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.