Hi there and happy Wednesday! This morning has been so beautiful, full of
sunshine and 60 degree weather, my favorite! I hope your morning has been just
as lovely!
As I was journaling [Yes, I call it a journal because I feel like I am
too old to say that I keep a diary] I had a thought and I think it may
encourage someone else, so I am going to share. And if it doesn't encourage
anyone else, maybe I will come across this post again and I will encourage me!
I know a theme within my blog has been enjoy. Enjoy life. Enjoy every
aspect to every day. Enjoy the hard times and the really fun times. Lately, I
have found it difficult to enjoy because I have been distracted. Sometimes, for
me, it is difficult to understand that the Lord has truly forgiven me for every
sin I have ever and will ever commit. After I repent, He forgives and moves
forward. As wonderful as this characteristic of God is, I find it hard to recognize
and live in a way that He has truly forgiven me.
As my last days at Liberty are rapidly approaching, I can say the biggest
lesson I learned in college is, I can trust in my God and He will provide. He
will always come through. He will always supply for my every, emotional,
spiritual, physical needs. [It's pretty remarkable]
If I know the Lord will provide for my every emotional, spiritual, physical need-
why do I doubt His forgiveness? I am not doing anything profitable by hanging
on to guilt and living in fear. I am limiting myself and hindering my full enjoyment
of life. I need to trust in God’s forgiveness and that means forgiving myself and moving forward. Trusting in
His forgiveness is the best way to enjoy life. I need to trust that His model
of forgiveness is the best possible way to live each moment.
Anyway, I am not even sure if this will make sense to anyone else, but it’s
a thought I needed to find. Be encouraged that you are or can be free from your
sins. You can live in the hope of the gospel and this will bring you true joy. Understanding
that I deserve nothing and through Christ I have gained everything - that’s what gives me enjoyment, love and forgiveness to share from moment to moment.
- Happy Wednesday! :]
As we grow up we are always looking forward to the next step. I think it might be a girl thing. When I was in elementary school, I dreamed of high school... I was in high school and I dreamed of college. Now that I am finishing college, I cannot wait to be done and move along to a career! One common day dream for girls, are weddings. Now, some girls will deny it, but if they were honest they would admit to attending a wedding and while there comparing and brainstorming about your own. You know you do.
There are various reasons we all look forward to the next 'big things' in our lives. Maybe this part of life isn't as fun as we thought it would be. Maybe this phase is boring. Maybe the next phase is something we always dreamed about, or has more money... I'm not sure. But, I had an epiphany today... while day dreaming!
I have always dreamed about being a kick ass wife. It's just a goal I've always had in mind. Since I am at Liberty... (The largest school in the world to support premature marriage, immature dating, and think rushing everything that has to due with relationships is a good idea) It has been a challenge to be surrounded by women and girls who are going to be wives, like by spring. So, naturally, day dreaming about becoming a wife happens.
So, then my epiphany... What would happen if, instead of dreaming about the next step, I took the time to prepare myself for the next stage of life? I day dream about my 5, 10, and 20 year plans coming true, (Yes, being a kick ass wife is on the 20 year plan) but the reality is they will never come true unless my heart is truly prepared for it.
So, Proverbs 31:
An excellent wife, [or kick ass wife] who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen. Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates
My first thoughts:
I should learn how to sew... right? I swear, she made everything.
If that passage sets the bar..I'm not ready to be wife.
This is the definition of a kick ass wife... So, I have much work to do.
To break it down:
Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. I am in a major turning point of my life, as are my fellow college colleagues. I have no idea where I will be a year from now. I am going to have to move and find a real job, and it all seems so very stressful and scary when I view it on my own. But, the kick ass wife can smile at her future. I can only think, the smiling happens because she has the strength of the Lord and she knows what she deserves (something dignified), this creates peace. God, will provide. All the empty future holds for me is a world of opportunity to see God provides. So, smile at it.
She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. How often do I open my too talkative mouth and say something SO unwise? I'll answer that, daily. How often do I give unbiblical, worldly, selfish advice? Why am I not constantly encouraging all people I come into contact with? A kick ass wife does. She has the teaching of KINDNESS on her tongue?! The only teaching, I think, is on my tongue is sarcasm and the art of devaluing people.
She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. This one is my FAVORITE, because I was just thinking about it the other day. So, Facebook. Who has Facebook? Oh, everyone... even every one's grandparents, 1 year old cousins and household pets?!? Absurd... pets can't even type. Busybodies are a longstanding issue. "We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 1 Timothy." So, women, don't lie, we do like to sit around when we have nothing to do and 'catch up' AKA: gossip. That is a busybody. Back in the day, people just spread it word of mouth... But now, with FACEBOOK-- it is SO much easier to be a busybody! Being a busybody does not even involve moving anymore! You and your friends can live in different states and sit on computers and be busybodies together, without even picking up the phone! (Thank you Facebook chat) I am just picturing old school Israel with women walking around with their iphones on Facebook in the marketplace just gabbing away. (It is kinda funny to think about) That is NOT what a kick ass wife does... she is BUSY. She WORKS. She is a diligent, steadfast, and a hardworking women. The kick ass with does not have time for idleness.
'Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised' This verse is comfort but I think also a warning. Yes, it is nice to know that everything the world tells us we need or is valued, is honestly, meaningless... ie charm and beauty. That's a comfort. But, doesn't that put a whole bunch of pressure on your heart? It's really easy to pluck my eyebrows, dye my hair, put on make up, pay for fake breasts. But working on your heart, is hard. And painful. And not fun. And during the process you do NOT feel anymore beautiful. But, that's all God cares about. And that should be your husband's main concern for you. Fearing the Lord, and working on your heart will make you a kick ass wife.
So, as I ponder and dream about the next stage of life, kick ass wife hood (hopefully it is in there somewhere) I will prepare now. What's your next stage of life? Smile at it and then get prepared. I think that will make it all work out in the end.
Yupp, I'm back. Here again. For one more year. One more year of college.
I started my new job... it basically ROCKS.
My Froomies are home! [YAY]
And yes, every ounce of my being did not want to come back. But, here I am. Yes, I wake up and my heart is still beating for Michigan and I roll my eyes at the site of every old pickup truck, terrible driver, slow talker, and overly friendly person. I am a northern type of woman.... and that will never change.
I am about 5 days away from crossing my summer finish line. My summer has been a challenge and something I needed to really experience, to say the least. As these months flew by I had alot of stuff to deal with, as you know if you have read through in my last couple of posts. I think I stopped blogging so much because I had much reflection to do and honestly, nothing to write, I was completely blank.
I am happy to say, now nearing the end of my precious summer months, I think I am ready to head back to school. I'm ready to finish up my Senior year with a BANG! :]
But, as I begin this last journey of school, I will bring with me some lessons I have learned. I think they are lessons every person should at least consider... So here!! Consider! (I even added pictures because that makes everything funner! Yeah, I said funner!)
1. Country music does not suck... and 90's rock does not suck either!
I think this little lady changed my mind about Country music.
http://youtu.be/a1KqNJXryXc
2. Eating healthy food is actually really good for you. Last semester, I literally lived on Goldfish crackers [only the flavor blasted, of course] and progresso soup. But I learned this summer that cherries and blueberries are actually yummy. ...Like, really delicious. And eating healthy is not that expensive.
3. Sometimes mascara and blush is all you need. Natural is so much prettier then orange skin.
4. A guilty pleasure TV show is good for you! Now, some people may say 'That is a waste of time!' And if you would have asked me 5 months ago, I would have been one of those. But now, well, now I see reality TV as a comfort that I am not the craziest person in the world. Actually, comparing myself to reality TV, I am quite normal. Don't know which one to watch? Here's a list to help you!
The Bachelorette or the Bachelor. Now, there is this whole big debate I hear from Christian circles saying, "That show is degrading to men and women! That is teaching bad relationships and bad relationship habits!" And I say, "If someone is honestly looking to the Bachelorette for any type of relationship help or view it as a good way to meet people... Well, then you might deserve that reality TV show kind of relationship." Really, just chill and watch it or don't. Learn to enjoy the stupid things in life and laugh.
My Strange Addictions. The season finale was a women eating her husband's ashes.... Doesn't that make you wonder how they will top next years?!?!
Super Nanny. She seriously ROCKS. I wish I could be her intern.
Extreme Home Makeover. You'll leave feeling good. Like you were helping the family in need by watching an episode. Watch it. But have some tissues near by.
Toddlers and Tiaras. You'll be thankful for the annoying parents and bratty children in your life. Because they could never be as terrible as the ones on the show. Well, unless you're one of them, and if you are... sorry, you're terrible.
5. Cooking meat is not as hard as I thought it was. I made hamburger helper, chicken and tacos this summer!
6. The iphone is as incredible as everyone says it is. (I no longer have to google words when I am texting... spell check is right on it!)
7. Going out to eat, to the beach, to the movies, to get ice cream and shopping is totally, 100% okay to do ALONE. Seriously. DO IT! If you are nervous, bring a book! And since you won't really read it, bring any book... you can look super smart and sophisticated if you bring the right one. [I may or may not have brought an encyclopedia with me once.]
8. It is okay to go on dates for the free food.
9. And it is also okay to have your roommate call you and pretend her car broke down so you can leave the date.
10. And it is NOT okay to get fist pumped on a first date, especially twice.
11. I learned that my car is old, and needs alot of help. And I learned it feels pretty awesome to be able to pay in cash for car repairs... but that might have been a one time deal.
12. I learned God is too good to me. And I don't deserve anything from him. I also learned forgiveness and grace is an incredible feeling.
13. I learned that sunglasses are supposed to be too big for your face... really, it is okay the Kardashians say so! SEE!
14. I learned to embrace when your exhaust pipe has a hole in it...Even if you get a headache from driving your car. Turn the music up!
15. I learned it is funny the high school friends you keep up with. Because, seriously Jason Jung, who would have thought we would hang out like 5 times this summer?? Honestly, I never thought I would see you after graduation....Thanks for the dinners!
18. Tina Fey's book 'Bossypants' was one of the funnest things i ever read.
19. Uptown Girls is ALWAYS on TV.
20. I learned it is okay to use wrinkle cream at 22. Anyone who says 'That's stupid' is just mad they didn't think to do it before you did.
21. I am funny. I really am.
22. Sometimes drinking out of a fancy glass and lighting candles while eating pizza is a MUST. Everyone deserves to feel fancy... light those candles and order that pizza!
23. I learned don't pay for a crappy cup of coffee, ask for a better one.
24. Paying $35 for a haircut is a great investment. [And so is getting your eyebrows waxed]
25. I learned the dollar store has some nice things.... I know, I know, but you should really check it out every now and then.
26. Everyone should have some sort of cabin in the woods.
27. I learned to say 'Hello' and smile at random people. I learned this from a man who was always, always at the pier with his dog, on the same bench every day. He was missing a leg and his dog was missing an eye. And it never failed, I saw him every day... morning, evening, whenever. And he always said 'Beautiful Day!' Rain or shine... But, I guess every day should be considered beautiful.
28. I learned, don't curse people out over the phone while in public... because no matter the situation, you look like the curse words you're saying.
37. It is okay to carry around your iphone and let it play Pandora all the time to make your life feel more like a movie. Don't worry, you're so allowed to do that
38. Kayaking is not just for granola eating, bike riding, outdoor individuals.
39. I learned if you don't like your haircut, go back to the salon and have them fix it!
41. I learned your best friends will be content watching stupid TV and drinking lemonade outside with you on a Friday night.
42. I learned you can replace vegetable oil in cup cake mix with apple sauce to make it less fattening. But, I say, if you're making cupcakes, make them as fattening as possible!
43. I learned 2 bowels of ice cream a day keeps the blues away!
44. I remembered slashed learned I need to journal every day. EVERY day.
45. I learned belly shirts are coming back in, Yeah, I've embraced it.
46. I learned old jeans make wonderful daisy dukes.
47. I learned how to change my oil.
Well, if you made it to the end of my list, YAY! I am proud of you! Thanks for caring that much about my life and what I learn.
I am now heading to bed and hopefully, living these last summer days to the fullest.
Things bother me. A lot of things bother me. I think whistling is annoying. I don’t like blue, brown and black together. Slow drivers, crappy bubble gum, wrinkled shirts, long instrumental breaks, weak coffee… and the list can go on. I get annoyed FAR to easily.
I am not a very patient person and unfortunately my face blatantly displays my emotions for the world to see, no matter how hard I try to hide my feelings.
This past semester I was very overwhelmed, and there were so many moments that I just wanted to jump in my car and drive away. I can fit everything I own in my car… so why not? But, with the help of friends and family I made it through my distressing semester.
And now here I am, home sweet home. I thought when I arrived here I would be so re energized and ready to go! And to an extent, I am. I always feel a 100 times better crossing that Michigan border. (who doesn’t?!)
But, moving home I have been reintroduced to all sorts of new circumstances.
One night last week, I just really felt as if I had reached the end of my rope, I was spent, done, drained in so many different ways. And my dad and I got into a long discussion about circumstances….
Have you asked yourself these questions?
Why am I in this situation?
Why did God allow this to happen?
What am I supposed to do now?
Why isn’t God making me feel better?
How come things can’t just change?
Why can’t I just feel better?
I’m trying REALLY hard…so why isn’t God making this any easier?
Sometimes in my prayers I just look up and say “WHY?!?’ I think God just laughs at me… “Oh, Haley, my little over dramatic daughter.”
But seriously, what am I supposed to do when things are not getting any better?
I’m not saying I have the answers, or that I am right, or that this is even scriptural… this is just me, trying to figure ‘things’ out.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I really don’t think God cares about our circumstances. I think God loves us and I think he loves us enough to put us in crappy circumstances. I really don’t think he is concerned with making us happy…I think he is much more concerned with how we respond to our circumstances.
This is much easier said then done.
But think about Job, Samson, David, Paul, Jesus…. They all had some pretty bad circumstances to live through and God didn’t magically make them feel better, or give them a new car to ‘cheer them up.’ These Godly men had to DEAL.
Is that what I’m supposed to do?
I guess, when life gives you some down right terrible circumstances, God is not concerned with making you ‘feel better’. God is concerned with your character and how you will deal with it.
This semester I had some pretty gloomy circumstances surrounding me and how did I respond? I wish someone would have said, “Haley, this is a time to test your character. This is a time to test who you are in Christ.” I think if I had thought about it that way, I would have dealt with things so differently.
While mistakes happen and I think they are necessary for growth, if I would have thought of my circumstances as a way to grow and test my character, I may have made some less dumb choices this semester.
People often said the definition of character is how one responds when no one is around. I think character is the way one responds when life is not going their way. Character is how someone chooses to deal with his or her issues in circumstances.
I think James 1 when Paul says “Consider it joy my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” So, should I be joyful?
I’m not sure. Because I’m still hurt, I’m still healing; I’m still trying to deal with so many different circumstances…
But maybe instead of waiting for God to ‘make me feel better’ or ‘change my circumstances’ I need to deal with my problems and be joyful in my circumstances.
This is a time for me to question my character; this is a time for me to develop my character…. And I truly believe that’s what God cares about.
As Christians, I think it is easy to compare us to each other. I was recently confiding in a friend and they compared me to other people we know, trying to prove a point… but at the end of that conversation I couldn’t help but think, but it doesn’t matter what other Christians chose to do…
Isn’t Jesus Christ the one I should be comparing myself too? What did Jesus do with his circumstance? He prayed in the garden, and then did what God needed him to do. He lived and died through his circumstances.
Now, of course, it’s Jesus…He’s ‘perfect.’ But isn’t that what I should be striving after?
All I know is, God is not going to magically change my life into a perfect storybook. If we were all honest, everyone’s life is a mess. LIFE IS MESSY. I think the only way to truly live life, is to get involved… and that will leave you dirty, scared, jaded, disappointed, sad and many other things…
But isn’t it better to live with grass stains, scraps and dirt under your finger nails, than to be to far back you never even graze the top of the grass?
So, i found this new blog. On it they have alot of competitions, one they just had was to take something with negative connotations, and make it pretty. Check out this video:
