God and Relationships

"Life is mostly about relationships. When our relationships are going well, life is good. We feel full, strong, loved, and happy. But when they unravel- or worse, don't exist- life is empty and lonely. We feel insignificant, insecure, weak, and sad." 
(14 Secrets to Better Relationships)

This blog is a recap of a book I am studying (and strongly recommend): 

"14 Secrets to Better Relationships" by Dave Earley.

1. Admit That You Need Relationships

"Two are better than one." Ecclesiastes 4:9

2. Accept Them For Who They Are

"Accept one another... Just as Christ accepted you." Romans 15:7

3. Love At All Times

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:39

4. Respect

"Honor one another above yourself." Romans 12:10

5. Be a Servent 

"Serve one another humbly in love." Galatians 5:13

6. Be Quick to Forgive

"Forgive just as the Lord forgave your sins." Colossians 3:13

7. Be Honest Always

"Confess your sins to each other." James 5:16

8. Be an Encourager

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24

9. Pray Always

"Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

10. Choose Peace

"Live in harmony with one another." Romans 12:16

11. Comfort with Compassion

"Comfort one another with these words." 1Thessalonians 4:18

12. Invest Daily

"Let us not love with words but with actions and truth." 1 John 3:18

13. Carry Their Burdens

"Restore that person gently... Carry eachothers burdens." Galatians 6:1-2

14. Endure

"Be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

"A convenient relationship is seldom a relationship of deep joy. It is in the dire that rough-edged relationships are refined and made strong. These may not be easy- but they are worth it because God works to make them stronger, deeper, and more rewarding." 

(14 Secrets to Better Relationships)

You changed me, and I thank you for that.

It is well with my soul.

I want to say that this post may get lengthy, but I hope it speaks to your soul like it did mine.

Senior year, I received a letter. It was not just any ordinary letter. It was a notebook piece of paper with handwriting I have never seen, and every word I read shook me to the core. I keep it in my bible and reread it often. I have debated for a while whether or not to post (hence the reason I am just now posting over a year later), but I truly believe it could change lives.

Let me first start with this:

Too often I find myself overwhelmed with the every day pressures of life, school, worry, and busy days. My mind feels like it has 100 tabs running at all times, and my to-do list never seems to get done. I catch myself with constant headaches, unbrushed hair, and sleepy eyes.

Although my life may seem like its going smooth to outsiders, it is truthfully one big jumbled mess. I mean who at 19 years old has their life completely together? (Don't answer that, lol!) My heart gets broken and I have bad days. I struggle to understand things; I fall down, but I always get back up. I have to remind myself that I am human.

I have faced a lot of challenging things in my life, most of which no one know about, because I do not enjoy putting my life story on blast. But there is one thing that remains the same with me. I love people. I have a heart for serving others, and I never want a soul to feel mistreated or unimportant by my words or actions. I smile even when I've just had the worst day. There is only one reason for this, and it is because Christ live in me.

So here it is:

I wish I could hug this person and tell them how much Jesus loves them, but maybe I already have. (and if you're reading this, you've changed my life too!)

It is an important reminder that no matter what you are going through, other people are struggling as well. Your actions, words, and kindness truly make a difference. So shine Jesus' light and share His truth.

You could save a soul.

If you can't read the note, this is what it says:

Lori Thomas,
I am not going to tell you who I am, just a girl that no one really notices. You will never really understand what you'ue done for me, but you saved my life. I was really depressed for a long time and you seemed to be the only person who would really talk to me. I want to thank you because you're the reason I am alive. One day I had planned to commit suicide. It was two years ago and I was really down in the dumps. But just a simple hello can literally save someone's life. You also help me still. This year, I feel like I have really changed because I am striving to share a smile every day with some one who might be how I was two years ago. I want to share a simple hello with someone so they too, will think of me as I think of you. Some people would say it is just a coincidence that you shared a smile and a hey with me the exact day that I was tired of being bullied and pushed around. All I want to tell you is don't ever change, because there has to be more people you have helped.
Thank you!
Ps. After rewriting this a few times, this is the letter I thought you should have.

Unsigned

Do you live by Romans 12?

[*A Small Chapter With a HUGE Meaning*]

Your first thought when you opened this blog was probably this: 

"How is she going to write an entire blog over Romans 12?" 

This chapter honestly comes to mind every time I see something 

positive or negative happen between people, even Christians. 

So what does it say? 

We'll start with Romans 12:15 (NLT)

"Be happy with those who are happy,

and weep with those who weep."

That is SO powerful in my life.

Heres why:

Every day I am surrounded by women who desire for someone to be proud of their accomplishments. They want someone to care about their success and failures. All they want is for you to be happy for them when something great happens, and for you to mourn for them when something sad occurs.

That is all.

So, why are we so discouraging to others when something positive happens to them? 

Why are we not jumping with joy, congratulating, and genuinely happy? 

We, as followers of Christ, need to put our love into action.

Romans 12:2 says this:

"Don't copy the behaviors of this world, but let God transform you 

into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn 

to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

Read that over and over again to grasp the meaning.

You are not made to fit into this world. You are perfectly crafted and designed by Him 

to stand out, to make an impact, and to share the good news of His word to everyone.

Romans 12:3 goes on to say:

"... I give each of you this warning, 

don't think you are better than you really are. 

(Wow, He just put us in our places.) 

Be honest in your evaluation of yourself, 

measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us."

This is incredible.

God does not say evaluate yourself by what you wear,

how much money you have, or how nice your house is.

We all know that we are not perfect. We all make mistakes and have bad days.

We are all sinners, but God has come to rescue us and save us.

Verses 6-8 go on to say that The Lord has given everyone something that they are good at, whether it is serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or whatever it may be. You should not look at your friend and question why their talent is "better" than yours. The Lord gave you your own unique gift because you have the potential to make a huge impact in some way, shape, or form. 

Verses 9 & 10 say it best:

"Don't just pretend to love others, really love them!

Hate what is wrong, hold tightly to what is good."

"Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honoring each other."

It is so important to love others. Love is the most important fruit of the spirit. 

How hard can it be to simply love someone when Jesus died for you and me?

Every single person walking on earth needs to be loved. 

We all are facing our own trials in this world, and the last thing we need is hate.

There is so much evil and wrong in this world.

Romans 12 leaves us with this:

"Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good."

I encourage you to read Romans 12 on your own and get a grasp of the meaning it forms in your own heart. This chapter has so much truth and connection to this world we live in. We are made to be disciples for His kingdom. Every day, we should be encouraging, honoring, and (most importantly) loving one another despite our many differences. God desires for us to love one another just as He sent his very son to die for our sins because He loves us that much.

All Because Adam and Eve Ate the Fruit...

It is an amazing story about how this world came to existence. So many nonbelievers will make you question the existence of God. (I've seen several college professors completely confuse students into believing in several "theories" that aren't part of God's beautiful story.) Its totally crazy, because the Bible is the only way you will know the truth. Many of you know the story of creation in the first book of the bible (Genesis), but too many people don't. 

So here is a brief recap of the 7 day creation:

In the beginning- God created the heavens and the earth. Gen. 1:1

On the first day- He said, "Let there be light" Gen. 1:3

He divided the light from the darkness, calling light- day, and dark-night.

On the second day- He created the heavens. Gen. 1:6-8

On the third day- God created dry land and gathered the water to one area. Gen. 1:9

He called the dry land earth, and the gathering of water- he called seas.

On the fourth day- God made the sun, moon, and stars. Gen. 1:16

On the fifth day- He created the winged and water creatures. Gen. 1:20-22

On the sixth day- God created land animals and MAN. Gen. 1:24-28

Lastly, on the seventh day- God blessed and sanctified it, and He rested. Gen. 2:2

"7 days without God makes one WEAK."

Several people have asked me, "Why would God allow us to be sinners when He has control over everything we do?" -Theres a story for that (Midway Church)

The answer is simple- Its all because Adam and Eve ate the 

fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Romans 5:12 (NLT) says:

When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin

brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.

Let me explain: (You can find this in Genesis 2-3)

The Lord placed Adam in the Garden of Eden which He had planted. Out of the ground He made every tree grow that was pleasant to sight and good for food. God told Adam that he could eat from any tree he wished except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God told him if he ate from that tree, he would surely die.

THEN THE EXCITING PART: {to me of course, because I'm a woman}

The Lord said,"It is not good that man should be alone; 

I will make him a helper comparable to him." Genesis 2:18

The Lord caused Adam to go into a deep sleep and took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. He made the rib into a woman, and He brought her to Adam. 

{They called her Eve-the mother of all living. Gen. 3:20}

Genesis 2:23, Adam says:

This is now bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

she shall be called Woman,

because she was taken out of Man.

The Temptation and Fall of Man

A clever serpent (satan) told Eve that if she ate from the tree which God commanded of her not to eat, that she wouldn't die, instead her eyes would be opened and she would be like God, knowing good and evil. (Of course, satan's first target was woman.) She was convinced, and she ate. She also gave to her husband, and he ate. Soon, they realized they were naked and covered themselves in fig leaves. (Before partaking, they were allowed to run freely and naked in the garden without shame. They were innocent and pure as a child. Matthew 18:2-4)

They heard the sound of the Lord walking through the garden and He called to Adam who was hiding in the trees. Adam admitted that he heard the Lord but was embarrassed because he was naked. The Lord then knew what had happened. 

As a result, the earth is now sinful and cursed.

{Of course this picture isn't of Adam and Eve- Its me and my boyfriend

 at an apple orchard, but I thought it fit pretty well into the story. lol!}

Man will now have to always work for his food, and women's sorrow and conception was multiplied. 

Adam and Eve, and all humans to follow, will now eventually undergo death of our physical bodies. All of our physical bodies will now corrupt and die and return to the ground from which God made Adam. This now opens up our bodies to all kinds of diseases, illnesses, and corruption. This is exactly why we have suffering and sickness on earth – all because of the curse of Adam and Eve.

Life becomes very uncertain now- we never know when we will take our last breath and we are not promised tomorrow. This is why everyone needs to be walking in full surrender with God. We have to become good soldiers in Jesus Christ. Through God's grace, guidance, and protection, we will make it through this crazy life in one piece before going on to spend eternity with Him in heaven.

In Awe of His Love

There is nothing better than to know you are deeply and unconditionally loved by a God that is bigger than any struggle or disappointment you will ever face.

When I sit down to blog, I feel like I have a million things on my mind but the minute I try to write it all out, I am at a loss for words. I think about my life struggles and how they seem so minuscule compared to the desperation and tragedies that are occurring in our world. My heart aches for the lives (young and old) that are being perscecuted because they're Christians. (Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10) I hurt for those who are struggling with terminal illnesses and for those who truly do not know when their last day with loved ones on this earth will be. It puts your mind, heart, and world into perspective. 

I remember being a little girl and waking up in the middle of the night to nightmares. It took every ounce of courage I had to crawl out from under my covers and run downstairs to my parents bedroom. But the minute I was in their presence, my fear was gone. I relied on them to protect me, to be there for me, to forgive me, and to always love me even when I fought with my brothers or spilled a big gallon of milk while trying to pour it into my cereal because it was just too heavy to lift.

As I grew older, I became much more independent very quickly. I learned to take care of myself and not rely on my parents to always cook my meals, brush my teeth for me, bathe me, and pick my clothes out. I loved feeling "grown up", but so often I desire to be that small child again with no stress, no responsibilities, no worries, and the biggest decision I had to make was if I wanted chocolate milk or "vanilla" milk. 

Even as I noticed growth in my mentality, body, and maturity levels; I found that even though I was not always attentive in my small hometown church, I was growing spiritually. I began to find a love for Christ like no other love. I made promises to God in my prayers that I would never disappoint Him or my parents as I grew older and was faced with challenges and temptations. I knew exactly what I stood for and I wouldn't let ANYTHING break me. I was tough, invincible, and strongly independent.. or so I thought.

Over the years, I have been through and experienced more than most people at my age. I can say I have stood firm in my walk with The Lord and never fell into the deep pit of peer pressure. But one thing I can admit is that through these years, even though I have felt like I have always made all of the right decisions (yes, I make mistakes... I am not perfect)-- God has tugged on my heart and changed me and I believe He is still molding me into the person He wants me to become each and every day.

I've laughed and I've cried. I've laughed until I cried. I cried until I thought there was no way more tears could come out. I've been excited, blessed unimaginably, happy, and broken. I have had my fair share of disappointments and heartaches. But one thing has always remained constant, and that is my faith in The Lord.

He has been my shining light in what seemed like the darkest days. He has been my hope for tomorrow when I didn't think I could make it through another day. He has been my happiness and my JOY when I could barely find one going right for me. He has been constant. He has not changed, and I know He never will. (Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6) 

Whether I am headed to work, church, school, or anywhere- I constantly turn on the Christian radio station and instantly get chills from the powerful words and truth. I am brought to tears often by how many times I have failed but God's love and mercy remains.

To many people, I am the girl who smiles all the time; To others, I am the girl who talks way too much; But to most- I am the girl who loves Jesus and will never let you forget it. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing to them who I am and why I am. (because of Jesus) I have never met a stranger.

I love out loud. I am a talker, a singer, a (terrible) dancer, a painter, a monogrammer (yes I made that word up), a writer, a people-person, a coffee drinker, sweets-lover, animal obsessor, and so much more. But if you go your whole life never knowing any of that- I want you to know that I am saved. 

I am loved, cherished, honored, blessed, redeemed, and truly magnificent in the eyes of The Lord. (and guess what... SO. ARE. YOU.)

Never lose a day to tell someone how important they are or share a simple "hey" or smile. You can be a life-changer just as God changed my life, He longs and desires to change yours too.

My world. Its crazy, but it works.

If you're reading this, you're probably extremely bored. Before you read this, I'm going to say that it is about who I am and my mindset for the way I live my life. If you don't care, don't waste your time lol! This is mainly for me to get things off my chest when sometimes it feels as though the world may be weighing you down, or simply because there are days when I don't know if I am doing the right thing.

Here it goes..

I am far from ordinary- and that is what I strive to be. I don't fit in with the crowds. (Even though lots of people that don't truly know me think that I do.) I'm different and I am so thankful for it. I have lots of friends that I absolutely cherish, don't get me wrong. But I only have one true friend that loves me on my weakest days, is the most proud of me for my accomplishments, loves me even when my attitude isn't just right, and would die on a cross for all my sins. My Savior. He motivates me to become a better person when I wake up in the morning despite all the evil and disappointment in this world. He gives me hope for what is yet to come. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Things fall apart. There are good days and bad days. Things start looking up for a minute and before you can blink, something has gone wrong again. This life isn't perfect and I accept that. Well, you kind of have to because life happens whether you are ready or not.

A little about me: I am stubborn- I'll admit. I stick to what I believe and I won't let anyone change my mind. I don't fall for peer-pressure because I don't allow myself to even have a chance to. I'm a rule follower, but I love to have fun. (Ok..I feel like I'm giving my bio for a online dating service....next!)

People always ask me: How do you do everything you do all the time?

My answer: First, God. Second, I am good at staying busy. 

I do get overwhelmed at times, and I stress out very easily. But I feel as though God perfectly places all of the things I need to keep going at just the right time. 

Currently, I monogram and embroider.. my machine is constantly running and I am so blessed to be doing something I love and making money for it. Also- I have a full time job of being a puppy-mom. If you have a puppy, you know that they need your undivided attention 24/7 and it is very important to give it to them and to teach them and train them. I wouldn't trade my little girl (dog) for anything in the world. Thirdly, I started selling stuff on eBay... Let me tell you- that is a job itself. As if that isn't enough, I pack my school schedule into 15-18 hours because I am on track to graduate early. Here's the big finally- I just got a job at a local boutique on top of that for about 15-20 hours a week.

Call me crazy, YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! 

I consider it all a huge blessing and I can't thank God enough for the opportunities and open doors He has so generously and perfectly placed in my life. I'm blessed and I'm loved by such a beautiful Creator. He has given me everything I have.

So there's my crazy life in a very brief, short, nutshell.

If I could only say one thing, I would say this: Never settle. Never become someone you know your parents wouldn't be proud of. Imagine your life in 10 years. Push yourself. Take opportunities even if they don't work out. Follow the path God has in store for you- even if you can't clearly see what that is yet- your heart is telling you. Be open. Love yourself. Trust God and pray about your future.

Your life is so valuable and you deserve to be happy. Everyone has a crazy life sometimes, but thank goodness we have a perfect Savior who guides us each day and leads us down His path, if we allow.

I am thankful to be who I am, all flaws attached, because I know my God is still working on me every day and shaping me into the person He desires for me to be.

If you read all of this, bless your heart. lol! You're sweet. God wants great things for your life, and I know it. Be a blessing to someone, even on your worst days. Your life counts- and God blessed you with it. 

Be thankful. Be smart. Be open. Be loving. Be YOU!

Don't you know you're beautiful?

You're Beautiful Just The Way You Are

This is for the girl who thinks she isn't pretty, 

for the girl who wishes she was thinner,

for the one who wants to be taller,

shorter, more athletic,

happier, popular, 

or simply noticed.

Don't you know you are beautiful?

Watch these two inspiring videos!!

If the link isn't working, click here.

If the link isn't working, click here.

You are different and you are exactly the way God created you to be!

Stop trying to change yourself. Stop trying to be someone you aren't. Stop trying to pretend you're good at things you have absolutely no interest in. Stop trying to be a different person than who God wants you to be. 

We are all called into this world with a purpose. We are called to show and share the love of God to every person we encounter. Be the best Christ-like example you can be.

BE A LIFE CHANGER- For The Better!

Never leave a room full of people without encouraging and inspiring each person.

Do not follow the crowd. Be a leader and always leave a positive impact on the world.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

You are loved and you are important. You are a precious jewel in God's eyes. Start seeing yourself as a person of integrity. Stop feeling sorry for yourself because you aren't good at all of the things your friends are good at. Find your own strengths, and be aware of your weaknesses. We all have both.

Never think your value is less than someone else's. God created us all equal. He created us to love one another and to reach out to one another. He shows us to love the way He loves the world.

Do not be concerned with outer beauty, because your heart is the most beautiful thing in the world and if you use it for God's glory and purpose, you will change so many lives. 

Matthew 6:25-26

²⁵ “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

I'm in awe of how perfect our Creator made us in His image. He carefully designed each one of us from the tip of our head to the end of our toes. We are all so unique in our own ways. Think if everyone in the world looked exactly alike... how boring would that be? I'm thankful for a God who gave us all personality and unique beauty.

Take a look in the mirror. Embrace the blemishes and wrinkles. Those are signs of wonderful years and memories. Be thankful for the person you are and who you're still becoming.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Kellie Pickler's Song