It's just a God thing

Last July I told my parents that I wanted to go to El Salvador this summer. They thought I was crazy. Despite their response, I knew that this was God's will, so I did the only two things I knew to do...Pray and Save. Then, November hit. I was invited by my youth pastor to go on the youth's mission trip to Missions, Texas. I prayed about it, once again knew it was God's will, so I told my parents. There response was less than desirable. So once again, I did only what I knew to do, pray and save. Now, it's June. I leave in 2 weeks for El Salvador and 6 weeks for Texas. The fact that I am going on these trips is totally a God thing. He has worked out so many details. It's been so amazing to sit back and watch how God's been working. This is the first time in my life, where I knew God had called me somewhere, and I had to totally rely on Him to make it happen. He has opened up doors, changed hearts, and provided for my needs. When I first signed up for these trips it was to go and help others, but I can see already that my purpose wasn't just to minister to the kids in El Salvador and Texas. My purpose for Christ to take me on a journey that would challenge me more than ever before.

One True Love

February 14, the Day of Love. It's the day where couples both young and old express their feelings for one another. Dozens of roses are delivered to front doors, millions of poems are written, and billions of helpless romantics secretly wish they had a special someone to spend the day with. As Christians though, we already have a true love that has shown us love far better than any box of chocolate or dozen of roses ever could. God is our true love. He loved us so much that He died for us. He took all of the bad stuff you've done, all of the lies you've spoke, and all of the dirty thoughts that only you know about, put them upon Himself, and died for us. He paid a high price so He could spend forever with you. He loves you with a perfect love, a love that won't break your heart, ignore you when you call, or say "it's over" after a few months. I don't know what your relationship status is today, but whether single, married, or dating, take some time some time today and thank your true love for all He's done for you and how much He loves you.

1 John 4:19 "We love, because He first loved us."

One

This is it. We have one life, one chance,on time. We only get on shot to make a difference for Christ in this world. There are no second chances, no do-overs, and no make up exams. Everyday we are given the opportunity to reach out to others and show them the love of Christ, but the question is, are we taking those opportunities? Take some extra time this week to share Christ with those around you. After all, we're not promised tomorrow.

A Song to Sum up my Week

Came to My Rescue-Hillsong United

Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek Your face
Lord all I am is is Yours

My whole life
I place in Your hands
God of mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at Your throne

I called You answered
And You came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where You are

In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high

Whatever you're going through this week I pray that you will lean on God, and not lose heart. He's there with you, don't give in, get out or shut up. Keep preaching the Word and doing what He's called you to do.


Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

More satisfying than a glass of limeade on a hot summer day

Americans in general are not satisfied. We spend $1.20 for every $1 we make, and we have an average of $12,000 in credit card debt alone. Our nation has adapted the "I can't get no satisfaction" mentality. Don't believe me? Turn on the T.V. and watch 1 set of commercials. What will you see, almost every ad telling you that you MUST have this or you MUST buy this. It's always telling us to get more. Bill Gates was once asked the thing a millionaire wants most. His reply was "another million". As Christians, we should not be constantly wanting more. We shouldn't be constantly searching for satisfaction, we shouldn't have to. We can find our satisfaction in Christ. Whether we have a lot of money or a little, or are the best at what we do or the worse, it doesn't matter. Christ is all we need. Paul says "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." (Phil. 4:11-12). His secret, Christ. Today, take some time and thank God for all He's given you, and try to be satisfied with everything He has given you, both big and small.

More than just "hanging in there"

Sometimes life just plain stinks. Things happen that are out of our control that drastically affect us. This could be anything from getting fired, a loved one dying, or having to quit your favorite sport due to an injury. Times like these are rough, but our attitude makes a huge difference. You Have you ever thought about how most people act when life gets rough? Most of the time, they're grumpy, just wanting to make it through the day so they can start over tomorrow just to do the same. As Christians, if we were to change our attitudes and be joyful for the blessings God has given us, it's going to make people stop and take a second look. It we, while siting on the side says, wounded and bruised, can say "How Great is our God?", people are going to know there is something different about us...and our God. They are going to notice that, even though our life may be a wreck, we can have peace and security in the King of the Universe. Take time and tell God just how great He is, even if life isn't going perfectly for you. After all, you may never know who's watching.

A Prayer to God

I am once again up in the wee hours of the morning unable to sleep. Tonight, unlike like most other nights, I decided to take this time and really pour out my heart to God and spend some time in His throne room. Tonight I've written a little prayer I'd like to share with you, and I pray that it will become your prayer too.

Take me O God, Use me O Lord. My life means nothing, unless its purpose is You. Take my wants, take my dreams, and take all of my desires, please mold them to be a reflection of you. Help me become like a pen in your hand, that I may tell the World about all of You. Take me O God, Use me O Lord, may my life be an offering to reach those who don't know you.

Minutes In My Day

Minutes In My Day
Sleeping- 480
Going to School- 360
Eating- 75
Talking on the Phone- 90
Spent with God- Not Enough

God has given me 1,440 minutes a day. That's it, no more, no less. I have 1440 minutes in a day to spend, and it's my choice on how I use them. I can spend the surfing the web, hanging out with my friends, relaxing at Benettis (the little coffee shop we have in town which I love). Unfortunately, not very many of those minutes are spent with God. How do you spend your time? Do you set aside time everyday to spend with your Maker? I can say from experience, it's one of the best way to spend those 1440 minutes. Take time now to evaluate on how you spend your time. You might be surprised on just how many minutes are wasted.


This post was inspired by Emily Cummins blog. To see more about how you spend the minutes in your day, click here.

I'm Back

If it doesn't start here, where will it start?
If it doesn't start now, when will it start?
If we don't take a stand for this, what will we take a stand for?
If we don't stand for Truth now, when will we put our foot down and start making a difference?

God has given many of us different passions and gifts, each which we can use to make a difference in this world. This will look different for many of us. For some, it may be making a movie exposing abortion clinics covering up statuary rape, for others, it may be publishing a newspaper article about the facts for Intelligent Design, or for you, it could be having coffee with a close friend and presenting the Gospel to them. It doesn't take long to look around in our nation and see how we've become corrupted and distorted the Truth. The time to act is now. Not tomorrow, not when you're older or have more money. The place isn't there, across the street, or in a higher paying office, but right here, where God has placed you. Be praying about where God will use you this year to make a difference for Him!

R.I.P. Jacob

This past week we had a kid in our youth group passed away. Jacob Blair was on the roof of an abonded building with some friends Thursday night making a video for a class project. Jake went to go set up the camera, and the roof gave in. He fell around 25 feet hitting his head. He was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.

This really hit our youth group hard. We have once again lost another member, but we are not totally morning. Jacob was a Christian, he had accepted Christ. We all take comfort in the fact that he is now in Heaven, rejoicing with God. This has also served as a reminder about just how short life it. We don't know when our life, or anyone else's for that matter, will end. For me, it has really reminded me on just how important it is to witness to others and be an example of Christ's love. After all, we never know when our time will be up.

Rest in Peace Jake. You had a BIG influence on a TON of people. I know you're in Heaven right now rejoicing with God, but we still miss you. I can't wait for the day when I will get to see you, once again, face to face.

God's Plan

Dear Diary,
I'm sorry I haven't written in a while. It's been a hard few months, especially emotionally. The last time I wrote to you was when the angel Gabriel visited me and told me I was pregnant with God's son. I know this is a great blessing and honor, but lately it seems to be more of a curse.

A few weeks after Gabriel came to me I told my parents about the whole thing, but they didn't believe me. That was three months ago. My stomach is starting to show more and more each day. Everywhere I go I'm no longer met with a smiling face. Those have now be replaced with a judgemental glance. The ones who used to call me friend won't even look at me. My reputation has been ruined. I used to be remembered as the one with a loving heart, a sweet smile, and someone with a servant's attitude, but not anymore. I'm not thought of as the family embarrassment.

Right now I'm at a loss. I don't even know if Joseph will still marry me. The last time I saw him I could barley look into his eyes. When I finally managed to, all I saw was anger, shame and disappointment. I pray Yahweh he does not divorce me. I don't know if I can bare all of that. If he divorces me I'll be stoned, or worse, I'll go on living a life of isolation because my family will disown me.

I had always hoped God would use me to do something great, but being deemed as an adulator is not what I had in mind. I'm sure this will be worth is the moment I hold this baby growing inside of me in my arms. Until then though, I pray I can simply make it through another day.
Sincerely Yours,
Mary.

The next few weeks

Over the next few weeks I'm going to be doing a "Dear Diary" series over some famous biblical characters. So often we think of biblical people as some type of supermen. It's almost as if they couldn't possibly be real. A little Shepard boy wins a war with a stone? or A peasant girl becomes queen and saves thousands of Jews? So often it's look over with a huge "Wow" factor, then quickly forgotten or rationalized out of the notation it would ever happen again. We think "God doesn't do stuff like that anymore", or "I'm just little old me, I don't even know anyone to make a difference on". We rule out God using us to lead a revolution in the 21st century. The truth is though, if we allow God to take control of our lives He can use us for great things. Join me as we step back into time and take a look at real people who allowed themselves to be used by God.

Time Sure does fly by fast.....l

Dear Blogging Friends,
It's been ages since I've written. The past few weeks have so so busy. Here are a few of the things that have gone on:

*Turned 16

*Helped run and plan our school's See You At the Pole which was a huge success, we had 42 people. God really showed up!

*Starting teaching swim lesions

*Started to be a T.A. at the middle school and tutor some of the kids for A+

*and my personal favorite, got my license!!!

Things should settle down here in the few few weeks, and I will be posting more. I have all of these "mini" blog post on random scraps of paper around my room. I'm praying for you all!
In His Love,
Kaytlynn

Low cut standards

I was listening to a podcast a few minutes ago, and it got me thinking.
We live in a world with pretty low standards, especially when it comes to relationships. It's not uncommon to find a middle schooler who has had at least ten different boyfriends, a teenage girl who is pregnant, or a young women who has been married several times. However, this isn't just common among non-Christians anymore, it's pretty common among believers too. But what if we, as Christians raised the standards again.
What if, instead of dating a ton of guys in high school for "fun" or "just because", we waited and prepared ourselves for "the one" we want to spend the rest of our lives with. What if, instead of flirting with all of the guys at church, we prayed for them and challenged them in our walk with God. Ladies, it's up to us if there will ever be a change. So let's raise our standards....and our neck lines.

Dancing with My Dad

I stepped into the ballroom. I was as nervous as ever. My hands were shaking, my stomach was in knots, and my heart was pounding so hard and so fast, I thought it was going to explode. This was to be the night I was going to get to dance with my future husband. My eyes widened as I scanned the ballroom. I felt like a little kid in a candy store. There were so many men, and the mirrors on the walls seemed to make the number multiply.

I looked down at the bottom of the staircase, and a smile spread across my face. My father was standing at the bottom waiting for me. My nerves slowly faded as I made my way towards him. His eyes shined as bright as the stars, and his smile was as calming as still waters. All my fears had vanished by the time I had reached him. For what did I have to fear? My hands slid from the smooth wooden railing into his strong rough hands. “Shall we dance?” My Father asked. “Indeed” I replied as I pulled the edges of my ball gown to curtsy. My father took me by the arm and led the way out onto the dance floor.

I glanced around the enormous room. There were so many different types of men. Some of them had already found their true love, and they were dancing with them. They held each other close, and whispered their unconditional love for one another. There were also some men waiting eagerly on the edge of the dance floor with their fathers. They were waiting for the perfect girl to come along to have their first dance with. They were not going to dance with just anybody. As I continued to look about the room I noticed another type of man. Now these men, by worldly standards, would have been the best group by far. They were the most graceful and experienced dancers of all, but they kind of came with a catch. They kept constantly switching dancing partners. It seemed as if they couldn’t make it through a whole song without leaving someone with a broken heart, a shattered dream and a crushed hope. My father must have seen the look of hurt in my eyes as I watched another girl be left. He reached up and gently touched my soft cheek with his hand. Looking me straight in the eyes he said, “Keep dancing with me, and I’ll let the right guy cut in at the right time.”

Hours passed as I continued to dance with my daddy. I knew I didn’t need to venture off on my own, for here I was safe, and here I was happy. Every once in a while a young bachelor would come along and ask for a dance, but I quickly turned them down. Many just wanted to mark me off their list as one danced with, while others were attracted to my personality or style. However, those reasons were not why I wanted a guy to ask me to dance, even if they were really cute.

After what seemed like days of dancing a fine young man came along. He liked me for me, and how much I loved my dad. My heart jittered, and my eyes lit up. “Can I dance with him Daddy, please?” “No” my father replied. My face immediately filled with disappointment, and a tear began to roll down my cheek. I couldn’t understand why I shouldn’t dance with someone like this. I reached up and wiped the tears. “Why?” I dared to ask. My Father simply smiled and replied, “Keep dancing with me and I will let the perfect guy cut in at the perfect time.”

Time seemed to pass slowly as I waited for the right one to come and ask me to dance. As I waltzed with my dad I couldn’t help but overhear the snarls and snickers of girls dancing with their “bachelor of the song.” Even to this day I can still hear their comments, “You aren’t going to be experienced enough when it comes time for you to really start dancing”, “You won’t have any idea what type of dancer you want if you don’t try several out now.” And the one that stuck with me the most, “It’s so much fun, you have no idea what you are missing out on.” At times, I wondered if they could be right. After all, there were only a few girls left still dancing with their dad’s, and there were even fewer guys waiting on the side of the dance floor. Most of the girls had danced with at least ten other guys by now. Was I really so crazy to think that I could really only dance with just one other guy besides my Dad? Or, was that only something that happened in the movies? As I began to ponder all of these things my father leaned in and whispered in my ear, “Keep dancing with me, and I’ll let the right guy cut in at the right time.”

I tried as best as I could to forget what the other girls had said. I knew that they perfect guy was out there, and he would come… sooner or later. So until then, I decided I would put all of my energy and focus into dancing with my dad. Besides, I knew my dad was right and he would let the perfect guy cut in at the perfect time.

My Father led me over to a different part of the dance floor. It was there in the middle of a twirl our eyes met. I knew instantly he was “the one.” My face began to glow as I started to tell my dad about the one I had just seen. The smile that was quickly growing on my face spread to my Father’s face as I started to describe this fine young man. Then my dream actually started to come true. The young, inexperienced, bachelor made his way over to my Father and me. “May I have the honor of this dance with your daughter?”, he asked. His voice was deep and strong, but yet a little shaky. I think it had something to do with the fact that he was so nervous. I really didn’t think anything of it because I was just as nervous as him. Then, my Father finally said what I had been waiting so long to hear, “Yes, you can dance with my daughter.” I could hardly believe it, my father was letting a guy cut in.

My Daddy kissed me on the cheek and he loosened his grip. My hands slid from my father’s hands and into my new loves brawny hands where our fingers interlocked. Our bodies seemed to move as one as we danced together song after song. “Will you be my partner forever and always?” he finally asked “I do”, I replied, grinning from ear to ear. My dad came by, and whispered into my ear for the last time. “You kept dancing with me, and now I’ve let the right guy at the right time cut in.”

Oh Where art thou my beloved?

Ever since I was little I’ve always loved the Disney Princess movies, them falling hopeless in and love, and then living happily ever after. The very thought of that makes me smile from ear to ear. (Did I mention I’m a hopeless romantic?).

Over the past few months I’ve had several friends who have started dating, and over the past few weeks I’ve been wondering if maybe I should start to date too? After all, it’s considered weird not to date in high school now. All of my friends are doing it, and it’s a lot fun. The long walks, holding hands, and having someone to call your own sounds so exuberant. But there is more to dating then that. You’re setting yourself up for your heart to be broken. Most relationships fail, since you may date ten guys, but you only marry one. You are also putting yourself into a place where temptation increases immensely. If he’s a total hottie, he “loves” you, and he wants to kiss, it’s going to pretty hard to say no. Finally, you are also giving a little part of yourself away. When you give yourself away, that’s a little less your future spouse will have. When you date someone you give a part of your heart away to that person, and that’s something you can never get back.

So often I get caught up in the romantic side of it all I don’t take the time to step back and look at what else goes on. The past few weeks I’ve been bounced back and forth on the matter, freaked a few friends out, and have been lost in total uncertainty, but I’ve come to a conclusion. Right now, I’m not at a place in my life where I need to be dating. I’m only 15 (almost 16), and I still have plenty of time. So until it becomes my time to be a girlfriend I’ll keep praying and waiting for my knight in shining armor.

I'm From

This is a poem I did for my English Class.

I'm from a family where friends live far and wide
From within the great walls of China
To the small orphanage in Haiti

I come from a people who do not have a permanent house
And so, learn to constantly readjust
Adjusting to the food, random marriage proposals, and driving too
Oh, and the least favorite of all, learning a language that is new

I'm from the way of life where a voice replaces a face
And a hand written note is kept for months
Just to remind you of the smells of home

I'm from the place where the simple pleasures
Are treated as great treasures
A case of coke becomes like silver
And a cup of fresh steaming Starbucks has more value than gold

I'm from days where nothing goes right
and you don't know how God could have ever use the talk you gave
the witness you were, or the play you preformed to draw someone to Him
to seeing pictures of the hundreds who came forward after experiencing
a taste of His great love, and the good news they could be free from sin, no longer a slave

I'm from the mission field
Where my heart will forever be
Through tornadoes, earthquakes, and in the midst of wars
We serve with a smile and a heart over flowing with love
To harvest the crop, and do the work of our Father Above

Just a man on a corner

A few weeks ago I was in Wisconsin visiting my aunt and uncle. On the Saturday morning we went to the city market, which was quite a sight to see. As far as the eye could see there were booths filled with home grown fruit, hand made baked goods, and fresh cheese curds. As my family and I made our way around the square we came upon several street performers. One in particular caught my eye. This man was singing "This is the day that the Lord has made". After living for a few days where Christianity was not supposed to be discussed, I found this really refreshing.

This also got me thinking. This man was being a witness for Christ, even though it may not have been the "popular" thing to do that day. Some people in the market may have laughed at this man, some may have thought he was crazy, and maybe even some thought he shouldn't be allowed to sing a Christian song like he was, but the man kept singing.

Some times in life when we witness for Christ it isn't going to be easy. We will constantly face opposition, but we must keep pressing forward. Luke 21:12-13 says "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings" My advice today is to keep pressing forward, no matter where your witnessing leads you. You never know whom you may end up leading to the Lord.

The war in my own land

It’s true, it’s real, and I’m scared out of my mind. I hear and read stories of martyrs all of the time, but I never thought I would have to worry about a friend in the states being killed. You see, I have a friend who was involved in a gang, but now he has accepted Christ. He left the gang, and started truly living for Christ, and sharing Christ with his friends. Well, this didn’t fly to well, and now the members of the gang are out to get him. This morning he was riding his bike to school when they hit him in their car, intentionally. They drove off leaving him there, but not before warning there is more still to come.
For the past couple years I’ve been reading about the Underground and Persecuted Church, and how so many risk their lives for the Gospel. These people are my brothers and sisters in Christ, but they live in other countries. Well now, my brother in Christ is in trouble, but it’s not in a foreign land. It’s in my own back yard. I admire Alex* for the risk he is taking, but I’m asking you to please join me in prayer for his safety and the souls of his friends.

*Name has been changed for protection

Well, I assumed....

School has once again started. We were some of the "Lucky" few to get to start on Monday. This week has been crazy, but it's great getting to see everyone again. I was fortunate to get to start the year in amazing way though. This past weekend I went to the Big Dig, which is an apologetics conference for teens through Focus on the Family. It was nice to start my year two days after something like that. The conference was more than just learning ways to defend Creation, God taught me something. He taught me about assuming. When people assume things, rumors get started, friendships get broken, and hearts are torn in two. This weekend I learned assuming can cost someone more than loosing a friendship. Here's what happened:

My youth group got to the church where it was held at a few minutes before the doors opened. After all, we did want to get good seats. We were all stoked and ready to go, and came running in when the doors opened. Well, our excitement quickly dwindled when we realized we still had an hour and a half before it started. In order to kill time, some friends and I walked around then sat people watching. Several kids passed by chatting and talking to their friends. I didn't give even the slightest thought about that they might not be a Christian. After all, this was a Christian conference about defending our faith. Well, later that night they had an invitation for anyone who wanted to accept Christ. Several of the kids who I had saw walked down the aisle who I had seen earlier. I just assumed that they knew. This hit me really hard, because I'm sure it happens all of the time. We think, "Well they go to Christian school, they must be a Christian", or "She's in my bible study, so I know she's a Christian", or maybe even, "I read my bible everyday, pray before my meals, and even go to church twice a week, so I'm a Christian". My friends, going to church, attending a bible study or reading your bible doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car. The only way to become a Christian is to accept Christ into your heart. I was lucky that this time these kids were given another opportunity to accept Christ. However, next time, the people I come into contact with may never be told the gospel again. Who are you sharing the good news with?