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I love opening gifts super slow. It not only makes me excited to find out what it is, but I like the look on the gifter’s face as they wait in anticipation for me to finally open their carefully thought out, and wrapped gift. It reminds me of how we should be eager to open the free gift that Jesus offers. Salvation to all those who believe.
Source: Christmas Gifts
Welcome back soldier. Here are some things you need to know about this war that we are in the middle of:
1) Your greatest weapon is prayer. When you see a downpour of fiery darts headed for you, get on your knees and ask the King to protect you. You’ll be surprised the countless times that He will willingly, without hesitation, throw Himself in the line of fire for you, leaving you unscathed.
2) Remember the battle is already won by the King, the enemy is just a sore loser and wants us to forget all that the King has done for us.
3) You have an equally important weapon. Your Sword. No matter how matted and dirty it may get, the blade is sharper than any weapon you have ever laid eyes on, and will remain that way. Never let it leave your sight. Not only is it your sword, but it is an instruction manual for anything you need to know or are confused about. Ask the King to explain it to you, and He will.
4) The King is the most patient, gracious, loving, and compassionate King you will ever encounter. Never turn your eyes from Him and you will do jut fine. I encourage you, young soldier, to learn more about Him and do what He does.
5) Don’t give up! There are many of us in this unit. Each of us are in it together. No matter how rough this terrain will get, we are here to pull each other through. No soldier is left behind.
6) Don’t get involved in civilian affairs. It is only a distraction. They won’t understand what the battle is like, but will want you to join them in everything you can imagine. Don’t get distracted. Keep your focus on the King and you’ll do just fine. Maybe, through your faith and trust in the King, others will join with us in the battle.
7) Never lose your tags. They are why you were called to the battle, why the King chose you, and they contain the call for the remainder of your life.
8) The King is always there for you. He isn’t afraid of your filth, He knew what He was getting Himself in by calling you to be a part of His inheritance, yet He still called you. He will be there to wipe away your tears, He is there to pick you back up when you fall, He will ALWAYS be there. Trust Him.
9) Don’t forget what you will learn along the way. Don’t forget what the King has brought you from.
10) Love those around you. Remember we’re all in it together. We each have our fiery darts, temptations, and storms to go through.
11) Keep moving forward towards the King. You’ll learn more as you go.
12) If it gets too dark to see in front of you, drop on your knees and call out for the King. He will shed light on the situation.
13) Look forward to the Kingdom.
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Lately the battle has been very rough for me. And it helps to remember that we are soldiers in a battle. We can’t see the enemy, but he sure has had time to study humans, he knows how to trick us into believing lies. BUT WE ARE VICTORIOUS IN CHRIST. Katie and I were talking about how in our group of friends, we are all battle-weary. But we are there to help each other. Lifting each other from the pits we fall in. Throwing ourselves in the line of fire when they are too tired to move on. Praying with each other. Reminding each other of the reason we are in this battle. There are millions out there who have NO CLUE that Jesus loves them, wants them as part of His family, Our family. Anyway… just wanted to share this.
Source: We’re in a Battle
First, I’d like to mention how surprised I am that Christmas is this weekend. I don’t think it has ever crept up on me this fast and this suddenly before. But I’m looking forward to taking a breather, taking my best friend Katie, and hitting the road (or in this case the air, since we’re flying), and visiting good ol’ Pennsylvania for Christmas! I am praying for snow, even though the weather forecast is predicting rain and sun… but God can change that! A White Christmas would be a superb way to spend a holiday with family.
As we prepare to abandon ship for a few days, there is much to do. Bags to pack, gifts to wrap, details to nail down, living arrangements to finalize, etc. I know God has it all under control, but it sure is rather stressful. But I am reminded of Philippians 4:6-9. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. That the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus forever.”
Praying you all don’t forget the reason of the season! Check out the sermon from The Village Church that we heard this sunday at Church. http://www.thevillagechurch.net/flower-mound/ (it may be a few days till it is available online, but it is amazing!)
Source: I’ll be Home for Christmas
I’m the kind of person who likes to have a plan. To know what will happen, what has happened, and what is happening. This makes me rather impatient and is quite stressful at times. I like to be in control, but that is not always the situation. I’m learning to be flexible, to go with the flow. I love spontaneity, when I’m the one that sparks it, or if I’m in a chill mood. Knowing what will happen in my future, who will be involved, and how it will occur, in the exact timeframe it’ll unfold… That’s where I get hung up.
At those moments I am reminded of the Lord. That He knows my past, my present, my future. He knew it all before I was even formed in my mothers womb. He knows how it will all unfold. I want desperately to live out His will for my life, to not fudge is up by trying to seize hold of the circumstances and weasel my way into manipulating things how I think they should happen. I’m learning to let go of my wants, my desires. To let the Lord orchestrate my life. He knows my deepest wants and desires, and He knows what is best for my life. I need to be content with that.
I don’t need to know what is going to happen, or how it will happen, but only to remain content in every circumstance as the Lord does what is best for me. I don’t need to be selfish and want what others have for myself, because obviously, that is not what is best for me, otherwise the Lord would be doing that in my life as well. I don’t have to know it all. And I’m okay with that. Finally.
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Lately I have been praying for patience. Not just with others, but with myself and with the Lord. Patience as the Lord teaches me the balance between sitting on the edge of my seat, ready to jump up to do whatever it is the Lord asks me to do; and not sitting on the edge of my seat, but reclining back, taking in each moment, waiting, and meditating on the Lord as he works in my life. I tend to be a radical person by nature. Either I’m all in, or I’m not. But I know there is a balance. And I know that I will find that balance as I pursue the Lord and grow in a deeper relationship with Him. Everything flows from that single task. Seeking the Lord, growing in Him, and applying all that He is teaching me, how He asks me to apply it. If I make that my goal, then everything else will follow.
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Anyway, that’s my thoughts as of late. To be content in all circumstances that the Lord orchestrates, not trying to manipulate, but allowing myself to be molded more into the image of Christ as I submit to His ultimate will.
Sorry if this doesn’t all make sense. If you’d like to know more about how I came to this conclusion, I would be more than happy to share with you.
Source: Being Content in the Lord
I’m not sure whether to be happy or something else about my birthday coming up. Should I be excited? Typically people get excited for their birthday to come around, they enjoy the gifts, the attention, the hugs, and birthday wishes. Showing them that they are indeed loved and cared for. For me though, I don’t get those “warm fuzzies” when people recognize that it’s my birthday, or nearing that day. Is it because I don’t like getting attention? Do I just not like the fact that it takes a birthday to get that attention? Maybe it is the same reason why I’m not a big fan of most holidays…
I don’t like having to need an excuse to do something nice for someone. An excuse to celebrate. Why wait for a holiday to show someone they are loved? Why wait till Christmas to rejoice in our Savior that came to DIE for the world? Why use a birthday to recognize someone you love and care about? Shouldn’t we live everyday as thought it’s our last? Live for the Lord and not care about the future? Not letting a friend slip by without knowing that you love them? Serving others because of the love of the Lord in our lives?
Maybe it’s just me. But that’s how I feel. I’m not against my birthday, I do find it weird that I’m almost 21, but I’m not against it. I’m just not a fan of people feeling obligated to do something for me because it was the day I happened to be born. I don’t know… it just feels weird…
But I’m not against those who do enjoy birthdays and holidays. And I’ll say a pre-thank you to those who do have plans, and to those who want to do something special. Thank you for your love. I do appreciate it.
Anyway.. I’ll stop now.
Source: Last few days of being 20