thumper recalled what his Dad had told him; "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."  It's true.  I've learned that sometimes the gentlest response is just to not say anything.

Also, I want to share 1 Peter 3:3-4; "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

In God's eyes a gentle and quiet spirit is very precious.  To me someone who has a gentle and quiet spirit is someone who finds their true comfort in God.  Someone who, when troubles come their way, remains calm through it all.  Someone's whose inner beauty outshines that of their outer beauty 

Cultivating this heart of gentleness is not easy.  In the eyes of others it may look like weakness.  It is not.  Rather it requires greatest of strength to obtain a spirit of gentleness.

When you are hurt, confused, or upset, remember God wants you to remain calm without complaining or saying anything harsh back.  Think of Jesus on the cross suffering for your sins.  He never once cried out in anger or complained.  He demonstrated to us perfectly what it means to have a gentle and quiet spirit amidst suffering.  So as you go through life keep you eyes fixed on Jesus' perfect example.  Follow Jesus' example and God will fill you with a spirit of Gentleness.