Until you see who you are in Christ and embrace the image God gives you as a beloved child of His, you can never love fully. If I cannot love myself, how can I love others? The Bible says to "Love your neighbor as yourself" but if I do not value myself and love who God has created me to be, how will I love others? I can't. No matter who has put me down, no matter what others have made me feel, those words do not define me. I am not a victim of words! I am only a victim if I choose to be one! I am a Child of God! He sees me for who I am and not what I have done. Until I choose to love myself, I cannot even begin to love others! Wow....I am incredibly humbled. I honestly have never thought of it like that! So convicted right now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQQ39J0EM7A&app=desktop
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Love
Today I want to talk about love. Not the kind of love that is associated with "being in love" or having a crush, but genuine love.
Love is such a cliché word in our culture that I think we have begun to forget what it actually means. We use "love" to describe how much we love a TV show, we use "love" to say how much we enjoy pizza, we use "love" in so many ways.
Synonyms for love include: tenderness, fondness, predilection, warmth, passion, or adoration. I think all those things describe love, but I also think there is more to it than that. I do not think these things even begin to define what love really is.
I think love in more than an emotion. It is an action. It is not defined by circumstances or human whim. It is not defined by what you can get out of someone, nor physical appearance. It isn't something you can fall in and out of. It isn't defined by sex or by how much someone flatters you. It is not something to be taken lightly. These are the things love is not. So, what IS love?
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is about what you give. It is about when beauty, health, sexual indulgence, and all other material things fade, it is what endures. Why? Because your love for that person is not based on any temporary thing. Sure, you may love how someone looks, but would you still love them if they were to become sick or old and wrinkled? Yes, you may love how someone does something; maybe how they treat you or always do something a certain way, but would you be okay if they stopped doing that thing or no longer had the ability to do that thing?
Love is a serious matter, my friends! When we doubt what true love is, we need look no farther than Jesus Christ Himself. Only when we know Christ and His love can we effectively love others the way God intends us to!
Love is such a cliché word in our culture that I think we have begun to forget what it actually means. We use "love" to describe how much we love a TV show, we use "love" to say how much we enjoy pizza, we use "love" in so many ways.
Synonyms for love include: tenderness, fondness, predilection, warmth, passion, or adoration. I think all those things describe love, but I also think there is more to it than that. I do not think these things even begin to define what love really is.
I think love in more than an emotion. It is an action. It is not defined by circumstances or human whim. It is not defined by what you can get out of someone, nor physical appearance. It isn't something you can fall in and out of. It isn't defined by sex or by how much someone flatters you. It is not something to be taken lightly. These are the things love is not. So, what IS love?
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is about what you give. It is about when beauty, health, sexual indulgence, and all other material things fade, it is what endures. Why? Because your love for that person is not based on any temporary thing. Sure, you may love how someone looks, but would you still love them if they were to become sick or old and wrinkled? Yes, you may love how someone does something; maybe how they treat you or always do something a certain way, but would you be okay if they stopped doing that thing or no longer had the ability to do that thing?
Love is a serious matter, my friends! When we doubt what true love is, we need look no farther than Jesus Christ Himself. Only when we know Christ and His love can we effectively love others the way God intends us to!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Words
Words have such great power. Lately, this has been reveiled all the more to me. One kind word can uplift my whole day. One unkind word can reduce me to nothing. Unkind words seem to have more effect than kind words, at times. Kind words are nice to hear, but even nicer to see in action. Walking your talk, you could say. Mean, unkind, or harsh words stick with you awhile.
I am a tenderhearted person and when someone says that I am lazy, lack humility, am not pretty, or anything else of less than stellar value, it really sticks with me. Words pierce the soul. They seem to make there way into the most insecure parts of you, especially the ugly words. They can reduce you to nothing.
Some people have the ability to filter what affects them and what doesn't; I do not have this ability yet. God is still working on that part of me.
I will say however, that there are several people in my life who help balance out all the harsh words life throws at me. These people are my angels. They help me stay sane. They see my God given worth and are not afraid to express it.
Those are the kind of people I want to be......a woman who uses her words to uplift, not tear down. May God grant me that privilege and patience.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
I am a tenderhearted person and when someone says that I am lazy, lack humility, am not pretty, or anything else of less than stellar value, it really sticks with me. Words pierce the soul. They seem to make there way into the most insecure parts of you, especially the ugly words. They can reduce you to nothing.
Some people have the ability to filter what affects them and what doesn't; I do not have this ability yet. God is still working on that part of me.
I will say however, that there are several people in my life who help balance out all the harsh words life throws at me. These people are my angels. They help me stay sane. They see my God given worth and are not afraid to express it.
Those are the kind of people I want to be......a woman who uses her words to uplift, not tear down. May God grant me that privilege and patience.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
In Awe of Life
Forgive me if I am all over the place in my thoughts. Working with 3 year olds does that....plus, my brain is fried, lol.
I have been helping with VBS this week. I have a sweet group of 9 three year olds. I wouldn't trade this time to love on them for most anything in the world. They show me what true love feels like and looks like. They make me understand why God tells us to be like children when we come before Him. They are so gentle and honest. As well as so sweet and in awe of the world.
That is not the only thing God has been showing me this week though.....
About 6 months ago, an Eagle scout that I knew committed suicide. He was my age. It was during a difficult time in my family's life and I am afraid I felt somewhat overlooked in my grief with it all. I attended the funeral and life went on. About a month after his death, I visited his temporary resting place. Today, I visited his permanent resting place. It was a time of closure. I don't feel sad so much because I miss him, but because of a life lost at such a young age. Only God should have the authority to give life and only God should take it away.
About a month after his funeral, I bought a ring that simply said "live." For me, it represented what I have survived; what God has helped me overcome, and how each of us must make a choice not to just merely exist, but to LIVE! That ring has not been taken off since the day I got it other than to clean it. Today, I removed the ring and put it on my friend's grave. It just felt right. I want another ring, but this time not to remind me to live. I do not think I will ever forget that. I want a ring to remind me to hold on to hope, faith, and courage. Life is a journey, not a destination. It is a close of a chapter and a beginning of another exciting one.
On a different note, it is really cool how God works. I think sometimes He brings people into my life simply to overwhelm me with His love by letting Him love on me through them. This person I've been hanging around with lately is definitely one of those people. I never feel like I can't be completely honest with this person. I can share whatever is on my mind, no matter how totally out there, silly, insignificant, or blunt it may be, and they just take it in stride. They treat me like a princess. It makes me want to cry sometimes because I feel like I am not worthy of any of it. I am nothing special, nor do I deserve any special treatment, but I can't help but think that if this is a fraction of the way God sees me, that I must be so special and valuable in His eyes. They kill me with kindness and I cannot help but be in awe of it. It makes me just want to praise God and say: "Who am I that you would care to know my name; that you would care to know that I even exist?" How great a God we serve!
And that is my random post of the day.........
I have been helping with VBS this week. I have a sweet group of 9 three year olds. I wouldn't trade this time to love on them for most anything in the world. They show me what true love feels like and looks like. They make me understand why God tells us to be like children when we come before Him. They are so gentle and honest. As well as so sweet and in awe of the world.
That is not the only thing God has been showing me this week though.....
About 6 months ago, an Eagle scout that I knew committed suicide. He was my age. It was during a difficult time in my family's life and I am afraid I felt somewhat overlooked in my grief with it all. I attended the funeral and life went on. About a month after his death, I visited his temporary resting place. Today, I visited his permanent resting place. It was a time of closure. I don't feel sad so much because I miss him, but because of a life lost at such a young age. Only God should have the authority to give life and only God should take it away.
About a month after his funeral, I bought a ring that simply said "live." For me, it represented what I have survived; what God has helped me overcome, and how each of us must make a choice not to just merely exist, but to LIVE! That ring has not been taken off since the day I got it other than to clean it. Today, I removed the ring and put it on my friend's grave. It just felt right. I want another ring, but this time not to remind me to live. I do not think I will ever forget that. I want a ring to remind me to hold on to hope, faith, and courage. Life is a journey, not a destination. It is a close of a chapter and a beginning of another exciting one.
On a different note, it is really cool how God works. I think sometimes He brings people into my life simply to overwhelm me with His love by letting Him love on me through them. This person I've been hanging around with lately is definitely one of those people. I never feel like I can't be completely honest with this person. I can share whatever is on my mind, no matter how totally out there, silly, insignificant, or blunt it may be, and they just take it in stride. They treat me like a princess. It makes me want to cry sometimes because I feel like I am not worthy of any of it. I am nothing special, nor do I deserve any special treatment, but I can't help but think that if this is a fraction of the way God sees me, that I must be so special and valuable in His eyes. They kill me with kindness and I cannot help but be in awe of it. It makes me just want to praise God and say: "Who am I that you would care to know my name; that you would care to know that I even exist?" How great a God we serve!
And that is my random post of the day.........
Saturday, June 21, 2014
In The Good And The Bad
This week has been an emotionally taxing week......actually, this year has been emotionally taxing. I think this week has just been especially hard for me personally though.
One of the people whom I considered a best friend 4 years ago that then betrayed me (though it was by no means totally his fault), entered my life again, after two years of minimal communication, a few weeks ago. This week, I met him for lunch. I was an emotional mess! I didn't know whether I could even trust the guy (and I am still working on that). I was pleasantly surprised. He was still a flirt and still rough around the edges (though who am I to talk about any of that!), but God has done some awesome things with him. He apologized for the way he had treated me and he was more than willing to be open with me. For someone who is as blunt as I am, that is a big deal. Plus, he has never, ever, apologized for anything in my memory! We laughed, we talked, and when I shut down, he didn't criticize me. God works in weird and wonderful ways sometimes.
I also felt like this week was a week of good byes. I applied for another job. I love the people I work with at BT's Deli, but it is not the place I originally applied to. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I do not feel like I am wanted there. That hurts.....a lot. These people were like family to me when I first started working there, but drama, deceit, and the ebb and flow of life changed that. I don't know whether I will get this new job, regardless, I won't quit my old job, but 3-4 hours a week isn't much. God holds me in His hands, it is just sometimes heartbreaking when something turns out to be so very different than you ever imagined it would be.
Good-byes have never been easy for me because I get attached so fast. I make connections and then they're gone in the blink of an eye. Two of my dear mentors are moving on in the journey God has called them to. It brings tears to my eyes to even just type this. I have known this was coming for months, but it hit home this week.
Poppa and Cathe entered my life at a time when I thought my life was pretty well put together. I never thought they would come to mean so much to me in such a short time. When my perfect little bubble burst, they were the ones who supported me, listened to me, and were there when I needed someone the most. They told me I was beautiful. They showed me it by listening and accepting me unconditionally. They are God's angels. I never knew just how crazy God was about me until they came into my life. I selfishly wish they could stay because I love them so much and it is hard to see a future where I cannot go to them for refuge. Phone calls and emails just don't express emotions as well. However, I am so, so, excited to see how God will use them to touch other's lives. These people are so precious and I know that nothing in all this world will ever stop them from being on fire for God! Praise the Lord for that! Who am I to try and stop the plans of God?!
In conclusion, this week has been an emotional roller coaster. I have laughed and cried. I am sure there are quite a few more tears that I need to shed that I cannot shed yet. I have said "Welcome back" and "Goodbye." In all this, God is faithful. I serve a God of the good and the bad. He works all things for good. It doesn't diminish the pain, but it does give me hope. Hope that God has a plan and that there is something bigger than me. THAT is something worth holding onto, my friends.....
One of the people whom I considered a best friend 4 years ago that then betrayed me (though it was by no means totally his fault), entered my life again, after two years of minimal communication, a few weeks ago. This week, I met him for lunch. I was an emotional mess! I didn't know whether I could even trust the guy (and I am still working on that). I was pleasantly surprised. He was still a flirt and still rough around the edges (though who am I to talk about any of that!), but God has done some awesome things with him. He apologized for the way he had treated me and he was more than willing to be open with me. For someone who is as blunt as I am, that is a big deal. Plus, he has never, ever, apologized for anything in my memory! We laughed, we talked, and when I shut down, he didn't criticize me. God works in weird and wonderful ways sometimes.
I also felt like this week was a week of good byes. I applied for another job. I love the people I work with at BT's Deli, but it is not the place I originally applied to. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I do not feel like I am wanted there. That hurts.....a lot. These people were like family to me when I first started working there, but drama, deceit, and the ebb and flow of life changed that. I don't know whether I will get this new job, regardless, I won't quit my old job, but 3-4 hours a week isn't much. God holds me in His hands, it is just sometimes heartbreaking when something turns out to be so very different than you ever imagined it would be.
Good-byes have never been easy for me because I get attached so fast. I make connections and then they're gone in the blink of an eye. Two of my dear mentors are moving on in the journey God has called them to. It brings tears to my eyes to even just type this. I have known this was coming for months, but it hit home this week.
Poppa and Cathe entered my life at a time when I thought my life was pretty well put together. I never thought they would come to mean so much to me in such a short time. When my perfect little bubble burst, they were the ones who supported me, listened to me, and were there when I needed someone the most. They told me I was beautiful. They showed me it by listening and accepting me unconditionally. They are God's angels. I never knew just how crazy God was about me until they came into my life. I selfishly wish they could stay because I love them so much and it is hard to see a future where I cannot go to them for refuge. Phone calls and emails just don't express emotions as well. However, I am so, so, excited to see how God will use them to touch other's lives. These people are so precious and I know that nothing in all this world will ever stop them from being on fire for God! Praise the Lord for that! Who am I to try and stop the plans of God?!
In conclusion, this week has been an emotional roller coaster. I have laughed and cried. I am sure there are quite a few more tears that I need to shed that I cannot shed yet. I have said "Welcome back" and "Goodbye." In all this, God is faithful. I serve a God of the good and the bad. He works all things for good. It doesn't diminish the pain, but it does give me hope. Hope that God has a plan and that there is something bigger than me. THAT is something worth holding onto, my friends.....
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Waiting for the right one
I saw this and just had to share!!! I couldn't have said this better myself! Good for him :)
"I wish every girl could understand why I don't date or have crushes anymore. Its simply because- unless God gives you the say so, you are dating for your own selfish ambition. Whether it be loneliness, a perfect companion (on the exterior), someone to make you laugh, you're bored, and the list goes on and on. Rarely do we ever stop and say, "God, is my relationship with this guy apart of YOUR will for my life? or is this another infatuation eclipsed by heart break?" Ya see, ...God doesn't want to give you a bunch of heart aches... He wants you to follow according to HIS will and purpose. I'm not worried about my "biological clock", or whether i'll look "forever alone" because:
1) I serve the AUTHOR of time.
2) I am NEVER alone. (Matthew 28:20) In Matthew 6:33, it says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." EVERYTHING YOU NEED... Included a HUSBAND.
Just wait on His timing (Habakkuk 2:3) because HE KNOWS WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU. (Matthew 6:31-33, Jeremiah 29:11) Until then, prepare your OWN heart! Looking for a Godly, passionate husband? Become a Godly, passionate woman." }baileyinchristalone.tumblr
"I wish every girl could understand why I don't date or have crushes anymore. Its simply because- unless God gives you the say so, you are dating for your own selfish ambition. Whether it be loneliness, a perfect companion (on the exterior), someone to make you laugh, you're bored, and the list goes on and on. Rarely do we ever stop and say, "God, is my relationship with this guy apart of YOUR will for my life? or is this another infatuation eclipsed by heart break?" Ya see, ...God doesn't want to give you a bunch of heart aches... He wants you to follow according to HIS will and purpose. I'm not worried about my "biological clock", or whether i'll look "forever alone" because:
1) I serve the AUTHOR of time.
2) I am NEVER alone. (Matthew 28:20) In Matthew 6:33, it says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." EVERYTHING YOU NEED... Included a HUSBAND.
Just wait on His timing (Habakkuk 2:3) because HE KNOWS WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU. (Matthew 6:31-33, Jeremiah 29:11) Until then, prepare your OWN heart! Looking for a Godly, passionate husband? Become a Godly, passionate woman." }baileyinchristalone.tumblr
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Creator of All!
Thinking about how God created everything is mind boggling. We get an even greater sense of awe when we consider that Jesus holds it all together and keeps creation going in perfect timing.
Colossians 1:15-17 tells us, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Not only did He create the universe and the earth, and keeps all of them functioning in perfect timing, but He created each one of us. He wants to hold each of us together too. When we stubbornly go our own way, He keeps reaching out to get our attention. However, we suffer the consequences of our wrong choices. In His love, He is there waiting for us to turn to Him and to allow Him to hold us in His arms of love and to restore our lives. Jesus longs to speak to us and reveal Himself to us. It’s our choice to let Him.
As you go about your day, think about how the great Creator God wants to hold your life together.
Colossians 1:15-17 tells us, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Not only did He create the universe and the earth, and keeps all of them functioning in perfect timing, but He created each one of us. He wants to hold each of us together too. When we stubbornly go our own way, He keeps reaching out to get our attention. However, we suffer the consequences of our wrong choices. In His love, He is there waiting for us to turn to Him and to allow Him to hold us in His arms of love and to restore our lives. Jesus longs to speak to us and reveal Himself to us. It’s our choice to let Him.
As you go about your day, think about how the great Creator God wants to hold your life together.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Good to be Alive
Lately, I have been just so in awe of what God has been doing in my life this year. My family has been through a lot this year. I will not go into any details, but I will say that I may have some gray hairs from it all!
I am amazed of how God works. People that I probably would have never thought to have more than a casual conversation with, I have had deep conversations with. People who I had lost contact with, I regained contact. People who I probably would have never met, are now some of my closest confidents. Even through all the pain and dark nights, I am in awe of the relationships and reconnections that were formed.
This is the God we serve. He says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We have heard it a hundred times, but until we see it in action, I think it is hard to grasp.
Lonliness has always been one of my personal demons, but just seeing the way people came together to support, listen, pray, comfort, and love on my family is nothing short of awesome. It defines how the Christian community is to be.
What else can I do but say: What an amazing life I have been given, not because of how easy my life is, but because of the life I have been given a chance to live for God and because of God. It is good to be alive :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4omFQJEAAVc
I am amazed of how God works. People that I probably would have never thought to have more than a casual conversation with, I have had deep conversations with. People who I had lost contact with, I regained contact. People who I probably would have never met, are now some of my closest confidents. Even through all the pain and dark nights, I am in awe of the relationships and reconnections that were formed.
This is the God we serve. He says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We have heard it a hundred times, but until we see it in action, I think it is hard to grasp.
Lonliness has always been one of my personal demons, but just seeing the way people came together to support, listen, pray, comfort, and love on my family is nothing short of awesome. It defines how the Christian community is to be.
What else can I do but say: What an amazing life I have been given, not because of how easy my life is, but because of the life I have been given a chance to live for God and because of God. It is good to be alive :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4omFQJEAAVc
Monday, June 9, 2014
Why a Blog?
So, I decided to create a blog! Why? So I can share all my deep inspiring thoughts that will change the world, of course!
Actually, I just wanted a place where I could get all my deep thoughts in one place, whether they are world changing thoughts or not is more up to God than me, lol.
My hope and prayer is that I can always be a blessing and encouraging. After all, I am not doing this for my glory, but God's!!! Hence the name.....Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world! Happy reading :)
Actually, I just wanted a place where I could get all my deep thoughts in one place, whether they are world changing thoughts or not is more up to God than me, lol.
My hope and prayer is that I can always be a blessing and encouraging. After all, I am not doing this for my glory, but God's!!! Hence the name.....Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world! Happy reading :)
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