What You Love, You Are.

This is a subtle truth: what you love, you are.

What do you love? Do you love your mom and dad? Your dog? Your job? Do you love money, recognition, and comfort? Do you love God? Do you love yourself?

There are a lot of things in life that we say we love. We say we love bacon cheeseburgers and that we love Netflix. We say we love fuzzy blankets, coffee, and bonfires. But is that really love? No- we like those things. So what do we love?

Love is being passionate about and committed to someone or something for the long-haul. It is true that 1 Corinthians 13 gives us an entire list of the characteristics of love, but for today, our definition is going to remain simple: love is what you give your time, attention, and thoughts to. And in that way, what you love is what you are.

For example, for those who love money, their time and attention is given to making more money. And when they reach that goal, they set a new goal and they keep striving for more money. Money isn't bad. I would love to have more than I do, but when a person loves money and they are working round-the-clock to get more and more, it leaves little time for anything else. They become a striver for wealth, because their love for money requires it.

What about family? A person who loves their family deeply will dedicate their time and energy to developing deeper relationships with them. The more they grow close to their family, the more they will cherish their time with them. They will miss them when they aren't around, and they will be most happy when they are all together. The one who loves their family will become a striver for deeper family bonds.

Or take morals and values, for instance. If a person loves truth, honor, and kindness, they will strive for it. They will work hard to develop those qualities that they love and they will start becoming those things. They will be honest, honorable, and kind. But if a person loves themselves, personal comfort, and personal gain, as they strive towards that, they will become prideful, self-seeking, and self-indulging.

You see, the whole point of the quote above is simple: whatever is important to us will drive us and has great bearing on who we will become. When we seek after good things, we will begin to develop good morals and values in our lives (so long as we don't make those good things into idols). But if we seek after the bad, we will start becoming the bad ourselves.

The bible says that the good is this: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control, and anything that produces and bears these things (Galatians 5:22-23). It also says that whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is just, whatever is excellent and praiseworthy, is part of the good too (Philippians 4:8). When we love the good, we give our time to the good. When we give our time to the good, we become the good (through God's grace and help). But be careful, because the same is true for the bad, the evil, and the self-seeking.

What you love, you are. What you love, you become.

I want to love God more and more, so that I am conformed more fully to His image- so that I live more deeply for Him. I want to become the good that God calls me to. How about you?

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Do the Little Things Really Matter?

Within the circle of Christianity, we often see missionaries, preachers, and evangelists as the super-spiritual, "important" Christians. We tend to feel that our calling isn't as important as theirs and that we aren't really useful. Sure, we could stand to serve at a soup kitchen every now and then, but that's about as much as we are needed.

Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever wonder what the point is, if you aren't living in a hut somewhere in the un-reached parts of Africa? You aren't alone.

I recently heard a sermon about 1 Corinthians 16:5-11, in which Paul tells the Corinthian church that Timothy will be coming to them for a while.

The Corinthians wanted Paul to come. They wanted the strong, famous missionary, not the frail, inexperienced one (this set of verses doesn't say that, but the Corinthians tended to like "celebrity pastors"). But Paul urges the Corinthians to welcome Timothy, since he is doing God's work.

Paul realized something that many of us do not: we don't have to be in leadership position to make a big difference for the Lord. Though Timothy was still a missionary, I believe that we can take this to heart wherever we are in life.

For example, I am not a missionary. I have never been to another country and I do not know how to reach the impoverished children of foreign nations. However, I am a nanny. I take care of a precious child who needs to always know she is loved. Right now, she cannot understand what I read out of her children's Bible. But as she gets older, I will be able to teach her more and more about God and his love for her, and his plan for her life. She is just one small child, but as I grow with her and her family, what I do will make an impact.

Likewise, my mom is a farmer. She is working hard at growing a garden, taking care of her animals, and collecting eggs from her chickens and ducks. My mom has a heart to help the needy and once her small farm starts producing enough, I know she will use what she has to feed, help, and encourage the less-fortunate. She may not be able to help thousands, but she can still make a difference.

My mom and my mother-in-law are both in a stage of life right now that they are taking care of their moms (to one degree or another). It isn't easy, and sometimes it is mentally and emotionally strenuous, but they both love their moms deeply. Their mom's have given them so much through the years, and now they get to be a blessing back to them. Not only is this a witness to the outside world to take care of and honor your parents, but it also can grow that mother-daughter relationship. They may not be building orphanages in Mexico, but they are absolutely serving the Lord.

My husband is going to seminary. Right now his whole life is work and school, work and school. He doesn't have much time for anything else. But the reason he is going to seminary is so that he can eventually provide a solid, Christian education to college students, in hopes that they will be rooted more firmly in Christ as a result of having him as a teacher. Right now, life is fairly bland for him (even though he is enjoying school), but he is still serving the Lord by faithfully getting this degree that he needs, in order to make a bigger impact later in life.

So yes, the little things do matter. Whatever we do needs to be done for the Lord, to serve Him. Preachers do that, missionaries do that, but so do teachers, doctors, homemakers, farmers, and trashmen. We are all important in the kingdom of God, and each of us has the ability to show Christ to others. It's ok if you aren't reaching huge numbers of people-just reach those who are right there with you. Make a difference right where you are!

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Mug-spiration Monday *Volume 16*

Good morning, wonderful people!
I recently stumbled upon a quote that said:
"I'm going to use what little energy I have today to breath and maybe blink. That's about it.".

I have to tell you, this quote fits me perfectly today. As I type, I am currently sitting in my recliner, coffee in reach, and wrapped in a bright red snuggie. It even feels like an accomplishment to reach over an pick up my coffee mug- that's bad!

Mondays have been like this for me lately. For whatever reason, I come away from my weekends feeling no more rested than I was before. It doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, but it is certainly inconvenient.

Thankfully, baby E doesn't care if I look like a bum or yawn a million times. As long as she is fed, changed, and loved on, she's good to go!

But maybe a lot of you are not as fortunate as I am with your job setup. Maybe you have a strenuous day ahead of you that requires a skirt, heals, makeup and a whole lot of energy. Maybe you had to be working the drive-thru at Micky D's at 4 a.m., or maybe you are just now getting off from 3rd shift but you still have to take the kids to school and clean the house before your head can hit the pillow. I'm sorry about that. I know it is frustrating. But try to remember- you are capable, you are strong, and you can do it!

Ask the Lord for strength, seek Him, and do all you can to take care of your mind and body too.

Need an extra pick-me-up? Here are a few things to get you motivated!

Mug-spiration Monday Inspiration

Fun Pick-me-up- You need to see this cutie!

Career Motivation- Maybe we can learn something from them?

Health Inspiration- Good habits are necessary!

Spiritual Inspiration- I am thankful our God stands with us!

I hope those were encouraging. Remember, we are all going through life together, and we can do it! Let us all rely on God!

5 Questions to Replace Negative Thoughts

The bible talks a lot about our minds. We are consistently instructed to guard our minds (1 Peter 1:13), to renew our minds (Romans 12:1) and to choose what we allow in our minds (Philippians 4:8). Personally, the mind is the hardest battle for me to fight. I usually feel ill-prepared, like someone who brought a pocket knife to a gun fight. When my mind starts firing bullets, I'm still over in the corner fumbling with the tiny blade.

Unfortunately, I don't think I am alone. Millions of people struggle with depression, anxiety, and more serious forms of emotional/mental illness. And even for those who don't struggle with those things, everyone struggles with negativity and negative thoughts. We all get down, we all hit slumps, and we all fall prey to the devastating effects of negative thinking.

But what can we do? It often feels like the uphill battle cannot be won. But since the Bible gives us a guide for how to think, we should start there for our help in this battle.

Here are 5 Biblically based questions to replace negative thoughts.

What Is There to be Thankful For?
No matter where we are in life, there is always something to be thankful for. Some people have a tougher life than most, but even then, there is always something to be thankful for. Think on those things. Remember the good, instead of dwelling on the bad. Seems simple, but sometimes this can be a tough task- do it anyway. It's a necessity.


What is Something Productive that Needs Doing?
When I get caught up in my own head, I often neglect the things around me that need to be done. Instead of sitting around in an anxious state, I could clean the house, give the dogs a bath, wash my car, go grocery shopping, etc. We all have chores and responsibilities. If we busy ourselves with those (since they need doing anyway), we will have a tougher time sitting around in a negative thought process. Plus, a clean house tends to make us all feel better anyway.


How Much of This Am I Bringing On Myself?
Not getting enough sleep, not exercising enough, and not eating right are huge contributors to feeling down, tired, depressed, and negative.
The same is true when we watch depressing or frightening shows and movies, or listen to sad music. Contrary to popular belief, we are affected by what we watch and listen too.
If we continue in unhealthy habits, our mindsets and feelings are not going to change. We bring a lot of our emotions on ourselves when we don't take care of ourselves.


Do I Know Anyone That Needs Help?
Turning to help others is an excellent way to stop depression from rearing it's ugly head throughout the day.
Do you have a friend that is grieving? Do you know of an elderly person who is ill? Did your spouse get passed over for a big promotion? Turn your attention to them and their needs. Think of ways to make their days special. Take your friend chocolate and watch a sappy movie with her. Take flowers or a card to the ill elderly person. Visit with them for some extra company. Or cook a special dinner for your spouse and let them know how proud you are of them. Let them know they are still skilled and talented, and they don't need a promotion to prove it.
Focusing on others means that the focus is off of our problems and struggles.


Have I Been Giving My Passions Enough Attention?
Do you love to paint? Go for runs? Solve math equations (God bless you)?
How long has it been since you allowed yourself to do what you love? If you can't remember the last time, then it's been far too long.
We all need to utilize our gifts and do the things we love, or we will always feel trapped. Using our hobbies and gifts to release tension should help in easing negative thoughts.

Yes, it's true. None of these things will make anxiety, depression, or emotional disorders disappear, but they will make a good, daily aid. These things will work to help ease the pain of emotional struggle and negativity, if done persistently.

Remember though, to seek out God in all of this. If we aren't spending time in God's word, focusing on His truths, and coming to Him in prayer, we are missing the most key aspect of healing. God is the healer.


*Note: Just because God is the healer, doesn't mean that He will choose to instantly heal you. Nor does it mean that medicine is bad. If you have a legitimate, emotional disorder, or you think you might, ask your doctor if there are any natural supplement that can help you. And if after a month or so, those aren't working, ask your doctor if they think medication would be helpful.
There is nothing wrong with medicine, and taking medicine does not mean that you lack faith in God. Don't fall into that trap. Seek the help you need medically, along with God's daily grace and strength.

Rich and Creamy Tomato-Red Pepper Soup

Do you ever dive into a magazine and start searching for the delicious recipe-gems that are hiding among the pages? I do! And I have found that my favorite recipe's to gather from magazines are soup recipes.

During the cold months of the year, I love to make all kinds of soup. I could live off of the stuff! There are so many different variations that the experimentation is never-ending. It's my own little science project- at least as close as I come to doing anything scientific- and I love it!

Last year, I found an absolutely delicious soup while I was flipping through an issue of Country Living Magazine. Its called Cheesy Tomato-Red Pepper Soup. Though the original recipe sounded wonderful, I modified a few things and made it my own. I never have liked following a recipe all the way. I prefer  to take pieces of it and then add my own flare.

For my version of this soup, you will need:

1 Tbsp butter

2 red bell peppers, finely minced and seeded

1 onion (or two tablespoons of onion powder)

1 Tbsp minced garlic (or 1 Tbsp garlic powder)

1 Tbsp paprika

1 (28 oz.) can of diced tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth 

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

2 tsp dried basil

1/4 cup half & half

1 (8 oz.) container of light cream cheese

Now, I much prefer a smooth, creamy soup to a chunky soup, so before I did anything else, I processed my red peppers and tomatoes in the food processor. Don't let it go too long though. It doesn't need to turn to  paste; it just needs to be very finely chopped. If you like a chunky soup, skip this step and just dice the red peppers by hand.

Next, melt the cream cheese in the microwave as much as possible.

Lastly, throw everything into a crock-pot and let it cook on low for 2-4 hours, stirring once or twice during that time. (If you are not home to stir, the soup will be fine, I just like to stir it).

You can, of course, cook this soup on the stove-top instead. If you choose to do so, simply add the ingredients to a pot, stirring constantly on medium-high heat until everything is well blended and simmering (about 3-4 minutes). Then, turn the soup on low and let it sit for around 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I love this soup. The peppers and tomatoes give it a health boost, while the cream cheese gives it a creamy-goodness.

Taylor loves to add shredded cheese to his, so that's another option for the cheese-lovers out there.

You also have the option of making this a freezer meal. If you mix all of the ingredients together, (leaving out the chicken broth, butter, half & half, and cream cheese) and put it in a gallon-sized zip bag, you can freeze this to have for another day. 

If you use this option, simply put the frozen ingredients in the crock-pot and add the butter, half & half, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Instead of cooking for 2-4 hours, cook for 4-6 hours. Stir after the ingredients aren't frozen anymore.

Happy eating!



*Note: this was originally posted in December, 2014.

How Your Purpose is the Same as Everyone Else's

We often talk about how we all have a different purpose and how we are all unique, and that is certainly true. We all need each other's gifts and talents to function together. But there is something that we all have in common: we were all created to glorify God.

Taylor and I recently went to hear John Piper (a well-known pastor) speak in Rock Hill, SC. John Piper's ministry has always been very focused on the idea that "God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him". This is because when God created each one of us, our original purpose was to glorify Him- to make His name great. Now, many people live a life totally opposed to God, or at least apathetic to Him. This means that they are not living out their original purpose. But don't worry, despite the pity of this truth, God's got it all under control. He is still glorified, because He knows how to make His own name great, but He would be oh-so-satisfied if we would simply find our satisfaction in Him.

This idea of God being most glorified when we find our satisfaction in Him is very different from what many pastors preach. I cannot count how many sermon's I've heard that made serving God feel like the most unappealing thing in the world. I'm sure they didn't mean to, but I came away feeling like I would always have to choose between living for God (something I have always wanted to do) and being happy (another thing I have always wanted to do).

But John Piper's message (one that he believes is very Biblical) is much different. Pastor John sees that the more we know God and find our satisfaction in Him- through being His child, through knowing His character, through living our lives for Him- the more happy we will be. And in turn, the more happy we are in God, the more God gets the glory. People see all the joy we have in knowing God, and they want to know more.

That is our purpose. Yes, we all have more specific callings, but we all have the same, very specific "master calling". Our purpose is to love God and show Him to others-  to joy in Him and make Him great.

Do you do this? I am terrible at it. I get so caught up in my struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression, that I forgot the joy that I have long-since been granted. And that is the joy that I need to focus on, cultivate, and thank God for. That is what will bring ultimate satisfaction, and that is what will bring fame to the Lord.

He doesn't need us. But He has given us such a grand purpose anyway- because He loves us.

Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Shake

In lieu of it being the most wonderful month of the year, I decided I needed to crank out some more pumpkin recipes! 

I don't really post a lot of recipe's around here. Most of my blogs are focused on Christian living. However, when Fall rolls around, I cannot resist  posting more- because, well... #pumpkin.

Nuff' said ;)

One of my favorite healthy snacks is my "Nana's Protein Shake". It's packed with vitamins and protein so it aids in both health and in hunger cravings. I usually like to keep the shake "as is", but I discovered that the pumpkin-y-ness is pretty awesome too. Not to mention, including pumpkin in the drink adds a lot of vitamin A.

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To make this shake, combine the following in a blender:

1 Cup chocolate soy milk (I use the light version of Silk when the store actually has it...)
1/2 scoop of vanilla protein powder (I use Spirutein soy protein)
3 Tablespoons pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)
1 Cup of ice

Blend together until ice chunks are gone and serve. This makes about 16oz.

Nutrition: * 183 Calories* 28 Carbs* 3 grams fat* 13 grams protein* 22 grams sugar*

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And, since it is October- have I mentioned that it's the greatest month ever?- I decided to find a few other pumpkin recipes for you. You're welcome.

Pumpkin Recipe Round-Up

Pumpkin-Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins

Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin-Nutella Cookie Bars


Hopefully, these will get you started on the basic human need for pumpkin everything :)

Enjoy!

Blame

"I only yelled at you because you were being rude."

"I only talked about you behind your back because you talked about me first."

"You were supposed to help me become a better person. If you had helped me more, I would have made way more progress."

"You are supposed to keep me accountable for reading my Bible. It's your fault I haven't spent more time with God."

It's a lot easier to blame another person for our failures than it is to admit that we have failed, isn't it?

The list above is just random, and not all of them are necessarily pertinent to my life, but the one I'm really bad about is the last one. I am terrible about not reading my Bible. I don't pick it up and read it. But if Taylor doesn't ask me if I have read my Bible, I get mad at him and say he isn't keeping me accountable. Sure, I love when he remembers to ask me about it. Yes, I think that is important. But to blame him when I am the only one that is responsible for spending time with the Lord, is ridiculous. I know that deep down, but I find myself constantly repeating this attitude- but there is no excuse.

When I mess up, it is not someone else's fault. When you mess up, it's not because of someone else. We are responsible for every move we make, every thought we think, and every word that comes out of our mouths. Can other people influence those things? Can the devil himself influence those things? Yes! Absolutely. But when it is all said and done, only I give account for my actions. Only I can decide to do the right thing- or the wrong thing.

A popular pastor was recently found out to be having an affair. And he only had an affair after catching his wife having an affair. I have no idea what has happened with this situation. I have no idea if this pastor blames his wife or not- but if he does, he is wrong.

Cheating is an awful thing. I feel terrible for him and the hurt he suffered when he found his wife cheating on him. But one person's sin does not give us the right to go out and sin too. Regardless of what anyone else does or says, we are responsible for our own actions. We have no right to blame anyone else.

So what do you blame others for?
Do you blame others for your anger? Your selfishness? Your infidelity? Your half-truths? Whatever it is, start admitting that it's your fault. It's not your husband's fault, not your mom's fault, not your teacher's fault, and not your boss' fault. It's yours. It's mine. It's ours- only ours.

We must get rid of this desire to place our failures on the shoulders of others. We have to own up to our messes. We have to repent of our sins. And we have to be willing to say " I messed up, but God's grace is enough".

You see, when we blame others for our mistakes, we are doing what Adam did in the garden of Eden. Blame is not new.

And when we blame people, we are doing it out of fear- fear that we aren't good enough, fear that we've disappointed, and fear of rejection. But as Christians, there's no need for that. There is no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). There's not even a reason to cast blame anymore, because we have long-since been forgiven. We have no shame...so why are we still trying to out-run it?

Stop running.

Accept the blame where blame is due.

And then let it go.

It's not anyone else's fault but yours... but it is also long-gone.

Accept your mistakes and accept Christ's all-encompassing forgiveness.

Mug-spiration Monday *Vol. 15*

It's Monday again, and the hustle and bustle of life is back in full-swing. School buses are running, traffic is heavy, and Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks are packed at 7 A.M.

Chances are, most of us are right in the middle of the activity. Whether we stop for coffee, get stuck behind a line of traffic, or work from home, we tend to fly around like crazy people on Monday. We stress ourselves out before the beginning of the week has barely begun, and we decide it's going to be a bad day before we even give it a chance.

We say things like "It's definitely a Monday...", or "Is it Saturday yet?". What we really mean is, "I have an excuse for my bad attitude- I had to get out of bed".
And how sad is that? What does it say about our lives that waking up early and going to work is the universal symbol of misery?

We have jobs, we have a roof over our heads, we have friends and family, and we have a purpose.

I take care of a sweet baby. I have the opportunity to be a blessing to her and her family. And I have this blog- a place where I write in hopes of encouraging my readers each day. Not to mention, I have a wonderful husband, family, and friends, and I have a Savior who holds me in the palm of His hand, regardless of my daily failures. I don't need to wonder what I need to wake up for. I have everything to wake up for!

What about you? What blessings do you have? What talents and skills do you posses? Chances are, you have a lot to wake up for too. So get up and live for those things. Live life with joy because of all the things that your life is about.

Be inspired by your own life. Be inspired by the God who is giving you each breath. Be inspired by each new moment you have to be a blessing. And use it!

Mug-spiration Monday Inspiration

Creative Motivation- Interesting take on indecisiveness.

Spiritual Motivation- Thank God for the "No's".

Health Motivation- You've always been beautiful!

Career Motivation- Sometimes we have to suck it up for a while.


I hope you all have a very blessed Monday, and a very blessed week!

Date-aversary :)

Hello! And Happy Monday! If you haven't had coffee by now, then what are you really doing with you life? Ok, just kidding (kind of)! But seriously, today is chilly. Go get some dang coffee!

Now, today is a special day for me. You see, six years ago today, my amazing husband asked me to be his girlfriend. I said yes and we dated all the way through college and got married a year later. He and I have always been sentimental about our date-aversary, so I just thought I'd share.

On a separate note, living in North Carolina this past week and a half has been very, very wet. There has been almost constant rain and wind since about 9 days ago. Thankfully, Charlotte did not get the brunt of it, but some of my friends in Myrtle Beach, SC definitely got it. I am thankful we didn't have any real damage, but I am sorry to them for their difficulties. Please pray for all the people dealing with flooding and wrecks and the like.

Wonderful news though! Tomorrow, Charlotte is supposed to have a 0% chance of rain and sunny skies. Wooohoooooo! Praise God!

So, how are you today? Is it a good, optimistic day, or are you struggling to stay afloat? I am exhausted. No matter what I do, I cannot seem to get to bed before 11, which is late for me. Then when I do go to bed, I've been having really crazy, stressful dreams. I wake up feeling like someone beat me up in my sleep. Bleh. But thankfully, despite those things, I am feeling fairly optimistic about the day. I hope I can be determined to keep that going this afternoon, when I know I'll be dragging.

I hope you all have an awesome Monday :)

Hello, October!

Happy, happy, happy October! My favorite month is here and just knowing that makes me ecstatic! I'm doing a little jig over it ;)

October is when the leaves really start to change. The gold and crimson hues and the crisp air overwhelm me. I tend to feel lighter, perkier, and more optimistic during this time of year.

In addition to the beauty of it all, October holds my birthday, my husband's birthday, one of my best friend's birthday, and mine and my husband's dating anniversary. Lots and lots of good stuff!

I have several goals for October, but first, lets take a peek back at September.

September Goals

1.) Watch Florida football with Taylor
Ehh, kinda. We went to one game at a WAY too crowded bar in downtown Charlotte. We also watched one game at home. He's been working during all of the games, and since I only watch for him, I haven't been watching without him.

2.) Decorate 
Check! I put up my fall decorations about three weeks ago :)
I'd still like to make a fall wreath.

3.) Blog at least four days per week
I did pretty well with this. Twice I blogged 4 times, once 3, and once 2. The only week I wasn't proud of was the week where I only posted twice, simply because I didn't meet my goal.

4.) Get Outside
Yes! My nanny job is awesome because they live fairly close to a park. I take baby E to the park to play and I get a nice walk in.

5.) Plan Another "Get It Together" Challenge
Check and Check! I planned it and we are in the middle of the challenge. I have been so proud of all the ladies who are participating!

Now, let's get to October, shall we?

October Goals:

1.) Read the Bible 2 times per week

I have such a tough time getting myself to read. It's frustrating, and I have been saying for years that I need to get better. Taylor and I read together at night several times a week and I am so thankful for that. But I also need my personal quiet time. For now, my goal is twice a week, with the hope of getting better at consistency.

2.) Meet my Weight Goal

I organized and started my Get it Together group last month. It has been going really well and I enjoy facilitating. My weight-loss goal by the end of the challenge is to have lost 10 lbs. I weighed today and I've lost just under 5 lbs in 15 days. I call that success. And I want to lose the other 5 by the time the challenge is over :)

3.) Cook at least 4 times per week

Taylor and I are really bad about either going out for fast food or doing simple boxed-meals. There's nothing wrong with boxed meals, and they can be yummy, but I am a pretty decent cook, and there is no reason (other than laziness) not to cook more homemade recipes.

And with fall here, there are so many soups, chili's, and pumpkin-thingies to make!

4.) Blog 4 times per week

This was my goal last month, and here it is again. I am happy with blogging 4 times/week. I would like it to eventually be 5, but 4 times/week is a good amount and it is realistic.

September was kind of a tough month for me personally, but I was very proud of myself for accomplishing the goals that I set for myself. Small victories add up!

How about you? How was your September? Is there anything you are excited for in October? Comment below :)

Who Completes You?

Every time I turn on the radio, there are always plenty of singers singing about how their lover is all that they need. I get the sentiment, and I am a super-gushy-chick who loves love and all-things-cute, but after a while, the lyrics to these songs really bother me.

Look, I love my husband. He is a wonderful man and friend, and I am so proud of him. I cherish him. But my husband is not my everything. I am not complete because of him and he is not all I need. And he knows that.

I need God. God is the only one that can complete anyone else. God is all we need. I hope that Taylor and I grow old, wrinkly, and semi-senile together with all my heart- he is the man I love, of course I want that. But if Taylor was ever taken away from me, I would still have all I need because I have Christ. If the reverse were the case, I would be empty and would have nothing.

But why? What is it about people that make them unsuitable to be our all and everything? And what makes them so different from God?

3 Reasons People Cannot Complete Us

People Will Flake
People often don't take their word seriously. They say "oh, we should hang out sometime", or "I'd love to go for coffee!", but when we try to arrange that, they aren't interested at all. That can be really hurtful, and it makes us feel like we aren't good enough. But we must remember that people just don't get it. They usually aren't trying to be jerks. They just don't value the power of words and commitment. They don't realize the harm they are doing. Give them grace and don't put your hope in them.


People Are Selfish
Sadly, when it comes down to it, people are selfish. We can all be like that. We want to be there for someone but then something comes up that we'd rather do, or that would be more beneficial to us, and guess what we often choose... There is only One who will always be there. That is God. God will never tell us to "Hold on" so He can take a nap or go out with different friends. He is always there.


People's opinions can be wrong

Let's face it, sometimes we look to other people to answer our questions and problems. But people can be wrong. Every human is flawed, which means even the most wise person can be wrong at times. Asking someone's opinion can be helpful, but if you solely make a decision based on popular opinion, or even the opinion of someone you trust, you may end up in trouble.

It's good to seek help when you need it or are confused. Just make sure you are asking wise, godly people who you know will tell you the truth- not simply what you want to hear. And then take those answers and compare them with scripture. If a person is giving you godly advice, it will not contradict scripture.

But always remember: never make a decision or validate a decision completely by the opinion of another human being. Ultimately, God and godliness are the only real reasons to make one decision over another- and if a person is instructing you to make a decision that doesn't mesh with what God and His word say, then don't follow their advice.

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Humans are imperfect. We all make mistakes, do stupid things, and hurt each other. We can never fully satisfy another human being. We are incapable.


And that is why we should never find validation in another human. We need people in our lives. They are a blessing from God and their is much benefit from their love and friendship, but when we become complete- validated- by those human relationships, we will lack joy and peace. We will lack security because those people can always decide to change their opinion of us. But God always sees us, always holds His children, and always values us, even when we fall short. So who completes you?