Center Of It All

When did this...

Become this? 

Since when dating someone become all about him/her buying you such extravagant things? How did meeting your soulmate become a reality television show?

It is clear that almost everything we do in todays world is done completely different than it was done in the old days. People use to communicate through letters, now days it's texting. People use to learn out of textbooks at school, and today most schools are bringing in even more and more technology. But what about dating? What happen to chivalry? Or the guy asking parents permission to take a girl out? What happened to it being called "going steady"? Now days, people refer to their significant other as their "bae"

Being a teenager is tough. Especially in todays world. 

School -> Stress -> Acne -> More Stress -> More Acne

It's a never ending cycle! Teenagers today are faced with temptation everywhere we turn. I could go on and on about things our youth is struggling with today, but what I want to talk about now is dating.  Back in my sophomore year of high school, I started dating someone. We dated a little over a year. It was my first "serious" relationship, and also my last serious relationship for a while. My mom, and even my older sister had told me not to get into a serious relationship because I'm only in high school. It was a time for friends, not boyfriends. A time to find myself, not lose myself. A time to grow closer to God, not farther away. 

Fast forward three years..

Mom, you were right. Yes, you read that correctly. You. Were. Right.

• Over 70% of girls age 15-17 avoid day to day activities such as attending school on days when they feel bad about their looks.
• 7 in 10 girls feel they are not pretty enough.

Teen girls that have a negative view of themselves are 4 times more likely to take part in activities with boys that they've ended up regretting later.

Once a girl finds a boy who thinks she is pretty, she finally feels good about herself. We will do anything to keep him happy, and to keep him around because he makes us feel good. But why does it take a boy to make us feel good about ourselves?

Psalm 139:13-14

13 

For it was You who created my inward parts;

You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 

I will praise You

because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.

Your works are wonderful,

and I know this very well.

We are beautiful. Why? Because our creator made us. 

Luke 12:6-7

6 Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. 7 Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!

Never let a boy define you. You are beautiful and you are loved and until you see that, any relationship you are in will be an unhealthy one.

I feel that often times we begin dating someone we often get to a point where we can't picture ourselves without them. Everything has been revolved around them. Once your relationship loses God in the middle, it's a downhill spiral from there. 

2 Corinthians 6:14

14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

As a Christian, it is important to surround yourself with other believers so that they can build you up and not tear you down. God did not intend for dating to be all about how they give you butterflies, or how big of a teddy bear you will get for Valentines day this year. If you are wanting a relationship with someone, ask yourself if he/she is a believer. If so, then pursue it. If not, move on. Dating is to find your future spouse. Someone you are going to make a life long commitment to. Once you are married, you are a team. Forever. Make sure your teammate is on the same page as you are. What are you two going to do for the Lord? How are you two going to serve? Isn't that what we're here for? To honor God in all that we do? Yes. We are. 

Before you start dating just remember...

Worry about what God thinks about you, not what your boyfriend thinks about you.

Lose yourself in Christ, not your boyfriend.

Keep God in the middle. 

Most importantly, pray. Pray that God will bring the right person into your life. God will bring him to you at His timing. Not ours. He is writing our love story. Not us. 

Handling The Temporary Setbacks We Face

I think that it's so easy for us to get caught up in the worldly things today. Situations that we face often cause us to lose focus on what's really important which is God's love. How come when times are tough or we have a tough decision to make we turn to people or other things instead of turning to the One True God who patiently waits for us to run to Him?
I have the privilege of leading the bible study on Wednesday nights at my church with the middle school girls. The past few weeks we have been studying Hebrews. We've been learning who Jesus is, how to stay focused in a world so full of distractions and etc. Yes, these lessons are geared to a younger age, but whether you are thirteen, twenty-three, or forty-three, we could ALL gain something from it.
Take a minute and think about some struggles you are facing. Don't say you can't think of one either. Your life is not all peachy. We all have hardships. It's just a part of life. What you are facing could be failing friendships, what to do with your life and who you want to be in the years to come. It could be a financial need. Your problems are not the real problem. The problem is how you are going about handling it. Are you Facebooking about it or praying about it? Are you fighting God everyday  because it's not what you want or are you thanking God for waking you up to another beautiful day? 

Matthew 11:28 "Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

So, tell me, why don't we come to Him? Is it because we feel that Jesus wouldn't understand? I mean, how could He? Jesus never sinned, we sin everyday. Or is it because the temporary setbacks we face are much different than the things that Jesus faced? 

Hebrews 4:14-16:
14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

The verses itself tells us that the High Priest (Jesus) sympathizes with our weaknesses, He faced all the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. 
Like I told my middle school girls last week, it is on of those "been there, done that moments. Believe it or not, Jesus understands exactly what we are going through and all our struggles. My challenge for you this week is to memorize Hebrews 4:16 and do as the verse says. He is waiting for you and I with open arms. Have a blessed week!

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Just last night both of my brothers phones were stolen. But why? What did they ever do to deserve having their phones stolen? Sunday afternoon I was getting out of my car to go to work and my nice large cup of Zaxbys sweet tea spilt over my dress and all in my car. Why did that happen? I was late walking into work because I had to change and clean up the mess I made. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why me? I mean, after all, I did go to church that morning. Was God not happy that I spent my morning worshiping Him? Shouldn't good things be happening to me?? 

I'm absolutely positive you can think of a time when you questioned why something bad was happening to you. We all do it. I don't know the exact answer as to why, but I believe that God often lets these things happen to us to teach us a lesson. Maybe he is teaching us to rely on Him in times of need. Maybe you've been praying for God to help you with your temper so when something happens God is testing you to see how you react. 

Sometimes when something bad happens we automatically question God wanting to know why but we forget that satan is also there making sure bad things happen to us all the time. We can't forget that satan is always waiting for us to stumble and fall. We need to be on our guard and always be sure to not let the devil get the best of you. 

"There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. He also had many servants. He was, in fact, the richest person in that entire area. Job’s sons would take turns preparing feasts in their homes, and they would also invite their three sisters to celebrate with them. When these celebrations ended—sometimes after several days—Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, “Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice. One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. “Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan. Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” Satan replied to the LORD, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” “All right, you may test him,” the LORD said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the LORD’s presence. One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger arrived at Job’s home with this news: “Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: “Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’s home. Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God." (Job 1:1-22 NLT)

"Satan replied to the LORD, “Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life. But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!” “All right, do with him as you please,” the LORD said to Satan. “But spare his life.” So Satan left the LORD’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot. Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong." (Job 2:4-10 NLT)

Let us strive to be more like Job! A man who praises our wonderful, loving, Almighty God even in the toughest times!!!

Have a blessed weekend! :)

If We Are The Body

Technically I do not graduate until this Friday (the 16th) but I've already finished and turned in all my school work so technically summer has already started, right?? Tonight I went to the gym, now I am back home with a bowl of popcorn, a Braves game playing on tv, and this computer screen right in front of me. I'd say it's a pretty relaxing "summer" night. :)

Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)

8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”

I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

I have noticed a trend lately, and not a good one. Just in the past two weeks I have met two people who have claimed to be agnostic and the other atheist. They are pretty much the same thing. Both mean they do not believe in God. What's up with that? We, as Christians, aren't doing our job. What? We have a job? Yes. We are called to be a witness to other people like the two people I have met. 

Before I continue, I want to make one thing clear: I am not judging or trashing either of these two people. They are both simply just two examples I have. 

Person #1- The more I talked to the person, the more he opened up. He said "I lived the Christian life for 14 years so I am kinda over it." Honestly, I didn't even know how to reply other than "I'm Christian." He mentioned how he doesn't like having Jesus "shoved down his throat" so I said I wouldn't be one of those people. However, all I could think about was how do I witness to him without being too pushy? The only thing I could think of was to pray for this person. So I have been. This person and I don't speak anymore, but I still continue to pray for him and hope that he may meet someone else who can witness to him again. 

Person #2- This person is about 4 years older than me and works in the same building as I do. I've talked to him before but this one particular day he was talking about a ex girlfriend he had that was a Christian and they didn't work out because he was atheist. Turns out this person had actually grown up going to a private Christian school. 

Are you noticing a new trend?? Both of these people know deep down that God exists and that He is real. They just choose to not believe. 

Person #2- I also found out that this person had cancer when he was younger. After hearing this I just wanted to ask him how he thought he got healed because the ultimate cure for cancer is God. God is the healer of all things. He healed multiple people in the Bible and He continues to heal and preform miracles today. 

Back to person #1- This person may have claimed to "live the Christian life" but did he really? When you truly meet Christ and develop a relationship with Him, it is a feeling you could NEVER get tired of. 

Matthew 9:37 (NLT)

37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.

The problem I see with the trend isn't because the people, claim to be agnostic or atheist. The problem is that we aren't witnessing to these people. You do not have to walk around with a Bible and read it to strangers you sit with on the bus (but that would be pretty awesome if you did that!). Witness to others simply by doing the right thing, sharing verses on Facebook/Twitter, praying for these lost people. They make tshirst at Lifeway (and other stores too) that you can wear to witness to others. I own a bright neon yellow "I <3 Jesus" tshirt. You can guarantee it makes some people stare some times, but do I mind? Not at all. I want everyone to know that I love God and I am not ashamed of it. 

Romans 10:14-15 (NLT)

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

I have always been too shy to go up and talk to strangers, which is why I started this blog so I could witness to someone via social media. There are numerous ways to witness to others so why aren't we doing it?? I challenge you to help me witness to these people this week and the following weeks to come. :) Have a blessed week and finish up the school year strong! :)

Mark 16:15 (NLT)

15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.

Watch Your Giants Fall

Judging from what I have seen on my news feed on Facebook, to my timeline on Twitter, or to the conversations I have with coworkers at work I think we could all use a mid-week pick me up right now. Many of us are struggling with big decisions we have to make, stress from school and finals, situations at home and the list could go on. SO.. you reading this.. "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you" 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) 

I am one of those people who believes that when words fail music speaks which is why I want you to listen to this song. (Or at least read the lyrics to the song under the video.)

                      

Everyone's telling you
To let go of what you're holding to
It's too late, too far
You're too small, it's too hard
Throwing water on that spark
Living deep inside your heart
With oceans of reasons
The things you're not seeing
But oh, maybe they don't
Know what you know
That you're not alone

[Chorus:]
Don't you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything's possible
So step into the fight
He's right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be too small
But watch the giants fall

We could really live like this
Can't you imagine it
So bold, so brave
With childlike faith
Miracles could happen
Mountains would start moving
So whatever you may face

Don't you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything's possible
So step into the fight
He's right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be too small
But watch the giants fall

Ask and believe
You're gonna see
The hand of God in every little thing

Miracles can happen
Anything is possible
Watch the giants fall

We all are facing many giants just as David did in the Bible but with God all things are possible and we can easily take down those giants in our way. Finish out the rest of this week facing those giants bravely and knocking them down. Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

There is nothing in this crazy world that our God can not handle. He is waiting for us to let go and let Him do His thing. Exodus 14:14 says "The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” How comforting is that to know that the Lord himself is fighting for us?? 

I pray you all have a wonderful and blessed end to this week! Be sure to share this with anyone who you think needs some extra encouragement. :)

He > i

I have not forgotten about this blog. I have been so busy trying to finish up school! Speaking of school, guess what? 21 days, I repeat, 21 days and I will finally be done with high school. I could not be more excited. They aren't lying when they tell you that the time will fly by because it definitely does. Some times it seems just last month I was starting out as a freshman in El Paso, Texas at Chapin High School. Now here I am in good ole Columbus, Georgia. I met a lot of friends and also had to say goodbye to a lot of friends, but that is just a part of the Army life. I wouldn't trade how things ended up for anything. Every high and every low I faced these past four years made me the person I am today. I learned a lot of life lessons, but I think one of the most important is that there are a huge amount of people who are going to walk into your life then turn right back around and walk out. Although it does stink, there is one man who walks into your life and never ever walks out. God's love is something I can't even began to describe to you. You have to experience for yourself because it is truly amazing. God really showed me the past year or so just how important it is to have Him in my life as #1. I had many "friends" walk out, and I kept questioning God asking what was so wrong with me to make everyone want to leave? Nothing was wrong with me. I just needed to realize that God had not been #1 in my life where He was suppose to be. 

John 3:30 says

"He must become greater and greater. I must become less and less." :)

If you are struggling with feeling alone, or just feeling anything besides peace and comfort. Turn to God. He loves when we put our tough times into His hands because He loves us and wants us to come to Him. He is waiting. What are you waiting for? Cry out to God. Tell Him what you are feeling. Deepen your relationship with Him. Let these tough times in life draw you closer to God. The One who is always there when we stumble and fall, the one who loves us unconditionally. :)

I apologize for this being so short, but I just wanted to share a little something and let you guys know I haven't forgotten about the blog. I will be posting regularly again once I finish up school!! :)

Stand Strong & Hold On

It amazes me everyday what trends become popular and how fast they become popular too. Here lately the trends on Facebook are jumping into some water, and then something called the "No Make Up Challenge" for the ladies. I know what you're thinking "Lord, please don't let anyone challenge me with that one." I thought it that's for sure. However, I have had a change of heart. No, I was not "challenged" to do this. I am doing it on my own. 

There it is. Fresh face and some messy hair that just don't care. :) I had planned to write a new post on getting through heartbreak, but I felt lead to switch it up last minute. By the end of this post I want every young lady, or even my older ladies that read this to realize their self worth. You are beautiful. You are unique. God created you for a special purpose. 

Psalm 139:13 – 14
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.” (NLT)

It is tough growing up in our world when trying to stay pure, and to do what is right because the sin is everywhere. The media makes things like drugs, drinking and partying look like innocent fun. You and I both know it really isn't. I'm bothered the most when we as Christians are considered "uncool" or "boring" because we don't participate in those activities. Then we get called a "goody two shoes." It will happen and when it does, that is when you leave them with a simple "whatever." You do not want people like that in your life anyways. I feel that is tougher on girls too because some guys see being a "good girl" as a turn off. Every girl wants to be loved. And when a boy thinks you're pretty or likes you, you'll want to do just about anything to make him happy because if he is happy, then you're happy. That is our first problem. No boy should ever, and I repeat EVER be the reason for your happiness. (A lesson I have definitely learned.) 

“I don’t ever want to have to need someone again,

 where you feel like, without them, you can’t be yourself.” 

- Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus, who normally isn't someone I would ever quote, actually has a really good point. We get boyfriends, then lose track of who we are. We forget our self worth. We forget that we are beautiful with or without a boy sending you a "Goodmorning beautiful" text to wake up to. We forget that God has a wonderful and beyond amazing plan for us. 

We,ladies, deserve a man who will not pressure us into things we don't do. We deserve a man who prays for us daily. The greatest thing a man could ever do is lead his woman closer to God than he leads to himself. If a boy doesn't like you for who you are, then so be it. It is his loss. You are a special young lady and God has made someone just for you. He might come into your life tomorrow or five years from now. Do not lose hope. There is someone out there who will love you for you. In the meantime, love on the God who loves to love on you. Remember your self worth. Do not settle for some silly little boy who doesn't know what he's going to lose. 

Proverbs 31:30 
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” (NLT)

Do not lose yourself in this crazy world. You are beautiful. Be strong. Be the light this dark world so desperately needs. Let others see Jesus Christ through you. Carry yourself like a Proverbs 31 lady.(look it up) Stand up for what is right. Pray for those who do wrong. Surround yourself with others who build you up instead of tearing you down. 

I will leave you all with this passage from Joshua 1:6-9.

6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Which Highway Are You On?

First off I'd like to say thank you to those of you who read this blog and share it with others. Your kind words mean so much to me! I'm always reminded of why I wanted to start this blog in the first place. Thank you, again. :) If you have been keeping up with my posts then you will remember how a few weeks ago I was asking for your prayers about a big scholarship at a college I was really wanting to go to next fall. I felt really good about the interview and classroom discussion I was in. I wasn't as nervous as I thought I was going to be, instead I felt really calm. It was all a God thing. I knew He was beside me the whole time and that is just a wonderful feeling. :) However, I did not receive the scholarship. It was upsetting but I knew that God had a different plan for me. I figured it just meant a different school, but boy, I was wrong. Throughout this whole process I have always asked God to lead me in the direction He wants me to go. This past week or so I have done some major soul searching and God has answered my prayers. I believe that I am called to do something that I would have never in a million years pictured myself doing. I am still praying for more answers before I share with everyone what that calling is. But like I said before, thank you for all the prayers. :)

This week is revival at Wynnbrook Baptist Church and Ken Freeman is the guest speaker. (Look him up, he's awesome!) Tonight (or today. Depends on when you read this) I want you to think long and hard on what highway you are on. Are you on the highway to heaven? Or highway to hell? Heaven is for real, just like hell is for real. There is no escaping the two. No matter how you try. 

James 4:13-17

13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.

17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

We don't know how long we have on this earth. Nobody does. That is why it is important to know where you are going to be when it's all over. Getting into heaven isn't as simple as just going to church one day, walking down the aisle and being baptized then not showing up again. To get into heaven you must have a relationship with God. No pressing the snooze button, get up and read your bible before work. Spend quiet time with God. Talk to Him as a friend. Share everything with Him even though He already knows it all. God loves hearing from us. Having a relationship with God does take work, but the outcome is beautiful. God loves us so much. Always strive to do what's right. We aren't perfect. We will stumble and fall at times. That's life. But God is always there to pick us right back up when we fall. When everyone in this world walks out on us, God doesn't. 

Many people hear about God and choose to take the easy, earthly route. We should feel sorry for them. We should be witnessing to them even when they tell us no. 

Luke 12:21

21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

2 Peter 2:4

4 For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell,in gloomy pits of darkness,where they are being held until the day of judgment.

We can't escape it. It will happen. We will be judged. The choice is up to us. We could be gone in the blink of an eye, so today is the day to make that decision. 

Psalm 39:4

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—

 how fleeting my life is.

Are you going to choose the easy path with the wide gates? Or the path with narrow gates?

Matthew 7:13-14

13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell[a] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Matthew 7:21-23

21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

As Ken Freeman would say: Hell is hot, but Heaven is not. :) 

Which highway are you on? Highway to heaven? Or highway to hell?

Finding Joy in Midst of Pain

Goodmorning to you on this cold & rainy Monday morning! :) If you're still lagging this morning and can't seem to wake up, then click this link: http://m.godtube.com/watch/?v=F9J99MNU 

(it's not spam, I promise) :) 

Hopefully you're awake now.. If not, then go grab some coffee after reading this.

Have you ever heard someone say that they are going through the toughest time in their life but are still very joyful? I don't know about you but the first time I heard someone say that I was kinda just like "Uh, okay. That makes total sense." For the longest time I never understood how someone could be so joyful and happy when they were facing such difficult times. 

Last summer when I was going through a difficult time myself, I was given the book "A Young Woman's Walk with God" by Elizabeth George. One chapter was about having a happy heart and one of the fruits of spirits being joy. Some of the points were this:

- Joy is important to Jesus 

- Joy is an expression of godliness 

- Joy is experienced anywhere and at anytime. 

Sources of joy:

#1 God Himself is a primary source of your joy. 

#2 God's salvation.

#3 God's promises.

Everything started to make sense. The stories people told me of how they were full of joy even when going through a tough time were clicking. I understand now.

The fact that Jesus died on the cross for all of us who sin when He had never sinned before was something to be joyful about. We are loved more than we even know by Him. If that doesn't make your heart fill all warm and fuzzy then read it again. Jesus died on the cross for US because we are LOVED so much by Him!! 

But why would He die for us besides the fact that He loves us? 

So we could have eternal life in heaven with Him once we've accepted Jesus into our lives. 

John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." 

God promises us eternal life with Him in heaven and all we have to do is accept Him into our hearts and have a relationship with Him. A relationship with God can never break and you can never run to far from God. He will always be there! 

"This is the day The Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24 ❤️❤️

Have a blessed week everyone! :)

Modest Is Hottest

The title says it all, really. Dressing modest is what is truly attractive. I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of clothes shopping anymore. It's such a difficult process especially when searching for a bathing suit. Having the latest fashion trends and wearing them out is a big thing. It makes you feel cooler like you belong, but these days as new fashion trends emerge, the less coverage there is. 

"Well, it's my body and I can wear what I want." FALSE. 

"Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself." 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that our bodies our not our own. When we disrespect ourselves, we are disrespecting God. The fact that God gave us life is the one of the greatest gifts of all. Why would we want to turn around and disrespect Him by throwing ourselves away? That's like having someone spend all their money on you at Christmas and you disliking the gift so you threw it away. 

I'm not pretty or cool if I am not wearing the latest fashion trends. FALSE. Again.

1 Peter 3:3-4 (aka one of my favorite verses) says 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

The way we carry ourselves and what we show on the inside is what makes us beautiful. God looks at what is on the inside. Unfourtanetly society today says if you aren't appealing on the outside, you're not pretty.. But let me tell you something YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL & GOD LOVES YOU SO MUCH. After all, who's approval are we trying to win over here? Gods approval or the worlds approval? 

One of the final and biggest reasons I choose to dress modestly is because the Bible itself says...

Romans 14:13

13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

Let's be real here ladies, boys struggle with lust just as everyone does. It is harder for them because of US. Because girls choose to dress immodestly. Don't you want your future husband to stay pure for you? Of course you do so why would you choose to dress in a way that is going to cause him to stumble? If we carried ourselves in a more modest way, staying pure would be easier for boys. 72% of boys said that modesty is important quality they want their future wife to have. 

You can still dress cute and own cute clothes while being modest. If you are ever unsure about an outfit, ask a parent or a friend. Most of the time, however, if you have to question yourself about a outfit, chances are it might be too immodest. 

You are beautiful and the way you carry yourself is important. :)

Now enjoy this cute video I found last night. :)

                           

Lead Me Where My Trust Is Without Borders

February has been such a hectic month. Balancing a new job, school work, and getting ready for Scholarship Day in 10 days can be quite time consuming, and overwhelming at times where I just want to say, "I quit. I'll go to a different college closer to home. No biggie." Where is the fun in that? I could be missing out on many opportunities. Some of you already know that I will not be able to attend Wesleyan in the fall unless I get the scholarship I am competing for. Throughout this whole process I have been trusting that God would open the doors He wants open and close the ones that are meant to be closed. I also pray that if He does decide to close the door that I will understand His reasoning and know that there is something better headed my way. I won't lie and say it has been easy because the closer February 22nd gets, the more stressed I get.

I wanted to share a verse I read the other day. 

Exodus 23:20 "See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you." 

When I read this verse the other day at work, I thought "Wow." I am not going through this crazy month alone. God is walking right beside me. Everything is already done. He knows how everything is going to turn out. He knows if I will get the scholarship, or if I won't. He will protect me no matter the circumstances. 

This scholarship requires a self drawn portrait. I have never picked up a pencil to draw, or have even had a art class my whole life. Imagine the shock when I started to draw and the picture turned out pretty decent. It is all God working through me. If I get this scholarship, it isn't because of my talent or because the drawing and photographs turned out beyond amazing. It will be because of God. I didn't get to where I am on my own. This is a overwhelming and exhausting process, but I am excited to see where this goes and where God is going to lead me. 

Check out this amazing song which I have had on repeat and will continue to have on repeat all month!

                        

How is God working through you? What are you trusting Him with these days? He longs for a relationship with YOU. Surrender all you have today to Him and see where it leads you. His plans for us are 10x better than the plans we make for ourselves. :)

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Which seed are you?

13 Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. 2 A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore.3 He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4 As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

I don't know about yall, but the first time I ever read this I was confused. I didn't understand the point that Jesus was trying to get across to the crowd but I kept reading. 

18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 

Aha! Finally, an explanation! 

19 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 20 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. 23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” 

Which seed are you??

 Are you the one who doesn't understand it? SPEAK UP. Go to a youth pastor, or the pastor of your church. They will be more than glad to further explain and help you fully understand Gods word. I also would get a study bible too. I got one for Christmas and whenever there is a passage, I don't seem to understand there is a paragraph at the bottom that explains it for me. I read that, then read the passage again and think "Oh, I get it now." 

What if you are the seed on the rocky soil? You understand the message when you hear it, but it eventually rubs off and you forget about it. People often call it a "spiritual high." You tend to get it after a church retreat, and for a few weeks you are on fire for God, but eventually you get off the high and everything is back to normal. 

I went on a hike the other day and saw this picture of a tree. 

The tree did not last because its roots weren't deep enough. If you feel that roots aren't deep enough, spend time with God in prayer. Read your bible everyday. Last year I used the Jesus Calling devotional book, this year I am using the Duck Dynasty 365 Day Devotional. The more time you spend with God, the deeper your roots grow. Do these things now before you end up like that tree. :)

Are you the seed that fell in the thorns? When was the last time you trusted God with everything? We, even myself, tend to be little worry bugs from time to time. When I feel myself start to worry, I read this next verse over and over. 

Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Worrying is a waste of all of our time. Do not let these earthly things get the best of you. God cares for you and wants us to give everything that is bothering us to Him. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you. :) 

If you are the seed that falls on the good soil, then good for you. Go out and share the good news with others! Witness to others. You can start a prayer group at school, a bible study with your friends where you meet once a week. Be a role model in your family, and friends lives. Make a difference in this world. We need more people like you! What are you waiting for?? :)

Don't feel discouraged if you are the seeds that fall on the wrong soil, or if your roots aren't deep enough because anyone can be the seed that falls on the good soil. We all start at the bottom. A relationship takes two people and God is waiting for you to build your relationship with Him so start today! Go go go! :)