Welcome to your Journey

Every living body on this Earth is on a Journey. Whether it be a journey of self discovery, a journey to heal, a journey to success, or even just the journey of life, we are all striving for something. Welcome to my Journey, the journey of seeing what God wants for me and my life, and all the wonderful blessings and lessons He allows me to experience. I hope that this will help someone out there realize that they are are their own journey as well, and that God wants to be the Guide. Who could possibly be a better guide than the Loving God who created us?

HTML1

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Out of Sync

Confession time! Well not really a confession so much as it is me stating the obvious. I'm in a funk. I know that doesn't sound like that big of a deal I mean for heavens sake there are civil wars going on all over the world, poverty, disease, famine, injustice and so many other tragedies that are going on in this planet that it seems very silly and childish to be complaining about being in a funk. While it's true that being in a rut, or funk isn't on the scale of a global crisis, as Christians when we are in funks it can be a highly dangerous situation , because that's when most of our defenses are down, and when we open ourselves up to all sorts of distractions, and potential stumbling blocks.

It starts off innocently enough, you get comfortable where you are, you've heard the teachings before, you're familiar with the doctrine, and verses, you volunteer everywhere, and in everything, church starts to feel like your home, work, school, everything combined. You start to treat it as a routine, and that's where everything goes haywire. I know that for me personally, I loved to be challenged by things, books I read, people I meet, conversations I have, I love walking away from something with a new perspective, and a new angle at which to approach a certain situation. So when I start getting into a routine or too comfortable, I start getting bored, I tune out, and don't even bother, I mean I've heard it all before right?...WRONG. It's so wrong it's not even funny. Though it's true that our lives may sometimes start to become mundane, complacent, and repetitive, we can't ever turn on the auto pilot, and just snooze. There is so much to do for God, and His kingdom, that you shouldn't even have time to catch your breath. Try to get out there, and talk to people you normally wouldn't, get more involved in your church, serving in areas that might be new territory for you, read up on certain things you might not be so familiar with, etc. I can honestly say I've tried these methods and they have about an 82% chance of working out for your benefit. Now don't get mad at me if it doesn't work, I just made up that number in my head and I really hate math so......anyways.Try to wiggle out of your comfort zone, because your comfort zone is what got you into trouble in the first place!

If you think about all the people in this world that don't know who Jesus is, or have never been truly presented with an accurate depiction of what He offers, it should make your head spin. There is tremendous need in our own back yard, a need for love, understanding, compassion, you have no idea how many people simply need an open ear, or a shoulder to cry on. God has amazing plans, and for some odd reason or another He seems to want to use us to help Him carry out His plans, which is crazy if you truly think about it, I mean seriously, what could God need us for? I'm just gonna chalked it up to a question I will never know the answer to, anyways back to my point, there is so much for us to do, so much need, that the second we feel like we start to fall into our funks, we need to give ourselves a wake up call and remind ourselves that there's work to be done, and we can rest and be in a "funk' when we get to heaven, even though we'll be worshiping God in heaven so we"ll never fall into a funk ( ... you guys know what I meant right?...) so in the mean time........GET OFF YOUR LAZY BOTTOM, AND GO DO SOMETHING FOR THE KINGDOM, AND GLORY OF GOD!
:P HAPPY DE-FUNKIFICATION DAY!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Who are you Living for?

In this day and age it's hard to go against the tide, and I mean truly go against the tide, not just say your an "unique individual" but still conform to everything around you with your actions, truly living a complete 180 from the "norm" (whatever normal is anyways) life. As followers of Christ we're that few percent that lives ( or tries anyways) in a completely different fashion from everyone else in this world. I don't know about you but it gets really tough at times. I'll admit it, I sometimes have to think twice when I get invited to a party, or out with some of my friends. It's easy to get lost in the glitter, sparkle, and excitement of an evening out when everyone is so pumped, but those are the times you have to remind yourself that you're not like everyone else. Yes the night seems exciting, but that is only because you haven't seen anyone puke yet, or do something stupid because their under the influence. It's easy to forget about the disappointment of the morning, in the excitement of the night. It's tough times of doubt like these that you bring out your encouraging encourager!

The line probably sounded really cheesy, and repetitive right? Well sorry, but you know sometimes the cheesiest things are the ones that stick. Anyways in my experience I've noticed that the best people to surround yourself with are those that can give you a boost when ever you feel for lack of a better term, "blah". I'm not saying that you should only surround yourself with people that have the gift of encouragement ( though having a friend with that gift definitely helps...trust me) but you should take special care in the people with whom you surround your self in. Another cheesy but true saying , good company corrupts good morals. No lie, if you start hanging out with people who only gossip, cause chaos, and get into trouble chances are their "upstanding" characteristics will eventually rub off on you. I understand that at times, all we want is to be in the" fun and popular "group, but you want to know a little secret? Your true friends, the ones that love you no matter what, and aren't afraid to tell you when you're wrong, that's the group to be in, that's the circle you should long to be a part of. That "popular" group is never having as much fun as they seem, their lives are too busy with drama for any real fun, they've forgotten what true friendship is, and they don't know what it really is to live a set apart, against the tide life.

Be careful with whom you associate yourself with. We can't ever forget that we are not of this world, so we shouldn't be out there trying to fit in, or conform to it's ridiculous standards. We serve, and represent a God who is so much Better than that, why would we want to tarnish His name, and His reputation with actions that are certainly not fit for a King, or His Children. So the next time a big party rolls around, or some gossip is being spread, or you feel left out of the "in" group ( whatever that means), remind yourself of the King you serve. Remind yourself of the fact that He loved you in your lowest times, and that He has certain expectations of us, not much, but expectations none the less, and as His children, and Image Bearers there is a certain way we should be acting. He thinks you're too die for! Live for Him, and leave the rest of the world behind.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Trust Fail?


I was hanging with my friends a couple weeks ago, and all of a sudden someone yells "trust fall!" and proceeds to fall on top of the person right next to them, we were all taken by surprise, no one really expected a random fall in the middle of our fun, but being us we just laughed it off and kept on. When I later questioned my friend about it, he simply said " I wanted to know who was ready, and whom I could trust". The words kind of irked me, I thought it was a silly way to figure out whether or not someone was trustful. I mean there were so many variables, and possibilities to take into account, the situation didn't seem very well trustful. To me the "trust fall" didn't seem all that reliable. To me a trustful person is someone who's actions show you consistency, constant listening, constant support, constant understanding, etc. How could all that information be derived from a simple fall? Then it occurred to me that maybe I was the one with a skewed idea of what a trustful person really is. If you notice my previous description of a trustful person it's a pretty heavy one. I can honestly say that I don't know anyone who is always there, always ready, and willingly to listen, someone who no matter what the situation can be unbiased, and extremely supportive. I thought about it a lot, I realized that the only true being I could always count on to be there for me was God. There is no Other who possibly has the time, energy, desire, or will to always be there, to always listen with open ears, love unconditionally, and support us. Then I asked my self a very hard question: " do I trust God?"

I know you guys are probably rolling your eyes and saying to yourself " well that's a dumb question, why wouldn't you trust God, it's not like He can let you down or anything.", and you guys would be right, God can't let you down. His will is infallible, His purpose for our lives perfect, and wonderful, but still, do I trust God? Do I 100% of the time trust Him to figure things out for me, when trials, and situations arise, do I just immediately give it to Him, because I know, and trust He can and will help me, or do I take a crack at the situation first and trust my own ability? Do I trust that He has me in the perfect place for me right now, or do I complain because I feel it's unfair, or not useful? How much do I truly trust God?

I could understand not trusting some people, or humanity in general, I mean we're all gonna make mistakes, and disappoint people ( even though not trusting people at all is not healthy at all, and we should love everyone, and think the best of them even when we'd rather be hitting them in the face with a bible literally than hitting their heart with it figuratively), I could see were someone could be kind of iffy on the subject, but not trusting God? I'm pretty sure no one had a valid reason for that. So if there is no valid reason for it, why don't I fully trust Him sometimes? Is it my annoying pride, need for accomplishment, or my trust issues, or my self doubt, or my plain old stupidity that sometimes stops me from sometimes trusting Him? I'm pretty sure it's a disgusting combination of all of the above. I'm usually mistrustful of people, not all , just most, because I feel the more I let someone in the more likely it is they'll hurt me, and the stronger it'll sting when they do. I shut people out many times, and keep them away when I feel there's a chance they'll get too close. It's dumb I know, but it's my very warped and weird defense mechanism, it hurts me more in the long run because I sometimes miss out on great relationships, and people. It's a work in progress but I'm getting better at the whole trust thing, have a long way to go though. ( sorry for the tangent, back to main thought) The thing about God is that 1) He's not man 2) He's perfect, so therefore His will for your life is perfect 3) He wants us to be happy, not in pain, so He would never deliberately put us in harm's way & 4) He's GOD!!!.

I think that last one says it all. He isn't going to get close then ditch us, and leave us alone, He isn't going to lead us into a path that is horribly wrong for us, He just wants what's best for us, it's a cliche I know, but it is also extremely true. So if you sometimes struggle with trusting God the way I do I challenge you to think about why that is. Truly think, don't lie to yourself, be completely and totally honest. I bet that if you realize why you don't trust Him sometimes you'll realize it really has nothing to do with God at all. How could it? Don't feel like your a heathen dog because you're not trusting God 100%, fact of life most of us won't, but do try to do something about it. It's a serious issue, one that could really mess with the rest of your life. A great way to start is by simply praying. Pray that He'll show you the right path, and give your courage to trust Him wholeheartedly, no matter what the circumstances maybe. In the mean time... ******* TRUST FALLL!!!*****
( thanks for catching me ;p)

Saturday, June 5, 2010

It's Worth Waiting For

Patience is a virtue. It is simple statement that we have all heard time and time again. "Where is the food? I'm hungry.", " are we there yet? we're bored", " I can't wait for my new book to get here, I'm so excited to read it", " we wish school was over, it's legalized torture!". These are all excuses and circumstances in which we have been told to wait and have some patience. It's probably one of the most uttered phrases in the English language, and for good reason too.Waiting makes things Worth while. My question however is why, if we are so acquainted with this phrase and idea,is it so hard to wait?


My previous post was all about how excited I am about the new chapter in my life, and the changes God is going to bring, this post focuses more on the waiting aspect of my journey. I understand that God has perfect timing, and I trust in His timeline completely, I just don't see why it has to be so difficult. As a woman, I am suppose to be an image bearer of God, meaning my every thought, action, desire, should be aligned perfectly with Him. Key word, should. Right here and now, my timing and His are not exactly best friends, to put it frankly they are not aligned.I'm learning to lean on God with everything I have right now, for everything I need, want, or even think I might someday want. This entails a lot of Patience on my part, and A LOT of work on God's. It's not an easy thing to wait , the outcome of the waiting is magnificent, and always benevolent, it's the simple act that I need to learn to deal with. For anyone who might know me, it's very clear that I am not the most patient person ,( which is probably why God makes me wait for many things, not that I'm complaining about it though...) I usually like to have things go on schedule, however I have to remember that it's not my schedule that is important, it's God's. His timing is going to be 100% more perfect than mine will ever be. Which is one of the many reasons He's God.



This post isn't about me sharing any insight God might have given me, or any word of wisdom I might have received. I just wanted to share my struggle in case any one out there might feel like they have been forgotten, or put on hold, you haven't, just remember God is working on a perfect schedule, and that means that sometimes He has to say " wait a little while" or " not now, it'll be even better later". Don't become discouraged, and don't break out the "pity party" balloons, and streamers, just take comfort in knowing that when God finally reveals His plan it's going to be so much more magnanimous than you had ever imagined.




P.S If you could keep me in prayer that would be great and very much appreciated, I'm going to need all the help I can get on this one.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

New Beginnings

So I just finished reading that amazing book I mentioned in my earlier post, and I have to say ...WOW. It amazes me time and time again how awesome God is, and how faithful He is to introduce things into our lives at just the perfect moment. He gave me perfect map quest directions to where He wants me to go next. His timing is truly something that is to be marveled at. If you take the time to think about all the people in this world, and how God is working perfectly in everyone of their lives,it's a mind boggling thought, frankly it gives me goose bumps.

It's incredible how we progress through out our lives. We go from being babes in our mothers wombs, to infants who need constant care, to extremely curious toddlers, to "big" boy and girls who are learning to do things by themselves, to pre-teens, then we head into the exciting, yet sometimes very dangerous teenage years, and before we know it we are stepping into the world as full fledged adults. It's a bit scary if you think about how fast time seems to just fly by us. I've been invited to so many graduation ceremonies this year that I don't know what I'm going to do with myself. There graduates are kids I've known all my life, kids I've played soccer with, kids I've had tea parties, and sleepovers with and I find my self asking a very important question ...where did the time go?

Now it's important to realize that though we are ruled in certain ways by time, it's not actually time that we have to be concerned with, it's how we use, or don't use our time, that is truly relevant to how we live our lives. God has shown me so much in the past few weeks it's incredible, and I'm still soaking it all in. It sounds so corny, and I hate that I have to say it, but there is no other way to put it...I'm growing up. There I said it, I'm no longer a child, I'm learning more and more everyday of what is expected of me as a young woman, not just getting married, or having children, but what it really means to be a daughter of God, to be a representative on this earth for Him, and let me just tell you it's definitely never been taught in any course I've ever been offered before. This sacred knowledge comes from personally being acquainted with your Lord, and Savior, it also comes from the wisdom of those around you whom have also followed in Hid footsteps. It's true what they say, age comes from experience.

Like I mentioned before, I'm growing up, I'm starting college in the fall, granted I'll still technically be enrolled in high school ( I'm doing a duel enrollment program) but I'm still going to be exposed to a completely different surrounding, I'm going to have to learn to deal with professors who are going to bash my faith, peers who will probably ostracize me because of the way I act, or the opinions I voice, but I might also make new friends who share the same views as me, discover new interests, and finally figure out what God wants for my future. I'm excited, I'm ready to enter a new "world". I still have lifetimes of information, and knowledge to gather, I am no where near being an "intelligent and wise adult", nor do I think I'll ever reach that status, but I'm excited to experience what God will offer me through this new journey, the new view on the world I'll gain, the education I'll receive, and I know I'm going to hate myself for saying this later, but I'm also some what looking forward to some of the trials He has in store for me.

So as the school year closes and I look back, I can honestly say I had a blast, I had a little tiffs along the way, but over all it was a time in my life I'll never forget. I know God placed me in my school for a reason, and I'm glad He did, but as I look forward I see opportunities, experiences, adventures, and so many other things that my future is promising me, that I can wait to jump right in. I'm not going to lie to you, there are some day where I just dread the idea of starting college, and having to compete with top student in rigorous courses, but on those days I simply stop, breathe, take a step back , and remember, I have the God of the Universe on my side! What can mere mortals to do me? Congratulations to all you graduates out there, and I hope your just as excited for your next step as I am for mine.