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