Litost.

I have heard it before. I've actually written it down. Now it's being thrown in my face because I clearly cannot take 1 sign, but instead I need multiple signs. Ugh Sometimes life sucks, but most of the time I love life. I feel like the moments that suck are the loudest though, at least to me. A little over a month ago I had written down something I felt God was telling me that I needed to do because it was kind of holding me back from giving my entire life to Him. There was this tiny little piece of my heart that I wasn't ready to let go of because I think I had this hope in the back of my mind/heart that if I hold on long enough and be patient that this person will be in my life forever. He had told me I need to let go or else I won't be able to move forward in my life and relationships/friendships. I'm scared to let go of this piece of my heart because I don't want to lose this person, because they're extremely important to me. I've been holding on to someone hoping that they were meant to be in my life to the end, but I received the loudest and final sign I needed earlier tonight. I got to tell you, it's a great feeling to know that God's plans always are for the better of our lives (Romans 8:28), but I swear this feeling of letting go of this person is something I've never wanted to do nor thought I would have to do when they first came in to my life. It's a relief, but yet it hurts so bad. Letting go is not easy whatsoever. I thought God would change His mind, maybe, and that's why I ignored the first sign. lol I know, you're probably thinking "Ignoring God? What were you thinking, Sam!?" Haha I don't recommend it at all. I realize that this isn't the end of the world, nor is it the last time I will have someone that special in my life. God most definitely has a marvelous, mysterious, and exciting plan for my life and I am sooooo excited for it even though I may be feeling sad right now. He's revealed to me a lot of things about myself these past 2 months and also about what He has planned for me. It is so comforting to know that what has or has not happened  yet is all for the purpose of my future and His Will that is to be done through me. (2 Peter 1:3) God won't supply all of my wants, but I know that He will surely change my wants and supply my needs, better than I could have imagined.

Fulfillment for a Christian woman begins with the Lordship of 

Christ in every area of her life. 

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It's Inevitable but Rewarding

The tree it up and it's been a year almost since we moved in to our new house and yet I still feel like I'm not completely at home. Yes, I love being here and I'm very glad God had this in store for us but I miss my home...the one in Lima. I mean, how couldn't I? I had lived in the same house for my entire life. That house built me. There's so many memories there that I'll never forget. But it's time to move on. Change is inevitable and sometimes it takes longer than expected or wanted to accept it. A lot has changed in my life in the past 2 years. Many of the people I called my friends I no longer talk to...my brother's life was turned upside down in the last 2 weeks...haven't seen my grandparents in over a year or more...I moved back home...I go to a crappy community college...so many things have changed. Although, these sound sad or upsetting, there are things that have changed for the better. I've grown up a lot...God has changed my heart and is continuing to do so each and every day...I've made a few friends and keep in contact with the ones from high school that truly care...grown closer to my family...been able to witness to others...have so many more opportunities in this big city of Toledo than I did in Lima. There's many things that are wonderful changes but yet still it's hard at times. I never knew, until I moved away from what I've known my entire life, that making friends would be so difficult. I'm such an outgoing person and love to be around people but I find it hard to make friends with people like I did when I was in middle school and such. It was so much easier back then and now it's kind of like you're here to fend for yourself and you've got to make it happen. That's not the case. Putting your fears, wants and desires, and hurts in the hands of the Lord Almighty is the key. Yes, I found it extremely difficult to get know people once I moved especially since I lived at home, but the Lord had his plan ready and waiting for me. He placed a few people in my life that have strengthened me, grown me, and challenged me. I'm grateful for those people and I'm excited to be used by God for the soul purpose of glorifying His Kingdom. Yes, it's been almost a year but I'm beginning to feel more at home than I could have ever imagined. I'm beginning to love it up here and it's given me the needed time to be molded into the woman God planned. Change is hard, inevitable, and scary but during those times we must rely upon the Lord for our strength because He will give us exactly what we need. He knows when and where and how to present what is needed in our lives, so just give in to Him instead of giving into what is now and at present.

Happy Thanksgiving week, people! Eat and be merry! And watch out for the crazies (aka me) on Black Friday! :)

Peace and Blessings!

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We Hate to Talk About This

I'm just going to get it out there. Hell. I feel like no one ever talks about this place. We always hear things about Heaven but never about hell. Why not? I think that it's because we're so numb to the idea that a Good God would send people there. We don't want to believe it because we don't want to feel the pain of it, we don't want to experience the real thing that stands below our feet. But we must! It's real! Jesus even talks about it in Luke 16. He explains that great abyss has been set between the rich man and Himself and nothing can change that now that the rich man has passed away. He had his chance already but he ignored it and did what he wanted. It's scary to think about it sometimes. 

To think that what if what I'm doing in the name of Jesus is not good enough and that "the Lord is my Savior" prayer wasn't enough. That's because it's not enough. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus tells us that those who only do what My Father's will in will get into heaven. Not those who do what they will but those who do what the Father's will is. Many will stand at the gates asking to be let in but the Lord will say to them, "I never knew you". How scary is that. To think a loving God like ours could say that to us. We may think that the good deeds that we do in the name of Jesus or the acceptance of the Lord as your Savior prayer is enough but it's not. We must lay down our lives for HIS Will. 

"But ONLY he who DOES the Will of My Father will get into Heaven. When you truly know ME then there will be evidence in your life, there will be a marvelous transformation and doing My Will will become a natural habit for you in your everyday life." (Matthew 7:21-23) The moment you turn to God He throws a party for you just like in Luke 15. :) 

He's open to ANYONE who will be open to Him. YAY! :) 

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Understanding God's Will: Step by Step

       This past weekend's sermon was on "Knowing God's Will". I know we all want to know the Will God has planned for us and sometimes it's really hard to decipher against our own mind talking and the Holy Spirit's voice talking.

       I've discovered that prayer is the first step we should be taking. 1 Samuel 23:1-2 talks about how the Philistines were fighting against Keilah and David asked God if he should go and fight the Philistines. Then the Lord told him to go fight them and save Keilah. David didn't rush into it or panic but instead went, first, to the Lord in prayer and asked Him what he should do next. Often times we lean on our own understanding and we get ourselves into hot water. This can all be avoided with a simple act of prayer. Our society thinks calling out for help is a sign of weakness but it really is a sign of strength and maturity in our walk with God.          

       We must pray first but then we also have to have patience for an answer. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait for the Lord; Be strong , and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!". Patience is extremely hard for me to grasp. It is definitely not my thing, but I try hard to make it my thing. God is trying to develop our character within the time we are WAITING for the His answer to our prayer. When we don't wait on the Lord and rush into things, thinking that we know best, then we are disregarding His power. We are setting ourselves up for ruin when we don't wait on the Lord's answer. 

       Providence is the third step. Acts 16:6-10 talks about the journey of Paul and fellow believers and their providential experience. The providential hand of God is going to lead us and guide us, only if we are praying before we make a decision and have patience for the Lord's timing. Look at it this way, Say you went to school in a different city or even state that your parents lived in. One day you got in trouble at your college and got kicked out. You ended up having to move back to your parent's house in a totally different city than you were born in. You started classes at ta near by community college and went to a church down the road. You didn't have any Christian friends in this new city but one day you met a girl/guy your age at the church you attend and found out she/he goes to the same school as you and became good friends after awhile. 

All of this didn't happen on chance. This was the providential hand of the Holy Spirit guiding your steps closer to the Will of God. 

       Finding peace about a situation is key to knowing God's Will for us. Colossians 3:15 says, "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called to one body.And be thankful". Don't make a decision to go down a path that you don't feel peace about. Sometimes we get this funny, uneasy feeling when we need to make a big decision. That's the feeling I'm talking about! The decision you felt uneasy about is NOT God's Will. When it is the Lord's Will you WILL feel peace about making that decision. There are no doubts about it that you will notice a peace when it's His Will for you. 

       Consulting other Christian and trusted friends to help you make a decision is another step for us to understand His Will. People who know you really well will tell you if your decision actually sounds like something you'd do or not. God speaks through people so often and we overlook it quite a bit. So next time you bring up a prayer request or are just talking with a friend about a decision you have to make, don't ignore those "light bulbs" that flash on when your friend says something to you. That could be God speaking through them. Just listen.

       Last but not least, purity plays a big role in understanding the Will of God. We can't expect to know His Will if we are sitting in front of the computer looking at inappropriate websites, sitting in front of the television watching filth on MTV or other channels, or listening to music that cusses and talks about inappropriate behaviors. All of this will get you right back to where you started, which is nowhere! I know it's kind of hard to not watch and listen to the things that all of your friends listen to but in all reality, if you want to know God's Will for you then, I'll say it bluntly, STOP LISTENING AND WATCHING THAT CRAP! Get your priorities straight and it'll come naturally to you. 

       Pray, have patience, know the Lord's peace, consult with fellow believers for help, and put your life in a pure place without filth or else you won't understand the Will of God. 

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Forgiveness

https://www.pinterest.com/lattimore54/he-has-the-whole-world-in-his-hands/

Do we really forgive the people who have wronged us? Or do we say we forgive them but in all honesty we really haven't given the situation up to God completely. As God forgives us when we wrong Him, He is asking us to find it in our hearts to do the same to those that come against us. We can't just say that we forgive someone, we really have to let it go and let God take control of it as He molds our hearts to dig deep down and really forgive those people. Forgiveness can be tough and seem unbearable at times but in the end it will all be worth forgiving. When I think about not forgiving someone because they've hurt me, I just know of all the horrible and sinful things that I have done and thank God every day that He gave me forgiveness and washed with His tender mercy. Without that kind of mercy and love then I would be nothing. We should be like the image of Christ, trying to obtain holiness. Some situations are really hard to completely give up control to God but having faith that He will take care of it all as long as we give up every single piece of the situation to Him is comforting. Yes, it may take some time and a lot of hard work to fully overcome the situation but every step counts to a happier, Christ-filled tomorrow. Every step helps us move forward and to anticipate blessings in the future. In all reality, God knows exactly what is best for us at exactly the right time. He is perfect. We aren't going to be disappointed with His blessings, plans or obstacles.  Giving up the anger, resentment, and feeling of not being able to move forward will be a blessing in itself. Remember that asking for forgiveness is one thing but actually doing the work and giving Christ the power to and pieces to do great things with that forgiveness is another. Place it all in the hands of God. Trust the Lord for He is good and turns every situation into something marvelous.

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Just Keep Swimming

Don't give up. We have dreams and desires to fulfill in our life but a lot of times when we take our beginning step in the direction of our dreams, we tend to love it so much but forget that nothing is perfect. Remember though, that with every dream comes struggles, especially if the dream is something God had planned for us to do. The devil usually schemes against us to knock us down off our dream journey so we get tired, give up the fight and quit working for the Lord. Hebrews 10:35-36 says, "Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise [of our coming Kind]". We need to keep fighting against the one who tries his hardest everyday to make us feel and live miserably, satan. Wouldn't you want to live joyfully and happily rather than hateful? I most definitely would and the only way to live that way is through our Lord Jesus Christ. He WAS, IS, and is YET TO COME. In time your fighting and perseverance will be rewarded with everlasting life with the One who loves you more than anything in this entire world. This is something I can guarantee. With God all things are possible and if you just trust in His guidance and put your life in His hands, you will see marvelous results. Just don't give up and keep on the fight, you'll see for yourselves.

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What We Deserve

1 Cor. 3:14 talks about how we as followers are to build on the foundation that has already been laid by Christ Jesus, His grace. We are the temple being build on top of the foundation of Christs' grace. I think that people believe when they do a good deed or something that is Christ-like, that they deserve their reward right away. I honestly do not think that way, at least anymore. I don't really remember thinking like I deserved a reward for helping a neighbor or doing a good deed, but I'm sure I have without even knowing it. But now, I have a mindset of thinking that God deserves everything and I deserve nothing. I'm only doing what He calls me to do for the His glory. I understand somewhat of how mighty and powerful God is and that I just know He will give unto me that which I deserve, whether it be something little, big, or even nothing at all and I know His timing is the best. For a lot of new followers this is something hard to comprehend at first; the fact that God is all-powerful and we can have a love for Him as where we just want to do good for His glory instead of having to do good for Him. We will be willing and wanting to put our lives out there for His glory and when we do, He recognizes that. This kind of willingness takes time, patience, practice and experience. We may fall down a thousand times but we always need to get back up, and God is there to lend His right hand. A relationship with Jesus doesn't just happen all at once. It is a continual battle between the devil and ourselves. Jesus Christ will always be there waiting for us to give up the worldly things for Him and the eternal life he offers, but we often fall to satan's ways. That is the reason why it takes us so long to have a strong relationship with God to where we put our trust in Him and leave the tempting but fun and exciting sin behind us. Those things do not offer eternal love, grace, happiness, and life. They only offer happiness and satisfaction at the moment we partake in them. God tests our faith to make us see where we are weak in our walk with Him. He does that to make us stronger in our faith and to help us notice the worldly sins that tempt us; then our faith will be stronger and we will know exactly what is the right and faithful decision to turn to. That is something that I've learned over this past year in college. Since I've moved home it has been easy to not want to go out and party but now that school is ending soon and there are big parties going on this weekend I'm extremely tempted to join in the fun. Yes, I did say fun because they are fun to go to and participate in, but they are also against what God wants for me. Luckily I made a few friends that don't do those things and they invited me to go hang out with them the day the party is going on. God knew I needed something to help me make the decision a little easier because honestly, if those girls didn't invite me to come hang out I most likely would have went to that party just because I haven't seen a lot of the people that will be attending it and I know it would have been really fun. I'm thankful for God to have my back on things. He knows what to do all the time and does it at the perfect timing. Something to remember is the long term benefits of each decision. For the party I would only have that one night of fun and friendship but hanging out with the girls will allow me to continue building a friendship with them. I'm always in need of that reminder and in need of pray for tempting situations.

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Calling Out

Jeremiah 33:3- "Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." 

To limit God is to use the same proven methods that have worked in the past over and over again; not letting God work in you to grow in your faith. God is so unpredictable and we will never comprehend that until we fix our eyes on His majesty and actually believe what we say about Him. Sometimes I will say a little pray as in, "Please, God, let Your light shine through me today" and not really believe that He will let His light shine. This is limiting God and not allowing His knowledge, grace, and love flow through me as I thought I always have. God is so amazing and I know He is working in my life right now. But as a sinner and doubtful person, I always need to remind myself to put everything in God's hands because He is the one who will show me great and mighty things if I just ask and believe in it. Empty yourselves before the Lord and allow Him to mold you into His masterpiece. He is willing and waiting for you. Just call to Him.

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Be a Giver

God gave His only son to save our lives. This is something that most people know but yet overlooks its significance. Giving is something hard for people to do especially if it involves money. Today I gave my parents a special surprise of an all paid Wine and Dine event at their hotel. It was kind of pricey but I know that they deserve something special and to celebrate their 27th wedding anniversary. When you help someone and give back to the community, it is like medicine. It makes you feel like you are making a change in the world. Be a giver and do something for someone else out of the kindness of your heart. Pay it forward people!

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God has Shown Me: Be a Servant

Deuteronomy 31:6- 

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them [the enemy]; for the Lord your God, he is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

Okay so for over a week or two I've been trying to get involved with the community or at least have something else to do than sit at home and watch television or read all the time. So I searched on the internet for places I could volunteer at that would help me gain career experience in the field I am pursuing. I came across the Toledo R House. This place was for teens and young adults to, and their families or supporters to come and talk and socialize with others about their addiction problems. So I emailed the director and last Monday night I drove about 30 minutes away to arrive at this place and to my surprise I was deeply moved and a little sad. I sat in on the parent/family support group that night which last for about an hour and within the first 30 minutes I wanted to cry and give hugs out to every one of those people there. One lady caught my attention the most that night. As we all went around the room and introduced ourselves she stated that she was there because her two sons, ages 15 and 12, were addicted to marijuana. 12 YEARS OLD! WHAT!? I was so stunned at that number and I applauded her for taking the stand to help stop the trend of that happening. Throughout the meeting others discussed their issues they have with their teen or young adult. But at the end we all stood up and help hands and said a prayer. I realized then that this was something God was leading me to. He wants me to be there to help those who are struggling with this issue in their lives. I'm sure things will be different in the teen meeting than in the parent one but I'll find that out tonight at 7pm. As I walked out of the back door, at least 20 teens were out there, talking and laughing with one another. Satan was trying to get to me by telling me that I wouldn't be able to relate to them or even get through to them with what God has called me to do. Then I realized, Jesus was perfect but yet he was always with the sinners, addicts, selfish, dirty, etc people. I may not know what these people are going through exactly, I haven't been around addicts all that much and I may not be able to turn them from what they are doing but at least God has lead me to a place that He feels I can handle and where I can just get my foot in the door of their hearts. Anyways, on my way home that night I turned on the radio to KLOVE 96.9FM. The songs on there meant something more to me and I was shouting them out the window. LOL okay not literally because it was freezing cold but I pretended! I felt God's presence so much and I just knew this was what I was to be doing right now. I read Deut. 31:6 later that night, which talks about having courage and going forth with the plans God has given us; having faith and not being afraid. Then a few minutes after I read that the song, Courageous by Casting Crowns, comes on the radio. I felt God telling to be courageous and everything will be okay, just follow Him. 

I encourage those who read my posts to pray for a revelation to happen within this building of teens. Right now the director is struggling with finances and they are trying to make the place more inviting and actually be able to hire a professional counselor to have on staff. They do fundraiser and volunteer at Mud Hen games but that money is just getting them by. They have a big fundraiser coming up in the summer(I'll get more details and share). I know this is a big thing to ask but if you feel that God is leading you to donate money or anything please do it! I can give you the address and contact information if you would like to learn more about Toledo R House. Please pray about it and if you can't give in that manner then please just consider praying for these teens/young adults and their parents/families; that God may intervene and make some magic happen. :)

Information:

Toledo R House

2428 Sylvania Ave 

Toledo, OH 43613

(419)824-4099 [main office]

secretary@rhousetoledo.com [Debi Kennedy] She's a great lady! 

God bless you all. Thanks for reading and your support. 

"We were made to be courageous, we were made to lead the way, we could be the generation that finally breaks the chain, we were made to be courageous!" -Casting Crowns

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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Psalm 25:4-5--

Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me...

For the past week I've been dealing and really struggling with my decision of what I want to do as a career for the rest of my life. This is really hard for me to choose because I really have no clue what it is I want to do. I had a mental breakdown yesterday once I got home from class. I was so happy and joyful on my ride home but once I stepped in my room and looked at all of the work that needed to be complete by Sunday I just freaked. I blew up at my mom and continued to be in that mood for almost the whole night. I even woke up feeling kind of on edge still. Anyways, I received a daily devotional from one of my friends' mother in the mail a few days prior to this breakdown. I looked at it and was grateful for it but thought to myself, "When am I really going to read this?". God knew exactly when. :) This morning I got up and ate breakfast and came back to my room and sat down at my computer. I wanted to do my daily Bible reading and journaling, but I almost felt like it was pointless today because I thought I wasn't going to get much out of it. To my surprise I definitely did. I decided to pick up that Daily Devotions I received a few days earlier and flipped to March 30th. Guess what the title was??? "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions"! How ironic and perfect! Amazed? I know, right. Me too! I read the words that were there and felt the presence of God and His guidance. In this study it talked about how we have so many decisions to make but the really tricky and big ones should go through a process before we make out decision. Here's the outline God tells us to do as followers:

1. We should do our research. We need to know the options and what we would be getting ourselves into before we just go ahead and answer. Proverbs 18:13- He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. That's the truth there. I've made many decisions in my past and even to this day without researching it or anything. Most of them did bring me shame or they just didn't work out. 
2. We should definitely talk to God. I know how hard it can be to talk to God sometimes, especially since you can't see Him physically and He doesn't always answer right away, but we really need to take to time to talk to Him and tell Him everything. He will answer but we need to be quiet as well to listen for His guidance. Psalm 37:23- The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. God really does delight in your steps. He wants you to be successful, but only according to Him way, not the worldly way of success. Talk to Him and give Him your time. He wants to hear your voice. :) 
3. We've got to be open to new ideas. Being stuck in the familiar will only hinder us as we try to grow in our walk with Christ. I tend to get in a mind-set and a way of thinking that is routine and it does hinder me a lot of times; I still struggle with this. remember things won't change completely within a night or even a week. It takes time, patience, and hard work. In order for God's plan to be successful we need to be open to change and new ideas. God likes to help us grow and stepping out of your comfort zone is definitely one of those times where He likes to help. Remember though, He's always there with you through everything. 
4. Lastly, we should not only seek God's advice but also that of trusted friends and family. God placed those people in our lives to help us out; to act as a visual/physical body of Himself. Talking with friends and family will help you vent, get new perspectives on the decision you've got to make, and give you many options and opinions, but Let God direct your path. You can listen and take their advice to consideration but God has the ultimate advice to give. :) 

I'm so blessed by God. I woke up feeling kinda crappy but now I God is talking to me and showing me what to do in order for me to know what to do. He is helping me. I've been waiting for this day, to know what to do. Thank you, God! Start today with these simple steps. It'll help you, I promise. Take your time, talk, listen, and change. Good luck with your decisions. I hope you have a great journey to it. 

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Praise God!

Music is a deep emotional stimulant for me. Music definitely moves me in multiple moods. One minute, I can be screaming with joy and the next, tears are crashing down my cheeks. To me, when someone says to worship the Lord, my mind automatically connects to music and dancing/clapping. There's so many ways to worship God but music is the biggest in my life. So, I put a playlist together for ya'll. These songs are so inspiring, uplifting, teaching, sorrowful, prideful(in a good way), filled with happiness; all of the above. God is so miraculous and I love music, especially when He's involved! :) Hope you enjoy(and take time to listen to these songs) (: and have a fantastic week! Be a light to others...they'll appreciate it!

Playlist: LONG LIST! lol I can't help it :)

Show Jesus- Jamie Grace

God Girl- Jamie Grace     <----- One of my faves!

Sovereign Hand- Abbi Walker

This Little Light of Mine- Addison Road

What Do I know Of Holy- Addison Road

Amazing Because It Is- The Almost

Your Love- Brandon Heath

Courageous- Casting Crowns   <----- LOVE!

The Well- Casting Crowns

Wedding Day- Casting Crowns

Want To Be Real- Chris August

Canyons- Chris August

I Will Follow- Chris Tomlin

Jesus Messiah- Chris Tomlin

My Chains Are Gone- Chris Tomlin

What Love Looks Like- Dara Maclean

Captured Me- Flame

Free To Be Me- Francesca Battistelli

Letting Go- Francesca Battistelli

Eyes Wide Open- Jars of Clay

There Will Be A day- Jeremy Camp

Your Love Never Fails- Jesus Culture

Dearly Loved- Jimmy Needham

Control- JJ Heller

What Love Realy Means- JJ Heller

I Refuse- Josh Wilson

Faith Don't Fail- Joy Whitlock

Here- Kari Jode

Steady My Heart- Kari Jode

Blessings- Laura Story

This Is The Day- Laura Story

Healing I Your Arms- Luminate

This Is Love- Luminate

The Motions- Matthew West   <---- great song! 

The Story of Your Life- Matthew West

These Hard Times- Needtobreathe

God's Not Dead- Newsboys   <----------- Faveeeee!

Learning To Be The Light- Newworldson

True Love- Phil Wickham

Heaven Fall Down- Phil Wickham

Treasures- The Rocket Summer

Make A Move- Royal Tailor

The Fight Song- Sanctus Real

Healing Begins- Tenth Avenue North

You Are More- Tenth Avenue North

Love Is Here- Tenth Avenue North

(p.s: I LOVE Tenth Avenue North!)

Revelation- Third Day

Love Pursuit- V. Rose <----- MUST LISTEN!

Cry Holy- V. Rose

Not So Average- V. Rose

Lead Me To The Cross- Hilson United

Good Morning- Mandisa

Stronger- Mandisa

Hope ya'll enjoyed these as much as I do! Peace, love, blessings :)

Muahhhhh,

Sam <3

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You're Not An Outcast

Good evening :) I hope that you feel God's presence in your life this week. Look for the positive out of everything you face whether good or bad; God is teaching us through all aspects of life.

This is a little look in to the life of an outcast in Jesus' era and how He loved her any way.

John 4:1-26 talks about the Samaritan woman and Jesus when He asked for a drink at the well. Jesus was a Jew and it was not heard of when a Jew would talk to a Samaritan and especially a man to talk to a woman. Woman were inferior to men back then and the men didn't even talk to their own mothers or sisters in public. Anyways, Jesus asked this lady if He could have a drink from the well but she was astounded that He was even speaking to her in the first place. At that point Jesus already knew that she was immoral, having 5 husbands and the one she was living with now was not even her husband. He wasn't there to judge her or kill her for her wrong path of life; He was there to tell her of the great mercy and love of God. He was ministering to her, showing that He actually cared and disregarded the immoral acts she had done in the past. He revealed Himself as the Messiah, offering forgiveness, redemption, and a new life. As she drank from His cup of living water, she ran back to Samaria without a second thought and proclaimed the Messiah had arrived. The people of Samaria eagerly yearned for the living water of Christ after the Samaritan woman shared what had happened to her. God uses us, even if we think we are broken and unworthy. He has a purpose for every person on earth. Whether you are like this Samaritan woman, with several husbands/wives or you're living with a man/woman and he is not your husband/wife, God still loves you with all of His heart. He is wanting to use you to further His Kingdom and to proclaim the Good News.

God is working in our lives and wanting to be near us each minute of the day. He has a plan for us. No matter what we've been through, done, or thought about doing; He is still there, waiting. Take the next step and say hello back to Him as He knocks on the door to your heart. You are loved with out end.

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Beauty Has No Definition

First off, so sorry for not posting earlier this week. I've been extremely busy. Hope you have a great weekend and feel God's love and beauty around you. Just take a look outside and see the positives through everything. :)

We tend to find fault in the way we look, act, and feel. Most of the time we question why we were made a certain way. Questioning yourself on whether or not you are worth more than you give yourself credit is like saying those things are wrong, to God. He is the one that made you, so therefore you are questioning His image of you. We have to remember that God made us in His perfect image. We fell to sin once born on earth but while inside our mothers' womb we were perfect. In the beginning God created us to be perfect but humans failed by means of the flesh/devil. The devil destroys our thoughts of peace and turns them into thoughts of negative and destructiveness. God wants us to think of everything having a positive effect on us. God has called us to treat out bodies with respect and uplift them as if we were offering them as a sacrifice to Him. We are to treat them as precious as a temple of Holiness. I know for me, this is hard to overcome, especially since the world puts things in our minds 24/7 about the definition of beauty. I believe there is no definition of beauty. Beauty to me is one who loves even when they're heart has been extremely bruised or the love you see when a little child hasn't seen her daddy in a long time and she runs up to give him a hug. That is beauty. The world has beauty as being skinny, tanned, beautiful hair, rich, and so on. This is the world's view of beauty and definitely not a view God intended there to be. We do fall sometimes to the ways of the world and give in to things that we think will give us beauty but in the end we realize that those things will not give us the feelings we're looking for. We want to feel appreciated and loved and valued. God is here to give us that. He lets us know He is here with us to wash all of the false beauty away from our lives. He loves us no matter what we look, act, and feel like. He is the one true love of our lives that will never leave us because we don't look a certain way or act a certain way. He is here for us through thick and thin. He turns no one away from his embracing arms. He is reaching out now, to you. All you have to do is accept His mercy and give Him control of your life and you'll be His definition of beauty. I have failed many times, over and over again, but the Lord is ALWAYS there when I need a hand to help me back up and to teach me what I've been missing all those times. He lets me know that He still loves me even after all the sinful things I have done and that He wants better for me. He has blessed me beyond measure and I'm not deserving of any of it, but I find myself enjoying those blessing because He has allowed me to forgive myself for the torture I've put myself through to be the world's definition of beauty. All I really needed to do was put my life in His hands and accept His love, for me to have His beauty in my life. He's waiting to embrace you, so let Him. It'll be an amazing relationship. :)

1 Samuel 16:7-

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

1 Peter 3:3-4-

Do not let your adornment be merely outward-- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

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Relationships...

It's finally the weekend! Time to sit back and relax a little. This is was God lead me to the other day and I thought I'd share it.

2 Cor. 6:14-18

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? ...Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in the and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Jesus calls us to be yoked with believers when it comes time to date a man or marry that man. Being a believer in Christ consists of having an on-going relationship with God the Father and communicating to him with worship, prayer, reading His Word, and showing or being Christ-like by our actions. Faith without action get's you nowhere. As we begin to think of dating or marrying a man that has walked into our lives we must consider him and his lifestyle. I know the feeling of being so in love with a man that you overlook or say "things will change once this or that happens". Trust me, I have been through my fair share of bad relationships and that is not the case. We need to consider whether or not that man has a personal and growing relationship with our Heavenly Creator. I've come to know that this aspect in a man's life is very important to me and that is what I long for, just as God longs for the same thing for every one of us. If that personal and growing relationship between our dating partner and God is not evident throughout his lifestyle then that is no man for us to be dating. God wants the very very best for us. He really does. Our Lord knows what is best for us and He tells us not to be with an unbeliever for our own good. I grew up in a home where my mother was a believer before my dad. The strife and heartache that went on in the house every week was miserable, both for them and for us children. Once both my parents became believers(after a decade of being miserable) everything changed so quickly. The fighting ended, the yelling matches ended, my dad and mom actually showed that they loved each other and they sacrificed for each other. This is a prime example to myself of what I would look forward to if I were yoked with an unbeliever, even though in the end it turned out good for them but many unequally yoked relationships end in separation and divorce. But as I observe my parents' relationship now, it is something that I desperately want and I know that God wants the same for me and for you. As we have to consider our dating partner we also have to consider ourselves. Are we keeping in the word daily? Is our relationship with Christ showing in a good way throughout our days to those that cross our paths? Before we have a lasting and Christ-centered relationship with a man we must first be in a committed and growing relationship with God that supersedes any dating relationship that we might encounter. God WILL gives us the desires of our hearts but we have to lay our lives down to Him and give up control. Just as Psalm 37:4 tells us, "Delight yourselves in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."For some, it may take a long time for those desires to come forth or it may just be a day or two of waiting on the Lord. Remember that God's timing is perfect. Everything about God is perfect. He will reward you for your faithfulness and commitment to Him. God loves you so much more than any man could. Always remember that what we go through in life is God's way of shaping us into the person He desires us to be. :)

This is a picture my cousin showed me. It's a letter from God to us, women. So precious.

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Singleness: A Call of Holiness

Loneliness arises in many situations. Losing a friend, being betrayed, separation from the church, misfortune, and a heartbroken marriage are all forms where loneliness occurs. The Christian woman responds to loneliness to dig herself into the Word of God deeper and be filled with the spirit in a time of sorrow and hurt feelings. Being single is not a punishment but rather a call to become Holy. Becoming Holy is a call to become like our Lord; having the same likeness as Him. When we think of ourselves as being single, we think that there is no one out there to be our companions or that special someone who makes us feel butterflies in our stomach, but we are dead wrong. The Lord is our everlasting companion and I know for myself, I often forget that He is ALWAYS here beside me, even in the times of heartache. Jesus knows our hearts' desires and longs to fulfill that for us. He wants us to have a longing for Him and to truly be a Godservant for Him. He will reward us for our obedience and willingness. He loves us so much that there is nothing He wouldn't do for our hearts to be happy and fulfilled. I believe being single is a way for the Lord to have you all to Himself for a little while so He can perfect you and prepare you. He wants the best for us and He longs for us to become Holy. Becoming Holy is accomplished through the Holy Spirit and by knowing and applying the whole of the Word of God to the hole in our lives. God is molding you and me in His likeness as we are in this time of singleness. But think, wouldn't you rather become more like Jesus than just being a "Negative Nancy" and sulking in your pain? Take this opportunity of being single to focus on the Lord of Comfort and become Holy. He's waiting for you and I promise He will never shun you.

1 Peter 5:10-

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

He is here for us to lean on. "Be patient and wait on me", says the Lord.

http://www.jesus-christus-erloesungsweg-zum-ewigen-leben.de/jesus-christus-der-sohn-gottes/

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