A New Life

On this Good Friday, as we remember what Christ did for us all those years ago, I watched "The Passion of the Christ" again. It breaks my heart to think about the pain He had to go through and what was shown in the movie wasn't even half of it because He was tortured more than we could ever imagine. But, I know that it breaks our heavenly Father's heart far more to see us, His children, sin and live life in a way that says we don't need Him. We are broken and undeserving of love without Him. 

I think one of the greatest parts Jesus' time on earth was when He was talking to the thief as He was hanging on the cross. In Luke 23:40-43, it says,

"The [criminal] protested...'We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.' And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" 

Every time I'm reminded of this part of the story, I can't help but smile. Although every one of us deserve punishment for our sins, we are given a gift from a perfect God who gave up His life to give us life. He exhibits a love that no human could ever give to another.

Today, as I watched the movie, the moment that hits me every time is, "I will make all things new." Through His broken body, we are saved. We're redeemed. We are healed. And we're given a new life... an eternal one. 

One Dot to Another

I've finished my third year at Fox and all I can say is that it was, without a doubt, the best year yet. I sincerely mean that. It wasn't the best because of what I learned academically, but because of the people that I got to share this year with and what I got to learn from them.

God has taught me the importance of relationships with people. We're called to love unconditionally. And my family has taught me just that. They know what it truly means to sacrifice and love others. Their love for me, which is sometimes undeserved, is exemplary.

When I started as a Freshman three years ago, I was challenged and forced to leave my comfort zone. I was placed somewhere where I didn't want to be at the time. But looking back, I am so glad that God placed me where He did because if He hadn't, I would not have met the amazing people that I got to know over the past two years. He knew what He was doing. Through getting to know some of them, I learned how important relationships really are. I learned so much from them that I wouldn't even be able to write it all down in this blog post. This entire year was a blessing. I'm gonna miss it, but I never will forget the memories. This semester during finals week, a professor reminded us that things don't always go our way, which is very true, but in the end, "all the dots" will be connected. As simple as that was, it hit me. It'll all make sense one day in His divine time.

Life is full of disappointments, but that's where we're given the opportunity to see the beauty in those imperfect moments. As I finish this part of my life, I'm still left with uncertainty about a few things, but that's just one "dot" among thousands. I'm continuing onto another part of my life this summer, which will be connected to what I've experienced this past year. I'm not gonna lie, I'm nervous about what He has for me, but I know it's better than I could ever imagine!

A Love Note

"Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps not records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." ~ I Corinthians 13:4-8

God's love is what gives me life. He is love. He makes me want to be live life to the fullest and become the person He created me to be. And tonight on this Valentine's Day, I am reminded of God's divine sacrifice - the ultimate example of true love. Love covers my sin. I don't deserve it. It comforts me when I'm afraid and waits for me when I stray from His plan. This amazing love pushes me to be better than I was yesterday.

Christ is the beginning of my love story. His love is the air I breathe. And He has my heart safe in His arms :) He's the love of my life.

Almost done!

This has definitely been one of the most difficult semesters of my entire college career. But, it's been absolutely wonderful at the same time! After being home this last weekend, I've realized how God has given me so much to be thankful for.

I have the best parents ever, who will go out of their way to help me. I appreciate the time I get to spend with them so much. I have three amazing sisters who just make me laugh. I look up to them. And though we've had our fair share of fights, God knew what He was doing when He put me in this family. Looking back, I'm so grateful that I was raised in a family who loves me more than words can express. Because of them, I've got a good foundation in Christ.

And then there are my friends. The people who are in my life right now are such a blessing. They are practically family to me! And I've know they've got my back. I'm particularly thankful for my fellow accounting majors. I know for a fact, that is has been the hardest semester for all of us. But, they make my education so much more worth it. I especially love our study nights - full of laughs and of course, productivity.

And then there's school... I'm seriously blessed to go to a school where the professors love Jesus. But, only until this semester did I realize how truly blessed I am. It's amazing how gracious my professors have been. And today, in the midst of preparing for the two of the hardest weeks of my semester, I was reminded by one of them that I'm doing this for God, not a grade. I think I lost sight of that importance for a bit. But, it was exactly what I needed to hear at that very moment. All that really matters is that I'm living a life that's pleasing to Him and giving Christ glory. If it was about getting those good grades, then it would be all about me. But truth is, it's not about me. It's about Him. So since it's about Him, I'm going to finish strong this semester with His help because I can't do it on my own. He's got me... until the end :)

I thank God that I didn't get what I thought that I deserved.

Solitude

There's nothing better than sitting in God's presence. It's in that moment that I can forget about all my worries, mistakes and failures. It's when I remember why I'm here. I get lost in worship. I find beauty in silence.

In all of my chaos, a little solitude is what I need. That's where I find rest in Him. I'm thankful for those precious moments.

A Dream Forgotten

This morning I read this... it's perfect.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you” (Isaiah 60:1, NIV).

Today, God wants to exceed your expectations! He has amazing things stored up for you. He wants to take you places that you’ve never dreamed and do things in your life that you’ve never imagined. His glory is rising upon His people. Things are going to fall into place so that you can accomplish what God has placed in your heart. Even the hidden dreams that you’ve given up on, God has not given up on. He is going to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all you could ask, think or imagine! Now is the time to arise and shine in Him!

Your mind may try to talk you out of it, but if you’ll listen with your heart, it will resonate on the inside of you. Don’t let discouragement hold you back or keep you down. Rise up every morning and declare, “Today is the day that the Lord has made.” Choose to rejoice in Him. Choose to expect His goodness. Choose to arise and shine and receive every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

I smiled when I read the part about the hidden dreams I've given up on. Ever since I was a little girl, I had this one particular dream. And it's taken two years for me to completely forget it. But, in this season of life, I'm being reminded about my passion and love for this area. I mean I'm studying something that could get me there... I'm on the right path. This dream of mine is something that seems almost impossible, but I know I can get there with Him guiding me!