John 7:17 If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.
I had a great discussion with friends tonight about the future, marriage, children etc. All of us have spent time fantasizing about the future and what we'd like it to look like. Some of us have even come up with a timeline of when these events should take place.
But have we ever stopped to ask "Is this what God wants?"
I know we all are aware of our wants and desires. But if they do not glorify God then what is the use? Even if they will glorify God, how do we know if this is His plan?
As a college student I am constantly asked "What do you want to study?" "What do you want to do with your life?" "What will make you happy?"
It is not surprising in this individualistic and secular society that these questions revolve around what each individual wants. What about what God wants? Shouldn't this take precedence above our own desires?
Going into college I wanted to be an actress. I wanted attention and I wanted to be happy. A few years later, I am much wiser. I have been praying for discernment about what God wants for my life. He made it clear to me about 8 months ago that I am to devote my life to the pro-life movement. It is so incredibly amazing to know that I am starting to follow God's path for my life!
As far as other things go, lately I've neglected to ask God what He wants me to do. I know in my heart that if one follows God's will rather than one's own, happiness at a greater level than one knows will result.
I have really begun to open my heart to the Lord, surrendering my whole heart to Him. And I am experiencing a happiness I never had before.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Dating Jesus- Wait what?!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me~ Philippians 4:13
This past weekend I participated in a triathlon with a friend as a team. I am by no means an incredibly fit person or someone that could be considered an athlete. I have been pushing myself little by little to become physically stronger.
As I got on the bike to compete I was excited! I asked God for strength and endurance and prayed to Him as I pedaled. The first 10 minutes in I was going at a good pace of about 90 RPMs and then increased from there. Toward the end I was pushing 120 RPMs, I felt like I was going really fast! In the end I biked 15.6 miles in 30 minutes! I had gone 31.2 mph on average....HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? A girl who hasn't trained much at all for this race is able to go as fast as a car in a school zone....for 30 min. straight? Jesus was clearly present I tell you!
As I got off the bike my lower half felt pretty rock solid, almost numb. I felt really great that my brain did not interfere and tell me that I could not finish (like it has several other times).
As I waited for the results I felt surprisingly strong. Strong in mind, body and soul. The results came in and my friend and I won 2nd place. I could not believe it! In the past I'd read the verse from Philippians, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, as a means of affirming His presence. After this experience I feel amazed when I read the verse! I no longer feel doubts in the Lord!
As the day continued, I was able to attend an intense Zumba class as well as play floor hockey with friends after mass. I felt like a crazy person, pushing myself physically like never before. Although I am extremely sore while writing this, I am extremely happy!
Today while having lunch with a friend, he brought up the concept of dating Jesus. At first it sounded so odd and almost wrong! But as I listened to him elaborate it seemed so incredibly beautiful. Giving your heart completely to Him and having the Lord as center, the most important relationship one could have, what could be more beautiful?
I, like many other women, have fallen into the trap of feeding off of acceptance from people as a means of evaluating one's self. I've used failed friendships and relationships as a means of reflecting my value. God is who we should look to for acceptance!
1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
This past month I have read Theology of Her Body and Theology of His Body by Jason Evert. It has changed me. I now know what true love is! This past month I have been giving my heart to the Lord, rather than to men. It has been hard to accept being single. I have recently found the beauty in my singleness and want to "date" Jesus. I want to have an intimate and true love with the creator- I know that He will not leave me or let me down!
I have put my trust in the Lord and he has not disappointed! Nothing is impossible without Jesus and there is no greater love than the Lord. Give your whole heart to the Lord and you will not be disappointed. You will be fulfilled!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
I Surrender Lord
There are times where we take God for granted. We get sucked into the busy-ness of this world and end up neglecting our creator.
This week I fought a heavy stress that depleted all of my energy and joy. In planning a large event with TV stars to come to my college campus and speak about the beauty and importance of adoption, something went wrong. In the middle of the first big promotion day the plans fell through with the actors; the event needed to be postponed. I could not believe that something so difficult would be thrust upon my shoulders. I was in denial for hours and my mind was racing. How was I going to reverse all of the advertising I had just done?
I did everything I could to slow down and not make any rash decisions. After a nights rest I felt more at peace about how the following day had turned out. I have to trust in the Lord and know that He will be with me at all times. I went to mass and felt joy from the Lord! I felt renewed and knew that God had my back and has had my back this entire time.
Today however I felt dead to the world. I felt extreme exhaustion and did not feel like myself. I had let stress get the best of me and I realized that God was calling me to want Him. I had not opened my Bible all week and the Lord was seeking me out. After being encouraged by a friend to read my Bible until I felt better, I opened up the word and began to read.
But where would I start? I knew I was feeling stress, sadness, emptiness, exhaustion, etc. So I opened up to Psalms. I cried out to the Lord and asked Him to speak to me through His word. I then began to turn to other books to find comfort. After reading parts of The Song of Songs, Jeremiah, John, Matthew, etc. I felt as though I was doing something wrong. I did not feel the word relating to how I felt. I wanted something that would speak to me and comfort me. I continued to try and find some bit of hope. After an hour of reading I decided to stop. I was extremely frustrated and I surrendered to God saying that I need you and I am open to you. I am longing to hear your voice.
I know that God is present even if I cannot hear Him. I am using this struggle of mine to help humble myself and seek Jesus for strength and praise. I have neglected His word this week. Maybe my frustration is for my own good? Maybe God is trying to get me to search for Him and to try harder. I surrender to the Lord and encourage you to do so as well. I am letting Him be in control and will trust Him. Do not be anxious about uncertainty because the Lord is good and you can trust Him.
~Matthew 11:28-29
This week I fought a heavy stress that depleted all of my energy and joy. In planning a large event with TV stars to come to my college campus and speak about the beauty and importance of adoption, something went wrong. In the middle of the first big promotion day the plans fell through with the actors; the event needed to be postponed. I could not believe that something so difficult would be thrust upon my shoulders. I was in denial for hours and my mind was racing. How was I going to reverse all of the advertising I had just done?
I did everything I could to slow down and not make any rash decisions. After a nights rest I felt more at peace about how the following day had turned out. I have to trust in the Lord and know that He will be with me at all times. I went to mass and felt joy from the Lord! I felt renewed and knew that God had my back and has had my back this entire time.
Today however I felt dead to the world. I felt extreme exhaustion and did not feel like myself. I had let stress get the best of me and I realized that God was calling me to want Him. I had not opened my Bible all week and the Lord was seeking me out. After being encouraged by a friend to read my Bible until I felt better, I opened up the word and began to read.
But where would I start? I knew I was feeling stress, sadness, emptiness, exhaustion, etc. So I opened up to Psalms. I cried out to the Lord and asked Him to speak to me through His word. I then began to turn to other books to find comfort. After reading parts of The Song of Songs, Jeremiah, John, Matthew, etc. I felt as though I was doing something wrong. I did not feel the word relating to how I felt. I wanted something that would speak to me and comfort me. I continued to try and find some bit of hope. After an hour of reading I decided to stop. I was extremely frustrated and I surrendered to God saying that I need you and I am open to you. I am longing to hear your voice.
I know that God is present even if I cannot hear Him. I am using this struggle of mine to help humble myself and seek Jesus for strength and praise. I have neglected His word this week. Maybe my frustration is for my own good? Maybe God is trying to get me to search for Him and to try harder. I surrender to the Lord and encourage you to do so as well. I am letting Him be in control and will trust Him. Do not be anxious about uncertainty because the Lord is good and you can trust Him.
~Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
I have been blessed beyond what I deserve. My life is far from perfect, yet is extraordinarily beautiful and filled with God's grace! I strive to live my life according to His will and pray for discernment often. I want to be a light to others so that they may learn to live their lives with the appreciation and joy that I do! I have been through a lot in my life and thank the Lord for giving me the strength to move past all of the hurt.
This morning I awoke with a strong feeling of anxiousness. I believe the Lord is calling me to His attention. So I will open my Bible and soak up his word and be comforted by Him. I pray that you do the same. I am so excited to start a blog to share my experiences and help others to live a holy life!
This morning I awoke with a strong feeling of anxiousness. I believe the Lord is calling me to His attention. So I will open my Bible and soak up his word and be comforted by Him. I pray that you do the same. I am so excited to start a blog to share my experiences and help others to live a holy life!
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