Sour WarHeads

So I was talking to Zach, and this convo gave me an idea to write a post on my blog.

Zach: "So you know those little sour warhead candies?"

Me: "Um...yes?"

Zach: "They make great pick-me-ups."

Me: "How so?"

Zach: "I wanna get the powder that they coat them in...cause that's the only sour part. Once you get past the sour outer layer, it's just a normal candy."

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So I thought, isn't life kinda like that? Maybe life is like a sour warhead candy. It's covered in a sour outer layer, and though it may be difficult to get through without scrunching up our life (like how you'd scrunch your face when you eat the sour part), it's chewable and in the end it leaves the normal inner layer. And even though we're covered, with trials (the sour layer), we're able to get through it. Some people enjoy the sour part. Think of it like this--let us thank God for our trials and sour layers! They're tests of our faith and trust in the Lord to bring us through and love Him no matter what.

It's kind of a weird analogy, but that was almost my instant thought when Zach said what he did. Yeah. I have a weird mind.

Peace and War

So I found some really cool Bible verses, and I thought I'd share. :)

Exodus 14:14: "The Lord will fight for you, only you have to be still".

1 Samuel 2:9: "It is not by strength that one prevails".

1 Samuel 17:47: "It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves".

Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God".

Psalm 46:8: "He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth".

Ecclesiastes 9:18: "Wisdom is better than weapons of war".

Hosea 11:9: "I am God not man, I will not come in wrath".

Matthew 5:43: "Love your enemies; pray for prosecutors".

Luke 6:27: "Love your enemies; bless those who persecute you".

Romans 12:17: "Return no one evil for evil...live at peace with everyone".

2 Timothy 2:24: "The servant of the Lord must be gentle to all".

Favoritism Forbidden

James 2: 1-12: "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you", but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet", have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my death brothers: has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promise those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself", you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery", also said, "Do not murder". If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!"

If we are to be kind to the rich man, why not be kind to the poor man? Do not show favoritism. Not only is treating rich men well and not treating poor men well showing favoritism, but it also shows prejudice-ness. It is the royal law to "love your neighbor as yourself". If you do not follow this law, then you are a lawbreaker. (along with breaking any other law, such as committing adultery, murder, etc) It is like you are a criminal.

Mercy triumphs over judgement! It is so much better to show mercy and love to anyone and all than to show it to only certain people.For "God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promise those who love him".

Listening and Doing

James 1: 19-27: "My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

It is good for us to listen to the Word. To read the Bible, and to talk to God (and listen to what He has to say). But it is also important to do. I mean, I don't think God wants us to just sit around and do nothing. Look around you! There's people hurting, people confused, people in distress. How can we just do nothing? We need to reach out to them, and we need to do what God has called for us to do. God didn't create us to listen , he created us to do. I'm not saying that we shouldn't listen, obviously. We need to listen, but in following listening, we must do something.

Like it says in the verse above, "anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says, is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." It's like looking at someone sitting without shelter, hungry for food, and thirsty for water. Should we look at him like we are looking in a mirror, walking away and forgetting what we saw? Of course not.

So let us listen, and let us do.

Trials and Temptations

James 1: 2-8: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

James 1: 12: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him."

We will go through trials and temptations. But let us be happy in the fact that with God, we can persevere. We should trust Him in everything. When there is a trial, should we just give up? No. We don't go through it alone. God is there right with us, and He may be testing us. Don't you want to show and express your love for God? Your dedication to Him?

In trials and temptations, if we are not sure what to do, go to God. We can't figure it out on our own. He can give us the wisdom, if we are open to it. We have to listen. It's good for us to talk to Him, and ask Him things. But we must learn to be still, quiet, and patient to what He has to say, and what answers He has for us. If we are confused, He will help us. If we pray to God about something, we should do it without doubt. We should have the belief that He will answer. Don't let your confusion and questions stress you out or blind you. God is right there with us, guiding us. We shouldn't give up. We aren't alone. We don't go through problems alone. We don't do things alone. God helps us, if we are open to it.

Blessed are those who persevere!

Death and All of His Friends

"No I don't wanna battle
From beginning to end
I don't wanna cycle
Recycle revenge
I don't wanna follow death and all of his friends

No I don't wanna battle
From beginning to end
I don't wanna cycle
Recycle revenge
I don't wanna follow death and all of his friends".

--Coldplay, "Death and All His Friends".


As most of you know, Coldplay is my favorite band. Reading those lyrics from the song, it got me thinking.

"No I don't wanna battle from beginning to end". I know I don't, either. It's not bad to fight for what we believe in. But why fight pointless fights, from beginning to end? I'm tired of arguing and then regretting it because the fight was over something that wasn't even a big deal. I'm tired of arguing and then regretting it because I could have handled the situation in a better way. Recently God gave me a feeling of joy, peace, love, and happiness. He lifted a weight off my shoulder. What weight? My own weight. I emotionally hurt myself by beating myself up inside after arguments/fights. I don't wanna battle pointless battles. Not to say I'll never argue again or say things I'll regret later, because I'm sure I will. But God is helping me.

"I don't wanna cycle, recycle revenge". What if someone goes behind your back? Someone you trusted? What if someone hurt someone you cared about? Should we fight fire with fire? No. Fight fire with water. Put out the fire. We'll get hurt in our lives, but we need to look up to God, for He is watching over us and loves us. We should not cycle, recycle revenge. God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves, including our enemies. If we respond with revenge, that will only make things worse. Cycling revenge is pointless...and again, why fight pointless fights from beginning to end? Let us respond in the way God would want us to.

"I don't wanna follow death and all of his friends". John 3:16: "For God so loved the world He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life". God is my Life. I shall follow Him, not death. I shall not follow God's enemy and his friends.

God, I'm in love with you. Thank for opening my eyes to certain things. Thank you for working in my life. Thank you. I love you. Amen. :)

Be Still

Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I Am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth".

Sometimes we get so busy, so caught up in life. We need to be here, need to do that. Sometimes it's stressful and tiring. But we need to take time to just sit, take a breath, and be still. Talk to God. "Be still and know that I Am God". God will take care of you. He's got you covered. He'll get things worked out. It won't always be easy, but nothing is difficult for God. Trust in Him, and know that He is God. Praise Him.

Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me".

Sometimes when we are so busy, we aren't even sure if we can get all the things we need to get done, done. But we need to, again, be still. Know that we can get things done, for God strengthens us.

Let us praise Him, for He loves us, strengthens us, is watching over us.

Doing Good To All

Galatians 5:14-15: "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."

Galatians 5: 22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:26: "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

Galatians 6:10: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Everyone needs love. The strong, the weak, the rich, the poor, the broken, the hurt...everyone. I find great joy in doing good to people--helping them, putting a smile on their face, making them laugh, letting them know someone loves them and cares about them. Letting them know God has a plan for their life.

It doesn't matter if someone disagrees with you or not, or has different beliefs from you, or is different from you. They still need reaching out to also, and you should fellowship with them. Give them love. (Yes, even your enemies are your neighbors) "Love your neighbor as yourself". Let us do what God has commanded us to. :)

He Who Watches Over Us

Casting Crowns, "Praise you in the storm":

I was sure by now

God you would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say, "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

I'll praise You in the storm

And I will lift my hands

For You Are Who You Are

No matter where I am

Every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard me cry

You raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hand and praise the God Who gives

And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of heaven and earth

_________________________

Psalm 121: 1-8: "I lift my eyes unto the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip, He Who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He Who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm, He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

The Light

Psalm 119: 105: "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path".

John 1:5: "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it".

1 Corinthians 4:5: "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motive of men's hearts."

John 12: 36: "Believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light."

The Lord is our Light. He will never desert us, for He is the Light in the darkness. No troubles can overcome Him. He is watching over us and guiding us.

To Give

2 Corinthians 8 10-12: "And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have."

2 Corinthians 9: 6-7: "Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

For also, the Bible says, "It is better to give than to receive". But how can we give, when our heart is not set into it? I think God would rather you give in a generous, willing manner. Not to do so because you "feel you have to" yet you don't want to. Our hearts should be set into it.
I still have to work on giving in the way that I actually want to, but I do find it exciting, and it does make me feel good, to give.

Racing the Race

1 Corinthians 9: 19: "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more."

1 Corinthians 9: 24-27: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."

To me, these passages seem to show that Paul was a dedicated and passionate man. He would go through so much to preach the gospel. He was free from all men, but he made himself a slave to all. He was so willing--he had such a love for the Word. He was running the race. He didn't quit. For He knew that the prize was worth it all. He knew God would not quit on him.

I think we can learn something from this. We should learn to be that willing to preach the Word. To have such a love for the Word. To not give up. To keep running.

Dating/Love, Part 2?

So today as I was on a forum, someone made a thread announcing she got a boyfriend. Let's just call her "Lisa". And I got on this pretty interesting conversation with another user, whom I'll call "Jill". I thought I'd share with you the conversation. I suppose it's like a second part to my "dating/love" blog:

Lisa: "Today I got my first boyfriend! I mean yeah, I am young, but I have had a crush on this guy since 3rd grade. We were already really good friends so just pray this works out. Thanks and no insults please."

Jill: "Congrats! People need to know that when younger people get boyfriends it's not like 'kissing'. Or any of that stuff. People should stop making mean remarks about it. It's not wrong even if you think it is."

Me: "Our point is not just "getting physical". We're not being mean, we're giving advice because we care about you all. Just because it is something you don't want to hear, does not mean we aren't right.
We've had to go through this over and over and over...age and maturity matters when it comes to dating. What, you're like, 10, 11, Lisa? Dating prepares for marriage. It is important that you take you're relationship seriously, and to consider your plans for the future. You both will probably change as you get older. Do you think you'll still be dating him years from now? Most likely not."

Jill: "Well I was there like, 3 or 4 years ago and it wasn't anything at all. It was like a guy was your best-friend and you could hang out all the time with him. It's not a big deal."

Me: "Well if it wasn't "anything at all", and if it was just you and your best guy friend hanging out all the time, then it wasn't dating. The truth is, it IS a big deal. Dating prepares for marriage, how is that not a big deal?"

Jill: "But is she gonna get married?"

Me: "Maybe someday in her life, if it is God's will. But I really don't think that years from now she's going to marry this guy that she's dating now. She's too young to be dating."

Jill: "She most likely won't but people like to experiment."

Me: " Experiment?
The people you date are not "experiments". Dating is not something to be taken lightly...you have to really care about the person. (And I'm sure Lisa does) I'm just saying, that because it does prepare for marriage, you have to consider your possibilities for the future with him. If you know that you're probably not going to even get married to the one you're dating or the one you could date, then just don't date him. It's not worth it."

Jill: "I didn't mean it like that. I know it prepares you in the future for marriage. But let's just say you reeeeeally like this guy and you realllly want to go out with him. And you know that you won't ever marry him. Is that a reason to not go out with him? Bit silly."

Me: "
If you reeeeeeeally like him and you realllly want to go out with him but know that you won't ever marry him, then don't date him. You may think it's silly, but it's not. It's not worth the hurt."

Jill: "So you should just expect that someone going out with someone will eventually marry one day?"

Me: "You shouldn't always just expect it. But you have to consider it, and it's not something you just think about to yourself. It's something you need to talk about with the one you're dating.
I understand if you're mature and are dating someone, and you do actually talk about it with the one you're dating (about your future together). Then you think it will work out, but something comes up and you both realize that it's for the better that you don't continue dating/get married. Then you move on, and if it's God's will, He'll send you the right one."

Jill: "Okay, that makes sense. But why do you need to talk about marrying when you're, like, under 18? I'm not gonna do that, but I might, but I won't be telling my boyfriend about marrying him. He'll get weird around me and break up with me. Actually I don't have a boyfriend at the moment, but still."

Me: "Personally, I think a good age to start dating at is 16. I'll make a general statement and say that 16-year olds are probably more mature for dating and will actually think more about marriage. I do think it depends on maturity--for the couple. Not just one of them being mature for it and the other not. The point is that if you aren't mature for it, then you shouldn't talk about it with, and shouldn't date until you're ready and mature for it/talk about it.

If he'll get weird around you, and not being understanding about it, then he's most likely just not the one for you. (or, at the time, just not mature enough to talk about it or ready to talk about it)

However, if the couple is considering it, and talking about it, but they don't think it's the right time for them to date, then they can wait for each other, if they truly are that committed."

Jill: "You make dating sound not fun."

Me: "I don't mean to. I'm just saying in dating you should know when to be serious and what things you should consider. I'm not saying dating isn't fun--because it is since you're spending time with the one you care about, and doing fun things. But you have to know when to be serious too, is all. :) "

Perhaps you learned something from this. Maybe not. But I thought it was a good idea to share this.

Dating/Love

Here's the deal. I do not think that people younger than 16 should date. Dating prepares for marriage...and people who are dating at an age younger than 16, usually aren't mature enough for it, aren't serious about it, etc. I do think it depends on maturity, because sometimes someone who is 25 isn't mature enough to date, but someone who is 15 could be mature enough to date.
I'm tired of seeing 11-year old's say, "I'm in love!!". No. You're not. You may be in like, but not in love. Love is a strong word, and it has more meaning to it than you may think. To me, love is wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone. (basically why dating prepares for marriage...you obviously should love the one you want to marry) Love is wanting to be there as a shoulder to cry on, to show care...now, you can say that as a friend/family sort of love (excluding the "wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone" part. There's a difference, but I can't quite explain it). Love is also not just a feeling...it is an action.
Love is described in the Bible. More specifically, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
When you are dating, you need to learn to take it seriously...it should not be taken lightly, and it is important that you talk with your significant other about your plans for the future. (such as marriage, kids, financially-related stuff, etc) You can't just "wing it". You can't rush into things. Which is why I don't think people should date an age lower than 16. They will probably change as the years go on, and they aren't usually even mature enough to be thinking about their plans with their significant other for the future. At that age, they don't need to be worrying about dating. If God wills it for them to date, then He will send the right one for them, but they can wait. They can be patient. And at a young age, they most likely aren't even allowed to go certain places alone. (such as malls, parks, etc).
So there ya go.

Ugly is Beautiful

Think about it. God, our Creator, has pretty much the Biggest Imagination ever. He is the Most creative Being. He created this world, the universe, you, everything. And I am in awe of it, because all of His creation IS beautiful. Yeah, you may look at dangerous neighborhoods filled with graffiti and whatnot, and think, "This place looks awful". I admit, even I would say that. But that's because of man. Man dirties up God's creation. Yet, that place would still be beautiful because it's creative and different. If you think about it, is it possible for God to create something that is disgusting, revolting, and/or ugly? I don't think so. Take time to just sit, be still, and take in God's beautiful creation. And when someone says they're ugly, just tell them, "You can't be ugly. God's creation is beautiful, and He created you". And never tell yourself that you're ugly, either. It's true, even I may think "oh, that person didn't look very good tonight", but I think it's just human nature. We have this thing about being critical or worrying about our looks/the looks of people/things.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with trying to pretty yourself up or a place up. Because if you don't do anything you will come across as un-professional or like you don't care if a guest comes to your house and you have pizza lying on the floor and drinks spilled on the table. But if you really think about it...everything about God's creation is amazing and beautiful. Sometimes I'll tell myself, "I look terrible in that picture", but I just gotta remind myself, that God doesn't think so.
I hope that made sense...maybe it doesn't...I wasn't entirely sure how to explain it, but to sum it up, ugly is beautiful.