Ignite Your Fire

Well, I'm back at Union University for my junior year and I'm excited to see what God has in store. Looking back at the summer, it was definitely one for the books. I'm thankful for all that I learned and the opportunities God provided me.

One of my favorite things to do this past summer was to go to our family farm and build a campfire. There is something about sitting around a campfire and looking at the stars that calms me like nothing else. Every time we built a fire, the cutest little frogs came out of nowhere and sat along the rocks.  They would sit just close enough to the fire to feel the heat, but never actually jumped in the fire or touched it. It fascinates me how they all came out of nowhere as soon as the fire was built in order to bask in the heat.

I couldn’t help but see an interesting analogy between the frogs, the fire, and a relationship with the Lord.

Sometimes I feel just like the frogs. I talk to God long enough to know that he’s there and feel his presence, but I never really ignite my fire for God. “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” (Matthew 15:8-9) I don’t know about you, but I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian. Now is not the time for me or you to be halfhearted in our faith. Let’s ignite like a burning piece of wood! Let’s set the Kingdom on fire! GOD IS NOT DEAD.

That being said, I leave you with a question that I have been frequently asking myself: Are you like the frogs sitting just close enough to the fire to feel the heat or are you a piece of firewood burning bright for all to see?

“…This is what the Lord God says: I am about to ignite a fire in you, and it will devour every green tree and every dry tree in you.  The blazing flame will not be extinguished, and every face from the south to the north will be scorched by it.” (Ezekiel 20:47b)

For tips on how to keep your faith on fire for God, check out the links below:

http://www.charismamag.com/life/women/18697-6-ways-to-keep-the-fire-of-god-burning-in-your-life

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-ignite-a-fire-in-your-soul-11608346.html

7 Tips for Maintaining Meaningful Friendships

In the midst of the high-tech world things are constantly changing and close friendships are hard to keep. I have 357 followers on Instagram and over 500 Facebook friends, but I can only think of a few friends that I would really want to call in a time of need.

If you’re like me, then their's only a few people that you would really consider your “close” friends. With people moving, getting married, and growing up; friendships aren’t easy to start or to maintain.  I’ve come up with a collection of things that I have learned over the years. Hopefully, these tips will help you create lasting friendships as well! “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

1.      Make an effort. Nothing can replace seeing people in person. Go to the wedding, go to the party or shower, enjoy the movie, make the date for lunch, and stop by someone’s apartment. You will be thankful you took the time to do it when it’s over. Friendships are good for you!
2.      Stay true to yourself. In college and even in the workforce, everyone is trying to fit in and conform to those around them. Dare to be different. It is impossible to have a real relationship if you are pretending to be something that you aren’t. I guarantee people will love you just the way you are.
3.      Don’t expect too much. People are busy. They have their own lives with a busy schedule that has little room for additions. Don’t feel rejected if you ask someone to hangout and it doesn’t fit his or her schedule.
4.      Be vulnerable. Nobody wants to sit around and talk to a brick wall. If you want to have meaningful relationships, being vulnerable is key. Open your heart. Open your mind. Express yourself.
5.      Let go of the past. Whether you like it or not, some of your friends will break your heart. They will make decisions you don’t agree with and friendships may fall apart, but don’t let the outcome of one friendship change your attitude on all friendships. Let go of the past and put yourself out there. In order to have good friends, you have to weed out the bad ones.
6.      Admit your mistakes. If something is your fault, fess up! Be mature enough to admit your faults and take responsibility. Ask forgiveness when it is needed. Others will respect you and love you through your faults when you are brave enough to admit them.
7.      Love like God loves. God loved us enough to send His one and only son to die on the cross for us. That’s a love that can’t be put into words. Love others the way He loves you and He will guide your friendships. 

Life Happens

Yesterday, I was looking at my calendar and the tough realization that I had a little less than two weeks before school starts back hit me hard. Where has the summer gone? I didn’t do half of the things I meant to do this summer.  In less than two weeks, I will be moving back into my little dorm at Union University and gearing up for my junior year in college.

The older I get, the faster things seem to fly by. I still can’t believe that I’m already a junior in college. My baby cousin (who is 6 years younger than me) is starting her freshman year of high school. I repeat, HIGH SCHOOL. Time is flying by; we really do grow up fast.

It’s surreal. Life is happening, and there’s no way to slow it down. It’s scary.  It’s awesome. It’s exciting. But it’s really scary. 

On days like today, I can’t help but sit back and be so grateful for all the things and opportunities that I have had. Life is happening fast, but it’s good to take a minute and be thankful for how far we have come.  “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) It’s amazing what you can see if you take the time to look. God has truly planned out everything in His perfect way.

If you’re like me and realizing how fast the world around you is changing and growing, don’t be alarmed. God is in control. “In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10) Thank Him for how far you have come and trust Him with the future that lies ahead. He will never leave you or forsake you.