Monday, December 23, 2013

Let It Go

Well. I'm back. Christmas is coming up and it has been super busy this past week! Then my computer went whack on me and I had to get it fixed. Now it's all good :)

So, tomorrow is Christmas! Yay!! I can't believe it's already here!! But I wont be talking about Christmas for this post. You will hear all about Christmas from family, friends, and pastors. So, I will not give you something else about it.

Today, I just wanted to talk about forgiveness. What is forgiveness? Why should we forgive? Is it really a big deal to forgive?

Forgiveness is, figuratively speaking, taking a wrong done to you and erasing it as it never existed. Just like Christ did for us when he died on the cross for our sins. He took his blood and put it over our sins and washed us white as snow. As if it we were never dirty.

We should forgive because Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). We are trying to live our life like Christ. Forgiveness is a part of that. It's hard, but not impossible. Yeah, people wrong us, but we wronged God 100 times worse, yet He forgave us. So, why is it so hard to forgive others?

It is a huge deal to forgive others! God tells us that we should. He says that if we forgive each other then He will forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). Don't you want the Creator of everything to forgive you? Especially when He is the Judge of your life and the only One that can say that you can go to heaven? I do.

I'm not saying that it is the easiest thing ever. I'm saying it's possible.

I started the "practice" of forgiving at a young age. I heard it preached many times in Sunday school and knew that I needed to forgive others if God was going to forgive me. So, it became a habit not long after. Now, forgiveness is one of my strong points in life. It makes things easier for me. I don't have to carry around the burden of being mad and upset with someone because I choose to forgive them.

Not saying that I am a perfect human being for being able to forgive. I'm not. I'm just saying that it is a huge peace for me because I do. It's not too late to start forgiving. You can get into the habit now. Just think of someone that has wronged you and let go of it.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The Family Tree and How It's Connected

Well, I am finally done with this semester of school! Yay!

Anyway...

So, my favorite holiday is coming up... Christmas!! I just love the feeling of Christmas. The lights and songs. They just get you in the Christmas spirit and makes you feel lively.

You hear all over the town/city that Jesus is the reason for the season! This is true. Very true. We are celebrating the birth of Christ when Christmas comes around. So, of course he is the reason for the season!

Though Jesus is the main person we should be thinking about this Christmas season, let us not forget all the other people that should be recognized.

First, Adam and Eve. We wouldn't have needed a Savior to be born if it weren't for them.
Second, Noah. He was the restart of human life.
Third, Abraham. He was promised to have a great nation come after him.
Fourth, Joseph. He trusted God through his trials and was also in the lineage of Christ.
Fifth, David. One of the greatest rulers because he was righteous in God's eyes and also apart of the lineage of Christ.
Sixth, Mary. She bore Jesus and was ridiculed for being pregnant before marriage!
Seventh, Joseph. He was Jesus' father and stuck by Mary.
Eighth, Gabriel. He was the angel of the Lord that appeared to Mary and Joseph.
Ninth, shepherds. They listened to the angels and went to worship Jesus as a little baby just as the angels told them to.
Tenth, wise men. They followed the star to find Jesus as a young boy.
Eleventh, King Herod. He wanted every baby boy killed because he was afraid of his throne being stolen.

No, I did not name all the people that were a big part of the Christmas story, but these are some of the most known people. We always think of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, wise men, and angels. We don't usually think about the others.

Why should we think of the other people? Because without them, the story would be different. The story could still exist, but it would not be the same. The way everything happened was because of the people from the beginning of time to the birth of Christ (and after). Shows you that God has a plan and purpose for people, even when they don't see it. It just might be for something later on in the future.

Just a thought I wanted to put out there.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Just An Update

Hey, y'all!

I have been so busy and distracted with school (end of the semester and finals are here), the holidays, and my 20th birthday. Sorry about not getting on for so long!

Tonight I don't have anything legit to say. Just want y'all to know that I'm still here. I will get back on in a day or so and do a legit post for you guys.

I have also decided to do this blog once a week instead of daily ('cause daily hasn't been working very well). It will be easier for me and I can have more to talk about each time and come up with new things a lot easier.

So, I hope Thanksgiving was great for you guys and hope the end of the school year is going well! Enjoy the Christmas music and lights!

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Put Your Trust in Christ

I've been reading in Genesis for the past days. You know what stuck out to me the most in the first few stories? Trust.

Trust is something huge. I personally don't like to trust many people with stuff. I have a handful of people that I do and can trust though. They know my secrets, they know my struggles, they know my mistakes, they know anyone and everyone I am crushing on, and pretty much everything. Trust is a huge thing for me. I love it when I can trust people with my stuff and when others can trust me with their stuff. It feels kind of awesome.

So, what about trust in Genesis stuck out to me? Well, trust in God. What each person in the Bible thought about and did when it came to trusting God.

Adam and Eve were the first two humans on earth. They trusted God to provide for them and take care of them, but they didn't trust God to obey what He said. They ate the fruit and were pretty much doomed for it.

Noah trusted God to take care of him and his family during the flood. Noah built the ark even when others were mocking him and just being rude. They were on the ark for a pretty long time, but Noah knew God would protect them. And God did. He provided for them after they came off the ark and blessed them. He even made a covenant with Noah to not ever flood the earth and used the rainbow as a sign of the promise.

Abram trusted God to have the land that he was promised. He went away from what he knew and went to different lands and God provided for the needs of his people. Abram didn't trust God to help him when he came to Egypt and lied to the pharaoh about Sarai being his wife. He didn't trust God to provide a child through Sarai when God said he would. Abraham (called that after God told him about him having a child through Sarai) trusted God later on with the child coming from his aging wife Sarah (called that after being promised to give birth to a son). Abraham trusted God to do His will when he went up the mountain to sacrifice his own son, Isaac, and he lived. God did everything He said He would for Him.

Lot did not trust God for land and he was taken prisoner. Lot did not trust God to bring him what he needed in his land and his own town was destroyed by God's angels. Lot trusted God when they ran away from Sodom and he was spared his life (because of his uncle Abraham), but his wife was turned into a pillar of salt because she didn't listen to God when He said "Do not look back."

So, why do I give you these examples? Because these people trusted God with pretty much their lives! And we can't even trust Him to provide for our little needs! We need to be able to place things in the hands of God and not worry. God promises that He will provide, we just need to trust Him. We need to go to the cross and lay everything at the feet of Jesus and say "Here, take this. It's too much for me to worry about, but I know that all I need to do is give it to you. So, do what you will and I trust you enough for me not to worry." And we need to just walk away and let God deal with it all. We can't do anything on our own, so why try? Trust God to be what you need and give what you need.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Where Can I Flee From Your Presence?

Do you believe that God is everywhere? That He is in heaven, on earth, inside of you, etc.? I mean, if you believe what The Book says, then of course you do! God is omnipresent. He is everywhere.

Ok. Well, then do you believe that God is in heaven AND hell? Harder question, right? Most people I know would answer "No!" in a heartbeat. Why would you say no? Because only sin belongs there? Only the ones that don't believe in God are there? Well, where's your proof of that? Yeah, the Bible talks about how unbelievers go to hell. It's the home of the devil when he gets thrown into hell in the end. Where does it say that it is only meant for that?

If you agree with the fact that God is everywhere, then you should believe that God is also in hell. Not His good, righteous, merciful, and loving side. No. His wrathful, vengeful, just, and angry side. He pours all His wrath into hell and on the people there. The Bible talks about how God gets angry and about His wrath. Where else, but hell, would he release all of it?

Now let's look at a passage that can help show you that God is everywhere...

Psalm 139:7-12
-Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
for the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

David wrote this passage in the Psalms. He says that God is everywhere and that he cannot hide from Him no matter where he goes. He can't go to heaven for God is there. He can't go to hell because He is there. The darkness is not dark to God. There is no where that a person can go that they are away from God.

Just a thought.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Monday, November 4, 2013

Eternal Life for Babies

Do infants go to heaven or not? Yes or no? And why would you say that?

That question was asked in my Sunday morning class yesterday. I thought I would biblically answer it now because the class didn't wanna get into an "argument" over this issue even though there is biblical proof pointing one way.

An infant's mind is not developed enough to understand right from wrong or understand the concept of heaven or hell or even saved or not saved. So, why would a just God send a helpless child to hell?

He doesn't. Now here is the biblical proof and examples...

Deuteronomy 1:39
-And the little ones that you said would be taken captive, your children who do not yet know good from bad -- they will enter the land. I will give it to them and they will take possession of it.

God knows that children do not understand what good or bad is and He lets them come to Him when they die at that age.

In 2 Samuel 12 it talks about King David's son being dead. David moaned for the death of his son, but then he had to stop because he finally realized that he would see him again. He said in verse 23 "...I will go to him, but he will not return to me." He knew that he would be going to heaven and that he would see his son again there.

Psalm 132:11 says "The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: one of the sons of your body I will set on your throne." One of the sons was going to be on David's own thrown in heaven.

God is a just and righteous God. He says that people have no excuse not to believe in Him when the evidence is all around us in nature. So, if we choose not to believe even when we see that beauty of His creation, then we will go to hell even if we haven't heard the gospel. The people that refuse to believe after seeing the creation are the one's that can comprehend it and their minds are developed enough. God is fair. He wont send a child to hell since he is too young to understand anything. It's not that the child wont listen and believe, it's that he can't comprehend it. So why would he be sent to hell for that?

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Thursday, October 31, 2013

When Can a Person Morally "Lose" Their Virginity?

I used to think that the Bible never said anything about being a virgin until marriage. I only heard of staying pure, but it never really explained what "pure" really meant. I knew not to have sexual relations with the same sex, not lusting, keeping my language what God would want, and all that. I knew those just because other verses in the Bible had talked specifically about them. I just never could find a verse that talked about saving your body for marriage. And then I did.

It's one of the verses in the beginning. In Genesis. It isn't as obvious, but it is implied in the verse.

Genesis 2:24
-That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

So, the man leaving "his father and mother to be united with his wife" is the marriage part. The part where a man publicly shows that he loves the woman and wants to spend the rest of his life with her and have a family. He leaves his parents so that they can both have a life together alone. And then the "they become one flesh" is the sexual intercourse. I mean, it's not the greatest verse to show you specifically what God's plan was. But you don't see people in the Bible not getting married before sex unless they are a harlot or prostitute. Throughout the Bible, the man and woman see each other and fall in love and then get married. And then they have kids. This is the most clear verse of what God wanted though. He would have said it differently if He didn't care if you had sex with anyone you wanted before sex, but He said it the way it is.

Short post tonight, but just something simple I thought I would bring up.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Body Attached at the Cord

Pro-choice or pro-life? And why?

Well, if you chose pro-choice, you might have some good reasons. I mean, it's your body, shouldn't you do what you want with it? It's only tissue inside of me, what's the big deal if I get rid of it? It's not like I was going to keep a baby, so why bring one into this world if I don't want the kid?

Honestly, I love being able to choose what I do with my own body. If I wanna get piercings, I will get piercings (if I have money). If I wanna get a tattoo or two, I will get the tattoo (if I have money). If I choose to bruise myself, don't stop me. If I choose to cut myself, don't get in the way. And the list goes on and on.

So, of course you can do whatever you want with your body! Some aren't bad (piercings and tattoos) if not used for bad reasons and some are harmful (bruising and cutting) and aren't the best things for you to do. But it is your body and you can do whatever you want.

I am pro-life and I will use the three examples of why some people are pro-choice to explain why.

First of all, abortion has nothing to do with you physically. Abortion has to do with the baby inside of you. I mean, you aint killing yourself, are you? No. You are killing the person inside of you.

Second, if you want to say that the organism inside you is a tissue, then a heartbeat means nothing to you. At three weeks, the heart is beating for the baby inside the womb. This is the stage that the baby starts developing different parts of the body. How does a tissue start having a heartbeat and human parts? It's only tissue, right? It is so much more than tissue.

Third, there are more options after birth. You can keep the baby if you want, but there is the option of putting the child up for adoption. Or even foster care. So, don't make the excuse of not wanting to keep the baby. You don't have to after you give birth to the precious child.

Now, I know that a girl can get pregnant in different circumstances. Sometimes it is not just consensual sex. Sometimes a girl could have been raped or some other form of disgusting perverted sexual intercourse. And it is sad when it happens and the girl has to suffer for it. I do understand that there are situations where it was not the girl's fault that she got pregnant.

Even so, why end a life just because yours was messed with? Yeah, it was not your fault that you got pregnant, but you are pregnant. You have a baby inside of you. What good and logical reason do you have for killing a human being? Because God could have stopped the pregnancy if He wanted, but He didn't for a reason. Don't mess with God's precious child that he forms inside of you just because you were violated. Be the bigger person and have the child and put them up for adoption if you don't want them.

One of my favorite passages of the Bible is Psalm 139. It is one of the most deep and encouraging passages I have ever read in the Bible. It talks about how God knows us. He loves us. He is there whenever we need Him. It talks about all His great qualities pretty much. I want to share a few of the verses from this passage for you guys.

Psalm 139:13-16
-For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
you works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

I don't know about you, but that is pretty powerful right there. I mean, God created each and every one of us and "knit" us together in the womb. We were not hidden from God for one second, even though our parents were not able to see us. He saw us before we were completely formed! Oh my gosh! That's so amazing to think about! He saw us for what and who we were: a HUMAN BEING. Now, this next part is what really gets me and gets a knot stuck in my throat. "All the days ordained for mr were written in your book before one of them came to be." Guys! God planned out the lives of each and every one of us while we were still a fetus, embryo, etc. and we are down here on earth not thinking about what our baby could be! God cares so much about that baby that He planned the life of the child before we even gave one thought about them. That shows how much God cares for that "tissue" with a beating heart and functioning organs and body parts.

So, why would we choose to be pro-choice after knowing all that information? Why would we call that organism inside of us a tissue after reading the facts about them? Why would we want to get rid of something that is worthless to us when it is so precious to God?

Think about that next time you say you are pro-choice. And defend the defenseless next time you are up against someone that announces that they are pro-choice. Speak up for the babies that can't defend themselves.

I am pro-life!

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Here are two links for you guys. The first is a video of the development of the baby and the second gives detail of what happens each month and how the baby develops. Please click on the links and look at them :)

Baby Process from 0 months to 9 months
Fetal Developments:Stages of Growth



Saturday, October 26, 2013

Rest and Renew

Hey y'all! So, I did not post yesterday. I apologize for that. I was sick and resting so that I could feel better. And I did feel better and I got to go to the fair! It was an enjoyable time.

So, today I thought I would talk about resting. Everyone likes to rest and relax. It's a good thing to do. You need to do it so that you don't get too stressed or too tired. Yes, we are to work as hard as we can so that we can please God, but there wouldn't be rest in this world if God didn't want us to rest. Sometimes God will go as far as exhausting you because you wont rest and then you will just pass out. Then you will get some rest. Not the greatest way, but God has his ways of getting you to rest.

So, how do I know that rest is a good thing? Well, look through the whole Bible. You will find many different verses and times when rest was needed and God provided it.

First of all, guys, God Himself rested! In Genesis 2 he rested on the seventh day after He finished with His creation. Now that must tell you something right there. God is the most powerful Being and HE rested! Woah! So, of course we need rest if God actually rested. We are weak and helpless compared to Him.

Here are a few verses that you can look up for yourself on rest:

Exodus 33:14
Psalm 62:1
Hebrews 4:10-11
Mark 6:31
Proverbs 19:23

There are so many more, but I will leave it at that and you guys can look up more if you want.

Some of the verses I gave had to do with physical rest. You lay back and put your feet up with a cup of hot tea and a good book.

The other verses talk about Spiritual rest. Even your spirit needs rest from this cruel world. That's where you just go to God and lay it at His feet. You just talk and lay back while God talks to you. He holds back any Spiritual work that needs to be done or any Spiritual battle that needs to be fought.

Sometimes, though, we think we need rest and don't get it. That's because we truly don't need that rest and we need to keep going and grow stronger with what we are doing. God knows when we need rest. He will give us rest when we NEED the rest versus when we WANT the rest. So, just because you aren't getting the rest you want, it doesn't mean that God is keeping you from what is good for you. He is just making you stronger and helping you to become a better person in the work and fight. So, keep going!

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Just An Update

Hey guys.

So, I am going to be taking a little break from blogging for a little while. I need to figure some things out with myself before I publicly start posting and make myself a hypocrite. I am going to be trying to find myself and get to the place that I need to be. I don't know when I will be back, but keep looking out for any posts.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Monday, October 14, 2013

Guard You Mind

"[Television] poisons the minds of our young people...with destructive messages of casual violence and even more casual sex."
-Bob Dole (former Senator and Republican presidential candidate)

Oh gosh! Is that not true?! Television influences us more than we wanna think about. Just like everything else we see. It's sad, but so true.

We are an influential species. We do what we see. He say what we hear. It's just how it has been since we were babies. It's in our blood.

But there are things in life that we should not listen to or follow after. For instance, when you see someone kill someone on a show, yeah, you might get some adrenaline going and all, but it does not mean you should go and kill someone. Well, duh! But it gets in our head and we can get violent because of things we have seen on TV. Not to the point of killing, but we might hit or punch or something along the lines. TV makes it seem like violence is okay and normal. Guys! It's not unless it's for defense purposes.

Then you do have the casual sex. So freaking much! A guy takes a girl out for a date and then he walks her to her house. He says bye and then she stops him and gives him "the look" and he goes in after her. It wont show anything, but you know exactly what is happening in there. Then you have other shows (or movies) of teenage girl hanging out with the guy. They are making out and then the next thing you know, they are on the bed. She has her shirt off and he's got his off. Then he takes off his pants and her pants and they go for it.

Holy crap! No wonder this generation and the ones after are going off and getting pregnant and getting themselves STDs and all. Not because they "don't wear protection" but because they are having sex. They see it on TV and think that it's okay (even though they are sneaking around with it).

So, why watch stuff like that if you are going to get influenced? Why not watch things that will influence you in other ways? I mean, if it is truly influencing you in those ways, why keep watching them unless you want to be considered violent or a whore?

But I'm not in charge of what you do. I mean, I watch stuff like that also. Not gonna lie. And I should definitely think about what I am putting into my mind more than I do. You can do whatever you want though, but just think about what it does to you.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Scars

Five years ago I had started cutting myself. I was feeling low and lifeless. I was feeling broken and unloved. I just wasn't feeling anything good. I felt numb to things on the outside and on the inside I was dying. So, I decided that I wanted to feel something on the outside.

Not only that, but I felt like my parents were controlling everything in my life. I had no freedom. I couldn't have space away from my parents because I was under their watch 24/7. I could not stand feeling like I was trapped and had no control over anything. So, I started to feel like I had control over something because no one would be able to stop me from cutting.

What did it do though? Did it help me at all? Did it change the situation?

It did nothing, but give me scars. I mean, yeah, it felt "good" for the time being, but it wasn't doing anything. It didn't come close to helping me, just wounding me even more. It changed the situation for sure! For the worst. I got even lower and felt like everything was going to get worse. I didn't see anything good coming from the situation.I just kept making myself worse physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I was getting low.

I quit cutting about half a year ago. And it has opened my eyes. I aint as low as I used to be and I can live life without being depressed.

Guys. Harming yourself doesn't help at all. You can't hurt the temple that God made. You are God's and He doesn't want you to destroy yourself. So, instead get some help and talk to someone. Pray to God and poor out your heart on how you feel and what is happening in life.

That's it for tonight, y'all.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Saturday, October 12, 2013

The Struggle (Personal)

Posting a little earlier than usual, but I felt like I wouldn't post if I did it the usual time.

This post, I just want to be honest with y'all.

Right now, I have been struggling with three different things in my life. One of these things I have struggled with since elementary school, another since 8th grade, and the last has been a recent thing. They are so difficult to control and it's hard to not fall for me.

The point of me bringing this up is to let you guys know that even as I do this blog, I am not perfect and I fail at things all the time. I mess up and have temptations arise and I struggle with different things. So, I am just like you. I have my oh so many struggles that can be hard to handle.

So, like I've said before, this blog is for me as much as it is for you guys. I need help in my life with all the junk in my life also. I can't do things on my own and need that support and encouragement.

That's all for today. Just wanted y'all to know that I don't do this blog because I think I have it all together. Because I don't have it together at all and aint near to having it together. I am human. That's about it.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Friday, October 11, 2013

Nobody's Perfect

Ok. Hope everyone is doing well. I am back again.

So, have you ever made a mistake and regretted it after the fact? Like, you were torn up about it and didn't know how to handle it?

Well, that's good! You need to have the regret! It shows that God is pulling at your heart to let you know that something needs to change and you are noticing Him.

So, what do you do with this regret? Because sometimes you really don't know what to do.

First, go to God and lay the regret at His feet. Admit that you have done something wrong and ask Him to help you and forgive you. Second, forgive yourself and get into your mind that you don't want to make that mistake again because it will suck so much more when it happens again. Third, talk to someone like a friend that will not judge you for it because you are going to need accountability. Fourth, talk to an older adult that you trust and let them help lead you the right way and keep you accountable. Lastly, don't just make a plan to change, but take the first steps in changing.

Now, not saying that you wont trip or fall sometimes, but it does not mean you just stay down and mope around. You need to get back up and keep going. If you trip or fall, it just shows that you were moving towards the goal and you are closer than before. So, keep getting closer and don't give up even if you have to crawl part of the way. As long as you are moving, you are doing great.

And don't forget that everyone makes mistakes too and it is not just you. You aren't alone in this, guys! So, don't fret with that. But don't use that as excuse to keep making the same mistake because many people will get into their heads "Oh, it's okay and no big deal since I'm not the only one making this mistake." Oh my gosh! Heck to the no! You are your own person and should not be doing something because of someone else! And it's not okay to keep making the same mistake and it's a huge deal if you keep doing it on purpose! You need to change and get on the right path!

You can do it, my friends! Listen to the regret and get on the right path with the help of God and others! And don't give up!

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Godly Influence

Took another nice long break again for the weekend! It was great! And I'm back again.

So, what godly women are in your life? Who do you see as a godly woman? And why would you say that she is a godly woman?

Everyone needs godly women in their lives. It helps a girl to grow spiritually if she has that influence in her life. We as young women need godly women (at least one older) to help us develop and grow the relationship with God and to be able to become great godly women as well.

I personally have one godly woman that is older that I talk to on a weekly basis and many friends that are some of the most godly women I know. They encourage me in my walk with God and show me what it looks like to be what God's wants.

I encourage you to get those godly women in your life.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Monday, September 30, 2013

You've Got A Friend In Me

I'm back! I took a nice break from life and went to Liberty University for the weekend. It was great! And definitely what I needed.

After the weekend I kept thinking about friends. Like, what friends do I have near me that help me out in good ways? I don't really have any. I have friends at Liberty, but not here at home that will lead me and walk with me in a good direction.

So, who are your friends? Do you have good role model friends? You need good friends around you. The people you hang out with most are the ones that you will become like. So, you need the ones that will help you become a good Christian trying to do the best you can.

Sometimes it's hard to say "no" to certain friends that you are around all the time, but you need to if they are ones that are bringing you down a bad path. You need to get rid of those friends and get some good friends that will bring you up to a good path.

That's about it for tonight. Just a little short and sweet tonight.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Don't Give Up

You know what can really get old real quick? Working hard. Sometimes you just get too tired to try your best with something. You get lazy and do the bare minimum.

The thing is, that's not what we should do! We need to try our best at everything we do. Everything we do needs to glorify God. And if we aint doing our best, is that glorifying God? No!

If we don't do our best in different things, we fail ourselves. And God doesn't want us to fail. He wants us to succeed and wants the best for us.

Here are some verses that talk about working hard:

Colossians 3:23- "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"

Proverbs 14:23- "All work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

James 2:17- "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

And we all know that we are going to get tired and lazy. So here are some verses for when you feel like you can't do it:

Luke 1:37- "Nothing is impossible with God."

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

God wants you to do the best you can! And He is there if you ever need help. All you need to do is ask. He will help you. Just try your hardest and get through everything doing whatever you can to succeed!

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13




Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Take A Break From the Battle

Sometimes you just need to get away from the world. And that aint such a bad thing. It's good to have a break. Do something that makes you happy and hang out with people that don't bring you down.

Today I did that. Had the greatest time. And it was truly something I have needed. I hung out with one of my best friends and a guy from school. We had so many laughs and fun moments. It was just a booster for me to keep going with life.

It's great to be able to do things like that. Sometimes life just knocks you down and you don't want to get up again. You just need a break from it. And a little good, clean fun can give you the energy and momentum you need.

Some people will tell you that you just need to keep fighting through life. Guys, when you fight your whole life you are going to need breaks in your life so that you can chill and regain some energy. You can't just keep fighting non-stop. You will get beaten to a pulp. No one is strong enough to keep up with life's many twists and turns. Everyone needs a break.

So, don't hesitate to take a break. And not a break from school. Choose a weekend or something just to chill and hang out with friends and regain that strength to deal with life. You will need it every once in a while.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The Greatest Relationship Ever

What's the most important thing to you? You know what should be the most important thing? A relationship with Christ. And not just the kind where you just pray for stuff you want. No! The kind where God is your best friend! You go to Him just to talk about life and your day. The kind of relationship everyone wants.

The problem is that many people don't actually have that kind of relationship with God. They use Him as a vending machine instead of a friend. They go and ask Him for help and then go away until they need something else from Him.

God does not want that! In the beginning He created human beings so that He could have relationships with them. He doesn't need humans, but He wants them.

So, next time you need someone to talk to, God is there even when no one else is. He wants you to come to Him for whatever reason. He enjoys that relationship with you. So why throw away that relationship?

Take hold of that relationship and improve it! It's the greatest relationship you will ever have.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Monday, September 23, 2013

Your Thoughts Affect Your Actions

What's your thought life like? Honestly. What do you think about on a regular basis?

Did you know that what you think can become action? Legit. You will think something, then you will feel it emotionally (goes to the heart), and then you will act upon it. Guys, the brain, heart, and body all work together.
 
    A little side note: Thoughts begin with what you hear or see. 

So, let's say your thought is "I hate that chick!" Well, you will think about how you hate her (not that you necessarily do truly hate her at first), then you will truly feel the hate arise every time you see her and all, and then you will probably ignore her or even say some words to her that you wouldn't want someone to say to you.

Ok, not the greatest example. I know. So here's another one...
Say you start to think that you are worthless or unloved. You then start to feel sad and depressed. You convince yourself that no one is there for you and that you are alone. You know what that leads to? It leads to cutting, drinking to the point of getting wasted, sex with anyone and everyone, drugs, and even suicide.

Now, say you think about porn a lot (because you watch it). You will begin to get excited over small things like a certain phrase or seeing something on TV or picture. Now you are emotionally involved. You keep thinking about it. Then you are by yourself with someone (of the opposite sex) and you start to joke around about sex. Next thing you know you are on the floor having intercourse with them. Whoop! Well, that escalated quickly...

It happens guys! So be careful what you put into your minds! I have to be extremely careful what I put into my mind because (I don't like to admit it) I am easily tempted and influenced. So, I really need to have boundaries and walls up in certain areas.

So, now let's say you see a young poor child in Africa on TV. You think about how you have so much and they have nothing. You start to feel bad for them and wish you could do something. You donate money to a missions program. Or even better, you physically go to Africa and help them out in whatever way you can.

Sounds great, doesn't it? If only we would start to think of what we could do in a good way rather than think of junk that will lead us to nothing good.

You hear/see something, you start to think about it, then you emotions kick in, and finally you take action. It's as simple as that. But it's true! Your thoughts affect your actions!! So think about what you think about. If you have trouble thinking about good things, talk to someone. That's what I need to do all the time. Guys! I'm not perfect! No where near it! This is still a struggle for me! It affects me so much because I don't think the greatest things about myself and situations, but I know I need to work on it and I try. Not gonna say that we wont slip sometimes, but that's why we need to start fixing our thought life before it gets too far.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Sunday, September 22, 2013

The Depression of Life

You ever have those days where you just feel so down? And worthless? And unloved? And ignored? I do. I will have plenty of those days. I will feel like life isn't even worth it. I'll think that my friends don't even care about me, so why should I care about myself? My parents aren't fully showing they care, so why should I?

Makes it hard to live life to the fullest though. You get blinded by the feelings of heartache and heartbreak. And you just want the feelings and emotions to end. You just want to be at peace. Or away from it all no matter what way it has to be.

You gears start turning and you imagine not even being alive. And thinking that it might be better if you truly were dead. And then you start to convince yourself that you should just die and get away from this world. I mean, I'm going to heaven anyway, right? So, why not?

The thing is, you don't determine when it's your time to go. God does. He knows when you have done what He has made you to do. He knows when He is ready for you to come home. So, why speed up the process if God hasn't gotten rid of you yet?

Life sucks, guys! But you gotta push through. You can't just give up because of crap in your life. You need to stand up, brush it off, and keep walking. You will get to the finish line soon enough with Jesus helping you along. And God will cheer for you when you cross it. So, don't give up just yet. You just got a little bit more living to do.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Just A Video

 
Enjoy the video y'all! Not the best video, but still :) 
God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Friday, September 20, 2013

Overcome the Temptation

Do you know how hard it is to say no to temptation? Of course you do! You deal with temptation every single day! And it sucks! It is so hard to do the right thing when it comes to being tempted. But it is possible to do the right thing and not give in to that temptation. So, how can you not give in?

The first thing you need to do when temptation arises is to run away! You can't just stand there and hope you kick temptation's butt because it is too risky. When Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph, you know what he did? He ran away. And God blessed him even when crap was happening to him. He was right under Pharaoh! That is like being vice president in America today! So, don't be alone with the opposite sex if you are being tempted to have sexual intercourse. Don't be online if you are tempted to get onto porn sites. Don't be near sharp objects if you are tempted to cut yourself. Just don't be around the temptation.

Second, you need to know who your friends are and who to listen to. Job had four different friends during the time everything was going downhill in his life. Three of his friends said that he did something wrong, God was punishing him, and he deserved what was happening to him. The fourth friend told him that he wasn't doing anything wrong and that he just needed to trust God. You know what Job decided to do? Well, he decided to listen to his fourth friend and trust in God. And God blessed him in the end. So, look around at your friends. Are they leading you the right way and telling you the right things? If you don't have the greatest of friends, I encourage you to find better friends to help encourage you to do the right thing.

Last year at school, I had to choose what friends I was going to hang out with. Honestly, I was going to look for the party people and crack heads just so I could go and have some "fun" while in college. The thing is, those aren't the people I was friends with. I gained the greatest Christian girl friends I could ever have asked for. They were completely opposite of what I was going for, but they were so much more fun and much better. I was encouraged by them to do the right thing and to keep living life. I wouldn't trade them for anything because they have helped me grow so much in every way.

Lastly, and most importantly, have a relationship with Christ. You will have a harder time if you are going it alone. God can be that help and strength when you need it. When you are being tempted, go to God and ask Him to help you out. God is always there and He wants you to go to Him. He loves it when His children need Him. You are His child and He is your Father and He wants to be there for you. So why throw away that relationship and help because you think you don't need it? It's just not worth it, ya'll! You need Him.

So, run away from the temptation, get friends that will encourage you the right way, and have that relationship with your Lord and Savior. They all work together to help you win over that temptation. And it's always a great feeling when you can overcome it.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Thursday, September 19, 2013

A State of Depression


"Do they see what I go through?
Can they see the cuts in my arm?
The scars that show the hurt I feel?
Do they know about all the harm?

Do they see the hurt in my eyes?
The pain I hide inside?
Do they notice the tears I hold back?
Do they know where this pain resides?

The depression I feel,
From the loneliness all around,
Brings me lower than ever before
And makes the sadness abound."

This was a poem I wrote in the beginning of this year. I was depressed. I cut myself. I faked a smile all the time. I didn't let anyone know. I honestly was holding back tears. I was in a low part in my life.

I started to get depressed five years ago. I felt like I was unloved by my parents. I felt unwanted by certain people. I felt alone. I just felt like I was dead inside and nothing could bring me back to life. All I could feel was the pain inside. And I wanted to feel something more than that.

I started to cut myself so that I could feel something on the outside. I also started abusing pain killers to help with my cutting. I started to get numb from the pain and it started to feel good. I saw the blood and enjoyed the feeling I got from the pain. I didn't want it to feel good. I wanted it to hurt. I wanted to feel the pain of the cuts. 

I stopped for a bit after a few months and then relapsed after a couple of months. The summer before my first year of college I stopped again. January of this year I relapsed again after Christmas break. After a few times I finally woke up and was like "What the heck?! I was gonna stop this!" So, I went to one of my friends and gave her my sharp objects (scissors, pocket knives, etc), but it did not stop me. I started using anything I could find to cut myself. I started abusing my pain killers I had and then gave them to my friend. 

One night I finally texted that friend and told her that I was tired of how I was feeling and wanted to be the joyful person I was years ago. She came and let me talk to her. She listened and just was there for me. I just let her know about my depression and she was the first person I had ever told. After, I felt a little relieved and it felt good. 

About a week later I finally decided I truly was tired of being depressed. I was tired of the cutting. I was tired of it all. I was in my room alone (it was Easter day) and I skipped church. I got down on my knees in my room and just cried. I cried out to God and asked Him to help me. I told Him I wanted to be free of the crap in my life. The words that I said that I keep saying are "Take away this depression and sadness and give me joy and happiness." Right at that moment, I felt different and like a new person. I then just talked to God and poured out my heart. It was great.

From that day, I have been free of depression. Not saying I don't go through some junk that brings me down, but I am not depressed. Do you even know how awesome it feels?! Very!

So, if you are going through depression I would like to give you some advice. 

First, other people go through depression, y'all. You are not the only one. Some people hide it better than others. So, don't think you are alone in this fight. Second, it's okay to go to someone. I would recommend a close Christian friend that would actually care about it. One that would want to help you. And I know how hard it is to go to someone because I don't like people knowing about my crap all the time. Third, you can't do it alone. You might not like people helping, but you will need it. Even when friends knew about what I was going through, I didn't want help. Fourth, it's not worth getting to the point of wanting to die. Why would you think it anyway? Because life sucks? Well, yeah, it does. But you gotta live through it because it's worth it in the end. I know what it's like to just want to end the suffering, but I thank God that I didn't end my life. I enjoy life now. 

And now here's some verses for you that has helped me out:

Psalm 3:3
-But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
  my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

Philippians 4:8
-Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.

So, God is there and He will lift your head up. He doesn't want you to have your head down and not able to look and see everything around you that is beautiful. He wants you to think of good things. He doesn't want you to think of how horrible and depressed you feel. If you are thinking of all the good, are you thinking of all the bad? Not really. So, start thinking about the amazing things in life and not the sad stuff. It helps. It really does.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13



Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Beauty Comes From God

Ok. So, today I will start talking about self image.

I know so many girls in my life that have struggled (and still struggle) with their self image. They think they are fat, ugly, or just not good enough. Why have they thought these things? Well, they were bullied and made fun of when they were younger and even have people bullying them to this day. They started believing that they truly weren't pretty. They looked in the mirror and saw a below average looking girl. People would call them fat and they started to think "maybe I'm a little overweight" and then it escalated from there. And the struggle began.

I had one friend that had an eating disorder for a little bit because she thought she was fat and then another friend cut herself (and still does to this day). It's horrible to think that they would do this to themselves.

I see one of my friends and all I see is how cute and beautiful she is, but she still doesn't think that. I mean, she will thank me for saying it, but she doesn't fully believe it. It kills me to know she doesn't see her own beauty because she is truly a beautiful young lady.

I used to struggle with my self image when I was younger also. I thought I was ugly and too skinny and small. I got made fun of and it hurt. The people making fun of me were actually some of my friends and they truly didn't know how hard it hit me with their words. I can now say that I have gotten over my self image problem and found the beauty that God sees.

So, here are some verses that helped me get through my self image struggle:

Psalm 139:13-14
-For you created my inmost being;
  you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
  your works are wonderful,
  I know that full well.

Isaiah 43:4
-Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
  and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
  nations in exchange for your life.

Genesis 1:27
-So God created man in his own image,
  in the image of God he created him;
  male and female he created them.
14   

Guys! God created you! He spent time on you! He took 9 whole months to make you exactly what He wanted you to be! Why would you say you are ugly?! It's like slapping God (your Creator) in the face and saying "You suck at making things! Why the heck would you make me look like this?!" Wow! Why would you criticize God so harshly? God makes beautiful things, y'all. He doesn't make mistakes! 

And when other people say crap about you, God says that you are precious to HIM! He would exchange people just for you and nations for your own life!! Why care about what the creation thinks versus what the Creator thinks? He knew what He was doing and is proud of His work. He loves you more than anyone possibly can. Plus, the more creative and abnormal an artwork is, the more attention it gets because it is different! So, when people say "You are ugly!" just translate it to mean "Wow! You are different! How were you made?!" Sounds better, right? I mean, it truly doesn't matter what others think of you. Only what God thinks of you. It took me a long time to get this into my head.

Lastly, you were created in the image of God Himself!! Woah now! The image of God?! Uh, yeah! And God aint ugly, y'all. He is majestic and beautiful. If God aint ugly, you aint ugly! When people call you ugly, they call God ugly. Let them know that next time. Who wants to actually call the most powerful Being ugly?! Not even an idiot! 

One last thing. If you think you are overweight, then don't do crap to yourself. Fix it. Sometimes you just need to change your diet and work out. And not a diet where you eat nothing, but a diet with all the nutrients and proteins you need with a little less fat. Exercise along with it because it truly does help. And if you aint overweight, then people need to get some glasses if they are calling you fat. You are beautiful! 

If you struggle with self image, I encourage you to write down the verses above and put them in places you will see them. You need to see Truth from a perfect God and not be paying attention to lies of imperfect human beings.

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

My Family (Personal)

Tonight, I just want to talk about my family.

I have two wonderful parents, a twin sister, and an older brother. All three of us kids were adopted (sis and I were from Russia and bro was born in America). It is awesome to say that I was chosen by someone because I could still be in Russia to this day if my parents did not want me. So, I enjoy actually being apart of this family.

My parents have been married for many years and are still happily married. I love having a family with both parents. I have friends with divorced families and I see their lives. Nothing wrong with their lives, but it does make it harder on them in certain aspects. They have great parents and still have a great life, but it's a different kind of life in a way. And I do thank God that I have the kind of environment and lifestyle I have. I love my parents dearly, but I will get into arguments with them. I used to be distant from my parents for years, but recently I have grown extremely close to them. It's great. It honestly makes life easier with the relationship I have with them now.

My sister and I are fraternal twins and are completely opposite in every single way. We argue a lot, but do have a few loving moments where we can be in the same room together. We will listen to each other complain about the parental units sometimes and will help each other out many a times. I truly love my sister even though we don't always get along. I mean, she is the only biological family member I have (not that it makes a whole lot of difference). And she is my sister.

I look up to my brother. He is a great brother even with his flaws. I enjoy hanging out with him and riding in his car when he is going 70 in a 45mph zone... Kind of. I mean, there aint much to say about him. I just love him a lot and love being able to see him whenever he visits us for dinner or something. He is also probably the family member I enjoy hanging out with most because he is wild and free and isn't as "old fashioned" as the rest of the members in the household.

My family does mean the world to me. I don't always show it and will sometimes say crap about them, but I love them because they are mine. And that's about it for tonight :)

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Monday, September 16, 2013

The Purpose

To be honest, this blog is more for myself. Just to remind me to keep going and to not give up. I am the type of person that needs encouragement with life and events because I tend to not be able to accomplish much without it. So, I decided that I would start encouraging myself. And even when I don't have the friends to help me out, I will still have myself.

I will get into one of those drowsy and lifeless moods sometimes and will usually need some encouragement and a friend to push me along. I will get upset sometimes and will usually need a friend to help encourage me to calm down. I will just become a person someone doesn't want to hang out with and will usually need someone there to let me know that I need to chill and that I have people that care about me. Sometimes I don't get that encouragement I need and start veering off to somewhere I don't want to go. So, this blog is just a thing to help me keep going the way I need to go.

That's about it for tonight. Just want to be completely honest about the blog :)

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Friends Are Sisters Born of Another Mother

Here goes today's post :)

Well, I aint the greatest friend, to be honest. I will let my emotions blind me and take over. I have lost so many friends because of my emotions. Why? Because my emotions are extreme.

When I am happy, I am ecstatic. When I am sad, I am almost depressed. When I am angry, World War III is about to break loose. God made me to have emotions like that. I don't know why, but they sure as heck are hard to control.

I have lost friends because I would get mad at them (usually for nothing) and go with the flow of my emotions. I have lost friends because I was so blinded by a certain emotion I was feeling that I broke a promise (which I hate doing and am the type to hate broken promises). I was also just plain emotional and didn't pay attention to other people's emotions and feelings and lost a friend.

Though I have lost friends through these emotions, I have also gained friends. Not only do my extreme emotions make me lose friends, but they help me to gain friends. I have gained some of the greatest friends ever and would never trade them in for anything. I have gained so many friends because of my emotions. Why? Because my emotions are extreme.

When I call a person a friend, don't mess with them. When I love someone, no one and nothing can make me stop loving them. I protect my friends and stand up for them because I care about them so freaking much! You can say that I am that "clingy friend." And I probably am. But it's because I want to make sure they are okay and safe. I want to be there for them if they are upset. I want to be with them when they are rejoicing and celebrating. I want to be there for them. I don't want to miss anything in their lives. I just want to be there for them.

No, I aint the greatest friend if you can't handle extreme emotions and aren't willing to accept that I will make mistakes in the relationship. But I can be that one friend that will have your back and do anything for you because of how much I love my friends. I can be either friend to different people, but I can be a friend.

That's about it for tonight :)

God bless!!
Philippian 4:13

Saturday, September 14, 2013

I Am A Christian (Personal)

The most important thing I should say about myself is, I am a Christian. Yes, I believe that there is one true God. Yes, I believe that God made everything. Yes, I believe that God is everything He says He is in the Bible. Yes, I believe that God sent His only Son to earth to die for us. Yes, I believe that Christ died thinking of me and everyone else that was/is/will be saved. Yes, I believe that Jesus defeated death after three days. Yes, I believe that Jesus is now in heaven with God. Yes, I believe in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Yes, I believe that everyone is born a sinner. Yes, I believe that the only way to heaven is through Christ. Yes, I believe that once a Christian always a Christian. Yes, I believe that God forgives if you ask for forgiveness. Yes, I believe that I will go through hell on earth for being a Christian. Yes, I believe that I will be in heaven when I leave this earth. Yes, I believe Christ will come back and throw the devil into hell where he belongs. Yes, I believe that all unbelievers will go with the devil to hell. Yes, I believe it all.

And no, I am not perfect. No, I don't deserve this free gift of salvation. No, I don't always do what God wants me to do. No, I don't doubt that there is still hope even when I mess up. No, I'm not the perfect Christian. No, I never will be.

I try to do the right thing, but I have failed many a times. I want to do the best I can so that I don't feel the guilt. I try, but I accomplish it only with the help of Christ Jesus. Only one person has been that perfect Christian. That was Jesus Christ.

So, that's the most important thing about me, y'all.

God bless!
Philippians 4:13

Friday, September 13, 2013

Just Me (Personal)

So, this first few days I guess I will introduce myself so that you know exactly who is posting on this blog...

I was born in Russia and I was adopted at the age of 4 (almost 5) by a great Christian family. I have a twin sister and she was adopted before me. Though I may have a problem with my family sometimes, I love them so much. They are the ones that are there for me no matter what and love me even when I don't treat them the greatest. I couldn't ask for a better family.

I enjoy my friends and care the world for all my friends. I aint the greatest friend, but I try. I would do anything at all for my girls and if you mess with them, you mess with me. I love to see my friends happy and smiling even if I am having the crappiest day. They mean that much to me. I would also pretty much risk my life for my closest and best friends.

I am a college student at a community college right now. I am 19 (20 this coming December) and still have many child-like qualities :) I love to play on playgrounds (especially the swings), build tents in my room, and the like. I don't look my age (I look more like I am 14 or 15) and I personally enjoy it because of seeing the shock on people's faces when they hear I am an adult.

For today, that is pretty much it. My family, friends, and life right now for me should be good enough for you for one day. Enjoy the rest of the blog posts :)

God bless!!
Philippians 4:13


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Getting Started

This blog is just to be a reminder every day to live life to the fullest you can. Life is a gift and should be taken as such. Each post will be encouragement on living life, different struggles that may happen in life and ways that could help to overcome them, and just advice for different issues that people deal with. Some might be personal while others wont.

This is also going to be based on biblical principles, for I am a Christian and proudly admit it. I don't know who will actually be looking at this blog, but whoever does look at it, I hope you enjoy it and find it encouraging.

If there are any comments, questions, or concerns I do have a couple of emails and will include it on the bottom of this post. Enjoy this blog peeps!

Emails:
-eahowell@nc.rr.com
-lenahowell777@gmail.com