Contentment

I think the issue behind our constant craving for more and more, for the latest and greatest, is contentment. It is easy to let our longings for possessions, relationships, and experiences shape our lives. The danger is, when we’re constantly on the hunt for the next thing, our life circumstances become pumped up with importance, while our Bibles collect dust on the shelf. - Joe Stowell

Don't Give Up!

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
-Harriet Beecher Stowe

The Beginning has Ended: Finishing my First Year of College

I have to say, this school year went super fast. It feels like just yesterday I was arriving at BBC; wondering why in the world I was there. Yet at the same time, it feels so long ago. I have seen myself grow in so many ways since then. As this summer flies me by I am trying to prepare myself for the year. I am going to be an RA, which to me is an amazing opportunity and a blessing :). Anyways, back to my freshman year, I never anticipated how much I would get out of my classes. I learned so much, especially in my Bible classes. And instead of listening mindlessly, I learned to think for myself and find out what I believed and how to have a Biblical basis for my life. There have been so many who have imputed into my life this year. My RA, RD, friends, my roommate, profs...etc. I am so grateful to them for the encouragement they brought me. 

It hasn't been an easy year for me. My grandfather is still dealing with stage four cancer. My parents have had a stressful year financially...etc. And I had all the ups and downs of just beginning college. 

Yet, this year has brought me so much closer to the Lord. I have learned that I absolutely cannot do this on my own. Instead I have to rely only on God. 

Isaiah 41:10 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Anyways, I am excited to see what God holds for me in the next year! 

Show me what it means- Meredith Andrews

You don't want my perfection
All You ask of me
Is that I show up broken at Your feet
You don't want my religion
You are looking for devotion
That is more than just routine

So show me what it means

To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

Have I become like the Pharisee?
Passing by the needy
While I'm speaking Jesus on my lips
Will I walk with You on raging seas?
Or will I turn away
When You want more than what I want to give

To take up my cross

And count it all as lost

All for the sake

Of knowing You

To love my enemies

And care for those in need

Show me what it means

To follow You

To love as You love
And live as You lived
To never give up
On giving You my life
To love as You love
And live as You lived
To find out what it means
To be alive

I am sitting here as I get ready to take my first final and I am just struck with these words. They are just so beautiful and meaningful. Think about them today :)

What if?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear. We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near. We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love. As if every promise from Your Word is not enough. And all the while You hear each desperate plea, and long that we'd have faith to believe. ‎'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops what if Your healing comes through tears? And what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near?

Promises of God

"God's Presence - "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).


God's Protection - "Do not be afraid...I am your shield, your very great reward'" (Genesis 15:1).

God's Power - "I will strengthen you..." (Isaiah 41:10).

God's Provision - "I will...help you; I will uphold you..." (Isaiah 41:10).

God's Leading - "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them" (John 10:4).

God's Purposes - "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

God's Rest - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

God's Cleansing - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

God's Goodness - "No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11).

God's Faithfulness - "The Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own" (1 Samuel 12:22).

God's Guidance - "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way" (Psalm 25:9).

God's Wise Plan - "All things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28)."
 
My aunt sent me this list and I thought it was awesome. I hope it encourages you! :)

A life for Christ

I want to live for your pleasure


I want to run for your face

I want to dwell in your house forever

To seek your face, as you call my name, I want to hear you say

Well done ♥