to hope, to yearn, to dream

             

                     The Christmas season and New Years always fills me with awe and wonder.

Everyone is smiles, hopeful, and goal orientated. I have been reflecting more on hope and aspirations of late. I recently attended a basketball game and was observing a little 3-4 year old boy bouncing his basketball in between games. He kept throwing it into the air at the hoop daunting several feet above and there was no way he was EVER going to get it in, he just didn't have the muscle, skill, or height. But he kept enthusiastically trying. I knew one day as he grew, practiced and still aimed to accomplish this task he surely will do it. I thought about life, just in general and how often we run out of enthusiasm and stop trying, stop hoping, dreaming and aspiring. Time. Timing is everything. There is a reason for the verse (Eccl.3:1-8) 'For everything there is a season' God knew it *duh*.

 We may not always 'know' the season for a task in which it will be accomplished, but we can train, prepare and aspire. 

 This brings me to the subject of prayer. I have seen prayers, huge 'impossible' prayers, answered. Did they take days, weeks, or months?!

 No,as a matter fact one big prayer took a 2-3 years. It was answered in God's timing. 

Was it always done with perfect consistency with audacity on my part? 

Nope,but I kept chugging along and it would start to be come apart of my daily prayer, but because I knew the promises of the word it was done with hope and faith.

In His timing and in His way, I only need faith to move the mountian.

 God is faithful, good and just. He knows the desires of my heart and the plan for His children. 

God doesn't always answer and do life according to what I have in my mind, or when I would want. But He gives me peace and assurance while in the midst of it all.

{via}

This beginning year. Before you have a chance to get down out, write out small weekly or monthly goals to accomplish and then only a couple yearly goals to accomplish.

Prayer over them, seek after Christ.

Boldly pursue your goals as God leads and opens doors.

They could be the small ones like clean and organize apart of the house/room this month.

Or as big as job change, the typical get healthy lose weight/get in shape goal (always a good one), or even launch an idea as a business this year...etc...

God doesn't give our hearts desires without cause, but ALWAYS pray and seek God first.

Heart checks and pure intent/motive are always important.

God cares about the little things too.

I feel like people tend to lean toward God only caring about important big things, but that isn't true.

I get excited to know that He cares. He cares about my dreams, the silly and aspirational ones.

He cares about my fears. He care about my goals I set. 

He cares about them because He cares about me/you!

Life isn't perfect and we as humans are very obviously not perfect.

So lets flourish into what God intended and aspire to get stuff done!

Falling out of church {21 and tired}

  

                                             

    Have you ever noticed the little under layer of church standards?

The church maturity charts, church guidelines (the kind never spoken directly,but always felt.)?

   The church presses upon their young aspiring adults and even young 20 somethings that they are not complete until________ ,but yet continuously tell them that they will be growing all their lives.

We hold people to a standard, we judge, and we develop opinions.Some biblical views, yes. Some are just because we've always done it/ that's the way its always been.

Take this story for example;

"A young woman is preparing a pot roast while her friend looks on.  She cuts off both ends of the roast, prepares it and puts it in the pan.  “Why do you cut off the ends?” her friend asks.  “I don’t know”, she replies.  “My mother always did it that way and I learned how to cook it from her”.

Her friend’s question made her curious about her pot roast preparation.  During her next visit home, she asked her mother, “How do you cook a pot roast?”  Her mother proceeded to explain and added, “You cut off both ends, prepare it and put it in the pot and then in the oven”.    “Why do you cut off the ends?” the daughter asked.  Baffled, the mother offered, “That’s how my mother did it and I learned it from her!”

Her daughter’s inquiry made the mother think more about the pot roast preparation.   When she next visited her mother in the nursing home, she asked, “Mom, how do you cook a pot roast?”   The mother slowly answered, thinking between sentences.  “Well, you prepare it with spices, cut off both ends and put it in the pot”.     The mother asked, “But why do you cut off the ends?”     The grandmother’s eyes sparkled as she remembered.   “Well, the roasts were always bigger than the pot that we had back then.  I had to cut off the ends to fit it into the pot that I owned”.

Growing up in the church I have seen this in the various denominations I've visited through the years. 

                            So much tradition they lose focus on why they are doing it.

Then you have the churches that are trying to be so different the stray away from things God intended to be in the church. They are trying to be the opposite of the non-legalistic church of their fathers and drawing in a crowd.

 The church has become a weekly occurrence in our lives. It has become a part of our life in the sense that its on the list with soccer practice. We know the drill,we know the line up, who's going to be there, who's 'not a team player', who's 'up there' in the Jesus stats. 

We put people up against a spiritual measuring stick, to compare like they are competition. 

We have the church stick of life that puts youth on standards of where they should be in life.

When they are completing different modules, marriage is a great example of that one.

Way to many churches put unmarried mid-upper 20's adults on the down low vs.  a married 25 yr. old because marriage completes you somehow?!

So the hunt pressure is on because its the next phase of completion in the eyes of those in church.

(disclaimer: marriage is not better or worse then single living, God has called everyone of different paths and each one opens different doors and grows us in different ways. Point being marital status doesn't define someones maturity just their experience. )

We have lost focus. Our prayer meetings are filled with information and requests, not intercession. We pray like we aren't LITERALLY at the feet of King of Kings crying out in His sons name.

We pray like the power of prayer is a tug on a rope and not a power that's pulling in the catch.

We lost the fear,respect,the awe of who He is.

  



 I am 21 and tired. 

Tired of the passivity.

Tired of the normalcy.

Tired of the mundane vibes of church.

Tired of the 'measure up' expectations.

Tired of the judgement and lack of accountability.

Tired of the lack of joy.

Tired of the lack of passion.
Tired of church and missing the dwelling place of God.

I want to see Pastors behind the pulpit, not because they are preforming their duties,but behind the pulpit excited to share His word, be preaching with their whole heart because its truth. 

Truth needing to be spoken not watered down. 

I want to see Pastors growing and learning not just the congregation. 

I want to see the church flourish. Like a wild fire that cannot be put out because the church is confident in the power of His name and are a walking in truth.

  I want to see broken people healing, I want to see people worshiping because God is holy worthy of all praise, I want to see no fear of judgement as we as a congregation lift up His name, I want to see people pouring out and being poured into because of Jesus not because its their church life! I want to see the older challenging,encouraging the younger. I want to see people yielding to the Holy Spirit, following scripture, I want to see the fruits of a life striving, purging out the bad because the more of Jesus going in causing to push out the unwanted garbage. 

I want to see Paul's walking in obedience,Daniel's walking in boldness, 

David's chasing after Gods heart even when they stumble, they will humbly confess and keep running the race.

Being transformed and not conforming to the world. 

Fighting the fight.

You cannot fight a fight if you aren't in the ring.

I am tired of seeing people being a church goers and not Christ Followers.

                                   I am falling out of church standards and expectations.
                                                  Because its not what church is about.

within

The beast will not cease

he eats and gnaws,

reveals my flaws

my soul wears thin

and makes him grin

my imperfections

his profession

I fight, I claw

resist the crawl

I fall

My one comes to redeem my flaws

I hear his call

He makes me His

a warrior never to desist

To throw a punch

I have this hunch

the beast

will cease

I have the one

to sit on my throne

no longer just one

But three in one

in my home.

-Blythe.L 

(images via my trip to Seattle)

Exhanging 'self-confidence' for 'Christ-confidence'

 If you have been following my blog you know or I hope at least you got the vibe that I am passionate about living out a set apart life devoted to Christ! The struggle is doing life in the world, enjoying life while keeping Christ at the core. Satan attacks every which way making some of daily choices a struggle.
 So many Christians today I feel are to comfortable,living in a rut and happy with the comfort it gives.

When we become followers of Christ,believing in Him surrendering our lives to Him, we are putting faith and trust in Our Creator. We have peace in know He is in control,that He already predestined us,His plan for our lives as we learn to walk in blind obedience is the most fulfilling thing ever!

 In these truths is a hidden basic,but important aspect, a Christ Confidence.

   Why is this over looked? What exactly are you talking about? Why does it matter?

Its overlooked because we have an earthly mindset. The more and more you are in the word and are spending time with Him the more you develop a heavenly mindset. You don't look at challenges with bleakness,hopelessness and see it impossibilities. You begin to see possibilities. Ways for His light to shine. The only impossibilities are the ones the world says exist. 

When we spend more time in the world and less in the word we see more from the earthly mindset as we let our mind drift. Our human nature is to follow,to go on what we know, when the world is your main source of information from day to day telling you how to think you will lean towards that. 

The world is obsessed with self, who also happens to be your worse enemy.
 You know that one tool satan just loves to use?! You are your worse enemy. 

Self is the focus of the world also being in control or who,what,how,you are you.

Key to appearing so solid and controlled is confidence!
Being confident in what You can do,in who You are, of what You have,of what You are capable of, to not let Yourself appear weak or helpless. 

You see how damaging that is?! 

Not that confidence in itself is wrong. Its where it lies that causes problems.

In this case not only is the focus on you,but also no credit or no apparent need for a Savior its all in your strength,power and being in the right place at the right time while making the 'right' decisions.

We need to be changing out of this self focus,self confidence attitude for a Christ focused, Christ confidence attitude. 

A Christ Confidence is knowing your purpose in and through Him. I am a very purpose and task driven person. 

When I know what to aim and work for,know the tools to equip myself with I can get to it! 

Knowing what your focus is on is pretty helpful. Its on the cross, the prize at the end of the race,preparing away for His 2nd coming.
Your faith, and our trust in the one who created you. 

 Your confidence and productivity in life excels when this becomes your lifestyle and attitude!

 You become glow drawing in those who linger in the dark.
You are hitting the target because you know where to point and your trusting the own who is teaching you!

The Purpose. Having a purpose (as I stated above) gives us as humans so much more motivation in life as we strive to live it at its fullest. 

A Christ confidence is the arrow in that purpose.
Let us simply switch out where our confidence lies (or lack there of), your fear and worry is now minimized because you know are not alone and you know the one within you is greater than that of what is in the world.
And the word "know" is the greek word ginosko, type of "know".
Its not just head knowledge,but heart knowledge.
Have you ever read a passage several times and "know" it,but that time you begin to study it or experience something that you applied it to your life and now  all the sudden you Ginosko know it?!
Hopefully your getting the idea.

We are commanded several times throughout the Bible to not fear. 

We can walk confidently and boldly in the simple truth that He who has promised is Faithful to fulfill. 
God cannot lie.  

Life is such a beautiful gift that is made even more beautiful when we live out what we were created to do with a humbled confident joy! 

Nothing is more beautiful then seeing someone struggling through the challenges of life filled with joy and peace. That joy,peace and confidence in knowing that it will all be okay, its the overflow of what happens when you begin trusting and focusing on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 Living in complete and utter surrender to Him.
I cannot put to words they way I want or how it ought to be put other then saying 'the truth will set you free.'  

Will it be easy? No. Will it be an amazing crazy wildest adventure? Yes!! 

We are called to something greater than even we can fathom! 

We are Saints, we are Chosen, we have been equipped and given a task, we are loved and trusted in, we're not alone. 

created

  He didn't create me , for to just to merely exist.

                He created me; 

               In His Image,

              For His delight,

              For Worship,

               To lift His name.

Ps.149:4

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. 

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows"  Luke 12:6-7

 "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing"  

                         Zephaniah 3:17 

He delights in me. I am wholly His.

  I am delighted in by the King of Kings.

Christ in me and me in Christ.

 I, Can do the impossible, Can shine His light, Can Be More. Can succeed. Can Be.

Through Christ  I can.

 I am worthy.

I am His.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth" 

Psalm 139:13-15

who is defining success?

                 I like to keep things real and authentic when it comes to who I am. 

Failures, joys and sorrows alike. So to be real 'success' is something I have really been struggling with. I used to dream of becoming a Dr. growing up with God taking me on a different path that feels a little more humbling. From feeling like I am starting all over, like a kid still in high school by work at Chick Fil A (which isn't bad, somebody has to work there right?) with pressures to go to college and 'do something with my life' and whats funny is that pressure isn't from just certain family members,but society. I mentioned before how I felt I wasn't being lead to college in the past seasons of my life I was following the directions God was taking me at those times. Society puts pressure on the fact that to be somebody you have acquire 'Success'!

                        Who is defining success? 

             Who puts the stamp of approval of success on your life?

College and education is a huge privilege that we have here in the US and one that should be respected,but not one to define if you are failure in life or not. The amount and way we make our money is put on such a pedestal for success that we lose focus on life.

We have our awards and accomplishments in life,but what is all that in the end?!

        If some one is making money and has established themselves we call them successful.

Some who raise families that are intact great kids and marriage with long lives filled with memories we call that success,but not in the same way. Its more of a good job vs. I want to be like you and own the same stuff.

Success is defined by Noah Webster;

Terminating in accomplishing what is wished or intended; having the desired effect; happy; prosperous;

What are you intending/wishing? What effect do want to have where and how?

Prosperous in what?

5 Ways the world says you have success.

1. A "Career", that gives a pay check to enjoy the greater comforts of life.

2. Owning a house and a nice car.

3.  Being connected.  

Knowing all the right people = popularity & ups others opinion of you.

4. When you have to plan out your day to day prioritizing everything. 

Being busy sometimes seems so ideal,but it can be a major distraction.

5. Having the appearance of perfection.

 (lifestyle, looks,etc... the ideal life)

5 Ways I want to have success.

1.  Having no regrets.
I feel like in the end my biggest regret won't be my career path it would be not walking in obedience to where God places me. 

2. Laying up treasures in Heaven.
I don't want to invest what can be destroyed and holds no eternal value.

3. Being a servant.
When I meet someone who knows all the big time people, either in the business world, pop world, blogging world etc... Yeah, I would be impressed and lean towards wanting to hang out with them try to get and in,but when someone displays a servants heart and knows all the people at the homeless shelter. Less impressive on the world scale,but on the heavenly scale, I am impacted and inspired.
I want to be like that, I want to have that molded into my character. See #2.

4.  Investing.
I am not talking about money,but people, character, shaping yourself.
When we invest money we try to be wise, which will make a profit,bear fruit.
I want to be successful in bearing fruit in my life. 
In taking the time to listen to my siblings. Investing in myself through Christ. 
I admire people who don't go off of emotion and selfish needs/wants on what looks fulfilling to them. 
When you truly invest in others, without realizing it your investing in youself. 
In Gods Kingdom  (see #2)


5. Being real & True
 Ah,perfect people with the perfect life are idolized and people reach for what they have,but they don't know how. Why don't they know how? Because its not perfect and perfect people aren't easily approachable.
I never want to be so 'perfect' that people have a view of me of a struggleless, sinless, easy life.
I want to be true and real. That I am approachable for people to say hey, I am struggling with this can you pray for me give me advice..etc.. and vice versa I want my friends to be able to say hey, I see your struggling with this let me pray for you.
No one is better then another. I want to be real, true,approachable.

 

"Courage is knowing where your fear limits you and having what it takes to go beyond it."

to be

                                            February. Its been 5 days of being 21 years old.

This month welcomed a new age, a  new drivers license, beautiful flowers and a butterfly chair (gifts from my parents) to grace the presence of my room. 

 I celebrated my 21st in the best way possible, started with church worshiping my Savior, then to sweat pants and a hoodie,eating burgers for lunch with the family, reese ice cream cake almond crust and finished it off with a good old chick flick!

                  This new month and new age has had my mind reeling to a point of overwhelming me (actually that happens alot) But in the midst of my minds thoughts buzzing around up there I had a moment. I was reminded once again how I am truly blessed as I sat on my birthday at my family who truly loved me.

  You know those moments in a normal day when you pause and then are in that pause, filled with joy?! You take a breath, knowing you are deeply & passionately loved by the man who conquered death,lived selflessly, and forever changed the world He created and the people in it?! 

                                  A love so amazing.

                    As I turned 21 this week and have been mulling over my never ending to do list, scheduling my ACT, trying to figure out when would be a good time to yank out those wisdom teeth, taxes,work, blogging (I know,I know its dwindling.), photography, save for a car, getting involved in church, while figuring out what the world I am doing with my life and where I am going.

 I quickly lose focus. I become overwhelmed. I am a one track type of gal. I got burned out! 

        I try to think of everything I need to do and it all needs to be NOW! I mentally get fried.

This week, um, scheduling is happening. Weeding out what I can't/shouldn't do and what I 'Should' be doing and then have a free time list. ;)  I realized this week that February marks the longest I have lived in one place since the of Fall 2014. I have lost all sense of structure since,so many changes to my life and routines. So Bam! We know the problem, step 2; solve it!

            (My newlywed sister and I, bonfire night, thrift store dress find, all of the gang.)

 This past week I watched this movie called 'Belle' about a biracial girl lived with her white relatives in England during the Zong ship case. The young man in the movie (yes,theres the romance) inspired me. His zeal,passion,authenticity and sensitivity to the value of life just ignited inside of me. He wasn't of high rank,but he impacted. After that movie my mind raced and buzzed. I Could Not sleep! I wrote this done on paper cause getting my thoughts on paper usually help 80% of the problem.

          I am a World Changer with a Voice.
Every action,word and act from my being is a shout into the void. You never know if anyone sees or hears the shout and if they will answer or change upon hearing the call. Live with zeal and passion. Walk in truth. Jesus was a World Changer. A Voice in word and deed and it is He who dwells in me. He who I have joyfully and willingly surrendered to be His vessel. Take my hands,my heart,my zeal, oh, Lord. 
I am a World Changer. I am a Voice

                      My word for 2016 that I chose was "Audacity" To be Bold,to be Zealous.

                        I am so excited for this new year and new age. I am so excited to see what God does. How He will change and challenge me. Every year I grow in Him,every year I become more in awe of who He is with a thankful,humble and blessed spirit. Adventures,challenges,opportunities. 

         2016 I am here. 21 and ready to be.

The journey of Ruth // Guest post

Everyone has experienced a season in life where the dry places of the heart feel just like a desert. 
Spiritual rain is scarce, bitter pain destroys flowers of hope, and confusion clouds any rays of sunlight.  

As the Book of Ruth opens, we find Naomi trapped in a season like this. The fresh pain of widowhood is piercing her heart, as well as the staggering blow of losing her two sons. 

Hope was nowhere to be seen on Naomi's radar.  

"I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty." {Ruth 1:21} 

All of her cisterns had run dry. All joy was gone. 

She was so deep in the pit of depression that she desired to change her name to Mara, which means bitterness. Naomi felt all alone. But little did she know, that there was someone who could totally relate with her lot in life.

Her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Ruth had also lost everything she cherished and loved so dearly. The husband of her youth was taken from her, and now she had nowhere to turn.

Naomi advised her daughter-in-love to go find a new husband, "I'm going back to my homeland. But you're still young! You have time! Don't waste your life grieving with me. Make the most of what you still have." 

Despite Naomi's compelling speech to leave her and go find a new man, Ruth had something else in mind.  
Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." {1:16} 

Ruth's faithfulness and devotion here goes far beyond a simple act of friendship and kindness. 
This is Ruth pounding her stakes in the ground, setting her firm resolve, making a lifelong commitment to serving this woman. 

"I'm not leaving you. Where you die, I'll die, and where you're buried, I will be buried."

That's some gutsy love. That's the kinda friendship that remains. That's the tenacity that Jesus requires of us, when He commands us to take up our cross and follow Him. {Matthew 16:24.}

This same spirit of devotion urged Peter to follow Christ, even to the point of martyrdom. This same cry, "I'll follow You anywhere!" echoed through the heart of Thomas as he ministered in India, and Asia before being brutally murdered for his faith. This is what kept Paul rejoicing in the midst of his chains and beatings. 

This is what keeps a young girl on her high school campus, boldly speaking out for Christ, despite all the teasing. This is what keeps a young man pure until marriage, in spite of the sinful temptation this world has to offer. 

This is what keeps the missionary going, pouring herself out, and loving until there's nothing left. This is what keeps the pastor preaching truth, on the days when nobody shows up. 

This is what keeps us lifting our hands, singing songs of praise, and seeking His face in the midst of our dry seasons. 

When we cry frustrated tears, and it feels like Heaven is silent, we choose to press on; 
"I will follow You anywhere Lord. Where else can I go? You are the One who has the Words of life. Where You go I'll go, You are my God and my King, and my life is yours forever!" 

Just like Ruth, we must daily make the choice to be committed to our King. 

Ruth and Naomi took the long journey from Moab, back to Bethlehem; despite all the questions, pain and bitterness. 

What they didn't know is that God had something absolutely beautiful in store for them. Just up the road, a grand adventure was about to unfold. 

The same is true for you, sister! The desert isn't going to last forever. This road isn't going to lead you to more disappointment and pain. 

If you're following Jesus, keep moving forward. 

This is only the beginning of the story! The Author is weaving together a most beautiful tale! All it takes, is a few more steps down this dusty road. The page is about to turn, and an exciting chapter will begin! Once the two arrived in Bethlehem, things didn't look much better. They were still hungry, they still had to do life, and they still hurt on the inside. 
The only upside to their scenario, was that they arrived just in time for the barley harvest. 
Naomi advised Ruth to choose a field, settle her attention there, and start gleaning. 
The fields were full of harvesters, hustling and bustling around, leaving an ample amount of grain behind for widows, orphans, and strangers in Israel. Those who had nothing were free to glean and take home whatever they could find left over. 

Ruth entered the field of a man named Boaz, and he expressed much kindness and favor towards her. She returned home with her hands full, carrying more than enough for both her and Naomi. Boaz promised that she could stay there, gleaning as much as she needed, until the harvest was over. 

The Lord is so faithful to provide for us, even in the midst of our most dry and desperate seasons. When we glean in the fields of our Lord, feasting on His Word, there is always more than enough. The Lord's generosity is overwhelming. His kindness is too much to process. His love leaves us speechless. 

Sister, if you are trapped in a season of feeling alone or discouraged, it's time to head out into the field. 

God's Word is RIPE and ready for you to glean from! He desires to minister to you, feed your heart, water it, and refresh your soul. The Lord doesn't want you to feel orphaned and widowed. He wants to generously provide for you; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You are His princess, and He cares so deeply for you! He has so much to give. All you have to do is step into His presence and receive it. The Lord is faithful to give you everything that you need. But there comes a time in a girls life where she must step into the Royal Throne Room of the King, and boldly petition Him for things that she desires and dreams about seeing unfold in the future.  

Truth is, Ruth couldn't live off manna forever. Harvest season was nearly over, and Naomi wanted to make sure that she was thinking of the future. 
Ruth said, "My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor.  Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” (3:1-4) 

Boaz was in a special position to possibly rescue Ruth from her widowed state. As a unique family member called a "Kinsmen Redeemer", he had the ability to redeem everything that was broken and shattered in her life. Jesus can do the same for us! 
On the cross, Jesus offered the free gift of redemption for anyone who receives it. 
On the cross, Jesus completely destroyed the curse and written code against us {Col 2:14}, and opened up the gates of Heaven! He has promised every resource of Heaven {Check out Ephesians 1:3}, but we must ask! 
Jesus said, "Until now you have asked for nothing in my name, ask and you will receive so that your joy may be full." {John 16:24}  

It took boldness for Ruth to enter the threshing floor in the middle of the night and risk it all by laying down at Boaz's feet (an act of submission). We must possess the same bold faith when we enter the courts of the King, by making our requests known with whole-hearted faith! It is impossible to please God without faith. 

But how can a girl have faith and expect better things for the future, when in the past, everything has just crashed down around her? 
When life has been difficult in the past, hope deferred tries to make our heart sick, with thoughts of discouragement like, "I've been stuck in this situation for so long. I don't know how things are ever going to change, I feel like God isn't even listening to me anymore." 
But hope must rise up in our souls as we encounter our Kingsmen Redeemer. We must pray with the strength we have left, 

"Lord, fill me with hope! You have promised to care for every detail in my life, and You have been faithful to provide all I need, but these dreams stirring inside of my soul feel so impossible. 
I desire to see You move in my life in such a mighty and powerful way, so that it's totally undeniable that it was You! I'm asking for You to do the impossible, by making these God-sized dreams come true! 
I know that a desire fulfilled is a tree of life, so encourage me Lord, and help my unbelief! Strengthen me when I get weak, and so tired, and don't feel the desire to fight for these dreams. Don't let the lioness of courage inside of me shrink back in fear. Remind me that You are the King of the jungle! I will NOT be afraid because my Daddy is King. 
Raise me up to be all that You've created me to be, to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Give me the courage to fight for the rights of all who are destitute, for the poor, the needy, and those who are in much worse situations than I am. Fill me with Your Spirit of boldness! I give You my brokenness, and ask for deeper healing. Be my swift strength. (That's what the name "Boaz" means!) 
My soul clings to You, and my heart hopes in You alone. I know You will not disappoint me!"

In Ruth's story, Boaz was faithful to ride in and save the day. Just at her lowest point, He proved himself faithful. He abundantly answered her request and happily took Ruth as his wife, redeeming all that was lost. They had a son, and Ruth was no longer unfruitful. Her heart was full and satisfied.  Naomi was also so full of joy as she welcomed her grandson into the world.  

Sweet sister, the Lord has GOOD things in store for you. His plan for you is more beautiful than you could ever dream. Don't listen to the voice of deception that says, "It's hopeless." 

Just like Ruth, you are on a journey. Whether you're just leaving Moab, the land of heartbreak; gleaning at the field of God's goodness; mustering up the courage to make a Kingdom Request, standing in the place of faith that He will come through; or rejoicing because your Boaz has blessed your life with joy ... the journey you're on is beautiful. Embrace every moment and bless the Lord with each breath, because no matter where you're at, the King is forever faithful!

   _____________________________________________________________________________
 About the Author:
 
Livy is a dreamer, singer, songwriter and orphan advocate. As the founder of Crown of Beauty, her passion is to teach young women about their royal identity in Christ. She loves fairy-tales, the smell just after it rains, golden retriever puppies, and peppermint ice-cream cones. She just released their new book, Beauty Boys and Ball Gowns, featuring advice from Christian artists (Moriah Peters & Kari Jobe!), authors, (Duggar sisters!) and other guest writers from many different walks of life. She's currently raising funds to build an orphanage for her precious princess sisters in India! Donate or find out how you can get involved by visiting: www.crownofbeautymagazine.com
 

Its not about you

                                                           

 In today's culture self esteem is huge.

 The world as whole tells us we aren't beautiful enough, successful enough,cool enough, that 

                we are always needing something more to be enough. 

            Then you have the select groups that try to build your confidence. 

                                                         

 "BeYOUtiful."     
   "All girls are beautiful."         

         I've heard/seen a bunch of different phrases to build ones confidence in self. 

  I just want to say, Who Cares!
That may seem harsh,but we are making every aspect of this about ourselves.

 Each of those statements are being measured to the worlds standards. 

Though I am not saying encouragement ad self confidence is wrong,its just becoming a focus in every aspect of life.

Its becoming a singular focus.

Lets begin with our physical image or beauty.

To the worlds standard of beauty, you probably aren't beautiful. I know I am not.

 I am to many sizes up from size 0,my hair is frizzy and curly, my face is to wide,eyes to deep set, to the world I am not beautiful.

 I see people all around me that if they aren't pushing the impossible beauty standard they are trying to convince us girls we are beautiful, trying to give us confidence and self worth. That is not wrong because of Christ we do have worth. Where is the focus? The focus is still drawing attention to  outward beauty,to self.  Confidence and true beauty doesn't come outward until its inward.  It doesn't come if we are consumed by looking,acting and appearing the best. 

If you are striving for inward beauty to have outward beauty you will fail as well, unless you are truly striving for Jesus alone.

 "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praise."Proverbs 31:30

"The most beautiful women I've ever observed are those that have exchanged a self-focused life for a Christ-focused one. They are confident, but not in themselves. Instead of self-confidence, they radiate with Christ-confidence.”
― Leslie Ludy, Set-Apart Femininity: God's Sacred Intent for Every Young Woman

     We need to take off our self vain focus and put on a Christ focus.

Success. I have no great career or great sum of money in the bank thus I am to the world unsuccessful.           

 I am so way below the cool mark also,I don't drink,smoke or wear stylish clothes keeping up with the latest fads and to the world I will never be enough,I am not enough.
This is a constant struggle and its hard. 

When your with others you want to be well liked,you want to be held in high esteem and admiration.

Which is natural and you obviously wouldn't want to have no respect or not be liked.
The world says I am not beautiful.  The world says I am not successful. The world says I am not cool or hip.

 I don't need the worlds standard of beauty and I don't need to put my worth in that beauty standard because I find my worth and identity in Christ.

     "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  Psalms 139:14

 

           My confidence and beauty is found in Him my creator.

 I don't need to be successful and be popular in the world to have worth because of Christ I am worthy to come unto the throne of the King of Kings,the ruler of the world. I am adopted by Him,my wealth and glory is in eternity.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;" Matthew 6:19

            As christian I probably won't ever be popular. 

But success, a blessing from God often from hard work that He blessed,but success is also passing and can be gone in a moment don't put your worth and security in your success or wealth.

There is always someone that's going to be more accomplished and wealthier then you.
 

 Now that I clarified some things on those subjects what it all boils down to with beauty,success,popularity is 3 things;

   It doesn't matter,who cares, it isn't about us!
                               We get so caught up in being popular,beautiful, successful, that we forget it doesn't matter.  

Yes, be a good steward of what God has given you,you are a holy temple of God so take care of yourself, look nice, present the gospel well,be kind and loving to others. 

The problem lies when we are so caught up in our life on earth that we forget why we are here, we forget that as christians we are aliens on earth and that our life is as the Bible says its but a vapor.    
              He is our purpose, we are here to glorify Him
               We are here to prepare for His second coming.
                   We are here to share the gospel, to shout it from our rooftops declaring His goodness.

  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.Matt.24:14

I want to encourage each of you to not put your confidence and worth in something that is temporary and shallow,but put you all into Him who is permanent and has an incredibly deep love.

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 

Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt.16:26

 

                              

the lonely soul

   

  "God has perfect timing; never early, never late.

 It takes a little patience and faith, but its worth the wait."

So many girls desire to be in love,to have a man totally smitten with them,while I am not saying this is wrong, but to be blunt you are completely missing your greatest and only ever perfect lover of your soul. Someone who is always faithful never letting you down.  Someone is desiring for you to bare your soul and pour out your heart to Him. A lot of people turn also to nonhuman form,social media. Facebook doesn't need to know your complaints and your attention. Instagram doesn't need an updated selfie of your good hair day. Twitter doesn't need to hear great thought and perfect hashtags. While none of which are inherently wrong the intentions behind could cause problems. Whether your hoping to gain some online attention in the midst of your 'lonely' soul posting your daily dose of you or  all of your life is simply online and its where you only know to invest your life in. Sure you have friends you hang out with, family that's around,but that doesn't mean you lean and hang all over them ever waking moment. Satan can be very strategic in his attacks,but the attack upon a girls longing soul is probably one of his easiest targets to hit.The good news is there is a counter attack and you are actually never alone both of these are the same answer. :) Jesus. He is our protector and never leaves our side. His desire is for you to lean on Him. He is longing for you to embrace Him and all He has to offer you. The funny thing is you have Jesus and He should be your everything, but your heart still aches for a special someone. Go back to Jesus, pour out your heart to Him,He will hear your cry and He will answer. A lot of the time we think we know the answer and what we want,but God knows better and has a plan.

                               "Until you are called to marriage you are called to singleness."

As young women and young men (I suppose we will throw the guys in the mix...:) ) we have a desire to marry,raise a family some more then others and I am in no way putting that down because more then likely God put that desire in your heart. I want to take a section to touch on trusting our Creator.  I often hand God the pen to my life,but finding myself hovering trying to see what He writing when I see the pen start to move cringe and reach for it. Sometimes grabbing it and saying 'let me try' like a 3 year old would.  Having faith and trusting God takes courage. It should be as easy as pie. I mean first of all He is the great I am, a loving and merciful Father who longs for an intimate relationship with you. Secondly He has had a plan,a purpose for your life for you since before you were born.

                                                                 { Trusting }

                "Nothing great happens when you hold back."      

      




We because we are human have trouble letting someone else have control. But fact is if God doesn't have our heart, one of willingness and trust (or full fledged faith) the devil is going to take over even if we tell ourselves we are in control, we are never in control. Now obviously don't take this literally God shouldn't have to open your mouth in order to feed you.
        Through prayer, tuning our hearts to His, and seeking Him in everything He leads we follow.
                 We are His shadow, a faithful shadow striving to have a servants heart like Him.
Do not take lessons from peter pans shadow. Unlike Peter Pan, God gives us a choice we can choose to be with Him, to strive to imitate Him  and He will take us to unbelievable places on an amazing beautiful journey. He doesn't force us to choose Him.

                    Ps.119:105 " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

                               When my future seems fuzzy and I feel so out of focus my biggest comfort is that God has a plan and purpose for my life. I just have to have a willing heart to move when He moves and go where He calls. I do that and I am set. Will it be easy? No. But I am not depending on a mere man, I am not relying on anything or one to sustain me,no matter how many time my mind falls into that trap. I am relying on the most high God. The Alpha and Omega. My creator, provider,bridegroom, lover of my soul. I am not alone. I am not hopeless, I in fact have found hope and who I can trust to hold my heart until He shows me who else to share it with.

                                 

                                                              photos via pinterest.com