Struggles Are REAL!

I hate planes.

It's not that I hate the flying part, or that I'm scared of being high above the ground. I actually rather enjoy that part.

Originally published at Keturah's Korner

But I hate all the security, and how rude everyone can be. And one time in particular I had a bad experience because they didn't like my skirt or my ID.

Of course this wasn't exactly the worst thing in the world. Many people have had many much more terrible experiences, to the point that they were truly violated or their lives in danger.

And one person made sure to tell me this when I told them why I didn't like flying.

Ouch.

That's all I can think when someone says your fears or struggles are unbiased because of others' real struggles.

You scrunch up and feel guilty. It's like someone is saying, “You don't know what real pain and fear is, because you have been too sheltered. You don't even know how to truly love God, because you have never really been tested.”

Or maybe they outright say this.

You're like, “So all this stuff going on in my mind has been dramatized? I don't actually have struggles?”

In that case you can be like, “Well, let's just smile then. And enjoy life.”

Just kidding...

And if that were the extent of your trial it may be easy. But normally it's not.

I was talking to a friend recently who is going through a very hard time, emotionally and with close people in her life. Sometimes I get so riled up for her (and others) when I think great people are so blindly “persecuting” someone as dear as her with their words and actions. And it's as if they are blind.. yet think their eyes are wide open!

“I know the feeling,” I told her. “ 'God why me? Why now? Why can I not have just this one thing?' His tests are pretty hard sometimes. Too hard, to bear, it feels. We are told we have it easy compared to others. But do we? Or is this just man's way of saying 'I don't care about you.'?

“ 'What you are going through is just a lie from the devil.' We are told. But is it? Sure God heals, but one of the realities of sin is that life is horrible. Even great men in the Bible screamed and yelled at God, questioning the pain in their lives.

“Rough times exist.

“No matter the level humans set trials at, our trials, our emotional stress, our struggles, all we go through is the same. It's all hardest for each individual.

“It's wrong for people to say, 'Look how good you have it compared to so and so.' You know what? That's all compared to human standards! People don't need a, 'You're okay, just look at Africa.' They need a hug, some comfort, a few words of encouragement.”

“If any thing is a lie from the devil, it's the belief that what we go through doesn't matter.”

It's all great and good to think nothing but certain catastrophes matter and are worthy of depression, but the words, “Get over yourself. Remember the kids in Africa – the ones that are dying because of lack of clothes and food. You have it good. No one in America truly suffers.” are not a way to comfort someone.

Neither is the statement, “What you're going through is a lie from the devil.”

What does that accomplish? Nothing but unnecessary guilt on the victims part. And pent up emotions and trials that they don't know what to do with since they obliviously shouldn't have them.

My above first example wasn't very good But I think you got the point. Hopefully. Haha.

We all go through things – and sometimes those things aren't as big and ugly in appearance as starving children in Africa.

But to our minds, to the reality we know, they FEEL just as big and ugly.

To us they ARE JUST AS BAD AS STARVING TO DEATH.

Because this is the very REAL and UGLY struggle God has placed into our lives and minds.

And because of that, we need to remember one thing: Don't tear other people down farther by telling them what they go through is unreal.

Comfort them. Encourage them. Help them get over what they are going through with love, understanding, and when and if the times calls for, gentle admonition towards something better and more fulfilling.

Critical words don't kill fear and heal hurt. Love and kindness do.

Remember, fellow believers. We aren't called to bring ones trials down to exalt our own or others. We are called to love each and everyone. Not everyone is capable of handling the same pain. But we can still love them. Nor are we to judge trials by man's standard.

Sure, starvation seems horrid. It is horrible. But so are all the other things we are burdened with. Each are equally important to the person going through it.

One of the realities of this sin-filled life is there will be many people going through hard times, and you will be faced with the choice: Tear them down or love them?

So, be a friend to people. Comfort and dry others' tears, don't cause them. Love people, don't look down at them. And instead of pushing them away, give them a big a hug or two.

The Calling

 Hello. Would you like to go on an adventure of great exploits, and exciting experiences? Would you like your words to hold great meaning, and your life to show great things? Well, I have something very special for you. It is The Calling.

 ^ Sorry for the bad sales pitch. But... you ask... what is The Calling?

 God has a special purpose for everyone. One person might be called to preach, another to teach, or maybe even sing. This calling in whatever form is so important. Your calling will involve great exploits, and exciting experiences when God is directing your paths, whether these exploits include trekking through Africa, or merely singing a special at your local church. Your words will hold great meaning, and your life will show great things when God is your pilot.

 Finding the true direction God wants you to go- your true calling- can be hard. You pray for the Lord to show you His purpose, you tell Him you'll do whatever He desires, and still you're pulling up a blank. You might think you have an idea of what The Calling might be... for example, I have a special place on my heart for children, so I think The Calling might have something to do with that. God has also placed within me a gift and desire for singing, writing, and acting. I don't know what His plans could be involving these things, but I know that when He asks me to use them, I must.

 But still... You may have an idea, but you aren't sure. What if you think you're calling is to preach, but you try and embarrass yourself? What if you think your calling is to sing, but you sound like you have a frog in your throat?

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. ~ Ecclesiastes 9:10

 I suggest praying. Even if you've prayed a million times, pray for peace about whatever you need to do, and pray that God's will be done.  

I can be a hard to thing to give in, and let God's will happen, but this is an incremental part to answering The Calling. 

 I still don't know entirely what The Calling is for me. I pray, and may feel certain about some areas, but still confused about others. But I want to tell you something. 

 You are called. Yes, you! There is a Calling that you don't have to wait to receive. There is a Calling every child of God has as part of their responsibility. The Calling is the most important part of being a Christian. The Calling defines us. 

  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ~ Matt. 28:19

 This Calling is not given to a specific person. This command was given to all who were present at the ascension of Christ, and carries over to every Child of the King. So when you feel discouraged, still praying for The Calling, remember that you are called for something great. You are called to be ambassadors of Christ, bringing the good news of Jesus to all in the world. There is your adventure and great exploits. There is the meaning and weight of words. The Calling is so important for the souls of all. 

 Will you accept The Call?

Encouragement

Alright, well first off apologies for not getting this posted earlier today. Things have been quite out of control over in my little corner of the world. I've been studying for my second round with the SAT and I've been over all stressed about my scores and how they will effect my scholarships. It seems like every time that much needed money comes into view and then all of a sudden another mountain rises up out of nowhere to cut me off. This past week I realized that this constant battle between what I need, what I have, and what I want was pulling me away from God. Then I realized that I'd become so stressed that I'd failed to even rely on God. There was a reason I wasn't getting anywhere. I had been so focused on me getting things right, so focused on me getting ahead, so focused on my own strength that I'd completely pushed aside the power of Jesus. Obviously realizing this was a good thing, but it also made me feel even worse about myself. I'd wasted time, I'd been foolish thinking this was something I could do on my own. In my eyes I'd already failed and let everyone down. Of course this was silly. Jesus, wasn't mad, he wasn't standing there shouting at me for being so stubborn. No, that was all me. He was patiently waiting, ready to give me the strength I so desperately needed. Since then I've been making it a priority everyday to put aside the math books, the vocabulary flash cards, and practice tests to spend some much needed time in the Word. Some verses spoke specifically to me these past few days, encouraging me, and renewing me. I want to share some of those verses with you.

Matthew 6:31-34

 "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Isaiah 41:9-11 

"I took you from the ends of the earth

from its farthest corners I called you

I said, ‘You are my servant’;

I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;  

will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

All who rage against you

will surely be ashamed and disgraced;

those who oppose you

will be as nothing and perish."

James 1:3-9

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."

Timothy 1:6-7 

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."


I pray these verses that speak of worry, fear, patience, and love are as encouraging to you as they were to me. Prayers for myself would be much appreciated as well. I'll be taking my SAT test next Saturday and Lord willing my score will be high enough to

get me a wonderful scholarship. Until then all I can do is place my trust and hope in His hands.

 

What Makes You Think You're Modest?

 Hey girls! I've been gone for a really longgg time. I now offer my deepest apologies. :) I have some product reviews to do, but they aren't quite ready yet.

 

 So today I'm going to talk a little bit on What Makes You Think You're Modest? Ooh.

Image credit: rarelythere.blogspot.com

 No matter how you dress, there will always be someone who dresses "more modest" then you do.

You might wear short sleeves and pants, but someone else might only wear long sleeved dresses. So you may often run into the question from people who might be offended by your stand, or just curious.

 I have a pretty fun story. I just got home from my church's camp a few days ago. (I'll be going to another pretty soon.) Anyway, I have a modest swimsuit. It's called a culotte swimmer, and is rather like a wetsuit, with some water safe light fabric over top. It has sleeves, and culotte legs which are like a skirt almost with the space for your legs, but they are closed off. (I'll have to post some pics next week or something. ) Anyway, our camp has the rule that you have to be covered on your way to the pool for girl's swim time. I was working as an assistant cabin leader for the little girls. So they were all pulling on T-shirts, and wrapping towels around their waist, and I was just wearing my swimsuit, casually hanging my towel over my arm. I had made myself expect to receive a few weird stares, and questions. But the little girls were the sweetest. They did ask me about my swimsuit. I explained that I liked to have a more modest bathing suit because, not only did I swim with girls at camp, but sometimes I visit the beach with my brother-in-law's family, which includes several boys. So I didn't see the point in having a bathing suit I could only wear once a year, and have to wear T-shirts and culottes at the beach. To my surprise, the little girls were actually impressed and... jealous! "You're so lucky," one said. "You don't have to wear anything over your bathing suit!" Because of the nature of my bathing suit I didn't cover up like the girls because it wasn't necessary. :)

 But not everyone is like an eight or eleven year old girl. There will be those who might not dress the way you did who feel offended because they think you're saying they aren't modest. This will spark the question, "What makes you think you're modest?"

 I always try to avoid offending anyone. Just because I may dress a certain way, and everything because of a personal decision I've made between God and myself, doesn't mean I'm constantly judging others. Even if I don't approve of what someone is wearing, I'm not going to point it out to them because I know this will only hurt their feelings or offend them, and then I'll never be able to reach them.

 But if you do come into contact with someone who instantly judges you for dressing more "modestly" then them, just explain that you are trying to follow what the Bible says about modesty, and follow God the best you can. Don't say anything that would provide another area of attack for your jilted friend/acquaintance.

 Just pray about it to the Lord, and He will help you when dealing with the "What makes you think you're modest?" people. :)

 God bless, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

 

The Little Engine That Could

Most of us have heard this story, (or a slightly different version of it like this one) read it, had it read to us...at some point throughout our lives. But I wonder how many of us really think about it? When something is too big for you, remember that your God is much bigger and with Him you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to do! :) 

A little steam engine had a long train of cars to pull. She went along very well till she came to a steep hill. But then, no matter how hard she tried, she could not move the long train of cars. She pulled and she pulled. She puffed and she puffed. She backed and started off again. Choo! Choo! But no! the cars would not go up the hill. 

At last she left the train and started up the track alone. Do you think she had stopped working? No, indeed! She was going for help. "Surely I can find someone to help me," she thought. Over the hill and up the track went the little steam engine. Choo, choo! Choo, choo! Choo, choo! Choo! 

Pretty soon she saw a big steam engine standing on a side track. He looked very big and strong. Running alongside, she looked up and said: "Will you help me over the hill with my train of cars? It is so long and heavy I can't get it over." The big steam engine looked down at the little steam engine. The he said: "Don't you see that I am through my day's work? I have been rubbed and scoured ready for my next run. No, I cannot help you," The little steam engine was sorry, but she went on, Choo, choo! Choo, choo! Choo, choo! Choo, choo! 

Soon she came to a second big steam engine standing on a side track. He was puffing and puffing, as if he were tired. "That big steam engine may help me," thought the little steam engine. She ran alongside and asked: "Will you help me bring my train of cars over the hill? It is so long and so heavy that I can't get it over." The second big steam engine answered: "I have just come in from a long, long run. Don't you see how tired I am? Can't you get some other engine to help you this time? "I'll try," said the little steam engine, and off she went. Choo, choo! Choo, choo! Choo, choo! 

After a while she came to a little steam engine just like herself. She ran alongside and said: "Will you help me over the hill with my train of cars? It is so long and so heavy that I can't get it over." "Yes, indeed!" said this little steam engine. "I'll be glad to help you, if I can." 

So the little steam engines started back to where the train of cars had been standing. Both little steam engines went to the head of the train, one behind the other. Puff, puff! Chug, choo! Off they started! Slowly the cars began to move. Slowly they climbed the steep hill. As they climbed, each little steam engine began to sing: "I-think-I-can! I-think-I-can! I-think-I-can! I-think-I-can! I-think-I-can! I-think-I-can! I think I can - I think I can - I think I can I think I can--" And they did! Very soon they were over the hill and going down the other side. 

 Now they were on the plain again; and the little steam engine could pull her train herself. So she thanked the little engine who had come to help her, and said good-by. And she went merrily on her way, singing: "I-thought-I-could! I-thought-I-could! I-thought-I-could! I-thought-I-could! I thought I could - I thought I could - I thought I could - I thought I could - I thought I could - I thought I could I thought I could --"

 THE END

Amazing Grace

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This is one of my all time favorite hymns.  Probably one of the more popular ones that we've all memorized since childhood =)

Amazing Grace was written by John Newton in 1779 with inspiration from his own life.  In a way, I think we can all relate to this hymn.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

The last verse gives me chills every time I hear it.  Just imagine praising God for eternity with no end in sight!  

 

Spiritual Highs and Lows

So, Spiritual Highs and Spiritual Lows.  Most Christians know what those are.  For those of you that don't I'll give an example.

A mountain.  It looks pretty hard to climb, huh?  It takes a lot of effort to get to the top.  This is an example of a spiritual high.  A spiritual high is when we're walking right along side of God, feeling his power all the time.

 And this, a valley.  It doesn't look like it would be too bad to live in.  This is an example of a spiritual low.  When we can't seem to find God anywhere, and we're just stuck.  We've been having trouble in life, and everything is depressing.

Our whole christian lives we will be climbing up and down, going from mountain to valley, mountain to valley.  Why can't we just stay on top of the mountain, talking with God and hearing him talk back?  Well, we can try.  But I can almost guarantee you won't be able to.  Let me give you another example.

A heart monitor.  Yup, that's what I said.  That picture looks crazy, right?  The line is going everywhere.  If you didn't know what a heart monitor was, that line wouldn't make any sense.  But picture it like mountains and valleys.  See it?  Our Christian lives are just like that, being so close to God at times, sometimes lower, and a lot of times just . . . nowhere.  Stuck halfway up the mountain.

Now, imagine if that line wasn't going up and down.

Yup.  That's what it would look like.  We all know what a flat heart monitor line means.  Death.  Your heart isn't pumping.  We need the highs to realize God and his awesomeness.  And we need the lows to remember what life is like without him.  To want to be up high.

Many of you may have heard the heart monitor theory before, and maybe some of you don't agree with it.  I just came out of a sadly long spiritual low, so I just wanted to share this with everyone.  Thanks for reading!

A Story of True Beauty

Sherry went to high school during the ‘70s in Artesia, New Mexico. She wasn’t an overly pretty girl. She wasn’t ugly; she just didn’t fit the world’s idea of beautiful. She had freckles, a round face, and while Sherry wasn’t fat, she was big boned. She had a stocky, more masculine looking figure. Over all, Sherry was just kind of plain and ordinary.

You might say, “Well, she must not have been very popular!” But this was hardly the case. You see Sherry may not have been the prettiest girl on the block, but she was vivacious! She was fun! The guys like her; the girls liked her. She had her share of dates though high school. The reason was as simple as brownies and ice cream! Sherry chose to be beautiful on the inside. She kept herself clean and neat, but she didn’t make her outward appearance her main focus. She didn’t spend hours in front of the mirror trying to find just the right outfit to make her look slender; she didn’t hide her freckles under layers of foundation, or spend all her allowance on hair products. She simply decided she was going to be happy with the way Yahweh had made her, and see that she was as pretty as she could be on the inside.

Sherry had a classmate named Vicki. Vicki was a cheerleader. She had a clear complexion, beautiful blond hair, and a super model figure. She had everything: guys, friends, attention; you name it, she had it. Don’t think that because of this Vicki was a snob, she wasn’t. She was a nice girl, people liked to be around her, but her beauty was earthly. She didn’t realize that she needed more than just good looks to get through life. She didn’t know that her own choices would decide if she was popular or not, regardless of whether she looked flawless or if she was fat and had pimples on her face.

Let’s fast forward a few years. My dad, the person who told me this story had gone away to college, met and married another beautiful woman and later moved back to Artesia. One day he walked into a laundromat to see a young woman, grown old before her time doing laundry for several small children. Her name was Vicki. He remarked to me that this woman who had once been one of, if not the prettiest and most popular girl in school was now simply ugly.

Vicki had loved a good looking, popular football player who also seemed to have everything. Not long into their marriage she found that not only was he lazy and irresponsible, but he was violent and dangerous. Finally he had left her for another woman and she was now trying to provide for her 3 young children alone. She had chosen to focus on outward beauty instead of cultivating inward beauty and growing in wisdom. Her choices continue to effect her today.

Later he was shopping in another store when a gorgeous brunette walked in the door! It seemed like the whole place lit up the moment she entered! Sherry had grown more and more beautiful as she got older because she made the right choice.

After chatting with her, my dad found that she also had married. Her husband was not as popular as Vicki’s; he was an ordinary, hardworking, farmer’s son. My Dad had never met this man, but he could plainly see that Sherry was happily married to someone who must have been, and still is a wonderful man!

 

This is a true story and one that happens all the time. May we be like Sherry and seek the true beauty that comes from serving Yeshua!

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."-1 Peter 3:3-4