The move!

Hey everyone ! (If anyone is actually reading this!)
I'm moving my blog to smileforalittlewhile.weebly.com ! All my previous posts are already on that site as well as any new posts I will have! I decided to move because I like the website format more then just the blog format. Please check it out!

Thanks for reading this blog and hope you continue to follow me on my new one!

-Em :)

WWJD

Being a teenager, there are times where you are completely surrounded by drama. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, it always, always, always has a way of hunting you down and devouring you like a hawk. While the presence of drama is not so fun, the way the it's handled can really make or break the situation. Thinking about the situations I've been in, there are three responses to drama.

The first being, ignore it. Sometimes when there is drama, the best thing you can do is ignore it. Live your life like it ever happened. Forgiving and moving on. Eventually the storm will pass and life will go on. But sometimes this is not really possible. You may need to confront someone about something and try to work things out. Not scream and yell at them, but calmly try to figure out the truth on the situation and as best as you can, figure out a plan to fix the issue. Even though these are both extremely hard, the third response isn't as pleasant as the first two. The third response is unfortunately the one most people tend to think is the only way to go about handling the situation. It seems when people create drama, the people just create more drama, bad mouth  and hold grudges. And soon enough, friendships are ruined and people are hurt. 

In my life, I've tried my very to avoid drama and live at peace with everyone. But not only to live at peace with everyone, but to love, forgive, and serve them as well. Even though I fail daily, Christ never failed and His life on earth was an example to us all. 

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." -Romans 12:18

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." -Matthew 6:14

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." -Colossians 3:13

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." -1 Peter 3:9

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody." -Romans 12:17

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." -Matthew 5:38-48

Over and over again, the Bible tells us to forgive others and not to return evil for evil. To live a life that reflects Christ's life here on earth. And that is exactly what we should try to do. Even though we don't always succeed, it doesn't mean we can't go back and make things right. 

The next time you encounter drama, don't be quick to get even, or spread more lies, but think, WWJD. (What Would Jesus Do) You can never do wrong with following His example.

~Em

Strong Enough

You must

You must think I'm strong

To give me what I'm going through

Well, forgive me

Forgive me if I'm wrong

But this looks like more than I can do

On my own

I know I'm not strong enough to be

everything that I'm supposed to be

I give up

I'm not stong enough

Hands of mercy won't you cover me

Lord right now I'm asking you to be

Strong enough

Strong enough

For the both of us

Well, maybe

Maybe that's the point

To reach the point of giving up

Cause when I'm finally

Finally at rock bottom

Well, that's when I start looking up

And reaching out

I know I'm not strong enough to be

Everything that I'm supposed to be

I give up

I'm not stong enough

Hands of mercy won't you cover me

Lord right now I'm asking you to be

Strong enough

Strong enough

Cause I'm broken

Down to nothing

But I'm still holding on to the one thing

You are God

and you are strong

When I am weak

I can do all things

Through Christ who gives me strength

And I don't have to be

Strong enough

Strong enough

I can do all things

Through Christ who gives me strength

And I don't have to be

Strong enough

Strong enough

Oh, yeah

I know I'm not strong enough to be

Everything that I'm supposed to be

I give up

I'm not stong enough

Hands of mercy won't you cover me

Lord right now I'm asking you to be

Strong enough

Strong enough

Strong enough

It's the little things.

Whether you're feeling down or you're as happy as could be, the little things in life make it worth while.

Lately, I've been focusing in on the negative things. So much so, that no matter how hard I would try, i was always in a bummy mood. But one day, I realized that I've forgotten to enjoy the little things. The things that can make you smile for days and you don't know why. The things that can touch you in a weird way that you can't even begin to explain. The things that make you laugh so hard you almost pee. The things that make life fun, interesting, corky, entertaining, and amazing. The things that you'll be able to look back at and smile because of the wonderful memories they've brought you.

Always enjoy the little things, because one day, you'll realize they were actually the big things. <3

-Em 

How to be a "yes" kinda girl.

My prayer this week.

-Em

Your love.

Higher than the mountains that I face

Stronger than the power of the grave

Constant through the trial and the change

One thing remains

One thing remains

Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me

On and on and on and on it goes

It overwhelms and satisfies my soul

And I never ever have to be afraid

One thing remains

In death and in life I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love

My debt is paid there's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love

Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me

This song is such a beautiful reminder of His love for us. His love will never fail us.

"so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." -Ephesians 3:17-10

-Em

"I am God. Believe and be satisfied."

"Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone; to have a deep soul relationship with another; to be love thoroughly and exclusively. But God says, "No, not until you're satisfied, fulfilled, and content with being loved by Me alone, and with having intense personal and unique relationship with Me alone, discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found; only then you will be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me. Exclusive of anyone else, exclusive of any of desires or longings, I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing, one that you cannot imagine.
 I want you to have the best. Please allow me to bring it to you. You just wait. That's all. Don't be anxious. Don't worry. Don't look around at the things others have gotten or that I've given them. Don't look at the things you think you want. Just keep looking up to Me or you'll miss what I want to show you. And then, when you're ready (I am working even at this moment to have both of you ready at the same time). until bother of you are satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I have planned for you, you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me; and this perfect love. And, dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love; I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting love that I offer you with Myself.  Know that I love you utterly. I am God. Believe and be Satisfied."
-Unknown

I'm completely in love with this quote. When I found it, I couldn't get over how perfectly it reminds us to focus on God. This is exactly what I've been feeling God wants from me. To give Him my all and stop worrying about my future. Let Him take care of my needs. I feel it goes hand in hand with one of my recent posts, "When everything goes wrong".
 I pray this impacts you, just as it did me. Not only in relationships, but every aspect of your life.

~Em

'Tis The Season!

Throughout the year, people make lists of what they want this Christmas. All hoping for the special gift they've had their eye on. Whether it's the latest piece of technology or something small, everyone is hopeful that on Christmas morning it will be waiting for them under the tree. Kids try to be on their best behavior so Santa will come. And parents remind their kids to behave or else he wont. 

Is this the real meaning of Christmas? Waking up to find presents with your name on them. Things you probably don't even need. No, it's not. The real meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Luke 2:10-11- "The angel of the Lord said to them, "Do not be afraid. For I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, The Lord."

Now, this may be confusing to some. We're not just celebrating the day that Jesus was born, but we're celebrating the life He lived and also what His life meant.

John 3:16- "For God so loved the that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Luke 10:9- "For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost."

God gave His only son Jesus to come down to earth in the most humbling way, to live among sinners and thieves that betray Him everyday, and still loves us enough to die on the cross to save us from that sin. 

Now, no matter if you receive the gift you've been wanting this year or not. There will always be something new that comes out, something else you're going to want. Something or someone to fill that void in your life.  But I'm telling you now, nothing this earth can bring you will fill that emptiness in your life. There is only one gift that will fill that void. God's free gift of salvation. 

Romans 6:23- "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus."

Romans 10:9- "If you confess with your mouth  'Jesus is Lord' and believe in heart God raised him from the dead you will be saved."

This Christmas season I challenge you to not only remember the true meaning of Christmas, but to also evaluate if you have accepted the most precious gift of all.

Merry Christmas <3

~Em

When Everything Goes Wrong.

We've all had moments when everything that seems to be going right, goes wrong. Lately, I've had a lot of them. A lot of let downs, a lot of screw ups, and a lot of wondering how I can fix things. Things that meant the world to me, somehow just disappeared. This really sent me through a time where I was trying to figure out what I can do to change the situation. How can I get it the way I want. People kept telling me, God has a plan through all of the chaos, but I still was holding on to the thought that it was my fault and I can fix this somehow. It consumed my thoughts constantly and became a distraction from my relationship with Christ. I was so focused on how I could fix the situation, that instead of giving it to Christ, I took complete control. I lost sight of the promises that He gives to each of us.

"Come to Me, all who weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, what ever is of good repute, if here is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." -Philippians 4:6-8

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." -Romans 8:18

"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 a hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Over and over, God reminds us that He will be there in times of trouble. That if we surrender to Him, He will provide for us all we need.  I've heard this my whole life growing up in church, but I never really experienced this in my own life. I finally realized I can't fix my problems by myself and I need Christ to lead me through this time of struggle.

 I don't know what God has for my life, but I know it's WAY better than I could ever dream. He knows me better than I know myself, so why not give control to Him? Whatever He has for me, I know it will be what is best for me, even if it's not what I want. 

"Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." -Psalms 54:4

~Emilie

Woman at the Well.

This video is a modern interpretation of the woman at the well from John 4:1-42. If you've never read this, I encourage you do to so. 

"To be known is to be loved, and to be loved is to be known. And you know me."

This passage from the Bible is about a prostitute getting water from a well and Jesus asking her for a drink. 

This is just one example of how much Jesus cares for EVERYONE. Even the worst people that ever lived. He loves every last one of them. We as Christians need to have this woman's willingness to put ourselves out there to share the good news of Jesus! We need to share how He loves and cares for everyone, no matter what the cost. 

~Em.

In Christ Alone.

In Christ alone, my hope is found.
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This Cornerstone, this solid ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace.
When fears are stilled, when striving cease.
My comforter, my All in All.
Here in the love of Christ I stand.


In Christ alone, who took on flesh.
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
scorned by the ones He came to save.
'til on that cross, as Jesus died,
the wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin, on Him was laid. 
Here in the death of Christ I live.


There in the ground, His body lay.
Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth, in glorious day,
up from the grave He rose again!
and as He stands in victory,
sin's curse has lost it's grip on me.
For I am His, and He is mine.
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.


No guilt in life, no fear in death.
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life's first cry, to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, 
can ever pluck me from His hand!
'til He returns or calls me home,
here in the power of Christ I live. 

This song really spoke to me this past few years, and really hit me today. What I, and many others need to remember is what He did on the cross for us, what He did three days later, what He does for us, and what He will do for us. And to always, always, live in the power of Christ. 

~Em. 

To all the girls.

According to the Real Girls, Real Pressure National Study,

• 7 in 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way including their looks, performance in school, and relationships with friends and family members. 
• 62% of girls are insecure about themselves.
• 75% of girls with low self-esteem report engaging in negative activities such as, eating disorders, cutting, smoking, and drinking when feeling bad about themselves.
• 25% of teen girls with low self-esteem purposefully injure or cut themselves.
• 25% of teen girls with low self-esteem have eating disorders (starving themselves, refusing to eat, overeating, throwing up, bulimia)

In everyday life, there comes a point when girls feel like the whole world is judging them - Criticizing every detail.  A time where they feel like no one will ever love them because of how they look or act. The world is telling girls they aren't skinny enough, or pretty enough, or sexy enough to ever mean anything to anyone. Girls see the air-brushed, Photoshop-ed, celebrities in magazines and on TV and create a negative image of themselves. This negative way of life is so bad, the celebrities themselves even feel the pressure to be perfect. With most all of them acting in negatively because of it.

Every girl has felt this pressure, whether it's in the little things (not feeling good about themselves) or the big things (cutting, gagging, ect.). Why? Society is telling us that in order to be accepted, we have to look like supermodels. So, girls often turn to cutting or gagging themselves to be accepted. Not realizing how messed up this view point is or not realizing God created them the way He wants them to be. Beautiful and perfect in HIS eyes. So, don't let the world come at you like a pack of wolves, but stand firm in Christ so that when these thoughts come at you, you can deflect them away and turn them into something positive. Confide in Him for strength to defeat the hurt that comes at you.

Personally, I haven't experienced the whole train of thought when it comes to things like cutting or gagging, but I have witnessed it. It's a horrible thing that damages the beautiful woman God created you to be. Something that you will struggle with the rest of your life. So, stay as far away from these negative thoughts as you can. If you see someone struggle with these issues, try and help them. and if you currently dealing with some of these issues, I encourage you to talk to someone about them so they can help you.

..and always remember, when you look in the mirror, you may see imperfections, but God sees past those imperfections and sees beauty. You are beautiful. You are loved. and don't EVER let anyone tell you otherwise. <3

~Emilie

The Disciple Jesus Loved.

I am the disciple that Jesus loves. 

~Emilie

A simple question, or much more?

A few weeks ago, I came across something. Something that really made me stop and think. Something that made me wonder if I'm really following, praising, and loving God to the best of my ability. What was it? A question - "Is what your living for worth dying for?". What stared out as a simple question, became more difficult when I really thought about it. I realized that it's not just a simple question, not  even a fancy analogy to wake me up, but a reality. Jesus died for me. He died so I can love, honor, and praise His holy name forever. He took all my pain, all of my suffering, and died on the cross so that I may live again. He suffered the most cruel punishment anyone could ever imagine, for me. An good for nothing girl, who is constantly disobeying God's commands. But my God, my King died for me. and  He didn't just die for me, He died for every murder, every adulterer, ever thief, and every stuck up person. HE DIED FOR EVERYONE. An act so amazing, so selfless shouldn't be taken lightly, so I'm asking you, is what you're living for worth dying for?

~Emilie

Now and Later.

A few weekends ago, I went to a youth retreat at my church. The theme was Now and Later, like the candy, only, not so much! We talked about what we can do now, to maintain sexual purity for later ( aka marriage). I know it may seem like it, but this wasn't your average 'True Love Waits' ceremony/weekend. Our speaker, Scott Kerby, could have come in and told us, "sex is bad, don't do it." and that would have been the end of it, but instead, he started off telling us that sex is a good thing, a very good thing; in the way God created it to be that is. You see, despite the belief of the world, God intended sex to be the most emotional and psychical act that joins a man and a woman, to bond them forever; but the world sees sex as something you just do whenever you feel like it, with whomever you want. As Scott went on, he talked about our relationship with others, in marriage, dating, and friendships. How they should look, and how we can maintain purity in those relationships.

When I was 13 I made a promise to my parents, peers, and God to remain pure until marriage and this weekend was really great refresher for me. It really reminded me of why I decided to make that promise in the first place. Yeah, it's going to be hard, but with God on my side, I know I will succeed.

~Emilie

Fall Apart.

The story behind this song is so true for all of us. 

I love this song so much. Definitely on my favorites list.  <3

~Emilie

We all get lost in the meaning of life.

In this world, people search and search for the best they can get out of life. Whether it's physical possessions, like having all the latest electronics, clothes, shoes, cars, or houses.. Or maybe it's personal, like  "finding yourself", following your dreams, finding "the one", leaving behind a legacy, or maybe just being a good person. Whatever the case, we all have our own ideas about life and how it should be. We create the this outlook on life, and many of us become bitter, rude, depressed, angry, selfish people when things don't go our way or tragedies happen. We begin to question God's love, loyalty, and faithfulness and start blaming Him for everything that is going wrong.

In Genesis chapter one, it says He created man in HIS own image, and later on it says, God saw all He has made and said it was very good. When God created man, He created us like him, perfect and sinless. We should be falling on our knees and giving Him the praise and glory He deserves. He's our Creator, Savior, Sustain-er, Father, Ruler, and King; and the world as a whole, is turning their backs on the very one who gave them life. We are the ones who screwed up when Adam and Eve were selfish and disobeyed God. We are the ones who let sin into our lives that separated us from our Creator forever. We are the ones to blame for sin, not God. He created us with freewill.  That freewill gave us the option to choose what is right, or what is wrong. We chose what is wrong, and we should be punished to hell for eternity for all the wrong we have done, but God is so loving and gracious, He gave us a way out.  Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father expect through me." God sent His one and only Son to take the place for us on the cross, so that we might live again, If  you accept His free gift. Once you do accept Him into your life, it's up to you if you keep going on and living life like the rest of the world that is lost in sin, or following the one who gave gave you life, and praising Him for everything you have and everything you are.
We were made to give Him glory in the midst of chaos and confusion. He is worthy of all our praise and adoration, so let's give it to Him.

Just some thoughts...

~Emilie

The New Year.

Goodbye 2011... Hello 2012! :)

2011-This is bitter sweet moment  for me. You've been filled with amazing experiences, the opportunity to meet people I never forget, and to grow closer, not only to my friends and family, but to God. That being said, it has also one of the toughest years I've had to face. I was sick for along time, many of my close friends moved, and relationships were tested. I also began to question who I am, and who I am in Christ.

2012- This year, I'm not going to change anything. Why? Because I can't change anything by myself; but God working through me. He is the Lord of my life, so where He leads, I'll follow. I've been praying about what my new years resolution should be, and I don't want to change who I am. I want to improve who I am in Christ. I'm going to keep my focus on God and see what He has in store for me in this new year. I want to be able to praise Him in the good times and the bad. I want to learn how not to lean on my own understanding and leave everything to God. How not to worry about the future, because the moment I worry is the moment I'm not trusting God and His plan for my life. It says in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you may have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world." He has overcome the world so we don't have to worry about our past, present, or future. So we can have peace in knowing He is there for us through our good times and bad.

 I can't wait to see what God will bring this year and I pray that He will prepare my heart for anything that will be coming my way.

~Emilie

Apart of something bigger.

In this world there are millions of people with blogs. Those people either wanting to share stories, inspire others, get out frustrations, build up confidence, or  maybe because of a love for writing. Whatever the case, we all have to agree to the "terms and conditions" of the site we chose. We also make an agreement to ourselves and to anyone who will read our blogs to share our thoughts, frustrations, hopes, dreams, and anything else our minds desire. 

What is the point? So everyone can know what you're thinking? So that when you read other people thoughts you can "be apart of something"? Well I want to be apart of something too, but nothing that this blog can bring me, nothing this world can bring me; something bigger, greater, worth something.

 I know what you're thinking, "I've read blogs that inspire me to do great things, big things! Blogs that make me stop and think about my life and my purpose." but did you ever change anything major in your life? Did you ever get off your bum and actually do something for someone? For most of you, the answer is (and probably always will be) no. I have to say, I'm guilty of sitting by and watching when I could be helping others. I've said, "Man, that would be awesome if I could do that for someone", but I never did anything because I was to worried about what others would think, say, or do. This is the end of that mindset. Why? Because God didn't put us on this earth to think of things we could do. He put us here to do His will. We need to stop caring about ourselves and care about others. 

I realized this in one of my devotions this week, Luke 9:23 says, "Then He said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." When I read this, it finally hit me! For many years, I've been worried about what other people think, rather, than what God has called me to do. I may not be sure what His exact plan for my life is, but I know He wants me to deny myself, pick up my "cross", not worry what others think, and start worrying about what they need. To follow Christ and to exalt His name is my bigger, greater, worth something plan.


I'm sharing this with you, not because I want to bring glory to myself, or to inspire others, but as a prayer for you. I want you to know that there is only one thing in this world worth living for, and His name is Jesus Christ. So deny yourself, pick up your "cross", and follow Him. 

~Emilie