Today and yesterday have been rough. Not in the sense that I'm emotionally drained or anything, but some days I get self-concious (like most girls really). It probably didn't help that my charming boyfriend, Mark, works at a pizza place and gave me a Hawaiian pizza. Oh and cinnabread... The warm, buttery balls of bread that melt in your mouth with an explosion of cinnamon that coats the roof of your mouth. Yeah..those bad boys. I devoured them. It wasn't until I sat outside and was having my quiet time where I just felt gross. My stomach didn't like me, my mind was feeding me lies about my appearance, and worst of all I couldn't focus on what I was reading. My mind skimmed over a line and then I had to re-read it cause I didn't even comprehend what was being said. It was sad. I felt convicted for feeling so negatively towards my image. God says we are a masterpiece. His masterpiece. Created in the image of Him. I mean is that not something to boast about?
My favorite story is when God creates the heavens and the earth. When He goes to create us the bible says, "So God created human beings in his own image... Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!" Isn't that encouraging? God looked at you and said you, my creation, you are very good! So why must we tear ourselves down because we don't look like the Victoria Secret model or because were too short, or curvy, or even too petite? Rest in knowing that the only opinion of you that will ever matter is your Father, your creator.
My wonderful mom decided she was going to make no-bake cookies tonight. Yummy, gooey, and chocolatey cookies that send anyones sweet tooth up a wall. So what am I doing? I am eating those gosh darn good cookies.
One of my favorite songs. The lyrics are spot on and it's so encouraging when your having one of those kind of days. Just remember, there really can never be a more beautiful you.
Today is officially the first day of spring and I simply cannot remember a day where the weather reflected the season in Michigan. Everything is blooming, growing, and green. Walking around campus today I could not help but feel happy. As you just look around you cant help but see God's creation and be in awe of what he creates. I mean, I was today. The sun literally was beating on my skin.. in March... that's unheard of. But then again, Michigan has some bipolar weather that keeps you on your toes so I guess that's somewhat normal..
It made me stop and think though. Doesn't spring reflect what Jesus intends for us to be? Christ wants to have a relationship with us, and when we invite Him in our lives we are made new. Just like when the brown twigs on the trees receive sun and water, the tree blooms with bright green buds that sprout into leaves. Thats how Jesus is with us. When we receive the Holy Spirit we are made whole, fresh, and filled with joy. All because the all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful God lives inside of us. And that is something to be happy about.
"John 3:5-6: Jesus replied, "I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life."
This is for me to put my heart out in words and is my journey of goods and bads in my walk with Christ. He leads. He listens. And above all He loves. A love I don't seem to fully understand and never will. Thats the beauty of Him. His love is unquenchable. These past two days I've believed the lies that I'm not worthy to be loved and that Christ has the ability to get rid of all the junk that has laid on my heart. He's moving though and he always is. He's diving in my life everyday and working out things for the best for me, and for you. Its amazing how easily I can forget that. But it's so true. The Lord is faithful.
I was praying for a girl from Monroe named Sara (side note: I'm a young life leader for SE Michigan and for those who don't know what young life is, it is a ministry to share life with high schools so that Jesus may use the ministry/leaders to further His kingdom and win over the hearts of the students so that they may have eternal life..John 3:16) So I went into school and there she was hanging out in the commons. So me nervous as ever awkwardly went up and talked to her. Conversation just flowed and I had the opportunity to invite her to club. She said yes on the spot! For a girl who doesnt really know who I am or even what club is, that is incredible. Total faith led. See! Christ is so faithful and answers those prayers that you may think are almost unrealistic. A reminder that God placed on my heart that night.
"If faith can move the mountains, let the mountains
move."
That's me, the girl w/ her mouth wide open.
I am so blessed for Christ to use me in the ministry of Young Life. My story and walk with Christ really developed there, and it's amazing to see where He is taking me. He has transformed me.. and I can only pray for the lives of the girls at Monroe High School that they may allow Jesus to change them and make them new & whole. Jesus is good.. so good.
