Hosanna Emily's Blog, page 15

Why You Should Do Hard Things

I push aside beige and blue, blacks and grays, as the material brushes my fingertips.  Rough denim turns on the hangers with the scent of clean but used consignment clothes.  My hands turn from one to another article of clothes, yet I feel my eyes wandering.
Across the store, a darker-skinned woman with her back turned slightly towards me.  She picks up a pair of shoes and holds them up to an older woman.  Lines crease their face as she thrusts them back, and they wander down the aisle.
I stand watching, my feet stuck to the ground as everything within me begins to burn.  A still, small voice whispers in my ear, but I try to thrust it away.
Go to them.
I shake my head.  How could I approach two strangers with nothing to say?  How could I offer a smile to faces I've never seen?
Go to them.
The voice continues to prod, push me forward.  My face is on fire.  I feel like a racehorse is galloping in my chest with each thud of my heart.  And in the moment, I have to decide who to listen to.























I used to think I would be bold and brave when I grew up.  I would be that beautiful adult who faced the world without fear, living courageously for what I believed in.
But so far it hasn't happened.  I grow older, but I'm still me.  I still struggle, fear, and face decisions that that make my fingers grow numb.
The wonderful thing is that God is still God, and when I grow weak, He is only stronger (2 Corinthians 12:9).
That's why we do hard things.  Not because it's fun or exciting but because it allows us to admit our inability and let Him work in and through us.
This journey started when, as a young teenager, I read Do Hard Things  by Alex and Brett Harris, and the book changed the way I saw life.  The pages made my hair stand on end.  God wants me to do hard, scary things?  He wants me to live radically?  How could I do that when I am so weak and afraid?
But ever since then, I've been on an adventure - seeking to do hard things because then Christ can work in me.
I fail more than I win.  But every time, He picks me up and lets me start again.
What if Noah in Genesis 6-8 had let fear get between him and God's perfect plan?  What if he hadn't walked with God amidst uncertainty, hadn't built the ark to deliver his family from a seemingly impossible death, hadn't stood strong when persecution arose?  What if the taunts and logical voices had drowned out the Voice that spoke truth before the storm?
But Noah did hard things because he trusted in God.  It didn't make sense, it wasn't enjoyable, but he pressed on anyway.
And, like Noah, we must,

...be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 

- 1 Timothy 4:12

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

- 1 Timothy 6:12

Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

- 2 Timothy 2:3

When I walked across the store and gave a hug to two strangers, it didn't make sense.  Everything within me wanted to run away and escape the burning feeling inside my heart.  But for once, I ignored the fear and did it.
There have been countless other times when I succumbed to the temptation and avoided the hard thing God brought before me, and every time I realized that it's more painful to disobey than to obey even when obeying seems to tear you apart.  Doing hard things is what we are called to as Christians.
Whether it's making your bed in the morning, smiling at someone who doesn't deserve it, not allowing "introvert" to define you, memorizing a chapter of the Bible, or sharing the Gospel, I challenge you to do hard things.  Be the Noah of our generation who stands up and walks with God.
It's always worth it.

Not long ago, I had one of the most lovely weeks of my life.  During the Glory Writers Retreat, I had the opportunity to fellowship with amazing ladies who have a passion for Christ and for using the gifts He has given.  But even then, I had to do a hard thing.

I had to make the decision to do something I've never done before.  I had to resist panicking when my dad drove off, leaving me with people I barely knew.  I had to take a deep breath, trust God, and know that He is always good.

But like Eric Ludy writes,

Heroes are not made through grit, self-determination, or by pulling themselves up by the proverbial bootstraps. True Heroes are the product of Jesus Christ's grace, His divine and loving determination, and His pulling us up from the depths of our sin. 

Yes, we fear.  Yes, we are broken.  Yes, we're not strong enough.
But with Christ,

...I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

- Psalm 18:29-30

So I choose to do hard things, not because it's easy but because God is always good.
What hard things are He challenging you to do with in your own life, my friend?  Saying the word, sending the letter, giving the hug, whispering the prayer?  Don't give in or give up.  God is there, a shield to all who trust in Him.  Sometimes the smallest hard things can make the biggest differences in life.
Press on.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear...

- 1 John 4:18

~♥~

Glory Writers Retreat 2018

Last week, I stood on an arching stone that protruded near the tops of the mountains.  Towering trees looked like clips of broccoli below me, and the horizon stretched as far as the eye could see.  Stony crests, towering cliffs, and yet there I stood at their height.
Down in the valleys, creeks danced on the fingers of waterfalls.  Smooth sand brushed my feet, and the water clasped cold around them.  I wandered through forests where flowers bloomed in delicate pink and ferns adorned the pathways.  Sunlight struggled to sift through the lush canopy.
But that wasn't the most beautiful moment.  I think back on the memories and smile at the grandeur that I discovered in the Daniel Boone National Forest.  And yet there were other moments even more precious.






















Eleven young women sat in a circle.  The log cabin around them arched high overhead, and green leaves sparkled through the window.  But they didn't notice that.  The air filled with soft singing - songs of praise.  Hands clasped tight, shoulders rocked in rhythm.
The voices grew silent, and one by one they took turns speaking.  Testimonies, hopes, futures, all was shared amidst tears.  And that was the most beautiful moment.  Not the glory or the highest peaks.  It was simple beauty in open hearts that let themselves be vulnerable to one another.  It was the love that permeated between the sisters in Christ as they circled and prayed.  It was the oneness they had with each other, without the make-up, the perfect lives, or the masks.
That's why I was so blessed by the Glory Writers Retreat last week.  Eleven truly amazing and beautiful women came together to share fellowship and love because of Christ.  We cried, we laughed, we sang.  And it was perfect.
It was a step of faith for me to travel away from my family for a week, but God used that vulnerability.  Every lady I met was a source of joy.  Together, we were sisters in a little cabin in Kentucky.










































Now as I look back, I miss the special moments we treasured together.  I miss all the girls - Allison Tebo, Isabella, Ivy Rose, Karis, Katherine, Melani, Mrs. G, Olivia Jarmusch, Sarah Grace, and Victoria Lynn.  (this vlog Livy made gives an inside glimpse into the retreat)
I'm also reminded of the value of open hearts, and my prayer for us all is this:

The eyes of your understanding (or heart) being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.

 - Ephesians 1:18

The writing retreat was an amazing, uplifting experience.  More importantly, it drew us closer to God and each other.  I'm so thankful.
And today, I hope that we will continue to allow our hearts to be enlightened - that we may know what is the hope of His calling.  We are loved and treasured and bought with a price.  Therefore, we must glorify God in our body and spirit (1 Corinthians 6:20).
If even the mountains and trees live to bring Him glory, how much more should we give ourselves to the One who loves us.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

- 1 Corinthians 10:31

~♥~

Story516 | When New Life Begins

In the beginning, God created a beautiful, perfect world.  But sadly, it didn't stay that way.
In Genesis we read about how an evil serpent tempted man to destroy the luscious haven by introducing sin into the world.  From the first decision to live selfishly, lives broke.  Hearts shattered.  Blood spilled.  But there was hope - hope of new life beginning.
It started with a lost life.  God sacrificed an animal to make coverings for man, and the first drops of red blood stained the earth.  In the pain, somehow hope began.
It began as God promised a Savior to be the perfect sacrifice for sin.  The lies of the snake couldn't last forever, because a Man would come to earth to bruise the head of the serpent.  In that victory, we could hope to return to the unity man once had with his Creator.
Although that Savior came and let His own blood spill on our behalf, the serpent is still active.  He wants to continue what he began - shattering lives.  But there's always hope.  There's always God.
And that's why I wrote the short story When New Life Begins.  A new website opened up for readers this month to encourage Christians to use their arts for Christ - from writing, photography, music, and more.  I was blessed with the chance to share the story through Story516.
If you're an artist wanting to encourage others with the talents God gave you, I encourage you to contribute to this budding community!  Or if you're someone hurting, wondering why, or struggling with the lies of the serpent, I hope somehow my words are able to remind you that there's hope.  Sometimes, we want to give up, but new life begins.
So hop on over!  Read the short story and then check out the other posts on the website.
Read the story here.
I promise I'll come back and do more of my typical posts soon.  This week, I'm at my first writer's retreat, meeting some amazing sisters-in-Christ who also happen to be authors and/or bloggers!  We are savoring this time of fellowship with like-minded believers, and I hope you're also able to rest, be still, and know that He is God.
You're never alone.

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 

- Romans 6:4

~♥~

the Rebelution | Don't Hide Behind "Introvert"

We're called to do hard things for Jesus, but we can't do them on our own.
Thankfully, He hasn't called us to change the world in our strength.  When we are weak, He is strong, and we are told to be faithful in what is least.  Then we can also be faithful in much (Luke 16:10).
But what if that little step of faith involves us walking across a room and welcoming a stranger?  What if we have to push aside our comfort zone, ignore the label of "introvert", and speak words of love and truth?
We can't hide behind "introvert" if it keeps us from accomplishing what God is calling us to do.  We must step out.  We must love others.  Even when it's hard.
I had the opportunity to guest post on the Rebelution on the topic of pushing aside "introvert" to embrace living radically for Jesus.  I encourage you to slip on over now and read why I decided to step outside my comfort zone and how you can do the same in His loving strength.
Read the post here.
In the next few weeks, I'll be sharing some other guest posts I was able to be a part of.  But until then, I challenge you to step out.  Love radically.  And don't let a label define who God made you to be.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

- Joshua 1:9

~♥~

Windswept Silence | a poem

Windswept Silence 

Twirling eddies, rustling colors spin togethertornado in cool breezepushing, throbbing, grabbing at my hairi am spun in the dance.invisible fingers close around minethe wind’s song, and my feetnever touch the ground.soft drops of rain, a crystal chandelierbreathless melody of thunderlightning far off – distant star.my wet feet and the hair around my shoulderssilent gasp with windblown leaveslike the rainbow before a storm.all stills in the drop of an acornglistening drops cling to every budwatchingfor the voice of the stormto call us into the dance again.but until thenwe wait.frozen dance floor against my toesthe beckoning that the breezelongs to hear.

Dear Friend,
Two days ago, I stood in the sharp gusts of air that billowed before the full storm arrived. Leaves twirled like a tornado, and my little siblings screamed and ran to gather armfuls - but they all slipped by in a moment. And then it stilled. Little bits of hail began to fall from the heavens like diamonds, and we watched, transfixed.
Even in the power and glory of a storm, the heavens still bid to God's still, small voice. And every trial you face can also grow silent when we fix our eyes upon Jesus. He's not only the author of our stories but also of today.
Never give up.  ♥

For behold, He who forms mountains, And creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, And makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth— The Lord God of hosts is His name.

- Amos 4:13

~♥~

How to Live as a Princess

I grew up imagining that I was a princess.
I wasn't the kind of princess you would find at Disney.  In fact, I never cared for Disney at all.  Those princesses were fine in their own way, but I didn't want their silky dresses and perfect hair.
No, I wanted to be a beautiful princess because I knew God was my Daddy in heaven.  And if my Father is a King, doesn't that make me royalty?
So I grew up reading all the books about God's little princesses.  I painted my toes, slipped in earrings, and tried to discover what a real princess should be like.  One day I would get to Heaven and finally be with my King, and I dreamed about the beautiful moment.
Some things have changed since then.  My princess books collect dust on a shelf, and I don't often sweep down the stairs in a royal gown.  But I still indulge in fanciful thoughts at random when I think of my tiara, shut in the darkness of a desk drawer.
And yet I wonder if a princess is who I was made to be.






















When we become Christians, we take on Christ's identity and become His daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18).  We are loved, treasured, and forgiven.  Christ calls us friends (John 15:15), and we are joint heirs under His name (Galatians 3:29).  Those who are saved are adopted into a united family, serving our King and seeking to bring His name glory.
I don't see any fallacy in calling ourselves princesses as long as we understand what that term really means.
A princess knows she is the daughter of a great and glorious King, but she doesn't use that position wrongfully.  True royalty serves, lives in humility, and seeks two wondrous callings:
First, to honor the King.
And second, to love others.
Which can be summarized by Jesus' commandments,

"'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

- Matthew 22:37-39

Dear friend, let's examine some areas of life and see if we're living like His princesses.

Our Outer Garments

Typically, you can identify royalty because of their dress.  A diamond crown graces their head, a cape sweeps against marble tile, or their clothes are made of the richest silk.  But in reality, that's not how we live (although wouldn't it be fun?).
We represent the King, and that should be evident by our clothes.  When we dress in clothes that are just a bit too tight or shirts that come a tad too low, what pictures are we sending to the world?  We dress modestly not only to keep others from stumbling but also to honor the One who gave everything for us.
Maybe you wear only dresses and skirts.  Your head could be covered or uncovered (tiara or otherwise).  Braids, jewelry, or other adornments might be embraced or thrust aside.  But either way, dress in the way that the Lord has convicted you to be right for yourself.

In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation...

- 1 Timothy 2:9

(If you're interested, click on the link and read the rest of the verse.  I'm curious what other believers think of the next topic addressed in that passage.)
But being a princess is about so much more than garments.





















Our Words

All throughout the Bible, there are commandments advising us how to speak.  Perhaps that's because our words represent who we are.  They show the hidden person inside us and where our heart is.  If we speak constantly in negative or complaining voices, our hearts are probably not aligned with His (ouch).
I could write so much about the power of words, but to keep this from stretching on, you can read more in this blog post or this article.
Our words are meant to build others up (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and if we truly love others, that's what we will do.  We'll bring comfort, guidance, love, honesty.  We'll help others rejoice and support them when they have fallen.
Also, as representatives of Christ, our words will be pure.  We won't swear (Matthew 5:34) or take the Lord's Name in vain (Exodus 20:7).  However, I wonder if it goes deeper.
I choose not to use crude language because I don't see it as fitting for daughters of a King.  Words like "gosh" can stand for other words that are not honoring to God, in my opinion  (this article has some interesting thoughts in that area).  Although this is a matter of conviction for me personally, I challenge you to examine your words.
Are they honoring?  Are they loving?  Are they uplifting?
Should you be speaking them?

Our Posessions

When I imagine a princess, the first image I see is a beautiful individual kneeling before the poor and offering a hand of help.  Not the clothes nor the jewels but something much deeper.

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

- 1 Peter 3:3-4

A princess is someone who gives her possessions willingly.  She shares, knowing that a life is more important than an object.
But it's not just a tithe.  She shares everything she has because of love.  How could she know of someone in need and not help?  That what love does - it gives radically.
Dear Friend, maybe you're a princess or maybe you're not.  Perhaps that term makes you uncomfortable, and you'd rather be known as a simple child of God.  But either way, let us live in such a way as to bring the King glory.
Let's dress, speak, and give to honor Him.
I always imagined myself as a princess, but now I am older.  I see how life isn't always rainbows and butterflies - storms come in, flowers fall, and tears burn.  But sometimes, when the stars are brightest in a midnight sky, it's easy to go back and remember.
You are loved as His child if you have committed yourself to Him.  Let's live like it.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

- Colossians 3:17

~♥~ 

Don't Labor in Vain

I read an allegorical story once of two men who stood before the judgement seat of God.  The first, a pastor, had a smug look on his face as he was called up.
"God," he said, "I was a pastor for 57 years, lead thousands to salvation, established a dozen churches overseas, and wrote a best-selling book.  I served you faithfully and tirelessly.  People mocked my efforts, but I stood up for Your name.  I'm ready for my reward."
"But I didn't call you to that,"  God responded,  "I called you to be a woodworker like your father.  I called you to serve me faithfully in the little things, but instead you jumped into seminary and lived a life I never asked you to live.  Your life touched thousands, but I led you to be my witness to others."
The second man stepped up.  He fiddled with his hands and let his eyes trace the lines on the floor.
"God, I'm only a woodworker,"  he mumbled.  "I built shelves and fixed carts.  But I did raise a nice family and tried to be kind to my clients."
His voice lowered.  "Sir, I didn't call you to be a woodworker.  I called you to be a pastor, but you ran from My calling and settled into the easiest life you could find.  What about all those who would have been brought to Me if you had been faithful?"
(a paraphrase of the original story)





















Friend, what's your calling?
In the story above, there's one message I don't want to convey: that God's goal for our life is something confusing and hard that we have to try to "find out", as if it was a puzzle we scrambled to dig up pieces for.

The problem in the story wasn't that the two men were "tricked" into living the wrong lives.  The problem was that both characters were actually living for themselves.

The pastor seemed to do all the right things, but he did it for fame and fortune.  The woodworker hid from God's will and settled into something less than what God had in store for him.
It's so easy for us to follow their pattern.  We can live and say and do all the right things and still miss the point:

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

- 1 Corinthians 10:31

A few days ago, I learned about someone who is my age.  She's doing amazing, hard things for Christ, and hundreds are noticing her impact.  As she fulfills God's goal for her life, she is also gaining recognition.
I was left wishing I had her life.  How come I don't have what she has?  Why can't I make as much of a difference in the world as she is?
But the point is that God has a plan for her.  God also has a plan for me.  They're different, and I might not see how God uses me for His glory.  Yet the most important thing is that I'm living life for the glory of God.

When we take our eyes off Jesus and start comparing ourselves to others, we're missing the point.  Selfishness wins.
Here's a test we can use to discover if we're really living for His glory.  Solomon wrote in the Psalms,

Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. 

- Psalm 127:1

Let's take the first two lines and use them as a guide for our own life.
Unless the Lord ____ the ____,They labor in vain...
Here are some suggestions:
writes the booksays the wordsgives the hugsings the songstarts the businessshares the Gospelprays the prayer
And on and on.  Unless the Lord does all those, they are done in vain.
This leads me to ask so many questions.  I started a book because the Lord lead me to... but am I letting Him write it?  When I let my words flow in prayer, am I really doing it for His glory?  When I sit here to create this post, am I letting His Love come out of my fingertips?
On our own we can do nothing.  With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
What good things are you doing?  Are you going them with and for Christ?  Or do you labor in vain?
C.S. Lewis wrote,

There have been men before … who got so interested in proving the existence of God that they came to care nothing for God himself… as if the good Lord had nothing to do but to exist. There have been some who were so preoccupied with spreading Christianity that they never gave a thought to Christ.

- C.S. Lewis in The Great Divorce

Even something so beautiful as sharing the Truth can become corrupt if we do it for our own gain.  That's because Christianity isn't a religion - it's a relationship.  We can't selfishly do all the right things for someone and hope they love us because of it.  Love is giving without expecting something in return.

That's what Jesus did for us - He gave freely.  Do we live selflessly for Him?






















As John 12:24 says, if a grain of wheat remains standing, what good is it?  But when it falls to the ground and dies, there it can produce a harvest.  Through brokenness and being open to God's leading, He can use us for His glory.
My challenge for you is this: examine your motives.
Why are you writing that, saying that, doing that, reading that?  Is it for yourself or for His great glory?
Let's not do all the right things and miss the point.  Even if we lead thousands to Christ, like the pastor who stood before the Throne, it will all be rubbish if it is apart from Him.  We must be faithful with little so that we can be faithful with much.
I'll leave with another quote from C.S. Lewis.  This one is rather long, and it's better read in context.  However, I think it will give you something to chew on as you finish reading.
The scene is in a place after death between a Ghost (a human who has not accepted Christ) and a Spirit (one who has).  The Spirit has been trying to show the Ghost the truth.

'When you painted on earth - at least in your earlier days - it was because you caught glimpses of Heaven in the earthly landscape.  The success of your painting was that it enabled others to see the glimpses too'... 

'How soon do you think I could begin painting?' it asked. 

The Spirit broke into laughter.  'Don't you see you'll never paint at all if that's what you're thinking about?' he said. 

'What do you mean?' asked the Ghost. 

'Why, if you are interested in the country only for the sake of painting it, you'll never learn to see the country.' 

'But that's just how a real artist is interested in the country.' 

'No.  You're forgetting,' said the Spirit.  'That was not how you began.  Light itself was your first love: you loved paint only as a means of telling about light.' 

'Oh, that's ages ago,' said the Ghost.  'One grows out of that.  Of course, you haven't seen my later works.  One becomes more and more interested in paint for its own sake.' 

'One does, indeed.  I also have had to recover from that.  It was all a snare.  Ink and catgut and paint were necessary down there, but they are also dangerous stimulants.  Every poet and musician and artist, but for Grace, is drawn away from love of the thing he tells, to love of the telling till, down in Deep Hell, they cannot be interested in God at all but only in what they say about Him.  For it doesn't stop at being interested in paint, you know.  They sink lower - become interested in their own personalities and then in nothing but their own reputations.'

- C.S. Lewis in The Great Divorce

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

- Romans 12:1

~♥~ 

6 Ways to Rejoice in Jesus

For many of us, we're on the final stretch of a busy school year.  We can see the end; we're just not there yet.  So it's more pressing on, struggling forward, rising schedules, and late nights.
We have two options:  become overwhelmed by life or let Jesus overwhelm us with His beauty.
The first option brings us to emotions we're quite familiar with.  We're busy, tired, frustrated.  We get distracted, lose sight of what's important, and live a joyless life.  When we focus on ourselves, life overwhelms us and leaves us frazzled.
Or we could pick the latter option.  We're still busy and tired with full schedules and long nights.  But when we let Jesus overwhelm us with Himself, we can have joy amidst any trial.
It's easier said than done.  I just spent the last few weeks rushing from course to course, test to test, and forgetting to see Jesus in it all.  I grew tired and discouraged.  Yet Jesus was there waiting for me to take my eyes off myself and put them on Him.
I savor this song (and Michael W. Smith's edition is beautiful!),

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

- Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

But how?  How do we experience joy in every aspect of our life?  How do we turn our eyes upon Jesus?
Here are some ideas that will hopefully spark ones of your own.  They are not a 6-point plan to find joy, just some suggestions from a fellow sister-in-Christ who knows that living in joy is possible for those who seek Jesus with all their heart (Philippians 4:4).





















#1  Discard Distractions

I'm a writer.  Yet when I become consumed by other things (school, schedules, busyness), writing falls away.  I push it to the back-burner because there are more important things in my life.  Or at least I think they're more important.
It's the same with Jesus.  We can make Him a priority, or we can hang up, telling Him we'll call back later (and then forget).  But Jesus is the reason we can have joy.  That's why Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy of the Lord is our strength.
What distractions are we facing?  What issues are getting in the way?  Are they sin, offense, self-centeredness, or seemingly innocent things like distractions, schedules, and to-do lists?
Is Jesus more important than a deadline?  Because He's the Giver of all true joy.

#2  Write a Letter to Jesus

I've grown up writing letters, but only last year did I start writing them to Jesus.  There's something so special about pouring out our words in black ink spilling out of a pen and staining the paper.
If we want to abide in Jesus, we must abide in prayer.  We should talk to Him throughout the day, sharing our struggles, joys, frustrations.  After Paul wrote for the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always, he added,

...in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

- Philippians 4:6

We are told to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  But in addition to that, I challenge you to sit down and pen a letter to Jesus.  Tell Him exactly what you're feeling, thinking, hoping.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus by writing your words for Him.

#3  Look Around You

When I become joyless and frustrated, it's because I forget to stop, look around, and see Jesus in my life.  If we're not seeing the beauty He's given us, then we're focusing on the opposite - the bitterness of sin.
We have been blessed with a world of color, smells, tastes, and sounds.  Look at the dark sky full of dazzling stars, more in number than we could count.  Think of the sound of the rain against a metal roof as each drop contributes to the orchestra of His song.  
If we rush through life, we'll miss all that.  Often, the best days I've had are ones when I sat in silence and embraced the gifts He's put around me.
Thank You for the birds singing in those trees.  When those branches shiver in the wind, are they clapping to you?  And Lord, thank you for the fresh smell of country air.  I'm able to sit here and see and smell and embrace creation, Your beauty, the world you created and said it was very good.
My friend, rejoice in life.  Be glad when you see colors in a setting sun's horizon.  Embrace music, texture, laughter, hugs, silence.
Look around you and see Jesus in every area of life.
(Read Job 38 if you want to see God's power in nature.  It's an eye-opening chapter!)






















#4  Worship

Why did the psalmists compose more than a hundred psalms?  And why do nearly all of them tell us to sing, make melody, and raise instruments?

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever.

- Psalm 145:21

Worship isn't a time we reserve for Sunday gatherings.  It should be our daily life.  Maybe you don't sing or play an instrument, yet you can rejoice in Jesus by worshiping Him through your actions.
But there's something beautiful in singing words of praise to Jesus' name, both alone and with other believers.  I've been blessed with musically talented siblings who enjoy worshiping, and it's the best quality time we have - simply singing to Jesus.
And make sure to fill your mind with worship.  If the songs you listen to are eternally focused, how much easier it is to think of Him!  Waking up in the morning with a song of praise... is that not joy?

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

- Give Me Jesus

 #5  Fellowship

Beth Moore writes,

After we were born again, He did not leave us on earth to be loners.  He wants us to bring joy to one another!

-  Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit

Don't become so busy that you miss out on the precious friendships of our brothers and sisters-in-Christ.  They are a special source of encouragement, love, prayer, understanding, faithfulness, and yes - joy!   Have eternally minded relationships and rejoice in the fellowship of those who love Jesus!
Paul often wrote about his love for others.  He longed to see them.  He missed them.  He had joy because of them.
In the same way, we need relationships.  In our busy lives, we can become so stretched and tired that we just need to recharge.  What better way than to rejoice with others who are seeking Christ?
Someone needs you.  They need love, a listening ear, an embracing hug.  But friend, you need fellowship too.  Don't let busyness take you away from relationships.

#6  Be Still

Be sill and pour out your heart to Jesus.  Be still and listen.  Be still and see the beauty of life.  Be still and read His Word, listen to others, and savor the life He's given you.
But most of all,

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

- Psalm 46:10

He is God, and He is in control.  We can't let worry or tension invade our lives - be still.  And we can't let our schedules rule our lives as we rush from to and fro without catching our breath - be still.
Use the gifts and chase the passions He's given you, but never let go of what's most important.
Be still in Jesus.
And thus, rejoice in Jesus.

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.

- Psalm 5:11

(ps)  Dear friend, if you are struggling or living a joyless life, know that you're never alone.  I would be glad to pray, help, listen, or be there for you.  You are being loved.

~♥~

Alone Yet Not Alone movie review

Seeking religious freedom in America, a devout Christian family from Germany settles in the peaceful Pennsylvania colony - only to find themselves caught in the crossfire of the French & Indian War.  Following a merciless raid on their settlement, daughters Barbara and Regina Leininger are abducted, separated, then raised by their Delaware captors in the harsh Ohio wilderness.  Now, only their devotion to each other and faith in the Lord can lead them through their darkest hours and back to freedom in this inspirational story based on actual events.

Details:

103 MinutesBy Enthuse EntertainmentDirected by George D. Escobar, Ray BengstonRated: PG-13Released: 2013

Negative Elements:

Ever since I first heard that this movie came out, it's been one I've been excited to watch.  And recently, a friend gave my family the opportunity.  I had high expectations for Alone Yet Not Alone, some of which were fulfilled and some that weren't.
First, the movie rated PG-13, which will turn off some viewers.  This is primarily because of violence.  While I didn't have an issue with it, more sensitive people should consider that the movie portrays images such as (spoilers in white) a man killed with a tomahawk, another man shot in the chest (blood shown), many minor characters killed or wounded in Indian raids, a bear attacking a man, and a woman burned alive.  The woman is shot after she suffers several hours without dying.  In several scenes, viewers see scalps that the Indians have taken, and one scalp belongs to the main character's father.  End of spoiler.  There are other forms of violence, such as hunting or characters coming close to death in other forms.
So yes, there were tense moments.  I felt like it was portrayed very well, but viewers should still take that into consideration.
Another slightly negative element was that I, as a picky story-creator, found some plot holes in the movie.  There were epic scenes that never happened, and I think they would have made the story so much better.  Instead, the plot was a little bland with lots of escaping but not many major points.  A better story would have created a stronger Biblical message as well.
I sound so negative here, and I really did enjoy the movie!  Let's move on to more positive themes.

My Review:

After I listed every bad thing I could think of, it's about time for me to share why this was a good movie.  I mean, it was promoted by Max Lucado and Dr. James Dobson, so it must be fantastic, right?!  There were certainly a lot of great aspects to Alone Yet Not Alone.
The acting, in my opinion, was well done.  I never thought about the actors as anyone other than their movie personas, and I think that says something.  (another note, the song that was a big part of the movie is performed by Joni Eareckson Tada.  And one of the actors surprised me by being Brett Harris.  See - what great actors already!)
Also, the costumes and make up...!  That was the best part of this film.  The Native Americans, settlers, and officers looked very authentic, and I would have enjoyed watching the movie just for that.  But then there were accents, Indian traditions, and other elements that made this historical piece come alive.
I liked that this movie has a Christian message - God will never leave you nor forsake you.  Characters stand up for their beliefs, and the Gospel is quickly shared in one scene.  I think the message could have been stronger and more challenging, but this was still an enjoyable, wholesome movie.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable movie that my family enjoyed.  I think it has room for improvement, but I would still recommend it to viewers who are not daunted by violence.  I'll have the song "Alone Yet Not Alone" stuck in my head for a long time.

Other Notes:

Did I mention that this movie is based off of a book that was written to remember the true story of Barbara and Regina Leininger?
On another note, if you're wanting another review on this movie, you can read one here.  Or you can discover more at the movie's home site.
I'll end this review with the key verse of this story,

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

- Deuteronomy 31:6

~♥~

Why Biblical Love is Everything

A year ago, I thought God taught me something.  The truth is, He did.  And the problem?  I'm still learning it.
It was back during last April.  I looked at my life and realized that I was doing a lot of things for God, but I wasn't doing them with God.  Ever since then, I've been in a constant struggle where I often forget and fall back into the same patterns.  I write - for God.  I live - for God.  I read the Bible - for God.  But what's the point if I'm doing it out of obligation instead of love?
You can read the post here.  Or you could continue as I readjust my view slightly.























Those who are true Believers in Christ understand this verse from Titus,

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

- Titus 3:4-5

We can't do anything to be saved by Jesus.  It's all because of His mercy, His kindness, His love.  Jesus saved us, period.  But that doesn't mean we can throw up our hands and stop there.  We should be doing good.  (read verse 8)  But those good works we do are in response to His saving grace - because we simply can't help it.
Let's look at it from a different viewpoint.  A few weeks ago, I gave a handmade gift to a friend.  I didn't want anything in return; I gave it because I wanted to show my love for her.  But that friend chose to give me a gift when she came home from a trip.  She didn't have to, but she did it anyway.
God gave us the ultimate gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).  That's what Easter is all about, isn't it?  Read one of the Gospels, and you'll discover the most beautiful love story - a Savior who gave His life to deliver and transform you into someone who could tell His story.
But we often get stuck.  We understand that Story.  We "invite" Jesus into our heart.  But the relationship stops there.
The true value of love is something we just forget.
I try so hard to live a life for Jesus.  I want to spread His story, so I do it on my own.  I want others to have hope, so I try to give them a piece of mine.  But nothing will happen if I miss the point.
You know this passage already.  But do you live it?

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

 Dear friend, what's life if you don't love?  What's ministry, serving, encouragement, if you don't do it out of love?
I can write the best books, the best blog posts, the best emails, but if I don't truly have love for the person at the other end, does it really matter?
Or what if we consider John's words?

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

- 1 John 4:8

If God is love, can't we read 1 Corinthians 13 and put His name in the text?
If we speak and write the most beautiful, elegant words apart from God, we're just meaningless noise.  If we're smart or wise or gifted or if we are more spiritual than anyone else but we don't have God, we are nothing.  If we are the most sacrificial, generous people but don't have God, it profits us nothing.  (my paraphrase)
Are we living lives that matter?  Or are we gaining no true profit?
We can't attain our salvation.  And we can't make a difference in the world on our own.  But we can seek to discover more of God and embrace love so we can give it away to others.
Let's stop saying we love others and actually do it.

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren... My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

- 1 John 3:16, 18

God's given us the opportunity to love.  But to do that, it starts with our relationship with God.  Do we love Him?  Do we keep His commandments (1 John 5:2)?  Do we seek Him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength (Deuteronomy 6:5)?
Let's not be meaningless noise.  Let's love.
But how?  How are you going to step out and love others radically, my friend?  How are you going to seek Jesus more?  Let's talk together below!

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

- 1 John 4:7

~♥~