Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Live in the Moment

The Bible says to take one day at a time, but as human beings we often worry about the future.  Worrying about the future holds you back from living in the moment, because the future is a vast sea of daunting unknowns.  Sometimes there are choices that need to be decided on for your future; pray to God that He wil show you which way to turn, take inventory of why each choice would be beneficial to you, and the answer will be clear.  
       Today was my first day back at school since the discovery of Larry the lesion; it's been about two months.  My worry, though, started weeks ago about the decisions having to be made, about what I've missed, about the questions my peers might have, about Larry gettin in the way, etc, etc.  
        Prayer helped the desicion making process, my friends and peers greeted me with helping hands and open arms, Larry didn't bug me too much, and everything worked itself out.  So, I wasted some time worrying about the vast sea of daunting unknowns only for it to be okay.  Live in the moment, trust God to take care of you and help you through every battle for He gave the ultiment gift of His Son, and it will be okay!

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:6-7




Sunday, March 22, 2015

Strength Through God

I have been told my life is a testimony of God.  I have been told that I am an amazing person.  I have been told that I am strong.  
       I do not disagree with any of this and I am extremely flattered by these comments.  I have, however, recently discovered a new way to think about strength.  Most people perceive being strong as always being optimistic and never letting anything get you down, whereas instead inner strength is handling the cards you've been dealt one day at a time.  It is okay to feel your emotions and cry or be anxious.  That is only human.  
       Anxiety is crushing like an elephant sitting on your chest and usually occurs during a period of immense change.  But, this does not mean you are any less strong.  Feeling your emotions is good but always let the optimism win, for handling your cards this way is most joyous. 
       I am told that my life is a testimony of God because He -- along with the friends and family He has blessed me with -- helps me stay strong and be an amazing person. There are verses I have memorized that help remind of what He does for me:
       "For I know the plans I have for you," Declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 reminds that God knows my life from start to finish.  He is always opening and closing doors, guiding me along the way. 
       Have I not commanded you; be strong and courageous.  Do not be discouraged, do not be afraid.  For the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go! - Joshua 1:9 tells me to be strong as I am never alone. 
       In Gods Word I praise -- in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me? - Psalm 56:4.  Nothing!  Mortals can not hurt you more than God and Jesus love you. 
       I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. - Philipians 4:13.  No matter what's on your path anything is possible through Christ.  Don't let the anxiety and bad emotions take hold, as they are not helpful in anyway.  It is okay to feel these emotions but do not let them consume you.  It is easier said than done, I know.  Let God help you be an amazing, strong person with a wonderful testimony to tell