It's Not About Us

A new year is coming. It's usually the time that people starts asking questions. Wondering where to go next. Wondering what to do. Some are making plans. Others are just letting things roll and wondering where they'll end up.

There are those who are sad the year is over. And those who are relieved. Me? I'm a relieved one. I'm happy this year is almost over and done with. I'm excited about the things that could happen this year. The opportunities that could present themselves.

But there's one thing that we usually miss. Something we often go about in the wrong way. Every year, we ask ourselves these same questions "What should I plan for this year?" "What decisions will I make this year?" "Where will my steps take me?"

What we should really be asking is "What is God's plan for me this year?" "What decisions will God make for me?" "Where will God take me?"

We're not living for ourselves, so why are we acting like we're the ones in control of our own lives. We're living for God, so shouldn't we be talking to Him first before making any plans? So many times when we make our own schedules, we forget that God is the one who is in control. We need to constantly be reminded that God wants us to work for Him every year. He wants us to make our decisions with His presence, with His leadership. Because what is a plan if it doesn't include God's calling in our lives?

It's difficult to always stay focused on that though. But one thing that helps is remembering: God gave us everything we have. Shouldn't we give back to Him?

So this year, instead of asking "Where will my plans take me?" ask where GOD'S plans will take you. Because His plans are the only ones that matter.

Happy New Year to everyone!!!!! God bless!!!

Is Salvation The Only Thing? Part 2

Now, in my last blog post, I pondered on whether or not salvation was the only thing God had/has in mind for us. No, I haven't found all the answers, and I doubt I ever will, unless God shows me Himself. But a few things have been revealed to me.

So far, as far as we know, in the beginning God created us to be companions. Some people take this as God being lonely. And others merely as God just figured He might as well make someone to talk to. Why not make a whole universe and add different stars, moons, and planets, where life is only on one planet, called Earth. God wanted companionship. That is why He created us. But we couldn't just survive the way He lives.

So He created Earth. Now this is a little bit confusing for some. Some think that God only created man because He had animals running around everywhere and needed someone to take care of them. But God knows everything. He sees into everything. Yes, even the future. He knew He was going to need man to take care of it all. He's God! And so He made man.

And God had the companionship that He needed. That He wanted. He had man to chill with. And He could come down onto Earth and just hang. But all would not be perfect in Eden. Oh, no. Someone had to sin. Someone had to just flip everything backward. Morons.

Sin. It separates us from God. And sometimes each other. You all know what happens next. Their punished and kicked out of Eden. And that is when everything is really set in motion. Thousands of years later, He sent His Son. So yes, God did create us for companionship and to be with Him, but because of sin, that ended. And the only way we can get that back is if we come to God through salvation. Through Jesus. Because that's the only way.

God may have other reasons for creating us, reasons that He hasn't mentioned, but this is the number one reason. We live to worship Him, we live to follow Him, and we live to come to Him.

I know, this isn't really anything new, it's something that we all knew before, but still... It's something that we should always remember. We should always remember why we were created.

Is Salvation The Only Thing? Part 1

On Monday, in youth a topic came up and ever since then, I've had it pestering me in my head! It's getting annoying and persistent and I'm looking for answers. My question is: Is salvation the only thing God has in mind? Do we just get saved, follow Him, die, and then go to Heaven and worship Him for the rest of our lives? Or is there some other thing? Something we missed? Or just something that He hasn't revealed to us?

God created us for companionship. So He could have someone. He created us to watch and take care of Earth and everything He's created. But is that all? Is that really all? Isn't there more? Isn't there something else?

The main question is, if there is, then WHY has it not been revealed to us? And if it has, then why haven't I found it with all my searching? Is it too big for us to comprehend? Is that why we haven't found it? Or is it something that we CAN figure out, we just haven't looked hard enough?

I think there is another reason... Whether or not God will reveal it to me... Is what I'm wondering. And so this week, I'm beginning a quest. A search. I want answers. And I'll search until I find them.

I'll let you know when I find them... Come back in a few years. ;)

Perfect Christian? Doesn't exist.

Perfect Christian? I don't think so. It doesn't matter what you do, face it, you'll never be perfect. That's just the way things are and will always be. Just because a person becomes a Christian, it does NOT mean they become perfect. Opposite of that. It's harder, as hard as it is to believe.

David, a psalmist says,

"I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:2)

See, we're not perfect, but there is Someone who is. God. And He accepts us no matter what. No matter what we do, He is always there to love and accepts us and welcome us into His waiting arms.

Parents always see their kids as perfect. No matter what they do. They still know their faults, they still know they did something wrong, but they still love them. God is that way with us. He knows we've done wrong things, He knows we've sinned, but when we ask Him to, He wipes it all away. He cleans our slate. And still accepts us into His family with loving open arms.

Such a loving and perfect Father! Amen?

"On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." - John 7:37-38

"All who are thirsty, All who are weak, Come to the fountain, Dip your heart in the stream of life. Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away, In the waves of his mercy. As deep cries out to deep, We sing, Come Lord Jesus come!" -All Who Are Thirsty - Kutless

Communion

Communion. It's not just this thing you do in church. It's not just eating and drinking something. It's not just thinking, "Yeah, I'm a Christian. Drink this. Eat that. Think a little. Done."

No. It's not just any of that. It's so much more. It's so much deeper than that.

When I was little, I would listen to the pastor as he would preach and read the same passage whenever we had communion, and to be honest, I didn't think much of it. I didn't have communion at that age, and I didn't understand why not. But now, I do. Because having communion is a way of recognizing what Jesus did for you on the cross. It's saying, "Hey, Jesus. I know what You did for me and I want to thank You. I want to praise You, for what You did for me. I'm thinking of how You bore my sins on the cross." It's remembering what's been done for you.

Yet, when I was a kid, I would watch the body (the bread) and the blood (the juice) and think, "Hmm. There's a nice snack to tide people over till lunchtime. Lucky people." Hey now! Don't go judging my 5 year old way of thinking, okay! I'm sure if you look way deep down, you'll realize that you thought that way too.

I do hope you get that I think differently now! I don't just have communion to have a little morsel to tide me over till lunchtime. I like having communion because I like how it helps me reflect. It helps spark that connection to Jesus' death and resurrection.

I like it because every once in a while, admit it, we all need that swift kick in the Spiritual petunia to remind us that we're not here because of anything we've done. We're here because of what's been done for us.

"This is not about what you've done, But what's been done for you..."

AH-mazing words from the song "You Are More" by Tenth Avenue North. See, communion is a reminder that we're not here, being sons and daughters of God, because we got here all on our own. We're not just here because we did anything like died for our own sins.

We're here because of what God did for us! He sent us the ultimate sacrifice. He sent His own Son to die for our sins so that we could have eternal life. That is what communion is all about! It's acknowledging the gift of life that we've been given! It's acknowledging that Jesus died for our sins and we need to be reminded of that every once in a while to have a consistent relationship with Him.

Admit it: Without communion, our relationship with Him would go slack. We would stop realizing the love that was behind this sacrifice. We'd brush it off easier. And we'd just think it was no big deal. But you know what? It IS a big deal.

That is what communion is. A reminder about what's been done for us to achieve the relationship with God. Jesus DIED on a cross for our sins just so we could have an eternal life and relationship with God. Can you imagine that? He D-I-E-D for us! For a relationship! And we still have a choice??? If my son had to die for all your sins, I'd make you all believe in a flash! I'd say, "I gave up my son for this, and if you don't believe right this instant, SOMEBODY'S GONNA GET HURT REAAAAAL BAD!"

But God doesn't do that. Not only is He a sacrificial being by sacrificing His son, but He's also a God of choices. He GIVES us a choice to follow or not! He sacrifices His son and THEN says, "Oh, hey, by the way, you have a choice." If that's not AH-mazing, I don't know what is.

That shows how loving our Heavenly Father is. So next time you have communion, I hope you truly do remember what a big deal it is.

Communion. It's not just a snack. It's a relationship.

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." - Matthew 26:26-27

Forgiveness

Forgiveness. Oh my. What a difficult thing! Sometimes it's easy, and other times hard. It depends what the circumstances are, am I right? If it's one thing I've learned this year, it's forgiveness. Or you could say I was scared into it by a certain Bible verse that I'm sure many people have been scared by.

"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14-15

I was flipping through Matthew one day, when I stumbled upon that verse, and I've kept it in my head ever since as a reminder. For some people forgiveness is a touchy subject. Maybe something happened that made them bitter towards it. Maybe a friend hurt you and your having trouble letting that go?

Whatever the case may be, it doesn't change that it's difficult, am I right? But you know what? By holding that grudge, it's not benefiting anyone. It's always best to forgive. Does you holding that grudge affect them in any way? No. It doesn't. They'll go on with life, not caring at all and living life like they've done nothing wrong. And you'll be left feeling bitter about it. Not cool. So let me ask you again? What is the benefit of NOT forgiving someone? There is none. What is the benefit of forgiving someone? Everything! You no longer have that bitterness inside and you no longer have that raging anger that makes you want to pop their heads off like barbie dolls! AWESOME, EH? Yes, I think so.

When Jesus was on the cross what did He do? Let's take a look at that in Luke 23 right now.

32. Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.

33. When they came to the place called the Skull, the crucified him there, along with the criminals- one on his right, the other on his left.

34. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Can you believe it? Jesus is there being tortured and nailed to a cross and he asks God to forgive them!!! UNBELIEVABLE! But yet, that's how forgiving Jesus was. And is. And that's how forgiving we need to be. That's what they mean by forgiving those who hurt us. We need to be like God in that way. He forgives every single thing we do, no matter how big, and no matter how small! We need to be like that. If someone hurts you, you need to forgive them.

"And whenever you stand and praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." - Mark 11:25

"Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven." -Matthew 18:21-22

"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven." -Luke 6:36-37

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32

"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook and offense." -Proverbs 19:11

And like I said in my previous post on Love Your Enemies (http://daughteroftheone.blogspot.com/2011/05/just-to-let-you-know-this-isnt-for-my.html)

"To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."

Then his master summoned him and said to him, "You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?" And in his anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." -Matthew 18:32-35

Stephen was the perfect example of forgiveness:

"And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep." -Acts 7:59-60

So was Paul:

"At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!" -2nd Timothy 4:16

And Joseph as well:

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones" Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." -Genesis 50:20-21

Why don't you give it a go?

Remember: ‎Forgiveness doesn't always mean forgetting... It doesn't always mean being best friends again with the person that hurt you. It means moving on from the hurt. It means knowing that the hurt is there, but not acting on the anger that it produced. It means learning to let go. And it means being able to greet that person with a smile on your face, no matter what.

The first step to forgiveness is acknowledging that it hurt you and learning how to move on from that hurt.

The second step: Overcome the anger that it gives you. Reading scriptures help a lot.

The third step: Greeting that person with a smile and showing God's love.

Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving. - Dale Carnegie

Psalm 90 - A prayer of Moses, the man of God.

This is what our guest speaker talked about in church today. And I REALLY loved that! So I thought I would share these passages with you in hopes that you learn from them as much as I learned from them.

Psalm 90

1: Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

2: Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.

3: You turn people back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, you mortals."

4: A thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

5: Yet You sweep people away in the sleep of death- they are like the new grass of the morning:

6: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered.

7: We are consumed by Your anger and terrified by your indignation.

8: You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of Your presence.

9: All our days pass away under Your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.
10: Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

11: If only we knew the power of Your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is Your due.

12: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13: Relent, LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on Your servants.

14: Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15: Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.

16: May Your deeds be shown to Your servants, Your splendor to their children.

17: May the favor of the Lord, our God, rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands.

I just love how powerful this shows our God to be! He is our dwelling place, our home! Our house isn't a home until we think of it as a home. And to me, until I invite God into my house, it isn't a home. But in the first verse, it shows that God is our home! He is our dwelling place. Such a comfort to know that wherever we go, God goes with us, and that makes it a home. What an awesome God we have! What a powerful, loving Heavenly Father we have!

And while reading this, I can feel the power of God in me. I can feel His love wrapping around me. The speaker talked about how we know God's love is there because we read the Bible and read about how He loves us. But a lot of times we feel like His love is distant and that He only pops in like a distant uncle.

We know the truth of God and His love for us, but do we truly believe it? Most of us don't believe it until we experience it. When His loving arms wrap around us in a comforting embrace, only then do we truly know that our God is here and loves us, am I right?

God will seem like He isn't there sometimes. But this week, I listened to someone's testimony and an example that he gave of a time like this is a father and his baby who is learning to walk. The father steps back sometimes and waits for the child to take his first steps alone and walk into his arms. The child will fall a lot of times, but the father is always there to catch him. It's all in the process of learning. It's God giving us space to learn about following Him. And learning to trust that He will be there waiting to catch us when we fall. God never leaves us. He is always here. He's just standing back so that we can learn to take those trusting steps to Him.

Our God is a powerful God. And in times like these, we can walk towards God and feel His loving embrace again as we fall into His arms. So it works like this:

God lets go and takes a step back.

We know that God still loves us.

We take the trusting steps forward.

Sure, we fall a couple times.

But God is always here to catch us.

We just need to trust Him.

We fall into His open arms.

And we experience His love for us as He holds us in His arms.

Thank You, God, for being such a wonderful Father. Thank You for creating us and for loving us and for comforting us in our times of need. Thank You for wrapping Your arms around us and for being our Dwelling Place. And thank You, Father God, for catching us when we fall.

Amen <3

The Proverbs 31 Woman

What is one thing that is a distraction to young women? That's right. Guys. Not necessarily a good thing. Sure, it's not a bad thing, but when we start to think about guys more then God, we definitely need to reevaluate our priorities. God should always come first, no matter how hard that may be.

Here's an easier way of looking at it. God has someone planned for you. The perfect person for you. But first: You need to become the perfect woman for that man. If you didn't work hard to be that woman, what would happen?

The man wouldn't have the woman that God fully intended him to have. Not a good thing. Not cool. By focusing wholly on God at this time in your life, you can become the woman that God intends for that man. Let's take a look at the Proverbs 31 woman:

10) A wife of normal characters who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

11) Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

12) She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13) She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

14) She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

15) She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her families and portions for her female servants.

16) She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17) She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

18) She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

19) In her hands she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20) She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

21) When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22) She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23) Her husband is respected at the city gate; where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24) She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25) She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

26) She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27) She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28) Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29) "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

30) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31) Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

The Proverbs 31 woman is the woman that God wants us to be. This woman is also patient and kind. She does not envy. She does not boast. She is not proud. She is not rude. She is not self-seeking. She is not easily angered. She keeps no record of wrongs. She does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. She always protects. She always trusts. She always hopes. She always perseveres. She does not fail.

Yes, you guessed it. The main ingredient for this woman is to be love. She is the perfect, wholesome example of love. That is what you need to be. That is what I need to be.

To make it easier, you can repeat these affirmations every day. Tape it to your mirror and say it to yourself every morning when you wake up. It helps a great deal. More then you know...

I am patient.

I am kind.

I do not envy.

I do not boast.

I am not proud.

I am not rude.

I am not self-seeking.

I am not easily angered.

I keep no record of wrongs.

I do not delight in evil.

But I rejoice with the truth.

I always protect.

I always trust.

I always hope.

I always persevere.

I never fail.

Have confidence that you are all these things. And keep in mind that it's not about what you want for yourself concerning these matters of the heart. It's about what GOD wants for you. Got it? It's not about what you want, it's about what God wants for you.

He wants to give you someone. Right now, as your reading this, He could be preparing that person for you and forming that special person into the perfect person for you. It's time to jump into God's plan and start focusing on Him.

Be a woman after God's own heart.

It's time to start learning how to be that special woman.

Are you ready?

It Does Not Envy?

Jealousy. Why is it there? Why do people feel it? Why does being jealous of someone else make us so insecure about ourselves? Why does it make us feel so small? And why does it seem to eat us up inside?

Because it's something to hinder us, that's why. When we feel jealous about someone, do you notice how in some cases, it can diminish our affection for them, and sometimes, eliminate it altogether? And that is satan's plan when he plants jealous thoughts in our minds.

"Look at her style. It's so much cooler than yours."

"She's got everything. Looks, personality, a boyfriend."

"Check that out! That kids got the new iPhone and you don't even."

"Everybody likes her... Cause she's so likable. And your so dull compared to her."

"Wow... She's got the perfect body and your just fat."

"Look... A perfect, happy family. All together."

"Wow... She's always going on vacations cause she's so rich and all. And your just stuck in your hometown doing nothing."

"Your life sucks, because you have nothing, and see that person over there? Yeah, they have everything. Unlike you."

"He's done something with his life... Don't you wish you were that brave? But your not."

You've all heard those words before. Whether they were spoken aloud, or just pushed into your mind, you've heard them, and many times, you've believed them. But you shouldn't. Because God has made you the way you are supposed to be.

1. The first jealousy issue I'm going to address is looks. Why are looks so important? THEY DON'T MATTER!

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1st Samuel 16:7)

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1st Samuel 16:7)

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1st Samuel 16:7)

Yes, I just wrote that out three times. But that's okay, because everyone needs to know that and everyone needs to know that it's 300% TRUE! Why should we envy other people's looks? Does it really matter what we look like? No, it doesn't. We're not on earth to worry about whether or not we have perfect hair, or the perfect body. We're here to further God's kingdom.

God designed each of us in His own image.

He designed us uniquely.

He designed us perfectly.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

We are all designed by a wonderful Creator, Who knew what He was thinking when He made us. He loves us the way we are.

He thinks we are perfect, no matter what.

He thinks we are beautiful, inside and out.

There can never be a more beautiful you. (More Beautiful You, by Johnny Diaz)

Never think that God made a mistake when He created you. God doesn't make mistakes.

All of that is true! SO TRUE!!! NEVER doubt that!!! The world will tell you things. But you know what? Just blow it over. It DOES NOT MATTER! We are not to care about what the world thinks and what they say about us. Being insecure about our looks and envying someone's looks, that weakens us. That makes us an easy target for the enemy to strike us down! BELIEVE what is written above, because it's all true! God is our creator. Everything He creates is beautiful, BECAUSE He created it.

You. Are. Beautiful.

Inside. And. Out.

2. Next is personality.

So what if she's outgoing and your not?

So what if he's all that and a bag of chips just because of how crazy he is?

So what if everything she says is the funniest thing since Star Trek waffles?

Who cares! God made you the way you are!

So what if your not the outgoing one or the crazy one or the funny one? Maybe your meant to be the shy one. The quiet one. The serious one. God made you this way.

Why does it bother you? Why?

I'm not going to answer these questions.

This is something you need to think about and come to terms to yourself.

3. And last is this:

Remember the story of Cain and Abel? Cain and Abel both give sacrifices, but Abel's is more pleasing. And then, Cain's jealousy turns to anger and hatred and he murders his own flesh and blood.

See what jealousy does?

Remember the story of King Saul? He was jealous of David because of the attention that David got when he killed Goliath. He attempted to kill David several times.

See what jealousy does?

Remember the story of Joseph? His brothers were so jealous of the attention that he got from their father, that they sold him off as a slave to passing tradesmen.

See what jealousy does?

Remember King Herod? He was jealous of baby Jesus. He was afraid that his throne would be taken from him and this new king would reign instead. He ordered all children under the age of two to be killed.

See what jealousy does?

Jealousy is a wicked thing. It doesn't belong in us. When we become jealous of someone because of something they've done or accomplished, that's not Christian. We need to ask for God's help in changing that. We need to get that jealousy out! We need to stay pure and away from jealousy!

The Tenth Commandment is: "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17, Deuteronomy 5:21)

In order to do what God wants us to do, we need to get rid of jealous, completely. It should have no hold on us. It shouldn't be there. It does not belong in our lives. Ask God to rid yourself of it.

"Love is patient, love is kind. IT DOES NOT ENVY, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1st Corinthians 13:4-8)

In order to BE love, we need to be ALL of that! We can't just be some of it. We need to strive to be all of it. So strive! REJOICE with the truth! Be who God called you to be. Be who He created you to be. And love it. Love every minute of it. Love every inch of yourself. From the tip of your toe, to the last hair on your head.

Remember! God made you special! And He loves you VERY much!

Dedicated to a very special person.

Faith

Faith. What words can describe faith? How can someone possibly describe such a dedicated action? I've heard a few descriptions on faith.

I know that "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:17)

And I know that "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

And that "Faith is not believing that God can. It's knowing that He will."

That last ones my favorite. To me, having faith in God is one of my most difficult challenges. I know many of you may laugh at hearing that. Especially, if you've heard me say "God will provide" numerous times. Really though, I need to continuously have the words, "Have faith, Naomi." playing in my head. And anytime I'm reminded to have faith is a welcome time indeed.

The question I ask today is why is it so easy to have faith in God when we're younger, but not when we're older? God tells us that we "Must have the faith of a child." To go more into depth, "Assuredly, I say to you, Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17)

We need child-like faith to be the Christians that God wants us to be. In order to be all we can, we need to step out and know that God will be with us and guide us no matter what.

When we're children, it's so easy to believe what's we're taught, right? God will say, "Trust me." And we'll say, "Okay." But as we grow older, God still says, "Trust me." But now we're saying, "Well, God... Here's the thing..."

All God's ever asked of us is to believe in Him and have faith. It shouldn't be too hard! We get so caught up in things down here, I know that, but still, that's no excuse.

We want to do great things, don't we? Well, in order to do that, we NEED to have FAITH! No questions asked! God says, "Have faith," you say, "YESSIR, GOD!" Got that?

The Red Sea didn't part just because Moses raised a stick. No, he had FAITH!

The walls didn't just tumble down because a bunch of people got exercise walking around it for seven days. They had FAITH!

Are you getting the theme here?

Do you expect to do great things? Cause your gonna need faith. You can't pull a Peter and walk on water without faith. So, go ahead and have faith. Who knows! Maybe, one day, that'll be you parting seas, breaking down walls, and walking on water.

Although... Just to be on the safe side... You probably shouldn't try that last one just yet.

Spiritual Warfare.

War. What is your first thought when you hear that word? Your probably think of fighting. Or poverty. Or guns. Or even death.

A lot of people say war is sinful because it brings strife into this world. But although the things that happen during war are painful and sometimes sinful, it is sometimes a requirement, unfortunately.

A lot of people also think that war is caused by God because shouldn't He do something to stop it? Sin is actually the root of war.

Matthew 15:19 - For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.

Before sin entered the world, there was no war. None. And why would there be? I mean come on! In a perfect world, there wouldn't be war. But when sin entered the world, a darkness entered the human heart and whamo! War! We've got envy, anger, etc. And all of that can lead to war.

Really though, why do people focus so much on the war of this world? Even Christians! And I totally respect how people want to fight for their country and such, but shouldn't we be more focused on the Spiritual battle that rages inside us? Even when every country can be at peace with one another, there'll always be a battle inside. And sometimes its Spiritual war that drives people to fight each other.

I know fighting an inner battle can be a lot harder than fighting an actual physical battle. And we don't need guns and knives to fight this war! We need GOD! He is the ultimate Leader in our war! He commands us to put on the full armor of God!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," - Ephesians 6:10-18

Take that to heart! Fight your battle! God has entrusted you with a place in His army. That is an HONOR. Never slack in fighting the Spiritual battle. The enemy will ALWAYS attack the weakest person. Take up your battle weapon and fight like you never have before. STRENGTHEN yourself so that God's army can benefit from your perseverance. Never give up.

Stop fighting your petty wars and start fighting one worth winning! We're only on this earth for a short time, but we're in eternity FOREVER! So pick a side and start fighting.

Trials and Tribulations

Have any of you ever read the Bible passage James 1:2-18? The one where we are supposed to consider it a JOY, PURE JOY, whenever we face trials? How weird is that? Does God really expect us to embrace with joy all of our trials? "Hey, Trial! How I've missed you! Come into my waiting open arms and I'll embrace you with joy!" Yeah... Not gonna happen. At least not if your sane, some might say.

But have you ever really thought about it? Trials and tribulation don't just happen. They don't just jump out of nowhere and after their gone and worked through, go away and leave us unchanged. No, they change us! They make us stronger than before. My trials have in fact made me feel so much stronger than I have ever felt in my entire life. And I have been more hungry for Spiritual things than I was in the beginning before all of them came.

The more trials and tribulations come our way, the stronger our faith becomes!

"Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces PERSEVERANCE. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

God doesn't send these trials and tribulations to us to torture us or show us who's boss. No, he sends them to us so that we might become stronger with His help. In the midst of my T & T, I thought "Where is God?" And though I thought those were my worst and hardest months emotionally, when I examine it all Spiritually, I realize that I persevered. All those months of T & T payed off! They weren't there for nothing. It wasn't just some random thing that happened. God will never send me more than I can handle. If He brought me to it, He'll bring me through it.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

So there it is! TRUST IN THE LORD! DO NOT DOUBT! Where is the faith when you doubt? You become anxious. You become doubtful of God's hand in all this. When going through something, know that IN FAITH, He will bring you through it. Don't doubt! Even if it's not from God, He will turn it into something good. You can never go through something unchanged. You can never go through a hardship, saying, "That's didn't change me." Every hardship, EVERY SINGLE ONE, has changed me. It's changed me emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

"Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation- since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching hear and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business."

See that first part? Take PRIDE. I'm not sure how else to interpret this. I'll leave that all to you. :)

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Wait a second now... Did he just say we're BLESSED? He has GOT to be kidding! Do any of you feel blessed when you persevere under T & T? I don't. I feel quite the opposite. Someone told me recently that my testimony is just amazing and that it will be such a blessing to some people when shared with them. And I remember one of my first thoughts being, "Yeah, God just blessed the panties right off me when He stuck me in this mess." But honestly... God must love us a lot to entrust so much on us. It's a compliment actually. It's pretty much GOD telling us that we're strong enough. If that's not a compliment, I don't know what is.

"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Well the words are true and the meaning clear enough. I needn't elaborate on that.

"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created."

That is how we should think of T & T's. Gifts. Their not the kind of gifts we like. It's almost like ordering a fashion magazine in the mail and getting one on healthy eating. Sorry, I couldn't think of a better example. But really, though its not the gift we like, it still rewards us in the end with the gift of perseverance. And thought there isn't always a great reward here on earth, be assured that there is one in Heaven.

Not My Will, Thine Be Done

Will. What is will?

I looked up the definition of will and this is what I found: "Intend, desire, or wish to happen."

And to me, that's only partially right. To me it's more of something I do with a submissive heart. That makes little sense to some, I know.

To me, it used to be some kind of excuse for me not to get my own way. Like I would tell people what I wanted to do with my life and they would respond, "Yes, but is that God's will for you," and at that moment, I'd block the rest out because for me it seemed like an excuse. Looking back though, I realize that's a selfish way of thinking! (No duh!)

In the past few weeks, I've been learning a lot of will. And God's will for my life. But it's not just realizing it that I've learned. It's so much deeper than that. Everyone can know the words, "Let Thy will be done," but few can actually follow them. That's how it's been for me. All my life, I've heard those words, but it's just lately that I've realized the power behind them.

At first I thought, "Oh great! Is God's will for me going to send me to some random place in Asia to do missions work!" But then it struck me: Why would God's will for me be to do something I wouldn't have the passion to do?! He puts passions in each of our hearts and it's those passions that He wants us to follow.

Do you really think God would send me somewhere that He knew I would have no joy to be? I wouldn't be a good missionary or whatever if I was joyless, would I? No. That's for dang sure!

So I've finally embraced the importance of God's will. And about a month ago, I fully submitted myself to His will. No questions asked. No more hesitation. Whatever He calls me to do, I will do. Because I know He'll call me to do something I have a passion for. And if I don't have the passion for it now, I know for sure and for certain, that He'll plant that passion in my heart.

"’Neath the old olive trees,
’Neath the old olive trees,
Went the Savior alone on His knees:
“Not My will, Thine be done,”
cried the Father’s own Son,
As He knelt ’neath the old olive trees."

If Jesus can say those words and truly believe them, then so can I.

Life!

This past weekend has literally been life changing for me! Especially the sermon in church yesterday, where our pastor taught about life. And it made me realize that some people don't have that same chance to live life. Their life is over before they get that chance.

Just hearing that makes me reevaluate my life. Am I living every day and making it count? I've been given life and that's a gift from God! That's something precious! So why aren't I living life? Why aren't I being enthusiastic about it. I mean, come on! LIFE! Just saying that word gives me goosebumps.

I don't think we understand the importance of life. Life is so much more than just living everyday! It's so much more than just waking up in the morning and going to bed. When you hear the word life what do you think? When I hear it, I think of vibrancy, energy, and just being full of love for living.

It's so hard to put it into words, but life is so much more than we sometimes think of it.

Oftentimes though, we start thinking that life sucks or is dull or is no longer exciting. And often we stop thinking of it as a blessing and more as a curse. But life isn't a curse at all! It's a blessing.

The devil gets in our heads so much and tells us that life isn't really worth living because it's full of pain. But that's not true because Jesus DIED to GIVE us LIFE! And for that we need to be thankful!

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest.

Never forget those words.

On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand

You know what's amazing? And sometimes a blessing? When people around me tell me that they admire how strong my faith has been through all the pain and suffering. But it's also a bit strange. Because all this time I've thought to myself, "I don't have faith. I don't even think this'll work out. If this is what being a Christian is all about... I don't think I can do it anymore." I've had those moments, but it amazes me how people don't see that. Even though I set up a front about how much I trust God with all this and sometimes when I was told, "You must really be leaning on God right now," most of the time I was thinking, "God? What's He got to do with this? I don't see Him helping anywhere."

So you see, it hasn't all been me standing firm on the solid rock. Actually I see it as Satan pouring water on it and making me slip and slide while I'm trying to maintain a proper balance. And it's strange, but after being through that and being complimented on my strength, I realize that the people who I look up to, who I see as my role models because of how strong they've been, well it hasn't been that way for them either. It hasn't been "Oh yippee! Look at me! I get to go through something tough and practice my faith in God. This is totally the best thing ever!" On the contrary, it's been more of, "Oh crap. Look at all this crap. This crap makes my life seem... Crappy."

But it's such a blessing to be told that I still let my light shine when I didn't feel a light inside. And that everything I went through, and still am going through, did have a purpose! Honestly, that's my favorite thing about this all. Probably the only good thing that could come through all this.

And it's totally true about you! Whatever your going through, people will see you as a light! Their gonna see you as someone strong and courageous and their going to look up to YOU for that for the rest of their lives. Doesn't that make you feel awesome inside?

Although, even though my faith did slip and slide a lot, in the long run, it's made me so much more thankful to have a Saviour who I can look to in my darkest hour. And it's helped me deepen my faith so much more. And made me realize that even if I gave everything up and lost everything, I would still have my faith and that's more than I could ever want.

Someone recently said that they love how strong I am and how I am one of their role models because of how I've pulled through things and how I've remained strong. And that made my day. Knowing that even in my darkest hour full of hurt and pain, I gave someone else the courage to pull through what their struggling with.

Just knowing that they look up to me for that makes me wanna shout at the top of my lungs, "BRING IT ON!"

This came to me today when I was talking about this with my Mom: Struggles are a way of setting an example and showing those around you that you can stand through it all, no matter what comes your way.

Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your need and will strengthen your frame.

Love Your Enemies!

Just to let you know! This isn't for my Route 66 project, but God put something on my heart and I would like to share it very much.

Lately, there have been some things going on in my life. Such as learning that some people don't always say nice things about others. Now, I knew that in life, some gossip about others, it's common knowledge! And when I was younger (Around 12 or so), I figured, well what would it hurt to do that same thing? Don't worry, I know better now, but it took me about a year to find out how gossip truly can hurt someone.

Some things you should know:

1. First off I was totally wrong. Totally, completely wrong in thinking in that way. And no offense, but so are you if that's the way you think. Isn't that going against everything God teaches? He teaches us to love our enemies and bless them that persecute us. Also meaning those who spread rumors and tend to expand the truth for the sake of our downfall.
Mark 12:31 says,
"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

2. By doing the same thing your hurting someone else. A living being who could very well be going through some things that are already bringing strife and pain in their lives. Do you want to be the reason they hate living? Do you want to be the reason they dread waking up in the morning? If that's your true goal, you need a life!

3. How does this benefit you? Do you really think jumping in the same boat will benefit you? Because even if it does even for one minute, it's short lived, trust me.
Luke 6:29 says,
"If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also..."
Matthew 5:39 says,
"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Sounds pretty painful, doesn't it? But that's what God requests of us. And if that's what He wants, then goodness gracious, I'm gonna do just that!

4. Aren't you giving them a reason to dislike you? By playing their game, your doing exactly what they want you to be doing. By being kind to them, your giving them no excuse to dislike you, whatsoever. In fact, your giving them reasons to love you. And your showing God's light through you.
Romans 12:20 says,
"On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed them; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

5. WWJD. Jesus would DEFINITELY NOT hurt people in any way, including this one. So why would any of us? Think about it.

Romans 12:17-19 says,
"Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord."

Matthew 5:44-46 says,
"But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same?"

Proverbs 15:1 says,
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."

Proverbs 16:7 says,
"When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."

I could go on, but I think you get the point.

Blessings! (On your AND your enemies!)

Thanks!

Everybody goes through a phase in life when they feel like they don't amount to much. Or when they think that they don't have any affect on anyone. Or when they just don't feel useful or needed. A lot of times, we feel as though what we're doing just isn't enough. And I've often felt that way concerning furthering God's kingdom.

Where do I fit in in His big picture? Where can I help? Who can I minister to and who's life can I affect? Or who's life do I affect? It's easy to get mixed up about things like that. And often we don't even know what affect we have on God's kingdom. Anyways! Enough about me!

Quite a few of my friends have had a big affect on me encouragement wise. And most of them don't even know it. After a few months of encouraging me to take bigger steps of faith, one of my friends admitted to me that they just didn't feel needed. Or didn't see where they fit in in the kingdom of God. I was shocked when they confessed this, because I had thought that they knew how badly I needed them in my life.

But its things like that that make me realize how little we appreciate everything everyone does for one another. Even the small things should be rewarded. And I've decided to dedicate this post to all those people who have encouraged me throughout these past few months of struggle. I'm not to good at putting my emotions and thoughts into words, but I know I should at least make a failed attempt, if any.

So thank you all so much for being here for me and encouraging me to just keep going on with life and continue to help in God's ministry. You have no idea how much you have helped me in my journey and its all of you who have kept me going and have kept my faith in God strong. Thanks! <3
-Naomi

Carry Me

Why is it so easy to get hurt, but so hard to get over that hurt? That's one of my many questions this week. But the problem with having so many questions is not having the answers to any of them. Or at least, not having the answers to most of them. But you know what's an even more complicated question? Why does God not answer our many questions about life? Does He like how we run around like chickens without heads because the fact amuses Him? That's what I thought at first. But then I realized that if I had so many questions and no answers and didn't trust God to show me the answers in His own way, His own time, what kind of Christian does that make me? What's the point of running around like a chicken without a head if it doesn't help anything. It won't give me answers and it won't solve my problems.

I've learned so much this past month about giving things to God and letting Him deal with it all. You know that song "Dead Man (Carry Me)" by Jars of Clay?

Carry me, I'm just a dead man lying on the carpet, can't find a heartbeat. Make me free, I wanna be a new man, tired of the old one, out with the old plan.

See, the person who's singing this is talking about how they can't make it without God. They can't take anymore steps because of all the things their going through in life. That's what we feel like sometimes, am I right? We can't take anymore steps because we're just so weighed down by everything we go through everyday. Some of you wake up and think, "What am I going to do today? There's nothing worth doing if it doesn't change anything." and some of you think, "I don't care about anything anymore." That's the time when you need to give it up to God and let Him carry you. Only God can help you through your time of need and struggling.

If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it.

Fearless Sheep

Fearless. What does it mean to be fearless? Does it mean tackling the unknown even though you don't know the outcome? Or is it simply standing up for what you believe in? As I sit here and write, I still don't know what the total definition of fearless is.

The definition I've found is "fearless: unafraid: oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them." But what does it mean to each of us as individuals? To you it might mean trying out for the basketball team and being scared that you won't make it. To me it might mean trying out for a musical when I have stage fright and think I won't make it.

But why do these sorts of things that show our talents makes us fearful? Why do we feel afraid to do what God has given us a talent to do? How would our lives be now if the Apostle Paul had been too afraid, too fearful, to do his calling in life? Or what about Billy Graham, one of the greatest evangelists of all time? Think of what we all have to offer the world with our many talents! Are we benefiting anyone by being fearful? Are we giving what God wants us to give if we're being fearful? No! We're not! We're pretty much hiding under a rock because of fear. Look around you! Do you think that all those people out there got to where they are because they were fearful?

There's different ways of being fearful. Fearful of what people think. Fearful of what's to come. Fearful of what God's plan is for you in life. And last, but certainly not least, fearful of not living before death.

Psalm 23:4 says: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

See, even though we're full of fear, it's only natural! We're all just a bunch of dumb sheep who don't know any better. I mean that in the nicest possible way.... Well, I don't mean we're sheep in the sort of sense where we walk around eating grass and saying, "Baaaaa..." all the time. I mean we're frightened and need our Shepherds protection no matter what we do. And that's exactly what we've been promised! No matter what happens we know that our Shepherd is always with us, even when we feel lost and afraid, He is always there to guide us and comfort us and show us the way He's called us to go.

We have a God who's always there to love us and teach us so why are we so afraid? Why are we so fearful? Trusting God is what it's all about! Don't be fearful about anything in life that's not worth being fearful for! Sheep never question their shepherd. Why should we?

In a way, sheep are being better followers of their teacher than we are! Do you really wanna be shown up by a bunch of SHEEP? I know I don't! So suit up and start acting like a fearless sheep! So long as you don't eat grass or say, "Baaaa..."

The Library... AKA: My Happy Place.

The library might just be my favorite place in this whole entire world. For one thing... It's quiet there, no one to disturb or bug me while I read *coughDADcough*. For another... It's just filled with books... Hence why it's called a library. And for one more thing... Okay, I've got nothing else other than it's quiet with no one bugging me. But not only is the library one of my favorite places, so is the fountain that sits not far away. In the Spring to Fall time, the fountain is always on and flowing with water, which is quite refreshing on a hot day with a hint of a breeze. But today the fountain wasn't on... Sadly... But I still sat on my special bench (The farthest bench away from civilization. Meaning people don't talk to me when I sit there. It's wonderful!) and froze my rear and fingers off reading my book. But even when I'm not reading a book, it's great to just sit there and contemplate the things that go on in life. Stressful things, fun things, and yes, even not so fun things... Which would also fall into the stressful category. Thinking is something I do entirely too much but when I'm sitting there, I enjoy it, no matter what I'm thinking about. Mostly it's just about school, music, and weirdly enough, books! ;) Once in a while, someone will brave walking by me and say, "Good afternoon," or something of the sort, but today as I sat there, it was utterly quiet and peaceful and I'm not sure how I got to this topic but it just tumbled into my head as I was reading about someone knocking on a door. A verse came to me when I read this sentence and I have no idea why.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. ~ Revelation 3:20

It got me thinking quite a bit as I sat there and pondered what this verse meant to me and why it had come into my mind. You know how sometimes people come to your door and knock and you just ignore them? You just ignore them and hope they go away, am I right? Sure sometimes we claim not to have heard, but if someone's pounding at your door, that's not a very good or plausible excuse, if you excuse my saying so. Not to mention it's rude. But that's besides my point. Jesus comes to our doors a lot and knocks. Sometimes He pounds too. But we just crank up our stereos and TV's and claim not to have heard Him calling. Well, with all your stuff blaring at deafening volume, it's no wonder you can't hear Him! Your deaf. Your deaf and you won't listen to Someone who might just have something good for you that you need to hear. Whether it's good or not, you won't listen. Won't give the poor guy the time of day that He deserves. So let me ask you this one question. When are you going to listen to Him? When will you finally answer the door and let Him in? If I tell you that He's standing out in the cold waiting for you, will you feel guilty enough to let Him in? No one likes being ignored. So let Him in and listen. If you still can't hear Him, turn your stuff down and shut your mouth for once. That might help. God gave us one mouth for speaking and two ears so we can hear twice as much.

Speak, Lord, You have my attention!

My Own Little World

Today I have officially dubbed myself the name Marie Curie The Second, one of the greatest scientists in history. :P Yes, I'm a nerd and yes I accept that. But enough about my awesomeness. ;) Today I'm here to ramble about Valentine's Day. Most people these days are calling it Love Day. My own friend wrote a blog post dedicated to it. I'll admit I'm not the biggest fan of Valentine's Day, but there's something about having a holiday just for love. It shouldn't stop at just love for people we know though. Why not do things that show love to those around us? Showing love is something God has instructed us to do from the start, but we get so caught up in our own little world that it gets hard to be what God wants us to be and do what He wants us to do. We're all here for some purpose and He gives all of us tasks, some easy and some hard. But why is showing someone love on the Hard Task List? Why is helping someone on the Hard Task List? Why has it become so hard for all of us to show even the tiniest hint of love? I'll tell you why! We're all self-centered, greedy humans and that's the fact. It's all about me, me, me.

"What if there's a greater picture? What if I'm missing out? What if there's a greater purpose, I could be living right now? Outside my own little world..."

Those are the words of a hit song by Matthew West called "My Own Little World." We get so absorbed in what we need, what we want, that we never stop to listen anymore. Do you ever look around and think, "Who can I help today? What can I do for someone in need?" Or, do you just keep walking and singing the MeVille song? If yes, you might want to think about changing the lyrics to that song.