The "Key" to a Life Free of Comparison

For where jealousy and self ambition exist, there will be disorder and vile practice. - James 3:16

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I sometimes see other people succeed and although I truly want to be happy for them, I catch myself acting spiteful. I'm sure I'm not alone in this but this shouldn't and does not justify my attitude. I am very competitive with myself so if I do something, I want to be the best one at it or else I get very frustrated.

But think of a key. Keys all look the same for the most part, but each one has a very distinct and different purpose. They are not the same, but that doesn't mean that the key that unlocks my car is any less significant or less important than the key to my house. We were designed with a purpose (like a key) and my purpose is different from yours. And that is okay.

No matter how cliche it may sound, our worth is found and rooted in Christ. I don't see how people can say that God is some being in an unattached/unaffiliated universe. If the following premise were true, this would imply that we were created without a purpose and that our lives have no meaning.

The same way that keys are created to unlock whatever is behind the door, we were also created to unlock a unique potential that has been embedded within us by God. Just because I'm not gifted in the same way as others are, doesn't devalue who I am.  I challenge you to think about and dwell on this for a little bit. Our worth is determined by who and whose we are in Christ- not by what we can or can't do that others may be able to.

Potential is Tricky

The idea of leadership and investing in the lives of people is something that has been heavy on my heart lately. With graduation from college coming up shortly, I feel this is a topic God has laid on my heart for me to pursue. I'm grateful to work for a company that allows me to lead my team and yet at the same time, I am constantly learning and growing myself because of those people. This is great and exciting and I absolutely love it but I've also found it to sometimes be tricky.

The problem is that I've become almost obsessed with self-development and improving myself. We have to know ourselves in order to lead ourselves. By leading ourselves, we have the potential to lead those around us. Woo leadership! ... but not quite. What I'm finding out is that the more I focus on myself, the less I'm focusing on God. I thought all of this self-development was helping me to become the woman that God has created me to be but all I've done is taken my eyes off of Him and focused on myself. In doing so, I have completely lost sight of who I am. I may be able to pick myself apart and give you a list of "deficiencies" but I can't tell you what I'm passionate about, what makes me happy, what I enjoy doing or what I'm even good at doing.  I became too fixated on me and everything that I'm not that I forgot about others and who I am in Christ. The person I knew I didn't want to be is who I became. I lost my identity and stripped myself of the everlasting joy that Christ extends to us.

I believe this is something we can all relate to to some extent. So friends, I want to encourage you in your walk with Christ. I want to remind you where and who your worth is rooted in. I urge you to run to the father who will guide you and walk alongside you as you begin to discover and embrace the potential He has instilled in you. His arms are open and He is patiently awaiting this journey. It's not something we can do alone. I can find rest knowing that my own development and leadership is dependent on the unfailing strength of Christ. The person God has created me to be is far better than whatever I conjure in my mind. How sweet is that?!

Pain with a Purpose

 

Tonight was weird. I was talking with an old friend of mine, who I'm no longer really friends with but we ran into each other this past weekend so we were kinda catching up. The friendship didn't really end on a great note and our current conversation, well... it sucked. At the time, I felt like I was the only one putting in effort and I was becoming frustrated. they texted me to talk to me, but they weren't talking. So much had happened in the past 6 months and this was the person I would come running to with good news. All I still wanted to do was not brag, but share with them how glorious and good life is but they didn't care, so I withheld.

As I started to say my goodbyes, I wanted to leave them with a positive note. I quickly reflected on this specific relationship. I learned so much about who I was, and who I even had the potential to be. Little did I know, this person had such an influence on who I am right now. The past 6 months at work has forced me to really come out of my comfort zone and in exercising this new role- this new me- I'm seeing where this person has left their imprints on me. So while the friendship didn't turn out how I wished and hoped, it has still had a positive impact on my life. This person showed me love. They showed me how to love- myself and others. But also they have taught me how to lead others in a loving way. They taught me that not everyone will always agree with me or even like me, but I'm still loved. I still have a purpose and it isn't found in the opinions of others but is rooted in Christ.

Every thing has a purpose. Everything happens for a reason. The end of this friendship really took a toll on me but I'm able to see now how God designed this relationship with a specific purpose in mind. This experience in my life was a lesson. I was and still am able to grow and learn from it. How great is it to serve a God who has our best intentions at heart. It's amazing and beautiful to see how all the pieces in life fit together and serve a greater purpose than our current state of pain.

Whatever you are struggling with, whatever is hurting you, give it to God. There's a reason you're going through that but I promise you are strong and we serve a stronger God. He is good in every season. Your pain has a plan. Mine did and discovering it is a joyful journey.

Jesus Didn't Die For Butterflies

So ya know, it's Valentines Day, so this post is pretty fitting in my opinion. I think it's important for everyone (whether you're in a relationship, you want to be or you're just taking time to do you) to realize that love is so much more than an emotion.

First off, love is NOT the same as lust. Loving someone for their body or what they do or make you feel physically is not love. That's lust and it's wrong. However, I'm not saying that you shouldn't be attracted to your significant other. Because that's important in a relationship. Just don't confuse the two. Basically, you shouldn't only be with someone because they're "hot", "cute" or "handsome/pretty" but you should think those things about your partner. That should not be the sole purpose of the relationship, though.

Also, love is so so so much more than the feeling of butterflies in your stomach. Love isn't an emotion. Jesus did not die for you because He felt butterflies when He saw you. It's not a romantic kind of love He felt, but the point still applies. Even as parents, its the same concept. Love is knowing every flaw some one has and loving who they are despite of them. Love is choosing to see the good in a flawed person. That's what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross- He knows our every thoughts and actions (past and future) yet He loves us. He yearns for a relationship and chose to give up His own life so we can find ours through Him. You can't properly love someone without seeing the love Jesus shows us throughout the Bible and even now in our daily lives.

I think that's the biggest concept to grasp. Jesus showed us what true love is, is the relationship you're in honoring to this?

The Joy of The Lord

When I get stressed out, I sometimes feel like everything in the universe in against me. I can't stop it and it's like every one does something to purposely upset or frustrate me. 99% of the time, that's not true at all but it's so easy to overlook all the good in our lives.

Life gets busy and it's easy to let work or school or whatever overwhelm us but we have to remember to take a step back and breath. The things we take for granted, someone else is praying for. That's humbling! It puts things in perspective and gives me a grateful heart. So maybe you still live at home and you're arguing with your parents, someone in the world just lost theirs (or both) and would do anything to have them back. Maybe you're really stressed out in a relationship, work or college. There is someone out there who is praying that they don't get laid off, can afford their tuition or praying for their spouse/marriage because it's falling apart.

The trap of negativity is easy to fall into. And it's paralyzing. We have so much to be thankful for, even if our life seems like it's a failure. Pray about it. Trust God. Stay humble and kind. At least try to see the good in every person and every situation you come across. That outlook can change your mindset and change your life. Talk about your joys. The things in life that make you smile. Even little insignificant things like puppies, sunflowers or the way the rain hits your tin roof. God is with you and He loves you! Even if it seems like He's a million miles away.

~ For the joy of The Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 ~

Don't Lose Sight of Who You are Trying to Please People

Being in a {more serious than the typical 18 year old} relationship has made me realize many, many things. One of those being how important it is to take care of yourself. You HAVE to love yourself before you try and love someone else. Or else it'll fall into a million pieces. Crash and burn. Hasta la vista.

I really enjoy and am sooo grateful for the opportunities that I've been given to pour into the lives of people around me. However, if I give and give and give, there's a point when I'll grow weary. I've come to realize that I can't make another person happy if I'm not happy myself.

To be quite frank with you, I haven't been doing that and it has affected every aspect of my life- my school work, my relationship with friends, a significant other, and especially my walk with Christ.

Don't lose sight of who you are by trying to take care of other people. Don't let yourself go by trying to please them. You matter and the world needs you! It needs you happy. Your body and mind need you healthy.

People come and go in life. Just because someone leaves, doesn't mean they are a bad person or were a waste of time. Every person leaves some sort of lesson with them as they go. At the end of the day, I don't know if that person will be in my life or not. I'm not saying at all to not care about the needs or wants of the people around you, but you have to remember who you are, where you come from and what YOU need otherwise you can't reach your maximum potential and make the beautiful impact you were made to create.

Love yourself. Take care of yourself. Know your worth and don't let anyone take that away from you. Protect it with everything you have within you. And remember you are loved.

Being a Christian Comes With Responsibility

(Originally posted January 28, 2015)

Obviously, we all know that as a Christian we are supposed to act a certain way. People are constantly looking to us and at as; waiting for us to slip up and fall. For some reason, humans find it comforting when we see one another fail. It's like we're proving to ourselves that we are all imperfect people. We see it as a form of justification. Not only should we act in a correct manner because people are waiting for us to fail, but you never know when people are watching in general. Growing up in the church, this sounds extremely cliché but it's so true. It easy to see when someone is different or set apart. For me, I find it extremely attractive. Don't be ashamed of who you are and what you are, especially as a Christian. Other people notice that, I promise and they see they're you are different in a good way. It's appealing. Christianity in itself is appealing. Not because who Christians are, but because who Christ is.

Another responsibility that we have as Christians (and by far the most important) is to make disciples.

Jesus CLEARLY tells us in Matthew 28 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

Like dang. I read this verse and I just think about how lucky, blessed and fortunate we are to have accepted Jesus as our Savior and then are able to go and share that with others. We have the privilege of training others into disciples of Christ, as well as ourselves.

Every Breath is a Blessing.

(Originally posted November 30, 2014)

So as I'm sure everyone of y'all are aware of, this week was Thanksgiving. At the beginning of the week, I asked y'all to tweet me what you are thankful of AND to think about things we take for granted every day.

@abbyjay327 said she was thankful for "old AND new friendships"

And @nottherightkate said she was thankful for her education. It's hard now but will be worth it in the end!!

Here are 23 things I'm thankful for much more and these are not in any order:

1. Freedom. Freedom to say what I wish. Freedom to worship God in a place where my life isn't threatened. 

2. My mom (specifically). She's my rock. 

3. My family (grandparents + siblings + my dad) who will always stand behind me. 

4. Grace.

5. A job!

6. My car

7. My friends

8. My church family 

9. The cross and what it represents

10. A warm roof over my head and warm food on the table. 

11. Just like Kate said, an education. 

12. Clothes that fit. I see kids walking to school with clothes that aren't accustomed to the weather or they don't fit them. 

13. A future although I don't know why it holds. 

14. My Bible 

15. Prayer- it's a never ending connection to Jesus

16. Not just food on the table but food in the fridge. Fortunately, I don't have to worry about not knowing where my next meal is coming from. 

17. First responders- they keep us safe!

18. My teachers and professors who have a passion to help me grow.

19. Not just friends, but friends who want me to grow in my walk with Christ and will be there every step of the way. 

20. Technology/Electricity

21. Health!!!!!!! - Physically and mentally

22. Health within my family, friends and loved ones. 

23. My AMAZING followers- You guys inspire me daily. I love each and every one of you and I want to say a massive THANK YOU!!!

Like I said, these are not in order and the things I'm thankful for aren't limited to this list. Id love to know what you are thankful for below! Even if it's on my list too! :) Hope y'all had a good thanksgiving and happy holidays!!

"I really just dont know..."

(Originally October 8, 2014)

I'm the type of person who has to have everything planned out. I like to know what to expect with... well everything. I have my agenda (Lilly Pulitzer, of course) and everything is written down. I start the mornings out with my entire day planned out by the minute. I just like to have a sense of what's going on. I do not like surprises.

I'm taking a philosophy class this semester at the local community college. This class has completely opened my eyes. It's secured my own beliefs but I've really just been enjoying learning about other religions. It's also made me realize that I don't have all the answers. Now of course I already knew this, but in reality, nobody has the answers. My youth pastor doesn't. My accountability partner doesn't. My parents don't. Small group leader, etc. Like I said earlier, I like to know what's going on. In this case, I don't have a clue. At first, the fact that I didn't know the answer (or how to answer) certain theological questions bothered me until I came across Deuteronomy 29:29.

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

I read this and pondered upon it. It brought me so much comfort. Up until now, I've been dreading the day someone comes up to me and asks something about God that I simply just don't have the answer to. However, now, I'm looking forward to it.

I think what this verse implies is that we weren't meant to know everything! God only made the things we absolutely need-to-know available to us. If we were to know just as much as Him, then we are put on the same intellectual level- and we certainly are not. The things necessary for this life are in our reach, we just have to stretch out and grab them but not everything in life is a necessity.

The important thing to know is that:
1. We don't have the answers but we were never intended to.
2. God is all-knowing and all-powerful. 
3. We need to have faith in God that He knows exactly what He is doing. He has a beautiful story written out and we are solely a character in the play. I'm just a puppet. The script is already written and perfected.

It's not about me. The ultimate goal in life is to bring glory and souls to Christ. I need to fully trust God and live out the Great Commission and I do not need all the answers in order to do so! So when (its bound to happen) that Hindu in your Literature class confronts you about your faith, you can have the faith to answer him and tell him you don't know. And that's perfectly okay. I hope you guys have a fantastic week and I pray that God gives you courage and faith to step out this week!

"I don't have a purpose"

(Originally posted August 24, 2014)

I think most teenage girls (or boys?) have asked themselves this at one point or another. Honestly, I myself have. "Why am I even here?" "What if I was created by accident?" "Would anyone even care if I just disappeared?"

Psalm 104: 25-26
²⁵ Here is the ocean, vast and wide,
    teeming with life of every kind,
    both large and small.
²⁶ See the ships sailing along,
    and Leviathan, which You made to play in the sea.

These verses may seem a bit irrelevant at the moment, but give me a minute. Every thing has a purpose. Trees give us oxygen and homes for other creatures. We need little things like salt. Our bodies need sodium. We even need things like worms. They keep soil healthy which ca provide food for us. We need oil. We need sand. Water. I could go on all day and I would have to name everything! So to say you don't serve a bigger purpose is just absurd! In verse 26, it says even the ships in the sea are placed there for a reason.It's true. From brim to Great White Sharks. They all serve a purpose to the ocean. Same for you. Every single person has a point. YOU ARE BREATHING FOR A REASON. God isn't going to create you and leave you. (See blog post here)

Colossians 1:16 ESV
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

I truly and strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. God has a plan and every little detail is in support of that plan. We may never find out why a certain event has happened, but I promise there is some explanation. Maybe later on down the road you realize, "Oh wow, God allowed that to happen so that I can do this," but I don't know. You may never find out why somewthing happened. I don't have all the answers. Honestly, I don't have most of them. But God does, and I trust that He knows exactly what He is doing! Everything. EVERYTHING has a purpose; and that includes YOU!

I think at the end, our life should reflect our purpose. That purpose should be a reflection of Christ. For me, my calling is missions. I just love helping people in any way I can. I feel like I can serve God by serving others. But you don't have to be a "missionary" to be a missionary! You can be a missionary by being a teacher, coach, cosmetologist, accountant or a waitress. ANYTHING! Charles Spurgeon said, "Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter." Just like how we need missionaries in every country, we need missionaries in every area in the work force.

Ever studied the human body? Don't. It's not fun. We are extremely complex. Every part of our body has a function, and whether or not it's functioning correctly is extremely critical to our survival. Just like that little tendon in your arm affects how it moves, you affect the way the World works. Your impact on the World depends all on your shoulders. You have the potential to make a difference. A big difference. "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." Are you going to use your life to make a greater difference? You have a purpose and the power to do so, it's just up to you if you're willing to.

Deism vs Christianity?

(Originally posted July 24, 2014)

Deism: the belief that God is the creator, but He does not interact with His creation.

You know when we were kids and we would go to a birthday party and in the goody bag, there was a spinning top. We would spin them and just watch them as they turned in circles and traveled all over the table or floor until it slowed down to a stop and we saw where it landed. Well God isn't like that. He doesn't spin all of this into creation and just watch where it lands. He creates all of this, and helps guide us to where we are supposed to land. I love that about God and I am ever so grateful for that!

So say we are the spinning top; sometimes we try traveling to the edge of the table. We have it set into our mind, "This where I am going to go and nobody can stop me." Except what we don't see is that the end is near. If we continue in that direction, we will fall off the edge. We can't see it coming, but God does. So what He tries to do is guide us in the other direction. That's not what I wanted, but it's what is best. The moral of the story is that sometimes God tells us "don't do this" and it seems like He's taking away our fun! But later we see He says "do this instead and you will see that you may experience more joy." 

God is always there. He's not going to leave us. He isn't going to create us, create all of this, and see where it goes. No, God creates us and guides us so that we can go wherever it's best to be. He wants what's best for us; and that is Him.

Change

(Originally posted July 8, 2014)

So as some of you may know, a couple weeks ago I was at Student Life camp in Myrtle Beach, SC. It was absolutely amazing. Not going to get into too much detail, because let's be honest... You probably don't care that much. Anyways, David Platt (the camp pastor for this particular week) made an analogy and I thought it would be great to share with all of you. So here goes.

Imagine you're driving down the road. All of a sudden, you hear *bump, bump, bump*. You soon realize you have a flat tire! Luckily, you have a spare and already know how to change one. So here you are, outside of your car, next to the emergency lane, minding your own business while switching tires and here comes A MASSIVE SEMI. LIKE HUGE. 16 WHEELS. And it hits you! Miraculously, you live of course. I'm not just going to kill off your character like that! But the point is, you're gonna look a little different to say the least. 

This is how people should see us after we accept Christ. Not messed up looking, but different. They should be able to look at us and see that we have 1. Changed and 2. Look differently than everyone else. This is what Jesus does to us. He completely turns our whole universe upside down!

So first of all, whether you got hit by a bus or got smacked in the face by the Holy Spirit, homegirl (or homeboy) is gonna look different than before. You're gonna look at them and notice a change. This change may be verbal. Maybe he/she typically uses fowl language; that should change. Perhaps it's the way they dressed. Maybe it's just the way they portrayed themselves (or others!) before. It could even be mentally. Their whole demeanor and attitude should have some kind of adjustment made to it. Either way, some kind of change should be evident!

Lastly, (yes I'm almost done). So people notice a change. But you can change from one way to another and still fit in. The thing is: don't. We weren't made to fit in. We were called to be bold. To make a difference and an impact. You can't do this by being mediocre. You must be different. If you don't stand out, people aren't going to notice you. I, myself, don't like bringing attention to myself but yet being different and not conforming doesn't necessarily mean putting the spotlight on yourself. It's the opposite. We should focus on others and shine the light on God. 

One of my all time favorite verses is Romans 12:2:

(New Living Trans.) 

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

(English Standard Vers.)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Why did this happen?!

(Originally posted June 29, 2014)

So I recently posted this photo on my twitter

When I first saw this on another account, I just had to stop and pause. It struck me as an incredible reminder of God's plan. Not only the plan itself but the minor details. Every single little, tiny event that takes place in our life, occurs for a reason! It has a purpose! We might not see it now or ever, but that's the thing about faith; is having trust when you have no idea what's going on or why. 

This recently happened to me: So a couple of mothes ago, I got nominated for a state wide convention that takes place every Summer for girls entering their senior year. I had to go through a whole interview and speech process. I've been told it's a big deal. I was excited at first, but my excitement quickly decreased and I flat out just didn't want to go. At all. I've been dreading it all Summer. But here I am, I show up and meet my roommate who I later find out is not a Christian. After spending some time with God and His word, I realized I might not want to be here, but this is the reason I am here. This week has been miserable. It's been discouraging and I've felt extremely uncomfortable. However, I believe I'm here this week for this sole purpose and I was given this person as my roommate for a reason also. Life as a Christian will never be comfortable but we can find comfort in the presence of God. No where in the Bible  does it say life is going to be easy and comfortable. 

Nothing happens by coincidence. God ha a plan and I need to learn to trust it. I need to let Him write my story. This is something I occasionally struggle with but a constant idea I try to remind myself.  So just like how Jesus was a carpenter for a bigger reason than to fix things, you're in the place in your life right now (whether good or bad) for a purpose. And I pray that each of one can fulfill that purpose an grow closer to Christ.

"I'm scared"

(originally posted June 22, 2014)

Accepting the call to live for Christ is like accepting a life lived at the toes of danger. Now I don't want to scare you off, but all I'm saying is that accepting Christ is looking risk right in the face and saying, "Bring it on." The Bible clearly states that we are to face persecution. And that can be frightening sometimes. It says that the world is going to hate us. But just remember, it hated Jesus first. I find that incredibly comforting. Life as a Christian isn't always going to be a smooth path and bad things still do happen, contrary to popular belief. These are some of the things that I try to remind myself of when I'm struggling with various things or just plain scared!

When dealing with things of the Earth, I try to remember Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
We are to be audacious. And be bold. When struggling with worldly things, I try to remember the boldness of the cross. Jesus wasn't as a coward at all when he hung there and paid for my debt. We are to strive to live like Him. In trying to imagine this and what He went through for a reckless sinner like myself, it reminds me of how I should be living for a perfect and sovereign King. Wherever we go, god goes. He won't leave us now, or ever. So when I'm afraid, I try to remind my self that that boldness comes from Christ, who is unending and never leaving. 

Trust God-Psalm 9:10
"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
Last week I heard David Platt talk about writing a blank check and giving it to God so that He can fill in the blank. He talked about how although, that can seem a bit uncomfortable and unsettling, just remember who you're writing the blank check to. Like I said in the intro, life as a Christian doesn't mean that bad things don't happen to you, it just means that in whatever happens, you trust God and have faith that it will all work out in the end. I love how when you look back at a time in which you were struggling, and now see how all of the pieces fit together. God has a plan and He knows what He's doing! God doesn't always show up when we want him to, but He always has perfect timing.

Being comfortable isn't biblical- 1 Peter 3:17
"For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil"
No where in the Bible does it say life as a Christian is going to be comfortable. If anything, it screams that it won't be! I love the verse above. I strive for my life to line up with that verse. I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul. This past week, I was on the beach handing out water and trying to strike up a conversation with people in hopes Jesus would come into it. Some people completely blew us off. It made me feel awkward but I just kept trying to tell myself, "You know what, this is in God's hands. You committed your life to moments like this, get used to it." It can get a bit scary, but we, as Christians, might as well get comfortable with being uncomfortable because it's going to happen!

My point is, even when we're scared, it's really just silly. Look at what Christ already did for us, why would He leave us now? So when you're scared, just remember: be bold, trust God, and it's okay to be uncomfortable! I hope these things that comfort me, can bring you peace as well!