Transformation

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." ~ Romans 12:2

"If your faith hasn't changed you, then it probably hasn't saved you."

<3

Out of my mind?

If we are "out of our mind," as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:13

I came across this bible verse last week, and it really made me think. The first time I read it, I was like 'What does that mean?' And then I read it again and thought about it more ...... and still had the same question. So I talked about it with my family, we all thought, and we kinda came up with this idea of what the verse might mean:

If you are someone who tries to fit in, be normal, and cool, it's for your own personal reasons. But when you life a life for God, you should want to stand out, be different and set apart from everyone else. So that when people say you are 'out of your mind,' it's because you love God so much and want to just show it.

Another blogger who had a blog that I read a lot recently started a new blog to represent the change in her life and the difference between how she used to be when she first started on blogger. Her new blog is called Fanatical because she said "Because life's too short to be anything but a fanatic. A fanatic for Christ." I love how she put it. It's so true! I totally agree. And so that's what I think that verse means. That we need to be different, a little fanatical, a little out of our mind for Jesus. Because nothing is normal these days.

This is just my interpretation of what it means, please comment with your thoughts and views on this verse! I'd love to hear them! :)

Courageous

Courage: a strength that allows you to face danger, difficulty, or pain without showing fear.

I saw the movie Courageous with a friend the other day. It's a Christian movie. I loved it. I cried and laughed and just had a great time. In the movie, one of the policemen was talking with his friends and said he needs to step up and become a better father for his family. And one of his friends told him something along the lines of 'you're already a good enough father.' The policeman replied, that's the thing, I don't want to be 'just good enough.'

That part really hit home for me. I think too many Christians today are being 'just good enough.' They meet the standards, and don't aim for higher. They do what they have to and leave it at that. But that's not what God wants from us, He wants us to be the best and give it our all. God didn't give us just enough to get by, but gave us all He had, everything.

So starting today I'm going to try to live different. Not just be 'good enough' but live life to the full extent. Let God take over, and live for Him. Ask God to give me His strength. Live a courageous life. ♥

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
~ Joshua 1:9

Don't Stop Believing

We all get those days. When everything seems to be going wrong. When you feel like hiding under your covers and going back to bed. When you want to let out a big scream, or cry, into your pillow. Sometimes those days stretch out, turn into weeks, and feel like they will never end. Then sometimes you may feel like life has gobbled you up, spun you around, and spat you back out. If you're in this situation, have faith. Remember that God is always by your side, He has never left you. Don't stop believing.

".... In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

~John 16:33

Beauty

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you."

~Song of Songs 4:7

What is beauty? And what does it look like? Everyone has their own opinion, and think they know what it means. But when it comes down to it, there's only one opinion that really matters. Yours. To me, the first step to being beautiful is being happy with who you are! You've got to feel good with the skin your in! A smiling person is way prettier than someone who has a big frown spread across their face. My mom always told me that I had to like me before I could like anyone else. And she is so right!

After being happy, the rest kinda comes naturally. When you feel good, you show it! Your heart shines, and your inner beauty breaks free! I think everyone is beautiful, but for some people, it takes time for them to realize their true beauty. It's a journey for all of us. We all have those moments when we look in the mirror and start pointing out our flaws. Even worse, some point out other's flaws. But if we can just find happiness in life, we can find the beauty hidden beneath every heart.

No matter where I am on my journey, I know God is with me. He is the one who sees beauty in all! And without Him, I wouldn't be able to be completely happy in life. I wouldn't be able to live a beautiful life.

New Year

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

~Jeremiah 29:11

What does the new year mean to you? A fresh start? A new chapter of your life? An adventure waiting to be discovered? To me, the new year is like a mystery that can only be solved by living through it. Yes it is a new beginning, and there are many discoveries to be made, but really, nobody knows what the future holds. No one but God.

As we step into the year 2011, think about what you want to do, where you want to go, who you want to be. Set goals, make resolutions! Not just ones about finally cleaning your room, or beating a level on your favourite video game, but ones about how you can live to glorify God!

The new year is like God taking your slate and wiping it clean, saying 'here, try again with a fresh start.' So take that slate and make a work of art! Make God proud and show Him the best you there is! Make this year the best one yet!

Happy New Year Everyone!