College can make or break your faith in God; this can be true for those of you who commute or live on campus. At this point in my college career, I've commuted, taken classes online, and lived on a college campus. No matter where you are, there are battles to face and you have to be prepared to overcome them all. I've developed a number of things to do in your day-to-day schedule that keep your mind focused on Him.
Keep a prayer journal. That's right... When you pray, don't let your mind wander off into thoughts of what you should be studying or how much stress you feel toward one class. Write your prayers down so you can stay focused and you can finish your thoughts. Prayer is very important because it develops your relationship with God. Don't let your prayer life lack. Period. There's never a good enough excuse for that. If you let it slide, you'll find that your anxiety goes up and your hope goes down. Stay close to God in prayer and meditation.
In fact, pray constantly. It's so important, it deserves two paragraphs. Journals are good for down time when you are alone with your mind and your pen. Prayer in your thoughts is best when you're on the move from class-to-class and you have that little bit of time to talk to God. I found myself doing this a lot especially when I was walking to a class that had an exam waiting for me. It's necessary. Stay in contact.
Find a good roommate. If you're a campus dweller, this is crucial. A Christian roommate is preferred so that they can share your feelings and beliefs, but it's not absolutely necessary. If they are not a Christian person, look at it as your opportunity to be a light to them. A good roommate is somebody who encourages you, leaves you sweet notes on your whiteboard, brings you back tasty food, and is basically your best friend on campus. I had a roommate like that and I'll always thank God for her.
Surround yourself with a good crowd. Typically, people will associate you with who you allow yourself to be seen with... This means hang with quality if you want to be seen as quality. It is a lot more important for this crowd to have similar views as you. You can't always dictate who your roommate will be, but you definitely can control who you hang with. Not only will you develop a poor image in the wrong crowd, but your faith will crumble under the pressure to adhere to different ideas. Find the right friends and you'll be sure to have an easy conscience and a good college experience.
Leave yourself Bible verse post-it notes. Note only does this encourage you to study the Bible more frequently, but it's a constant reminder of God's promises. You might even find yourself memorizing a few along the way. They're good to keep on your mind.
Find a Christian fellowship group. This is your mid-week pick-me-up. You'll feel drained every single day of college life, but having that Christian outlet is the biggest relief among the chaos. From my experience, a Christian fellowship is full of God-fearing people who are looking to praise God in every way possible. We had prayer nights, Bible studies, question-and-answer services, and sooooo much group worship. Make time for God and you will be blessed.
Find that one study buddy. This will probably be somebody you share a major with... They will be your motivation, comedian, friend, and teacher. Studying is about getting right down to business for 5+ hours each night and your study buddy will always be right there to help you through it. You both want the grade and each other's company so you make it work. Sometimes this even means you have to put down the textbooks and pick up the Bible.
Study your Bible. Trust me, I know it's difficult and probably by now you're wondering, "Where am I going to find the time for all of this?" I promise it's possible to study your Bible in the midst of college life. I'm not saying you have to dedicate several hours to this point. Simply making a promise to yourself to read and meditate on one verse each day is perfectly acceptable. The point is that you made time for God and it will be enormously beneficial to you.
Don't neglect church. It is incredibly easy to get out of the habit of going to church every weekend when you begin living without a parent's influence. Suddenly you have to set your own alarm and iron your own clothes.... yeah, it's a crazy adult life. I always came home on the weekends and attended my own church, but when I stayed on campus, I tried to find a good substitute. Look around for churches and see what is available to you. You won't regret staying true to your church life. It is your Godly instruction, worship time, and even more talks with Him.
College life is crazy and hectic, but God wants to be with you through it all because He loves you. In the happiest times and in the times when all you can do is break down in tears, remember that He is always there to listen. Doing your best doesn't mean doing it alone.
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." - Joshua 1:9
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Fish Jar
Say hello to the Fish Jar!
This is one of the most fun and fascinating projects I've ever created. My inspiration came from My Aqua Jar. If you've never seen one of their ads, it looks basically like what I've put together only more professional and thorough. (haha) If you're like me and you're too impatient to order everything and wait on it, then this is the perfect project for you. This would be awesome for workspace and dorm rooms too as long as there is a window available to allow sun to hit the plant.
Materials you will need:
- Wide mouth mason jar
- Small plant (mint is planted in the picture)
- Marbles (or gravel)
- Plastic fruit cup (Dole Fruit n Gel cup in the picture)
- Beta fish
- Beta fish
Begin by drilling 4 holes into your plastic fruit cup (do this with some TLC so you do not break the plastic). Now you may put your small plant in the fruit cup.
Place enough marbles or gravel to cover the bottom of your mason jar.
Fill the jar 5/6 of the way full (just enough that the bottom of the plant touches the water).
At this point, you can add a very small plant. In my jar, I attached a Beta Bed to the side. These can be found at your local Pet Smart.
Get your fish adjusted to the water by transferring it to a small bag (I used a sandwich bag) and placing it in the jar to the best of your ability. There may be a small amount of overflow so place a towel underneath the jar. After about 5 mins, remove the fish from the bag and put it in the jar. I would suggest administering some stress coat liquid to the jar since they've endured a hard day of moving from place-to-place.
Feed the fish sparingly then place the small plant on top of the jar.
I hope you enjoy your jar of fish!
Sunday, July 17, 2016
The Work Must Go On
I feel like it is unnecessary for me to point out that there has been an enormous amount of tragedy in recent events. Hearing about it has left me sorrowful and righteously vexed at the same time. Each of these stories left me with the feeling as if my safety is constantly in jeopardy. Sometimes I find myself begging God to give me peace while I'm in class or driving down the road. I'm constantly reminded that I'm a child of the King so I never need to doubt that God will protect me. I have no clue what could happen, but no matter what happens I want to be used for the glory of God.
Sometimes God ministers to me using song lyrics. Recently, I was reminded of Do Something by Matthew West, which answers a lot of questions that have been running through every person's mind after so many horrible events... "God, why don't you do something?"
God said, "I did. I created you."
If that's not a slap in the face for many people (including myself), I don't know what would do the job. God calls us all to be His example in the world. People should be able to tell you are a Christian by the way you conduct yourself. Romans 12:1-2 states, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
God sent His son to die for us and he simply asks for our "reasonable service" in return? It would have been so easy for God to send us all to Hell without blinking an eye... but He chose to love us despite our sin. As a people for God, we should be making an effort everyday to be more and more like Jesus, which is the greatest example the world will ever see.
"If not us, then who? If not me and you... Right now, it's time for us to do something. If not now, then when will we see an end to all this pain? It's not enough to do nothing. It's time for us to do something."
Let this song speak volumes to you... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8
Another song I've found to be a help is Words by Hawk Nelson. This best applies to the ongoing presidential election (God help us) and it inspired me to pick up the pen once more. I have never seen so many poorly phrased and misinterpreted statements as I've seen in the presidential debates. The selection is poor and our nation is in need of God's mercy after seeing what kind of corruption will be in undeserved power after Election Day.
"Words can build you up. Words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out."
Our biggest problem is the fact that there are too many words putting out our fires rather than setting in ablaze. Why did our fire go out? Where is our passion? Lord, heal us... a broken people.
The potential leaders of our country are using words and living in ways that are totally immoral and the people are sitting on their hands and saying, "Well, we have no choice."
As long as you are alive, you have a choice. You choose God. You choose to love. You do something. This isn't the end. Don't start begging God to come back because as long as you're on this earth, you have a purpose. God will come when He's ready. Until then, you do your reasonable service.
"Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don't wanna say a word unless it points the world back to You."
Enjoy this one as well... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVweXDcxhA
The beautiful part of doing the work of God is that God's plan is perfect and comes with tremendous rewards. The song I thought that was most fitting for this is Bury the Workman by Unspoken.
"You can bury the workman, but the work will go on. You can silence the voices, but you can't stop the song. When the Spirit's moving, His will will be done."
So much good music... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKw2TDCj0k0
No matter what happens, God's plan will be fulfilled. God's people will have a home with Him in Heaven.
Seek the Lord first, spend time in prayer, and understand your calling as a workman.
As always, I speak to you with a heart full of love and mind full of frantic words that I can't type out fast enough. I'm thankful that the Word of God cannot be silenced. It's truth and it's our only hope. I don't mean to overwhelm anybody. Thankfully, God gives us a peace that is only found in Him.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27
Sometimes God ministers to me using song lyrics. Recently, I was reminded of Do Something by Matthew West, which answers a lot of questions that have been running through every person's mind after so many horrible events... "God, why don't you do something?"
God said, "I did. I created you."
If that's not a slap in the face for many people (including myself), I don't know what would do the job. God calls us all to be His example in the world. People should be able to tell you are a Christian by the way you conduct yourself. Romans 12:1-2 states, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
God sent His son to die for us and he simply asks for our "reasonable service" in return? It would have been so easy for God to send us all to Hell without blinking an eye... but He chose to love us despite our sin. As a people for God, we should be making an effort everyday to be more and more like Jesus, which is the greatest example the world will ever see.
"If not us, then who? If not me and you... Right now, it's time for us to do something. If not now, then when will we see an end to all this pain? It's not enough to do nothing. It's time for us to do something."
Let this song speak volumes to you... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8
Another song I've found to be a help is Words by Hawk Nelson. This best applies to the ongoing presidential election (God help us) and it inspired me to pick up the pen once more. I have never seen so many poorly phrased and misinterpreted statements as I've seen in the presidential debates. The selection is poor and our nation is in need of God's mercy after seeing what kind of corruption will be in undeserved power after Election Day.
"Words can build you up. Words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out."
Our biggest problem is the fact that there are too many words putting out our fires rather than setting in ablaze. Why did our fire go out? Where is our passion? Lord, heal us... a broken people.
The potential leaders of our country are using words and living in ways that are totally immoral and the people are sitting on their hands and saying, "Well, we have no choice."
As long as you are alive, you have a choice. You choose God. You choose to love. You do something. This isn't the end. Don't start begging God to come back because as long as you're on this earth, you have a purpose. God will come when He's ready. Until then, you do your reasonable service.
"Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don't wanna say a word unless it points the world back to You."
Enjoy this one as well... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVweXDcxhA
The beautiful part of doing the work of God is that God's plan is perfect and comes with tremendous rewards. The song I thought that was most fitting for this is Bury the Workman by Unspoken.
"You can bury the workman, but the work will go on. You can silence the voices, but you can't stop the song. When the Spirit's moving, His will will be done."
So much good music... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKw2TDCj0k0
No matter what happens, God's plan will be fulfilled. God's people will have a home with Him in Heaven.
Seek the Lord first, spend time in prayer, and understand your calling as a workman.
As always, I speak to you with a heart full of love and mind full of frantic words that I can't type out fast enough. I'm thankful that the Word of God cannot be silenced. It's truth and it's our only hope. I don't mean to overwhelm anybody. Thankfully, God gives us a peace that is only found in Him.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Who Am I?
There is peace in knowing where one's heart lies with God. He is the essence of all being. He is the creator of all life. There is no question who I am in this life.
...or is there?
I've found there to be a trend of discontentment among those who seek meaning. It seems to be quite common to use the cliche comment, "I'm still trying to figure out who I am." As individuals, we try to find some sort of worldly fulfillment that will define our being. Sadly, we are forever seeking and searching....and still looking for some kind of answer that confirms we have purpose.
We won't find our meaning in worldly sources.
There's absolutely nothing in the world that will make us feel accepted, loved, assured, or fulfilled. If it does not follow you after your life is over, it cannot give you meaning.
"Let my life be the proof of Your love." - For King and Country
No life can ever be more meaningful than a close walk with God. Isaiah 58:11 says, "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." You can have a perfect Savior guiding you through His perfect plan while filling you with His perfect love. How could life be more......perfect?
On a personal side note, I've struggled with this message. I felt called to talk about it several months ago. I began a blog and saved it as a draft many different times. There have been several different versions of this one message that have not satisfied my mind. I cannot simply speak of His glory; that would consume an infinite number of pages that I cannot begin to type. I cannot give you a simple answer to the question, "Who am I?" If you are not a Christian, the answer is short: You're a sinner in need of saving. If you're a Christian, the answer is beautifully complex, yet simple at the same time. You're the child of the King, clay of the Potter, lamb of the Shepherd, patient of the Great Physician, and so much more... But to put it in the most simple terms: You are His. That's all that matters.
Finally, I overcame the struggle I felt for so long. There is no better way for me to express the purpose He gives me, but through poetry.
Who Am I?
I long to find the person who holds the answer to my query.
I seek this wisdom from wrong sources and I'm starting to grow weary.
After all is said and done...
And this race has yet to be won,
He finds me in the darkness of my despair.
He lifts me up where I can see beyond this wall of doubt and fear.
And before I can even speak...
He gives me the answer for which I seek,
"You are mine."
Lord, You meet me in the sunshine and You meet me in the storm.
Why do You make the time to love me even when I am so truly worn?
You suffered so much pain...
All for just my gain...
I know not what You saw in me when You hung upon that cross.
Who am I in the eyes of the one who gave His life to pay my cost?
When there was no good in me,
You made me worthy.
"You are mine."
My child, I gave My life so you would never wonder who you are on this earth.
My infinite love has defined every moment of your life since before your birth.
You needed me so bad...
And My son was all I had...
Never doubt that your life holds meaning.
I've planned good things since the beginning.
All because He paid...
I will forever say,
"You are mine."
You are His. May He forever be your purpose,
...or is there?
I've found there to be a trend of discontentment among those who seek meaning. It seems to be quite common to use the cliche comment, "I'm still trying to figure out who I am." As individuals, we try to find some sort of worldly fulfillment that will define our being. Sadly, we are forever seeking and searching....and still looking for some kind of answer that confirms we have purpose.
We won't find our meaning in worldly sources.
There's absolutely nothing in the world that will make us feel accepted, loved, assured, or fulfilled. If it does not follow you after your life is over, it cannot give you meaning.
"Let my life be the proof of Your love." - For King and Country
No life can ever be more meaningful than a close walk with God. Isaiah 58:11 says, "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." You can have a perfect Savior guiding you through His perfect plan while filling you with His perfect love. How could life be more......perfect?
On a personal side note, I've struggled with this message. I felt called to talk about it several months ago. I began a blog and saved it as a draft many different times. There have been several different versions of this one message that have not satisfied my mind. I cannot simply speak of His glory; that would consume an infinite number of pages that I cannot begin to type. I cannot give you a simple answer to the question, "Who am I?" If you are not a Christian, the answer is short: You're a sinner in need of saving. If you're a Christian, the answer is beautifully complex, yet simple at the same time. You're the child of the King, clay of the Potter, lamb of the Shepherd, patient of the Great Physician, and so much more... But to put it in the most simple terms: You are His. That's all that matters.
Finally, I overcame the struggle I felt for so long. There is no better way for me to express the purpose He gives me, but through poetry.
Who Am I?
I long to find the person who holds the answer to my query.
I seek this wisdom from wrong sources and I'm starting to grow weary.
After all is said and done...
And this race has yet to be won,
He finds me in the darkness of my despair.
He lifts me up where I can see beyond this wall of doubt and fear.
And before I can even speak...
He gives me the answer for which I seek,
"You are mine."
Lord, You meet me in the sunshine and You meet me in the storm.
Why do You make the time to love me even when I am so truly worn?
You suffered so much pain...
All for just my gain...
I know not what You saw in me when You hung upon that cross.
Who am I in the eyes of the one who gave His life to pay my cost?
When there was no good in me,
You made me worthy.
"You are mine."
My child, I gave My life so you would never wonder who you are on this earth.
My infinite love has defined every moment of your life since before your birth.
You needed me so bad...
And My son was all I had...
Never doubt that your life holds meaning.
I've planned good things since the beginning.
All because He paid...
I will forever say,
"You are mine."
You are His. May He forever be your purpose,
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