Monday Motivation (6/8/20)

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There is unbelievable negativity in the world right now, and to play on some common sayings, I'm not here for it, and it's cancelled, and I'm having a #DoomAndGloomIsOverParty.

Not going to lie, there are plenty of reasons we could throw a pity party right now. I could throw myself a pity party, but I am determined not to. I have hope in something greater than this world, and I'm going to celebrate it. That's my kind of party.

It's been pretty good in the quarantine life for the Jones family. Not too much has changed except that my summer break and time living at home extended by two months suddenly, and Mom got an extra month or so of her time at home, too. We don't go out that much, and our house isn't that close to the highway or center of town, so except for the chaos in the news, grocery shopping for my grandparents, and making a few last-minute grocery trips because we heard meat was back in stock, it's been a relatively normal summer despite it all.

Until Saturday. I can't tell you the last time we had a smooth summer. One of my high school years I guess. Post-senior year, we never got along, and I couldn't wait to get away and to college. After that first year--yeah we won't talk about that right now; that summer was nonexistent...God only knows...and He was the only reason we made it through, too. After sophomore year, Mom had elbow surgery. After junior year, I had just torn two hip muscles, healed, but a month later screwed everything down my right side up. This summer, we've got the coronas and the protests--AND now Dad likely tore his hamstring. Bless this mess...but God already has.

This was a couple hours before that happened. It was a great day. We'd only had the boat out a couple weekends so far, and I am so thankful that I took a boat ride this afternoon. We had Chloe in there with us, sweetest girl, and we even got her in the lake. Yes, she is a lab, and yes, she is afraid to swim. We're trying to teach her that she can do it, and she will be okay. 

Mom and Dad went to ski while I was studying for the GRE, but it was a long time, and they never came back. Then my phone rang...

Suddenly, everything was uncertain. We had gotten things calmed down and inside for the night, no ER visit, but we really didn't know what we were going to do. He could hardly move. 

When a serious medical issue like this comes up, you know there's the issues of work, doctors, treatments, all the money, time management, how long it will take to come back, wondering if things will ever be the same, all the things we will miss in the meantime, the changes to our daily lives, and so much more. That's reason for a slight mental breakdown if you ask me. Not going to lie, I did break down for a few minutes. And that's okay. 

It's one of those times you just don't know what to do or say or even pray, but that can be good, because we don't know best. God does. I don't know why this had to happen, but I know that God is in control, and He is good. We are safe. We are provided for if we do not give up hope and do not give up effort. 

Monday morning Mom woke me up after Dad had called and gotten into the doctor, but she had to go do Mamaw and Papaw's shopping, so I was designated driver. I had an hour or so, so I hopped up, took a bike ride to refresh, then got Dad to the doc. From there, I made the most of my time (one of my main goals because God puts so many things on my heart, and I run out of time every day--"Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16) and took my daily walk and pray to enjoy some fresh air and time with God without distractions. Not like I could go into the doctor's office during "these unprecedented times," for lack of better terms. He came out with news it was most likely torn, we just didn't know how bad, so next was an appointment that afternoon in Knoxville. Mom got home not too long after us, and they had time to eat lunch before leaving again.

Chloe and I enjoyed the sunshine and peace out on the deck with some dark chocolate Kodiak Cakes with berries and strawberry cream cheese. We all need more pups and pancakes in our lives. It's the little things. Health (mental and physical) is wealth. Words to live by. 

That afternoon, they actually got to the appointment and back before I left to DoorDash. It was overcast so not too hot for being in the car. I also got in a great Bible study relating to one of Pastor Dean's recent sermons, some things we needed at Walmart, and three good-paying deliveries! But during this time, I drove up on where there had just been a bad wreck. The flow of traffic was stopped in both directions for a helicopter to airlift someone to the hospital. A wreck is never good, but you know that's a bad sign.

That got me really down. So much pain in the world...things are just so...I don't even know a word for it. I was feeling pretty discouraged in the world after all of this. 

Discouraged in the world.

That's the problem.

The world has sin and pain, but the world is where we have turned all our focus.

After passing this scene and feeling so much more sadness, "I Know" by Big Daddy Weave came on KLove. (link to the full lyrics on the title above or scroll to the end to see some!) That gave some words from my heart that I didn't have the power to come up with on my own.

Later that evening, another one that has been uplifting through the recent events in the world and to me personally came on, "One Day" by Cochren & Co. (lyrics here and below)

At Dash #1 I got a simple little smile from the little boy and his dad next to me ordering. This kid couldn't have been more than six years old. He ordered cheese bread and two cookies. His dad said, "Just two? I thought you wanted three cookies." The boy grinned and shied away, then the young guy behind the counter smiled and said, "How about four cookies?" and gave him two for free. The little boy's face (and his dad's) lit up. So did mine.

There are good people and good things in the world.

God knew I needed that.

Further encouragement for me and you both to do good, because it can effect those around us that we don't even think are involved!

Also sounds silly, but another simple yet big thing gave me some peace that I felt like God sent at just the right time. I have been really worried about the dining situation when we get back to school because of all the health concerns, and you can only imagine if restaurants are limited, what will a college campus full of students look like!? So the dining services sent out a very informative and relieving email about some new options as well as the usual ones! We are getting a Freshens! AND I had suggested that in a couple surveys throughout the past year! There's also going to be another venue with a rotating homestyle menu as well as more weekend options for people with meal plans. 

I also got to chat on instagram with a friend that I haven't talked to since maybe high school, but we were cross country and track teammates at West. He shared how encouraging my posts are and that he enjoyed getting to see my positivity and faith. Man, did I need these things. Not that we need to have people tell us we're doing a good job, but sometimes that's how God gives us a little nudge to not give up. This doesn't happen often, but it does at the right times. 

So while this Monday was a downer at times, I was much more reminded of God's goodness when He shined through those dark times.

Fast forward to Wednesday.

Dad's MRI was this evening. The next step to getting on the road to recovery, less pain. I mean, he's been in a lot of pain. Can't go to work because he can't drive, can't sit in a car, can't sit in a desk, can hardly walk. It's already been four days with no progress. 

Phone rings.

Insurance hasn't approved; the earliest we might can get you in now is sometime next week.

That's even if insurance approves.

More uncertainty, waiting, worries of pain, healing, money, etc.

My heart aches for Mom and Dad both.

There's not much I can do but pray and try to be positive for them and help with what I can. I texted two of the girls that I've been praying with a lot lately so they could help me pray, because I know that prayer is so powerful, and often, others have a greater impact than we can ourselves because we are inherently so selfish in our hearts. It's human nature, but God knows and intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27).

Would you believe that less than an hour later, insurance called us and approved the MRI, so we called back to KOC, and they could get him in the next day! 

Power of prayer, persistence, and trust.

That evening I was out working, and it clouded up and even rained some, but there was a beautiful break in the clouds where the sun shined through, and God filled me with a peace that said He was making a way.

And how am I sure I was supposed to share this? It was really on my heart this evening, then I came across that tweet from Air1. "Do it," God said. People need to hear good news and encouragement not to give up.

Some of my favorite/relevant lyrics from the previously mentioned songs:
I Know
You don't answer all my questions, but You hear me when I speak
You don't keep my heart from breaking, but when it does You weep with me
You're so close that I can fell You when I've lost the words to pray
Though my eyes have never seen You, I've seen enough to say
I know that You are good
I know that You are kind
I know that You are so much more than what I leave behind
I know that I am loved
I know that I am safe
Cause even in the fire, to live is Christ, to die is gain
I don't understand the sorrow, but You're calm within the storm
Sometimes this weight is overwhelming, but I don't carry it alone
...On my darkest days, in my deepest pain, thorough it all my heart will choose to sing Your praise

One Day
One day there'll be no more waiting left for our souls
...One day there'll be no more lives taken too soon
One day there'll be no more need for hospital rooms
One day every tear that falls will be wiped by His hand
We will see the promised land
Hallelujah, there will be healing
From this heartbreak we've been feeling
We'll sing it through the darkest night
Cause we know that the light will come
There will be healing, hallelujah
One day there'll be no more anger left in our eyes
One day the color of our skin won't cause a divide
One day we'll be a family standing hand in hand
We will see the promised land
...One day when our tired and weary bones find their rest
One day when the power of evil is brought to an end
We will see the promised land

Like a Baby Shower, and College is the Baby + Ethos Message

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After finally deciding that I was going to accept the offer to run in college at Lipscomb, I signed during the early period in the fall to make it official!

I also will use this post since it's all about Lipscomb, to go back to what I wanted to share from when I went to Ethos church on my visit!  It was the perfect message for me at the time, so I can't help but share.  

One of the greatest feelings in life is experiencing God at work.  It's one of those things that just blows your mind and leaves you in awe, yet longing for more.

After a tough race on Saturday and a long run the next day (an hour or so before church), I was feeling so tired, sore, weak, and just in pain from all the business life had thrown at me!  During the opening part of service, God brought the words of Matthew 26:41 to my mind, so I looked it up and wrote it down.  "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."  Not even five minutes later, the speaker started preaching on the exact same passage, just the version by Mark in chapter 14.  Now, if that wasn't God at work, I don't know what is.  That is no coincidence.  (Mark 14:38, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.")  Starting in verse 32, Jesus was praying in the garden of Gethsemane.  The sermon was focused on the model Jesus set here of how to approach The Father. 

1) His Preface-Though His circumstances were overwhelming--He was about to be killed!--Jesus still had unwavering faith.

2) His petition-Because He knew it would be such a terrible death, He asked God to let it pass if at all possible.  Even more than that, He asked that God's will be done in any way.

3) His posture-totally submitted, humble, and trusting

This was really motivating for me because I could feel God comforting me in my stress and uncertainty.  I was encouraged remembering all that my Savior has done for me.  I can't waiver when God's will conflicts with my ways.  Jesus didn't die the death of a martyr; He died the death of a Messiah!  Because he died in agony, we can live and die in joy!

Another thing that really stood out to me was a picture frame over my host Clare's bed.  It said Embrace the Journey, which combines two of my favorite sayings:  Joy in the Journey and Embrace the Race!  (That also goes with something else in my life that is a secret until May, but just know that it correlates!) 

These small signs from God are everywhere.  Pray for you eyes and heart to be opened to them in your own life!

One of my friends Will signed to play baseball at UT at the beginning of early signing period, and they almost like a party with cake and pictures and people got out of class and off work to come!  I talked to his mom, and that gave me encouragement to celebrate, too!  A couple friends and I got to talking about it, and we described it like a baby shower, a small party to celebrate something that isn't quite here yet.  It's like college was the baby!  We're celebrating it, but I'm just not there yet.

 

After state we went to Lipscomb to buy some shirts to wear until I actually got to college and they give me all kinds of gear.  This is the sweatshirt I got, so it's kinda dressy,too.

I was so excited once we got things planned, and I invited lots of people from inside and outside of school.  Even though some people had to work, a lot got off to come!  Mom and Dad both did, of course, and all my coaches came.

I wanted to have little snacks too, since it was around lunchtime, so we decided on some that would match the Lipscomb colors!  We ordered some dark chocolate truffles with a couple different fillings--peanut butter, hazelnut, or espresso--from Yummy Cakes in downtown.  The grapes and pineapple were my color coordinating colors, too!

Thanks for the sweet snapchat, Emily.

It was really last minute, but they pulled it off just in time!

I think truffles are some of the prettiest little treats.

They were a hit, too!  I barely got any myself!  We didn't have any left to take home.

I've always been a daddy's girl.  Only now I have more hair.

Thanks to Matt Daniels who came to do pictures and a fantastic interview for the newspaper!

I really mean it when I say that I wouldn't be where I am without the people around me.  All the prayers, support, laughter, encouragement, and bits of grace that I've been given so often mean so much to me, especially looking back.  I love these people so much!  God has worked wonders in my life, and I've changed so much, but I'm so thankful for it.

 

The Light at the Lookout

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I wanted to "do something" this summer, so at the end of July I got a group of people together to invite any and everyone in the community to come out to Panther Creek Park one morning for a devotion time and bringing items for Food on Foot, a great organization here in East Tennessee that collects and distributes care packages and items to needy kids in the area.  This was the choice for where I wanted to focus some help going into this school year because as my mom works in an elementary school, she knows some home stories and kids who will just melt your heart.  There is such great need for food, faith, love, and simple care right here in Morristown.  Food on Foot is always welcoming donations and volunteers.

This is the logo for the flyer that I got my friend Abby Mitchell to draw!

This was a post from my instagram, showing some of the items that were ideas to donate and the verse that is like a theme verse, Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world...let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

The goal:  Let God's light shine through us into our community

 

Below is the beautiful view for where we met!

Now I'll go through some points and scriptures from my "message" if you want to hear what it was all about!

 

This world is full of darkness...sickness, hurting, sadness, murder, stealing, lying, cheating, disrespect, etc, and it makes me so disappointed to see so many lost and struggling people out there, so I want to do something about it!  I know it can be difficult and scary, but together we have others to back each other up.  We can not only keep each other going, but hopefully encourage others by example to get going, too.  I think that John 3:19-21 kind of sum this up.  "This is the verdict:  Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.  Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."  In general, the world has turned from the light and doesn't want to admit doing wrong.  God's children are to live full of Christ so that the world sees how great He is through what we do and how we live.

 

Analogy of God's light to actual light:  sunlight makes things grow, is warm, healthy and refreshing to our bodies.  Same with God!  He helps us grow in faith and character, warms our hearts, and can heal and refresh our body and soul.  Lights are also usually focal points of something, and God should also be the focus of a Christian's life.  Light helps us see things just like God's light helps us ee things like sin, hope, opportunities, reasons that things happen, and purpose for life.

 

Light overpowers darkness.  Consider a dark room, any size, even an entire gym or stadium.  Not matter how much darkness fills that room, if you light a single candle, it will be seen.  Not amount of darkness can put out a light.

 

In the world but not of the world is a simple, yet accurate saying about how Christians are called to live.  In John 8:12 Jesus said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  Later in 1 John 1:5, John writes along the same lines, "This is the message we have heard and declare to you:  God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all."  Yes, we physically live in a dark world, but spiritually we can always have an eternal glow.

 

Be bold in actions!  You have God to protect you.  "The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear?"  Psalm 27:1

He will give us anything we need to serve Him.  "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord."  Psalm 89:15

 

We all screw up sometimes.  No matter how bad or how many times someone goes astray, God has the power to bring them back.  We're all sinners, but there's always the invitation to turn to Christ.  "But you are a chosen people, a holy priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light."   (1 Peter 2:9)  Once we realize this salvation, we can tell others about how they can posses it, too!  You don't have to be anything special.  "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2)."

 

God can change anyone.  Consider David.  God called him "a man after My own heart."  David, such an influential man in the Bible, committed adultry with a woman named Bathsheba adn had her husband sent to battle to be killed!  Yet, God still still loved him and chose his family to be Jesus's family years later.  In thanking God for His mercy, Dad said "You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light (2 Samuel 22:29)."

 

Though we can't actually see and converse with God, His Word is the guide and light for our lives.  "The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  the commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes."  Psalm 19:8

"The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."  Psalm 119:130

"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life."  Proverbs 6:23

 

There can always be more to life.  There is always more that we can learn.  God is willing and wanting to show us these things if we are willing to listen.  "For God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."  2 Corinthians 4:6  By gaining more of said knowledge of Christ, anybody can change his or her life.  "For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."  Psalm 56:13

 

Summing up 3 great things that come with life in the light:  "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin."  1 John 1:7  We get to have a relationship with God, fellowship with other believers, and salvation from our sins.

 

It doesn't stop there!  It doesn't end when we get it in our own hearts.  Each of us had to hear about it some way or another, whether at church, school, home, a friend, cookout, the radio...somewhere!  We have to follow the words of the little kid song, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!"  It may keep our souls content, but there are countless people out there looking for something to satisfy them, but they just can't find it.

 

When good things happen, we love to share about it, right?  Like when you have a good hair day, it must go on your snapchat story.  Or you have this amazing boyfriend, so you have to post a picture of him on Instagram every Monday.  (I'm not insulting you if you have done this; those were just the first examples that came to mind!)  But really, your hair is going to get messed up, and your boyfriend will make you mad, and in most cases, you won't end up marrying him anyways.  That's life, but you're still going to talk about it.  Well guess what.  God is good, and He will never let you down, so why not share that with others, too?  When we're filled with the Lord, it makes the good times that much better.  And for someone who crosses your path who may not have anything going for them, the smallest word or action could make his or her day.  Sometimes we don't even have to say anything.  When we let Christ's light shine through our lives, people will see it.  There are opportunities to shine wherever we go.  "You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden...In the same way, let your light shine before men so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:14, 16  We don't have to do something big, give a lot of money, or go far away to make a difference.  Right where we are is a great place to start.

 

This is why I chose Food on Foot as a little project to get myself and those around me involved in.  I want to start this year off service-oriented.  This is also close to my heart, as my mom works in the school system and sees these kids and hears their stories daily.  If you only knew some of their backgrounds, it would break your heart.  Just some things to think about:  We may complain about school food, but some kids live for lunchtime because that's the only meal they'll get for the day.  We may get mad if we have to walk through the grass across the school yard and our shoes get wet or dirty, but at least that's not the only pair we own.  We might have homework some or even every night, but some kids wish they only had pencils and paper at home so they could at least try to do it.  You never know what someone else may be going home to.  Or not going home at all.  We all have opportunities to be a bright spot in someone's day, whether by words, actions, or just the way we live in general.  One final, simple thing we can all do anytime and anyplace is pray.

Focusing on Faith

 

Following the events that were from my Rejuvinated and Rejoicing post, there were more ups and downs, but God was always speaking through the situations.  I write these things down, so that I can have them to remember His works and all the things I'm learning along the way.  It's great to look back and be able to see His faithfulness.

 

The next race was a Saturday meet, but it was different because I only went for one race, the 3200.  the first 6 laps were a tight race with the top 3, but I fell behind a bit in the last 2 and finished 4th.  I literally fell across the finish line from sprinting as hard as my legs could go at that point.  The temperature was a bit too cool for me to go faster than I could push that day, as I knew my teammate--who I must say has an amazing kick--was coming hot on my tail!  This was painful for us, but I'm thankful that I have such fast teammates; we all push each other to get better!  I was pretty devastated and disappointed in myself.  It was a rough evening, if you can imagine.

 

Although bad times are, well, bad, they often bring about good things if you just take the chance to look for it.  Struggles often make us stop and think about the things we need to change in learning from our mistakes! This was the start of spring break, and my best friend and I joked the week before (yet meant it seriuosly):  "I'm gonna get my life together this week!"

 

Sunday mornings always give me tons of things to dwell on; Pastor Dean's sermon, the songs we sing, our small group lessons and talks, then the little things God just sends straight to my heart.

My favorite verse from that morning was "Not as I will, but as You will."  Luke 22:42  As Jesus prayed honestly to His Father, He expressed that the situation was not pleasant, asking to take it from Him if at all possible, yet he was still totally committed to whatever it takes.  This is also how we should pray.  Honestly pouring our hearts out to God our Father who cares and wants to hear, but also totally willing to accept the answer even if it is painful to deal with.

 

It's crazy how God sends us signs of what to do sometimes!  Patty always makes up hypothetical situations along with our lessons so that we can really apply what we're learning, and this day, she said one that had just happened to me the day before at the race!  My mouth just fell open.  Then we really could apply some things to our personal lives!

This was the day that I chose a verse to get me motivated and going again!  The cross country team has always used Hebrews 12:1-2 as a "theme" verse for the team, but this track season, it has come to mean a lot more to me personally.  It's hard to do anything the best we can when we aren't focused.  When we let our minds wander or get consumed with stress, confusion, anger, anxiety, dread, comparision to others, business, pain, disappointment, ourselves, or anything else, we inevitably spend less time with God.  Then things just spiral from there.  It can really make you weary when this life gets a hold of you.  It's not hard to get distracted.  That's why it says "so easily entagles."  I made a point to myself that my goal was to throw off all this junk that fills my mind and holds me back from being all that I can be for the Lord and fully focus on delighting in the Lord!  No matter what may come, it's just stuff.  God is the focus.  Keep going with eyes on Jesus!

I was also super thankful to my friend and cousin, Julia, who sent me a link to a perfect song for these feelings!  Through All of It by Colton Dixon

 

Work With it Wednesday

I titled this post "Work With it Wednesday" because it flows well with the alliteration.  More importantly, though, is that one of the main things that has stuck with me over these two weeks is to work with what God has given me.

I am a planner.  I like to know what is going on, when, where, and how.  I must have everything all lined up and planned out, and I tend to freak out when things don't turn out that way.  Schedules are my best friend.  However, this world is full of uncertainty.  Take this weather for example.  Just a few weeks ago, the extended forecasts had not a single day in February getting below 40 degrees.  Not only did it go below that, into single digits with negative wind chills, but we have gotten inches upon inches of beautiful snow!  It's easy to blame our weather people (I am guilty) for not knowing what is going to happen, but that's the truth.  They don't know.  Only God does.  He is continually trying to show all of the world that He is in control and we are not.  He is trying to get our attention before He comes back for good.

"He said to them, 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority."  Acts 1:7

As you can probably guess, not knowing whether or not I will be able to leave the house when I wake up in the morning would stress me out a bit.  Will there be snow?  School?  A delay?  Can I drive to the gym?  Will we still have practice?  What if I can't run?  Will I have to workout inside?  Here at home?  Do I have enough pancake mix?  Bananas?  Do I have to finish reading that book?  OH CRAP there's no electricity!  I'm freezing!  My toes are going to fall off!  When will it come back on?  Will we have to spend the night somewhere else?  Where to go?  Is Dad at work?  How can I do my homework and study the extra stuff without electricity?  How long will this last?  Should I run to a friends house?  What if my hands freeze?  I WANT COFFEE..its so warm...

Every day goes by so fast.  I am constantly wondering what is the best way to spend my time?  What is really worth it?

I know all these questions seem to make a lengthy list, but it is true.  I, along with many others, get overwhelmed by all that this world demands of us.

No matter all that we "have to do," there is only one thing that will ease the stress:  back away from "all that" and spend some time with the Lord.  He will fill you with peace and guide you to what you should do.  It may not make sense to take time away from the work to do in order to get more time to do it, but trust me, without having your mind right first, things will only go downhill.

 

When things are so uncertain (which is one thing I really do not like!), all we have to do is trust in God's plan.  Of course what is happening is part of His plan!  A quote from my small group's Bible study one night several months ago has stuck with me ever since: 

 "Nothing under God's control can ever be out of control."

Continuing on from the verse above, although there is no way that we can ever know God's timing for His miraculous plans or His return, we can be certain of this:

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you..."  Acts 1:8

 

Mom and Dad fuss at me a lot because I don't go with the flow very well.  And no, I do not like to fly by the seat of my pants.  But that is one thing that I am trying to work on.  I need to be flexible.  Working with the uncertainty of each day these past 2 weeks has really been a blessing! 

 

 

Sometimes, we have to take what we can get.  Work with what you've been given.  No, it may not always be what we want, but it's what God wants.  We risk missing so many opportuinites to be witnesses and servants for Christ right where we are when we try to change circumstances to fit our preferences.  When you just go with it, it takes a lot of the stress off.

The Sunday before the snow hit, my teacher Patty made another one of her funny, yet seriously relevant examples.

Eore.

Don't be like Eore.  "Oh..woe is me...it's going to rain tomorrow.  Oh Pooh, what are we gonna do?"

(If you had only heard her voice and seen her facial expression..so funny!)

How much time do we waste complaining?  Not just about things that are, but things that may or may not be, or cannot be avoided, or things that have no relevance to us whatsoever!  So we say time is short and we are always so pushed for time?  How much time could you save by not complianing so much?

"This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  Psalm 118:24

So what if it's going to rain tomorrow?  What if it's sunny right now?  Take advantage of that!

"...making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil."  Ephesians 5:16

Time is limited.  Our lives are so short in the grand scheme (God's scheme) of things.  We don't have to waste time because the situation "isn't desirable."  God put us where we are for a purpose.

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity."
Colossians 4:5

Others see the way we react to things.  Are we setting an example that Christ wants for the situation, or do we react with negativity and pessimism?

"Do everything without complaing or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars..."  Philippians 2:14-15

 

I know it's hard to rejoice and cooperate when things don't go our way.  But if you tell yourself from the start that it will be okay-commit to it, get it stuck in your mind-you're off to a good start.  Well, an even better start if you pray about it!  Another quote from my Sunday school people/lessons:  "Prayer doesn't change my circumstances; prayer changes me."

We all fail and all get frustrated with how things go.  Thank the Lord He forgives and lets us try again! 

 

 Next time you think that something stinks, sniff around for the aroma Christ has put there.  Accept each day as a challenge.  Embrace the challenges.  Use them as adventures.

Seek Him Saturday

Good, bad, happy, sad, overjoyed, mad, depressed, glad, and any and every emotion in between

We've all probably experienced them all. No matter what we are feeling, though, we still are to have one mindset: seek God. This is how positive emotions turn to praise and negative emotions gain purpose. Since God makes "all things work together for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28), we can know He is at work every moment of our lives. 

Seeking isn't a word we use too often. It is more devoted than just looking or thinking. Seeking makes me thing of a desire of the heart, deeper than what we can show on the surface. Truly connecting with God happens when we set out hearts on finding how He is at work in a situation. 

These verses also imply that sometimes, in order for God to work, we have to go to Him first. If we don't mean what we pray or say, God knows. We can fool people, but we can't fool God. Just like we don't like to work with people who aren't going to put in full effort and aren't really sold on their cause, God wants our full dedication. He is more than glad to offer His grace and mercy if we are first willing to accept His ways. 

There's nothing else we need. Seeking Christ is more rewarding than seeking any goal, job, title, grade, scholarship, friendship, team, or anything else we may strive for in life. By seeking Him before all these things, He will help us be right where we need to be with just what we need to have, as well as peace and joy. All we have to do is simply seek Him. 

Throwback Thursday, July 31st, 2014

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Well, it's almost that time...school time.  As for the next 5 days, though, it is summer, and I will make the most of it!  However, I am a strong believer that we should go back to school in September, not the hottest and most summer weather month of the year.

I wanted to share this picture I made last year as a reminder to myself and hopefully an encouragement to lots of other people to remember that we are lucky to be here.  Each and every town and life has its bad spots, that's for sure, but we also have to remember how miniscule those things are in the grand scheme of things.  God has given us life to live to bring Him glory.  He said, "..I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." in John 10:10. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, God's will for our whole life is spelled out in the most simple way it can be put:  "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  This words in my picture are from a song by Jason Gray called Good to be Alive.  It is kind of a throwback song, too, but it is wonderful! 

I just found this picture on my mom's phone yesterday.  On the 4th of July, it would be "un-American" if there were no fireworks.  Actually, it would be un-American to not have fireworks for the whole week before and after July 4th.  It is so strange that my dog will go nuts over a storm that is so far away that we can't even see clouds yet, but fireworks don't even phase him.  Sophie, on the other hand, is not bothered by storms, but does not like fireworks!  That night we had to let her inside the house because she stood at the back door crying and scared, wanting to come in.  I am not a late night person, so I was in bed.  Sophie doesn't care.  If she sees that door to my room closed she actually sees neon lights that say, "Come in!  Kenzie would love for you to wake her, purr, and walk on her face!"  My room is the first place she heads every time.  I love her, though!  Mom came in my room when she heard me talking to Sophie and took a picture of us cuties. 

Finally Home Friday! (Food, Fitness, Farmers' Market, Faith, Funnies)

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This is Friday as in Friday, July 18th.

Oops!  I got confused by all my drafts and got out of order on publishing my updated/complete posts!  This one should have come out after Cross Country Camp.

Anyways, I got up to a drizzle of rain, but continued on with my plans.  I left home around 9:00 to run to yoga.  A teammate came by my house to pick up my yoga mat, dry clothes, and a snack to take there for me.  (She lives in my neighborhood; I'm not that mean!)  By the time I got started, the rain was very light and completely stopped by a mile into the run.  I ended up with time left when I reached downtown, so I went back and forth on the nearby blocks until I reached a good distance to stop at before heading in.

The Friday morning after we get home from camp, we get to go to yoga!  Most people think it's really hard, but it is fun, challenging, and really helps loosen us up.  The past two summers, we have gone to The Main Loft in downtown Morristown.  I really like this place and plan on attending some of their other classes when I get a chance!

I don't know about everybody else, but after taking this class for almost 2 hours, I felt amazing.

The wall-length mirror is really nice.  You can see yourself, and the instructor better and from different angles, which helps if you are struggling to pull off a pose.

On the way home, Mom and I stopped by one of my favorite summertime places: the farmers' market!  I love fresh fruit and vegetables, and I always feel better eating local ones.  It makes me happy to taste the freshness and be helping out local farmers!

 

 

I had to take a picture of this man sleeping on the job.  Welcome to Morristown.  He had lots of help down in the stands, though.

When I got home from all this activity, it was around 1:00, and I was needing some hefty refuel, so I whipped up a new batch of pancakes!  These were almond butter banana with an almond butter banana glaze.  It may sound too complicated, but it is really simple.

Pancake:  whole wheat batter, mushed banana, almond butter, water

Glaze:  mushed banana, almond butter, honey, sugar free syrup; microwaved and drizzled on top

These pancakes were so fluffy and moist and possibly the best ones I've ever made!  Banana in breads and things like that really make them better, I have noticed lately.

That night, I made another thing that has become one of my favorites:  roasted vegetables!  My favorite ones to do are sweet potatoes, onion, zucchini, and squash.  I also add lots of spices and drizzle some water for it all to soak up so they don't dry up in the oven.

I screenshotted this photo off of Carrots N Cake's Instagram because it is a very accurate pun!

Here's a final little faith/funny to end this Friday (from two weeks ago) post.

From the wonderful Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, Jesus says in chapter 5 verses 44-45, "I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you , that you may be children of your Father in heaven."