"How worn is your Bible?"

As I glanced at all the mess on my desk tonight, I noticed the worn edges of my Bible. Hmmm. Those are new. 

Now that I think about it, I remember a conversation I had with my women's group leader, close to this time last year. I had nonchalantly mentioned how I liked my Bible to be in top-notch shape and didn't like to see it's beautiful pink exterior show the wear and tear. 

Rather than simply nodding her head and agreeing with that casual statement, the leader looked me directly in the eyes and made a statement that should have sunk in sooner. Something challenging, along the lines of "an unworn Bible typically means it isn't being read". 

I brushed it off at the time and didn't think much of it. I was attending women's group and church weekly, clearly I was "a good Christian". However, that concept of "how worn is your Bible" is proving to be true in my life as I reflect on the past year. Now, I am truly embracing that wear and tear because it is representative to the change that has been occurring in my life.

I have always been a believer in Christ, but I feel that in the past few months I have come to a new understanding of what it actually means to be a follower of Him. Reading my Bible regularly has been a key step in that direction. Sure, church groups are nice and acts of service are great. I used to enjoy simply perusing devotionals and Christian books, but without the actual Bible, those, along with the religious actions, are not truly effective. Those should be the books and experiences sought to enrich our walk with God, not as the sole provider of a relationship with Christ.

The Bible is a foundation of the Christian faith and I can now say thank you to that leader for her challenging words. Although it did not make sense at the time, it sure does now. I have not made so much growth in my faith and understanding of God since I started reading regularly.

I encourage all of you to pick up your Bible and just start somewhere. I supplement with an iPad app that provides a reading schedule (in less than a year, I should be all the way through it!). Nevertheless, Christ can work through any efforts, order, or structure you place upon your study of His word. Every verse of scripture has something to teach and has the potential to change your life. Give it a chance to wear down your walls and seep into who you are.

The worn edges of my Bible are a reminder of the work Christ has done in my life. I am forever changed by His grace and have the worn edges as a small way to prove it!

Waiting Wisely

Good evening, lovely readers!

I've been blessed with some spare time tonight and a title for a post came to me earlier today, so it looks like the perfect time to do some blogging! The idea of "waiting wisely" came to me as I read a few articles earlier in regards to what to do while you are a single Christian. As someone who is trying to purposefully be single until the end of Lent, I've hit a few roadblocks that make it oh-so-tempting to give up on that idea. Satan is really good at what he does, so it is a good thing Christ is a whole lot better at supporting us through those trials!

I had a post not too long ago about the "Forever Alone" lie (The Big Fat Lie aka Forever Alone- click here for a link), but once we realize that we will not be forever alone, what do we do about it? How do we effectively spend our time embracing what Christ has for us in our singleness, rather than wishing for a significant other all-day, everyday?

Even after doing my research, I still have moments where I wish I could just jump ahead, skip the singleness step, and be in a relationship. I think I'm ready to get back into the world of dating, but the reality is, I'm not. I might think my timing is all fine and dandy; however, Christ will never be delayed or early in His timing, so I really have no business deciding that timing on my own! I am constantly reminding myself that there is a reason I felt the push to challenge myself to this dating detox for Lent and that I should embrace the time to do God's will with no distractions. Nevertheless, easier said than done.

So what can be done? Whether you are purposefully taking a break on pursuing relationships or just haven't met "the one", what can you do with all of this time being single?

Here are a few ideas I brainstormed and/or tried:

1. Read, read, and read some more. I decided this is a great time to start soaking in God's word and began a one-year Bible challenge. While it is just a short bit of time spent each day, I am finding that I am learning so much about who God is and what He has in store for our lives with Him. Word of warning-- your mind may not-so-conveniently try to wander so be prepared to push through the distractions and re-focus!

2. Check out some new volunteer opportunities. I felt God was calling me to get more plugged in at church and took the plunge to start working with children's church every few weeks. Not only is it enjoyable, but also a great way to learn about your spiritual gifts and how to use them.

3. Spend time with new people. As a single person, we are free to do whatever we please, within reason, of course. There is no one tying us down with date nights and other relationship-related time commitments, which makes it the perfect opportunity to experiment with new social circles and to seek out new fellowship opportunities. Who knows, the friendships you make could lead someone to Christ or even strengthen your own faith! Word of caution-- focus on friendship as brothers and sisters in Christ, not on whether or not someone is a potential future mate! If it is meant to turn into more than friendship, let Jesus do the work and follow His guidance. 

4. Pray and journal. Devote a consistent time to prayer and/or writing in a journal everyday. Find a comfy spot where you can unwind and let God have your complete focus. God loves when we spend time with Him in prayer and writing about our thoughts can be an amazing way to watch how He works through our prayer life.

5. Learn to see yourself the way God sees you. Embrace who you are and where you are in life! This might be the most challenging idea of all, at least in my life. Mentally re-playing our mistakes in past relationships, whether it be with friends, a significant other, or family, can become a very detrimental habit and can wear down our image of who we are in Christ. Take this time to refocus on forgiving yourself the way God forgives you, unconditionally as though you are a blank slate. Isaiah 1:18 states, "'Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'" 

I pray that all of the other single ladies and gents out there have found some equally as effective ways to spend their time! Please comment with any ideas, I'd love to hear my readers' suggestions on how to wait wisely.

Take care and goodnight!

Where is the beauty in this corrupted college world?

It's so difficult to sit and watch. People streaming down the hallways, headed out for a night on the town. If I knew for a fact they'd all come back uninfluenced and unharmed, it would be so much easier. Yet all there is to lean on is a prayer for their well-being. I can't make those people, friends, and acquaintances make the choices I would make. I have to respect their differences in values, morals, and standards. It's a personal belief, it's a job commitment as a resident advisor, and it's an act of understanding and grace. Everyone has freedom to do as they wish. 

Feeling comfortable with the potential outcomes those differences in decisions could bring is immensely difficult. Thank goodness that little prayer, specifically directed for the safety and well-being of those headed into the college night-life scene, holds immense value in God's eyes.

Where, in that corrupt college world of excessive drinking and compromised morals, is the beauty? Where is the goodness, where is the unconditional love and acceptance? 

I see and hear stories of the corruption of God's beautiful world. Spring break stories, outings of the people in my building, and observations of the people roaming drunkenly across campus on weekend nights are plenty of examples to make one believe their is little hope. Sometimes, those stories make it really difficult to see beyond Satan's grasp on the college age bracket. He is placing so many temptations and people fall for them as part of the social norms. Go out. Go party. Get drunk. Where does God fit into all of that? And what can I do from my non-partying, atypical room?

There is no easy answer. Mostly, I have learned that I have to find reassurance in scripture that even the negative situations will be worked for the better. Underneath the misguiding and tempting atmosphere of the college night-life scene, God is at work. We might not always see Him and it might not be obvious that He is at work. But that is where faith does its wonders. 

In the Bible, Christ spent time with the poorest of the poor and the most corrupt of the corrupt. He did not discriminate and offered His healing, gracious influence on everyone's life. Even the least likely people and places were led to Him and were provided signs of His goodness. 

In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus did not judge a sinful woman, as another had recommended for Him to do. He forgave instead and recognized her faith.

In Mark 7:24-30, Jesus went secretly to a home and drove a demon out of a child.

Faith means we have to trust that in the corrupt college world, Christ is still working to make His way known. He will give us the words to speak, the actions to take, and the courage to do. Jesus provides His followers with all they need to engage in the spiritual turmoil and warfare necessary to overcome Satan's attempts to steal beauty from God's creations, we just might not always clearly see it. 

Faith being tested amid the college chaos is actually a beautiful thing in and of itself:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
-James 1:2-3

Keeping faith and hope when surroundings say otherwise can be incredibly difficult, but that does not mean it is impossible. Seek the beauty where you least expect it and know that Christ is always working for goodness. 

Craft Time: Bible Chapter Bookmarks

It's a great Saturday night for some relaxation and crafting!

I always feel scatterbrained when it comes time to quickly look up a Bible verse at church or Bible study, so I decided to make practical Bible Chapter Bookmarks.

Here's the process:

1) Type a list of the chapters of the Bible in any font/size desired. I chose to make separate bookmarks for the Old Testament and New Testament for easier reference. Include page numbers, if desired. (sidenote-the Old Testament bookmark is double-sided due to the length of the list)

2) Select two color-coordinated pieces of cardstock or scrapbook paper.

3) Cut the cardstock into strips as desired.

4) Cut the columns of text to fit the strips of paper.

5) Glue/tape and laminate the finished bookmarks together. Use a hole puncher and ribbon for some added flair!

Happy Crafting!

Craft Time: Writing Tool Storage Redo

One of my latest favorite things to use while doing Bible studies and taking notes at church are felt tip pens. I have quite a collection built up and decided to do a quick and easy craft to conveniently display them on my desk. Check out the before and after!

To make your own, simply wrap an old plastic cup with Duck Brand Fabric Tape. Tie a ribbon around the top and secure it with double-sided clear tape so it does not slide down the cup. 

Happy Crafting!