1 I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don't let me down! Take me seriously this time!2 Get down on my level and listen, and please-no procrastination! Your granite cave a hiding place, your high cliff aerie a place of safety.3 You're my cave to hide in, my cliff to climb. Be my safe leader, be my true mountain guide.4 Free me from hidden traps; I want to hide in you.5 I've put my life in your hands. You won't drop me, you'll never let me down.6 I hate all this silly religion, but you, God, I trust.7 I'm leaping and singing in the circle of your love; you saw my pain, you disarmed my tormentors,8 You didn't leave me in their clutches but gave me room to breathe.9 Be kind to me, God-I'm in deep, deep trouble again. I've cried my eyes out; I feel hollow inside.10 My life leaks away, groan by groan; my years fade out in sighs. My troubles have worn me out, turned my bones to powder.14 Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God!15 Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me.16 Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me.17 Don't embarrass me by not showing up; I've given you plenty of notice. Embarrass the wicked, stand them up, leave them stupidly shaking their heads as they drift down to hell.18 Gag those loudmouthed liars who heckle me, your follower, with jeers and catcalls.19 What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world.20 You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip.21 Blessed God! His love is the wonder of the world.22 I panicked. "Out of sight, out of mind," I said. But you heard me say it, you heard and listened.23 Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone.24 Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon. (Psalm 31:1-10, 14-24 MSG)
When you feel empty, ask the Lord to fill you up! He is our strength and the only certain thing in our lives. Don't let the things of this world cloud your mind... Find refuge in our God and hope in the future he has for each one of us.
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
November 8, 2011
November 7, 2011
words...
Sometimes there are no words. That is a rare occasion for me... but it does happen. I have been without words lately, then I start writing and the words just come.
I've learned lately that I can't always be in control, I have to put my faith in God. God knows our beginning, our middle, and our end and truly wants the best for us, he is our Father. We must have the faith to recognize it, believe it, and live it. As much as we think we know what is best for us, only our Lord knows our future and how to get us there. We may go through trying and heart wrenching times to get there, but we must maintain a faithful and soft heart during these times. If we harden ourselves toward God, or a certain situation, He cannot mold our hearts. We must remain pliable, so that God can guide us and form us into the person we are meant to be to fulfill His will. The hardest part about this is finding peace. Faith and peace comes when we surrender our lives to God, and hand him full control.
I'm stepping back. I've given my troubles, my life, and my heart to God. It may be difficult to do at times, but placing your hope in a perfect God is a better decision than giving your life to an imperfect and weak human. God continually shows this to be true in ways we can’t even fathom and hope placed in him does not disappoint. I’m not sure we can say the same about hope placed in others, or ourselves.
It is normal to take time to evaluate our life at some point, and make sure that we are on the right course. But that is not something we can decide independently. We must go to God and pray that every area of our lives is pleasing and glorifying Him. Without involving God in the inspection of our lives, we are making ourselves more important than Him, by believing that we know what is best for us. I have felt so ashamed that I have attempted to be in complete control of my life, thinking that God doesn't have time for every teeny tiny area of my life, but this isn't true. God knows us inside in out. Although he knows every aspect of our lives, he is overjoyed when we invite Him into our hearts, even if it is into somewhere he hasn't been present in a long time. When there is a get together and "everyone" is invited, don't you feel all the more special when you receive a personal invite? That means there is no question that you are welcome and wanted there. This is how God feels in our lives. He already knows everything that is going on and He is always there, but when we find the time to invite Him in to specific and intimate parts of our lives, His joy blesses us in ways we could never imagine.
It is never too late. If you have withheld a certain area of your life from the Lord, or just haven't been sure how to let him in, you aren't helpless! Just talk to God, ask Him to come into that part of your life, whether it is a relationship, a hobby, or school, ask Him to come in and make things new. He will give you hope and restore this part of your life to make it something it has never been before. I recently did this. I realized that I had been living most of my life with every intention of giving God control, but never actually surrendered control to Him. So I'm asking the Lord to take on my worries, anxieties, and stress and carry me through to the other side. Life falls apart sometime, but God is the ultimate healer. He makes all things new...
-G
I've learned lately that I can't always be in control, I have to put my faith in God. God knows our beginning, our middle, and our end and truly wants the best for us, he is our Father. We must have the faith to recognize it, believe it, and live it. As much as we think we know what is best for us, only our Lord knows our future and how to get us there. We may go through trying and heart wrenching times to get there, but we must maintain a faithful and soft heart during these times. If we harden ourselves toward God, or a certain situation, He cannot mold our hearts. We must remain pliable, so that God can guide us and form us into the person we are meant to be to fulfill His will. The hardest part about this is finding peace. Faith and peace comes when we surrender our lives to God, and hand him full control.
I'm stepping back. I've given my troubles, my life, and my heart to God. It may be difficult to do at times, but placing your hope in a perfect God is a better decision than giving your life to an imperfect and weak human. God continually shows this to be true in ways we can’t even fathom and hope placed in him does not disappoint. I’m not sure we can say the same about hope placed in others, or ourselves.
It is normal to take time to evaluate our life at some point, and make sure that we are on the right course. But that is not something we can decide independently. We must go to God and pray that every area of our lives is pleasing and glorifying Him. Without involving God in the inspection of our lives, we are making ourselves more important than Him, by believing that we know what is best for us. I have felt so ashamed that I have attempted to be in complete control of my life, thinking that God doesn't have time for every teeny tiny area of my life, but this isn't true. God knows us inside in out. Although he knows every aspect of our lives, he is overjoyed when we invite Him into our hearts, even if it is into somewhere he hasn't been present in a long time. When there is a get together and "everyone" is invited, don't you feel all the more special when you receive a personal invite? That means there is no question that you are welcome and wanted there. This is how God feels in our lives. He already knows everything that is going on and He is always there, but when we find the time to invite Him in to specific and intimate parts of our lives, His joy blesses us in ways we could never imagine.
It is never too late. If you have withheld a certain area of your life from the Lord, or just haven't been sure how to let him in, you aren't helpless! Just talk to God, ask Him to come into that part of your life, whether it is a relationship, a hobby, or school, ask Him to come in and make things new. He will give you hope and restore this part of your life to make it something it has never been before. I recently did this. I realized that I had been living most of my life with every intention of giving God control, but never actually surrendered control to Him. So I'm asking the Lord to take on my worries, anxieties, and stress and carry me through to the other side. Life falls apart sometime, but God is the ultimate healer. He makes all things new...
-G
November 3, 2011
priorities
Is it truly possible to plot out your whole life and know what to expect? The answer is no. God laughs at those of us who think we have control over our lives. We think we have plans... then poof, God says, "Hey, remember me?" We are living according to HIS plan, not ours.
I am obsessed with checklist. They get me from day to day. Having a to do list and checking things off as I go along gives me a sense of satisfaction about my day, and honestly gives me a feeling of control. I guess I feel I need control, because sometimes I feel like my life is unmanageable. I have realized lately though, that maybe I should stop leaning on the checklist and start leaning more on my Lord. So often, this world gets to me and I forget that its not about me, its about others. It's not about what I want, it's about what God wants. It's not about my plan, bnt the Lord's plan. I can plan out every step of my day, week, and year... from what I want to eat for lunch, when I will study, or what time I'll get home from work to when I will graduate, get married, and have kids. But when I get rolling with these plans, God laughs and says, "Woah, woah, woah Gab... slow down!" He throws kinks, road blocks, and obstacles in the road to slow me and down and remember to keep HIS focus as MY focus.
I cannot stand when things do not go as I plan. But I try to tell my self that God will never give me more than I can handle. So whenever I feel like I have something taken away from me, or my world gets flipped upside down, or my plans crumble in front of me... God is letting me know that I have reached my limit. Once I conquer and adapt to the things currently on my plate, he'll consider giving me more. God does this because He loves me. He doesn't want me to feel overwhelmed or broken or upset. My happiness is His happiness. I also know that when things begin to fall apart, it is time for a priority check.
1 Corinthians chapter 7, talks all about love and life. We are told that we are to concentrate soley and simply on pleasing the Master. No matter what life brings to our door, this is our number one priority and mission. We are told to live as free of complications as possible, so that this world does not weigh us down. Whenever our life gets crowded by these complications, our priorities get foggy. This is where God steps in and shocks you. I've found that He often takes away the things you have put ahead of Him. This is to remind us that NOTHING is more important than our God. This is what is called a reality check. It may seem harsh, but it is only to keep us from falling even further from Him. It is sort of a wake up call, some may continue on without prioritizing, but for me, I am reorganizing.
Recently I have been focusing on the wise words of a Godly woman..."If there is anything in your life that you would have a problem giving up if God asked you to, then it is too important to you. The bible says we are to be in need of nothing except God." I couldn't agree with this more. That is what I have to keep telling myself over, and over, and over while thinking about how I prioritize my life. God should be first. This sounds like a cliche, and often people say this without acting on it or meaning it. I have been that person before. I am making a change, right now, to strive my hardest to keep God as my main and most significant focus in my life. I am leaving my past mindset in the past and starting fresh. I know this will be difficult, and I know that I will struggle, But the blessings of this choice out weigh the burdens. I will come to moments in my future, especially my immediate future, where this world may weigh down on me and I may struggle with my priorities. I know that Satan will tempt me and try to make me regret and change these priorities, but if I stay strong, then I will grow.
Today, this is my struggle. Without a proper and firm foundation to rest my life on, I cannot accomplish anything and will never feel satisfied, I will always feel incomplete and out of place. Putting God first gives me confidence that everything will unfold according to His plan, and His plan is the only plan that matters...
"And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don't think I'm being harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches." 1 Corinthians 7:17 (The Message)
This is the scripture I have been solely focused on for the last 24 hours. The first thing this verse taught me, was the importance of prioritzing. Now when I read the verse I see the importance of confidence and being comfortable with who I am... The other thing I see in this verse is patience. I need a little more time to figure our exactly what God is trying to share with me about parts two and three... but when I know, you'll know.
-G
I am obsessed with checklist. They get me from day to day. Having a to do list and checking things off as I go along gives me a sense of satisfaction about my day, and honestly gives me a feeling of control. I guess I feel I need control, because sometimes I feel like my life is unmanageable. I have realized lately though, that maybe I should stop leaning on the checklist and start leaning more on my Lord. So often, this world gets to me and I forget that its not about me, its about others. It's not about what I want, it's about what God wants. It's not about my plan, bnt the Lord's plan. I can plan out every step of my day, week, and year... from what I want to eat for lunch, when I will study, or what time I'll get home from work to when I will graduate, get married, and have kids. But when I get rolling with these plans, God laughs and says, "Woah, woah, woah Gab... slow down!" He throws kinks, road blocks, and obstacles in the road to slow me and down and remember to keep HIS focus as MY focus.
I cannot stand when things do not go as I plan. But I try to tell my self that God will never give me more than I can handle. So whenever I feel like I have something taken away from me, or my world gets flipped upside down, or my plans crumble in front of me... God is letting me know that I have reached my limit. Once I conquer and adapt to the things currently on my plate, he'll consider giving me more. God does this because He loves me. He doesn't want me to feel overwhelmed or broken or upset. My happiness is His happiness. I also know that when things begin to fall apart, it is time for a priority check.
1 Corinthians chapter 7, talks all about love and life. We are told that we are to concentrate soley and simply on pleasing the Master. No matter what life brings to our door, this is our number one priority and mission. We are told to live as free of complications as possible, so that this world does not weigh us down. Whenever our life gets crowded by these complications, our priorities get foggy. This is where God steps in and shocks you. I've found that He often takes away the things you have put ahead of Him. This is to remind us that NOTHING is more important than our God. This is what is called a reality check. It may seem harsh, but it is only to keep us from falling even further from Him. It is sort of a wake up call, some may continue on without prioritizing, but for me, I am reorganizing.
Recently I have been focusing on the wise words of a Godly woman..."If there is anything in your life that you would have a problem giving up if God asked you to, then it is too important to you. The bible says we are to be in need of nothing except God." I couldn't agree with this more. That is what I have to keep telling myself over, and over, and over while thinking about how I prioritize my life. God should be first. This sounds like a cliche, and often people say this without acting on it or meaning it. I have been that person before. I am making a change, right now, to strive my hardest to keep God as my main and most significant focus in my life. I am leaving my past mindset in the past and starting fresh. I know this will be difficult, and I know that I will struggle, But the blessings of this choice out weigh the burdens. I will come to moments in my future, especially my immediate future, where this world may weigh down on me and I may struggle with my priorities. I know that Satan will tempt me and try to make me regret and change these priorities, but if I stay strong, then I will grow.
Today, this is my struggle. Without a proper and firm foundation to rest my life on, I cannot accomplish anything and will never feel satisfied, I will always feel incomplete and out of place. Putting God first gives me confidence that everything will unfold according to His plan, and His plan is the only plan that matters...
"And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don't think I'm being harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches." 1 Corinthians 7:17 (The Message)
This is the scripture I have been solely focused on for the last 24 hours. The first thing this verse taught me, was the importance of prioritzing. Now when I read the verse I see the importance of confidence and being comfortable with who I am... The other thing I see in this verse is patience. I need a little more time to figure our exactly what God is trying to share with me about parts two and three... but when I know, you'll know.
-G
June 13, 2011
no spending, no worries
Well we decided to give it a try and see if we could meet the challenge. We decided we would begin that Friday, knowing that if we waited too long to start this journey we may talk ourselves out of it!
So while B was at work Friday night, I ran some errands around town, paying my cable bill and his electric. Then it was off to the grocery store. With two lists in hand, I grabbed a buggy and made my way through the store, stocking us both up on some grub. I tend to stick with soup, frozen chicken, and frozen veggies. I have a bad habit of planning to eat all fresh and organic, then letting the stuff go bad before I decide to eat it. I personally blame that bad habit on being a college student. No normal college student has a regular enough schedule to eat at home at the same time everyday, or plan to cook a whole fresh good meal every night. And by the time I get out of class or off work at night, I'm normally craving PB&J or chicken noodle soup. But anywayssss..... B on the other hand decided to be a grocery list diva. Sending me as his personal shopper meant that I had to be quite specific about his food selection. After getting snacks, soup, vitamins, and whatever else we felt like we couldn't live without for ten days, I made myself to the self-checkout and headed home! This would be simple. Not spending money would be no big thing, and in the meantime my savings would be building! Woohoo! Why didn't we do this sooner??......
Friday, June 3rd- Day 1- No big deal! Not spending money was easy... Not only was I working all day, therefore leaving me no free time to spend... but I also got my paycheck at the restaurant and putting it in the bank knowing it was untouched was heavenly!
We continued this little "spending free" adventure for the next 9 days, which turned out to be quite interesting. Here's how it went...
- The following weekend (Days 2 & 3) was a piece of cake! Staying busy working the weekend meant no temptation to spend, however it was a tad hard saying no to Sunday lunch after church and settling for yet another sandwich made at the house!
- Monday, June 6th- Day 4- This was a tough one for me! Saying no to the vending machine, during our break between lab and class was hard, but I made it. Not to mention I ran out of my favorite mascara today, tragic.
- Tuesday, June 7th- Day 5- I took an afternoon run around the farmroad with our chocolate lab, Kate, all the while dreaming of an ICEE.... killer. However, my sweet mommy (who happened to be staying the night with me) heard about this terrible ICEE heartbreak and may or may not have brought B and I one when she got off work. Sweet! Mom saved the day with that one!
- Wednesday & Thursday, June 8th&9th- Day 6&7- Breaking our Mexican food habit was definitely a struggle for B and I. We love getting Mexican food for lunch after class right off campus! Luckily, we had a little cheesedip in the fridge to hold us over. Oh yea, and my gas light came on... Oh joy! Still have to make it to Monday!
- Friday, June 10th- Day 8- Friday was a great day for me! Not only did I get a paycheck Thursday from the gym, but once again Friday was payday at the restaurant and I was racking up on savings! B had made it this far without a hitch, he took out his spending temptations on his E*Trade account. Already having money in his account before the challenge started meant he could invest and play around with his stock as much as he wanted, without technically spending anymore money! (I'm a tad bitter about this one, and I'm still not sure how I feel about this stretching of the rules. If I would have known this I would have bought myself a Forever21 gift card before we started so I could steadily feed my online shopping addiction.)
- Saturday, June 11th- Day 9- ALMOST THERE!!! Worked a double at the restaurant and left my wallet at the house, that way a Subway 6"couldn't reel me in after work!
- Sunday, June 12, Day 10- We made it! After church I headed to work and then back home for a long night of studying and cereal for dinner!
I'm pretty sure I'll be a little bit more of a frugal college student, after this experience. I love watching my savings grow and seeing what all I can live without. It's a shame to think we had to do this as a challenge, when some people do this without a choice. I'm going to try to remember that day to day and evaluate to importance of what I'm buying. Going without mexican food and movies is not that huge of a struggle in reality, sometimes I just lose sight of the bigger picture.
Not having the option to spend for ten days really brought to my attention where all my money normally goes. It's like keeping a food diary. You don't realize you ate a whole box of 100 calorie packs in a day, until you decide to right down what you are eating. Well, I didn't realize how much of my paycheck was funding my Subway obsession, until I drove past Subway countless times over the last week and couldn't pull in... I seriously recommend trying this challenge to all of you out there! I bet you will learn more than you thought!
Until next time,
G
March 9, 2011
A different kind of independent
*I would like to apologize in advance for the length of this post, but hey sometimes a girl has things to say!
Overall today felt like a big day for me. You know in the movies when there is that huge life changing moment that separates the past from the future and everything for the main character changes? Like when Cinderella meets her Prince and never has to return to her stepmother's house again, or Harry gets his letter from Hogwarts and enters the world of magic never returning to the broom cupboard! (Yes, I went there.... I'm a H.P. fan & proud of it.) Well... today was one of those days, internally at least. I feel like I'm finally coming into my own as a woman/ twenty-something/ grown-up/ young adult. However, as I gain this independence I begin to question if I want it. Let me break it down for you...
Overall today felt like a big day for me. You know in the movies when there is that huge life changing moment that separates the past from the future and everything for the main character changes? Like when Cinderella meets her Prince and never has to return to her stepmother's house again, or Harry gets his letter from Hogwarts and enters the world of magic never returning to the broom cupboard! (Yes, I went there.... I'm a H.P. fan & proud of it.) Well... today was one of those days, internally at least. I feel like I'm finally coming into my own as a woman/ twenty-something/ grown-up/ young adult. However, as I gain this independence I begin to question if I want it. Let me break it down for you...
Independent (dictionary definition)
(1) Not governed by a foreign power; self-governing.
(2) Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others
(3) Not determined or influenced by someone or something else; not contingent
(4) Not dependent on or affiliated with a larger or controlling entity
Independent (Gabby's definition)
(1) Now the dictionary sounds pretty appealing on #'s 2 and 3, but there is a certain part of independence I don't want. I actually take pride and comfort that I am goverened by a foreign power [Christ] and without him do not feel I could govern myself. Also, I am honored to be affiliated with Christ. Although some say that the term Christian has been tainted over the years, no one or thing can taint Christ's name. Nothing can take away the price he paid for our sins. I am dependent on Christ for my strength.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I love what Paul says here. He explains my view of independence with Christ perfectly. He explains that himself, as well as all humans, are not perfect. We all have weaknesses. All those weaknesses are unique to each of us, no two the same. We were given that imperfection to be reminded that we cannot survive alone. We need something bigger and stronger; we accept Christ's strength as our own. When we accept our weaknesses for what they are, we are becoming dependent on Christ. When we are weak, we are strong. So- I will chose to be dependent on Christ, rather than attempt to make it on my own.
(2) Now that I've covered the deep part of the definition, I would like to share the rest of my independence struggle over the last few days. I realized that in high school I tried so hard to be like everyone else. To dress the same, speak the same, enjoy the same things, and blend in as much as possible. While not hiding completely who I was, I was lucky enough to find myself among an amazing group of friends and somehow wrangle a pretty amazing guy ("B"- for future reference)- all during my freshman year. (Yep that's right. Found the love of my life in the 9th grade- I'm crazzyyy lucky and I thank God daily.) So anyways, the rest of high school was a game of matching my friends in hobbies, interest, clothes, and beliefs. I was lucky enough to not lose myself inside the way I lost myself slightly on the surface.
Then came college.To say that college has been a rollercoaster emotionally and physically ( changing schools 3 times in 3 years) would be a complete understatement... but that's a story for another day. My college story is like so many others... rush, rush, rush. Rush a sorority. Rush through courses. Rush through memories. All great times, but not really being myself along the way. I've always been proud of the person I am and never really shy about it, but somehow I managed to hide my true self from so many people that God brought into my life along the way.
My junior year, I found myself at a new university and close to home. I felt more like myself than ever before- after a year and a half apart I was finally back at the same school as B and relieved. For the first time in a long time I felt like I could breathe. Like I could loosen up and be Gabby again. After a few months have passed I've made some major steps. I've gone from college student to nursing school applicant (hopefully soon to be student- YAY!) From dorm room to house. From long distance relationship to seeing his face daily..and fearlessly in love. From another member of my Baptist youth to discovering what my unique relationship with Christ really means. I feel like I've taken some pretty huge steps this year. And I'm inviting more to come!
This is the kind of independence I welcome with open arms. I learn something new everyday! In fact, yesterday I learned how to file taxes without mom and dad. Hah! I've tried to spend more and more time discovering who I am personally, what I believe, and what I want from life. Now, obviously that's the purpose of this blog- to help me lay out all the lessons I learn and things I discover while I continue to grow. One thing I have really realized is that you have to know who you are before you can share yourself with anyone else...
(3) Now how I got so lucky... I have no idea. It was a great friend of mine, Mo, who introduced young B to me, which WILL be a story on another day :). But for two people to grow up in highschool together, survive the drama, and make it to college is hard enough. But to make it to our 3rd year of college still intact is almost unheard of. He has stuck by my side through thick and thin and I honestly cannot imagine my life without him- and don't want to try. I wish that every girl gets to experience the uncontrollable feeling of happiness and relief I have everytime I see his face. It's like a force of nature. I'm so filled with happiness, there aren't words to explain it.. the word love doesn't do the feeling justice. And the relief comes from the comfortability. He knows me- inside and out. I can be myself around him with no cares in the world.
While I've been on this journey discovering who I am, he's been by my side. He knows what I've learned and how I've changed. We've grown up together, instead of growing apart we have only grown closer together. Actually more entangled than close together... like slowly fusing together. He is such a huge part of who I am. My indepence journey has so much to do with mine and B's relationship. He has helped me discover new things about myself- like how I should care less about what people think about me and do things for myself and not to please others. He has also been there when I've learned life's lessons- like how easy it is to lose trust and how hard it is to build trust back. I understand that relying on B and his opinion makes me dependent, but along the way I have begin to see our relationship as it's own person. And I know that person finds their strength in Christ. So really, B and I are dependent on Christ to lead our relationship wherever he pleases, as we are along for the ride.
Now you know my stance on being independent- live for yourself NOT others. Be true to yourself. I know you have heard it all your life, but until you reach the point of true realization, as I have over the past few days, you won't really understand. I hope I have put at least a crack in the surface for you to start chizzling away at who you truly are.
Until next time,
G
March 8, 2011
free.
Today has been one of those days... BLAH. I woke up to weather that makes your hair frizz no matter how much anti-frizz hairspray you use, rain falling with wind blowing (the kind that makes it impossible to cross campus with your umbrella intact), and not to mention hitting that wall tonight during my run. I got to that moment where I couldn't take another step...no motivation what so ever!
But I would have to say the hardest part of today was coming across someone who completely challenged my Christian character. No one is perfect, especially me, but you know those people who make it so so SOOOO much harder to be a good person? Well I came across one today. They completely pushed my buttons, tested my temper, and plucked away the last piece of positivity I was clinging to today. I literally had to sit in my car, pull out my Bible, and say a prayer. This is what I read...
1 Peter 3:8-12
But I would have to say the hardest part of today was coming across someone who completely challenged my Christian character. No one is perfect, especially me, but you know those people who make it so so SOOOO much harder to be a good person? Well I came across one today. They completely pushed my buttons, tested my temper, and plucked away the last piece of positivity I was clinging to today. I literally had to sit in my car, pull out my Bible, and say a prayer. This is what I read...
1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
It is SO hard to "kill with kindness", which is basically what we are being taught from this verse, but that was my lesson today. That's what God taught me. In the 8 minutes or so minutes I sat in my car before class, I learned that it is so much more rewarding to be kind and please the Lord, than to put action to our negative thoughts and feed our bitterness. I just want to live life FREE.
FREE OF NEGATIVITY AND BITTERNESS.
I hope that this little tid bit from my day will help you when you come across any negativity in your life :) Thanks for letting me vent...
Until next time,
-G
February 20, 2011
catching up.
Catching up is always satisfying. During the past few weeks that's exactly what I've done- caught up. I caught up with workouts and finally found my love for running again. I caught up with school work and spring break is almost in sight! I caught up on some quality time with my boyfriend over the few snow days we had and a sweet little Valentine's day. And last but not least, spent an amazing weekend catching up with best friends. Even though the feat of catching up is never complete- it's life. Always working on a project, fixing something, playing phone tag with friends and family, forgetting something, misplacing things, breaking something, running errands, and so on... But in all that, I discover my passion for creativity, what a thrifty and independent girl I can be, how much I miss and love the important people in my life, when not to sweat the small stuff, and most of all how to uncover God's little miracles and hellos in every area of my life.
The other night I was so frustrated after a long day and I went on a run to relieve some stress, on the last stretch of my run I stumbled upon a breathtaking sunset. It was so crazy that the sunset could be so beautiful, when I was seeing it from a little dirt road that runs through a farm in south arkansas. It was like God was reminding me that there was still beauty in the world. After all the stress from the little notes I scratch down in my planner to the worries of the day, its easy to only see the disappointing things and the things you didn't get around to finishing that day. But on that sweet little Friday afternoon, God reminded me of the beauty. He showed me how the sun sinking beneath the winter pines can warm your heart and ease your mind, even on the chilliest of February days.
I remembered at that moment, that no matter what I do or don't get caught up on throughout the week, I have one constant. God. I always make it out to be some huge deal to catch up with God. I really should remember He already knows the ups and downs we experience daily, He's just waiting for us to turn to Him for the advice and comfort we're looking for, instead of looking for it in all the wrong places. Venting is always a sure way to ease your mind, so why not vent to God in order to straighten out all your thoughts. He's the one who created our minds in the first place, so who better to understand?
Running is most definitely going to be scheduled into my daily routine. It make's me feel great and gives me that little alone time to catch up with my God. I took a picture of that beautiful sunset on my phone- but have yet to upload it to the computer... so I found this instead. This picture is absolutely stunning and makes me want to get outside! If it weren't so late I'd go run right now. But this picture does the job- it shows the simplicity and beauty of a dirt road and God's handywork.
The other night I was so frustrated after a long day and I went on a run to relieve some stress, on the last stretch of my run I stumbled upon a breathtaking sunset. It was so crazy that the sunset could be so beautiful, when I was seeing it from a little dirt road that runs through a farm in south arkansas. It was like God was reminding me that there was still beauty in the world. After all the stress from the little notes I scratch down in my planner to the worries of the day, its easy to only see the disappointing things and the things you didn't get around to finishing that day. But on that sweet little Friday afternoon, God reminded me of the beauty. He showed me how the sun sinking beneath the winter pines can warm your heart and ease your mind, even on the chilliest of February days.
I remembered at that moment, that no matter what I do or don't get caught up on throughout the week, I have one constant. God. I always make it out to be some huge deal to catch up with God. I really should remember He already knows the ups and downs we experience daily, He's just waiting for us to turn to Him for the advice and comfort we're looking for, instead of looking for it in all the wrong places. Venting is always a sure way to ease your mind, so why not vent to God in order to straighten out all your thoughts. He's the one who created our minds in the first place, so who better to understand?
Running is most definitely going to be scheduled into my daily routine. It make's me feel great and gives me that little alone time to catch up with my God. I took a picture of that beautiful sunset on my phone- but have yet to upload it to the computer... so I found this instead. This picture is absolutely stunning and makes me want to get outside! If it weren't so late I'd go run right now. But this picture does the job- it shows the simplicity and beauty of a dirt road and God's handywork.
So....catching up- regardless of how many things get crossed off, it still seems like the to do list in my planner is growing. Here goes nothing, tomorrow is Monday and begins another week, which will inevitably end with my trying to catch up with school, work, friends, or another something... it's always something. Always running.. story of my life. But I'm learning to love it more everyday. :)
Until next time,
G
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