Relationship Status | 1.

Yay! New post! Guys, I am so excited for this, and I hope you all are too! So here we go! Let's dive right in.


So, Relationship status is the title of all this. You know how on Facebook you can change your "relationship status" ? The options are usually, Single, In A Relationship, It's Complicated, Engaged, and Married. Pretty obvious right? Not too hard to decide which one you would pick. They're self explanatory. But, what if there was a "Your Relationship With God." tab. What do you think the options would be for you to choose from, and how easy do you think it would be for you to pick one. You'd wonder and worry what other people might think about it. You might make it private so no one else can see. We all have relationships with other people in one way or another. Our relationships with our friends, and our family. Boyfriends or girlfriends. And someone we met maybe one or two times, but still talk to. If you really think deep and hard, you realize how many relationships you have in your life. Now, when it comes to relationships with our friends, we really favor them. We value those relationships so so much. Also with boyfriends and girlfriends. I can't really speak from experience, but those are relationships we tend to value a lot. And usually put so much of our time in effort into. We devote specific time to that person. We take time out of our day, and devote it to them. Whether we're talking to them, or hanging out with them. It's pretty easy (usually :P) to explain your relationship with a friend, or boyfriend/gf to someone else if they ask. But what if someone asked you about your relationship with God? What if I walked up to you and said "So how's our relationship with Jesus Christ going?" You'd be somewhat shocked, right? That's not a normal question that we all go around asking people. But really, what would you reply. What would you tell them, HONESTLY? Sometimes we forget about our relationship with God. It gets pushed behind all the other stuff we're faced with everyday. We need to value our relationship with God MORE than we value our other relationships. There is a difference between calling yourself a Christian, and having a real relationship with God. 
- In our generation, it's so so so easy for us to get distracted. Everywhere we turn, there is something to distract us. Tv, Facebook, Twitter, other people, our phones, games, activities that we enjoy doing. Everything distracts us, and takes our mind off of God. I think people in this generation spend more time on Facebook then they do reading their Bibles. 
- When we're in relationships with guys(or girls, if you're a guy.) We really want them to last. We go to extremes sometimes to keep that relationship together. Are you willing to go to extremes to keep your relationship with God together? Are you willing to go majorly out of your comforts zone, to glorify and please him, and help the relationship grow? Are we willing to give up ourselves, for God. And to have less of us, and more of him in our lives? That's a great big question that I really challenge you guys to chew on, and think about for a while. Sometimes, benefitting our relationship with God, means ending some relationships with other people. Crazy sounding, i know. You think, well God, you put this person in my life... why do you want me to get rid of them all of a sudden. I can say, that in my own life, I've had a relationship or two that, sometimes you just too caught up in them, and then God steps in and says "Hey! You're focusing too much on that other person, so I'm gonna take them away from you, until you learn to rely and lean and depend on me, not them." It's a.. somewhat hurtful thing, but God knows what he is doing. When we trust in him with those types of things, he doesn't let us down. 
I'm gonna wrap this up here in a minute. But let me just end with this. Don't make this a private relationship. It's nothing to be ashamed of. God has chosen us to be his dwelling place. God is in us. Let other people see that. Let your relationship with him show in your actions, and your attitude towards other people. Let him be shown through you, don't hide him inside. Let him out :) And show the whole world. 
- Roman 8:39 - 


Welp, this wraps up part one of my little mini series :) I hope you guys enjoy this. And maybe I'll do a mini series again sometimes soon. Stay tuned for part 2! :)

Preview!

HELLO! It's been so long :) But guess what!!
I'm going to start a mini series. And when I say mini, I mean mini. 
It's a new thing for me so we're going to test it out and see how it goes!
Here's a little preview for ya'll.

Don't Forget.

Woah! I apologize for not blogging for a while.
Well Happy June everyone! Summer is quickly approaching and I am ecstatic about it.


So last night at Incline(My Youth Group) Pastor Anthony was talking about this summer
is going to be a good one. Not just a really fun one, but a life changing one. He said he
feels like God is going to do a lot in a lot of people this summer, and I feel the same. So I
just kind of wanted to share what I feel on my heart, if that’s alright?


Ohhhhh Summertime. It’s just so fun. All the sleepovers, and pool days, and kennywood,
and hanging out all day and night with your friends, and just basking in the hot hot
sunshine. Super fun, right? Sure it is! But let’s not forget something. God. I know that we
get all caught up in all the hoopla and fun times. But don’t forget about God. I feel like
summertime can be a major tempting time. You know what I mean. Some of your friends
might have these crazy parties, and they want you to go and just hang out all night. And
probably do things that you will later regret. Pastor Anthony said something last night (
somewhere along the lines of ) about how, if we can’t look our friends (or whoever ) in
the eye and tell them that, no we don’t want to do that because it’s not pleasing to God,
that we need to check our hearts. That really got me thinkin’. How many times have we
maybe been in the car with a friend with the radio on, and a song comes on that has some
sketchy lyrics in it. What have you said? “Can you change the song, I don’t like this
song.” Okay, that’s not a lie. It’s an excuse, sometimes. I’m not really accusing anyone
here because I know that I have done this and I’ve made up excuses. But what we should
be saying is, “I don’t think God likes this song. It’s not glorifying to him. We should turn
it off.” It’s not like, you can be close with God during the school year, and then “take
off” for the summertime. Still devote so much time to him. All your time to him actually.
Still get in to his word. Don’t just forget about him over the summer. He doesn’t leave
you either. Something that I’m constantly thinking about is that ooooooold saying that I
know we’ve all probably heard atleast once, if not 20 times. That “Would you do that if
God was sitting right next to you.” IF? He IS. It makes you think. What in your life do
you need to change? I agree with Pastor Anthony that this summer is going to be a very
challenging summer for a lot of us. But I’m excited. I know God is going to do great
things. I encourage you guys to keep your hearts wide open to him, and open to what he
has and wants for you. Be open to some changes. It may be scary and hard but just
remember that he is in control. Go after God.


I hope everyone enjoys this gorgeous day today!

Different | Difference

It’s been a while! Wow! Almost a whole month. I apologize! I got caught up with Fine Arts and stuff and just had a lack of inspiration. BUT, I’m back now and I have a lot to say (: So bear with me here.

So Hi (: Last week at this time I was on my way to District Fine Arts! Woop woop. I was so excited. I knew Convention was only a day away. Now Convention… I really didn’t have any expectations. Not that I didn’t think anything was going to happen, I just didn’t know what to expect. Robert Madu was the speaker, and I knew that he was completely amazing so I was even more pumped. Going into extreme detail would take forever so I’m going to give you the short version. Basically at the first service I could just feel God and I knew he was going to do something totally insane that weekend and not only in me but in a lot of people in the group. Worship was great, which was a super great way to start off the night. Then Robert Madu started speaking and it was like… Insane. Hahaha. Everything he was saying was exactly exactly exactly what I needed to hear, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels that way. On the last night a lot of chains were broken in me personally. But here’s what bugged me. It was at that point when everything was broken away that I had just started to cry. I looked up and noticed that I was getting a lot of weird looks. People were looking at me as if they had never heard someone cry before. I looked around some more and noticed that people were talking and laughing and I just got so mad. People were having life changing moments and other people were just laughing at them. The sermon that night was about going out and catching fish (people) and bringing them to God. It hurt me that these people didn’t care. But at the same time I prayed for these people because I know that they just need God. Point of all this is. Since Convention, (and a little before that) I have just been feeling like.. guys. We really really need to be standing up for God. And what we believe in. I’ve been thinking, how am I being a Godly example to other people. How am I showing others Gods love? Am I doing any of these at all? It’s a little scary when you start to think those things because you might be surprised at what your answers are. Coming back from trips everyone is always like “Oh everything is just going to go back to normal, no ones going to stay the same.” After trips everyone comes home and gets back into the swing of things. Because at retreats you are surrounded by your church friends and there are services every night and morning. And then you come home and you go back to school, with all your non Christian friends. You have services on Sundays and Wednesdays, and you go back to whatever your life is like at home. It’s like a smack in the face. You get yourself so bummed out that you practically forget what God did in you over that trip. I don’t want that to happen to myself. Or anyone. Christina over at (insert link to blog) shared this with me, http://www.i-heart.org/action.php?intid=2447 . It’s really long but it’s worth reading. I like how in the one part of it they say “God lights a fire inside of us when we go on missions and when we get back home people always try to figure out ways to keep this high. And when God lights this fire it is up to each individual’s choice to give it fuel.” That’s a spectacular way to put it. Last night I was talking to a friend and we were talking about the devil has just been attacking everyone so much since we got back. It’s scary yet exciting because you know that he’s really ticked off that we are getting so close to God. And that we are abandoning old ways. I know it’s tough to try to hang on. But I want to encourage you guys with this:

If God has set something inside your heart in some way, he has planted it there, you need to pray and continually seek and just pray that he will continue to make that thing, whatever it may be, grow inside of you. That that fire that is inside of you will just grow and grow and grow. It doesn’t have to end at retreats or Convention. You can have an insane time of worship in your bedroom. You don’t need crazy cool lights and smoke and a famous band or loud music to feel God and to be filled with him and to talk to him. Are you showing others the love that God has put inside of you? Are people going to look at you and say that you are different? Like I said I know it’s a struggle but I want to encourage you to keep trusting him. Keep praying. Keep worshipping. Keep seeking after him with all you’ve got.

^“17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19.

And finally I want to say. That you are not alone. Don’t think that you are the only one struggling to stick close to God because your not. There are other people out there who are having trouble too. It’s not a bad thing to be struggling, I mean, it’s hard when the world is throwing so much stuff your way. Your friends are there to help you and encourage you and give you a push. So stand up. Be different. Don’t be afraid of what other people might think because honestly it really doesn’t matter. When all those people were looking at me like I was from another planet I just closed my eyes and continue to go after God and to give him my all. If they want to talk about me then fine. They can.

I’ve kind of set myself up with a challenge to myself. I want to be an example to people. Not just a role model in how I dress or do my hair or my make up. Nah, I don’t really care if you like my hair or my outfit. I want people to see what’s on the inside. I want the inside to be what comes across on the outside. I wanna work the bad things outta my life. Check out this verse.

^13-17"Quit your worship charades.
   I can't stand your trivial religious games:
Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings—
   meetings, meetings, meetings—I can't stand one more!
Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them!
   You've worn me out!
I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion,
   while you go right on sinning.
When you put on your next prayer-performance,
   I'll be looking the other way.
No matter how long or loud or often you pray,
   I'll not be listening.
And do you know why? Because you've been tearing
   people to pieces, and your hands are bloody.
Go home and wash up.
   Clean up your act.
Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings
   so I don't have to look at them any longer.Say no to wrong.
   Learn to do good.
Work for justice.
   Help the down-and-out.
Stand up for the homeless.
   Go to bat for the defenseless.” Isaiah 1:16-17

If you’re wondering what version that is from it’s from The Message. I really really like how straight forward it is.

This is kind of open ended. I know that for me, personally I’m going to actually make an effort to change my ways. The choice is yours, though. I can’t make you do something but I hope this encouraged you a little. And if you’re scared or feel alone, I’m here for you. And if you want to talk feel free to Facebook message me. Go get God.

Have a great day in this gorgeous weather! (: Love you guys.   

James 4:2-3

"You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3

This, is a good verse.

This happens alot, doesnt it? We want something so so bad, but we don't get it. Let's talk about this.

We want things alot, right? Right! We want several different things. We want to be able to go somewhere. We want to be able to do something or have something. Or even have someONE. We want things so much sometimes. "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives." Often times we want things because we long to have them. We want the satisfaction of knowing that we have that thing or person. It's hard to explain the feeling of desiring something. But I'm sure you all know somewhat of what I'm talking about. Guys, next time you want something so badly, you want to go somewhere so badly, you want to be with someone so badly. Stop. And think. How is that thing/person going to benefit you. Is it something you need right now? Is it something God wants in your life? Is it glorifying to him? Or is it just something to make YOU happy. Making decisions is hard too. About anything. But hey, pray about it. Ask God what HE wants you to do. He might not answer right away but you've got to be patient with him. If you truly want to follow God and live your life to please him, you need to want what he wants for you. Not only want part of it. You have to be willing to let stuff go, if he wants to take it. Don't hold on to it. Obviously it's causing you to slip away. Or it's causing you to get off focus. Or it's causing you some kind of pain. And all those things aren't really great and dandy. There is so much better stuff that could be in your lives. Everyone always says, when one door closes another door opens. That's true! Sometimes God closes doors and we're kind of like.. umm? Why did you just do that? I liked that. But then he opens another door and we're like.. Oh my goodness! That is so much greater! Why did I waste so much time over there in that other stuff? Everything we go through, all the happy times and all the relly bad times, is for a reason. Cliche, I know. But really. once you look back on certain situations you will se how much you've grown and you will not regret it at all.

I hope everyone is having a great day today! Love you guys.

The World Is Watching You.

It's Your Life - Francesca Battistelli.

I haven't heard this song in forever until it got stuck in my head the other day. If you never heard the song before part of the chorus goes, "It's your life whatcha' gonna' do, the world is watching you, everyday the choices we make." It goes on more, but that's the part that was stuck in my head. Haha. So I've been thinking about that line. And those words and what it's saying. I'm real big on keeping promises and actually meaning what I say. "Your actions must speak louder than your words" Is like my motto. Haha. but really, if you think about it it's a huge thing. I might've said this in another post but being a Christian is more then just saying you are one. That goes for a lot of things. If you tell someone you will be there for them always, you've actually gotta' do so. If you tell someone you'll do anything for them, you actually have to be willing to. Here's a good one. If you say that you're going to give everything to God, you actually have to give him everything. All of whatever situation it might be. All of anything. All of everything. I'm pretty sure I've said this before. But for me, personally. I always try not to make promises that I know I cannot keep. Because the last thing I want to do is hurt someone. The world is watching you. Kind of creepy, but true. People can only see how we act. People can't see our hearts or our feelings. However we come off to that person is how they really know who we are. Sometimes we act a certain way and we don't even know it. Our feelings take a tole on our actions sometimes. If we're hurting sometimes we are mean to people or we shut people out. Or sometimes if we're extremely happy we can be annoying(Or I can anyway :P) I hope you haven't stopped reading this because I'm just rambling. Please keep reading :) So anyways. As Christians, we need to be acting in a way that shows God love through us. If we're mean to people and like.. complete jerks, they'll be like.. if having God in my life means I will be like them then I don't want it. We don't want that now do we!? No! We need to be doing acts of love. Showing people what Christ is all about. We need to Be imitators of God. Smiling at a cute little old lady at the grocery store. Seems simple and kind of pointless right. you'd think nothing of that. But that smile could make that ladys day. Helping random people is showing Gods love too. Maybe someone drops something. You could pick it up, it really won't hurt you. Just being generally nice to someone is a way of showing Gods love. I hope this makes sense to you who are reading this. It's just been on my heart lately so I thought I would share. So go be nice. Do something for God. Do something for someone. Don't be a jerk :)

Have a splendid Tuesday, everyone! Love you guys.

Psalm 37:24

"Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:24.

I really like this verse! So, let's talk about it.

"Though he may stumble," We all stumble. We all run into things in life that aren't really considered to be enjoyable times. We all go through tough times, the world throws alot of stuff our way. "He will not fall," Okay wait a minute, what? He will NOT fall. Sounds kind of crazy right? When it seems like the weight of the world is resting on our shoulders and when it seems like things just don't get better, ever. He will not fall. How? Why? Why won't he fall? "For the Lord upholds him with his hand."

:O

That's pretty amazing. Okay think about this. The Lord, who create the earth that we live on. The planets in the sky. The stars. The universe. And everything in between. He made everything. He even made you. And he hold YOU in his hand. He won't let you fall. Now, that doesn't mean that you'll never feel as though you have fallen. Because often times things just build up in our lives and it can feel like we have just been pushed down by the world. But look at who is holding onto you, even when you do stumble. The Lord! He's holding on to you, so cling tighter to him when you stumble rather than loosen your grip. Yesterday in church my Pastor said something along the lines of, "Just because you go through troubles doesn't mean God has abandoned you." That, is super true :) Just because you're struggling with something does NOT mean that God isn't there. He's always there. And he will always be holding on to you, your world will always be in his hands. So, next time your stuggling with something, just think and remember that The Lord is holding you and all your problems and struggles in his hands. That sounds like a pretty great place to be if you ask me :)

I know this was short today but I still hope you enjoyed it :) I hope everyone had a splendid day today :) Love you guys.

Soaking.

Hello out there :) Like I mentioned before, I know I haven't been posting verses too much lately. But I have just wanted to talk about so much stuff. Haha. I hope you all enjoy my ranting though ;)

Okay! So. This week has been a crazy one which is why I haven't posted in a while. So let's get this blog goin'.

I have mentioned this before but here I am again, about to talk about it. I told you all about that book my friend got me for Christmas, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Welp, I finished it! Just today actually. This book from the begining has been amazing. (If anyone wants to borrow it, let me know!) Through out the few last chapters he's talking about completely living your life out for God. He tells stories about people who, some of them had crazy lives before they found God and then did crazy things FOR God. During the last chapter he quotes this lady, whose name I forget.. but she said "How we live our day, is how we live our lives." Okay, that statement can be confusing unless you read it a good amount of time. Having a relationship with God is more then just saying, "I have a relationship with God." The way I think of it (meaning, I'm not saying this is the right way to do things, it's just how I look at it) having a relationship with God means seeking him everyday, spending time in the word often, if not everyday, praying alot. Alright, get ready for my usual.. jumping subjects and confusion. Haha. So like I mentioned in my other post, at my small group we've been talking about media. That has been on my mind alot. In fact, I don't watch Tv much anymore. The only thing I watch is Arthur (Yes, the little kid show. It's always been my all time favorite. Don't judge me haha.) But honestly, the tv is just a distraction. That's how I feel anyway. You see, I'm cyber schooled so I have a ton of time on my hands during the day. Before I came to a huge realization in my life. I was spending all my down time doing useless things. Like, really useless things. And, honestly I would rather spend my time glorifying God. Even if it's just in simple little ways. Like writing these blogs. Spending all our time online or on our phones, is like us sitting there soaking up the world. I don't want to soak up the world. I want to soak up God. I'd rather be sitting, reading my bible or doing something for God, and soaking him in. I want to be consumed by him, not the world. I don't if what I say has an affect on anyone. But, what if I asked you to give up TV for a day. Maybe even facebook. What if I asked you to leave your phone in your room for a day. ( that's what I've been doing. Sorry if I haven't texted you back :P) Would you say, "Heck yes! That's easy. I can do it." Is it easy? Is it easy to give up these things that, probably a good bit of us spend a ton of our time on? Is it easy to give anything up? No. But I didn't finish the question. Would you give up TV for a day, and spend that time reading your bible or praying, or just being with God? Would you leave your phone in your room for a whole day, to talk to God instead of your friends?  A huge thing for me, I often run to people before I run to God. Yeah, we all have friends that are always there when we need something. But something I have learned is that I need to go to God before I go to my friends. Now I'm not say never talk to your friends, haha. I'm just saying for me, personally, I struggle with that. Like I said, I don't want to sit and soak up the world. So seriously. I'm not going to tell you what to do. But think about those questions I asked. And if you think it's something you need. Go for it. Do it for a week, not just a day if that's what you feel like you need. If you do do this, let me know how it goes! Let me know if it was hard or easy for you, and how it may have changed you.

I hope everyone has an amazing Friday, and an amazing weekend :) Love you guys.

Consumed.

I know I'm kind of getting away from the regular thing here, but I like to change things up :) Plus, I really want to talk about something today.
PS. Hello!

So, I've been thinking alot lately(shocker!). First and foremost, listen to this song. Don't read on until you've listened to the whole thing, please (: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suIeoR2Wils
I love love love this song. I've been listening to it on repeat for days hahaha.
Anyway! I've been thinking alot lately about how wrapped up we get in things of the world. I mean come on, we're human beings. Obviously it's going to happen. But what i really really really want to say is.
If we get wrapped up in things, it's going to eat us up. It's going to consume our life and our mind and our whole way of doing everything. If we let it. If we keep pushing ourselves in deeper and deeper, the more it's going to eat us up, the more it's going to start to consume us. It's hard to run away from situations. It's hard to not get consumed. It's hard to accept things that don't go the way we've planned. But ya know what? It's going to be worth it. Sure it's going to hurt a little, maybe a lot. But God doesn't make stuff happen just for it to happen. Sometimes we go through certain situations more than once. Not just to torture us. Maybe we missed something God was trying to show us before. Personally, alot alot alot of stuff I have dealt with has brought me so so much closer to God. And sure, I've gone through things more than once. Yeah, it hurts. But you know what. You're not walking into those situations the same way you did the first time. And you should try not to walk out the same either. Like I said, it will consume you. You will find yourself spending so much time worrying and being upset about this. But guys, Something I have realized and I know alot of us know, but sometime forget is. That we need to give all our situations and feelings and crazy emotions to God. Not some of them. All of them. Give it to him. Trust in him. Full heartedly trust in him. And most importantly run to him. Spend time with you. Even if the worst of things is happening in your life, worshipping and going after God is always a refreshing feeling. He is there when you feel no one else is. Don't let troubles and struggles wrap around your mind and your heart and your life. Grab hold of God and start letting him consume you. He'll pull you out of that situation and I can quarentee you will learn something along the way.
This has been on my heart alot lately, and I just really wanted to share.

I hope you all have had a wonderful Friday :) Love you guys.

My Thoughts

Hello there lovely readers of my blog (:

I thought about this blog post for quite sometime. I was going to post it on like... Monday. That’s how long I’ve been thinking about it. So I’m finally posting it and I hope you all like it just a little bit (: Warning: This post might go in a thousand different directions but just try to bare with me. I’ve got lots and lots to share (:

So, it seems like a lot has been going on lately. Not just in my life but in everybody’s. It seems like everyone is just down lately and upset. I’ll be honest with you guys. I had a meltdown a few nights ago. So much stuff was getting to me and eating away at me. And I was just thinking of so many things all at once. And I was feeling upset for my friends who were upset too. And it was just so overwhelming until I sat myself down and I sorted through my thoughts. Only to realize that every little that I was upset about, I was upset about it because it didn’t go the way I wanted. I felt I had lost things I didn’t want to lose. Like I was being ripped away from things and people that were really important to me in my life. At my small group at church, we’ve been talking about media. And how it affects us in good and bad ways. I found it funny that that was the topic for the month. Because that’s actually been something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. I’m sure when we were all little we heard people say “God’s with you all the time. How would you feel if God was sitting right next to you while you were watching your favorite, or the most popular television show?”  And we were like... yeah yeah I don’t watch anything bad. This is something I have been thinking about so much lately. If you know me really well you know that I think probably way too much. But really, this has been on my mind a lot. Every time I sit down to watch TV, as I’m flicking through the guide… I think about what’s really in these shows. What’s the message they are trying to portray to me through this show and the characters within it. Honestly there are a lot of crappy things on TV these days. I really don’t even watch it all that much anymore unless it’s like Disney Channel or something like that. But hey, if you’re reading this and you are someone who struggles with this. Like maybe you are hooked on a TV show that you know isn’t exactly a good show for you to be watching but you can’t stop watching it. First off, pray. Really, it sounds kind of like a weird thing to do especially about a TV show but really guys, there IS power in prayer. Secondly, start doing something else when that show is on. I’m sure there are a million things you can think of. Read, write, draw, craft, do a jig. Anything that will get your mind off of watching that show. This ones my favorite (: Go read your bible. Crank up the worships tunes. That’s what I’ve been doing instead of watching TV. And it really does get you un-hooked from that certain TV program. And it’s much more fun then sitting in front of the TV. Now, please don’t think I’m saying you’re a bad person if you watch a show that’s consider “bad.” I’m not (: Because we’ve all been there probably at least once. But try these things. Just invest that time into God and doing things that glorify him. It’s worth it.

Okay, what was I saying before that? “Like I was being ripped away from things and people that were really important to me in my life.” Oh okay! Lately I have been realizing more and seeing more of how the devil gives us distractions. That’s a big word. Distractions. Distractions are things that divide our attention. We’re kind of paying attention to this thing…. But we are way more interested in thinking about that thing. That’s what distractions are. Like if you were waiting to cross the street, and you were looking for on coming cars, and a person in a hotdog suit ran by screaming, that’d be a distraction. It gets your attention, but it distracts you from where your attention needs to be. A LOT of the time things and people will distract us from God. I’ve been noticing that a lot in my life. I know it’s so hard sometimes to keep our full attention on him without getting distracted. It’s almost impossible. But it’s one of those things that won’t just happen over night. You’ve got to start blocking out some common distractions. Your cell phone. Your facebook. Those are probably the most distracting things ever in this generation. You’ll go to read your bible then your like… oh wait, I got a text. I better read it. It can probably wait. Go get God. Your friends can wait. Facebook can definitely wait. Those are the things that I know I get distracted by. But really guys, if this is something you are seriously serious about, go for it. Give it try. The simplest things are the hardest sometimes. But again, It’ll be worth it all in the end (:

Well everyone, this was a long post! I hope you all enjoyed it, and that you all have a lovely Friday (: Love you guys.

Romans 5:3-5

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

“We also rejoice in our sufferings.” Some of you might look at this verse, or just that short part of it and say..”What!? rejoice in our sufferings? How can we rejoice.. if we’re suffering.” When I got through stuff. When situations and obstacles pop up in my life, yes they may be very hard situations and not very fun situations but I know that they are happening for a reason. I strongly do believe that going through things, suffering, makes us stronger. It helps our faith and trust in God grow oh so much. A few weeks or days ago, or something I posted about 2 Corinthians 7:9-11. In that verse it says “Now I'm glad—not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss.” When things happen in our lives we need to let those things drive us to God, not away from him. We need to run to him, not from him. Especially when we’re hurting and feeling rather broken. Because we’re not going to find joy in the world. Or things of the world. We need to find joy in the Lord. Because although things seem tough, and crazy, and chaotic, and like the world isn’t going to stop throwing bad situations your way, Instead of having a complete and udder melt down, go to God. Read your Bible, Pray, listen to some worship. God is bigger and stronger than the enemy. He can stand up against them. He’s your shield. Let these hard times bring you closer to God. You will find yourself coming out of these times so much greater than when you went in. You’ll be stronger, you’re have more knowledge and understanding of the situation and possibly situations to come, and most importantly. You’re relationship with God will have grown. You’ll be closer to him. You’ll have even a tighter grip on him then you did before. I want to encourage you guys not to give up. I know, I say that a lot. Haha. But I really do. I know that it’s so easy to just be like “I’m done!” When something bad comes your way. But guys, God is with you through everything. We need need need need need to remember that. And he’s not going to throw us into situations and turn his back on us. No, he’s not. Have hope, and faith, and trust in him. He’s not going to disappoint you. Let hard times drive you to him, not from him. He’s there, guys. He is. Even if you don’t feel him right now, he is there. He’s got a tight grip on you and isn’t going to let you go. Go to him. Seek after him with everything you’ve got and he will not disappoint you.

I hope you guys think about this and take this to heart today. Have a super great day today, everyone. Love you guys!

Matthew 5:33-37

"And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” Matthew 5:33-37 (MSG)

I am in no position to be pointing fingers with this one, because I know that I have probably said things I didn’t mean before. But I really love this verse and I think it’s something we all need to remember and keep close to our hearts.

So, like I said, I’m not here to criticize you of saying things you didn’t mean before because I am guilty of this too. The part of this verse that sticks out to me the most is where it says, “saying ‘I’ll pray for you’, and never doing it.” I’m not going to lie to you guys, I have done that so many times. It’s one of those things that, I say it and it doesn’t occur to me how much that means to them and then I end up forgetting to pray for them. I have improved on that a lot though. I know that so many times we can just think, ‘Well, God knows there need already so, I don’t have to pray for them.’ Okay. That is true, yes God already knows but you’re prayers can do so much too. There is so much power in prayer. And I think a lot of the time we forget that. But next time you say “I’ll pray for you” just remember this verse.

A lot of the time we can get hurt by words. Words are dangerous things. People often will say stuff, but then do things that contradict what they’ve said. Or people could say stuff to you but then they don’t hold true to their words. I’m sure almost everyone reading could say that that has happened to them before. It’s okay to admit it. I’ll admit it. It’s happened to me quite a lot lately. When people say they will be there for you, then their not, it hurts. I know. But you know what I was thinking? Just last night, actually. The Bible is chalked full of things God has said. Promises he has made to us. You know what? Those are forever promises. He’s not going to just be like.. oh never mind I don’t mean that anymore, sorry. Nope, he won’t. His love is unconditional and he means what he says to us. He defiantly doesn’t lie to us, and he won’t turn his back on us. He’s always there. You’re never alone. Ever.

Just something to think about today.

I hope everyone is having a great day today! Love you guys.

Like A Field of Flowers.

Hello there! So here's the thing, I typed up a whole blog post, then lost it! What a bummer. but I'm just starting fresh with a new one :) Hope you all enjoy.


This might be a cheesy example but think about it.
Say you're walking in a big field full of flowers. You drop your phone amoungst all these flowers. You really really really want your phone. You desire that phone. Like, you NEED it. So you go digging through the flowers. You've gotta dig through the pretty things, the things that appear pretty, and the weeds that bound things down, until you can finally get that thing you desire.
That's kind of like searching for God sometimes isn't it? Alot of things in life are like those pretty things, the things that appear pretty, then the ugly weeds that bound us down. But at the end of all that, theres God. Search for him. Don't let the ugly weeds get in your way. Yeah, they're gonna cut you and scratch you and make you stumble and fall but you can cut through those with the Lord on your side. Don't stop searching for him. Search and you will find. he's right there, always with outstretched arms. He's not as far from your reach as you may think. Go after him, Guys. I'm pretty sure every post ends up like this one but that's because it's something that pulls strongly on my heart. We need to be searching for him constantly and going after him constantly and constantly wanting more and more and more of him. We can't just settle for what we've got now. Pursue him. Pursue a relationship with him. It's worth it you guys. It's. He is better than anything or any person on this whole earth. He is the only person that won't hurt you or damage you. He is only the one who can keep your heart from shattering. He is the only one who can bring you complete and full happiness and joy into your life. He is the only thing that can make you feel full. He is the only thing that can make you free. Run to him, he's right there. Don't feel alone or abandoned. And if you do, pray. Pray that God would show you his pressence and soak in that pressence. God hears you. God sees you. God feels what you feel. He knows what you're going through and he knows better than anyone else how to help you. GO AFTER HIM. Don't hold back. What are you waiting for? Make a move. Jump on this. Go after him. So many of us are so desperate right now. So what are we waiting for? He is waiting for you. Search and you will find. He's right there. Show him your love for him. Cry to him. Scream to him. Don't turn away. Don't run to someone else. Don't run to cutting. Don't run to drinking. Don't run to drugs. Don't run to guys. Don't run to girls. The world has nothing to offer you here. God does. Pursue him. Wholeheartedly go after him. Let him satify you and fill you. What are you waiting for?


Go get God.


really think about this. I know it got crazy at the end. But I'm passionate about this. And I want you to hear me out. Have a great evening. Love you guys.

2 Corinthians 7:9-11

“Now I'm glad—not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss.  Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.  And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart.” – 2 Corinthians 7:9-11(MSG.)

This, is my favorite verse of all time. I might have said that before but this one is legit. This verse is talking about, letting what you go through draw you and bring you closer to God, not farther away from him. So let’s talk about this. I’m going to pick it apart.

“Now I’m glad – not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around.”

Jarred: verb- to have sudden or unpleasent affect on the feelings and/or nerves.


How many times have you been going through something and you either already know or you come to a realization that you’re slipping from God. You’re letting the devil get wrapped up inside your mind and in your heart. That’s kind of a scary realization, isn’t it? You realize like, what have I been doing? What have I let myself become, believing these lies that have been put into my mind in my heart. You can make a decision in times like these. You can turn to God, give him your heart and everything it holds, and you can full heartedly trust in him. And trust that he will bring you through this hard time no matter what else happens. How are you going to handle the situation. Are you going to let the distress drive you to God. Let it. Let it draw you closer to him. Let it make you want more of him, need more of him, and desire more of him. “The result was all gain, no loss.”

“Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of Salvation.”

It gets us back on track with God. Back on the path he paved out specifically for us. It keeps our minds and our hearts set on that path and the new opportunities and experiences and lessons that come with each step along the way. It keeps us focused on him. Living for him.

“We never regret that kind of pain.”

Maybe, in order for you to be walking on that right path, walking in the way of salvation. Maybe that means giving something or someone up. Guys, I know that’s a hard thing to do but I can’t stress enough how great it is in the end. When you realize what you gain from it, it’s so worth it. It is so worth it.

“And now, isn’t it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you to God?”

Goad, goaded: something that encourages, urges, or drives; a stimulus.

Distress that drives you to God. It really is wonderful. Although it may be a hard time, and a struggle to get back to where you need and desire to be, it’s so worth it. You won’t look back at all the things and people in life who have hurt you, or done you wrong, or got you into bad situations. Nah. You’ll look back and you will praise the Lord because you wouldn’t be where you are today without him. You wouldn’t have learned from your mistakes. You wouldn’t have grown in Christ. You’re not going to regret it. It’s worth it. And Gods going to help you through it. And don’t ever forget that.

I hope everyone has a spectacular day today (: Love you guys.

Enough.

Hey everyone :) So I usually don't blog on Sundays, but today I really really wanted to. It's gonna be a little different than usual but I wanted to talk to you guys about something that's been on my heart alot alot lately.


What I want to talk to you guys about today is..
Letting God be enough.
Letting God be your everything.
Letting God be the reason you wake up every morning.
Letting God guide you.
Letting God know how much you love him.
Letting God know that you are here and willing to whatever he's designed you to do.


For me, alot of the time I run to people for things which, obviously, doesn't do much good. I mean yeah they are there to help me and talk and listen to me but no one can help me more than God can. And like, I think sometimes we think that we can get help more quickly from a friend. Ya know what I mean? Often we try to fill our hearts when they are empty. What's wrong with that sentence. Often we try to fill our hearts when they are empty. I think it needs to be, We need to let God fill our hearts when they are empty. We need to run to him when we're hurting and sad, and mad, and irritated, and feeling hopeless, and confused. We need to run to him always. I know it's not always easy especially if you feel like you've gotten so far from him. I want you guys to know, cliche, I know. But he is right there. All the time. If you lose grip on him his hands still there, he'll wait for you to realize that that is where your hand needs to be. Not in the hands of the world, or a guy or a girl. Let God be enough. Let him guide your heart and fill it with his desires. Let his light shine through you onto your friends or family. Let him hold your heart and protect it. I know, for me personally, God is all I need. And all that I want. I want to get deeper. I want to know more. I crave having more of him in my life because I don't want to just settle. We live in the world. Think about that. I know it sounds like a dumb thing haha but think about it. Think about the world we live in. Yes, God created it but the truth is, It has nothing to offer us. It's not easy letting God be enough. But once you do you will not regret it at all. It will be one of the greatest decesions of your life. Once you just completely surrender your life over to him, and live your life fullheartedly for him, nothing can stop you. What can? You've got God standing by your side. Your safe. I know that I want my heart in the hands of God, not the world. Where do you want yours?


I hope you guys enjoyed this :) Love you guys.

Matthew 6:31-33

“Don’t worry… The thing you should want most is Gods kingdom and doing what God wants. Then all the other things you need will be given to you.” Matthew 6:31-33

Hi there! I apologize for not posting in a while. I’m a busy bee these past few weeks. But I’m back and I’m ready to go! (:

I really really really really like this verse a lot. So, we started a new series at Incline(my youth group) last week. It’s called Battlefield and the first sermon was about our hearts. It was really good. My youth pastor talked about how our hearts are deceitful. Our hearts go after our wants. The center of our hearts is ourselves. Is seems so cliché to say or hear that we need to “live for God not ourselves.” Cliché? yes, true? 100%. I think I mentioned in another post that our hearts go after things that they want and desire and it usually isn’t good things. Unless our hearts are fully desiring God kingdom, and what God wants. I don’t know about you guys, but I know that my mind wonders off sometimes. It gets wrapped up in things that aren’t important. Aren’t important at all, they are just things to worry about and get upset about. I get upset when my heart doesn’t get what it wants, until I realize that I don’t really need any of that. Lately I’ve been spending almost all of my free time reading my bible, or reading my “Crazy Love” book. Spending that time with God has gotten my mind off of what doesn’t matter, and onto what does. We can’t guide our hearts on our own. We need Gods help. And he is the only one that can truly help us change our hearts direction. Again, I don’t know about you. But I don’t want to waste my heart beats. I was given a beating heart and I want that heart to desire what God wants for it. I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep that heart on the right path. Sure, it might get bumped bruised and broken along the way, but it’ll all be worth it in the end. It’ll all be worth it in the end.

I know this was short today, but I still hope you enjoyed it. I hope everyone has a great great day today! Love you guys.

2 Corinthians 4:18

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

Here’s something to think about. What are you living for? At this very moment. What’s your goal? How are you living your life? What are you living for? Who are you living for? Are you striving to have more than your friends? To have more money than someone else? Are you spending all your time trying to get a guys/girls attention, or just getting them to notice you? If you thought “yeah, maybe” about a couple of these, just let me say that’s okay. You’re not a bad person. You’re human.

You can get more than your friends. You can get more than someone else. You can devote all your time to getting that guy/girl to notice you. Would that satisfy you? Maybe, but only for so long. You’ll feel satisfaction until something else pops into your head and you want that now instead. The world has nothing for us. The things of this world can’t give us full satisfaction, if any at all. Does that make sense? You could easily spend a lot of money at the mall, buying clothes, shoes, etc. But then, after you get home you just want more. Why? I mean, think about that. In the long run, how is devoting your time to the things I listed before going to benefit you.(yes I realize money is an important thing to have in life, but that’s not my point haha.) The opportunities we get to experience, the things we are given, the people that come into our lives, all those things are from God. Not the world. I’ve learned something over the years. I want to live for God. Each and everyday I want to do what he has designed for me to do. I want my relationship with him to keep growing. I don’t want to just settle with how things are now, no. I want more of him. I will continue seeking after him each and everyday and doing so with all my heart, because I don’t want to live without him. I don’t want to live for anyone else but him. He died for me. Like, wow. “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 God’s love is forever. He won’t leave you or be taken away from you like the things I mentioned before. He is the only thing that will have in your heart for forever. And to me, he’s the greatest thing that you could have in your life. I don’t really know how to end this today. I know it seems very blunt, and I apologize. But I hope that you thought about what I said. I think it’s something that we all need to think about everyday.

I hope you all have a spectacular day today (: Love you guys.

Romans 15:7

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7

Acceptance is a huge thing. And it’s something that I know a lot of people struggle with. There could be a lot of reasons why someone doesn’t feel accepted. They could feel like their group of friends doesn’t accept them for who they are. New kids at youth group can feel that way a lot. And many other reasons. Think about it. God loves ALL of us. He died for ALL of us. Why don’t we accept people? Cause’ their not “cool” or “popular”? Cause’ they don’t share the same interests as you do? Cause’ they are different? Cause’ they are younger? Those aren’t good reasons, are they? If we all weren’t different, this world would be pretty boring. Put yourselves in their shoes. Kind of makes you think differently doesn’t it? When you see new people at youth group or church or school or anywhere, put yourself in that position. I mean, we all probably were that person at some point in our lives. Even if you’re just saying hello and flashing a smile, they will remember that you went out of your way to say hello to them. And sometimes that itself is enough.

If you are someone who feels like you aren’t accepted by people a lot, I want you to know that you do not need to change yourself to “fit in.” You don’t need to be like everyone else to be a part of a certain group of friends. If they can’t love you for you, then they aren’t worth it. Because God made you the way you are, obviously. He loves you just the way you are. He doesn’t want you to be like someone else. Embrace the person that God made you to be, and wants you to be. You are amazing, and special and your real, true friends will realize that. And so will so many other people. Don’t get discouraged. I know it’s so easy to. But, just be you (: Cause’ you’re the best you you can be.

So, go say hi to some people. Smile here and there. It’ll pay off (: Love you guys.

Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

I like this verse. Those words, “brokenhearted” and “crushed” are such strong feelings that I know a lot of us have felt before. They’re not easy feelings to cope with either. You can’t really just push them aside and move on with life. I mean, they’re self explanatory. Brokenhearted, crushed. When you’re crushed you feel let down, empty, broken inside. It’s not fun to feel crushed. Or brokenhearted. Think about the times you have felt either of these. Most of the time it’s because of someone or something that is very important to us, and they/it lets us down. A friendship doesn’t go the way we want it to. A relationship doesn’t go the way we want it to. An opportunity doesn’t go the way we want it to. We don’t get something that we really really want. Sometimes, we don’t realize or see stuff that’s right in front of our faces. We’re blind to it. If a friend is treating you badly and not being a good friend what so ever, but you care about this person and want them in your life, you’ll look past the hurt they are causing you because you don’t want them to walk out of you life. You don’t want them to leave. So we go all out to try to keep this friendship going. Honestly, if they are treating you badly and not being nice at all, they are not truly your friend. I feel like, God puts us through heartbreak and being crushed because he wants us to open out eyes. And see what’s happening right in front of us. Before we get more hurt. We need to guard our hearts and be careful. We need to trust God with everything. Whoever he brings in our lives and whoever he takes out. It’s all for a good reason. And we may not realize that right away, but in the future we will appreciate it and be thankful for it and about it. Because it will benefit us. It will. God can heal broken hearts. No doubt about. It seems like when we are crushed or brokenhearted that’s when it seems like we have no one. That’s when we get afraid to let people in because we feel like we’re just going to get hurt all over again. Trust God. I’ve said that before, I know. But he brings people into our lives for a reason. And he takes people out of our lives for a reason. Not only do we need Gods strength, which is most important, but we need support from our friends. And we need our friends there so that when we maybe can’t see something going on or see what something is leading us to, those friends will be there to help you open your eyes. And to help keep you on the track. Don’t turn your friends away when you’re hurting because they are here to help you. Most importantly don’t turn away from God when you’re hurting because he is the only one who can make you whole again. He is the only one who can put the pieces of your heart back together. When we’re hurt, we become somewhat vulnerable, and desperate to feel loved again. A lot of the times we try to fill those holes and gaps in our hearts with things that we think will make us better. Most of the times it’s not good stuff. Stop following your heart. It’s not about what your heart wants. It’s about what God wants. Start following what he wants. Because it’s definitely better for you, and better for your life. Don’t indulge in the desires of your heart if they’re not desires that God put in there. Cause they aren’t always the best thing for you. Goodness I jump around a lot. Haha. I’m sorry, I hope you’re still following me here. We don’t need to look and search for things to satisfy us. We have God. What’s better? What more do we need? When you’re feeling crushed, or brokenhearted run to God. Run to him. He’s right there. Pray and talk to him. Can’t put your feelings into words? Just cry. God knows what each and every single one of your tears is trying to say. And sometimes that’s the only way we can get things out. You’re not bothering God. God isn’t overwhelmed by our needs. Big or small. I’m going to leave you with one things today.

 God doesn’t see them as giant needs; he sees them as giant opportunities.

I hope everyone is having a super great Friday! I hope you enjoyed this post. Love you guys.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (The Message)

- I posted ‘The Message’ version also because I liked how it was worded.-

This is another one of my favorite verses. It goes on longer but I just wanted to post this part of it for today. But I encourage you to go read The rest of it because it’s good stuff. Anyway.

“-the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles,” Wow. That’s kind of crazy to think about isn’t it? That no matter what we go through, Gods there to comfort us. There isn’t anything we go through that God doesn’t know about. He knew it was going to happen. And he knows how you’re going to get through it. So let’s talk a little bit about hard times and struggles. I’m pretty positive that every single one of us has gone through hard times. Some tougher than others. I know that it’s not fun to go through stuff. But sometimes we need to go through things to realize something important that might be right in front of our faces but we are looking past it. Going through stuff makes us stronger. I think it’s important for us to remember that when we go through stuff we need to run to God not away from God. We can’t get through anything without him. We need him to be our strength when we don’t have much left. I know how easy it is to have hope and faith that things will get better when they seem awful. Don’t doubt that things won’t ever be better because that’s a lie that the devil wants you to think because he doesn’t want you growing closer to God. When bad things happen focus on the Lord. And just completely trust that he does have everything under control and he is going to make things work out for our good.

“You can’t lead anybody out of what you’re still bound by.” - Jonathan Shuttlesworth. Think about that statement. It really is so true. If you’re struggling with something, and someone else is struggling with a similar problem, you guys can be there for each other but it will be hard for you to help them get out of that situation when you yourself can’t get out of that situation. I hope that makes sense. It’s good to have someone who can relate to your situation and who has gotten through that situation because they can be there to support you and share what they’ve learned with you.

I’m going to leave you guys with a few things today. First of all, the devil can’t keep you from what God is going to do in you. He can try, and oh he will. But you need to stand strong with God. He is your strength and your shield. He will protect you from the enemies attacks. After all, he is stronger. And we need to continuously remind ourselves of that so that we never forget it and that we know full heartedly that it’s true. You’re here, on this earth, to do Gods will for your life. He’s going to make sure that you do that. He isn’t going to put you through anything he knows you can’t handle. Nothings impossible for us, cause he holds our world in his hands.

Secondly. We are breakable but the power within us is from him. Sure, we are going go through things that at times will seem unbearable and we might just want to give up and quit trying and waiting for things to get better. We are going to have break downs in our lives. But the power within us is from him. Think about that. God’s love and his power is inside of us. Living inside of us. Dwelling in our hearts. That incredible to me. Nothing can happen to us because we have him. And that’s just amazing.

I hope this made sense today. Haha. And I also hope and pray that you are all having a very great day today and if you’re not, I hope and pray it gets better. Love you guys.

Psalm 3:3-4

“But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.” Psalm 3:3-4

This is probably one of my favorite verses ever. I just love it. “But you are a shield around, O Lord:” Alright, think about that for a minute. God, who, compared to us is so big and so so mighty. Is a shield around us. Do you realize how amazing that is? What can happen to us if we let God be our shield and our strength? Nothing. No matter how hard we try to fix problems in our lives on our own, it rarely ever works. Ever. Like I somewhat mentioned in the last post. If God wants something out of our lives, he’s going to remove it. And he doesn’t want us to want it back. He wants us to trust that he has better things in store for us. A lot of the time we don’t see problematic things in our life because we don’t want to. Does that make sense? Like, say you have a person in your life who has maybe hurt you a lot and puts you down a lot but you’re really close friends with this person so you don’t want to walk out of their life and you definitely don’t want them walking out of yours. So you just try to look past everything and make things better on your own. Thinking that you can. Don’t feel like you messed up if you’re reading this and saying that that’s you. Cause I’m pretty sure we’ve all been there at some point in our lives. But it’s those kind of things that hurt us when God starts to take it away. Because he wants us to realize what this person or thing is doing to us and doing to our lives. If God wants to take something, let him have it. Guaranteed  he has something better for us and our lives. Maybe not right away. Like, don’t expect God to take something away and automatically put something great in it’s place. God does stuff on his own time. He’s got a whole plan and he knows what he’s doing.

I don’t know if this is switching gears here but I really want to talk about this.

Trust. [truhst] –noun-  reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.

That’s a big word. That’s a word that I know scares a lot of us. And I know is hard for quite a few of us. Maybe you’ve gone through times in your life where you really trusted someone with a lot of personal things or just a lot in general. You trusted them to always be there for you. But then they broke that trust. That breaks you, too. Even if we don’t realize it right away we automatically go into this mind set that every person we get close to is going to do the same thing. It’s almost like you start to be afraid to get close with anyone. I really want to tell you guys that, that mind set that invades you when something like that happens, is a lie. Not everyone is going to do that same thing to you. The way I think of it is, Before we trust others we need to trust God. Because when it’s all said and done that is the most important thing. Trust in God is something we need. It’s such a cliché thing, but it’s so true. Everyone is always saying “well trust God, and everything will work out.” And usually we just blow that off cause we hear it all the time, and we’re like “well I know that, but-.” There are no buts. Trust God. If anyone. Pick him. Because the world is going to let us down a lot. People in the world are going to let us down. But God never will. I understand that sometimes we feel like he’s letting us down because what he wants isn’t usually what we want or what we expect. That’s where trust comes in. Trust that he knows what he is doing. Trust that he never ever will leave your side even if everyone else does. Trust that he loves you unconditionally. He died to save your life. That’s amazing. Trust that when he takes stuff out of our life it is for our good. And that you will be thanking him in the long run. God is going to guide you. I’m sure all of us can say that something’s have happened and we really just do not understand at all why God made us go through that. Why he had that happen to us if it affects us in a bad way. Sometimes going through those types of things helps us realize just how much more we need God. And how much more we need to be filling our hearts and our minds with him and not things of this world. Like, go after him guys. Don’t hold back. Don’t just settle for how things are for you now. Want more of him in your life and your heart. Search for him and go after him with your whole heart. Don’t be afraid to trust him, guys. He loves you way more than any one in the world ever will. And he will not let you down. I can’t stress that enough.

Well, I feel like I got very off subject today. Haha. But I feel like this was a successful post! And I hope you enjoyed it. I hope you all are having a great day today (: Love you guys.

Ephesians 3:20

Hey everyone! I hope you’re all having a great day today.

So today I wanted to talk to you guys about the verse that’s on the picture up there under the blog title. Ephesians 3:20.  It says...

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT

“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” Ephesians 3:20 (The MESSAGE)

Now, read through that verse a few times. It’s really quite amazing if you think about what those words are saying. For Christmas, one of my best friends got me this book called “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. It’s about just how amazing and incredibly great Gods love for us is. In the first chapter he tells you to go online and look at this video. Watch this. Really, really watch this.

Kind of makes you think doesn’t it. It kind of blows your mind, right? I’m sure there are people out there who didn’t even know that that many galaxies existed. I know I didn’t. When you look up at the stars at night, what do you think? What crosses your mind? Do you think how they are pretty and twinkly and such? Or do you think that God made those stars. He placed them exactly where they are. Exactly where he wants them to be. They didn’t just show up one day. This is something that has always left me in awe. Look outside. All you see is snow, right? A whole lot of it. Think how many snow flakes are on the ground right now. Individual, tiny little snow flakes. Not a single one of those snowflakes is the same. Isn’t that crazy? Not even ONE is the same as the other. Wow.

“to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Everybody has goals in life. Everybody dreams of growing up and pursuing the career of their dreams. Whatever it may be. God knew us before we were born into the world. He made us. He created us. He took time out of the creation of the whole wide world, to make us and mold every single detail about us. To mold our hearts. Our lives are a story that he has written out. He knows what lies in the next sentence, paragraph, and chapter. Sometimes what we want isn’t what God wants for us. He’ll take stuff out of our lives if he doesn’t want it there. That’s hard. When things get taken away from you. But it’s for the better. God knows what best for us. And we need to trust that. And have faith in that. Have faith in him. It’s important that we trust God because it’s so easy for us to just jump to negatives and worst case scenarios when things go wrong and when things don’t go as planned. (which is usually always) One day, you may think you know how you want to spend the rest of your life but then the next day God could change your mind. For the longest time I wanted to be in the fashion business when I grew up. You could always find me sketching clothes, or hidden in a fashion magazine. I was for sure that that was going to be how I spent the rest of my life. Until this past fall. At my youth groups fall retreat. Let me explain, bear with me. I’ve always loved helping people when they’re struggling and just being there for people when they need me. I have a big heart, you could say. At fall retreat, I don’t even know how to explain it. Something hit me and stuck with me in the back of my mind for a while. The Wednesday after we got back I remember looking around at everyone and just thinking that I really do care about everyone. Helping people as best I can is what I love to do. And I remember thinking “well, you could be a youth pastor.” Of course I just started crying. Haha. But recently God has showed me a lot and I feel like that’s what he wants me to do with my life. I’m going to be a Youth Pastor. And although I’m nervous about it, I’m so ecstatic and more excited about that than anything else. God’s got plans, you guys. Plans that we can’t even fathom, or grasp, or wrap our minds around.  I want to leave you guys with this today. Be open to what God has for you. Nothing is impossible for him. He wants to use to be a light and a fountain. He wants you to show people the love and the fire that’s inside of you. Fire spreads. Don’t stop it. Be willing to put yourselves out there to glorify him. He loves you unconditionally and has so so SO much in store for each and everyone of you today, tomorrow, and forever. I hope you all have a great day (: Love you guys.

Why?

Why hello there! You might be thinking what the heck this blog is and why in the world I made it. That's why I'm here to explain to you, and share my heart on why I made this. So here goes.


I made this blog simply because I notice how alot of people are struggling lately. Actually, not just lately. All the time. And I thought how I could try to encourage you guys. Wheather you're having a good day or not. So basically everyday (depending on if I can get on and update that day) I will post a verse and I will "dig deeper" into that verse and share my thoughts on it. Or somedays I might just bring a topic up that I would like to share with you and talk to you about. I hope and I pray that you find encouragment in my posts but most importantly I hope that God shines through these posts. I hope that maybe one day one of the verses will be exaclty what you needed. God has given me a heart that simply just wants to help anyone and everyone in any way possible that I can. A heart that desires to share Gods love with people, especially young people. So I'm going to do just that with this blog. I hope you enjoy it, and love it, and that God shows you things through it :) Thanks for reading.