Hello friends! Welcome to the new and improved "Beautifully Broken blog!!!" I know I keep bouncing around with the design, but I'm a restless soul. I enjoy change!
Anyway, back to the topic at hand. In early December, or November...I can't quite remember, I wrote a blog entitled "be still." (If you'd like to read that blog you can find it in the "past posts" section on the right.) In that post I talked about my impatience while waiting for the unknown, God's "bigger plan" for my stinky situation. Well I thought you'd like a blog update! A "blog-date" if you will...
It has been almost two months since I wrote that blog, and I'd say everything is wonderful. I know I said I was terrified of waiting out the storm, and I hated not knowing when things were going to get better...well I'm about to get real with you. I may have seen the light!
When I wrote that blog post, I was still uncertain if I had made the right choice is shutting the door to that part of my life. I was scared and nervous and, frankly, was having trouble seeing what was right in front of me. Now that I've had a chance to take a step back and assess the situation I see all of the immense blessings that were thrown my way during that not-so-awesome time.
This Wednesday, my youth pastor talked about seeing the trials in our lives as a way for us to hold tighter to God and His plan for us (at least that's what I took from the message), and after the service there was discussion time. One of the questions asked was "How do you know your heart has changed even if your circumstances haven't?" My answer was this: even when you're still in the middle of your "storm," if you can take a step back and see, not the difficulties, but the blessings being showered upon you, you're in a good place.
Now that I've worked on my heart a little bit, I've begun to say prayers of gratitude rather than "why me?" I've seen my old friend situation as a learning experience, and I've seen my new friend situation as a gift.
I haven't really talked much about the ladies that have brought me comfort and love even if they didn't know what was going on in my life. (One of these days I'll write an entire post about how awesome they are.) They are the girls whose hearts for God and trust in Him absolutely ASTOUND me! They are they women that I am blessed to call not just friends, but sisters.
Even though there are times when I get a little blue and I feel kind of sad and insignificant, I remind myself to take a step back and see the bigger picture! I was given the gift of friendships that are solid in God, even when I didn't, or was too stubborn, to see it. God continues to bless me even if I'm a little blinded by the bad.
Now for you...God will continue to bring blessings into your life. I don't know what you're going through, and I'm sure right now it seems like there's nothing good in your life, but I challenge you to step back, see what God has given you, and be thankful. God's blessings for you is NEVER going to stop, even when you're too consumed by the bad to see them.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
How to know a good friend when you see one...
I've been thinking about writing this one for a while, and as it usually happens I'm waiting for my hair to dry (shocker) so I thought this would be a good time.
How to know a good friend(s) when you see one: it's been a journey with friends this past year, but I've noticed 4 traits that make a really amazing friend, so I thought I'd share.
1. Listening ears: this one is super important to me, not because I like to talk (wink, wink), but because I need a friend who will listen with their ears before opening their mouth. It's important that you find someone that will take the time to listen to your problem, no matter how silly they might be, and give you sound, loving, and helpful advice. Now, I know that this one is probably hard; especially in respect to high schoolers! So, find a friend/mentor who you know will give you sound advice! They don't have to be your age to be a friend. One of my most favorite people is almost 10 years older than me! As they say "age is but a number..."
2. Loving: I am a very "touchy feely" and emotional person. So it was important for me to find a friends who will love and support me when I'm feeling down. Words of affirmation and kindness are good for the soul, so if you can find someone who makes you feel like a million bucks because of the way they talk to you...keep them around!
3. A heart for God: now this may not apply to everyone who's reading this, so feel free to skip to the next one, but this one is SUPER important to me! I need a friend to can encourage me in my walk with God, who I can confide in when I feel spiritually shaken, and who I know loves God as much as I do. Don't get me wrong! It's not bad to be friends with non-Christians, but remember that they aren't going to be able to give you encouragement that comes from the Holy Spirit! Find that one person, or group of people, that can fill you with the Holy Spirit and you're friendship will be rooted in a foundation that's solid.
4. Just plain ole' fun: I'd say I'm a pretty fun person, and I surround myself with people who don't look at me weird because I say or do something silly. Find those people that laugh with you, dance with you, sing with you, and make you feel so amazing! You are special and unique! Find people ho see and appreciate that quality in you!
Now for you...be THIS friend! Have listening ears, be loving, be fun and accepting! If you're a Christ follower, make your actions speak louder than your words when it comes to your friendships! You can be that friend who makes a huge impact in a person's life. If you have been blessed with friends who love you, and treat you as you should be treated...return the favor! Love others and be a friend who is trustworthy and kind and all around wonderful!
But I know we're not perfect! It's impossible to be the "perfect" friend, but you don't have to be! You just have to be someone who cares. I promise...it'll make a world of difference.
How to know a good friend(s) when you see one: it's been a journey with friends this past year, but I've noticed 4 traits that make a really amazing friend, so I thought I'd share.
1. Listening ears: this one is super important to me, not because I like to talk (wink, wink), but because I need a friend who will listen with their ears before opening their mouth. It's important that you find someone that will take the time to listen to your problem, no matter how silly they might be, and give you sound, loving, and helpful advice. Now, I know that this one is probably hard; especially in respect to high schoolers! So, find a friend/mentor who you know will give you sound advice! They don't have to be your age to be a friend. One of my most favorite people is almost 10 years older than me! As they say "age is but a number..."
2. Loving: I am a very "touchy feely" and emotional person. So it was important for me to find a friends who will love and support me when I'm feeling down. Words of affirmation and kindness are good for the soul, so if you can find someone who makes you feel like a million bucks because of the way they talk to you...keep them around!
3. A heart for God: now this may not apply to everyone who's reading this, so feel free to skip to the next one, but this one is SUPER important to me! I need a friend to can encourage me in my walk with God, who I can confide in when I feel spiritually shaken, and who I know loves God as much as I do. Don't get me wrong! It's not bad to be friends with non-Christians, but remember that they aren't going to be able to give you encouragement that comes from the Holy Spirit! Find that one person, or group of people, that can fill you with the Holy Spirit and you're friendship will be rooted in a foundation that's solid.
4. Just plain ole' fun: I'd say I'm a pretty fun person, and I surround myself with people who don't look at me weird because I say or do something silly. Find those people that laugh with you, dance with you, sing with you, and make you feel so amazing! You are special and unique! Find people ho see and appreciate that quality in you!
Now for you...be THIS friend! Have listening ears, be loving, be fun and accepting! If you're a Christ follower, make your actions speak louder than your words when it comes to your friendships! You can be that friend who makes a huge impact in a person's life. If you have been blessed with friends who love you, and treat you as you should be treated...return the favor! Love others and be a friend who is trustworthy and kind and all around wonderful!
But I know we're not perfect! It's impossible to be the "perfect" friend, but you don't have to be! You just have to be someone who cares. I promise...it'll make a world of difference.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
5 verses to keep you going
Before I begin I just want you to know that you guys are my favorite people to talk to. I don't how many of you are out there letting my words seep into your brain, but I really like you.
I thought I'd compile a list of 5 verses that might have the potential to give you that extra boost of confidence when you feel like nothing is going right, so here they are:
1. {The LORD says, "I will give you back what it lost..." Joel 2:25}
This verse is short, but to me it packs a punch! Sometimes it seems like the world is crumbling around your feet, you can't catch a grip, and you feel like you're sunk. This verse tells us that God is not going to take something away and leave you hanging. He will give it back, and what he gives will be 20x better than what you lost in the first place.
2. {Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, this most patient God, extravagant in love... Joel 13}
I'm really loving me some Joel. I've actually never read it until today, but it's pretty interesting! Give it a read! I really love this verse! It's from The Message and the wording is pretty great. This verse tells us that God is a forgiving and loving God. His arms are always open, always ready for us to come running into them. He won't hold a grudge, he is patient and loving, he showers us with love and adoration that we don't deserve. So when you feel unworthy of God's crazy love, just remember that you are worthy. You're his kid, and he won't turn his back on you! That's not His style ;)
3. {God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Titus 2:11-14)
This verse kind of sums up why Jesus came to earth in the first place, so that all people, no matter what they've done or what kind of life they've lived, can find hope, grace, and life in Him. It doesn't matter to God what you've done. He rejoices when someone makes that commitment to live a God-centered life. Jesus did not come for the healthy, he came for the sick.
4. {The LORD will fight for you, you need only be still. Exodus 14:14}
I used this verse in a blog post a while back and I really love it. It's message is simple. You do not need to worry about the future; God's got it all worked out in your favor...just lean on Him.
Ladies, I think this one is for you...
5. {Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as the elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. I Peter 3:3-4}
I think this is a universal struggle for girls and women of all ages. Society has told us that in order to be considered beautiful there is a certain set of criteria that you must meet. You must have the best clothes, the prettiest hair, the most put together makeup, and a rockin' body. God is here to tell you that what makes you STUNNING is your heart. Your love for God is what makes you radiate a beauty that can't be compared with any physical form of beauty. You are SOOOOOOO much more than what you look like on the outside; you have a heart for Christ that surpasses all measure of beauty. Don't forget that...
I hope these verses give you the confidence to believe that you are stronger than you ever though possible. You have courage and heart and you are immensely blessed by Christ. He loves you more than you will ever know.
I thought I'd compile a list of 5 verses that might have the potential to give you that extra boost of confidence when you feel like nothing is going right, so here they are:
1. {The LORD says, "I will give you back what it lost..." Joel 2:25}
This verse is short, but to me it packs a punch! Sometimes it seems like the world is crumbling around your feet, you can't catch a grip, and you feel like you're sunk. This verse tells us that God is not going to take something away and leave you hanging. He will give it back, and what he gives will be 20x better than what you lost in the first place.
2. {Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, this most patient God, extravagant in love... Joel 13}
I'm really loving me some Joel. I've actually never read it until today, but it's pretty interesting! Give it a read! I really love this verse! It's from The Message and the wording is pretty great. This verse tells us that God is a forgiving and loving God. His arms are always open, always ready for us to come running into them. He won't hold a grudge, he is patient and loving, he showers us with love and adoration that we don't deserve. So when you feel unworthy of God's crazy love, just remember that you are worthy. You're his kid, and he won't turn his back on you! That's not His style ;)
3. {God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Titus 2:11-14)
This verse kind of sums up why Jesus came to earth in the first place, so that all people, no matter what they've done or what kind of life they've lived, can find hope, grace, and life in Him. It doesn't matter to God what you've done. He rejoices when someone makes that commitment to live a God-centered life. Jesus did not come for the healthy, he came for the sick.
4. {The LORD will fight for you, you need only be still. Exodus 14:14}
I used this verse in a blog post a while back and I really love it. It's message is simple. You do not need to worry about the future; God's got it all worked out in your favor...just lean on Him.
Ladies, I think this one is for you...
5. {Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as the elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. I Peter 3:3-4}
I think this is a universal struggle for girls and women of all ages. Society has told us that in order to be considered beautiful there is a certain set of criteria that you must meet. You must have the best clothes, the prettiest hair, the most put together makeup, and a rockin' body. God is here to tell you that what makes you STUNNING is your heart. Your love for God is what makes you radiate a beauty that can't be compared with any physical form of beauty. You are SOOOOOOO much more than what you look like on the outside; you have a heart for Christ that surpasses all measure of beauty. Don't forget that...
I hope these verses give you the confidence to believe that you are stronger than you ever though possible. You have courage and heart and you are immensely blessed by Christ. He loves you more than you will ever know.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Home
I felt really compelled to write this today for several reasons...1) I'm heading back to Colorado tomorrow and I started thinking about home, 2) I'm waiting for my to hair dry, 3) I can't fall asleep. Seriously though, I've never felt such a pull to write a post before, so I'm just going to type and see where this goes.
For those of you who know me and my story of how I ended up in glorious Colorado you'll know that I didn't love it at first. I was angry at my parents for making me move right before high school, I was sad that I was leaving all my family and friends, and most of all I was terrified of being the "new kid."
Well fast-forward two years, and I'm happy. I'm really happy, and what's even more surprising...I couldn't imagine living anywhere besides Colorado (mom and dad if you're reading this...you were right. There I said.)
You know what I love most about my life right now? It's that God has opened so many doors for me; I go to probably the most amazing church ever, I have made some friends that feel less like friends and more like family, and I have mountains in my backyard! I am blessed, and I'm sure I say that in every blog post I've ever written, but it's true! I am so blessed!
But let's get real for a second. Life in Colorado hasn't been without trials and struggles and stress. My happiness level hasn't always been a 10 and my friendships haven't always been great and I haven't always felt like rainbows and unicorns; however, I know that in the grand scheme of things everything is just as it should be.
I've found my calling in Colorado. I've found my purpose and my passion. I've found love and joy. Colorado is my home. It is the place that I can't wait to get back to after vacation and the place where I don't want to leave after high school and the place where I want to raise my kids someday.
You know how they say "home is where the heart is?" Well, it's true. My Colorado has stolen my heart, and even though I'm not a true Coloradoan, Colorado is where my heart is.
.JPG)
So here's what I have to say to you: God can stick you in unfamiliar territory where you feel like a small fish in a big pond, but be sure that he will not leave you there alone. His plan for you involves people and places and friends and mentors that will leave a lasting impact on you. God does not leave you high and dry! He leaves you quenched will his awesome, amazing, magnificent plans for you; he is going to do some crazy things no matter where you are. Don't be scared; be empowered in the fact that you are a piece in God's plan.
Your home is wherever God calls you, and wherever that is, he's going to use you in ways you thought unimaginable.
For those of you who know me and my story of how I ended up in glorious Colorado you'll know that I didn't love it at first. I was angry at my parents for making me move right before high school, I was sad that I was leaving all my family and friends, and most of all I was terrified of being the "new kid."
Well fast-forward two years, and I'm happy. I'm really happy, and what's even more surprising...I couldn't imagine living anywhere besides Colorado (mom and dad if you're reading this...you were right. There I said.)
You know what I love most about my life right now? It's that God has opened so many doors for me; I go to probably the most amazing church ever, I have made some friends that feel less like friends and more like family, and I have mountains in my backyard! I am blessed, and I'm sure I say that in every blog post I've ever written, but it's true! I am so blessed!But let's get real for a second. Life in Colorado hasn't been without trials and struggles and stress. My happiness level hasn't always been a 10 and my friendships haven't always been great and I haven't always felt like rainbows and unicorns; however, I know that in the grand scheme of things everything is just as it should be.
I've found my calling in Colorado. I've found my purpose and my passion. I've found love and joy. Colorado is my home. It is the place that I can't wait to get back to after vacation and the place where I don't want to leave after high school and the place where I want to raise my kids someday.
You know how they say "home is where the heart is?" Well, it's true. My Colorado has stolen my heart, and even though I'm not a true Coloradoan, Colorado is where my heart is.
.JPG)
So here's what I have to say to you: God can stick you in unfamiliar territory where you feel like a small fish in a big pond, but be sure that he will not leave you there alone. His plan for you involves people and places and friends and mentors that will leave a lasting impact on you. God does not leave you high and dry! He leaves you quenched will his awesome, amazing, magnificent plans for you; he is going to do some crazy things no matter where you are. Don't be scared; be empowered in the fact that you are a piece in God's plan.Your home is wherever God calls you, and wherever that is, he's going to use you in ways you thought unimaginable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)