Steven Furtick: Dating And Relationships
Check out that link for a good blog on dating and realtionships.
:)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
vulnerable.
It's easier to post about the good things in life than it is the hard things. The things I struggle with, the things I live in fear about. The areas of my life that are still being worked on and pruned. The next part of this blog has been written for about a week, and I've tried to post it and have struggled with if it's okay. Well, I've come to the conclusion, it is okay. Because, I am a real person, with real feelings, and with real struggles. I don't have it all together, I am still figuring it out.
Part of life is growth. Part of growth is knowing what you need to work on and move towards getting better. I've ignored these things for quite some time, but that does nothing good. Identifying is much better than ignoring. Don't let it grow. Identify your fears, and conquer them. One by one. Step by step.
As you read these things that I struggle with, I pray that you don't try to fix me, but that you accept me for who I am and that maybe somehow I've given you the courage to pinpoint the things in your life that you are scared of and the things that you need to work on. And from there.... we move forward.
I am scared of...
-not being needed
-not being pretty enough
-not being a good friend
-not being able to quit drinking cokes ever
-stumping my toe
-someone attacking me
-getting in a car wreck
-not being able to have children
-not being respected because I am young
I need to work on...
-loving others when they don't "deserve" to be loved according to world standards
-having patience that God REALLY does have perfect timing
-believing when people say they will do something, that they will
-forgiving them when they don't
-telling others how much I appreciate them
-giving more in time, money, and spirit
-loving myself for who I am
-trusting others
Part of life is growth. Part of growth is knowing what you need to work on and move towards getting better. I've ignored these things for quite some time, but that does nothing good. Identifying is much better than ignoring. Don't let it grow. Identify your fears, and conquer them. One by one. Step by step.
As you read these things that I struggle with, I pray that you don't try to fix me, but that you accept me for who I am and that maybe somehow I've given you the courage to pinpoint the things in your life that you are scared of and the things that you need to work on. And from there.... we move forward.
I am scared of...
-not being needed
-not being pretty enough
-not being a good friend
-not being able to quit drinking cokes ever
-stumping my toe
-someone attacking me
-getting in a car wreck
-not being able to have children
-not being respected because I am young
I need to work on...
-loving others when they don't "deserve" to be loved according to world standards
-having patience that God REALLY does have perfect timing
-believing when people say they will do something, that they will
-forgiving them when they don't
-telling others how much I appreciate them
-giving more in time, money, and spirit
-loving myself for who I am
-trusting others
2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Maybe my next post will be about my strengths. :)
Maybe my next post will be about my strengths. :)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Stumped Toes & Running into Doors
One of the things that I seem to do is run into half opened doors, or stump my toe on a piece of furniture that has always been in that exact spot. Another thing is at my house I have to park on the street, most times I have to turn my car around at the end of the street so I can park on the same side of the street that my house is on. So I go to the end and do a U turn. There are hardly ever any cars on the street I intersect with my turnaround, so I always just stop and go. One day, I stopped and started to pull out and realized that I didn't even look to see if there's a car coming. Don't worry I didn't wreck, I just had to stop abruptly. I had made a habit in my mind that I never have to REALLY stop at that stop sign.
There are small things in our life that are so normal to us that we don't ever stop to make sure that God is speaking to us about it. For example, with the doors, most of the time the doors I run into are typically never closed, so when they are my mind doesn't register in enough time that it's not open all the way. And then, BAM, I run into it. There are things in our life that have been normal and on schedule that God wants to speak to us about. Or wants to close that part of our life, but we have gotten so used to it that it's become second nature. When God is saying, "Brennen! Wake up, that's not good enough for you any more. Let it go!" "Brennen, you are called to live a life of holiness- that isn't cutting it! Cut it out of your life." "Brennen, proceed with caution, stop and be aware of your surroundings!" "Beloved, this door is shut, but I have a better one open for you! Pay attention!"
So what half closed doors are you still running into? Any streets you've failed to proceed with caution in? It's time for me to pay attention to the things in my life that I've left God out of and to listen up.
There are small things in our life that are so normal to us that we don't ever stop to make sure that God is speaking to us about it. For example, with the doors, most of the time the doors I run into are typically never closed, so when they are my mind doesn't register in enough time that it's not open all the way. And then, BAM, I run into it. There are things in our life that have been normal and on schedule that God wants to speak to us about. Or wants to close that part of our life, but we have gotten so used to it that it's become second nature. When God is saying, "Brennen! Wake up, that's not good enough for you any more. Let it go!" "Brennen, you are called to live a life of holiness- that isn't cutting it! Cut it out of your life." "Brennen, proceed with caution, stop and be aware of your surroundings!" "Beloved, this door is shut, but I have a better one open for you! Pay attention!"
So what half closed doors are you still running into? Any streets you've failed to proceed with caution in? It's time for me to pay attention to the things in my life that I've left God out of and to listen up.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
for all the momma's out there
Today, I sat down in my mother's chair at the salon and asked her sweetly to fix my hair. Even though she could have said no and chose to do other things, she said yes. I remember since I was a child that when I would come and interrupt her while she was reading- she would put the book down and stop what she was doing to listen to a (pointless) story. (Unless, she was in the last chapter- then I knew I had to be patient and wait.) Motherhood is a beautiful thing and, I can only image, is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. It takes a lot of sacrifice and putting others before you.
But then, there is the fun and heart throbbing excitement of pulling the best out of your child. Of saying, "Don't quit, you can do it! You are more than a conquerer" and seeing the hope fill eyes once again. It's the part of motherhood that I am sure never gets old, especially if your child living out the things you see in them. (I know, I say all of this without being a mother, but I've babysit plenty of children, actually am "nannying" this week, and I have some of the best mothers in my life to watch their example. So bear with me.)
I say all of this to say...... think of Jesus' mother. This morning, I was reading in John 2 where Jesus turns water into wine. But it was His mother that brought it to Jesus' attention that they were out of wine. And then instructed the disciples to listen and obey whatever HER son told them. Sounds like one of those overbearing parents we all know. But how awesome is that, she was able to see what Jesus could do and encourage him in it, and even "pull" it out of him. She believed in her son, had confidence in Him, and wanted to see Him do what He was created to do.
I am finally to the point in my life of being a daughter, where I realize that, most of the times- momma really does know best. I also know that when she believes in me, I feel much more capable of doing it. When she pushes me to do it, the faith that I have in myself to do it raises.
So mothers, do your thing. Don't hold back. Encourage and believe in your children. And if you all say to your kiddos are negative things- stop. That is not helping your child. Encourage- tell them what they are good at, tell them what you see in them. They need and want to hear it. Help them accomplish their goals. Push them, and tell everyone else what's up. Be proud of who they are. Even if they aren't who you think they should be- give it time.... they'll come around.
And if you aren't a mother, be someone's mother that doesn't have one. Step in when they need parental advice. At the age of 20, I do it, so you can to. You are more than a mere conquerer.
I am sure when the much anticipated day of having my first child with the most handsome husband ever happens- I'll think back to when Jesus' mother called attention to her son. And I am sure- I'll be the most proud mother that there is. Get ready for this proud mother. Until then.... I'll adopt the qualities that I appreciate in my mother for my own life. I'll become a mother- without having a child.
But then, there is the fun and heart throbbing excitement of pulling the best out of your child. Of saying, "Don't quit, you can do it! You are more than a conquerer" and seeing the hope fill eyes once again. It's the part of motherhood that I am sure never gets old, especially if your child living out the things you see in them. (I know, I say all of this without being a mother, but I've babysit plenty of children, actually am "nannying" this week, and I have some of the best mothers in my life to watch their example. So bear with me.)
I say all of this to say...... think of Jesus' mother. This morning, I was reading in John 2 where Jesus turns water into wine. But it was His mother that brought it to Jesus' attention that they were out of wine. And then instructed the disciples to listen and obey whatever HER son told them. Sounds like one of those overbearing parents we all know. But how awesome is that, she was able to see what Jesus could do and encourage him in it, and even "pull" it out of him. She believed in her son, had confidence in Him, and wanted to see Him do what He was created to do.
I am finally to the point in my life of being a daughter, where I realize that, most of the times- momma really does know best. I also know that when she believes in me, I feel much more capable of doing it. When she pushes me to do it, the faith that I have in myself to do it raises.
So mothers, do your thing. Don't hold back. Encourage and believe in your children. And if you all say to your kiddos are negative things- stop. That is not helping your child. Encourage- tell them what they are good at, tell them what you see in them. They need and want to hear it. Help them accomplish their goals. Push them, and tell everyone else what's up. Be proud of who they are. Even if they aren't who you think they should be- give it time.... they'll come around.
And if you aren't a mother, be someone's mother that doesn't have one. Step in when they need parental advice. At the age of 20, I do it, so you can to. You are more than a mere conquerer.
I am sure when the much anticipated day of having my first child with the most handsome husband ever happens- I'll think back to when Jesus' mother called attention to her son. And I am sure- I'll be the most proud mother that there is. Get ready for this proud mother. Until then.... I'll adopt the qualities that I appreciate in my mother for my own life. I'll become a mother- without having a child.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Be Who God Created You to Be
Be who God created you to be. This is what God has been speaking directly to my heart this past week. Don't try to be someone else, be who God created you to be. God designed each of us to be different for a reason. We are created uniquely and with our own passions, desires, and personality. Use it for God's glory. Don't try to be something you are not to gain respect, love, or admiration from those around you. This does nothing but set them [and you] up for disappointment. Because, months/ years down the road- they will realize who you really are.
I have realized that identity crisis is a problem that is rampant in the church world. We don't know who we are. Get to know yourself. You can not be the best friend, husband, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, or cousin that you can be without knowing WHO you are and WHOSE you are. I am on this journey of discovering who I am. Here are some truths that have helped me figure out who I am:
-Don't apologize for the things that you love to do. Own them and do them with your best ability.
-Ask God who You are. Start reading Psalm 119. And search out the scriptures for truths on what God says about His children.
-Try out new things. See if it makes you come alive.... you never know if you don't try.
-Work on making the things you are good at the thing you are BEST at. Never quit learning what you love to do.
-Ask those closest to you what they see in you. And be able to handle the advice that they give you.
-Choose to work on the things you aren't good at that you should be good at. (For example: I have to become good at receiving correction and on forgiveness.) Biblical qualities- work on those. Ya' can't go wrong with that.
-Go after the things that God calls you to. You will be walking in His will and His purpose- becoming the person that God created you to be.
-Know who God is. Get to know Your Savior, allow Him to be the love of Your life, in knowing who He is- you will discover who YOU are!
I always have struggled with knowing what is my passion.... I have never felt the feeling of "coming alive" when I do something- until the other day. I have always had a strong love for purity and holiness being restored in the church body. But last week, I found my passion. I got the opportunity to talk to a small group of young ladies about remaining sexually pure until your wedding night. And let me tell you what, I CAME ALIVE. I have never felt that heart burning passion while living out something- but I did. And it's amazing! I had to branch out and try it. I knew it was something that I wanted to teach and show others- but I had no idea how much I loved it! Since that night I have had visions and dreams of teaching at large conferences, small groups, youth groups, and one on one mentorships about living a life of purity because you want to- not because you are supposed to! I encourage you to search out and find the things that make you come alive. And when you do, don't abandon it- pursue it and go after it.
When it all comes down to it. Just be who God created YOU to Be! Be the best YOU that you can be, mold yourself into the best Godly, pure, and holy person that you can be.
I found a website with some scripture on who we are in Christ: Check these out- and read more on the link below!
I have realized that identity crisis is a problem that is rampant in the church world. We don't know who we are. Get to know yourself. You can not be the best friend, husband, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, or cousin that you can be without knowing WHO you are and WHOSE you are. I am on this journey of discovering who I am. Here are some truths that have helped me figure out who I am:
-Don't apologize for the things that you love to do. Own them and do them with your best ability.
-Ask God who You are. Start reading Psalm 119. And search out the scriptures for truths on what God says about His children.
-Try out new things. See if it makes you come alive.... you never know if you don't try.
-Work on making the things you are good at the thing you are BEST at. Never quit learning what you love to do.
-Ask those closest to you what they see in you. And be able to handle the advice that they give you.
-Choose to work on the things you aren't good at that you should be good at. (For example: I have to become good at receiving correction and on forgiveness.) Biblical qualities- work on those. Ya' can't go wrong with that.
-Go after the things that God calls you to. You will be walking in His will and His purpose- becoming the person that God created you to be.
-Know who God is. Get to know Your Savior, allow Him to be the love of Your life, in knowing who He is- you will discover who YOU are!
I always have struggled with knowing what is my passion.... I have never felt the feeling of "coming alive" when I do something- until the other day. I have always had a strong love for purity and holiness being restored in the church body. But last week, I found my passion. I got the opportunity to talk to a small group of young ladies about remaining sexually pure until your wedding night. And let me tell you what, I CAME ALIVE. I have never felt that heart burning passion while living out something- but I did. And it's amazing! I had to branch out and try it. I knew it was something that I wanted to teach and show others- but I had no idea how much I loved it! Since that night I have had visions and dreams of teaching at large conferences, small groups, youth groups, and one on one mentorships about living a life of purity because you want to- not because you are supposed to! I encourage you to search out and find the things that make you come alive. And when you do, don't abandon it- pursue it and go after it.
When it all comes down to it. Just be who God created YOU to Be! Be the best YOU that you can be, mold yourself into the best Godly, pure, and holy person that you can be.
I found a website with some scripture on who we are in Christ: Check these out- and read more on the link below!
I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17,18).
I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I am God’s child⎯for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). I am a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). I am a spirit being⎯alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
http://resourcesforchristians.net/downloads/print/whoiam.pdf
Monday, January 24, 2011
Choosing to Choose.
There is so much truth to the ol' saying, "Life is what you make it." You will get out of life what you put into it. If you don't pursue life and the source of life then you probably won't like life too much. But when you choose to enjoy life, no matter what the circumstances are, then I bet you love life or are beginning to love life. I am by no means saying that life is bed of roses and nothing is ever hard. No, not at all, I know this by first hand experience. Life is not easy. But you can enjoy it in all circumstances.
It all comes down to choice. Who you are today was made from a series of choices that you have made. Who you will be tomorrow also will be the outcome of your choices. It is time to quit blaming your troubles on "life". That is demonic and not Godly one bit. That is one step closer to satan than it is to God. Choose to love, give, serve and pursue God. Choose to find something sweet in everything. Choose joy, peace, and patience. What you choose determines your outcome. Choose life, and life in abundance.
You living a mediocre life doesn't do you any favors. Branch out, live out your dreams, be who God has made you to be. Be intentional. This is the phrase that God has been speaking to me the past month. I need to be intentional. I need to be concious of the things that I choose to do throughout the day. Once again that determines my productivity and the joy that I experience that day.
When I wake up and I choose to love God, love people, and love life then I am determined that nothing, absolutely nothing, no power of the enemy, no stumped toe, no long line, NOTHING will change that. I choose to have a good day. To have a good life.
One of the things that Pastor Jeff preaches is Proverbs 27:7- One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. What does this mean? That in every situation you can find something that is sweet. We are to never become cynical and judgmental with nothing being good enough. That means that today when Chelsea brought me my McDonalds (yep, this is after I worked out) that even though it was cold I was still thankful that Chelsea paid for it! It's simply being able to find the good in every situation.
I know that life does get hard, and that things happen to good people. But God is still God, His word is still sovereign. And He still has the most best plans in the world for you. He desires for you to be prosperous, enjoy life, love Him, serve Him, see and bring people to encounter God's love. You are the head and not the tail. You are highly favored. You have a reason to choose joy. I promise.
It may be 3 years after something horrible in your life happens where you see the purpose in it all. But for those 3 years- find something, anything and be thankful for it. Thank God. Just think of the things that He HAS protected you from that you don't even know about.
Choose life. Choose Him. Choose joy. Choose peace. Choose happiness. Choose the higher road. Choose serving. Choose giving. Choose loving. Choose life. Choose a happy life. Choose to not loathe the honeycomb. Choose to find something good no matter the circumstances.
It's your choice. ;)
It all comes down to choice. Who you are today was made from a series of choices that you have made. Who you will be tomorrow also will be the outcome of your choices. It is time to quit blaming your troubles on "life". That is demonic and not Godly one bit. That is one step closer to satan than it is to God. Choose to love, give, serve and pursue God. Choose to find something sweet in everything. Choose joy, peace, and patience. What you choose determines your outcome. Choose life, and life in abundance.
You living a mediocre life doesn't do you any favors. Branch out, live out your dreams, be who God has made you to be. Be intentional. This is the phrase that God has been speaking to me the past month. I need to be intentional. I need to be concious of the things that I choose to do throughout the day. Once again that determines my productivity and the joy that I experience that day.
When I wake up and I choose to love God, love people, and love life then I am determined that nothing, absolutely nothing, no power of the enemy, no stumped toe, no long line, NOTHING will change that. I choose to have a good day. To have a good life.
One of the things that Pastor Jeff preaches is Proverbs 27:7- One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. What does this mean? That in every situation you can find something that is sweet. We are to never become cynical and judgmental with nothing being good enough. That means that today when Chelsea brought me my McDonalds (yep, this is after I worked out) that even though it was cold I was still thankful that Chelsea paid for it! It's simply being able to find the good in every situation.
I know that life does get hard, and that things happen to good people. But God is still God, His word is still sovereign. And He still has the most best plans in the world for you. He desires for you to be prosperous, enjoy life, love Him, serve Him, see and bring people to encounter God's love. You are the head and not the tail. You are highly favored. You have a reason to choose joy. I promise.
It may be 3 years after something horrible in your life happens where you see the purpose in it all. But for those 3 years- find something, anything and be thankful for it. Thank God. Just think of the things that He HAS protected you from that you don't even know about.
Choose life. Choose Him. Choose joy. Choose peace. Choose happiness. Choose the higher road. Choose serving. Choose giving. Choose loving. Choose life. Choose a happy life. Choose to not loathe the honeycomb. Choose to find something good no matter the circumstances.
It's your choice. ;)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Glorified Body
Do you know how much God loves you.... and how much God loves your body? I have been totally "wrecked" today by a message I re-listened to earlier today. I heard it at OneThing this year with iHop and only caught the tail end of the message so I bought it on CD. Allen Hood talks about the Glorified State of Your Body and how much God truly loves your body.
And in today's society it is a truth that needs to be posted on every billboard, every sign, every commercial, and everywhere! GOD LOVES YOUR BODY. It is so easy to pick and poke at your body. And wish you had this person's belly or that girl's face or her hair... etc. etc. But God designed YOU and HE (The lovely, amazing, mighty Savior) LOVES your body. And He knows every inch of it, and He still loves it. And it pains Him to watch his precious children spend hours in front of a mirror hating their bodies. When all He sees is "beautiful" "glorious" "amazing" "perfect in my eyes" "lovely". We are His beloved. The apple of His eye.
And if you say, "He doesn't understand... He doesn't live in my body". False! He knows what it's like to be human. And to have growth spurts, and as Allen says, "to have a head that hasn't caught up with it's ears". He understands every season that we are in. He took on flesh. Whoah. Soak that in.
He took on flesh. The creator of the universe.... took on flesh. Humbled himself- and took on flesh.
I really hope you took a minute and soaked that in, and if you didn't say it out loud. Let that statement process. Of what God did and does for us. And why? Because HE LOVES US.
He loves every part of us. He cherishes us. Rebuke the lies of the enemies and replace it with truth. Just a few hours after having this truth drilled in my head I asked God, "Am I not pretty enough?" How silly and lame is that? That I actually, out loud, asked God that. I know that I am pretty enough. I know that He thinks I am head over heels, drop dead gorgeous. He looks and admires my beauty. And even typing that statement disturbs my mind. Because who am I to be admired? I AM HIS. The King is enthralled by my beauty. So I am to be admired. I am his daughter. His prize. I am loved and cherished by an AMAZING God. And I can not forget that.
The same goes for you. You are loved. Cherished. Delighted in. Admired. Loved. Loved. Loved. Loved. Check out that message on iHops website. Super good.
And in today's society it is a truth that needs to be posted on every billboard, every sign, every commercial, and everywhere! GOD LOVES YOUR BODY. It is so easy to pick and poke at your body. And wish you had this person's belly or that girl's face or her hair... etc. etc. But God designed YOU and HE (The lovely, amazing, mighty Savior) LOVES your body. And He knows every inch of it, and He still loves it. And it pains Him to watch his precious children spend hours in front of a mirror hating their bodies. When all He sees is "beautiful" "glorious" "amazing" "perfect in my eyes" "lovely". We are His beloved. The apple of His eye.
And if you say, "He doesn't understand... He doesn't live in my body". False! He knows what it's like to be human. And to have growth spurts, and as Allen says, "to have a head that hasn't caught up with it's ears". He understands every season that we are in. He took on flesh. Whoah. Soak that in.
He took on flesh. The creator of the universe.... took on flesh. Humbled himself- and took on flesh.
I really hope you took a minute and soaked that in, and if you didn't say it out loud. Let that statement process. Of what God did and does for us. And why? Because HE LOVES US.
He loves every part of us. He cherishes us. Rebuke the lies of the enemies and replace it with truth. Just a few hours after having this truth drilled in my head I asked God, "Am I not pretty enough?" How silly and lame is that? That I actually, out loud, asked God that. I know that I am pretty enough. I know that He thinks I am head over heels, drop dead gorgeous. He looks and admires my beauty. And even typing that statement disturbs my mind. Because who am I to be admired? I AM HIS. The King is enthralled by my beauty. So I am to be admired. I am his daughter. His prize. I am loved and cherished by an AMAZING God. And I can not forget that.
The same goes for you. You are loved. Cherished. Delighted in. Admired. Loved. Loved. Loved. Loved. Check out that message on iHops website. Super good.
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