2013 Recap: He>i

So, as 2013 comes to an end, I've reflected on what a great year it was. 2013 was my year of opportunity. Many open doors and so much accomplished. I completed most of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year. I can't even begin to thank God enough. So much happened this year. Turned 21, became a student youth leader at my church, took my GRE's, applied to grad school, made Dean's list, got a great campus job, had a great internship, got featured on my school's website, met amazing people, grew spiritually, had a reality check, smashed my laptop, been super busy, neglected my blog :( , realized that I don't know everything and the list goes on and on. Through the ups and downs, He was faithful. It's a beautiful thing when you can look back and see God's handiwork in your life.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2013, and there were many, was to get out of the way. I was reading John 3:30 which says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." What struck me was the word, "but."

'But' in this context implies that He can't increase if we don't decrease.  We have to get of the way. I never saw it that way. I often find myself doing things because I wanted to look good. Not for God's glory, but to maintain that "good girl" persona. At the time I read this verse, I was considering stepping down from ministry because of something I didn't like. I saw the impact that the youth group had on the youth and how God was moving, but I couldn't get over one little selfish thing that I wanted. This verse was a reality check. It reminded me that I was doing God's work to minister to Him and for Him and NOT for me. That day, I wrote, "I can play the background, but first I need to get out of the way. I need to remove myself from the spotlight and let You shine."

So I'll end 2013 and begin 2014 with this motto: He>i. He gets the glory, the spotlight and the accolades. What I do is for His Glory. I. Am. Second.

2013 was a great year but it's time to put that behind me and press on... 2014.

Word of Encouragement for you: "God has a plan for you this coming year. So, 'hats off to the past and coats off to the future!' Roll up your sleeves, go to work, and expect great things from God." (Word 4u 2day)

Selah [pause and think]

iPromise

It feels so good to finally blog again! 

For months before my 21st birthday, I was brainstorming gifts I could give myself that would actually have a significant meaning. So, I decided purity ring! What better way to celebrate turning 21 than to make a promise to God that I would keep myself pure for my unmarried days. Problem was, I've made that commitment already, without a ring.

I liked the ring idea, so I decided that I would get a ring, but it just wouldn't be a purity ring. I love the infinity sign and all it represents. Forever. How could I incorporate "Forever" into my life? Forever is like a promise. God has promised to be with me forever. No matter what relationships I may or may not be in. No matter if it's a good day or bad day. No matter what. He's what's constant in my life.

I proudly wear this infinity sign on my finger to remind me every day of the promise that God made to me. That He's with me forever and always. No matter what. So, as I navigate through the last year of my undergraduate career with grad school applications and my future looming over me, I have a tangible reminder, promise, that He's with me through it all.

Selah [pause and think]

What would YOU have done if you were Adam or Eve?

Interesting question... And up til a few days ago, I would have responded, "I'd stay away from that fruit! Do Adam and Eve know what problems they have brought on humanity?!"

In Katalyst's song "Die if I Have To," he poses a similar question and states that "all men sin and if they had a chance they would do it again." This made me think. If I was in the garden, regardless of whether I decided to eat the fruit or not, sin was inevitable. The devil's desire was to destroy God's wonderful and unique creation.

Being the all-knowing God that He is, God had already set the plan for Jesus into motion and Jesus came to give life to the creation that the devil thought he had destroyed (John 10:10, John 3:16, Hebrews 2:14). We are no longer under the bondage of sin but are free in Jesus (John 8:36).

So, I probably couldn't have stopped the world from becoming what it is if I was Eve because nobody on this earth is righteous (Ecclesiastes 7:20). BUT THANK GOD FOR JESUS!

Selah [pause and think]

Prayer Tips

Well, I finished my first read for the year, A Young Woman's Call To Prayer about two months ago. AWESOME read! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to really catalyze their prayer life. BEWARE: Once you begin walking out this new prayer lifestyle, you may notice that it's a struggle to pray, only because the enemy doesn't want you to be more prayerful because you'll mess up his plans. Can I be honest? I had a week or two where I was extremely busy and didn't take time to sit down and be in God's presence or I was simply too lazy to.

Anyways, here are some tips that Elizabeth George gives for prayer with my own personal experience.

1. "Use a prayer list or notebook." This has definitely organized my prayer life and helps me remember what to pray for. I write down every prayer request that I have and also, those of others. I also write things that I'm thankful for which really helps me remember to thank God for them. I usually write a new list every 2 weeks, but during the week, I add points. Elizabeth advises to carry a small spiral pad or an index card so that when people ask you to pray for them and you aren't near your notebook, you'll remember. I use the note function on my phone.
2. "Schedule a prayer time each day." This was definitely one of the hardest things for me to do, with constant meetings, classes, exams, papers and activities, but after classes, before I went study was the best time for me during the semester. Now during the summer, I find that making it the first big thing I do in the morning with my cup of tea. BEST TIME EVER! In the book, Elizabeth recommended setting a timer for 5 minutes so that praying won't feel overwhelming. That definitely helped me at first, but now, once I get started I usually surpass the 5 minutes. As you continue, you begin to see this time as a necessity and not an obligation. Note: This doesn't mean you shouldn't be in constant communication with God during the day, but this is a time that you set aside to sit in His presence.
3. "Spend time praying with others." I haven't really done this one yet. Note to self: GET ON IT! 
4. "Pray using Scripture" In my prayer notebook, I write some verse that coincide with whatever the need may be. Do I know the whole Bible? NO! But Google has been my best friend. If you know snippets of the verse or don't know any verses on a certain topic, Google it! Ex. : Direction (Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 3:5-6, 16:9)
5. "Borrow from the prayers of others." I haven't done this one yet.
6. "Open and close each day with a time of prayer." Usually while I'm still in the bed, I thank God for waking me up and loving me. Simple. Then at night, I just thank Him for the day and ask for forgiveness of sin. Short and to the point because I fall asleep (hahaha). But if I'm still awake, I try to recap my day to Him.
7. "Get inspired by the biographies of others who prayed." Haven't done this one either. 
8. "Study the prayers of the Bible." The most common prayer is the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).  Elizabeth also suggests Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).
9. "Follow through with your resolve: No decision made without prayer." This one is definitely hard for me. I always forget to pray before I do many things. God, help me!
10. "Feed your heart and mind with God's word." This cannot be stressed enough. Sometimes you don't have the words to say, but there are Scriptures that say it all.

Remember, prayer is simply talking to God. Don't make it harder than it has to be and don't let these tips intimidate you. Just speak to God from the depths of your heart. He understands.

Selah [pause and think]

Opened Box

Confession: I have been working on another post for a week now. It requires research and I currently have no motivation to do the research. SMH... well, it's summer. I will be on my grind very soon. Anyways, during finals week, I don't remember what brought the thought about but I started thinking about society's view of beauty and how I measured up. My thoughts were so intense/compelling that I had to write them down. Here's what I got:

Opened Box
Beautiful, they say.
I wonder what they are talking about.
You see, I never really found beauty in my features.
Now, before you say I have low self-esteem, hear me out.
I'm no where near the coveted 5'11" with the slim build.
Nothing amazing.
I'll never be on the cover of a magazine.
But you see, society uses these features to put us in a box
They don't want us to be difficult or unique, but robots, identical to each other.
MY beauty lies in my relationship with my Creator.
MY beauty lies in my God-given talents and personality.
MY beauty lies in my morals and values.
MY beauty lies in my heart for others.
MY beauty lies in the desire to positively impact those around me.
You see, I never really thought of my physical features as beautiful because what's inside overshadows it by far.
In everything I do, in every experience I have, I find another facet of beauty.
Yet society chooses to limit beauty to one thing.
I refuse to indulge in that mindset.
Physical beauty chips, cracks, fades and disappears.
I, every aspect of me, was beautifully and wonderfully made, crafted by a skillful Artist.
To limit this beauty to only one aspect of me is just unfair.

Where does your beauty lie?

Selah [pause and think]

My First Read!

So, I finished reading through the Bible after reset/catching up my YouVersion (my favorite Bible app) plan many times. This year, my goal is to read 4-6 books, in addition to my personal devotion, that will catalyze my spiritual growth. My first read is A Young Woman’s Call to Prayer by Elizabeth George, which I started almost 3 weeks. So far, I learned many valuable tidbits about prayer. I've always know that prayer was important but as I read this book and as I spend more time in God's presence, I find myself more at peace than before. I also find myself craving alone time with God and shooting up little prayers during the day.  

It's not like I'm learning something brand new, but I'm seeing some verses in a new light. For example, yesterday, I read about how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't know what we should pray. (Romans 8:26-34). Verse 27 says that the Holy Spirit prays for us according to the will of God and in verse 31, it says if God be for us who can be against us. So basically, both the Holy Spirit and Jesus intercede on my behalf even when I don't know how to pray and they are praying according to the will of God. Therefore, everything in my life is working for my good and if they are on my side, fighting for  me, who/what can hurt me? WOW.

At the beginning of the book, we were encouraged to right down our commitment to prayer. Here's mine:

I commit to finding a quiet place to pray. I will pray constantly, consistently and persistently. Instead of giving up and worrying, I will pray because God has promised me His peace and His ears are open to me.

What's your commitment to prayer?

Selah [pause and think]

Single?

Red. Pink. White. Hearts. Sappy Hallmark cards. Chocolate. Flowers. Couples. Dates. It must be "Single Awareness Day."

So it's Valentine's Day and for many of us single Christians, Jesus is our valentine. Right now, I know that God is working on me and preparing me to be the woman He has called me to be and I'm cool with that but it's not easy. I'm gonna share some practical tips that have definitely helped/are helping me keep my focus where it needs to be. These are in no particular order nor are they a magic cure for loneliness and insecurities that sometimes accompany being single.

1. Seek God first.
Seek Him first and EVERYTHING else follows (Matthew 6:33). Share feelings of loneliness with God. Have constant heart checks to make sure your heart is focused on Him. Commit every crush into His hands; that will definitely make life so much easier. Remember, He's using this time to mold and grow you. God doesn't hold anything good from those who are doing His will (Psalm 84:11). Everything will be revealed in its time and it will be at the right place at the right time with the right person (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Also, it's a great idea to begin praying for your future spouse. Though you may not know exactly who they are, it's good to just lift them up to God. We all need prayer, don't we?

2. Have realistic, godly standards
Don't be in such a rush to be in a relationship that you forgo your standards, but make sure they're realistic. Wanting a  tall, fine, light-skinned brother, 6' 1" who drives a BMW or Mercedes and makes 6 figures is probably a bit unrealistic. It definitely helps to write down the spiritual attributes you want your spouse to have. I found that 1 Timothy 3:1-13 is a great outline of what I want my husband to be like. Remember that a lot of the romance you see in the movies, hear in songs and read about are made up and God is way more creative than that.

3. Be content
I was reading Alyssa Joy's blog (here) and she said that whatever stage you're in is God's best for you. Don't be jealous of those around you who are in relationships. Your time is coming. We don't always see it, but God knows exactly why He wants us to be single at this time. Accept yourself flaws and all and remember you are worth it and God sees you as precious. That being said, Get to work! Before you know it you'll be in a relationship, a wife/husband, mother/father and all that jazz. So use your singleness wisely. Get involved at church or any where else that you can be a positive impact on others.

4. Don't forget the greatest Love
 ^"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13) No matter what, there is a Love that looks past your faults and mistakes. He's jealous for you and He desires to be the One that you run to in every situation.  He is the perfect example of what true love looks like. Let Him love you.

These are just a few of the ways to embrace this temporary season of your life. Took me a while to get to this place and I still have a ways to go, but with God ALL things are possible. More of my thoughts on relationships and stuff: Loving me  Love story for the books Worth it Treat yourself today. Ain't no shame in being single. :)

Happy Valentine's Day! Make someone smile today!

Selah [pause and think]

Sooo... how about those New Year Resolutions?

Every year, we make these resolutions (with intentions to keep them, of course) to better themselves. So it's January 14, you've probably been carrying out your New Year's Resolutions or already broken them. But instead of resolutions, why not create a healthy habit?

"Habits are powerful things. We form our habits, then our habits form us. So this year are you going to stop talking about it, and make it a habit to spend time with God in prayer each day? If your desire is to be like Jesus, you must begin to pray regularly," ~ Word 4u 2day

So one of my healthy habit for the year is to begin to pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17), which just means that I never close lines of communication with God. Lately, I've gotten into the habit of recapping my WHOLE day to God while in bed. I usually don't finish because I fall asleep, but it's definitely a great way to end the day and it reminds me of people/situations I need to pray for.

So what about you? What healthy habits are you gonna create in 2013?

Selah [pause and think]

Check out Word 4u 2day here!