Right now I'm reading a book entitled, "Purpose for the Pain."
It's a book made from a real journal of a girl named Renee Yohe. I think it's probably one of the most realistic things that I've read in my whole entire life. Her story is one of addiction, cutting, and depression, but most importantly, redemption.
Her life and hope in Jesus inspires me.
Recently, I've had lots of trouble with friendships in my life and even some trouble just trying to make big decisions about my future. As I read this book, I realize more and more how evident God's hope is in my life. Renee uses Jeremiah 29:11 at the beginning of her book in the introduction, a verse I've heard many times before, but after reading some of the following pages in her book, I see just how vivid God's plan really is.
He gives us HOPE.
When everything is crashing down around us, when nothing seems to go right, when we want to ask, "Why," when we have no one else to turn to...
He IS hope.
Everyday. All day. For the rest of eternity.
He is my endless hope.
Mary-Gwen
"For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth."
-Psalm 71:5
"Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord, there is unfailing love and with Him is full of redemption."
-Psalm 130:7
Lastly, here is one of my favorite quotes of all time, from Renee's book, "Purpose for the Pain."
"Tell them to look up, tell them to remember the stars. The stars are always there but we miss them in the clouds and dirt, we miss them in the storms. Tell them to remember hope. We have hope." -Renee Yohe
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Confusion.
Well, right now...I'm hurt. I'm confused. I don't know what to do except to turn to my Jesus.
Lately, things have been rough, not just with worrying about college and my future, but with some of the relationships in my life. I know without a doubt that God has placed very special and wonderful people in my life. He has blessed me beyond measure with my family and friends, that's for sure.
I just wonder about a few things sometimes...
Why are you almost always either losing someone or trying to get over losing someone special in your life?
Is it really God's plan to be happy for someone who you think has forgotten all about you?
This week I have pondered on these questions almost continually.
Part of my heart is aching to know why things like loss happen, and I'm not just talking about the physical loss of someone.
I know God has a plan for all of the hardship right now, however sometimes I just wish I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. But for now, I just have to trust God and keep my hope that everything will turn out for the best, even if it's not the way I want. As easy as I can say that, I know things won't be that easy, but that no matter what, I still have my Jesus.
Mary-Gwen
"We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!"
-2 Corinthians 4: 8;12
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
-Psalm 34:18
"When I am afraid, I will trust in You."
-Psalm 56:3
Lately, things have been rough, not just with worrying about college and my future, but with some of the relationships in my life. I know without a doubt that God has placed very special and wonderful people in my life. He has blessed me beyond measure with my family and friends, that's for sure.
I just wonder about a few things sometimes...
Why are you almost always either losing someone or trying to get over losing someone special in your life?
Is it really God's plan to be happy for someone who you think has forgotten all about you?
This week I have pondered on these questions almost continually.
Part of my heart is aching to know why things like loss happen, and I'm not just talking about the physical loss of someone.
I know God has a plan for all of the hardship right now, however sometimes I just wish I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. But for now, I just have to trust God and keep my hope that everything will turn out for the best, even if it's not the way I want. As easy as I can say that, I know things won't be that easy, but that no matter what, I still have my Jesus.
Mary-Gwen
"We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!"
-2 Corinthians 4: 8;12
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
-Psalm 34:18
"When I am afraid, I will trust in You."
-Psalm 56:3
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I Am Soooo Thankful! :))
Well, I know I have kind of been slacking a little on my blog.
My computer crashed and I'm used to being able to type my blog spur of the moment, while things and ideas are still fresh on my mind.
But I have new, exciting things to write about!
First off, I would like to say that I have had so much fun the past couple of days. God has really helped me to appreciate my family and friends this past week. It snowed this past Friday and Saturday and I already had two of my very best friends over. So, on Saturday, I got to spend a joyous day with my best friends and my family. We had a blast sledding and just having fun in the snow. It was easily one of the best days I've ever had.
I also think that Wednesday was another one of those "best" days. About two or three months ago, I applied to Appalachian State University. I didn't apply to anywhere else, because that was the school I was set on. I want to go to school for social work and they have a brand new program just for people who want to work in that area. I just felt like God was really calling me there. But, since it was the only school I applied for, there was much anxiety. Lots of my friends got their letters on Tuesday and I didn't receive one. I was seriously, freaking out. I worried about it all day that day and all day Wednesday.
I got home after school, Wednesday, and there sat my letter on the dining room table. Of course, my parents both rushed over and begged me to open it right then, but I just couldn't. I took the letter up to my room and I just started reading my Bible, praying that if the letter said I hadn't gotten accepted, that God would change the words (how funny!). But really, I was reading all kinds of verses, about everything. Hope. Worry. Trust. Fear. God's plan. Then finally, Dad made me open it (actually, he did it himself). I am now accepted to Appalachian State University!
I have never been so relieved in all my life. I couldn't do anything but cry, and my Dad couldn't either. Haha.
But I am just so thankful for God's grace and mercy. I do not deserve all the wonderful things in life that he has given me, but I sure am appreciative of them.
Mary-Gwen
"Blessed be God- he heard me praying. He proved He's on my side; I've thrown my lot in with Him. Now I'm jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to Him. God is all strength for His people."
-Psalm 28: 6-8
"Praise the name of God, forever and ever, for He has all wisdom and power. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though He is surrounded by light."
-Daniel 2:20&22
My computer crashed and I'm used to being able to type my blog spur of the moment, while things and ideas are still fresh on my mind.
But I have new, exciting things to write about!
First off, I would like to say that I have had so much fun the past couple of days. God has really helped me to appreciate my family and friends this past week. It snowed this past Friday and Saturday and I already had two of my very best friends over. So, on Saturday, I got to spend a joyous day with my best friends and my family. We had a blast sledding and just having fun in the snow. It was easily one of the best days I've ever had.
I also think that Wednesday was another one of those "best" days. About two or three months ago, I applied to Appalachian State University. I didn't apply to anywhere else, because that was the school I was set on. I want to go to school for social work and they have a brand new program just for people who want to work in that area. I just felt like God was really calling me there. But, since it was the only school I applied for, there was much anxiety. Lots of my friends got their letters on Tuesday and I didn't receive one. I was seriously, freaking out. I worried about it all day that day and all day Wednesday.
I got home after school, Wednesday, and there sat my letter on the dining room table. Of course, my parents both rushed over and begged me to open it right then, but I just couldn't. I took the letter up to my room and I just started reading my Bible, praying that if the letter said I hadn't gotten accepted, that God would change the words (how funny!). But really, I was reading all kinds of verses, about everything. Hope. Worry. Trust. Fear. God's plan. Then finally, Dad made me open it (actually, he did it himself). I am now accepted to Appalachian State University!
I have never been so relieved in all my life. I couldn't do anything but cry, and my Dad couldn't either. Haha.
But I am just so thankful for God's grace and mercy. I do not deserve all the wonderful things in life that he has given me, but I sure am appreciative of them.
Mary-Gwen
"Blessed be God- he heard me praying. He proved He's on my side; I've thrown my lot in with Him. Now I'm jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to Him. God is all strength for His people."
-Psalm 28: 6-8
"Praise the name of God, forever and ever, for He has all wisdom and power. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though He is surrounded by light."
-Daniel 2:20&22
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Life Goals...
I decided to make a list of things that I really want to accomplish in life.
Some things may change, but here goes...
-Graduate high school.
-Fill up my charm bracelet.
-Get into a good college.
-Spend a whole day watching girly movies with my Mommy.
-Go to either a David Crowder Band, Paramore, or Taylor Swift Concert.
-Make a cd.
-Spend more time with my family, especially my grandparents.
-Write a good song.
-Own at least one pair of custom converses.
-Fill up mine, Kristen, and Kaitlyn's notebook.
-Have fun at my senior prom.
-Have and keep a New Year's Resolution.
-Get a new phone and NOT drop it.
-Go to a Steelers game with my Daddy.
-Go to Paris.
-Go somewhere one day with absolutely NO make up on.
-Get a tan over the summer.
-Learn guitar, well.
-Give more away than I receive for Christmas.
-Make a tie-dye t-shirt.
-Play in the park for hours one day with my best friends.
-Own a pair of tennis shoes that I actually wear more than once or twice.
-Graduate college.
-Become a social worker.
-Get married.
-Adopt when I'm older.
-Learn to serve others more than myself.
-Lead someone to Christ.
Some things may change, but here goes...
-Graduate high school.
-Fill up my charm bracelet.
-Get into a good college.
-Spend a whole day watching girly movies with my Mommy.
-Go to either a David Crowder Band, Paramore, or Taylor Swift Concert.
-Make a cd.
-Spend more time with my family, especially my grandparents.
-Write a good song.
-Own at least one pair of custom converses.
-Fill up mine, Kristen, and Kaitlyn's notebook.
-Have fun at my senior prom.
-Have and keep a New Year's Resolution.
-Get a new phone and NOT drop it.
-Go to a Steelers game with my Daddy.
-Go to Paris.
-Go somewhere one day with absolutely NO make up on.
-Get a tan over the summer.
-Learn guitar, well.
-Give more away than I receive for Christmas.
-Make a tie-dye t-shirt.
-Play in the park for hours one day with my best friends.
-Own a pair of tennis shoes that I actually wear more than once or twice.
-Graduate college.
-Become a social worker.
-Get married.
-Adopt when I'm older.
-Learn to serve others more than myself.
-Lead someone to Christ.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Perfection.
Lately, I've been drawn to thinking alot about perfection. I always seem to convince myself that such a thing does not exist, but, lately I've been proven wrong again and again.
The truth is...who really defines perfection? Who truly understands what perfection is?
The dictionary defines perfect as this: An ideal type, excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement, entirely without flaws.
People search their whole life, looking for the perfect house, job, soulmate, car, and the list goes on and on.
No one searches for the REAL definition of perfection, Jesus.
He's absolutely perfect. And whether we know it or not, He has a perfect plan for us. A perfect plan for me.
A perfect college.
A perfect guy.
A perfect major.
A perfect roommate.
A perfect job.
THE perfect life, just for me.
That's so incredible to me.
Needless to say, I believe in perfection now more than I ever have before.
Mary-Gwen
"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."
-Jeremiah 29:11
"As for God, His way is perfect."
-2 Samuel 22:31
The truth is...who really defines perfection? Who truly understands what perfection is?
The dictionary defines perfect as this: An ideal type, excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement, entirely without flaws.
People search their whole life, looking for the perfect house, job, soulmate, car, and the list goes on and on.
No one searches for the REAL definition of perfection, Jesus.
He's absolutely perfect. And whether we know it or not, He has a perfect plan for us. A perfect plan for me.
A perfect college.
A perfect guy.
A perfect major.
A perfect roommate.
A perfect job.
THE perfect life, just for me.
That's so incredible to me.
Needless to say, I believe in perfection now more than I ever have before.
Mary-Gwen
"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."
-Jeremiah 29:11
"As for God, His way is perfect."
-2 Samuel 22:31
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Labels.
I was sitting in my sociology class earlier and decided to write a new blog for today. As I looked around at all the other kids in my class, I could put a specific label on each one of them.
Jocks. Artists. Scene Kids. Band Geeks. Beauties. Chorus Nerds. Geniuses. Cheerleaders. Gangsters. Writers. Dorks.
Notice anything?
Where do the Christians come in? the Jesus Freaks? the God Lovers? Why doesn't anyone carry that label.
Because to the world, we are a minority. We should be forgotten or overlooked, because what we are about isn't "cool" or "popular."
Why is it not "cool" to have something real to believe in?
Why is it not "popular" to be able to put your hope in an unconditional love?
Why is it "dumb" to trust in the God who created the universe in which we live?
Because you have to be different. Daring. Defined. Dedicated. Devoted.
Devoted to Him.
The One who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The One who redeemed us.
The One who calls us "His."
The least we can do is wear HIS label.
Mary-Gwen
"I identified myself completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not 'mine,' but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I am not going to go back on that."
-Galations 2:20-21
Jocks. Artists. Scene Kids. Band Geeks. Beauties. Chorus Nerds. Geniuses. Cheerleaders. Gangsters. Writers. Dorks.
Notice anything?
Where do the Christians come in? the Jesus Freaks? the God Lovers? Why doesn't anyone carry that label.
Because to the world, we are a minority. We should be forgotten or overlooked, because what we are about isn't "cool" or "popular."
Why is it not "cool" to have something real to believe in?
Why is it not "popular" to be able to put your hope in an unconditional love?
Why is it "dumb" to trust in the God who created the universe in which we live?
Because you have to be different. Daring. Defined. Dedicated. Devoted.
Devoted to Him.
The One who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The One who redeemed us.
The One who calls us "His."
The least we can do is wear HIS label.
Mary-Gwen
"I identified myself completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not 'mine,' but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I am not going to go back on that."
-Galations 2:20-21
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Falling In Love All Over Again...
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, one of the biggest lessons I learned in 2009 was how it felt to love someone, but also how it felt to get your heart broken.
I feel as if this is one of the most important things I have learned recently.
Over the past two years, I definitely let my guard down . I started spending too much time with other people doing other things, and, although God was still in the back of my mind, I veered from His complete path. Plain and simple, I fell in love with other things in my life and didn't put what mattered the most first, my Jesus.
I finally realized this about two and a half months ago. My heart was completely broken and the only thing that I felt I had left was Jesus. End of story. Every free moment I had I was reading my Bible and praying, and to be honest, I hadn't done it in so long, I felt as if I was a brand new person. God revealed scripture after scripture to me, day after day. I searched endlessly, it seemed, for what went wrong and then I came to the realization that I was giving my love and devotion to other things, rather than Christ.
On October 21st, I fell deeply in love with my Savior all over again and I never want to fall out.
It's the absolute best feeling in the world. I don't know how to explain it otherwise.
Mary-Gwen
"Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world-wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important-has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from Him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out-but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity."
-1 John 2:15-17
"God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits. Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits. Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits. Thank God, who did it all! His love never quits!"
-Psalm 136:23-26
I feel as if this is one of the most important things I have learned recently.
Over the past two years, I definitely let my guard down . I started spending too much time with other people doing other things, and, although God was still in the back of my mind, I veered from His complete path. Plain and simple, I fell in love with other things in my life and didn't put what mattered the most first, my Jesus.
I finally realized this about two and a half months ago. My heart was completely broken and the only thing that I felt I had left was Jesus. End of story. Every free moment I had I was reading my Bible and praying, and to be honest, I hadn't done it in so long, I felt as if I was a brand new person. God revealed scripture after scripture to me, day after day. I searched endlessly, it seemed, for what went wrong and then I came to the realization that I was giving my love and devotion to other things, rather than Christ.
On October 21st, I fell deeply in love with my Savior all over again and I never want to fall out.
It's the absolute best feeling in the world. I don't know how to explain it otherwise.
Mary-Gwen
"Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world-wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important-has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from Him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out-but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity."
-1 John 2:15-17
"God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits. Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits. Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits. Thank God, who did it all! His love never quits!"
-Psalm 136:23-26
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