Talk & Talk.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." 

—Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

I think this is a good passage to remind us on where our minds should be. I've noticed lately how much people care about other people's lives. And I'm not talking about that loving way where you genuinely care and seek out the people in your life... your true friends and family. But in a deceitful and pitiful way where people are overly concerned on statuses, issues, and situations that they don't belong in...in any way.

It is not healthy to be immersed in gossip or be around people who live a lifestyle accepting such filth.

The words that come out of your mouth really show the foundation that lies in your heart. And if God is there, I would hope there is a will to make such right, pure, noble and true things one of thought, word, lifestyle, and being.

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Mundane

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For out light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

— 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I've Discovered...

NOTHING WORTH HAVING, COMES EASY. 

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Saving Face

I was very privileged to meet Daniel Junge today. He is the co-director of the Academy Award Winning documentary, Saving Face. In brief, it is a film about Pakistani women who are abused and victims of a horrid acid-attack. Although not always, many times is from their husbands. I recommend this film. It is heart-wrenching and so shocking, but empowering to see these women fight back.

It's so easy to get caught up in complaints. I know I do. And it is easy to forget about anything beyond the world we know a lot of the time because we do not constantly see life outside ours or even know about the wretched things going on. But I do hope, that as we consider that somewhere right now, someone is fighting for their rights, their freedom, or their life... that we really make note of appreciating all that we have. And understanding that to bring change, it starts with awareness.

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Happy Thanksgiving

What are you thankful for?

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Yes

Less is more.

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Countdown

The clock is ticking. Thanksgiving break, three more weeks of class, finals... then Christmas!!! One more semester and out of college... hopefully to find a job and go to Europe. Amazing and scary all in one.

But all of this made me realize how fast time really goes. Just yesterday I felt like I was graduating high school and the end of college is already near. Even more, as I see the people in my life age, it just continues to remind me how valuable each day is. Soon we will all be old and wrinkly and in that perspective the little cares that we seem to hold onto are meaningless. The bigger picture of Christ and our eternal life in heaven is what is worth keeping your eyes fixed on. Everything else changes... continues to change... and will always change. That is why we hold and cherish the ones we love... remind them how much we really care... and stand tall knowing our bright future that lies ahead. Meanwhile, it is not going to be easy. You're not always going to be happy. Maybe things will really suck for a short or long while. But through those times you hurt the most is when you can grow. And trust me, there always is something to smile about.

As Thanksgiving approaches, (although this shouldn't be the only time in the year) I hope that everyone really takes some genuine time to think about their blessings and sincerely give thanks.

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Prayer

A little goes a long way. You often don't get what you want right as you get done praying. But knowing God is always listening, rest assured that what he deems necessary for your life, will be.

I enjoy prayer because although my mind and heart races with the concerns of this world... with prayer comes a calming and a peacefulness I can't describe. Everything will be okay.

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things."

— Colossians 3:2

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God."

— Psalm 42:1

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

— Romans 12:12

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Someone Greater Is Watching Over You

"There is nothing greater than your love that holds my life."

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To Work

I haven't been posting a lot on this blog lately because I have been feeling pretty discouraged and down on life. But I've realized something. No matter what depths of lowness I find myself in, God still shows me his love. There is always something that picks me up. Things that make me the happiest are times like my mom making me a hot cup of my favorite drink when she sees that I have been frowning extra one day or when I look outside and the sun wraps itself around my face and body. It's okay to get down and be down temporarily, but not for forever.

People go through hard things. Deaths, health issues, relationships, depression, loss... the list goes on. But as we see our chests heave up and down, that is a reminder that we are still alive. God has blessed us with that extra day to be the children he lovingly created us to be.

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."

—Steve Prefontaine

To those who actively read my blog, (firstly thanks :D), but this quote will be familiar. This doesn't just apply to sports. We have been given the gift of life, and to give anything less than your best in living it out for God, is to sacrifice our purpose. I hope that springs to mind enough to both rebuke and encourage. Life shouldn't be lived by "just doing whatever." God's gift to us is too precious to continue living in sin, giving up and being lazy. 

CLICK ME!!

This is a sermon worth hearing!

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Worldly Living

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?

-Matthew 16:26

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Beautiful People

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

-Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

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Rain

Love is all you need.

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Only You

Take my heart, I lay it down

At the feet of you whose crowned

Take my life, I'm letting go

I lift it up to You who's throned

And I will worship You, Lord

Only You, Lord

And I will bow down before you

Only You, Lord

Take my fret, take my fear

All I have, I'm leaving here

Be all my hopes, be all my dreams

Be all my delights, be my everything

And it's just you and me here now

Only you and me here now

You should see the view 

When it's only You.

"Only You" — David Crowder Band

I experienced something great today. Spending time alone can be taken two different ways. There is one to sulk in loneliness and another to be praise God even more.

Being alleviated and free — basking in God's love. 

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:)

I can do all things through him who gives me strength. — Philippians 4:13

Eyes

Breathe

Sometimes I feel it's all that I can do

Pain so deep that I can hardly move

Just keep my eyes completely fixed on you

Lord take hold and pull me through

- MercyMe

God overcomes all. Anything else you are leaning on to get you through your suffering will never be enough.

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Cyberspace

It's funny because the internet does a lot for us. So it's hypocritical to say that it is awful because most of us use it everyday. But as we've simplified daily tasks by the internet, I question, should technology and the internet also simplify our daily interactions with other human beings?

The internet provides websites like Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets. Through these sites, we are able to learn about people just by clicking around. You browse around as people's lives become points of interest and entertainment. 

Haven't you noticed how even in group settings people always have their phones out or are checking it regularly? You deprive the people you're with by always having some part of you in cyberspace. The funny thing is, the point of Facebook, Twitter, texting, etc., is to stay connected with your friends, family, etc., right? Then why is it that as you are with them, a part of you is somewhere else or desiring to be? It's such a bad habit. No one really seems to be fully in one place anymore or with one person for that matter. 

It's not the easier road to negate the things that dominate our world today but I think you'll come to find that in the long run, you'll have learned something and have found greater value in learning to cut 

certain things out of your life.

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Wings

Psalm 91

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And For You

I am so unworthy and yet you love me the way you do.

I look to you and I am so astounded. You always bring me back and in ways I would have never guessed. For my mom, my dad, and my brother... how can I ever use the right words to describe how deeply grateful and undeserving I am. And your love. It shapes me in every way. You continue to remind me through gestures both big and small who you are and who I am.

I am so unworthy and yet you love me the way you do.

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Empty

The sea is full of curiosity. But as you scavenge what do you see
Boats of people with the world at their feet
To think you have it all, but then why do you feel so empty?

The life that is painted before your eyes —
Seems so fulfilling but soon you'll find they are lies
Because a life of chasing turns into a journey gaining nothing.

And in the end what hurts the most, is realizing the majority of people lose hope
Seems as though people only fight for their selfish needs.

But there are the few who change your mind

Whether it be your mother 

Or the very rare genuine people worth your time

Yet people still embark to find, what is it that you desperately seek?
The funny thing about it all is that the world hears your call
And when you've gotten what you've "wanted"
Is that enough to fill your hole?

Or even then, are you left empty.

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Monsters

Enjoy 

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Inside

What are you chasing?

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Thor

In tough times, a surge of hopelessness is bound to come. And trust me, I've felt the feeling of hopelessness penetrate like a triumphant crush. But it is what you do when you are down that makes you who you are.

Kind of cheesy, but as I was watching Thor it brought me to this. It is not that life won't let you down — because it will. And even you, will fail. But at the end of the day, as the doorman says, "There is always hope." And with God there truly is a hope embedded in our hearts, that goes beyond all understanding.

You may be down on your knees and that's okay. God is the one who is kneeling beside you, holding you in his arms and reminding you that he is there. He was always there and will always be. It brings me to tears as I write that because it is the truth. If ever you feel lonely, which seems to come often, remember you have a perfect God by your side. At all times, brothers and sisters. He is always there. So crack a smile and praise the Lord for we are so dearly loved.

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To My Rescue

"The riches of your love will always be enough."

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Fades

Either when life becomes too routine or hardships come, I find myself remembering the sole purpose I have. To glorify God. Remembering that, everything else seems to fade away.


During tougher times, it really is hard to see any hope that seems to last.


That is why the bible is so encouraging. Words that embody hope and love. God is what stands through all situations and all of time.

How many people can say they have a reason to celebrate when living through the darkest of days? That's what I find to be so amazing. That even though you may be going through the hardest of times on earth we still have reason to rejoice when we look to Christ. 

It might sound depressing to some but this next bit is honestly the purest form of encouragement for me. Life on earth will soon pass and everlasting happiness, peace and perfect love will be a reality. Living in heaven where we will be together with God for eternity.

This truth has and continues to get me through some ugly days.

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Society And Social Media

I just read on Wall Street Journal that 55% of parents of 12-year-olds said their child has Facebook and 76% of them helped their kids set it up. Am I crazy or is that just too young?

I can see how social media can be of aid at times and in certain ways, but the growing dependance on it has really shaped society in a negative manner. But that is my personal opinion.

I really miss how things used to be. The attachment to social media and technology has become overwhelming. Just too much.

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Food For The Soul

These are two of my all-time favorite praise songs. 

"If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world." 

-C.S. Lewis

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The Wind

No matter how close of a relationship you have with Christ, I have noticed how easily it is to drift. It may be for different reasons but the end result is the same. Your heart feels confused and lost. You may think in your head God is your center, but the greatest check is when you look inside your heart.

I have seen how the people around you, what you do in your spare time, and how you choose to look at things in life are very strong influencers.

In times of confusion it is easy to drift and just "go with it" but that gets dangerous if it is aimless.

I've learned that it is okay to just be assured God is taking care of you and letting things go. But make sure that as you sail, it is the Lord's wind that is guiding your voyage.

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May 29

How long will the ball roll until it stops?

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Mountains

Anyone like hiking?

Getting started on the hike is always the hardest because you look up and you see how far you must go. Harder yet, is being on that path and not knowing where it leads and how much is left. But as I am on my own trail, I've found reminders of God's unfailing love.

We live life as if we are still slaves to sin. We are stronger than we allow ourselves to believe. And although sin exists, it is not an excuse to lie in it hopeless.

God wouldn't encourage us every second, minute and hour of every single day to fight off something that was impossible. I hope you keep that in mind the next time you find yourself falling.

And even then, arms of love and forgiveness catch every fall.

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Influence

There is no doubt we are all influenced by something... just to different degrees. So the question is... who and what are you letting mold you?

I hope that at the end of the day, there is some desire to detach from everything around. To put the phone down, turn the t.v. off, and close the laptops to really seek influence from something greater.

When your anchor is God, no matter what everyone else is engaging in and the world is caught up on, you'll stop caring. Your desire to selfishly satisfy just what you want, will lessen. You're living for something greater. God.

We let things influence us as if we have no control. We forget that God plants in seeds of strength and perseverance. And most importantly, hope. Just because we have access to things and people does not mean they always have to be used or turned to. 

When you've stopped filling yourself with things you want and think you need, you'll find that God fills you with what he wants. What he knows you need and what you will — with wisdom — come to want.

Value integrity.

Stay Golden

1 John 2:15-17

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To Read

HEBREWS 12

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In Your Freedom

How can things be right when they feel so wrong?

The hardest part is walking on and relying solely on God. When everything feels so out of place, have faith that whatever is meant to be will be revealed. At the end of the day, turn to God. Not other people or things to distract or fill voids because God will be the only consistent and genuine truth.

I pray to you, God of peace

I rest in you, my cares released

I have nothing more, than all you offer me.

There is nothing else that's of worth to me.

And I love you Lord,

You rescued me

You are all that I want,

You're all I need.

In your freedom I will live.

- Hillsong

Image Courtesy of Natalie Song

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Your Embrace, Lord

Close your eyes and listen

For eternity. All my heart will give, all the glory to your name.

"You Hold Me Now" - Hillsong

Happy Easter lovelies

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The Promise

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained." 

- Philippians 3:12-16 ESV

This passage has been a little confusing but I finally think I understand what is meant by it. Our prize is heaven. An eternity of peace and joy.... and a gift from God. Although this gift can not and will not ever be taken from us, we haven't obtained heaven nor perfection quite yet because we are still living in flesh... we're still living in this world. But knowing the promise of heaven awaiting us, be encouraged. Choose to be the lights of this world. Not because that will gain us heaven (we cannot work our way to salvation) but because we should be mature and lovingly desire and choose to be like Christ. To genuinely bring God glory in the way we choose to live and be. To forgive and encourage. To be humble and selfless. And most importantly to love as God loves.

And remember what Christ has spoken.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

- John 8:12 NIV

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Rest For The Weary

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

- Matthew 11:28-30

Hallelujah

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Less is More

When you are always seeking more, you take for granted what you already have been so blessed to get. I've seen many times how destructive that attitude is. That road never ends. When will you be satisfied?

"Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing."

- Oscar Wilde

"A woman's heart must be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him to find her."

- Maya Angelou

 (All images courtesy of Pinterest)

Encouraging passages. Psalm 40 and John 16:20-22.

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On Our Knees

There is no comparable word that can describe the pain and empty feeling of losing someone you love. You wonder if you really knew that person as they have become such distant strangers either genuinely or through a facade. It sucks to see people change but it happens more often than I personally thought. Especially with people you thought you really knew. 


This leaves a big hole for me because when you really bond with someone, have the foundation of God to serve and truly strive to love as Christ asks us to, that love cannot be superficial.


For those struggling, I may not have the best advice cause even as I walk through lows, I doubt. But one thing that genuinely remains my light is God. I know that more than half, if not the majority of my blogs are about Christ, but I hope it reveals how significant he is in my life and how I hope that it brings encouragement for all. The world is hard. But I pray for you all to keep walking. Not by sight but by faith in Christ. I pray for all of you who are battling through something that doens't seem to end, because I am right there with you and it hurts. And it seems endless. But don't forget the greatest reassurance anyone could ever give. God is with you. He will never leave nor forsake you. He is holding your precious hearts in his hands. Knowing it is God that holds your heart... have peace. He will be your light, I promise.

Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks yours

Everything I am for your kingdoms cause

As I go from earth into eternity.

-Hosanna by Hillsong United

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Awake

"Awake" - Hillsong

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Let It Rise

"Let the Waters Rise" - Mikeschair

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Sisu

Sisu: a Finnish term loosely translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity


I love running. Not only because it keeps you in shape but also because running is very much a mental battle. The more it hurts, the more you want to give in, so the harder you push, and the better you feel in the end. You've extended your limit both physically and mentally. When your mind says "let's stop" you tell it "you can do it" and most of the time, you can. 


So with the same mentality, strive to fight your everyday battles. Not because it is easy... and not because it is pleasant, but fight knowing God is there to give you all that you need to do so. And in the end, you'll have gained the greatest. The peace of God which nothing can compare. 

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."

—Steve Prefontaine

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