Happy New Year, Ladies! I've been reading your comments about the changes you want to make in this next year of your journey and, honestly, just when I thought I couldn't be any more impressed with you, I am! After your solitary time, you realized that:
* Jesus can totally empathize with everything you're going through because he was, as Christmas reminds us, human. (Thanks, RACHEL)
* It would be great if we treated every day as a New Year's Day, putting the past behind us and making goals and trying to make ourselves better people (Thanks, PAIGE)
* What better time than the New Year to rededicate ourselves to reading the Bible and living more like Christ wants us to, for the only thing that really lasts? Why not pick a theme for each day and stick to it? (Thanks, ANNABELLE)
* This year, why not LIVE your life instead of Facebook it? (MANY thanks, EMII!)
All of you who posted have goals for the year that I know God totally approves of (and probably shaped in your mind and heart, come to think of it). But the one thing almost everybody said was:
"I just don't know if I can stick to it."
Oh, I hear you! How many diaries have we all started on January 1, only to lose track of them by Valentine's Day? Weight loss programs and gyms have record new memberships in the month of January, but only about 30% of those people are still enrolled six months later. Even Bible study classes that start right after the New Year are usually packed, and then dwindle in attendance as the winter drags on. What happens to our good intentions, do you think?
I have a thought about that (though I'll want to hear yours, too, of course.) I've known if for a long time, but it came to me yesterday when I was sitting with my daughter (who is now even BIGGER than she was 10 days ago when the picture above was taken; BTW, don't those homemade cinnamon rolls of hers look scrumptious? They WERE!). Here's what came to me.
About a year and a half ago, Marijean and her husband Brian set a "goal" of having a baby. As most of you know, she had three miscarriages before it was discovered that she has an autoimmune disorder that, left untreated, made it impossible for her to carry a baby. With great medicine, she's been able to keep Baby Maeryn in utero, and in no longer than 20 days from now, she'll be born. Goal accomplished -- they'll have a baby.
Of course, they didn't meet that goal all by themselves. Not only did they have medical help, they had God's help. God created the miracles of conception and gestation and birth, which is a good thing because if we had to control all the hormones and cell divisions and developmental stuff, the human race would have come to a screeching halt long ago!
Besides that, after a certain point, even if they had wanted to abandon their goal, they couldn't have. That's one of those decisions that, once in process, can't be changed. Right now Marijean has no choice but to stick to it -- in spite of the heartburn and the back aches and the kicking going on in there that has her convinced she's going to give birth to a Rockette. She and Brian have made a huge commitment and there just is no turning back. If they are like every other set of parents who have ever brought a child into this world, there are going to be two-o'clock-in-the-morning moments when they're going to question that decision, but they will definitely "stick to it."
So -- what if we made our New Year's decisions that carefully? What if we only chose those things that are truly going to change our lives? What if they were things that we couldn't do without God? What if they were things for which we had no choice but to stick to them? What if not sticking to them would mean there would be no new life?
For instance, one of my goals for 2011 is to be more conscious of God in my daily life. I have special quiet time every morning and another quiet time at night before I turn out the light. But in between, sometimes I go for hours without actually thinking about God in my conscious mind, and I just wonder how much better I could serve, how much better a person I could be, and how much happier and more at peace if I, as Brother Lawrence put it, "practiced the presence of God."
That's a tough one, because unlike quitting smoking or losing twenty pounds or reading the Complete Works of Shakespeare, it isn't a tangible thing you can check with the number of cigarettes left in the pack or the number of pounds that show up on the scale. Applying the questions, though . . .
Would this goal truly change my life? Ya think? I'd make better decisions, maybe move more people toward Christ without realizing it, definitely be a better friend -- and that's just for starters.
Could I accomplish this without God? Now that's a no-brainer! It's all ABOUT God. God will decide whether to nudge me or poke me or speak to me in a still, small voice. There's no way I'm jist going to say, "I will be conscious of God," and magically pull it off. This is totally going to be a team effort.
Do I have a choice whether I stick to this? It might seem like it, but once you make a vow to God (rather than just to yourself or to someone else), breaking it becomes a pretty huge thing. Fortunately, God wants me to reach this goal as much as I do. God will remind me, get me back on track, especially if I employ spiritual practices designed to make me more aware of God's presence (or God will just plain show off as he's doing this very minute with the sunset outside my office window -- spectacular).
Would not sticking to this mean there would be no new life for me? I don't even have to ponder that. There is no New Year, new me, new ideas, new ways of looking at things without a deeper awareness of God. There is no new creation without the Creator.
So I think the secret to sticking to our New Year's resolutions is not self-discipline or beating ourselves up every time we slip up. I think it's in the formation of the goals to begin with. Are they worth setting? Do they mean enough for us to want them more than anything? Are they things we know God wants for us and wants to participate in our having? As the passage from John that I read this morning says, "I (Jesus) came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
If the goals are big and life-changing, we're going to need help and lots of it. As PAIGE pointed out, we seem to have "pairs of goals on here. It seems like every person has someone else that's doing the same thing. Wouldn't it be cool if we grouped up into little accountability groups?"
That sounds like an amazing idea to me, and several of you concurred in your comments. So why don't we do this:
1. Answer the questions in green for one of your goals for the year. You don't have to post your answers, and if you do want to share, just give us a brief summary.
2. Do tell us what your goal is, and I'll post them all on Thursday so you can see the entire list. Then you'll know who you're going to pray for and support and who's doing the same for you.
3. You'll always be free to comment on that, even when we move on to other topics.
4. Give your suggestions on how this could work.
Sound good? It should, because YOU came up with it -- you maturing sisters in Christ. I'm so proud. I want to be like you when I grow up.
Blessings,
Nancy Rue
Okay. Love the idea, too!
My goal is to not be continually going on the internet all day long. It's Summer holidays, and there are two ways I can spend it --online or outside, is one way to put it.
Posted by: Emii | 01/03/2011 at 06:12 PM
My New Year's resolution is to focus more on where I am with Jesus, not how to "fix" other people's problems with God. Most of my friends and teachers aren't Christians, and I'm ashamed to say that I've spent most of my spiritual life lately planning out defenses of my faith, and standing up for Jesus at school, instead of examining myself and my own weaknesses. I've been saying to God, "Thanks that I have you. Poor friend over there! THEY don't know you, Jesus. I'd better help them out, seeing as I'M doing okay." I know there's nothing wrong with witnessing to my friends, but I don't want to be judgemental or a hypocrite, and I think it's time to do some self-evaluation. I also think that part of being a good witness is to be humble about it, and also humble with God.
Posted by: Katie | 01/03/2011 at 06:46 PM
My New Years resolution is to go to God with EVERYTHING, not just the things I think I can't handle, because even if I think I can handle certain things they might not be the way He wants me to do them. I usually do go to God for answers for most things but I need to learn to go to Him first, before I try to work it out on my own. Which would mean not worrying and knowing he is in control.
Posted by: Therese | 01/03/2011 at 07:31 PM
My New Year's resolution is. . .
to use my creativity to do great things for God. By great, I don't mean dig a well in Kenya, go preach at a Masque, or start an international band that gives all the money to charity. That stuff would be cool, but I'm talking about just using the ideas and artistic things that God puts in my head and use them to encourage fellow Christians and include that girl with the funny laugh and the too-small-shoes into the my group of friends. For example, my new neighbors are starting a brand new school in a brand new town tomorrow, so I made little cards with verses on them like Joshua 1:9b and Jeremiah 29:11-12 on them.
I think we could do something like a blog just for our New Years resolutions with each post as a diff resolution and we continuesly add comments on those particular posts about what we did to do that thing and encourage other girls with the same resolution.
Thanks for the post, Mrs. Nancy!
MLNX,
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | 01/03/2011 at 08:44 PM
Love this post!
Oh my gosh. I just have to say that I have the best friends in the world. Like honestly, they so get me! I can't believe I used to settle for anything less just to fit in. Ahh, random outburst, but ohh, thank you God for everything!
This year is going to be a great year.
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/03/2011 at 09:36 PM
I've spent my whole day thinking anout this. Yes, it will change my life. I want to fall in love with Jesus. To truely love him with my whole being. It may take years, even my whole life, but what better time to start then now?
Still thinking,
Lilly
Posted by: Lilly | 01/03/2011 at 09:52 PM
I don't really have a new year's resolution. There are lots of things I want to be able to do in this next year. Basically, I want to be able to trust God with whatever comes my way.
Ok, you know that thing I mentioned before with that guy, can you guys please keep praying? I want to tell you guys what's going on, but I don't even know right now. I'm so confused. your prayers would be really appreciated.
Posted by: Alisha | 01/03/2011 at 11:29 PM
I found this verse last night. It's in Matthew 10, The Message.
38-39"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.
-- " But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me."
It was like, lately I've been thinking all, I want to know you better Jesus I wanna be better friends with you, I wanna do what YOU want me to do.
But if I forget about myself and look to him... well, I'll find both.
Posted by: Emii | 01/04/2011 at 03:16 AM
Oh, and Nancy -- is your daughter wearing one of the t-shirts youse made at your Christmas? It's awesome as. I might have to suggest it for next year!
One more question. Is there a proper -- as in, gramatically correct -- way to write/say 'youse'? Because it looks disgusting:P
Posted by: Emii | 01/04/2011 at 04:52 AM
Could you girls pray for me today? I'm leaving right now to go skiing for the first time...the only problem is, I've been dreading it because I'm going with a guy who really likes me...AAAH! (plus I'm gonna make a fool out of myself since I'm not athletic at all:)
Posted by: Katie | 01/04/2011 at 08:03 AM
Katie- Praying :D Have a great time. Skiing is amazing!
Emii- Your post about Youse made me LOL. Haha(:
Alisha- Praying for you :)
New Years Resolution:
I actually have like ... quite a few. But there are two ones I'm really focusing on so.. I hope it's alright if I post both!
1) Cutting back on my computer use.. MAJORLY!
2) Keeping myself from the worldly distraction, more specifically, dating. I've made a vow to God (Yeah, I'm pretty scared about flopping up on this one!) not to date, or kiss a guy, or have any sort of "more than friend" relationship with a dude. So yeah... Prayers throughout the year would be greatly appreciated :)
Posted by: Paige | 01/04/2011 at 08:17 AM
Good post. I'll make some resolutions and stuff later. My relationship with the Lord hasn't been all that great lately. It's been sooo crazy around here with the move (it's tomorrow!) overseas and all.
Anyway, I'll totally post later!
Posted by: Kate | 01/04/2011 at 12:15 PM
We could also make a facebook page for our New Year's resolutions, and be able to post the ways we went after our resolutions in great ways. I LOVE this idea of 'making it work,' cuz, honestly, if we dont constantly work on this, I will totally forget about it:/
Any other ideas?
Kate, praying for your BIG move!!!
MLNX,
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | 01/04/2011 at 03:17 PM
Definitely be praying, Paige:)
Katie -- sounds like fun! I'm sure it'll be fine. :D Be praying, though:)
..be praying for all of you! Cuz anything is possible through prayer.
Posted by: Emii | 01/04/2011 at 04:05 PM
Oh, and I forgot! Stephanie Morrill -- awesome author, in case you haven't heard of her -- is having this contest thing this year at her blog. Sounds insanely cool. So if you love to write, check it out! http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2011/01/writing-prompts.html
Posted by: Emii | 01/04/2011 at 04:06 PM
Q 1 A: Yes! It would change my life, I would not be so moody...
Q 2 A: No! I could NOT Accoplish my goal with out God, since it IS about him.
Q 3 A: Since I promised this to God, no.
Q 4 A: Correct, there would NOT be a new life for me without it, therefore, without God.
I love the idea for having acountability groups! My only goal (wow, that sounds kinda lazy...) is to have a more intimate walk with Jesus. Oh, and also not to come into His presance so casually.
To make this happen, I could:
(1) Be reading my Bible EVERY DAY.
(2) Go to the Word for every one of my problems
(3) Come into His presence slowly and worshipfully
Posted by: Katherine | 01/04/2011 at 04:59 PM
Hey, Lilly, I'll really be praying for you especially, since yours is about the same as my New Years resolution. I'll also be praying for everyone else.
Posted by: Katherine | 01/04/2011 at 05:06 PM
Hey, Katherine, yes it's my desire too. :) Praying for you also, and everyone else too.
Lilly
Posted by: Lilly | 01/04/2011 at 05:42 PM
When I make too many resolutions, I usually forget them all and then never follow any of them. Last year worked out great; I only made two- dessert only twice a week and read the Bible in a year. I accomplished both.
This year I made about five, though, and it hasn't been going well at all. So I'm going to refine my list to:
1) Drink 5 cups of water a day (I know they say 6-8, but I'm a REALLY small person!)
2) Read the Bible in a year out loud using the Susie Mag plan
3) Stop insulting my siblings
The last one I'm really terrible at. I never knew how nasty I really was to them till I "tried" to stop doing it! This has got to stop. And I hardly drink any water. I don't drink sodas in place of water or anything, I just don't drink a lot of liquid at all. And that's really bad for my body, eventhough I don't notice it.
There were a lot of other things on my list (like gettiing the splits, eating 5 fruits/veggies a day, and making a point to pray each morning and night), but I need to concentrate on just a few at a time. All the other things I DO need to change, but I'd rather do a few things well, and work on the others next year, rather than all the things at once, really poorly.
Posted by: Tori Tj | 01/04/2011 at 06:10 PM
Tori TJ, I have a problem with drinking enough water too, maybe I should make that another resolution....
Posted by: Katherine | 01/04/2011 at 06:25 PM
I really need to work on my pride I am going to try so hard to be humble and I need to be nicer to my sister and spend more time with her. Another thing is I spend way to much time on the internet, I don't even know what I do on here that takes up half my life!
Posted by: Therese | 01/04/2011 at 06:43 PM
Anyone have any ideas on a bible reading plan? Haven't started because I am not sure how to do it!
Therese, I TOTALLY know what you mean. Its like, gosh, I spent 3 hours doing NOTHING! I always try to make sure I accomplish something if I am online, like making a memorable video or something.
I am trying to shrink my online time.
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/04/2011 at 08:00 PM
Definitely praying for your huge move, Kate! I know everything will be great, and no doubt you'll blend right into your new life. Remember that God's making the move with you, and that'll make everything seem so much sweeter.
Annabelle, I'm with you. I'd like to read the whole Bible, but I'm never sure how to do it. The whole cover-to-cover thing did NOT work out for me! :)
My stick-to-it resolution has to do with prayer. I pray for a good amount of time every night and little quickies throughout the day, but most of the time it feels like I'm just talking to the air. I try to remind myself that I'm having a conversation with God, the most important person alive, and I stay pretty focused. It's just, sometimes it feels like God doesn't hear me, like I'm not really accomplishing anything through my prayer. Occasionally I'll have moments when I really feel His presence or am amazed at everything He does for me, but not often.
I'm really excited to get started on accountability groups! I like Sarah's idea about different posts and conversations for each group. I think that would help us keep track of our own group's conversations better than trying to pick them out of our usual big comment list.
Praying for all you girlies as always. LYALAS! :)
Love and Blessings,
Rachel
Posted by: *Rachel* | 01/04/2011 at 08:28 PM
Annabelle,
Here is a link to a few different bible reading plans :)
Enjoy!!
http://www.intothyword.org/pages.asp?pageid=53493
Posted by: Paige | 01/04/2011 at 08:45 PM
Tori and Katherine - I've been thinking about drinking more water, too. I actually got a big cup full of water today - not b/c I was thirsty but b/c I knew I needed to drink water - but I accidentally left the water cup outside. :P Also, my friend told me that she and her other friend made a New Year's resolution last year about stretching almost every day in order to accomplish doing an almost-perfect straddle and split.
And - wow! - I have the same New Year's resolution as Mrs. Rue! :) Around the bonfire on the 31st, my mom asked everyone what they were looking forward to this year. I said 'having a more trusting and concious relationship with God' throughout the day. And my answers to the four questions are pretty much the same as Mrs. Rue's! :)
Annabelle - you are so encouraging to me! Seriously. I read your short little comment, and the things you say (like "Thank you God for everything!" and "This year is going to be a great year.") -- those things are so uplifting! I told my dad, who was standing near me, that you are had such enthusiasm lately, and I can tell in all your comments - my dad called it sparkle, which I think describes you perfectly. He said "That's got to be encouraging", and it totally is!!! I'm so glad you'are a part of this blog. :D
BTW, I think the accountability idea is awesome, Paige! At first I was afraid that it would mean that we would sort of break into little groups - y'know, just being a little 'clique-y' on the Internet, but I realize now that that was a false fear. I know that this group of girls would never do that - y'all are amazing!!!
Speaking of cliques, though, do you girls remember the conversations we have had about clique-y youth groups ? My old youth groups was pretty bad about cliques. I still go to the same church (while we're in our homestate), but I go to the adult service with my parents, which is really good (esp. last week!). Anyway, a few days ago I was outside sitting and watching and praying and thinking, and my mind wandered to my old youth group. I thought about going back while we're here in our homestate. This was a serious thought. I mentioned it to my mom, and I started praying about it. I got my answer last Sunday at church. One passage that we read was Isaiah 1:13-14:
"13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.
14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts
my soul hates.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them."
It made me think immediately of my old youth group - most of the preteens and teens there were just going to hang out with their friends and have fun, and weren't really trying to grow in their relationship with God. Anyway, that was cool how God answered me so quickly. It was really cool for me.
He also spoke to me today through His Word. I was outside reading the Bible, and my fingers opened up to two pages: Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 34. I had been opening up the Bible to Jeremiah 31 often - coincidence? I think not! :) I had really liked verse 33:
"33 “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.” "
I've always liked that promise from God, wherever it is - there's a verse in Revelation, for example, that says the same thing. So then I flipped over to the Ezekial chapter I had opened up to, chapter 34. Guess what verse 31 says?
"31 You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”
Yeah. And I had actually opened up to this chapter before. Wow. Before I had only scanned it - this time I read pretty much everything. The verses 26 ("I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.") and 29 ("I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.") really talked to me, too. We are 'victims of famine in the land' (we're low on money) and we do have to sort of 'bear the scorn of the nations' - my unsaved grandpa is scorning us, saying that this is right where he thought we were going to be - low on money - and that we are foolish for doing this, that we threw everything away for nothing. It disappoints my mom - this is her stepdad - because, for one thing, he has always been encouraging her in anything she's done. He's always backed her up. And when my mom and I were talking about this, we both talked about the fact that we have this peace from God that this is exactly where we're supposed to be. This is God's Will. BTW, for anyone who doesn't know, my family (three brothers, mom, dad, and me) is living on the road in an RV. We sold our house, we're out of debt (Hallelujah!!!), and we've been on the road for about four months. Right now we're in our hometown for the holidays, and we're probably going to be staying longer than we thought (unless God performs a miracle, which I'm definitely not doubting, looking at all the miracles that have happened so far to us) because we thought we would have more money. Anyway, that's that.
So, here's 3 New Year's resolutions:
1) Be more trusting in my relationship with God and conciously be in a conversation with God throughout the day.
2) Drink more water (five cups sound good).
3) Try to stretch everyday (prob. outside).
4) Oh, and I really, really liked the 'two desserts each week' idea! I have a huge sweet tooth.
Oh, Kate, praying for your overseas move! Are you finally going home?
BTW, the verse on Biblegateway.com is Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Just thought I'd share that.
Thanks for the info on the author writing prompt thing, Emii!!
I love y'all!! Sorry for such a long post. I just had so much to say!!!
Posted by: Nicole | 01/04/2011 at 09:19 PM
Wow, Nicole, that was a really interesting post!
I've always wanted to do the whole read-the-Bible in a year thing. I've read the New Testament, and lately I've been trying to get into the Old Testament. I just like the New Testament, reading about Paul and what he had to say and stuff. But mum said that when you get into it, the old testament is actually pretty interesting...
Posted by: Emii | 01/04/2011 at 09:44 PM
I have three new years resolutions:
1. To be more outgoing, I'm probably the most shy girl in youth group!
2. To read the entire bible.
3. To spend at least an hour on devotions everday. (Which will also help me with number two)
I'll be praying for all of you girls!
Posted by: Aly | 01/04/2011 at 11:46 PM
I have a question I've always wanted to know the answer to, but never thought to ask.
But I just read this verse, which caused me to remember it. :D
"don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life -- body and soul -- in his hands."
But that just reasurres me. I know that God loves me and I love him and he cares for me!
Am I supposed to fear the things he can do do me if I don't do what He wants me to? But God is compassionate and merciful and loving and everything! Dude, he sacrificed his only son.
Why and how do I fear God?
Posted by: Emii | 01/05/2011 at 05:58 AM
One other thing. The Trinity. I get it. I just -- does it matter if I say "Hey, Jesus," or "Hey, God," -- all the time, like both names? Cuz it's like they're all one but they're separate.. I mean, it's like Jesus in the mediator or whatever, yeah? Like we speak to Him to get to God or something? I know I'm just making this sound confusing:P And I know it probably really doesn't matter whatever I say. Cuz they're One.
Just another thing I've been wondering about lately. :) Hey, I hope you enjoyed your time off, Nancy!:)
Posted by: Emii | 01/05/2011 at 06:01 AM
My new years resolution would be to go to God with everything!!! I've been really working on my devotions too, so I guess that is another resolution. If you guys could pray for me today, that'd be great! I was sick all of yesterday, and we have finals next week so I really can't be out long or I'll miss the info! thanks praying for all of you!
Posted by: Megan | 01/05/2011 at 07:32 AM
Praying for you, Kate! And get well soon, Megan!
Emii, I usually use "Jesus" "God" "Lord, etc interchangeably. I think because of the Trinity it really doesn't matter all that much. But I don't usually pray to the Holy Spirit, though. Sometimes I ask God that His Holy Spirit would guide me, but I don't usually pray directly to it. I think you could, though, if you wanted to!
P.S. Skiing was actually fun yesterday! And it wasn't all that awkward (although seeing me acting like a dork because I'm not super athletic might have stopped him from further liking me, which is okay since I don't like him back :)! Thanks for your prayers.
Posted by: Katie | 01/05/2011 at 09:47 AM
Well, I don't really have a new years resolution. Right now I've just kind of been going through a tough time and I'm really taking it one day at a time. I try not to look ahead cause it scares me or behind because there's to much that I wish I could change. It's hard to explain. Also I'm kind of in a dead place as far as my relationship with God. I just can't trust something so completely that I can't even see. I was thinking about it last night. I'm a really private person. Even the two or three people who I'm closest to don't know all my secrets, fears, and so on. It's like I literally cannot share my private stuff with people. One of my best friends tells me a lot of her stuff, and I wish I could do the same, but it's really really hard for me. I don't really know why. Not even my own family really knows me.
I wish I could trust God in a way that I can't seem to trust anyone else, but it's even harder to trust someone I can't see or hear as opposed to someone I can. Also I have so many questions about God and the bible and though there are people I could ask, again its hard for me to just "bare my soul" that way.
So I guess a good resolution for me would be to be more open. And to work on my relationship with God. But at this point, just living is hard enough. That really disappoints me also cause I was depressed last year and I thought I was over it. Maybe it's just winter that makes me feel like this, but I've been feeling more depressed again. I should probably tell my mom, but like last year, she wouldn't believe me. She doesn't like talking about or even acknowledging things like that.
Well yeah, I'm just kind of rambling now. I hope some of what I just said makes sense. Sorry for long comment, I hate to just dump this on all of you, but thanks.
Posted by: Melody | 01/05/2011 at 11:38 AM
I don't really have a new years resolution, But you guys have some really great ones!
Posted by: ashley :) | 01/05/2011 at 12:02 PM
Hey Annabelle, I ound this bible reading plan ( http://www.westnewbury.org/Bible/Bible-chronological.pdf) via http://www.passionwebmag.com/ It's reading the bible in the order of which the events happened. It's pretty cool. Nicole, About you and your family living on the road, that must be kind of hard. I'll be praying for you. Me and my family travel to Delaware EVERY weekend so that my dad can teach the youth group at our church down there and also do other ministry things. It's pretty awesome that God answered your question about going to your old youth group those directly and quickly :)
Posted by: Katherine | 01/05/2011 at 12:11 PM
Hey Katherine, I just thought I'd let you know we're not supposed to post like what state we live in and such, just for safety reasons :)
We're allowed to say like timezone areas.(If that makes sense?) :)
Posted by: Paige | 01/05/2011 at 02:53 PM
Melody, I know how you feel. It so so hard for me to tell my friends and family my personal feelings! I really don't know why but it just is. I am learning to open up more though. I will be praying for you! Love ya, all!
Posted by: Therese | 01/05/2011 at 03:04 PM
Hey girls,
I just wanted to post something really wierd, i guess, that happened to me last night. I've been going through a hard time lately, and I was really upset. I was talking to one of my friends, and I was so wrapped up in me and what was going on in my life that I didn't notice (Or maybe I did and just didn't do anything about it) how he was hurting right then. anyway, it's safe to say I felt like a real jerk later on. But I was writing in my journal, my superchick cd playing from the speakers, and I thought of something. It was when I took my eyes off of Jesus that all of this began to happen. I got so wrapped up in the storms in my life I started to sink. I was reading that story in the Bible (in Matthew I think) and Jesus said to Peter "Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt me?" I had to ask myself that same question. why did i doubt that God was enough through all of this? why did I doubt that He would carry me and help me fight this battle? Why did I doubt His power and think i had to do this on my own? Even when I was caught up in the storms of this life, Jesus was there. He was calling me, waiting for me to call on Him so He could set me free. If I ask Him, He'll reach out and take my hand, just like He did for Peter, and He'll help me through these storms. I had to ask myself, do I want to go around carrying a sack of fear in life, about what's going to come, or do i want to live? Do I want to live life the way God intended? I needed to stop and, instead of being angry and upset about this situation, I needed to ask God to show me what He wanted to teach me in all of this. He's blessed me with so much, and all those things are just little whispers of how much He loves me. I might not have the strength to do this, and I might just want it to be over and want to quit, but I'm not alone in this. I'm not an island. I have people that care about me, and I need to let them help me. I can't change this situation, but I can change how I act. I might not know how to fight this right now, but I don't know how to give up. and in 2 corinthians, chapter 12 I think, it's talking about Peter's thorn. and he asked God to take it from him, and you know what God said? "My grace is sufficiant for you, and my power is made perfect in weakness." When I am weak, God's there. He's going to fight this for me, and hold me when I can't do this anymore, because He delights in me. He loves me, even more then I could imagine. I'm not in this battle alone. Even when it feels like too much, and I feel like I'm falling apart, God is holding me together. Yeah, there will be bad times. But I am no longer a slave to my situations. Jesus has cast out my demons. (Thanks Nancy!) He's called me His own and He is waiting for me to call on Him. He'll fight for me and hold me and bring people into my life to encourage me and shower me with blessings. And if I keep my eyes on Jesus, I'll be ok. that's not to say sometimes the waves won't get to be a little much and I won't start to sink, because I know I will. But when that happens, I can call on Jesus and He'll be ready to catch me. Because He loves me. Because His power is made perfect in weakness. For when I am weak, He is strong
Posted by: Alisha | 01/05/2011 at 03:14 PM
Thank you thank you Paige and Katherine for the link to the reading plans! I'm excited to get started! :)
Nicole, I'm really that God was able to answer your prayer so quickly! And I hope that your grandpa cools down soon. But you're right, you guys know that on the road is where God wants you, and I know that He will provide and take care of you. I should probably work on the water thing and stretching more, too. I'm not as flexible as I'd like to be, and that's important to stay safe in soccer.
Melody, I know it's tough to open up like that. For me, the only people I really talk to about my whole self are my mom and my two best friends. Just take it one step at a time, and I know God will help you overcome your fear. It's not necessarily 'bad' to be shy, but I know it definitely feels better to have people you can talk to. You're definitely in my prayers, and just know that you can talk to us here on the blog anytime you need to!
That was a really inspiring post, Alisha! That's awesome that you realized all of that. I hope that I can remember those messages when I go through tough times.
Just a quick prayer request for you girls before I sign off. I have training with my Olympic Development team this weekend and the weekend after next to determine who gets to go to regional camp this summer. I am pretty worried about how I'll do because it is a very competitive environment, and all of the girls are amazing players. But mainly, I just want everyone to stay safe and not get so caught up in competition that they start getting really mean like some girls did last year. It can get nasty out there, both on and off the field, so any prayers would be really appreciated! Thanks!
You are all in my prayers as always. You all inspire and support me so much! LYALAS! :)
Love and Blessings,
Rachel
Posted by: *Rachel* | 01/05/2011 at 04:20 PM
Alisha- Wow, I can't believe how many times I've read that story, but you know, I never thought about it exactly how you think about it. How we begin to sink in our storms, and don't just trust God to hold us above the crashing waves. Thank you so much for sharing. It kinda reminds me of the song All in All by Nicole Nordmen (and others I think?) The one verse goes "When I fall down you pick me up." & "You are my strength when I am week, you are the treasure that I seek."
Posted by: Paige | 01/05/2011 at 04:30 PM
We were walking along the beach the other day, looking at some place across the water. And dad said something about walking over the water. "I wonder if we would sick," I said. If I was walking on the water, would I suddenly be like, "Wait. This isn't really happening." Living with Jesus, living for Jesus -- we're walking on water here. We're living by faith. We have to trust that we're not going under.
Melody, that sounds really tough. You do have a diary, yeah?
Posted by: Emii | 01/05/2011 at 04:40 PM
Congratulations to you, your daughter and her husband! I'm sure your all excited about the little baby! My sister is going to have a baby too!! =)
I really want to try and be a better christian this year, I'm afraid I sort of lack in that area. I want to 'shine' for Jesus. I need to stop feeling so self-concious about it I guess. =' and stop caring what people are gunnu think if I suddenly like change. =)
Posted by: gothgirl | 01/05/2011 at 05:24 PM
Melody: I don't know what to say, except that I am praying for you. I wish I could help you somehow. Don't back down and pull away. We love you!
Alisha: That was a beautiful post, and it really spoke to me. Thank you for sharing that with us. I'm sorry you've had such a hard time the past few weeks or so. I just prayed for you!
Paige: I know, my dad says that one of the ways the Bible is "living," is how you can read the same verse 10 times and get a different message or interpretations out of it each time, and they can all be right.
I'll answer the questions for my resolution to stop insulting and nit-picking at my siblings:
1) Yes, and I think it would change their lives too. It's amazing how my words and actions can effect how they act and respond.
2) NO WAY! I mean, are you kidding me? I've "tried" to stop a ton of times before, but forgot within an hour. I need to rely on his guidance and patience to replace this bad habit.
3) Well, sort of. But if I don't stop- well, that's dishonoring to God, my character, and my faith. It's a sin, the way I do it, and I need to stop, choice or no.
4) It would make me a new person, and transform my siblings too, I'm sure. Also it would teach me valuable life and faith lessons.
Posted by: Tori Tj | 01/05/2011 at 05:43 PM
That's great, gothgirl! I'm with you on that!:)
Posted by: Emii | 01/05/2011 at 07:32 PM
Hey, thanks, Paige for telling me that! :) I won't say something that specific again.
Posted by: Katherine | 01/05/2011 at 07:35 PM
Arrgg! I typed a whole comment and it disappeared!
Anyway, my goals for this year are to:
1. See myself as God sees me... not as someone who needs to be perfect (which will never happen anyway.)
2. To just start thinking more about God instead of all the other stuff that usually is on my mind. I usually just give God my time in the morning, at night, and at church, or when I'm in a tight spot. But I want to just have God on my mind always.
Posted by: Jyllenna | 01/05/2011 at 11:00 PM
I'm so impressed with the dedication you all have put into supporting each other! And I like all the goals, I know I should be trying to read my bible more often and stop insulting ("paying out") my siblings, and to be fully focused on God. There are so many others too!
But I think my main GOAL for this year is to:
Be the best friend and witness to others that I can be, through the help of God.
I know I can be selfish, and someone pointed out to me that it's selfish to keep God to yourself, because he's the greatest gift you'll ever get.
The Goal List sounds awesome!! Can't wait to see it! Although, if it's a facebook page, I don't think the people without facebook would be able to access it?? Or can they?? I'm not sure...
:D
Posted by: Bethany | 01/06/2011 at 05:59 AM
Bethany, that is a good question. If it a facebook page I am not allowd on facebook. sorry guys! :D
Posted by: Therese | 01/06/2011 at 10:43 AM
Well Emii we're all supposed to fear the lord. He can do really bad stuff to us, But he is a merciful God. Most of the bad stuff we experience is used as a way to grow us in our faith.
Posted by: ashley:) | 01/06/2011 at 12:10 PM
I got this book from Word yesterday (Christian bookshop) called "Just Like Jesus" by Max Lucado. And I know this -- I need to have tenderhearted mercy and kindness towards other people. From a verse in Colossions, 3:12. That's what I'm trying to do. Like Bethan said -- you wouldn't believe how often we really do mess up and treat people with disrespect. I have to keep stopping myself -- "Hey, what happened to tenderhearted mercy and kindness?" Because I know that's how God is.
Posted by: Emii | 01/06/2011 at 04:44 PM
Sorry I disappeared a day LOL! That decision I have been trying to make? Well, it still isn't made completely, but...Gods got a handle on it, and I KNOW it! I mean, everything is falling in place. Not the way I was expecting, at all. But God's showing me that He IS unpredictable...in a good way. I woke up worrying about it last night, and got myself to sleep with verses about worry in my head, and how I should give it all to God. And I did, and I feel fine.
I am doing this thing this year, I write 7 things I need to work on
Like...
Not worrying
Obeying parents
Decisions
...etc.
I write it on 7 sheets of paper, put them in my bible case, shake it up, and pull out a sheet or two a day. Yesterday, I pulled out worry and decisions. And yesterday was a day I needed God in both! And I look up verses on worry, and decisions, and feel so comforted knowing Gods got in all under control!
Nicole, aww, you are so sweet! Like, seriously, I would describe you, if only allowed one word, sweet. You always have something nice to say about everyone! And that is so cool you told your dad. I really felt God nudging me on what to say in the short little comment! I guess I am learning to think positive, when I used to be SO SO negative in my life. I worried about everything when I was little! Like around age 9-12 I was a worried mess! I didn't really have God in me. I went to church, sure, but ya know, didn't really have HIM. I went to the doctor for my worrying, and it helped, but I think the best thing that helped was GOD! Looking back, I really have changed a lot in a few years. Getting baptized in May 2010 changed me forever. So, to make this short-ish, I am so glad I encourage you! YOU encourage me too!
I'd love to reply to EVERYONE, and thank you all so much for the reading plans, but I have to go eat dinner and head to ballet. I love my ballet class and my teacher! We are doing 2 Christian songs, one ballet dance, one tap dance...and its such an amazing God thing, I LOVE IT! I will try to reply soon, but know I REALLY am praying for every single one of you!
Luv,
Annabelle
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/06/2011 at 05:03 PM
Ashley: We are supposed to fear the Lord, and he COULD make bad things happen to us, but he doesn't. Ever. None of the bad things that happen come from him. Bad things are from the devil. As Christians we can use those bad things to help us grow in our faith, and God helps us in those bad times and helps us grow in him. I'm pretty sure that's what you were saying, just clarifying a little :)
Alisha: I love what you said! I especially love what you said "I am not an island", I wrote that in my journal last night! (I also drew a very bad picture illustrating it haha)
Gothgirl: I'm with you. I want to shine for Jesus to without being afraid of what people will think, it's just so hard!
Paige: That song All in All is by a bunch of people and it makes me cry almost everytime I sing it. I love it so much.
I wish I could reply everyone, but that would take a long time, and I did read everyones comments. You girls are all so amazing, I'm so blessed to read this blog. Thank you so much. Oh and I think there are some new people who joined in the few days I was gone, so if I haven't welcomed you, Welcome! Thank you to everyone who said they were praying for me and everything. I really appreciate it. (and yes Emii, I do have a diary, recently it's been seeing a lot of me lol :)) Ok, I think that's all I have to say right now, and since I just posted this Mrs. Rue is probably going to post her next blog post but oh well :)
LYALAS!
Posted by: Melody | 01/06/2011 at 05:48 PM
Hi girls! I'm sorry that I haven't been commenting much, but I've still been reading.
This year, I'd like to find a lot of passages in the Bible that I can really relate to as a fourteen year old girl living in the twenty first century.
Oh, and by the way, I started a blog. Just click on my name. If all of you girls who are on Blogger would follow, I would really appreciate it!
Love all of you girls!
--Love M.Cat
Posted by: Mary Catherine | 01/06/2011 at 08:02 PM
Alright so here are my answers to one of my resolutions: To renew my relationship with God by spending time with Him again.
Would this goal truly change my life? Yes! Spending time with Him helps me so much. I make better choices, have a better temper, feel stronger and so much more!
Could I accomplish this without God? No. I believe that he will help remind me and help me get time to do so.
Do I have a choice whether I stick to this? Well I was going to say yes but you said that once you make a commitment to God, you can't totally go back on it.
Would not sticking to this mean there would be no new life for me? Not really but it would make a difference in how I live!
I am realizing something. It's easier to remember to spend time with Him if I have a goal. Before my goal was to read the New Testament in a year (I got that). Maybe I should set a goal.
Posted by: Kate | 01/06/2011 at 08:18 PM
thx for prayers xxx
Posted by: Kate | 01/06/2011 at 08:18 PM
Hey M.Cat
I LOVE your blog!
Can't wait for more posts. The problem is...I can't comment because you don't have anonymous as an option, and I can't comment any other way.
But, its an awesome blog, so count me as a 'follower!' :D
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/06/2011 at 08:32 PM
Thank you all for the prayers! I am feeling alot better!
So I've had this battle going on inside my mind and so I thought I'd share it with you guys and see what you think!
Lately, I've been praying to God like he is a real great friend that I can go to and talk about anything (because he is!)...but I've been reading stuff in the bible that he is so powerful and mighty and way above me-he created the world! So, i was wodering...should I be talking to him differently, still like a friend but acknowleging that he is a powerful but loving God? does it matter the way we talk to him?
Sorry if this post doesn't make any sense-but if you have any insight I would love to hear it!
Have a great tomorrow!
Posted by: Megan | 01/06/2011 at 10:21 PM
Megan, I have been thinking about that lately too! I don't know the answer so anything anyone has to say about it would be great! :)
Posted by: Therese | 01/07/2011 at 02:03 AM
Your post made me think of one of the Lily books, Megan -- Passport to Paris, I'm pretty sure it was. And Lily's in London. It's like, Lily talks to God like he's her best friend all the time. But when she visits these big cathedrals and everything, it's like, "Wow! This place is so sacred! I can, like, feel God here. He is way bigger and everything than I thought."
He knows what we're thinking. Talk to Him like you talk to your friends -- tell him everything! You know what I just realized? We want to hear what our friends have to say -- uh, we don't want to miss anything at all! Why don't we act the same to God? I mean, I'm sure the things our friends have to say are important. (Some of the time:P) But every single little thing God says -- we don't even try to listen.
Posted by: Emii | 01/07/2011 at 03:11 AM
That is really cool Emii, I totally agree! :D
Posted by: Therese | 01/07/2011 at 03:58 AM
my goals is to try to think more pure thoughts (big goal) and to have a positive attitude towards all people. This would really help me live a more cleaner life (inside of course :)) Great post Mrs. Rue, Love you all :)!!! Jess
Posted by: Jessica | 01/07/2011 at 04:26 AM
Just discovered something insanely cool. I can sign in with my blogger account. Woo!! Ooh. It doesn't even my name. So this is Emii and I will not be commenting in my blogger account anymore:P
Posted by: girlz4godrok.blogspot.com | 01/07/2011 at 04:38 AM
M.Cat- I just started to continue my blog too :D Haha I checked out your blog :) It's cool!
Emii- That's so neat! I never realized that :D
Jess- That's a really good goal, I struggle with thinking pure thoughts too. Some of the friends I hang out with are REALLY perverted. :/
Melody- Yeah, it's one of my favorite songs(:
Posted by: Paige | 01/07/2011 at 08:56 AM