Keeping it Real...For Real

Life happened. This is the excuse that I have found myself using for my lack of responsibility and forgetfulness. Life, the struggle, adulting, humaning, these are all synonyms that millennials have come up with to describe the day to day humdrum that we have trapped ourselves in. This cycle of getting up, making ourselves socially acceptable, meeting the worlds criteria of what it means to be successful, having some fun so as to not loose our minds, only to crash at the end of the day. This is the same train that runs along an ever changing roller coaster of emotions. #theboredomcycle #youthprobsclass 
Is it possible that a 24 year old college student who has traveled the world, seen a billion new things, and met thousands of new people, to fall into this same trap? I must confess, yes. My life revolves around class hours and pay periods. Yes there are those moments of refreshing (games of international Scrabble, FaceTime with friends back home, any time spent with my bus kids), but I find myself falling too quickly back into the grind. CLASSES HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED YET! 

How do I guard my heart against boredom and discontent? You guessed it, the Bible! God's Word is never boring! It's alive and God uses it to speak to you right where you are, and shows you how you need to change through the power of the Holy Spirit! He knows what you need and He already has the answer. It is in those times that I set aside everything that could weigh me down and just focus on God and who He is. No homework assignments, no stupid humans, no school bill. Just me and Jesus. 

My personal theme this year is More About Jesus: Learn more about Jesus, Live more like Jesus. I want less of me in 2018. This means focusing on what really matters, not seeking my own glory, but the glory of the One who has called me. More of His Word, more of His love, more of His ministry.

I know this post has been random, but's it's my life. The real life of a girl who just wants to serve Jesus. I'm not much, but I'm HIS!

Keeping it Real part 3

Sometimes life just gets real, and sometimes that means pouring your heart out...
So here it is...

When the storm is more than I can take,
And my trembling heart's about to brake,
I have little choice but to run to You,
And trust that You will see me through,
This deep and growing, overwhelming pain,
Knowing You'll take me through again.
To a place where light is all I see,
And Your peace it it surrounding me.
Where joy, it falls like a gentle rain,
With Your love it hums a sweeter strain,
Than man could ever dare to sing,
And angels find it a curious thing.
They watch us and see Your might pow'r,
As it works and comforts in my darkest hour,
Caring and guiding and leading me on, 
And giving my weeping heart a song.
Never alone I shall ever stand,
In Your gentle, strong, and bountiful hand.

Keeping it Real part 2

What do I believe?

I could say what I will.

But if I do not act upon it,

My faith is empty still.

Do I believe God's Word,

And the promises that are giv'n ?

Then why do I not act,

As though I've been forgiven?

If the Bible is important, 

Then why do I not rise,

Early in the morning,

And give to God my time?

If I believe God hears,

And answers His child's prayer,

Then why speak I not to Him,

And let Him my burdens bear?

If I believe that miracles,

Were real-life works of Christ,

Then why do I believe that He

will not work them in my life?

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

James 2:26

Keeping it Real part 1

College life continues on with it's endless lists of homework, countless hours at work, and hyper social functions. But as I sit here alone I am pondering on a challenging thought that was laid before the student body, "Is it possible that we get so busy loving people that we forget to love God." I must say that at first I didn't get it, until I found that it was very real in my life.
I love ministry, I love counseling people, helping people, teaching people, feeding people ;) Though, more often than not I am doing it for the sake of the people involved, not so much out of a heart filled love for the Lord. Sure, I love God, and He is the one that enables this hobbit to put herself out there and minister to others. BUT, when your day begins at 5:15, you don't stop till around 4 in the afternoon, then by 6 you've started another ministry or task, and you don't feel the warmth of your bed covers till 11:30...and it's an everyday thing...it becomes habit. Don't get me wrong. I love the life God has given me and the ministry opportunities that He has called me to do. It's just, do I really seek to please only Him in my good deeds? Am I conscious of His command to love Him before all others?
Earlier today my dad kindly rebuked me for not calling him more often. I just laughed it off and spoke to him for a short time before I had to continue on with my day. Wow! That sounds really bad when you think about it. But honestly, that portrays my communication skill with my heavenly Father as well. Sure, I'll shoot my dad the occasional text, or check for updates on him on Facebook, but I have failed to take the time to REALLY talk to him. (Sorry Daddy) Most days my heavenly communion is short, sweet, to the point, and with all the proper "Christianeze" add-ins. I will toss up a quick prayer request during the day, check in the Bible for a little tidbit, and go on with life. I believe I have been nominated for the "Worst Daughter Ever" award.
I love my dad, and I know he loves me, but for our relationship to be tight-knit I need to communicate. And not only about me, my needs, and my wants. Even though I'm busy with

people and ministry, I must retain and sustain the relationship that I have with my family. The same with God. Before the classes, before visitation, before Junior church and bus, there must be a solid, devoted, joy-filled relationship with my heavenly Father. I love the ministry, but I MUST love my God more.

When It's All Said and Done

The first year of college life is officially over. I am saddened beyond words.I miss my never changing schedule, my hysterical coworkers, and long face-to-face talks with my best friends. As I look back over this semester I see a lot of laughs, a lot of work, and just a pinch of drama.
I see the Four Year Old Junior Church squirming in their seats, laughing at the teacher's jokes, whispering and giggling, and threatening to blow up the local Popsicle stand.
I see mountains of books and class notes filled with doodles and teacher's quotes.
I see the Cafeteria, sometimes overflowing, sometimes empty. I see a kitchen, bustling with people in black, Eskimo men coming out of the freezer, and random objects flying through the air.
I see an awkward family sitting outside; moms, dads, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and siblings. All talking at once in various languages and accents; all fluent in sarcasm.
A twin, who knows something is wrong with you, and feels the pain himself. He then takes on the responsibility to make you laugh so hard you cry.
A best friend who is always looking out for you, even when you are not there to defend yourself from the curios noses of bored college students. She never gets tired of your ranting and random Russian, nor is she disturbed by you senseless spouting of useless facts.
I see my Bible. At the beginning of the year it was new. Now it is slightly worn and filled with a pile of notes. I would like to share some of these with you...
"Keep your eyes off the lions, and keep them on the Light!"
"Elijah asked for death and never died"
"Heroes are faithful to the work of God in the midst of opposition."
"Calm seas make sorry sailors"
"I want to make more than a dint in this world for my Savior"
"We have access to the throne room of God, but many of us spend all our time pouting in the hallway."
#teaching goals - Acts 20:20
"Consider yourself Called - 1 Corinthians 1"
"Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me... 2 Timothy 4:17"
"Why have we tried to get right with God and stay right with God through good works?"
"We have received the message, next step, share it..."
"Be a carnivorous Christian 1 Cor. 2-3"
"We can have a joyful confidence in God. Romans 5"
"Don't begin, to quit"
"Abide in humility"
"Glorifying God- to put on display the characteristics and attributes of God"
"Love God out loud!"
"Don't get caught up in the fashion show"
"Have a beauty that doesn't wash off in the rain"

Called by Love

Wow! The past month has been crazy! I am so happy to be back at school and to be able to start a new semester with new friends and new opportunities! The Lord has greatly blessed my time so far, and He has taught me a few lessons that were not so easy to learn. The other day when I was writing my testimony for two of my classes the thought came to me...

The God who created each element, designed each planet, composed every sound; cared enough to create me, save me, give me a wonderful family, surround me with friends, and on top of it all constructed a perfect plan for my life!

I AM LOVED!

I am overwhelmed by His goodness, and it provokes me to serve Him.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the might hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:5-11

One Day at a Time

One day at a time...that is how it has been for me lately. Today's quiz, today's ministry, today's time with the Lord. Normally I'm the type of person who likes to look way ahead and live for 20 years from now; but when this happens I neglect the importance of this moment, the once in a lifetime chance to make a difference today. And as I look over the past few days I see God's wonder, His blessings, and His merciful kindness to me. He has given me different verses throughout the semester for each day...

Sunday - Psalm 84:10 "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness" Sunday is my day for Hospitality ministry which consist of me standing by a door at church; smiling and shaking hands with a bunch of people who are in a hurry to do their business, and would rather not stop to say hello. I became discouraged and had lost all energy and passion for this ministry. Then through a Sunday morning sermon God gave me this verse and revived my heart.

Monday - 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." College life can be a pain (especially since I have an exam on Monday) but this verse provokes me to keep trudging on.

Tuesday - 1 Chronicles 16:24-25 "Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvelous works among all nations. For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods." Tuesday is door knocking night, and this is my personal commission from God for visitation. I am to declare His righteousness and His glory, and that HE is the one to whom we must all answer to on judgment day.

Wednesday - 1 Samuel 12:24 "Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." Wednesday night service is one of my favorites. I have no ministries, so after a long day of classes it is such a relief to just go to church, settle down, and dwell on the goodness and greatness of our Heavenly Father.

Thursday - Proverbs 15:15 "All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." Thursdays have to be my worst day. They are very long and tiresome, but God gave me this verse as a reminder of the joy that I have in Christ.

Friday - Acts 18:9-10 "Then spake the Lord to Paul in he night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city." Friday Night Street Evangelism!!! One of the highlights of my week. We are given an opportunity to go out on the streets of Down Town OKC and pass out tracts and give the Gospel! But more often than not I have that inkling of fear. But when we were assigned this verse to memorize God immediately brought Friday Evangelism to my mind, and it encourages me.

Saturday - Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Saturday is homework time, but to be truthful (which we always should be) I would rather spend it catching up on all the sleep I missed throughout the week. But I must remain focused, determined, and faithful to the work that God has called me to do.

I hope these verses were a blessing to you. And don't neglect what God might have for you to do today.