More precious than gold.

1 Peter 1:5-9 -- And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.


You are being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.


Read it again in case you don't realize how amazing this is.

With

a smile and a peaceful heart, I move toward the best days of my life. Which is all of them.


Thank you real life for being real.
Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins.
Thank you God for creating the Earth.
Thank you friends for being true.
Thank you winter for being cold.
Thank you break for being amazing.
Thank you life for being the best you can.

IF.

you spend your whole life reliving the past you'll never move on to the future. 

you'll find yourself stuck.

let go.

asap.

The truth?

It wasn't meant to be.
The truth has been accepted.
Now the truth is being lived out.


Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him.


I am in awe of my Savior.
Christmas is a beautiful time of year.




We are all human. We are all imperfect. We have to remember that.
It's not all about me, it's about God and His plan.
The moment I forget that is the moment I fall from His plan.
That is the moment when I am the most lonely and when I feel the most distant.


I must always remember that others come first or I will be alone for my whole life.

I'm In Love With You.

I've been waiting all my life for this morning
Just to wake up next to you holding me
And your head is resting gently on my shoulder
Like you're whispering to me

I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
So glad I found you
I'm in love with you

When we're leaving dreams and rolling back the covers
All at once we're getting ready for the day
It's when you look at me in the mirror while you're shaving
Before I go on my way, you say

I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
You're the one I choose
‘Cause I'm in love

Love is joy and love is pain
It's kissing in the rain
It's doing dishes when it's late
Isn't it, baby
It's the art of compromise
It's hellos and long goodbyes
It's the picture of our lives
Isn't it crazy

So I'll call you when I get to where I'm going
And I'll tell everyone we know you said hello
And without fail they'll ask me if I miss you
Of course I do, you know I do

‘Cause I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
You're the one I choose

I'm in love
I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
I love you just the same as I did the day
I fell in love with you

I'm In Love With You -- Joy Williams

<3

The End.

I say 'the end' because every ending is a new beginning. Which is beautiful. There really never is an ending. Which scares me, for sure. But the end of this has come.
I am in love with being alive.


I cannot wait to...
-pick a college
-graduate and go to college
-fall head over heels in love (shouldn't it be heels over head?)
-get married
-be in love!
-have kiddies
-travel the world!
-live life to the fullest!!!!!


I am so excited for all of these things. And I love that it's not the time because I have time to enjoy what it is the time for!!! I'm not going to waste my feelings and energy, I am going to enjoy life as much as I can!!!!!!!

The Rescue.

I love to watch as Jesus rescues me from my troubles. Weeks ago I repeated to myself, "Do not look at the waves crashing around you, do not get caught up in 'how bad it is right now', but watch as your Jesus calms the storm. Don't tell God how big your storm is, but tell your storm how big your God is." And now, I am standing on the other side. I am thankful. I am fulfilled. I have joy in my heart and I have been restored on a firm foundation. I know what needs to be done and I am willing to do it. I have proved that I will do whatever it takes to follow my Savior. Life isn't meant to be a walk in the park. Sometimes we come up to a jungle, desert, or a huge lake. But we can make it through all these things if we just trust with all of our heart. Don't let the 'troubles' that you experience keep you from getting to the goal. These troubles are meant to help you get there by strengthening your endurance. You can do it, don't give up now!
Thank you Jesus for having a better plan.

Psalm 25.

In you, LORD my God,
I put my trust.
I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
For the sake of your name, LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!
Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, LORD, is in you.
Deliver Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!

Carried away;

Last night I was reading another Joshua Harris book and I came across some interesting realizations. Sometimes when we get caught up in "Oh my gosh God, you should totes do this and that and get me to marry this person and keep me close to my best friend and give me an A in this class and allow me to do this and go here and have that and get this and ........." Do you see the issue? It's SO natural to put God in a box. 
When I see something I like, I want it. I'm human. Seriously. When I see a nice, cute boy I put him on my 'mental list'. When I see a cute shirt, I take a picture of it and send it to my mom and tell her I want it. When I see a nice girl that seems like a good friend or is just flat out hilarious, I'll start talking to her and usually a friendship builds. If I want to talk to my friends, I can text them. If I want to hear a song, I can listen to it instantly on the internet. If I want to see a movie, I can generally find it on TV or have it recorded.
We have the world at our fingertips, easily.
But where does God's plan fit into all this instant gratification? The trick is learning patience while living in one of the most impatient worlds, ever. It's a trick.
But if I sit here and have this list of the 'perfet boys' I might miss another one God has mapped out for me or I might miss the way he intends things to happen. If I'm sitting here always searching for new friends, I'll never have depth in my friendships because I won't be cultivating friendships. It goes for a lot of things.
But basically, we have to trust God even when we know it ensures a long waiting period and we can't just place things in our thoughts just to 'help us get through it'. Like picking the perfect guy out of your friends and watching him so you'll know your husband is waiting for you. That's great, but not when you imagine them as him. There's nothing wrong with incentive. Just don't put a face to the name. 


Basically, TRUST.

Jesus & I.

I cultivated a sense of urgency to get my point across. In simpler terms, I freaked out. 
Here is my ongoing conversation with Him over the past couple months:
I questioned, "Jesus, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
And he whispered, "Trust me."
I responded, "I trust you...but what are you doing?"
He said, "You will see. Trust me."
And I said, "I know I will see soon and I trust you, but what are you doing?"
He once again whispered, "Trust me."
Frustrated, I then said impatiently, "Why aren't you doing this? Why aren't you doing that? Why is my name being slandered? Why is the truth not coming around? Why aren't you protecting me yet? Why aren't you proving my point? Why aren't you arguing my case? Why would you let this happen to me? I trust you, but I don't see it. Come on."
He remained silent.
I thought. I looked around me.
Then, I looked up to him and said, "Oh. You have a better plan than my human mind came up with, don't you?"
He said, "Do you see it now? Trust me."
And now I say, "So, everything I thought I needed to do and everything I thought you needed to do were distracting me from this beautiful truth? This is much better than my plan. This is what I need. You know me better than I know myself. You are protecting me. How could I think what you have just blessed me with is anything but your protection? Anything but an undeserved gift? Your unfailing mercy and love overflow my life. I love you. Thank you."
He said, "I love you. Now, do as I have planned. Trust in me, always."

Listen.

You know those times in your life when you are looking out the window and you see a leaf falling from a tree and a bird fly by and then maybe you see a really pretty flower...all while someone is telling you a story and you miss the entire thing? You don't necessarily want to be rude and ask again, but you have no idea what that person just said. You just smile and nod. We've all done it, I'm sure. If not, you will someday. Okay, so what usually follows a couple weeks later is that person telling the story again, but to a larger audience. They begin to tell it and this time you're listening intently and you get the point. You tell them you loved their story and they look a little confused. You're not sure why they look so confused; so you ask. Then, they look at you and say, "Do you ever listen to me?" Uh-oh. Now you've reached the "bum friend" category. You didn't even bother to ask them to repeat it and now it's all out there in the open and they found you out. Dun dun dun...
I think this happens in our spiritual lives a lot. We get to a point when we're so distracted by 'birds flying by' and 'pretty flowers' that we miss what God really wants to show us. Sometimes we're distracted by a bee sting or our scraped knee. No matter what is distracting us, we missed his point. He wanted to tell us this important story weeks ago, but since we were watching that leaf fall from the tree we had to wait to get the point. It's important for us to give him our full attention and when we ask we should expect a response. Sometimes we are asking for something that isn't meant to be given and he is pointing in a different direction, but we're so focused on what we thought we were going to get that we miss what he knows we need.
It's times like these that we need to step back and allow him to lead us into the direction we are meant to head.
He knows what's best for us. He has always known. He will always know.
Nothing catches him off guard.
We never know what's best for us. We have never known. We will never know.
Everything catches us off guard.


Who do you think knows what we should be doing?
Him or us?
Your decision.

December 11th.

Feelings do not control my life.

Truth does.


Anger will not control my life, faith will.
Bitterness will not overcome me, truth will.
Hurt will not consume me, redemption will.
Hate will not enter me, love will.
Desperation will not take over, surrender will.

So, I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned in awe of the One who gave it all

I'll stand my soul, Lord, to you surrendered ALL I AM IS YOURS.

I will live above reproach.

I will patiently endure unfair treatment as Jesus did.

1 Peter 2:19.

For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment.


God is pleased with me.
I put His will ahead of my feelings.
It hurts. It sucks. It's painful. It's awful.
But God is pleased with me.
What more could I want?

1 Peter 2:21-25 

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd the Guardian of your souls.

I Kissed Dating Goodbye.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

After all this has passed, I still will remain

After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain

Though it won't be today, someday I'll hope again

And there'll be beauty from my pain

You will bring beauty from my pain

Joshua Harris and I have the same mind. I'm sure almost every other person on the planet would be devastated to pick up his book entitled I Kissed Dating Goodbye, which is understandable...who wants to do that? No one wants to. It's nice to be liked and to date and get attention, but for what purpose?

I wouldn't necessarily have liked to pick up this book at any time throughout the past two years. Simply because I know God had a plan for me in dating at that time. I feel strongly connected with everything stated in this book. I agree that dating is ultimately for one purpose; Marriage, so why start now? Seems silly to me.

I've hit a low point in my life over the past month or two, if I'm being honest. I ended my first relationship. Dun dun dun. I know that the person who ends the relationship comes off as insensitive and completely rid of all capacity to care for the other person, but I'd say that's untrue. I will also say that you never know until you are in a situation. You can't judge anyone on this planet unless you have done the right thing every time you've ever done anything in your life. AKA you can't judge anyone on this planet, period. I know, it sucks, it's way more fun to judge than it is to look at our own faults or what we need to be learning.

God uses huge wake up calls sometimes to pull us closer and closer to his unfailing love. It's quite a beautiful expression of his love, redeeming us and founding us in his truth. He truly loves us to the greatest and most gorgeous capacity. I can't even imagine being that gracious...and with everyone on the planet, not just my best friends. It's insane.

But I guess what I'm finding is that dating is a huge deal. It's not (biblically) meant for fun and games and kicks and giggles, it's for marriage. And I sure as heck do not want to hand my husband a huge list of all the guys I've dated, kissed, and liked. I'd rather be like you know...I have been committed to you since day one. I love you, and I always have. Who cares if I'm this weird radical crazy Christian girl who everyone secretly thinks is insane? This is my heart and my passion. This is my life.

Jesus has a man waiting for me as I am currently waiting for him. How much more comforted can I be? I am being cradled and I am already being loved by the man who will get down on one knee because he is waiting for me. And he will like me for who I am. Every flaw and every thing I do.

That's incentive enough for me to say with every ounce of faith I have, that I have kissed dating goodbye.

Right vs. Wrong.

You know what I've realized? When you go to a wedding and you see two people who are madly in love and you know that they have waited for each other and they love each other and they haven't kissed before and dated no one else before meeting each other and you think, "how easy it must have been for them, they found the right one and they are so in love." 


It's natural to think it was "hard" for the person who went from relationship to relationship to find what they wanted...BUT DO WE HAVE EYES?! Do we realize anything? It's easier to date a zillion people. It's harder to wait for the right one. WAIT. FOR. THE. RIGHT. ONE. Not the almost-right twelve and then finally the most right out of the thirteen. Wait for the right one.

It's practically unheard of these days for people to wait for the right one. And I know most people completely disagree with that viewpoint and I don't mind. But we all have our own path to follow and you can sit there and think "that girl has never had a boyfriend, she has it so easy" FALSE. The easy route is to have boyfriend after boyfriend. The hard route is trusting the right one will come at the right time. And enjoying every moment of your life until then. And 'enjoying' doesn't always include dating four thousand people, or even two. Waiting is difficult and it hurts really bad.


Following God's will is rarely ever the easy route, but an eternal perspective is necessary.
There will be pain and heartache and your name will be slandered for no reason at all, but in the end the truth wins out. We will reap what we sow. If you sow seeds of depth and true love and patience, you will reap that. If you sow seeds of impatience, immorality, and lust...you will reap that.


It's a personal decision to trust or to waste your time.
That's how I see my life.


I will trust because Jesus is the only person who hasn't let me down yet.
Why would I choose a silly human's attention over His plan?
Seems obvious, but it's not the easy route. Don't be fooled.


I meant what I said when I surrendered my entire life to His will.
Now, I will hold on for dear life until I finish the race.


He > they > i.

Going for a drive.

Today, I didn't really want to go home right away. I was just thinking of a lot of things I was unhappy with and I wanted to drive it off. I just felt like driving on a country road. So I did. I didn't really know where I was going but I kept track of street names. And I made it home, so don't worry.
But the strangest thing happened. I turned down a road and saw there were train tracks on it. Now, I've got some pain in my heart right now, but my faith in Jesus and hope in his plan overshadows that by miles. I'm not thinking bad thoughts all the time. But, I saw the tracks and the first thing that went through my head was the image of me stopping my car on the tracks and waiting for a train to come. I wouldn't actually do this, ever. But it popped into my head. I think that happens to people who can't see the way out of situations, it'd be much simpler to park on the tracks and just wait to die. I didn't think much of the thought and just ignored it. As I go closer to the tracks the lights started flashing and the dividers went down. As in, I had the chance to do what I had just thought about. Which is something I'd never do, it was just weird to experience that immediate reaction. I was caught off guard by the fact that there was actually a train coming and I watched as it flew by. As I sat there and waited I thought of that moment as a fork in the road. Sometimes Satan can try to get himself into our minds and trick us into thinking there is no way out and we should just give up and park on the tracks, but God's voice is whispering "persevere! endure! I have a plan." His calming voice begins to overwhelm us.
I don't want this to come off like I thought of actually parking on the tracks, because I didn't. But what I was shown is that God's plan is bigger and I should never just give up and sit, waiting on the tracks for danger to come. I should be preparing myself and focusing on what I can do in the world.
Jesus has a plan. And it will be a great one. I must have patience. And I must have faith.

Have you ever...

prayed for something so long that you end up forgetting about it?


Let me just tell you. Jesus NEVER forgets.
One day you're just going along you're regular life and that thing you prayed hopelessly for months and months comes up to you and amazes you. I can't fathom how great my God is right now. I know this is just a small step toward a bigger thing and in most eyes it's no big deal...but EVERYTHING IS A BIG DEAL YOU GUYS! THIS IS LIFE OR DEATH!!!!


Jesus DOES finish the work he says he will.
His plan is NEVER EVER EVER EVER on our timeline!


I'm in awe.


Because he's done this I can trust he will calm all the storms of my life in his own time.
I will not worry. I will pray.


Also: Music is beautiful. We never feel more connected than amidst a gorgeous song that outlines the preciousness of the God we serve. Do you seriously realize HOW HE LOVES US?


I'm in awe.


Love.

Passion?

I have a passion for:
-California Baptist University
-Jesus Christ
-Southern California
-Disneyland
-Understanding the human mind
-Missionary work
-Writing
-Sharing
-Learning
-God's plan for my life
-Conquering my fears
-Living each day to the fullest
-FOLLOWING


This is a big deal.
If I go to CBU I will be 370 miles away from everything familiar.
College is just four years of my life...right?
 
If our God is for us, then who could be against us?
Nothing.
 
I will cling to that truth.
Feelings are trick, but the truth remains the truth...always.
I may not feel loved, but the truth is I AM.
I may not feel like something is a part of God's plan, but the truth is that it IS!
I may feel like someone hates me, but the truth is that they don't!

The truth will set you free.
Seriously.

We're a slave to worry and fear and doubt, but God says "dude. give all your worries and cares to me so i can bring you peace." and we're like "YEAH RIGHT, i'm going crazy, this will never get better. i can't do that." but when we actually do that, we receive a peace so peaceful you can't imagine.


So, give all your worries and cares to God. And let him lead you to the perfect college for you.
He will. :)

David Crowder - Glory of it all

Why am I wasting my time?

Imaging how great it will be someday is better than focusing on how much it has sucked in the past and how much it sucks in the present.
I am free to dream.
God will take care of all the details,
It is my turn to be a dreamy, creamy, ridiculous, over-the-top, wishful thinker.


There is a plan for my life.
I will settle for nothing less, even in the way my feelings act up.

The truth is more powerful than my emotions.

I will not be controlled by my emotions.

Psalm 73:26.

My flesh and my heart may fail,
   but God is the strength of my heart
   and my portion forever.


Dreams, here I come;

Compilations of Psalm 119.

Psalm 119:73-80.

You made me; you created me.
      Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
      for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
      you disciplined me because I needed it.
Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
      just as you promised me, your servant.
Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
      for your instructions are my delight.
Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
      meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
Let me be united with all who fear you,
      with those who know your laws.
May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
      then I will never be ashamed.

Psalm 119:81-82.

I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
      but I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
      When will you comfort me?

Psalm 119:94.

I am yours; rescue me!
      For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments. 

Psalm 119:111-112.

Your laws are my treasure;
      they are my heart’s delight.
I am determined to keep your decrees
      to the very end.

Psalm 119:116.

Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
      Do not let my hope be crushed.

Psalm 119:137-144.

O Lord, you are righteous,
      and your regulations are fair.
Your laws are perfect
      and completely trustworthy.
I am overwhelmed with indignation,
      for my enemies have disregarded your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
      that is why I love them so much.
I am insignificant and despised,
      but I don’t forget your commandments.
Your justice is eternal,
      and your instructions are perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
      I find joy in your commands.
Your laws are always right;
      help me to understand them so I may live. 

Psalm 119:153-160.

Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
      for I have not forgotten your instructions.
Argue my case; take my side!
      Protect my life as you promised.
The wicked are far from rescue,
      for they do not bother with your decrees.
Lord, how great is your mercy;
      let me be revived by following your regulations.
Many persecute and trouble me,
      yet I have not swerved from your laws.
Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
      because they care nothing for your word.
See how I love your commandments, Lord.
      Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
The very essence of your words is truth;
      all your just regulations will stand forever. 

Psalm 119:165.

Those who love your instructions have great peace
      and do not stumble. 

A great chapter.

Love. 

College.

Hm. I wonder where I will be next year.

There are pros and cons to each college.

I can't wait to figure this one out! :) 

Out of our control.

I love love love Psalm 119. It is the longest chapter ev. Seriously, so long, but so beautiful. I just love it. It has a little bit of everything I go through feeling from time to time.

Verse 154 really hit me last night...
Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised.


Amazing, much? I can't even begin to describe how this makes me feel. I feel so secure in him. This is such a huge step for us to take! We are called to trust in Him through all our days and all our trials, and here we are shown we can ask him to be our lawyer in the world! We can ask him to reveal the truth and argue our case for us. We don't have to do it for ourselves, he knows what we are doing right and wrong and His truth will conquer all of the lies we are constantly faced with. His love will curl us up and keep us feeling safe and sound. 

In Isaiah 46:4, God promises to love us throughout our lifetime --  
I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
      until your hair is white with age.
   I made you, and I will care for you.
      I will carry you along and save you.


We may feel that God is the only person who knows that we are honestly doing what He plans as 'right' in our life, but do not worry about what everyone else thinks (or what you think everyone else thinks). God's opinion is the only one that truly matters in the world.


God knows the truth. He never misunderstands us. He never sees us for what we aren't. He knows our motives and he sees our hearts. He will take care of our needs.


Proverbs 16:2 -- People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. 

Romans 12:9-21

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

   “I will take revenge;
      I will pay them back,”
      says the Lord.

Instead,

   “If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
      If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
   In doing this, you will heap
      burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Fear him. Allow him to take control of your life. Watch as he calms the storms in your life, provides you with everything that you need, and heals your aches and pains.

I will watch, eagerly, as he brings peace, joy, and redemption to my life.

I will wait, patiently, for the truth to win out.

Romans 8:31-39.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Love.

the secret to life.

Proverbs 16:9 -- In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

Best Fwends.

Proverbs 17:17 -- A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be a friend. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

What a wise man Mr. Emerson is. If you continue on from the last quote with the next quote, your life will change.

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. -Dale Carnegie

THEN you add this third one and you are equipped with the perfect way to go about friendships.

Anybody can sympathize with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathize with a friend's success. -Oscar Wilde

Boom.

Step one: Focus on being a good friend to others, and you will find yourself with good friends.

Step two: Be more interested in the affairs of others, and you will find yourself with good friends.

Step three: Rejoice with your friends in their success and don't be jealous, and you will be a great friend.

Friendship is a beautiful gift, ENJOY IT TO IT'S FULLEST!

Children.

I love children. This is something I've found. I realize that up to this point, I haven't really known what to do with children. I love them, but I don't quite know how to act around them. Here's what children love: attention. You ask them questions, you take interest in the things they enjoy, and you pay attention to them. At church we are starting a new program called Serve U where we will be serving in different areas of the church and I have been blessed to be selected to serve in Harpo. What is Harpo? Let me just tell you that Harpo is the greatest thing that I've ever encountered. Each Sunday, adults dress up as kids and act out real life stories to show how kids should act and to portray an important message. Basically, acting. Now, you may or may not be aware of my overwhelming personality and secret desire to have my own Disney channel show...let's just say this might be right up my alley. We will see, considering I haven't even tried it yet, but I am SO excited. I'm excited that we are able to have the opportunity to give back to the church and serve in interesting areas. I just hope that everyone has the same attitude. Life isn't always about us and our comfort, sometimes we're forced to go out of our comfort zone in order to help others. It's life, you accept it as you go. We don't always get what we want...woohoo. It happens to the best of us.


Tonight, my cousin Sherah and I were venturing through Target in the toys, movies, and shoes. We were discussing how adorable our children will be and how cute all the clothes were. Seriously, I cannot wait to be a mom. I'm not sitting here trying to rush my life, but I am SO excited to someday name my children and fix a pretty bow in my daughters hair. I can't wait to find a young teenager to babysit for me while I go out for date night. I can't wait to play dress up and video games with my kids. Seriously, I know it is going to be some hard work...but I already love my kids SO MUCH. I am getting really excited just thinking about it!!!


I cannot wait until this summer when I attend another missions trip (well, I hope to anyway!). I have this hope inside of me that it is with children and that they speak Spanish. Because I love children, as I formerly stated, and I love Spanish. Something within me has a deep desire for other cultures and other languages. I don't know why, but I find it all so fascinating. I love being immersed in a new culture and seeing how other people live their daily lives. It seems so fabulous from my perspective and my life seems so fabulous to them...crazy. The grass always seems to be a little greener on the other side.

Matthew 19:14 -- But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”

"I am second."

No excuses.

This is the attitude you should take on.

1 Peter 2:19-25.

For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

He never sinned, 

    nor ever deceived anyone.
He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
    nor threaten revenge when he suffered.

He left his case in the hands of God,
     who always judges fairly.
He personally carried our sins
     in his body on the cross

so that we can be dead to sin
     and live for what is right.

By his wounds
     you are healed.

Once you were like sheep
     who wandered away.

But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
     the Guardian of your souls.

Follow this example.

He > they > i

Beauty From Pain (Video)

Beauty From Pain

The lights go out all around me
One last candle to keep out the night
And then the darkness surrounds me
I know I’m alive but I feel like I’ve died
And all that’s left is to accept that it’s over
My dreams ran like sand through the fists that I made
I try to keep warm but i just grow colder
I feel like I’m slipping away

After all this has passed, I still will remain
After I’ve cried my last, there’ll be beauty from pain
Though it won’t be today,
Someday I’ll hope again
And there’ll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

My whole world is the pain inside me
The best I can do is just get through the day
When life before is only a memory
I’ll wonder why God lets me walk through this place
And though I can’t understand why this happened
I know that I will when i look back someday
And see how you’ve brought beauty from ashes
And made me as gold purified through these flames

After all this has passed, I still will remain
After I’ve cried my last, there’ll be beauty from pain
Though it won’t be today,
Someday I’ll hope again
And there’ll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

Here I am, at the end of me
Tryin to hold to what I can’t see
I forgot how to hope
This night’s been so long
I cling to Your promise
There will be a dawn

After all this has passed, I still will remain
After I’ve cried my last, there’ll be beauty from pain
Though it won’t be today,
Someday I’ll hope again
And there’ll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

Pirate Bones.

I just named my blog. Finally.

I named it Pirate Bones.

I looked through my iTunes.

And this song is pretty close to what this blog has been about so far...

What if I squeeze myself into any shape
And I still don't fit?
What if I bend myself so much that I break
And I can't mend it?
What if I burn so bright that the fire goes out
And I can't stay lit?
What's the point in it?
I could get good at crying crocodile tears
Just to get along
I could carry on telling you wanna hear
'til my voice is gone
But if I finally get to the place that I think is home
And I don't belong
What's the point in it?
Where's the benefit?
When I'm gaining all but I'm losing it

[Chorus:]
It's not worth having
If it's too much to hold
You can dig so deep
That you're left with a hole
Thirsty in a desert with a bag full of gold
Don't wanna end up like pirate bones
What I thought was precious was just a pile o' stones
I might have the treasure but I'd be lying alone
Just a pile of pirate bones
If I forfeit my soul it ain't worth having
If it's something I stole it ain't worth having

What if I stake everything I am on a dream
And it's counterfeit?
If I reach the end that justifies the means
Could I live with it?
And if it's true that having too much of any good thing
Could only make me sick
What's the point in it
Where's the benefit
When I'm gaining all but I'm losing it
Oh, oh

[Chorus]

It's not wroth that much to me
If losing out is what it means
To swim in shallow victory
Is empty, empty
It's just not worth the price
It's only a fools paradise
If it's draining every drop of life 'til I'm dry like pirate bones

I love Natasha Bedingfield.

And I love Pirates.

Long live life.

December 2nd.

So, here's the truth.

God has a dream for your life, the world, your friendships, your education, your money, your attitude, your day, your month, your year, your family, your talents, and your second period.

He has a dream for you.

Just think about that for a moment.

A DREAM. FOR YOU!

Are you in a part of your life where you are settling for less than his perfect dream for your life?

Are you sitting at home caught up in "what if" ideas?

Are you worrying about tomorrow, and what you might be missing out on, or focusing on what you want to do later in life?

Are you living up to your full potential?

God has a dream for your life.

Do you trust him to make it happen?

Or do you want to control your life that bad?

Romans 12:2 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, 

but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. 

Then you will learn to know God’s will (DREAM!) for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Don't copy the world.

You don't NEED anything the world says you need.

You need to follow the DREAM!

Don't settle for less than what is meant for your life.

Let God transform you into a new person.

He will change the way you think and you will see life with a new perspective.

From an eternal perspective, where everything actually matters.

Matthew 6:19-21

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

As you strive to TRUST in him with all your strength and life, you will see him bring change to your heart and life and friendships. You will find yourself equipped with his peace, mercy, and love. You will be amazed with his blanket of love over you.

BASK IN GOD'S UNQUENCHABLE GRACE AND MERCY.

Okay, is that not THE BEST word to explain his grace and mercy? And even his love for us.

It's unquenchable.

A little more than a month ago I prayed a prayer regarding this verse:

Psalm 51:12 -- Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

I repeated to myself, "Restore, Joy, Salvation, Obey."

And I took a leap of faith in what I felt God was telling me to do.

I've had my moments of doubt, regret, and fear.

But when I put my trust in him...he doesn't allow me to 'make the wrong choice'.

His dream for me is to learn and grow in him.

So, I must take each day one day at a time and trust that he knows what's best for me.

Matthew 6:34

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

Psalm 39:7

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you!

Psalm 51:6

But you desire honesty from the heart, so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.

Acts 20:24

But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus- the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love.

1 John 4:18

Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us.

Philippians 3:13

No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.

Joshua 1:9

I command you- Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

1 Corinthians 13:12

Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.

Ephesians 3:17-20

And I pray that Christ will be more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare ask or hope.

Honesty.

True honesty is beautiful.


Honesty allows for mistakes. When you feel open to allow people to see the real you, there's no worries behind your motives. There are no reasons for you to be afraid. You can live in freedom knowing you are doing your best work. You have to be able to be honest with who you are, once you become unsure...how will everyone else keep track?


When you allow yourself to be honest with the people around you, you allow them to help you in your times of need. Whether you need a hug, a tissue, some time alone, or advice. If you're not honest, you won't get what you need. 

Romans 12:2-3.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your estimate of yourself, measuring your value by the amount of faith God has given you.


Interesting concept.
Often times we see people reacting to difficult situations with anger, jealousy, bitterness, and revenge. But these verses tell us to ignore the behavior and customs of the world and allow God to transform us and change our reaction. Through him, our reaction can change to one of love, mercy, and grace. When you learn how to react in such a way you will find that God's plan is good, pleasing, and even perfect.
Put yourself into the other persons position.
Okay, I know you think you'd still make better choices.
BUT here's the deal, every human on this Earth has a different personality...keep that in mind.


"Yeah, I know we all have a different personality...but that doesn't excuse my best friend talking about me behind my back." 


Nope, it doesn't excuse anything. It's just a fact. Everyone reacts to things differently.
This is where the grace, mercy, and love come in. (This is your cue!)


A few days ago I spoke of a Spiritual Gifts test that I took, my top scoring category was 'The Perceiver'.
Here are a couple little tidbits about perceivers:
"Perceivers have a keen sense of right and wrong. This is a form of discernment that we have seen in Christians and non-Christians alike. It is because of this sense of right and wrong that perceivers hold very high standards. They tend to be perfectionists because of their high standards and often become their own worst critics. In some cases, perceivers do not realize their gift and can become very critical of other people or situations, which emerges as a pessimistic attitude."


This is a lesson for perceivers and friends of perceivers alike. Perceivers have a hard time seeing the 'gray area' of life. This is something they must achieve in their own time. And believe me, it will take time. And it will be a struggle their entire life. But, there are pluses and minuses to every personality. So, just because your friend has some high standards...don't just drop them. Show them mercy and love. Love them anyway and realize that their intention is to help people. Now, perceivers, this isn't an excuse to keep these high standards and continue holding your loved ones to them. This is a challenge to find the gray areas and show mercy and grace to those you love who don't always 'measure up' to your impossible standard. This is all a part of learning how to love unconditionally.


I guess the message I'd like to convey is the idea of the 'benefit of the doubt'.
Mercy and grace don't assume the defendant is guilty.
They choose, in love, the defendant is innocent.
No matter what.
Love conquers the guilt, shame, and sin.




When you make some bad decisions in your life, do you want people who love you to give up on you and walk away, or do you want them to wait patiently for you to see that they will always be there, no matter what?
Think of this when you decide how to treat others in your life.
"How would I want someone to treat me if I were doing what they are doing?"
Obviously, with grace and mercy and love. Always.
So, be honest in your estimate of yourself.


Romans 12:9-10.
Don't just pretend to love others. REALLY love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other with a genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.


Seriously, let's take delight in honoring each other.
We can take simple steps in doing this...how?
By allowing God to transform us into a new person by changing the way that we think.