Constant Reminders

For the past month and a half of being at school, the sermons at the church I attend here have been on Ephesians. While I've been there, we've only covered some of chapter 5, and most of 6. But in the time we've studied those couple of chapters, I've learned a lot. Today I looked back at my sermon notes... I saw a lot of similarities between this morning's notes and past week's. It was cool to see those constant reminders. Even those in the church of Ephesus, they needed these reminders. I've heard sermons on topics from marriage to work, and from purity to focus. I love that this book covers every part of life. It's helping me realize how to live according to God's Will.

But another thing that really stuck with me is the fact that those reminders never stopped. I know that's because we'll never be perfect human beings. I know for myself, I want to be as Christ-like as possible. But that doesn't mean to be self-righteous. And I know, lately, I've been at fault for that... but instead it means everyday, falling at the feet of Jesus, asking for His forgiveness and giving Him glory in everything. I have to be reminded daily to live for Jesus not because it's not important to me. But because I'm a innately prideful human being. Therefore it takes a lot more out of me to go against my nature to love people and love God.

Anyway, here is my Sunday afternoon rant/thoughts. Basically, this past few month or two has been a journey. It's been a wake-up call for myself. It was a reminder that I always have room to grow in God. Always.

He loves me more than the sand on the beach.

He understands

Everyone always complains about how no one ever understands them or what they’re going through. This is how I see it. You have two options. Keep complaining and get nowhere. Or you can stop complaining and realize that your situations are unique to you so no one can fully understand. I am trying to choose the latter. No one will ever have the capacity to know or understand fully what I’ve gone through or what I’m going through. My life story is fingerprinted and the only one who would understand is the One who created those fingerprints. If I want to complain or confide in someone about the struggles I’m facing, I’m realizing who I should be going to. Jesus.

Wise Words from a Friend

"God is God and He can and will do whatever He wants. His will WILL be done. And I think part of what makes God so awesome is that He doesn't fill us in on the details. He just kind of moves the furniture around in our lives while we stand in the center of the living room. And maybe in the process you'll find some change in the couch cushions and you'll get rid of the ugly lamp in the corner... and then once God's stopped moving everything, you'll see what He's done. But in the process, you'll be like "Why are you moving all my furniture, God?" And that's okay. Just wait for Him to finish. I bet it will be worth it. God's the ultimate interior designer."

She knows I love metaphors, and this was a perfect one for me tonight. :)

How do you love them?

The people who get on your last nerve. The people who drive you the most crazy. The same people you still care enough about. The people you know God put in your life for a reason. Those people. How do you love them?

Keep on Praying.

Saturday Night Thoughts

Things could be worse, and sometimes I forget that. I also forget that if God didn't do one more thing for me, I still would have so much to praise Him for. My life is a testimony of His amazing grace, love, pursuit and refinement. I can think of so many times in my life where God came through for me. That's what keeps me going, especially in times like now. Things are going well. But like a normal school year, things can get pretty stressful quickly. I have classes to study for, friendships and relationships to maintain, finances to keep up with... and so much more...! You have no idea. Anyway, I've still never been happier in life. And one thing I loved is that I enjoy living life more and more each day, even with all those stresses of life. I think that's because I know things happen for a reason and I know God is teaching me something new everyday.... literally through EVERY situation I'm facing right now. Therefore, even though in the moment it's tough, I'll go on because I have faith in Him.