Relationships and Guys: A New Perspective

Yesterday, I had a guy give me his number.
Really, I don't see it as a big deal. All I want to know is three things:
Do you have the guts to talk to my dad?
Are you a Bible believing Christian who loves God more than anything?
How serious are you about this possible new relationship?

I've had guys ask for my number or give me theirs so many times, I'm almost used to it. I'm able to handle it a lot better than I could 8 months ago, and usually now it's the same response: It isn't worth it if my dad isn't going to be involved. And that is perfectly fine with me.

See, I'm serious about my relationships, both romantic and friendships. I try to keep in contact as best as I can, and definitely don't want any of them to feel like I'm taking them for granted. I'm more serious about romantic relationships (or rather, the possible romantic relationship; there's a lack thereof currently), because this is my future best friend for life, my defender, my covering before the Lord we are talking about! Why would any girl, ESPECIALLY a Christian girl, settle for some wimp that doesn't even care about God, let alone you??

I feel like when looking for the one, you first have to seek out The One. Your Creator, the One who knew you before you were even conceived. When you have your sights set so deep in God, you won't need to search for love. He will show you the ultimate Love.

Another thing about the opposite gender is that we often confuse attractiveness with attraction. There is a HUGE difference between the two, and so many don't realize it. The definitions are as follows:

Attractive- Pleasing or appealing to the senses; appealing to the senses.

Attract(ed)- To draw by appeal to natural/excited interest, emotion, and aesthetic sense.

So when we find a guy attractive, we look at the outward appearance. Maybe he has a cute smile, or that haircut just really suits him well. But when we are attracted to a guy, we are drawn to him for a deeper reason, through emotion and interest. 

Don't get me wrong, it would be nice to have a relationship right now, especially since that's all it seems my relatives are waiting for.

But on the same token, I cherish my purity and the fact that I know that God has a perfect plan for my life. I know that now is the time to be treasuring the time I get to spend just me and God, unshared spiritual time (yes, it's selfish, no, I don't care) that I'll never have back. Also, it provides an opportunity for others to see that sometimes, God truly is enough. And as long as God is enough, that is enough for me.

Where Are You?

December 3: Where are you? 

Read: Genesis 3:1-21

We’re only two chapters in, and the whole story falls apart. Perhaps this is the saddest story in all the Bible. It is the part of our history referred to as The Fall — when we swallowed the fruit of sin and stumbled away from God. Tempted by that snake flashing scales of deception, Adam and Eve ate of the tree God had forbidden. They drew up fig leaves to hide their shame. And they knelt low to hide from God. And then it came, the gentle walking of God, the Voice that spoke the cosmos to life, He now calls to us, a whisper in the wind: Where are you?

Reflect:  What would you say if God called out to you now: “Where are you?”  What does it mean to you that God seeks you out and finds you when you are far from Him?

Pray: Lord Jesus, “The Fall” says it all, our life in two words. But You have so much more to write in our story — for You wrote Jesus into our story, who keeps whispering to us all of Advent — “Where are you? Please let Me come to you…”

As I was reading this devotional from http://cogmakati.org/COGM2015AdventDevotional.pdf, I was listening to Jeremy Camp’s Here I Am (I love to listen to worship music while studying). I got to the Reflect section, and as I read the words “Where are you?”, Jeremy sings “Here I Am”.

I just sat back in my chair in awe, as I had just prayed only an hour before that God would just reveal Himself to me, even if it was just in a small, subtle way. The fact that the Creator of all things would listen to me is mind blowing; the fact that He will answer, especially so quickly, is beyond humbling.

So, where are we standing right now? Not physically; I don’t mean standing in line for coffee, or sitting on the couch in the living room, or taking a quick break from work. I mean Spiritually, with Christ. 

Where are you standing?

Are you in the shadow of His cross? Are you walking so close to Him that the world has a hard time bearing your joy that comes only from God? Are you trying to be that close to Him?

These are all questions that I am desperately searching answers for. I am constantly checking myself, ever so critically.

Sadly, that’s not a good thing.

I have starting relying on what I can do, rather than on what God can do through me.

So, how do we change this mindset?

We have to *once again* die to self. We have to *once again* let go, and give our lives back over to Christ. We have to *once again* break down the walls of pride and allow our hearts to be softened by the everlasting love of Jesus Christ, and let Him show us where He wants us.

This isn’t a one-day thing; this is a daily battle. But remember! We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. We can have victory, because He first had victory.

Are you struggling with secret pride and fear of not being a ‘good enough’ Christian? Tell me how you are fighting a winning battle in the comments! I LOVE hearing about how the Lord is working in your life!

Someone Worth Dying For

After having a huge mental/spiritual/emotional struggle the other night, a dear friend of mine began praying over me, over and over, that God would just reveal Himself to me and show me how He loves me.
Each of the prayers prayed over me that night revolutionized my walk with Christ. It was because of those prayers that I leaped. It was because of those prayers that I was able to trust that God would catch me.

It was also because of those prayers that God wrote a song through my pencil. 'Someone Worth Dying For' came from my realization that the love and grace that flowed the moment I was conceived was enough to cover my guilt, my shame, my fear, my pride. All I had to do was humble myself and tell God that I couldn't do it on my own.

So yeah! I am going to share with you the first verse and chorus of 'Someone Worth Dying For', and Lord willing soon, I'll be able to share an acoustic video of the song.

Someone Worth Dying For

Struggling against this deepening ache 

A chasm widening day by day

Too afraid to let go but

Longing to be free from this shame

See, God, I can praise Your Name

And I can pray for others, beg Your grace

But it took a night of brokenness

To give You all of the pain

Now here I am standing in a shower of love

It's pouring down heavy from Your throne above

God, You took all my fear in that moment of peace

You brought me to my knees

And showed me I am someone

Someone worth dying for

Never forget that you ARE someone worth dying for! The guilt and fear you have are not from God, but from Satan, and when you let go and let God, it makes all the difference! Love you guys!

Project Leap of Faith: Returned Edition!

Last night I returned to Primm Springs, Tennessee.

Tonight, as I reunited with many of my dear friends here, I felt a peace and excitement that haven’t been in me since I left.

That peace was turned to complete joy when I walked upstairs to see three young men, kneeling on the ground, praying fervently to the One who created them. Their passion, their love for Christ was so imminent in this act of humility, and the Spirit of God was so strong in that little living room. 

No lying, I cried. I cried because THIS is what I’ve missed. 

The understanding of how powerful praying truly is, the true love of God so deeply. It was such a blessing to see something that is so normal in these peoples’ lives.

Now, the question to ask: How am I humbling myself before the Lord? What am I doing to grow closer to Him?

More importantly, how am I keeping up my relationship with Him?

You can ask anyone who knows me, I am TERRIBLE about keeping in contact, especially long distance. So I really have to go the extra mile to make sure that my relationship with God stays my #1 priority!

One thing I notice I do a lot here in Primm Springs (and also did when I was here for my internship) is go on long prayer walks. I don’t know where I’m walking, I just know I talk to God in that time. Another thing that I do is take lots of notes on things I’ve been reading or on what we read in morning devotions, and then pray over them later in the day as I restudy them.

Make your relationship with Christ unique! Find the ways that better help you to focus on Him, and tie those into your routine!

In a physical relationship, you have to communicate for the relationship to thrive. It’s the same way with our spiritual relationships with Christ. He wants to hear from us, He wants you to tell Him about the things going on in your life! Tell Him about your excitement, or let Him know that you’re feeling down. Yes, God already knows what goes on in our lives, but He still loves it when you talk to Him.

A Tennessee Thanksgiving!

AHHHHHH!!!!

Next Thursday, I will be heading to Primm Springs, Tennessee!!! My incredible manager has made it possible for me to take off about 8 days so I can go home. I am so excited, I'll be seeing some dear friends (who became as close as family) as well as spending Thanksgiving day with my grandparents!

Giveaway!

Ladies and gentlemen! (I'm sure there has to be at least one guy reading this blog too.)

Some of you may remember a post I had a while ago about the book Will Our Generation Speak? by Grace Mally, sister to BRIGHT Lights founder Sarah Mally (Article can be found here).

Well, I am pleased to announce that I will be hosting a GIVEAWAY of this book! Free shipping and all!

All that is required is:

1) go like the A Girl After God's Heart Facebook Page
2) find the post about this giveaway
3) like, share, and comment why you would like to be the receiver of this book!

The person that has the most likes on their comment by midnight on November 30th will be the winner!

Yes, it is that easy!!

Now, if you don't have a Facebook account, then I'll make an exception and allow you to follow my blog/share this post/comment why you'd like to win (:

This contest begins on SUNDAY!!! Don't forget!!!

But I Don't Have Time!-The Christian's Most Popular Excuse

Well hello there! Long time no see!

Yeah, yeah, I know. It is my fault. But you see, I was just so busy all the time, you know, with work and errands...

If this sounds familiar in your spiritual life with Christ, lemme tell you: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I am the #1 perfect example of this, and in a state of constant humbleness before the Lord.

Because I have a 40 hour work week, plus minimum 10 hours of babysitting (in one week), plus 2 Bible studies totaling 4 hours, plus church services 3 times a week AND Sunday School, plus the total driving time for the week (approx. 3 hours), plus the (at least) 2 hours a week I spend doing chores, PLUS the approximate 49 hours of sleep I get per week, I'm only left with 56 hours for ONE WEEK. Divide it up, and you only have 8 hours per day extra for, you know, whatever. But I just don't have time to spend with God! I just don't!
(I really hope you all caught that sarcasm there....)

ANYWAY.
Really, all it boils down to is, how are we using our time and our lives to honor God? What extra measures are we going to to show others His love, to share Christ with a stranger? How are we living out what He asks of us?

Surely not in the idle 2 hours we spend trolling Facebook or Pinterest, or the time we spend gossiping about a topic we barely even know about! *Yes I am guilty stop judging sheesh*

Jesus took the time out of His schedule to sit and bless some children (Mark 10:13-16). Why not sit and read with your child? Ignore that pile of laundry for ten minutes. Jesus took time out of His hectic life to explain salvation to Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). Will you quickly end a conversation with someone who is trying to learn more about Christ tomorrow? Dinner can be 15 minutes late. Jesus ignored the judgmental stares and whispers to tell an adulterous woman at a well that she can be forgiven, that it isn't too late for her (John 4:1-26). Your friend calls about a problem as you're about to walk into a meeting? I'm sure that meeting is less important than another person's life.

This week, I encourage you to strive to live life like Christ. Invest your time in your eternity! Walk that extra mile, turn the cheek twice, give others your coat too! Trust me, the joy you receive when we walk the same walk as Jesus is so worth missing out on that Pinterest time.

Day 4- Wanting to Be Someone Else!

It would be lying to say that you’ve never wanted to be someone else. Whether it be their clothes, their hair, their body type, their talent, etc, if we are really honest with ourselves, we will realize that yes, we have wanted to be someone else in some form or fashion.

Ladies and gents, breaking news! God designed YOU for an EXTRAORDINARY purpose, making you EXTRAORDINARILY designed!!!!  That in and of itself makes you amazing!! See, you can never find satisfaction in being like someone else because that’s not who you were designed to be. God created you as an individual, not a cookie cutter model.

Satisfaction with who we are created to be is found in Christ and Christ alone. It is in Him that we find fulfillment when living in His Spirit! It is in Him that we find the gifts, the talents, the abilities He equipped us with to fulfill the purpose God designed for us!

He gave them to us that we might reach out to the deceived, fallen around us!

We have been blessed with a special, unique so that we may be a blessing to others, showing them the love and generosity of Christ. We each need to put our gift to use for God, using them to serve others, and show the world what love looks like!

Betcha didn’t know that you were so incredibly unique that you could change a life just by using what God gave you!

You don’t have to be perfect for God to use you. In fact, a humbled heart is the easiest for Him to use!

Keep on keeping on, dear one! God has incredible plans for you!

Don't Go Back!

Some of you may remember my post titled No Turning Back. This is a reminder post about that very thing!

I've been struggling with returning to my old way of life with a new perspective. Being around all the things of the world is so physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausting, and it can be hard to keep your heart and mind on the things of God.
In Philippians 4:8, Paul says Whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is honorable, whatever is juts, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things!

When God brought me to Primm Springs and cleaned my heart of all the dirty things that had infected it, He showed me that now I need to start keeping it clean. The only way to do that is by keeping a guard over our mouths and not letting evil influence our hearts (Psalm 141:3-4). To do that, we must rely fully on God, constantly asking Him for His amazing grace over us moment after moment. God doesn't want us to go back to where He brought you out of!

Let's get personal. When was the last time you were broken over your sin?
When was the last time you got on your knees, your heart breaking because you sinned against God, Who not only created you, but also sent His Son to DIE for you. The One who gave everything for you.
Let me tell you, the last time I did wasn't soon enough ago. Coming to God's feet with a humble spirit and asking for His unfailing grace once more keeps us focused on Him.

It's time to start counting the things as loss that were once a gain. (Philippians 3:7-9) It's time to start walking the walk of a follower of Christ, and giving our all to God.

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart!

"Blessed are the pure in heart! For they SHALL SEE GOD."

What does it mean to be pure in heart? This verse in Matthew 5 is somewhat of a challenge, a dare to exam yourself and become who God made you to be through His love and grace.

Have you ever come to God in prayer and asked Him to empty you of everything? Every sin, every hurt, every person or relationship that comes between you and God? Lay it all at HIs feet, and ask HIm to keep in your life the things that truly matter, not the things that you want. Let me tell you, you won’t be taking anything back.

So what DOES it mean to be pure in heart?

Well, the Greek word for ‘pure’ (in this verse) is katharos, which means ‘clean, blameless, unstained from guilt’.

UNSTAINED from guilt. Now how do we achieve such an impossible feat? Pureness of heart comes from an outpouring of uncleanliness before Christ. When you pour all that is unholy and unrighteous out, and truly seek to single your heart out for Christ, a pure heart is capable.

Now the Greek word ‘heart’ used here is kardeeah. This word can not only mean your physical, anatomical heart, but also refers to the center of spiritual life, or the soul. From this place, the kardeeah of a person, comes thoughts, desires, the feelings of purpose and understanding, will, and character. So basically, to be pure in heart means to be blameless in who we are!

It is not a show of outward purity; rather, it is the act of inward pureness of the heart and soul that only Christ can see!

Sisters by Love!

A friend is someone who will be there when you call.
A sister is someone who will be there before you even knew you needed to call.

A friend is someone who thinks you're nothing but sweet.
A sister will tell someone right away how crazy you really are.

A friend is someone who will stand up for you.
A sister will rally all of her friends to teach the person who hurt you a lesson ;)

A friend is someone who will invite you on a girl date.
A sister is someone who will drag you all over town whether you want to be there or not.

A friend is someone who will be there in the tough times.

A sister is walking right there beside you every step of the way<3

So grateful for all of the girls who became my sisters the past two months!
Thank You Lord, for the incredible blessings You have poured into my life through these girls!

Week 10 of Project Leap of Faith

Week ten! You're here!

I actually am re-writing this post, even though I was completely ready to post the original one.

The problem? 

It was 

ONE.

BIG.

COMPLAINT.

Yep. A big collection of complaints over how I hadn't been here long enough, how much I loved it here, etc etc.

When I proofread it, I couldn't believe how much I sounded like the Israelites! I wasn't being grateful and enjoying the blessings while I have them still, and rather than share about all the wonderful experiences God has so richly lavished on me, I COMPLAINED.

Shame. On. Me.

SO. Here is the revised post! Gone with the bad attitude, and I'll do all things without murmurings and disputings! (:

Friday night was, per usual, wonderful, because (as usual!) Lizzy and I spent it with the Allisons!

I also pierced Lizzy's nose. So now we're twinsies! :D

After we stayed up all hours of the night watching When Calls The Heart, (and screaming at the TV because it wasn't fair for the characters; I'm sure you guys understand!) we woke up bright and early Saturday morning and almost immediately started learning new songs on guitar.  On the walk home, we gathered bundles of ragweed and daisies (and some other beautiful flowers) to dry. I now have a beautiful little bouquet that will last for quite a while (:

Sunday was beyond incredible. The morning's service was given by renowned New Zealand preacher and good friend of the Campbell family, Mr. John Walton. He was speaking about the heart cry, and how when we pray, it should be a heart cry! It should be a deep, intimate moment with God, not a 5-minute prayer time. (Yes, it did impact me so much that I've started praying that way now.)

After church, some of us young people organized a game of Spoons. If I haven't mentioned it before, DO NOT PLAY SPOONS WITH CHERISH ALLISON. It can get violent. (The rug-burns on my elbows should be proof enough haha!) Despite the violence, the games were still very fun. At the end of the last game, Noble Barrett, Josiah Calhoon, and Cherish Allison were playing against each other. Cherish was working herself over, trying so hard to win. But Josiah and Noble had already won, and quietly slipped the two spoons into their possession. When Cherish finally had her four matching cards, she jumped forward to snatch a spoon... And found nothing. The look on her face was priceless, and we all had a good laugh at it. 

After we had cleaned up from lunch and finished preparing for Stephen and Auntie Vange's 50th birthday party, we all just kind of went wherever and did our own thing. We girls watched the guys play football and braided each other's hair, or found flowers to press. (Or stole the iPhones off the table and take random pictures with them.) 

When the party started, it was fantastic. There were so many families represented, and so many people. And the more people present, the more fun can be had! Josiah Calhoon taught me how to do a couple of new strumming patterns on guitar (You're welcome Mr. Steve! ~he's my guitar teacher~) and we talked music for a bit. Finally, someone who understood the hardships of being an adult and not having time to play music as much as one wanted! 

As the party drew to a close, a few of us young people went outside and played Midnight tag. As people were leaving and I said goodbye, it hurt and it was hard to think that I may never see some of these precious people ever again, but then I rejoice! As a dear friend of mine told me, I now have these memories and bonds to cherish for life.

I'm so grateful for God's incredible love and grace. I'm so grateful for the knowledge He gives me of His strength and power, for the ability to trust in Him alone.

So as I come to the end of the most amazing time in my whole life, I stop and I think. What if I had walked out that door? What if I had forsaken the way I'd been raised, and become nothing more than another sinner on the street. What if, what if, what if?

But because of grace, I don't have to say What If. Instead, I can say, By God's Grace, I'm Here Instead of There!!!!!!!

Praise be to God!

Week 9 of Project Leap of Faith

In the weeks that I've had in Primm Springs, Tennessee, I have made so many new friends and been blessed INCREDIBLY.

The time I got to spend with my family was absolutely amazing. I think the best parts of my time there was just hearing everyone talk. I loved the talking, the learning. Talking to my mom, my old pastor and his wife on Sunday, my grandparents. It was all so wonderful!

Back Row, L to R- Will, Me, Phillip and Emmaline, Jake(with the beard), Ben, Allie(holding a pic of CJ)

Front Row, L to R- Sam, Nick, Jesse, and Gwen

I'm also excited to introduce the newest partner in crime, Lizzy!

Aren't we absolutely gorgemous?

Lizzy is the new Rubies girl we welcomed last Tuesday (8/1), and lemme tell ya. She is a blessing times ten trillion!!! My hope and prayer for her is that she will be as strengthened and blessed as I have been!

I've been really struggling as I see this chapter coming to a close in my life. I don't want to leave this amazing life, full of new adventures, a new family, and the constant closeness of the Lord. But as it says in Ecclesiastes 3, there's a time for everything in its season.

Falling in love with a whole lifestyle- a routine, a relationship with the Lord like none I've ever had before, friends who have become my family- is not what I expected in coming up here. I've loved the structure, the busyness, the fun that shines in every corner of this life. It will be a hard day waking up in that lovely dorm for the last time, walking out the front door for the last time, leaving the driveway for the last time. I don't think one knows the pain of leaving until they've fallen in love. Little did I know you could fall in love with a whole town!

When I speak of love, I don't mean romance. I'm speaking of the kind of love you feel within a family, the accepting love. The same love Christ bestows upon us has been show to me in the short time I've been here, and is definitely reciprocated.

So what kind of love does Christ show us? What is its definition?

Yeah, you all knew I was going to use this verse didn't you? ;)

This love is patient. Have you noticed that when we, in out stubborn human flesh, walk away from God and pursue things that we want, God never leaves us? He is always standing there, putting that nudge in our spirit, urging us back to Him. He is always putting someone in our path to draw us closer to Him. If you don't feel like God is doing that, you better start praying He'll open your eyes to see the needs right next to you!

This love is kind. God is constantly pouring out His blessings on us, even though we have all sinned and do not even come close to deserving anything He pours into our lives. Just think about that! He is constantly spoiling us, so richly and deeply, and we barely manage a weak 'thank You' to Him!

This love isn't proud or rude or self seeking. God doesn't think He's too good for you; He laid down His life for you. He isn't self-seeking; God treasures you, He holds your worth higher than the most precious gems!

This love isn't easily angered. God was the Creator of patience, remember. (But please don't use this as an excuse to stay in the same sin forever!) He is so patient and gentle with you, guiding you when you fall, and keeping you in His Hand.

This love doesn't hold your mistakes over you, or define you by what you've done. If you have accepted Christ's free gift of salvation, EVERY sin you have ever committed-from that little white lie to the person you killed, even if it was just with your words- is wiped away. His blood covers every blemish and spot.

This love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God will NEVER give up on you. It doesn't matter how far we walk away from Him, He will always bring us back to Him if we allow Him to. He protects you from Satan's darts as best as we allow Him to, because HE LOVES YOU. God loves us!

One last thing before I close this post. Today, September 8th, is my sweet Mama's birthday!

Sadly, I don't have a more recent picture of just the two of us together. (Well, we might, but I don't have it....)

This woman is my best friend. She's the world's best encourager and reminder. She is the most incredible person I've ever met, with the patience of a saint (I mean she's put up with me! For almost 19 years!) Happy Birthday Mama! I love you so much, and pray you have the most blessed day you have ever had!

Day 3- Praying with Strings Attached

 

Women at the 'Wailing Wall' (Western Wall) in Jerusalem

How many time daily, weekly, monthly, do we ask God to take something from us? It may be a wrong or a problem, a stress or a burden. But here's the thing: Do we really give it to God? Time (once again) to be honest.
Do we really mean it when we ask God to take our thing away from us? Do we let go when we say Amen? Or do we pray and then go right back to crying and complaining about what we've just asked Him to take I know I do. All the time. Paul, in the book of Hebrews, tells us that we should come boldly to unto the throne of Grace, that we might receive mercy.

See, when you pray with strings attached and you finish "bringing your problem to God" and you carry on as sad as before, you aren't trusting His power and might. Does it really seem sincere to pray that way? Do you really feel like you're showing God the respect He deserves?
Have we ever stopped and thought about what an insult that is to God? We, in our foolish human pride, make ourselves feel better by praying and then continue in a negative attitude, completely doubting God can do what He says He can do! (Why yes, I am in fact talking to myself. Thank you for noticing.)

I think sometimes we lose sight of who God really is. He reminds us in Psalm 107:20 that He sent out His word, and healed them... 
All He had to do was speak, and they were HEALED!! That same verse goes on to say that God DELIVERED them from their destruction! Isn't that amazing??

God wants to take your burdens. He wants to show you what He can do if you just believe. We just have to let him.

Week 8 of Project Leap of Faith

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into HIs courts with praise! Give thanks to Him, and bless His Name! (Psalm 100:4)

Praise the Lord, I have been here 8 weeks! Continual blessings have been poured out, my eyes have been opened, and my heart has been softened. The week I got the e-mail from Mrs. Campbell, if you had told me that I would be where I am spiritually (already!), I would have called you a liar! I love getting to have this constant spiritual encouragement and strengthening, and I want to share it with anyone who will listen.

I'm also VERY excited for this weekend. Come Friday, I will be going to the dear little town of Dayton, TN (just south of Chattanooga) to see my family! 

Back Row: Me (holding baby Emmaline), Papaw Potter, Mamaw Potter, Phillip, CJ, and Will

Front row: Sam, Nicky, Jesse, and Gwendolyn

Taken at CJ's Naval Bootcamp Graduation, June 2015

The reason I'm excited is not because I'll be leaving Primm Springs; rather, quite the opposite. 

I know that I'll be coming back after this weekend, and that's why I'm so excited. I know that it won't be too long before I see my Above Rubies family. I was on the phone with my mom yesterday, and after telling her about my excitement in coming back, I said " It's going to be REALLY hard leaving for real in late September." 

My mom (holding baby Emmaline), CJ, Mamaw and Papaw Potter

(Just assume all of these family pictures were taken at CJ's graduation lol)

CJ, my dad, and Papaw

You know how sometimes we want something that seems to really be in line with God's plan, but He's telling us otherwise? Yeah, it's like that. Like I really want to just stay here, but I know He's calling me home in a couple of weeks. *sigh*

But His ways are higher than our ways! Isn't that an encouraging thought??

The beautiful sunrise I woke up to this morning! I love seeing God's fingerprints!

I would really like to share the encouragement that I found between yesterday and today.

Turn to Isaiah 54:13. 

13All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. 14In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. 15If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you. 16Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon fo rits purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy; 17No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgement. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.

While we need to keep these verses in context (read what has to happen before we can receive these protections and blessings, in v. 1-12), it's so encouraging to know that no weapon fashioned against us shall succeed. That can mean hurtful words or cruel plans against us, not just a sword or a gun. If we have repented and allowed God to take over our lives, He is faithful and just to not only forgive us, but also hold us and protect us as we walk through our life! Isn't that exciting??

Will Our Generation Speak?

Almost two years ago, I received a copy of an INCREDIBLE book at a revival meeting in our church. The book was written by Grace Mally, which instantly intrigued me because a few years prior I had been involved with a Bible study (called B.R.I.G.H.T. Lights) for girls by Grace's big sister, Sarah Mally.

As I got deeper into the book, I was burdened to start a group study on this book and how we needed to get the gospel out there. But I was 16; what could a starting high school senior do? I had no idea how to start a Bible Study! 

But God's will prevails. I purchased a case of the books, and started a group among my friends of our homeschooling group. While the study itself only lasted about 4 weeks, due to holidays and my crazy school schedule, the time we had was definitely a blessed time.

Will Our Generation Speak? Is full of encouraging testimonies and great ideas, 

as well as resources to get you started!

Now this isn't an ordinary book. Will Our Generation Speak? is a challenge, a call to us as sons and daughters of the Most High God to bring others to His everlasting truth and life. I mean, Jesus told us that we are the light of the world! We are the ones to bring His love to all the nations! 

I'm really super excited about this book all over again, and have the flame in my heart once more. I am hoping to start an open group Bible study, much like the young adult group that I go to on Thursday evenings here in Tennessee. It isn't solely for the people that go to church at the host church: It is for anyone you want to bring, despite what denomination they are, or whether or not they even go to church, or if they're married, etc. But I can tell you this: it is a beautiful time of fellowship in Christ!

So my hope and prayer is that God will continue to lead me where He wants me, down to the exact times and dates that are in His plan! 

If you all don't mind praying for me, I would SOOOO appreciate it! 

Love you all!

XO, Shelby

Week 7 of Project Leap of Faith

Ok, now that I am SO late, here it is.

Here we are at week 7.

7 of the best weeks of my life.

It seems like the closer I've gotten to the end, the faster time has gone. I'm really not ready to leave. The blessings I've received in the short time I've been here. From playing second mommy to sweet little girls, all the way to being a Kitten Daycare!

I'm so excited, this Tuesday (Week 8) our new Ruby girl is coming!! Another exciting event coming up is the mega Potter Birthday Bash next weekend. We're basically celebrating all of the birthdays (and my grandparents' anniversary!) over Labor Day weekend, meaning I'll get to see my sweet family again! (:

The kittens have officially opened their eyes, and are as cute as can be! They turned a week old on Tuesday, and are more than double the size they were when they were born.

ALSO. I MADE A THING FOR LUNCH. AND YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. It was a Trim Healthy Mama S meal, and SOOOO worth it!! I heated a bit of red palm oil in a cast iron skillet, and heated some red pepper flakes, garlic, and celery seed in it for about a minute. I then added fresh okra (I just sliced about 5 pods into rounds) and 2 VERY small tomatoes (1 green, the other yellow, sliced and halved) and let them cook down until tender. I then added some of Mrs. Campbell's famous One Pot soup (which is just a basic vegatable soup with a few leftovers added to it-sauteed squash and a few pieces of broccoli that were too little to put in seperate containers) and let everything cook down. 

Oh. My. Word. Yeah, it was good. Finish it up with a summery twist on Good Girl Moonshine (add about 3 tbsp lemon juice to the original recipe), and you have one amazing meal. AND it's healthy. But anything you cook in red palm oil will probably end up tasting amazing soooooo....

Anyway, I went to the young adult Bible study group with my dear friend Meadow last night, and it was SO encouraging. A great reminder that when we pray, we need to go deep! We aren't talking to air! In Daniel 2, we see that Daniel and his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (AKA Shadrach, Meshach, and Obednego) had a prayer meeting when they found out about the king's latest decree (v.18). Daniel trusted God to answer right away, he didn't falter and say "Oh, hey God, if you could, um, maybe give me an idea of what to do... maybe, that'd be cool..." No. Daniel asked God, BELIEVING God would give him an answer right away. And then, when God provided an answer, Daniel so deeply thanked God! (v. 20-23)

I believe that if we are specific in the things we pray about, God will reveal to us and bless us for it, becuase we are showing trust in Him. We are believing that He is listening and hearing what we have to say, and the Lord will bless your faith. 

So this week, I ask that each of you set aside some time in your day, free from obligations and distractions, and give yourself over to God. Talk to Him. He is your Dad, after all!

Hope you guys have a great week! I'm still currently trying to finish writing Day 3 of 12 Things a Christian Shouldn't Do, but I somehow have misplaced my notebook with all of my notes... SO. That must be posted ASAP! 

Xoxo, Shelby

Day 2-Far From Worthless! (Believing You're Worthless)

Day two. Now, how are you handling the title? Show of hands, how many instantly thought ‘oh great, another pep rally speech’, or maybe ‘but I don’t have anything to offer God, so I must be worthless...’?

Be honest now. I’m going to be more open in these next few posts, share how God has overcome each of these things (and is still overcoming!) in my life, day by day.

So, now that I’ve beaten the honesty thing into your heads, I shall begin.

YOU ARE NOT WORTHLESS.

Simple as that, you’re not. Dear ones, we are each so precious, so treasured by God. I mean, come on, He formed us in His hand! He was so abundantly giving with His mercy, He loves us so much, that God made us alive, despite being dead in our sins and wrongdoings. His grace was so extravagantly given that God sent His very own Son to die in our places, to take the full punishment and wrath we deserve.

Do you really think that He would have done that for some worthless, useless piece of trash in the corner? No. Because you are worth so much more than that.

Psalm 139 tells us that He ...formed our inward part, and knitted us together in our mother’s womb. (verse 13, paraphrased) Guys, God saw our unformed being (verse 16). He has known each and every day that we have in our lives-from the moment of conception to the day we take our last breath-even before we existed on earth.

Do you understand your worth yet? Ok, maybe you’ve just said no. Here’s one last thought I’m going to leave you with.

God created you in His image.

You are so beautiful and so perfectly made, made in our Heavenly Father’s image! (Yes, I’m also preaching to myself haha!) What is standing between you and the acceptance of this new concept?

Right now, if you have anything in your life(TV shows, magazines, books) or anyone (friends specifically, or coworkers) that makes you feel any less than you are, GET RID OF IT. Delete Facebook or Instagram, get a different job, stop looking at those magazines, don’t hang out with those people you’ve labeled friends! Maybe try to get into a ministry at your church. help out in the nursery, or maybe become a Sunday School teacher’s assistant. Try to help with the youth programs your church may have, or maybe start your own! All you have to do is take that first step. Just a reminder, the #1 thing you can do is give your life and your worth over to God. Do it and watch His hand move in your life, in incredible ways!

XO, Shelby