Best Day Ever!

"Did you have the best day of your life?"

The text pops up on my iPhone. 

Ha. Today, the best day? I think not. There are so many days that could be better than this one. 

This is my attitude over and over again, every single time she asks me. 

But it's not the attitude that I should have. 

The mental image that pops up whenever I see that text is Rapunzel in Tangled. "Best Day Ever!" She screams as she flies around the tree. But the next second, she is crying like it's the worst day of her life.

Aren't we like that sometimes? One moment is phenomenal! And the next, you just want to crawl in bed and stay there forever. 

Each day is different. Some days are good. Some days are not so good. Some days are just ordinary and boring. So how do you go about making today the best day of your life? Here are a couple ideas that make any day better. 

1. Spend time with God. I'm convinced that this is the best way to start your day. Just get your Bible out. Read it. Talk to God, and let God talk to you. I promise it won't be wasted time. 

2. Invest in someone else. Talk to them. Get to know them. What makes them tick? Show them love. Reach out. Smile. There are simple ways to invest. 

3. Coffee. Okay, with coffee, you just can't go wrong. Drink a cup. Preferrably during your God and I time. 

4. Smile/Laugh. Smiling brightens anyone's day, including your own. Laughter is one of the most beautiful sounds. Laughing with someone you love: it doesn't get much better than that. 

5.  Be organized. Make that to do list. Get it done. But...

6. Be flexible. Even with your to do list, your day probably isn't going to go the way you think it will. Roll with it. If you're plans are messed up, that's okay!

7. Love life. Psalms tells us, "This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it." Do you love life today? I hope so. God gave you another sunrise. Another chance to make a difference. Just enjoy the day that God has given you. 

This list is not all-inclusive. I'm sure you could add any number of things to make today the best day ever. What would it be for you? Do it. Have the best day ever!

It's a Camp Thing

It's been awhile since I've been on here, and that's just because life is busy. You know that! Time just flies. It's insanely busy. Work, ball games, food, chores, etc. But the reason I've been so busy. Oh, you know, it's just a camp thing!

I'd like to give you a little insight into what my summer has been like so far! And here's my list of those things where sometimes our only explanation is...it's a camp thing!

• Question time with Willie because of a random North Carolina Thunderstorm
• Washing your hair in the waterfall
• Sprained knees and crutches all for a big ball
• Jumping in the creek to celebrate victory
• Wet clothes and sand volleyball
• Fireside testimony service
• Unexpected blessings in the form of God-appointed cabins
• Fighting sin and the flesh with healthy, abundant doses of God's Word every day
• The same jokes every Wednesday night and we still laugh every time
• Lead counselors saying it's time to go to sleep
• Eyebrows up during coaching! (no angry faces)
• Total confusion of tag-a-lot 
• Carolina Clay Milkshakes
• Realizing that only God's strength will get you through
• Learning that God doesn't need you, but He chooses to use you.
• It's ok to be wet. All. Day. Long.
• Makeup? What's that?
• Cheering is cool
• I believe that we will win!
• French Toast Friday!
• Serving God is the best, most awesome thing you can ever do with your life!

Hey, it's a camp thing!

God Always Works

"Does it ever seem like you are just drowning? Maybe it's as if you know God is there, but you don't know where to find Him."

I wrote this in a post a few months ago about trials. Trials were definitely more prevalent my senior year of college than any other year. Friends change. Finances bottom out. Our bodies fail. Electronics die. Classes get canceled and moved around. People disappoint. Things just don't always go the way we planned them to. We cannot count on the things that this life has to offer us. They just won't always work.

But God always works.

If there is one thing that I have learned this past year at school, it's this: God is always faithful.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

God is faithful when you lose a friend. God is faithful when money runs out. God is faithful when your body breaks down. God is faithful when your computer crashes. God is faithful when you're schedule doesn't work out. God is faithful when people fail you.

God is even faithful. . . when I am not faithful to Him.

It's easy to feel like you're drowning.

I could give you example after example from God's Word of people who thought they were drowning, some quite literally. See Job's life, his doubt, and his blessing in the end. Go read about the Israelites in the book of Judges. See Samson lose all his strength and then pull the pillars down. Listen to Moses's excuses and see the promised land. Look at David's fear of death and his sin. Watch him be a man after God's own heart. Watch Peter as he almost drowns, and then he becomes one of the greatest preachers.

It's so easy to get caught up in the trials. It's easy to get stuck and to want to give up. It's so easy.  

But please don't.

God does not give up you. Don't give up on Him.

The Definition of Mom

I was once asked to define a word, a complicated word,
One that can't really be confined to just one term.
It could be said that this word is selfless, brave, and strong.
One that doesn't stop trying. Patience runs long.
The work never ends, but quitting is not allowed
Or even thought of because loved is the crowd.
A gentle leader, a shelter in the storm,
Calloused hands, but a heart that's only warm.
Laughter that makes the whole world bright;
A voice that stills the fears of the night.
Beauty that shines as radiant as a star
From the inside out, making us who we are.

Listens to the whining, fighting, screaming, and chatter,

Caring for the most important moments and the ones that don't really matter,

But they matter to us, so we know she cares too. 

This caring shows the way this word is best defined.

It's shown in words and actions that are sweet, thoughtful, and kind.

It's shown in teaching, the "look,"'and when necessary trouble times.

The best definition is love for God, her husband, and the kids too.

There's no better definition of the word mom. Mom, I love you.

Bigger than the Storm

As I sit here in my dorm room, I hear the thunder crashing out side my window. Sometimes, it's louder than a crash. It's more like an explosion of the clouds. Lightning brightens the already lit room. Rain splatters the glass in a disorganized fashion. The wind can be heard rushing around this hurricane proof building. It almost seems as if the whole sky is about to fall.

http://www.freepik.com/free-photo/lightning--energy_603091.htm

Anyone who knows me knows that storms aren't really my thing. By the way, it makes studying for finals difficult.

But as I sit here, my body tense with each slight sound. God reminds me of something. He reminds me that He created the sky. He reminds me that He sent a storm, a flood to destroy everything as it was. He allowed Jonah to be thrown into a storm-tossed sea. He allowed Peter to walk across roaring waves. He allowed Paul to face a storm that resulted in a shipwreck. He stepped out on the edge of a small fishing boat and said "Peace, be still."

God reminds me that He is bigger than this storm.

He's stronger than the wind that knocks down trees and buildings. His voice speaks louder than the thunder that echos in my mind. His blessings fall heavier than the downpour outside my window. His love shines brighter than the lightning that fills my room. My God is so much bigger...and better...than this storm.

In the End, There Is a Beginning

It's a time of lasts for me. The last midterms were this semester. The last Bible conference here on campus. My last undergrad classes. The last final exams. The last time I get to hang out with my best friend and see her every day. The last shift at my current job. The last time that I have something called free time...at least for awhile. Despite all of these "lasts," I've noticed something.

In the end, there is a beginning.

I have so much to look forward to. I am about to start my 22nd year of life. I begin a second summer at camp in a few weeks. I get to start my student teaching in the fall. I get my very first class. I get a new job too. My best friend is starting law school. And I can't wait to see what God has for me in the future!

Because the end is not the end. It's just a new beginning.

What's ending in your life? Maybe you're moving to a new place. Maybe someone is leaving you. Maybe you're simply advancing to the next grade. Maybe it's a new job. Maybe it's the loss of a loved one. I don't know what ending you are going to be facing soon, but embrace it as a beginning. Don't let fear of change keep you from enjoying whatever it is that God has next for you in this life. But you know what the cool thing is? It doesn't just end in this life. We will all come to a time where this point in our life will end. We will stop existing on this earth. But it's a new beginning. If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, you have the greatest adventure yet to come: an eternity with Jesus Christ. You're ending indeed is a wonderful beginning.

A New Favorite Book!

I found a new favorite book! And you're going to love it too!

Kisses from Katie is Katie Davis's true story of her work in Uganda as a missionary. She founded a non-profit organization ministry called Amazima. She adopted 13 girls. She wrote a book. She did all this, and she's still in her mid-twenties! Her story is simply amazing. I would challenge anyone to pick up this book and read it; it will change your life! 

The thing about Katie's example in this book is that it's real. She knows her God. She loves Jesus more than anything else. The words practically jump off the pages just to tell you it is possible. It is possible to love Jesus with everything. It is possible to give Jesus everything. Past, present, future. You can give Him your life. You can trust Him with it. 

If I were to list everything that I learned from this book, you'd be reading the whole book from this blog post. I don't want to give the whole thing away; you'll have to get a copy for yourself (By the way, here's the link: http://www.amazima.org/katiesbook.html). All that to say, I just want to share with you one of my favorite parts of the book. 

"I am just an ordinary person. An ordinary person serving an extraordinary God" (pg. 118). 

Katie gets it. She just does. God is so real to her. Yet she is still humble. See the thing is we can do any of this on our own, but God can. He calls us to do things that we could never do on our own because He wants us to trust Him. We just have to decide whether or not we are going to take that step of faith. When God says, "Go," what will you do? What will I do? Will I look at my own abilities or inabilities? Or will I look at the greatness of my God? My God who says, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Will I say, "No, I can't"? Or will I say, "I can't, but You can"? 

"I am just an ordinary person. An ordinary person serving an extraordinary God."

A Breath of the Mouth

Proverbs 31:30 says, "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."

In this culture, we hear a lot about this Proverbs 31 woman. She is the woman every Christian wants to be. And this verse is one of the verses that is quoted often because appearance is so elevated in our society. Christian blogs of all kinds tell us that life is not about beauty; it's about fearing the Lord. Motivational pictures  quoting this verse are the backgrounds on our phones. You may even have a sticky note of it on your bathroom mirror. Christian women are more than familiar with this verse.

But what is it really saying to us?

This is the question that has been plaguing my mind recently, so I decided to study this verse out on my own. I used this website to see what the words really mean.

Favour: charm, elegance, acceptance; to find favour in the eyes of someone, to be acceptable to him
Deceitful: lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood

Favour is deceitful: The idea that we have found favor in someone's sight, that we are acceptable to him, is a lie. It's not true.

Beauty: beauty, gracefulness
Vain: a breath of the mouth, vapor

Beauty is vain: Breathe in. Now let it go. Our beauty and grace is gone just like that.

Feareth: reverence
Praised: to shine, to be clear, brilliant; glory, boast

A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised: The woman who reverences God, who gives Him the glory in her life, she in turn will shine, will be boasted of.

We often focus on the favor and beauty part of this verse, the part that we're not supposed to be focusing on. Don't wear too much makeup. Don't spend too much time in front of the mirror. Don't spend so much money on your appearance. Don't. Don't. Don't.

If you focus on what you're not supposed to be focusing on, aren't you focusing on the wrong thing?

So where should our emphasis be? Fearing the Lord. The acceptance that you receive from others because of your beauty isn't real. The beauty that you do possess is gone like a breath of the mouth. Why focus on things that are so...meaningless and quickly gone. The focus is on what you should do; not on what you shouldn't do. Focus on completely committing yourself to an unrelenting love and fear of God. A woman who is sold out for God, who holds Him above everything else in her life, she shall be praised.

16 Ways to Act Like a Christian on a Christian College Campus

People think it's easy being a Christian on a conservative Christian college campus. Yes, we may not have the outright influence of drugs, alcohol, immorality, and other things we might see as big issues, but it's definitely not easy.

Why? You may ask. Because the Christian life isn't easy.

What does it mean to be a Christian? First of all, you must accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. After that, we are called to live like Christ. Being a Christian gives us the responsibility to act like Christ. Talk about some huge shoes to fill! After all, this is where the term Christian came from (Acts 11:26). These people were "little Christs." Being a "little Christ" is a challenge because it goes against our sin nature. Our flesh screams at us to do our own thing. It still does that after salvation, and it will keep doing it until one day we meet Christ (hopefully soon!).

I've got some shocking news....You're not going to see Christ in every student you meet. Some people are going to rude, mean, cutting, disrespectful, rebellious, etc. You get the point. Just because they go to Bible college, it doesn't mean they have their act together. There have been plenty of times where I have not acted like Christ; it's sad.

If we know that this is a huge issue, what can we do to change it? Well, there's not a cure all answer. Here we are back to the little things again. It's choosing to act like Christ in all the little things. (Insert "What Would Jesus Do?" question here.) We have to choose in every moment that we are going to make the Christ like choice. Here are just a few examples of how we can do that on a Christian college campus:

1. Actually get up and read your Bible and talk to God. Spend meaningful time with Him (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 42:1).
2. Have a positive attitude even if you have first hour class (Psalm 118:24).
3. Choose to be kind to that rude person even when you really don't feel like it (Ephesians 4:32).
4. Don't gossip (Proverbs 10:19).
5. Use speech that isn't questionable in any way (Ephesians 4:29).
6. Do your best in your classes, not just what it takes to get by (Colossians 3:23).
7. Wait on God's timing; don't rush into relationships (Psalm 27:14).
8. Be patient with your roommate even when she is loud while you are sleeping (Gal. 5:22-23). 
9. Tell someone how good God has been to you today (Psalm 103:1).
10. Use your time wisely whether it's working on projects or encouraging a friend or accomplishing goals. Don't waste it (Eph. 5:16).
11. Be respectful to your authority whether they are present or not; don't talk bad about them (Romans 13:1-2).
12. Be willing to learn; accept correction and constructive criticism with grace (Proverbs 19:20).
13. Don't be afraid to kindly confront someone else about a problem; stand up for what you know is right (Romans 12:1-2).
14. Go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41).
15. Give. Your time, money, friendship, clothes, food, etc. (2 Corinthias 9:7).
16. Don't worry about finances, friends, relationships, family, grades, health. Don't worry about any of it. Trust God. (Matthew 6:34)

Painful Photos

As I looked at this list of photos, I couldn't help but notice the pain. The sadness. The hurt.

These are the most powerful photos?

It breaks my heart to see the pain of mankind. Are all of these real? I really don't know. But I do know this: Jesus had compassion.

These people are hurting. They are searching for something that they're not going to find in any of these pictures. They are searching for answers. The praying men won't find it in Allah. The girl won't find true peace in a divorce from her aged husband. Bringing a husband back won't make everything ok. Revenge won't satisfy. But we know Someone that will.

Jesus.

That name is the answer. The complete answer.We just need Jesus. You need Jesus. They need Jesus. We have to tell them. We have to be that light. We have to show them the compassion that they've never seen. We can't all go to the mission field right now, but that's ok. Because there are people right around you who need the compassion of Jesus. Find them. Tell them. Tell them by your life.

Matthew 9:36 - But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 

Missing God

Have you ever really missed someone? It's really not been that long since you've talked to him. Just a few days. You just wish you could see him again. It feels like it's been forever, but it's only been a week! You just want to sit down and talk to him face to face.

We value our relationships with other people so, so much.

But have you ever just missed God?

It hasn't really been that long since you've talked to Him. Just a few days. You wish you could see Him again. It feels like it's been forever, but it's only been a week! You just want to sit down and talk to Him face to face.

Jeremiah 29:13 says, "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."

I just love this verse because it tells me that I don't have to go around missing God. He says that He is there, and when I search for Him, I will find Him. I can find Him in His Word. I can find Him in prayer. I can find His hand in all kinds of little ways throughout my day.

You know, we may not be able to sit across from the coffee table with God face to face right now. But He did let us know that He is right there for us all the time. And one day, hopefully soon, we will be able to talk to God face to face. If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will get to be with Him every day for...well, forever. You won't ever miss Him again.

Hidden

Hidden.

Hidden behind a mask.

Hidden behind a mask that only shows a smile.

Hidden behind a mask that only shows a smile but covers the hurting heart.

Stop. Take a look around. Look past the smiles. Look past the love of actors and actresses. Look past the obsession with boys bands and other popular artists. Look past the perfect boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. Look past the quiet personality. Look past whatever is really there.

I think you will be shocked.

Christians are good at hiding things. We're expected to have a perfect life. Everything is beautiful. After all, we have the answer. Jesus. He is what makes someone truly happy. But how many people do you know that happiness is just their cover for hurting? The smile smothers the sorrow. And underneath, the sorrow only builds...until one day they can't find a way out.

So they turn to everything. Everything but Christ. They go to friends. They go to girls or guys. They go to a busy schedule. They go to sleep. They go to drinking. They go to drug addictions. They go to sexual sin. They go to a false happiness. They go to whatever fills the void.

Today, my challenge is simple. Just look at the people around you. We often get so caught up in our own problems that we don't see behind that girl's smile. She's laughing with her friends, but her heart is lonely; she longs for something more. Look beyond that guy's joke with his friends. He just wants to be accepted by someone. Look past the face value.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering the sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. - Luke 4:18

Even on a Monday

Sometimes, it's good just to take some time to be thankful. Actually, the Bible says we're supposed to give thanks in everything! (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

P.S. - That means even on a Monday...

I know I've done this before, but I just want to take a time to list a few things that I'm thankful for today. It's good to remember every thing that God has given, done, and been for you.

1. God is everything to me.
2. I can talk to Him about anything; even if I tell Him the same thing a million times, He will still listen! 
3. My mom and dad and my siblings (Really missing them! Is it time to go home yet?)
4. A bottom bunk at college
5. My friend, Taryn, who is helping me learn guitar
6. The accessibility of God's Word. It's always right there for me to read.
7. God is always there for me even though I'm not always there for Him.
8. An easy class schedule this semester
9. The internet (Reading blogs and other articles is definitely a favorite pastime!)
10. The gift of music (It's beautiful and relaxing. P.S. - I wonder what God sounds like when He sings. After all, He created singing.)
11. For my friends that hang out with me :) I know they don't have to!
12. Sleep...even though it seems to be lacking at this time of the school year.
13. Sunshine (For Florida being "The Sunshine State," it rains a lot!)
14. Softball and baseball
15. March Madness...even if my bracket is ruined! 
16. Stories. Who doesn't like a good story?
17. Cleaning supplies. They make living somewhere a whole lot nicer (if you use them).
18. Jewelry. Every girl needs a little glitz and glam. 
19. Devices that tell time. Without watches, clocks, and phones, late would become the new normal.
20. Christians who have overcome trials God's way. Read their testimonies.
21. The s'mores treat in my grab 'n' go lunch today. It's the little things :)
22. Smiles that brighten your whole day.

Alright, it's your turn! Yes, be thankful...even on a Monday.

Lethal Christian Living

I'd like to introduce you to a man named Phinehas, Aaron's grandson. This man has quite the interesting story. It's fascinating, actually. Being familiar with Old Testament stories, this isn't necessarily one of those that you heard in Sunday School growing up, but I think it is so very important, and we can apply it very practically in our lives. You can find this story in Number 25. Please take some time to read it for yourself. Here is my summary:

Israel was in a mess. Many had turned to worship other gods, specifically the gods of Moab. Men were marrying the daughters of Moab and allowing them to bring these gods into their households; before long, these gods were worshiped instead of and along with the One True God. God was so displeased, so angry that He commanded all that worshiped Baalpeor (Moabite god) to be killed. He sent a plague on Israel.

After this event, an Israelite man still had the audacity to bring a Moabite with him into the camp before those who were weeping; he walked in front of "Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel" (v. 6). He took this woman to the tent. And one man, Phinehas, stood up for God. The Bible describes a gruesome scene (probably why it isn't told often in Sunday School). Phinehas goes after the man and the woman with his javelin and kills them.

The result: "the plague was stayed" (v. 8). Why? Because "he was zealous for My sake" (v. 11).

Phinehas had to take an extreme stand for God. A deadly stand for God. He swiftly and soundly cut off the problem. He gave no excuses. He gave no explanation. He stopped the problem. He loved God enough that He would not allow His name to be dishonored.

How many of us have a sin problem in our lives that needs to be drastically killed? How many times have we dishonored God in front of others with obvious problems in our lives? Our life needs to be filled with lethal Christian living. I think that we could all admit that there are some things in our life that just need to go. If we would only have the courage of Phinehas to cut off the sin in our lives, think about how much God could be glorified.

So, what needs to go? I'm not going to give any specifics; you probably already know. It's funny how God points out exactly what we need to fix. Take courage. Ask God for His strength to help you get rid of sin and choose right.

Arguing with Animals

If you think that God doesn't have a sense of humor, I would challenge you to read Numbers 22 and not laugh.

This chapter introduces us to a man named Balaam. He is a priest of God that doesn't listen to what God says. Balaam saddles up his donkey and rides off to go meet the men of Balak. God only told him to go if the men came to get him. The Bible tells us that God was angry at Balaam's disobedience. So God used the most unique tool to get Balaam's attention: his donkey.

God sent an angel in the donkey's path that only she could see. Picture it with me for a moment:

It was early in the morning; everyone's grumpy in the morning, right? Balaam is riding the donkey that's probably going slow anyway. His two servants are there, too. And all of the sudden the donkey turns off the path and walks straight into a field. "Wait, what? What is this stupid animal doing?" Balaam is beating the donkey to get her to go back, so she does. "Good girl," he grumbles. Later, they're crossing through a vineyard with a wall on one side. The donkey rams Balaam's foot into the wall. "Ah!" He screams...and beats the donkey again. The donkey's ears go back; she's about had it, but she keeps going. They go through a narrow place perhaps between two rocks; and she falls on the ground! Balaam goes rolling off and smashes into the rock. He grabs his staff, "That's it! I've had it with this stupid animal. This is the third time. Three strikes, you're out!" He smacks the donkey again. The donkey's ears go back, she turns and looks at Balaam, and then...she speaks: "What did I ever do to you that you should hit me three times?"

Well, Balaam's mouth dropped wide open. He stared wide-eyed at the donkey. Did those words really just-? 

Wait, no. That's not what Balaam did. Numbers 22:29 says, "And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee."

Balaam just talked back to a donkey. He is arguing with a donkey. Now, anyone in his right mind would know that donkeys do not talk. Maybe he'd just had a little too much alone time with the donkey, but the servants were there, too; so, I don't really think that he was crazy, I do believe that he was angry.

Anger causes us to lose our judgment. Have you ever been in a situation where you were so angry that you said something you regret? Probably so. I have. It's easy to see how ridiculous this situation is. Balaam talking to a donkey. Angry at an animal. One that we would probably think is stupid. And there he stands arguing with it. 

Does the donkey scream at him? I don't think so. Verse 30 continues the conversation. I think she had a soft answer (Proverbs 15:1). Then, the Lord opens Balaam's eyes, and he meets God's angel that was standing in the way every time.

Anger is a God-given emotion. We know that God gets angry; He gets angry at sin. But wrong anger clouds our judgment. Next time you are angry, take a step back and just think about the situation. God gave us the ability to reason, to be discerning. Look for the "donkeys" in your life. Ask the Lord to help you be discerning in controlling your anger. 

Psalm 37:8 - Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 

Because God is Enough

The thing that makes God so amazing is His character. It's what make Him God. It's the way we know who He is and what He does. But what does His character mean to us? God is love, but how does that change the way you live? God is holy. What does it mean to you?

I'd like to start a series of posts on how God's character can motivate us in the little things in life. This isn't going to be a series that is posted on every day. It may be awhile in between them sometimes, but I'd like to challenge you to take your own study of God and do something like this.

One of my absolute favorites about God is that He is sufficient. That's a big word that simply means He is enough. I want to take a few minutes and show you what it means when you truly believe that God is enough for you.

Colossians 2:10a - And ye are complete in Him...

Because God is enough...

1. I don't have to worry about my salvation.
2. I don't have to work my way to heaven.
3. I don't need a boyfriend.
4. I don't have to be accepted by my peers or anyone else.
5. I don't need lots of stuff.
6. I don't need a lot of money.
7. I don't have to change my appearance to please other people.
8. I don't have to worry about the future.
9. I don't have to sin.
10. I don't need to use anything else (food, drink, boys, cutting, add your own) for my satisfaction.
11. I don't have to live with guilt of the past.
12. I can trust that He will never let me down.
13. I can spend time talking and listening to only Him.
14. I can make it through the storms of life.
15. He is everything to me.

This list could go on and on, just like the rest of them that are posted in the future could. I just hope that you will take a few minutes and reflect on our God. See Him for who He is.  

Why I've Been Silent

To answer the question as to why it's been awhile since I've posted I could say it in one word: trials.

Does it ever seem like you are just drowning? Maybe it's as if you know God is there, but you don't know where to find Him. To be very transparent with you, that's where I've been for the last week or so. God saw fit to bring some things into my life where I just had no idea what was going on, and there was absolutely nothing I could do to control it.

But many times that's exactly where God wants us.

He wants us to be in a place where we can totally rely on Him, and He wants to show us that He is in control. He is faithful. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He won't let us down. Ever.

This week I was reminded of Job (even though my problems are no where close to what his were!). Job went through trial after trial and had no clue what was going on in his life. He didn't know that God allowed Satan to test his character. He knew a few things for certain though. 1) He lost practically everything. 2) God was still in control.

Read these verses from Job 23:8-9.

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job knew that God was at work. He didn't know what was going on. He could not even see where God was, but he still trusted Him. Wow. To have faith like that of Job...

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. - Job 13:15a

Details, Details

Confession time. I don’t have it all together. I just don’t. I struggle in my life. I have sin issues. I have fights with my siblings and parents. I have friend problems. I get completely overwhelmed and stressed out.

I am a sinner.

But I know Someone great. I know Someone who is bigger, better, best. I know Someone perfect. I don’t have it all together, but God does.

You know what? He is just awesome. He doesn't sin. He doesn't argue. He doesn't stress. He’s just got it all together. And not just the things that you might think concern Him because the things that concern Him are the things that concern you. He loves you. He’s a God of the details.

I've been recently reading in Exodus, and I just got to the Ten Commandments and all the other laws. Good grief! Talk about meticulous. To think that the Israelites had to do all that. Talk about stressing out. But God didn't. The details matter to Him. He had all his ducks in a row so to speak. He knew exactly what His plan was. And one day, He would do away with these laws by paying the ultimate sacrifice Himself.

You see, He had a purpose. He had a plan for all these little details, and He has a plan for all the little details of your life. When it seems like you’re falling apart and you don’t know what to do, run to the God who is in charge of and cares about all of those little details. He won’t let you down. 

Shattered

Have you ever watched a movie that you already know the ending to? That one character who you absolutely love doesn’t make it. You know the scene. You’ve watched it a million times. He fights and loses the battle. The car crashes into the semi. She just can’t beat the cancer. They just can’t be together. You go into the movie knowing the ending. But you sit there watching it anyway. It’s like you’re secretly hoping that something will change. Maybe this time the warrior will come out victorious. Maybe the semi will stay on the same side of the road. Maybe she will go into remission. Maybe they can have happily ever after. We hold on to that little impossible hope.

As I was reflecting on a situation lately, I began to wonder if God ever feels this way about us. I can’t help but think that He sits there wishing for us to go the other way. Why can’t they just choose to hang out with the other friends? Why won’t he just turn off the TV? Why won’t she just be patient and wait on My timing? Why don’t they want to get out of bed and spend time with me? Why won’t they choose what they know is right?

We know that God knows everything. He has the power to do anything. He can be everywhere. So why doesn’t He change our lives if He wants something to happen a certain way? Does He really even care? We so underestimate God. We don’t understand the capacity of His love for us. He loves us so much that He wants us to love Him in return. He is willing to leave the choice to us even though He knows us. We’re going to mess up. We’re going to let Him down. We’re going to choose our friends over Him. We’re going to choose our sin over Him, and He watches.

Imagine His heart.

When you make that choice, you shatter it.

God loves you.

I know this is a feeble attempt at trying to see the heart of God. I can’t even come close to describing how He truly feels because I don’t know. I only know what the Bible tells us. It tells us that He sent His only Son to die for me, to die for you. He loved us as much as, if not more than, his own child. How can we even stand to hurt Him? Haven’t we done it enough?

The Thing We Never Hear About Lot

I was recently reading in Genesis and I came across this verse:

And while, he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. - Genesis 19:16

There are so many things that I learned from this verse right here. Here are a couple of the lessons.

First, we see our human nature. Lot was forcefully removed. I think that we often hear the story as “Lot left.” Not as “Two angels forces lot to leave the city.” They set him outside of it. We can see so many things about ourselves from this verse. Lot was warned. He knew full and well that Sodom was going to be destroyed. He had a conscience at some point because the New Testament tells us that he was a just man, but his conscious was so seared that he was satisfied in his sin. He was content to stay and be destroyed by his own stubbornness and love for sin. Don’t you think that we often do the same thing? We get so stuck in our sin. We are satisfied. We are content to stay in Sodom. It’s comfort, it’s constant exposure, it’s contentment in sin. But this brings me to the second point.

Second, we see God’s nature. God is merciful. We often don’t care enough about ourselves to remove ourselves from bad situations. But God does. He loves us so much that even when we are stuck in our own sin, He wants to help. So sometimes, he has to forcefully remove us from a situation. I can think of specific times in my life where God has done this for me. If you are a child of God, you can probably think of some too. It could be an ended relationship, an exposed secret sin, a humility check. You know. And sometimes, we’re tempted to be mad at God. Why would He do that to us? How could this ever be okay? Because of His love. God is so merciful to us even when we have no desire for His mercy.

Human nature versus God’s nature. What a contrast! I’m so grateful that my nature is not the nature of God. If it was, boy, would we be in trouble! But in spite of my sin and stubbornness, God is perfect. He is love. He is merciful. 

All You Need Is a Good Book

Have you ever read a really good book? I'm not talking about one that is just a great story. It's one that makes you laugh, cry, maybe both at the same time. It's that one you get so attached to you think the character's are real, and when the book is over, you don't know what to do with your life anymore. Please tell me I'm not the only one who has been there.

Books are a great form of entertainment, but they're also great for learning, growing, and just imagining. Reading is that place you can go to escape. I could give so many examples of this. It's getting lost in history, in a make-believe world, even in the amazing character of God in His Book. When we read, we can gain so much. 

With all the junk that is written today, it's hard to find something worthwhile. Honestly, I get bored with that same Christian fiction. Girl is alone. Girl meets guy she's not so sure about. Girl and guy fall in love. Girl and guy have a big fight or problem. Guy saves girl. Girl and guy fall in love again. And they live happily ever after. It's the same story over and over again. (If you've ever read a Christian fiction book, you would know!) So, what's something good and wholesome that's out there? I'd like to give you just a few of my favorite books. Now, I'm the girl that will read a book two, three, maybe a million times if it's a good one. These would definitely make that list.

1. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This book is my all-time favorite book, and yes, it's one of those Christian romance books. But it's not your normal story. This one is based on the book of Hosea in the Bible. It's a great read because it portrays who we are as opposed to who Christ is. You have to read the author's notes in order to get the whole effect! I would recommend this book to college age and older ladies. Other ones by Francine Rivers that I would recommend are The Mark of the Lion Series and A Lineage of Grace. Excellent reads!

2. Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy Leigh Demoss. This one falls into the inspirational category. It's not necessarily just a pleasure read, but it will teach you oh so much. I would recommend this to girls of any age, but especially teenagers. When I read it as a teenager, it hit all of my problems right on the head. It's filled with Scripture that points you just where you need to be. 

3. Holiness by Nancy Leigh Demoss. This book again falls into the inspirational category. The spiritual growth that I received in this book is amazing. No, it wasn't anything that I had not heard before, but it was refreshing. We get surrounded by the filthiness of this world; we get so caught up in it ourselves that we don't even notice it creeping into our own lives. This book gives you a fresh look at what a life lived for God should look like. 

4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Now, when I read this book in high school. I did not like it. It wasn't until I read the story a second time that I realized how beautiful a story it actually is. The book is just a classic love story. It teaches that love looks past the faults. 

5. Blink by Ted Dekker. This one is for all you suspense and mystery lovers. (But yes, there's still a little love story, but very little.) A man who can see into the future, a possibility of alternate realities. It's definitely a winner in my book. 

6. Three by Ted Dekker. Another mystery and suspense one, but this one is even better than the previous one. I honestly never saw the ending coming! Love it. 

7. Refiner's Fire Series by Lynn Austin. This is your historical fiction series. If you like learning about the Civil War (which if you're from the South, you probably do), then this series is for you. But be prepared to get attached. 

8. The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins. I know this one is a touchy series that many people have mixed feelings about, so please, please, please talk to your parents about it first! These books are well-written with an excellent plot and subplots. The political theory behind the book and the symbolism = amazing! All that being said, it does have some worldly philosophies that you need to watch out for. Being rooted and grounded in God's Word is the key. 

9. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. This is one of those classic tales that I think everyone should read. Although it's been a very long time since I read it, I would recommend it. It's a great fantasy read that you can trust to be clean with good morals. 

10. The Bible. Last, but so not the least is the Bible. It has everything! Romance, suspense, battles, history. It's a story book from cover to cover, but it's all true! I'm reading through the Bible this year, and I'm only through Genesis, but the stories have me captivated. They will not only captivate you, but they will also teach you to love your God more.

What are some of your favorite books?

A Teacher's Heart

For the last week and a half, I have had the great privilege to work alongside my first grade teacher in the classroom. I got the opportunity to see first hand why teaching is so important.

Yes, the education is important, but there's something even more pressing in a Christian school education. It's Christ's love.

Love is shown in many different ways in the classroom. It's shown by taking time to listen to a child's story even though he might raise his hand in the middle of the lesson. It's shown by correcting a student when she talks back. It's shown by getting a student's attention to make sure he is learning what he should be. It's shown by doing the best you can to understand a child's needs even when it may be difficult.

Most of you can probably think of a bad teacher. One who wasn't prepared. One who didn't care what you did. One who was too overbearing. But you can probably think of your favorite teacher too. It was probably someone who noticed you and loved you just for being you. You may not have realized what they were doing when you were in the class, but you know it now.

After this week, I can see what teaching is really all about because of my teacher's example. Teaching isn't necessarily about giving children the best education that they can in the classroom (even though this is what they are getting in this setting and this will be a goal for me personally). It's about showing my student's the love of Christ, that it will mold them and shape them into who they can and ought to be.

Communication is Key

I think that sometimes we are scared to pray about the little things. It's like we think that God may think our request is stupid. It's like telling a older brother or sister something. Or like telling your best friend an embarrassing secret. We want to keep it to ourselves; we don't want anyone to know. Not even God.

Why? Because we don't realize who God really is.

We don't realize that He is love. We don't realize that He knows we are human. We don't realize that He cares even for the most simple things (even tiny birds).

This is the cool thing about God. You can be you. He wants you to be yourself. Completely honest and open. We seem to think that we can hide things from God, but the truth is He already knows. He knows what you're afraid to ask for. He knows what sin you've kept a secret. He knows that one thing you refuse to tell anyone else.

Just talk to Him.

That's all prayer is. It's talking to God. It's using communication with Him not to just ask for what we want but to build up a good relationship with Him. Without communication, you cannot have a good relationship.

If you really want to see God at work in your life, communication is key. Praying is your way of talking to God, and the Bible is His way of talking to you. Get to know Him as much as you can. Strive to work on better communication in the best relationship you can have.

14 Things to Help You Enjoy 2014

I think we would all agree that we want to enjoy this year. Maybe you're off to a rough start already. Well, I've come up with a little list that will hopefully help you out. It's not going to cure all of your problems, but these are some things that I've found to help me enjoy life just a little more.

1. Spend time with God every day.

• Set aside some special time each day just to talk to God and read His Word. This is the most important thing you can do each and every day. Knowing God better will make your relationship with Him even more amazing. You'll find that when you start your day off with God, you're starting it off in the best possible way. 

2. Choose to have godly friends.

• Choose to be around people who are going to encourage you in your walk with God. They'll provide you with fun times, encouragement, and just general joy. 

3. Get involved in your local church.

• Whether it's watching the babies, teaching Sunday School, singing in choir, or whatever else you can do, get involved in church. Don't just sit there every Sunday. See what you can do to be an active member of your home church. You never know what a huge blessing it will be not to others but to you to serve. 

4. Spend your money wisely. 

• This is a great one, especially for me as a college student. You might be tempted to spend money on things you don't need, but save it for something in the future. You never know when life will bring you an unexpected surprise. It could be an emergency or something as simple as a birthday gift. You want to be prepared.

5. Get a planner and use it. 

• I am the queen of planners. I have one that's actually supposed to get here in the mail tomorrow, and I am so excited! Writing down everything you need to do in any given day will help you to get more accomplished. Write down those birthdays, anniversaries, your to-do lists, grocery lists, homework assignments. If there's a day for it, write it in!

6. Make a to do list each morning.

• One of the things that I do almost every day is I write down everything that needs to be done. I love to check off lists, so this is a great way for me to get things done. The feeling of marking something off that list is just wonderful! You should try it right now!

7. Choose a verse for the year. 

• Choose yourself a theme verse for this year. It could be a verse of encouragement. It could be a goal for the year. It could just be something that you want to remember throughout the day. I chose Philippians 1:27a, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ."

8. Choose someone and make a difference in her life this year.

• We probably all know someone who just needs a little more love. Do you have that person in mind? What can you do to be her friend? How can you make a difference in her life? It doesn't have to be through money or gifts. It might just be letting them know you care and showing it by the way you treat them. 

9. Eat healthier and drink more water.

• Now, this is one that I really struggle on because I love food. But at the end of last year, I finally began to choose some healthy food choices. It was nothing drastic; I didn't even go on a diet! I just chose to eat foods that were a little better for me. I found that I felt so much better! I think you will too.

10. Read. 

• Reading is quickly becoming a lost art. With all of the social media that we have, people simply don't enjoy reading as much any more. We spend all our time in front of the TV, stalking on Facebook, and pinning on Pinterest. Take some time to curl up with that old favorite book. Read something challenging. Learn something new. You'll broaden your imagination, vocabulary, and intelligence. Enjoy reading!

11. Make it a goal to memorize Scripture.

• Here's another struggle area for me. I'm not the best at memorizing Scripture frequently. In high school, I did a lot because I had to. But I quickly fell out of memorizing after I graduated. Psalm 119:11 tells us to hide God's Word in our hearts why? So that we won't sin against Him. When we are memorizing Scripture, we're building up our armory for Christ. Memorizing Scripture will help you to fight off temptations in your life, making your year that much more enjoyable!

12. Say "I Love You."

• Sometimes those who are closest to us miss out on our love. We live with them, or we see them every day. We think, "Oh, he knows I love him. She knows I love her." But we never tell them. You never know when it may be your last chance to say "I love you." 

13. Take pictures and get them printed.

• Capture those moments that you want to remember and print them out. A few days ago when my sister and I cleaned out our closet, we found tons of old pictures from when we were kids. It was so sweet looking back on all of those old times. With Facebook and Instagram, it's easy just to take a quick picture and upload it. But I want to challenge you to print it off and store it away. Having that picture to actually hold in your hands will be such a sweet moment one day. 

14. Don't waste time.

• If you're anything like me, there have been times in your life where you've looked back and wondered what you were doing with your life. Why did you waste all that time? It could have been years spent on a bad friendship, or it could just be that you sat in front of the computer for way too long. Don't waste your life. Think of something to do, and do it! 

Enjoy 2014!

Quiet Confidence in Prayer

I recently started reading through the book of I Samuel. This verse caught my attention in the very first chapter.

"And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad." - I Samuel 1:18

Let me give you a little background to this verse. The book of I Samuel opens up with Hannah and Peninnah arguing. Peninnah has children; Hannah does not. And she is mocked for it. The Bible tells us that she "provoked her [Hannah] sore." Peninnah was Hannah's thorn in the flesh. She constantly riled her for not having any children. Hannah was greatly grieved. And no one understood, not even her own husband. He thought he was enough, but Hannah desired a child. She wanted a son of her own. 

So she turned to the only One who could help. 

Hannah visited the temple and she prayed. She prayed with everything she had. She was so intense, so wrapped up in her prayer. That the priest, Eli, accused her of being drunk. He couldn't hear her voice; he only saw her lips moving. Perhaps, she didn't even remember what she was saying. She was just crying out to God for her greatest desire. 

After explaining herself to Eli, he said these words: "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him." And the very next verse is verse 18. She returned to normal. She went along with whatever tasks she needed to accomplish. She ate. She was happy. She knew that the Lord had heard her; she knew he answered her. 

How many times do we bring our worries before God, but we don't leave them there? We walk into the temple, talk to God, and then take our problem back out with us. We don't realize the quiet confidence that we can have in prayer. It's not a magical feeling, it's not even that we know 100% everything will go the way we planned it. But we know that God hears, and He is in control. 

The same chapter, Hannah's desire was granted. God heard her. We may not get immediate results; we may not get the results we want. But because God is good, we can have Hannah's same quiet confidence in prayer. 

I Resolve To

So, here it is. The time for New Year's Resolutions. Most of which have already been broken because after all, it is January 5.

But I actually like to jump on this bandwagon because I'm cheesy like that. New Year's resolutions give me a goal. They give me something to look forward to. (Check out my 101 goals in 1001 days!) And it's a new list (I absolutely love lists!) But I like lists that I can try to actually accomplish. That's why I keep my New Year's Resolutions short, sweet, and to the point.

So here are a few of my New Year's Resolutions! Comment some of yours. I'm always looking for some great ideas!

1. Get to know God better.
2. Eat healthier.
3. Drink more water.
4. Make a difference in someone's life.
5. Make a journal smash book.