God or the High Life?

Last year, I’m sure many of us remember the huge elaborate wedding put on by Kim Kardashian-only to be divorced 72 days later. This woman and her sisters have made their mark, for sure. They have their own hit reality show, clothing line, and who knows what else. What did they do to get so much success? Kim Kardashian had sex with someone…that’s how. A sex tape of her and some other guy leaked out, and, BOOM! She’s famous.

Add in the fact that she’s physically very beautiful, she has made quite the impact. But, it doesn’t appear to go any further than that. I’ve never watched her show, but, I hear what others have said that she and her sisters don’t possess many good morals.

They all have very dirty mouths, dress immodestly, and put way too much emphasis on how rich and physically beautiful they are. At this, millions of people tune in to watch their show. Shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and Jersey Shore attract lots viewers for many reasons. For one thing, they show lives that appear to be “better” and more “lively” than theirs. The people are depicted as living the high life-expensive clothes, going clubbing every night, and having the best looking boyfriend or girlfriend, and driving either a brand new Jaguar or BMW.

While this is called “reality” TV, I don’t really see much realistic about it. Most people don’t actually live like that-and I feel like a lot of people watch these shows dreaming and wishing they’re lives could be more like that. So many people probably wish they were the one with the hourglass curves, perfect hair, millions of dollars at their disposal...etc.

Lots of girls look up to these women in the entertainment industry. They see these women and probably lose their sense of self longing for something that will probably never be attainable or fulfilling to their lives. The shows lie. All of these things are not going to give a fulfilling or happy life.

In the end, things like this are not going to matter. When I was in high school, I read a play called Every Man. This man (named Every Man) was visited by death who told him that it was time to say goodbye and go to his grave. He was terrified and tried to find anyone he could to come with him (“Beauty”, “Riches”…etc). However, the only ones that would walk with him were “Knowledge” and “Good Deeds”. When Every Man was at his grave, Knowledge left him, and he was left with Good Deeds. Every Man and Good Deeds then walked hand in hand into the grave to meet God.

You see the point? All of those things don’t really matter. The only way to truly find peace is to fall into the arms of God and devote your entire life to Him. There, and only there, can you find true contentment and peace (Psalm 23:1, Hebrews 13:5). Only there can you find true value, beauty, and worth (Proverbs 31:30).

At the end of your life, and when eternity starts, what will you take with you? Only the choices you've made. Everyone will stand before God-even the Kardashian girls and all the other celebrities who seem powerful and untouchable (Rev. 20:12). Who will you choose? The physical things of this life, or the God who knows you better than anyone and loves you?

It's Time to Let Go!!!!

As human beings, we oftentimes get so focused into our goals and what we want in our lives that everything else starts to pass us by. Sometimes, we want to try and take so much control and neglect important aspects of our lives; especially our spiritual lives.

As Christians, we need to take time to just stop, and let go. There are some things that so many of us try too hard on, and obsess over. Some of these things include getting that job we would prefer over another, the ideal Christian mate, issues with family, etc.

In life, it may often seem like we are hanging on for dear life on the edge of a cliff. We’re dangling, terrified, and scared. Yet, we have a harness (God) and bungee cord (His word) connected to us. Don’t we often make things more difficult than it has to be? The answer is actually quite simple: let go of that cliff, and put your life completely in God’s hands.

Yes, we’re going to bounce up and down, and be shaken around. At times, it’s going to be terrifying. We may even break down and cry. 1^st Corinthians 4:8-9 says: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed…”

Things will start to slow down, and even out. Then, soon, you’ll find yourself standing on solid ground once more-all because you made that decision to let go and let God do as He wills. We need to trust God our harness, and the word of God, our bungee cord. Doing God’s will may lead us into difficult times, but, in the end it’s always worth it. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus talks of things we as people need. He says, “…your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (32)

He hears us in our troubled times, and knows what we need; and, as hard as it is, we should do our best not to worry. Then, in verse 33, He continues: “But seek first the kingdom of God, and all of these things will be given you.”

He may not give us the particular job we want. We may not even get that Christian mate right away. But, God knows best. We just need to focus our energy to falling deeper in love with Him. He will take care of us. We need to make sure that we don’t allow ourselves to interfere with His plans for us. We can do this by trusting Him in all things-and striving to better ourselves as people.

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

“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

So…are you going to take the plunge this year?

Bullying

All throughout elementary school, I had to deal with bullies. They made fun of me for different reasons. I am socially awkward , so, I would get picked on for that. I would get picked on for my weight. For someone so young, it made a huge impact on me.

The bullying slowed down when I entered middle school and high school. I think it was because I became more reserved and decided to close my mouth in a lot of social situations. Though, every once in a while someone would say something careless and rude. It wasn’t as bad as what happened when I was younger.

In high school, my senior year, I met this girl. She was in special Ed like me, yet her problems were more severe than mine. I befriended her, and helped lead her to Christ. She was bullied relentlessly by others in the school for many things that were beyond her control. I did what I could to help and shield her from other people when I could. It really upset me because I didn’t have every class with her, and I didn’t always know what would happen to her.

She had it tough. She was pushed around by the other students (as well as a teacher or two). Yet, one day, I said, “It must be hard for you to deal with everyone. It must really hurt.” You know what she said? She said something like this: “It does. But, I forgive all of them. They don’t know me, and I’ve got better things to worry about.”

I was impressed by her take on the situation, to say the least. She was doing exactly as she was supposed to do: she forgave her enemies, and moved on.

If you’re being bullied, it’ll be okay. Keep fighting for help, and continue to be kind to others. You’ll get through it. To the bullies: God calls us to be kind to others. It doesn’t matter what they’re doing or have done to us. It doesn’t matter what their involved in-sin or not-we have no right to try to gossip or speak horrible things about them. As Christians, we need to help and lend our voices to those being stepped upon, and hurt by others.

The Christian’s love is ultimately what will lead others to Christ. That’s one of the most important things that Christ taught while He was on this earth: love others as yourself! (Matt. 22:39-40)

What Makes a True Hero

I remember ten years ago, I was sitting in school doing schoolwork. I had just started fifth grade a few weeks prior, and was so excited just to see what this year would bring.

I sat in my desk, quietly doing my grammar work. My friends were sitting next to me, across from me, basically doing the same. Everyone seemed completely at ease without much of a care in the world. My teacher was quietly sitting at her computer.

My homeroom fifth grade teacher was wonderful. She was always in a great mood, smiling, telling us funny stories to help us with our lessons. She had short, curly red hair, which just added to her whimsical nature. So, it was definitely strange to hear her be upset over anything.

The silence in the room suddenly broke when she said, “Oh no! A plane crashed into one of the twin towers!”

Gasps suddenly went up, along with the sound of pencils dropping. Murmurs and worried talk went up all over the room. I continued to stay quiet. I had no clue what the twin towers even were until then. However, I figured it must be pretty serious since most of the other kids were getting upset over it.

A few minutes later, a woman came over the intercom and told us that we needed to turn on our televisions. When we had turned it on, the second plane had hit only very shortly before. Later, we watched as word got out that a plane crashed into the Pentagon and as the two towers collapsed.

I remember sitting at the after school program discussing it with my friends, and all of us were quite scared at everything occuring.

I was so young, I couldn’t completely understand what was going on. This was the very first time that I had ever heard the words “terrorists”, “hi-jacking” as well as a few other things. It was a very eye-opening day for me because I never knew until then just how heartless and horrible people could really be.

However, this day also showed how strong people could be. This day showed us how selfless and caring the human race could be. This day showed us what heroes actually were. So many of the emergency workers as well as regular civilians risked their lives or ultimately gave them up.

It reminds of the words in Romans 5:6-8: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Those people who saved many lives that day and ultimately gave up their own, didn’t have to. However, they did it anyway because they knew that they needed to put others needs ahead of their own. When Jesus Christ died for us, he didn’t have to give up his life for us; but he did. He did it because He loved us, and He knew that to save our lives, he needed to give up His own.
To me, that is what defines a true hero: someone who will sacrifice their own well-being to help others. That’s exactly what Jesus did and those people on 9-11-01. If the situation arises, will we be able to put others ahead of ourselves? Let’s hope that we can.

It's Rude to Point!

People seem to get unnerved when they see Christians doing what they’re supposed to do, don’t they? They get may get angry and accuse them of acting “holier than thou”.

It seems, however, that people who are supposed to be Christians have a tendency to do this as well. I keep hearing numerous stories about people who bad mouth other members of the church because of how much someone does. Many of these people say, “Oh, that woman is only doing such and such because she wants to look holy.”

It’s rather funny because, a lot of the time, when you look at the lives of the people saying such things, you see that they’re not really living a Christian life to begin with.

I think it’s safe to say that, whether or not they’ll admit it, they’re passing judgment off on the active people because they don’t want to look at themselves and see the dead bones lying inside of their hearts (Matthew 23:27). So, to make themselves feel better about the things that they do, they make accusations of others that most likely aren’t even true.

There are people in this world that want the sinful world and God. But, when one studies God’s word, we see that this is impossible (Matthew 6:27). God gives us grace and mercy because He loves us (John 3:16). So, in return to show that we really do love God, we will do everything we can for Him. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). It also says that when we are doing God’s will, we must do it with our whole heart (Colossians 3:17).
If we, those who are supposed to be mature Christians, half-heartedly serve Him and not because we love Him, our so-called faith is pointless. The bible also says, “You shall love the Lord Your God with all your soul, heart, and mind.” (Deut. 6:5, Matt. 22:37, Luke 10:27, Mark 12:30) This means that we are going to do everything we possibly can for God BECAUSE we love Him.

If you find yourself pointing fingers at those who do a lot of work for God, maybe it’s time for a healthy dose of self-evaluation towards your own actions.

Life Changing Event!

(The photo taken below was taken by me in Cade's Cove, TN)

I just had one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I spent the week in Sevierville, TN in the Smoky Mountains. I attended Polishing the Pulpit, and, I have to say that it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done in my life.

When I first came in to the building where it was being held, I think I was rather surprised by the number of people. It was rather thrilling to be in the same building with so many Christians with the exact same focus as me. Apparently, 2500+ people registered for the event.

The lessons were wonderful. The speakers chosen for this event were chosen so well! I was very pleasantly surprised that the women’s lessons were actually some tougher and deeper subjects. The women that spoke had some really good topics assigned to them.

The great thing about the topics selected was that nothing was held back. They taught lessons that needed to be taught, that people seemed to steer clear from. What you got was a week of lessons that really forced you to look inward and really made you think about your spiritual life, and encourage you to make definite changes that needed to be made.

I must also mention that the singing was incredible. On Sunday morning, 1273 people gathered at the convention center for worship. It sent chills down my spine because the singing was just so beautiful. Everyone singing in a cappella, in rich harmonies worshipping our God, it really made you think of what it would be like in heaven. The singing was like that the rest of the week.

On Wednesday night, the last night of the event, my two favorite songs were led: “Our God, He is Alive”, and “The Greatest Commands”. I’ve never heard the latter sung more beautiful before. Anyone who says that they don’t get a cappella worship, or dislike it, I believe that their minds would DEFINITELY change if they heard the singing that occurred this week.

The overall experience was amazing, and wouldn’t trade it for anything! I made some new friends, learned some profound lessons, and I would definitely recommend this event for next year. If you do decide to go, you definitely won’t regret it! You can’t make any better investment than one to help you get to heaven!

After the last women’s session yesterday, all of us in the room held hands and sung “Blessed Be the Tie that Binds”. There were many wonderful women in that room, and, it was so encouraging to stand there with all of them. One of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is that, when you have good Christian friends, those friendships never end. You’ll see all the people you love one day in heaven where we’ll all worship our God forever and ever without ceasing. Isn’t that wonderful?

Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times…”

Letter to Younger Teenagers

My dear, sweet little sister in Christ,

I’ve wanted to say something to you for a while, and, I didn’t know how to say everything to you. Now, I do, and I ask that you please read this all the way through, and think very carefully about everything I’m saying with an open heart and mind.

I know how difficult this time of your life is. I was there too, over six years ago. It can feel like a living nightmare-you feel like everything is against you. Sometimes, you want to be independent, and do your own thing. Sometimes, you still want that child-like time where you have fewer responsibilities. And, often, you just want to scream, and cry, because everything is just so overwhelming and confusing.

And, in life, we’re all going to have our own struggles. It is through these struggles and experiences in which we find ourselves, and what we’re supposed to do with our life. Hopefully, however, you’ll choose our amazing, awesome, and all-powerful God as the one to help you on your journey.

Being a Christian at this time in your life is so incredibly hard. I know. At this time, you aren’t completely sure of what it is that you want. You want so badly to be loved and accepted by your friends and peers. Yet, there is another part of you that longs for something deeper. You long for a love that runs deep into your veins that is perfect, and unfailing. You find yourself dating lots of people…but, it’s all ending in the same result: those people aren’t what you need them, or want them to be, and therefore, it doesn’t work out.

What I hope to help you understand is that you have so many people that love you and want the best for you; but, even more so, we want you to know God and love Him deeply and intimately. You’re not going to find any greater love than what God can give you. He is perfect; and as long as you hunger and thirst for Him, and strive to fall deeper in love with Him, He will always be there, and fill whatever void you have inside.

You need to understand, however, that in order to have an actual relationship with God you must love Him with all your heart and do your best to do all that He commands of you. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” To get close to God, you must throw your old self away, and any actions that God says are sinful. When someone is “double-minded”, it means that you want both the world and God. It doesn’t work that way. Matthew 6:24 says, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

It is impossible to have the sinful things in this world, and God at the same time. Whatever God says is sin, he hates. He doesn’t hate His creation, however. We know this because of the sacrifice His son made. (John 3:16) Think about it…Jesus gave up EVERYTHING for us. He gave up His home in heaven. He gave up His comfort. He ultimately gave up His LIFE. Can you even fathom it? He was tortured in the most brutal way possible. He was scourged with a whip that tore His flesh. He was then forced to carry this cross a long way, and up a hill! Then, he was nailed to that cross, where there He died. He gave up His comfort. He gave up His life…he literally gave up everything; just so that we could have freedom from Satan and be in heaven with Him one day.

And then, we as people don’t want to give up our sins because, well, we love to do them. Ultimately, God wants ALL of you, or NONE of you. God gave everything, and, so, He expects us to do the same! When you are a Christian, you must be willing to give up everything…even if it means your peers thinking you weird or stupid. It’s supposed to be that way (1st Peter 4:4, 1st Peter 4:12). It even means that you may have to give up friends. This is something I've had to do, and it really hurts! Jesus said that His word would divide people who are close (10:34-39). It’s not easy. It will never be easy…but over time, He will help us grow if we choose to let Him heal us and help us. But that will only happen when we actively surrender our whole self to Him. Jesus says “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) God wants us to be happy, yes, but He wants us to be happy doing what He wants us to do. He wants us to be joyful in the thought of being able to serve Him. This life is not about us...it's about God.

Being a Christian means you do everything for the glory of God (1st Corinthians 10:31). Being a Christian means to undergo a TOTAL mind, and spiritual makeover. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” When you fully allow Christ into your life, and to change you, you will see things differently.

It is a commandment of God that we study His word (2nd Timothy 2:15). If we don’t study, how can we really say we know God? His word is how we get to know Him. That is how you “discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Lastly, you need to understand that temptation is NOT sin. You will not be condemned by God for having temptation because everyone is tempted by something. Condemnation from God occurs when you act on that temptation, and don’t seek forgiveness and repentance. If you really want to please Him, God will help you not to act on that sin when you are tempted (1st Corinthians 10:13). I understand how hard it is to struggle with sin. I-and everyone else who loves you dearly-struggle with sin that plagues us that we have to fight through so that we can please our Heavenly Father. We are not standing here saying that we are perfect people. I struggle with some things that I absolutely have to fight everyday not to do. I don’t want to do those things, and I do my best not to do them because I love God, and I want to be the best for Him that I can!

At the end of your life, or when Jesus comes back, it’s not going to matter who your friends were, what you wore, who you dated, or what you accomplished here other than striving to live the best you can for God! The only thing that will matter, truly matter, is that you fell hopelessly in love with God, and did everything you could to please Him, and want to worship Him forever and ever in heaven.

These are my last words to you about all of this. I'm not trying to shove these things down your throat because God ultimately gives free will, and I shall do the same. I will not mention these things ever again unless you want me to. We are praying so hard for you, and love you so much! Please, please, PLEASE understand that! Don’t think that we are just trying to be annoying, or trying to hurt you. We just want the best for you, and want you to fully know what it feels like to completely allow God to take over your life. You are a beautiful, and wonderful girl who has so much promise. I pray that you will see yourself as we see you-and even more the way that God sees you. We just want you to look at your life in terms of eternity-not just the here and now.

Everything I have said comes from God’s holy word. They are not my opinions, or the opinions of anyone else except our heavenly Father. If we weren’t trying to reach out to you, and help you, we wouldn’t care. We do love and care for you deeply. Let there be no question about that. I’m always here for you-we all are-if you ever need us.

Lots of Love,
Chelsea