Summer Surrender

Summers are very bittersweet times. On one hand we've got the freedom that comes from no school, a time of vacation, and the sense that next year we're a whole grade older. But on the other hand, we start to feel the loneliness when people are gone on vacation or working summer hours. We're done with the previous year, but can't quite start the new one yet. We're stuck. The question is, will you continue to stay stuck? Or will you do something extraordinary to grow you, strengthen you, and make you a different person than you were at the beginning of the summer?

On average, summer breaks are about 3 months. So much can happen in those 3 months. Think about coming back from summer break and seeing that one person who looks completely different. Can change only be on the outside? Or can we do something that can change who we are on the inside a well?

The answer is up to you. Influences from all around can affect you in all sorts of different ways. Some for the good and some for the bad.

Ecclesiastes 3 talks about a certain time for everything. I believe that one of the main purposes for summer break, whether it was intended this way or not, is that certain time for growth. It is a time to look back and reflect on the previous year. Laugh at the good times and learn from the bad. It also is a time to prepare for the season ahead. Each year is a new, fresh start to become the person you were meant to be.

"So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can." (Ecclesiastes 3:12 NLT). No, this doesn't mean to go off, get drunk and do something stupid. We're not talking about pulling a YOLO. It just says to be happy. Sometime it's the most simple thing we can do, yet we make it so difficult. Even on your hardest day, there is a blessing to find joy in. I heard a quote once that says something along the lines of "But it's also true that not all of your bad days are bad all the time." (not the exact quote). It's true. Even on your hardest day, there is something to be joyful about. The strength that you gain in the times of growth comes from how you react to those bad days and what you do with those joyful times.

I'm about to start college, so I am definitely feeling this. I'm ready to get a start on my life and the next season God has for me, but I'm not there yet. But I'm also not in high school anymore. I'm stuck in the middle. Although its hard sometimes, I'm trying to spend as much time as I can with those around me because most of the people I hangout with will be gone within the next few weeks. While doing all of that, I'm trying to prepare for college as well.

If you're struggling with this same thing, I want you to know that you're not alone. Don't feel discouraged because you can't quite seem to connect with the world around you. Ecclesiastes 3, along with whatever else God has in mind for me to read, has definitely helped. And I know for a fact there are people around you who want to help and be there for you.

Don't face today alone. Tomorrow is a new day for a new start.
"And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him." (Ecclesiastes 3:14 NLT)

God's Princess

Ladies, this post is for you!  How many of you can say you have probably thought about your future husband at least once a day? (I am raising my hand up way high).  We all do it at one point or another.  We're women and we want that special part in our hearts to be filled.  One thing I have learned over the years, especially in high school, it isn't an easy ride finding Mr. Right, but God did promise it would be worth it.  This morning in my quiet time, I was reading Romans and came across a scripture that says "But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently." Chapter 8 verse 25.  I honestly had never seen that scripture before today.  I new something like that was probably in the Bible, but I never actually found it.  Until today.  And girlfriend, let me tell you, it hit me hard.  Who likes to be patient?!  No many people.  But as we all learn, patience definitely comes with a blessing.  I like the last word in that verse, "confidently."  Confidence is something I know everyone struggles with at some point in their life.  I know I have.  When we wait for something so special, just getting by in life and hoping for the best doesn't always work.  Living life and embracing it and have CONFIDENCE in who you are brings joy to not only yourself, but to the people around you.  There is a cliche saying that says "Love comes when you least expect it."  As I've noticed throughout time and from the love stories around me (real life and ones from books/movies), love really does come when you least expect it.  When you think about it, that adds to the beauty of it.

As a woman, it still is hard to enjoy life when your heart still longs for that special connection with your prince charming.  Again, my hand is raised high!  Romans 8:38 says that NOTHING can separate us from the love God has for us.  And truth be told, His love is far greater than any love our earthly prince will ever be able to give us.  Gods love is eternal and out numbers the sand grains on every ocean.  When you're feeling down and lost, remember that.  Not only is God your friend and king, but He is also your TRUE prince charming.  He wants to have a relationship with you better than any earthly relationship can ever withstand.  God knows the desires of your heart and fulfills EVERY need that you may feel.  He is our ultimate lover.  My heart goes out to those who don't feel the love that surrounds them.  I want you to know that it's there.  He's there.  And He wants you to come to Him so He can comfort you and love on you.

As for our patience issue, Romans 8:28 (can you tell I really like Romans:)?) says "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Take that deep in your heart and let it rest there.

Hello my lovelies! First off, I want to start by saying, how awesome is the power of God? He seriously is rocking my world today, and it's only Wednesday.  He is so faithful and merciful! As much as I love to share what is going on in my life with this blog, I pray that it is encouragement for those of you who need it.  Life is rough. I'll be the first to admit that.  But we definitely do NOT have to go through it alone.  So my prayer is that this is encouragement for anyone out there who needs a little help today.  You are beautiful.  You are handsome.  You are smart.  You were created for something bigger than you can imagine.  Never, EVER forget how precious you are. You are a jewel and a treasure in God's eyes and I'm sure someone else's as well.

Recently, I've been going through a time where I was not quite walking on God's path for me.  I wasn't way off course, but I hasn't on the gravel road.  I was more on the edge.  My parents had talked to me about it one night and as much as it hurt to hear some of the things they were telling me, they were right.  And honestly, I felt so blessed I have the amazing parents I do that they CAN tell me that and have to confidence in God and in themselves as parental guardians to be honest with me.  Since I took to heart what they told me, I really decided to start working on this whole spend time with God EVERYDAY deal. And guess what?! AMAZING things started happening.  Spending time with Him not only brought blessings in so many ways, but everyday I wake up and am more and more thirsty for Him.  Today, I realized I just want to go somewhere different with only my Bible, pen, journal and NO PHONE and worship until I have no energy left.  I've felt like this the past few days and I don't want it to change!  I feel like I have fallen in love with Him all over again! I know this is only the beginning of an incredible journey I have coming up.  I have met a new friend that is going to The King's University at Gateway with me, I have amazing opportunities that God has put before me, He is rocking my socks off!

God has something special He wants to show you.  I know He does.  The talents you have been blessed with and the character God formed in you is specific to YOU.  He has a plan that only you can fulfill because He has called someone with YOUR talents and YOUR character to be where He has called you.  Run after it.  Run after it with open arms and an open heart of His grace.  Even if you are at the lowest of the low in your life, that is the BEST time to run to Him.  He wants to mend your broken heart.  He is ALWAYS there fore you and is ALWAYS listening.  You have a beautiful spirit and He will use that for His kingdom. You are not alone, precious child. Look for that light at the end of the tunnel.

Taking Things for Granted

Well, the time finally came.  The day that I have literally been DREAMING about since school started.  I graduated high school.  Thirteen years of work, studying, tests, quizzes...It's all done.  Now I am entering in the season of branching out and becoming an adult.  College.  If you ask some what their perspective on college is, you will get a very biased answer.  I mean, that's pretty much how anything is now a days right?  But know thing I'm learning is to not take what you have for granted.  It has always been something I've had on my heart after my dad died and I want to show others that same thing.  The time you have now, this very moment, is a time you will never get back again.  Teens, you're young, beautiful, alive and active.  So go out there and start living!  Adults, you've started this life of a career, possibly married, perhaps a kid or two.  Look at that beauty!  You have a paying job, a family, what more could you need?  Senior citizens, now I am only 18 so I have no idea what y'all have seen and been through, but I know some of the things God can do.  Y'all have been on this earth so much longer than us, we look up to you! Every move you make, every sound you make, we just want to live a long and successful life like y'all have.  


The world definitely is not a perfect place. Far from it.  But it's the world we live in.  So let's make it the best we've got.  There maybe a day when everything and every second is going the complete opposite of what you want.  Embrace it.  At least you are going through something you can handle.  And at least you know you can wake up the next day and know it is a new day.  As far as everything else? Be thankful!:) You never know when your last breath will be.  Make every second count.


Now please keep in mind, I'm saying all of this in consideration.  Don't have you're mid life crisis as a 25 year old and go crazy.  Please don't do that.  But still have fun:) It is completely possible to have fun that is safe, godly, adventurous and appropriate all at the same time.  Trust me, I've been having the time of my life for the past few months.  I've gotten so much closer to a certain group of friends from school, I've gotten closer to my family, and I have gotten so much closer to my best friends.  God gives us so many blessings in just one day.  Tonight, take time to count them and thank Him for them.  It makes all the difference in the world, I promise.  

Something really hit me today. I graduate in about 218 days. I enter the real world is less than a year. This next year things are really starting to count. Part of that scares me. How do I know I'm ready for something that big? But how will I found out without taking that step? I've decided I want to move out next year. Yes, it will take a lot of planning and budgeting for sure, but I know it's something I want to do. I've been praying about it and that the Lord guide my steps. He's definitely doing so. He's already beginning to show me different things that will benefit for next year. God's very smart. He knows what He's doing and He will absolutely out you on the right path. Everything He puts in your path is to grow and strengthen your for your future. What I want you to hear is, don't give up. I really feel like the Lord is putting "Don't give up" on my heart for some people. Whether you even read this or just click on the link, do not give up. Every trial, every rough patch, every joyful moment, is shaping you for tomorrow. Do not give up now. Keep going. He will hold you up.

Earlier today my mom said something that kind of jumped out at me. She mentioned something in Habakkuk 3. But Habakkuk 3 wasn't what spoke to me. It was Habakkuk. So, me being who I am, I went to Habakkuk to see what God was trying to tell me. I start reading in the first chapter and found something I had underlined a while back ago. It was in verse 5 of chapter one and it said "Look around at the godless nations. Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock. Something's about to take place, and you're going to find it hard to believe." Hello! That was a hit to the face. I'm about to be a senior in high school and all of my friends and myself have a huge desire for this year. A couple of my friends have encountered some situations where they were either thinking about moving schools, or were moving schools. All God. Talk about a leap of faith, right? But, that's just a small step for God. He sees everything and just sees those huge leaps of faith as tiny steps for His glory. God has called us to be the light for our schools. He has put a strong desire on all of our hearts to change our schools. And I not only think it will happen, but I know something HUGE is going to happen for His kingdom this school year. With the accountability from my other senior friends, we're going to shake His kingdom big time. I've been just sitting here for so long I can't take it anymore. I didn't know how I could before, but now I'm ready to rock it. I pray that not only do my friends and I be the light in our schools, but that all seniors realize they are looked up to. But not only juniors who watch their every move because next year they're it, but this incoming freshman. High school is scary for your first year! I knew I was overwhelmed! But are you going to sit there and laugh and an incoming freshman feeling lost or alone? No! Hello!? Would you want that? I don't think so. There is a revolution for God's kingdom coming this school year. I can't contain my excitement!!! There is not only going to be God's children coming home, but freedom from bondage that students never thought they would feel free from. There will be restoration, healing, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Chains will be broke. And the enemy will RUN when every single student wakes up. Because he's already defeated, but he will be even more so. I don't know if that's even possible, but with God all things are possible so I'm still shooting for it. I also encourage some of you struggling with waiting and when the next step will come. Habakkuk 2:3 says "This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed." How comforting is that? Whether it be the end of the wilderness for you, the end of a season, the end of a specific part of your walk God is taking you on, or the end of time, God says in His word it will be fulfilled. And He says, also, it will NOT be delayed. Be world changers. Be His light and salt.

Alright, let me just say, God is way cooler than we give Him credit for. I admit, it's been a while since I have posted, but it's all in His timing, right? This summer God has really started to transform my heart. He has done things and grown me in ways I didn't even know were possible. Two months ago, I never would have thought I'd be this far in my walk with Him. Last night I heard a message from Eileen Hunter and man was she on fire. She talked about going from "Lame to Lethal" for God. How cool would it be to feel dangerous for God:)? She mentioned right when you wake up the enemy scurries because he's thinking "Oh no...here he or she goes again. She's awake and she's on fire." Hello?! I'm in!! Something my mom has told me lately is really listen to God for today, and tomorrow will work out. How true is that? Lemme tell ya, God has rocked my world. I have been sitting on a still roller coaster for Him. I'm SO tired of just sitting there!!! I'm ready for Him to ROCK my world. And lemme tell ya, He has. I really pray that people just spend time with Him. I spent five minutes listening to worship music before I got out of bed on day. It made all the difference. He's not asking for 6 hours! Although, that's how it should be. We sit there and think "I just have to spend an hour with Him then I get the rest if the day." Hello!? It should be the other way around! He should get 23 hours of our day and we have the other hour. After all, outlives are HIS. Just saying'. I'm back bloggin y'all. And I have so much on my heart I can't wait to share.