Loved

I feel loved, overjoyed, trusted, cared for, encouraged, supported, heard, and treasured. I do not say these things out of pride or superiority. I say them because all of these traits belong to each of us.

From the moment I was born, God spoke these truths over me. Not only that, but he placed people in my life to remind me of these promises in each trial, failure, and triumph. Here I am hoping that I can be one of those people for you. You are worthy, pure, loved, and beautiful.

I have lived 21 years with a seed of hunger growing for Jesus--for His presence. No matter how successful I was in worldly tasks, God set His truth on my heart. And He has been faithful to me all along. 

In these moments of glee and victory, I can honestly say that the journey to and with Jesus is not easy. But, I always know Who is with me, Who is able to reassure me and save me from all troubles. The King of kings and Lord of lords, the Prince of peace and Victorious One, the embodiment of love, and the One True God.

His grace truly is enough, and He never leaves us.

So no matter where you are right now in life, if you're down or up or sideways, God is there. God is with you. He is holding His arms open to You and asking if you'll trust Him. It may take years to get to that point, but He is waiting patiently and will love you unceasingly until you give Him even the weakest answer. Why? Because He adores you.

You are loved.

Release

I consider myself some version of a control freak... I know, it isn't a good trait. When it comes to most tasks, I would rather do them myself than let someone else take the reins. That isn't how it works with God. It also isn't a good way to live life.

So, while at a retreat this spring, I sat down outside and just asked God what He wanted to tell me. I ended up writing this poem as I took in the beauty of God's creation and His purpose for us here on earth.

We aren't meant to be obsessed with control. Instead, we are called to trust the Lord with His plans and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

That's a challenge for me, and I would encourage you to think about this as well. Today's question is this: What areas of my life do I need to surrender to God?

-------------

I later turned this poem into a song (see the link at the bottom of this post). Please pardon the poor quality of the recording.

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Release
By: Jennifer Lewis, April 30th, 2016

A distant hum, familiar breeze
I seek You, Lord, here on my knees
Please be gentle

Heart on display, head in my hands
Distractions whirl around me
Built on rock instead of sand
Yet I am weak

Cars rush by, people wave
Yet inside I long deeply
To know You hear me, think I'm brave
Are You proud?

Let go, let go, let go, let go, let go
It's hard though, Lord, You see
Let go, let go, let go, let go, let go
Surrender

Gazing up, beauty abounds
Your faithfulness unrelenting
Singing now, hearing majestic sounds
You know me

{I turned this into a song -- listen on soundcloud}

Anxiety

​

My experience with anxiety has taught me so much and continues to do so. 

When I was little, my siblings would jump off of their swings, and I was too scared. That defined me--being too nervous to try things that weren't actually life-threatening. So I just went through life thinking I would be different--thinking I would never be able to do all the things other kids enjoyed. It was fine for awhile, but remaining in that place crippled me in a way. Once I was diagnosed with anxiety and became medicated, I was able to experience life anew. 

Freedom was possible.

Jesus gave me support in the forms of family, friends, and healthcare. I am so grateful that I life is closer to normal for me (if "normal" really exists). My testimony through anxiety has shown me how good God is--He provides ways for us to come alongside one another to speak truth and life. 

With this said, please take the time to read a poem I wrote this summer about anxiety and how God has changed my life for the better.

Anxiety

By Jennifer Lewis

8/3/15

Anxiety

My world was whole

A child, I stood gazing at the rooms that held all I knew

The house was everything

Our swingset, though, it gave me pause

Time slowed, laughter rang, my siblings bounded forth to the grass

That's dangerous

Anxiety

My view expanded

Reality holding more than I dared seek

Safety was everything

My family kept me there--happy

This was peace when joyful times I knew would last

Ignore this

Anxiety

Vulnerability sometimes grows with age

Now knowing more, I'd prefer a cage

You see, the outside is unknown--scary

I'll never go away, mommy--I promised

My solution

Anxiety

New did not mean better

Instead, trying meant terror within my fragile mind

Why panic without due cause?

Clock ticking, noise ringing, stomach churning til I'm free

Claim safety

Anxiety

To cope, I talked

Medication can be a necessity

But with that is appetite and apathy

Two things that lead me down a rabbit hole too often

Oh well

Anxiety

Accuracy not dependency

True peace held before me

God's eyes show love and acceptance

Despite my failures all along

I'm free

Renew

Below is a poem I wrote awhile ago... I don't even remember when. Looking back on things I have written, like this, reminds me how far God continues to bring me. The growth I see through His work in my life is amazing. Thank You, Lord, for bringing me out of dark places.

Renew by Jennifer Lewis

Diminutive, unworthy, trapped

My weak form inches along

Failures in my mind recapped

Feelings of loss growing strong

Entertaining, bubbly, cute

Some people attempt to flatter

Yet in hot pursuit

The devil's hate makes me scatter

I realize depression now

Has gripped my heart with a vengeance

But Jesus' love still runs through me

My veins calling me to repentance

Of course an emotion rings

Life-giving, exemplary, true

God's creation bursts with color, sings

as I hope with a look to You

Lord Jesus, I need much more

Weeping on this old cloak

My patience ran long before

Through tears, my voice, I choke

Freedom out of Mental Illness

The other day I saw a graphic explaining the difference between how people are treated when they have physical or mental ailments. There are so many people not getting proper care because not everyone understands the depth of these illnesses. I came across a poem I wrote a couple months back that illustrates the path to freedom in Christ no matter our struggle.

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New Definition by Jennifer Lewis

Dull, monotonous, lethargic; why must these toils linger?
Where went my vigor? My strength?
I talk, think, and wonder - pondering the future
These words continue at length

Or maybe these adjectives crop out the brightness
Vivacious, my true self unharmed
All that I seek stands beyond the door yonder
Grab the knob, girl, and don't be alarmed

Perhaps what I want is a different sort
The moments some toss to the wind
Waves crash, fill my goggles - sight lost it seems for good
All this because I've yet sinned

Drowning then silent, the darkness near welcome
My thoughts now a meager history
The mind of Another, more wise being filling
Consumed, here it goes..... Then the glory

Oh Father, how wrong was I blaming my woes
upon Your torn back by my actions?
Disheartened, I lacked proper sight of the state
This time now split up into factions

Some wither, some wear, I turn- can't stop spinning
Alone? How far wrong could I be?
Instead of oblivion, a light shines ahead
The truth here for all- even me

Yes of course, choose true freedom!--My heart shouts the answer 
My soul now no longer despairs
Jesus Christ, Savior, Lord- you're the King I've been lacking
Your Name alone is what repairs

Assurance and joy- just two words define future
How quickly You allowed me to see
Once was sinful and broken, forgotten and dead
Now alive, well, and praising eternally!

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I am so grateful for the community of people who know about mental health issues and are willing to listen to the truth and speak God's truth over me and one another. Scripture, worship, and fellowship help a lot. But, that isn't a substitute for medical treatment (and vice versa). Medication has allowed me to live in freedom as who God made me to be- enjoying life, functioning like a real human being, and telling others how good He is!

If you struggle with mental illness, too, just know that I love you and Jesus loves you more than any person ever can. He is ever-present, and HIS LOVE NEVER FAILS. 

It's okay to not be okay.
It's okay to seek advice.
It's okay to seek medical care.
You are loved.
You are worthy.
You are made for more than mental illness.
You are made for FREEDOM.

If you ever want to learn more about mental illness, I would be willing to share what I know. (But also keep in mind that none of us are necessarily experts, either.) Not everything is easily explained. We understand when you don't fully get it because we don't either. What we appreciate most is when you take the time to listen and try to understand even just a little bit more. 

Thank you for reading, everyone! I hope this encourages you and lets you know that others have been in dark places, too--but those places are NOT our destination. I love you. God is good. 

Thanks, Jesus. I couldn't do this without You.

UPDATE: Please also check out this link- it shows my heart and the heart of many of us Christians who struggle with mental illnesses to the point that we require medication.
Explaining Meds to Fellow Christians

Clean Slate

Stumbling through tasks
only ending secluded;
removed from Your love
here I fall.
When all I look to is
my face in the mirror,
what I have now
is nothing at all.

Moments we pass in our haste
show right through us.
When push comes to shove,
we're all lost.
The blackness inside me
is all the more clear.
Change, now,
requires a cost.

Nothing more simple,
You took more than bruises--
my future the goal
in Your mind.
Your focus and sacrifice
leading me through this--
my old life is now
left behind.

Showered by grace, I'm
accepting Your mercy
to the deepest dark space
of my heart.
Nothing more telling,
my rot was uprooted.
Founded on faith,
my new start.

Clean Slate by Jennifer Lewis

Rooted in Him

We are leaves, small, brown, and ugly.

We flit and float, skimming the surface of the dirt until we look closer. It is then that we realize that there is more. God is in the soil, and He desires us to open up to His will for our lives.

Saying, "yes," to Him allows us to plant ourselves like seeds and establish roots in Him.

From there, until Jesus comes back, we are always growing into what we are supposed to be in His fullness.

Our little brown leaf that we were becomes green or yellow or red, and we grow blossoms and continue stretching further and further around us. 

We still see ourselves as undeserving little brown leaves, but God sees us each as the full grown tree we were created to be.

Our branches stretch much further than we can comprehend, and all the while we grow because we are rooted in Him.

When Jesus returns, all of us will have grown into such beautiful, majestic, massive trees that we cover the earth.

Then He takes us with Him to Heaven and creates a New Jerusalem on Earth where we live forever in communion with Him.

I am learning each day to grow more in my realization that I am small, God is huge, and because of Him, I can make a huge difference. I have authority in His Name, I can be a strong leader to bring up His people in faith and joy, and I can point people to Jesus each time they ask me why I have this joy. God is good, and I want to learn to be more rooted in Him.

Work in Progress

Over the course of the last year, I have gone through so many changes that I cannot begin to describe the lengthy story. However, there is one recurring theme that I never want anyone to forget: God.

I have been transformed this last six months, especially, into a new woman in the Lord. I am more on fire for Jesus than I have ever been in my life. I can see a bigger picture in my life and in the lives of those around me. I desire to see His will done here on Earth more than I can make explicit through words.

In November, I began to learn how to play the guitar. I taught myself on a little backpack guitar until my grandparents brought me a brand-new one for Christmas out of the generosity of their hearts.

Since then, I have written more than three songs simply praising the Lord or asking for His guidance, and I am more pumped up than ever. God is so good. His Holy Spirit truly moves in even seemingly insignificant ways.

Right now, all I can think about is how much I have to say and how little time there is to tell everyone. If there is nothing else you get from this, take this: God wants to work through you to deliver His people to Him. He wants to lavish His love on YOU and show YOU  the true power of His grace.

I have been writing an essay today on interpreting the story of Deborah and Jael in Judges 4-5, but what sticks out most in my mind are the moments when I pause and realize that God is bigger than an essay, bigger than my thoughts, bigger than my failures, and bigger than life itself. His presences is sweet and comforting and that of a Father.

As I sit here typing, I am listening to an iTunes Radio station of Christian music, and the songs that come on are so encouraging to me. I may not want to write a 5-7 page essay, but He has such huge plans for me that incorporate my education and experience at PLU, and He is sustaining me with His unfailing love and Spirit as I do monotonous tasks.

Take a moment out of your day to read these lyrics:

Give Me Faith

I need You to soften my heart,

To break me apart.

I need You to open my eyes,

To see that You're shaping my life.

All I am,
I surrender.

Give me faith to trust what You say
That You're good, and Your love is great.
I'm broken inside, I give You my life.

I need You to soften my heart,
To break me apart.
I need You to pierce through the dark
And cleanse every part of me.

I may be weak, but
Your Spirit's strong in me.
My flesh may fail, but
My God You never will.

Forever:

The moon and stars they wept
The morning sun was dead
The Savior of the world was fallen
His body on the cross
His blood poured out for us
 The weight of every curse was broken

One final breath He gave
As Heaven looked away
The Son of God was laid in darkness
A battle in the grave
The war on death was waged
The power of hell forever broken

The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated

Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive

Please remember today the power of the God that is on your side. There is nothing that you can do to separate yourself from Him. His love is infinite, and His power is great. He wants to show you the grace and peace and confidence that comes only from Him, the divine source of life.

Grace

Sometimes, I have moments of worry, anxiety, or sadness. These moments are often when I think too much about the future without relying on God. I worry over schooling or friendships or family members. One thing that I seem to lose in all of the hubbub of my anxiety-ridden life is God’s love and sacrifice.

Why do I do this? Why can I not just fall to my knees in worship to praise Him that I have life and blessings and people to share them with?

That’s the thing…

I can.

So here I am. I am sharing that my life is not perfect. I do not have everything figured out. I have lapses in faith. But, something that is beyond amazing is this… Grace.

God’s grace is staggering, surreal, and breathtaking. When my anxiety seems to consume me, I can remember this: God sent His ONE and ONLY Son. He sent His Son to DIE.

Jesus.

Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, let His disciple turn Him in for crimes He did not commit, and marched up a hill with a wooden cross on His back to the spot He would die. He took the beatings, the lashes, the pain. He took all of it for me. He took all of it for you. Then, He said a few simple words, “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” 

Jesus paid the ultimate price to save us from our own sin.

When I reflect on what He has done, not only His death on the cross, but the blessings He has showered upon my life and the lives of those I know, I can’t help but feel important. He died so I may live. He died so I may love. He died so I may show others what He has done and so they may know the Good News and, in knowing His sacrifice, love Him and love people.

What have I done to deserve this love? Nothing.

That’s the beauty of grace – that it comes whether we earn it or not.

So, whenever I find myself in those moments of weariness, of anxiousness and distress, I can remember that Jesus went through unimaginable pain to save me.

I don’t need the worry in my life; I have Jesus. He is perfect. He is always present. I can cast all my anxiety on Him, because He cares for me.

Thank You, God. Thank You for Your gift of life and for Your love, and for Your Son.

Even though I don’t deserve it, Your grace saves me.

*Verses referenced: Luke 23:34, 1 Peter 5:7

In that moment of glorious surrender

In that moment of glorious surrender... 

          I have these days of control. I do everything my way and say everything that I want to rather than taking a moment to let God influence my choices.

          In reality, I should always think of God as I act. He is the One who died for me. He is the One here to light the way for each and every one of us. 

          Why should I do anything for myself? Why be selfish? Every action, every word of mine, should glorify Him. 

          So, on these days that I act controlling of my life, that should really be His, I don't always realize what I'm doing.

          Other times, I have these moments when I spend my nightly time with Jesus that I'm not living for Him in everything I do. His grace redeemed me. These nights when I see that, I have a moment with God. Just like Jesus' moment of glorious surrender when He died by His Father's will, I surrender to God. 

          As a Christian, I find myself surrendering to Him a lot. I realize that He is with me. I realize that He is here to love me. I realize that everything I do is insignificant in comparison to Him and His unfailing love. 

          Right now, I am listening to "Aftermath" by Hillsong United, and I'm fighting back tears. God is here. He is with me. I just... I am in awe. 

          I'm here because of Him. So, I am here for Him to love through me. When I see someone having a bad day and I smile and say hey, I'm loving that person for Him. 

          Why don't I do that all the time? Why do I pass someone in the hallway or on the street without even smiling or praying for them or showing any sign of love? 

          When I realize what my actions could do for each person I influence throughout the day, I long to show them His love. I experience His love in blessings throughout my day, but what if they need that extra act of service? That extra smile? I want to provide them with the love they need. 

          So, as I listen to "Aftermath," I am letting Him lift me out of the wreckage of my life so I may love God and love people in His name always. 

          If you're able, take a moment to listen to this song. His love is here to light the way. 

"I know You're with me,

I know You're with me here,

and I know Your love will light the way."

Inspiration from "Aftermath" by Hillsong United

Feeling Blessed

God is good.

He has blessed me beyond comprehension.

I have been feeling pretty thankful and decided to make a list of blessings.

(It won't be complete because He is never finished and because there are too many blessings for my human mind to fathom.)

• Life
• The ability to love
• His love
• The love of others
• Family - my mommy, daddy, brudder, and seester(aka my fiffie or baby fra)
• My second family - Becky, Jesús, Amy, Tony, Val, Zach, Hayden, Seth, and Lacey - You guys... I don't even have words to explain how much I love you guys. You all are so wonderful and accepting of me and my eccentricities and I appreciate that so much :)
• My church families - Lakepoint, Countryside, and Emmanuel - (Even though I do not attend Countryside Christian or Emmanuel Bible Church regularly, I would like to thank each and every person I have met for accepting me wholeheartedly when I do come.)
• My friends - I would list you all, but that would be a bit time-consuming ;)
• My choir family - I love you guys, you're the best. Thank you for your help and respect.
• Shelter, Food, and Water

Image found on google images. No copyright intended.

Breathe

Hi, my name is Jennifer Lewis, and I have issues with motivation, time management, and simply being kind and respectful after a long day.

Sometimes, I feel like the world is crumbling beneath me and the sky is falling on top of me until I am crushed and pummeled. This is a completely unrealistic image, though, because I have a pretty darn good life.

When I have those days (or weeks or months) of stress that builds and packs in and takes over my life, what I really need to do is take a step back and breathe.

Over the past six weeks, I have dropped my boyfriend off in Washington at Pacific Lutheran University with his mom and sister (two of the most amazing ladies in my life whom I adore), began my senior year in high school, quit my job of a year and a half, and gotten behind in all aspects of my life.

When I started to feel the stress building from the essays and reading and math homework that was actually due on top of coordinating choir events as one of the choir co-presidents and working at the golf course, I forgot one major thing: God is there to take my burdens away, not to add to them.

When my entire being wanted to forfeit all of my previous or set engagements for the entire year and just drive up to Washington (which would never happen because, knowing me, I wouldn't be able to get to Portland without having an anxiety attack), someone asked me a simple question that altered the way I look at my life, "Have you done your Jesus time today?"

Rather than seeing my life as a bedraggled mess full of stressful requirements for colleges, school, choir, work, and home, I began to untangle everything. Each night since that simple question, I have taken a few minutes to at least read a passage from the Bible, reflect, and pray on what I read (or simply on my feelings about the day or moment).

At first, it took significant motivation- I am not saying that I don't continue to struggle with motivating myself to have daily Jesus time, just that it has gotten easier- Jesús, my boyfriend, would ask each night if I had had my Jesus time and I would sigh or "harumph" and pull out my Bible. Now, even if he hasn't asked yet, I will start to open up my Bible and dive into His Word out of routine.

Why complain, argue, and cry after a long day rather than opening up your Bible to seek His advice? <- That is a question I have asked myself over and over again.

When I find myself struggling with motivation to do assignments for school or work related to other aspects of my life, what helps the most is to take a step back and breathe. 

Oh, and smile.

Images found on google images. No copyright intended.

Savior, Please

"I try to be so tough

But I'm just not strong enough

I can't do this alone, 
God I need You to hold on to me

I try to be good enough

But I'm nothing without Your love

Savior, please keep saving me"

Driving along, this song came on the radio. How many times have you tried to live your life all for yourself without any help? I know that I struggle with control over pretty much anything I do.

But, no matter how much we try to console ourselves and defend our actions, we are still attempting the impossible. 

God is here for us, yet we still try to live for ourselves.

After the first time I heard it, I had been listening to this song non-stop. Okay, maybe a little less frequently, but still. Please take the time to listen to it "Savior, Please" by Josh Wilson, it may open your heart to something God wants to say.

Cleaning My Heart

     I went on a little journey today. I realized a sin in my life, getting caught up in worldly living, and I was confronted about it. I went through a lot of emotional turmoil in the aftermath.

     In this realization, I went to the Bible and came across the passage 1 John 1:8-10 which reads, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in us."

     Even in my brokenness, He is faithful and forgiving. I don't deserve His love.

     I took the time to sit outside in my backyard for some quiet time of reflection. I sat next to a flowerbed, if it can even be called that, full of weeds and without even realizing it, I began to pull the weeds, one by one, from the soil. This was a significant moment for me because I realized the analogy with my own life. At that moment, I was figuratively plucking the weeds from my heart. But, I wasn't alone. He was there, helping me, cleaning my heart alongside me.

     I was listening to (and belting out) Hillsong United's "Search My Heart", "Bones", and "Forever Reign". He truly was searching my heart and cleaning out the bad. Sections of lyrics really stuck out to me and hit me right in the heart...

"You took the cross, You took my shame

Restored my life, Lord, I will follow You..."

"Without you I am nothing"

"...You are true even in my wandering"

"Take me as I am,

Awaken my heart to beat again"

     After those moments singing and pulling weeds, I turned to my left to see a manifestation of God providing for us. There stood a blueberry bush. I proceeded to pick blueberries and pop them into my mouth, savoring the glorious blue fruit. 

     In a way, the flowerbed was my heart and the blueberries were the visual representation that God forgives me and loves me. After that powerful moment, I couldn't not share it. 

     Take my life as an example... When you realize a sin in your life, you may not need to pull weeds in your backyard to clean your heart, but whatever you do, know He is there for you to forgive you and comfort you. He will wipe those blemishes from your heart. Bring anything and everything to Him and the experience you have may surprise you. 

Are you comfortable?

Yesterday, Seth King, youth pastor at Countryside Christian Church led a very moving discussion about living as a Christian. The big questions were, "Are you living like you need God? Like you need the Bible?" and, "What are you doing for Christ that makes you uncomfortable?".

Well, these questions got me thinking. Have I been living the cushy life? I have food on the table multiple times a day, I have a home, I have a job and transportation... what am I missing? If I went on with life right now but didn't acknowledge God, would I be able to survive? I think I might. That isn't a good sign.

As a Christian, it is my responsibility to the world to live like Christ and to live like I need Him. If I am not following that, then what am I doing that is for Christ?

That's where things need to change. I'm guessing that many of us like to have life planned out to an extent. We have a plan for the future and we have an ideal lifestyle. Well, what if all of those things that we deem as within our "comfort zone" and within our plan for life began to change?

I suppose talking to people about Christ isn't something all of us find easy and like an everyday sort of occurence. If that's you, like it is me, then maybe we need to start branching out a bit. Sharing the Good News isn't always such a daunting task. Pray about it, ask God to give you the strength you need to bring about change in your circle of influence. Maybe you will end up planting the seed in someone's heart that turns into that tree. That tree could end up sharing God's message with more and more people, planting seeds here and there in the hearts of others.

Imagine one tiny apple seed - that's all it takes to plant a tree. So, if we take the time to plant seeds in people's hearts throughout our lives - maybe just one every month or just as it comes - then the people around us will see our likeness in Christ and that we love people. And that love will spread into more figurative trees.

If you are having trouble with this concept, take a moment to picture someone planting a seed... if you feel like you lack the proper tools to plant seeds in people's hearts, take a moment to ask God for the strength, wisdom, words, or anything you may need to work on to be able to be that disciple of the Lord. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and him to who knocks, the door will be opened." Matt. 7:7

Then, like the disciples of the Lord from the Bible, maybe a seed that you plant will grow into a beautiful tree, one that has branches to plant seeds in more hearts than you yourself could reach. That is the goal here. If we all step just a bit out of our comfort zones to talk to one or two people every once in a while or just act like Christ, we may be able to plant seeds to grow into trees to spread to more and more people. And just like that, God's Good News can spread beyond our wildest dreams.

Now, what do you think of that? If we all live like we need Christ and step a bit out of our comfort zones, we could reach numerous people with His Word! And even if we only reach one heart, then everything, all of the uncomfortable situations, are worth it.

So, what do you say? Are you with me? Let's go out into the world and live like Christ. Let's show the world what love is and plant some seeds! Maybe it will help one person. Maybe it will help thousands. Either way, making a difference in the Lord is worth everything.

*Pictures found via google images

*Matthew 7:7

To Him be the glory...

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." ~ 1 Peter 4:11

Rather than saying whatever we want, Peter reminds us that our words and actions are reflective of God. 

People see us Christians as people of God, which we all are, and that should be motivation enough to have our words and actions glorify Him. 

Someone may see our actions or hear our words and turn away from God or maybe turn towards Him depending on what we portray Christianity as. 

So, keep this in mind the next time you are about to act or speak foolishly. Changing your ways may change a life.

Surrender

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, 

for I have put my trust in You.

Show me the way I should go, 

for to You I lift up my soul.

Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, 

for I hide myself in You.

Teach me to do Your will,

for You are my God;

may Your good Spirit

lead me on level ground.

For Your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life;

in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.

In Your unfailing love, silence my enemies;

destroy all my foes,

for I am Your servant." 

~Psalm 143:8-12

When I feel like I am drowning in a sea of homework, chores, work, choir, friendships, church, life... I need to let it all go. 

I NEED to give it all to Him. 

He looks down upon me as I lay awake thinking, pondering my life and what I should do next. 

It saddens Him when I try to do everything on my own. 

He is there for me. He is there for YOU! Why just sit here struggling to even start the next task when you can drop everything and run to His arms? 

Exactly. There is no real reason why other than the fact that you need to feel that control, you want to know what comes next, His power scares you. No, it terrifies you. 

Why would you want to let go when you're doing so well? Think for a minute. 

I'm in that spot, too. I know what you're feeling. God is there for us. We don't have everything under control. It ISN'T going well. Life has pulled the rug out from under us as we try to keep out balance with everything in life. 

When I read this passage today, I felt guilt. I have been keeping all of my troubles from God. No, I haven't hid anything from Him, I just haven't surrendered it all. I may have given a piece here or a bit there, but I haven't given Him everything. And that is my problem. I need to be like David. I need to tell God that I am His servant, that I need his unfailing love, that I cannot do this without Him. 

God is there for me and He is there for you. Why wait and try to hold on for another moment when He has His hand outstretched to you? 

Just give it to Him. 

Surrender. 

His Dandelion

Looking through the lens, I captured the moment. As the wind lifted the seeds of the wishing flower into the air, the familiar click of the camera shutter sounded. There, in a split second, in less time than it takes to blink, a masterpiece.

The process:

When I think back to the beginning, when there was nothing, I cannot fathom God and all that He is and has done.

The earth, moon, stars, wind, animals, light… He created it all - in seven days, nonetheless.

Have you ever wondered how?

Well, what if, in a miniscule moment for Him, years, billions of our years pass?

Just like a photographer capturing the life of an animal or flower, God packs so much awe-inspiring beauty into such a minute span of time, seven days.

And yet, that’s not all.

Every human life, every tear, each smile, and all thought is known to Him. All that we are and can be is and has been known to Him since before there was ANYthing.

It is just incomprehensible.

The dandelion:

Do you ever think of yourself as an object? Maybe a plant?

Sometimes, I think of myself as a dandelion. I am a human, a sinful human. Like the dandelion weed that takes up space in lawns and parks, I take up space on this planet.

But, that isn’t all the dandelion and I are good for. When the Wind comes along, it sends our seeds out to take root and become a beautiful flower. God is the Wind for me. He teaches me through His Word how to spread my seeds to reach other people and so that, maybe, they might take root in someone else’s heart to create something beautiful.

I challenge you to be like the dandelion.

Maybe you aren’t perfect and the most admired flower, but you have the ability to plant a seed in people’s hearts.

Picture from:

http://simple-article10.blogspot.com/2010/10/that-amazing-weedthe-dandelion.html

Hiding

Closing the book, he glanced around anxiously. He slid it into its hiding place and grabbed his backpack for school.


“Hey, man. Do you wanna chill tonight?”
“Umm... yeah, sure.”
“Wait... you aren't gonna hang out at church tonight, are ya?”
“No way, man. I don't believe any of that Jesus crap anyway.”

Gazing down upon the earth, He wept. Another son fallen, another child led astray.

Two days passed.

Cautiously, he opened the book to a random page. It read, “‘Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.’”

A tear hit the page, and another.

I can’t live like this anymore. This isn’t me.

“What’s up?”

The invitational greeting was turned down as he walked past the so-called friend.

Despite the calls made by the teen once known, he kept walking.

…with his Bible in his hands.

Sometimes we think that because we read the Bible, we are saved, that because we take in the Word of God, we have no sin. That isn’t true. Reading may make us feel like better people, but unless we live the way we want to and He wants us to, we aren’t doing anyone any good.

“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:23)

Think about it.

Who around us can hear and see what the Lord does in our lives? How many lives could one person touch, just living for the Lord? The staggering amount leaves me breathless. I, one teenage girl, could live as He commands and share the unconditional love of God.

Instead of reading the Bible and sliding it under our beds or running from it and acting otherwise, we can display His love for all to see!

Actions speak louder than words. So, let them hear the deafening cries of praise to our God!

Some may love to live, but let’s try Living to Love.

Just like the young man in this short story, why don’t we walk around showing off the Bible? We don’t have to literally have our Bibles in our hands as we walk down the hallways of our respective schools or workplaces, our peers, coworkers, and friends can see the difference in the way we live if we Love God and Love People with everything we do. Love them until they question you, that way you can tell them why you live like you do!

There is nothing stopping you except your own fears.

Go on, see what He does through you.

It will be good. 

Story written by Jennifer Lewis

Scripture quoted -  Mark 4:21-23