A season for everything

I know that there are some things in life that we don't need to understand. I know that God works in mysterious ways and uses what He needs to for our eyes to be opened. But it is still so hard to grasp that death of yet another teenager in our area is what He chooses to use to draw us to Him.

So far in the past couple of months, 5 teenagers have been called away from the earth in our area. We are unsure of how their hearts were focused, but should that hold us back from our reaction to the loss? Of course it is going to be difficult on the people who were close to these and to the ones who were driving these cars who were the only survivors in their crashes, but what do we do when something like this does happen?

My first reaction? Pray for the families. They need God's strength. Who am I kidding? They need GOD. Period. He has such a peculiar way of working things out. Honestly, I have been to more funerals in the past year than I have in my entire life. And each time, it gets me thinking. I start thinking about if that was me that was in a wreck that took my life. Who's life would it effect if I weren't here anymore, but most importantly, who wouldn't notice because I didn't choose to make an impact in their life? I want my life to be an example of how Christ would have me to live. I want to leave a legacy. My main goal while I'm here is that in everything I do, that God would gain the glory.

In times...

Lately it seems as if everything I can think of is just falling before me...decisions I must make, things I have to choose that will help determine my near future. They seem so futile, but it is in those moments that I realize how much more I know I NEED God, my Father, Dad, to be right there next to me, encouraging me to keep pressing on--to keep moving forward with what He has planned for me rather than worry about what I have in mind.

My heart has been so heavy lately and sometimes it feels like I have no idea what is going on inside of me, but I think that is just because there is so much that is going on that it is overwhelming on some level. I just want to sit and cry sometimes until no more tears come out, but then reality hits...I'm supposed to be the one who is always strong and never cries right? I am the one who doesn't show that emotion. I am slowly...slowly learning that it is ok to cry. Believe me when I say that it is a slow process. It isn't something that I am ok with doing.

God's strength is more evident to me when I want to cry more than any time, but I also know more in those times than ever that I can just fall into His arms and trust that He is faithful in all circumstances--good and trying. He holds me when I want to cry, He comes looking for me even when I stray and He cares for me always.

New Twist

I have decided that I am going to take a new approach to this blog. I am going to just share my heart and thoughts that come to me and things I am learning, instead of making it a daily devotion type.

That's all.
Chels

February 18, 2009

Our lives and actions depend a lot on our faith. We do what we are confident will have the best outcome. But have you ever thought about why we don't try the choices that don't seem the best? It is because it is uncomfortable. If we know what the outcome is going to be, why should we choose something different? This is where a huge deal of faith comes in.

The Bible says that if we have faith the size of a MUSTARD SEED, we can move mountains. What if our faith was bigger? What possibilities would that ensure? If we surrender our everything to Him, how much more would He be able to use us to our full potential?

February 11, 2009

"Come, let us bow down and worship, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker. For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." -Psalm 95:6-7

We were created to worship our Creator. Problem is, most times we are found worshiping other things. And the sad part, we don't even realize it. What you worship is what you value most. God is our incredible Creator who has designed us specifically the way we are. He has given us each distinct qualities and personalities that make us who we are. Praise the Father for who He created you to be; the unique, incredible, fantastic you.

February 10, 2009

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." -2 Corinthians 4:8-9

When times get hard and it feels like we are beat up or being persecuted until we can't take it anymore; we have a hope. God gives us hope. He is there to help us when we fall. He will lift us high on wings like that of an eagle and will allow us to not be faint. He will not give us more than we can handle. It is when we feel too overloaded that we should be looking to the Father most. He wants us to trade our yolks with Him. 'For His yolk is easy and His burden is light.'

February 9, 2009

"And you, acknowledge the God of your Father and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you."
-1 Chronicles 28:9

Run to God for your hope. He is waiting for us to respond to His direction and call. Commit to serve Him wholeheartedly with an unwavering devotion to the One who created you. You are an intricately detailed being. Why? Because He cares SO much for you. He is the glue of our being. The Master of our soul. Don't miss out on the privilege to be used by Him. It is His desire. He wants to use us to fulfill the plans that are written out just for us. Be open and willing to Him and everything He has in store. He is waiting on us to surrender our will to Him.