This new year has started out to be a good one. So far I have:
-watched the first 4 Harry Potter movies for the first time in my life (and enjoyed them)
-started P90X with my mom
-bought oxfords that I've been wanting for a long time at Target
-and re-set my sights on God
The last one is probably the most exciting. I've noticed lately that I've been straying from God and His daily presence and instead choosing other things. I tend to do that quite a lot but I always recognize it and come back from it in a short amount of time.
This time was different. This time I saw those things that were seperating me from Him and I didn't really desire to change it. I felt bad, but not enough to do anything about it.
At youth group last night I really tried to focus. I wrote in my journal and that really helped to get all my feelings and emotions out to God. To tell Him I was sorry and to tell Him how I felt. I really think it helped. Following worship was a teaching about (of course, what I needed to hear. God is pretty cool like that. He knows what I need, when I need it)
It was all about things that get in the way of us and God. Of thinking that we need those things more than we need Him. Like, self-image, drugs, even the all-American Dream of making money and having a nice car.
Of course, we've all heard it before. That you need to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love nobody before Him. But because I needed it so much, it was just perfect. Perfect timing. Perfect message. It got me thinking about re-evaluating my desires in life. My motives, my thoughts, things I spend my time on, things I give my affection to.
I really am determined to rid myself of the things that once held me and my attention captive and try to turn it on the Father. He is good and worthy of all praise and glory. And I want Him to have what He deserves.
I'm working on it in little bits and pieces, because quitting cold turkey has, so far, never worked for me.
I'm cutting back on a few things here and there, like fashion magazines, computer time, even just getting ready in the morning, because it's all about how I look. He is the Father and He has made me good enough. I just need to trust in Him and His promises. He is faithful, I know this without a doubt. But sometimes it's still hard to not take His grace for granted, so be praying for motivation and determination for me.
He is worth it.
This time was different. This time I saw those things that were seperating me from Him and I didn't really desire to change it. I felt bad, but not enough to do anything about it.
At youth group last night I really tried to focus. I wrote in my journal and that really helped to get all my feelings and emotions out to God. To tell Him I was sorry and to tell Him how I felt. I really think it helped. Following worship was a teaching about (of course, what I needed to hear. God is pretty cool like that. He knows what I need, when I need it)
It was all about things that get in the way of us and God. Of thinking that we need those things more than we need Him. Like, self-image, drugs, even the all-American Dream of making money and having a nice car.
Of course, we've all heard it before. That you need to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love nobody before Him. But because I needed it so much, it was just perfect. Perfect timing. Perfect message. It got me thinking about re-evaluating my desires in life. My motives, my thoughts, things I spend my time on, things I give my affection to.
I really am determined to rid myself of the things that once held me and my attention captive and try to turn it on the Father. He is good and worthy of all praise and glory. And I want Him to have what He deserves.
I'm working on it in little bits and pieces, because quitting cold turkey has, so far, never worked for me.
I'm cutting back on a few things here and there, like fashion magazines, computer time, even just getting ready in the morning, because it's all about how I look. He is the Father and He has made me good enough. I just need to trust in Him and His promises. He is faithful, I know this without a doubt. But sometimes it's still hard to not take His grace for granted, so be praying for motivation and determination for me.
He is worth it.
Psalm 119:25
My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
