What Really Matters

In this life, we can easily get caught up in the here and now. We can get caught up in how we are feeling and what we want. Yet, this life is not about us.
Let's not live for the moment but live for eternity. The only thing that really matters is what we do for God. Everything done outside our relationship with Him has no eternal value. "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31.
I want to glorify God with my life. I want my life to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. I want to live a life fully and completely surrendered to God. I want to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Be Faithful in the Little

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." Luke 16:10 

A few months ago, I was cruising down the road, and heard the words "dream small" coming from the radio.
What a foreign concept. What could this song possibly be about? I tuned in. 

So dream smallDon't bother like you've gotta do it allJust let Jesus use you where you areOne day at a timeLive wellLoving God and others as yourselfFind little ways where only you can helpWith His great loveA tiny rock can make a giant fallSo dream small

This was the beginning of a series of reminders to be faithful in the little things. To not overlook what the Lord has put before me. To not waste time. I can have big dreams and aspirations. These things are good, and may even be part of God's plan for me. Yet, right now, this is the work to be done. This is where He wants me. The work doesn't need to just be done in the future: the work begins now. The season I am is important, and He is using it. 

The little things add up. These small acts are what make up our character. These small acts make a difference in the lives of those around us on a daily basis. Lasting long-term impact comes from small acts. 

As I am pondering this over time, I heard a sermon about faithfulness. The point of the sermon was to encourage us to be faithful to God in the little things and the big. We often times overlook those small things and create excuses for reasons we can't or don't do them, but we really just need to do them. Simple things like returning our grocery carts and not leaving them in an empty parking space. Like putting our unwanted items back on the correct shelf, not leaving them in some random spot in the store. Little things like recycling our water bottles instead of just throwing them into the garbage because it is most convenient. Little things like holding the door open for someone. Smiling and saying hello. 

Keep loving, keep serving. Keep praying, keep reading the Word. Be faithful in the little, and when the time comes, we will be faithful with much. 

Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Will Provide

Our God is faithful and provides for His people. Over the course of 2017, God has provided for me in great and mighty ways! When the future seemed uncertain, when I was unsure of how it would all come together, I knew God had a plan. I just wanted to take time to reflect and post what He has done for me so far this year. 
It all started with the move into my very own house. I have lived in different towns, states, even a different country without my family--but I always had roommates. People were always milling about, sometimes living in the same room if I needed something. We shared food, supplies, rent, and conversation. 
Now, here I was, moving into a place of my very own where I was to be solely independent. I had been searching and praying for a house or apartment to move into. My plan was to get a roommate (or two) and split the cost of everything. When my mom told me about a house here in town that might be a good fit for me, I listened closely, skeptical that it could be for me. I called the realtor to get a tour, and upon walking through the house, I immediately knew: this was the place for me! The house is intended for one person or a married couple, not ideal for roommates. The rent is affordable on my own, and I can manage the inexpensive lights and utilities. Was this the house I had pictured? Was this what I had planned for myself? No, no, no! But God is good and provides! 
Now I am moved out on my own, dealing with all of these expenses, and my hourly job at the school is about to cease for the summer. I don't have enough money saved to carry me through the three months with no income: I needed a job! I began to search and pray, and I was asking others for resources and prayer. What places are hiring? Where could I work for the summer? Is there someone who would work with me having a full-time job at the school? A friend told me Wal-mart was hiring for positions in the Garden Center. I sent in an online application and got called soon after. The interview was a breeze, and I was offered the job! I was thrilled! God again was providing.
In the midst of moving and getting a new job, I was also looking into going on a mission trip. I had intended on going to Mexico in December, but that didn't work out. I love cross cultural missions, and I feel called to stay involved. I was searching for trips, contacting missionary resources, and nothing was working out! I either just missed deadlines or trips conflicted with my schedule. I finally decided to stop trying to make things work and to trust that God would open up the door if I was supposed to go somewhere. All the while, my friend Caleb had been posting about a trip to Nicaragua. At first I thought, "Oh cool, I'm happy for him! I'll pray for his trip." After some time, he announced he'd be taking a team with him and requested volunteers. One day it clicked, and it occurred to me to ask him for info about the trip. They were just about to purchase plane tickets as a group. This could have been another missed opportunity, BUT I had JUST received my income tax refund. This refund would adequately cover all the expenses for my plane tickets! 
On top of that, God provided for the other funds I needed to go. He provided through friends, family, church family, and even unexpected ways, like through a local Christian bookstore. When God calls you to do something, NO obstacles can stand in your way!
As if these situations weren't enough, He continued to provide in other ways. 
Providing young adult community when I was feeling alone and disconnected. 
Giving me adult fellowship through a Sunday school class when I had been so focused on children's and youth ministry.
Providing transportation when I had gotten into a car accident.
I could list more. These are just some really big moments that really stand out and were momentous. This isn't even going into the day to day ways that God has provided and shown His faithfulness and provision. 
God is good. We can trust Him and put our faith in Him, even when circumstances are hard. Even when we don't see how things could work out. Even when things aren't going like we think they should. He is a good, good Father and cares for His children. 

Will You Trust Me? A Reflection on Finances

I anxiously await my paycheck to get bills paid.
Life changes are occurring and my budget is getting tighter.
Expenses keep popping up, yet my paycheck only comes once a month.
I'm looking for a second job, but I haven't found one yet.
In the middle of it all, I hear God's still small voice asking me to trust Him.
He's asking, Will you trust Me?

It's moments like this, moments of insecurity and uncertainty, that our worries and doubts start to surface. We have to decide whether to live in doubt and fear or step out in faith and trust God.

Trust God to provide.

Trust that God has a plan.

Trust that God is a good Father.

Trust that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do.

As I was reflecting earlier, the verses in Matthew 6 came to mind,

"'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (emphasis mine)

If God takes care of the birds and makes sure their needs are met, how much more will He take care of me! I can trust that He will meet my needs. I don't have to worry about my bills or how I will be able to afford groceries. I don't have to stress about how much money is left in my bank account. He already knows my current needs and what my needs are going to be. Just like He provided for the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert, He will provide for me. He is a good, good Father who cares for His children.

Will you trust Me? Yes, Lord! Yes, I will trust You. I will trust You in the good times and the bad. Help me to have the faith to continue moving forward. Cause my eyes to stay fixed on You, not on my earthly circumstances. Give me the strength to seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness above all else. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Experimenting in the Kitchen: Using a New Recipe

What do you do when the weather is bad, the roads are icy, and you're spending the day at home?
Bake!
This morning I made my usual delicious skillet cornbread to be paired with ham and beans, followed by a new recipe I found: coconut flour bread. You can find the recipe here: http://blog.radiantlifecatalog.com/bid/62722/Home-Baked-Grain-Free-Organic-Coconut-Flour-Bread.
I thought, why not review this new recipe?!

Level: Easy
Ease of finding ingredients: 5 out of 5. Super easy! Had all of them at home already
Taste: 4 out of 5. The texture is like that of a quick bread. I think it tastes good but not like your typical bread. If you haven't ever had a gluten free, yeast free bread, it will take some getting used to.
Cook time: Around 25 minutes. My bread pan was a little bigger than I would have liked. If using a smaller pan, it would have taken about 40 minutes like the recipe suggests.

As you can tell, the bread pan I used was too big, or maybe I should have doubled the recipe for this size pan. Size aside, this coconut bread tastes good! I followed the recipe closely (not usually my style!). I did use extra virgin coconut oil instead of going with ghee, so mine has an extra coconut-y flavor, which I am okay with. If you aren't a fan of that, definitely go with butter or ghee. I have only eaten this plain, and I imagine it will only taste even better with a topping. I'm thinking peanut butter, honey, or jam. If it was more bread shaped, you could easily use this for a sandwich.

Would I make this recipe again? Yes!

Have you made a gluten free bread at home? I'd love to hear what recipes you've tried and which ones were successful.

Love in Christ and many blessings to you!

Fully Surrendered

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" Matthew 16:24

Fully surrendered.
A couple days ago I was listening to a sermon online about finding the one to marry, and the pastor mentioned looking for someone who is "fully surrendered." If they are fully surrendered to God, then everything else will take care of itself.
This truly impacted me, more than just as to who I am going to look for as a spouse--although it definitely gave me perspective for that too.
As I began to mull over being fully surrendered, I realized that's ultimately what I want for myself. I want to be fully surrendered to God, to fully pursue Him for Him and be a living sacrifice. Not surrendering for what I can get and what God will do for me, but surrendering in pursuit of Jesus Christ Himself.
Looking at my life through surrendered eyes puts a lot in perspective. I am able to reframe and see my true motivations. I'm able to re-think selfish pursuits and see how I can instead bring glory to God.
I can't wait to see how God works in the coming year. Here's to being fully surrendered!

My Year In Rewind: A Reflection About My Goals

                                
In a few short days, 2016 will be coming to an end. A new year will be upon us. I started this year with many goals and high hopes. This was going to be the year I hit my goals and returned to my passions.

Have I gotten closer to reaching goals?
Am I pursuing my passions again?

Writing. I have written blog posts and used my creative talent on class writing assignments.

Photography. Other than some random moments captured by my phone camera, I haven't pursued photography. I don't think it is as much of a passion as I once thought.

Teaching. I continued subbing, got a job as a paraprofessional, and I'm continuing my education to become an elementary teacher.

Reading. I have read many books throughout the year, including fiction and nonfiction. I've spent time enjoying books again and reading them for pleasure.

Music. I have found such joy in singing and listening to new music. I have even learned a few new songs on the piano.

I had a goal of reading through the Bible in a year. Being on a strict reading plan that rushes through isn't for me, so I'm extending this goal. I have read my Bible most days, and I've been working my way through books of the Bible one at a time. This month some girls and I decided to read through the book of Luke, and it's been awesome!