Give it to God!

Sometimes ... life doesn't make sense.
We question.
we doubt.
We wonder where God is and why he's even allowing this.

Trust me, I've been there.
When God had my church split.
When after the church split, our close, close friends turned on my family and got us kicked out.
When I had to move 300 miles from all our family and friends.
When my cousin's twelve day little girl passed away from heart failure.

I don't always understand why God allows what he allows. But I know he's bigger than my problems.

And yet, sometimes the hardest times are when those we love are struggling. When they are angry and frustrated. Because then there is nothing we - as fallible humans - can do. 

And that, if you'll pardon the phrase ... SUCKS! It's horrible. And we cry out to Jesus, "Lord! Why? They don't need this, that and the other thing!" 

A lady in our church is going through cancer. Again. 

My friend is struggling with an issue. 

My mom is struggling being far from her family. 

Why? Why does bad stuff happen to good people? 

Well, I can think of two, biblical reasons for that off the top of my.

1) It's a test. 

     In Job, God allowed Satan to test Job. To see if he'd stay faithful to him even through all the crap that was thrown at him. And Job did. He didn't "curse God and die" as his wife told him to do. He knew he'd done nothing wrong and that there was a reason for his suffering. 

And ...

2) It's a trial.

     A trial is different from a test. A trial molds us, makes us and helps us to rely fully on our Creator. He is the only one who can truly help us through the rough times. Peter, Paul, and all the other apostles went through these. God always brought them through. Always. Maybe not the way we think, because God's view isn't the same as ours. We only see one puzzle piece. he sees the big picture. The full battle plan and our mission on earth ends when we are called home. To heaven. The best place ever! And that's a summons I cannot wait for! 

But I digress. Our questions aren't always answered the way we like. Our mission may take, to us, a turn for the worse. 

I laugh when I'm not going through the crap. I laugh at how people can't seem to grasp that we only see one page in the book. We can't flip to the end, we can't skip the boring or terrifying parts. 

We can simply take it to God and walk the path he has given us. 

And in the case of friends and their struggles, take it to the Lord in prayer! Seriously guys! The mightiest weapon we have is prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (NIV)

No matter the outcome of our prayers, God's plan, power, and love is greater than every trouble, trial, and pain filled day we face.

So no matter how rough or smooth, high or low, scary or comforting as the path we, our family member or friend faces is ... it's where God wants us and them. And honestly? What better place to be, then on the road of life with our Creator? 

 

Trust Me, Child

Dearest Child,

I know the plans I have for you. Plans that are for your good, not your harm. Trust in Me with all your heart and acknowledge me for I know the path of them.

You worry about tomorrow, when today has enough to worry about. I hold you in My hand. I am the One who strengthens you. With Me, you shall walk and not grow weary; run and not grow weak. All I ask for, dearest, is trust.

Look to Me, for I am the One who keeps you safe. No one - not even the Devil himself - will be able to pluck you from My hand. I created the universe, dear one. Put the stars in the sky and I know them by name. I care for the birds and the plants. Are you not so much more wonderfully and fearfully made?

I brought the Children of Israel from the desert, Jonah from the whale, and my own Son from the grave. Your troubles, they are not so scary to Me. Simply trust Me child. I shall not let you go.

I'll walk with you through the mountain tops of life, down the valley of the shadow of death and through everything in between. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Everything will work out for your good. Everything. But only if you trust in Me.

It will be hard. But trust Me, My child. It will be worth it.

Love,

Your Heavenly Father.

"Look At Me, Son."

So I was watching The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies last night with my sister. And I was struck by a scene in a new way when I watched it.

It’s the scene where Bard, standing on top of the shattered bell tower, strikes is broken bow on each side and levels the black arrow at Smaug’s chest. The arrow is resting on his son’s shoulder. Bain can sense the great evil that is stalking ever near him and his father. I bet his heart is running rampant and he wasn’t everything to turn and watch. But when Bard calmly states, “Look at me, son. Just look at me,” Bain obeys.

For those of you how’ve seen the movie, and for those of you who haven’t, I find this scene so inspiring to my Christian faith. How, you ask? Well let me take it piece by piece.

To start, the Dragon Smaug is symbolic to the devil to me. He is ever stalking us, trying to bring us down with a puff of is fire. We, like Bain, are stuck atop a tower, sitting ducks so to speak. There is no way we could ever take down this beast. (If you’ve seen the movie, then recall Bain laying on is back, petrified with fear because he almost fell to his death.)  

Bard, on the other hand is our Heavenly Father. He is the only one who can defeat this monster. He is the one with the “black arrow” of Salvation (I rather think white arrow is a more fitting term). He knows that the Devil can never stand against him. And he is all lined up, willing to help us.

If we let him.

See, Jesus is standing there continually telling us to “Look at me, Son. Keep your eyes on me.” And we have a choice whether we are going to obey.

Now, we could say “No, Jesus. I’ve got this!” and turn, only to be struck by the petrifying truth that we are in no way a match for this beast. Or we, like Bain, can nod our head, even though the fear is so great, and keep our eyes on Jesus. It is only through doing this that we can conquer our demons. It’s only through Jesus that we can be saved.

Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV “...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”

Psalm 16:8 NIV “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Proverbs 4:25, NLT “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.”

True Love Waits.

So we've all heard the quote that's my post's title. That phrase that just drives us nutty because, while it may be true, we haven't perfected the spiritual fruit of patients! I know that it's true for me. In fact, I'm going through this struggle right now. 

Everywhere I'm looking it seems that someone I know is either in a relationship or getting into one. You can't escape the love songs, even with Christian artists. TV, books and movie are all waving them in our faces. 

So, as a eighteen year old girl, I struggle. I know he (as in, future spouse) is out there. And you know what? It's infuriating to think about it! He could be dating someone else! And God knows we're going to be together someday. But right now? We could be half a world away.

I've quoted Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path." But it's hard to live out. 

So that's why I'm working on this! I'm calling it ...

Five things to do while you wait for your future spouse

OR

The Waiting List

(Let me know your favorite in the comments!) 

Okay! Here we go! 

1. Write to him/her. Seriously! I do this and it's so cool to think about giving it to him on our wedding night. But a few warnings! Don't write to a specific person! If you're dating in high school/college, write to your future spouse, not your boyfriend/girlfriend. This will ruin your whole journal. I mean, who wants to give something to their husband or wife that was written for someone else? What I write is scripture passages that I want him to read, things I'm looking forward to in marriage, basically whenever I'm thinking about him. Not a silly crush, not an actor or other famous person. HIM. 
2. Pray for him/her. This is another thing that is so cool! Seriously pray for your spouse. I also use my journal for this! You can also pray for the person you're crushing on. Ask God to show you whether this like will turn into love. I did this on my last crush and fair warning, sometimes God's answer isn't what we want. But, he will always help you through it. 
3.  Feed on God's word. Okay so I am so bad at this one! I know it's important but when life is good, it gets easy to just ignore the Bible on my nightstand. But the only way to grow closer to a spouse (future or otherwise) is to grow closer to Jesus.  
4. Don't be a chaser! Be happy in your singleness! Until we can full accept being single, God isn't going to bring in a man to our lives. What do I mean by that? Okay so I know a lot of girls (and if you're one of these I still love you!) who don't feel like they're worth anything with out a boyfriend. They break up and then a month later they're dating someone else! Seriously?! I thought Bob Smith was the love of your life! Well obviously not. And see, that's the problem! We need to realize that God can use us whether we have a boyfriend/spouse or not. Lottie Moon and Corrie ten Boom were two single ladies who did amazing work for the Lord. God doesn't care about your relationship status. He cares about your heart.
5. Live your life to its fullest NOW! There are many things that, once you're married, you won't be able to do! So live your life right now. Do the crazy things you've wanted to do. Write that novel, go to that place, hang out with your firends, go to college, ect. Yes, marriage is wonderful. But once you're married ... you're married! The two of you become one and you're a team. You're now not only caring for yourself, you have someone else depending on you too. So life your life when it's yours.  

That's my list guys! And listen, I'm not anti-marrige. Not at all! :) Just check out some of my stories and you'll see that, like Anne Shirley, I'm a hopeless romantic. I dream and I wish and I hope. But above all I wait. And I now God'll brinig a man to me that's worthy of my heart someday. Maybe sooner than I think ... and when he appears? Oh what a day of rejoicing that'll be for me! 

Jesus, I'm waiting on you. You know where he is. You know who he is. I trust you to bring him to me when I am ready. I'm hiding my love away and saving it for him. Help me to wait on your timing. For you make everything beautiful in it's time (Ecc. 3:11a) I love you Lord! Amen 

This Marathon Called Life!

Hey everyone! Sorry for the long break! I have so many thoughts that sometimes it's hard to get them into a cohesive post!

So about a month ago I was lying in bed (I do some of my best thinking there) and I was thinking about running. 

Now if any of you know me, you know I am in no way a runner at heart! At all! I hate hate hate it. So you might be wondering why I was thinking about it. 

Well, I was thinking about it because I was thinking about my family's vacation last year. We went to Gull Lake Ministries out in Hickory Conner Michigan. It's a family camp and amazing and y'all should go! Anywho, I was thinking about the teen group (called High Tide) and the lesson for the week. It was called Tough Faith and basically it paralleled the Christian faith to that of a Tough Mudder. 

For those of you who don't know, a Tough Mudder is a crazy obstacles/marathon race. They have lasers, mud pits and all sorts of other crazy stuff. To learn more about Tough Mudders click here!

Anyways, I was thinking about that and just kinda expounded.

Picture if you will, a long, rocky road. Black trees line your path and you're running. You strain your eyes, hoping to see the end of the road, but all you see is a glistening something on the horizon. "Is that the goal?" you pant, growing weary. 

Now I'm going to explain a bit. In my head, the road is our life. The goal, ultimately what we're striving for is to be more like God and what we're heading for is heaven. Philippians 3:14 says, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." We should keep our eyes on God. He is what will keep us from stumbling. But...

You here voices calling out on either side, enticing you off of the path. You're eyes flick to the side. A beautiful man stands there. His eyes glow like diamonds and he wags his finger at you too come closer. You slow your pace...

The enemy. The one who tries to wave us off the path. The one who knows this race is harder than what you can endure.

But you can.

The enemy is full of crap. Because you have a help mate in this race ... your Coach and He's not going to fail you. Not ever.

You slow your pace, but you don't stop. A gentle hand falls on your shoulder and you turn to see your Coach. He smiles at you and shakes his head. "You need to say on the track, my love." You nod and head back onto the path. 

The ground gets rough under your weary feet. You're eyes drift down and you sigh. The ground is full of sink holes and obstacles. Why not just give up? you think dejectedly. If this is what the rest of the race looks like than it sure stinks. 

Yeah. Life. It throws some crap at you. Trust me, I know. I've had friends betray me, I've had crushing words thrown at me, I've had Crap with a capitol C in my eighteen years.

But this I know. When I want to yell and scream, my Coach, my Jesus, has never left my side. and when I get to weak to take another step, he steps in and picks me up and carries me.   

You sigh and drop to your knees. You ball your fists and let the tears of frustration and rage flow. "You didn't tell me that it would be this hard! Where are you when I need you, Coach!?" 

"I am right here, my child." 

Strong arms lift you and you feel the steady throb of a man running. Running with you tight in His arms. 

Soon you're strong enough to run again. But yet again your eyes stray. This time, you see a bunch of your friends in a mud pit. They're struggling to emerge. But some of them are laughing and having a great time. 

"I should try to help them!" You think. So in you go. You struggle less then most and you pull and tug them out. But oh! That mud is fun! Before you know it, you're sucked into! Suddenly you're among the others that are struggling to break free of the mud's tight grip. You call out and suddenly you feel your Coach's hand in yours. He yanks you out, wipes you off and looks you in the eye. 

"Stay on the path!" he admonishes and off you go again. 

Ah. The mud pit. This is where the Tough Mudder comes in! The mud is sin. Hebrews 12:1 says,
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," (emphases added) It's so easy to get sucked into sin. Even when we go into it to help someone else out. The best way to enter into a situatian where we're trying to help someone else out of sin, is by praying long before hand. Otherwise, if we don't have the help of our Coach, we'll be just like the poor souls floundering in the mud of sin.

Finally, my last point is once again on looking toward Jesus.

Hebrews 12 continues with this verse:

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

You hear a noise behind you. You turn and see the mud pit again. Shame and guilt swarm into your heart. 

You feel a hand turn your head forward. "That's the past my dearest. Don't dwell on that. Strain for what's ahead."

And that's that. Look forward. Not behind. Run with Jesus, the founder of the race. 

In Jesus Christ, as a fellow runner of the faith, I want to encourage you! I am running next to you! If you ever need me, I'm here to pray for you as you run this run! It's though sometimes, it sucks sometimes (pardon the expression), sometimes you want to pass out and give up. But I'm here to tell you something ... it all happens to strengthen you!  There is a reason for everything. 

Crap happened to my family and me. Yeah. But I'll tell you something. That crap put us where we are, put us on what I'm calling the Augustine Adventure. Without that crap, this blog wouldn't be here. I wouldn't have meet many of the wonderful people I have. I might not have been on Crew of Hello Dolly or grown in many of the ways I have. 

This race and all the obstacles and struggles that go with it are for a reason. 

And honestly, if I'm running on the path marked out for me, in the race my Coach has prepared and trained me for, if I'm running with him ...

Than I'm right where I'm meant to be.  

And then there is really no better place to be.

For His glory,

Anna 

Whatever I Do, Wherever I Am

So I am so excited to been stage crew for HPA’s Performance of Hello Dolly. I never expected to be on Crew and I certainly never expected to be Assistant Stage Manager! To be honest, I'm super nervous. Stage managers have huge responsibilities and even if I'm not the head stage manager, I am still responsible for the cast on the side of stage I'm on.

But I as I was thinking about it I realized God has put me where I am for a reason. It says in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” God knew that at this point in time I was ready for the responsibility of being a stage manager. He knew it was time and that ultimately it would prepare me for what lies ahead in my life.

The key verse of this whole blog is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a future and hope.” (NIV) I simply need to trust God! He gave me this job to prosper me and not to harm me. No matter what happens in the next three weeks, He put me there in Michigan for a reason.

I think my biggest fear is failing in this role. I am by no means a perfectionist. Just one look at my bed or desk will tell you that. But I still panic that something will happen and I will screw the whole show.

Colossians 3:23-24 says “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for man, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” THAT! That is my goal for Dolly. To do my behind the scenes work for Jesus not anyone else. To work my hardest to get it right, but not panic if something goes wrong. Because I'm not doing it for me and the praise I'd receive for acing it. I'm doing it for Jesus.


And in the grand scheme of things, His praise is all that really matters.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

(P.S. I know this is really short, but it's just where I am right now and I wanted to share it with you all!) 

Speaking So They May See Him

So two weeks ago at church, one part of the sermon really jumped out at me. But of course, I didn't bother sharing it because I thought, who is going to listen to me?

Well, last week, one of the main topics was to share what God has been teaching us through church, our private devotions, just in life! 

And that's really why I created this blog, to share my Adventure that God is taking me on. 

So please, pull up a chair, tune in and bear with me for a couple minutes. 

If I tread on toes, I'm sorry but I'm not! Because this is something I think this is an issue we need to address as Christians. 

Our words! 

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths but only such as is good for building others up, as is fits the occasions, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Okay, so the other day some of my friends and I were talking and the topic of swearing came up. One of my friends said, "If the swear word is needed, then I'm going to use it."

I honestly didn't know what to say! I mean, swearing bothers me. I don't want to fill my head with this crap. And I don't think we ever need to use cuss words. They degrade us and others. 

But like I said, I didn't now what to say, so I said nothing.

These thoughts were in my head Sunday as I went to church. The pastor (who also happens to be my dad!) was talking and to be honest, I don't even remember what the main topic was. But this popped out at me, because I had been struggling with what to tell my friends. 

This is what he said: "Our speech should draw people TO Christ NOT away from him. 

So this even goes beyond cussing! 

What about ...

* Gossip?

*Hate talk?

*Joking that hurts? 

*Prideful words?

Our words are powerful! 

James 3:4-5a  Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things...

Our tongues are small parts of  our bodies, yet they are so, so powerful! 

Please, please, please know that I'm in no way judging you! I deal and struggle with these things to!

James 3:7-8 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.  Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

So you may be asking, Big deal! I don't do that! 

Let's switch gears people!

I, like many people I know, have Facebook. You probably clicked this link from my Facebook share. I love how it allows me to connect with my friends and family who are all over the USA. 

 Facebook can also show the double-sidedness of some people! 

For example:

Bob's talking about Dave to a friend who doesn't know him- 

I absolutely cannot stand that man! He is so arrogant and acts like he knows everything! Ugh!

Bob's Facebook post to Dave - 

Oh Dave! You're my best friend! Thanks for the wonderful night watching the game ... 

Wait ... I thought you couldn't stand the guy? Isn't that a bit double-sided?

YES!   

I know some people see no problem with it. But the truth is, it reflects who we are! 

Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

When we say and do these things, specifically as Christians, we are reflecting Jesus! 

I went to Winter Jam last Sunday and the man who gave the gospel message talked about seeing a special type of photo. It was supposed to pop a 3-D image. But he couldn't see it. He had to take a little white card, hold in front of his face, pull it away then the image popped out. 

He explained this is the way a lot of nonbelievers view God. Their picture of him is like the pre 3-D photo - distorted and ugly.  

If Christians treat others like that, then their God must treat others like that. 

NO! NO! NO! Let this NEVER BE! Our lives should so easily pop the love of our God! Because God is love!

Another reason I don't like Facebook (and for that matter any social media site) is the amount of posts with swearing! It shocks me just how many Christians post, share and like stuff with cuss words!

Like the passage above says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. So what we like, share, post, tweet, etc. is showing what's in our hearts! 

Now, I know a lot of us (myself included) sometimes miss the swear word. And if that's the case, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! Then I can message you when a post does have a cuss word! 

But I've seen some comments, (which means they write it themselves!) from friends who claim to be followers of Jesus, that have cuss words. Now that really bothers me! Because one moment we're posting a Bible verse and the next we're commenting with cuss words? Again, double-sided. 

So how do we avoid being like that? Well, I think Philippians stated it best:

Philippians 4:8 Finally brother, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable. if anything is excellent or praise worthy think about these things. 

What our minds dwell on is what we fill our hearts with. What we fill our hearts with is what comes out of our mouths. 

I think we need to watch what we say and do online as Christians. It reflects on what others view Jesus as. And we need to watch the things that come out of our mouth! 

I want to challenge you today. Here it is:

Make your words and actions draw people to Jesus.

How do you do that?

 Pray: Ask the Lord for help.

Fill your mind with Philippians 4:8 things: This may mean some of the things you watch, read, and listen to may need to be cut. I know, I know! Bite your tongue, Anna! But seriously! If it isn't honoring to God, is it really worth holding on too?

Read your Bible: Again, it's a Church answer. But honestly, this is the stuff that is Philippians 4:8 material people! 

If you need help finding what I'm going to call 4:8 Material to center your mind on God, please comment! I'm willing to help! And if you comment, I'll pray for you! It's rough, I know, to watch your tongue. But I also know that God will help! Let's pray for our words to be honoring to him!

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Lord, help my words to reflect your love for people. Let me NEVER be double sided. Let my heart please you in everything and let the overflow from my mouth be for your glory and to draw people to you and not away.  Amen 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words ...

So ... to finish up my love tag, I want to share some wonderful picture/quotes about love. I am a Pinterest freak, so feel free to find and follow me there! :) 

Serious first

#1 

This is the reason we can love. Because God bothered to love us first! 

#2

This is what I've been saying guys! Agape love is a protective love that seeks the best for the one loved!

#3

Again! What I've been a sayin'! Think this one speaks for itself! ;)

Now for the fun! 

#4

This made me chuckle! This is me and my future boyfriend for sure! 

#5

Pooh Bear was my childhood, so a quote from him is always acceptable! :) 

Now, VIDEOS! 

Fun One!

Serious One!

(Songs owned by Anthem Lights)

So, that's all guys! I hope my love rants have helped you! Remember, wait for that Agape Love! It'll be so stinkin' worth it! 

True Love Waits

So my last post was on what love does. How it acts.

This post is no different! :) 

Honestly, this is something that I've been thinking about a lot. When will the man God has for me show up? How will I know when he does? What if *gasp* he is already there and I'm friends with him?!

Isn't that a weird thought? I mean, I know quite a few guys (maybe you're even reading this!) and they're amazing, amazing people. 

I think one of the most profound posts I've ever read about guys and romantic relationships is this one here: 

I think this is so relevant! We girls (I don't know about guys!) fall for a Prince Charming. If we think you're cute, we fall and usually fall pretty hard. 

But that's not love! 

We say "Oh, he's my Prince Charming!" and that's fine and dandy! But I think Knight in Shining Armor is better. And even then we should scratch the shining! 

Knights had a pretty awful job. They fought, they worked, and they always had to be on guard. In short, they had to deal with the nitty gritty crap in the castle life. They got messy. They didn't always have perfect hair and clothes. Their armor got dirty and they had to clean it.

I think as girls, we have this unrealistic expectation of what guys are going to do for us. I know I do sometimes.   

I want to tell you girls something. (Sorry to all my guy readers! This one's for the girls!)

 The man you marry is not going to be perfect.

Let me repeat that:

The man you marry is not going to be perfect! 

Shocking, I know. I mean, he's human. He's going to do things that annoy you. He's going to squeeze the toothpaste tube in the middle, he's going to leave his shoes out in the middle of the hallway, he's not going to always understand you. He's going to have bad days, days he's not going to be there for you because he has his own problems.

He's going to be a lot like you.

You , too, are going to do things that are going to drive him nutty! Habits that are so normal are going to be pet peeves you didn't know existed. That's life! 

But I think that's what makes love so very important. (Guys you can tune back in now!)  Love is looking past the flaws and the things they do that drive us crazy. Love is taking the baggage we both have and carrying it together. Love is listening when they've had an awful day and pushing our own problems back. Not to say our problems aren't important. They are. But love is dealing with it as a team. Never giving up, no matter the struggles, the tears, the hurt. 

That is the love we find in 1 Corinthians 13. That, my friends is Agape Love.

This is the goal, guys and gals. Not to find Mr Perfect or Miss Wonderful. No! It's to find the person God has for you. The one who is perfect. not in they have no flaws, but perfect in that God has made them for you. They're going to have flaws and problems. We all do. 

But love past that.

Better yet.

Love thru that. 

That's true love my friends!

If you're with someone right now who doesn't love you like that, with a love that knows no bounds, them please end it! You are so special! You're so worth a person who loves you for you, flaws and all! 

And if  you're not in a relationship ... wait! 

Wait for the person who will love you with an Agape Love. Someone who is so stinkin' worth it that no matter the struggle, no matter the pain, no matter what the heck life throws at you, the two of you will face it hand in hand. 

Trust me guys! 

I think it's going to be worth the wait for that kind of love. 

Love: Perfect When In Christ

Love. 

Such a little word for such a completely confusing, wonderful emotion! 

We use it rather flippantly though, don't we? I think we've forgotten what love truly is! 

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

So I want to talk about love. 

I've "been in love" many, many times. I've though I met Mr Perfect. That he could do no wrong, that he walked on water. I've made excuses, I've ignored my friends counsel. 

And it wasn't love. 

He ended up hurting me. Breaking my heart. 

I guess that's why they're called "crushes".

But ... love. 

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13 is commonly called the Love Chapter of the Bible. I love it! 

One thing I've heard, is that if you're crushing on someone put their name in for love.

"______ is patient. _______ is kind..."

This shows you what kind of person you're falling for. 

But I think what's more important is this. 

1 John 4:16 b

"...God is love..."

So, if God is love, He is the highest standard of love. 

I mean, for real! God let His son die for our sin! If that isn't love, what is?! 

If God's love is the standard of love, than how are we to compete? 

We can't.

God's love is perfect. God's love never leaves. God's love never fails! 

But on to the fact of love between two people. 

A man and a woman. 

I haven't met my man yet. Or if I have I don't know it yet! :) 

But I am...

1) Praying for him.

2) Keeping a journal  to give to him on our wedding day

3) Saving my heart for him

And while it's hard to wait, I know I'm being molded into the woman I am supposed to be for him. 

God's timing is perfect and I know when I meet him, I will fall head over heels for him. And I will seek to have a 1 Corinthians love. 

Love ...

Hard yet simple...

Wonderful and awful...

Perfect when in Christ. 

My Secret Garden Adventure

Part of the Adventure is friends. I've been blessed with many friends from my drama group.  And I want to tell you about some of them that have been an amazing blessing to me this past year.

Now please know that if I don't mention you, you are no less important. These are just some of the people that I am thinking about as I write this. I think about all of you so much and "I thank my God in every remembrance of you." (Philippians 1:3)

Henry, Jonah, Heath, George, Ben, Zach, Zech and James - You guys! You crack me up and make me laugh so much. Yet, I feel like we can have a very serious conversation even while we joke and tease. You guys listen when I talk and offer a humorous solution.

Leelyn, Audrey and Anna - You girls are a strong pillar in my life. You are the ones I go to when something is going wrong. I know you'll listen when I have a problem and you pray for me when I need it. 

The Sarahs, Cari and Noelle - You gals are the laughter section! When I'm feelin' down I come to you to make me start laughin' again! But like the guys, I can have a serious conversation with you and being fellow females, we relate slightly better! 

The Kaitlyns - You two are some of my closest buds! Always ready with a hug and a back rub! We love to laugh and chat about anything and everything! I am so glad God put you in my life. 

There are so many, many many more, but these are the ones that have made such an impact on my life. This past year I've really gone on an adventure with them. God has blessed me with them and I want to take a moment to thank them. 

Ecclesiastes 4:12 

"And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

My friends, you have been with me through a lot this past year. I truly am blessed by each of you in so many ways it would take way to long to type them all out. But know this, I thank God for the time I had with you. it may have been three years or three months, but regardless it was the time we were meant to have together. 

I pray that I'll find friends like you in Illinois, but no matter who else I meet and where I go, know you'll always have a special place in my heart. 

It was truly an adventure my friends! Here's to many more; together and apart! 

God I thank you for these amazing people! Please bless them in ways we can't begin to imagine. Put people in there lives to bless them like they've blessed me. Fill their days with much laughter. Let your finger prints be evident in everything they do and everyone they meet. 

Thank you for letting them be in my life, Lord. I hope I have blessed them like they've blessed me. 

In Jesus's name I pray, Amen

The Merry Christmas Characters

Merry Christmas! I know it is not quite Christmas, or maybe when you're reading this it is even after Christmas, but I wan tot look at the characters of the Christmas narrative and thin about what they went through that first Christmas.

Let's start with Mary.

Mary groaned as another contraction hit her weary body. Her and Joseph had traveled all day to get here and now they didn't even have a descent room to birth Jesus.
Mary bit her lip as she watched Joseph slowly clean out an old manger he'd found in the back of the old stable they were in. Every so often his eyes would flicker up at her and he'd try and smile. But Mary knew that look. It was his 'fake' smile. When he really smiled it lit up his eyes and-
"Oh!" Mary groaned as she rolled to her side. This wasn't how she had imagined Jesus' birth. She'd imagined her mother being there or at least a midwife. She'd imagined women singing and celebrating a new life. Would I have gotten that? she wondered as the pain lessened around her stomach. Very few of the women in the village of Nazareth even spoke to her anymore, since her baby stomach had started to show. Everyone was whispering about who the father was. Was Joseph the baby's true father? Or was Mary a whore?If only they knew! If only God would open their eyes! This is Messiah! I think even I forget that sometimes. When the angel had come to her, when he told her she would be mother of Messiah, she was shocked. She knew, of course, that it would require sacrifice. Her reputation, her family, maybe even Joseph.
Mary smiled up at him as he came over and squeezed her hand.
"Are you going to be alright?" His tired eyes studied her.
"I'll be fine, Joseph. Women have babies every day. And if God told me I would bare Messiah, Jesus, then I will bare him. Think about it. We know I'll make it through we know God is with us. He's right here." She patted her belly and then squeezed Joseph's hand hard as a stronger, more painful contraction assaulted her body.
"I think ... I need to ....push!"
~ ~ ~
Imagine being that frightened, young girl. I'm seventeen this Christmas and I can't imagine going through with being the mother of Messiah. Scholars peg Mary at being anywhere from fourteen to eighteen when she had Jesus. Think about that? Are you ready to be a parent? Are you ready to be ridiculed and scoffed at for having a baby out of wedlock? Back then it was anything but the norm. Women could be killed if found to be with child without being married. So Mary's gentle, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me according to your will," was a big deal.

But it wasn't just Mary who's life was a struggle that night. Let's look at another person who was there that night. 

Joseph. 

"He's is a little miracle, Mary." Joseph placed Jesus in Mary's arms, brushing a strand of sweaty hair away from his wife's forehead. "I can't believe he's here."
"I know." Her tired eyes glowed with joy, "Praise be to God! His salvation is here."
Joseph marveled at Mary. His wife was so strong for one so young. How had he ever thought of leaving her? Thank you, Father God. Thank you for Mary.
Joseph laid an arm around his wife and she snuggled close, her eyes slipping shut. It had been a rough labor. Not to mention the journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth. as he watched his slipping wife and the little Jesus, Joseph wondered why God had chosen him to be the earthly father of Messiah. I'm just a carpenter. I know nothing of kings. Why did you chose me to be Jesus' father. I'm humbled God, but I'm terrified I'll mess it up. Mess him up. Joseph thought back to the Angel that had told him to take Mary to be his wife. God had shown him the way then. Not doubt he'd show him again and again.
~ ~ ~
And God did. God saved Jesus from Herod thru Joseph. God showed Joseph when it was time to go home. I believe God helped Joseph to raise Jesus.
Joseph no doubt felt he was an insignificant part of Jesus' story. That he wasn't worthy to raise Messiah. I don't know for sure, but I know I'd feel that way. But I believe Joseph's story is a lesson for us all. No matter who you are, what you've done or what you will do, God can use you! You are part of his story and no matter what, he can always us you.

Now, this is a character that isn't necessarily in the Bible, but I wan to look at him because he is often though of when we read the part, "There was no room in the inn."
Innkeeper, please tell us your story.

I didn't think much of them when they pounded on my door in the dead of night. Actually, that's not true. I thought of him a lot. I was tired and grouchy and wanted sleep. I mean, an inn doesn't run itself! It's tough work! My wife was snoring and didn't flinch, the old bat, when the pounding started.
Stumbling in my sleepiness, I flung open the door and stomped out to the gate.
"What?! What are you doing pounding on my door at this hour you will wake all my guests! Go away! I have no room!"
The young man flinched at my shouting. I noticed, but the light of my lamp, how tired and stressed he looked. That's when I saw her. She was leaning against the wall. Her stomach was bulging and I could tell her time was near. I mean, my wife has had ten children. I know pregnant ladies, alright!?
I dropped my gaze. "No room." I repeated as I slammed the gate in his face.
Walking slowly back to bed, I felt my conscience tickle me.
You could have found room. You could have given then your room!
I stopped and looked back at the gate. I could have offered them something!
"Aye aye aye!" I sighed as I lay down next to my wife.
"Who was at the door, David?" she asked, rolling over to study my face.
"I don't know, woman! I don't get the name of every vagabond pounding on the door and asking for a room! It was just a young couple."
"Ack! The poor dears! Where did they go?"
"I don't know. I heard him mutter something about a stable. She was near her time and-"
My wife sat up quickly, "You mean to tel me you turned away a pregnant woman? David how could you?!"
"Easy, Tabatha! We have no more room!"
She sighed and flung the covers off the bed, stomping over to fling on her head dress.
"And where are you going?"
"To find that couple!"
"Good luck!" I sighed as I laid down. But the moment I closed my eyes, I saw the woman's small body, shaking from cold and pain.
Aye aye aye! Dear Father in Heaven. Who was that young lady. And why am I feeling like I made a huge mistake turning them away?

~ ~ ~ 

I think we've all had an innkeeper moment. We're at the end of our rope and someone else comes knocking on our door, asking us to give up something we don't have. Time, money, maybe even our *gasp* comfort? And we slam the door in their faces. 

I think we can learn something from this character, even if he isn't in the biblical account. We can learn that, no matter what, we should help those who need it. Not just at Christmas, but all throughout the year. For, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2) 

But truly the greatest character was Jesus. He came as a babe to save the world. Heaven's perfect lamb. He came to die on a cross for me, for you, for everyone. Never forget that. And as Linus from Charlie Brown put it, "That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown." 

Praying for God to bless each person who reads this this Christmas season! 
Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

Here We Are and Here We Stay!

Guys ... we made it!

It took forever. It was stressful and hard.

But, boy, is it worth it!

To finally be here, to start building relationships on this adventure, to be where God wants us and know without a doubt that we are meant to be here...I can't do it justice.

But is the devil ever hitting our house hard. He doesn't want us to be functioning the way we can. Tempers are short, the little ones are getting into everything (and that includes coloring the dog) and life is still crazy! Please continue to pray for us!

But being where God wants ... goodness ... nothing can compare!

I wanted to share a little about our new town and home in this post. 

Aledo is a little town, 3700 people the sign says when you enter. The town of Pride and Progress, it looks like something straight out of Andy Griffith. In short, it's adorable! :)

The town is so safe, Mom lets me go walking by myself with no worries and it is so fun to walk up and down the streets and enjoy this peaceful little town.

My family and I went to the school Winter concert and I was shocked. Not only where they an amazing choir and band, (over 100 kids are in the two bands. That makes up one-forth of the student body) but they sang the Hallelujah Chorus at the end of the choir performance! In a public school! It absolutely floored me! 

The house was built in the 1880's and is so cool! My room has one of the smallest closets, but it has the attic stair case! The house has a servant staircase, and let me just say this now. THANK YOU! Thank you to the poor servants back in the day who climbed those stair uncountable times. They are so stinkin' steep! I almost fell the other day and had a mini heart-attack, cause boy would that hurt! 

There is beautiful wood work all through the house as well as a large kitchen and separate dining room. 

I am so blessed to have met three wonderful new friends: Gabby, Damon and Anna. They are all major Whovians like me and we love discussing all things superhero, Star Wars, Doctor Who and Lord of the Rings. 

God has brought us through so much and I know he is going to continue to bring us through much, much more. 

Thank you God, for this adventure. I know I've doubted. I know I will still to doubt sometimes. But you have me. You've never let go. I am where you want me. Use me how you will. I love you Lord. 

Amen.