I think fear has been a big part of my life and I have just realized that within the past couple years (and I am almost 32) when I was diagnosed with anxiety. God put me in a work atmosphere where I was always so fearful-so panicky and I didn't know why. He then showed me that I have anxiety.
It hit me then that I probably have had anxiety for most of my life. It all made sense to me and I didn't know why I hadn't connected anxiety with how I was feeling before. It has stopped me from doing things(missed opportunities), hanging out with people, speaking up etc...... and I really wanted to break free from this Fear that anxiety has brought into my life. Anxiety is still there but I recognize it (with discernment) now.
Have you heard that song "Our God" by Chris Tomlin
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against
I love this song. I mean I have heard this verse before but when this song came out this verse had more meaning to me. If God is right there with us and for us then why should we be afraid? (I know it is harder then it sounds-I am not trying to make it sound easy).....but it is something that I think of when I have some anxiety going on.
Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
One thing that happened in the past few weeks is that I started a new job. A job 2 1/2 years in the making..hehe! And always on the first day you are always a little nervous and maybe a tad fearful. I have been doing retail for the past 2 1/2 years and now I am doing Data Entry at a well known facillity. I haven't ever had an office job-I have always been in customer service type jobs. So this wa s a brand new professional experience.
Within the first week I was like whoa am I really going to be able to do this should I go back to my old job which I knew i was good at (pricing in the fashion dept)? Then I was like NO. I wasn't going to let fear get to me. And now that I have been there for a few weeks I have realized that I don't really have a lot of anxiety there. I do work retail mon and wed nights and I notice right away that I am panicky there.
I have been on meds for a few weeks and I have noticed that my panickyness has gotten better and then I think of that song/verse. And I tell myself-what am I so afraid of? And honestly I think that it is because I am afraid that a customer will come up to me and ask me questions that I don't know the answer to and I panic (sounds dumb I know)......and I don't like cashiering and sometimes I get called up to help-I do have anxiety up there.....
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" Deuteronomy 31:6
God is bigger then anything. And if God is giving you a passion for something then you shouldn't let fear get in the way of it or any insecurities you may have. If God is for us then who could ever stop us? If it is God tellling you to do something don't be afraid because the only one stopping you is probably yourself.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Sidewalk Prophets - You Love Me Anyway
This song really touches me whenever I hear it. There are some things in my life that I probably shouldn't have done (haven't we all?) We disobey God all the time and yet He love us NO MATTER WHAT! I mean we seriously were those people who were yelling "crucify him" and yet He still loves us, gives us grace, and blesses us. It gives me chills just to think about that.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Loneliness
Feeling lonely is never a fun thing. Whether it is about being single or feeling like you have no one to talk to. I know for me I'm one of those people who can feel lonely in a crowded place. It has been something I have struggled with and today as well.
And when we're lonely it is always a common thing to throw a pity party. We tell ourselves "No one cares about me" or maybe "why does everyone else have a boyfriend/girlfriend but me?" The truth is we never should feel lonely, because God is always there. He doesn't want us to feel lonely. He wants to use us for His Glory and if all we do is throw "pity parties" we aren't allowing Him to do that.
Relationships:
In 2007, I got a divorce and I became single after 5 1/2 years of marriage. I felt like I was going backwards in my life. All my friends were falling in love, getting married, and having children I was now single. And 4 years later I am still single. I'll be honest I have had some "pity parties" in these past years. But at the same time God has grown me a ton also.
My divorce ended because of emotional abuse (even though he would never admit that) and because of that kind of abuse I had a lot of baggage. God knew that I needed some "healing time" from that and He also knew that I needed some alone time with God. And if I had someone in my life I wouldn't have had the healing that I needed and the awesome moments I have had with God these past years.
God has shown me a lot about myself. He is teaching me about my strengths and has laid some awesome things on my heart. The guy in my life would have been a possible distraction and God wanted me to Himself for a little while. And honestly I have really treasured these past few years focusing on God and healing and growing. I know that it is all in God's perfect timing that He will bring that special person into my life.....tomorrow maybe?(hehe).
Focus and Serving:
One thing I have learned is that when I am lonely I get held captive by the thought of loneliness. But I don't have to be trapped by the thought I am lonely. That thought is from the enemy. God places things on our hearts and He wants us to do these things.
So the next time you are lonely ask yourself "what is my passion?" What has God placed on your heart to focus on? Is serving on your heart? Are you the type of person who likes to work with kids?
This blog is on my heart. I have always loved to write and I haven't in a long time but since I started this blog my love for writing has resurfaced. So the next time you have a "pity party" and feel like you have no one refocus on something that God has laid on your heart.
"Each one of us should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1Peter 4: 10,11
This is a reminder that God is always there and He know you:
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." Psalm 139: 7-10
And when we're lonely it is always a common thing to throw a pity party. We tell ourselves "No one cares about me" or maybe "why does everyone else have a boyfriend/girlfriend but me?" The truth is we never should feel lonely, because God is always there. He doesn't want us to feel lonely. He wants to use us for His Glory and if all we do is throw "pity parties" we aren't allowing Him to do that.
Relationships:
In 2007, I got a divorce and I became single after 5 1/2 years of marriage. I felt like I was going backwards in my life. All my friends were falling in love, getting married, and having children I was now single. And 4 years later I am still single. I'll be honest I have had some "pity parties" in these past years. But at the same time God has grown me a ton also.
My divorce ended because of emotional abuse (even though he would never admit that) and because of that kind of abuse I had a lot of baggage. God knew that I needed some "healing time" from that and He also knew that I needed some alone time with God. And if I had someone in my life I wouldn't have had the healing that I needed and the awesome moments I have had with God these past years.
God has shown me a lot about myself. He is teaching me about my strengths and has laid some awesome things on my heart. The guy in my life would have been a possible distraction and God wanted me to Himself for a little while. And honestly I have really treasured these past few years focusing on God and healing and growing. I know that it is all in God's perfect timing that He will bring that special person into my life.....tomorrow maybe?(hehe).
Focus and Serving:
One thing I have learned is that when I am lonely I get held captive by the thought of loneliness. But I don't have to be trapped by the thought I am lonely. That thought is from the enemy. God places things on our hearts and He wants us to do these things.
So the next time you are lonely ask yourself "what is my passion?" What has God placed on your heart to focus on? Is serving on your heart? Are you the type of person who likes to work with kids?
This blog is on my heart. I have always loved to write and I haven't in a long time but since I started this blog my love for writing has resurfaced. So the next time you have a "pity party" and feel like you have no one refocus on something that God has laid on your heart.
"Each one of us should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1Peter 4: 10,11
This is a reminder that God is always there and He know you:
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." Psalm 139: 7-10
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Faith
I wrote this back in December and I thought I would share it :)
Hello! I read "My Utmost for His Highest" a devotional by Oswald Chambers every morning and there have been a couple days that have really stood out to me in the past couple weeks. I thought I would share.
They have to do with faith.
As for me I am really saddened when I hear people losing their faith in God. I am not saying I have perfect faith all the time or anything. Right now I am struggling with some things and I of course get frustrated, but I know that God is there. He really truly has shown me that He loves me and He is guiding me through some things I am working on in myself. He teaches me things everyday by reading His word and prayer.
There are some things right now that I don't understand or situations I am in that I get upset about, but I do know that I am growing in these situations and that all God wants is for us to come to Him in these situations that cause us sadness or anger (as well as in happy times of course).
I don't know everything or understand everything but I do know that God doesn't want to bring us harm. He wants to give us abundant life and we have to learn to Trust instead of pushing Him away. And trusting God isn't always easy-believe me. It's a day to day process-a daily surrender. But by this surrender even in the darkest of times God will bring you joy. I know that first hand!
"my utmost..."
It is the will of God that human beings should get into a right standing relationship with Him and His covenants are designed for this purpose. Why doesn't God save me? He has accomplished and provided for my salvation but I have not entered into a relationship with Him. Why doesn't God do everything we ask? He has done it. The point is-will I step into that covenant relationship with Him. All the great blessings of God are finished and complete, but they are not mine until I enter into a relationship with Him on the basis of His covenant.
Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief. It means that I have no faith in Him. I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that. But God won't do it because that is not the basis of the God-and-man-relationship. Man must go beyond the physical body and feelings in his covenant with God just as God goes beyone Himself in reaching out with His covenant to man. It is a question of faith in God-a very rare thing. We only have faith in our feelings. Ex. "I don't believe God until He puts something tangible in my hand so that I know I have it." Then I say, "Now I believe" There is not faith in that. God says, " Look to Me, and be saved......" Isaiah 45:22
When I have really transacted business with God on the basis of His covenant, letting everything else go, there is no sense of personal acievement-no human ingredient in it at all. Instead there is a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God and my life is transformed and radiates peace and joy.
"my utmost......"
Being faithful to God is the most hardest thing we try to do today. We will be faithful to our work, to serving others, or to anything else, but when it comes down to being faithful to God it is the most hardest thing-don't ask me to do that. We treat God as if He were a machine designed only to bless us. The goal of faithfullness is not that we will do the work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us.
Katie: I am not here to judge other people-I have no right to do that-I have plenty of plank in my eye-I am just here to share and perhaps bless you with these words.
Hello! I read "My Utmost for His Highest" a devotional by Oswald Chambers every morning and there have been a couple days that have really stood out to me in the past couple weeks. I thought I would share.
They have to do with faith.
As for me I am really saddened when I hear people losing their faith in God. I am not saying I have perfect faith all the time or anything. Right now I am struggling with some things and I of course get frustrated, but I know that God is there. He really truly has shown me that He loves me and He is guiding me through some things I am working on in myself. He teaches me things everyday by reading His word and prayer.
There are some things right now that I don't understand or situations I am in that I get upset about, but I do know that I am growing in these situations and that all God wants is for us to come to Him in these situations that cause us sadness or anger (as well as in happy times of course).
I don't know everything or understand everything but I do know that God doesn't want to bring us harm. He wants to give us abundant life and we have to learn to Trust instead of pushing Him away. And trusting God isn't always easy-believe me. It's a day to day process-a daily surrender. But by this surrender even in the darkest of times God will bring you joy. I know that first hand!
"my utmost..."
It is the will of God that human beings should get into a right standing relationship with Him and His covenants are designed for this purpose. Why doesn't God save me? He has accomplished and provided for my salvation but I have not entered into a relationship with Him. Why doesn't God do everything we ask? He has done it. The point is-will I step into that covenant relationship with Him. All the great blessings of God are finished and complete, but they are not mine until I enter into a relationship with Him on the basis of His covenant.
Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief. It means that I have no faith in Him. I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that. But God won't do it because that is not the basis of the God-and-man-relationship. Man must go beyond the physical body and feelings in his covenant with God just as God goes beyone Himself in reaching out with His covenant to man. It is a question of faith in God-a very rare thing. We only have faith in our feelings. Ex. "I don't believe God until He puts something tangible in my hand so that I know I have it." Then I say, "Now I believe" There is not faith in that. God says, " Look to Me, and be saved......" Isaiah 45:22
When I have really transacted business with God on the basis of His covenant, letting everything else go, there is no sense of personal acievement-no human ingredient in it at all. Instead there is a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God and my life is transformed and radiates peace and joy.
"my utmost......"
Being faithful to God is the most hardest thing we try to do today. We will be faithful to our work, to serving others, or to anything else, but when it comes down to being faithful to God it is the most hardest thing-don't ask me to do that. We treat God as if He were a machine designed only to bless us. The goal of faithfullness is not that we will do the work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us.
Katie: I am not here to judge other people-I have no right to do that-I have plenty of plank in my eye-I am just here to share and perhaps bless you with these words.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Jewelry Project
Hey all! I know I haven't written in a while but that is about to change :)
Right now I am working on a jewelry project. I am creating some necklaces to help raise money for an organization. Sex(Human) Trafficking is really big on my heart and I want to help get those girls(and boys) out of that situation. My contact person is out of town this week so hopefully in the next couple weeks I will get some information on where to donate and ways I can help out. Please be praying for this and I will be blogging again very shortly. Thanks!
Right now I am working on a jewelry project. I am creating some necklaces to help raise money for an organization. Sex(Human) Trafficking is really big on my heart and I want to help get those girls(and boys) out of that situation. My contact person is out of town this week so hopefully in the next couple weeks I will get some information on where to donate and ways I can help out. Please be praying for this and I will be blogging again very shortly. Thanks!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Stronger by Mandisa (From the Upcoming Album "What If We Were Real")
This is my theme song right now. Every circumstance we go through God uses to make us stronger even though it might not be fun at times.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Forgiveness
Have you ever been in a situation where someone hurt your feelings really bad and all of these emotions filled up inside-sadness, anger, confusion, etc?
I am assuming we all have had that happen. I bet when that happens to anyone their first reaction is hardly to forgive them. We may sit and dwell on it for a while or wait and see if that person comes up and apologizes first. Sometimes our emotions and hurtness overpower us and that creates a hardened heart. It is okay to be hurt-that's natural-but the longer we dwell on it the more the enemy can use that to take us captive. And as long as we are holding on to that anger, unforgiveness, etc. the more the enemy has control over us.
God wants us to forgive others. He wants us to be free. I just finished the bible study "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore and it is all about being held captive by some thing in your life and breaking free from it. Here is a quote from the study. "A christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her/him" And it could be a lot of different things (my big one is anxiety). But I do know that a lot of people have a hard time forgiving people.
Some people find it hard to forgive people because in way they are accepting that it is okay for someone to hurt them. And forgiveness doesn't mean that we have to accept that hurt. But we have to accept that the hurt that is leading us to unforgiveness comes from the enemy.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers , against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spirtual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
I can forgive people because of this verse because I know that whatever hurt comes my way I know that it is just part of the battle with the enemy not the human that hurts me. So I have found that I can separate the two.
The more I hold on to unforgiveness the more the enemy wins-the human who hurt me doesn't win. The human probably doesn't even think about it-he's over it all ready. You're not getting back at the person by not forgiving them when they probably don't think about what they have done to you anymore. Your anger, sadness, unforgiveness is only hurting you. It holds you captive. It creates in you a hardened heart. And it may effect others around you.
God's Forgiveness
We have to remember that none of us our perfect. We don't deserve God's forgiveness but He forgives us all the time. We hurt Him on a daily basis. And when we hurt Him he hurts 100 times more then when we are hurt by someone. So think of a time when you were hurt-you are pretty hurt(your heart feels stomped on) and times that by 100 and that is how God feels when we hurt Him. And yet He can forgive us.
I am not perfect at forgiving people right away-I have to pray to God on a daily basis and ask for help. Help to let go of this anger, hurt. "Lord, help me to let go of this (fill in the blank) more and more everyday." I want to be free. I want to live the spirit-filled life God has in store for me. And when I let unforgiveness take control of me I become bitter and angry. And I seriously hate that feeling of being angry.
And if you have been having feelings of unforgiveness for a long time and are out of touch with that person I don't really think that you have to "hunt" that person down but tell God that you forgive that person. And if there is an opportunity to talk to that person-take it.
Questions
Is not forgiving someone taking over your life? Is it making you bitter and creating a hardened heart? If so what is stopping you from forgiveness? Is your unforgiveness effecting the ones around you?
"Lord, help me to forgive (fill in the blank). Create in me a softened heart so I can live a spirit-filled life."
I am assuming we all have had that happen. I bet when that happens to anyone their first reaction is hardly to forgive them. We may sit and dwell on it for a while or wait and see if that person comes up and apologizes first. Sometimes our emotions and hurtness overpower us and that creates a hardened heart. It is okay to be hurt-that's natural-but the longer we dwell on it the more the enemy can use that to take us captive. And as long as we are holding on to that anger, unforgiveness, etc. the more the enemy has control over us.
God wants us to forgive others. He wants us to be free. I just finished the bible study "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore and it is all about being held captive by some thing in your life and breaking free from it. Here is a quote from the study. "A christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her/him" And it could be a lot of different things (my big one is anxiety). But I do know that a lot of people have a hard time forgiving people.
Some people find it hard to forgive people because in way they are accepting that it is okay for someone to hurt them. And forgiveness doesn't mean that we have to accept that hurt. But we have to accept that the hurt that is leading us to unforgiveness comes from the enemy.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers , against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spirtual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
I can forgive people because of this verse because I know that whatever hurt comes my way I know that it is just part of the battle with the enemy not the human that hurts me. So I have found that I can separate the two.
The more I hold on to unforgiveness the more the enemy wins-the human who hurt me doesn't win. The human probably doesn't even think about it-he's over it all ready. You're not getting back at the person by not forgiving them when they probably don't think about what they have done to you anymore. Your anger, sadness, unforgiveness is only hurting you. It holds you captive. It creates in you a hardened heart. And it may effect others around you.
God's Forgiveness
We have to remember that none of us our perfect. We don't deserve God's forgiveness but He forgives us all the time. We hurt Him on a daily basis. And when we hurt Him he hurts 100 times more then when we are hurt by someone. So think of a time when you were hurt-you are pretty hurt(your heart feels stomped on) and times that by 100 and that is how God feels when we hurt Him. And yet He can forgive us.
I am not perfect at forgiving people right away-I have to pray to God on a daily basis and ask for help. Help to let go of this anger, hurt. "Lord, help me to let go of this (fill in the blank) more and more everyday." I want to be free. I want to live the spirit-filled life God has in store for me. And when I let unforgiveness take control of me I become bitter and angry. And I seriously hate that feeling of being angry.
And if you have been having feelings of unforgiveness for a long time and are out of touch with that person I don't really think that you have to "hunt" that person down but tell God that you forgive that person. And if there is an opportunity to talk to that person-take it.
Questions
Is not forgiving someone taking over your life? Is it making you bitter and creating a hardened heart? If so what is stopping you from forgiveness? Is your unforgiveness effecting the ones around you?
"Lord, help me to forgive (fill in the blank). Create in me a softened heart so I can live a spirit-filled life."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Prayers and Questions for "Purpose" and "Mind"
"Purpose" Questions and Prayers
Praying doesn't have to be intimidating but it does have to be genuine. It also can be simple and short when you don't know what else to say. I'm going to share some prayers that you can say with each post. I forgot to post some for "Purpose".
"Lord lead me in a direction that is pleasing and honoring to you"
"Lord, help me gain wisdom so I can find the direction that you want me to take."
Questions:
Are you seeking God's purpose for your life? If not what is holding you back from doing so? Be honest(tell God why).
And remember you are never too old to seek His purpose for your life.
God has a purpose for each of us and it is even more beautiful and wonderful then we could ever imagine.
Part 2: "Mind" Questions
Who are you listening to for advice/influence? Are they inspired by the Truth (God's Word) or the World?
Is the enemy controlling your mind in a certain area (for example: stubborness, lust, low self-esteem, unforgiveness, anger)? Ask God for deliverance and Help to let go of these.
Praying doesn't have to be intimidating but it does have to be genuine. It also can be simple and short when you don't know what else to say. I'm going to share some prayers that you can say with each post. I forgot to post some for "Purpose".
"Lord lead me in a direction that is pleasing and honoring to you"
"Lord, help me gain wisdom so I can find the direction that you want me to take."
Questions:
Are you seeking God's purpose for your life? If not what is holding you back from doing so? Be honest(tell God why).
And remember you are never too old to seek His purpose for your life.
God has a purpose for each of us and it is even more beautiful and wonderful then we could ever imagine.
Part 2: "Mind" Questions
Who are you listening to for advice/influence? Are they inspired by the Truth (God's Word) or the World?
Is the enemy controlling your mind in a certain area (for example: stubborness, lust, low self-esteem, unforgiveness, anger)? Ask God for deliverance and Help to let go of these.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Mind
The mind can be a very interesting thing. People have been studying it for years. It is a very powerful tool. It is where we think, feel, perceive, judge and it is also where our enemy (the devil) likes to reside....................................................................................................................................................... The enemy likes to use it for his purposes. And when he is in control of our mind destructive things might happen. Now I am not talking about being possessed by the devil and having an exorcism. But I am telling you that the enemy is real. (I call the devil the enemy). He is very real. The enemy uses our minds by telling us it's okay to do this or that when it really isn't. "Everyone is doing it so it must be okay" "Everything is permissable but not everything is beneficial" 1corinthians 10:23 God did give us free will but when He tells us not to do something He means it. The outcome of our disobedience isn't always the greatest......................................................................................................................................................... Ways the enemy uses our minds:
And I am here to share with you that you can break out of those thought patterns. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve God's will-his good, pleasing and perfect will" Romans 12: 1-2
I am not saying that all of a sudden you will snap out of these patterns but by being in the Word daily and being around Godly people it will renew your mind. By being in God's Word it will help us focus on what is true and we will be LESS likely to listen to what the enemy tells us is true. I emphasized less because we will still fall and make mistakes.
"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what the nature desires; but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of a sinful man is death, but those controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile toward God." Romans 8: 5-7
I don't know about you but I want to live and have peace.
"Get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." James 1:21
I do know that there is a lot of temptation out there and it might seem fun and harmless but by listening to God's word-the Truth-it brings life to the Fullest. The enemy is out there to steal, kill and destroy and the enemy's biggest tool and influence is the mind. I don't want the enemy to win over my mind. I want God to win over my mind....I am not perfect but I have grown a lot in my thought life and recognizing and being more aware of ways that the enemy works in my mind.
Prayer: Dear God please help me to focus my mind on you. Help me to stray away from the enemy's lies and help me to listen to you and your promises.
- He can use trashy television shows to lure us into a lustful thought life and lifestyle
- He can use peer pressure to lure us into a life of alcohol and drug abuse
- He can use bullying to lure us into a life full of low self-esteem
- He can use an emotionally abusive husband to lure you into thinking that everything is your fault and something must be wrong with you.
And I am here to share with you that you can break out of those thought patterns. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve God's will-his good, pleasing and perfect will" Romans 12: 1-2
I am not saying that all of a sudden you will snap out of these patterns but by being in the Word daily and being around Godly people it will renew your mind. By being in God's Word it will help us focus on what is true and we will be LESS likely to listen to what the enemy tells us is true. I emphasized less because we will still fall and make mistakes.
"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what the nature desires; but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of a sinful man is death, but those controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile toward God." Romans 8: 5-7
I don't know about you but I want to live and have peace.
"Get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." James 1:21
I do know that there is a lot of temptation out there and it might seem fun and harmless but by listening to God's word-the Truth-it brings life to the Fullest. The enemy is out there to steal, kill and destroy and the enemy's biggest tool and influence is the mind. I don't want the enemy to win over my mind. I want God to win over my mind....I am not perfect but I have grown a lot in my thought life and recognizing and being more aware of ways that the enemy works in my mind.
Prayer: Dear God please help me to focus my mind on you. Help me to stray away from the enemy's lies and help me to listen to you and your promises.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Purpose
Have you ever asked yourself "what is my purpose in this life?" I know I have and I still ask that question now. And then I make a list of goals that I want to pursue and achieve. But sometimes I leave out a very important piece to my goals........God! I go on without consulting Him on the plans-leaving Him out. And then when one of my goals does not go as planned I always wonder why.
Our purpose in life is to get to know God first and foremost but it also goes hand in hand with the Great Commision. Matthew 28: 19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."
These go hand in hand because if we KNOW God then we will go out and make disciples and teach them about His commands to us. We WILL go out because we WANT to not because we feel like we HAVE to. The more and more we know Him the more we are excited to share Him with others. At least that is how it is with me.
Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart". This is a popular verse. By getting to know God then His desires for you will be your desires.
I don't necessarily know where God is leading me right now and it has been a struggle. But I do know that if I hold on to Him and draw closer to Him everyday then He will show me the direction that He wants me to go.
"Draw close to God and God will draw close to you." James 4:8 NLT
About a year and a half ago wherever I went God would say this to me "Katie draw close to me" and I was like "I am close to you" and I would ignore it but then I would keep hearing it and I was like "I am close to you, how am I not" And then He showed me and you know what He was right. I thought I was a lot closer to Him then I really was.
So then I started reading a devotional every morning. The devotional had a some verses through out it so I would look them up and read the couple verses before and after that verse. And everything I read really helped me get to know Him more. And through that He opened up my eyes to so much and has taught me so much about myself, my past experiences (good and bad), and who He wants me to be. And still teaches me those things everyday.
Again I don't know where God is leading me but I do know that he knows me and I am trusting in Him through everything. My favorite proverb: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5-6
Our purpose in life is to get to know God first and foremost but it also goes hand in hand with the Great Commision. Matthew 28: 19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."
These go hand in hand because if we KNOW God then we will go out and make disciples and teach them about His commands to us. We WILL go out because we WANT to not because we feel like we HAVE to. The more and more we know Him the more we are excited to share Him with others. At least that is how it is with me.
Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart". This is a popular verse. By getting to know God then His desires for you will be your desires.
I don't necessarily know where God is leading me right now and it has been a struggle. But I do know that if I hold on to Him and draw closer to Him everyday then He will show me the direction that He wants me to go.
"Draw close to God and God will draw close to you." James 4:8 NLT
About a year and a half ago wherever I went God would say this to me "Katie draw close to me" and I was like "I am close to you" and I would ignore it but then I would keep hearing it and I was like "I am close to you, how am I not" And then He showed me and you know what He was right. I thought I was a lot closer to Him then I really was.
So then I started reading a devotional every morning. The devotional had a some verses through out it so I would look them up and read the couple verses before and after that verse. And everything I read really helped me get to know Him more. And through that He opened up my eyes to so much and has taught me so much about myself, my past experiences (good and bad), and who He wants me to be. And still teaches me those things everyday.
Again I don't know where God is leading me but I do know that he knows me and I am trusting in Him through everything. My favorite proverb: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5-6
Posts
I haven't posted in about 2 weeks. My goal was to write a post each week but I am learning that some weeks that might not happen. I want to make sure each post is exactly what God wants me to share with you. And that might mean taking my time and not rushing into any topic. Last week I had a topic I wanted to share but I didn't know how to talk about it. I mean I could have written something but I knew it wasn't ready yet. So some weeks might be like that, but keep coming back-there's lots to tell :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Beauty
A couple weeks ago I went to a beauty school to get my hair cut. A school to become beautiful? So when I come out I am going to be transformed into a beautiful person? Well yes, when I came out I did feel more beautiful. More beautiful.
See I think this world puts too much emhasis on the outward appearance. If you are not this, this or this then you are not beautiful. And for the girls, boys usually like certain body parts of girls to be on the bigger side. That doesn't do me any good. I'm small from top to bottom. I have a running joke within myself that God ran out of playdoh when He made me. But honestly I wouldn't change anything about my appearance because I am perfectly happy with it.....the only thing I am working on is gaining weight. Yes, I said GAINING weight. But that topic is for another day.
Godly beauty comes from within. Let's look at Esther. She had such a beautiful outward appearance. She was chosen through a "beauty contest" to become queen. Before she was "awarded queen" she won the favor of everyone around her not because she was had a beautiful outward appearance but because she was beautiful on the inside. She had great character. And that is what the whole story of Esther is about her beautiful character. God used her for a big purpose. She could have hid and said no, but because of her character she stood up for her people and freed them. And that is why Esther is so beautiful to so many people. She had courage. She knew that the outcome for standing up to the king might be death but she loved her people too much to be selfish. And that is beautiful.
In Proverbs 31:30 it is written that beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. That again talks about your character. Your character is more important then your outward looks. And I think this goes for both men and women......so I encourage males to read this as well.
If your inside is ugly that will reflect on your outside appearance no matter how beautiful you look on the outside. "That girl/boy is beautiful but is really ugly on the inside so I want nothing to do with them." But if your inside is beautiful then that will reflect on your outside as well no matter how "ugly" you might think you look.
"That boy/girl isn't that attractive but is really beautiful on the inside so I totally want to be their friend." So I totally believe that beauty is all about one's heart. Just remember God LOVES us no matter what. He loves us when we feel really "ugly". He thinks we are beautiful and that is all that should matter-is how we look to God.
1. How is your heart right now? Is it beautiful or ugly? What about your heart is beautiful? Ugly? 2. Is there some ugliness in your life that you want to change into something beautiful?
3. Pray to God and ask Him to help you. Keep praying everyday for these things.
P.S. It is okay to pamper yourself. It is always a nice treat to go to the salon (even for the males out there). There's nothing wrong with that. God does want us to take care of ourselves also. So every now and then I encourage you (if you have the money) to treat yourself to something fun.
See I think this world puts too much emhasis on the outward appearance. If you are not this, this or this then you are not beautiful. And for the girls, boys usually like certain body parts of girls to be on the bigger side. That doesn't do me any good. I'm small from top to bottom. I have a running joke within myself that God ran out of playdoh when He made me. But honestly I wouldn't change anything about my appearance because I am perfectly happy with it.....the only thing I am working on is gaining weight. Yes, I said GAINING weight. But that topic is for another day.
Godly beauty comes from within. Let's look at Esther. She had such a beautiful outward appearance. She was chosen through a "beauty contest" to become queen. Before she was "awarded queen" she won the favor of everyone around her not because she was had a beautiful outward appearance but because she was beautiful on the inside. She had great character. And that is what the whole story of Esther is about her beautiful character. God used her for a big purpose. She could have hid and said no, but because of her character she stood up for her people and freed them. And that is why Esther is so beautiful to so many people. She had courage. She knew that the outcome for standing up to the king might be death but she loved her people too much to be selfish. And that is beautiful.
In Proverbs 31:30 it is written that beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. That again talks about your character. Your character is more important then your outward looks. And I think this goes for both men and women......so I encourage males to read this as well.
If your inside is ugly that will reflect on your outside appearance no matter how beautiful you look on the outside. "That girl/boy is beautiful but is really ugly on the inside so I want nothing to do with them." But if your inside is beautiful then that will reflect on your outside as well no matter how "ugly" you might think you look.
"That boy/girl isn't that attractive but is really beautiful on the inside so I totally want to be their friend." So I totally believe that beauty is all about one's heart. Just remember God LOVES us no matter what. He loves us when we feel really "ugly". He thinks we are beautiful and that is all that should matter-is how we look to God.
1. How is your heart right now? Is it beautiful or ugly? What about your heart is beautiful? Ugly? 2. Is there some ugliness in your life that you want to change into something beautiful?
3. Pray to God and ask Him to help you. Keep praying everyday for these things.
P.S. It is okay to pamper yourself. It is always a nice treat to go to the salon (even for the males out there). There's nothing wrong with that. God does want us to take care of ourselves also. So every now and then I encourage you (if you have the money) to treat yourself to something fun.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Introduction
In the last couple years God has shown me many different things. One thing He has laid on my heart was Purity-being pure.
Pure to me means to get all the "ugliness" out and transforming oneself into becoming more beautiful. This blog is about what I believe in and it might not be what you believe in. I'm not pushing anything on you. My thoughts might not be what you believe in but that doesn't mean I like you any less.
This blog is to share my thoughts, biblical verses and any questions you-the readers- might have. I am in no way an expert on this subject or really any subject but because of some experiences and research I have done God has shown me the path to a pure life.
From dictionary.com Pure: free from anything of a different inferior or contaminating kind.
"Finally brothers, 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" Phillipians 4:8
Pure to me means to get all the "ugliness" out and transforming oneself into becoming more beautiful. This blog is about what I believe in and it might not be what you believe in. I'm not pushing anything on you. My thoughts might not be what you believe in but that doesn't mean I like you any less.
This blog is to share my thoughts, biblical verses and any questions you-the readers- might have. I am in no way an expert on this subject or really any subject but because of some experiences and research I have done God has shown me the path to a pure life.
From dictionary.com Pure: free from anything of a different inferior or contaminating kind.
"Finally brothers, 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" Phillipians 4:8
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