Waiting for the End

I'm fasting. But worse than that, I'm fasting coffee for almost an entire month.  Now this may not seem like much, but a month ago, I was drinking quite a lot of coffee.  It ran through my veins. I love a good americano or even just a regular cup of jo (with a teaspoon or so of creamer, I have taste buds).  This was a decision I made through church, with the instructions to begin this with an intentional goal at the end.  What was my goal?

Grow closer to God.  There are many ways in which I could chose to accomplish this; and many ways to measure if I will reach this goal. I've decided that more time in prayer is a great goal that is attainable for me, as is more intentional conversation with others about my relationship with God.

The last 18 days have been filled with my struggling to create this new habit, I've had a few road blocks on the way, from issues regarding my technological problems (which it is really a blessing that I have them at all), to car troubles and illness, I feel like I have faced it all.  But one thing has been consistent the whole time, God has been here with me.  I fall down and the Holy Spirit picks me up again. I'm learning to be in a constant state of reliance.  What would bring God more glory than my 100% dependence for Him to keep me from falling?

Anyways, James 1:2 came to my mind today, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." Yuck. Many trials? That obviously does not sound appealing to anyone. I hate trials.  I've faced plenty lately, so why would we want to face them?

Pause, and read the rest of the verse; it slaps you on the wrist.  What's best for you isn't always easy, but "...because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."  As believers, we are meant to be conquerors, which means that we need the tools.  By tools I mean the fruit of the spirit, as well as other strengths that help us to achieve those. My depending on the Lord through my road blocks is causing me to look for the bigger picture, I can be a testimony for God when I am living out of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.

Those are my two cents for today, now I could really use a cup of coffee.

Much love
V

Do you hear what I hear?

I have a newfound favorite old Christmas song this year.  You probably know it, it's called "Do you hear what I hear?" sung by anyone with a Christmas album, really.  Two versions that I love are by Copeland and Carrie Underwood.  This song is humbling.  Sometimes we think we know everything, and it's in our best interest to leave our own opinions at the door and submit to the one who is all-knowing and all-powerful. Listen to the song and truly think about the lyrics.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope that you are with the ones you love tonight and tomorrow.
Blessings, and of course much love,
V

I'm Dreaming

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Actually, my white Christmas is right outside already, no dreaming necessary.  We have had some amazing snowfall lately, I love it! Summer is my favorite season, but this time of year I like to think that the worse the weather is, the warmer it can be inside. For that, I am blessed.

The movie White Christmas touches my heart.  It is so sweet with the cute little couples and the lovely music.  A song that they sing right in the process of falling in love is about having trouble sleeping.  Really, it's about counting our blessings.  Here's a simple page of the lyrics if you haven't yet read them.

Bing Crosby: Count Your Blessings

How beautiful is it to know that we can have peace this holiday season in the comfort of our home with our families and friends.  We have so many blessings and reasons to be glad.  No matter if your cash supply is getting small, if you are worried about the future, you are in conflict with a family member or co-worker, if you are missing someone, or even if you just are feeling down, please remember that there was once a time when you were in a worse situation, and that there is someone right now who is struggling more than you (and me).

Be generous this season.  Make a small commitment to yourself to give $10 more than you gave last year. Even $5 more, or (if this is the case) start giving!! It won't hurt I promise.

Much love,
V

Coasting on the Blogs of Yesterday

The point of my story is, you can't.

Yesterday is dead, and what's relevant is here.  Some convicting things I've heard the past few days have given me some encouragement to dedicate myself to be the best that I can be.  For you and me to follow Christ and be a living sacrifice, we must not do just what is convenient.  The theme that the Lord has been putting on my heart this school year has continued to be to stay away from what makes me just like everybody else.  WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO A HIGHER STANDARD.  Do not be conformed to patterns of this world, but instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Repetition has value...
"Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind!"

I want to be changed so much that when I make a decision that shocks or surprises the people around me and maybe even causes persecution, that I do not even need to think twice about it.  I want to make the hard choice every time, and I want it to mean something to me as a lover of Jesus and to others as a witness for Jesus.  It is that important to me.

Obviously, it is also important to look back at how we once were, to see how we've change, and what we can do to not fall back into that.  To use my mom as an example, for years we would tell her, "Mom, you have come so far! Your improvements over the last month have been amazing.  Remember two weeks ago when you couldn't move your left leg and now you can walk?!"  She would simply reply with, "I don't remember that."  My mom was always so discouraged and had no motivation to improve because she felt like after 2, 3, and 4 years, from the day of her car accident, that she hadn't gotten any better.  But this was wrong!  When we can see how far we've come, it encourages us and spurs us to go on.  Do not dwell in it, but take note of it, and take heed! We are moving forward constantly, and it is exciting!

Much Love,
V

When All Else Fails...

the Word of God can bring me peace, the Psalms are a cry to the Lord from David.  He shares these human emotions that we relate to so well. I hope that they encourage you too.  

Much Love,

V

Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.


Psalm 142
1 I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
2 I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.
4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
7 Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me.