Inspire

courtesy of Pinterest

Life is so short-- too short really. But while we are here, let's make it count! Live each day like nobody is watching. Do what really makes you happy. Most of all, be yourself through it all. 

Happy Sunday, loves! 

Best wishes,
Grace

God Sighting!

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of getting to lead Vacation Bible School (VBS) at my church. I had a group of four girls and boys, and man were they sweet. The church was completely decorated for this year's theme: Weird Animals. Right when you walked in, there was a wall covered completely in a jungle mural. Each day during snack time, we would ask the kids how they had seen God that day (hint the name, God Sightings). Even those these little kids couldn't read or really understand the big concept, they had some pretty elaborate God Sightings. Many of them saw God in the car, through their pets, or when we were worshiping. Each day, we wrote each of their God Sightings on a sticker and let them stick it to the jungle wall. By the end of the week, we had a wall covered in God Sightings. It really was such a cool experience.


So as I was talking to my youth group leader a few days ago over dinner, I realized that I have had a major God Sighting over the past year. God had put a young man in my life who really challenged my faith. He was a self proclaimed atheist and it's safe to say we were always arguing. We clashed heads on everything. In history class, our classmates always said that whatever he said, I simply said the opposite despite my real opinion (this was not true, but our true opinions were polar opposites). During the last semester this past year, God once again placed him in my life. The two of us were put in the same lunchroom (this school has no cafeteria, so we had lunchrooms) for the remaining part of the school year. So now, not only was this boy in every academic class of mine, I now ate lunch with him, (I literally had a 45 minute break from him the entire day.) God was clearly sending me some type of message.

Each day, he questioned my faith. He confronted me with science and tried to prove that there is no God. For days, this was all we talked about. We debated politics, morals, anything and everything. This just made me dig deeper and deeper into my faith. I confronted him with verses and stories. I showed him scenarios and tales of atheists who studied the Bible and could not prove it wrong.

Long story short, this boy really challenged my faith. He pushed and pushed me. He said things that he knew would make me angry. He really pushed my buttons.

After all that, you're probably expecting for some dramatic ending. That after all that I can come to tell you that he changed his ways. From what I know, he is still not a believer. But the good news is, I think I gave him quite a few things to think about. I presented facts and stories that really proved my point. I've prayed and prayed that his heart will change, maybe even just a little bit.

I know that it is not my job to save people, that is Jesus' job. However, I also know that it is my job to convey the word of Christ, to help people along with my understanding of this world. My prayer is that God speaks through me and uses me to help the people who are in need.

Miracles can indeed happen.

Best wishes,
Grace

Simple, Not Easy

(shot with cannon t3, by Grace)

Happy Wednesday, my dears!

My mom has always reminded me of the quote, "simple, not easy" when times seem to get tough. So many things in life our so simple but so hard for us to do. A concrete example would be self control. Each of us know how to keep control of ourselves, but it is not easy to do. The formula is easy, but carrying it out is hard.

I've recently been struggling with talking back and getting too angry, too quickly with my family. The formula for how to keep control is easy; to be calm and collected, think before I speak, and question the consequences of my actions. However, in the heat of the moment, this can quickly be forgotten. It is hard to remember the three things I need to do in that split second.

So, here is a game plan. While calm and collected, think of the things you need to do when you are faced with a so called, "weakness." This is your formula. Next, think of something you can do in that split second. Prepare yourself. Take 10 seconds to breathe before you make your next move. Think of the consequences and who you will hurt with your actions. This will be how to carry the formula out.

Let it be your prayer and mine that we are able to take a breath and calm ourselves in the heat of the moment. That when things seem like such a big deal, we can out them into perspective and know that things will turn better.

Best wishes,
Grace

Nothing Is Impossible

As I was looking through my journal this morning, I came across a few entries that struck me. For those who don't know me, I ran my first half marathon earlier this year. It was both one of the toughest things I've ever done and yet one of the most gratifying.

The day before, I wrote this entry about what I was feeling. I thought I would share it just because it can still apply to all our daily lives.

"With about 12 hours to go- the nerves are setting in. The day has been spent doing a whole lot of nothing. Besides waking up to do my final training session of four miles- the day has been spent laying around, watching movies, carbing up, and getting ready. As I climbed in the shower and hit play on my 'pray' playlist (because I find extreme comfort in worship music), 'Nothing Is Impossible' came on. It struck me hard. The nerves were pushed aside and the joy set in. I've been working so hard and tomorrow it will pay off! I will finish my first half marathon!! Monday will be a normal school day and I will have accomplished something huge! My body has complete strength to do this and my mind is calmed by the words of this song...I can and will do it!!"

Through you, I can do anything- I can do all things.                                                          
Because it's you that gives me strength.                                                                              
Nothing is impossible.

-Nothing Is Impossible (Plantshakers)                                                                                                          

Nothing is impossible through out Lord, what good news!

Best wishes,
Grace

Surrender

As I was listening to K-Love on the radio the last night, one of the topics brought up was surrendering. The talk show host was talking about how most of us need to surrender everyday, some even every hour. We have to remind ourselves that Christ is in our hearts. He is present and always working in our lives.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

Completely giving your heart up is so hard. It's something I've always struggles with. I need to completely alter my path and constantly remember that it's okay to not have all the answers. It's okay not to be in control of everything. 

I first really gave my heart to Jesus when I was in the sixth grade. We were at a youth conference and as many strangers were praying over me, I really let go and accepted Christ into my life. It honestly just kind of clicked for me then and there, kneeling on the floor with a thousand sweaty strangers packed around me. 

As I was preparing this post, I thought to talk to my grandpa about surrender. He is an avid Christian who I really admire. He and I often spend our time talking and studying stories and verses of God's word. He loves to share his knowledge of the Bible.

So as I was getting things together, I asked him a few questions.  (Since I am quoting him, things are very complex and poetic. I'm sorry if it doesn't get the point across.) 

Why should we surrender?

Surrender is essential. If we are left to our own will, we will fall short because we are the sons of Adam. We have to be converted and we have to repent. By repent, I mean to turn away from sin and purpose our heart to do different. We surrender to become God like.

How do you surrender? 

Turn your will and life over to the care of God as you understand. There are two three word phrases that are often used to describe faith: What's the use? and God help me. We have to embrace the second phrase: God help me. 

"Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer. And give up your sins- even those you do in secret. Then you won't be ashamed, you will be confident and fearless." Job 11:13-15

If you are struggling with surrendering, know that I am praying for you. 

Best wishes,
Grace

Worship Music = One Happy Soul

Well, the title pretty much sums it up: I LOVE worship music!! I always have it playing in my room, in the car, and just in my downtime. It simply makes my soul happy.

Worship music was really first introduced to me through a wonderful ministry called K-Life. I started attending K-Life almost four years ago and am still avidly involved. Each year, I have gone to a conference called Acquire the Fire (highly recommend if you are looking for somewhere to really strengthen your faith) with my K-Life youth group. They have a band that plays music and I instantly fell in love with the songs that first year. They spoke to me then and there. Since then, I have been obsessed.

As I was talking this over with my dear friend Hope, she said something regarding worship music that was so true; "It is really helpful to help keep your faith on track." Worship music, or "Gospel" if you will, is something you can listen to while doing anything else. You don't just have to sit down and read the Bible to be in the presence of God. I listen to this music even when I'm working out! It simply makes me a better person each day. If you are looking for something to keep Christ present in your day to day life, try listening to some Christian music!

So as I was thinking of things to share, I thought why not share one of the biggest parts of my faith journey? Here you have it folks: a current list of my favorite worship songs!

• We Believe (Newsboys)
• One Thing Remains (Passion)
• I Will Follow (Chris Tomlin)
• Manifesto (The City Harmonic)
• We Won't Be Shaken (Building 429)
• Oceans (Hillsong UNITED)
• How He Loves Us (Me in Motion)
• Lord, I Need You (Matt Maher)
• 10,000 Reasons (Matt Redman)
• Forever Reign (Hillsong Live)
• You Are the Fire (Acquire the Fire)
• Nothing Is Impossible (Planetshakers)
• From the Inside Out (Hillsong UNITED)
• The Words I Would Say (Sidewalk Prophets) 
• Do Something (Matthew West)
• O Praise Him (David Crowder Band)
• Broken Hallelujah (The Afters)
• The Only Name (Big Daddy Weave)

It is quite the list, as I had warned you! There are many others that I love as well. 

I hope to have quite a few other worship music posts; maybe a monthly list of my favorites at the time? Guess we'll just have to wait and see!

Best wishes,

Grace

PS- have any favorite songs? Send them my way! You never know, maybe they'll make next month's list! xxo

Anxiety?

I have always struggled with anxiety. New places, people, and situations all worry me. I often find myself scared about upcoming events or tasks I have. Sometimes I even find myself questioning what I have to be anxious about. Once I really dug deep in my faith, this became less of a problem. Now it would be unrealistic to say it completely went away.

The truth is this; I still struggle today. The change made is that I have begun to trust God. We are told multiple times in the Bible to give up those worries, Christ can handle them.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." -1 Peter 5:7

Jesus cares for us! As silly as it is, this alone should be so exciting. He never had to love us. He never had to as much as lift a finger for us, but he did! He loves us so much that he chose to! If anything, that should overjoy you!

When the anxiety hits, have a plan. Have verses to read and refer to. Have music to listen to. Have a place where you can go and pray.

"He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'" -Psalm 46:10

Try and not get overwhelmed by everything, just like we see in Psalm 46. Act just like when you have an upset stomach and do not want to move. Be still and think how lucky you are, and how worse things could always be. One of my favorite worship songs says this:

"Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope, you're going to do great things, I already know. Gods got his hand on you, so don't live life in fear, forgive and forget but don't forget why you're here. Take your time and pray, these are the words I would say." -The Words I Would Say (Sidewalk Prophets) 

Best wishes,
Grace

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! 

I am so thankful to call this man my father. He has been there for me every step of the way. I have always been quite the daddy's girl. It has been Dad and Grace against the world since day one. You have shaped me into a proud young woman. You inspire me to work hard and reach for the stars. 

Thank you so much for always being honest with me and sharing everything you have. Thank you for killing the spiders and cleaning up after me when I got sick. Thank you for loving mom the way a real man should. Thank you for showing me what a good marriage should look like. Thank you for holding this family together no matter what. 

I love you dearly dad.

Hello!

Hello, hello, hello!

First off, thank you to anyone who happens to be reading this! It's crazy to think that someone would care to read some of my writing! I have wanted to start a blog for a while and finally got up the nerve to do it. I enjoy writing and journaling, so I hope this will keep me accountable to keep writing and to hopefully inspire someone else!

I'm a young teen living in the southwest for now! I love to keep quotes pinned everywhere and share a little bit of joy anywhere I go. I love photography, reading, and adventuring. I have a great appreciation for pretty things, pretty people, and pretty places. My biggest goal is to bring the joy and light of Jesus into people's lives. He has undoubtably changed my life and I am positive that He can change others'.

My prayer is that through the internet and this blog, God can speak through me to people who really need to hear Him.

Thank you for joining me on this crazy journey I am embarking on! I cannot wait to share more as time goes on.

Best wishes,
Grace