As I have mentioned before, I am home on summer break from college. I am blessed to come home to a supportive group of friends and church that many of my friends do not have in their hometowns.
However, it is still a struggle to stay in the word! I mean, come on, it's summer!!! Psht, who wants to sit buried in the Bible taking notes or even just reading a book with such flimsy pages on a beautiful, breezing day? (Not that those have happened yet...grrr...) I know I don't. And even on a gross, windy, rainy day like today I still don't want to sit and read my Bible. Too many video games to play.
So I have decided to make a list of fun things to do to still stay in touch with God throughout the day, even during the busy summer. No telling how long this list will be. I'm just winging it here.
1. Listen to Jesus music!
Seriously, how much time do you spend driving in your car, tanning, sitting on a boat, or just relaxing outside. Or for some of you really crazy people - exercising? All these things you can do with some ear buds in! Instead of putting on the latest Usher or Beyonce, put on some good ole Hillsong or Chris Tomlin. The Christian music community has pretty much got everything covered as far as genres go, so you're sure to find something you like.
2. Watch a Christian movie!
I know one of my friends' and I's favorite thing to do is watch movies late at night. I've done a blog on this subject before, so click here to read the whole thing! But here's a quick sum up - yes, Christian movies can be low budget and sometimes have some terrible acting, but the message is always supreme! Not like some of the porno movies that are considered mainstream. If you want a good, wholesome movie, pop in some of these favorites:
- Facing the Giants
- Soul Surfer
- Fireproof
- Left Behind
- Book of Eli
- Faith Like Potatoes
- The Passion of the Christ
- and a whole lot more!
3. Do a Bible study with friends!
I love getting together with my friends over the summer, but I live in boon dock Iowa so many times we struggle with finding things to do that don't require paying a whole lot for gas. Even just taking a half hour to an hour of your hang out time to go over some Bible material is highly beneficial. And if you don't know what to do or where to start for material and learning, ask your pastor, buy a guide book, or even just share favorite verses with one another or discuss a topic like dating, marriage, or controversial subjects by finding verses from the Bible to back up your point of view. (Google is your best friend.)
4. Read a Christian book!
Sometimes that Bible can be overwhelming, can't it? Many translations still have that old English feel to them, and much of it is confusing without study Bibles or reference books to accompany your reading. Another thing to do is read a book that has Christian themes in it. There are many Christian fiction writers out there with genres to cover every topic imaginable. And I'm sure some are even available on tape to listen to in your car. (Once again, Google is your best friend. And Amazon. You're welcome for the free advertising, by the way.)
5. Volunteer!
Probably most of you cringed at reading this word. That's okay, I did while writing it. I don't know what it is about human nature, but we love to be selfish. We hate donating, especially things like time and money. But there are so many ways to volunteer! You can make food for a church potluck if you like cooking, be a nursery helper if you love little children, serve food at a soup kitchen if you like socializing, visit those in the hospital or nursing homes by talking to them and reading them Bible verses if you like helping the elderly, donate money to shelters, Red Cross, or Christian organizations if that is what the Lord is putting on your heart or donate clothes to Goodwill, church auctions, or missions groups. These are just a few ideas, and I'm sure you have some of your own.
6. Mission trip!!
Many of you might consider this the same thing as volunteering, but I feel it is not. It is similar, but so much more. And yes, I realize most mission trips require some planning (and unfortunately, money) so start planning for next year! Even just planning for something like the can get you psyched to stay in the Word. You can even make it into a family vacation. Frankly, I can't think of a better thing to teach my kids while on vacation. Well, future kids I guess. You can go anywhere you want!! Exotic locations, poverty-stricken locations, or even at home in the heartlands of America. Talk to your pastor about perhaps a church group all going together for support. I know most people feel that the people you set out to serve end up teaching you more than you ever thought you could teach them.
So I think six things are plenty to think about when plotting out your summer. Just keep God at the center of your heart and actions, and you're sure to have fun with Him!
God Bless!
ChristianKid
This post linked to:
Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Spiritual Sundays
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Have no fear, oh ye of little faith
1 Peter 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
There are so many times in our lives when the world just seems terrible - and thanks to sin, it is. Our world endures horrible things such as natural disasters, wars, disease, poverty, pain, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I catch myself wondering, "God what are you doing?! What good is going to come of this?! This makes no sense!" Sometimes unfortunately for our naive minds, God works in mysterious ways.
But no matter what we all go through, there is always someone out there who is going through the same trials and tribulations that we have. God has made sure that no matter what happens, you can take comfort knowing that you are never alone. You always have Jesus to turn to when things get rough, and as long as you have faith in Him, He will provide for you and take care of you.
Matthew 21:21 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.
And never think that your problems are insignificant. Many people will look at their problems and then look at those of the world and say to themselves that they can handle it - other people are suffering worse things. Well when you put it in that context every one's problems are insignificant! But you can only ever compare your problems when you are comparing them to your own past. Because you may be able to look back at what you have gotten through before and think, "Look at what I got over back then. That was much worse than how I feel now so I know I can get through this." Your problems weigh on your own heart, and they cannot go ignored! No where in the Bible does it say, "This is what Job suffered through. His problems were worse than yours. Suck it up." It never says anything remotely close to that!
God thinks that each and every problem, insignificant as you may chalk it up to be, is important and needs to be brought to His attention so that He may heal you. For if you let these things dwell inside of you, more sin may corrupt you and your thoughts and actions in the future, and that is not what God wants at all. You cannot think of your problems in comparison with those of the world. Only one person in the history of the world has ever and will ever group the sins of the world and take responsibility for them all: Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ wants to know what is tugging at your heart and causing you pain in your life so that He may fix that as well.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Another thing I continue to struggle with, as my friends will tell you, is that I care perhaps too much about people and am very protective of those I care about. However, most times I find myself helpless to do anything. Sometimes the problem is out of my hands; sometimes it is something that only someone with specialized training can fix, and sometimes the problem is too geographically far away from me to help with. And I'm sure many of you find these things to be true for you as well. It's frustrating! Trust me, I know. But the Lord says the most powerful thing we can do for those we love is to pray for them.
So when you find yourself in a situation that seems overwhelming and out of your control just remember: nothing is overwhelming for the one who created all things, and everything is under God's control. He has a plan, and we just need to trust that it will all work out.
James 5:16 Pray for one another, that you may be healed.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all with liberty and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
There are so many times in our lives when the world just seems terrible - and thanks to sin, it is. Our world endures horrible things such as natural disasters, wars, disease, poverty, pain, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I catch myself wondering, "God what are you doing?! What good is going to come of this?! This makes no sense!" Sometimes unfortunately for our naive minds, God works in mysterious ways.
But no matter what we all go through, there is always someone out there who is going through the same trials and tribulations that we have. God has made sure that no matter what happens, you can take comfort knowing that you are never alone. You always have Jesus to turn to when things get rough, and as long as you have faith in Him, He will provide for you and take care of you.
Matthew 21:21 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.
And never think that your problems are insignificant. Many people will look at their problems and then look at those of the world and say to themselves that they can handle it - other people are suffering worse things. Well when you put it in that context every one's problems are insignificant! But you can only ever compare your problems when you are comparing them to your own past. Because you may be able to look back at what you have gotten through before and think, "Look at what I got over back then. That was much worse than how I feel now so I know I can get through this." Your problems weigh on your own heart, and they cannot go ignored! No where in the Bible does it say, "This is what Job suffered through. His problems were worse than yours. Suck it up." It never says anything remotely close to that!
God thinks that each and every problem, insignificant as you may chalk it up to be, is important and needs to be brought to His attention so that He may heal you. For if you let these things dwell inside of you, more sin may corrupt you and your thoughts and actions in the future, and that is not what God wants at all. You cannot think of your problems in comparison with those of the world. Only one person in the history of the world has ever and will ever group the sins of the world and take responsibility for them all: Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ wants to know what is tugging at your heart and causing you pain in your life so that He may fix that as well.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Another thing I continue to struggle with, as my friends will tell you, is that I care perhaps too much about people and am very protective of those I care about. However, most times I find myself helpless to do anything. Sometimes the problem is out of my hands; sometimes it is something that only someone with specialized training can fix, and sometimes the problem is too geographically far away from me to help with. And I'm sure many of you find these things to be true for you as well. It's frustrating! Trust me, I know. But the Lord says the most powerful thing we can do for those we love is to pray for them.
So when you find yourself in a situation that seems overwhelming and out of your control just remember: nothing is overwhelming for the one who created all things, and everything is under God's control. He has a plan, and we just need to trust that it will all work out.
James 5:16 Pray for one another, that you may be healed.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all with liberty and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Don't Be Left Behind
I always hate it when people get overly serious on me - especially when I'm in a light-hearted mood. So if you're not in the mood for a serious talk, perhaps you can save this one for another day. I promise I won't be offended. :)
I also feel I should address the fact that I am truly sorry if I offend anyone. That is not my intention at all, I promise. These are my opinions, and you are most certainly entitled to your own. In fact, I would love to hear your opinion! I always try to be very open to hearing what everyone has to say.
I've been reading this book series called Left Behind (the first three were made into movies). It helps people understand what could potentially happen after God raptures those who have placed their trust in Him. It follows a very well-written fictional story of people who are all connected but have different convictions about God and what the rapture really was while following a broad interpretation of the book Revelations from the Bible.
It is a very convicting book, even for those who are already what I call true Christians (those who have placed their trust in God and consciously given their lives to God wholeheartedly and yearn for His word). And for those of you who have done so, first of all I congratulate you! And second, you can attest to the fact that those three things listed above all come hand in hand with each other since I'm sure those of you who have not do not fully understand. I know I didn't.
At any rate, I cannot stop thinking about what it would feel like to just be talking to someone and having them disappear right before your very eyes. Think of the confusion that would ensue! In the book it talks about people committing suicide because they fear the worst - or they know everyone was raptured and they missed the boat. My heart aches for the latter even more. Then it got me thinking about who I know that if this happened this very instant, I am not sure they would follow me up to Heaven. I want to be sure!
I am no expert on the subject of Revelations, and I will be the first to admit that this book just plain baffles me. But I will give you the basic rundown of what the 'Rapture' is. Basically the Bible says that sometime in the future, no one will have any inkling when, God will call all of His people, living and dead, up to Heaven so that they will not have to endure the hardship of the trials to come in the days before Jesus comes back to Earth to reign forever in what the book calls the Glorious Reappearing. Those raptured will also serve as a testament to God's glory for those remaining. Those left behind will have to endure seven years of the devil reigning the Earth before God returns for eternity. They have one last shot to redeem themselves and accept God into their hearts and let Him influence their decisions in life.
I not only encourage you to read these books and then seek your own references to understand the book of Revelation, but I encourage you to tell of God's glory now so that perhaps a few less people will have to suffer as those in the books suffer because they missed the boat. Anyone who knows me knows I love my friends very, very dearly. And it's because I love them so much that I wish to ensure that I see them again someday to share the kingdom of Heaven with me and the Almighty Lord!
Every person in this world is loved by somebody, and above all, God. We as Christians have a higher calling than other people of this world. We are called to share the Word of the Lord because we have been blessed with the knowledge that others lack or just plain refuse to accept. It is up to us to save those people loved so much by God that He sent His only son to die for us so that we are not condemned but have eternal life.
Me personally, I'm a hugger. So after I get that all-awesome hug from God and Jesus Himself, I want to hug my friends and welcome them to Heaven someday. I hope that is not for a long time, but I do pray for that more than anything in this world. And I hope to hug you and welcome you, too. And all of your friends and their friends and their friends!! But it's up to you to make sure your friends will join you in Heaven with the Lord someday. Don't worry, God will help you along the way.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
I also feel I should address the fact that I am truly sorry if I offend anyone. That is not my intention at all, I promise. These are my opinions, and you are most certainly entitled to your own. In fact, I would love to hear your opinion! I always try to be very open to hearing what everyone has to say.
I've been reading this book series called Left Behind (the first three were made into movies). It helps people understand what could potentially happen after God raptures those who have placed their trust in Him. It follows a very well-written fictional story of people who are all connected but have different convictions about God and what the rapture really was while following a broad interpretation of the book Revelations from the Bible.
It is a very convicting book, even for those who are already what I call true Christians (those who have placed their trust in God and consciously given their lives to God wholeheartedly and yearn for His word). And for those of you who have done so, first of all I congratulate you! And second, you can attest to the fact that those three things listed above all come hand in hand with each other since I'm sure those of you who have not do not fully understand. I know I didn't.
At any rate, I cannot stop thinking about what it would feel like to just be talking to someone and having them disappear right before your very eyes. Think of the confusion that would ensue! In the book it talks about people committing suicide because they fear the worst - or they know everyone was raptured and they missed the boat. My heart aches for the latter even more. Then it got me thinking about who I know that if this happened this very instant, I am not sure they would follow me up to Heaven. I want to be sure!
I am no expert on the subject of Revelations, and I will be the first to admit that this book just plain baffles me. But I will give you the basic rundown of what the 'Rapture' is. Basically the Bible says that sometime in the future, no one will have any inkling when, God will call all of His people, living and dead, up to Heaven so that they will not have to endure the hardship of the trials to come in the days before Jesus comes back to Earth to reign forever in what the book calls the Glorious Reappearing. Those raptured will also serve as a testament to God's glory for those remaining. Those left behind will have to endure seven years of the devil reigning the Earth before God returns for eternity. They have one last shot to redeem themselves and accept God into their hearts and let Him influence their decisions in life.
I not only encourage you to read these books and then seek your own references to understand the book of Revelation, but I encourage you to tell of God's glory now so that perhaps a few less people will have to suffer as those in the books suffer because they missed the boat. Anyone who knows me knows I love my friends very, very dearly. And it's because I love them so much that I wish to ensure that I see them again someday to share the kingdom of Heaven with me and the Almighty Lord!
Every person in this world is loved by somebody, and above all, God. We as Christians have a higher calling than other people of this world. We are called to share the Word of the Lord because we have been blessed with the knowledge that others lack or just plain refuse to accept. It is up to us to save those people loved so much by God that He sent His only son to die for us so that we are not condemned but have eternal life.
Me personally, I'm a hugger. So after I get that all-awesome hug from God and Jesus Himself, I want to hug my friends and welcome them to Heaven someday. I hope that is not for a long time, but I do pray for that more than anything in this world. And I hope to hug you and welcome you, too. And all of your friends and their friends and their friends!! But it's up to you to make sure your friends will join you in Heaven with the Lord someday. Don't worry, God will help you along the way.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
I don't need easy. I just need possible.
I do apologize for not blogging in awhile. I am saddened to say that my faith has not been as strong as it once was since summer has begun, just like I was warned it would. But hopefully this blog among other things will keep me a women after God's own heart.
However, a few days ago a friend of mine asked to do a movie night and we ended up going to Soul Surfer. I had heard many good things about this movie but was scared to go see a movie that I knew ended with a girl getting her arm bitten off by a shark. I always hate it when bad things happen to the good guys.
But that was not it at all! The movie is not about getting bit by a shark. It's about how God works in mysterious ways and there is nothing you cannot do through Him. And the movie portrayed this so well! In this day and age, the media is so against Christianity and does everything in its power to give us and God a bad name. But how can you not want to root for a teenage girl with this kind of courage?! I was amazed at how well they made the movie Hollywood-worthy but still gave God all the glory quite obviously.
I did not want this movie to end. But by the time it was done, I was ready to conquer the world. I felt as though I could run a marathon or climb Everest or swim across the entire ocean. I was so on fire for the Lord and I didn't realize how much I had needed it until watching this movie! I cannot WAIT until it comes out on dvd and I highly recommended all of you watch it.
At one point in the movie, Bethany realizes that through God she can accomplish anything and wants to surf again but has to go from a beginner's surf board to a professional competitor's board in very little time. She tells her father, "I don't need easy. I just need possible." This has become my new life motto. Life is not easy. God did not intend it that way. Note that Matthew 19:26 says, "with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." It does not say that all things are easy - it just says they are possible. Whatever you hope to accomplish in life, it will not be easy. But if you put your trust in the Lord, there is nothing you can't accomplish.
And do not be discouraged when things take an ugly turn. The Lord works in mysterious ways. At one point in Soul Surfer, Bethany says, "How can this be God's plan for me?" And you may think just what she thought - how can a girl tragically and traumatically losing her arm be God's plan for her? How can that be working towards her goal of being a professional surfer?
Well God had a different plan for her - one that included a tremendous part of Him and allowing her to reach millions with His word. Bethany Hamiliton is now a professional surfer, living the dream she always wanted, and was given the opportunity to reach millions, if not hundreds of millions, of people to show them that God is truly great. She wouldn't have this opportunity if she hadn't lost her arm. And I will wager to guess that her faith is so much stronger because of this experience.
Never despair. God is great, and if you trust in Him alone and not men, He will give you the world. He loves you, and He loves me, and He wants nothing but the best for us.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
PS - I love movies! Here are some great Christian movies listed in no particular order:
- Fireproof (great story on a prideful person finding God, famous in Christian movie world)
- Facing the Giants (incredibly inspirational story of a football team placing their team in the hands of God)
- Faith Like Potatoes (true story!)
- Left Behind series (based on the books explaining the end times through a fantastic fictional story. Only three movies ever made, however)
- Book of Eli (actually a mainstream movie, very symbolistic of Biblical main themes)
- Chronicles of Narnia (based on the books, so much symbolism of the Bible it's ridiculous - but awesome)
There are, of course, many more but these are the ones I have seen and feel very confident recommending.
However, a few days ago a friend of mine asked to do a movie night and we ended up going to Soul Surfer. I had heard many good things about this movie but was scared to go see a movie that I knew ended with a girl getting her arm bitten off by a shark. I always hate it when bad things happen to the good guys.
But that was not it at all! The movie is not about getting bit by a shark. It's about how God works in mysterious ways and there is nothing you cannot do through Him. And the movie portrayed this so well! In this day and age, the media is so against Christianity and does everything in its power to give us and God a bad name. But how can you not want to root for a teenage girl with this kind of courage?! I was amazed at how well they made the movie Hollywood-worthy but still gave God all the glory quite obviously.
I did not want this movie to end. But by the time it was done, I was ready to conquer the world. I felt as though I could run a marathon or climb Everest or swim across the entire ocean. I was so on fire for the Lord and I didn't realize how much I had needed it until watching this movie! I cannot WAIT until it comes out on dvd and I highly recommended all of you watch it.
At one point in the movie, Bethany realizes that through God she can accomplish anything and wants to surf again but has to go from a beginner's surf board to a professional competitor's board in very little time. She tells her father, "I don't need easy. I just need possible." This has become my new life motto. Life is not easy. God did not intend it that way. Note that Matthew 19:26 says, "with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." It does not say that all things are easy - it just says they are possible. Whatever you hope to accomplish in life, it will not be easy. But if you put your trust in the Lord, there is nothing you can't accomplish.
And do not be discouraged when things take an ugly turn. The Lord works in mysterious ways. At one point in Soul Surfer, Bethany says, "How can this be God's plan for me?" And you may think just what she thought - how can a girl tragically and traumatically losing her arm be God's plan for her? How can that be working towards her goal of being a professional surfer?
Well God had a different plan for her - one that included a tremendous part of Him and allowing her to reach millions with His word. Bethany Hamiliton is now a professional surfer, living the dream she always wanted, and was given the opportunity to reach millions, if not hundreds of millions, of people to show them that God is truly great. She wouldn't have this opportunity if she hadn't lost her arm. And I will wager to guess that her faith is so much stronger because of this experience.
Never despair. God is great, and if you trust in Him alone and not men, He will give you the world. He loves you, and He loves me, and He wants nothing but the best for us.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
PS - I love movies! Here are some great Christian movies listed in no particular order:
- Fireproof (great story on a prideful person finding God, famous in Christian movie world)
- Facing the Giants (incredibly inspirational story of a football team placing their team in the hands of God)
- Faith Like Potatoes (true story!)
- Left Behind series (based on the books explaining the end times through a fantastic fictional story. Only three movies ever made, however)
- Book of Eli (actually a mainstream movie, very symbolistic of Biblical main themes)
- Chronicles of Narnia (based on the books, so much symbolism of the Bible it's ridiculous - but awesome)
There are, of course, many more but these are the ones I have seen and feel very confident recommending.
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Passing Cars
So today I moved home from college. Hello mom and dad, goodbye friends. It was sad but I was proud of myself! I didn't cry a tear. Woohoo! Anyways, I have a three hour drive home and I often catch myself wondering weird things. But one of the things I find my mind drifting to often is the people I pass by on the road. They're speeding along the same roads I am, but their life's road can be just like mine or the complete opposite. I find myself wondering where they are in their lives. Are they recently married? Is that car they're driving a sixteenth birthday present? Does that missing headlight have a funny story to it? Are they driving to bad news or good?
Then I start wondering things like where are they in their faith life? Could this drive be their last on this earth? Will they be going to heaven or hell? How can I help secure their fate? I often feel convicted on this last question. I see so many people throughout my day, but I don't know how to make sure I see them again someday in paradise with Jesus. Sometimes I feel so bad about all the people I know in my life that are leading a selfish life that will not spend eternity with me and God, I get emotional. The answer to this question came to me a few months ago; I don't remember how or precisely when but it was about that time. I realized the most powerful thing I can do for people is pray for them. I don't need to preach to masses; I don't need to share my testimony with every person I meet; I don't need to drag all my acquaintances to church and youth group; all I need to do is pray. All of the above things can help, too, but when I don't know what to do, I can pray for them.
A motivational speaker I once heard said that we have been blessed with a higher understanding. We are among the chosen ones. We have a duty, a higher calling, to share this knowledge with others to help people realize what their life is really for. But we are not all meant to share the Lord's message to thousands of people in a huge stadium like some, or be pastors of devoted churches like others. But we are all meant to pray. We as humans cannot do everything for ourselves. We must rely on God for our needs and the needs of others. So even if we just pray for others, it is not just doing nothing. You are calling for the help of the Lord our God to show others the light of His message. And what can God not do? Nothing.
So for those people in your lives that you might be scared to approach, or your words are not penetrating, ask on the Lord. And pray for those people you see passing in the cars. Don't just let them pass through your life, for they certainly do not pass through God's. And even for those people who are strong in their faith, pray for them. There is nothing better you can do for someone than to pray for them. For if God is with us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31. Read Romans 8 for inspiring words from the Bible on this topic.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
Then I start wondering things like where are they in their faith life? Could this drive be their last on this earth? Will they be going to heaven or hell? How can I help secure their fate? I often feel convicted on this last question. I see so many people throughout my day, but I don't know how to make sure I see them again someday in paradise with Jesus. Sometimes I feel so bad about all the people I know in my life that are leading a selfish life that will not spend eternity with me and God, I get emotional. The answer to this question came to me a few months ago; I don't remember how or precisely when but it was about that time. I realized the most powerful thing I can do for people is pray for them. I don't need to preach to masses; I don't need to share my testimony with every person I meet; I don't need to drag all my acquaintances to church and youth group; all I need to do is pray. All of the above things can help, too, but when I don't know what to do, I can pray for them.
A motivational speaker I once heard said that we have been blessed with a higher understanding. We are among the chosen ones. We have a duty, a higher calling, to share this knowledge with others to help people realize what their life is really for. But we are not all meant to share the Lord's message to thousands of people in a huge stadium like some, or be pastors of devoted churches like others. But we are all meant to pray. We as humans cannot do everything for ourselves. We must rely on God for our needs and the needs of others. So even if we just pray for others, it is not just doing nothing. You are calling for the help of the Lord our God to show others the light of His message. And what can God not do? Nothing.
So for those people in your lives that you might be scared to approach, or your words are not penetrating, ask on the Lord. And pray for those people you see passing in the cars. Don't just let them pass through your life, for they certainly do not pass through God's. And even for those people who are strong in their faith, pray for them. There is nothing better you can do for someone than to pray for them. For if God is with us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31. Read Romans 8 for inspiring words from the Bible on this topic.
God Bless!
ChristianKid
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Blank Blog
I never know exactly how to start out when I write. There are so many things to fill a blank blog with; I never know how to choose! I sometimes have a vision, and then part way through, my vision changes and I start all over again. Well, this is the result of my vision changing. I started a blog last summer about following Christ, but it ended up being sort of like a condensed sermon. And I'm no preacher so that kind of fell by the way side. The URL is http://christiankid-ajourneywithchrist.blogspot.com/ if you want to check it out. I think there were some valuable messages that were mostly based on other sermons I'd heard, but it's not very personal or interesting I think.
So this is going to be my own personal walk with Christ that I'm sharing you! Yay for sharing my life with people who probably have much better things to do but enjoy procrastinating like I do.
A little background: I have just one more day of my freshman year of college left to complete. I have had the most awesome year that Christ could have ever blessed me with. There are many things incoming college students worry about when moving to college such as meeting people, having a terrible roommate, getting lost, and my biggest worry - falling out of faith. I always figured Christ wasn't as at work at college as he is everywhere else. Wrong! I have never met so many people into their faith as I have coming here. I was blessed with a roommate who is practically my sister we get along so well who helps me along with questions I have while doing my daily Bible reading. I met a wonderful boyfriend who comes to all my church things with me and thoroughly enjoys it! I highly recommend this to all you dating folks - keeping Christ at the center makes everything so much better. Over this past year, I have found a wonderful new church home, an amazing youth group that is unlike anything I've ever experienced, a Bible study filled with wonderful and encouraging folks, as well as friends to push me in my faith and others that I have been able to encourage as well. Whenever someone asks me how college is going, I can't help but talk about my enormous blessings here because they are such a tremendous part of my life! It's so refreshing!
My youth group: I mentioned my youth group is unlike any other. And I love it that way. It's on Sunday nights (I wish it was every night) at my church and college students from all different denominations come together to hear the message. We usually average 100 people in this room, which is pretty good for a small Midwestern college at a church far from campus. Its always pitch black except for the candles lighting the outside aisles and the stage lights. We have a full band complete with inspiring singers, talented electric, bass, and acoustic guitarists, a very energetic drummer, and incredible pianist. We start out just singing music at the top of our lungs and reaching out to Christ in whatever way we want. The band always plays loud enough so you can be totally tone-deaf and sing out without being embarrassed which is really nice because we rock the house with all of us singing so loud! After a few songs, we sit down and Pastor comes to give us a short ten minute-ish sermon that gets us all thinking and renewing ourselves in the Lord. Then comes my favorite part: praying. Pastor gives us a few things to think and pray about and then our pianist plays soft, soothing music and the whole place gets quiet while all 100 of us college students bow our heads to pray. The first time I was there, it was rather uncomfortable because I wasn't expecting it. But now I love it! We pray for at least ten minutes, if not more. Most of us get rather emotional during this time, and you can always hear people crying. But it's so uplifting to stand up after that and keep singing. It's a feeling unlike any other. Sometimes while singing I close my eyes if I know the song and I feel God literally picking me up! When I open my eyes again, I feel as though I'm being set down, and it takes me awhile to get used to my feet being on the ground again. I just love it!
Anyway, sorry for the overly-wordy blog for this first one. Not promising it won't happen again though. I like to talk, lol. So here starts my journey with sharing my walk with Christ with you, whoever you might be!
God Bless!
ChristianKid
So this is going to be my own personal walk with Christ that I'm sharing you! Yay for sharing my life with people who probably have much better things to do but enjoy procrastinating like I do.
A little background: I have just one more day of my freshman year of college left to complete. I have had the most awesome year that Christ could have ever blessed me with. There are many things incoming college students worry about when moving to college such as meeting people, having a terrible roommate, getting lost, and my biggest worry - falling out of faith. I always figured Christ wasn't as at work at college as he is everywhere else. Wrong! I have never met so many people into their faith as I have coming here. I was blessed with a roommate who is practically my sister we get along so well who helps me along with questions I have while doing my daily Bible reading. I met a wonderful boyfriend who comes to all my church things with me and thoroughly enjoys it! I highly recommend this to all you dating folks - keeping Christ at the center makes everything so much better. Over this past year, I have found a wonderful new church home, an amazing youth group that is unlike anything I've ever experienced, a Bible study filled with wonderful and encouraging folks, as well as friends to push me in my faith and others that I have been able to encourage as well. Whenever someone asks me how college is going, I can't help but talk about my enormous blessings here because they are such a tremendous part of my life! It's so refreshing!
My youth group: I mentioned my youth group is unlike any other. And I love it that way. It's on Sunday nights (I wish it was every night) at my church and college students from all different denominations come together to hear the message. We usually average 100 people in this room, which is pretty good for a small Midwestern college at a church far from campus. Its always pitch black except for the candles lighting the outside aisles and the stage lights. We have a full band complete with inspiring singers, talented electric, bass, and acoustic guitarists, a very energetic drummer, and incredible pianist. We start out just singing music at the top of our lungs and reaching out to Christ in whatever way we want. The band always plays loud enough so you can be totally tone-deaf and sing out without being embarrassed which is really nice because we rock the house with all of us singing so loud! After a few songs, we sit down and Pastor comes to give us a short ten minute-ish sermon that gets us all thinking and renewing ourselves in the Lord. Then comes my favorite part: praying. Pastor gives us a few things to think and pray about and then our pianist plays soft, soothing music and the whole place gets quiet while all 100 of us college students bow our heads to pray. The first time I was there, it was rather uncomfortable because I wasn't expecting it. But now I love it! We pray for at least ten minutes, if not more. Most of us get rather emotional during this time, and you can always hear people crying. But it's so uplifting to stand up after that and keep singing. It's a feeling unlike any other. Sometimes while singing I close my eyes if I know the song and I feel God literally picking me up! When I open my eyes again, I feel as though I'm being set down, and it takes me awhile to get used to my feet being on the ground again. I just love it!
Anyway, sorry for the overly-wordy blog for this first one. Not promising it won't happen again though. I like to talk, lol. So here starts my journey with sharing my walk with Christ with you, whoever you might be!
God Bless!
ChristianKid
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