Things that make me go "Ugh!"
Guest Post- Samantha
Often times God asks us to lay down things we enjoy and show Him faith. This sometimes happens when we are least expecting it, and we usually react with an array of different emotions from joy, to sorrow, to anger, to feeling hurt.
Just recently I have had to practice faith.
*I want to add that this is a hard post for me to write, because it is forcing me to reveal that I have some personal things I struggle with God about, and I am not always the “perfect Christian” that most people strive to be.*
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Samantha and I am a published author. Because of this, I’ve recently gotten in contact with some other authors who are published or are in the process of being published. One of my recent interactions was with a woman (let’s call her Debby) who asked me to read and edit her manuscript (which is, like, HUGE in the writing world!). Well, Debby is the owner of a pretty big writing website, and this was the opportunity of a lifetime for me! Since I’m still fairly new in the writing realm, I immediately responded with a big “YES!” After that, Debby gave me articles to write, a writing partner to help critique me, and several kind notes of encouragement. Life in my writing world was going pretty smooth…
After about two weeks of editing Debby’s manuscript, I began to have huge convictions about it. It began talking about some things that I would not want my name attached to. I couldn’t call myself a Christian writer and have some new believer or non-believer read that novel and get confused about the Lord. I immediately recognized the Holy Spirit convicting me.
So, I concluded that I had a huge decision to make. I could either continue to edit this manuscript, edit another manuscript she wanted me to take a look at and continue growing my friendship with Debby, all the while I would have the Holy Spirit nagging at me, OR I could email her and tell her I couldn’t edit it, thus severing the bond I had with her and the writing website.
When I asked God what I should do, I was angered at His reply. Deep down I knew I should be emailing her right at that second and tell her I was having my own personal convictions about her manuscript.
But do you know what I did?
I pushed away the Holy Spirit for another month, acting like I was fine with it the entire time. Only when I got physically ill because of the whole situation did I realize that this was not God’s plan for me (I was definitely acting like Jonah, pushing God away and doing what I wanted to do). I realized He was asking me to practice faith in Him. I reluctantly opened up my email, and with tears in my eyes, I emailed the woman and told her I couldn’t do it.
I had to have God beat me down before I obeyed Him.
Now, just take a minute and ponder upon what I just gave up. With this writing website, I was given the opportunity to write for them. I was given the opportunity to read others manuscript and give my opinion because they valued what I had to say. I was also given many opportunities in publishing. This was literally the writers dream!
Giving up this was a big deal, because that meant that I would have to start from ground zero all over again, and I really didn’t want to do that.
But, surprisingly, once I sent that email I felt as if a boulder rolled off my shoulders. I felt the Holy Spirit cover me in an embrace-like fashion. I felt content. Believe it or not, but I felt good about what I had just did. I think it was a mixture of releasing the pressure I was having between God and Debby, and the warm feeling I get when I feel God’s presence.
But I regret that it took me a month and a half to obey God. I regret that I pushed the Holy Spirit away. I regret that God was asking me to show Him I had faith in Him, but I didn’t.
I would like to share a few passages of Scripture that came to my mind during the duration of that month and a half:
Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?.”
Isaiah 1:19 “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”
2 Corinthians 2:9 “For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.”
Now I would like to share with you some Scripture concerning faith in God:
1 Corinthians 2:5 “So that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”
1 Peter 1:21 “Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified, so your faith and hope are in God.”
Please, dear ones, heed the words of the Lord.
I was disobedient. I did not listen to what He had to say. I pushed Him away. I was foolish.
And because of that, I disappointed God. I made Him sad, and making the Lord sad is probably the worst feelings I’ve ever experienced, even above the horrible feeling of disappointing my parents.
The Lord prompted me to write this post to be an encouragement. At first, I wasn’t going to write it, because it seemed too personal, almost like a biography about me, and not helping you. But after some thought, I realized that this is one of the things that most people struggle with. So many people push God away because they are scared, lazy or prideful.
I want you to know that the Lord will bless you because of your obedience and faith. He might bless you here on earth, or He might bless you in Heaven. But always know that those things don’t go unnoticed under the eyes of God.
In fact, literally minutes after I sent the email to Debby, I got a message from Deanna asking me to write an article for her. She didn’t know it then, but she was an opportunity God was sending me. I couldn’t believe that after my unfaithfulness to the God Almighty, he was blessing me by sending me an opportunity to encourage all of you.
In conclusion, dear ones, I would love to tell you that everything will be alright, and life will always be smooth sailing, and you will never, ever have to prove your faith to God.
But I can’t, because that isn’t how life is. Just keep in mind though, that God will always bless you after showing Him faith. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next year, but it will not ever go unnoticed.
Note from Deanna
Sometimes it can be difficultto put down the wants we have placed in this world and take up our faith. On a daily bases teens are tempted to push away the Holy Spirit much like Samantha was into his own little drawer.
Most Christian teens can relate to the fact that our friends live a more worldly lifestyle with lust, cursing, alcohol, drugs and the bad fruits of society. It is hard to not put away God. While Samantha did not struggle with any of those particular problems, she did however struggle with thinking of herself and not herself and God.
Next time you find yourself in a situation where you know you should give up a want so that you can practice your faith, think of Samantha and the sacrifice she made. Like her, you will feel the Holy Spirit overcome you and the satisfaction God has for you when you obey his command.
Love always,
Deanna
Sunburn On Your Soul
Summer is coming and the temps are rising. As the sun comes out so does the sunblock- well at least for those of us who are smart enough to pull it out. I am sadly not one of those people… Recently I was at a car wash for a friend from 10:30 in the morning until 5 in the evening, and you guessed it I did not wear sunblock all day! Worst mistake.
Two weeks later and I am still molting like a snake.
Sunburns are a painful fact of a bad decision. A decision not to protect our delicate skin. As I was sitting is service feeling like a lobster and burning up a thought crossed my mind… Sin is like a sunburn on our souls….
Here are the 3 basics to obtaining and healing a sunburn on your soul.
1. Sin the Sunburn
At first being outside in the sun is all fun and games. You dont feel like your burning and you continue on like there is nothing wrong with the fact that you are frying like a french frie. Much like sin. In the midst of sin you feel pleasure. In the moment its nice, seems fun and you dont always see the damage happening on the surface. It is not until after the fun has ended that you realize, “Hey! I hurt!” Just like sin. We enjoy the ride but trip down the steps when trying to deboard the train.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 1 Corinthians 15:56 (NIV)
It is the law of God not to sin and when we do it leaves a scare on our souls. The sting of death. The pain of a sunburn.
2. The Bible the Aloe Vera
How do we heal a sunburn? The most common way of soothing a sunburn is Aloe Vera. Applying helps pull out the heat and take away the sting. Just like the Bible. The Bible is our tool here on earth from God himself to teach ourselves the law and learn to walk in the path of Jesus. When we sin God tells us to forgive ourselves so he may forgive and repent in our way. Where do we learn this? The Bible! Our “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” Applying the Bible to our lives is like applying Aloe Vera to our sunburns. It pulls out the sting and shows the truth and helps us heal our ways.
May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. 1 Kings 8:58 (NIV)
3. Jesus the Sunblock
How do you prevent getting a sunburn in the first place? By wearing sunblock. Jesus is our sunblock to life. He protects and heals. We all know Jesus was sent by God to be perfect and to die on a cross for all of our sins. He protects our souls from our darkest faits. He loves us so much that we can journey away from wrong doing and protect our souls from burning. Use Jesus like you use sunblock. When you are in a hot situation apply him to yourself as a whole.
God so loved the world he sent his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have enternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and bask in his grace. He loves us and does not want to see us scare our souls. Be careful when you put yourself in the heat of things. And my friends as summer approaches take my word, and dont forget to apply your sunblock!
Always,
Deanna
This Means Life…
What does this mean to you? Old… Stale… Moldy…
For about 925 million people of the 6.8 billion that occupy this planet, this means life.
If you woke up healthy today you are luckier then 1 million people who will pass away this week. If you wake up to a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food in your belly, then you are more blessed then 75% of the world. If you are reading this message right now you are more privileged then 3 billion people who can’t.
As Americans it is so easy to take everything we have for granted. Most of us do not know what it is like to go hungry. Most of us do not not know how it feels to freeze overnight with no shelter. Most of us do not know what it is like to come down with even the common cold and not be able to get better because of malnutrition. For those of us Americans who do know how this feels we have put ourselves in that position by choice.
America is the land of opportunity. We are constantly handed things on silver platters and still think we have it bad. We do not realize that there is a very large world around us that suffers everyday. Not every homeless man has the choice to catch a bus and stay in a shelter. Not every child can go to a food bank and get a meal.
In other countries they are not given these alternatives. They must survive on the hope that things may be different some day. Sadly the hope that the life they live may not be very much longer…
What does this mean to you? Hope… Forgiveness… Resurrection..
For many this means life- Eternal life. A life that is never ending and to the fullest. It does not bring bread to the table but it brings hard working men who work for the bread. It does not put a roof over the heads of our families but it is a hedge of protection.
For many this is also a symbol of judgement. Hypocreicy, slander, and hate. This is the symbol of a “religion” that claims a Holy and Forgiving God with people who do not take a second glance at the dirty and the broken.
Instead of being a beakin of light, it is a road block at the end of the tunnel. Instead of being a compass pointing to peace it is a reminder of crime.
Why today do we use this a weapon? Why have we forgotten what took place on a hill just outside of Jerusalem? Is it no longer important? Is it that it no longer applies to us?
Has man sinned so much we have out-grown the capacity? Has man rotted the world down to the feeble core and dug a hole to deep to be filled? Is it that…
“No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:11 NIV)
We. Are. Saved.
Some live pay check to pay check- they cant afford to give away food. Some are mentally or physically ill and cannot work. But of the 34% (about) of believers, who prays for the weary everyday? Who shares God’s word and speaks with holy lips? Sixty-six percent of this world is spiritually famished and parched. They long for an answer.
Can you not give it to them?..
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:15 NIV)
Take up your cross. Stop letting the world perish. Let it be a sign that the Lord our God is with us, wherever we go.
Love always,
Deanna
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Everyone who knows me personally, knows that I am a city girl. I like to shop, drink Starbucks, wear sparkly clothes. I don’t play in dirt, you will never see me with any type of animal that cant come inside- cats, dogs- and farming? Forget about it.
At least I thought I would.
Growing up in Colorado, it was easy to be a city girl- Denver is after all a city. When I moved to the southern states I was in for a big culture shock. At first, when I was living with my aunt and uncle, anything to do with agriculture was not a big deal. I lived by a mall, went to a school- where there was not a “redneck” in site, but that’s another story- and my family, like me, has never been into farming. When my mom, brothers and I all moved out to our own place though, I got my first taste of what was coming for me.
We ended up in what I consider the middle of nowhere. Our “downtown” compared to sky scrapping towers, honking horns and men is businesses suits, was now two gas stations, a veterinary office and a batters box. Not exactly what I had in mind. The new school I started was a 360 from the school I came from. Everywhere I turned boys were in wranglers and girls were in boots. I looked like a steak in the bread isle. This became my new norm from 8th grade through my Freshman year of high school.
Come orientation Sophomore year, I am with my boyfriend- yes boyfriend, remember girls BE SMART!- and his mom. They are very active members in the agriculture class, teams, and FFA. As we were making our last stop at the AG department to say hello, my eye caught some fish. I LOVE Fishies! I was all for the different tanks and breeds. I was very excited. His mom and him convinced me, that maybe I should join Foundations, a starting AG class, since after all, I was looking to get one of my classes changes. Conveniently there happened to be a foundations class that exact period I was trying to get out of. That is when, much like my schools, I made a 360.
I have now been in an AG Foundations class for 5 weeks. That’s about 25 days or me learning about FFA and hogs. I am now a FFA member and a new active team member of their Parliamentary Procedure (par-pro) team. Most definitely not what I ever had in mind.
See, God takes us and leads us to try new things. We are not always comfortable with the changes, or fit in right away. I know I felt out of place and was never going to try anything. I was going to live it out for a year and just say it was not for me. I changed my mind slowly though as the year has progressed. Through FFA I am learning a lot more about farming then I ever thought I would. I now know it is not all about some guy in boots sitting on a tractor chewing on grass. Its much more! Through Par-Pro I am learning the fundamentals of debating and how business meetings work. These are things I am going to take with me in my future. I know it.
We don’t always want to take the path God creates, but when we are brave enough to leave our comfort zone, in so many ways, he teaches and grows us.
Take time to think about something that is outside of your comfort zone. Try it out. God may have something planned for you. Am I saying that all city girls should join Ag or FFA? No!- the nail salons could not handle it. Maybe he is calling you to speak to that kid no one likes, or be respectful to that mean teacher or your parents. You never know. Give it a shot, and see where it leads you.
Always,
Deanna
Enjoying A Chocolate Chip Cookie
Chocolate chip cookies. Who doesn’t love them? I know I sure do. They have to be the most brilliant dessert in the history of after dinner tasty treats. I have had a hard time finding anything better then sitting down with a couple chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk.
Now break away from the rumble of your tummy for a moment.
These past few weeks things have been packing onto my daily plate. Summer started- which means more chores- I started a job and my mom went back to school. Now what does this have to do with chocolate chip cookies?
What is the main ingredient in a chocolate chip cookie?- uuuh the chocolate chips! All the new activities in my life are like chocolate chips in my chocolate chip cookie life. Chocolate chips make the cookie taste, look, smell and even feel good- oh the ooey gooey chocolate. But if you put to many chocolate chips in your cookie what is going to happen? One you will end up with a big chocolate ball or a nasty tummy ache.
It is important to follow the directions on the package to be sure your cookies are evenly portioned out and you end up with the ultimate snack.
When life throws new things at us we usually want to try them out. It is fun to do something unusual and take an adventure. I am taking an adventure now, but as I go along I find myself adding and adding to the little things I started out with and making them big gooey, sticky messes.
Read the directions and packaging of your life. God made all your tasks and adventures specific to you. If your not a good swimmer, don’t take on the new summer Life Guard job. If you don’t like babies or old people don’t volunteer at community centers.
The directions of life are fairly simple. Just like adding water and sugar to flour and chocolate chips to cookie dough.
Do not load up on things that are going to overwhelm you. Keep to Gods plan and keep your self sane. No one wants to talk to a crazy christian- haha. Life is good. Take adventures, try new things but don’t overwhelm yourself and enjoy the treat of living.
Love always,
Deanna
Overcoming My Ant Hills
Oh ya. You see it. Just sitting there, a coned shaped mound in the middle of your yard. You get an erge… you want to kick it. Blow it to pieces and watch the little bugs scury. Everyone knows the temptation. Its to hard to resist.
How many ants do you think are in there? 1,000?
Do you think they bite? (Ouch!)
They will just build another hill… More to kick in.
Ya! I’m gonna kick it.
WAIT! Hold your foot right there, now look again- this time I want you to think. Think real hard- your still thinking ‘kick’ I can hear it. Ease up. Its not just a pile of dirt, its a home. Individual little lives.
How do you think you would feel if some giant came up and kicked right through your life, and to make it worse, enjoyed doing it? It would not make any one person very happy. Think of this giant as temptation and that hill you want to crush is your life. Every little ant inside represents a piece of who you are. You see Bobby there, he is school, and Joe, thats family. The hill is the mold that holds it all together in one piece.
Everyday we are faced with temptation of all sorts. It rocks our worlds and it enjoys it.
At first, when we see temptation we think “Oh… that kind of looks fun.” Then we step in, enjoy it a little and keep going for more. When we come to a realize what we are doing, we are already in to deep and need help getting out. Its like seeing a bucket and testing whether or not your foot will fit- and you get stuck. You stomp around with the bucket wrapped around your ankle.
I am faced with so many temptations, and they are so hard to be strong through. OH! Like all those times I see the cute shoes at the store. Or when there is that last cookie in the cupboard. I even struggle with harder things, like lieing sometimes, and at one point, stealing. When I was a little girl I had a big battle with theft. I used to take things from all over. One time I even tried Target, but I got caught. Man oh man did I learn that lesson. I am glad I wasnt reported- I was only 6.
I, to this day, have not taken another thing. It is something I chose to ask forgiveness for and move past. God gives me mercy, and love and trust.
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” -Mathew 26:41 (NIV)
Thinking back on it now though, these are all things that could have hurt my life. Made my family and friends not trust me. Being banned from stores because of my criminal record.
Temptation will take the rug up under you and make you fall. It will not care, or choose to say sorry, only leave its consequences. I urge you to look at your ant hill. Overcome your giant and embrace the strength God will grant you to just walk away. Your flesh is weak (Romans 8:3) but God is all mighty. He has given you grace to flee temptation.
Do not take something fun at the moment, only to get your foot stuck in a bucket. Do not give in to an impulse, only to rebuild what has fallen.
Love Always,
Deanna
Likeable, Dateable, Loveable
Love is patient, love is kind
It does not envy, it does not boast
It is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV)
I was thinking about this commercial the other day, and it made me think of a bunch of “able” words. Things like, hugable, loveable, likeable came to mind.. then dateable. What does it mean as teens to be “dateable.”
Are you dating? In a relationship? Do you think it will last forever? Sorry to burst your bubble, but don’t lie to yourself- every girl does it. We create a fantasy that has less then a 50% chance of actually lasting. The National Center for Health and Research says “51% of teen marriages end in divorce BEFORE 24.” That’s only 24! Think about all the years you have to live after that and that 49% chance that you are going to get divorced.
Other studies say the average age to get married is 25. Is this your plan? Try this fun math equation- yes I just used “fun” and “math equation” in the same sentence.
25 (average age) – your age = years left until you get married
years left x number of crushes in last month = how many crushes you will have before you get married
I assume you are going to have many crushes and many chances to date before you get married. So be patient.
Now, does this mean teens should not date? NO! That is not what I am saying- I honestly know that I want to- but I want to do it that right way. What are some steps we can keep in mind to safely and wisely date as a teenager?
1. BE SOCIALLY FIT
A common mistake we make is we get super caught up in our crushes and relationships and wrap our world around them like they are a new puppy. Dating is not something that you can sell and give back though, once it has happened, it has happened. Think about the crush or relationship you have now. Think about your friends. Have you talked to your friends since this person came into your life? Have you hung out? We always get so caught up that we forget to look at everyone else around us. We forget to ask how they are doing, what is going on with them. Do not push your friends away. When your craze ends, you don’t want to be in the position where you have pushed everyone away and you are alone.
2. BE PHYSICALLY FIT
“The more you put in, the more ripped apart you will be.” Think about a time that you got really hurt and it left a scare. Can you remember the pain? Now think about where you and your “other half” are in your physical relationship. God made physical connecttion, such as sex, a soul connection. Go back to your memory of that scare and the pain that left it. Can you imagine having that on your soul?! Be wise and protect your body. Set boundaries and rules, if they are broken, have consequences.
3. EMOTIONAL WRECK
Not only do you need to protect yourself physically, but emotionally. Do not go running off and tell your whole life story in one week. Talk, get to know each other, TAKE YOUR TIME! Neither one of you is going anywhere if you are really that “in love.” Right? Slowly introduce each other to what makes you, you. Talk about likes and dislikes, they will get to know and it will take longer before you run out of things to talk about. Giving a person all your personal information at once is like loading a gun with ammo and handing it to a killer. Protect your heart.
4. BE FINANCIALLY FIT
Picture all the money you have, or have saved, in a giant jar. Now picture that jar in the middle of Times Square. Would you just let someone take it and walk away like it’s nothing? NO!- well at least, I hope not. Be careful of how much you invest into your relationship. Spending all your money on someone who is not going to be there forever is just like the jar in Times Square. They will most likely not even remember who bought whatever 10 years from now. It will just be another object that lays around the house. Save your money and spend it on special things that you will both remember being fun and worth it.
5. COMMITMENT
Make a reasonable commitment to this person. Not vows, or “I promise to love you forever”, but “I promise to enjoy this while I have it.” Keep your priorities separate. Be mysterious. Make them wonder why you are always so confident. They will start thinking “WOW! This person is really awesome!” Have a Family World, School World, Social World, and Relationship World. Obsessing gets you no where, but to Crazy Town.
6. SPIRITUALLY FIT
I know when most teenagers hear this they freak out, exit from the page and think “What’s God got to do with it?” Really you should be saying “What’s love got to do with it?” Love has everything to do with being spiritually fit. You need to remember the distinction God makes between a couple who are dating and a couple who are married. Read and talk about God together and follow his rules. You will not be in healthy love, if you are living in a love that is a sin. Look to God for the way you do things, and the answers you seek.
Don’t pretend to love others. Really love them. -Romans 12:9 (NIV)
It is a good thing to have relationships and date. If they are done correctly, they will better you for your future marriage. Being careful doesn’t mean you have to be a boring dater, it just means that you are on the right path to meeting that real perfect one. Have fun and enjoy the dating world! There is a lot out there to learn and experience. You can be Likeable, Dateable, and Loveable.
Love Always,
Deanna
FORD Faith Overdrive and Real Decisions
FORD
- Found On Road Dead
- Fix Or Repair Daily
- First On Recycle Day
Everyone has heard their fair share of FORD acronyms. Any Ford requires a lot of work to stay running- much like your faith. What most people don’t realize is you can’t just say “yes, I have faith” then not do anything to work on it. It is like purchasing a used car that you know eventually will need work but you choose to wait, not save any money for repairs, and pray that nothing happens. Like the picture above, you may one day wake up and feel old, warn out and in desperate need of a spiritual repair.
Faith Overdrive.
You know that one believer that is in the front of church every week, brings in flowers for the pastors wife and can quote the bible front to back- that is, it feels like it. If they were to put you, the beat up Ford, next to that pretty BMW you would feel worthless. You try and try to be as worthy as the shiny car at the front of the lot but eventually your “check faith” light comes on and you choose not to asses the situation. No need to worry God is a great mechanic!
How often do you refill the gas tank on a car? It all depends on how much you drive it and how much it holds.
What are somethings that can be considered the fuel of your faith? How about, reading the bible, worship and praying? We drive our faith wagons a lot and should replenish them with new fuel everyday. You can go on 1,000 mile runs a day when your just being sent on detours left to right. Take at least 5 minutes a day to refill what you run out of. Sing a church song, read a verse or just say ‘HEY!’ to God. You both will benefit. A car does not only need new gas- changing the oil is equally important. Once a week you should be around people of Christian faith. We are taught to go into the world and be servants of God, but we are also called to be one body. If you don’t know anyone who believes how you do, how are you apart of the body? Go to church on Sunday, spend some time with a Christian friend. Anything to change the oil of countability . It is important to keep a connection with your faith so that it stays running. Checking up on all your parts is important.
Real Decisions
There is no fake decision. No more closet Christians. You cannot be a closet car owner- the logo is there, is it not? Be a someone people just know is a Christian. Your logo should be attached to everything you do. When you hear things like “Found On Road Dead” or “Flipped Over Russian Dune buggy.” You should be able to think no I am Free On my way to heaven Right with God and Dude! Jesus loves me! Because he really does!
Love always,
Deanna
When Your Head Hurts, and You Wonder Why!
So that one thing is clear- I am not clumsy, I am only giving the floor a hug because people are always stepping on him.
Ok, so I lied. I am extremely clumsy, but hey a lot of people are- just in case you dexterous people do not know what I am talking about- Being clumsy is: lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace.
All of us have been in a situation where we have tripped on some uneven pavement, knocked over a glass of water while reaching for another object, and even running into a really clean door here and there. (You know who you are.) I have moments all the time. This past evening I was having fun with my family listening to music and dancing. I made an unwise decision, got down on my belly and started flipping around like a worm. Yes, I did the 1980′s “funk period” dance move and it did not end well. Today I am paying for my lack of common sense with a lump on my head and a headache. In case you cannot put two and two together this worm hit her head on the hardwood floor. Sometimes I doubt I will ever make it thru this life in one piece.
Being clumsy is nothing to be ashamed of, it happens to everyone. Some studies say that being clumsy affects social abilities, phyisical wellness and many other factors. I tend to disagree. Being clumsy is a characteristic of someones personality. This trait may one day help somebody they meet in the future. How so you may ask. Bumps and scares and bruises leave people wondering, wondering leads to questions and quetions lead to conversations. There is a reason you have a bruise on your knee, a cut on your finger and a lump on your head. The reason? Psh! Like I know, but what I think is, God has a plan for me to maybe one day accidently run into someone- in a clumsy fashion- and help them. It may even be that someone will run into this post and really need to hear about my being clumsy. Honestly, I have no idea. I am 100% sure though that God always has a plan or reason for all my mishaps.
And on my own, I’m so clumsy But on Your shoulders I can see I’m free to be me and You’re free to be You. -Francesca Battistelli
If you are someone who is clumsy, whether it be physicaly, or you are having a hard time in life. Always remember ‘though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.’ (Pslam 37:23-25 NIV)
You are likely to leave this world with a bunch of physical and emtional scares, but they paint a picture of who you were. Go out into this world and stumble down your path in God.
Love always,
Deanna
Wait Training
Are you ready to pump some iron?! Come break a sweat with my new 10 minute workout that will get you pumped and trim!
1. You will never feel better in your entire life! Guaranteed
2. I hope you know I am just kidding.
I do not have a new physical workout that will get you into shape for the beach this summer, but I do have a great new way to train yourself in- Purity.
1. Learn what purity is
2. Talk to an adult
3. Get into God’s word
What do we do today in a sex-aimped society? This weekend I attented a wonderful conference called Culture Rock. Culture Rock focuses on the main points of how teenagers should treat purity in a sex-aimped society. Now, I KNOW this is an extremely uncomfortable topic- remember though the welcome did mention some “embarassing moments”- but it is extrememly important. If you have never heard God’s word on sexual purity then please keep reading.
When I walked into Culture Rock Saturday I was not expecting anything that I heard. In most situations people are to shy to sit down and explain what purity is and why it is so important. One of my favorite things said was by an author and abstinence speaker, Greg Speck. His words of humorous wisdom were “Sex, oh my gosh sex. It is great! BUT teenagers, it is a gift and idea of God! Do not abuse it!” Yet, we do just that. We abuse sex. It was meant to be an emotional and physical bond between two happy people in a marriage. Not stupid kids running around thinking it is the coolest thing. Of these teens 8,000 will get a disease every 24 hours and 2,700 girls will get pregnant. One-third of these pregnancies will end in abortion. Only 5% is intented and the other 95% are a mistake. Think about it. Do you want to be just another statistic?
That boy who sits there and tells you he will love you if you “fill his needs” is only going to leave your side. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) The bible is telling us that you are getting a very special thing taken from you.
I want to be clear, I am not judging anyone who is not a virgin anymore- it is not my goal. What you should know is that there is still an abundant amount of grace waiting at your door step if you choose to except it. For the next six weeks I ask you to join me and my reading of a book called Sex: It’s Worth Waiting For by Greg Speck. I will not be talking about purity in my posts for the next 6 weeks but I will be adding summaries of my reading and I ask you to either pick up the book yourself or just read my sum-ups. I cannot answer all your questions- afterall I am still so young myself- the best I can do is give you some personal perspective.
Wait until your married and I guarantee you will not regret it. Give it a shot, anything can happen.
Love always,
Deanna
Links:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12457-teen-pregnancy/