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