R e l a x . . .

     Today started out as just one of those days; one of those days where you wake up tempted to be irritable for no apparent reason. Feeling sorry for my poor roommates, I fought all morning to try and stay positive and patient. Thankfully, I only had two classes this morning and wasn't scheduled to work, therefore, I had the whole afternoon to myself to take a breather and just relax. After some good, old me time, I felt so much better! When irritable, under pressure, stressed, or something of the sort, here are some of my favorite ways to relax:

• Journal/Pray
• Listen to music (Can't get enough of this song right now!)
• Workout/Go for a good, long run
• Call/talk to an encouraging friend
• Be productive! - I like to make lists, (partly just because I love the proud, accomplished feeling of crossing things off as I finish them) so today I made a big to-do list, which was so helpful in truly focusing on what my priorities for the day were.
• Get homework done
• Clean room and get rid of the stuff I don't wear or use anymore
• Do laundry, dishes, etc.
• Take a nap
• Drink some tea
• Take a long, hot shower
• Take my dog for a walk
• Read a good book or some Psalms
• Paint my nails

If you're feeling burned out or extra sassy today, take some time to just breathe and de-stress. You and those around you will be happy you did. :) If you know of any other great ways to relax that aren't listed, feel free to comment and share. Be blessed today.

My little Toby relaxing on a beautiful, Spring day :)

The Little Things

"Joy comes from the little 
pleasures God gives us every day."

     Today is Monday. I woke up early this morning to the less than charming sound of my alarm clock, went to my three Monday classes, went to chapel, made myself a quick lunch, finished up some homework, and will be departing from my 'dorm, sweet dorm,' for a six and a half hour shift at work soon. Initially, today seems to be a very typical Monday in the life of a North Central student. As I sat in my bible study methods class during second hour today, I realized something... today is a fantastic day. Now, before you assume I've been going a little crazy cooped up on this snowy day, hear me out. No, nothing exceptionally stand-out-wonderful happened, such as finding money on the ground, being miraculously healed/recover from a serious sickness or disease, or making a varsity sports team (or something of that caliber), but I just stopped, and really appreciated all of the little things.

     Receiving a good morning text from my boyfriend, getting ready with ten minutes to spare this morning - perfect for some prayer, getting a delicious, free cup of coffee from the library, being able to chat and catch up with friends in classes about their weekends, admiring the beautiful snowfall outside the classroom window, understanding what's going on in systematic theology and being able to participate in discussion, despite lowering the brightness so much that I could barely see the screen, my dying laptop survived all the way up until the end of my last class. 

     Too often, we allow ourselves to be so consumed in our circumstances, issues, stress, and where we're off to next. Many of the things I listed above happen often; though I don't always give them a second thought. It's important and so refreshing to once in a while just take a step back, thank God, choose to be happy, and appreciate all of the little blessings along the way of this big journey we call life.

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Power of Leadership

Gina and I - One of the greatest women
and role models I've ever known

     Think about some of the people and/or role models who have impacted you most in life. Now, imagine that you never met them. Crazy, huh? Would your life be dramatically different? I know mine sure would be.
     What made the leaders in my life so great and impacting? Was it all of the precious free time they gave up to spend time with, listen to, and encourage me? Or perhaps the positive, Christ-like attributes they possessed? Or was it the way they just genuinely loved and cared about how I was doing? I believe it was a healthy combination of all those factors.    
     Lately I've been thinking a lot about leadership and its tremendous effect. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would not be the strong, hope, and life-filled woman I am today if not for particular youth leaders and best friends in my life. On the other hand, I know many individuals who never truly connected with a positive leader/role model during junior high/high school and are not making the wisest choices today because of it.

Hannah, Sarah (two other leaders),
Kaelyn, Sarah, Marissa, (students)
and I after the girls' dance recital     

     I am currently a junior high youth group leader at my church. I absolutely adore my students and love each of them so much more than they know. As I reflect on how essential it was to have close relationships with leaders in my life during the young teen years, I am more motivated than ever before to personally connect with each of my students, especially the girls. I am so driven to know their needs and struggles, lift them up in prayer, encourage them, support them, laugh with them, love on them, hang out with them, just enjoy life with them.
    If you're not involved any means of leadership, whether that be at work, school, a church, an organization, or even within a family, I encourage you to find your leadership niche -- a place where you can positively lead others with your distinct skills and capabilities. Also, make sure you have someone older and wiser that you can go to and look up to as a positive leader in your life; never take them for granted. A remarkable leader is powerful; their influence can often begin a legacy.

Students at our life-group Christmas party 2011

It's all about Him.

     Today marks the second day of my second semester at North Central. I feel as though God is going to do tremendous things in my heart and life this semester. I know its not always going to easy or comfortable, but I know He is working for my good.

     In chapel yesterday, I was absolutely overwhelmed in the best way possible by God's presence, something that I don't stop and appreciate enough. Amongst our personal schedules and the busy-ness of our lives, it is so important to just stop and acknowledge God's presence. In every single moment, high or low, He is there. We forget that way too often. During both the blessed and challenging times, it's a matter of choosing to acknowledge His presence and give Him praise through it all. In the darkest hours, we are to lean in, turning to truth (the Word), instead of worldly advice. In the brightest of days, we are to dance for joy, full of thanksgiving to Him! He's not a "there just when you need Him" type of God, so let's not treat Him like one. Through all situations and circumstances, He's able and there to bless you, comfort you, strengthen you, give you hope, and fill your heart with joy. Not to mention, when you're lonely! There's no need to ever feel alone because God, the actual definition of perfect love, is there with you, in every moment. In every moment of your life, acknowledge Him, and allow Him to guide your steps.

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     "You should want to know and delight in God more than anything else... which will take dying." This will take dying to yourself [ your personal, desires, dreams, and wants ] and the world [ materialistic things ]. This semester I'm putting to the way side all of my personal desires and chasing after His heart. As hard as this is, I know His way is the best way. I wrote this in my journal, "May this semester just be about YOU, just YOU, God. Your plans, your ways, your time. I will not worry about my friends, family, boyfriend, job, and ultimately life, I'm walking in align with you and your heart, so I'm confident that it will be the greatest, most for the Kingdom life possible." Taking God's way is far from the path of least resistance, but the most rewarding, hands down. Apart of me is tempted to be fearful to let go of my control, but fear... is not of God (did you know the bible actually says something along the lines of, "do not fear, afraid/be fear not, etc." close to 365 times? - yeah, I think he meant it), so I have peace knowing He works for the best of those who love Him. So, here's to freshmen semester round two. God, I'm yours.

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Hungry.

To be honest with you right now, it's hard to focus on anything, let alone writing, because I am so hungry. My tummy is rumbling and begging for something substantial, something other than the immense amount of candy and delicious, sugary treats I've devoured during Christmas celebrations over the past couple days. As I sat here in my comfy bed, contemplating whether to go make something to eat before writing or not, I thought about my spirit's own hunger for the Lord. As you all know, our bodies need food. If we don't nourish our bodies, we can ultimately starve to death. [ Hunger - Nourishment = Death ] Similar to the way in which our bodies crave food, our spirits crave God. I have found that when I don't spend daily time reading the Word, praying/talking with God, or journaling, it is so much harder to treat others and act in a Christ-like fashion. Temptation is much stronger, because my spirit is weak; it is hungry. Are you struggling to overcome temptation, to live above sin, to see things and people for a Godly perspective? These are signs that your spirit may be starving. Just as our bodies are capable of starving to death, so are our spirits. To stay spiritually healthy, one must nourish their spirit daily with substantial "food" - [ the Word / prayer / writing / worship / etc. ].

spiritual nourishment

noun

 : MORE SATISFYING THAN CHIPOTLE

[ SERIOUSLY ]

Godly Love

Today my heart is really going out to the broken-hearted. So many of us are searching for love - we want to experience that magical love with someone else that we see in movies and read about in books. Many in relationships get frustrated when things don't turn out the way they'd hoped it would, perhaps in the perfect way that many books and movies perceive love to be. Instead of looking at love from a worldly perspective, let's look at what the Word of God tells us:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

If all we really need is love, shouldn't love come down to something more than self-gain, temporary butterflies, and attraction? In our relationships, we should constantly be instilling the bolded characteristics in our love. I've been told that we all have a God-shaped hole in our hearts that only He can fill. God's love never fails. One of the reasons there are so many broken hearts due to failed relationships is that too many try to fill God's place in their heart with someone else first. Girls, God wants to so captivate your heart before you open it to any man.  

"A woman's heart should be so lost in God that a man must seek Him in order to find her." 

Before you open your heart to anyone, you must first find your worth, fulfillment, confidence, and strength in God alone. He will teach you about Godly love [what it is, how to live it out] - so much deeper than anything any movie or book could ever portray. Do not be angry or frustrated with God over your current relationship status, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28) - He knows what's best for you and your life. Even if you don't understand his reasoning at the moment, just trust Him and be patient until you can see the bigger picture. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God tells us “for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." He is always faithful. Once you find that only He can fulfill your heart's greatest desires and longings for love, only then will you be able to truly love another human - with Godly love.

"Arms Wide Open" - Misty Edwards

His Love is More Than Enough.

Why do we so often long for affirmation from others? Our flesh desires to be told that we are "enough" and accepted by others. At times I feel as though I'm a bobble head; my head bouncing back and forth, turning every which way, anxious in so many areas of my life. I just need to stop. God calls me to turn straight ahead, look to Him with confidence, and march onward. Why seek affirmation from the world and its material, wearing-away standards when the almighty creator of the universe tells me that I am lovely, I am beautiful, I am more than enough, I am perfect?

"You are altogether beautiful, my love, there is no flaw in you" (Song of Solomon 4:7). 

When we remove the worldly shield from our eyes and the way we think, allowing biblical truth to enter in, only then will we be truly satisfied and at peace with ourselves. He is a jealous God who longs for our attention and devotion. At times we are tempted to be jealous of those close to us/loved ones, whether it be of their time, words, or attention, think about this... how much more jealous is God for us, the one who sent His very own son to die for us? When's the last time you've spent quality time with and given your full attention to your first, true love? There is no love or acceptance that will ever come close to His.

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