Sooooo......

With Christmas gone and New Years right around the corner, because I probably won't have time to write on New Years Eve, (my best friend is arriving and I will be very distracted), I wanted to talk about 3 things: materialism, resolutions, and patience. 
Stuff, that's a word that is constantly being used in my vocabulary.  I mean that is what all physical things are, stuff.  Lots of things have no purpose and ultimately, those that do, we can't take to heaven anyway.  I'm not saying having "stuff" is bad, but having "stuff" just to have it, or to take the place of God IS bad.  We are told not to have idols, or anything that we worship more than Christ.
Another popular thing is New Years resolutions.  A lot of times we like to "make changes" to ourselves, but we don't stay changed.  This year, I want to be closer to God, more stylish, and (of course) to set the world on fire.  I hope and pray that God will use me this upcoming year in ways I never dreamed possible. 
Last, we need to be patient.  As I mentioned my very best friend is coming next Monday, and I can't wait, however, I need to be patient or I will never make it.  I am learning that everything requires some waiting, so practicing that waiting now, isn't a bad thing.  Anyway, I hope you have a happy New Year, and you will use 2013 to set the world on fire!

Praying for those at Sandy Hook

As this nation is struck by a tragedy, we all mourn.  We mourn the deaths of the innocent, the young, the priceless, the children.  We mourn the deaths of the courageous women who gave their lives to a shower of bullets to protect their students, and we pray for the ones left behind.
I want to be like this, brave, courageous, honorable, glorifying to God.  I want to have that much confidence in eternity that I could throw myself in front of a gunman to protect children I had only known since August.  Most of all, I would want to do it to bring glory to God, to give my life up for Him.  I don't mean to sound like I want to die, but rather that I would give my life if I had to.   
Romans 12:15
 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
 
John 15:13  
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
I want to be a living sacrifice, not afraid to further the kingdom.  And to let you in on a little secret, you don't have to die to spread the Word.  All you have to do is open your mouth and tell people.  Losing a friendship might seem like the end of the world, but if you never tell others, they won't be in heaven anyway.
So take the chance, "die to the world", live for Christ, and set the world on fire.

 

We are just hanging on for the ride

This Sunday, we had a guest speaker giving a message at church and the one thing that he said that stuck with me was that we are just here for the ride.  As children of God, we are promised that God will care for us.  He loves us and will guide us as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  We just need to hang on and let Christ do the work.  He will take you and do amazing things with you, so just surrender yourself and let Him use you, because His plan is so much better than yours.  And even though this is short, I want to leave you with this...

Deuteronomy 31:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Let Him have control, give Him the wheel, stop trying to do it yourself, because you will ultimately fail, and let Him work in you to set the world on fire.
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