Trust God

When we struggle, we have the opportunity to grow. 

"Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for Gods voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track."

Proverbs 3:5-6

Lately in my life I think I have been trying to figure things out on my own too much.  I have realized that I need to go to God for EVERYTHING no matter how small it might seem. I want to listen for Gods voice of direction, I want his guidance, above all else. I know that if I am focused on God, he will keep me on track. I want to stay on track, and more than that I want to grow! When we struggle we have the opportunity to grow. That is always what you are told. Really think about that, let it sink in. When you are struggling, people are watching you, waiting to see how you react. When you have put your trust in God he will keep you in line, and the way you react will honor him.  He will open up opportunities for you to grow. God is the ultimate power source.  

I want to constantly grow in my walk with God and in the relationships that God has placed in my life. I love being comfortable with these people, but I want to love them more and more everyday. That is a big deal. So big that there is no way I can do it on my own, I literally can't generate enough love for that! I would be completely burnt out all the time!!! BUT when I am in the word and seeking God above all else he gives me the strength to carry on everyday and thrive! He literally gives me the energy and drive to be happy and to encourage people! He loves me so that I can love others!!

With him I can bloom where I have been planted!!

Photo of the Day

I shared this photo with a friend who was having a hard time this past week. It is an awesome encouragement to me! So often I hesitate in giving all parts of my life to God, but he always has something so much bigger and better waiting for me if I just trust him! This might seem silly, but this picture means a lot to me. It is a wonderful reminder!

Song of the Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2TxahqbSbU

"The Cost"

And no to my desires

I'll leave myself behind

And follow You

I'll walk the narrow road

'Cause it leads me to You

I'll fall but grace

Will pick me up again

I've counted up the cost

Oh, I've counted up the cost

Yes, I've counted up the cost

And You are worth it

I do not need safety

As much as I need You

You're dangerous

But Lord, You're beautiful

I'll chase You through the pain

I'll carry my cross

'Cause real love

Is not afraid to bleed

Jesus, take my all

Take my everything

I've counted up the cost

And You're worth everything

This song is a new favorite that found a spot on my morning playlist. It really goes right along with this post and just what I have been thinking about lately. When you actually think about everything that God does for you. When you count up the cost, it is SO worth it. Jesus take my all, take my everything. These are some powerful words to think about tonight. 

 

Thankful Thought of the Day

Bonus Photo😜

This is Kyle. There seems to be one factor in my life that I find myself thanking God for more than anything every single day, and it is him. God knows what he is doing, he put the perfect person in my life at the perfect time, and oh my goodness I am so thankful for him. 

God is clearly working in my life, and I am SO excited to see what he has planned for Kyle. 

Anger

Sunshine 

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  and do not give the devil a foothold.  He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."

Ephesians 4:26-31

Sometimes when I have found myself in a difficulty situation, where someone has upset me it made me angry, I will just think to myself,"It's no big deal, I will talk to them about it later or they would just think I'm being dramatic."

When the truth is, whoever upset you and made you angry, probably has not thought twice about the situation, and inside it is hurting you, but has not even affected them. This passage tells us not to let the sun go down while you are still angry. 

What I have found in life is that long-term anger, when you just continue to be bitter towards someone that anger will just build and build until you just become bitter towards that person.

You will begin seeing yourself finding more and more reasons to hate that person everyday. You just make excuses for yourself to be angry. 

Who WANTS to be angry? Nobody! Then why do we subconsciously let this anger build up when we could be so loving and encouraging?

This passage gives you a way to get out of this problem before we get in it, mend the problem before that day is over, don't let that bitter seed be planted and you will save yourself a whole lot of grief and sadness. 

 

Photo of The Day

Sometimes when you are angry, the best way to calm yourself is to get quiet and just talk to God, be still and know that your hope is in him. You will find more comfort in him than any human. Just take a moment away from the noise around you and wait quietly for God to give you direction. 

Song of The Day

Go out and tell people about what you believe! Love on some people, and make a difference around you. This song is on of my favorites, during your quiet time today just listen to the words, let it calm you, and fill you up so you can go love people and tell them about your God!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=516Qg_1AUok

All the poor and powerless
And all the lost and lonely
All the thieves will come confess
And know that You are holy
And know that You are holy

And all will sing out
Hallelujah
And we will cry out
Hallelujah
All the hearts who are content
And all who feel unworthy
And all who hurt with nothing left
Will know that You are holy

And all will sing out
Hallelujah
And we will cry out
Hallelujah

Shout it
Go on scream it from the mountains
Go on and tell it to the masses
That He is God
We will sing out
Hallelujah
And we will cry out
Hallelujah

Thankful Thought of The Day

Benjamin, my little brother, he may not know it but he is one of the most encouraging aspects of my life. He is one of the people who makes me the happiest. He might not like to admit that we are close to people around us (because I'm lame) but he really is one of my best friends. I LOVE making him smile, even if he is just laughing at me for acting retarded. I am almost scared to be without my little boy next year. He is one of the most encouraging people in my life and I really can't imagine my life without him. 

Right Now

Live

"Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."

Philippians 4:6

Yesterday we played our final soccer game of the season. We played very hard, but lost in overtime. Every season when it all comes to an end, people are upset. Many people were crying after the game, and normally I might also. But I knew that I needed to be strong for the rest of my team, I needed to continue to comfort them even though I was sad too. So I did not cry,  instead, I prayed right there on the field, to give me strength to lead our team even though it was hard. 

It was not as hard as I thought it was going to be, and the only reason that it was easier for me to comfort my friends was because I had God cheering me on! Yes I was very sad that our season was over, but I was so thankful for what a season we had. Many people think that they can do it on their own, and often you might be able to, but it will be so much more difficult without God. If you would just take time to pray before you do what you want to do, you will find that God will help you. 

I am sad that our season is over, but more so, I am so thankful for the season that we have had, I am thankful for our coaches, and I most of all at this time, I am thankful for the seniors on the team. I have played with these girls for a very long time and it right now it I really cannot imagine playing without them because I have always played with them. I know it is time for me to step up and lead the team now as a senior, and I am ready, I'm not going to worry about next year, right now I will just pray, and thank God for what he has given me. 

Photo of The Day

I am not going to worry about yesterday, and I will not worry about tomorrow. I am going to live right now in this moment, because I will never get it back. 

Song of The Day

Check out this song guys, I'm sure you will love it as much as I do. I hope whoever reads this actually listens to the songs it only takes a few minutes, and you will get a picture of the music that I love. 

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tV77elsdUAI

Awaken my soul, come awake
To hunger, to seek, to thirst
Awaken first love, come awake
And do as you did, at first

Spirit of the living God come fall afresh on me
Come wake me from my sleep
Blow through the caverns of my soul, pour in me to overflow
To overflow

Awaken my soul, come awake
To worship with all your strength

Spirit of the living God come fall afresh on me
Come wake me from my sleep
Blow through the caverns of my soul, pour in me to overflow

Come and fill this place
Let Your glory now invade
Spirit come and fill this place
Let Your glory now invade

Spirit of the living God come fall afresh on me
Come wake me from my sleep
Blow through the caverns of my soul, pour in me to overflow
To overflow

Thankful Thought of The Day 

Coach Harn. 

A Commitment to Something

It Will Fade. 

Verse of The Day

"And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."

1 John 2:17

What are you apart of? Some people can be so committed to their girlfriend/ boyfriend, or sport that they get consumed by it. People do not realize that time is so valuable! You really do not have very much time here when you think about it, and people can be so committed to something like a sport. Does this sound like your life? 

Wake up. Done. Go to school. Done. Go to some type of sports practice. Done. Maybe go to some different after school activity. Done. Go home. Done. Eat. Done. Bed. Done. 

........ And start it all over again tomorrow. 

Man the things on this earth will pass away, and the things that we invest our time in now will matter later. 

How can people be SO committed to a sport, But when it comes to their faith, something life or death, they are not committed? You go everyday after school to that sport, dance class, club activity, play practice, or maybe you just go home and relax. You can be more committed to  a ball, literally something that if you think about it does not mean anything, than you are to your faith. Your faith is the only worthy investment of your time. When it comes down to it, that's all you really have. Think about what you invest your time in, will it fade? Is it a worthy investment?

Photo of The Day

You can make someone happy today, if it is your mom, best friend, or a complete stranger, you can with God's help, make someone happy. This world needs more of that. 

If you have time check out this song!!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PoPWqi0W2DA

We have seen the pain
that shaped our hearts
And in our shame
We're still breathing, 'cause

We have seen the hope
of your healing
Rising from our souls
is the feeling
We are drawing close
Your light is shining through
Your light is shining through

Wake up, wake up, wake up
wake up all you sleepers
Stand up, stand up
Stand up all you dreamers
Hands up, hands up
Hands up all believers
Take up your cross, carry it on

all that you reveal
with light in us
will come to life
and start breathing, 'cause

here we stand our hearts are yours, Lord
not our will but yours be done, Lord 

Thankful Thought of The Day

I am thankful for my soccer team, and my  coaches. With going to the playoffs and our season coming to an end in mind, it makes me think about what an impact these teammates have had on me. Many on them I have played with for a very long time. It's now coming to a close, and I'm happy I got to spend some valuable time with these ladies and see them grow in Christ, that is something that matters. You can use these things you do to grow with others! I encourage you to grow!