You Love me Anyways

One of my favorite parts about serving and living for Jesus, is the interaction of the relationship.  I love how,  through so many things,  God speaks.  I was listening to my radio this afternoon when the song "You love me Anyways"  by Sidewalk Prophets came on.  I've heard the song a million times,  and sang along each time,  but today,  something was different.

I've recently made the decision to take a break from social media. A 'social media fast,'  if you will.  During this time,  I've been really focusing in on spending time with Jesus more intently.  I typically always will read my devotion every morning,  and pray in the morning,  before meals,  and at night.  But that's just it.  I want to break that 'schedule.'  God deserves every ounce of my being.  Every second of every day should be spent glorifying him.  I have been listening to a ton of Christian music lately,  and this song really spoke to me.  The lyrics have been with me all afternoon....

"you love me Anyways..   I am a thorn in your crown,  but you love me Anyways..... I am the sweat from your brow,  but you love me Anyways. "

HE loves me Anyways.  I do NOT deserve his love.  Yet I -  YOU,  we ALL were a 'thorn in his crown.'  He died for EVERY single one of us.  So that we could be free,  and live this life with forgiveness and his mercy.  I absolutely do not deserve his new mercy daily,  yet he gives it to me.  Without fail,  God IS ALWAYS there & he loves us ALL anyways!

My prayer-
I am so undeserving,  Lord.  I have gone astray more times than I can count.  I have put worldly things before you,  I have spent time scrolling through social media aimlessly,  even though I should have been praying to you,  and asking you to help me.  Yet you continue to bless me every single day.  You continue to show up in my life,  over and over again.  Lord,  THANK YOU  for loving me anyways.  Despite all that I do wrong,  despite all the times I've put you second,  THANK YOU for giving your life for me.  I'm YOURS,  Lord.  You gave me your life,  and I give you mine.  Use me,  Lord.  Send me into situations that grow me.  Help me to make a difference.  I pray that when others look at me,  they see you- That they feel your kindness,  and love.  God,  help me to be more like you.  I am SO overwhelmed and so in love with all that you are.  THANK YOU,  Jesus!

Amen

-Faith

Remember WHO you serve

Psalm 107:29
"he stilled the storm to a whisper... The waves of the sea were hushed. "

Lately I've been feeling so amazed by Jesus.  He is SO good.  Like,  amazingly good to the point I can't even comprehend it.  & it's really caused me to realize the POWER of the God we serve. 

It's not secret how crazy this life can get.  We will continuously come up against trials and struggles that seem to have no end.  Struggles that will seem to taunt us with everything they have.  But the most beautiful thing -  God is ALWAYS there.  ALWAYS.  He never leaves us.  He can still storms to whispers and hush the waves of the sea; there is NO question he can and will help you through it.  How amazing is that? 

Every time I read that verse I feel speechless.  Jesus is just SO good.  He is always there- never leaves us,  EVER.  We can wander off, and try to take things back into our own hands,  but god is always waiting with open arms and all the power in the world to get us through the toughest times.

So next time you feel like giving up,  next time you think it's not worth it,  next time you feel stressed out,  next time this life gets the best of you -  remember WHO you serve. & know that he loves you so much more than words could ever say.

Enjoy the  rest of your week!

-faith

My Favorite Verses

I decided it would be cool for myself,  and hopefully for y'all too,  if I compiled a list of 5 of my very favorite bible verses and explain why I love them so much.  These verses have encouraged me so much,  and I hope they'll do the same for you. 

One of my favorite parts about reading the Bible,  is the way these different verses take on a whole new meaning each time I go back to read them.  God's word is called the LIVING word for a reason. 

- 2 Corinthians 5:7
"for I walk by faith,  not by sight"

This is my life verse.  &  it means so much to me because of the way it applies to my life.  My life has definitely taken a much different route than most people my age.  It can be so easy to get caught up in the world's standards,  and tear myself down becuase I'm not in the 'norm.'  BUT I know that is all FALSE.  I am me,  and that is all I can ever be!  This verse reminds me that I am choosing the road less traveled.  I live my life so differently than so many others,  but I'm walking by faith and letting God take the wheel, and that makes me so excited! 

-John 3:30
"he must become greater,  I must become less"

I love the simplicity of this verse.  It reminds me that no matter what is going on in my life,  and no matter how crazy it all may seem; if I make God my number one,  my refuge,  and my rock- he will always be there.  Less of me,  more of you,  Jesus!

-John 10: 10-11
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. "

I love these verses becuase they remind me of God's goodness.  I often sit back in awe of God's love for us.  He truly IS the good Shepherd.  He gave his life,  to give us ours!  His love is unconditional,  and everlasting,  and that,  that truly amazes me. 

-Ephesians 2:10
" For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

This verse reminds me of who I am in christ.  We are created by him- we are his handiwork.  It reminds me that God created me just the way he wanted me,  and he created me to do good.  It reaffirms my love for sharing God's goodness with others. 

-Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Every time I read this verse,  the words "I am with you"  stand out to me.  They remind me that no matter where this life takes me,  no matter what I go through,  no matter the struggles I face- God is with me always.  He never leaves our side.  His love is so amazing! 

-I am continually amazed at the growing relationship I have with God.  It is the most incredible thing!  My life has truly never been happier.  I am here to tell you,  that if you're looking for happiness- HE is the answer.  It's amazing how incredible life will become when you let God take over,  and strive to serve him in every area.  I'm so thankful!  Have a great week,  everyone! 

-Faith

Walking in his Truth

To walk in HIS Truth.

To believe what HE says is true. 

To know that HIS approval is the only approval you'll ever need. 

Sounds simple enough,  right? 

But that's the thing... Sometimes, it just isn't that simple.  Sometimes we got caught up.  Sometimes we start to care too much about what others think.  Sometimes we start to belive what others say,  when we should be believing what HE says. 

I struggled for SO long,  trying to walk in the truth of others.  I wanted everyone,  everywhere I went to like me.  I sought after the approval of others,  before I ever thought about seeking Jesus' approval.  I wanted to fit in,  and be liked by everyone.  I conformed to the pattern of this world one too many times.  I wasn't a good example for Jesus.

But that's the sweetest thing about Jesus.  He is SO merciful and just to forgive us.  He took me from a broken down place of self-hate,  to a place of self-love and confidence through him. Realizing that who you are on the inside matters so much more than who you are on the outside,  will drastically change your way of thinking.  & when you are overflowing with happiness on the inside,  it will show on the outside, I guarantee it.    

We have to learn to walk in Jesus' truth.  To take the way we view ourselves directly to the word.  Does the way you feel about yourself line up with what God's word says about you?  Are you seeking to please an audience of one? 

The relationship we have with Jesus is the MOST important relationship we will ever have.  He is the way,  truth,  and the light.  Remember what he says about you. 

You ARE

beautiful
loved
forgiven
valued
worth it
talented

-Faith

Modesty- Why?

I haven't always been the most self-aware of my body and of how much I was showing.  It actually wasn't until just a year and a half ago,  or so,  that modesty became something I started to really seek.  I wanted to protect what God had given me,  and I wanted to do my part in respecting God,  and following his word.

I often hear these things....

"well I think women should be able to wear whatever they want,  and guys should just stop looking... "

"guys are all just pigs and all they'll ever do is look..."

"yeah but,  even if I dress modestly,  and a guy still looks then what was the point of it anyways?? "

But guys here's the thing- as women,  it is our duty,  our responsibility to do OUR part.  If you have dressed modesty and a guy comes by and still has negative thoughts- you are NOT in the wrong.  You have done your part in trying to prevent another from sinning- and God will most certainly see your efforts and be so proud.  You see,  the Bible tells us that we should do our part- that we should dress modestly and focus on the importance of what WE'RE doing and God will handle the rest.

1 Timothy 2:9 (NASB)
"likewise,  I want the women to adorn themselves in proper clothing,  modestly and discreetly,  not with braided hair or gold or pearls and costly garments"

Now I know what you're thinking,  and no,  you don't have to quit braiding your hair or wearing your favorite pearl earrings.  The Bible isn't meant to be taken literal in every sense.  Much of it is meant to metaphorically speak to us. & unlike the stereotype associated with modesty,  it doesn't mean you that you can't still dress cute and participate in all the latest trends.  It's all about how you look at it,  and how you go about it. &  YES.  You can absolutely wear pants and still be modest!  It's just about making sure you're aware of how tightly things hug your body. &  Just like the quote above says,  modesty encompasses both body and heart.  Modesty is absolutely a mindset.  You have to understand the importance of what you are doing.  &  I always like to ask myself this question- "would you be comfortable in what you're wearing if God was to walk right up beside you?"  that's usually a tell all question for me,  and really helps.

& I choose to be modest because I want to respect what God has given me.  I want to protect my body,  and my heart.  Because I want to turn hearts,  not heads.  Because I love Jesus and seek to live for him and please him in all things that I do.  Protect yourselves,  ladies.  Respect your body,  and you will gain respect back from those around you.  There is something so special,  and respectable about a woman who has 'all the right things' she could be flaunting,  but chooses not to do so.  Because she respects herself,  and the Lord first and foremost.

Xo,
Faith

Making HIM Your #1

We spend days,  hours,  minutes,  seconds;  so much TIME on things that don't matter. 

 We,  myself very much included,  often put worldly things above God,  which in result, creates a sort of barrier.   Don't tell me you have never went to click on your Facebook app before you even thought to click on your daily devotion or bible verse- because trust me,  I do it too- and WAY too much.  Lately,  God has been really making that obvious to me, and in turn,  I've been trying to work on it.   

Think about it -  seriously,  how easy is it to click on an app,  and how easy is it to "accidentally"  spend twenty minutes scrolling though posts,  pictures,  commenting and liking -  how easy is it?  SO easy.  Then,  you get distracted- you have to put down your phone and get in the shower because,  whoops!  You slept in.  You hurry to get ready,  scurrying around,  all the while frustration is building because rushing always seems to bring up those no good emotions.  You get to work/school and are instantly in a bad mood because guess what you forgot to do this morning??  SEEK HIM.  

That situation above,  has been me one too many times.  I am not perfect,  and there are absolutely mornings when I still fall prey to this.  We're human,  and we are going to have our days.  Days when things just don't go right,  and days where we just can't get it together and that's OKAY.  BUT,  I promise you- if  you make it a point to take action and SEEK him out on a daily basis; if you start your day with Jesus,  and spend time dwelling on his word,  and praying,  then,  I PROMISE you that your day will go better.  You see,  God blesses those that seek him.  He is always there,  and he never leaves our side,  but in order to have that intimate relationship with Christ we have to do our part,  too.  Jesus loves you,  and he deserves SO much.  Make it a point today to SEEK HIM.  Seek him with your whole heart,  and just watch- your day will go so much better.  

Xo, 

Faith 

WHY I've Chosen to Wait

Wait.

Why have I chosen to wait?  & what am I waiting on? 

I've talked about this with my family and a few other people,  but I've chosen to share simply because now,  everyone who reads this will know.  I treat this post as a form of accountability.  

I have made a promise to God,  and to myself that the next time I share a kiss with someone will be on my wedding day.  

I know it seems crazy,  and many will truly never understand,  or see the importance and that's okay.  This isn't for show,  or to stand out,  though I know I certainly will. 

 I'm doing this because I love God.  Because I cherish every minute,  every second of living for him and being a light for him.  Because I want God to remain the one MOST important part of my life.  Because I want to keep my focus on God,  on his word,  and on serving him.  

Because- quite honestly,  I want to be so focused on God,  so focused on his word,  that the ONLY way anyone will ever come into my life will be through him.  I know that by setting this standard for myself,   I'm setting myself apart,  and that's absolutely okay with me.  I also know that though this is very different from what society considers "normal,"  but I am not of this world.  I am a child of the one true king,  the one who gave his very life to give me mine.  The one who never let's me down,  never disappoints me,  never leaves my side,  and who ALWAYS loves me.  This desicion to keep him first always- is the very LEAST I could do.  

To all my ladies out there reading- guard your hearts.  I'm not saying you also have to refrain from kissing,  but protect yourself.  Don't throw your heart around like it's no big deal.  Don't let every guy that walks into your life have a piece of you.  Keep yourself pure.  Cherish yourself,  and all that you are.  But above all else- keep GOD the #1 priority,  and he my ladies,  HE will NEVER disappoint you.  

Proverbs 4:23

"above all else,  guard your heart for everything you do flows from it"

Xo,  

Faith