The Power of Prayer

Throughout my life, the topics I've learned about in church never really seemed relevant to each other (if that makes any sense). Like, obviously they're relevant because it's God's Word and it's truth, but from week to week they never really felt connected to me. The last several months though, one idea has been very prominent no matter what the lesson may be, and it's one that has stuck with me in a way that many other ideas don't: the power of prayer. Sounds like a pretty basic idea, right? I mean, how complicated could it be?

Well, it's not that prayer is complicated. For me, it's that prayer has always been a splotchy area; I pray before meals (most of the time) and before bed (if I don't fall asleep in the middle of them), but I've never been good at remembering to pray throughout my day, just one little piece at a time. It doesn't have to be much more than that- and I can pray for myself or anyone around me.

The idea of the power of prayer has come up again and again lately in church. Stories have been told, and you can hear these stories from many people, about how prayer was a miracle for them; that someone was healed, or spoken to by God in a dream, or just given hope to keep living. And every time I heard about the power of prayer, I thought to myself, "Man, I wonder what my prayers could do for someone" , you know? Like how could someone I may or may not know be impacted because I said a prayer for them? How have I been healed or strengthened due to someone else praying for me? This was such a humbling thought.

So, I started praying more. This doesn't mean I've been praying better. But I have been remembering the verse in Philippians 4:6 that says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Present your requests to God. God wants to hear what's on our hearts, He wants to hear our requests, He wants us to give Him our concerns and fears and dreams. I've never been great with this, because I figured that I didn't need to pray for certain things because God already knows my heart. But that doesn't mean He doesn't want me to ask for whatever I need. And that's what I've been trying to do, not just for myself but for people around me as well. Sometimes, I just ask Him, "God please help me get through this class without complaining; help me shine Your light." That's all it takes, and that's what He wants. Every time we reach to Him, through prayer, His presence is that much stronger in our hearts. I've also been trying to pray for certain people right as they pop into my mind.

Romans 12:12 is an encouraging reminder when it feels our prayers are going to waste: "[Love is] joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer," I often feel that my prayers aren't being heard because I don't see any change or difference in those I'm praying for. But through this little journey, I've seen a change in my own heart. See, the more you pray for others, put them before yourself, the less concerned you are with all the 'needs' of your life. It reminds you that everyone struggles...and that just because someone messed up doesn't mean they're a bad person or unworthy of the effort of your prayer. It's humbling to see healing in my own heart can occur by praying for someone else. It just changes your whole attitude.  


It's hard for me to watch friends falling away from what they seemed to believe for so long. And in my heart, I really want to fix these situations. But I can't. That is God's job. When I want to try and rebuild those bridges or mend those friendships, I have to remember that it's all in God's timing. When I know someone's hurting, and that they need encouragement, but I can't get to them, I can pray. That has probably been my biggest revelation in this: it doesn't really matter what I can't do for someone, as long as I do what I can with all the love in my heart. I can only pray for certain people I know, but I know that if I do this with love, and genuine effort, that's all God needs to see. I know my job is to show others love, so if prayer is my only means of doing that, then I'm good to go.

I have to remind myself not to grow weary in this habit of prayer (2 Corinthians 8:11-12, 9:6-7, and Galatians 6:9), because eventually it will produce a result. And I have to remember that there is no stupid, irrelevant, unimportant prayer to God. Colossians 4:2 tells us to devote ourselves to prayer.

Remember that life is not about being perfect. It's about our heart and our efforts. You don't have to sit and pray for two straight hours every day. But little snippets here and there really can make a big difference in your heart and attitude. There really is amazing power in prayer.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Make-Up Favorites

So, I'm not what you'd call a make-up guru, but I do know what works for me. I only get fancy for special occasions, but the products I use everyday have definitely made me a faithful user for those brands.

Here are some of my favorites when it comes to beauty products:

~Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara

 

This mascara does an amazing job of making your lashes look long and full at the same time. I've been using it for more than four years and it's great. It rarely clumps. You can find it at Target or Walmart for about $8. 

~Lip Crayon

Reveling Colorburst Matte Balm in the color Sultry is fantastic. It's new to me, bringing a different look without going far out of my comfort zone. It really is a matte balm, giving the look of lipstick without the 'sticky-ness'. I apply it once in the morning before school and the color only barely fades through the day. The bottoms twists to bring up the stick as you use it.

~Foundation

The Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation is so true to its name. This foundation is the only one I've tried so far that really does keep the shine away all day. I use the Soft Beige color, which is just a smidge dark now, though perfect in summer. The only reason I know that is because if you don't rub the foundation in well it does streak. But a little goes a long way!! It's thicker than most, so it spreads well.

~Eyeliner and Shadow

 

L'oreal Liquid Eyeliner (with a brush tip, not felt tip) is great. I'm not eyeliner savvy, but this goes on very easily and isn't splotchy like many others. It also comes off easily for those mornings when it may get all over your face ;) . I also love love love Maybelline's Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze. This little container lasts forever, and the color is subtle but beautiful. I apply it with a shadow brush. 

~Eyebrow Pencil

This is the Maybelline's Define-A-Brow pencil in Light Brown. All you do is fill in the needed areas on your brows and comb them (if you want to) with the handy little brush. This shade is perfect for my dark eyebrows because it blends in and looks natural. 

One Love

I really, really, truly want to give God control of everything in my life. And I don't know quite what I'm heading toward here, except something in writing to remind myself of my own expectations, specifically in the area of "more than friends" relationships. I know God is preparing me, and teaching me, and I can't ignore this feeling in my heart that I know is Him speaking to me.
               


Now, let me say right away: I am not hunting down any sort of romantic relationship. I want only God's will for my life, and that includes Him deciding who I date and when. But at this very moment in time, I am having a hard time spitting out the most important thought in my mind: If you are not strong in your walk with the Lord, and are not in a position to take responsibility of the role of spiritual leader in your relationship with me, then stop where you are. Feel free to think about calling me when you are ready, but if that isn't happening now, then you need to figure it out.

I cannot compromise myself when it comes to this necessity. I can not and will not pursue a relationship with someone who is not actively pursuing the Lord first, and who isn't ready to be the godly leader I need. I need to remember that this is a non-negotiable. I need to guard my heart (Proverbs 4:23) and protect myself. The Bible states very clearly in 2 Corinthians 6:14 says "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers". DON'T DO IT. Because eventually it will cost more than you bargained for.

I know personally I have trouble with living this out sometimes in the sense that I think I can fix people; and because I'm sometimes flirty without intending to be, which isn't fair to anyone.  But I have to remember that it's not my job to change people. Only God can work in their hearts. So I have to continue to give Him control. 

Ladies, don't trust words- trust actions. Trust honesty, and respect, and caring. Don't compromise.

A helpful links: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/relationships/10-guys-you-should-never-date 

Not to Worry Darling

Okay, so. It starts again.
I knew it was coming too- every year after school starts, I begin to feel a bit left-out when it comes to homecoming and couples and all that lovey-dovey stuff. Everyone is going out and looking cute and taking pictures. And then there's me standing...with myself. Alone. It helps a lot when I'm told that it doesn't make sense I'm single. And I'm like "that's what I'm saying". I start to get down on myself, questioning what is wrong with me, and after some deep looking-staring out my window-stuff, I am reminded of two things:

1. I am not single because boys don't find me attractive. I think it's because they're scared of me. Just kidding (but seriously). No, I am single because because I have very high standards and expectations of guys and relationships, and I make those clear to everyone in the way I live and present myself. I expect to be respected and anyone who knows me understands this. And I know it can been seen as intimidating. If a guy isn't willing to step up to the plate, though, then what's the point anyway? I shouldn't have to make it easy. So I don't know why I let myself think that I'm the problem.



Because I know there really is no problem, which leads into my next point.

2. God is preparing me. He is preparing My Man. He's teaching us, readying us. I am single because He is not ready to share me yet. He's letting the details fall into place, and through my doubt, He is most definitely teaching me patience. I am obviously needing to learn how to wait. And it's not fair of me to expect any guy to be ready to handle my crazy self (yet).

Short and sweet, but my question is WHY CAN'T I JUST FIGURE THIS OUT AND REMEMBER IT? It's not that complicated. I know everything above^. I do. So the next time I start to have a little pity-party, feel free to tell me to take my own advice and read my blog.