As I entered the hallway today I heard two boys given an option..."Thirty push-ups or ISS?!"...I had to laugh as I saw the two boys slouch down to their hands and begin doing push-ups. Our life is often like this...full of choices that would not have been there if it weren't for our errors.
It's funny how a lot of "Christians" today ride the fence between righteousness and sin. When they begin to topple, sway, and fall from their perch they land face first in a big pile of options.
OPTION 1: Choose a side
OPTION 2: Continue in an attempt to live a life on top of a fence
When one truthfully considers OPTION 2 they would be able to come to the conclusion that this is not a very good place to be. First off you are going NO WHERE! Sitting on top of a fence will only gain a person a few splinters, pain in their backside, and a view of two options they can not obtain in their current state. What I mean is this: if you are living life as a lukewarm Christian you aren't doing anyone any good. You take two steps forward (in either direction) and then take two steps back to your uncomfortable fence post. Crazy right? Wouldn't it make more sense to pick a side? At least you would be headed in an actual direction!
So, this leads us to OPTION 1: choosing a side. Say you decide to pick the side of the world and live life apart from God...so be it! You have that option as an intelligent human being! This would be ten million times greater than pretending you still have interests on the other side of that fence. Others around you would finally know where you stand instead of wondering what the heck you were doing wobbling around on a fence everyday. People would admire you for being a person who was unafraid of living a lie; a lie that said you were somehow interested in righteous and unrighteousness activities. Is this making you sick to your stomach? Could you never imagine turning your back on God and the faith? If so, you have one side left....
You can choose to live a life for Christ. This side is also admirable, I dare to say, ten gazillion times more admirable. This side is the one that most people do not choose. This is the side most look at and then decide to continue their balancing act on the post. Why? Well I'm not quite sure...you tell me. What I do know is this. Your life will have more value when you decide which team you play for because you can't go to the Super Bowl rooting for both teams...you would just look like a nut!
Therefore, I leave you with this. No matter which side you choose please for the love of the fence PICK A SIDE! If you don't the fence will eventually break and you will be faced with this option again.
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."- Revelation 3:15-16
To all the parents out there I know what you need to do! No, I am not a parent so you are probably wondering how I could have anything of value to tell you (who is much more experienced). Well, I can because I still have the perspective of your children. I know what we need from our parents and I can articulate it much better at this stage in life than I could when I was still living with my mom and dad.
So...what you need to do is NOT show them YOUR love. Sadly, your love has limits. Unfortunately, you can only show your love based on how others have loved you. Your love, I hate to say, is impure, tattered, and weathered due to living in a world of trouble and hatred. There is good news though and I know exactly what your child needs. It's the exact thing my parents gave me that I can not wait to pass on to my children. It is so special, in fact, that I even realize how messed up I would be had my parents not given me such a gift...
I had a bad day today. A very bad day. It started with frustration, built to sadness and anger, and ended with tears. I looked around at the areas of my life and I couldn't help but feeling like a failure in every one of them. My joy was gone and my peace was missing in action. I was left with sadness, despair, and oppression. (Pretty depressing, right?) Finally, after a day of trying to repair it myself I called my parents hoping to get some love and affection from them. Instead, God used them to show me His love and affection. They acted in love, but it wasn't their love that I first noticed. When my mom was feeding me scripture and my dad was reading me the lyrics to "Your Love Never Fails" I was overwhelmed with love. They continued reminding me about the authority I have over the enemy, pouring more scripture into my spirit, and divulging wisdom beyond even their years. I was constantly crying the whole time, but when I finally got off the phone they had shown me once again the one important thing in life. Christ.
Throughout my life my parents have given me such a gift. This gift was constantly showing me Christ. Always acting through His love, not their own. Always turning my every problem to the one who could answer it. My parents never acted like they had all the answers, but they were so quick to show me the one who did. When I failed them, they reminded me that more importantly I had failed the Lord. I grew up knowing that even though my parents' love was great and their approval was wonderful, that wasn't of the utmost importance. It was only God, his love, His forgiveness, and His Grace. I did not have to be perfect because Jesus had died for me, but I better give it my full effort.
I am in awe at the ability of my parents to show me such love. I know now that without God that would not be possible. If they had not experienced God's love in their life they would not have been able to give me such a gift! Now, don't get me wrong people! Your love is great and children NEED it, but when you try to do this by your own will there will always be something missing. Once you reach out and find the Love of God you will be able to give something to your children that will outlast generations. It will touch them in a way that no material gift ever will. I have a relationship with Christ and I know so many valuable things only because my parents were obedient to follow God! They would put their feelings aside many times to remind me that it was God's feelings that were most important. BUT, it was through that I realized how important their feelings/opinions were! Since they pointed me to God, He was able to show me their value and worth. He showed me that I need to honor and obey them. He showed me that they are in my life to mold me into the woman of God that He intended me to be. It was no accident that I was given to them, I need to respect them.
Tonight I go to bed feeling empowered! Not because my parents gave me some inspirational speech (that's a load of poo). Instead, I am empowered because of the Holy Spirit! It is because after I got off the phone with my parents, I prayed. Yes, that is right. I talked to my heavenly parent. I cried out to Him and once again He reminded me that without my earthly parents I might not be going to bed feeling so great. That maybe, just maybe, my parents would not have turned me to God and I would be on my way to an eternity separated from every form of love....even the most obscure.
THANK YOU MOM AND DAD!! AND THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING THEM TO ME!!
So, I am furious. Maybe furious is the wrong word...I'm not out to beat someone, but I am aggravated. Why does society think it so wrong for a Christian, Christian company, Christian athlete, etc to act out what they say they believe!? Here is the way I see it...
Those people who are so "open minded", "non-discriminatory", and "anti-hipocrite" act these same ways by discriminating, closing their mind to, and in turn being hypocritical to Christians. Shouldn't THEY practice what THEY preach? You would think since they are so open minded they would have respect for someone being so open about their beliefs, right? Why is it that I am demanded and publicly reminded that I am too narrow in my worldview when I do no different than other "open minded" individuals? I have a set of beliefs which might call me to stand up against certain things this "loving" world call normal. If you were so loving wouldn't you treat Christians with the same "open minded" attitude? Um, negative. That's not going to be the case! So what if a certain athlete prays before a game! You try to use scripture to twist what he is doing into something bad!? You don't believe in the Bible, therefore, you can't use that as fire. You get mad at companies because they try to stand up for something...your fight is not eating/shopping there. What did you do? Stood up for something too. Why is it wrong for me to talk to you about something I believe? "Oh my gosh", some people exclaim! "Why would you be so arrogant and try to shove that in my face!?" ........."Oh, I'm sorry, I thought since I am forced to give you courtesy about your beliefs I thought you would do the same."
Here is the deal though. I'm not forced by you, or anyone else, to give courtesy. I choose to show you courtesy and it isn't disrespectful to stand up for what I believe. If it were, Mr. World, you are pretty disrespectful yourself! I'm sick of sitting in classes being the strange one because I am proud of something you call "outdated". You want others to be open I new ideas and theologies? Then why don't you try being open to "old" ones. What is fair for one is fair for two. I wonder why Christians are said to be too outspoken about what they believe? Maybe because it's right...maybe because there is truth in what we say...maybe because truth is always fought? I say, "You are pretty outspoken yourself." I don't always comment on sinful pictures, videos, and actions by exclaiming how horrid I think it is. Why do you comment on anything and everything Christian by saying how awful and illegitimate it is!?
So, I leave you with this. I am confused. Someone needs to re-write these courtesy laws. I love people, hate sin. I do not, in anyway, confuse my love with yours. Love does not mean I sit by and condone things I know to be false. Love does not mean I watch idly as you run over MY GOD. There is a difference between anger towards action, and anger towards people. Do not mistake this post as anger toward people. I know, people follow crowds and do what they are taught. You can take this post as annoyance towards actions. We need to stand up people! Everyone else does! You tired of getting run down? Well, get used to the pressure. It's been going on since the beginning. You have truth? Stand up for it! If you think my truth is different from yours then be proud that I am willing to stand for something. I am not luke warm and you don't seem to be either. Therefore, I ask that you would please respect me...even if I am the opposite temperature than you are. I don't want to be cold, and I understand that you don't want to be hot. Let's both stick by something instead of dragging others down. I'm not forcing anything. I pray, though, that you will one day see truth. Not by what I speak but by how I live.
P.S. please excuse grammar errors I am at the rec center as I blog on my phone
So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16 NIV84)
I know it's been forever since I posted but I have good excuses...I promise! The main reason (or excuse) is that I haven't had access on my phone because I forgot my password :P hehe! Anyway, exciting things have been happening :) one of which is going on RIGHT NOW! I'm at my beautiful cousin Meagan's pageant rehearsal getting ready for the big event tonight! I am going to try my hand at hair styling and I am fairly nervous. In the end she will look amazing, it might just take a million bobby pins and a ton of hairspray! ;)
Other than becoming a cosmetologist (jk!) I've been super busy with school....blahhh. I just received my intent to graduate form last week and will be graduating this December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After that I plan to go to grad school somewhere but that is still undecided. I've also been working part time and doing my bible study. God has been challenging me to re-prioritize! It's so easy to get thing in the wrong order sometimes...especially when certain things require extreme time (ahem, school). All in all I'm no where close to where I need to be, but I am still pushing toward the goal. I'm learning, slowly and surely, that it is not about how perfect you are! I repeat, it's not about how perfect you are, it's more about persevering. Never quitting, never giving in to your flaws, but pushing toward God and where you need/want to be!
Well, as of now I'm gone! Must do pageant stuff!! :)
Gosh, I did a LOT this Christmas break and enjoyed every minute of it!
First, I went to Victoria with my LOVELY boyfriend and had a wonderful time doing tons of stuff. We spent time with his family and had an awesome Christmas breakfast with some super delicious food (like french toast casserole, who knew?!). I helped work on a tractor, take stuff to a scrap yard, and put out salt at the car washes (yes, I am a haas, I know!). Then, rode in a really fast truck, made Christmas cookies with some awesome people, shot skeet, killed an animal (my first), and shot a pistol. PHEW! I'm getting tired just thinking about it all! We definitely got Starbucks a few times and had plenty of good food to keep us going! My favorite part of the trip was our trip to Houston to see the Nutcracker :) such a great gift from the boy! He picked out some really amazing seats, I was highly impressed, and we ate at Saltgrass (I LOVE). To top it off he got me a beautiful charm for my bracelet, man he is amazing! To top off all of these things we drove really fast down the biggest hill I've seen, rode around in his best friend's jeep (very bumpy and hilarious), and saw some really awesome Christmas lights! This trip ended far too quickly and I was on my way home to celebrate with my family!
So, I ended up in good ol' East Texas with some of my favorites and had a great Christmas! Celebrated with my grandma and my dad's side of the family (eeeep, Santa was there too!). Had a great finger food/Christmas Eve present opening with my immediate family, and then a relaxing Christmas Day! Then it was off to Dallas for a conference we like to call SALT! Gosh, a lot of good, Godly, biblical, amazingness was poured into my head...more posts to come with this info later! That went through New Years Eve and we celebrated by 'whipping our hair back and forth' and enjoying the company of hundreds of God focused college students! Then, off to home again after a pit stop at my apartment!
Once at home my break slowed down with LOTS of sleep, plenty of family time, and catching up on my favorite shows. I unfortunately was home by myself because my granny was in the hospital, but she is home now and doing better! (She had a crazy bout of hallucinations at the hospital, fairly funny, but not normal at all!) I also shot a muzzle loader for the first time!! Then, I came back to my apartment at school for a few days to clean and such, but I am leaving today to finish the last leg of my break. I'm going home again (with Norman this time!) to spend time with my family before school starts. We are going to have a big get together Saturday with the aunts, uncles, and cousins, a lot of resting, and hopefully some warm weather activities outside. I am completely blessed and in awe of all the stuff that I got to do this break and I loved it all! OH! I forgot to mention my other awesome presents for Christmas! (Thanks mom and dad!!)
I hope your Christmas (break or not) was just as amazing as mine was and I can't wait to share some other stuff in more detail later!
Everywhere I look junk is thrown in my face, my thoughts, and in return my heart. Our lovely society is trying to teach me that beauty comes from the outside. First, you must be in excellent shape. I don't mean simply being healthy and taking care of your body, you have to look like the models look (which isn’t possible for all people especially in the height department…I’m 5’3…not exactly model height). Secondly, you have to dress like you want some attention. We hear that it’s not very attractive to men if you don’t show some skin. Well, no one actually comes out and says it, but it is depicted in movies, shows, and even commercials. So, if you decide you are already lacking in the body arena you kick it up a notch in this area. You probably find yourself spending more cash for less cloth. Then, the brilliant Hollywood tells you that your job is still not complete. As a woman you need to give yourself to any (and every) guy that comes along who makes you feel successful in your attempt at beauty. I don’t just mean with sex, but with your heart. I have talked with girls that have lost their self in a silly crush…I’m talking a lost identity here. Why do we do this to ourselves? Why are we so eager to give our hearts, our body, and our health to make society think we are beautiful?
So, you might be thinking that I sound like I am totally against all of this “following society stuff”, right? Actually, I have recently been struggling with this very thing of feeling beautiful. It honestly took me by surprise because I had reached a point in my life, and walk with God, to realize that my beauty comes from Him. I am His masterpiece and nothing can determine my worth except for God himself. Nonetheless, this past semester has been a struggle. I walked around feeling under par in everything that I was doing and soon it began to affect my self-image. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it is right to glorify yourself because of the things you are good at, but instead put God first so that He can show you the beauty He sees. Although I believe this former statement, I did not put it into practice. As I was going through all of this I was not depressed, but I definitely lost some of my joy. It was a skillful attack by my arch enemy, an invasion of the brain, which led to some corrupt thinking. This warfare started small and it was really easy to ignore the negative thoughts. For example, I would think about how awful my hair looked that day. Soon it turned into how gross my skin was looking, how wrong my clothes looked, and how poorly I was doing in keeping up with school and my devotionals. You can obviously see how it progressed.
I really feel that this is how it happens with most girls (and could be boys too, but I am not a boy so I can’t really relate on this topic). At first everything is going good and then someone says something to you and after spending twenty minutes over analyzing you determine that they called you fat and ugly. Trust me, I’ve been there. Although I still believe I have a ways to go in this journey, yesterday brought some change. It started as I was sitting in my living room, on my awesome blue couch, waiting on my roommate to get home or my boyfriend to get off work. I realized that I needed to do something productive and a blog was the first thing to mind. I actually got really excited! Everything was running smooth until I got stuck at the “Please Title your Blog” section. I sat there for probably thirty minutes trying to come up with a good name for it (kind of like naming a puppy, everything sounds good, but then you think of something else). Finally, I settled on Beautifully Expressed. At the time I was trying to think of ways that God saw me compared to the way I see myself, that would be a good title, right? Finally, after naming the blog I knew how powerful the title was. My life is a beautiful expression of God’s love, glory, and goodness. Even after this realization it wasn’t until late last night that I noticed God was speaking. Even though I have been spending little quality time with Him, He had a plan. Even though I feel like the things I do don’t always please Him, He was still trying to speak. Even though I listened to the lies of the enemy, He wants me to know my beauty and worth. I laid in bed and realized that no matter how much I change, God never does and never will. He looks at me from a different perspective. He pays no mind to this shell we call our body, and although He desires it to be healthy and well taken care of, God would much rather your spirit be filled with joy and peace. This scripture came to mind:
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quite spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4
Society is dumb. I can’t always, and won’t always, live up to the standards they set for me, but I am trying to strive for the standards God has set. And no, I don’t mean you should stop wearing makeup or wearing fashionable clothes, but I do mean that we as girls should stop worrying about the outward appearance more than the inward. Moms always say that beauty comes from the inside and I think they might be right. I am still in the process of overcoming the lies Satan has been feeding me, but I think this verse is a good place to start. Always remember that movies and TV are out to make money, they don’t care who they hurt along the way. You are beautiful because of who God made you to be. Turn to your creator to find out why you were created. He is the only one that truly knows the best thing for you.
And remember….
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Funny how you can add "ish" to anything and it becomes an easy way to say something is not exactly what you would expect. Like saying church starts at 7:00-ish...well we now know that although we expect church to start at 7:00, it will probably start at 7:15, 7:30, or whatever the pastor deems appropriate. So, when I say I am a new Blogger-ish, I mean I have no clue what I am doing! Why did I ever want to start a blog? Who knows, but I have a feeling that I will keep asking myself this question throughout the extent of this internet phenomenon called blogging. Knowing me, I'll probably have hot and cold moments of posting, but through it all expect awesomeness! As of now I will complete this short, but interesting post, and cook dinner!
