Fresh Start

"The women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything."

1 Timothy 3:11

I really really really don't like the word malicious. If anyone ever described me as a malicious person I would absolutely be crushed by that! The word malicious means "intending to do harm". 

I think it is pretty evident that I really do love to talk, but one thing that I have struggled with is talking too much. I think sometimes malicious talking comes from mindless talking. Talking just to talk. Or talking without thinking of the effects that you might be making on others.

I have really strived to be a Christ centered leader. This week as I was reading 1 Timothy 3, I came across this list of things that are basically good attributes of a Godly leader:

above reproach

temperate

self-controlled

respectable

hospitable

able to teach

not give into drunkenness

not violent but gentle

not quarrelsome

not a lover of money

and then I got to the "not malicious talkers" part. WOAH, hold up, because I do consider myself a "talker" but I never intend to hurt someones feelings. Do I? I hope not! These were some things that were going through my mind. I have really been praying to be more mindful of everything that comes out of my mouth. I truly only want to build people up, genuinely encourage the people that I am around most.

I do really love that list of things, when you look at each one individually they are really hard things to obtain. Yet Jesus is the perfect example of all of those things! Anyway, this post is kind of all over the place, but all in all I think it is time for me to be even more mindful of the things I say.

One more thing, there is one thing from high school that really bothers me. I was not a very trustworthy friend with information. One of my friends would tell me something, and before I knew it I would of told someone else. This really bothers me, I want to be THE BEST friend I can be. I think that this really ties into the whole watching what I say thing. I want to be a trustworthy friend. 

Am I building someone up by what I am saying?

Am I speaking life?

Is this a true representation of who I am?

Just some things to think about...

This is a cute little picture of baby Marge. Isn't it kind of interesting to think that this was a point in my life where I had never said ANYTHING?! I had never said anything malicious! I'm going to pretend like today I am that little baby again! I just want a little bit of a fresh start :)

Amazed and Overcome

.talking with Mallory.

.kyle fabacher.

.my strong grandfather.

.everything finding a place.

.support wherever I go.

.the ability to take a final.

.thanksgiving (even though its a tease).

.the fact that christmas is almost here.

.pickup soccer games.

. the church I go home to.

Keep On Loving

"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters..."

Keep On

Keep On

Keep On

That is a verse from Hebrews 13:1. The Lord has taught me so much about who I am. In my life he has shown me that I am an encouraging person. He has shown me that I was created glorify Him through serving others.

He has put Encouragement, and Service in my heart!

People know that I will choose to forgive them no matter what they do to me, they know that I will love them through anything! Often, people will treat me in a certain way, knowing that I will "get over it" because of what I believe. This does not happen all the time by any means, but when it has happened...

It has been hard for me to deal with.

There is this thing about being a human! I don't know what it is called, but when you give love freely, there is a part of you that wants to receive that love back! There is something in the back of your head that tells you "Margaret, you were so nice to them, and they never treat you the same way, be bitter sister!" Jesus teaches me to treat others like I want to be treated, but NOT ONCE does he promise me that they will treat me in the same way that I treat them! THAT CAN HURT!!  I have been hurting from that lately.

BUT, this is the Truth, I read more and more in The Bible about the way I would be treated, I was shown how Jesus comforts me and loves me with such amazing return. He cares so much for me, so much more than these people who are around me. Now, these are amazing people, but they are people. They are not perfect, beautiful, but not perfect.They will never be able to love me in the full way that Jesus can.

This can be an exhausting cycle, if I am not constantly abiding in God, I get so overwhelmed. But when I remain in Him, He gives me strength to do what He has called me to do! He simply wants me to trust in him, He will provide everything.

What a friend I have in Jesus

This is where I will stop today, I just want to say that I am going to Keep On Loving, because I have such an amazing friend in Jesus. No matter who hurts me, I know who God is calling me to be, and I am going to be obedient.

And I encourage you guys to Keep On Loving as well, take some time to be alone with Jesus, and think about those people in your life who you feel like you pull all the weight in the relationship, friendship, marriage...whatever it is. Pray for your relationship with them! I will be praying too!

Choose to forgive, through the power of God, and Keep On Loving.

I do not expect anything in return 

Bitterness does not hold me back, instead The Lord leads me in Love.

Amazed and Overcome

.House Church.

.Meeting new friends.

.Being able to go home.

.BJ.

(Im sorry for forgetting the water)

.a soccer ball.

.my health.

.the realization that I can do this.

.Brittney Cameron.

.William.

.Tami.

.rest.

Drawing Near

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you"

James 4:7&8

-submit-resist-come-

My days look a lot different than they use to. In my small town I was very involved in my church and my school. I didn't have an abundance of free time, I didn't realize until now but I loved the structure! I liked knowing what was next, school, homework, church, whatever it was! Now I have moved into my college apartment and things look different. I am in a new place, and I am not scared, I just don't know where to start! I lived in the same town, in the same house, my WHOLE life! Is that rare?! I don't know! But I will tell you what, I didn't have one complaint about that little town! I loved knowing people! I loved knowing everybody! If you really know me, you may know that I have never been super comfortable with change. I love GROWTH, and to grow, things have to change. That process can sometimes be very difficult for me. I did not have very many sudden changes in my life, I was just always growing at a steady, yet slow rate. It was for the most part very comfortable! This difficulty with change, I don't like admitting this! This is a weakness haha I feel vulnerable! Yet I feel like it is very important to share this weakness with whoever is reading this. That fear of change is my struggle, and this is what God has shown me about myself these past few weeks.

He wants me to lay my comfort down, and let my fear be overcome by faith.

He wants me to submit to Him so that I can experience the true freedom He has for me.

He wants me to live in accordance with His will.

The song, O God Forgive Us, by for KING & COUNTRY has been my favorite song since the beginning of this summer. At the end of the song, there is a monologue and this is my favorite part of it, and ohhh lorddddddie, get ready. This is some good stuff...

"Run Wild: to risk everything, to hold nothing back, to lay it all on the line; your reputation, your success, your comfort. It's that moment where fear is overcome by faith. 

Live Free: it's not the liberty to do whatever you want, whenever and wherever you want; but rather, it's living in accordance with the author of humanity. And finding freedom by connecting with the creator who conceived you."

You see, I always thought that I didn't like change, but the more I know God, I realize that He knows me so much more than I even think I know myself. I understand more and more that these next few years, my college years, will be a new season! A new season of growth. I took me a few weeks, but now I know, growth takes change, and change is beautiful.

And it turns out, although I am still uncomfortable in such a new situation, I am so willing to trust!! To submit and trust that He is with me and that He will direct me. Now that I have put my trust in Him, Oh my goodness! This is going to be FUN!!!

AMAZED and OVERCOME

.Kyle reminding me that there is beauty in vulnerability.

.Newness.

.My church praying for my sickness.

.Healing.

.Time to rest.

.My Hebrew class.

.Emily Combs.

.Taylor Fabacher.

.Cassidy Long.

.Camilla Frost.

.Kennedy Wright.

.Sam Thompson.

A Quiet Soul

 Psalm 131:2

"But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content."

I believe that in this very fast pace world, we NEED calm, we NEED quiet. 

This verse, I mean yeah it's kinda weird when you first read it, but oh my goodness, how beautiful. When a child is still nursing, when it is in its mothers arms, it knows that it is there for food. But when it is weaned and in its mothers arms, it is there for comfort, just enjoying that moment of calm, that moment of protection.

When we come to The Lord, knowing that He is God, and he has us in His arms. How powerful man...

HE is the ultimate source of peace, calm, and quiet. When I just sit and enjoy that, like a "weaned child", not coming to ask for a ton of things (MILK!). But coming saying, "God, thank you for being God! Thank you for allowing me to come and be still in your presence!" That to me is just so beautiful.

Because we are designed to be still in the arms of God!

We are wired for Him!

We are the object of his obsession!

We are designed to be alone with God, designed to enjoy God,to be near Him, to experience Him!

Like a weaned child, enjoying just being with Him

Father,

Thank you for giving my soul room, to expand, so it can breathe again, so it can rest. Thank you for always being a good Father, thank you for revealing yourself to me in a new way today, in a very calm, comforting way. It is so awesome to me that you are holding me in your arms, just wanting me to be still, so that you can comfort, so that you can bear the load. Father the peace that you have given me these last few weeks blows my mind, thank you so much, because if it was up to me, at this point, well you know, I would be freaking out. I would be worried, jealous, and scared! But you have filled me with PEACE. Hallelujah.

amen

AMAZED and OVERCOME
.Judah Smith.
.healing my sickness today.
.my desk.
.quiet.
.Jacqueline.
.prayers answered.
.drawing bigger circles.
.forgiving.
.strawberries.
.simplicity. 

check out Judah Smiths podcast, from The City Church! It's what got me thinking about a lot of this tonight! It's awesome.

JOHN 15:5-8

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

I have been thinking about this passage a lot lately, because I have been growing this little sunflower plant! I have been so excited to get up everyday, water that little guy, and see what progress it has made! Like really I think I am becoming obsessed with this thing, it is so amazing! Thank you Lord for nature! I mean...guys, I put a seed in some DIRT...

and look at it now!!!

It's GROWING!!!!!

It makes me think about Jesus Christ, and how he wants to see me grow everyday, he wants to help me grow! He is the gardener. He wants to help me grow by watering me with His love, He wants me to produce fruit, He will prune me to help me become more like him. I have no doubt in my mind that one of the reasons God put plants on this earth is so we can better understand our relationship with him and what it needs.

just like I water this plant everyday

The Lord waters me with love everyday

just like the sun has to shine on this plant for a time during the day

I have to spend time WITH The Son everyday

just like the roots growing deep into the soil 

as I become rooted and established in the ways of the Lord...

we will both produce something beautiful

all for the glory of The Father

My mom gave me this cross a few months ago, and I love it. I think a lot of the different things that are painted on it really remind me of the growth that comes from the cross, the growth that comes from Christ. 

Father,

Thank you for all of your good gifts, help me to not be the branch that did not remain in you, and was thrown away and withered. Lord pick me up, show me how to remain in your love. I desire to produce much fruit so that I can bring you glory. Lead me Father.

amen

AMAZED and OVERCOME

.this plant.

.Cassidy Long.

.a loving community.

.a happy surprise.

.the preparation for new growth.

.jesus paving the way.

.your word.

.Benjamin being my best bud.

.the cross mom gave me.

.the cross.

My Desire

God is so good, man so good haha

"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."

Lately all I can think about is wanting to become more like The Lord, everyday I want to become more like Jesus Christ. I like to focus in on one attribute at a time which can be very difficult, but I have been praying to become gracious. Grace, grace, grace.

What blows my mind is that God is the perfect example of the fruit of the spirit

(read these and ask yourself, if you are the PERFECT example of any of them)

 

LOVE

JOY

PEACE

PATIENCE

KINDNESS

GOODNESS

FAITHFULNESS

GENTLENESS

SELF-CONTROL

I am not the perfect example of ANY of those, hahaha not ONE!

The crazy thing is...He IS all of those things!!!! Like woahhhhhhh because I tell myself all the time, "Yo Marge that wasn't very cool, you really need to work on being more loving"... or..."There you go again, saying something that you didn't even mean, come on girl where is the self-control?"

I am never going to be perfect, but the more I press into God and ask him for all of those things, the more he gives me. He is constantly teaching me how to be more like HIM! The goal is NOT to become a kind, good, joyful and loving person, the goal is to become more like God, and the cool thing is that as he transforms me... I become loving, I become joyful, I become all of those things. Because He is a perfect teacher.

It is so easy to look at people on this earth and want to become more like them! SO EASY! It's comparing ourselves (and we can be pretty great at that)! But what can be much more difficult, but sooooo much more rewarding is looking towards The Lord and letting him make you into his disciple. I mean wow.

Lord,

My desire is to know you more and more everyday, I want to seek your face with a teachable spirit. Lead me Lord, help me listen. And mature my heart in you Father. 

amen

God has taught me so much about Him through Kyle. When I went to visit Kyle in Myrtle Beach these past few days, I was overwhelmed with how the Holy Spirit is moving, I am so happy. Some of the ways God speaks to me are, reading His word, praying, and listening and talking to other people about Him, and especially Kyle. He is teaching us so much, and I am excited to grow and learn even more about 

how to love

how to be joyful

how to be patient

how to be kind

how to be good

how to be faithful

how to be gentle

 how to have self-control

and above all 

how to become more like him so that I can love like him

because I am loved by him

A Cheerful Heart

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:7-10)

There are so many things in this life that I cannot wrap my head around, and sometimes I sit down to blog, and I literally can't get my thoughts down. I just want to talk about so many things, and I spend most of my day wishing I could get through the things that I have to do so I can search my Bible for some more answers. It is hard for me to accept that I will not ever have all the answers. BUT I love that I do not have to worry about having all the right answers, and I don't have to know everything! I know I can't be the only one, who is so excited to learn more about this God, it is hard to get through math, science, history, the tasks of everyday because you are not "motivated" to learn about those things. But I know that I am not placed in my school everyday for no reason. And let me tell you, God is doing good things in my school! But the problem that I see everyday in myself is that I become weary, I think that it is too much work to be an example some days, and I am allowed to sit back and let God work through someone else. My pride steps up, and I sit down. Sometimes school feels like a weird zone, where I forget my purpose, as silly as that sounds.

God is telling me, do not become weary, do not let this moment slip by, you will reap what you sow!

I have to put more work in! He will supply the energy I need, He will provide the words, I just have to be obedient to Him! I want to sow to please the Spirit! I do not want to give up. My prayer is that I will continue to grow in the Lord, day by day, it is so easy to slip away, and to "forget" what are you are doing, it is almost like you turn your life on auto sometimes. You seriously go through the motions and you get to the end of the day, wondering why you are weary and tired. Often for me it is because I have not plugged into the life source!

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. So I will fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16 and 18)

Day by day. It is a decision, that I have to make, and it is a decision, day by day that YOU have to make. To choose Him, to choose what is going to last forever, to choose a life that glorifies Him.

This is Mack, and this is the perfect example of giving (blood) with a cheerful heart.

I Want to Give.

and I want to give with a cheerful heart.

My time.

My heart.

God, You know I'm not perfect. I bring ALL that I am to you. Use my gifts, my passions, and my heart, to glorify YOU!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTYeEtXIODg

Amazed and Overcome

-Deeper

-Talking to my dad

-Sibling texts

-Cassidy

-Seeing Kyle

-Julies cute smile

-Community Groups

-Passion

-Bus rides

-Friendship

-Missy Wright

-Taylor Fabacher

-Ethans snaps

-Sleepovers

-Prayer

-"Speak Lord your servant is listening"

-A deeper form of worship

-Hearing Gods voice

-Dad taking me to dinner

-Laughter in class

-Cute little Emily

-Excitement about the future

-Adelines Fab B-Day

-Kennesaw

-Grace Midtown

-Sarah

-Oliver

PASSION 2015

The voice of GOD BREAKING THROUGH

{This was us on the way to Passion, we were so excited! We had so much fun on the bus, we talked for what felt like ten minutes, and when I looked at my phone it had already been two hours!}

     Passion in Atlanta this weekend was so filled with the Holy Spirit I do not know where to begin. It was honestly not only one of the most FUN weekends I have ever had in my life, it was so focused on the Lord!! When we got to Atlanta, we had to park our bus almost a half  mile away from our hotel, which was pretty funny. We all had to carry our bags and I was so weak, not sure why I am telling you this, I just thought it was funny. We checked in and went to our first main session.

     It was absolutely amazing to me how many people were in that room, thousands of people who were all in that arena because they love the Lord. There was such an overwhelming feeling of community, yet a personal relationship with the Lord at the same time. The music is absolutely amazing, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Kristian Stanfill, and the David Crowder Band, I mean we were being led by some of the my favorite musicians! We worshipped and then we heard an amazing talk from Louie Giglio. After some pretty funny Taylor Swift references, learning all about tetelestai, and the system of the law being put to death. I walked out of that room so excited for the next day, and so excited to learn more and more! Giglio really broke down the scripture of Jesus' death. He spoke of how Christ fulfilled the system, he WAS the ultimate sacrifice. And it was no longer about a system, but about a savior. Jesus Christ brings us into a relationship with GOD. He did not abolish sin, but he replaced it! Giglio went on to say that sin was finished the moment Christ said, "tetelestai", "it is finished", sin makes a person dead, but Jesus brings that person from death to life!!! It was not Jesus' life of rebellion, it was not his sin, it was MINE. What I should of suffered, he suffered. 

     His last word is our first word.

     

We then went to this cool little thing call Community Group time. And I was apart of the best community group ever, Tyler, Leita, Caroline, Caitlyn, Kennedy, Nick, and Sara Emily. In our community group time we would break down what we were being taught, dive into scripture, and build relationships with each other! It was so fun, it is crazy how close you can become with total strangers in three days, but it feels like I have known them forever, and I could tell them anything! Also Tyler accepted the Lord as his savior this weekend!!! I mean HOW AWESOME?!?!

This is a picture of hundreds of people holding up the lights on their phones, we did this a few times during the weekend to answer different questions the speakers were asking, and when I would see all the lights go up, I literally had to hold back the tears. It is so cool to see that you are not alone, you have a community, you are surrounded by people who love you and the Lord cares about you.

We heard AMAZING talks from John Piper, Judah Smith, Christine Caine, and Lecrae. I was so encouraged by each one! I tried to pick a favorite, and I first though Judah Smith, because he made me laugh harder than any other sermon I have ever heard! But when I really thought about it, all of these speakers were so in tune with what the Lord wanted them to share, I was overcome by each session! I really loved all of them!!

{Cassidy, Camilla, and Kenndy}

   It was so amazing to room with these ladies. Not only did we have an amazing time, but it was so awesome to hear their stories of what we were learning and see all of them growing in their own relationships with the Lord! I know that we all have difficult times, but we really are growing and learning with each other and I love them dearly.

     

  I am SO proud of Kyle, the Lord is moving in unspeakable ways through him. He is so patient with me, and he loves the Lord with all his heart. I can't tell you what it meant to have him there with me this weekend, but I was so thankful. To see him worship the Lord, to see the excitement on his face, to hear him encourage those around him, and to see him step up into a leadership role, it all reminds me what the foundation of our relationship is, and why he is my best friend.

{This picture is just for me, I wanted to document that fun bus ride :)}

This weekend was DEDICATED to the Lord, and I want EVERY single day of my life to be like this. When we go to things like Passion it is so easy to think that the Lord loves us more there when we are surrounded by 15,000 other believers than when we are home. But I learned this weekend that the Lord loves me AS MUCH AS HE CAN RIGHT NOW! And he will ALWAYS love me this much, no matter where I am or what I am doing! He has always loved me and always will! I am so excited to be back home, and I am SO excited to start PLOWING!!!!!!!!

Pearly Gates

I know you probably already know this, but check this out.

"The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl." Revelation 21:21

My name is Margaret, and all my life my mom has told me that Margaret means pearl, and I have always known that, but only recently have I really started connecting with pearls. I was given a bracelet for my birthday this year and it has three silver crosses on it and two beautiful pearls in between them. Now especially when I look at my wrist the pearls really represent me, and the crosses really represent Christ, and it is a reminder that Christ is right here with me through it all. When I read a devotional the other day talking all about the pearly gates, I realized OH MY GOODNESS! The PEARLY gates! I was pretty excited, haha it is kind of silly but for some reason thinking about the gates of heaven being pearls really makes me excited to see them!

And Revelation 2:17 tells us "... I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it." OH MY GOODNESS let's talk about this, God is going to give each of us this cool stone, and John couldn't even describe it other than "white" because it was so beautiful! Not only will he give us a super cool stone, there is a new name for me written on it, God is going to give me my own nickname! GOD HAS A SPECIAL NICKNAME JUST FOR ME! And he can't wait to give it to me, this is just so beautiful and so personal. God IS a loving creator who wants to be intimately involved in every single area of our lives, he wants us to tell him all about us, and I just think that is the coolest thing ever.

AMAZED and OVERCOME

1. Being renewed in a new year!

2. Mrs. Salzer being so willing to help me everyday

3. Ben Gourley making all of us laugh at deeper

4. Kyle encouraging me (and giving me my beautiful bracelet)

5. A change in our 4th period brought about the best lunch EVER

6. Wonderful conversations

7. Dad bringing me dill pickle chips and junior mints

8. Benjamin wanting to tell me about his day

9. My mom coming home to take care of me

10. Rest

AWESOME SONG

Tonight by All Sons and Daughter

Jesus Christ, will You guide me
Through this life?
Wake me with each morning's light
Oh and keep my soul

Through Your strength
All my fears will fade away
As You lead me in Your ways
I will trust in You

Your love is deep
Your love is wide
I will rest in Your arms tonight
Your love is deep
Your love is wide
I will rest, I will rest
Tonight

All I see
Is Your beauty chasing me
Oh the love that sets me free
I am found in You

Your love is deep
Your love is wide
I will rest in Your arms tonight
Your love is deep
Your love is wide
I will rest, I will rest
Tonight, oh oh
Tonight, oh oh

Your love is deep
Your love is wide
I will rest in Your arms tonight
Your love is deep
Your love is wide
I will rest, I will rest

Your love is deep
Your love is wide
I will rest in Your arms tonight
Your love is deep
Your love is wide
I will rest, I will rest
Tonight, oh oh
Tonight, oh oh

Lay Your peace
Like a blanket over me
And as I lay down to sleep
I will rest in You

I will rest in You