3 Facts

Fact 1. My identity is created by, founded in, and redeemed by Christ.
The very being of who I am, my body, my soul, my eye color, everything. He created it. Before He even formed my physical body in my mother’s womb, He tells me that He knew me (Jer. 1:5). My thoughts, my likes, my dislikes, my shortcomings, He knew. That didn’t make Him stop loving me. Although He knew I’d fail, His love remained. My identity is founded in Christ. It must. When my identity is shoved to the back of the bus by things I create, my Creator is left out. When my identity is grounded in things of this world, the Creator of the world questions me, I’m sure. Jobs, money, relationships, hobbies, all playing for keeps on the seat of my heart. They all want #1. We’re supposed to seek first the Kingdom of God. I shouldn’t be anxious. I shouldn’t worry. My treasures shouldn’t be in this world (Matt 6). Yet, my Lord and my Savior pulls for my heart so He can be the one true love. My identity shouldn’t have competitors. My identity should be founded in solely in Christ, and in Christ alone. Not only is my identity created by Christ, founded in Christ, but it is also redeemed by Christ. Everyone is in need of Christ’s redemption. It frees us from guilt. It gives us eternal life. It gives us peace. It leads to righteousness. It leads to us being filled with His Spirit. To be redeemed is to be forgiven, reconciled, adopted, free, justified, holy. After Jesus redeems us, we should make a move towards him.

Fact 2. I need to make decisions that reflect a love for the Creator.
Everything that I do can be an act of worship. Going to work. Listening to music. Eating with friends. Talking with co-workers. Ministering to others. Listening. Guiding. Teaching. Learning. Studying. Acting. Singing. Everything can be an act of worship. Who I have on my list of Facebook friends can be an act of worship. Each decision I make reflects my relationship with Christ. If I truly have been crucified with Christ, I should live by faith, not in the flesh (Gal 2:20). Each decision I make can show where my fidelity is entrusted. I cannot serve two masters. I will love one and hate the other (Matt 6:24). There’s no denying that fact. Micah 6:8 gives us special insight as to how we can make decisions on a daily basis to serve our true Master, Creator, and Savior. 1. Seek justice. 2. Love mercy. 3. Walk humbly with your God. 3 directions that doesn’t seem too difficult, but every day my actions will reflect my belief in those instructions. When we actively participate in sin, our actions do not reflect a love for the Creator. When I don’t make Him #1 in my life, my actions don’t reflect a love for the Creator. When my lifestyle is a lifestyle of worship that points the world back to Him, this reflects a love for the Creator.

Fact 3. I must find relationships that help me walk closely with God. If those relationships cause me to question 1 and 2, they're no good.
The people we associate ourselves with could be incredible or detrimental to our walk with God. Those we spend our time with should help us point our lives to Jesus. Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, right? But, those who live according to the spirit set their minds on the things of the spirit (Rom 8:5). What people think about will eventually come out in their life. Jesus simply asks that we don’t forget His teaching. That we do the will of the Father. Is this too hard of a request?  But yet, we try to deceive ourselves, thinking that hanging out with certain people isn’t that big of a deal. That we can handle it. *Spoiler alert* Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals (1 Cor 15:33). The Bible tells us that iron sharpens iron. It doesn’t say that iron is sharpened by duller materials. Proverbs 13:20 also tells us that whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. This should be a wake-up call to all believers. If your group of friends is not encouraging you to grow closer to God, seek out some new friends. I’m 100% for having friends that are unbelievers. In fact, it’s essential. But those you allow to influence your life could have the possibility of determining your eternity. A boy isn’t worth it. A girl isn’t worth it. Your ultimate goal of making it to Heaven should be our priority in life, not winning the popularity contest. Most “friends” will pass away once you’re not seeing them in class every day. We must reach out to the hurting, the lost, and those that need Jesus, and point them to the Cross.

 

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Grown Ups

Men. Women. Adults, they say. Travel to work each morning, hiding the small child inside of them. In reality, most are but mere adolescents or elementary students. Not in thought. Not in intelligence. Not really in actions, although some. But in heart.
The group of 3rd graders running through the hall to see who can get to the lunch line the fastest. However, a teacher standing in her doorway brings them to a brisk walk, sometimes halts them to a walk slower than the average. These people, not changed when they step into a vehicle. All trying to proceed to the next greatest challenge at work to make the most cheese. Speeding thoroughly on the highway to make it on time. To get there early. Yet, the 3rd grade teacher, now dressed in white and blue stationed in a police car snuggled into the median of the highway brings the whole hallway of trucks and cars to a steady trail of law-abiding citizens.
The student, workers, drag into their classrooms called conference rooms. Sluggishly, wishing the weekend was twice as long. They listen intently to their teachers called bosses, trying to grasp every work and annotate everything properly, so that they can pass the test where they're given a leadership role, or have their reviews. Daily, weekly, monthly, each student worker hopes to please the person above them, so they can get good grades called paychecks.
At the end of the day, at the end of the week, they return home to their place of safety. Where they can sit with the people they love most and find joy and comfort.
Yes, these students have many faces for each class they attend, each friend they talk to, each new challenge they face.
Embrace the child in your heart. Listen to your conscience, not questioning it. Let the innocence of your childhood remind you of morals that once used to abide. Realize that there are many things that have changed, yet, much has remained.

Myriad of Sentiments

It's been far too long for comfort since I've blogged. For those who care, I'm going to write a few updates in my life since I've been absent.

First of all, I'm married. Yes, this is the best thing that's ever happened to me outside of Jesus. She's amazing. Incredible. The best thing that ever happened to me. I love her. She's my best friend, and I love being with her all the time. It's amazing to KNOW that you're in God's will. He is pleased, for sure. The whole engagement process was incredible, too. Sometimes people have insane problems during this time. However, for us, it was amazing. Marriage is AWESOME. It's so much fun living with another person. Getting ready. Going running. Making dinner (aka, learning to cook together lol). It's simply a blast. To those that are dating, engaged, not yet dating, etc...it's worth it to wait for marriage. Don't rush God's plan. He has a specific time line for you. Let Him do His job. :)
Shout out to Evelyn, who rocked a 5:30am run with me this morning AND made an incredible dinner last night. Love you. :)

Secondly, I've been writing songs recently. I do plan on recording again. An acoustic album. I'm very excited for this. I feel like God has been giving me lyrics and the creative spark to form these into songs. The enemy continuously tries to fill my mind with doubts, discouragements, lies and confusion. Honestly, it's a battle to write sometimes. Thoughts of whether or not my message will be accepted. Will it be good enough? Why would I wonder if it'll be good enough? That's not God's will. He has a message that He wants to portray through me, and that's all that matters. I just have to carry this out. Encouragement is welcome.

Thirdly, I've really been thinking the idea of discipleship. A good friend of mine had a good quote. He said "If you don't set yourself up to be discipled, don't whine when you get overlooked".  At first sounding slightly harsh, I began to dwell on this. This was an incredible thought. If I set myself up to be discipled, then I will be discipled. How do I do this. Well, I must trust the person discipling me. Whether it's my pastor, my youth pastor, or my accountability partner, I must LET them disciple me. I have to put forth EFFORT to be discipled. Jesus' disciples dropped everything to follow Him. Granted, the people that mentor me aren't Jesus in the physical form, it's the person/people Jesus has placed in my life for a specific purpose. When I deny those that mentor me their right to correct me or lead me, I deny myself the opportunity to grow in Christ. What I'm understanding is that I MUST be open and transparent and allow my leaders...to lead me. That's all.

The end. Sorry for the randomness. Just had to get all that out. :)

Broken Vessel

A broken vessel. Sometimes it's cracked. Sometimes it's shattered. Sometimes it has all of the right conditions to be broken, and is just waiting. To the human eye, a broken vessel is of no worth, even useless. The more that life is lived, the more used we become as people. Shattered dreams. Broken homes. Breaking marriages. People torn away from us too short in life. Each aspect of each day is some sort of building block. When those building blocks continue to accumulate, the foundation is tested. When the pressure is added, a myriad of reactions can ensue. Take for example, ice and clay. Heat melts one and hardens the other. So we, as people, react the same at times. Whether this vessel will melt down, or become hard, we will be affected.

 

The beauty of this is that in each broken vessel, worn down piece of work, nick or scratch, God sees a masterpiece. Each day, He is shaping us, molding us, and designing us. What we may see as a broken dream, the God sees as an uprage for a better future. When we see ourselves as a lost cause, the Designer sees us as being right on schedule for construction. When we feel pressured and in unbearable 'heat', the Potter sees a work of art in progress.

Live each day as an opportunity to grow.

A talented ice sculptor was once asked "How do you know how to scuplt the eagle?". He responded, "I just carve out everything that's not an eagle."

Take on change with a vision of the possibilities.

Jesus, the ultimate designer, has a plan.

  

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

-Romans 8:28



  

The Master and His Plan

This is a time of my life that has presented opportunities that are exceedingly challenging. These opportunities consist of growing pains and learning curves. When God desires to teach me to trust Him, it, ironically enough, takes time. As a human being, I want answers now, in my timing. God's will consists of His timing, His plan, and His answers. Too often, what I want doesn't align up with what God has to offer.

Have you ever tried to teach a four year old something? They get frustrated, want to quit, but you want to show them the benefit of learning. You see the outcome, but they don't. This is how God views our situations sometimes. He calls us to rest in Him. He wants us to put our faith and our failures in Him. During this waiting, trusting, understanding, He is still there. Regardless of our human abilities, His supernatural powers undermine what is humanly possible.

God's love doesn't make sense. Sometimes, His plan doesn't either.
In those times, I truly believe God is teaching me. I act like a small child frustrated with having to learn something. I want answers now. I want this, and I know exactly why I want it. Yet, God is holding something for me in my future, saying  I have something better. He denies our misguided prayers, and we get frustrated at Him. Why? Is He not in control of everything? Why do I get mad when He denies me something that will hurt me? When he has something better. Something more fruitful.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shows us how nature doesn't really work, they rely on God. The birds, the lilies, they rely on God. So if I am a child of the Living God, why do I worry? When God is faithful and just. He will protect and provide. He will.

Trusting God is difficult. Sometimes, it's uncomfortable.
The deeper the difficulty, the deeper the trust.
The deeper the pain, the deeper the relationship with God is.

We must believe that God's word is true.





Thank You for the rain
Thank You for the pain
I may not understand the things You do,
But I know that Your Word is true
You don't have to show me why
There were clouds in the sky
But because of the storm I went through, 
I'm close to You

Relationship Growth

Let me begin this by saying that I have no authority to talk about this. I'm not experienced, nor do I have special insight. I just believe God has showed me this to write down for specific reasons.

This blog is going out to everyone, however, I'm going to dedicate it to singles, engaged people, or new married couples.

This crazy world is filled with people that don't get along. In America, half of marriages fail. That's such a sad fact to me. In Proverbs 18, it claims that he who finds a wife, finds a good thing. Matthew 19:4-6 reads "Haven't you read, that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female', and said 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So that they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." It's clear that relationships between male and female are important to God. Marriage is important. All throughout the New Testament we see scripture on human relationships.

What I've been seeing in the last few years is this.
What God considers extremely important, the devil attacks.
Marriages are important to God, so the enemy attacks it.

Because we're human, we don't get along with everyone. That's human nature.
Sometimes the best and most important relationship besides God is your husband or wife. This also can be your most difficult relationship. Know why? Because the devil sees how much it could improve your walk with God.

Difficult, yes. But I also see it as the most sanctified relationship a person can have in their life. So yes, there is pain and difficulties associated with marriage. You gotta live with that person every day. Yet, I'm reminded of how the Lord uses marriage to build character in one's life. It's amazing that God can takes something that is so awesome, yet, so difficult, and use it for a Christian's growth in their character. Marriage builds character.

Fight for it. Don't give up just because it's difficult.

To those of us that aren't married:  We need to be prepared and get ready to be attacked from the enemy in ways we've never been attacked once we do get married. The enemy sees how great a marriage can be for our Christian walk, so he wants to attack it from the inside out. It's all around us. Open your eyes and begin to make decisions. Decide WHO you want to be in a husband or a wife. Make a declaration to the positive additions to your life you're going to make in order to be a better man or woman.

To everyone else: Work to better your marriage. Don't stop working. Ever.

The Dangers of Fasting

Wait….there are dangers to fasting?

Aren’t there only blessings that come with fasting? Nope.

As in any progressing relationship with God, there are positive and negative aspects that one must be aware of. There are indeed, dangers to fasting.

Danger #1: Work for Love

I think we can all agree that we cannot do anything to make God not love us. No matter how deep the sin, no matter how deep the hurt, God still loves us. It’s true to be said that Jesus loves the murderer just as much as He loves the person that was murdered. That’s hard to fathom because we don’t love people like that. We love with conditions, on performance. God’s love, however, us unconditional. It never fades or fails.

With this in context, you we cannot do anything to make God love us more. No matter how much we pray, fast, read, attend church, mentor others, pay our tithes, etc., God will not love us any more. We can’t DO things to bid for God’s love.

This is why there is a danger to fasting.

Fasting sometimes gives us the notion that “Yeah, I’m doing this for God, He will answer my prayer now”. We can allow our works to determine how we view God’s love. Newsflash: fasting is an obedience to scripture and out of a pure heart to draw closer to God. It starts to eliminate our flesh in our walk with God. It’s not an action one can take to buy God’s love; He doesn’t work that way.

Danger #2: Self-Righteousness

Fasting takes a lot of self-effort sometimes. Not eating. Not listening to music. Not going on social media. Only eating certain things. Not eating certain things.

It’s an aspect of the Christian walk that requires our action.

However, the reason that it’s a danger sometimes is for the simple fact that WE’RE the ones fasting. We are giving up this. We are giving up that. We’re SO spiritual, that WE are doing this for God.

At that moment, we have totally missed the point.

This is why Jesus wasn’t a fan of the Pharisees. They made an effort for people to see them fasting and doing good works for God’s Kingdom.

Posting a Facebook status or tweeting about your fast isn’t drawing you closer to God, it’s begging for man’s attention and acceptance.

By the grace of God can we not only ‘get through’ a fast, but come out the victor in to a deeper committed walk with God that subdues our flesh and earthly desires.

It's better to have a walk with God that includes fasting without having to think we are more spiritual for doing something, or having to require attention of others. 

Danger #3: Attack from the Enemy

Once a Christian understands and knows the benefits of fasting, it develops a deeper understanding and appreciation for it. Newsflash: this scares the devil. The third danger in fasting is a heightened attack from the enemy. It’s the bulls-eye on your head that grows twice its size during said time of fasting. The enemy is aware of how much fasting eliminates flesh. Are you?

When fasting, it’s imperative to be aware that in a weak state of mind and body, the devil will begin his festivities. He will begin to lie. He will begin to persuade. He will begin to show how fasting isn’t worth it.

This hurts Christians a lot. When fasting, be vigilant. Be aware. Be on your A-game, because the devil is on his the moment you decide to fast. Know that he will try to tell lies.

Remove flesh from the equation. Stand firm on the Word of God. Fight the devil with the very foundation you stand on.

And win battles through fasting. 

Encouragement

During my 11 mile run on Friday, I had plenty of time for thinking. As I run, I tend to think. I never run without music, so there’s a constant feed of musical notes and words into my brain. Yet, somehow, my brain shifts around those words, and begins to create its own thought patterns not related to the music. As I run, I began to think. School, church, girlfriend, family, friends, Bible stories, moments with God, etc. All kinds of random thoughts come to mind. One thing leads to another.

During my run on Friday, one word kept traveling through my brain.

Encouragement.

I am currently training for a full marathon this spring. I have done two half marathons. One in Sheboygan, one in Oshkosh. The last one I did was in Oshkosh. The weather was horrible. Cold, rainy/snowy, etc. The one thing that got me through the run was encouragement. Had it not been for the hundreds of people lining the streets throughout the course cheering us on, I probably wouldn’t have made it. Complete strangers looking me in the eye and yelling “Come on!” “You can do it!” “Great job!” “You’re almost there!” It was the cheers and support that gave my weak legs the motivation to keep moving.

When training for a full marathon, I often think about that encouragement. The feeling of crossing the finish line and having people cheering for me is unexplainable. They didn’t know me, but they applauded my efforts and accomplishments. When I’m running by myself for training, at times I think of those people cheering, and it gives me encouragement to keep running.

As I was reflecting on this, I began to think of the church. How common is it for me to give some encouragement for new believers? How often to I compliment a new saint in their walk with God? Do I give support to youth members that have been raised in church? It’s so necessary to give encouragement to the people in the body of Christ. That compliment might give them motivation to keep running the race they’re on. At times, they (we) get weak. A compliment just might do the trick to keep running in that weakness. Even a simple “Hey, how are you doing? Can I do anything to help you out?” or a “I just want to encourage you, you’re doing a great job with _____. Keep it up” is an easy way to make somebody’s day. Days later, that compliment might be the gasoline needed to keep moving with the tank feels weak. 


Give some encouragement. It may carry that person through their next battle. 

1 Corinthians 9:24

2 Timothy 4:7

Hebrews 12:1

Battle

Ever had a goal that you made and didn't accomplish? 
Maybe you decided to get really good grades, and a bad test ruined your drive to study. Maybe you had a goal weight you wanted to be at and a bad weekend pushed you in the opposite direction.
 
I am currently training for a marathon. I had a bad week. Little running, and the running I did do wasn't really productive. It's easy in my mind for me to thing "well, I didn't do well on this week, so there's no point in trying now." This mentality is  more common than we realize. Dropped goals because of unmet benchmarks. Failed exams because of bad homework grades. It's everywhere. 
In that moment, I must reel back from everything my brain is telling me to do: stop. I must jolt my body into a realization that it's possible to keep going. I have to prove to myself that I CAN do it. When I have a bad week running, I can't quit. I'm committed. I will be running this marathon. I will complete it. 

You see, it's easy to take this mentality into my spiritual man. Maybe I have a goal to read more or pray more, then don't meet that goal, so I stop altogether thinking its not worth it. I somehow have concluded that by reading God's word or praying, I can be more spiritual; therefore God's love being conditional. Brake check. Wrong. 
I actually can't do anything or not do anything to change God's love. So, I cannot believe the lie that once I have made a mistake or had a bad week, it's pointless to try anymore. 
I have to look the enemy square in the eye and say I WILL continue. I will be victorious.
When failure comes to my life, I cannot say "well, I might as well keep sinning". 
It's easy to say "well, I am 10 minutes late to class, so might as well not show up". 
But when it comes to our spiritual man, we must be VIGILANT about attacking that mentality, and waking up accepting grace, mercy and love. 
The enemy may have won a battle, but I have the opportunity to win the war. 

Friends.

It was at a Clintonville valley rally.
I met this girl at the after event. This girl would become my best friend.
For years, we never once talked about dating; never once read into our friendship.
We were just....friends.
People asked. Commented. Suggested. Joked.
But we never were more.

Until we were.

This girl is not only my girlfriend, but my best friend.
My favorite part of our relationship is how close we are as friends.
I genuinely like spending time with her.
I know her. She knows me.
There's so much to learn when you're dating somebody.
It creates complications if you're learning about them as a person that you don't really know.

I highly suggest that before you ever start to date somebody, become a great friend.
Get to know them. No strings attached. Don't be so into yourself that you have to have titles.
It's ok to be friends. I love my best friend. And I'd do anything for her :)

<3

#1

In prayer the other day, I felt God moving me back to songwriting. It's been a while since I've written a song. In 2011, I probably wrote 3. Not a lot, considering I think of myself as a song writer. God spoke to me and said that He wanted to use me in this area this year. I won't be posting most of my songs on here, as not to clutter the blog, but I may post one randomly. Here's the first one I wrote yesterday. 

Surrender

Verse I

In my life I don’t understand

Why You leave me, or so it seems

Where are You? Where am I?

I just want to be free.

I need You; I can’t do this alone.

I love You. Would You take me home?

Chorus

Jesus, I surrender to You.

Jesus, please make me new.

I’m tired of fighting; I’m tired of losing.

I’m tired of trying and failing.

I surrender.

Verse II

I need You more than the rain.

I’m lost without Your blood.

I need You to sustain.

Cover me like a flood.

I’m lonely, desperate; I need to be freed.

I’m calling, searching; Your strength I need.

Bridge

I surrender to Your grace. I surrender to Your love.

I surrender to Your mercy. I surrender to Your blood.

I surrender to Your promises. I surrender to Your peace.

I surrender to Your will, Lord. I know You are for me. 

Your Boss as a Waitress

Amidst the drink orders, side orders, main orders, changed orders or added orders, somehow it's forgotten how to maintain order in manners. How easy is it to get frustrated with a waitress or waiter? Very easy.
Yeah, I was clear with my order, I didn't stutter. Yeah, they messed it up. Yeah, they weren't paying attention.

But you know what? It still doesn't give me the right to be rude.
Regardless of the situation, it's never okay to treat your wait staff disrespectfully.
Let me compare your waitress or waiter with your boss.
Your boss probably has bad days. He or she probably forget things. They aren't paying attention one day. They get side tracked. They have another project they're trying to get done, maybe a much larger project. They might forget about what you asked for, so they have to ask again. They might mess up your paycheck one day, but fixes it when asked about it.
Do you treat your boss with disrespect? I'm gonna venture out to say no.

A boss is somebody I must treat respectfully. In our minds, we classify them as somebody that must be taken seriously and must be treated with the best of attitudes. It's so easy to take this mentality and throw it out the window when it comes to other people in our day. Sure, your waitress doesn't pay you, I get that. But, if we take the mentality like they're our boss, we will give them a lot more room for error. Your waiter might have had a bad day, or forgot something, or isn't paying attention, or gets side tracked, or has 8 other tables they're waiting on, maybe they messed up your bill, or simply just did a terrible job.
What can you do at that point?
Would it be crazy to say to give them a good tip anyway? Probably. But will the $4 kill you at the end of the year? Nope. Shining God's light to waiters and waitresses is easy to do sometimes, because they are there to serve you. You have them in the palm of your hand. They (in most cases) have to listen to what you have to say, because their job isn't only to bring you your food, but to establish a relationship within 45 minutes in order to have a better chance of getting a better tip.
So why turn down this awesome opportunity to show God's love by proving a point to them. Proving you're right simply shuts them down and ruins your chance. Sure, if something is drastically wrong with your bill, kindly ask about it. However, remember they're probably getting paid under $3 an hour, and you're their source of life. Be nice to the service industry workers. Even when they're rude to you. Why? Because that's what Jesus taught us to do.

Piano "lessons"

As a piano teacher (and I'm guessing any teacher has this same experience), I see kids that want to learn, but don't have the drive to actually put effort into it, and it's frustrating.
When I give a student a lesson and something to work on that week, I expect them to practice it.
One of my students is currently on their 4th week on the SAME worksheet because they haven't practiced it. :/ It's frustrating to me because I want them to continue and to progress.

Then, God spoke to me in His soft voice. But His words make me literally stop what I was doing and reflect on what He said.

He asked me the question How many times have I given you a test, and I have to keep sending you the same tests because each time, you haven't learned from the last time?


Wow. Convicted. It's so true though. Too often we have to keep repeating the same tests because we don't learn. God wants us to learn. He's disappointed because he wants us to continue and to progress. He wants to move on to bigger and better things. He's waiting on us to learn.

11 unprofessional suggestions

I'm by no means an expert in handling stress, busy schedules, or conquering multiple projects.
I am, however, learning how to do it. 
Here's some of my very inadequate and unprofessional advice. 

1. Stay off Facebook and Twitter. If you have a ton of homework, nothing will distract you more than checkin' out your Facebook, getting lost in tweets, and just plain creepin' on people. Heck yeah, it's fun, and chances are, you may even let yourself believe the lies that you try to tell yourself. Example: I'll only go on for five minutes (....40 minutes later....you remember your convincing story). If it's for an extended period of time, deactivate your Facebook (they'll let you come back). Deactivate your twitter (you have 30 days to come back).
2. Prioritize. If you have something due tomorrow. Work on it today. If it's due in 2 days, work on it tomorrow. Regardless of how big the project is, get done what is due first. It'll work every single time. If it's not that big of a paper, project, etc, still do it first. Get it out of the way if it's not that big of a deal. 
3. Lose some sleep. Normally you won't see this in professional advice. I'm not professional. Honestly, I see it this way, you have an extra 10 hours during the night to get stuff done. You can suffer one day of tiredness. Fact: your body will readjust after just one night of a regular sleep schedule. Don't feel like you need three days to catch up on sleep after one night of a lack of sleep. I don't suggest pulling all nighters. Set a time where you HAVE to be in bed, i.e. 1am or 2am. With most people, if you get at least 4 hours of sleep, you can function. Act accordingly. Get your stuff done. 
4. For tests: (again, unprofessional advice), regardless if you've studied a ton or haven't studied a lot, review the material right before your test. As soon as you get your test, scan the test for familiar topics or questions that look identical to your study guides, books, or previous tests/quizzes.
5. Make lists. I don't care if you're not a list person. Make a list. I survive off of lists. It helps me to prioritize my current happenings and it gives me a sense of accomplishment when I can cross something off my list. 
6. Learn to say no. If you can't hang out with somebody, participate in an event, or accomplish a task somebody is wanting you to do, ...take the drugs method.....just say no. Chances are, they'll be offended, or they won't. 50/50 chance. Either way, you have to get your stuff done. 
7. Don't forget about the people in your life. Human relationships will help you deal with the stress of a busy workload or schedule. If you focus 100% of your energy on work, school, or whatever you're doing, you'll burn out. Take time to talk on the phone, text somebody, or hang out for a little bit. Human interaction is the spice of life.
8. Embrace silence. We live in a loud society. Music. TV. Random noises. Don't be afraid to simply drive in silence. It's good for you sometimes. 
9. Pray. (in no way are this in order of importance) Having Jesus in your life is one of the best ways to deal with stress. Tell God exactly how you feel (yes, you can talk to him like you talk to your best friend...hello..?)
10. Know your food and drink vices. Espresso is mine. Once again, un-professional advice. If coffee helps you focus, if gum helps you think, if caffeine is your friend in troubling times, indulge. Get what you need to get done.
11. When the stressful times are done, take. a. break. Period. 

Yeah. Anyway. 

Boyte out. 

Radical Change

Temptation. It's a tricky thing.

You can turn temptation in to a win. Trust me. It's possible.

When looking at James 1:14, it's obvious to see that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own natural desires. The first step in dealing with temptation is recognizing our human tendency to be tempted. We're human. It's bound to happen. Temptation is a given. It will always be there, so don't be caught off guard by it. Instead, expect to be tempted on a daily basis; be prepared for it. 

The NLT translation of 1 Corinthians 10:13 is so cool. It says "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience." This is a common lie from the enemy, telling you that you're the only one going through this, you're all alone. Lie. Everyone goes through temptation. It goes on to say that "God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give into it".  No matter how hard core the temptation is, God's got your back. He will never let you go through something that He's not able to bring you out of. 

A good measure to take when dealing with temptation is knowing your Word. Hebrews 4:12 says that the word of God is "quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword". Sounds like a pretty intense weapon. Temptation is intense, too. It won't just back down; be prepared for a fight. it's helpful to read God's word when temptation comes, sometimes even that's not practical. A better practice is to KNOW the word of God so that when temptation comes, you can fight it with the knowledge of the word. It's easier to quote a scripture when a thought comes than it is to find your Bible, look up in the concordance something dealing with that temptation and reading that verse. If you are regularly reading your Bible, you will have God's full counsel at your finger tips. 

The title of this blog is "radical change". Let me give you a scenario. 

If you're reading a book, and somebody comes and hits your hand with a hammer, that's going to radically change your situation. Chances are, you're not going to want to continue reading the book. However, if somebody simply walks past you and brushes past your shoulder, you might look up at them, but you'll continue reading.

Regarding temptation, I'm not saying slam your body with a hammer. But check this out.

When temptation comes, one of the best reactions is radical change. 

Go for a run, go to a store, call somebody. Do SOMETHING to change your situation. 

When I discuss sexual temptation with guys, I tell them this: "When you want to look at pornography on your computer while it's sitting there in your room, reading a bible verse and going back to bed won't cut it all the time. You need to do something to completely change your situation. Put your computer in the living room. Go sleep on the couch. Call a mentor. Do something different!"

Refocus your temptation with praise. This one's a hard one. When you're tempted, it's going to be easier to dwell on that temptation than it is to think about worshipping God. Sing a song, read a scripture, dwell on a sermon, write in your journal. Find something to do that is an act of worship toward God. Nothing shuts down the enemy's plan faster than you praising God. 

When we do fail and give into temptation, get up. God's mercy and grace is fresh every morning. Each day when you wake up, God is asking you Will you let your past sin go so that we can continue in our relationship? If you look at any relationship, it's a let down when one party brings up past events that has already been forgiven. God feels the same way. He wants you to move on from your sin so that He can continue to love you and love through you to others around you. 

He's waiting on you. 

Recap:

Recognize our tendency to live in sin.

Run away from sin. God's got our back. 

Make a radical change when temptation comes.

Know the Bible so you can combat the enemy with Truth.

Refocus the temptation with praise.

Repent and move on when failures take place. 

Who Are You?

Who are you?  
Who am I? This is the question that will plague teenagers from now until Jesus comes. We live in a society that stresses the importance of finding who you are. This is why in college, it's mandatory to take classes that aren't related to your proclaimed major. The education system wants you to experience different classes to find out if you're sure on what you want to do with your life. Career, religion, culture, social class and sexuality are different ways in our country to express who you are. The rise in plastic surgeries support the fact that many people aren't comfortable with who they are. They want to change. They want to be somebody else. 
So, who are you? 


Friend Me!
Pop culture magazines, the internet, television and virtually all forms of media are screaming at teenagers to find out who they are. However, often times the wrong message is being portrayed. This message says: Be like us. If you don't look like us, you're not accepted. If you don't do what we do, you're not cool. People use social means like Facebook to produce a facade of themselves that is different than who they really are, posting status updates and pictures that are their faces and voices, but are...well, different. Let me give you an example. Facebook became popular when I was in high school. I had a friend that got a Facebook and started posting all kinds of "religious" statuses. However, when you talked to him in person, you would never know he was a Christian. This isn't about Facebook, it's about identity. This social network has become common talk between people, and we have adapted new words into our language. The words "friend" and "facebook" have become verbs and it's socially accepted to write on somebody's "wall". Why am I talking about facebook? Because it's hurting our identities. 
Am I saying go and delete your page? Of course not. I still have mine. It's a great resource. 


Check out these verses.
John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." 
Psalm 118:8 "It's better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Proverbs 14:28 "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge." 


These verses claim four things. 1) We are in God's friend list. Apart from this connection, we can do nothing. 2) Confidence in man fails. Confidence in God wins. Every time. 3) Self confidence needs to be centered in Christ. 4) Because of this connection, we have the privilege to have a refuge in God. 


The Lie
You see, we live in a constantly changing world that thinks the amount of Facebook friends they have determines their identity. What? Nobody has written on my wall in the last 3 weeks? I clearly don't have any real friends. Internet activity has replaced real conversations. She has 2,400 friends? Wow...I only have 212. I must not be popular. It's probably that person accepts everyone and their mom. Your identity needs to be solid in the One who made you. Jesus is probably so hurt sometimes because his creation can't see that they're valuable in His eyes. Pop culture claims that you aren't of worth unless you bend to the ever-bending morals of society. Movie Stars tells you you're not beautiful because you're not fake. TV stars tells you your life is boring because it doesn't involve having at least 3 sexual partners. Facebook stalkers tell you you're not popular until you've reached your maximum of 5,000 friends. The devil tells you that you don't belong to the Kingdom of God because of past sin. 


The Truth
Let me tell you some facts about how God feels about you. These facts are unconditional (without conditions or limitations). This means they can't change. This is the truth. Check it.
1. You are accepted. 
John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
2. You are secure. 
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
3. You are significant. 
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
4. You are a child, a friend, a temple and a member of God and His Kingdom.
John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
5. You are an ambassador of His reign and reconciliation. 
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
6. You have been redeemed and forgiven of your sin. 
Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
7. You are complete in Jesus, and only in Him. 
Colossians 2:9-10 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.


Identity comes from Christ. Not from pop culture. Not from Facebook. Not from relationships. Not from anything else. When the foundation of your identity comes from Jesus Christ, you won't fall apart when everything else falls apart.