Made Perfect in Weakness

  Hey friends :)  I just want to say, thank you for reading the things I write.  I truly appreciate the time that you take to read my thoughts and life.

  My God never ceases to amaze me.  His sweet love, mercy, and grace continues to win my heart over and over.  The way He guides me and uses me even when I don't deserve to be used, it honestly takes my breath away.  I'm so thankful for His promise. Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

    Today was the worst and best work day I've ever experienced.  When I woke up today, I had absolutely no desire to go to work.  This is strange for me.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a workaholic or anything, but I love going in to work, seeing the regular customers and my co-workers and also having the knowledge that I'm working to pay off my education.  Normally at work I'm pretty chipper and happy.  Not today.  It's hard to describe, but I was almost depressed this morning?  Now I can look back and see that Satan was attacking me and trying to keep me from the day and mission that God had in store.  When I got to work, the second customer in line was a very rich, but not very nice lady.  Little to say it was not a stellar start to my shift.  During this whole day, I kept on making really, really stupid mistakes.  For example, once I told a customer her total was $3.07.  That was the time. A while later, another very, very not nice customer came in.  She began yelling some not very nice things at me in the store because her check wouldn't process.  Then she proceeded to tell me she would never step foot in our store again.  I bit my tongue before I got out the words, "thank God." After she left I cried.  Yes, a customer made me cry.  This is also a strange thing about today.  I don't cry.  Well, I mean I cry sometimes, like when people die or someone really hurts me, but crying is not something that I do very easily.  At that point, I was so tempted to go punch out and leave.  My attitude was stinky, I had mean customers, and work was the last place I wanted to be at that moment.  Boy am I glad I didn't leave.

     I firmly believe that as the body of Christ we are to be "in the world".  I mean, where does Jesus reach people?  Right where they are.  He doesn't wait to win them until they have stepped in to a building we call Church.  Jesus is where the people who need Him are. He climbs in to the dirty filthy dungeons to release captives from their bondage and slavery to sin.  If we're pursuing Jesus and becoming more like Him, should our lives look any different?

     That being said, I think that secular workplaces can be one of the greatest "mission fields".  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about going and passing out cheesy tracts on break time.  I'm talking about making relationships, getting to know peoples stories, seeing where they've come from and what has made them into who they are.  Knowing someone's heart is much more important than their outward behavior.  Once you get to know someone behind their language, course humor, addictions, you can see the void and pain in their life. There is always a story behind the face.

     This brings me back to my worst and best workday.  Now I'm getting to the best.  It is my heart that my unsaved family, friends, and coworkers would find the same life, love and freedom that I've found in Jesus Christ.  That their eyes would be filled with hope and peace rather than emptiness.  Today I had an opportunity to share the Gospel with one of my friends at work.  This guy thinks he is a pretty tough.  He is super nice, but he is a little rough around the edges to say the least.  During the end of my shift, things started to get kind of slow.  I was still having a rotten attitude and just a plain out not good day.  I was just chilling with him at the registers, then we started talking.  He started pouring out his life to me and how he'd OD'd and tried so many times to take his life but was never successful.  How many times he should have died but didn't and how much he wished he was, to be "free".  Here is where the Holy Spirit kicked into gear big time. I was able to share with him God's protection over his life and the hope that can be found in our Jesus.  That the reason why he wasn't successful was because his life was created with a purpose.  That God loved him and didn't want him to go to hell.  It was the most awesome conversation that I've had at work and I know the words coming out of my mouth weren't mine.  He was so receptive and said he'd think about what I'd said.  Now comes time for more intercession.

     I just wanted to share this story because I was so completely humbled by God's ability to use weak things (me).  Today was probably one of my weakest days.  I didn't feel strong, spiritual, or even friendly today.  In spite of myself, God chose to use me.  Not because of anything that I'd done, but because of what He's done.  I'm so humbled, so thankful.

Praise Your name, Jesus, You make beautiful things out of dust.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Best Kind of Christmas

  Hello sweet friends :) Merry Christmas!!  I was sitting here with a few minutes to spare and just wanted to write down some thoughts about today.  


  The past couple weeks since break has started have been pretty crazy/hectic.  First, I had my teaching practicum which was wonderful, but I ended up catching a bad cold from one of the kiddos.  Right after I got better from my cold, my wisdom tooth became infected and I needed to go on antibiotics and also learned that I'll need to get both of them out before break is over.  During that time I've also been working about 40 hours a week.  My mom also works two jobs and has a busy schedule. Needless to say, there hasn't been to much time to do "Christmasy" things.


   My family definitely isn't one that would be categorized under "traditional".  We're not exactly the sit around the fire place singing Christmas carols, cutting out cookies type.  Now don't get me wrong, I think that some of the traditions of Christmas are wonderful, we keep a few little ones, but that just usually isn't usually my family.  I mean, we just got out un-decorated tree up on the 23rd, haha :)


  The older I get, the more I realize it's not the things or even traditions that matter in life.  The only things of real value in this life are our relationship with Jesus Christ and people.  With all of that being said, let me tell you about today and why is so great.


  Actually, I'll start at last night.  Christmas Eve.  I worked early in the day, but the evening was spent with Mom and my brother, Ben.  I made my awesome potato, ham & cheese soup (one of the few things I take pride in), then we went to the church my brother usually attends while he's home for their service.  It was so wonderful focusing on Jesus and His love and sacrifice.  After that, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights.  This morning,  my mom and I got our first round of FREE sheetz coffee then went to my home church :)  I love my church!!!  The theme of Pastor's message was the names of Jesus, so cool!  After that, my mom and I just talked for a long time about our sweet Jesus who He is and how He loves us, talks to us, intercedes for us.  The list goes on and on.  Amazed.  When we got home, we made our brunch that consisted of rolls, bacon and pineapple, YUM!


  Since then, we've just been hanging out, I've been playing guitar, wrapping a couple presents and listening to music.  I think we're going to watch a Christmas movie then open up a couple gifts later.  I love this.  I feel like this is what Christmas should be, focusing primarily on Jesus and His sacrificial birth and death, then just enjoying family and getting to a few presents whenever we do.  I know it's simple, but I think that's why I love it so much.


  I just wanted to write this to express how thankful I am for this day, Mom and Ben, and most importantly, the gift of Jesus Christ.  Merry Christmas and much love, friends.

Luke 2:8-20 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

Christmas Break

     Hey again, friends!  This is crazy, two blog posts within days when all semester I've been lucky if I squeeze one out in a month, haha :) (by the way I kind of stole the idea for this blog from a good friend ;) )  I've been blessed with another phenomenal semester at Liberty and I'm so thankful to God for it.  I know that over Christmas break, it is easy to get into the "just chill" mode and slide into neutral for a month, but I really don't want that to be the case for this break or any other time in life for that matter.

     Ephesians 5:15-16 says, " Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

     I want to learn how to live a life in which each second counts, each minute lived in devotion and submission to my Father.  I know that I'm so far from that, but I have faith that through His might, He will accomplish the good work He has started in my life. (Philippians 1:6)

     So, to get to the point of my blog, here is my list of goals for Christmas break.

1. Spend quality time drawing close to God, deepening my prayer life and really studying and memorizing the Word.

2.  Become awesome at guitar,  I know some of the basics, but definitely need quite a bit of practice.

                                                             

3.  READ!  Okay, nerd confession, on my first day back from school, I went to the library and checked out three books.  On my list to read is re-reading A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens), Great Expectations (Charles Dickens) and Forgotten God (Francis Chan) and also reading  Letters from Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer (C.S. Lewis) for the first time.

4. Get accepted into Liberty's School of Education, I just completed my practicum now all I need to do is send in my finger prints and submit my application.  I can't wait to be a teacher :)

5. Spend lots of time with my big brother, Ben and my mom and also visit my extended family as much as possible.

6. Get together with my graduating class!  

7.  Spend time with friends.

8.  Get into awesome shape and eat healthier. I WORK OUT!

9.  Prepare for Prayer Groups for next semester, God did so many amazing things this semester, I can't wait to see what He has in store for next.  I seriously miss you all SO MUCH already. Love you girls!!

10.  Figure out what in the world God wants me to do this summer and Fall semester. :/

11.  Hopefully visit Sneeya and Jennah in New York City with Ariel :)

12.  Go to downtown Pittsburgh with my family while the Christmas lights are still up and hopefully visit Samanthajo!!

13.  Get in lots of hours at work and be a light for Christ in my workplace.

14.  Be involved in my home church over break.

15. Keep a weekly blog.

16.  SLEEP! (something college life lacks)

     Well, there it is, my goals for break.  I'm not sure if I'll get everything accomplished that I'd like to, but I think it's better to aim too high rather than too low.  Merry Christmas break friends :)

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years." ~ Abrahan Lincoln

I have one desire now - to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and 

strength into it. -Elisabeth Elliot

Getting Real

     Hey sweet friends :)  It's been a while since I've written a blog, but no time like the present, right?  You see, my problem with blogging isn't running out of ideas, rather stream lining what I want to write about and when I want to write it.  If you know me, you know that I can be a little spaced out and my mind is usually in more than one place at a time, haha.  For instance, right now I'm thinking about blog ideas.  Let me give you a glimpse into the brain of Sarah (scary thought, I know.)  


     Hmm I should write a blog.  What should I write about?  I have about half a dozen blogs started, maybe I should finish one of those? Boring.  This semester has been so great, especially the amazing women on my hall, specifically my prayer group, maybe I should write a blog devoted to them?  Nahhh I think they're too phenomenal, it would turn into a novel.  Hmm it's break now, most of my friends at school are going home.  Maybe I should write one to encourage them in the struggles and challenges they're facing at home.  School.  That reminds me, I'm going to be a teacher. This week I've been doing a practicum with some of the sweetest kids, I just can't wait to be a teacher, I could write about that.  Or, maybe I should pick a spiritual topic like giving as much grace as we receive.  I need to work on that.  Grace, that is my favorite attribute of God.  Maybe I should name one of my children Grace, or maybe not.  I feel like it might make me play favorites because I just love the essence of grace.  Naming children, what in the world am I thinking, I'm not even dating.  Should I be?  Is that a requirement for attending Liberty?  Speaking of requirements for Liberty, I really need to get my School of Education application in.  Wait, what was I doing anyways?  Oh yeah, blogging, what to blog about.


     That is a glimpse of how my brain works, frightening, isn't it?  You're probably wondering, why am I reading this?  Is she ever going to get to the dang blog?!?  Well, hold your horses, I'm about there :)  


     The more I live life, the more I realize that "hard" is not the exception, rather the rule.  Growing up, and even in my first year at Liberty, I felt like I was surrounded by "perfect" people.  Since I've gotten to really know people on a deeper level, I've come to the conclusion that although at times many people have "surface perfection" everyone is faced with their own kind of hard. As I was getting ready to leave Liberty, I started to think about what going home looks like.  For some, it is a place of rest, peace, sweet memories and love.  For others it is a place that is painful rather than peaceful.  There are many reasons why it might be difficult going home.  Maybe this is the first Christmas without a loved one, maybe you aren't going to come back to school next semester, maybe you have unsaved friends and family members, you might just feel worthless, maybe you're going home to a broken family or maybe you're going to be slammed with the memories and temptations from who you used to be.


     Personally, going home isn't always easy for me.  I'm blessed beyond belief to have my mom and brother, but there are certain aspects about being home that are extremely difficult, frustrating and at times painful.  Through the hard times in life, I've learned that you can either get bitter or get better.  It's your choice, plain and simple.  Does that mean it's going to be easy? Heck to the no.  Will God see you through, shape and mold you and use you to do great things in the midst of adversity?  I have absolutely no doubt.


     We serve a faithful God who abounds in unconditional love.  Although everything around us is subject to change, we are promised that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)  


     As you're going home, or have already arrived be encouraged.  These are some verses that have encouraged and uplifted me and I trust they'll do the same for you :)


1 John 5:3-5 "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."


Pslam 37:23-24 "The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand."


Psalm 34:17-20  The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Joel 2:13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

Along with those verses, I just wanted to share a reminder of why we are here.  I know it's so easy to get caught up in the day to day and forget the only things that really matter. 1. Our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 2. Who we are taking to Heaven with us.

Matthew 28:17-20 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said,“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”

I challenge you this break, be bold.  Don't let fear hold you back, rather find out just what God can do with one life fully surrendered to Him.

The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. I will try my utmost to be that man. -D.L. Moody