As my studies continue in the book of Matthew, my eyes are opened to new things and reminded of a lot of others. Tonight, Matthew 17:17-20 sticks out to me and for a number of reasons. Jesus had given his disciples the authority to heal the sick, the damaged and the weak however the disciples had little faith in the true power of God and had become unsuccessful when trying to heal with their own ability rather than Gods. Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus states, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
How AMAZING is that?! If we have faith that our wonderful magnificent and perfect God can do ANYTHING that we ask for in prayer, it will be done?!?! As a human, I struggle with this concept every single day. Sometimes it is so hard to believe but it is SO true. Ever heard that saying, "Let go and Let God"? Letting go seems to be the hardest part, doesn't it? Just like the disciples... we lose faith that God is control of everything and if you believe and have faith, it IS possible! That job you've been going after, the degree you're trying to achieve, the friend you have who may not yet be a Christian, the man/woman of your dreams..... Ladies and Gentlemen..... Have faith and believe in our God!!! He is capable of these things and things you may never fathom.
I am so blessed to have such an amazing God who takes care of all things and when I seem weak or powerless as a Christian, I can seek Him to produce results rather than my own abilities! AMEN!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
This year has undoubtedly been one heck of a year so far. In fact, when I think back to all that has taken place thus far... it all seems to be one big blur. I have lost some friends but have made a lot of new ones. I have had to say a lot of goodbyes and for the first time, to people whom I will stay in contact with for the rest of my life. I have been truly impacted by some people and completely heartbroken by others. It has definitely been a season of non stop forgiving and a whole lot of forgetting and moving forward. I will however say that the days ahead look brighter and brighter each day. My relationship with God is on a whole new level today than it ever has been before and I have a whole new outlook on what a family dynamic truly is. Thank goodness for that because I sure have missed out on a lot. :(
For the first time last night, I picked up the Bible to read at my own leisure to learn, to absorb, and to follow the words God has given my earthly body to abide by. I opened to the book of Matthew and started at the first chapter. The Genealogy of Jesus. A couple excerpts stood out to me and I will share them with you.
Matthew 1:18-25
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
and Matthew 2:13-19
13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18 “A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”
19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
What spoke to me was the simple fact that Joseph, a human with an earthly body just like our own was approached in his dreams and rather than following what made the most logical sense to him or any other human being, followed what God had ordered. It is so easy for us in our every day life to get caught up in what makes the most logical sense to us. We do what we see and know but have such a hard time trusting in the unknown and the "invisible." These changes for Joseph were not or at least didn't sound to be very convenient yet he knew that what the Lord said was good. Had he not obeyed, who knows where we would be today, what kind of culture and season of sin that we would live in. Would we ever be forgiven? What we don't realized is that we are challenged to do this every day. God is always calling us to do something, to be somewhere, with someone, for some reason. It may not be a move to another country or maybe it is!! The important thing to remember is that Gods word IS good and although the alternative route may make more sense to us and our earthly bodies, God has a purpose and it is our duty to fulfill that purpose. Wow... In just those two chapters... Gods lesson is SO powerful. Lord forgive me for falling short! You are so good.
For the first time last night, I picked up the Bible to read at my own leisure to learn, to absorb, and to follow the words God has given my earthly body to abide by. I opened to the book of Matthew and started at the first chapter. The Genealogy of Jesus. A couple excerpts stood out to me and I will share them with you.
Matthew 1:18-25
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
and Matthew 2:13-19
13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18 “A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”
19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
What spoke to me was the simple fact that Joseph, a human with an earthly body just like our own was approached in his dreams and rather than following what made the most logical sense to him or any other human being, followed what God had ordered. It is so easy for us in our every day life to get caught up in what makes the most logical sense to us. We do what we see and know but have such a hard time trusting in the unknown and the "invisible." These changes for Joseph were not or at least didn't sound to be very convenient yet he knew that what the Lord said was good. Had he not obeyed, who knows where we would be today, what kind of culture and season of sin that we would live in. Would we ever be forgiven? What we don't realized is that we are challenged to do this every day. God is always calling us to do something, to be somewhere, with someone, for some reason. It may not be a move to another country or maybe it is!! The important thing to remember is that Gods word IS good and although the alternative route may make more sense to us and our earthly bodies, God has a purpose and it is our duty to fulfill that purpose. Wow... In just those two chapters... Gods lesson is SO powerful. Lord forgive me for falling short! You are so good.
Monday, February 21, 2011
The latest...
Okay so the 30 Day Photo Challenge was an epic fail. I gave up and for all of you who were following that "project" close, I apologize. However, I wanted to update everyone on how things have been. I was a little down in the clouds in my last post and I am so thankful to say that I am much more sure about life and feel on top of the world right now. Aaron and I have reached a new level of trust, intimacy, and love in our relationship and it couldn't feel any more right than it does now. I know God has a plan for us and following that out each day in HIS time has been so amazing.
Meet Bella
The newest addition to our family and quite possibly the best puppy ever. She cuddles, plays and sleeps. Doesn't whine or bark and we couldn't love her any more than we do. We miss her when we drop her off and get sad when she has to go in for shots and always wish she was with us when were gone. I cant wait for summer and for her to come camping, hiking and swimming with us!!
Thats all for now. I will update again soon.
Meet Bella
The newest addition to our family and quite possibly the best puppy ever. She cuddles, plays and sleeps. Doesn't whine or bark and we couldn't love her any more than we do. We miss her when we drop her off and get sad when she has to go in for shots and always wish she was with us when were gone. I cant wait for summer and for her to come camping, hiking and swimming with us!!
Thats all for now. I will update again soon.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Ugh ..............
When I tell you everything is okay and that I am doing great, it's a lie. Don't be offended if you don't get the answers that you are looking for when you ask because I probably won't tell you. Reasons known and unknown, I am at a crossroads with life. I have forgotten myself, my beliefs, and my standards far too many times and I am paying for it greatly deep inside. My heart hurts and some serious soul searching and praying will be taking place over the course of who knows how long. Sometimes I hate being grown up and just want to go back to those days of innocence and perfection, the days so full of life. I want to be strong but right now, I am finding it very hard. For those of you following or those of you who have come to my blog for the first time, please keep me in your daily prayers.
Monday, January 24, 2011
I wont settle for being a possibility, I want all or nothing.
I can't help but to think I'm stepping one foot forward too fast and its causing me to lose my balance in life. I've fallen short yet I am planning so far ahead. I have certain plans for plans that are very uncertain and while I am so excited to live that life, I am so crushed by the steps that may not be taken to even get there. I'm losing who I am through someone who I want to be with the rest of my life. I'm losing direction and hope all at the same time. What is right? And what is selfish? I am so confused and frustrated right now, I can scream. I know that all of the crappy situations being thrown at me are meant to test my inner strength and not to test how strong my crutch is to lean on. I will soon be having conversations that I don't want to have and making devastating decisions that I don't even want to think about right now. For those that are reading, please pray for me. Pray that God give me direction and strength to speak through Him with my words and rely on Him as my guide through the important decisions to be made in my very near future. And pray that through the sometimes painful outcomes that I have the strength to move on, be myself and know that He's already got my plan at hand.
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Day 6
{A photo of someone you'd trade places with for a day}
There is no photo for this entry for the simple fact that I wouldn't trade lives with anyone if even for just a day. I have a father who stepped out of my life at a very young age but chose one day to be a part of my life when he could have chose to have nothing to do with me. A father who has nothing yet still does what he can to give the shirt off his back and ensure that I am safe and happy. I have a mother who loves me and understands me. A mother who hurts when I hurt and smiles when I smile like no one else can. I have three of the most beautiful sisters in the world. Sisters that I would not trade for a single second. I have a boyfriend that words can't even express how flawless he is. A boyfriend that I will proudly have forever. I have friends that are there when I need them and even when I don't. Friends that will do anything and everything for me and nothing less. Most importantly I have a God that has every best interest of my future right at His hands. A God who will never turn His back on me even with such a pitiful standard of faith. Why would I want to trade places with anyone else...for a day... when I have all of this and more?
There is no photo for this entry for the simple fact that I wouldn't trade lives with anyone if even for just a day. I have a father who stepped out of my life at a very young age but chose one day to be a part of my life when he could have chose to have nothing to do with me. A father who has nothing yet still does what he can to give the shirt off his back and ensure that I am safe and happy. I have a mother who loves me and understands me. A mother who hurts when I hurt and smiles when I smile like no one else can. I have three of the most beautiful sisters in the world. Sisters that I would not trade for a single second. I have a boyfriend that words can't even express how flawless he is. A boyfriend that I will proudly have forever. I have friends that are there when I need them and even when I don't. Friends that will do anything and everything for me and nothing less. Most importantly I have a God that has every best interest of my future right at His hands. A God who will never turn His back on me even with such a pitiful standard of faith. Why would I want to trade places with anyone else...for a day... when I have all of this and more?
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Friday, January 21, 2011
Day 5
This is only one of the many pictures that I wanted to post for my favorite memory. This is the paradise Aaron and I got to stay in for a whole week of many of my favorite memories. One week back in the day when we had time, we decided to road trip to Indio California. If any of you are familiar with Southern California or better yet Palm Springs in the middle of July, you'll know what I'm talking about when I say we experienced heat like Salem Oregon will probably never see in our lifetime. It was 115 degrees all but one day that we were there so we were excited to drive 2 hours north to visit a theme park each day. The memories are unforgettable and definitely some of my favorite. I can't wait for another vacation!
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Thursday, January 20, 2011
Day 4
A first time homebuyers crash course is where Aaron and I spent two and half hours of our evening. Tonight we met our future lender and realtor and couldn't be more excited for what our future holds. Nervous of course but very anxious to take the first step to see what we are even able to shop for.
For those of you who haven't bought a home and or don't know where to start when buying a home... I DEFINITELY recommend taking this free class. Awesome awesome people and really great information.
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Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Day 3
The Office: the show I did not understand nor like the first few times I watched it. I finally got the hang of it and it became my favorite and I quickly recruited a few other friends to love it right along with me. Always Sunny, How I Met Your Mother, and East Bound and Down are all some other favorites but The Office is classic and still stands alone at the very top of my list... one more season and my first series of box sets will be complete!!
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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day 2
Meet Danny.
I still remember the first day we met (summer of my 8th grade year) He worked at the movie theater that my friend and I often went to. The one where we would go to one movie and sneak into another right after. We thought we were so sly getting two movies for the price of one, slipping past the staff between intermissions and then walking past the staff who saw us walk in 4 hours earlier after buying only one ticket. This day in age, none of is in high school had our own cell phones so yes, we used the pay phone and YES the wehadababyitsaboy thing worked when we called collect. My friend lied and said we were sophomores in high school like it was gain his approval but low and behold on "link day" ( where only freshman and junior/senior link leaders attend) we saw him again. At that point and from then on forward I met the most sarcastic and to this day aggravating person that I know. High school was a lot of good, mostly embarrassing memories and out if high school with seeing him less and less due to his enlistment in the air force, we sometimes grew closer and other times drifted really far apart. Were kind of at the far apart moment right now and I am not sure that will ever change but I will forever consider him one of my very best friends till the very end even if we do fight more than I have ever fought with any of my sisters put together. Love you love you love you Danny.
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Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 1
{Post a photo of yourself and list 10 things about you}
1. I love travelling and somehow manage to do so even if I don't have a penny to spend frivelously. Not the best idea most times but definitely worthwhile.
2. I am actually not a bandwagon duck fan like most think. I was a fan back when they lost a lot of games and for the record have a lot of friends that go to OSU and only give beaver fans crap with the best intentions in mind.
3. Rachel knows this better than anyone else I know.. I don't like pretzels and will pick them out of chex mix/ gardettos or wherever else these people think to mix pretzels with.
4. I hate cats but I love mine and occasionally others that have a cute and cuddly personality just like I hate kids but love the ones that are smart, listen, and are well behaved.
5. I love planning get togethers and outings but am probably the worst at planning them.
6. I already have most of my wedding planned and I am not even engaged. Oops.
7. Skydiving was by far the best experience of my life second being the x2 ride at six flags. P.s. theme parks are amazing... Disneyland being my favorite. I've been a million times and it will never get old.
8. I am very crafty and hate buying things for people at the store to give as gifts. I also much rather recieve a homemade gifts than store bought ones.
9. I am a sucker for trashy t.v. I don't know why its an addiction for me. I won't think its a problem until I start watching jersey shore and at that point, I will both gouge my eyes out and then seek therapy.
10. Oh, and I LOVE love. If any of you know me... you know how serious I am about this.
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2011... what?
It's 2011 and I have to be honest and say that it feels like my new year started a few months ago. We all like to start the year on a fresh new note and for me, that happened in September.
I still haven't quite figured out why friends come and go as often as they do in my life but I can't say that I am completely devastated by the occurrence either. I look at it as a growth in life... either I am growing and they aren't or in some cases I suppose are the other way around. I have although met some of the most fun, amazing and supportive people at just the right time. I've managed to mend old relationships and just forget about others. And best of all, new friends and old... I am the happiest girl on the planet with those on my life that God has blessed me with. For those of you reading this who I at one point had a falling out with, please forgive me and do know that I think about you often. Id love to be in touch again. And for those of you reading this now that know they are an integral part to my life, thank you thank you so much for all that you are. I am so blessed and can only hope to carry on with our great friendships.
Impeccable is the only word that comes to mind in regards to my relationship with Aaron. I know I have said this a million times before but I fall in love with him more and more every single day. There are no words for how blessed I am to be with someone who without the slightest doubt loves me from the deepest part of his heart, who supports me no matter what and guides me when I'm a bit confused or even times completely lost. If words could come close to express how much I love him, I can't even imagine how they'd sound or what they'd look like.
The more that I grow, the more I am becoming my own person rather than what some people think that I should be or claim to "know" what is best for me. Sure the options of school are out there, the possibility of a great paying job is right in front of me... but what did God have in store for me?? No one knows but right now I am happy with my satisfying job, boyfriend who loves me, family that back me, friends that support me, and the strength that God gives me to turn all the arrows that everyone is pointing for me the other direction.
This year, I look forward to being a wife one day, a mom one day, and in the mean time travel the world and love what I do without caring about the judgements of others. I hope everyone is on board with me to a great 2011, 2012, and the years after to come!!!!
I still haven't quite figured out why friends come and go as often as they do in my life but I can't say that I am completely devastated by the occurrence either. I look at it as a growth in life... either I am growing and they aren't or in some cases I suppose are the other way around. I have although met some of the most fun, amazing and supportive people at just the right time. I've managed to mend old relationships and just forget about others. And best of all, new friends and old... I am the happiest girl on the planet with those on my life that God has blessed me with. For those of you reading this who I at one point had a falling out with, please forgive me and do know that I think about you often. Id love to be in touch again. And for those of you reading this now that know they are an integral part to my life, thank you thank you so much for all that you are. I am so blessed and can only hope to carry on with our great friendships.
Impeccable is the only word that comes to mind in regards to my relationship with Aaron. I know I have said this a million times before but I fall in love with him more and more every single day. There are no words for how blessed I am to be with someone who without the slightest doubt loves me from the deepest part of his heart, who supports me no matter what and guides me when I'm a bit confused or even times completely lost. If words could come close to express how much I love him, I can't even imagine how they'd sound or what they'd look like.
The more that I grow, the more I am becoming my own person rather than what some people think that I should be or claim to "know" what is best for me. Sure the options of school are out there, the possibility of a great paying job is right in front of me... but what did God have in store for me?? No one knows but right now I am happy with my satisfying job, boyfriend who loves me, family that back me, friends that support me, and the strength that God gives me to turn all the arrows that everyone is pointing for me the other direction.
This year, I look forward to being a wife one day, a mom one day, and in the mean time travel the world and love what I do without caring about the judgements of others. I hope everyone is on board with me to a great 2011, 2012, and the years after to come!!!!
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