Leviticus 19:32 "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord."
This next post I am going to talk about how God wants us to help and respect the elderly. Ever since my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer in September, I have realized that my time with my grandparents is getting slimmer. I want my grandparents to know that I love them and I look up to them.
Over Thanksgiving break, I decided to visit my grandparents instead of spending the break by myself at school. I didn't really have a plan about what I was going to talk about with them or anything of the sort. I was not sure what was going to happen or what I should expect. I went there on a whim, with God at my side.
After talking to my grandparents at Christmas and Thanksgiving, and asking them if they needed help with anything at all, they started to notice how I cared. My grandparents really appreciated my help, and the fact that I made them feel important. My grandmother even said that she was disappointed that I did not come and see her a week before my entire family was coming to visit during Christmas.
Once I said my goodbyes, my grandparents not only noticed my love, but they noticed my faith. My grandfather listened to me as I read him Romans 5:1-5, and did not find a reason to say "there is no God," like he usually does. My grandmother saw the cross necklace I was wearing, smiled, and held me real tight. She told me she was so happy that I was going to church.
It amazes me how little I have done, and how much Christ has done. Christ revealed Himself through me to my grandparents.. and I cannot be more thankful. My relationship with my grandparents is much stronger because of my faith in Jesus Christ. Without Him, my life is worthless. But with Him, my life is complete.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Star
As I was listening to the sermon in the Christmas Eve service tonight, something dawned on me. I was looking around the sanctuary, and I saw many stars. This reminded me of the star in the sky the night Jesus Christ was born. I believe in only one of the gospels, specifically in Matthew 2: 2-10, a star rose all across Bethlehem, and people from the east saw it. These people knew that Jesus Christ was born.. because a star shone brightly in the night sky. And so they traveled toward the star until they saw their Savior Jesus Christ, and worshiped him.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Christ and His Love
Now that I am home on Christmas break, I know that Christ has followed me home. I want to share what He has shown me.
As soon as I came home, my two cats and dog were way too excited to see me. I was really surprised because when I left, my pets didn't seem to pay attention to me much. With my family gone during the day, my pets are always around wanting to either play or sit beside me.
After days of wondering why my pets are acting this way, it reminded me of Christ. Jesus asks us to love Him, and to love others. Christ asks us to love each other unconditionally. If we love Christ, He will love us, too.
I know it may seem like a silly analogy, but, because I love my pets unconditionally, they love me, too. As long as we love each other, Christ's love will abound in us. And if we love Christ, He will love us.. forever.
It's amazing how I see God's Creation in a lot of things today. God is so beautiful, and His Creation reflects that.
There is one other item I want to share. I am taking this from someone, actually. Since they posted it online, I believe it will be ok to share. I am sharing this because God is helping someone that I want to help. He has sent an angel to help this person, and I am in awe.
From 'The Raven' - "Though people may underestimate you, know that you're beautiful. Know that you're kind. Know that you're powerful and you can do anything in Christ who strengthens you." ---God bless this person who sent this.
As soon as I came home, my two cats and dog were way too excited to see me. I was really surprised because when I left, my pets didn't seem to pay attention to me much. With my family gone during the day, my pets are always around wanting to either play or sit beside me.
After days of wondering why my pets are acting this way, it reminded me of Christ. Jesus asks us to love Him, and to love others. Christ asks us to love each other unconditionally. If we love Christ, He will love us, too.
I know it may seem like a silly analogy, but, because I love my pets unconditionally, they love me, too. As long as we love each other, Christ's love will abound in us. And if we love Christ, He will love us.. forever.
It's amazing how I see God's Creation in a lot of things today. God is so beautiful, and His Creation reflects that.
There is one other item I want to share. I am taking this from someone, actually. Since they posted it online, I believe it will be ok to share. I am sharing this because God is helping someone that I want to help. He has sent an angel to help this person, and I am in awe.
From 'The Raven' - "Though people may underestimate you, know that you're beautiful. Know that you're kind. Know that you're powerful and you can do anything in Christ who strengthens you." ---God bless this person who sent this.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Something really amazing happened to me the other day and I really want to share.
Last April, I was diganosed with TMJD. I talked about this in one of my last posts if you want some details...
but anyway, my jaw has been really irritated because I have been doing a lot more playing lately. I've had a lot of performances in the past week. Being a performer, I know that performing has a different mentality compared to personal practice (at least for me). So, with all these performances, my jaw has had enough. It has been popping constantly. My neck and back have been tense for two weeks. I have been getting shooting pain up from my back all the way up to my jaw at least 20 times a day now (which is REALLY BAD). You can imagine the pain that I have been feeling..
Last Monday, I had a very strenuous day. I had an oboe class for an hour, an hour and a half of large ensemble rehearsal, 15 minute performance in studio, a 15 minute chamber music performance, and a 15 minute jury. All of these required a lot of concentration out of me. By the time I finished my chamber performance, I was in tears because my jaw would not stop shaking in the entire performance, and my back and neck hurt a whole lot. I knew that I would not be able to do my jury.
As I was packing my horn, I was wondering how I would tell my horn professor that I cannot do my jury (which has already been delayed from a year prior). I came out of the green room, and my two best friends were there to greet me. God does amazing things because this was not planned. I broke into tears.. They prayed for me for ten minutes. Although I still felt like a mess, I decided to go read some Bible verses before I go see my teacher. I ended up reading Isaiah 41 and 43. One verse stuck out that said "Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Wow! God is with me? When God is by my side, I can do anything! I decided to write down as many verses as I could on my sheet of music. I wanted to perform. Most importantly, I needed God to be my strength because I clearly had none.
My teacher heard about my busy day and asked me if I wanted to not play. I told him that no, I am ready to play, and I want to. I went in, and before I played any note, I read the verses on my page. Then the most amazing thing happened. The pain disappeared. It was completely gone! Even when I felt like my jaw could not handle it any longer, I remembered that one verse, and God pulled me through. I survived my performance, and not only so, God performed through me! I have never felt such strength from God ever before. God is so faithful. Without Him in my life, I know for a fact my horn playing would not be existing now. The only reason why I can play horn now is because I trust in God, and He gives me His strength, and never fails to do so. AMEN!
2 Corinthians 12: 7-10
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power ismade perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Last April, I was diganosed with TMJD. I talked about this in one of my last posts if you want some details...
but anyway, my jaw has been really irritated because I have been doing a lot more playing lately. I've had a lot of performances in the past week. Being a performer, I know that performing has a different mentality compared to personal practice (at least for me). So, with all these performances, my jaw has had enough. It has been popping constantly. My neck and back have been tense for two weeks. I have been getting shooting pain up from my back all the way up to my jaw at least 20 times a day now (which is REALLY BAD). You can imagine the pain that I have been feeling..
Last Monday, I had a very strenuous day. I had an oboe class for an hour, an hour and a half of large ensemble rehearsal, 15 minute performance in studio, a 15 minute chamber music performance, and a 15 minute jury. All of these required a lot of concentration out of me. By the time I finished my chamber performance, I was in tears because my jaw would not stop shaking in the entire performance, and my back and neck hurt a whole lot. I knew that I would not be able to do my jury.
As I was packing my horn, I was wondering how I would tell my horn professor that I cannot do my jury (which has already been delayed from a year prior). I came out of the green room, and my two best friends were there to greet me. God does amazing things because this was not planned. I broke into tears.. They prayed for me for ten minutes. Although I still felt like a mess, I decided to go read some Bible verses before I go see my teacher. I ended up reading Isaiah 41 and 43. One verse stuck out that said "Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Wow! God is with me? When God is by my side, I can do anything! I decided to write down as many verses as I could on my sheet of music. I wanted to perform. Most importantly, I needed God to be my strength because I clearly had none.
My teacher heard about my busy day and asked me if I wanted to not play. I told him that no, I am ready to play, and I want to. I went in, and before I played any note, I read the verses on my page. Then the most amazing thing happened. The pain disappeared. It was completely gone! Even when I felt like my jaw could not handle it any longer, I remembered that one verse, and God pulled me through. I survived my performance, and not only so, God performed through me! I have never felt such strength from God ever before. God is so faithful. Without Him in my life, I know for a fact my horn playing would not be existing now. The only reason why I can play horn now is because I trust in God, and He gives me His strength, and never fails to do so. AMEN!
2 Corinthians 12: 7-10
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power ismade perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Friday, November 25, 2011
Ten Commandments
I would like to mention the Ten Commandments in this post.
God said this to Moses at Mount Sinai. Exodus 19: 6b "These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."
Commandment 1
Exodus 20:1-3 "And God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me."
Commandment 2
Exodus 20:4-6 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of their fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."
Commandment 3
Exodus 20:7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."
Commandment 4
Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For the six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
Commandment 5
Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."
Commandment 6
Exodus 20:13 "You shall not murder."
Commandment 7
Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery."
Commandment 8
Exodus 20:15 "You shall not steal."
Commandment 9
Exodus 20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
Commandment 10
Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
--Jesus says in the New Testament that all of these commandments can be summed up into the 1st and 2nd commandment.--
Now, I am going to list how I have broken all of these commandments.
1. I prefer to be satisfied in music than with God.
2. I worship my accomplishments instead of God.
3. Before I was a christian, I always said the words "oh my God!" (It's quite a popular phrase) or Jesus Christ, you are dumb!
4. I always work on the Sabbath day.
5. I still get upset and mad at my parents even though I love them very much.
6. Matthew 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not muder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement." I always seem to find myself angry with the people around me.
7. Matthew 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Although Jesus was talking to men here, it can be applied to woman. This is very wrong indeed, but I find myself "checking out" men a lot.
8. If I don't know an answer to a test, I always look to the person beside me. I steal their answers.
9. I lie about my accomplishments to make myself sound better.
10. This one is hard to understand. But it means, do not desire something that clearly belongs to someone else. So, I wish that I was the best horn player at Eastman.
Looking at my confession of sins, I have realized that I am not even close to being perfect. None of us are. In fact, reading these things, I look like a selfish person. This is why we need our Savior, Jesus Christ. Romans 6:17 "But Thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have became slaves of righteousness." ....Romans 6:22 "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God also says this: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood- to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:23-26
As long as we trust in Jesus as our Savior, our sins before and afterward will not be accounted for. Now that's incredible.
If you have any comments please contact me. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
God said this to Moses at Mount Sinai. Exodus 19: 6b "These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."
Commandment 1
Exodus 20:1-3 "And God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me."
Commandment 2
Exodus 20:4-6 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of their fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."
Commandment 3
Exodus 20:7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."
Commandment 4
Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For the six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
Commandment 5
Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."
Commandment 6
Exodus 20:13 "You shall not murder."
Commandment 7
Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery."
Commandment 8
Exodus 20:15 "You shall not steal."
Commandment 9
Exodus 20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
Commandment 10
Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
--Jesus says in the New Testament that all of these commandments can be summed up into the 1st and 2nd commandment.--
Now, I am going to list how I have broken all of these commandments.
1. I prefer to be satisfied in music than with God.
2. I worship my accomplishments instead of God.
3. Before I was a christian, I always said the words "oh my God!" (It's quite a popular phrase) or Jesus Christ, you are dumb!
4. I always work on the Sabbath day.
5. I still get upset and mad at my parents even though I love them very much.
6. Matthew 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not muder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement." I always seem to find myself angry with the people around me.
7. Matthew 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Although Jesus was talking to men here, it can be applied to woman. This is very wrong indeed, but I find myself "checking out" men a lot.
8. If I don't know an answer to a test, I always look to the person beside me. I steal their answers.
9. I lie about my accomplishments to make myself sound better.
10. This one is hard to understand. But it means, do not desire something that clearly belongs to someone else. So, I wish that I was the best horn player at Eastman.
Looking at my confession of sins, I have realized that I am not even close to being perfect. None of us are. In fact, reading these things, I look like a selfish person. This is why we need our Savior, Jesus Christ. Romans 6:17 "But Thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have became slaves of righteousness." ....Romans 6:22 "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God also says this: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood- to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:23-26
As long as we trust in Jesus as our Savior, our sins before and afterward will not be accounted for. Now that's incredible.
If you have any comments please contact me. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Angels
Before I was a Christian, I was always interested in angels. I used to wonder whether or not a family member from heaven was in a room watching me, keeping me safe.
Now that I am a Christian, I still wonder the same thing. I also wonder whether or not these angels disguise themselves as normal people in public.
Before I tell you a story, I want to give some biblical references to angels in the Bible.
Now that I am a Christian, I still wonder the same thing. I also wonder whether or not these angels disguise themselves as normal people in public.
Before I tell you a story, I want to give some biblical references to angels in the Bible.
Matthew 4:10-12 "Jesus said to him, "Away from me Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the LORD your God and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him."
Luke 4:10 "For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully."
There are many other examples of angels protecting us. I would love to list them all, but if you are curious, go to www.biblegateway.com and type in the search box "angel(s)" and you will find other examples of how God uses angels to protect us.
Luke 4:10 "For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully."
There are many other examples of angels protecting us. I would love to list them all, but if you are curious, go to www.biblegateway.com and type in the search box "angel(s)" and you will find other examples of how God uses angels to protect us.
It amazes me that angels are all around us and I wanted to share. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Its been a while!
Good evening, readers!
It has been too long since I have posted. I have been very busy with school. Taking 26 credits is crazy! Also, God has not really provided me with a topic. My last posts I was inspired by God's Word, and that's why I shared them. But now, I have a new topic that has been on my mind lately. I hesitate because many non-christians do not like this topic. However, it needs to be addressed.
Last weekend I heard some news about someone not wanting to live anymore. To be honest, I cried a lot. I cried because in the bible, those who do not believe in God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, will be forever in hell. I'm going to list verses that say this, and why it is important to believe in our Savior, Jesus Christ!
John 5:24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
John 6:27 "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life."
John 8:51 "I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
John 12:25-26 "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."
Romans 2:7-8 "To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Does this scare you? I know it scared me for the first time. Now a believer in God's Word, I deeply long for all to be saved from death. But how? JESUS! Jesus died for our sins! He died so that we can live! Why can't we put our faith in Jesus so we can have eternal life?? It is so simple! Ask for Jesus, and He will come! (read my testimony for an example of Him receiving me)
Romans 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
It has been too long since I have posted. I have been very busy with school. Taking 26 credits is crazy! Also, God has not really provided me with a topic. My last posts I was inspired by God's Word, and that's why I shared them. But now, I have a new topic that has been on my mind lately. I hesitate because many non-christians do not like this topic. However, it needs to be addressed.
Last weekend I heard some news about someone not wanting to live anymore. To be honest, I cried a lot. I cried because in the bible, those who do not believe in God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, will be forever in hell. I'm going to list verses that say this, and why it is important to believe in our Savior, Jesus Christ!
John 5:24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
John 6:27 "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life."
John 8:51 "I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
John 12:25-26 "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."
Romans 2:7-8 "To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Does this scare you? I know it scared me for the first time. Now a believer in God's Word, I deeply long for all to be saved from death. But how? JESUS! Jesus died for our sins! He died so that we can live! Why can't we put our faith in Jesus so we can have eternal life?? It is so simple! Ask for Jesus, and He will come! (read my testimony for an example of Him receiving me)
Romans 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Monday, September 5, 2011
Testimony Part 2
How I truly came to Christ happened through a severe heartbreak. When I came to Eastman, I came leaving a boyfriend at home. I had been dating someone I had known for years, and have wanted to get to know more. Once he and I realized that we were pretty much perfect for each other, everything went up hill from there. From all the time we spent together riding bikes on the bike trail, going on walks by the river, and having deep conversations about life and one another, I fell for him, and I fell hard. After going to prom together and spending the entire night together until morning, he proposed to me. He expressed his deep love for me, and how after spending the night together, that he never wanted to leave my side again. I accepted. Although there was never a ring, he said he was going to get me a ring once he graduated from high school (he is a year younger than me).
Since he and I devoted ourselves to one another, we began to act like a married couple: mentally, physically, emotionally, everything. One night it got out of control, and his mother found out what we were up to. She kindly asked me to leave, and at that moment, I knew our lives would change. His mother took me away from him. She limited our communication and when we would see each other, she also read and listened to everything I told him. It was horrific. I felt like my life was over.
Once I left for Eastman, things got worse. I heard his voice maybe twice a week for thirty minutes at a time, and received e-mails through his new secret account that his mom never knew about. It was hard, loving someone that was barely there. Even when I went home for breaks, we would see each other once for about six hours. Although we took advantage of our time together, it was hard to express our feelings toward one another because all we did was cry in each other’s arms.
The more apart he and I were, the more he decided to find a way to branch out. Since I was not physically there all the time, he found friendship among his friends at school. Because of that, he found himself hanging out with his friends more, and sending me less e-mails. At one point, when I realized that he had not even told me that he loved me in over a week, I knew something was wrong.
When I asked him what was going on, he told me he was not sure if he loved me anymore. He told me I had changed, that he did not know me anymore. I was furious: after all that has happened, after all that he did and said to me, he did not love me?! Without giving him a say, I broke up with him. I said, “why should I be with someone that does not love me?” That day I recall all too well. Once I hung up the phone, I found myself crying my eyes out to my Christian friend Grace. Grace, being one of my new friends, was there for me. She held me real close. I had never felt that kind of comfort before. She said that this was all in God’s plan, and that His plan is perfect. She even prayed for me. She prayed that I would find happiness through God, that God would heal my pain. That night I ended up calling him back. He was hurt beyond belief that I had to beg him to come to an agreement. We agreed to take a break until I came home for Christmas, and we would discuss our future then.
Hearing the one you love tell you to get away from them is not a great feeling. For about a month, I cried myself to sleep every night. I was in so much pain. I gave myself to him, and for what? It was all a waste. I have always been a firm believer that if someone cares about you, they will never disappoint you. So, this was a horrific time in my life. When I went home for Christmas break, the longer I never heard from him, the more pain I was in. I cried the entire time I was home. One day I cried for nine hours straight. Every time I cried, I prayed to God “please heal my pain. I cannot deal with this anymore. Please help me to be a better person- that is all my boyfriend has asked for. Please make me a better person for him.”
I went back to school three weeks later never hearing from my boyfriend. Although you expect me to say that I have been in misery since then, I have good news. Exciting news. Upon stepping my foot back at Eastman, I felt a desire to attend church and to read God’s word. I thank God for Grace because she gave me one of the most wonderful gifts I have ever received; a Bible. In this Bible, all of the encouraging verses are highlighted in pink. This is great because before never reading the Bible in my life, I can now read what parts can really help me. Right now I want to read you my favorite verse that I stumbled upon my first reading of the Bible: Romans 5: 1-5 –“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
I started to read this Bible, and I can seriously say after about a week of wanting more of God, the pain I was feeling about my boyfriend miraculously disappeared. I have found my Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for all of our sins, who died for all the pain that we may go through, that I went through! Jesus loves all, and best of all, He loves me! –one who gave up everything for a guy that did not care for me in the end. Through Jesus Christ, God healed my pain, giving me what I have always been looking for; love. I have received the love of God. After losing a boyfriend and possibly my future husband, I have found God who loves all of his people, who never wants his people to feel pain or suffering. Because of God, I stand here today to tell you my story! If this testimony is not proof of God, then I do not know what is! I have been healed through the deepest of times, and because of God’s love, I am able to stand tall and trust in Him always. So please, if you are suffering, or have suffered, think about the people in your lives, and how God was or is there. I know for a fact that Jesus is waiting for you. All you have to do is ask for Him to present Himself to you, and He will. Oh, He will. Amen.
Since he and I devoted ourselves to one another, we began to act like a married couple: mentally, physically, emotionally, everything. One night it got out of control, and his mother found out what we were up to. She kindly asked me to leave, and at that moment, I knew our lives would change. His mother took me away from him. She limited our communication and when we would see each other, she also read and listened to everything I told him. It was horrific. I felt like my life was over.
Once I left for Eastman, things got worse. I heard his voice maybe twice a week for thirty minutes at a time, and received e-mails through his new secret account that his mom never knew about. It was hard, loving someone that was barely there. Even when I went home for breaks, we would see each other once for about six hours. Although we took advantage of our time together, it was hard to express our feelings toward one another because all we did was cry in each other’s arms.
The more apart he and I were, the more he decided to find a way to branch out. Since I was not physically there all the time, he found friendship among his friends at school. Because of that, he found himself hanging out with his friends more, and sending me less e-mails. At one point, when I realized that he had not even told me that he loved me in over a week, I knew something was wrong.
When I asked him what was going on, he told me he was not sure if he loved me anymore. He told me I had changed, that he did not know me anymore. I was furious: after all that has happened, after all that he did and said to me, he did not love me?! Without giving him a say, I broke up with him. I said, “why should I be with someone that does not love me?” That day I recall all too well. Once I hung up the phone, I found myself crying my eyes out to my Christian friend Grace. Grace, being one of my new friends, was there for me. She held me real close. I had never felt that kind of comfort before. She said that this was all in God’s plan, and that His plan is perfect. She even prayed for me. She prayed that I would find happiness through God, that God would heal my pain. That night I ended up calling him back. He was hurt beyond belief that I had to beg him to come to an agreement. We agreed to take a break until I came home for Christmas, and we would discuss our future then.
Hearing the one you love tell you to get away from them is not a great feeling. For about a month, I cried myself to sleep every night. I was in so much pain. I gave myself to him, and for what? It was all a waste. I have always been a firm believer that if someone cares about you, they will never disappoint you. So, this was a horrific time in my life. When I went home for Christmas break, the longer I never heard from him, the more pain I was in. I cried the entire time I was home. One day I cried for nine hours straight. Every time I cried, I prayed to God “please heal my pain. I cannot deal with this anymore. Please help me to be a better person- that is all my boyfriend has asked for. Please make me a better person for him.”
I went back to school three weeks later never hearing from my boyfriend. Although you expect me to say that I have been in misery since then, I have good news. Exciting news. Upon stepping my foot back at Eastman, I felt a desire to attend church and to read God’s word. I thank God for Grace because she gave me one of the most wonderful gifts I have ever received; a Bible. In this Bible, all of the encouraging verses are highlighted in pink. This is great because before never reading the Bible in my life, I can now read what parts can really help me. Right now I want to read you my favorite verse that I stumbled upon my first reading of the Bible: Romans 5: 1-5 –“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
I started to read this Bible, and I can seriously say after about a week of wanting more of God, the pain I was feeling about my boyfriend miraculously disappeared. I have found my Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for all of our sins, who died for all the pain that we may go through, that I went through! Jesus loves all, and best of all, He loves me! –one who gave up everything for a guy that did not care for me in the end. Through Jesus Christ, God healed my pain, giving me what I have always been looking for; love. I have received the love of God. After losing a boyfriend and possibly my future husband, I have found God who loves all of his people, who never wants his people to feel pain or suffering. Because of God, I stand here today to tell you my story! If this testimony is not proof of God, then I do not know what is! I have been healed through the deepest of times, and because of God’s love, I am able to stand tall and trust in Him always. So please, if you are suffering, or have suffered, think about the people in your lives, and how God was or is there. I know for a fact that Jesus is waiting for you. All you have to do is ask for Him to present Himself to you, and He will. Oh, He will. Amen.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Testimony Part 1
Hello again!
Now that I have shared my testimony in public, I want to post it here and share my story with everyone. So, here is part one of my story.
Now that I have shared my testimony in public, I want to post it here and share my story with everyone. So, here is part one of my story.
When I was in sixth grade, my life was drastically changing. I decided my major already, which was horn performance. Although I did not know where that would lead me, I knew I wanted to play horn for the rest of my life. Once my friends among the popular crowd noticed that I was, in a sense, becoming a nerd, they started to make fun of me. This lead to the kids calling me names, like bando and music geek. It did not bother me until these kids decided to tell me that I was an embarrassment, and should go die. I believed them. At twelve years old, I became suicidal. I hurt myself and cried myself to sleep every night for at least a year.
When it seemed as though no one could understand what I was going through, my Christian friend Carley knew. She knew because Jesus Christ went through it, too. Jesus was ridiculed for calling himself the Son of God. He died on the cross for His people, whether they loved Him or not, because He wanted to repent us for all the sins we have committed, and will forever commit. Although it is different compared to my story, Jesus and I both suffered for what we believed in. So, when all my friends left me to die, basically, Carley was there. Carley saw the horrific scars on my legs that I had left the night before. She saw the sadness in my eyes, and although I would always say there was nothing wrong, she told me if there was something wrong, that she would be there.
Eventually Carley told my guidance counselor about my suicidal depression, and my counselor called both of my parents. Immediately I was enrolled to see a psychiatrist. I saw the psychiatrist for seven months straight, two times a week, then once a week until I was let go. If it wasn’t for Carley, who loves God so much, I maybe would not be here right now telling you my story. Because of God’s wonderful love, he sent Carley to save me from death, and she saved me from going to hell. Carley, to this day, is one of my good friends. And I cannot thank her enough for loving God, and loving God’s people. Each day I am reminded of what I went through because the cuts on my legs and arms have left permanent scars. But, it also reminds me of the love of God, and what He did in order to save my life.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Trust
I haven't posted in a while because I have been getting ready for school! And now that I'm back, I have something very important to write about.
After what happened last night at 3:30am in the Eastman dorms when a student passed away, many people are affected by it, including myself. Knowing that this happened in the same dorm that I'm living in, it's truly shocking.
Today I want to put in a passage from the Bible that talks trusting in God always. That God has a plan for each one of us, and as long as we trust in Him, everything will be ok. I will leave the rest for you to interpret.
Matthew 14: 22-33 Jesus Walks on the Water
After what happened last night at 3:30am in the Eastman dorms when a student passed away, many people are affected by it, including myself. Knowing that this happened in the same dorm that I'm living in, it's truly shocking.
Today I want to put in a passage from the Bible that talks trusting in God always. That God has a plan for each one of us, and as long as we trust in Him, everything will be ok. I will leave the rest for you to interpret.
Matthew 14: 22-33 Jesus Walks on the Water
"Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Reading the Bible
Hello!
I have decided to do something different in my post today. I have been talking a lot about God's love and His promise for us. So, I am just going to put down some verses that have helped me.
Genesis 8: 22 "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." --This is referring to Noah's ark and the flood
Genesis 23: 17-18 "I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the starts in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
--This is God's first and initial promise to Abraham
Exodus 33: 19 "And the Lord said, 'I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.'" --God assuring Moses that He will lead His people
Deuteronomy 4: 31 "For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath" --Referring to the promise God made with Abraham
Romans 5: 1-5 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. --This one is my favorite
Romans 8: 26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
1 Corinthians 10: 13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
Philippians 4: 4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ."
These are the books in the Bible that truly spoke to me:
Esther- a woman who was chosen to be queen, her king's assistant told the king that the Jews should be killed, Esther asks her king to not hurt her people (the Jews)
Job- Satan asks God to take away everything of Job's, and God only asked satan to not kill Job
Daniel- a man chosen to be in the king's service, gained the king's attention by interpreting his dreams that God helped with, then lost it when he did not worship the king (who still favored him) and was saved in the den of lions by God
These are a few of MANY examples of God's Word that assures us that He is always there.
I have decided to do something different in my post today. I have been talking a lot about God's love and His promise for us. So, I am just going to put down some verses that have helped me.
Genesis 8: 22 "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." --This is referring to Noah's ark and the flood
Genesis 23: 17-18 "I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the starts in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
--This is God's first and initial promise to Abraham
Exodus 33: 19 "And the Lord said, 'I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.'" --God assuring Moses that He will lead His people
Deuteronomy 4: 31 "For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath" --Referring to the promise God made with Abraham
Romans 5: 1-5 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. --This one is my favorite
Romans 8: 26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
1 Corinthians 10: 13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
Philippians 4: 4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ."
These are the books in the Bible that truly spoke to me:
Esther- a woman who was chosen to be queen, her king's assistant told the king that the Jews should be killed, Esther asks her king to not hurt her people (the Jews)
Job- Satan asks God to take away everything of Job's, and God only asked satan to not kill Job
Daniel- a man chosen to be in the king's service, gained the king's attention by interpreting his dreams that God helped with, then lost it when he did not worship the king (who still favored him) and was saved in the den of lions by God
These are a few of MANY examples of God's Word that assures us that He is always there.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Hope
It is amazing how God answers prayers. All you need is hope.
One of my family members has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After researching and asking some people who knew more about cancer, I discovered that this is one of the worst cancer's anyone can have. I was devastated. Still am. Knowing that I have less than a year to spend with him hurts me.
I knew the only thing that I could do was pray about it. I prayed to God that He would get rid of the cancer my family member has. I prayed that He would find him good doctors. I prayed that God would help my family member to get treatment (because he's stubborn...) and to give me good news.
About a week later, my family came out of "denial" and we called my family member to know what is going on. It is amazing how God answers prayers because we received good news. The doctor that my family member is seeing said that his cancer is cureable. WOW! And his cancer is not at its worst.
This is amazing. I was devastated, thinking that my family member was going to be gone within five months. But now there is hope because God is listening to my prayers, and He is protecting him!
So, when you think it is the end, think again! For God will always listen and answer your prayers, as long as you love Him and believe in Him.
One of my family members has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After researching and asking some people who knew more about cancer, I discovered that this is one of the worst cancer's anyone can have. I was devastated. Still am. Knowing that I have less than a year to spend with him hurts me.
I knew the only thing that I could do was pray about it. I prayed to God that He would get rid of the cancer my family member has. I prayed that He would find him good doctors. I prayed that God would help my family member to get treatment (because he's stubborn...) and to give me good news.
About a week later, my family came out of "denial" and we called my family member to know what is going on. It is amazing how God answers prayers because we received good news. The doctor that my family member is seeing said that his cancer is cureable. WOW! And his cancer is not at its worst.
This is amazing. I was devastated, thinking that my family member was going to be gone within five months. But now there is hope because God is listening to my prayers, and He is protecting him!
So, when you think it is the end, think again! For God will always listen and answer your prayers, as long as you love Him and believe in Him.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What is a Christian? Part 2
In my last post, I vaguely went over Christianity...
I feel like my last post was not sufficient enough. There are so many other things to talk about, and I cannot seem to grasp all of it (still...) so bare with me!
Alright, so, I think it's important I talk about this specific topic because I know I used to feel the same way. I was with a friend the other day and she mentioned to me that "If you sin, God will hate you." Before I became a Christian I believed the same thing so I want to go over that.
First off, God does not hate you. He does not want to hate you, either! He wants to love you. This is extremely relevent in the Old Testament. Many times (and I mean many) the people of Israel have gone against God's promise and worshiped other gods, or idols. Because of this, God states that He will bring diseases upon His people. But, God does not want to hurt his people because of His promise that He has given us. He promised to Abraham (found in the book of Genesis, Chapter 22, verses 17-18) that his descendents, a.k.a. us, will be "as numerous as in the stars in the sky," and "all nations on earth will be blessed, because [Abraham has] obeyed [God]."
So, when the people of Israel disobeyed Him, God remembered the promise He gave to Abraham. 2 Peter 9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
We were born sinners because of the fall when Eve ate the fruit from the Garden of Eden. The devil said that if Eve ate the fruit, she would be like God. She ate the fruit, and also provided it to Adam. (Get the full story in the book of Genesis, Chapter 2-4)
So, when we sin, God wants His people to be able to repent, or feel bad for our actions, and to fix them. This is why God gave us His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died for us on the cross for our sins. He is our Savior because without Jesus Christ, it would be impossible to receive the love of God, since we are born sinners. But, because of Jesus Christ, when we ask for forgiveness, God forgives us through His Son. Isn't that amazing??
It is important that God wants to love us. All we have to do is follow His rules and love Him, and we will receive eternal life.
I feel like my last post was not sufficient enough. There are so many other things to talk about, and I cannot seem to grasp all of it (still...) so bare with me!
Alright, so, I think it's important I talk about this specific topic because I know I used to feel the same way. I was with a friend the other day and she mentioned to me that "If you sin, God will hate you." Before I became a Christian I believed the same thing so I want to go over that.
First off, God does not hate you. He does not want to hate you, either! He wants to love you. This is extremely relevent in the Old Testament. Many times (and I mean many) the people of Israel have gone against God's promise and worshiped other gods, or idols. Because of this, God states that He will bring diseases upon His people. But, God does not want to hurt his people because of His promise that He has given us. He promised to Abraham (found in the book of Genesis, Chapter 22, verses 17-18) that his descendents, a.k.a. us, will be "as numerous as in the stars in the sky," and "all nations on earth will be blessed, because [Abraham has] obeyed [God]."
So, when the people of Israel disobeyed Him, God remembered the promise He gave to Abraham. 2 Peter 9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
We were born sinners because of the fall when Eve ate the fruit from the Garden of Eden. The devil said that if Eve ate the fruit, she would be like God. She ate the fruit, and also provided it to Adam. (Get the full story in the book of Genesis, Chapter 2-4)
So, when we sin, God wants His people to be able to repent, or feel bad for our actions, and to fix them. This is why God gave us His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died for us on the cross for our sins. He is our Savior because without Jesus Christ, it would be impossible to receive the love of God, since we are born sinners. But, because of Jesus Christ, when we ask for forgiveness, God forgives us through His Son. Isn't that amazing??
It is important that God wants to love us. All we have to do is follow His rules and love Him, and we will receive eternal life.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
What is a Christian?
I have realized that although I am blogging about how great our God is, I have not explained what it means to be a Christian! Plus, since Christians have been getting bad reviews lately, I think it would be great to clear some things up.
In my words, a Christian is "Christ-like." We live according to Jesus Christ's teachings. Now, you may ask, who is Jesus Christ? Jesus is the Son of God who was born from the virgin Mary. Most Christians believe that Jesus is God, but in human form. When He started His ministry around the age of 30, He went to the needy first. He helped the sick, the poor, the evil ones... etc. This is important because Jesus sat upon "the sinners" of the world. I say it like that because it is written many times in the gospels that Jesus sat upon sinners.
Here is one example:
Mark 2: 15-17 "While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with the tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Jesus died for our sins on the cross so we can have eternal life. When Jesus defeated death, he rose three days later. Because of this, death will never be the end of us, as long as we believe in Him. As long as we believe in the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will be given eternal life.
But, that is not all of being a Christian is about. Being a Christian is like following in Christ's footsteps. We are given a love that truly cannot be described in words. This is why we witness to others. And that is what I am doing now! I have been from the low of low's. Once I upload my testimony sometime in September, you will understand. But, there is hope! Why not love Your Creator so you can achieve eternal life? Why not receive the love that no one else can provide on earth? If you are seeking for something that does not exist on earth, why not look to Christ? God wants us to love him. And He so dearly loves us. Do you not see the path? It's easy. All you have to do is ask God to reveal Himself to you, and He will.
In my words, a Christian is "Christ-like." We live according to Jesus Christ's teachings. Now, you may ask, who is Jesus Christ? Jesus is the Son of God who was born from the virgin Mary. Most Christians believe that Jesus is God, but in human form. When He started His ministry around the age of 30, He went to the needy first. He helped the sick, the poor, the evil ones... etc. This is important because Jesus sat upon "the sinners" of the world. I say it like that because it is written many times in the gospels that Jesus sat upon sinners.
Here is one example:
Mark 2: 15-17 "While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with the tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Jesus died for our sins on the cross so we can have eternal life. When Jesus defeated death, he rose three days later. Because of this, death will never be the end of us, as long as we believe in Him. As long as we believe in the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will be given eternal life.
But, that is not all of being a Christian is about. Being a Christian is like following in Christ's footsteps. We are given a love that truly cannot be described in words. This is why we witness to others. And that is what I am doing now! I have been from the low of low's. Once I upload my testimony sometime in September, you will understand. But, there is hope! Why not love Your Creator so you can achieve eternal life? Why not receive the love that no one else can provide on earth? If you are seeking for something that does not exist on earth, why not look to Christ? God wants us to love him. And He so dearly loves us. Do you not see the path? It's easy. All you have to do is ask God to reveal Himself to you, and He will.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
God Listens, God Answers
I believe that God is really testing us and our faith when He gives us a challenge that we know we cannot bare on our own.
I was diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) in April of 2011. This disorder has to do with the joint in your jaw. The side affects are popping, cracking, shooting pain, ear ringing, discomfort and pain in the jaw. It can also affect the muscles surrounding your jaw, eyes, cheeks, neck, shoulders, and the upper back.
Being an instrumentalist, this is not exactly ideal. Now a music performance major, this disorder is going to affect the rest of my life. When I was first diagnosed, I could not play my horn for one second without being in a lot of pain.
After months of seeing doctors, getting physical therapy, and praying a lot, I can at least function. I am able to have conversations with my friends, play my horn at least an hour a day, and eat foods that can potentially cause pain to my jaw, which I could not do before praying to God.
When I received Christ as My Savior, I asked God to give me patience. Is this a coincidence that I got TMJD a few weeks after praying hard for this? You be the judge..
This can be relateable to anything else. Whether you are a teacher who has ADD, (I've had a few of those..) a businessmen who has trouble communicating because of a disability, or just simply depressed about life, God gives us these sufferings so we can grow as a person, and learn how to cope with them. He also gives us these sufferings so we can depend on Him more, and His glory will shine once we ask Him for help.
I am writing this today because God has restricted my playing again. Although playing horn is my life, ultimately, God should be my life. And He is showing me that right now.
So, here is what I will conclude: think about the sufferings in your life, and how it affects your overall daily life. How do you usually cope with suffering? Yes, it's okay to cry a little. But, there is hope! God says in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 21 verse 22: If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Isn't that incredible?! I know God has answered my prayers by giving me wonderful doctors and physical therapists to relieve my pain. Don't you want someone out there to heal your suffering? As long as you pray and believe, God will hear you and answer you.
I was diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) in April of 2011. This disorder has to do with the joint in your jaw. The side affects are popping, cracking, shooting pain, ear ringing, discomfort and pain in the jaw. It can also affect the muscles surrounding your jaw, eyes, cheeks, neck, shoulders, and the upper back.
Being an instrumentalist, this is not exactly ideal. Now a music performance major, this disorder is going to affect the rest of my life. When I was first diagnosed, I could not play my horn for one second without being in a lot of pain.
After months of seeing doctors, getting physical therapy, and praying a lot, I can at least function. I am able to have conversations with my friends, play my horn at least an hour a day, and eat foods that can potentially cause pain to my jaw, which I could not do before praying to God.
When I received Christ as My Savior, I asked God to give me patience. Is this a coincidence that I got TMJD a few weeks after praying hard for this? You be the judge..
This can be relateable to anything else. Whether you are a teacher who has ADD, (I've had a few of those..) a businessmen who has trouble communicating because of a disability, or just simply depressed about life, God gives us these sufferings so we can grow as a person, and learn how to cope with them. He also gives us these sufferings so we can depend on Him more, and His glory will shine once we ask Him for help.
I am writing this today because God has restricted my playing again. Although playing horn is my life, ultimately, God should be my life. And He is showing me that right now.
So, here is what I will conclude: think about the sufferings in your life, and how it affects your overall daily life. How do you usually cope with suffering? Yes, it's okay to cry a little. But, there is hope! God says in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 21 verse 22: If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Isn't that incredible?! I know God has answered my prayers by giving me wonderful doctors and physical therapists to relieve my pain. Don't you want someone out there to heal your suffering? As long as you pray and believe, God will hear you and answer you.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Praying for others
Have you ever been in a situation where someone you know is really upset or is depressed? And no matter how much you say or do, you wish you can do more?
I feel like this a lot. I wish I could do more for my friends, but, man cannot control the earth. God can. This is why God asks us to pray for those in need.
Jeremiah 29: 12-14 "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord...
I think the best thing to do in any situation is to pray for someone. What is even better is to pray with them, but, make sure you ask first. If they say no, do not feel discouraged, you can still pray for them on your own.
I have been praying for someone for about a year now. I hurt his feelings really badly about 8 months ago, and I really wanted him to be happy. So, I prayed for him. It is amazing how God listens to prayer because I know that God has been keeping him safe and happy, just as I prayed about. I heard about his happiness through a mutual friend and I cried because God does listen to prayer.
So what is about two minutes out of your life to pray for someone in need? Whether you believe in God or not, how much time will two minutes waste? I encourage you to give it a try. Trust me, the result will surprise you.
I feel like this a lot. I wish I could do more for my friends, but, man cannot control the earth. God can. This is why God asks us to pray for those in need.
Jeremiah 29: 12-14 "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord...
I think the best thing to do in any situation is to pray for someone. What is even better is to pray with them, but, make sure you ask first. If they say no, do not feel discouraged, you can still pray for them on your own.
I have been praying for someone for about a year now. I hurt his feelings really badly about 8 months ago, and I really wanted him to be happy. So, I prayed for him. It is amazing how God listens to prayer because I know that God has been keeping him safe and happy, just as I prayed about. I heard about his happiness through a mutual friend and I cried because God does listen to prayer.
So what is about two minutes out of your life to pray for someone in need? Whether you believe in God or not, how much time will two minutes waste? I encourage you to give it a try. Trust me, the result will surprise you.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Beauty
I know I mentioned in the last post that I would talk about prayer, but, I experienced something last night that I feel is worth while.
Ever since becoming a Christian, I am starting to see the true beauty in the most simple of things. Whether it is a sunset, the formation of clouds, or anything found in nature, seeing God's Creation is an amazing experience.
Well, last night, I went to the state fair with my family. Of course we had to go see the animals. Now, I was confronted with a fear that I have had since I was a younger child; big animals. I know it may seem a little silly, but, I have always been afraid of horses. When we were in a building with the horse stalls, I was really scared. My parents thought it was funny that I was so scared, so my mom went up with me to pet one of them. I looked into the horses' eyes, and I realized, this is God's Creation. God created this beautiful animal. I took a long look at the horse, and I could not turn away. He looked humble, loving, peaceful, and shy. When I looked at the horse, I think I saw God. I was no longer scared. It amazes me that God created such a beautiful animal, and I could not help but fall more in love with God.
I want you to think about the beautiful things in your life, and how they affect you. Whether you are in awe, or scared, remember that God created these things because of the love He wants to share with us. And that is amazing.
Ever since becoming a Christian, I am starting to see the true beauty in the most simple of things. Whether it is a sunset, the formation of clouds, or anything found in nature, seeing God's Creation is an amazing experience.
Well, last night, I went to the state fair with my family. Of course we had to go see the animals. Now, I was confronted with a fear that I have had since I was a younger child; big animals. I know it may seem a little silly, but, I have always been afraid of horses. When we were in a building with the horse stalls, I was really scared. My parents thought it was funny that I was so scared, so my mom went up with me to pet one of them. I looked into the horses' eyes, and I realized, this is God's Creation. God created this beautiful animal. I took a long look at the horse, and I could not turn away. He looked humble, loving, peaceful, and shy. When I looked at the horse, I think I saw God. I was no longer scared. It amazes me that God created such a beautiful animal, and I could not help but fall more in love with God.
I want you to think about the beautiful things in your life, and how they affect you. Whether you are in awe, or scared, remember that God created these things because of the love He wants to share with us. And that is amazing.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Prayer
For the next few posts, I want to talk about prayer. Prayer is very powerful, and I have found that even when I was not a Christian less than a year ago, I would talk out loud about the pain I was feeling at the time. God heard my prayer, and He answered. I want to show you how God has answered my most previous prayers, in hopes that it will encourage you, and to show you that God is loving and wants you to be in happy through Him.
For the past few months, I have been praying for someone who has lost their faith in Christ. I understand, life is hard, and when your problems are not solved right away, it is easy to lose faith and move on. But, since I knew she used to love Christ, I knew somehow and someway that Christ would bring her back.
I know Christ is working through her right now because of my prayers. I have been praying that she and I would be able to talk about Christ, and how He has made our lives better, happier. I prayed that I would find a church for us to both attend, and for her to fall in love with attending church all over again.
After six months of praying this, it was answered. Last Sunday I went to church with one of my good friends, and the one I have been praying for went also. She loved it so much because it reminded her of the church she grew up in. Now wait a second, she loved it?! God answered my prayer beyond what I expected. Not only did she love the church, but it reminded her of the church she grew up in where she first fell for Christ, and she wants to attend again next week!
When it seems that you have no where to turn, I have found that turning to Christ in prayer has brought me so much comfort and joy. I encourage you, if you are suffering or struggling with something, pray. If you are not sure what to pray or how to pray, here is a start:
Jesus gives us a prayer in the Bible in the book of Matthew, Chapter 6, Verses 9-13
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen."
Sunday, August 7, 2011
First blog!
Hello everyone!
I have decided to start a blog because I really want to share my story about God with others and how He has granted me so many wonderful things because of His grace. My goals with this are to reach out to others and to try to encourage others to pray in their time of need, and to show how wonderful our God truly is! With this in mind, I will continue to post about God's love in depth once I get the hang of this :)
God Bless,
Em
I have decided to start a blog because I really want to share my story about God with others and how He has granted me so many wonderful things because of His grace. My goals with this are to reach out to others and to try to encourage others to pray in their time of need, and to show how wonderful our God truly is! With this in mind, I will continue to post about God's love in depth once I get the hang of this :)
God Bless,
Em
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