Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Dad! 

If I could give you the gift of a million dollars, I would. 

If I could buy you a fancy vacation, I would. 

If I could buy you the most expensive thing you've ever wanted, I would. 

But, we both know that I can't. 

What I can give you though, is something from the heart. 

I'm awful at speaking, but writing is okay. 

There's so much I could say, but I'll try to make it short and simple and to the point. 

Thank you for all that you do for all of us. 

You do so much. 

Thank you for being a spiritual inspiration. 

God has used you in big ways. 

Thank you for accepting me as your daughter. 

I've never had a dad, but I do now. 

I "literally" cannot put into words how much you mean to me. 

You took me into your home, and showed me the love that I've never had before. 

Just thinking about the blessing God is gonna pour out on you for blessing me makes me smile. 

You deserve nothing but the best. 

I can honestly say that you've saved my life. 

God used you to speak into my life at the perfect moment. 

I will be forever greatful for that. 

Thank you for being there to help pray me through to the Holy Ghost. 

I know it took forever, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart for not giving up on me. 

Sorry this is so short, but like I said: I really can't put into words just how much you mean to me. 

Thank you for being a loving father to me. 

So, again: thank you and I love you. 

Happy Birthday, Dad! 

2014

2014 has had its ups and downs, but has been an altogether great year. A lot has happened, and all of it happened for a reason. Looking back, I can't help but thank God for every single thing that He has done. I've come so far in my life, and He is the one to thank for that. 

For starters, 2014 had an interesting beginning. The first Sunday of the month, I will never forget. I came to church with a hangover. So dumb. God got ahold of me big time. Now, I can happily say that I have been alcohol free since then, and I couldn't be happier. 

The second Sunday in January, was my one year anniversary at my amazing church, Turning Point Life Center. Coming up on now two years, I cannot believe how God has brought awesome people to that church who have helped me on my long journey. 

Skip forward a few months to March 29th, 2014. I will never forget that day. I finally received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It took me forever to finally surrender my all to God, but when I did, I felt a joy that was indescribable. I'm so blessed that I was surrounded by people who never turned their back on me, and who didn't give up on me during that part of my journey. 

June 1st, 2014, I graduated high school. It still feels unreal that that chapter of my life is over. It seems like it just happened yesterday. I walked across the stage and got my diploma, and I felt SO accomplished with my life. 

August of 2014 is when my life changed 110% more. I learned about outward holiness and took the next step in my faith by representing God not only on the inside, but on the outside. 

All of this was happening while I moved in with an absolutely wonderful family from church, the Marshall's. They're such a blessing in my life, and I couldn't be more thankful for them and everything that they do for me. 

A couple weeks when by, and things started getting weird. The devil started to hit me where it hurt. He would try to bring me back to my best friend at the time. Short backstory: I was never my true Christian self around that friend, so God told me to break ties with Him until he was no longer an idol in my life, and until I was secure enough in my faith to defend it. It hurt me, but I'm still trying to work on it. It's a journey/process, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). 

Then, the next week, I turned 19 years old. Whoa. I'm old. Lol. 

I got my first job, working for latchkey, and got accepted into the elementary education department at Indiana University East where I will start attending in January of 2015. 

Here it is now, in December, and the year is already almost over. It went by so slowly, but so quickly. 

I am a completely a different person that what I was 11 and a half months ago, and I just cannot put into words how happy that makes me. 

God has been nothing but good to me, and He has never let me down. He is so awesome. 

That about sums up my year. I pray that you all have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Blessings to you and your loved ones this winter season. 

Dear Naomi

Dear Naomi, 

You brought me into your home and accepted me when I didn't feel worthy of being accepted. 

You love me and call me your child. 

You have shown me what a real family is like, and I can't thank you enough for that. 

When I felt like nobody cared about me, you swept in and began to care for me. 

When I was at my lowest, you encouraged me to keep going. 

When I cry, you are there for me: to love me, and to make sure I'm okay. 

God placed you in my life, and you have made a huge difference in it. 

God brought you to me to help mold me into a woman of God. 

God knew I needed you, and He brought us together. 

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done, are doing, and will do. 

I am truly speechless. 

I love you. 

Now, you are probably wondering who Naomi is. 

Naomi is found in the Bible. 

She was Ruth's mother-in-law. 

She accepted Ruth as her own. 

God brought them together like He has us. 

Now, Naomi literally changed Ruth's life so much that Ruth said this: "But Ruth said, “Don’t force me to leave you; don’t make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried, so help me GOD —not even death itself is going to come between us!” (Ruth 1:16-17 MSG)." 

It's amazing. 

So, again, I thank you. 

You are such a blessing to me. 

I thank God everyday for placing you in my life. 

A Peek Inside My Brain

Confusion is closing in. 

It's like some sort of virus that's just taking over. 

It has my brain spinning out of control. 

It feels like a spiral staircase going downhill. 

Confusion. 

Nothing seems to be making sense anymore. 

When things start falling into place, something happens inside of me that makes things start to go wrong. 

Everything happens all at once. 

That's how it happens when I let my brain get in the way. 

I overthink everything way too much. 

I'm scared. 

I don't know what's going on inside of me. 

There is just so much going on. 

Yet, I don't know exactly WHAT is going on. 

There's too much. 

I don't understand. 

I pray. 

I beg God for help. 

I get impatient. 

I keep having to tell myself, "God's timing. Not yours." 

I'm tired of waiting.... 

I feel like I'm on a roller coaster of emotions. 

Up and down.... Up and down.... 

A spiral.... 

A steep hill leading up to a steep drop.... 

A roller coaster that feels like it's about to hit a crash landing. 

I'm trying my best to stay positive. 

I'm putting on my happy face so no one knows I'm hurting inside. 

I always have to be the strong one. 

Always. 

I don't want people to see the me that is in pain. 

Oh, there's so much more to tell. 

But, this is just a peek. 

A very small peek. 

A peek inside of my brain. 

A very confused brain. 

"Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord."

I know that a lot of people have a lot of different views on things. 

And, I know that a lot of people think they their way is the right way. 

This post is not meant to offend anybody or put anyone down. 

It is just me simply explaining the revelation that I had today... A revelation of who God is... And, I know in my heart that He is one God. 

Yes, that's right. There is only one God... Not three... One. 

God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are all one. 

I got the feeling of, "Oh my goodness! I finally understand it," this afternoon at church. 

It hit me like a ton of bricks. 

I starting thinking, and an old analogy I heard right before I got re-baptized last year came to mind. 

Here it is: If you're writing a check to someone, you have to put their name on it or it doesn't count. If you are wanting to write a check to your dad, you can't just put dad. You have to put his name. So on and so forth, you can't write a check to son either. Or to spirit. You have to put a name. The same thing applies to your life. You want the Name of Jesus applied to your life. Getting baptized in the NAME OF the father, son, and Holy Ghost isn't gonna work. You need the wonderful name of Jesus on your life. One Name. One God. Jesus is His Name. 

I really feel in my heart that I've said all that needs to be said. There is only ONE God, and He is worthy of all of the glory. 

If my analogy just didn't do the trick, check these out. They're straight from the Word of God. 

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: (Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV) 

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:16 KJV) 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 KJV) 

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3 KJV) 

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 KJV) 

One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6 KJV) 

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1 John 5:7 KJV) 

The Life Of A Lukewarm Christian

"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:16 KJV) 

My question is simple: what temperature are you? 

Hot? On fire for God, kingdom minded, and counting down to heaven? (The only acceptable temperature.) 

Cold? Backsliding more and more and not caring about where you're headed? 

Lukewarm? Stuck in the middle, indecisive, and scared to change? 

I don't know what your temperature is, but I know mine... And it scares me. 

I am a lukewarm Christian. 

I am scared to fully raise my white flag in surrender. 

I am stuck at a place in my life where it's hard to decide what I'm gonna do. 

I have come to a complete stop in my spiritual growth. 

I am not in a good place. 

I am questioning and doubting God way too much. 

I am at a very unsafe and dangerous temperature. 

I am on the edge of being a backslider, and it terrifies me. 

I keep having nightmares about fire and brimstone, and they just seem so real. 

I don't want to continue down the path of being lukewarm. 

To anyone else who is struggling with being lukewarm, just know that you are not alone. My prayer below is for you, as well. 

Don't give up the fight. 

Keep on keeping on. 

Realizing that you are lukewarm is the first step. 

The next thing is to fix it. 

Be prayerful, and be in the Word. 

Stay accountable. 

Most importantly, keep God as your number One because He is THE One. 

God, 

I pray that You would help me to become on fire for You again. More than anything, I want to get deeper in my relationship with You. Being lukewarm is just not gonna cut it in my life anymore. I want to shine Your light and shout Your name from the mountaintops. 

I ask that as I start my journey closer to You, that You would guide me and keep me grounded. I long to just keep You first in my life and put no idols before You. 

Help to stop being lukewarm and heat me up to being on fire for You. 

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen. 

"Don't You Worry, Child."

"Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG)" 

I stumbled across that verse this morning. It really hit me hard. 

And, while it really does speak for itself, let me just tell you: 

I know, it seems nearly impossible to be anxiety/worry free about things. We all do it. 

Buuuuut, if we take Paul's advice and turn our worry into prayers, just imagine the outcome! 

Whenever you start to worry or start to feel anxious, just stop what you're doing and pray. It'll help the situation. I promise. Let God and His peace guard your heart from anxiety/worry. 

Everybody Hurts

Hurt. 

An unbearable king of hurt. 

A pain like I've never experienced before. 

A pain that literally made me sick. 

It feels as though my heart has been ripped out of me, stomped on, catapulted onto the street, and run over by an 18-wheeler. 

It feels as though I've been repeatedly hit in the head with a hammer. 

My thoughts are everywhere. 

My nerves are on edge. 

My eyes are burning from the sobbing. 

My heart is shattered into a puddle of nothing. 

I feel a multitude of emotions. 

Anger. 

Rage. 

Frustration. 

Sadness. 

Hurt. 

Confusion. 

Depression. 

It's all hitting me so hard. 

It's destroying me. 

I have a headache the size of Texas. 

I feel so dead. 

Now, I know life's not fair, but this just isn't fair. 

It's not right that I'm being treated this way. 

I just don't deserve it. 

I am just gonna have to trust God on this one. 

I'm tired of trying to do it on my own. 

"Knock Knock!" "Who's there?"

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)

Have you ever been at the point in your life where you just know that God is knocking on your heart? Have you ever been so busy with worldly pleasures that you didn't notice He was trying to enter? Yeah, me too. 

The pleasures of this world can be dangerous. Their temporary satisfaction can distract us from God's offer of lasting satisfaction. 

Please, I'm speaking from personal experience, don't let these things get in the way. Please don't start shutting God out. 

Leave the door of your heart constantly open to God. Listen for His knocking, and just let Him in. Letting Him in is your only hope for lasting fulfillment. 

Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts every time we sense we should turn to Him. He WANTS us to turn to Him. He is very patient and persistent in getting us to do so; which He does by the knocking. He doesn't just break and enter. He is a gentleman. 

He allows us to decide whether or not we are going to open up. 

Don't think you are forever stuck on the other side of the door. Listen for His voice, and then answer. God is so amazing that He will accept you no matter what. 

No one can make you listen and answer, but I'm trying to make you realize how important it is. 

Your life can change for the better in a heartbeat. Trust me... Trust HIM! :) 

You won't regret it. I promise. 

I Am Free

I'm finally letting go.

I feel like a captive that's been set free.

A weight has been completely lifted from my shoulders.

I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm one step closer to feeling God's presence again.

I'm one step closer to complete surrender.

I'm done fighting with God; I'm gonna listen to what He has to say.

I'm done ignoring His commands; I'm gonna obey Him wholeheartedly.

I'm going all in.

I'm raising my white flag in surrender.

My life is no longer my own.

God comes first, no matter what.

I'm so sick of trying to be fake.

From here on out, I'm gonna be as real and transparent as I can be.

I'm getting rid of all unforgiveness and bitterness.

I'm going to pray through the hurt and the sting.

I'm going to let God continue His mighty work in me.

I'm gonna allow Him to move, and not let myself get in the way.

I'm done arguing with Him.

I can't go on a second longer without living fully for Him.

I've never felt freedom so sweet.

I've never been so happy to let something go.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.

I've finally taken that step.

It felt amazing to let it go.

God has a purpose for every aspect of everything in my life.

He desires to work in and through me.

I am so thrilled that I am finally going to let Him.

I'm no longer going to sit around and waste my life.

I am going to spend more time in His Word, and I am going to let it inspire me.

I have a burning desire to know more about Jesus.

It's not gonna work when I try to make the changes myself.

I am finally letting Jesus in to make the changes because it actually works when He's the one to do it.

I'm letting Jesus take the wheel.

I am letting Him be the Author of my entire life.

"No more shackles.

No more chains.

No more bondage.

I am free."

Strengthen Me

Confused.
Scrambled.
Anxious.
Hurting.
Frustrated.
Frazzled.
Spinning.
Dazed.

My mind is in a number of places. It's so full of so much stuff.
It's all happening so fast, and all at once.
What's going on?!
Why am I fighting with myself?!
Why is everything all jumbled inside of my head?!
I just don't understand.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a SOUND MIND." (2 Timothy 1:7).
Obviously, my mind being all weird and confusing isn't God's fault.
Obviously, the devil sees the progress I've made in my life, and he's trying to confuse me and hold me back.

Wake up call, devil.
You're not gonna win anymore.
You know your fate.
Stop trying to bring me down.
You don't have any power over me.
I don't belong to you.
I am a child of God.
I'm done letting you try to confuse me.
I. Am. Done. With. Your. Schemes.

Dear God,
I pray that You would give me the strength to fight the devil off. I pray that You'd give me the patience and kindness that I need in order to make it through. I know that with You, all things are possible, so please help me to live in that mindset, God. Continue to do a work in me, and do whatever it takes to get me to go all in. I am Your vessel, God. Use me. Strengthen me.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

"I Have Been Changed For Good"

As I look back on the past year and a half of my life, I am literally awestruck because of how far I have come. As I look back on the past month of my life, I am in even more shock because of the huge changes that I have made. It's just amazing that God has taken who I was, and turned me in to who I am. I am a part of God, and He is a part of me.

Now, on this journey, I have not even been close to doing this alone. God has provided so many people in my life to be on my side rooting me on and supporting me in any way that they can. And, I am forever thankful for each and every single person.

There's a song from the musical Wicked called "For Good" that goes,
"Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun,
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you.
I have been changed for good."

Because I know everyone that I know, I have been changed for the better AND for good.

To the Marshall's: You have showed me what a real family is like, and I can't thank you enough for that. You have all been such an inspiration to me in so many ways. You have allowed me to live in your home, and have accepted me as a part of the family. You have showed me a love and compassion that no one has ever showed me before. I cannot even begin to say thank you enough for everything that you guys have done for me. I love it that I FINALLY have someone to call "dad." It is the most amazing thing in the world. There's so much I want to say to you guys and thank you for. But, I literally cannot put it all into words what all you have done for me.

To Greg: I still don't think I have thanked you enough for helping me to pray through to the Holy Ghost. You encouraged me so much throughout that part of my journey. When I felt like shutting down, you helped me to let go. It may have taken a while for it to finally happen, but I'm so thankful that it happened because it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. So, here are a thousand thank yous, Greg, for helping me and for all the encouraging words you have given me.

To my TPLC family: Thank you all for being there for me and for supporting me. None of you turned your backs on me and none of you have judged me. If I could personally come up to each and every single one of you and thank you for being so amazing, I would. You all have showed me how to worship. You all have showed me how to pray. You all have showed me that it's okay that I'm not perfect. You all have showed me how to Love God, and how to Love People. So, thank you all for being life changers and for showing me who God really is.

To God: I thank You for placing all of these people in my life. I thank You for creating a burning passion for change inside of me, for filling me with Your wonderful Spirit, and for just being so amazing. You leave me speechless all of the time. You have continued to blow my mind with Your blessings and promises. Thank You, Jesus, for loving me. Thank You for changing me into a better person... a person after Your own heart.

To Indy or Not to Indy? That is the question!

After graduation, I have the opportunity to move to Indianapolis to live with one of my best friends. I am very excited to have this chance. The problem is, I keep fighting whether or not it is going to happen. I keep going back and forth between, "yes, I'm going," and "no, I'm not going." I've literally thought about it non-stop. I've made the lists of pros and cons, but that didn't help the decision; it just made it that much harder. Then, I had the idea that maybe I should go just for a trial period... But, if that didn't work out, then where would I go?! It's honestly one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make in my entire life. Yay for adulthood... not.

When I first got the offer to move, I was super pumped and started planning things: how I wanted my bedroom to look, where I would work once I got there, etc. I started looking on Pinterest for ideas for everything. I was for sure that I was ready for the big move. Nothing and no one was going to stand in my way... But, then doubt started to creep in, and fear of course. I started thinking that my friend and I would get tired of each other once we lived together for a while, and we would end up hating each other. I started to think that if I move, my friends here in New Castle would be mad at me. I started to feel scared that I was about to take this huge step and didn't really know what I was thinking. Then, I thought that if I backed out of moving that my friend would be mad at me for changing my mind. So, I just stopped thinking about it for a while.

Buuuut, gradution is in four days, so time is closing in, and I need to make a decision. I have heard an opinion from two different people who are super important to me about what I should do, and again, it didn't make the decision any easier. I honestly have noooo idea what I am going to do. I mean, this is my future we're talking about here. I know I don't need to be rushing into a decision, but I also can't exactly take my sweet time, either. I have prayed about this, but I have gotten absolutely no where. I am now to the point where every time I even think about having to choose, I just start doing something else and promise myself that I will decide later. Well, later never comes, and I just blow off making the choice. I have got to stop doing that, honestly.

So, "to Indy or not to Indy?" is still the question. I have not made a decision, and do not know when I will. All I know is that I need to decide kind of soon. I can't keep putting it off. I need to look at my pros and cons list, and maybe pray about them. I need to think about every single little important detail. Until the decision is final.... TO BE CONTINUED....  

Thinking Differently: Just Hold On

Ever since I received the gift of the Holy Ghost, there has been a major change in my life. I feel different. I think different. I speak different. Im even acting differently. I noticed it right away. It was like something just sparked inside of me. It's such a wonderful feeling, and I'm never going to let go of it. It's way too wonderful to ever run away from. The biggest change I've seen in myself though is the way that I react to things: I mean, I have completely switched mindsets there. I'm talking as opposite as Antarctica is to the Sahara Desert. Completely, 100% DIFFERENT. I absolutely love it.

Not gonna lie, multiple situations the past few weeks have been extremely difficult. In some cases, I have been tempted to cuss, but I just couldn't. The words literally just couldn't come out of my mouth. Another time, I started to watch a movie that isn't exactly the best choice of movies, and pretty much everything kept me from watching it. I finally took it as a sign that it just wasn't meant to be. I've found myself starting to stress out about the little things, and something comes along and reminds me that God is in control.

The other day, I was stressing out quite a bit. Like, it felt like I was the target at an archery competition. Everything was piling on all at once, and every little thing seemed to be driving me just the right amount of crazy. I was probably on the verge of screaming physically because let me tell ya, my brain was full of a straight up scream fest. There came a point where it all just became too much, but something made me just stop what I was doing, take a deep breath, and say to myself, "Just hold on. Things are going to get better. You don't have to try to be perfect. Bad days happen. Trust God. He can take care of you. Breathe. Hang in there. Just hold on." I just sorta smiled to myself, and said a prayer of thanks to my almighty God. The rest of that day wasn't really any better, but hey: I MADE IT!! No amount of stress... No amount of arguing... No amount of frustration, can stand in God's way of making progress in changing me for the better.

Another big thing making a difference in me is my prayer life. I am finally getting better at praying more at home. The days I've gone to the church in the mornings to pray in the prayer room have given me that extra boost, though. It has helped me tremendously. Listening to everyone else pray as well is such an inspiration to me: And, when I hear myself praying with them, I can't help but think how far I have come when it comes to praying. I used to never pray... Ever. When I finally started to pray, I would be too scared to do it when people were around. I used to just do it quietly in my head. Now, when I pray, I don't worry about what people think of me. I don't focus too much on saying the perfect thing. I say what's on my heart. It's almost like the need to talk to God just flows out of me. It consumes me, and it feels so good. I know that God is at work in my life. If He wasn't, I honestly wouldn't be praying like this... Or even at all probably. Thank You, Jesus for this miraculous change in my prayer life.

I think the best compliment I have ever received happened a couple weeks ago. My friend Ethan and I were talking, and out of no where he said, "You know what, Jewell? My sisters and I were talking the other day. We have all noticed such a big change in you. We are all so proud of you." It almost brought tears to my eyes. I thanked him at least a dozen times. When he said that is when it really hit me that I am DIFFERENT. I am changing for the better. I know that my journey is just beginning, but I am ready to face it head on. "With God, all things are possible." He has such awesome plans for my future, and I am finally letting Him use me for His kingdom. I hope this feeling of God's love in my life never goes away. I hope that it shines through me into the lives of others. I hope that I can win some souls for Him. I hope that I can be a light unto the world because He is a "lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Dear God,
I thank You from the bottom of my heart, and I praise You for this amazing change that has taken place in me. I can't get enough of Your love it seems like. I pray that as I live my life, that I would be able to live it for You wholeheartedly. I pray that as I worship, I would be able to do it with reckless abandon. God, I ask that You would continue to be at work in me and keep changing me. Use me for Your kingdom's cause, God. Again, I can't thank You enough. I love You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

I'm Human

My youth pastor mentioned something last night that just stuck with me. He said, "You can't change what happens to you or what has happened to you or what is going to happen, but you can choose how you react to it." Isn't that powerful?! It made me take a step back and look at how I've reacted to things in my life... and more importantly how I'm going to start reacting in future events. It also brought to mind a quote from church camp last summer, "Anything can be redeemed." Bottom line; even though bad things may happen, and even though we all make mistakes, they can still be used for the glory of God.

For example, good ol' Moses. In the Bible, it talks about how he made a pretty large mistake. Ya know, killing a man and all. He saw an Egyptian man beating a Hebrew man, and something inside him snapped. Moses went from being a prince in Egypt I a shepherd in the desert. But, in that desert, he came upon a burning bush... a bush that "was on fire, but not consumed." This was God's way of getting Moses' attention excuse think about this: if the bush represents the Hebrews, and the fire represents God, then God was telling Moses that He was consuming the Hebrews... and Moses. He knew then that even though he had made a huge mistake in the past, God was getting ready to use him in a mighty way. When He told Moses he was to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, he asked God what he was supposed to say to the Pharaoh. God told him to say, "I am that I am." Goose. Bumps. That single statement has so much power. It's so wonderful.

So, anyways, Moses. He may have made some mistakes in his life, but he had a huge faith in a God that can use anyone for His kingdom. Moses' faith is so inspiring! In Hebrews 11:23-30, it talks about his faith in the "Faith Hall of Fame" if you must.

My point is; even though life likes to throw curveballs at you, and even though you make mistakes, we are human. All of us; so it's okay for those things to happen. I promise. It's totally normal. God can still use you, and He will if you let Him.

God,
I thank You from the bottom of my heart for being a redeemer. A mighty and awesome redeemer who loves us all so unconditionally even though we fail You and make mistakes. I pray that as we go through this life, You would help us to stay strong and keep our focus on You. I pray that whoever reads this realizes that it's okay to make mistakes, and that we don't have to hide of run away from You when it happens. Thank You, Jesus for being so wonderful and awesome and for loving us.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

P.S. Shout out to Andy Denny for the title to this blog. I was gonna call it, "I can't decide what to title this, but it's about Moses," but I liked his idea a zillion times better. Lol. :P

God's Not Dead

The other day, I got to go see the movie, "God's Not Dead." It was super amazing, and inspired me so greatly to spread the word of the gospel and tell the world that God truly is still alive. If you haven't seen it yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. It will change you life. I promise.

Despite what the world tells you, despite the circumstances of your life, despite what that little voice in the back of your head is telling you... GOD is here for you. He is committed to you, and isn't going anywhere. The Man who conquered the grave loves you, and wants nothing but the best for your life. Everyone needs reminded of that sometimes. Even me. Especially me. When the world tells you, "You're not good enough to make a difference," look at the world and say, "God says otherwise. Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains." You ARE good enough. Don't you ever think for a second that you're not.

In the movie, there is one brave boy that stands up for his faith in a mighty way. He knew he'd get mocked and laughed at... But, he didn't care. He loves God SO much, that he didn't back down, and he didn't let his surroundings influence him. This guy is my hero. I pray that I, and all of you, can have such a faith like that. A faith that won't be shaken. A love of God with reckless abandon, despite what others around you are doing. It just inspired me so much, and I can't stop thinking about it. If we all had the faith to stand up for what we believe in like him, just think of the difference we could make in the world!!!!

I challenge you: tell everyone you know these three little words with a big meaning: God's NOT Dead. It could spark a conversation, and someone can come to know Christ, and have a relationship with Him. When they here this amazing news, they're gonna wanna learn more. Trust me. It's worth sharing.

Dear God,
I pray for anyone and everyone who is reading this and who is going to read this. I pray that you would help us to strengthen our relationship with You, and help us to not be too shy to share Your good and mighty news. God, I ask that You would capture the hearts of many through this newly released movie, and that it brings so many people closer to You. I pray that all of us would step up and make a difference for Your kingdom, God. Thank You SO much for being great and mighty and awesome. We love you with all of our hearts.
In Jesus' name I pray,
AMEN!!!!

"My God's not dead; He's surely alive.
He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion." -Newsboys.

Stuck In The Pit

Imagine this: 

     Being surrounded by nothing but absolute darkness. The only things you can hear are your thoughts bouncing off the walls, and your soft, quiet sobs in the background. It feels cold, like ice. It feels like the pressure is building up, about to explode. Your head feels fuzzy, and you just feel useless. And stuck. 

     

     You're stuck in a pit. Not a physical, actual out like Joseph. A pit that is spiritual... Emotional... Mental. It's so real. It's so isolated and alone. You need help, but it's almost as if no one can hear your screams. 

     Are you even screaming, though?! It's so quiet. You can't catch a breath between cries. So, it's not possible that you're actually screaming, is it?! What's going on?! How did I end up so deep into this pit?! What's wrong with me?! Why can't anyone hear my cry for help?! 

     What about You, God?! Where have You been through all of this?! I need You more than I need anyone else!! Where. Are. You?! 

     God, please help me. Come back into my life again, and be my strength. Without You, I'm never going to make it through this. There's so much that is happening, and it's so hard to cry out to You. More than anything, God, I want to run at full speed back into Your arms. I love You. I need You. I miss You. Heal me. Help me. Please, God... Please.