Sunday, April 27, 2014

Be Joyful Always


Be Joyful Always - 1Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)
     A few years ago I bought a pocket mirror with the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:16 written on the front of it. This little token still rides around in the bottom of my purse as a constant reminder to be happy and full of joy. I love this little symbol, because it challenges me to be joyful even when I am looking in a mirror.
     It amazes me how often we, as girls, are drawn to mirrors. As soon as we see our reflections, we begin adjusting our outfits, or taming those stubborn fly-aways. We have developed the habit of evaluating ourselves almost immediately upon seeing a mirror. This is not always a bad thing, especially when we have food in our teeth, but often times we silently begin to pick apart our clothes, body, hair, and overall appearance.
      For many of us there is something about a mirror that seems to highlight our insecurities. The world has a false standard of beauty that we can never meet. Yet, so many of us are striving to reach that standard everyday, and are broken-hearted when we feel that we have failed.
      That is why I love having 1Thessalonians 5:16 on my mirror. It is God’s little reminder to block out the world's standards and be joyful, even when looking in a mirror. This means, be joyful when Satan tries to convince us that we do not measure up. On those days when we aren't feeling particularly happy, or when our insecurities are fighting to take over, the Lord wants us to be JOYFUL because He made us! (Psalm 139). He never intended for us to look in the mirror and pick apart His creation. Instead, He longs for us to rejoice and gain all of our confidence from HIM!

I challenge each of you to Be Joyful Always in HIS creation! Stop striving to measure up with the world's standards, but instead be content and satisfied in God's masterpiece!

Friday, April 25, 2014

A Simple Echo


First, please allow me to be transparent in saying, I never thought I would be writing a blog and still have my doubts even as I am typing this post. I do not feel as though I have any words that are worth anyone’s time; however, I do have a relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ, and His words will always be infinitely more powerful than my own. I am writing because at 23, I look back and realize how thankful I am for the Christian support that has been woven into my life. As a young girl my relationship with Christ was constantly being strengthened by a community of friends and family. I want to echo their strength and Christ's love by offering that same encouragement and support to other girls that are striving to live for Him.  Please feel free to comment or ask questions on any post! I want to hear from you!