Philippians 4:8 - Focus On What is Good.

"Finally brothers, 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 about things." -Philippians 4:8

After finishing my second year of college,  I have encountered many new experiences, challenges, and with that, many people. Some are new and others are old acquaintances. I left school with many new friends and closer, old friends, but I also realized that I left with a lot of hard feelings toward some as well. It's natural that you're not going to "click" with everyone, and that's okay. However, it's not okay to harbor grudges or dwell on sour thoughts. I also realized that the same people that frustrated me may have also encouraged me at one point as well. Instead, I have chosen to dote on the times I've been hurt. God calls us to think otherwise, on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable." To help me forgive and let go of these feelings, I have decided to start a notebook for myself. I will list all the good memories of times that people have been there for me, sacrificed for me, or even just attributes I appreciate about them, especially the people that have hurt me or that frustrate me. This will help me release my old feelings, and be ready greet everyone warmly and genuinely when fall rolls around. I can refer back to it as needed. I am excited for a better, happier outlook.

New Year

As I was thinking about this upcoming year, I was listing off my responsibilities and goals in my head. I thought, I need more sleep, I need to be more focused, I need to exercise more, I need to hit the library more, I need to eat healthier, I need to wake up earlier, I need to make a better effort to stay in touch with my family, I need to be more forgiving, I need to be more loving.

No. I need God.



I have been letting all the other "stuff" in my life get bigger than God. God has only been a small slice of my pie chart. He needs to be the entire pie plate holding everything else! I truly believe if you find God and focus on God, everything else will come into place. Don't make God fit in your life. See how life fits into your God. Accommodate accordingly.

'Tis the Season

This Christmas has been a great opportunity for me to refocus on God, and what the big picture is really about. Christmas didn't live up to my expectations which reminded me, it's not about what we think Christmas should be. It's about God.

On Christmas Eve, my grandmother suffered a minor heart attack during church and had to be rushed to the hospital in the ambulance. She was in great company, however, got help right, and didn't have any severe problems. So there my brother and I were on Christmas Eve, sitting alone in a quiet, empty house while my parents went to the hospital. No music. No Christmas cookies. No family. And waiting for the phone.

Now that both of my sisters are adults in the real world, pursuing jobs, and married, they aren't always home when my brother and I are. They don't have college breaks. On holidays, they also have their in-law's family to visit as well. We rarely get to spend time together now with the whole family, and that was a hard thing for me to handle over Christmas. My oldest sister told me, she'd love to be with us, but if we had each other all the time, we wouldn't appreciate the times we're together.

There wasn't even any snow this Christmas, and doesn't look like there will be any soon. So Christmas wasn't what I had wanted, but it's not about me. It's about God, and refocusing on the Savior our Lord sent us. It's not about what we want it to be--shopping, presents, food, snow, Christmas decorations, or even the time with your family. I believe time with your family is extremely important over the holidays, but it's ultimately about God. Sometimes he just has to take things away from us in order for us to realize what we really need or the blessings we already have.