The summer of 2010 started like a regular summer until the most amazing man (;)) stepped in. Very long story short (one day i'd be UBER GLAD to share it with you, but until then ;)!), we started talking and eventually began dating. Over the course of the year and half plus we have been dating, one thing (to sum it all up) that we have learned is that the key to our relationship is....you guess it! COMMUNICATION. (Please don't underestimate that skill). Learning to excel at this skill as individuals (to God and each other) and as a couple has been the instant glue in our relationship....and believe me, it's been a journey, but one that has been and continues to be an extremely satifying journey.
Through COMMUNICATION, we have learned how much we are different(gender differences, personality differences, worldviews, temparament) as well as how much we are similar! (our needs, our dreams and our hopes). We recognize two important things: 1) only through communicating have we been able to understand how we are different and why, and 2) only through our communication have we been able to recognize how AMAZING GOD IS.
Check this out: Do you REALLY think that the differences between a way a man and a woman think is coincidental? If you do, you have missed the GREATER purpose of relationship as well as the width and depth of God's love.
God is a God of diversity. In all things that He does, He seeks to be glorified. God commands that we love one another as we love ourselves. He knew that He could only show us the extent of His love if He could stretch our minds to learn how to respect and appreciate differences in others. After all, WE are different from God.
WE are humans. HE is God.
WE are mortals. HE is immortal.
WE are sinful. HE is holy.
We are selfish. HE is not.
WE are limited in knowledge. HE is omniscient.
WE are limited in our powers. HE is omnipotent.
Despite our differences (HIM being the perfect ONE), He still loves us UNconditionally. He is patient with us. Yet it's funny that as imperfect beings, WE tend to be the impatient ones. WE think we're the best out there and everyone should be and think like US. We are impatient and disgusted that other people are different, or think differently or act differently. We are easily turned off by OTHERS' sinful nature, yet fail to realize that WE ARE basically on the same boat. We fail to realize that everyone has the same basic needs, thaty they just have a different way of expressing or receiving those needs because of how life has shaped them. If only we had time to communicate with these people we would find out how SIMILAR we are.
What I have learned in my relationship with the most awesome man in my life is that without communication, our relationship would have already ended. Without being patient enought to sift through our differences, we would not have had the amazing opportunity to find those similarities. If we had not found those similarities, we would have given up already because we would've thought we were "incompatible". If we had given up, we would have missed out on the joy and the happiness of experiencing a secure, honest and loving relationship (praise GOD for wisdom and patient!). The fire wasn't easy to go through, but it made it alot feasible knowing that we could communicate to each other and help each other during the chiseling process. We came out lookin' better than ever, feelin' better than eva, and lovin' each other better than ever.
It is the same in our spiritual relationship with God. We are extremely different from God (we think and act differently), but both God and us want to the same thing- the best for us as human beings. But how can we understand each other if we are so different? Our differences are basically that God is "spiritually discerned" and we are not. How can we be spiritually discerned? COMMUNICATION!!!!!! Praying without ceasing.... Even Jesus did it...there's a reason for that. Praying for the Holy SPIRIT who is our comforter and our guide.
GOD IS RELATIONAL. and ultimately, if we are seeking TRUE LOVE (which is Him), we must seek Him first and through Him, find our perfect earthly one. I did ;)
BE BLESSED.!
Showing posts with label challenges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label challenges. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Do you WANT to Hear God?
This year, specifically, God has been revealing Himself in ways that I never thought were possible. He has put me through FYRE...and today I can testify that my faith and character have strengthened...again, in ways that I never thought were possible.
Testimonies are too much for me to share, and I don't even know where to start. The past couple of weeks though, (beginning of April), I have been participating in this April Fast with a young group of people, which requires me to do two things: spend more time in His word, and one day a week together- to fast for 12 hours.
Long story short, the more I started to lengthen my time with God, the more I wanted to spend time in His presence. The more I spent time in His presence, the more peace I experienced. The more peace I experienced and am still experiencing, THE MORE I BEGAN/am beginning TO HEAR HIS VOICE. and the more I hear(d) His voice, THE STRONGER MY FAITH.
----> I remember a couple of months ago, it was a struggle to wake up in the morning because I was overwhelmed by the daily 'required' tasks. I would be so tired, and would rush through my devotion (it's so funny because my previous experiences already have testified that it is when I was the most busy, that I needed to spend the MOST time with God!) but hey, isn't it easier to "blow off God" since we can't see Him and focus on our job requirements since we have to say our bosses, for example?
I struggled to wake up..and today, God woke me up at 4:30am....and I have been spending time with Him for at least an hour, and I really don't want to stop.
{MY DEVOTION TODAY: Acts 10 ---> noticed that both characters were praying and because they were praying, they were able to hear God, which led to a reunion, which led to the Holy Spirit's presence in their midst. As a result, souls were saved!!!!). You can't blow off PRAYER!!!!
----> I also remember not feeling the aspect of "fasting" because it was just too much. But I have always asked the Lord for the experience of hearing His voice...and to make a long story short, if you want to hear God's voice...FAST!!!! and PRAY. you will be so hungry that you won't even have the energy to worry, and because you won't have energy to worry, you will be able to hear the Holy Spirit.
What's up with this whole Holy Spirit talk?
Well, check this out: if the Holy Spirit is supposedly your Comforter, and Your Guide...then doesn't it make sense to PRAY for Him so that He can help you make better decisions in your daily life? (duuuuhhhhh. :)
Anyways, this month has been A BLESSING x10. Things are being revealed to me (about myself first and most), and I can not stop being amazed at what God has done, is doing, and will do.
Trust HIM!!!
Testimonies are too much for me to share, and I don't even know where to start. The past couple of weeks though, (beginning of April), I have been participating in this April Fast with a young group of people, which requires me to do two things: spend more time in His word, and one day a week together- to fast for 12 hours.
Long story short, the more I started to lengthen my time with God, the more I wanted to spend time in His presence. The more I spent time in His presence, the more peace I experienced. The more peace I experienced and am still experiencing, THE MORE I BEGAN/am beginning TO HEAR HIS VOICE. and the more I hear(d) His voice, THE STRONGER MY FAITH.
----> I remember a couple of months ago, it was a struggle to wake up in the morning because I was overwhelmed by the daily 'required' tasks. I would be so tired, and would rush through my devotion (it's so funny because my previous experiences already have testified that it is when I was the most busy, that I needed to spend the MOST time with God!) but hey, isn't it easier to "blow off God" since we can't see Him and focus on our job requirements since we have to say our bosses, for example?
I struggled to wake up..and today, God woke me up at 4:30am....and I have been spending time with Him for at least an hour, and I really don't want to stop.
{MY DEVOTION TODAY: Acts 10 ---> noticed that both characters were praying and because they were praying, they were able to hear God, which led to a reunion, which led to the Holy Spirit's presence in their midst. As a result, souls were saved!!!!). You can't blow off PRAYER!!!!
----> I also remember not feeling the aspect of "fasting" because it was just too much. But I have always asked the Lord for the experience of hearing His voice...and to make a long story short, if you want to hear God's voice...FAST!!!! and PRAY. you will be so hungry that you won't even have the energy to worry, and because you won't have energy to worry, you will be able to hear the Holy Spirit.
What's up with this whole Holy Spirit talk?
Well, check this out: if the Holy Spirit is supposedly your Comforter, and Your Guide...then doesn't it make sense to PRAY for Him so that He can help you make better decisions in your daily life? (duuuuhhhhh. :)
Anyways, this month has been A BLESSING x10. Things are being revealed to me (about myself first and most), and I can not stop being amazed at what God has done, is doing, and will do.
Trust HIM!!!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Do Not Rebel, and Do NOT be Afraid
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible- Numbers 14: (7-10)
And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Sometimes, it is easy to give up after running 14 miles out of the 15miles of the struggle. It always seems that the last mile is the hardest, but God who sees the end from the beginning bids us to NOT give up,do NOT rebel and NOT be afraid because the land ahead of us is SWEETER, and EXCEEDINGLY GREAT. The next chapter in our lives is better, sweeter than honey. Though the enemy tries to discourage, God is so ever faithful.
So whatever fire you are through right now, as long as you have God on your side (meaning you ARE doing His will), here is my word for you.
Do NOT rebel from your journey (do not complain, murmur, doubt, run away)
AND do NOT be afraid (as you go through this fire, go with CONFIDENCE)
because GOD IS WITH YOU.
Be like the three Hebrew boys today! Count it ALL A JOY to face trials and tribulations (James 1)
Blessings!
And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Sometimes, it is easy to give up after running 14 miles out of the 15miles of the struggle. It always seems that the last mile is the hardest, but God who sees the end from the beginning bids us to NOT give up,do NOT rebel and NOT be afraid because the land ahead of us is SWEETER, and EXCEEDINGLY GREAT. The next chapter in our lives is better, sweeter than honey. Though the enemy tries to discourage, God is so ever faithful.
So whatever fire you are through right now, as long as you have God on your side (meaning you ARE doing His will), here is my word for you.
Do NOT rebel from your journey (do not complain, murmur, doubt, run away)
AND do NOT be afraid (as you go through this fire, go with CONFIDENCE)
because GOD IS WITH YOU.
Be like the three Hebrew boys today! Count it ALL A JOY to face trials and tribulations (James 1)
Blessings!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
When Common Sense Doesn't Seem so Common Sense Anymore....
So what happens when statistics are staring straight in your face, piercing your heart as if you've been stabbed, inducing tear fluids as if onions were residing right in your eyes,....do you get overwhelmed? broken? teared up? depressed? discouraged? ready to give up? It's so easy isn't it? It's so easy to give up hope when it appears that the most "common sense" thing to do IS to give up and walk away.
Trust me, I know. Sometimes when GIANTS are facing us, they tend to block heaven's bright light producing a disturbance in your eye sight. All of a sudden, your view of God diminishes as the giant gets bigger. Then you begin to question, which makes more sense?: paying attention to statistics OR paying attention to God? You begin to dismiss the idea that even if there were a 1% chance of hope, God could make you or your situation an exception. You begin to wonder, whether or not you're worth it enough to be part of that 1%, wondering whether or not you can do anything to be part of that 1%....as your faith struggles, and your doubts soar like eagles. Then all of a sudden, your world seems upside down, and confusion takes over.
So what do you do then?
Maybe the answer is to let go of Self, and get on your knees, knowing that God is STILL holy, and He is STILL on the throne. Don't be afraid to ask for signs because when "common sense" makes so much sense, it's hard to argue, but if you allow God to help you distinguish "Godly Sense" from "Common Sense", your world will reverse itself slowly but surely.., flipping the giant upside down, and providing you the full view of God's light shining down.
So today do one thing: LET IT GO and feel His peace. He's on the throne, STILL! :)
"Be still. And KNOW that I am God".
Trust me, I know. Sometimes when GIANTS are facing us, they tend to block heaven's bright light producing a disturbance in your eye sight. All of a sudden, your view of God diminishes as the giant gets bigger. Then you begin to question, which makes more sense?: paying attention to statistics OR paying attention to God? You begin to dismiss the idea that even if there were a 1% chance of hope, God could make you or your situation an exception. You begin to wonder, whether or not you're worth it enough to be part of that 1%, wondering whether or not you can do anything to be part of that 1%....as your faith struggles, and your doubts soar like eagles. Then all of a sudden, your world seems upside down, and confusion takes over.
So what do you do then?
Maybe the answer is to let go of Self, and get on your knees, knowing that God is STILL holy, and He is STILL on the throne. Don't be afraid to ask for signs because when "common sense" makes so much sense, it's hard to argue, but if you allow God to help you distinguish "Godly Sense" from "Common Sense", your world will reverse itself slowly but surely.., flipping the giant upside down, and providing you the full view of God's light shining down.
So today do one thing: LET IT GO and feel His peace. He's on the throne, STILL! :)
"Be still. And KNOW that I am God".
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
John 16:33
Last night, as is my usual habit, when I logged back on my computer, one of the first things I glanced through was cnn.com. Actually, no. It was during class, I received a text informing me about the 7.0 quake that hit the "(half) island" Haiti. When I checked cnn.com, (don't really LISTEN to the news), I spent a good half an hour just trying to figure out the situation down there so far. At some point in time, after forwarding the text I received, I decided to close my computer...13 chapters to read + 2 articles + a journal entry due today for one class were all good reasons to muster up my concentration and try to do it finish it all by today's end.
Nonetheless, my texts back and forth with a couple of friends induced a mixed feeling of disturbance, and melancholy...."WHY!?'.
I went to bed early this morning, still not completely done with my assignments. It's Week 2 and I am barely swimming.
So this morning, as I am currently doing my devotion (Adult Quarterly Sabbath School)...the first verse that is featured says the following:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."- John 16: 33.
Refreshing reminder.
Joyful emotions.
Appeased mind.
Worryless faith.
Peace that passeth all understanding.
In the middle of my devotion, I thought it beneficial to blog it. And in the middle of my blog, I switched my text messages signature line. It now reads: John 16:33. I could not be any happier to be reminded that My GOD has ALREADY OVERCOME this world.
Nonetheless, my texts back and forth with a couple of friends induced a mixed feeling of disturbance, and melancholy...."WHY!?'.
I went to bed early this morning, still not completely done with my assignments. It's Week 2 and I am barely swimming.
So this morning, as I am currently doing my devotion (Adult Quarterly Sabbath School)...the first verse that is featured says the following:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."- John 16: 33.
Refreshing reminder.
Joyful emotions.
Appeased mind.
Worryless faith.
Peace that passeth all understanding.
In the middle of my devotion, I thought it beneficial to blog it. And in the middle of my blog, I switched my text messages signature line. It now reads: John 16:33. I could not be any happier to be reminded that My GOD has ALREADY OVERCOME this world.
Monday, September 14, 2009
shedded tears.
Looks like I wasn't the only one ready to shed some tears last week while sitting in the library, typing a paper for one of my classes. I had everything under control, I felt...but I just wasn't feeling it. I needed some motivation and words of comfort or SOMETHING...you know what I mean? I was so close to it that if I knew enough people in that place, I would've gone up to them and asked them to give me a hug. Actually, I was planning to do it whether or not I was close to anyone---an acquaintance would've worked. =) I did the next best thing however, picked up my phone and texted a few people the following "today, not a good day....say something funny." lol, the responses were hilarious. I am thankful to know and have met funny people in my life. =)
It was Week 3 and apparently "everyone" I have talked to had a similar moment. I had it good, apparently. I was THIS close to shedding some tears, but "everyone else" actually cried......more than once.
Each individual is wondering whether or not s(he) will make through these upcoming years and finish his/her program. My apartment-mate who's here for three years as well wonders the same. Whether or not I am subconsciously wondering the same thing, I refuse to let it be known. I am here to MAKE it, and I WILL by God's grace. I am not sure I am ready for the harder challenges ahead, but I am choosing to take it one day at a time.
I was having a conversation with my godfather last night, and ended up going over all the work I had to get done in the next couple of weeks....and he reminded me, "millions have made it before you....you can do it" right after he told me of his challenges in grad school. While chatting and encouraging my apart.mate today (her program IS tough....lots of memorization), I passed along the words of my godfather and she laughed. Apparently her dad told her the same.
I will never forget the words of a man who came to the Youth Rally in St. Louis (I believe very early this year) and who was leading a discussion group. He asked us this question "Why do you think I want YOU to succeed?" Everyone attempted to find an answer to his question, but I definitely was taken back by his unique answer, "because I believe that if everyone would've been concerned about everyone else's success in life, we could have already found the cure for cancer . Maybe you (pointed to someone) have the ability to find the cure to a life threatened disease ...maybe it's you, or you....but we'll never know until everyone does his/her part to succeed in life."
Very deep, don't you think?....really, think about that.
On a different note, I went to the Spanish church this past Sabbath. I had no help with translation (yay!) and the message was deep! maybe I'll post something about it some other time, I don't want this blog to get too long. Afterwards, we went to the beach and relaxed by the water. Beautiful weather. Sabbaths are awesome.
"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you."
I am determined to succeed by God's grace. You should be too. And I want you too. I'll totally be your #1 fan.
Each individual is wondering whether or not s(he) will make through these upcoming years and finish his/her program. My apartment-mate who's here for three years as well wonders the same. Whether or not I am subconsciously wondering the same thing, I refuse to let it be known. I am here to MAKE it, and I WILL by God's grace. I am not sure I am ready for the harder challenges ahead, but I am choosing to take it one day at a time.
I was having a conversation with my godfather last night, and ended up going over all the work I had to get done in the next couple of weeks....and he reminded me, "millions have made it before you....you can do it" right after he told me of his challenges in grad school. While chatting and encouraging my apart.mate today (her program IS tough....lots of memorization), I passed along the words of my godfather and she laughed. Apparently her dad told her the same.
I will never forget the words of a man who came to the Youth Rally in St. Louis (I believe very early this year) and who was leading a discussion group. He asked us this question "Why do you think I want YOU to succeed?" Everyone attempted to find an answer to his question, but I definitely was taken back by his unique answer, "because I believe that if everyone would've been concerned about everyone else's success in life, we could have already found the cure for cancer . Maybe you (pointed to someone) have the ability to find the cure to a life threatened disease ...maybe it's you, or you....but we'll never know until everyone does his/her part to succeed in life."
Very deep, don't you think?....really, think about that.
On a different note, I went to the Spanish church this past Sabbath. I had no help with translation (yay!) and the message was deep! maybe I'll post something about it some other time, I don't want this blog to get too long. Afterwards, we went to the beach and relaxed by the water. Beautiful weather. Sabbaths are awesome.
"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you."
I am determined to succeed by God's grace. You should be too. And I want you too. I'll totally be your #1 fan.
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