Clean Sweep

"...I am working my ways in you: the divine Artist creating loveliness within your being. My main work is to clear out debris and clutter, making room for My Spirit to take full possession. Collaborate with me in this effort by being willing to let go of anything I choose to take away. I know what you need, and I have promised to provide all of that abundantly..." ~Jesus Calling, November 7. 

This devotion spoke to me very deeply on the morning that I read it. Not knowing where certain relationships were headed, I was a mess, but trying to trust God. This was a huge hint to me, that God was telling me to let go. While I was scared, this gave me a sense of peace. It was another reminder that God has a plan, and He knows exactly what He is doing. I needed to be willing for Him to take people away from me, so that I could grow closer to Him. This is still in the process of happening, so I still don't know where it's going. But I can't fight God's plan- He is protecting me. 

God will make it loud and clear when we need to get rid of or let go of relationships or things that are not positively influencing our lives. And He will do whatever it takes to get our attention- listen up. 

                                          

Just Try

"Do not be discouraged by the difficulty of keeping your focus on Me. I know that your heart's desire is to be aware of My Presence continually. This is a lofty goal; you aim toward it but never fully achieve it in this life. Don't let feelings of failure weigh you down. Instead, try to see yourself as I see you. First of all, I am delighted by your deep desire to walk closely with Me through your life. I am pleased each time you initiate communication with me. In addition, I notice the progress you have made since you first resolved to live in My Presence..." ~Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young (November 1).

On the morning I read this, I thought it was sweet, just what I needed, like this devotional is every day. I didn't really think much of it. Later on though, I actually remembered what it said. Usually I wouldn't think twice about what I read, but I was reminded of this one very randomly. I was brought to tears as I remembered this passage. God spoke to my heart, and reminded me that our efforts to grow in Him do not go unnoticed. He hears our cries and understands our longing to be close to Him. When I feel lame because I can't pay attention while reading my Bible, or when I miss an opportunity to thank Him, God knows that I am trying. He knows that I get distracted and tempted, but all He cares about is that I am trying. He loves that. And He notices my growth and increasing strength as I learn to rely on Him in everything. It was comforting to be reminded that God pays attention. He loves us and He loves that we love Him.

God is always right by our side. He is very aware of the struggles we are going through- He's always known that they would happen. He is guiding us through our darkest days, and comforting us when we feel most alone. Sometimes, I ask Him simply to give me strength to get through the day. Sometimes that is all I can ask for, because that's all I need.

Sometimes God's Blessings Are In What He Takes Away...

It hurts to be rejected. It hurts to have someone you care about walk away. When you experience a loss (ie. a death, break-up etc.), it is okay to to be upset. It is okay to be hurt, and angry, and confused. I definitely am.

I've just experienced an important loss. Going through my first break-up I have never felt the awkwardness I've been going through recently. I don't want to sound like a "distraught ex-girlfriend", but the situation is harder than even the movies make it look. The past three or so weeks, I have repeatedly gone through an emotional cycle: Feeling okay and confident, mad and angry, upset and hurt. The feelings come and go so randomly, and make me feel like a mess.   I will be doing great, feeling good and confident about who I am, and then I will have a random memory and suddenly tear up.

I know God is allowing this to happen for a reason; He is protecting me from something. He has a great plan for my heart and life, that I have no idea about. But that doesn't make it hurt any less. Since this is my first time going through this, I'm still trying to figure it out. I have a lot of questions that may not ever be answered. And that's okay.

I want to be very upset and angry because of this situation, but I'm not. I'm sad for him, because he lost a good thing, and is going to have to learn a hard lesson through this. My heart is broken for him.

I am going to be okay. And really, in the grand scheme of things, I am okay. But I'm broken. God is the only thing that can put me back together; and that's what He wants. He's drawing me closer to Him through this, and preparing me for what's to come. He has someone absolutely amazing waiting for me. And I can't wait to meet him. <3

Waiting

It's okay to be upset sometimes. It's okay to cry and question why something is happening. As long as you don't live your life like that and make it a recurring thing. Sometimes hard things have to happen to show us how blessed we really are, and to show us that we shouldn't take anything for granted. Remember: it could be worse. Things will get better- God has got everything under control.

I have to remember when things may get tough, that it will all work out, and God will give me the strength and patience I need to get through it. If it's really supposed to happen it will. I will wait. I have to remember that God is preparing me and/or protecting me from something that I know nothing about. I just have to remember that- this is happening for my good- to teach me something. I can't see it now, and may not understand it for a while, but I know that God will not give me more than I can handle. And He will give me the strength to get through it.

I don't like not knowing what's going on, or what is going to happen. I have to remind myself that there is always more to things than meets the eye. There's probably more going on than I would understand... I try to be understanding; I think that's an important quality. But being understanding doesn't mean letting people walk all over me. I think it's important for people to remember that at a certain point, they have a choice to make. Right now, I'm waiting. But if God shows me that I need to do otherwise, then that's what I'll need to do. That is hard for me to process because I don't want things to go differently; they were going great.

I need to remember that it's not all about me. I'm not the problem most of the time, even if I think I am. So I shouldn't worry. And if things are getting tough in life, you shouldn't worry either.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah  29:11 <3

Don't Try Fixing Something That's Not Broken

This quote has helped me get through many different situations. Throughout my life, I have been an over-thinker. Often times when I think through scenarios, I go too far, and end up making up something that didn't really happen, based on the questions in my heart that I need answered. Then I worry about these non-existent problems and forget that what I'm anxious about probably isn't really a problem. Over-thinking makes things worse than they really are, because you twist things up and end up getting upset about something completely unnecessary.

In one situation earlier this year, I was feeling confused and unsure about certain things. I was creating feelings that weren't true, and causing myself to feel anxious. I took a week or two for me to realize that these feelings could not be true, because God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). These thoughts I was having weren't having a positive effect on me, and they definitely weren't bringing me peace. I had forgotten how blessed I was, and that what I had was great, and I had no reason to worry. These feelings of doubt were coming from Satan, and had the potential to ruin a good thing. Satan can't stand when good things happen to us; when we are given true blessings, like friends who make us better people, and love us for who we are. I realized that what I had was truly great, and didn't happen very often. Once I realized the truth and was able to recognize the lies I had been believing, I was able to feel peace; God is a god of peace.

My patience is being tested once again. I am again having to give things to God, and not worry about what I may be able to do about them. I don't need to know all the details, and I don't have to fix everything. God has a plan.

I do better not thinking about certain things at all. I have to let things deal with themselves, and run their course.

It could be worse. Don't worry <3 (Matthew 6:34).

Sanctus Real - Pray (Official Lyrics)

This song sings the words I've felt so many times, but couldn't find in my heart to let Him know. God knows our hearts and needs, and every single part of us. He's always with us, and always hears the words we say, and the longing we may feel. We simply have to come to Him- He never walks away from us, we walk away from Him. So we can't blame Him when things go wrong, we can only draw near to Him and find comfort in His loving arms.
 "I bow my head to pray, I don't know what to say, I'm not sure how to fix the things I'm dealing with...And though I'm silent my heart is crying...So, I pray. God I need you more than words can say, right here in this moment."
This song is so simple, with no "hidden meaning" behind the words. Sometimes we don't know what to say or do, and God knows that. He knows our heart, we just have to come to Him, and ask for His help and guidance. He will never leave us, or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). <3

Lovely Living

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame...The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." ~Psalm 34:4-5, 18

I love this quote. I found it on Pinterest, and I really think it sums up how we as Christians are supposed to lead by example in life. I think we forget that we are surrounded by people all day long who are looking to someone who will give them some sort of direction, some idea of who they should be. As humans, we're so easily influenced by the world and society, and we look to other people for validation and acceptance. We forget though, that we should be looking to God for the love and acceptance we crave so badly. He can satisfy this need and want so much better than any material thing we look to.

God loves us so much so He sent His only son to die for us. He knew everything about us before the universe was even created (Psalm 139:13-14). He knows our every thought and worry, every doubt and fear. And He has a perfect plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). We need to live fully for God, and show His love to everyone around us- we need to shine His Light. You may be the only image of Christ that someone sees in a day, so what do you want them to see?

People are always watching and listening, even if you don't realize it. They'll look to you for how to speak, dress, and act. Make sure that they're seeing Christ in you, and that they wonder what you have, and then show them. <3

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down before the right hand of the throne of God."~ Hebrews 12:1-2

Show Me Your Ways

"Show me Your ways, O 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." ~Psalm 25:4-5


God,
I want to know Your will for my life. Or more so, I want to follow Your will for my life. I want to trust You so completely and hope in You all day long. I want to be able to give all my worries and fears to You and let You guide my steps and actions. I know that I control nothing in my life, and that You have a plan for me. It's so hard for me to be thankful and have a good attitude. I over-analyze things and try to bring myself glory- I try to make everything work for my benefit when really, everything I do is pointless. I want to rely on You for everything I need. I want to long for You and Your Word, and I want to be able to get lost in the Bible and studying it. I want to feel Your presence with me everyday, and enjoy your company. You are my Lord and my friend. I want You to be my best friend. Please help me to resist temptation, and to reject the lies of Satan. Please make me have to rely on You with all my heart, and to come to You for my comfort.

Amen.


"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God..." ~Psalm 42:1-2

Little Things That Mean A Lot

The first thing I have to say is this: I have never been in an official relationship. But, I have seen many come and go, through friends, family, and yes, I'm going to say, tv. You can really learn a lot from other people's mistakes, and some mistakes you don't want to have to make yourself. I wanted to share some things that I've learned, about guys and girls, so that you won't have to make unneeded mistakes either:)

I'll start with guys first. Girls really aren't as complicated as you think, but here's some things that may help you out:

• Make sure your girl always feels like she is your favorite person. You mean the world to her, so make sure she knows she means the world to you, too.
• Honestly, you don't always have to "do something" to make her happy. Throwing the football back and forth in the backyard is great- because she just wants to be with you. 
• The little things mean the most. The good morning text can make her whole day. Smiling at her just because makes her feel special. The long hugs make her feel safe. That thing you guys do, pretending she has something on her shirt and then getting her nose, really is one of the cutest things. Calling her beautiful. Putting your hand on the small of her back to move around her, makes her feel protected and respected. 
• Noticing and remembering the little things about her makes her feel so special. 
• Be the gentleman you really are. Manners matter and can make or break you. 
• Smelling good gets you major brownie points. But don't put too much of anything on- that just stinks.
• Do little things for her. If she's thirsty, get her some water. Leave a quick note in her purse or notebook. Hold the door open.
• Don't act full of yourself. There's nothing wrong with being proud of yourself, but a little goes a long way. Your girl will brag on you when you do something great:)
• Show your girl off. You're proud of her? Let her know that! 

Now ladies, we need reminders sometimes too, so here's some very important things I've seen that can make a difference:

• Always make sure that your guy feels needed. Even if you can do something yourself, especially if it's something small, let him do it for you sometimes. He'll feel special because he's helping to take care of you. 
• Do not ever talk bad about your boyfriend (or husband) to anyone. It makes things seem like a big deal, even though you may just be upset, and it can make a problem out of nothing. It's also not respectful.
• Wear clothes. Seriously, modesty is important. Not only because you don't want your significant other to stumble (lust), but because other guys will check you out, too. And if young guys are looking at you, so are the old guys. Gross.
• Make sure your (girl) friends are friends with your boyfriend. Not besties or anything, but comfortable enough to hold a conversation with each other. It really doesn't feel good when you're best friend gets a boyfriend, and then decides to hang out with him all the time- especially when you two have never actually been introduced, so you can't all hang out together. 
• Don't be clingy.

These may seem like obvious things, but they really can make a difference. Lust and purity (mentioned above) is a huge aspect of relationships that a lot of people don't consider. It's an important issue that I strongly believe in, and will write more on later:)

Perfect Plans

My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11.  When life gets hard, when you feel alone, anytime you need a hug or encouragement; when it seems like nobody cares or listens, or like you're going to make one mistake and ruin everything, it's comforting to remember that God knows exactly what He's doing. He has a plan for your life, and He is going to use it for His glory. We may not understand why things happen to us, or why certain people come and go from our lives. Bad things happen. We may have regrets. 

While it may not be very pleasant, and you just want it to end, God is using this to make you stronger. He allows things to happen to us to bring us back to Himself. Going through hard times allows you to understand other people better, and gives you an opportunity to be a testimony to everyone around you. 

You may not understand why things happen when or how they do, but if you know that God will bring you through it and that He only wants you to prosper, it makes it easier to let go of your worries. 

In Romans 8:18 and 28, Paul writes," I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us...and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who have been called according to His purpose." 

I hope that when things get hard, that you will remember that you have an awesome God, who loves you more than anything else in the world. When people you love leave you, God never will. He always hears our prayers, and gives us exactly what we need. He knows the plans He has for us. And I know for a fact, that those plans are great. <3