When God Says Wait

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

God says wait.  Wait for Him and have courage.  But the last thing my heart wants to do is wait.  For so long God has been telling me to wait.  It's hard not to get tired. I desire to find out what is waiting for me behind all this waiting.

But God says it again.  Wait.  I know I have to listen.  

The hardest part about waiting is constantly having to put my dreams on hold. Everyday I am always reminded that time is ticking by and I'm still here waiting.  I have dreams, so many dreams...the last thing I want to do is wait.   

I need to be reminded of the truth; my God has bigger plans for me than my dreams.  Even though I don't know how much longer God will have me wait, I know it will be worth it in the end. 

I used to think of waiting as a bad thing.  A set back in life.   I still struggle sometimes with this thought.  I tell myself;  "I should be out their chasing my dreams, instead of here waiting".  But the problem is that I forget who I'm waiting for. I'd rather be waiting on the everlasting God who holds my future in His hands than aimlessly trying to chase my dreams on my own.   Not to mention that each day I spend waiting for God I'm learning to rely completely on Him.

Okay, God, I'll wait.  

You know what, when I look at waiting with this perspective, it's not that hard anymore.  It's actually exciting.  

So here's to waiting!  Thank you God for this season of waiting on You and for using it grow me closer to You. 

I will be strong and take courage and I will wait because my God is going to do great things for me :)

Climbing Mountains

Have you ever climbed a mountain before?  It isn't easy.  But I can guarantee you that the climb will be worth every step.  Once you finally make it to the top you will be rewarded with a spectacular view. Nothing can compare to the feeling you get as you take in the view.  Standing there, on top of the world, if only you could stay there forever.  The feeling of accomplishment sweeps over you as you realize that you have just conquered the mountain.

In life we have mountains we must climb.  I have had to climb many mountains in my life and I don't even want to think about the ones I still have yet to climb.  Some mountains are small, but some are huge.  But God is so good.  He is always right beside me and helping me climb.  

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

If you ever feel like the mountain God has placed in front of you is daunting remember that God promises to always be right there with you.  He says He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Even when it feels like you are all alone, or when the you have no strength left; God is with you.

As I said before, it isn't easy climbing a mountain.  The whole time I was climbing I was huffing and puffing.  My legs ached and sometimes I needed to stop and rest.  The only reason I was able to keep going is because I have been training myself.  I have been preparing myself by climbing smaller mountains so that I can tackle the bigger mountains.  Without this constant training there is no way I would have been able to climb such mountains.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

Did you know that God has given us all we need to climb the mountains we face?  He gave us His word.  It's our training manual.  God's word gives us the strength we need.  It will guide us as we climb our mountains.  But if we neglect God's word it won't be long before we find ourselves exhausted.  The mountains we face will soon consume us.

Always remember, the view that awaits you at the top is what keeps you going.  As we are climbing we can't always see what awaits us at the top.  All we see are trees and shrubs.  Not very pretty or breathtaking.  But we have to keep pushing on until we reach the top.

The mountains God has us climb, we can't always see the outcome.  Sometimes it's scary not knowing what you are going to find.  We may be tempted to give up.  But once we get to the top, trust me, the things you will see will be worth every step.  We may glimpse more of God's glory.  The climb will be worth it because we will see how God used this mountain to show us more of His purpose for our life.  

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Whatever mountain you are facing.  Don't give up.  Stay in the Word and keep climbing.  I promise you, the view will be worth.

God's Plan for Your Life

The day was slowly coming to an end.  After a wonderful Bible study with some sweet Christian girls my age I headed to my car for the drive home (which actually is my Dad's car since I still don't have my own car, hehe).  Each week we've have been meeting to study the book of Jonah and I always leave this study feeling so blessed. My mind was bursting with new truths from God's word as I turned the keys in the ignition and shifted into first gear. Cruising up the highway towards home I tuned into my favorite Christian radio station (K-love), singing my heart out to all of my favorite songs.  My heart truly was full and I couldn't keep myself from smiling.  God has been so good to me by giving me this Bible study.

The song I was singing along to soon ended and then the speaker came on the radio to talk for a little while. Instead of switching stations (which I usually do) I listened intently to what she had to say. She shared something she had read in a book that said; "If we could see all the that God has planned for us it would boggle our minds."

I don't know if it was because I was in the right mood, or because I've been struggling in this area over the last few weeks. But the truth of that statement hit me good and hard.  I couldn't stop saying amen to the wonderful truth of this simple quote.  It's crazy, but I found so much peace when I thought deeper about what that quote means for us.

God has a wonderful plan for me, and for you.  Even though we can't see it, it is a beautiful life He has created for us to live.  If we could see all of it we would be overwhelmed at how amazing God's plan is for us.  All the struggles and pain we go through would make sense to us because we would see the ultimate outcome.

Just knowing that God has a great plan for me.  A life full of so many blessings I can't even count them all!   A life that is so amazing I can't even imagine it!  That is all I need to keep my focus on God and to keep trusting Him everyday.

Even though I may have to walk through some storms,  including the storms I am facing right now,  I can rest assured that God is using it all for His good.  Every single detail of my life plays an important role in God's beautiful plan for my life.  If I could really see everything that God has planned for me I know that it truly would boggle my mind. 

God really is good to us.  Oh so good!  And He only wants the best for you and me.  I'm going to trust Him with my life, will you?

Welcome Winter

The first snow of the season has turned our yard into a small winter wonderland.  It may only be four inches, but it's enough to fill me with excitement at the sight of the huge snowflakes falling from the sky.

As I survey our yard I'm amazed at how quickly the world is covered in this cold white blanket of snow.  It's truly a beautiful sight.

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" Isaiah 1:18

What a wonderful reminder the snow is; that we can be made white as snow because of what God has done for us.  

With the Christmas season now fast approaching let us never forget the reason for the season; Jesus coming into the world to save sinners.  May the snow always be a beautiful reminder to you of Gods great love.

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

A Beautiful Hymn

"Come thou fount of every blessing, 

Tune my heart to sing thy Grace..."

Such beautiful words found in such a beautiful hymn. Tune my heart to sing thy grace. But a few days ago as my family was singing this hymn I asked myself, what does that mean, to have our hearts tuned?

I remember years ago when we had a piano tuner come to our house to tune our piano. He had to open up our piano and pull all of the strings until the piano sounded like it was supposed to. It took a few hours but once he was finished our piano sounded better than before. The music was pleasing to the ear because all the notes were tuned perfectly.

Just like the piano, our hearts need to be tuned. And who tunes our heart? God is the great heart tuner. Sometimes it's a long process, and sometimes the pulling of our heart strings may cause pain. But we cannot make music pleasing to God on our own accord. Our life song is just noise until we allow God to come inside and change us. 

Once we allow God to enter in and give him the okay to have his way in our life then He will get to work on tuning our hearts. In His perfect timing He makes our lives into a beautiful arrangement of his Grace.

Lord Jesus, make my life into a song that is pleasing to you. Lord, I want to live a life that brings glory and honor to your name.

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?

Book Review - Set - Apart Feminity

"The Preoccupations of women doesn't seem to change much from generation to generation, but in every generation there seem to be a few who make other choices." ~Elisabeth Elliot

This book will always be a favorite of mine. After reading this book I have been convicted of many things.  For me this book has marked a turning point in my walk with God and I want to encourage you to read it too.

What I loved most about this book were all the stories Leslie shares about extraordinary women living Set Apart Lives for Christ. She makes me want to to read more about these missionaries (Amy Carmichael, Catherine Booth, Gladys Alward...)

 I loved how Leslie shares her story and many of the lessons she has learned.  Most of these lessons being learned the hard way.  Throughout the book she is constantly calling out to her readers to give their all to Jesus and live a life Set Apart for God.  As I  read this book a certain verse kept running through my mind.

"Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23

It doesn't matter where you live.  You don't have to be a missionary to make an impact on the world for Christ.  Leslie gives some great insight into how we can live our lives for Jesus right now. 

She has truly inspired me.  I don't want to be numbered with those living with one foot in the world who try to balance the things of this world with the things of God. I desire to be among the few who rise up and live a life completely Set Apart for God.

"The sparkle of set-apart femininity is found through absolute abandonment to the Author of all true beauty, It's found by exchanging a life consumed with self for a life consumed with Jesus Christ, by trading the desire to be attractive to the world for the longing to be attractive to Him alone."  ~ Set - Apart Femininity

Through this book I have found out about the Set Apart Girl Website and I have subscribed to the Set Apart Girl Magazine.  You can learn more about Set Apart Girl here: http://setapartgirl.com/

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!

Thanksgiving Blessings

I find it kinda ironic how the day after Thanksgiving we have Black Friday. Thanksgiving is a day to focus on our many blessings and having good times with friends and family.  It's just silly how the day after we celebrate being thankful we are once again out the door early the next morning buying more stuff and trying to find the best deal.

My family used to have a Thanksgiving tradition to help us remember of what we were thankful for throughout the year.  We put a decorative box on the table and throughout the year we would write down something we were thankful for and put it in the box.  On Thanksgiving we would open the box and read all of the slips of paper that said what we were thankful for.  

Sadly, we no longer do this tradition and often times I wish we still did.  As we have grown older we have grown out of many of our traditions.  When I have my own family someday I can't wait to bring back this tradition and start many new traditions.  

Just recently I have been trying to focus more on being thankful and having a heart that is content.  Last year I had four jars on my desk that I decorated and slips of paper to fill out and put in my jars.  I had one jar for prayer requests, a thankful jar, a jar for good times,  and a jar for Bible verses.  Sadly, this year I'm not doing my jars again.  I still have them I just wasn't motivated to do them this year.

One thing I love to do is journaling.  I have too many journals, to be honest, and I just keep buying more because I love them so much.  Just recently I have started writing in a special journal. I call it my Thankful Journal. Each night I try to write down at least three things that I'm thankful for to help me keep my focus on God and His goodness to me.  I can usually think of about five things to write down.

This year I'm most thankful for my family and friends. I usually say this every year but this year I'm especially thankful for my family because I'm learning that even when my friends grow distant or move away and I don't see them as often as I used to I will always have my family.  

I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving with friends and family.

With Thanksgiving past it is now officially okay to listen to Christmas music and decorate for the holidays. Only four more weeks until Christmas!  

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

Learning to Notice the Little Things...

God is good to me.

Sometimes I need to constantly remind myself of this because life doesn't always go how I want it. I have my good days and my bad days and each day I'm faced with a boatload of new feelings and important choices to make.

But one thing I will always be able to do, no matter the circumstances, is look back at my life and see how much God has blessed me. Even when I find myself facing trying times I know that God is always right beside me all the way.

I've come to realized that it's not only the obvious things in life that can cause one to feel blessed by God.  Though those moments when God makes Himself so clearly known are quite incredible, it's important that we find God also in the simple and rather ordinary happenings of life. I'm learning that God is very present in my life and He wants me to notice Him in the small areas in my life.

A year ago after I graduated from High school I was really anxious about what to do with my life (I still am, hehe). I was feeling overwhelmed by the closing of one chapter in my life and the opening of another.  I was hoping to maybe find a part-time job because I knew college wasn't the next step for me. Things didn't go my way and it wasn't until I surrendered and came to a point where I could truthfully say I was content with the point in life I was at (which was staying at home and serving my family) that God opened the door for a local job.  The fact that God didn't choose to change my circumstances until I was happy and content with where He had me in my life at the moment had a huge impact on me. It showed me that God truly did care for me. He was not distant from me but, like I said above, right beside me the whole time.

That job only lasted a month and turned out to be a hard and trying experience for me.  But God had opened the door, and I can now see that God used that job to teach me some very important things about myself.

Too often I get so overwhelmed by the busyness of life.  And then when life is the opposite and I'm not busy I feel unproductive. Regardless of which way I feel, I can always find peace in my morning devotions. Before I start the day I usually read a passage from the Bible (I'm currently reading through the book of Job) along with reading a chapter from a book about Christian living. One morning I was again struggling with being content and I was feeling really anxious about the future. In my devotion that day I read Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  That verse was just what I needed to hear that morning. I prayed to God He replaced my anxiety with peace.

God continues to bless me in these small, yet wonderful ways. I can't tell you how many times the sermon on Sunday has been exactly what I needed to hear; or I finish a project and the next thing I know God opens the door just in time for me to start my next project.

It's the little moments like these in my life that cause me to stop and feel the blessings of God pour down around me. 

I'm still at a point in life where I still struggle with learning to be content with God's plan for my life.  I'm anxious about not knowing what's next.  Sometimes it's hard to be content.  But I have to take it one day at a time and keep my eyes focused on God as I wait to see where He chooses to bless me next. One blink, one look away, One short second of taking my eye's of off God causing me to give into my doubts and insecurities and I might miss the next blessing God sends my way.

God does care for me (and you) and I'm learning that each day it's the little things in life that cause me to feel the most blessed.

God is so good to me!



...Oh, and  by the way, since I'm done with my Astrid cosplay, I don't know what to do on here next.  Maybe I'll make another tutorial, Or maybe I could share a story I've written.  I guess you could say I have a collection of short stories and I'd be more than happy to share them. Hmm, what shall I post next...?