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

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

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

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

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

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

Just A Video

 

Enjoy the video y'all! Not the best video, but still :) 

God bless!!

Philippians 4:13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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