Christmas Gift

As 2013 comes to an end and we welcome 2014, I am amazed at how fast time is flying by. I always found it hard to believe that time would go by quicker as I got older, but as I write this, I've come to realize that it is more true than ever. Leaving behind a year and welcoming another can bring about regrets of the past, what ifs of the present, and resolutions for the future. I think sometimes we get so caught up in going, doing, and being in the holiday season that we forget to just enjoy. Enjoy our families and friends, enjoy the time, enjoy the things we've already been blessed with, and most importantly, enjoy the One who has given us all of those things. It's so much easier to enjoy when we take a minute (or a few hours) to simply take it all in. Sometimes the gift of time is more valuable than the gift of money, the gift of laughter can overshadow a last minute deal, and undivided attention can uplift a spirit far more than a half-hearted attempt at connection via text.

This Christmas, as my family gathered at grandma and grandpa's house, my grandma asked each grandchild to share what God was showing or teaching us in 2013. As revelation made its way around the circle from the mouth of a 7 year old to 27, we all received far more than material gifts could ever give. There wasn't a dry eye in the room of about twenty. My grandparents have raised us into a godly and rich inheritance that is founded in Christ and we were all able to see it first hand as it poured out of the hearts of each one that shared. I am so thankful for that exchange and the presence of God as we gathered on Christmas day. It will be one I remember forever and that is far more precious than the most expensive material gift I could ever receive.

Let's Get Serious

Jeremiah 29:11-13 I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.“Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree.

Jeremiah 29:11 is such a well known verse among the church today. It is woven into inspiring-everything's-going-to-be-great-because-God-has-a-plan kind of messages. Yes, God has a plan. Is it a good plan? Absolutely. But what about the second half of the verse about pursuing God with everything we have? He's calling us to find him in our day-to-day lives, not just when we want to know what's next in his grand plan for our lives. Find means to locate, attain or obtain by search or effort.

Have you ever lost something important to you? Did you sit on the couch and expect to find it? Of course you didn't! You probably went out and looked for whatever was missing in every possible place it could be. To find something that you have lost requires some search and effort on your part. God is asking the same of his people. It's time we start realizing the things that we are missing in our lives spiritually and seek to find God more than we want to find anything else. What is the benefit? You will not be disappointed. God's decree.

Choice Morsels

Proverbs 26:22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. 

Words. They have the power of life and death. I'm sure you can remember a time in the past or recently when something was said behind your back and made its way back to your ears. When negative things are passed along that may or may not be true of us, it hurts. As humans we have a desire to belong and to be accepted by those around us, and when we are rejected or find out about negative things that have been said of us, it can go down to the inmost parts of who we are. 

Think about a particular time when gossip was spread about you. How did it make you feel? Chances are it didn't make you feel accepted and loved by the ones who were spreading the gossip. It's so easy to become entangled in spreading gossip or talking about others behind their backs. However, it's important that we take time to remember those times in our lives when we were hurt by the outcome of words that were said before we start or even participate in gossiping about others. The words you allow to come out of your mouth are your choice, let them be life-giving.

Medicine or Dried Up Bones

"To be cheerful is to be ready to greet others with a welcome, a word of encouragement, an enthusiasm for the task at hand, and a positive outlook on the future. Such people are as welcome as pain relieving medicine." 

This was commentary in my Bible for the verse in Proverbs 17:22 that says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." It got me thinking about the influence that I have on the people around me. Do I leave the people in my life feeling like they have been uplifted and encouraged or do I leave them feeling the opposite way? Does my presence err on the side of a pain relieving medicine or on the side of sickness and disease? 

Our presence in the lives of others is leaving behind one or the other whether we realize it or not. It's hard to have that honest moment with ourselves when we really analyze the tracks we've been leaving behind in the lives of those around us. Yes, we all have bad days, days when we wish we could re-do a thing or two or take back something or some things we said. However, what would most people say of your demeanor? Your ability to heal or leave wounds? If you are ready for an honest answer and will accept it, it's a great thing to ask some of your closest friends and family. We all want to matter, we all want to leave a legacy that people will remember for years after we are gone. Will yours be a legacy of life-giving medicine or dried up bones?  

Unrealistic Expectations

Have you ever secretly been upset with someone that knows you well when they didn't come through for you on something? Did you happen to communicate your need? 

A hard but necessary lesson I've had to learn is that other people, even those people in your life that know you well, do not know what you need unless you communicate the need. I've been under this assumption that my family and friends who know me very well, know what I need from them and when I need it. Something as simple as a hug or some encouragement seems so easy to expect from others when we're in need of it. However, no one is you. Other people don't know what you're feeling and thinking unless you communicate that with them. I think a lot of us make this assumption that those around us know what we need and are deciding to withhold it from us which causes us to become upset, frustrated or feel like they don't care. In reality, they may not have known what you needed because you didn't communicate with them, it wasn't to spite you or withhold from you something you wanted or needed. Communicating our needs to those that we need love, encouragement, time, advice, etc. from is very important in managing our feelings and taking care of our needs. God created us to live in and need the community of those around us, but we cannot assume or expect others to know when and what we need unless we ask. Make it a goal to communicate with your family and friends what you are needing from them and see if that doesn't help you and improve your relationship with them. 

The Way I Want You To

"But now, I don't negotiate with insecurities
They always seem to get the best of me
I found I had to love myself, the way I want you to."

I was recently listening to a song that had the lyrics that I shared above. I learned the song quickly and began to sing along and realized after a few times of singing it, what the lyrics really meant. It's so easy to sing songs and not really grasp what the lyrics are saying. 

This song's message is that we have to love ourselves the way we want others to love us. If you really think about it, it's a hard thing to do. Love yourself, not in a boastful and selfish way, but the way you want others to love YOU. When we begin to love who we are, love who we were created to be, it's a whole lot easier for other people to love us. Think about it. When someone you love, loves themselves and is confident in their own skin, it's easier to embrace who they are. Not that you shouldn't love those that are not confident and comfortable with who they are, we all have insecurities. But when we are able to love the person God made us to be, we are free to then focus on pouring out love to those around us. 

Embrace Elders

Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge; but whoever hates correction is stupid.

Have you ever been told to respect your elders? There is good reason for that instruction. Our elders, or those that are older than us have lots of wisdom to share with us. They've had more experience, they've lived more life, and simply put, they just know more than we do. I can remember several times as a kid thinking I knew best and detesting what my parents had to say but then later realizing that they were right all along (that still happens even though I'm not a child anymore). We all have times in life, even as we get older, that we think we know best and end up finding out later that an older and wiser person was right. Those times are learning experiences for sure, but it should remind us that we have quite a bit to gain from the wisdom of others. Think of the people in your life that are older, wiser and willing to offer their correction to you. It can be frustrating, embarrassing and humbling but it can also be a chance for you to learn, grow and become better. No matter how old you are, there is someone older than you that you can gain wisdom, correction and advice from. Listen to it. Embrace it. Grow from it.

Giving Gone Generous

Proverbs 11:24-25
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

These verses, just like the verse I wrote about in my last blog go against what our culture promotes. The world tells us that if we give, of our finances, our time, our energy, our talents, we will become bankrupt, lacking what we are somehow entitled to. I'm in a season where God is asking me to give as these verses in Proverbs challenge us to do. I say challenge because it isn't always the easy or most rewarding thing to do. It's hard, and we don't always see the fruit from our giving as we'd like to. Still the challenge remains. When we begin to respond to who and what God is calling us to give to, he will entrust us with more and provide us with opportunities to meet the needs of others. We can NEVER out-give God. He's a God of more than enough, and it all belongs to him anyway.

Due Time

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Have you ever done something for someone or for a certain cause that required some sacrifice and in return received little or no appreciation and/or recognition? At times that doesn't feel very good, it certainly doesn't feel fair. In today's culture it's all about promoting yourself and making a name that's known among people. That is why this verse in 1 Peter does not make sense to many people. We are told to be humble and allow God to lift us up? In his timing? What? 

The first two words, "humble yourselves" require a heart that is not boastful or proud. That kind of character is difficult for a lot of people who like to enlighten others of all their good deeds and accomplishments in life. The second thing this verse tells us, is that it will be in "due time". Due time does not mean our time. We often want the praise and recognition at the time of the event. However, due time does mean in God's time, which isn't always when or how we think it should be facilitated.

Remaining humble and waiting for God's timing to receive praise? It's hard. But that's why the next verse says this, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." When it seems like there is no reason for hope, remember that the God of all creation sees what you have done, are doing and are going to do to further his kingdom on this earth. You may or may not receive the benefits or fruit from all you've done here, but you can be certain that you will in heaven because the things we do here to advance his kingdom will have eternal rewards.

Stay the Same

James 1:17 He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Have you ever questioned God after something in your life changed to make things harder or worse? Did you point your finger and say something like, "You said you'd never change and look what happened! Where are you now?" There are lyrics to a song by Casting Crowns that say, "You are who you are no matter where I am." There are times in life when circumstances and situations change on a daily basis. We as Christians have a head knowledge that God is always the same, but our heart tends to disagree. It's extremely difficult not to point our finger at God and blame him for the change that occurs in our lives. However, the verse in James does not say, "Circumstances and situations never change or cast a shifting shadow." It says He, meaning God, never changes or casts a shifting shadow. Our lives will be a series of changes that bring us in and out of hard times, but we can be secure in the fact that even when those changes come, our God will always stay the same.

Wisdom > Silver & Gold

Proverbs 3:14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

This is one of many verses about the advantages of wisdom in the book of Proverbs. It is filled with verses about how valuable wisdom is to obtain. It is so important to be wise with our choices in life in every area; choices that affect our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health, our finances, our relationships, etc. Every choice we make affects an area of our life whether big or small. Sometimes making a wise choice involves some extra time to pause and think a decision through, sometimes it requires us to seek trusted individuals in our lives and draw from their wisdom, and sometimes it simply means choosing an alternative to the original plan. However, obtaining wisdom doesn't mean that you will never making the wrong decision or make a mistake, even the wisest person on this earth will make incorrect decisions. It means that you are trying your best to seek after God and make the decisions that he would have you to make. Solomon asked God for wisdom and God granted his request, was even pleased to do so. Maybe you've been trying to make decisions on your own and haven't been doing so well. Ask God to give you his wisdom and see what happens.

The Love Comparison

Have you ever based the love someone has for you on the love they have for someone else? That is such a dangerous trap. It puts you in one of two places, superiority or inferiority. Superiority says, "I am better than that person, I am receiving more love from someone because that other person is less than me." Matthew 23:12 says, "But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." God has called us to humble ourselves before him and others, and in doing that he will make things right.

Inferiority says, "I'm not worthy of the love someone has to give me, the person I am seeing also receive love is much better and surpasses anything that I could ever be." Proverbs 14:30 says, "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones." It's so easy to compare ourselves to others when it comes to our position in the lives of our loved ones. We want to be the best and the most important. However, the verse in proverbs says that a heart at peace give life to our bodies and jealousy is like cancer in our bones. Coming to the realization that we are who we are and there are going to be those that love us for that person and those that don't is so freeing. Constantly striving to gain others' approval and love is fleeting, it fails no matter how secure it is. God's love for you is always there, always constant and never based on his love for another family member, friend, coworker, or acquaintance.

Weary & Worn

Proverbs 30:1
I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God.

Are you weary and worn out today? This week? This month? This year? Even people in the Bible cried out to God declaring their weariness to him, they were vulnerable before him. Sometimes as Christians we think we have to have it all together and that if we express or show any negative feelings or emotions to God or others that we are weak and less than who God has created us to be. That is not true. God knows the innermost thoughts and secrets that we hold, and expressing them to him is sharing with him something he already knows. It creates an open line of communication between us and God to share our feelings and for him to share his truth. In Matthew 11:28 it says, "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” He has not given us heavy burdens to carry and become weary in doing so. What burdens have you taken on or not let go of that he has not called you to carry? It's time you put those burdens down and allow yourself to become refreshed and rested in the Lord.  

Secured in Joy

Head hanging low, eyes filled with hopelessness, shoulders drooping, feet shuffling slowly through each day. Did someone specific come to your mind when you read the opening description? If not, have you seen someone with the qualitites listed? These kinds of people are often beat down and left going through the motions of life with little hope for what that day or even the next day could bring. Sometimes that person is the one we see looking back at us in the mirror. It's so easy in our culture to become beat down with discouragement which leads to depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, drug abuse, and so much more. The only way that we can be sure of a joyful (I didn't say happy or perfect) life is if we have built our foundation on Christ. He is our only hope of being secured in joy. It says in Psalm 30:11, "You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy." Maybe you are joyful today and you have found joy in Christ, there are so many people around you that haven't. Whether you are struggling to find joy in your everyday life or someone you know is, take the truth of God's word for yourself and share it with others.

Slavery Free & Standing Firm

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

The definition of slavery is bondage; severe toil; or drudgery. Substitute each definition for slavery and it reads, "do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery, bondage, severe toil, or drudgery." Instead, stand firm [not soft or yielding when pressed; solid, hard, stiff, or rigid; securely fixed in place; not shaking or trembling; steady: not likely to change; fixed; settled; unalterable; steadfast or unwavering.] God has called us to a life of freedom, freedom from those things in life that cause us to be held in bondage, toil or drudgery. Sometimes we make the decision to stay put when God has given us a way out of a situation or place that causes us internal or external harm. However, we are not only called to a life of freedom, we are called to stand FIRM in it. We are not to be easily shaken or trembling. This single verse calls us to a lot, that's why we have the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us so we can live out the life he's set before us to live. (2 Timothy 1:14)Free from slavery and standing steadfast and unwavering in the truth of his word.

Constant Love

Romans 8:38-39
And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

If after reading this scripture you don't feel Christ's love for you, you are not fully grasping the measure of his love towards you. NOTHING. Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love that he gives freely to us. If you've failed, if you've tried to run away from him, if you've failed and failed again, he still loves you! That is something to rejoice about. I don't know how many times I've messed up and I turn to him and still feel his love, still feel his assuring voice telling me that he loves me. People in our lives may love us but their love is not perfect, their love fails. God's love NEVER fails, it never changes. It's constant. It's true. Walk through this day and every day knowing that the Father, your Father loves you and nothing you do or don't do can change that fact!

The Unknown

Take time to really read through these lyrics to Britt Nicole's song Walk On The Water.

"Walk On The Water"

You look around
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder

What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?

When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that He won't let you go

[Chorus:]
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to hold to you

You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes in you
You can walk on the water too

So get out
And let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away

If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go

[Bridge:]
(Step Out)
Even when a storm hits
(Step Out)
Even when you're broken
(Step Out)
Even when your heart is telling you, telling you to give up
(Step Out)
When your hope is stolen
(Step Out)
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid

So what are you waiting for?

Stepping out into the unknown is something that we all have to do at some point in our lives. Whether it be a new job, a new school, a new hometown, learning how to cope with the loss of a loved one, etc. There are countless situations in life that we can be challenged to step out into the unknown. It can be frightening and intimidating, there can be sorrow and disappointment but there can also be joy and encouragement, growth and wisdom. It all depends on our perspective. When we are stepping into unknown places, we are more reliant on God and his strength in our weakness. We are able to trust that he knows best and is going to be there with us through the transition. Proverbs 20:24 The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

 

If you've been trying to understand the path that God has you on or the circumstances that you've been dealt, STOP. God is in control and we can plan what we'd like to happen but ultimately it is in God's hands. Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Give & Take

Proverbs 11:25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.

It is so important for us to be poured into and also for us to pour out into others. I am so thankful for the many mentors and leaders I have in my life that I can look up to and draw strength, support, encouragement, wisdom and advice from. They also hold me accountable and challenge me to be better. As we are invested in by those we are surrounded by, we are able to then invest into the lives of the younger generation. Both parts are equally important. The scripture in Proverbs doesn't say "The one who blesses others is not abundantly blessed," or "The one who doesn't bless others is abundantly blessed." The blessing goes both ways when people take time for us and we take time for people. Take time to think about those in your life. Are there people that you are drawing from? Are there also people you're investing in? If your answer is no to either or both of these questions then it is time for you to take charge and surround yourself with both kinds of people. Not only will you benefit, others will too. You need wisdom and you have wisdom to give.

Opposing the Opposition

Opposition in your spirit to something God has CALLED you to do is just an attack of the enemy. If the enemy can get us to believe that the very things God has called us to do are too big or not worthy of pursuing, we have become ineffective and stagnant. When we face the greatest opposition is when we need to persevere and push towards the goal more than ever because there is victory on the other side. With God we can always come out victorious in the end, no matter the situation. The best thing we can do when we've made a decision to pursue the thing(s) God has called us to do is to prepare ourselves for the opposition that can be just around the corner:
1. Pray- Ask God to equip you with the tools you need to overcome the battle that is raging on the inside.
2. Read His Word- Find scriptures that speak to your situation and stand on them believing that God is greater than the enemy who would love for you to believe his lies.
3. Frontline Friends- Ask trusted friends and loved ones to join you on the frontlines of the battle. Ask them to join you in prayer and to encourage you to keep pushing towards the goal God has placed on your heart.   

When God speaks, the enemy loves to be right there to detest what he's spoken and to get you to doubt who you are and what you can do. The enemy is so fearful of your potential that he will whisper any lie he can to get you off track and not carry out the plans God has given you to carry out. Stand firm, pray, read God's word, and ask those around you to fight off the enemy's tactics WITH you.

God Has New For You

Isaiah 43:18-19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

What new thing is God doing in your life or in your heart? Many times we can be tricked by the enemy that we are stagnant, that God is not doing anything new in our hearts or in our lives. He reminds us of our past failures, our shortcomings, our flaws, but God has said that he is doing new, exciting things. I believe there is always something that God is speaking and doing in our lives that requires our attention because it is new. Pursue those things and allow God to bring new perspective, fresh vision, and a changed way of life. He's ready to show you that new thing, are you ready to allow it to change your heart?

Push Past Pleasing

1 Thessalonians 2:4
We are not trying to please people but God who tests our hearts.

It is so hard in today's society of people-pleasing not to be overwhelmed by the pressure and demands that others place on our lives. We want to please our parents, our friends, our peers and those we feel are watching us. However, God has called us to listen to HIS voice and HIS guidance and not get distracted by the world around us. Luke 6:26 says, “There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular."

Sometimes the decision or lifestyle God is calling you to is not going to be popular. Those around you may not agree or support you and that is when the true test of pleasing God over people truly comes in. Will you make the decision to follow what God has spoken or give in and attemp to please people?

Heart at Peace

Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

I recently listened to a podcast series by Andy Stanley titled the Comparison Trap. I was so convicted when I listened to his message and really took time to understand this scripture. When we envy what others have or who they are, we are not going to have peace or be at rest with who God has made us to be. Envy causes us to look everywhere but at ourselves, it doesn't allow us to see the potential and talents we posses. We're constantly comparing ourselves to others and are never able to see the things God has placed in us to do and be. Stop your roaming eyes and allow God to show you what YOU were made to be, not what another person was made to be.

If you'd like to hear more about this topic, I highly recommend you listen to Andy Stanley's series titled Comparison Trap. It is a three part series that will change your perspective. Click on the link below and enjoy! :) 

http://yourmove.is/podcasts/

A Look Beyond the Suface

Today marks the 11th year anniversary of 9/11. As many Americans grieve the loss of their loved ones, it is a time of great sorrow. I cannot help but think of the countless lives that were taken that day and the lives of all the people affected. It reminds me that we never know the stories of the faces we pass every day. The woman in wal-mart who has screaming babies that she can't seem to keep under control, the cashier at Starbucks who was rude and short-tempered, the little girl that mistakenly latched onto your leg thinking it was her mom, the teenage boy on the street corner drowning his depression and lack of worth in another high. Many times we see these faces at a glance and never take the time to think below the surface of the hurts and the story behind the actions of their lives. That woman in wal-mart? She just found out her husband is leaving her and her screaming babies for another woman. The cashier at Starbucks who was rude and short-tempered? He just found out that his mother has cancer and a short time to live. The little girl who latched onto your leg? She just found out she was given up at birth by her mother who didn't want her.The teenage boy seeking another high? He was abused by his father as a child and is seeking any kind of escape to forget the horrid memories.

We all have a story. We all matter. Take time to look beyond the surface, to really see a person for more than they seem to be.

Never Underestimate

Have you ever received a word of encouragement, a gift, or an undeserved act of kindness that was unexpected? I know I can think of many times where this happened to me and it meant the world! Never underestimate the power that you have to brighten someone's day or even make their entire week better. Those unexpected times of love from others have stuck with me and still make me smile. Even when there isn't a response of thankfulness on their part, God may be creating opportunities for growth in your heart. Think of someone today that you could step out and touch with a word, a gift, or an act. You have the power to make a difference. Don't take it for granted.

Loving in the Midst

Don't you just love when you go out of your way to buy something, say something or do something for someone who doesn't appreciate it the way you'd like them to? Ok, I was a little bit sarcastic with that statement and that is what God has been working with me on. It is so hard to buy, say or do things for people who don't appreciate what you've done for them and on the other hand, it's so easy to want to do things for those that do appreciate whatever it was that was done. However, giving love isn't meant to be convenient for us. It's meant to be patient, forgiving, and persevering, which is extremely hard when the love you're giving isn't being reciprocated. God has called us to give and to love in the midst of difficult circumstances and trying situations. He loved in the midst of being crucified and in the midst of our sin and our failure, he still gives, he still loves. He's called us to that kind of living. Even when it's hard and it doesn't seem fruitful to do so, keep giving, keep loving those that you may not want to give to or love anymore. It's said, “Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I need it the most.”

Times of Transition

Transition is never easy. On the contrary, it's quite the opposite. For me there is always an amount of excitement, anticipation, nervousness, and anxiety. In the last two years I have been through a lot of transition. Leaving home, adjusting to a new place, new family, new friends, new school, and this year I have transitioned into a new position of involvement in the church I attend, and with that comes a new season of life. As I struggle to understand why transition is so hard, I realize that with difficult stretching comes rewarding growth that ends up being worth it in the end. It's difficult to see in the midst of being uncomfortable that there is a greater purpose for the pain and discomfort I experience. However, Isaiah 55:8 says, "I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work." God's decree. I'm in the lifelong process of giving up control and letting God take over because ultimately he knows everything about me; my desires, dreams, needs and wants and he has my best in mind.

Transition is going on all around us. It's in the seasons of change for children, teens, and parents. It's in the change from fall to winter and winter to spring and spring to summer. God created us to change and transition in and out of the changes in life, allowing us opportunities to grow. Maybe you're in transition as you read this. Embrace the change and the process and allow God to work through it to teach you something new.

Peace of Your Heart

Labored breathing. Running thoughts. Pulsating heart. Worry causes all kinds of physical sypmtoms along with the emotional ones that are going on inside. It isn't comforing to feel the side effects of worry outwardly or inwardly as we struggle to understand life and all the ups and downs it offers. However, as I've been learning the hard way, God has it all figured out. He knows what's coming next when we're still stuck on the disappointment of the last thing that went wrong. He knows exactly how we're feeling and what is going on in the deepest parts of our heart even when the ones closest to us have no idea. Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on you because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal." Find peace in the One who made you and understands the troubles of your heart.

Beyond Blessed Part 2

As a continuation of my post yesterday, I want to share about our time in Wales, UK. It was also an amazing experience and opportunity. We were able to partner with a church over there called City Temple and participate in many ministry opportunities that touched the hearts of the people over there as well as our own team. Through this experience, God challenged me in areas of my life that I need to work on and grow in. Although it isn't the most fun, it was definitely needed. He also called me to step out into some ministry opportunities that stretched the boundaries of my comfort level but in the end were so worth the stretch. I am so thankful to have been able to go to both Africa and Wales. They were amazing experiences that will forever impact my life.

Beyond Blessed Part 1

This is my first blog since before I left for Swaziland, Africa. The experience is something that can't be captured with words because it goes so much deeper. Pictures of the kids and the people there continually run through my head reminding me of toothy smiles, sweet laughter and tears of sadness and joy. For me, God brought new perspective through this experience. He revealed to me the outpouring of blessing that has been flowing through my life as I saw kids caring for younger siblings as a result of no parental care, the poverty and lack of village people living out of small huts, the pure looks and touches of adoration towards our team as the kids received love and attention. The opportunities for God to show me the blessing in my life were endless. I sit here now, on the patio with my laptop knowing this luxury alone is more than they would ask for. I can't fully express the impact that was made in my life. Africa and the people there are engraved on my heart forever.

Stepping Out

As many of you know, Kylie (my sister) and I will be going on a mission trip to Swaziland in June. We are super excited about it and can't wait to see what God is going to do through us for the people there and also what he will do through the people to change us. I just thought I'd share a little bit of the story for how it all came to be.

I am attending the School of Worship at New Life Church and living with a family that attends and took their entire family (all 6 of them) to Swazi last year. I found out they were going again this year to lead the trip. I mentioned something about it to my mom and she informed me that my sister had shared with her and my dad this summer that at summer camp she felt like God had placed Africa on her heart. At the time she shared that, they were thinking, "How is she going to get to Africa?" My mom told my sister about the trip and she said a pretty instant YES to going. I was wanting to go but praying about whether or not I should because I felt like it would be a good stretch for my sister to go on her own with the team from New Life and I was also very concerned about money. However, about a month later I was praying about it and God told me to GO. The very next morning there was a video annoucement on the church update and God confirmed in my heart that I was to go. It has been a leap of faith for my whole family but God has proved faithful as we've watched tons of family and friends commit to support us in prayer and or financially. He never calls us to something that won't be possible with him. THANK YOU to all who have made this dream possible!

Your Treasure

I just wanted to share a poem I wrote the other day.
Nothing extravagent but I hope it speaks to you!

Your Treasure

You call my name, pulling me in
Your arms outstretched ready to receive
My doubts, my fears, and endless sin
Love so deep it's hard to believe

You've been present all along
In my disbelief that you were there
Singing over me in sweet song
Revealing great proof that you care

In shame and sadness you still see
My underneath, soft heart behind
Peel back the cover and it's me
Your treasure that you continually find

God-Sized Dreams

If your dreams are things you can do yourself, they aren't God-sized. God has put this statement on my heart for the last few days and I felt led to share it with you. Many times we feel like the dreams we have are "big" in the sense that they are things that will take a lot of hard work and include some challenges for us. However, (not that God-sized dreams don't include work and challenge on our part) if our dreams aren't making us ask the question, "How am I going to do this in my own strength?" our dreams are NOT God-sized. God-sized dreams require the strength and help of God to accomplish and carry out, they aren't dreams that can come true in the strength of man alone. Think about the dreams you have for your life and ask the question, "Is this something I can do in my own strength?" If it is, maybe it's time to dream bigger. Dream of things that are God-breathed and require his help to accomplish. Live out the dreams that God has placed within you, nothing is TOO big for him. He created you to thrive, not just survive.

"Lord, I am Coming"

Psalm 27:8 My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."

I love this verse. I hope that anytime we hear God calling us to spend time with him that we respond, "Lord, I am coming." It's so easy for a lot of us to say, "Lord, I am coming but give me a minute." We get wrapped up in the demands of our daily routine and schedule that we don't take the time when he asks us to. I encourage you to make spending time with your heavenly father a priority in life so that when he asks you to spend time with him, you have no trouble responding, "Lord, I am coming."

Courage & Strength

Psalms 31:24 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Strong- Not easily subdued or taken
Courage- Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

Reading the definitions for being strong and courageous bring a whole new perspective to this passage. We're encouraged to not be easily subdued or taken and to have mental or moral strength to push through, to stand strong against danger, fear and difficulty. One of the enemy's main goals in the lives of followers of Christ is to subdue or "tone them down". If the enemy can subdue us, he can get us to remain in neutral, going through the motions of the Christian life. In John 16:33 Jesus says, "...Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." Even on our darkest days we can be assured that God is stronger than anything we may have to face in this temporary life on earth.

Never Stop Praying

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Never stop praying

I titled this blog before I even found a verse to go along with what I wanted to share with you. God has a way of fitting things together perfectly. Never stop praying. Currently at New Life Church, we are in the midst of 21 days of prayer and fasting. We are praying for breakthrough, miracles, new vision, along with so many other things. As I've been taking time to pray and hear the Lord, I've realized just how important my prayer life is in developing my relationship with him. Just as we talk to friends and family frequently, so we need to talk to our heavenly father. We can talk to him about anything at any time. We can pray for an answer to a situation, we can pray for provision for the future, we can tell him our worries and our joys, we can pray on behalf of others in our lives, the list is endless. Anything on your mind, you can take to God in prayer. It's also good for us to take time to not only talk to God but to allow him to talk to us. Take an equal amount of time to listen to what He might have to say to you. Quiet your mind and forget about what the day has ahead or what you need to accomplish and let him speak to your heart. Prayer is a two way conversation, so talk and take time to listen.

He Knows Us

First of all, I am so sorry for not blogging as frequently as I committed to. I realized the other day that I haven't blogged in months and I miss it. I love writing and encouraging you. God put on my heart to share with you what He has been revealing to me almost every day the last month or two, and that is the fact that He knows me better than anyone else. He knows YOU better than anyone in your life as well. He knows the deep and shameful secrets that you've never shared with anyone, he knows the larger-than-life dreams that you keep in your back pocket, he knows the longings and desires of your heart, and he knows every little detail of your life because he made you! Even the things that you think are so small they don't matter, they matter to your Creator because he cares deeply about the things that concern and worry you. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." Find comfort in the fact that the Maker of all the earth cares about you and has your best in mind. He knows you, inside and out. I wrote a poem that expresses this very idea. Let him embrace you and find joy in his arms.

At times in life we feel depleted
Unlike God who is completed
So we turn to him for fullness of life
The one who takes our pain and our strife
His joy is free, without cost
Filling my soul when I am lost
You wrap me up in arms of love
Reaching from the heavens above
Hope deferred makes the heart sick
But you know just what makes me tick
You know me Lord, inside and out
You know my worry and my doubt
You know my delight and desire
Burning within me like a fire
You know my thoughts and all my shame
Each person I've seemed to blame
You know my secrets and every scar
The wounds inflicted from afar
You know my struggles deep within
Each heartache and every sin
You know all my ways, good and bad
All the anxiety I've ever had
You search me O God
Breaking down my facade
Knocking on my heart's door
Wanting me to give you more
I want to surrender all to you
But I don't know what to do
Show me the way, show me how
Show me in the stillness of now