Complications

No one ever said life is easy. So why do we constantly expect it? Life is too hard? I don't know what to do? Why can't I just see into the future and see what the outcome will be? Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. If only....

But what if complications are a good thing...could they be used to help us grow and be challenged? Maybe its just God's testing...not actual loss of direction of complication's in life but small tests of our faith and willingness to put God in front of our own desires and plans. The reward, in the end is so great, that why would we want to neglect this opportunity to become closer to our creator?

But...easier said then done. It's a daily challenge to not take control of your life and give that control over. We'll all be better off if we can do just that.

Jeremiah 29:11 - 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 hope and a future.

Things I'm pondering...
...amazed how God works in mysterious ways...
...conversations with friends are inspiring...I highly recommend it...
...life will get easier with God in the driver's seat...

Judgement & Perfectionism

One must realize that it doesn't really matter what others think of you. As humans, we strive to always do the right thing and achieve perfection in our lives. Often, if not most times, we believe we are in control of this and can achieve that high-perched status of being perfect. When, in reality, we will also fall short of this for there is only one who is perfect.

So then, why is it we continually beat ourselves up, view ourselves as failures and then attempt to reach perfection when we know it is unattainable? Is it the pursuit of something we want but can't have? (Reminds me of relationships!)

A friend of mine recently expressed their concern of being a failure because of what others think of them. Who cares. Focus on you and your life. And remember, there is only one who we need to please with our actions and our life. For He has already paid the price for our sins and the decisions for our lives. He has set us free from judgement and criticism. Rejoice in what He has provided you with and surround yourself with those who love you. In the end, that is All that Matters.

Things I'm pondering...
...why must I strive to be perfect when I knowingly accept I'll never reach it?
...what happened to summer weather? a low of 40 tonight...seriously...
...why do I ponder so much?

Interests

I've realized I have many interests in life. One might say I have too many interests and need to focus myself. I question that because I think its healthy to have a diversity of interests.

As of late, I have found myself much more focused on future plans in my life and how my interests may correlate. I feel inspired to take a risk and purse some of these interests 100% however being one who likes security and routine but maybe its time I break out of that shell. I'll take all the encourage you might be willing to give as I know it won't be easy for me.

It's time to take a chance, pursue those interests that bring joy in your life.

Things I'm pondering...
... which interest do I start with?
... can I really do this?
... I can do all things through Him who gives me strength....Amen. Philippians 4:13

Just Because

So I feel like writing a blog post right now except for no other reason to just do it. I have no real topic in mind, but feel somewhat inspired at the moment. Sitting in a coffeeshop, working on school work and I feel inspired to write...I know, random.

I'm in the corner, in my own little world, listening to some great tunes by Wolfy. A great band, a true friend, even if I didn't get to travel with the band. Maybe someday in the future. You never know how things might just work out.

Maybe that's a good topic for a brief post. Fate. Does it exist? Are we in control? Is there a greater being that is in control of our fate and when will that great 'plan' be revealed to us?

The plan for our lives is revealed each and every day...we just don't always know it. Through the people we meet, the places we go and the decisions we make, we are paving the road of our future.

But, don't forget to take a moment to stop and breathe and take it all it. For life, moves quickly and will flash before your eyes.

Things I'm pondering...
... I like the random blog...
... hot tea should warm you up but for some reason, mine is not. Why?
... why is it that it is almost summer and yet we can have 25 degree changes in the same day

Inspiring Moments

Sometimes in life when you feel like you're down for the count, you have to pick yourself up and do something out of the ordinary. But sometimes its not that out of the ordinary but something that you should have been doing for awhile but have somehow neglected to make time for in your busy life.

I stepped back into something that I used to greatly enjoy the other night--Live Music. I had no plans and ended up at a local coffee shop for some live music and realized that I've let life get in the way of pure enjoyment. Music has always had a place in my life however in varying forms. I think its time to do some refocusing on let it take on a bigger piece of the this pie we call life.

Things I'm pondering...
...Patience....seriously?
...How can something so simple have such a great impact?
...I like rain.

Myths: 1.0

Actually, the title is really Mythbusters but I like just myths. Our lives today are filled with myths but they are only myths because we have not proven them wrong.

Easter is a time of expression, reflection and understanding of the ultimate price paid for our sins. A myth? Not exactly. Jesus was alive, then died, was buried, and rose again three days later. Fact.

No selection process was involved as Jesus died for our sins. All our sins were forgiven.

What does this mean for me?

I've received Christ, believe that he rose from the dead three days later and believe I will have everlasting life. I will continue to grow in my personal relationship with Christ for He has saved me.

risk vs. RISK - part II

Recap:

Risk is the point faith moves from the 'theoretical' to real.

REAL faith impacts your life and involves. Risk is not something that I'm comfortable with, despite taking on more risk in my life recently. Risk does affect your relationships you have with people. In addition, your relationship with God will also impact these relationships with others around you.

What is the benefit of taking on risk in one's life? Without taking a risk, you will never gain that which you aspire to and will not gain from it. Risk is not a bad thing but actually good. Risk is a teaching element that allows us to grow stronger in our relationship with God. Its a challenge. God wants us to not become complacent in seeking after Him and therefore, will require us to take risks in our lives to continue on the journey of seeking after Him. Risk will allow us to succeed.

Personally speaking, I know its true and that risk will have a positive impact on my life however its easier said then done. Giving 100% control over to God of your life is a risk itself. But as noted earlier, God will not give you a risk hoping we will fail but rather for us to grow and succeed. So what risk are you gonna take?

Things I'm pondering...
... at what point is a risk just stupid?
... am I taking a risk by making these thoughts of mine public?
... Risk = Good, now repeat that over and over and over.