Stench

Last week there was a smell that filled the house up.  We took out the trash, I ran the garbage disposal, lit a candle and to no avail; the stench was still there. It was driving me crazy as I like to keep a clean house. Finally laundry day came around and as I went to put my first load in I realized there was a tiny little washcloth that had been sitting in the washer after I had cleaned up a messy counter in the beginning of the week.  That my friends, was the source of the smell.  Such a tiny little object filled the house all the way to the upstairs with a funky aroma.  I was relieved to find the source and then I started thinking about it a little more and as the weekend went on I found more lessons in this washcloth than just "don't leave a dirty one in the washer".  As Christians we sometimes hold on to something little, a little sin that we think "eh it wont be that big of a deal, just tuck it away and no one will know" those seemingly little things often cause the biggest stench in our lives.  They eat away and weaken our souls, causing a 'stench' in the way we live our lives.  Everything is effected by it.  

These weaknesses need to be addressed.  Its so easy to push them aside in embarrassment, shame and or the selfishness of not wanting to let it go. But, what we don't realize is that when we give up these weaknesses and let God take care of them He will use them to better us and most of all to glorify Him. 

Hebrews 12:1  (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Corinthians 12:9-11 (ESV)

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Whats causing a stench in your life? Is there something that you need to confess and get rid of to get a breath of fresh air? 

\ˈī-dəl\

What a strong word for the Christian community right? I'm sure none of you have a golden calf that you bow down to everyday or you make sacrifices for once a week right?

What is your definition of an idol?

What are the things/ people that you turn to in your life when things go bad?

My definition: A person place or thing that consumes your time.

My run to's: Ice cream, music, chocolate, friends, Jon, social media, clothes (shopping), my appearance, The Lord.

Think about those things listed, would you call any of them your idol? Heavens no...we would call them bad habits, or addictions. We make sure we sugar coat it, really though if we examine ourselves we might see that some of these things take up more time then they should.

Think about it, weed out those things and run to Your Maker and let Him comfort you. Don't let other things take up His time for you.

Marriage isnt for y.o.u.

  Read This!

/pər'spektiv/

noun.

1. a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

Everyone needs a new perspective sometimes right?  We all need that breath of fresh air, that detail that was previously let out to make things clearer and just a different view of something.

There was a day a few weeks back that I was really stressed out about some different things in life.  I was thinking how its not fair that I have to walk through these trials and that someone else that can deal with it better should be the one to suffer instead.  Basically wallowing in self pity like satan wants us to do, in fact I'm pretty sure he thrives off our pity party, he brings the chips and dip, the drinks, and the cookies to help make it last longer.

I asked a patient how their day was and his tone of voice and the color in his face told me it really wasn't that great. He said he was tired of doctors visits and just wished everything would get better. Hes been on a heart transplant list for the last year and hes hoping that his heart holds out for the right match before it stops working. Talk about perspective, this man is holding onto every day hoping that he makes it another day, hoping that someone will call him saying he has a match.  I know we could all die any day but to think that I was worried about some minuet problems in my life when there are others out there hoping they can get a new heart really put my problems into perspective.  

Judgement

Hello blogger world,

I might try this once again.

Ive been really trying to examine those hidden sins that no one really sees. The jealousy, the judgmental thoughts, envy, hatred, lack of patience. The ones that you can pretty easily hide from everyone else and you just feel them eating away at you, they almost seem ok...after all no one can tell unless you say something right?  Satan seems to get a foot hold in these areas and they are some of the worst problems to get rid of.

I have a really bad habit of judging a book by its cover, or coming up with my own ideas about someone before I even know them. Most of the time I end up being wrong. For example: My best friend Lauren, when I first saw her on facebook knowing that we would be roommates I immediately thought that she would be a snob, totally enthralled in her boyfriend and care less about me. I was in a time of life where I was scared to go to college and I just thought the world was against me.  I should have just trusted that the Lord knew what he was doing. Lauren ended up being the best person I could have ever asked for.  Next would be Jon, I saw him in class and thought that he was a tool and stuck up.  I was afraid to even talk to him because I thought he would be one of those jerks that rubbed it in your face that he was smarter. 1 3/4 years later I'm dating him.  I don't know why my heart feels the need to judge people as if I'm high, mighty and better then everyone.

Yesterday I was checking a patient in. He came to me with a cane, looked about 45 years old and had hair all the way down to his butt. He was on disability and I just rolled my eyes (not really) and thought "you're just sucking it all up buddy aren't you?" He started out being smart with me, and frustrated because someone "jipped" him in line. I tried to calm him down, it was all I could do to be kind and then when I asked to take his picture for his file, he said something that stopped my dumb thoughts in their tracts. He said "yea mine as well get the picture now, I wont have hair next time"  He told me that since he is disabled and cannot contribute to society and work he grows out his hair and donates it to locks of love. While I'm not a fan of men with long hair (since when does my opinion matter) I thought it was pretty admirable that he thought of that. His last donation was over 16 inches of hair.  I was pretty impressed to say the least and quickly remembered that my judgmental thoughts ALWAYS seem to prove me wrong.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to love like Christ loves? Unconditionally, all the time, without the negativity?  

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

What is love?

Love is when your brother takes his new Oakleys back because he wanted to visit his sister over the weekend and needed the $.

time with ones you love is so limited.

Hello...im stepping back into the world of blog. There's a few things I want to blog about but I cant seem to get them all out. Maybe writing this one will help the rest flow? We shall see...

I was talking to my grandmother today, probably none of my readers know her...but thats ok, Ill give you a picture of her. My 'Mom-mom' lives in upstate PA, she lives with her husband and getting to see her is a treat. My grandparents had a rough time earlier on in life. They lived barely making ends meet, they lived without Christ, and they lived through the death of one of their children (my moms sister). Life has not exactly been a cake walk for them.  Thankfully they found the Lord through Aunt Wendys death and after much convincing they quit the bad habit of smoking about 12 years ago.  Unfortunately their health has been spiraling downward pretty quickly for the last 8 or so years and excelling at a faster speed as of late. For years Ive wondered when the 'ticking time bomb' would go off. When will I lose her? She has congestive heart failure, her weight is not under control, she has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gout, and has had numerous mini strokes.  Sometimes I look at the statistics and am truly amazed as to how she is still alive. She always tells me that she hears the 'breaks' on her life coming to a halting screech. She says that the Lords not ready to have her in heaven.

I can remember back to so many years ago when I was younger, I was allowed to go and spend time with her and my grandfather at their house. One particular time when I was younger I was up all night screaming because I wanted my mom and dad...they got up early that day and headed to take me back home. We stopped at McDonalds along the way and after eating I decided that I was fine to go back to their house. I still remember sitting in the backseat and telling them that "I was all better now" to which they laughed and continued to drive me back home. It wasn't until I was much older that I was allowed to go back and spend time with them. I have so many fond memories with them. We would always go to the dollar store and I usually had an certain amount of things that I could buy. One time after much convincing that mom let us eat them all the time my brother and I got Sour Warheads...we then tried to sell them on their porch. We weren't very successful but we had a blast, we got in a little trouble when we finally confessed that we never had the candy before but mom would never let us buy them.  There were countless nights that we would stay up late playing monopoly with our own rules. We would have mom-mom laughing so hard. There was another night that we were sitting in the living room watching a TV show and suddenly a bat started flying around in the house. We flipped out, mom-mom made me run out of the room to go get pa-pa. I finally got him to wake up and he was able to catch the bat and kill it. We watched every episode of Touched by an Angel, our favorite being the one with Wynona Judd in it...we would cry every time.  Every year I would call her on April fools and ask her if her refrigerator was running and that if it was she should go catch it, it became such a tradition that I cant ever try to 'fool' her anymore.

My favorite thing about her though? Her prayer life...whenever I need prayer she is one of the first people I go to.  She has told me that whenever she is really worried about me she will get on her knees. Now, this may not seem like a big deal to you but when she gets down its usually impossible for her to get back up. Shes had to have my pa-pa come help her up on numerous occasions. He's told me that he's yelled at her before because its dangerous with her health, yet she still continues to do it. Usually when I am going to take a test I will feel anxiety and then I call her and feel completely at ease when taking my test. Its like she has a special connection.  I know one reason why shes still alive...the Lord knew that my prayer life fails so often that I would need someone like her continually praying to get me through school.  My mom-mom is one of my best friends, I love calling her and just telling her whats on my mind, knowing that it wont be gossiped about later, I wont be judged and that she will pray for me about it all.

My Mom-mom isnt perfect, and she'll be the first to admit that, but I have learned so much from her. I cry every time I think about losing her and what it will be like to not have her to call and pray for me. I know my time is limited and I need to take advantage of every moment I can with her. I could lose anyone in my life in the snap of my finger and just thinking about this made me realize how much my time with the ones I love is so limited and I need to make more time for them, and remember to show them how much I love them.

You should probably take time out of your day to watch this...

Check this out

The way you live really does influence others, it may not be fun to be different but its worth it to be different in the end.

Here we have my breakfast...Avocado sliced with an egg in the middle. Really easy to make, and healthy too!

Heres the link for the recipe

Here is our vegan (we substituted flax seed for eggs) muffins we made. We are storing them in the 

fridge to have for breakfast for the week!  Great healthy hearty muffin!

Here is the link to the scrumptious muffins!

  

Jehovah Jireh

Ok, so I have been trying to find a job ever since Wednesdays fiasco (refer to two posts prior for details). I hadn't heard anything back from the jobs I applied to but, yesterday I signed into my school e-mail account and had an e-mail about my student account.  I had some refund money that was sent to me.  Normally I would put this money right back into school but, because of the car problem I am going to keep it. So, my car repairs are paid for.  God really does provide, even when you don't think its possible. :)


In other news, I have been finding lots of fun recipes on pintrest. I decided that I was actually going to put my pintrest time to use and make some of these.  I started off with this one, I made it for dinner tonight. Nice and light and healthy. I loved it! I bought some bread from the bakery too and ate it with the salad. Ill try to give you more recipes as I make them.  I know sometimes its hard to come up with new meals to make.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

If you have 45 minutes you must watch this...

Its too good not too...

worrying is like a rocking chair it gives you something to do but gets you no where...

Why do I worry? Why? 


Worrying is a natural sin, we realize we have no control so we start freaking out forgetting to realize that God has everything under control. 


Today I went to get my jeep inspected. I was crossing my fingers that even though a few things may have been on the line that it would pass and I could have dad fix it when I was home for the next break...ohhh but that would be too easy and wouldn't require much of me "Trusting in the Lord with all my heart..." (Proverbs 3:5)


 After the inspection and oil change was completed I found out that I could't pass inspection because I need new break pads, new park break shoes, rear rotors and a new exhaust manifold.  *freak. out.* I calmly told the man that I would need some time to think this over and that I would get back to him. He threw out a 'rough' estimate of $400 to fix just the breaks alone. *heart attack* (yes, I'm being a drama queen) 


So, I came home and decided to run and take advantage of this nice weather we had today (60 degrees!) On my run I could feel myself tensing up and getting anxious. My chest was heavy and I was having a hard time keeping up with my friend. (ok, half of that is probably because I'm out of shape) anyways...I finally tuned back into what was playing on my iPod. click here to listen I was listening to the words and realized that God can and will take care of my problems. 


After my run I was feeling great until I got a phone call.  I had met with a family that needed my assistance watching their kids after school everyday while they dealt with a family crisis. I had everything (key word: I, not God) planned out, the amount I would make a week, how I would save it what I would put it towards and BOOM...the family doesn't need me anymore. The kicker of all this? I gave two other job offers up this semester so that my schedule was clear and free for this family.


 Here is where the doubt and anxiety kicked in. No money in the bank = no money to afford a bodacious car bill.  Dad called me to hear what went down with the car. Of course I just broke down crying because my plan that I had is now destroyed and I have no idea how Im going to pay the bill for the car. Dad reassured me that this is no surprise to God and that He has everything in control. Yes, how true that is but its also easier to say that and hear it than to actually trust that somehow a $500ish check is going to fall in my lap, or during the next Lynchburg rain some dollar bills come plummeting out of the sky. 


Shortly after I talked to my dad my cousin Matt texted me and said not to stress because he could find some great deals on parts for me. I wasn't holding on to much because I just know how car parts work: they're more expensive than my wardrobe. Naturally because I was stressed and didn't want to deal with it I got on pintrest...right before my eyes was this quote ""My Child....YOU WORRY TOO MUCH...Ive got this remember? Love God"  Wow...so the walls couldn't hold in the tears again. I had a good cry and just convinced myself that God has it all under control. 


About an hour went by and my cousin texted me with a price for all the parts... $390.  For e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. (not including labor...which dad always throws in there, but a batch of cookies is a lot cheaper then typical labor prices) Looks like Ill be making a trip to the PA garage...not Monro. 


All this to say...here I am worrying about every little detail, allowing it to consume my time. The time that I should be using to study and take quizzes and plan my lesson for youth group. I wasted my time that I could have spent wisely by wallowing in the fact that MY plans aren't working out and Gods plans are. For now, I have learnt my lesson...rest assured my sinful self will need to learn this same one again soon.


In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9


Matthew 6:25-27  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Matthew 11:28-30  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Luke 12:25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his  span of life?

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Click here!

Take a look at this link and listen to this kids stuff, God really blessed him with the ability to give a message in a unique and clear way.

Lots to be THANKful for

So, naturally I don't want to study for finals.  Im trying to think of constructive things to do besides go out and go shopping. I decided I would share my thanksgiving story. You may have heard it, maybe not.  Since this place is sorta like a journal for me I decided it would be good to write the story out while its still fresh. :)

The day started at 6:30 am. I got up along with dad and becca to go run our Turkey Trot. :)  On our way to the race Dad mentioned that he had talked to Jeff the night before.  He mentioned that he didn't receive the $80 care package that mom sent because the post office was closed until that Monday.  I was a little irritated as mom had paid for overnight shipping on MONDAY and as of WEDNESDAY it still wasn't there.  We had sent him a can of peas, turkey jerky, a tasteycake pumpkin pie, and some other favorites.  We figured he could have his own little dinner while we skyped him as we ate our dinner.

 Dad then proceeded to tell me that Jeff found out Wednesday afternoon that he was assigned to a family and had to spend the day with them for Thanksgiving. No big deal right? Thats a nice thing for them to do...WRONG.  Jeff either had to wear Khakis with a white button down shirt, or his dress blues.  Here is where the problem lies. Jeff didn't have khakis and it was too late to go out and get some, so he was going to have to wear his dress blues, which he looks stunning in. However, they are extremely uncomfortable.


He had to be at a bus station at 7 am where he would meet his family and then spend the day with them.  All I could think of was how I knew Jeff wanted to watch the football game and how I'm sure that his dress blues would not be comfortable to sit around in all day.  I kept reminding myself that this was his choice and that he's a big boy Marine.  He can do it...I mean really if he can run miles in a heat index of 110 he can sit in a comfy house with uncomfy clothes on.  This didn't really help the fact that it was going to be weird not to have him sitting there with us at the table.  I was also upset that this wasn't the first time the military messed something up for him.  Im proud of Jeff and I am thankful for the military personnel and for ALL they have done for my freedom...but sometimes they just aren't organized.

Anyways, I pushed all thoughts out of my mind and ran the race. We had a ton of fun, Becca filled in for my friend who was originally going to run but at the last minute couldn't. I beat my last time (*cough and dad cough*, dad beat my first 5k race time, and Becca finished...which was her goal. :)

After the race we rushed home to get some of moms sticky-buns and tell her how we did.  Shortly after we got home Dad and Chris left for Shenk Park for the annual Turkey Football game with church friends.  Little did we know, Jeffs good friend Tyler had picked Jeff up from the Harrisburg airport and brought him to the field.  Jeff got ahold of the football and yelled for Dad to catch, dad thought it was Chris and then did a double take. Chris was pretty surprised as well.  After the game they went and picked up Jeffs car from the shop near the park.

I went upstairs and got a shower, while I was in there I just started thinking of Jeff and how he could potentially have a miserable day.  I started crying and prayed that God will help him to have a relaxing day and that he would know that even though he couldn't be with us in real person or on Skype that he would know that he is loved and we are thankful for his service.

I came downstairs and joined Rachel and Mom in the kitchen doing homework/talking/making dinner.  We saw my car pull in and new it was time to sit and listen to all of Dads awesome plays and whatnot. :)  Chris walked in the door followed by my cousin Matt, Chris had my camera at the field and had it out of the case as he walked in. I thought he had some awesome pictures to show me.  I then see dad walk in with a backpack, I kinda looked at it wondering why he had it with him, and then it hit me at the same time I looked up at the man in the doorway that it was Jeffs backpack. Chris captured the whole thing.

                                    Mom screamed, embraced him, and started crying.

                                         
                                                     I was a bit shocked.

                              This will be a moment my family will forever make fun
                              of me for, as I blurted out while crying that I was "mad at him
                              because I just wasted time in the shower crying over him" I think
                              I punched him in the shoulder too...oops. haha

                            He forgave the punch and gave me the best hug ever!

                            Becca was in the background yelling that she wanted
                            a turn as she hadn't seen him since August. :) She got her hug
                           while the rest of us finished crying and shook as the adrenaline
                           took its course.

                            Forget shopping all day for Black Friday. Hiking,
                            laughing and making "asian" memories (inside joke) with your
                           siblings lasts longer than any TV on sale for $199. :) <3


                                         

I suppose I should spice this up, but I don't have a lot of time. So, I just want to encourage all who read this and have finals to hang in there and to finish strong. :)

Im sure a lot of you have seen this, but it never hurts to hear it again. :)

CLICK HERE! :)

"Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may  be matched by your completion of it." 2 Corinthians 8:11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaIvk1cSyG8 


WATCH THIS!!!! SO CUTE!

DEATH

Yes, the title is morbid...I know.  It seems to be the unfortunate reoccurring theme in my life the last few weeks.  

Here is a breakdown:

Fall break- Found out my teachers son committed suicide. 

Few days after fall break- A VERY dear friend of ours passed away

Few days after that- One of my best friends horse died. (it may not seem so, but its a huge deal)

This Saturday- A dear lady that I worked with at youth group, her nephew was hit by a car and killed.

Today- The GM of Hershey park died.

Two out of the five do not directly effect me, however the people it did effect are near and dear to my heart. My heart has been so burdened for these people, death is not an easy thing to deal with.  That person (or horse ha) is gone never to be seen here on earth again.  

The thought of all the deaths was overwhelming me the last few days.  I got to thinking about our time here on earth.  You think you are going to live till maybe your 80's 90's and peacefully pass away in your dreams.  Thats how I think at least, yet that is not the case for most people.  Each one of these deaths were sudden and unexpected.  They weren't laying on their death bed, they weren't in their 80's and 90's they were just gone in a blink of an eye.  

What if you died, just like that?  What have you done with your life thus far?  What would others say about the way you lived your life?  What did you offer the world while you were still alive?  Where are YOU going when you die?

All these thoughts made me want to step up my game and make sure that I am making the most of every moment because, when I die I want people to say that I was always serving, always loving, that I made them laugh, that I encouraged them and that I did what I could and never gave up.  

Although these thoughts gave me anxiety, I do have hope that when I die I  know where I am going.  I know that the Lord has a place prepared for my eternal life in heaven.  I encourage you to evaluate your life, do you know where you are going?  Don't think you have time to live life how you want and then get serious, cause it could be gone in a flash. 

If you have any questions on your life after you are done on earth, I would be more than happy to answer them. :)

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

Romands 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Well it appears that I had my settings blocking non-users from commenting.  I fixed it, you should be able to comment! :)

"TBD" "Too Busy Disorder"

So blogger changed, and it tells you how many profile views you have had.  I have more than I thought I would, unless its my faithful Emma checking up on me. :) Anywho, moving right along...

For the last couple of days I have been thinking about the phrase "Im so busy, I don't/didn't have time..."  Now, for some people and on some days this phrase is 'legit' and true, however if there are any out there like me, somedays its just a conveinant excuse to use.  Not only to someone who wants to spend time with you, but especially when referenced to spending time with God.

This past week I taught a lesson to my group of high school girls about spending time in the word and building a relationship with our creator. I talked about how we are supposed to treat Him like He is a friend not just someone who dictates our life and occasionally sprinkles us with blessings.  I mentioned how we always make time for friends, Facebook, eating, social activities etc... yet at the end of the day when our devotions haven't been done we say "ugh sorry God I was too busy, I didn't have time to get to know you today and Im too tired to do it now."  Now, maybe Im the only one that uses this excuse, and in that case allow me to just talk to myself here.

When you (I) think about it, this really is the worst excuse ever, because if Jesus would have used this excuse when it came time for Him to be crucified, where would we be today?  He made the time to die for the sins He never committed.  So not only did He make time but He sacrificed His time for something He didn't have to do.  When I look at it this way, the guilt for not making at least 10 minutes for him overwhelms me.  The summer relationship that I was in this summer basically ended with "Im too busy, I don't have time for you"  If those words hurt me, Im positive that they hurt the one who created us.  Thank God where sin abounds, Grace super bounds.

Devotions are a drag you say?  Well, I heard once that you should do your devotions at a time that you are fully awake and can focus.  Its also a good idea to associate it with something you like.  So, you like coffee?  Sit down with a cup of java and dive into the word.  Love the outdoors?  Make sure your setting is outside, or close to a window that will allow you to observe the outdoors.  The more comfortable you make it the less of a 'drag' it will be.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself when studying the word.  This list was given to me, so I take no credit.

God, what will this change in my life?
How will it adjust my life?
How will I be different?
If this passage is true, how will is radically change my life?


So, are we really busy or are we out of focus?  Do we need to re-prioritize our daily tasks? Are you going to allow what you know needs to change to just stare at you in the face or are you going to attack it?

 I know what I need to do...I need to get back to my homework so that I can get to my devotions tonight.

:)