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!

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!