So, I don't know about anyone else, but I have noticed that a lot of young women feel that the ratio of "Christian" men to women is a little off. It seems for every one guy, there is a flock of girls to distract him. It also seems to me that many people are under the impression that everyone and their sister is getting married and by 21 if you are not in a relationship or married you are starting to lose a race with time. And last but not least, many women feel that if they are single for a long period of time, there must be something wrong with them..........the funny thing is that those assumptions are C.R.A.P. Total and utter crapola. Now many other women are single and totally happy with it, and to them I give kudos! But for the group of women out there who are feeling and or all of the things I just stated.....It is time to buck up ladies. A man and his interest or lack thereof does not define us at all. We do not need a man to complete us necessarily. Yes, one day it would be nice to settle down and marry a great guy. But right now, if you are single, embrace it. This is your season of singleness. This is the time for you to explore who you are, your interests, what brings you enjoyment, what makes you you, what motivates you, and your dreams and desires. This is also your time to get closer with God and to serve him to your fullest ability. If you are in the college age range like me, when else are you going to have time to get things done and then have free time that is at your complete disposal and no one elses? When you get in a serious relationship all of your time and energy will have to be split between the relationship and everything else in your life. That is not necessarily bad, but it is also something to realize! Your season of singleness is a perfect time to give to others. Many times us women are nurturers, and as such we want to be with someone so that we can take care of them....well, I say why wait until prince charming finally gets his butt over to you! There are so many other people to love on and nurture, and they are right in front of you! Spend your extra time loving on friends, and even strangers who need friends and understanding. The possibilities are endless for you in your time of singleness. This is the time to have the freedom that you may never have again. Enjoy it, love it, and make good use of it!
...So, here is my personal game plan for my "season" of singleness. This is something I have been noticing and planning for the last couple of weeks....I have noticed that in my social circle that I am most involved in, there are a lot of people on the edge who want to be closer to others. I have also noticed that I have been developing an increasingly stronger desire and calling for Evangelism. Wellllll, lucky me, I am at the perfect place in life to focus on those things and more! I don't have as much free time as I would like, but I have enough to make a difference and do something. And, since I have no one to take up my time or distract me, God and his desires for me have my full attention. Instead of wasting my time as a single woman, moping over the fact that no one sees me etc. etc., I am way more interested in pursuing God more, and pursuing friendships with people who really need it. I am going to focus on gaining courage and meeting new people, so that I can show them who Christ is.
It can be challenging at times, but I think that in general women should embrace their independence and run with it. We need to all know how beautiful we all are inside and out, because God made us exactly how we are for a reason. We need to take our beauty and spiritual gifts, and use them to spread God's love and to make the most out of ourselves to that when our seasons end, we are who God wants us to be for him, and for whoever the lucky man is that will marry us one day. Singleness is not a negative thing. NOT.AT.ALL. It is actually one of the most exciting, fulfilling times of any one's life. We just have to look at it the right way, and use it the right way. I for one am excited about this blessed time in my life, no matter how hard it may be at times. Yes, companionship is nice, and at times I miss it....but at the end of the day, I am not ready to end my season and give someone enough time to distract me from serving God and loving him.
(Not to say that relationships are bad, and that they distract....the right relationship is a beautiful journey and a wonderful way to glorify God...I am just not there yet so it isn't something I can write about lol!)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Mercies in Disguise...
So, last week was rough. Extremely rough. I started the week being late to class, getting talked to by my professor, crying in front of her, and then getting sent to the bathroom to collect myself. The class was my field study, where I go teach at an elementary school so not only did I let my professor down, but I let the kids down and I was incredibly disappointed in myself. The rest of the week continued in that fashion. I was late to things, forgot important things, and was letting people down left and right. By the end of the week I was feeling extremely low and incapable. I was in a very dark place, one that I have not been in a while. The entire time that I was having this rough week I was also distancing myself from God. Instead of praying for patience, understanding, and just keeping my attitude in check, I got angry. AAAANGRY. I was blaming God for every little thing, and asking him why he was putting me through hell and why he was not giving me the things I wanted. I was frustrated about many things, my "bad luck", the actions of other people, etc. And I blamed it all on God. Ridiculous I know, but I feel like it is a common thing that people do when the going gets rough. I was in a haze of negativity and blame all week. At the end of the week I went to something called "Midnight Worship", and at first I was completely numb, angry, and wanted to leave. I was just so fed up with so many things. But, I was surrounded by some very loving, attentive, supportive people and when I was really starting to get angry God sent them my way. I finally let go, cried (which I HATE doing in front of people by the way),and I talked with them and let things out instead of holding them in. I was still angry and somewhat numb the rest of the weekend, but, I was starting to realize that God was not the one trying to hurt me and that I was being foolish. Satan tries to bring us down. He knows our weaknesses, and he knows what he has used to pull us to him in the past. Satan pulled out all of the cards in the deck last week, and although I started to fall for them, through my changing heart, and supportive friends, and more importantly God's power and will, I got through it.
Now that I am back in the swing of things, and have had time to think about it, last week and the weeks building up to it have made me realize a few things. The first thing that I realized is that I was slowly but surely losing motivation for some things. It was a gradual shift, and so I did not know what I was actually doing. By lack of motivation I mean that I was getting tired and lazy about school, and keeping a good attitude about things. This past week everything blew up in my face, and all of the frustration I was holding in, and the lack of motivation that kept me from my full potential finally came into the light. It was a hard pill to swallow, but one that I needed to desperately. I also think that this week was a test. It was a test because since I started really diving into my faith, I have not really had any big problems or issues. Things have been easy going and I have been on a really long "Jesus high". I think this week was a test to see A: How I handle adversity now, and B: If I come back from it or just give up on God and go back to all of my old ways. I failed in a sense, because I did let myself get all bent out of shape for a week, but I would like to think that because I am back and not abandoning my walk of faith I did not fail. Plus, God disciplines the ones he loves, and apparently, I needed some lol!
....Bottom line...We receive trials, some big, some small, but no matter what, everything bad is not delegated by God, he doesn't cause it. Satan tries to play games with our lives and hearts and that can be confused with God being "mean". Also, even if God is actually giving us a trial (which he will do from time to time), he is not doing it to ruin us. He is disciplining us either because an action of ours merits a natural consequence, or because he wants us to grow as a person, and grow closer to him. If we make it through said trials, we will do just that. Everything God does, he does in love. Even if it doesn't feel like it at times of frustration. And Satan, wellllll he is just a bad dude. He likes to attack the weak...but he also likes to go after the strong. Strong people scare him and he goes after them because he desperately wants to keep his hold. Too bad for him, he can't win with me. God has my back. God:1, Satan:0.
So, to go along with this, I wanted to share some verses from the book of James, which is a really good read in times of trouble. This really helped me this weekend!
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me". God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. James 1:12-14
.....The entire book of James is great...if you have time I highly suggest you read it because it has so much more about this subject!
Here are some songs that really talk about this, and part of the second one actually sounds like one of the 'verses in James! (the part about being a dying flower and tossed in the waves, it reminded me of the part of a verse: "Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed in the wind" James 1:6.)
Now that I am back in the swing of things, and have had time to think about it, last week and the weeks building up to it have made me realize a few things. The first thing that I realized is that I was slowly but surely losing motivation for some things. It was a gradual shift, and so I did not know what I was actually doing. By lack of motivation I mean that I was getting tired and lazy about school, and keeping a good attitude about things. This past week everything blew up in my face, and all of the frustration I was holding in, and the lack of motivation that kept me from my full potential finally came into the light. It was a hard pill to swallow, but one that I needed to desperately. I also think that this week was a test. It was a test because since I started really diving into my faith, I have not really had any big problems or issues. Things have been easy going and I have been on a really long "Jesus high". I think this week was a test to see A: How I handle adversity now, and B: If I come back from it or just give up on God and go back to all of my old ways. I failed in a sense, because I did let myself get all bent out of shape for a week, but I would like to think that because I am back and not abandoning my walk of faith I did not fail. Plus, God disciplines the ones he loves, and apparently, I needed some lol!
....Bottom line...We receive trials, some big, some small, but no matter what, everything bad is not delegated by God, he doesn't cause it. Satan tries to play games with our lives and hearts and that can be confused with God being "mean". Also, even if God is actually giving us a trial (which he will do from time to time), he is not doing it to ruin us. He is disciplining us either because an action of ours merits a natural consequence, or because he wants us to grow as a person, and grow closer to him. If we make it through said trials, we will do just that. Everything God does, he does in love. Even if it doesn't feel like it at times of frustration. And Satan, wellllll he is just a bad dude. He likes to attack the weak...but he also likes to go after the strong. Strong people scare him and he goes after them because he desperately wants to keep his hold. Too bad for him, he can't win with me. God has my back. God:1, Satan:0.
So, to go along with this, I wanted to share some verses from the book of James, which is a really good read in times of trouble. This really helped me this weekend!
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me". God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. James 1:12-14
.....The entire book of James is great...if you have time I highly suggest you read it because it has so much more about this subject!
Here are some songs that really talk about this, and part of the second one actually sounds like one of the 'verses in James! (the part about being a dying flower and tossed in the waves, it reminded me of the part of a verse: "Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed in the wind" James 1:6.)
The lyrics to this song=AMAZING...and so true. A wonderful way to see hardship.
(Blessings, Laura Story)
Who Am I by Casting Crowns is always so inspiring to me!
Monday, October 17, 2011
....Update!
Hello my B-E-A-utiful readers! Sorry I have not written in a while, I have been extremely busy with school, work and CRU stuff. I have also been busy growing and changing! That's right! Some major things have shifted in me since my last post a little over a week ago. (Time really does fly when you are in a full blown relationship with Christ! I wouldn't have believed it if I wasn't experiencing it myself lol!). But anyhooser...time for an update on where I am at and what I have learned recently!
The first thing that has changed is that guys are less distracting! It has taken YEARS for me to be able to be on my own without feeling some sort of insecurity and assuming my relationship status is a direct reflection of me. And if you didn't know already from reading some of my blogs, I was struggling with major loneliness and I was extremely distracted by a couple of people. After some prayer, faith, and shifting in my heart, I am happy to say that I am no longer distracted easily, if it all, and I am owning and LOVING my Independence. A new light has been shed on my situation, and even though singleness is easy for some, it is a way of life that I have not ever been used to. Until now... :). I am truly content with where I am at in life and it is crazy how quickly and relatively smoothly I got to this place of peace. I only hope more women out there can do the same for themselves....on that note, I am going to share with you how I got to this point, and some of my new ways of looking at things that really really help me!
First off, the whole boy thing. How am I FINALLY ok with not being pursued by a Godly man right now? Easy! Reason number one, I am no longer worried about finding a Godly man now or even soon because it is not my time frame that God is working on! His is way better, and I need to just chill out, and wait. Patiently. Reason number two, there are so many other things to do besides worry about boys and their shenanigans! There is school, friends, leading others to God, family, unexplored talents and hobbies, passions to explore, friends and strangers who need love and encouragement...so many things to put energy into, and all of those things will be fruitful in one way or another. Reason number three, I finally understand that me not being pursued has nothing to do with me personally. It isn't because I'm too fat, or not pretty enough, or not fun enough etc, etc, etc...it isn't because I have competition and they are better than me in some way. It is simply this...the men who are not pursuing me, or are pursuing others, are just not right for me. They are planned for someone else, and someone else is planned for me.
Speaking of passions.....now that I am just focusing on God and myself, I am really discovering my passions now more than ever. My passion happens to be mission work, and evangelism (although I am not so good at the second one yet.) I also have a passion for helping my fellow ladies. I have taken away some of the "clouds" in my life, and I can see clearly what the Lord wants me to do with my life. My heart grows bigger and bigger for service each day, and I just can't wait to see what happens in the future. I am already looking forward to graduation and getting a job teaching, and then spending my summers in impoverished areas and countries helping the children and families. Big dreams I know, but I WILL do it :). It is really exciting to me that I am no longer assuming I will graduate, get married, and raise a family right away. Don't get me wrong, I will cherish that opportunity and it is part of what I want to do in my future...but instead of waiting around, thinking about how I am running out of time to find my soul mate in my college years, I am focusing on my future with just me and God. Because that is a certain thing, and the work that I want to do will be one of the most rewarding things I can ever do. My desires have changed, and my passion for others is going wild. I will have a family one day, I have full faith in that, but instead of waiting around for God to give me what I want, I am going to step up and give to him!
I hope everyone is doing well in everything! Keep your chins up, and KNOW that God has a beautiful, amazing plan for all of us. We just have to set aside our own and listen, and he will take care of us better than we could ever take care of ourselves. God bless!
The first thing that has changed is that guys are less distracting! It has taken YEARS for me to be able to be on my own without feeling some sort of insecurity and assuming my relationship status is a direct reflection of me. And if you didn't know already from reading some of my blogs, I was struggling with major loneliness and I was extremely distracted by a couple of people. After some prayer, faith, and shifting in my heart, I am happy to say that I am no longer distracted easily, if it all, and I am owning and LOVING my Independence. A new light has been shed on my situation, and even though singleness is easy for some, it is a way of life that I have not ever been used to. Until now... :). I am truly content with where I am at in life and it is crazy how quickly and relatively smoothly I got to this place of peace. I only hope more women out there can do the same for themselves....on that note, I am going to share with you how I got to this point, and some of my new ways of looking at things that really really help me!
First off, the whole boy thing. How am I FINALLY ok with not being pursued by a Godly man right now? Easy! Reason number one, I am no longer worried about finding a Godly man now or even soon because it is not my time frame that God is working on! His is way better, and I need to just chill out, and wait. Patiently. Reason number two, there are so many other things to do besides worry about boys and their shenanigans! There is school, friends, leading others to God, family, unexplored talents and hobbies, passions to explore, friends and strangers who need love and encouragement...so many things to put energy into, and all of those things will be fruitful in one way or another. Reason number three, I finally understand that me not being pursued has nothing to do with me personally. It isn't because I'm too fat, or not pretty enough, or not fun enough etc, etc, etc...it isn't because I have competition and they are better than me in some way. It is simply this...the men who are not pursuing me, or are pursuing others, are just not right for me. They are planned for someone else, and someone else is planned for me.
Speaking of passions.....now that I am just focusing on God and myself, I am really discovering my passions now more than ever. My passion happens to be mission work, and evangelism (although I am not so good at the second one yet.) I also have a passion for helping my fellow ladies. I have taken away some of the "clouds" in my life, and I can see clearly what the Lord wants me to do with my life. My heart grows bigger and bigger for service each day, and I just can't wait to see what happens in the future. I am already looking forward to graduation and getting a job teaching, and then spending my summers in impoverished areas and countries helping the children and families. Big dreams I know, but I WILL do it :). It is really exciting to me that I am no longer assuming I will graduate, get married, and raise a family right away. Don't get me wrong, I will cherish that opportunity and it is part of what I want to do in my future...but instead of waiting around, thinking about how I am running out of time to find my soul mate in my college years, I am focusing on my future with just me and God. Because that is a certain thing, and the work that I want to do will be one of the most rewarding things I can ever do. My desires have changed, and my passion for others is going wild. I will have a family one day, I have full faith in that, but instead of waiting around for God to give me what I want, I am going to step up and give to him!
I hope everyone is doing well in everything! Keep your chins up, and KNOW that God has a beautiful, amazing plan for all of us. We just have to set aside our own and listen, and he will take care of us better than we could ever take care of ourselves. God bless!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Having a Crush= Insanely Frustrating, However, It Doesn't = Sin.
So, unfortunately I have a crush. I have had one for a while that has switched around between a select few, but this one is extra bad. And, it stinks. A lot. I don't like someone having control over my emotions in the slightest, and I don't like feeling like an idiot when I get giggly and extra girly about it. I also don't like the rejection that comes with a crush. All of that being said, crushes are not so awful. And part of the reason I resent this crush is because I feel like I am betraying God by being even remotely distracted. I also feel mad because depending on how the guy sees me...in this case not all...I get grumpy and negative about it. If I'm not careful I even start thinking it is a reflection of me that this guy doesn't notice me.......the negativity is where the sin lies my friends. God doesn't care that we like people, in fact he created us to want companionship and to eventually be a part of a pair that will glorify him. What God does get sad about is if we let our "crushes" consume our thoughts and actions. Although I have avoided looking too silly, letting the guy know, idolizing him, and being too focused on this one person, I have ended up going the complete opposite and instead I have been consumed with frustration and self defeat. Not only does God not want us to feel anger, but he also doesn't want us to hate on ourselves. We are all beautiful, wonderful creations that he lovingly made. And if we make ourselves miserable and insult ourselves we are insulting his works. By being negative about my silly little crush, not only have I ended up insulting his creation in me, but I have also shown my lack of trust in God in regards to his plans for me.
I am realizing that I need to stop worrying, and start trusting his plans. I need to see myself how he sees me, not how some silly boy who is busy chasing others sees me...or doesn't. (Not that this guy is bad, I wouldn't like him if he was lol!) God has plans for everyone, just because I am not part of one persons plans, doesn't mean there isn't someone else planned for me eventually. I need to relaxxxxx and fight my womanly nature to complete and nurture, until it is the right time. This is a reoccurring problem for me, I have never been known for patience. But, with some prayer and study, I will get myself on the right track, eventually I will stay on it without wavering. I can't help having a crush, and I can't help feeling lonely sometimes, but I can help how much I think about it, and what attitude I have about it. I need to find a happy medium, to where I like being around the kid, but I am not too excited. And, I need to be able to not get angry and negative about myself just because he doesn't notice me. Crushes can be fun if people just don't make a big deal out of them one way or the other. (Easier said than done obviously...). But, if I keep focusing on God, and keep focusing on bettering myself, things will fall into place. It is just a temporary phase, one that I need to stop fighting so much, so that it can take its course, and so that I can move right along instead of prolonging it by beating my self up about it. If any of you are struggling with a similar issue, I encourage you to talk to your friends, study the word, or just pray. Even talk to me if you feel like it. But no matter what know you are not alone in this struggle or similar ones. Hope the helps. God bless!
Here are some songs that help me when I am feeling down about myself and letting earthly desires and influences mess with my self worth:
Here are some verses that also encourage me when I am insecure, un-trusting of my future, lonely, and just down about where I am at.
I am realizing that I need to stop worrying, and start trusting his plans. I need to see myself how he sees me, not how some silly boy who is busy chasing others sees me...or doesn't. (Not that this guy is bad, I wouldn't like him if he was lol!) God has plans for everyone, just because I am not part of one persons plans, doesn't mean there isn't someone else planned for me eventually. I need to relaxxxxx and fight my womanly nature to complete and nurture, until it is the right time. This is a reoccurring problem for me, I have never been known for patience. But, with some prayer and study, I will get myself on the right track, eventually I will stay on it without wavering. I can't help having a crush, and I can't help feeling lonely sometimes, but I can help how much I think about it, and what attitude I have about it. I need to find a happy medium, to where I like being around the kid, but I am not too excited. And, I need to be able to not get angry and negative about myself just because he doesn't notice me. Crushes can be fun if people just don't make a big deal out of them one way or the other. (Easier said than done obviously...). But, if I keep focusing on God, and keep focusing on bettering myself, things will fall into place. It is just a temporary phase, one that I need to stop fighting so much, so that it can take its course, and so that I can move right along instead of prolonging it by beating my self up about it. If any of you are struggling with a similar issue, I encourage you to talk to your friends, study the word, or just pray. Even talk to me if you feel like it. But no matter what know you are not alone in this struggle or similar ones. Hope the helps. God bless!
Here are some songs that help me when I am feeling down about myself and letting earthly desires and influences mess with my self worth:
Here are some verses that also encourage me when I am insecure, un-trusting of my future, lonely, and just down about where I am at.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Song of Solomon 4:7
You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.Psalm 45:11
And the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.1 Peter 2:4
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,Psalm 139:13-14
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.1 Corinthians 7:32-35
1 Corinthians 7:8
To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am.1 Corinthians 7:26-28
I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.Wednesday, October 5, 2011
God's Love...It Comes In Many Forms!
So, the other day I was thinking about how no matter how much God loves you, he can't ever come down and give you a hug. And as silly as it is, sometimes I just really wish he could! I think that is one of the things that factors in to people wishing for earthly affections. It does for me at least. As I was thinking about this fact, and how as hard as I try not to sometimes I wish for the hug and support of a Godly man....I realized something! God does show us affection and love aside from worship and bible study. We just have to open our eyes to it. Yes, he can't come down from heaven and hold us in his arms...but he can show us affection through others. Sometimes it is the hug or encouraging word from a good friend. In my case, it was affection I got from my kitty cat. She was curled up on my pillow purring and leaning on me. Lol I am aware that this sounds silly, and even border line crazy cat lady...but in my defense I have a dog too...so it is ok right? Lol no, but seriously, different things for different people but no matter what God uses the things he blesses us with on earth to show us his love for us in Heaven. A more relevant example that almost everyone has experienced is the feeling of a gentle breeze. Cliche I know, but, still works. I was actually on retreat this weekend, and after having a really special night of clarity and closeness, I somehow managed to make myself climb up a small "mountain"...more on that story later...but when I got to the top, and started to think about everything, I felt a cool gentle breeze surrounding me. It was as good as a hug in that moment. Not to mention my friends were loving on me later.
Another way that God shows his love and affection is through the emotions that he stirs up inside of you. Some of you may not have experienced this, and that makes me sad. I hope you do at least try to meet Christ one day, lol my take is that, what do you have to lose? Stretch your beliefs, see how it affects you, if you don't like it go back. But don't dismiss something that could potentially change your life into something more amazing than you could ever imagine. (Hoaky sounding I know, believe me, I used to think the same way...but when you get involved, there is no other way to explain it.)....Ok, off my soapbox lol! Back to the emotions he stirs in you...when I have moments with God I know that I feel so complete, euphoric, excited, and happy. I don't know anything else or anyone else that can combine those feelings and make them appear so intensely in me besides God. That alone beats any other wordly affections I could receive.
The last way that I feel God shows his love, is through the things that he blesses you with. If you really think about it, I am sure you can find a list of things that really make you happy, things that you have received that make your life what it is. Things that, make you smile and feel good. Well, guess what, many of those things are from God! Just to give an example, I'll list some things that I am blessed with that I truly believe God has given me!
My "God Loves Me List"
1. HE GAVE HIS SON SO THAT I COULD LIVE IN FREEDOM AND BLAMELESS.
2. My friends
3. My family
4. My cat and dog, and their affection and joy they bring me
5. My spiritual gifts and talents
6. Somehow always being provided for despite schooling and family debt
7. A roof over my head!
8. Opportunities to know him and make him know
(Here are some less deep ones :P)
9. chocolate!
10. MUSIC <3
11. the guy who invented coca-cola <3
12. My ability to make some delicious cupcakes! (Haha it make a lot of my people smile, which, makes me smile, plus the are just so yummy!)
13. Nature duh! It is soooo beautiful. Especially sunsets!
14. Last but not least, my blog subscribers! You reading this makes me happy! So does your feedback.
Now, I have a challenge for anyone who reads this....make your own list! I won't give you a certain length, or level of seriousness.....just list some things that bring you joy, and realize that most if not all of them are from God! Congratulations, he is loving you RIGHT NOW! Can't wait to see what ya'll come up with!
Another way that God shows his love and affection is through the emotions that he stirs up inside of you. Some of you may not have experienced this, and that makes me sad. I hope you do at least try to meet Christ one day, lol my take is that, what do you have to lose? Stretch your beliefs, see how it affects you, if you don't like it go back. But don't dismiss something that could potentially change your life into something more amazing than you could ever imagine. (Hoaky sounding I know, believe me, I used to think the same way...but when you get involved, there is no other way to explain it.)....Ok, off my soapbox lol! Back to the emotions he stirs in you...when I have moments with God I know that I feel so complete, euphoric, excited, and happy. I don't know anything else or anyone else that can combine those feelings and make them appear so intensely in me besides God. That alone beats any other wordly affections I could receive.
The last way that I feel God shows his love, is through the things that he blesses you with. If you really think about it, I am sure you can find a list of things that really make you happy, things that you have received that make your life what it is. Things that, make you smile and feel good. Well, guess what, many of those things are from God! Just to give an example, I'll list some things that I am blessed with that I truly believe God has given me!
My "God Loves Me List"
1. HE GAVE HIS SON SO THAT I COULD LIVE IN FREEDOM AND BLAMELESS.
2. My friends
3. My family
4. My cat and dog, and their affection and joy they bring me
5. My spiritual gifts and talents
6. Somehow always being provided for despite schooling and family debt
7. A roof over my head!
8. Opportunities to know him and make him know
(Here are some less deep ones :P)
9. chocolate!
10. MUSIC <3
11. the guy who invented coca-cola <3
12. My ability to make some delicious cupcakes! (Haha it make a lot of my people smile, which, makes me smile, plus the are just so yummy!)
13. Nature duh! It is soooo beautiful. Especially sunsets!
14. Last but not least, my blog subscribers! You reading this makes me happy! So does your feedback.
Now, I have a challenge for anyone who reads this....make your own list! I won't give you a certain length, or level of seriousness.....just list some things that bring you joy, and realize that most if not all of them are from God! Congratulations, he is loving you RIGHT NOW! Can't wait to see what ya'll come up with!
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| Uh, Seeley Boothe hello! Now that is a fine creation from God :P...lol oh man. Why isn't he real? |
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| Sister!!! |
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| Sunshine <3! |
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| My kitty! |
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| My puppy :) |
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| Nature, isn't it gorgeous? |
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| Zebras!...yes, that is my hand petting him!!! |
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| Delicious Cupcakes...pink lemonade to be exact! |
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| My mom, I loooove my family, as crazy and messed up as we are. |
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
YOU are BEAUTIFUL
I am starting to realize, now more than ever, that so many women feel that they are not beautiful enough. Whether it is due to the images of "perfection" that we are surrounded by in the media, or the level of attention we recieve from the oppostie sex, or any other number of reasons, women just don't see how beautiful they are! It is a shame. I have been there many times in my life, and will continue to do so, as we all do...but I am realizing now that our beauty is subjective only to the world. What I mean by that is, if we just take the world's opinion then only a small percentage of us are "beautiful". The funny thing is, the world's opinion doesn't matter. And the only one who's opinion really matters thinks we are beautiful beyond compare. He created us EXACTLY how he wanted us...looks, personality, flaws, and strengths. Our entire being was created for a purpose that we rarely know for sure, but strive to live up to, and can live up to if we trust in God. For all of the ladies out there, thinking you are too fat, or too skinny, not pretty enough, not stylish enough, not persued enough...etc...remember what perspective to look from and remember how beautiful you truly are in the eyes of the one who created everything else beautiful in this world. Try to remember that you are exactly how you are for a reason, and not only does God find who you are special and beautiful, but one day, he will bring someone to you who will share the same appreciation, or as humaly close to it anyway. Look all around, see the beauty that has been created, and then realize that you are just as breathtakingly beautiful if not more so. :)
Here are some verses that have really encouraged me lately during my insecure moments...some about beauty, rejection, plans for my future, and just feeling lonely...I hope these help someone out there! I know they helped me :) God bless.
Here are some verses that have really encouraged me lately during my insecure moments...some about beauty, rejection, plans for my future, and just feeling lonely...I hope these help someone out there! I know they helped me :) God bless.
Plans/Patience
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ... Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose…Romans 8:28
God’s Love and Support
Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”… Jeremiah 1:4-8
You Are Beautiful
You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you…Songs of Solomon 4:7
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious…1 Peter 3:3-4
And the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him…Psalm 45:11
Pain/Rejection
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken…Psalm 34:17-20
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious…1 Peter 2:4
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