Happy Easter!

Just wanted to hop in and wish you lovelies a Happy Easter! Easter is a day full of fellowship and true joy shared with one another! We have joy and everlasting hope as believers, knowing that our Savior lives, and will always be there for us. Today our Savior rose from the dead, pushed away the rock, and came out of his tomb. He suffered the cruel beatings, mocking voices, thorn of crown on his head, nails in his hands and feet, and the ultimate pain of death. All because of his love for his children, he laid down his life so that we could have eternal life with Him. 1 John 4:9-11 states, "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." I cannot fathom the amount of pain Jesus suffered on the cross that day. A King should be praised and worshipped, instead our King took the place of a servant to show his love for his Father and children. Isaiah 53:5 states, "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." I praise God that he sent his son. His son who he so cherished...yet loved his children more. Blessed are we who serves a Savior who saves, a Savior who loves, and a Savior who cares. 

do the impossible

Everything with God is possible. Absolutely everything. Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Sometimes I have dreams of helping people around the world, or wanting to do something extraordinary for people. Some days I think to myself it would be an amazing experience to take one year off after college and join a bible college group up in Hume Lake to travel to different places for mission trips and to seek God even more. I would love to start a ministry to help kids who don't have shoes, or food, or even clothing. To help those who are sick and in need of medical care. Sometimes I think that my dream of helping and starting this ministry is just too impossible. No way could I at sixteen start a ministry like that for people around the world. No way could I move to a different country or state to go preach God's word. But nothing is too big for the Lord. Nothing is impossible with him. With praying and seeking his word I know he will show me the way. I have always been amazed at missionary work and loved the idea of being such a help for others. Who knows maybe God will call me into missionary work or maybe he won't. I want to encourage you today not to put aside your dreams just because you think it is too big or too impossible. Matthew 19:26 "And Jesus looking upon them said to them, With men this impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Imperfect

I am imperfect. Yes that is something that I am always needing to remind myself. I am human, I am imperfect and I make mistakes. I fail, I fall, I say things I shouldn't, I let my pride get in the way, and I'm fearful. Could you imagine what our God would be like if he was imperfect just like me? Sometimes I look at being imperfect as a horrible and awful thing. But then God reminds that if I wasn't imperfect, I wouldn't need His strength, love, guidance, or peace. I wouldn't' need God's help, and I wouldn't need to seek his will for me. Embrace your imperfect nature, and lean on God. Isaiah 26:4 "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." When I say embrace your imperfect nature, I do not mean to love your sinful ways and party it up. I am simply saying that by embracing it you can see how much in need you are of a Savior. A Savior to save your life. A God who will love you just for you, mistakes and all. "It is better to put trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8    By embracing your imperfectness you rely on God's strength and wisdom for your life. We are all fallen and full of sin, but because of our Lord Jesus Christ he gave his life for us so that we could spend eternality with him. "Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."

Temporary

 

Everything in life is temporary, absolutely everything. Right now this is something that God has put on my heart. He is reminding me that in the end nothing else matters but Him. At times I can find myself having more pleasure or happiness from material things, instead of my happiness coming from God and his love for me. Sure there is nothing wrong with being happy about buying or having new/nice things, but when it becomes my everything I know that is not okay, because later none of it will matter. I do not want to make my material things become my main focus in life. I want to use my material items to please God and use it for his glory. If I spend so much time focusing on my material items I will never have time for the Lord. I want my joy, happiness, love, and contentment to come from God, rather than the things in the world. Everything in the world can only bring me temporary happiness or joy, not everlasting and fulfilling joy like God's. I want to find joy in the Lord rather than in the world because everything here on earth will not be with me in the end. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18



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Little Things

Ever notice how fast days, months, and even years go by? I know that the older I get the more I realize that. When life goes by so fast, we don't stop along the way and enjoy the little things. Instead we are too busy doing other things, and going other places. But what we miss along the way is sometimes the most important. I encourage you to just stop whatever it is you are doing, and take a look around at what is surrounding you. Stop and focus on the little things. Spend more time doing the things you love. Most importantly slow down and enjoy life. <3

Little Things
•candle burning
•baking
•smell of roses
•sunsets
•birds chirping
•clouds in the sky
•coffee
•flowers
•slow songs
•quality time with friends
•reading a good book
•morning walks
•cozy sweaters
•jeans
•sound of rain
•smell of the salty ocean air
•movies
•dancing
•sunrise
•moonlight
•family
•quite time
•painted nails
•sprinkles
•glitter
•morning texts
•blog comments
•quotes
•new dress
•laughter
•sleeping in
•smile
•pictures
•ice cream
•Starbucks
•beach
•collecting sea shells
•seeing ocean animals
•surfing
•hugs

Dream Big

"Let your dreams become more than just dreams." In life sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and live your dreams. Right now I am literally having to live by that. There are so many things I want to accomplish and succeed in, like traveling all over Europe, go to my dream college which is California Baptist University, and changing the world in some little way. I want to live my dreams and love them. But I know I can't live them without God's help. Ultimately God has a bigger and better plan for my future than what I have for myself. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." But that doesn't mean I can't try to succeed in my dreams and see if God opens a window and later many doors. Sometimes I can become discouraged and think that some dreams of mine are too big and too crazy, and sometimes impossible. But their not impossible with God beside me. Matthew 19:26 "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." I want to encourage you to dream big and to live your dreams out loud, but remember to have God come along side you through your journey because he is the one that will allow every dream to come true.

 

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Beautiful Quotes // True Beauty Series

Here are some BEAUTIFUL quotes, I love because they inspire me, encourage me, and they help me remember that I am special and unique in my own way!

Five Tips to Increase your Beauty // True Beauty Series

Here are five tips to looking BEAUTIFUL!

1. For lovely eyes: always look at the good side of other people. ( Philippians 2:4 states; "not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.")

2. For tender lips: speak only kind words to each other. ( Colossians 4:6 states; "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.")

3. For a charming face: always smile with a happy heart. (Proverbs 15:13 states; "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.")

4. For graceful arms: reach out with compassion to those in need (Colossians 3:12 states; "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.")

5. For beautiful feet: always walk with God (Genesis 6:9 states; "This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.")

Beautiful Songs // True Beauty Series

Here are some songs I absolutely love, and I always love listening to because they make me feel BEAUTIFUL. & I know God will always be there for me, whenever I fail, or feel terrible about myself he will always be there picking me up, and bringing me closer to him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty on the Outside // True Beauty Series

Beauty isn't only from the inside, but also the out. The way girls dress, do their hair, or put on their make up is sometimes enough to tell what kind of person she is. Beauty on the outside = modesty. Modesty is the key to a beautiful glow. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 states "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." Now is it wrong to wear jewelry, make up, dresses, or wear different hair styles? No. It is important to feel BEAUTIFUL, and feel comfortable with your looks, and body. But when it becomes inappropriate that's when it becomes a problem. So however you dress it should be pleasing to God. Sometimes, I can love a certain style, but also know it is way too short, or just inappropriate. So whenever I am trying on clothes, I ask myself "Is this pleasing to God?" "Would I be able to wear this in front of God?" At the end of the day I should not focus on how many compliments I got on my new shirt, but rather what kind of impact it had on others. The way I dress, should show other people who I am, or what I stand for. When I walk past someone I want them to think "Wow she looks, and acts to different then all the rest of your typical teenager girls who dress for attention." I want to encourage you to enhance your outer beauty by giving a modest appearance, that would please God!!

 

 

 

Beauty on the Inside // True Beauty Series

I believe beauty on the inside is the most important to looking beautiful. What is beauty if your heart is not pure? If someone is mean, speaks hurtful words, or treats you unkindly, would you say that person is beautiful on the inside? No, you would not think that at all. Maybe you know someone who is absolutely gorgeous but is unkind to everyone around, would you think that person is truly beautiful? No, you wouldn't. Beauty on the inside is having a kind heart, speaking nice words, having a servants heart, bringing cheer to others, and being forgiving. What can possibly be more beautiful than that? Proverbs 3:15 states "She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 31:10 states "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." True beauty doesn't always come from the clothes we wear, how we put on our make up, our height, or our weight. True beauty is always wanting to please the Lord. I encourage you to let your INNER BEAUTY shine so everyone can see it!

 

 

Welcome // True Beauty Series

So I decided to start a series called  "True Beauty." I will be sharing with you five different posts, for this new series! This will be a series where girls can come, and learn what true beauty looks like, how to apply true beauty in our every day lives, and how we can look, feel, and act beautiful.

I want you to feel BEAUTIFUL not on how society views you, but how God views you. You are beautiful in his eyes, and my goal for you is to see how beautiful you can be when you follow God. I want to show you that through Him we can find our self worth, not through Face book, our friends, or any other social media network! We are his daughters, and he is our king, and with him by our side our beauty will shine brightly!

I hope you enjoy this series, and I can't wait to post my first topic! :)

Witnessing

For the first time I had the opportunity to go witnessing at the mall last Sunday. I have been wanting to witness for a while, but my fear of being rejected was holding me back. Many times I have wanted to go, but made plenty of excuses not to. This time was different. I really felt like the Lord was calling me to go. I knew that my fear or doubt of not knowing every answer was not a very good reason. So I finally went witnessing last Sunday! It was such an amazing experience. I was able to talk to about seven different people. I went around asking people one question... "What does it take to get to heaven?" It seemed like every answer they had was to get into heaven you needed to be a good person. They didn't understand that salvation is not by good deeds or good works that you have done. James 2:18 states "But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." Talking to these people really gave me a heart for the lost. It made me realize how blessed I am to know the Lord. And also how important it is to spread the good news of God, because I am seeing that not many people know who Jesus Christ is. I am still in "awe" of how amazing my experience was. One of the ladies I talked with said she was a Christian! And she went to one of the churches near by that I have heard of before. I cannot describe how amazing it was to talk to a complete stranger, and yet have an overwhelming excitement knowing that we are sisters in Christ!! I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to go witness and look forward to many for opportunities to spread God's word. "John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."

Valentines {2013}

When I think of valentines day I often think of flowers, candy, hugs, pink, red, and kisses. It's a time when people can express their love. A time to show how much they care for someone. This all seems wonderful huh? Who doesn't love Valentines day?! Well this Valentines I realized that it's not about the gifts and the stuff but rather our true love, the one who first loved us...Jesus Christ. He loved us first by dying on the cross for our sins. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life." If God's love was an ocean there would be no land. God's love is so deep and so wide that we can't even begin to understand how much he cares. I am so blessed and grateful that my Valentine loves me so much more than I'll ever know! Happy Valentines Day!! <3 

 

I am a Christian

When I say that "I am a Christian" I am not shouting that "I am clean living" I am whispering I was lost but now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say that "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ as my guide.

When I say that "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I am weak and need his strength to carry on.

When I say that "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I am admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say that "I am a Christian" I am not clamming to be perfect. My flaws are too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say that "I am a Christian" I still feel pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon his name.

When I say that "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received God's grace somehow!"

My Special Friend

The last post I published was about friendship. I truly believe friendship is a wonderful gift from God, that we should all love, and cherish.  But I also believe that friends come and go in different seasons in our lives. That is a sad thing, having to lose a friend you loved so dearly. We don't know exactly why God brings friends into our lives and then takes them out. His word says though in Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." But I know one friend who will never leave me, never gossip, never want to bring any harm, and will always love me. That special friend, is Jesus Christ. His word says that If we put our faith in him, he will never leave us. Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The Lord will always be loving, always be forgiving, always be kind, always be loyal, and will always be trustworthy. I am so thankful and grateful for the Lord and his love he has for me.

Random Bible Verses to Remember

Right now I have been quoting scripture in my mind when I need it the most in certain situations.
I thought I'd share with you some of the verses I've been reminding myself. And who knows I might write a bible study on each bible verse! Ha-ha.

~ Matthew 6:34 "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."

~Psalm 121:7-8 "The LORD will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

~Psalm 121:2 "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."

~Proverbs 31:10 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."

Feel like Giving Up?

Do you ever feel like giving up? Your so upset or down about something and you don't know how to fix the problem? Ever feel too stressed about something that suddenly you don't care about the ending you just want it to be over? I know I have been down that road many times. Giving up, and quitting is not very rewarding. I find myself being more upset and unsatisfied with myself when I quit, rather than finishing and accomplishing something. Whether its with school, work, chores, sports, instruments, or with friends and family. James 1:4 "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Always wanting to take the easy road instead of working hard at something because your afraid to try! So today I want to encourage you all to not quit...to keep going and giving it your all. And remember that in the end you will feel so much better knowing that all your hard work paid off. Rather than feeling discontent and full of regret.

Caught Up in the Christmas Rush?

Caught up in the Christmas rush? Not really enjoying the season? Stressed about family, or money, and the big dinner? Well, I totally understand. But you see Christmas isn't all about the gifts and the money...that's nice and all, but that isn't the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas is about Jesus Christ the Savoir who was born. Luke 2:11 "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." The savoir who came down from heaven to proclaim that he is the son of God. It is the time to rejoice and be glad that Christ was born. Without Jesus Christ being born on this night...he would not have been able to die on the cross for our sins. I am truly blessed to know the Lord. Without Him my life would have no purpose. I am truly grateful, and thankful that God sent his son to be born. So as we all look forward to this special Christmas day, remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. I wish you all a Merry Christmas!! <3



Christmas Symbols, that I thought were so neat!

1. Meaning behind the gifts: Matthew 2:1-11, John 3:16. Wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus to honor his birth.

2. Bells: John 10:16. Ring out to bring lost sheep back to the fold.

3. Star and Lights: Matthew 2:9-10. Star that told Christ is born.

4. Colors: Red = His blood. White = Purity. Green = Everlasting Life

5. Wreaths: Gods everlasting love.

 

 

The Secret of Contentment

Do you struggle with having contentment? Do you find yourself not being content with your age or the things you have? Wishing you had bigger and better things not even realizing that what you do have Is more than you'll ever need? I know I find myself struggling with this alot. I tend to forget that so many people and children around the world don't even own a pair of shoes, or are so sick because they don't have the money to pay for health care, or having to worry about their safety. This bible study impacted me in so many ways. So I wanted to share It all with you! Proverbs 13:25 "The righteous eat to their hearts content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry." And Hebrews 13:5 states "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you, nor will I forsake you."Having more things does not make you happy. The secret of contentment is not what you have, but rather who you know. You can drive expensive cars, own a nice home, and be very well off. But without Jesus in your life how can you be content? You can't. All you'll ever need is Jesus Christ. I need to remind myself of this constantly, so I hope that you all will remember the secret of contentment the next time you are feeling a little discontent!