How can we trust in God during these difficult times? I find myself asking this question more often than not, especially lately because as you all know, I've started my own type of fashion styling business online through Keaton Row, and honestly, I'm really starting to get pretty discouraged, I have been with Keaton Row for about 4 weeks now, and I still have no clients, even though I've done everything that they told me I should do to get these clients, still, no result, it really stinks, as you can probably tell. I'm also constantly asking myself, " am I doing something wrong? why is this taking so long?" So far, there are no answers yet, I'm still waiting patiently, and trying to listen. Anyway, this brings me to the Bible verse that I used for this blog today: "and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me." This was Jesus speaking to His people in Jeremiah 32:40. In other words, Jesus means to say this: "God uses His power to accomplish His purposes, through His people. God doesn't give you power to be all that you want to be, but He does give you the power to be all that He wants you to be. The people of Israel had to learn that trusting God meant radically realigning their purposes and desires with His. He gave to them "one heart" toward Him (32:39). We must develop that singleness of purpose to always love God above anything else." ~Jeremiah 32:36-42.
Here are my thoughts and reflections on the above Bible Verses: I feel like God is using His power through me, to help pull in more people to my church, that's why I'm writing this blog, I'm trying to reach the lost and win them to Christ. It's not easy, but I do it anyway, because that's what The Lord wants and needs me to do through Him. This brings me back to my styling job, I guess that the reason for me having this job is because I love fashion and style, and The Lord probably feels like since I have this job, and the fact that I'm a born-again Christian will help me to win the people to Christ, but how can I do that, if I don't even have any clients to do this for? I strongly believe that this whole styling thing, is a big part of God's plan for me and my life, I haven't seen the results yet, but I trust in The Lord that he will reveal all the results in time, I just need to be patient, wait, listen, and keep praying about it, the more I pray about this, the better the results will be in the end. I need to continue to be persistent with God, because that is what He wants and needs me to do. I have to trust and have faith that if this is the Lord's Will for my life, then he will make it happen, and when it does happen, I'll be so excited and grateful to Him for having this styling business be a great success like my sister's photography business is and will continue to be, The Lord just has to be in the center of your life and your business for it to be a great success, know what I mean? This brings me to the next object of this blog entry, I happened to come across this post on facebook, by someone that I don't even know, but she is a born again Christian just like myself, and she has a successful business, do you Know why? I do, it's because she has put God first before herself and her business, and that's why it's a great success, and I hope that it will continue to be. This was what her post said the other day: "Pay attention to those pictures, numbers, songs, patterns, and ideas that you're always getting. It could be God downloading to you a brilliant biz plan!" It was written by Sandi Krakowski, and she made a good point. I couldn't agree with her more, and that's the reason I decided to do my online styling business through Keaton Row with high hopes that it will be a great success like her own business, and other people's businesses as well.
She mentored to another person through facebook about her own business as well, and that is also a great success. So, I know that in the end, The Lord will always provide no matter what you may need or ask for. But you have to ask for it in His will, and not in your own will. It has to be what God wants, not what you want. Do you understand this? I sure do. This brings me to my next subject, during church and through the Sermon yesterday, these words came to mind: "I'm just a born-again Christian whose living in a world full of sin and hate. What can I do to make a difference in this world? This I do not know, but since I trust in The Lord with all my heart, I know that he'll help me to somehow make a difference in this world, even if it's something as small and as simple as a smile, or a hand shake, know what I mean? Where there's a will there's a way is what I always say, do you agree? I hope so. I really don't how I'll do all that The Lord has planned for me, but whatever it is, he'll give me the strength and the power that I need to fulfill his purpose for my life. After all, I'm living my life for Him, and not for myself. If it were up to Him, he would have this entire world living for Him and not for ourselves. The sad truth is that this world is a very selfish place to live in, nobody cares about The Lord or if they keep sinning, if they like it, they'll keep doing it. The people in this world think that we should worship the ground that they walk on, but that isn't so. If anything, we should worship the ground that The Lord walks on, not what other people walk on. It makes me sick honestly, can you blame me?
I know this sounds biased, but I hate the world that we live in, it sucks, and it isn't fun to live in. I'd rather be with The Lord in paradise, than in this hateful, ugly world. I can't wait for the day that The Lord comes back, can you? As soon as he does, those people that I hate and wish would disappear, full of sin, will be shocked and feel like absolute selfish jerks and idiots, people need to change, or I'll make them change. I've had enough of this crappy place and some of the people living in it, know what I'm saying? Yeah, you do, and don't deny it, got it? Thank you, Lord, I love you, Amen!
~Emily
Monday, July 8, 2013
Monday, July 1, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Three Questions
1.) Who are you letting determine how you act?
2.) Are you a scorner or a wise person?
3.) Do you really want to be wise?
While I was reading my devotional last night, these 3 questions were brought to my attention and made me really think, so I did. Then I prayed about them all, and The Lord answered them with these 3 following Bible Verses: "Are you a scorner or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of tossing back a quick put-down or clever retort when rebuked, listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; this is the exact path to wisdom. Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because he created life. To know God is not to just know the facts about Him, but to stand in awe of Him and have a relationship with Him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better." That was from Proverbs 9:7-10. Now, my answers to these three above questions were the exact opposite of what the Bible says. For example, Who am I letting determine how I act? My answer was, "Everyone around me, including the people that I work with, and certain customers." I know that I shouldn't let anybody change my mood no matter what the situation is, but it does, I need to learn how to be wise, and to stand firm in my moods and the way that I act sometimes. Nobody ever has a good day everyday, me especially, but you should learn how to act happy with the job that you have, no matter how much you hate it on particular days, I'm trying to be and act happy, but it's really not easy, I'm sure that everyone can relate to how I'm feeling about this, especially if you've worked in retail before, or still working there. Being in retail is definitely not an easy job, but we should be thankful that we even have a job right now, because there are so many people out there who would kill to work in retail, even though it doesn't pay them that much, but so many people would kill to be getting that much money, no matter how little the amount may be, know what I mean?
Example number two is this: Are you a scorner or a wise person? My answer was this, "I want to be a wise person, not a scorner, and finally, number three is this: Do you really want to be wise? My answer was this: "Yes, I do." Here's Bible Verse number two: "The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics: (1) It is practical. The wisdom from God relates to your life even during the most trying times. It is not a wisdom isolated from suffering and trials. This wisdom is the tool by which trials are overcome. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person puts profound ideas into action. Intelligence will allow someone to describe several reasons why the car broke down. The wise person chooses the most likely reason and proceeds to take action. (2) It is divine. God's wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not lead us to choose joy in the middle of trials. This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by God's direction, and results in the ability to tell right from wrong. It is a wisdom that James will describe at length in Chapter 3. (3) It is Christlike. Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ as the "wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24; 2:1-7). "By "wisdom," James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God and he will supply exactly what we need. Christians never need to grope about it in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers. We can ask for God's wisdom to guide our choices." ~James 1:5. My thoughts and reflections on the above Bible Verse will be this: I've had my fair share of trials and tribulations in the past, and even now. For example, I'm struggling so badly trying to find another job that will promise me 22 hours a week, that I'm about ready to just give up, but I know that I can't, because God has a plan for me, and he's never given up on me, even in the toughest of times. I'm so unhappy with my job that I wish I could just quit, but I can't because I have bills to pay, and a future to plan for, Lord, please help, that's all I can say right now, Amen. Anyway, the last and final Bible Verse is this: "Many believers want more of God's kindness ("grace") and peace, but they are unwilling to put forth the effort to get to know Him better through Bible study and prayer. To enjoy the privileges God offers us freely, we must grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord." ~2 Peter 1:2. "The power to lead a godly life doesn't come from within us, but from God. Because we don't have the resources to live full of "glory and virtue", God makes us "partakers of the divine nature" to keep us from sin and help us to live for Him. When we are born again, God by his Spirit empowers us with his own goodness." ~2 Peter 1:3-4. I'm sorry about all of these Bible Verses, but it is the answer to those questions that I started with in the beginning of this blog, I hope that you all read this, and ask yourselves those same questions, and see what your answers are and so are God's. That's what I did, and I came up with all of this. Anyway, my thoughts and reflections on the previous Bible Verse up above are this: when I was born again, I've never felt so better in my entire life than that very day, when I rose up out of that water. I felt like a whole new person after that had happened, I can only hope and pray that I continue to act like that new person, from that memorable day. However, since then, a lot of changes has happened in my life, not job wise of course, but in other parts of my life, like Derek for example, he has turned out to be the perfect guy for me, even though we have our arguments and disagreements sometimes, but in the end, we still love each other, and work through it every single day, at least we try to work on it every single day.
Life never has been and never will be easy, even with Jesus on your side, life still isn't easy, but it's bearable. God is constantly putting us through a testing period, and it's only because he loves us so much, and he wants to continue to make our faith and relationship much stronger with Him, that's all he wants, he wants a closer and more intimate relationship with you, you just have to want to become closer to Him. How awesome would it be for you to actually sit on Jesus' lap and talk to Him face to face? It would be absolutely amazing, wouldn't it be? I sure think so! Amen!
(This was written by Joyce Meyer.)
~Emily
2.) Are you a scorner or a wise person?
3.) Do you really want to be wise?
While I was reading my devotional last night, these 3 questions were brought to my attention and made me really think, so I did. Then I prayed about them all, and The Lord answered them with these 3 following Bible Verses: "Are you a scorner or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of tossing back a quick put-down or clever retort when rebuked, listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; this is the exact path to wisdom. Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because he created life. To know God is not to just know the facts about Him, but to stand in awe of Him and have a relationship with Him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better." That was from Proverbs 9:7-10. Now, my answers to these three above questions were the exact opposite of what the Bible says. For example, Who am I letting determine how I act? My answer was, "Everyone around me, including the people that I work with, and certain customers." I know that I shouldn't let anybody change my mood no matter what the situation is, but it does, I need to learn how to be wise, and to stand firm in my moods and the way that I act sometimes. Nobody ever has a good day everyday, me especially, but you should learn how to act happy with the job that you have, no matter how much you hate it on particular days, I'm trying to be and act happy, but it's really not easy, I'm sure that everyone can relate to how I'm feeling about this, especially if you've worked in retail before, or still working there. Being in retail is definitely not an easy job, but we should be thankful that we even have a job right now, because there are so many people out there who would kill to work in retail, even though it doesn't pay them that much, but so many people would kill to be getting that much money, no matter how little the amount may be, know what I mean?
Example number two is this: Are you a scorner or a wise person? My answer was this, "I want to be a wise person, not a scorner, and finally, number three is this: Do you really want to be wise? My answer was this: "Yes, I do." Here's Bible Verse number two: "The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics: (1) It is practical. The wisdom from God relates to your life even during the most trying times. It is not a wisdom isolated from suffering and trials. This wisdom is the tool by which trials are overcome. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person puts profound ideas into action. Intelligence will allow someone to describe several reasons why the car broke down. The wise person chooses the most likely reason and proceeds to take action. (2) It is divine. God's wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not lead us to choose joy in the middle of trials. This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by God's direction, and results in the ability to tell right from wrong. It is a wisdom that James will describe at length in Chapter 3. (3) It is Christlike. Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ as the "wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24; 2:1-7). "By "wisdom," James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God and he will supply exactly what we need. Christians never need to grope about it in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers. We can ask for God's wisdom to guide our choices." ~James 1:5. My thoughts and reflections on the above Bible Verse will be this: I've had my fair share of trials and tribulations in the past, and even now. For example, I'm struggling so badly trying to find another job that will promise me 22 hours a week, that I'm about ready to just give up, but I know that I can't, because God has a plan for me, and he's never given up on me, even in the toughest of times. I'm so unhappy with my job that I wish I could just quit, but I can't because I have bills to pay, and a future to plan for, Lord, please help, that's all I can say right now, Amen. Anyway, the last and final Bible Verse is this: "Many believers want more of God's kindness ("grace") and peace, but they are unwilling to put forth the effort to get to know Him better through Bible study and prayer. To enjoy the privileges God offers us freely, we must grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord." ~2 Peter 1:2. "The power to lead a godly life doesn't come from within us, but from God. Because we don't have the resources to live full of "glory and virtue", God makes us "partakers of the divine nature" to keep us from sin and help us to live for Him. When we are born again, God by his Spirit empowers us with his own goodness." ~2 Peter 1:3-4. I'm sorry about all of these Bible Verses, but it is the answer to those questions that I started with in the beginning of this blog, I hope that you all read this, and ask yourselves those same questions, and see what your answers are and so are God's. That's what I did, and I came up with all of this. Anyway, my thoughts and reflections on the previous Bible Verse up above are this: when I was born again, I've never felt so better in my entire life than that very day, when I rose up out of that water. I felt like a whole new person after that had happened, I can only hope and pray that I continue to act like that new person, from that memorable day. However, since then, a lot of changes has happened in my life, not job wise of course, but in other parts of my life, like Derek for example, he has turned out to be the perfect guy for me, even though we have our arguments and disagreements sometimes, but in the end, we still love each other, and work through it every single day, at least we try to work on it every single day.
Life never has been and never will be easy, even with Jesus on your side, life still isn't easy, but it's bearable. God is constantly putting us through a testing period, and it's only because he loves us so much, and he wants to continue to make our faith and relationship much stronger with Him, that's all he wants, he wants a closer and more intimate relationship with you, you just have to want to become closer to Him. How awesome would it be for you to actually sit on Jesus' lap and talk to Him face to face? It would be absolutely amazing, wouldn't it be? I sure think so! Amen!
(This was written by Joyce Meyer.)
~Emily
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Forgiveness
I figured that instead of saying hey all and whatnot, we'll just jump right in to the new blog entry. So, as I was reading my twitter feed a few weeks ago, Joyce Meyer posted about Romans 12:21 and she said after posting it, to reflect on it for a while. So, I did, and as it turns out, it has been weighing on my heart rather heavily. This is what Romans 12:21 says: "Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." ~Romans 12:21. "In this day of constant lawsuits and incessant demands for legal rights, Paul's command sounds almost impossible. When someone hurts you deeply, instead of giving him what he deserves, Paul says to befriend him. Why does Paul tell us to forgive our enemies? (1) Forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to mutual reconciliation. (2) It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change his ways. (3) By contrast, returning evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy. Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him will free you of a heavy load of bitterness." Once again this is Romans 12:21. Forgiveness involves both attitudes and actions. If you find it hard to feel forgiving toward someone who hurt you, you can at least try to act forgiving. If appropriate, tell this person you would like to heal your relationship. Give him a helping hand. Send him a gift. Smile at him. Many times you will discover that right actions lead to right feelings." ~Romans 12:21.
After reading and reflecting on all of those above Bible verses, this is what I received from it: No matter how difficult it is to forgive someone, especially someone who has hurt you greatly in the past, you still need to do the Christian thing, and really be forgiving to others, just as God has forgiven us. You see, you can't live your life holding grudges against certain people, because if you do, then it will weigh on you for the rest of your life, and since you are not able to forgive others, you'll be living your life with constant pain and regret, and that is so not good for you or your health. It can possibly ruin your life, know what I mean? As I've said many times before, you need to learn how to let go and let God take control of your life, because apart from Him we are nothing, and that's the cold, hard, truth. I'm not here to offend anyone or make anyone feel guilty about what they've done in the past, I'm just trying to redirect them down the right path, is that too hard to ask? I sure hope not. For others it might be, but for me, not so much. Before I came to God, I was a very lost and hurt soul, as most of you that know me, knew that, and in the past, no matter how hard any of you tried, I still did whatever I wanted, no matter what. I didn't care and constantly disobeyed The Lord, and my family, and that was a giant, no-no, see what I mean? But then one day, I just got sick and tired of making the same exact mistakes over and over again, so I just decided to let go of everything, and let The Lord take control of my life, because He knows what's better for me and for all of us actually, I just wish that certain people in this life, weren't so stubborn and stuck in their ways, that they will make excuses to not go to church, and whatnot, do you understand what I'm saying here? I sure hope that you do. I'm not saying that I'm perfect, because I'm definitely not, none of us are. The only one that is perfect, is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen?
On a completely unrelated topic, I just wanted to share an experience I had this past weekend, when I was in Rhode Island with my significant other and his mom. Anyway, I never thought that I would ever be able to have a chance to meet this particular person because she lives so far away, but when I did, it was a great blessing because I never knew that she was such an amazing person and a very strong, Christian woman, because my significant other didn't tell me how much his mom was a devout Christian. Back to the experience, I can just imagine how difficult it is for my significant other to say good bye to his biological mom. If it were me, it would be very difficult for me to say good bye to my mom, because without her, I think I'd be lost. When she left to go to Italy, I couldn't help but feel bad for Derek. I just wanted to cry for him, it must hurt greatly. I am really, quite blessed to have Derek in my life, and I can't imagine hurting him like he must have felt when his mom left his father all those years ago. I don't mean to be negative and hurt anybody here, but I just can't help, but feel bad for him. I guess that God had other plans for Derek's biological mom and his dad. His dad is now married to yet another amazing woman, with an absolutely gorgeous family with four dogs and two cats. We are all incredibly blessed. Can you imagine taking someone for granted like your mom, when someone else in this world is praying for an actual mom to come back into their lives and never leaving them again? I can't imagine that, nor would I want to imagine that, it just hurts too much, ya know? I guess this is another example of forgiveness and how hard it can be to forgive those who have hurt me and us in the past.
Derek has turned out to be an amazing and strong, Christian man, and yes, I'm definitely blessed and very thankful to have met him and now he is in my life from now until forever, I hope. Seeing what Derek has gone through and still continues to go through, it makes me want to try and be a better person and woman for him, because he deserves to have a good woman like myself, in his life. I can't be his mom, but I can be an amazing, strong, Christian girlfriend, and hopefully a good wife and mom in the future. Thank you, Lord, I love you, amen! and God Bless you all!
~Emily
After reading and reflecting on all of those above Bible verses, this is what I received from it: No matter how difficult it is to forgive someone, especially someone who has hurt you greatly in the past, you still need to do the Christian thing, and really be forgiving to others, just as God has forgiven us. You see, you can't live your life holding grudges against certain people, because if you do, then it will weigh on you for the rest of your life, and since you are not able to forgive others, you'll be living your life with constant pain and regret, and that is so not good for you or your health. It can possibly ruin your life, know what I mean? As I've said many times before, you need to learn how to let go and let God take control of your life, because apart from Him we are nothing, and that's the cold, hard, truth. I'm not here to offend anyone or make anyone feel guilty about what they've done in the past, I'm just trying to redirect them down the right path, is that too hard to ask? I sure hope not. For others it might be, but for me, not so much. Before I came to God, I was a very lost and hurt soul, as most of you that know me, knew that, and in the past, no matter how hard any of you tried, I still did whatever I wanted, no matter what. I didn't care and constantly disobeyed The Lord, and my family, and that was a giant, no-no, see what I mean? But then one day, I just got sick and tired of making the same exact mistakes over and over again, so I just decided to let go of everything, and let The Lord take control of my life, because He knows what's better for me and for all of us actually, I just wish that certain people in this life, weren't so stubborn and stuck in their ways, that they will make excuses to not go to church, and whatnot, do you understand what I'm saying here? I sure hope that you do. I'm not saying that I'm perfect, because I'm definitely not, none of us are. The only one that is perfect, is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen?
On a completely unrelated topic, I just wanted to share an experience I had this past weekend, when I was in Rhode Island with my significant other and his mom. Anyway, I never thought that I would ever be able to have a chance to meet this particular person because she lives so far away, but when I did, it was a great blessing because I never knew that she was such an amazing person and a very strong, Christian woman, because my significant other didn't tell me how much his mom was a devout Christian. Back to the experience, I can just imagine how difficult it is for my significant other to say good bye to his biological mom. If it were me, it would be very difficult for me to say good bye to my mom, because without her, I think I'd be lost. When she left to go to Italy, I couldn't help but feel bad for Derek. I just wanted to cry for him, it must hurt greatly. I am really, quite blessed to have Derek in my life, and I can't imagine hurting him like he must have felt when his mom left his father all those years ago. I don't mean to be negative and hurt anybody here, but I just can't help, but feel bad for him. I guess that God had other plans for Derek's biological mom and his dad. His dad is now married to yet another amazing woman, with an absolutely gorgeous family with four dogs and two cats. We are all incredibly blessed. Can you imagine taking someone for granted like your mom, when someone else in this world is praying for an actual mom to come back into their lives and never leaving them again? I can't imagine that, nor would I want to imagine that, it just hurts too much, ya know? I guess this is another example of forgiveness and how hard it can be to forgive those who have hurt me and us in the past.
Derek has turned out to be an amazing and strong, Christian man, and yes, I'm definitely blessed and very thankful to have met him and now he is in my life from now until forever, I hope. Seeing what Derek has gone through and still continues to go through, it makes me want to try and be a better person and woman for him, because he deserves to have a good woman like myself, in his life. I can't be his mom, but I can be an amazing, strong, Christian girlfriend, and hopefully a good wife and mom in the future. Thank you, Lord, I love you, amen! and God Bless you all!
~Emily
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Baptism Part Two
Hi all,
I know that I've written a previous blog entry on Baptism, but in this post, it will be continued, and I hope and pray that the message in this blog entry reaches out to certain people who need to hear the truth about Baptism. This is the Bible verse that I chose for this entry: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." ~Matthew 28: 19-20. However, in other words this verse is telling us this: "The disciples were to baptize people because baptism unites all of the believers with Jesus Christ in their death to sin and resurrection to the new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, willingness to live God's way, and identification with God's covenant people. How is Jesus present with us? Jesus was with the disciples physically until he ascended into heaven, and then spiritually through The Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). The Holy Spirit would be Jesus' presence that would never leave them (John 14:26). Jesus continues to be with us today through his Spirit. The Old Testament prophecies and genealogies in the book of Matthew present Jesus' credentials for being King of the world-not a military or political leader, as the disciples had originally hoped, but a spiritual King who can overcome all evil and reign in the heart of every single person. If we refuse to serve the King faithfully, we are disloyal subjects, fit only to be banished from the Kingdom. We must make Jesus King of our lives and worship him as our Savior, King, and Lord." ~Matthew 28:19-20.
My thoughts and reflections on the above Bible verses are this: when I was baptized a second time, it made me really realize that I was getting rid of my old life, washing it away with the water, and starting a brand new beginning, like my boyfriend will be doing this coming Sunday, and I couldn't be more proud of him for doing this. It truly means that he's getting rid of his old life full of sin and turning over a new leaf so to speak. This is quite a big step in his Spiritual walk with The Lord, I can only hope and pray that he will continue to walk down the right path for the rest of his life, no matter what happens, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want him to walk and be blessed forever, because he really and truly deserves it. He has gone through a lot of crap in his past, just like the rest of us have, but thank God for saving him and bringing him closer to The Lord than he's ever been before. Now listen, when I first met him, I didn't think that he cared at all about The Lord and my church, but what I soon found out, was the fact that he is learning a lot from the church, and I hope from me, because of God, he called my boyfriend to become more involved with the church, by being a greeter, getting the alter ready, and joining the young adult group with me among others. The group may be small at the moment, but it will grow and revive soon like this world and our church will. In honesty, I prefer it to be a small group because we each get equal attention, and we're not constantly fighting back and forth about getting our group leader's attention. I can only hope and pray that when our group grows, we'll each get equal attention from our leader and from each other. Do you understand what I mean? You most likely do, but you won't comment on it, but that's okay because that's what I figured anyway.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the feed back that I can get, but I also hope that nobody negatively comments on it, because this is such a big part of my life, and any comment that is negative, will probably hurt, but I shouldn't let it get to me anyway. We need to learn how to stand firm and let nothing or anybody move us. We walk by faith, not by sight, got it? I hope so. Anyway, less about me, and more about God, Amen? I think so. Let's get back on subject here, the true meaning of baptism is the fact that you are ridding yourself of your sin in your old way of life, and starting fresh, which means that since you are getting baptized, you cannot fall back to the way you used to live your life, you have to live your life fully according to God's own will, not your own. If God asks you to do something, then you better do it, because if you don't, then you are in big trouble. Don't question it, don't fight it, just go ahead and do it, got it?!? I hope you do. I mean I'm not innocent here, when God asks me to do something, I sometimes question it, fight it, wrestle with it, but then I eventually bite the bullet, and do it anyway, even though I don't want to do it, I still do it, because it's what God wants, not what I want. It's his opinion that matters, not yours. You cannot lean on your own understanding, but God's understanding, because with Him all things are possible, kabiche? Let's hope so. Remember, " I can do all things through He that gives me strength." Amen? Yes, Lord, Amen! In the future, I pray that once my boyfriend becomes baptized, I pray that God effects his life just as much as God has effected my own life, and will continue to bless our lives, because without God, I definitely wouldn't be here right now.
I'd probably be dead somewhere that wasn't as pleasant as it is right here right now. However, all these material things will wash away in the blink of an eye, our prize is what lies ahead of us in heaven with our heavenly father and his son, Jesus Christ, do you get my point here? I hope and pray that you do. The truth is, we have to act and be not of this world, because that is what God wants us to be. CS Lewis says that we're not of this world in the first place, so we better wake up and start acting like it, got it?!? I praise you, Lord, Jesus! Thank you, Lord, I love you, Amen!
~Emily P.
I know that I've written a previous blog entry on Baptism, but in this post, it will be continued, and I hope and pray that the message in this blog entry reaches out to certain people who need to hear the truth about Baptism. This is the Bible verse that I chose for this entry: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." ~Matthew 28: 19-20. However, in other words this verse is telling us this: "The disciples were to baptize people because baptism unites all of the believers with Jesus Christ in their death to sin and resurrection to the new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, willingness to live God's way, and identification with God's covenant people. How is Jesus present with us? Jesus was with the disciples physically until he ascended into heaven, and then spiritually through The Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). The Holy Spirit would be Jesus' presence that would never leave them (John 14:26). Jesus continues to be with us today through his Spirit. The Old Testament prophecies and genealogies in the book of Matthew present Jesus' credentials for being King of the world-not a military or political leader, as the disciples had originally hoped, but a spiritual King who can overcome all evil and reign in the heart of every single person. If we refuse to serve the King faithfully, we are disloyal subjects, fit only to be banished from the Kingdom. We must make Jesus King of our lives and worship him as our Savior, King, and Lord." ~Matthew 28:19-20.
My thoughts and reflections on the above Bible verses are this: when I was baptized a second time, it made me really realize that I was getting rid of my old life, washing it away with the water, and starting a brand new beginning, like my boyfriend will be doing this coming Sunday, and I couldn't be more proud of him for doing this. It truly means that he's getting rid of his old life full of sin and turning over a new leaf so to speak. This is quite a big step in his Spiritual walk with The Lord, I can only hope and pray that he will continue to walk down the right path for the rest of his life, no matter what happens, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want him to walk and be blessed forever, because he really and truly deserves it. He has gone through a lot of crap in his past, just like the rest of us have, but thank God for saving him and bringing him closer to The Lord than he's ever been before. Now listen, when I first met him, I didn't think that he cared at all about The Lord and my church, but what I soon found out, was the fact that he is learning a lot from the church, and I hope from me, because of God, he called my boyfriend to become more involved with the church, by being a greeter, getting the alter ready, and joining the young adult group with me among others. The group may be small at the moment, but it will grow and revive soon like this world and our church will. In honesty, I prefer it to be a small group because we each get equal attention, and we're not constantly fighting back and forth about getting our group leader's attention. I can only hope and pray that when our group grows, we'll each get equal attention from our leader and from each other. Do you understand what I mean? You most likely do, but you won't comment on it, but that's okay because that's what I figured anyway.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the feed back that I can get, but I also hope that nobody negatively comments on it, because this is such a big part of my life, and any comment that is negative, will probably hurt, but I shouldn't let it get to me anyway. We need to learn how to stand firm and let nothing or anybody move us. We walk by faith, not by sight, got it? I hope so. Anyway, less about me, and more about God, Amen? I think so. Let's get back on subject here, the true meaning of baptism is the fact that you are ridding yourself of your sin in your old way of life, and starting fresh, which means that since you are getting baptized, you cannot fall back to the way you used to live your life, you have to live your life fully according to God's own will, not your own. If God asks you to do something, then you better do it, because if you don't, then you are in big trouble. Don't question it, don't fight it, just go ahead and do it, got it?!? I hope you do. I mean I'm not innocent here, when God asks me to do something, I sometimes question it, fight it, wrestle with it, but then I eventually bite the bullet, and do it anyway, even though I don't want to do it, I still do it, because it's what God wants, not what I want. It's his opinion that matters, not yours. You cannot lean on your own understanding, but God's understanding, because with Him all things are possible, kabiche? Let's hope so. Remember, " I can do all things through He that gives me strength." Amen? Yes, Lord, Amen! In the future, I pray that once my boyfriend becomes baptized, I pray that God effects his life just as much as God has effected my own life, and will continue to bless our lives, because without God, I definitely wouldn't be here right now.
I'd probably be dead somewhere that wasn't as pleasant as it is right here right now. However, all these material things will wash away in the blink of an eye, our prize is what lies ahead of us in heaven with our heavenly father and his son, Jesus Christ, do you get my point here? I hope and pray that you do. The truth is, we have to act and be not of this world, because that is what God wants us to be. CS Lewis says that we're not of this world in the first place, so we better wake up and start acting like it, got it?!? I praise you, Lord, Jesus! Thank you, Lord, I love you, Amen!
~Emily P.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Feeling Stuck?
Hey All,
I know it's been a couple of months since I've updated this blog, but I'm back now and be prepared because it's a long blog entry. This Bible verse that I used for this blog entry is based off of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Enjoy: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not easily broken." In other words, it's telling us this: "Cooperating with others has advantages. Life is designed not for isolation, but for companionship; not for loneliness, but for intimacy. Some people prefer isolation because they feel that they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, but to serve God and others. Don't isolate yourself from others and "go it alone." Seek companionship and be a team member instead.
Let's see, where do I even start to relate to this above Bible verse? Well, here goes, I know what it's like to feel lonely, heck, I even know what it's like to "go it alone," so to speak, all my life, I've been lonely and had acquaintances, but not exactly friends. It feels as if, I've been fighting this lifelong battle all by myself, with absolutely no help at all whatsoever, until I found God, because without God, I probably wouldn't be here right now. So, quite frankly, I'm just tired of it and wish that it would just disappear forever. I'm done fighting and trying so hard to be something that I'm just not. I just want to feel relaxed and let God fight the rest of this ugly, messy, battle that's been going on inside me for far too long, do you know what I mean? I sure hope so.
I have this feeling of angst inside me, and I really want to let it go, but for some odd reason, I just can't let it go. The fact that I can't let it go, is literally just killing me and ripping me apart from the inside out. I'm turning into a monster, because of this feeling, and I absolutely hate it, it needs to disappear right here, right now, it isn't pretty, must. go. away.right.now. Please Lord, help this monstrosity disappear from me and my life right now. I feel like it's time to spread my wings and fly, but the question is, what's holding me back and why? Please Lord, give me the answer, so I can get it all figured out, before it's way too late. Help me to spread these wings and just fly, so that I can just live this life the way that you want me to live it, Lord. You put me down here on this earth for a reason, now help me to find that reason, Lord, so that I can live it out for you, Lord, not for me, but for you, my Lord. At the end of my life, on that final judgement day, I want to be able to say that I used everything you've given me, to do for you, Lord, do you understand me, Lord? I definitely hope so. Thank you, Lord, I love you, Amen." Does everybody else out here, understand what this message is trying to say to you from the Lord, through me? let's hope so because that is what I'm trying to do to reach the lost, so they can become saved before it's too late, and you go to straight down to hell, for the rest of your life in eternal damnation. But when you go to heaven, it will all be worth the fighting for in the end.
Heaven is going to be one very large, unending party. That sounds good, right? The answer is yes because in Heaven, you'll see Jesus and His heavenly father, all of their angels, and the best part is the fact that you'll be reunited with all of your friends and family, and loved ones, who left too soon, and went before us, including all of the pets you've had before they died. They're waiting to greet you, once you've gone home to The Lord at the very end of your life. Got it? Good! Now repent and change your ways immediately, he's waiting! Amen?!?!? I say, Amen!!! To be continued...eventually.
~Emily P.
I know it's been a couple of months since I've updated this blog, but I'm back now and be prepared because it's a long blog entry. This Bible verse that I used for this blog entry is based off of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Enjoy: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not easily broken." In other words, it's telling us this: "Cooperating with others has advantages. Life is designed not for isolation, but for companionship; not for loneliness, but for intimacy. Some people prefer isolation because they feel that they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, but to serve God and others. Don't isolate yourself from others and "go it alone." Seek companionship and be a team member instead.
Let's see, where do I even start to relate to this above Bible verse? Well, here goes, I know what it's like to feel lonely, heck, I even know what it's like to "go it alone," so to speak, all my life, I've been lonely and had acquaintances, but not exactly friends. It feels as if, I've been fighting this lifelong battle all by myself, with absolutely no help at all whatsoever, until I found God, because without God, I probably wouldn't be here right now. So, quite frankly, I'm just tired of it and wish that it would just disappear forever. I'm done fighting and trying so hard to be something that I'm just not. I just want to feel relaxed and let God fight the rest of this ugly, messy, battle that's been going on inside me for far too long, do you know what I mean? I sure hope so.
I have this feeling of angst inside me, and I really want to let it go, but for some odd reason, I just can't let it go. The fact that I can't let it go, is literally just killing me and ripping me apart from the inside out. I'm turning into a monster, because of this feeling, and I absolutely hate it, it needs to disappear right here, right now, it isn't pretty, must. go. away.right.now. Please Lord, help this monstrosity disappear from me and my life right now. I feel like it's time to spread my wings and fly, but the question is, what's holding me back and why? Please Lord, give me the answer, so I can get it all figured out, before it's way too late. Help me to spread these wings and just fly, so that I can just live this life the way that you want me to live it, Lord. You put me down here on this earth for a reason, now help me to find that reason, Lord, so that I can live it out for you, Lord, not for me, but for you, my Lord. At the end of my life, on that final judgement day, I want to be able to say that I used everything you've given me, to do for you, Lord, do you understand me, Lord? I definitely hope so. Thank you, Lord, I love you, Amen." Does everybody else out here, understand what this message is trying to say to you from the Lord, through me? let's hope so because that is what I'm trying to do to reach the lost, so they can become saved before it's too late, and you go to straight down to hell, for the rest of your life in eternal damnation. But when you go to heaven, it will all be worth the fighting for in the end.
Heaven is going to be one very large, unending party. That sounds good, right? The answer is yes because in Heaven, you'll see Jesus and His heavenly father, all of their angels, and the best part is the fact that you'll be reunited with all of your friends and family, and loved ones, who left too soon, and went before us, including all of the pets you've had before they died. They're waiting to greet you, once you've gone home to The Lord at the very end of your life. Got it? Good! Now repent and change your ways immediately, he's waiting! Amen?!?!? I say, Amen!!! To be continued...eventually.
~Emily P.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)