Romans 8:28

"What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"~ Romans 8:28

Chapter eight in the book of Romans has to be one of my all time favorite chapters in the bible. I read it so often, but each time it gives me hope. Each time, I feel that much better. It's a huge comfort to me to be able to flip to chapter eight, and read those words that are written, that I've highlighted in a variety of colored highlighters.

My dad was the first one to introduce me to it, actually. I was eleven years old and was climbing into bed one time, and he came to say goodnight. We started to just talk to one another about our day, and I told him just a few things I was worrying about. To be honest, I don't even remember those worries that had seemed so significant then, but I do remember what my dad had said in reply.

"If God is for us, who can be against us?"

He continued to quote more of that chapter to me, but my mind had latched onto that particular verse right away. Before saying goodnight, he kissed my forehead and told me that I should read Romans eight. I did that next day, and fell in love with it. The rest is history. :)

Even after reading these well written words for years, I always stop when I read that particular verse. It's so bold. So straightforward. I can just imagine Paul staring down those Roman's in the eye, and asking them that question. I wonder what their answer would be.

I am so guilty of worrying about things that I shouldn't. And not just with worrying about them, but wishing that I was stronger, or better, so I could fix them on my own, instead of relying on God to help me. My mind wanders and What Ifs plague my brain all day long.

But this morning, I realized something. If I were so strong and tough to handle situations on my own...it still wouldn't be as good as what God can do. So why would I want to be "better" when God can do so much more in my weakness anyway?

Did you know that God is tougher than anything you're going through? That He's more than capable in carrying all of your burdens? It's easy to forget, unfortunately, and not easy to do, but with God the impossible becomes possible, sadness turns to joy, and life becomes more manageable.

With such an amazing God on our side, who really can be against us? :)

Starting the Morning off Right

This morning was one of those rare mornings, where I had it all to myself. I didn't have to babysit, go into work, or do anything. So, I took some time having my prayer time today, and then spent a couple of extra moments to really just enjoy the morning.

It was nice, to say the least, to spend part of my morning with Christ. Surrendering, letting go, giving over control of my day, my future, and who I am. I think we all need this time, where we just turn everything else off and just be. With God. With your thoughts. With your prayers. So much noise goes on during the day. To do lists, appointments, expectations, they all bang and clang and clutter up your life very easily if you let them. I'm ever so guilty of giving them control of my life.


You know how they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day? It's because if you start the morning off right it sets the tone of the rest of the day. Well, this philosophy can be applied with spending a few extra moments with Christ. Just to be with Him. Because, this can make your day, regardless of the circumstances, a good one.

Now, to be quite honest, I am horrible at being consistent with spending some time every morning in prayer. I start out strong, then falter, then pick myself up, then fall yet again. But being active in my relationship in Christ is more important than anything, so I can't give up, even though I fail constantly.

And this morning I took a strong step forward.


I silenced everything else going on. And let myself just be.

Here's one of my favorite songs that really gets me centered and refocused on Christ. Let me know what you think!

One Moment At a Time

Something rather rare has happened tonight, as I sit here, trying to write a blog post.

I have no words to write.

So many different topics that I could write about just fell flat once trying to form them into something enjoyable to read. Have you ever felt that your creativity is used up?

Whenever I feel like this, there are two things that I try to do. One, is to read my Bible, which offers escape and insight into what I'm feeling now, and Two, I read something that was written by Mother Teresa. She is my role model as a writer, as a lover of Christ, as a servant of the Lord, and a builder of the kingdom. I posted one of her poems not too long ago, but I just recently read something that touched me and I wanted to share it.

"I never look at the masses as my responsibility. I look at the individual. I can love only one person at a time. I can feed only one person at a time. 
Just one, one, one.
You get closer to Christ by coming closer to each other. As Jesus said, 'Whatever you do the least of my brethren, you do to me.'
So you begin...I begin.
I picked up one person--
maybe if I didn't pick up that one person I wouldn't have picked up 42,000.
The whole work is only a drop in the ocean. But if I didn't put the drop in, the ocean would be one drop less. 
Same thing for you
same thing in your family
same thing in the church where you go
just begin...one, one, one." ~Mother Teresa

Sometimes I think we can get so overwhelmed by the big picture. At least I know I do. I just came from college orientation, and my brain was swimming with everything that I knew I needed to remember. Important deadlines, college loans, class schedules, clubs and extra activities, all of these thoroughly wiped me out mentally just trying to keep it all straight.

But after reading "just begin...one, one, one." I realized that I needed to just take life one step at a time. My classes don't start until a couple of months. Yes, I need to be prepared, but no, I shouldn't stress out about them. There are so many moments that will happen before my classes start, and if I'm constantly worrying about school, would I miss those moments where I could love? In those moments in between, they are moments which I can serve and love. Just one moment at a time.

What about you? What can you take one moment at a time? Is there any way where you can share Christ's love right now?

Beautiful in the Ugly...Poem of the Month

Grammar has never been my thing. I know, I'm a writer, so I should be a pro at it, right? Wrong. When it comes to grammar, I'm several steps behind. Ask me anything you want on plot and structure, character development and so forth, and I can give you a semi-educated answer. But when it comes to grammar, I'm a little clueless. Okay, a lot clueless.

And today was one of those days, I wasn't happy about it. Why couldn't I be better? Why must my writing always seem to fall short because of stupid verb agreement? I was to the point that I was ready to pull my hair out with frustration at my grammatical short comings.

I'm realizing, it's just apart of dealing with the imperfections of life. I, unfortunately, will never have perfect grammar. I probably will never be able to compose the "perfect" story. That's something that I'm going to have to come to terms with, because all the frustration in the world is not going to change it.

What is perfection anyway? Who sets the standard for it?

Though perfection is a nice, fanciful idea, it's not real. And when I think about it a little, would I really even want it to be? Sure, it would be nice to be mistake-less. To know that I was doing everything right, but wouldn't that make life incredibly dull?

Our imperfections are what make life colorful, interesting...and well, beautiful. We grow, we unite, we become who we are through our imperfections and failures. If we surrender them to God, He can use those failings and shortcomings to do some pretty great things. And when I get mad or angry about what I'm not or can not do, am I really just getting in His way when He's trying to use my failures and make them into something more beautiful?

I'm not one hundred percent okay with making mistakes. Even with the knowledge that God wants to use them. But I'm one thousand percent sure that regardless of how I feel about it, I'm going to fail again. Whether with grammar, with my attitude, or just my lfie in general. And instead moping about it like I'd rather do, I'm stepping out of God's way so He can make something beautiful out of the ugly.

Here is the poem of this month. I thought it rather fitting, don't you? :)

Lesson 1
By Julie Hill Alger


At least I've learned this much:

Life doesn't have to be
all poetry and roses. Life
can be bus rides, gritty sidewalks,
electric bills, dishwashing,
chapped lips, dull stubby pencils
with the erasers chewed off,
cheap radios played too loud,
the rank smell of stale coffee 
yet still glow
with the inner fire of an opal,
still taste like honey.

Have a great weekend, friends!

Writing Dreams and Fears

So, I have finished the first round of editing for my WIP! I finished Saturday morning, quickly rushed to the nearest office supplies and printing center, and got it printed. 136 double sided pages. 65,000 words. Holding my printed copy in my hands, I couldn't stop the idiotic grin that formed on my face. It was one of those moments when it really dawned on me. I wrote a book. I did it. I came up with a story that had a plot, characters, surprise twists.  It's a pretty cool feeling.

Now that I've finished my round of edits, my mother and sister are planning on helping me put the finishing touches. I'm also planning on sending it to another women who is really good at editing. 

I'm pretty private when it comes to my writing. I have never let, outside my sisters, anyone read my book before. In fact, I doubt my family has read or even really knows about half the stuff I've written. Because when I write, it's like I'm putting me on paper, and it's really hard to detach myself long enough to let someone read it. to see what's going on in my heart or head. 

Yet, if I want to be a published author(which I do most fervently) I know that I have to train myself in letting others see me. Others see what I've composed. Otherwise I'll never get better. I'll never grow. 

So today, my mother is reading my WIP, and I'm planning on sending it to the other woman who has offered to  edit it for me. I'm not doing it because I'm not scared. I'm doing it because growing as an author, getting closer to my dreams, is more important to me than the fear. 

I think that's when we really realize our dreams. When the fear to pursue them isn't enough to hold us back anymore. 

Is fear holding you back from achieving your dreams? If so, ask Christ to break down that wall of fear and insecurity. Don't let it hold you back from being a light, from being who God has meant you to be. :-) 

Angels, Music Notes, and Doing Your Best...

My family is filled with talented musicians. Music pumps through our blood, and though I'm one of the few children that got passed up in the genius musician gene, I can still appreciate good music and know when...ahem...it's not so good.

It's a curse, really, to have a musically talented family. Because I've been spoiled with excellent music. With tight harmonies, feeling and emotion, and great execution, it's hard to be around that all of the time and then still be satisfied with music that is lacking any one of these qualities.

I sound like a huge music snob, I know. And I probably am. It's something I'm not proud of, and I'm really trying to work on it. God also has been teaching me a lesson or two about this as well.

He did it recently, as I was going to church. Me and my sisters entered our church a couple minutes before it started, and we heard two ladies doing a duet as a prelude. I really tried not to cringe. There were just a couple of notes that they were trying to hit, but were missing.

I raised an eyebrow and shared a look with my sister, before scooting into a pew. Minutes later, the congregation was rising and singing the opening hymn. Beside me, my sister's clear voice sounded beautiful, hitting the notes perfectly, but behind me a woman sang tone deaf. Just shy of the correct notes. Again, I tried not to wince.

Quickly, Christ chided my attitude, and gave me something to think about.

I started to wonder about the angelic choir in heaven. Whenever they are thought of, usually they are grand and maginficent. With voices so pure and melodious they are awe inspiring.

But I wonder, what makes them so impressive? Is it really their talent, or love for God that makes them sound so great?

Right then I was reminded of the fact,  God doesn't care how we sound in church. He just cares that we sing. That we take part in with our fellow brothers and sisters, and worship Him in a way that brings Him delight. It's not about whether we hit all of the notes perfectly, or miss them by several keys. It's not about who projects their voice the best, and who can barely raise their voice above a whisper. There isn't any shame of singing less than perfectly. The worst thing you can do is to stop.

This is like everything in life. God does not care whether you are the best at what you do. All He cares about  is you are doing your best for Him. As long as those cantors at my church were singing for Him, I know He was smiling down on them, happy as can be. Or as long as my sister plays the piano for Him, I am sure He doesn't mind if she misses a few notes, or fumbles over certain parts. As long as I continue on writing for Him, it won't impress Him anymore if I get my book published than if it never sees the light of day.

Because it's not about what we are doing. It's about why we do it.

So, I'm planning on trying to give my all this week, not just because I hate making mistakes, or because I don't want to screw up, but because I want to give my all to Christ. And if I'm doing that, He'll be happy even if I don't do everything right. How freeing is that?

Wherever You Are

It's been a very long week and I'm just now starting to catch my breath. You know that feeling of dizziness you get after spinning around and around on some sort of carnival ride? That's a little how I feel right now.

There are pros and cons to being busy and active. The pros are you are never bored, and are getting to experience new things. The cons are that those old things that had become so familiar are now slipping through the cracks.

This week I struggled with my attitude about all this busyness. Not to sound ungrateful, because I've loved some of the cool things that I've been able to achieve lately, but I found myself missing some of the old things that I used to do all the time. Like journaling, or reading a good book. Having time to watch movies with my sisters. Or sit in my "thinking spot" and day dream.

As I wrestled with wistfulness, and maybe even a little resentment, in not getting to do all the things that I want to do, I really felt Christ talking to me. Teaching me a lesson through all the craziness that has been surrounding my life lately.

It's part of our jobs to serve Christ wherever we are at. Whether it's with doing things that we want to do, or doing things we have to do, we're called to serve Him in every moment. I'm called to serve Him in the weeks I work 40 hours and have so much on my plate it starts to spill over, and in the weeks that I have plenty of time to sit and daydream.

So I'm making a conscious to serve Christ wherever I am at. Whether I am struggling to stay awake at 3:00 in the afternoon because of too many late nights and early mornings, or have had enough sleep to get through the day with an energetic and eager spirit. I'm going to serve Him in giving thanks for the little things when all I feel is disappointment that I haven't gotten to read in days. I'm going to serve Him when walking to work early in the morning when its the last place I want to be.

Our lives are constantly evolving, changing shape and rhythm with each passing week, day, and hour. And each moment Christ is calling us to serve Him in it. Even if it's in completely different ways we've never done before. I'm fighting the negative thoughts and feelings that make it hard to push forward with a joyful heart, and serve Christ this week in all the things that I'm doing. :)

What are some new things that you've done recently?