No discipline seems pleasant at the time…but I am not just talking about finals…

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11

I have been reading over this verse as I study for finals. It pretty much sums up studying for me – it isn’t pleasant, in fact, it can be pretty painful at times. But, I know that it will all be worth it, and I will feel at peace when all my finals are done.

However, I don’t just want to talk about finals in this post. I want to touch on some more important things in life as well.

The verse above is found in Hebrews 12, a passage about how God disciplines us for our spiritual good. There will be trails in our life, and we will be bogged down by sin, that is why looking to Jesus and keeping our focus on Him is so important.

Sin. We all commit it, sometimes without even knowing we are committing it. A sin that is easy to miss is one that I find myself personally committing on a regular basis – selfishness.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4

Being selfish has to do with being too focused on me instead of on Him and how He has called me to bless others.

So how do I stop being so selfish? Maybe by thinking of one thing nice I could do for someone else today, instead of freaking out about how much studying I have to do to get a good grade on this exam. Maybe it is focusing on what gifts I will bless others with this Christmas, instead of making a list of all the things I “need.” It is hard to take the focus off yourself, but remember…

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11

Now time for the best part of this post (and a time for a sentimental moment) – recognizing a few people in my life from the list of many that have done such a great job of taking the focus off of themselves, and in the process, blessing me greatly.

First is the worst (I hope you know I am kidding, I love you!)

 Zach – Thirty-one months ago you came into my life, and I couldn’t be happier. You have blessed me with your many puns, and on a more serious note, the way you care about me. Thanks for being my best friend.

First and one half (if that makes sense)…

Zach’s family – Along with dating Zach came meeting all his family, what a blessing! Some people don’t particularly like meeting their significant other’s family, but I have absolutely loved the experience. You have welcomed me into your home and invited me to family gatherings, shared stories, and blessed me by your kindness. Thank you. 

Second is the best.

Rachel – I can see God’s joy radiate just by being around you. You have definitely blessed me in more ways than I can count over my lifetime. If you could stop growing up I would really appreciate it.

Third is the one with the treasure chest.

My Family – Thanks for always being there, to laugh with me when things are funny and to support me and love me when things aren’t so funny. You don't get to choose your family, but I would have chosen you guys in a heartbeat if I had to make the decision. 

As we receive His blessing, and then in turn, take the focus off of ourselves to bless others…

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2

May He be your One Strength. All glory to Him. 

In Him

Spending time with God, being in Him, looks different every time. Often times after a busy week, I make sure to block off time to sit down and have protected time with God. I sit down someplace, usually with a cup of coffee, with expectations of exactly how this time is going to look, but it rarely ever goes exactly how I plan. God has different plans. I end up giving someone a call or writing a friend an email, or getting up and going for a walk instead of sitting down and solely reading the Bible or writing. And this is ok, because when God leads me a different way during my quiet time, I remember that I am to be a blessing to others. To get outside of myself, and interact with the world around me. To take His blessings and pass it on. It is a reminder that no matter where we are or what we are doing, we can always be in Him. We just have to make that simple choice to follow Him and where He is leading us.

This Christmas season…

Let’s remember to remain in Him. Making time to remember what the season means, and that without Him we cannot do what He has called us to do.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. – John 15:4

Let’s learn to be content, in all circumstances. We can get caught up in “if only this could happen or if I could just get this for Christmas, I would be so much happier.” God has provided us with so much already, let us remember to use what we already have to bless others, not get caught up in having more.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. – Philippians 4:12

Let’s remember that because we are in Him, we can overcome. Reflecting on past holiday seasons, remembering those special people that won’t be joining us at the family gathering this year, can sometimes bring up feelings of sorrow. The realization of what is happening in our world today may bring feelings of fear, and thinking about what is ahead for the next year might make us feel anxious.

I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

We are to be blessed, be satisfied and be in Him.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  – John 10:10

It’s not about me

It is not about me. It is not about what I can do with my own strength. It is about what I can do through Christ who strengthens me. I want to live my life with God in the center, He being the sole purpose in where I am and what I am doing.

With this, I would like to talk a little bit about this blog. What does each blog post mean to me? It means me pouring out what is on my mind and heart and putting it into words. It gives me the ability to use my writing skills in a way that touches others. I want it to mean more to God though. I want Him to work through me, and for His name to be glorified with every single post. I want His name to be uplifted more than my own.

This is really hard sometimes, especially since often times I am writing about myself. However, my goal is that you may read my posts, and not just think about me, but also relate my story to your own. Know that each post is intended for good and my purpose is not to have the spotlight on me, but to help God’s name be glorified.

We are doing a series in my church called “Honor: Reclaiming what matters most in life.” It is about honoring the Ten Commandments, and therefore, honoring God in tandem. Last week the message was about lying. How do we honor truth in today’s society? We shall not lie to one another, but in reality, that is easier said than done. I also want to take this idea of honoring truth here to this blog. I think truth in written words can be very powerful, and that is what I am trying to do through this blog, share truth. By putting my unique spin and integrating my experiences into this blog, I am able to make finding truth and meaning personal, but with all the spotlight on Him.

Truth in today’s world can be hard to find. Honestly speaking, I struggle day in and day out to keep good, biblical thoughts in my mind all day long. It just doesn’t happen, lies always sink in. And I think for those who have been reading my blog, you understand that about me. In this blog, I integrate the twisted and untruthful things in life, putting them on the table, and trying to see if there is a way to turn them around because I know with God, there is always a way.

Truth is important, and I want to bring that into the light. The biggest truth I want to bring into light is that our lives don’t revolve around us and how much we do on this Earth, but how much we do for Him and how much His name is glorified. I hope that through this post, you may come to understand more of my purpose and intentions for this blog, and that your sights may be set on His truths in your own life. 

A flashback to a relaxing Saturday morning…

I am sitting down this morning, a crisp Saturday morning in October, knowing I want and need to spend time with the Lord.

It was a busy and exhausting week, like many weeks this fall, and I did not have much time to sit down and talk to God. I have a million other things I could be doing right now. I could sleep more or do one of my tasks written in my planner. There is always something to get a head start on. But I know, right now, I need to do none of those things. I feel a tugging at my heart to just sit down, relax, and let God’s Word press into me.

So I found a spot in the house, where I couldn’t get distracted with anything or by anyone. I have my cup of coffee beside me and here I am, ready to go. Alright God, I’m ready.

I am expecting a grand revelation to come over me right now, but nothing is happening. I am confused and wondering what to do.

I have been sitting here for a few minutes now wondering what I should be doing, wondering what God wants me to be doing – should I just sit here and listen to music, write in my journal, read my Bible or articles online? I am unsure of what God wants from me today.

I have now started looking at articles online, still wondering if I am doing this “God time” right.

I landed on a good one, a Christian article titled “what am I supposed to be doing with my life?” It seems to fit what I am thinking and feeling right now. I am finally realizing what I was worrying about this whole time is silly…

God doesn’t care how we come to Him, whether it is through song, prayer or His Word. He just wants us to come to Him, with all our needs and burdens. He wants us to come just the way we are. He will speak to us, just don’t always expect to do nothing in order for that to happen. God still wants us to take action.

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28

This fall has been more than I can handle at points. Many times I feel disappointed in my words or actions due to sin and not focusing on God enough. I want more God, I just don’t know how or where to start a lot of the time. Sometimes, I even worry that I am not good enough to go back to God, that I haven’t spent enough time with Him so when I do block off a chunk of time to spend with Him, He won’t take me back.

I know this all isn’t true, but sometimes that isn’t enough to stop me from thinking these thoughts. God accepts us for who we are and wherever we are at. We know this is true, but do we always believe it deep in our hearts?

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know this full well. ~ Psalm 139:14

Before we were even born, we were accepted and loved forever by our Heavenly Father. We aren’t perfect, but we are enough. We are always enough to go back to God with all that we are, all that we have been, and all that we want to be.

How do you define yourself?

Do you ever feel like a terrible person when you need to back out of something you said you would do? Or when you try to do something, but you can’t do it to your best?

A lot of times, we see ourselves through the stuff we do, we define ourselves by those standards. And when we do that, others see us that way too. So when we feel like we have failed at whatever we doing, our positive self-image becomes very rusty and it is hard to see ourselves for who we truly are.

You are not defined by what you do, but by who you are in Christ.

Focus on that truth. Focus on the things of heaven, not of earth.

You can’t do everything. You aren’t here to please everyone. You aren’t even here to please yourself all the time! You are here to honor God by obeying His commands, so that when it comes to the end of your life, you can hear the words of “well done, good and faithful servant.”

When you fail to please, when you disappoint, God still loves you and sees you the same.

Lord, forgive me for those times I feel I have failed and then think poorly of myself. Help me to see myself the way You see me. Help me not to get caught up in the expectations of others, but help me to focus on honoring You and becoming more and more like Jesus every day. I am in this world, but not of the world. My identity lies in You. 

Amongst all the craziness...

It has been a busy couple of weeks. Transitioning to the school environment has been a challenge, and I already feel like more is piling on me then what I can handle.

But what is unique about being a student is that everyone is in the same boat. We all have schoolwork, and many of us have other activities or jobs outside of school. We also have our interests and passions, or the things we like to do outside of responsibilities that make us happy and feel relaxed. Life seems to be a balancing act, and the goal is to keep it all together and not topple over.

Although we are all students with responsibilities, the differentiation comes in the way we look at the tasks piled up in front of us – “this is impossible” or “I can do this.”

I have a feeling that through all the craziness, God is teaching us something.

Amongst all the craziness, I know God is there.

He is teaching me how to succeed, and almost more importantly, how to fail.

How to not be a perfectionist.

How to have too much to do, and make the decision – what is most important? What am I willing to sacrifice?

What is actually most important to you?

Whatever you do, do for the glory of God.

But put God’s kingdom first. Do what He wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you. So don’t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:33-34

Do the best with what is in front of you, and be ok with imperfection.

FAITH

               What is faith?

                              Why is it important?

                                             How do I have faith?

I recently learned that Hebrews 11 and 12 are the “faith” chapters of the Bible. A review of these chapters instigated my personal reflection on this vital attribute – “faith” - which I say I have, but really not sure what that means all the time.

Here are some simple words and key concepts that came out of some reflection…

Faith.

It is not my “religion.”

               It is not a hobby of mine.

                              It is not just something I practice on Sunday mornings.

But it is the way I try to live my life day-to-day – leaning on and trusting in God.

Sometimes I lack it, some days I need it more than others, but it is always there

               even if it is just a small glimpse.

Walk by Faith.

Knowing that He, the Almighty One, has a plan far greater than my own.

               He is in control.

I believe, I trust in the unseen,

               knowing that He is there.

This is hard – to give up everything, to give up your own ways,

               but I am striving to get better.

Just Keep Going.

There will be hurt and hardships – I will endure them (Hebrews 12:7).

Keep going.

Take a step of faith, and then, one by one, I will be running.

               Running the race He has set before me (Hebrews 12:1).

Not giving up, but looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

With faith and God’s grace, we can do all things He has set before us.

Life update on Sarah: I started my sophomore year of college this week – and I am making one of my goals this year to truly try to live by faith each and every day.

The worst is actually the best. The best can sometimes be the worst.

          The attributes of God’s greatest gifts

How does this make sense? How can the worst thing in my life also be the best? I think with a little explanation, you will understand what I am trying to say, and I hope that you also find connections to this odd contradiction in your own life.

The greatest harm,

               But the best rewards.

The hardest times,

               But the best miracles.

The loudest cries,

               But the biggest smiles.

Family

               Work

                              School

                                             Relationships

These things can bring me to tears of hurt and frustration, yet at the same time, leave me thanking God for giving them to me, for I could not live this wonderful life without them.

These things in life that cause us both sadness and happiness, pain and pure joy are exactly this – God’s greatest blessings. But how can a gift so brilliant also cause so much hurt?

Well, there are many things in the Bible that contradict like this. For example…

When I am weak, I am strong

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

The contradiction here is: “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Explained in these verses, during times of weakness, the power of the Holy Spirit rests in us, giving us the strength and the courage to overcome any difficulty. Times of weakness give God’s true power the opportunity to be displayed in a magnificent way.

There is a time for everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

               A time to be born and a time to die,

               A time to plant and a time to uproot,

               A time to kill and a time to heal,

               A time to tear down and a time to build,

               A time to weep and a time to laugh,

               A time to mourn and a time to dance,

               A time to scatter stones and time to gather them,

               A time to embrace and time to refrain from embracing,

               A time to search and a time to give up,

               A time to keep and a time to throw away,

               A time to tear and a time to mend,

               A time to be silent and a time to speak,

               A time to love and a time to hate,

               A time for war and a time for peace.

                              ~ Ecclesiastes 3: 1-9

I really like these verses in Ecclesiastes, my favorite being “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” These verses help us to understand that 1) there is a time for everything and 2) what God has given us, the world around us, can cause us to both “weep” and “laugh”, “mourn” and “dance.”

So yes, it just so could be that God’s greatest gifts are those that sometimes cause us great pain, but at other times great joy. With that, when something is causing us pain, let us try and remember that His power is made strong in our weakness, and that the very thing causing us pain could be one of God’s greatest blessings.

Patience. Trust. Perseverance.

Relax, Sarah – Chill out – Just wait – Be patient!

When my mind is racing, and when I am starting to have a nervous breakdown, these are phrases that I often hear people say to me, but for some reason, they don’t help all that much. Even though they are natural words to help get me to calm down while I am displaying these emotions, they tend to escalate my feelings of anxiousness and impatience instead of diminish them.

Why is this happening, I don’t understand. Why can’t I know what to do right at this moment?

This is what is most likely going through my mind at those times I don’t understand why something is happening, and when I don’t know what to do about it. Or when I am looking ahead at my unknown future and just want to know what is going to happen next.

So during these times, the words “Just be patient, Sarah” usually aren’t as effective as the person saying them wishes them to be (I'm sorry to admit that for those of you that have said this to me - no hard feelings!). Maybe it is because they don’t explain why I need to be patient, the “reward” I will receive by just being patient.

Patience is linked to trust– trusting that God has your life in His hands. The truth is, He has great plans in store for you, so there is no need to worry about what is ahead. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11. But trusting in God’s plan is much easier said than done, for me at least. I found that this second link helped me to understand the importance of patience even more.

Hebrews 10:36 reads, You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Persevere by definition is “to continue a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.” To me, perseverance requires both patience (“the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset”) and complete trust in God’s mighty power and incredible plan for your life. By persevering through any trial, you will “receive what he has promised.” In other words, you will receive your “reward.” Perseverance is a value of mine: something that is very important to me, influences the decisions I make, and defines my character. Linking perseverance (an attribute I feel pretty strong in) to patience (an attribute I don’t enjoy practicing as much) gives me more confidence that I can be patient. It makes being patient not seem so bad!

To me, linking patience, trust and perseverance together makes sense. It explains the importance of being patient in God’s timing (which is never early or late, but always just right), and trusting in His will when you don’t know all the details.

It explains why in the midst of a trial, all three of these attributes are tested and strengthened.

Patience. Trust. Perseverance. – This week, I challenge you to display all three of these attributes in a new way, whether it is in your relationships, in the midst of a trial you are facing right now, or working them into your day to day activities. May these attributes grow stronger and lead you ever more closer to the presence and will of our Heavenly Father.

A year ago today, this blog was created, my first work was posted, and a dream was launched.

Throughout this year, there have been words of affirmation that God is real and present, and ones of pain and suffering followed by comforting and encouragement.

I have learned a lot about myself through the starting of this blog, and I hope you as a reader learned a little bit more about me too. But more importantly, I hope you received a little hope from time to time, some insight, and a whole lot more love for our awesome God through the reading of this blog.

Just for old times’ sake, here is a flashback to my very first blog post:

One Strength: The Inspiration behind the Title

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

“There is no way I will be able to pass this final exam.”

“I don’t think I can get through a full day of work today.”

“I have so much to do, and so little time.”

“I don’t have the will and the patience to deal with this right now.”

“I am not strong enough to stand up to them.”

“I am too afraid to share and defend my faith.”

“This is too much for me to handle.”

I am sure all of you have told yourself something along these lines multiple times in your lifetime, I know I have. Situations in life can sometimes knock you down, and allow your strength, power, and confidence to dwindle.

But just when you think you can’t get back up again, God is right there saying: “Yes you can, because you got me.” During rough times, times when you feel you are lacking the strength to just get through the day, or even do what is right, we need to remember who is our ultimate strength; God. God is our One Strength.  

Today’s post is dedicated to remembering where this blog started, with this one simple post explaining the meaning and importance of the title One Strength, and the 55 posts that have followed it. Through this blog, God has worked in and through me, changing me from the inside-out. I am eternally grateful for this ability to share what God has pressed on my heart throughout the year through One Strength.

But I cannot talk about how wonderful a year it has been without mentioning those very important people I wish to thank. First of all, thank you Lord, for being faithful and giving me the ability to write. Thank you to each member of my family, for reading my posts, always supporting me and sharing my blog with others. To Zach, for helping me get this blog idea off the ground, and encouraging me ever since. And to all my friends and readers, thank you for supporting One Strength by reading, commenting and sharing my blog for the purpose spreading the love of Christ.

I am once again excited for a second year of blog writing, and have dreams to do with my writing something powerful for the ministry of Jesus Christ. As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any comments you have, and what you would like to see from One Strength in this next year.

God bless!

Which will you tune into?

I am trying the best I can, but my best isn’t good enough. I am too grumpy or uptight or controlling. I’m not smart enough to understand, not strong enough to handle it.

I wish I was better, I wish I wasn’t here right now. Whether I try or don’t try, I still lose.

If someone could only understand the me I am trying to be, why I try so hard, why I act the way I do. If only they could see inside my head, because I can’t put it into words. Then, someone would understand...

_____________________________________________________

I am God’s child, I am beloved. I am wonderfully and perfectly made in His image. I am strong. I am worth it.

I am here for a reason, I need to keep trying. I am casting my cares on Him, for He cares for me. He loves me no matter what the outcome. He wants effort, not a perfect performance.

He understands that I am trying, and He understands that I will fail sometimes. But He is still there, and He knows what is going to happen even before I do. When I can’t put it into words, He still understands, because my God is powerful and His knowledge is beyond all measures.

I hope the answer is obvious, and through this realization, your mindset is renewed.

I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there too – your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful – I can’t take it all in! ~ Psalm 139:5-6

Can you even go one day without…

Standing in awe of His beautiful creation?

Seeing Him through the good deed of a neighbor?

Feeling His presence through the kind words of a stranger?

Speaking the words, “I love you”?

Being grateful for loving friends and family?

Asking God for strength?

Pleading with Him for healing?

Relying on Him for help?

Submitting to His Word with doubts?

If we can’t even go one day without doing any of these things, why should we?

We cannot go a day without falling to our knees in surrender.

Our health, doubts, struggles and the hardships of day to day life can get us down, and these are the times when we find ourselves falling to our knees in surrender. Sometimes knowingly, sometimes unconsciously, like it is the last option we have. Although, falling to our knees in surrender shouldn’t feel like our very last option, what we do when all else fails, because God is always there. We need to surrender to Him with our worries, doubts and struggles on a daily basis. He will comfort us.

We cannot go a day without throwing up our hands in praise.

As much as this life is hard, it is also beautiful. We can’t but help to see His beauty all around us – through the Earth under our feet and the people we interact with day to day. Too often we give the glory of what seems our creations – a job promotion, our children, our home – to ourselves, when it is ultimately God who did the heavy lifting. We are His handymen, and He is the creator, creating good works for us to do. Give God the glory, for He is the creator of all good things.

Combine both of these elements into your day to day life, just like this verse combines praise and comfort.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ~ 2 Corinthians 1: 3-5

Our God is good. 

Surrender to Him daily, and praise Him just as much. 

I just want to fix it

Isn’t there always something in our lives that needs to be fixed?

A broken relationship…A sinful habit…A lost passion…An unforgiving heart

When something goes wrong, my first instinct is to want to fix it; right away. But a lot of things don’t work that way – they can’t be fixed in an instant.  So instead, I think of the long process that needs to happen in order for it to be fixed, and I plan it out exactly how I want it to happen. What can I say, I am a fixer and a planner.

But life doesn’t work that way either – a lot of the time we can’t fix it, but God can. Not by my work, but by His. Not by my doing, but by the doing of my Heavenly Father. And by pressing into Him, maybe you will have the privilege of seeing God’s divine miracle, his marvelous healing, unfold in your life.

You can’t fix it – but God can.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:6

So I know He can fix it, but when is He going to do it? When will He mend the wound? When will he restore your relationship, help you turn away from that sinful habit, rediscover your talents or renew your heart?

Only He himself knows.

So when the battle just doesn’t seem to end soon enough, keep pressing on. God already picked the time you, and ultimately He, will win it.

But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. – Micah 7:7

Don’t Shatter God’s Gifts

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:17

We all have those gifts in our lives that are more important to us than any material object could ever be – a family member, best friend, good health, job or place.

I could name multiple gifts in my life that were given to me by my Heavenly Father…relationships, family, a place to call home, a summer job…but more often than I would like to admit, I take these gifts for granted, forgetting to thank Him for giving me so many special gifts that I am far from deserving. And even at points, I break these gifts. I get angry at a friend, wish I had a different job, or get jealous of someone else’s home. They begin to fall apart, and yes, sometimes even shatter.

But after realizing what I have done, God, with His oh so great mercy and faithfulness, peacefully puts the gifts back together. He makes them new again. He restores my relationship with my friend, gives me hope and patience at my job, and helps me to be extremely grateful for my home. He fixes them up so that I don’t ever want to break them again.

And even though we ought to break our gifts from time to time…we may doubt, we may get jealous, we may get angry…God will always put them back together.

But with God on our side, let’s try the best we can to keep God’s gifts He has given to us from shattering in the first place.

FIRST: From Ephesians 6:13-17: Put on the “full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” When doubts begin to fill your mind, put on the “belt of truth” and the “helmet of salvation”, to remind you of what God’s Word says – that His gifts are precious and perfect, and He will make all things new. When things begin to get shaky in your relationship, take up the “shield of faith”, in which you can fend off all temptations. And when you just feel overwhelmed at your job, don’t forget to put the “gospel of peace” in your back pocket.

SECOND: Don’t let sin creep in and tear you away from keeping God at the center of your interactions with you special gifts. Do not become proud or boastful, jealous or rude. Pray that God is at the center of your family, relationships, job, home, and all the special gifts in your life.

THIRD: PRAISE HIM every single day for the special gifts only He could give you. Give thanks always. 

You changed me without even knowing

You came into my life at a time I wasn’t expecting it. But the funny thing is, the timing was perfect.

From the moment you swept in, you began shaping me, molding me, and changing me into someone new, someone better. You were changing me from the very beginning, and you didn’t even know it. That’s because you didn’t have to try to help me become better, you just had the ability to do it from the get-go.

You taught me things I could only learn from you. You showed me places I didn’t even know existed, places I didn’t even know we could travel to.

Without you, this blog may not exist, since you were the one who inspired me to start it. You have encouraged me to take up new hobbies such as painting and cooking, and to continue to dig deep into writing, to become a writer. You showed me that doing the hobbies I love don’t only benefit myself, but also those around me.

I find myself taking on new challenges, laughing like crazy, and feeling pure joy when I am with you.

Around you, I am the me I want to be. 

Surprises

I celebrated my birthday last week; and as we all know, with birthday celebrations come lots and lots of surprises.

“Life is full of surprises” is a common phrase, and isn’t it the truth! If you think about it, there is one mini surprise after another each and every day. Bumping into a friend at the grocery store, getting off of work 30 mins early…But what about those big surprises that really throw us off guard?

God puts things in our lives we aren’t expecting, things that aren’t in our plan. Sometimes we feel called to do something that we feel a little uncomfortable with, something new. So what do we do? We pray, take God’s hand, and walk the path He has put in front of us. Our life, our journey with God, is full of surprises.

And here’s the thing about surprises: Although they may make you feel confused, anxious and uncomfortable at first, they are always good. Has anyone ever walked into a surprise birthday party and after taking in the sight of a room filled with family and friends felt lousy and sad? I would hope not. In most cases, the person being surprised feels loved and happy! And that is how God surprises us and that is how He wants us to feel. Because in the end, ultimately, it is always going to be good.

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

So what we need to do is embrace God’s surprises, and trust and truly believe in the fact that His plans are good.

With that, I would like to encourage you to go outside your comfort zone today. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into situations where you might feel slightly uncomfortable, and see what surprises God has in store for you along the way.