Fill Me With Wonder

"Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." Psalm 119:18

I have a longing in my soul.  I want to see wondrous things.  I want to be amazed.

To stand in awe of mighty mountains that make me feel small.  To witness the power of a thunderstorm. To see how vast and how deep the ocean is.  To travel the world.  To have my breathe taken away by the wonders of God's creation.

But what am I to do when I find myself getting tired of the mundane routine of everyday life. When I'm stuck at home do I have to put these longings and dreams aside?



The amazing truth is that I don't have to go anywhere to find the answer to these longings.  I don't have to go to the mountains to know that I serve a mighty God.  All I have to do is look outside my window to be amazed at the wonders of God and His creation.

And the amazing God we serve has given us His Word. Each time I open my Bible I get to learn more about how much God loves me.

Each time I spend time with God I want to be filled with awe at the wonderful story of grace and mercy that is found in His Word.

May we never lose our wonder when we ponder the goodness of our God and all He has done for us. 

Good-bye Spring, Hello Summer

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

As one season comes to an end, a new one begins.  Spring is over and summer is almost here. Every spring I work at a living history camp (Rock-N-Water). At this camp I pretend I'm from 1854 and teach kids about the Gold Rush.  This year was my fourth year working at this amazing place.  To me Rock-N-Water is a ministry because each day I am able to teach others about God and serve God in such a fun and unique way.

Even though I'm sad the camp is over, I'm choosing to be happy for all the fun I had and all the lessons I learned.   Memories are an amazing thing and I choose to treasure them. There's a huge smile on my face because I know that God is so good to me and He has blessed me so much through this camp.

Now as the green grass slowly fades to brown, and the temperatures begin to rise, I'm reminded that summer is here again.  To be honest with you all, summer isn't my favorite season, mainly because of the heat.  Who enjoys the heat?  I'd rather have cold weather.  But there is nothing I can do, summer has arrived once again.  

Do I have any summer plans?  I wish I could give you a list of things I am planning to accomplish this summer, but I don't. And, you know what, that's okay.  Each day comes and I'm learning to trust God in the uncertainty of the future.  I'm learning to live my life day by day, step by step.  The truth is that it's okay to not have a long list of summer plans and accomplishments.  I know God has great plans for me and I can't wait to see what He will teach me this summer!

Do you have any fun plans for summer?  

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."

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.

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?

For Everything There is a Season

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven," Ecclesiastes 3:1

I am saddened to think that the short season when my family works for Rock-N-Water, a christian living history camp, has come to an end.  But looking back on these past few months I am filled with only good memories.  Memories that make me laugh, and memories that will always bring a smile to my face, even when I know that I may not have been able to smile when that memory was being made.

I have learned so much through working at this special place.  Not only have I grown in more ways than one over these past two months, but I have made so many wonderful friendships that I know will last forever.

Below are some of the highlights from the last month of Rock-N-Water (May).

 We dressed up as Indians for the Maidu trip

Setting up stations for the Maidu trip 

 

 Taking a break after a day of hard, but fun, work

This was my attempt to create an outfit that was half Indian and half pioneer

 Cutting leather for one of the stations

Lots of hands helping to restock the gold vials for gold panning

My brother all ready for his trip

My brother being silly, no actually, he's just being himself

 

Doing candle station with my group

My dear friend Sarah on the Indian grinding rock 

I'm going to miss all of these wonderful people

I'm so thankful for the wonderful season we had at Rock-N-Water these last two months. Now that it has come to and end, I am looking forward to an even better season next year!

If any of my Rock-N-Water family sees this post I just want to tell you all thanks so much for an AMAZING year!  

It's That Time of Year Again!

I'm so excited and I just can't keep it to myself!  If you remember in many of my previous posts, I refer to a camp my family works at during the spring called Rock-N-Water.  Well, spring is here, and we are busy preparing for the next two months which will be very busy.

Rock-N-Water is a camp where 4th Graders come to learn about the Gold Rush.  Not only do these kids get to learn about the Gold Rush, they get to travel back in time.  As a guide at Rock-N-Water I get to dress up as a character from the Gold Rush and tell these  kids about "my time" (1854).  

One of my habits has always been to keep a journal to record the highlights of my life.   I don't write in it everyday (who does).  I probably write in my journal about twice a month.  A few days ago I was reading some of my writing from last year while I worked at Rock-N-Water. I thought I would share a bit!

April 12, 2015
I love Rock-N-Water so much! I love being at camp and getting to know all the other guides.  I love the feeling of being a part of the Rock-N-Water family.  Below I'm going to list the reasons why I love this place so much.

1. I get to share God's love with others and make a difference in the lives of others by working there.
2. The staff is Amazing! I love being a part of the Rock-N-Water family.
3. I love history and I LOVE dressing up.  There is something magical about dressing up and traveling back to the past to teach the 4th graders about the Gold Rush.
4. I get to work alongside my family.  Often times my mother and brother will be on the same trip as me.
5. It forces me out of my comfort zone.  It's true! I don't feel shy when I'm at Rock-N-Water.  I feel like a different person.
6. I've come to realize I love to work with kids and teach them about history.

And I could keep going on and on...

(the above picture is my brother and I at Rock-N-Water in Spring 2014)

May 2, 2015
I've never laughed so hard in my life! Being one of the staff at Rock-N-Water is truly one of the most wonderful things.  I'm starting to get to know a lot of the other staff at Rock-N-Water and form new friendships.  Rock-N-Water is the best thing ever...

May 27, 2015
Yesterday I had so much fun! We were at Rock-N-Water and there were so many staff at camp.  We all loaded up into the vans and went out to get frozen yogurt.  Afterwords we had tons of camp clean-up to work on, but I've never had so much fun while working...

May 31, 2015
The end of Season party was today.  It was fun but bittersweet. The worst part was saying goodbye. I can't wait for next year's season...

And now Rock-N-Water is here again.  I'm looking forward to seeing my friends from last year and making new friends. But most importantly, I can't wait to serve the Lord and share God's truth with others!

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/

The Blessings of Being Single on Valentine's Day

Being a single girl on Valentine's Day is tough. We want to ignore this holiday until we find that special someone to spend it with. Everywhere we go we are reminded of this day that celebrates love.  From ads that pop up while your online, friends who are in a relationships, or even just walking through the Valentine's Day aisle at the grocery store full of gushy Valentine's candy. It's as if everywhere we go we are constantly reminded of the love that we as singles are 'missing out' on.

Valentine's Day has never really had much meaning to me. When I was little it was a fun day when you get to give candy to your friends, but receiving candy was the best part. Valentines Day has also been a day to have fun with my girlfriends who are also single. I dream about the day when I will have that special someone to buy me flowers and make me feel loved. Then, when my dreams finally come true, this will be a holiday I will always look forward to.

If your single this Valentine's Day, I challenge you to have a different perspective. Too often we fall into the world's way of thinking that if were just in a relationship we'd be happy. If we could just find our 'happily ever after' all would be well. But the truth is, we would still be unhappy and discontent even if we had this.

When our happiness depends on the things of this world we will never be satisfied. The happiness we get from the world is fleeting and only leaves us desiring more. True happiness and contentment can only be found in having a relationship with God.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

With this in mind, as we think about Valentine's Day, don't feel sorry for yourself for being single. In fact, Valentine's Day for us single girls should be an extra-special day. We, unlike women in a relationship, can give ourselves wholly to God on this day. Our king, who loves us more than any man ever could, sent His own Son to die that we might live. He longs for us to spend time with Him that He might shower down upon us His love.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

One of my favorite aspects about Valentine's Day that I dream about is receiving love letters from the one I love. Even though we may have to wait for the Lord's timing in writing our love story, we don't have to miss out on receiving love letters on this special day, because our King has written to us the most beautiful love letter. God's Word is often times viewed as a handbook that is full of the dos and don'ts of this life. But God's Word is so much more to us. In the Bible we find God's promises and His declaration of His love for us.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39

God's love letters to us is not just for Valentine's day, but for everyday in our lives.

So, this Valentine's Day, we can rejoice in being single because we already have the best love story we could ask with a God whose love for us is never ending. Our love story with God is the 'happily ever after' our hearts have always longed for.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." Jeremiah 31:3

This Valentine's Day, spend it with the one who loves you with an everlasting love - God. His love can never be compared to any earthly love.

As I end, I just have to say how ironic it is that Valentine's Day this year is on a Sunday. How perfect that we get to spend this day in the house of God, worshiping Him and learning more about His great love for us.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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."

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!

Twenty and Blessed

A sore throat and a pinched nerve in my neck that hurts whenever I look to my left greeted me this morning when I woke up. But I was determined not to let it bother me or take any joy away from this day. I pulled myself out of bed, jumped in the shower, and put a smile on my face because today was my birthday. I turned twenty years old today (No longer a teenager, Yeah!).

Unfortunately the smile I put on my face didn't last long. This year my birthday was on a Sunday and I was planning on wearing one of my favorite dresses to church today. The dress I really wanted to wear didn't work out and I found myself rushing around like crazy trying to put an outfit together and do my hair and make up (and my once clean closet is now in need of cleaning again).

I wish I could say the rest of my day went perfect and met all of my expectations but I'm just gonna be honest and say that I didn't have the perfect day, and things didn't go exactly how I wanted them to.

But Instead of focusing on all the things that "went wrong" I'm doing my best to choose to focus on the things I can be thankful for in my life. I'm twenty and blessed. So blessed. I have the best family who loves me very much. Each one of my siblings is very dear to me. My friends all wished me a wonderful day, and I have a lot to look forward in this next year.

My day may not have have gone exactly how I wanted it to go but that's not what matters. I'm learning that if I take the time to count my many blessings my disappointments vanish and I'm left feeling blessed and happy once again.

I've been thinking a lot about the next year of my life. I have decided that what I really hope for in this next year is for it to be a year of learning. I have come up with a list of things I want to either make, improve upon, or teach myself;

• Improve my cooking skills by making a new meal at least once every two weeks and trying new dessert recipes. 
• Learn how to make a dress without a pattern and learn how to make my own pattern. 
• Read for at least 20 minutes everyday 
• Make a hiccup cosplay for my brother (because I got an Astrid cosplay, but I kinda need a Hiccup cosplay now) 
• Draw more, Write more, and take pictures more often 
• Make a promise Box (If you want to know what this is check out this wonderful blog post from A Lovely Calling: http://alovelycalling.com/2015/10/20/promise-box-future-husband/) 
• Most importantly grow closer in my walk with God 

I will most likely add to this list, it's still what you can call "an idea in progress". My goal in this list is to help me stay focused and not always fall into the habit of wasting my time. In the end I know that my plans are nothing compared to God's plans and I know his plans are always the best for me.

I'm excited to see what God has planned for me in this next chapter of my life. Twenty is gonna be a great age, I just have this feeling. I'm warming up to it quick and am ready to take my first steps of life in my twenties.