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
Hey thanks for checking out the blog :)
ReplyDeleteIt's really funny hearing you talk about being surrounded by seemingly perfect people. Being in the military I am surrounded by seemingly...well... "pagan" people. It took awhile for me to learn that God's love can come in some very unusual and very judgeable packages.
Speaking of boldness:
"...If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all.’”
Isaiah 7:9