It's a question that plagues every generation. We desire to find our place- our purpose. We know we have one... we just have to find it.
Maybe, instead of asking the "me-centered" questions, we should look outside of ourselves and up to God and ask, "What is YOUR purpose for my life? What Calling have YOU put on it? What do YOU want me to do?"
Community is important to Christ and the Church. There are multiple verses in the Bible where this is pointed out. He encourages us to fellowship, He promises to be present where two or more are gathered in His Name and He uses the symbolism of a body- one thing with many, many parts.
He also wants us to lift each other up, to help each other and pray for each other. How many times do we say "I'll pray for you" and immediately forget that pledge? Once a month? Twice a week? More often than that?
It doesn't matter how often we break that promise, if we break it once it's too often. It's time to start lifting up our brothers and sisters in prayer. And I mean serious prayer. We're in a battle. An intense, raging battle for our souls. We need to be in constant prayer.
If we fully understood what prayer does- what an impact it has in the world- I think we would pray a lot more often than we do. Prayer changes things. Prayer can reshape situations. Prayer can move the hand of God.
This is my challenge: whenever someone pops into your thoughts, pray for them. God works through prayer and communities. Be there when someone asks for prayer. Get on your knees before Him and fight for them. We're in a battle and we can't give up now.
Today, the school year started. (Sort of... one of my classes started.) It's crazy to think that it's my last year as a high school student. It seems like yesterday I was starting high school. Next year, I'll be considered an adult.
To be honest, I have no idea what I'm going to be doing after high school. If I get my way, I'll be photographing while remaining heavily involved with my church. Hopefully that's what God has planned, but I'll let him lead me where He wishes.
I'm a little (very) nervous for this next year. I'm teaching a co-op class with another amazing senior. I'm going to be out of the house nearly every night. I have to keep up with my school. I also have to make time for friends and family while keeping up with and marketing my photography like crazy. It's doable... many have done it before me. I'm just nervous about it. And excited. VERY VERY SUPER excited!
God is going to do some great things this year, no doubt. Have Your way, Lord!
"Never apologize for having high standards. People who really want to be in your life will rise up to meet them"
Purity is something that is often looked down upon in today's society. If you don't cuss, date every guy you meet and listen to the latest secular music (which is often terribly written... not to mention the horrendous lyrics) you typically can't fit in with the popular crowd, which means you often don't get a second look. (Or you get multiple looks because people can't believe how different you are.)
According to God, though, that's okay: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
As Christians, we're called to a different code. We're called to strive to live above the standards of the world and to be renewed by Christ. It's easier said than done, though. There's always someone that's going to tell you your standards are too high.
:"Call me crazy, but I think the first kiss is so special, I'm saving it for the altar.
For example, as a personal standard, I've decided to save my first kiss- yes, my very first kiss- for my wedding. (There's only one first kiss and I want to save that for my husband.) I know that's not a popular goal, but it's one I've set for myself. It's more than saving your body for your husband, it's going that extra step and saying, "I've been waiting for you, thinking of you and I've saved everything for you. That's how special you are to me." The other day, I was telling a friend about that goal and she disagreed with it. I have a few friends that do. They've said things like, "But what if he's a bad kisser?", "What if that first kiss is awkward?" and "How will you practice?". My answer is usually "So, what?"
There are always people that are going to ridicule you for the goals, guidelines and principles you set for yourself, but God calls us to the next level of purity. He calls us to be Holy; to be set apart; to be examples to fellow believers and for the rest of the world. Are we striving to reach those standards?
(Also, for the record, that standard I mentioned above is possible. Joel Smallbone from For King and Country and Moriah Peters, two popular Christian artists, saved their first kiss for the altar. It's possible. Not easy, but possible. Just a little side note there ;) )
As I said in my recent "Summer Recap" post, God's been teaching me a ton this year. One of the things He's been showing me: it's okay to not be okay.
I value authenticity. I like it when people are honest- when we get deep in conversation- when people are real. That being said, I like to pretend I have everything put together. I hate it when people see me falling apart. I take pride in being able to hold my own life together, even when I'm alone. (Which, for the record, is all an act. There's no way I can hold my own life together. I fail at best.) I don't like to be open all the time. I like to be fake.
Yes. There. I said it. I am a hypocrite. The worst hypocrite in the world. Now, moving on.
This summer, I've had moments where I couldn't keep it together. Moments where past hurts, insecurities and all of those things we deem ugly just came tumbling out.
The amazing thing? God healed me most through those moments. He wrapped me up in His arms and held me, comforted me and reminded me Whose I am.
God works through us most when we're vulnerable and open. His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. When we're at our weakest, when we're falling apart, He comes to our rescue and holds us together. Even when it seems like He's countries away, He's still right beside us- underneath us- holding us and keeping us safe. When we admit we're not enough, He has the oppurtunity to come in and show us that He is enough and He will every time without fail. No matter how many times we fail Him, He will never fail us. He will never let us go.
Today, I was convicted of something: I haven't been using all my talents that God's given me to the best of my abilities. During the middle school C7 service tonight, we had a guest speaker. He was talking about using our God given gifts and not just "playing it safe" with them.
He asked if we were using all of our gifts to further the Kingdom. My original answer: "Yes! I use my musical talents in Heirs by playing synth and singing, I use my photography by doing photoshoots and a once a month photobooth at Kid's World FX, I encourage others as often as I can and I help with kids at co-op during the school year!"
... Then I realized those aren't my only gifts. I also write. I don't write often (except in my daily journal) but I enjoy doing it and it's a gift that God's given me. And I've been keeping it buried.
The reasons I don't write more?
I don't like taking risks. I don't like setting myself up for failure. I'm afraid of messing up. Of being judged. Of getting laughed at. Of being wrong. I like playing it safe to a certain extent. I like to hang out about 6 feet away from the edge. That way, I remain in my comfort zone while people think they see that I'm trying to move outside of it. (Which I'm not, actually.)
That being said, I'm done with the 6 inch mark.
Over the next 8 weeks (maybe longer) I'm going to challenge myself and move about 2 inches more toward the edge: I'm going to write on here three times a week. It doesn't matter what it's about, but it has to be something I've written. This is kind of a silly step, but it's one that will stretch me in a way that I need to be stretched.
Sorry for this thrown-together blog post. I just needed to write it so it's public knowledge and I have something to hold me accountable. :)
I'm done with the typical ordinary life I've been living- I'm ready to be taken to the edge.
This is blog post 1 of 24... I hope you enjoy this mini-journey with me!
"If You want to take over the edge, I'll let You because Your love is where I'll land."
