Short and Sweet

Hi guys!

I have very little time to write this all out so I’m making this short, sweet, and to the point.

Smile more

worry less 

Believe in the impossible 

Remember your value

Don’t let things get to you

Learn at least one thing a day

And above all- God loves you!

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~

The Good News

What is it about the love of God that is so baffling? Could it be the vastness, how it covers every living soul without question? Perhaps it has to do with the unexplainable forgiveness that God freely gives to all.

The word Love, is terribly overused today. In so much, that the true meaning has been lost. God’s love is unlike anything we mere mortals could ever fathom. The sacrificial love is unexplainable, unthinkable, but not unobtainable.

How do we respond to such a loving God? Rejecting Him? Reaching out on humbled knees with open arms? God does not force His way into our hearts. He respects our freewill and prefers a willing heart to a robot.

The Gospel, or Good News, is this: Jesus lived on this Earth as full man and full God. He ministered, healed, and taught multitudes. By God’s will, Jesus was mocked, beaten, and crucified. His saving blood was poured out for our sins. Death lingered in the sealed tomb where he was buried. But three glorious days later, death was defeated and the Son of God is alive forevermore. And He is coming back. Through His death, He gave us forgiveness. Through His resurrection, He gave us hope of life eternal.

“Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 KJV

What will you do with the Gospel, a second chance at new life? Jesus wants you to know Him personally; will you step out in faith and receive Him as your savior? We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

If you have questions, please leave a comment and I will reply asap.

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~

Down, But Not Out

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your driving force was determination, or some may call it stubbornness. Either way, this driving attitude can push us to do amazing things as well as unhealthy things.

Tasks or goals we are given or make for ourselves can become very important to us and we can find ours quoting, “I will finish this if it kills me.” I’ve found myself saying things like that. Especially when putting together a schedule for completing a book. That hardcore attitude is fine, but can come with a price. Such as: sleep, money, energy, time, emotional rest, and maybe even relationships.

While the achievements we strive for and force ourselves to complete are possible, life can hit us full force. Things come up that put wrenches in our plans, and there’s nothing we can do about it.

When that happens those who are earnest, will be driven to overcome the challenges through determination/stubbornness. Doing whatever it takes to not give up and quit. For some, quiting is never an option.

If you find the title, Down but Not Out, relatable I encourage you to examine your situation. What is hindering my achievement? Is there anything I can do fix it? Am I supposed to be doing this? Is this achievement worth all the energy I’m putting into it?

Determination can take us further than we intend. Use it within reason and make sure to keep it in check.

Challenge accepted is a good attitude as long as the challenge is something we actully need to do, and not something we want to do just because determination tells us to.

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~

Rise and shine!

Good morning and a joyous Friday to you all!

It’s that time of year again when summer is officially over and school is back in session. Where I live, school begins the 28th, I know some schools have already been back in the daily grind for a few weeks now. Whether starting elementary school, middle school, high school or college; a new journey is on the horizon with loads of opportunities.

Below are a few tips for starting a new school year on the right track:

1. Packing your backpack the night before the first day is always a good idea. The morning of a first day can be hectic.
2. Have your outfit picked out and ready to go
3. Be sure to charge your phone, tablet or laptop the night before so it’s ready for you
4. Get plenty of sleep the night before! Eight to ten hours is a good idea.
5. A healthy and energizing breakfast is important
6. I’m not sure why, but finding my shoes in the morning is always a hassle. Keep up with them to save time hunting for them
7. If riding the bus, be at the bus stop early, five-ten minuets is best. If driving, leave early, as traffic is sure to be crazy
8. Parents may want to take a picture or two to capture the memory
9. Stay positive and just remember, it’s only the first day. It’s ok to ask questions, students aren’t expected to know everything.

Before signing off, I want to touch on a topic that is very real and important in my family. It’s hard enough starting a new school year, it can be even worse to be the new kid. Take the time to show yourself friendly to others. Don’t get caught up in the crowd just to be “popular”. Time and time again, this same scenario happens; ignoring those who are different or shy just so those who are “popular” won’t look down on them.

Take the time to make friends with those who seem to need friends, not with those who feel they need a larger entourage. Have lunch with those who no one will sit with. Offer a friendly smile to those who feel they have no reason to smile. Make this school year, one to stand out for the better.

One another note, my fellow Christians returning to school: Be a light. Share God’s love with those who are entangled in darkness. Don’t be ashamed to take your Bible to school. It is sharper and more powerful then any two-edged sword. Have a devotion in the morning. Be prayed up and have a song on your heart as you enter the building. Whom shall you fear when the God of angel armies in on your side? (credit to Chris Tomlin)

I wish you all the best in your studies. You will succeed if you give it your all. Have a great weekend and an amazing school year!

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~

Waiting and waiting

Today I find myself waiting in line at the DMV. A monster of a line that seemed to move up every ten minutes. Although, it did give inspiration and the opportunity to get this post written.

My sister made a comment that it reminded her of The Waiting Place, in the book “Oh The Places You’ll Go.” By Dr. Seuss.

Waiting is a part of life, whether we like it or not. Traffic jams, waiting rooms and check out lines seem to be around every corner. How we deal with them, is something we can control.

I don’t know what kind of waiting you are finding yourself in; an important phone call, answers, or your turn on a ride at the amusement park. Whatever line you’re in, remember your turn will come.

With this said, I will keep waiting in line. Waiting and waiting for this line to end so another can take its place.

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~

Rest for the weary

It’s Friday, and I want to congratulate my readers on making it through another week. Some of you may have just endured a very hard week. Receiving bad news or experiencing a difficult trial. I first want you to know that you are not alone. No one is immune from bad days.

Maybe you can relate to the title, weary. Weary of illness, weary of finances. Maybe just weary of life in general. I have news though, there is rest you can have. Not rest from a nap or a short vacation, but real rest.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 KJV

Jesus is speaking in that verse. He was inviting the weary, the burden down. He still wants, no, desires to give people rest. How do we come to Jesus? By believing, accepting Him, and praying for forgiveness of sins.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelations 3:20 KJV

The door that Jesus knocks on, is your heart. Opening your heart and allowing Him into your life is how to become a Christian and the only way to Heaven. Jesus is not a respecter of persons, race, gender, backgrounds, or social status. He loves every body and wants to have a personal relationship with you.

Only through Him is real rest found. I’m not saying that life will be perfect, far from actually. But with Jesus in your heart and God moving in your life, it’s comforting to have his everlasting love on your side.

If there are any questions please do not hesitate to ask, there are no dumb questions.

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~

Slowing down

This particular post is not meant to inform or instruct, but to encourage.

How often do we find ourselves rushing from here to there, trying to beat the clock and the traffic. This habit-forming way of living is not only exhausting but can take away our joy.

So my message to you now is to take time to breath. To enjoy today, as it is a gift from God. Smile to a stranger in passing. Offer a kind word to your neighbor. Let your family know you love them. It is easy to let the world and all of its problems take center stage in our lives, but it’s important to remember that this life is temporary. As my sister so profoundly stated: Love the things that money cannot buy. Let that be your motto today, tomorrow and forever.

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~