Don't be afraid

I am keeping this post short today-
I read this verse this morning and I just want to say that this has helped me already today. I find this as a wonderful reminder that we are not to fear about anything- we have God on our side. By trusting in God to handle everything- and to strengthen us we are just much better off.

A good reminder for me in my life... but I thought I'd share - maybe it will help you in your life. :)


(Isaiah 41:10)

Ash Wednesday.

Today is Ash Wednesday-

The beginning the somber 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays, which in themselves are 'celebration' days)
but during the next 40 days we are to grow closer to God and we are to focus on God more.

I know many people give up food during lent- sugars, carbs, alcohol, caffiene, sodas... and the list goes on.

In my mind, the way I was taught Lent is a time to do away with something that is hindering you to get closer to God. - Something that is taking up time that we should be spending with God. When for 40 days we get rid of that barrier that is in our way to getting closer to God, we are able to really connect with God.
This doenst mean to give up work, homework, or necessary duties - but to give up something that tempts you to not get closer with God.
(make sense?)

I guess there are people out there who allow food, and such to really get in their way of spending time with God... but I really just don't see how these things in life could really get in your way of getting closer to God ....
I'm all for diets and eating healthier and exercising more- but just gets to me that people think that just because they can resist chocolate, soft drinks or checking up on facebook for 40 days will get them closer with God.  In my mind instead of pigging out on junk, then spend that time praying and time with God. Don't fill that time not getting closer with God... (make sense?)
what is it in your life that you are allowing to be in your way from getting closer with God?

What are you giving up this Lenten season?

Speaking Wholesomely

Ephesians 4:29



Here lately I have noticed so much negative talk. It is driving me crazy.

It has been dragging me down, and quite frankly I am tired of it.

What is 'unwholesome talk'?

-many people think that it only is cussing- once they stop cussing they're good to go and they're talking just fine.
 But unwholesome talk goes more in depth than just cuss words
it is more about the quality of the conversation.
Here are a few things that are unwholesome talk :

• Slander
• gossip
• arguing
• criticising
• complaining
• filthy language
• boasting
• lying

if you are doing any of these things when you talk, then you are not building others up, instead you are bringing them down.
Just as this verse says- we are to say things that will only build others up according to THEIR needs... so it will benifit those who listen.

If you are gossiping about your sister to your best friend, how is that beneficial for your best friend?

If you are complaining about your husband to a co-worker, how is that beneficial for the co-worker?

I would really like to see more people really think about what they say/how they say things. Instead of just spouting off things- I think we need to take what Paul says here in Ephesians to heart and really pay attention to what we say and really focus on saying more postitive things. I think often we just say whatever is on our minds, instead of really thinking about whether this will help or hurt someone.. or of its a Christian thing to say or not.


I think we really need to make a change in this area, really feel like the worls would be such a better place without constant negativity surrounding us.

Is this something that you can work on?

Do you have people in your life that contstantly speak negatively? If so, how do you deal with it?


Thanks -
Taylor

Just a little thought.

I was thinking about what I wanted to write about today, and one thing crossed my mind......
thinking on 'what do I want young adult ladies to know...'
One thing crossed my mind.... have a spiritual guider.

I think it is so important to have someone that you can look up to, someone that you can confide in, someone that is spiritual, and that would be there for you no matter what.
(while this also is the same characteristics you should want in a spouse- I'm talking abut maybe a older adult, an older lady that knows her ropes, and maybe has been in the same 'shoes'... a mentor...)
I think this is so important in our lives, to help us in our spiritual walk.
With this person you can 'bounce' ideas off of them, and they may have some wonderful advice (about anything)
with this person you are able to connect with them, and are able to really communicate with them.
With this person you are able to see of how much 'In-Christ' they are...
WIth this person they are able to give you encouragement, but you are also to encourage them too.

I think this is so important if you are getting back into church, or just beginning in your faith, that way you are able to 'stay straight' and you are able to keep going on the path that you are going.

I encourage you to seek out that person, and pray for a mentor, if you do not have one already.

What do you think?
do you think having a mentor is a good thing, or could be a good thing?



- sorry this is such a short post, but I feel like I've said all that I needed to say :)

Marinating

I love food.
I love to cook it, I love to try new recipes, I love to try to 'make-up'.. (adjust) recipes. I love to try the recipes... and I just love to eat good yummy food.
I have this recipe.. that I THOUGHT I 'made up'- only to realize that I didnt... it was actually very similar to something that my mom had made in the past... I just did it a little differently.
It was a 'zesty italian chicken & veggies' ... I still make it... easy, light. yummy.
I take chicken breasts and marinate them in zesty italian dressing... I marinate the chicken for as long as I can (24 hours, if possible... but even if you marinate it for a few hours  its fine... or not marinate it all still good, but the longer the better....) I've cooked it in a pan with vegetables - carrots, potatoes, green beans, olives, mushrooms...... just cook it all real good.  I should do it in a slow cooker.. bet would be great.. but anyways- when its all done, it is so yummy. - pair it with some rice, and its delicous.
Ok, im getting to my point now... I know you are thinking to yourself (isnt this a christian blog? - not a food blog?)
So the thing here is the marinating part.
The longer you marinate the better it will be.


What exactly is marination?
Marination is the process of soaking foods in a seasoned, often acidic, liquid before cooking. The origin of the word alludes to the use of brine (aqua marina) in the pickling process, which led to the technique of adding flavor by immersion in liquid. The liquid in question, the 'marinade', can be either acidic, (made with ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine) or enzymatic (made with ingredients such as pineapple or papaya).^[1] In addition to these ingredients, a marinade often contains oils, herbs, and spices to further flavor the food items.
It is commonly used to flavor foods and to tenderize tougher cuts of meat.^[2] The process may last seconds or days. Different marinades are used in different cuisines. For example, in Indian cuisine the marinade is usually prepared with a mixture of spices.
(thank you Wikepedia -)

bottom line, you soak food in spices or something before you cook it.... and it makes it yummy (most of the time)
and most of the time, the longer you soak it, the better that food is.

Why not apply this to our spiritual life.
Have you noticed that the more time you spend with God (in His Word, prayer, etc...) the better you feel, or just have a sense of really haviing that 'connection' or relationship with Him?


If we only give God just a few seconds of our time each day - how are we supposed to GROW in Him? thats just barely maintaining a relationship...
Like with my chicken, when im in a hurry- and just throw the chicken, the zesty italian dressing and everything all into the pan, its good, and its food... but not the BEST that it can be.
When you take a few minutes and really spend time with the chicken, and marinate it, and really spend quality time with the chicken, you get better results....

(get it?)

 By marinating yourself in Christ you are seasoning your life...
not just to say 'oh look everyone I spent 10 hours praying.'- nope.
you are seasoning yourself so that you can be in Christ, and with Christ, and so that others can see that love that you have. (make sense??) You are seasoning every aspect of your life. not just your 'spritual aspect.'
When you spend time with God, you are deepening that relationship with God.
Not just maintaining it... you are making it better. you are spending time with Him, listening, talking, praying, praising, being with Him... just making that stronger bond between you and God.. not just 'ok, i've prayed today..i've taken care of that... onto something else...

But it's up to you to make that call on marinating yourself in Christ... No one else can make that decision for you. No one can make you... that is something that you have to decide on your own.

What is YOUR new years Resolution?

Happy New Year!
I cannot believe that it is the start of a new year. It is amazing of how time flies.

Being that it is a new year- I know many people make 'new years resolutions' of course many people want to get their bodies in shape or start a new diet...
 Since I am writing a blog-- and being that the title of my blog is "awake my spirit"--- how about a different kind of resolution like - awakening your spirit? - and having a relationship with God- or deepening that relationship.....

Maybe you haven't been close with God lately - maybe you have had a stagnant relationship with Him, and you need to deepen that relationship....
As I have mentioned before you can always start 'fresh' get a clean start with God, and really work on having a relationship with Christ.
There are thousands of daily devotionals that are out on the bookshelves these days.  But you can also open up your bible and begin to read God's word too - there are also reading plans that are out there too... so you don't get too overwhelmed when reading the bible. You can also incorporate some quiet time in your daily routine, which can include prayer time and/or reading the Bible and just spending some quality time with God.
I think that the important thing is really spending time with God and really  getting a strong relationship with Christ going.
For me I am actually beginning to making sure I set a routine and setting aside the time for God. I know that these days it is incredibly hard to do.  We have so many things on our agendas, and its hard to say - 'ok, I need to spend time with God.'- I think that it is a matter of discipline and something that can be incredibly beneficial.
Too many people don't fully live out their relationship with God- the relationship is there- but only a day or two out of the week or less. I Really hope and pray that people will learn that its not just about those one or two days out of hte week, but instead dedicating your life to Christ and really having a true relationship with God. I hope that more people will awaken their spirits and live out their commitments to Christ. :)

Happy New Year - and Many Blessings to you all! :)

Mary, Did you know?

Throughout my life I have heard the nativity story many times, but never really thought twice about the people that were there when Jesus was born. These aren't just characters that just 'appeared' - but these were people that had a life, walked around here on earth and had something miraculous happen, and then had to go from there...

One of my favorite Christmas songs is "A Baby Changes Everything," by Faith Hill. Within the last few years I have really become attached to the song, it touches on Mary- and what was going on when she had Jesus.

Mary was a teenage girl where we come into 'view' of her story- she had her usual chores of fixing the food, feeding the animals washing clothes and such. She became engaged to be married to Joseph, a carpenter.
Times were different back then - the engagement period wasn't a time to figure out the wedding dress, color of napkins or Dj's for the reception.
You see, it took many years for men to establish themselves enough to support a wife and a family. when they did have it all together, they would typically seek out a much younger girl, that way they were strong enough to bear and raise lots of children.Mary was likely to be somewhere between 12 and 14 years old during this time. 12 -14 sounds young for out time to become a mother, but this was common during this time.We know that she was of childbearing age, but if she was any older than 14, she would be considered as too old for marriage in her culture.
She had great faith, especially being such a young girl.- She wasn't a middle aged woman who had experienced the world, but she had great faith.
During the period of her engagement with Joseph, when he was establishing himself and a home for Mary and a future family, Mary was visited by an angel, Gabriel.
He appeared to her : and said
"Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you". 
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be." (Luke 1:28-29)
Mary was troubled, I think i would be too, if an angel appeared, and began to tell me that me that I am highly favored..." I probably thought it was some kind of joke or something.
-Gabriel reassured her though, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with god. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. "How will this be?" Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" the angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the most high will overshadow you. so the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child, in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail." "I am the Lord's servant, " Mary answered. ""May your word to me be fulfilled. " then the angel Left her.

This would be alot of news... 1) God favors Mary 2) She was to conceive and have a son, even though she was a virgin, 3) the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and make her be conceived 4) not with just ANY baby- but with the Son of God....... then goes on 5) Her cousin, Elizabeth, who is old is having a baby in just a few months!

Being pregnant out of wedlock was a very serious offense in their law.And she could have been sentenced to death, if she had been brought before priests, and if they accused her of sexual promiscuity. If that didn't happen, her life would be ruined - no man would marry a girl who had not remained a virgin until they were married, and there was no such thing as a single mom during those days. Never before in history had a virgin become pregnant, it was an outrageous story. After Mary told Joseph about what was going on, Joseph was troubled. Joseph was obedient to the law, but didn't want to expose her to the public, he had it in his mind that they would quietly go their separate ways (Matthew 1:19)
Mary went and visited her cousin, Elizabeth, after-all  she also had something miraculous going on.And she could relate to what Mary was going through. While she was away, he had a dream, and the Lord appeared to him in it, and told him to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the holy Spirit  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus  because he will save his people from their sins.(Matthew 20-21) 

The govremnment  at that time decided to conduct a census, every family in Israel had to travel back to their ancestral home to be counted. For Mary & Joseph, that meant that they had to travel back to Bethleham. Mary, who was 9 months pregnant, rode on a donkey for that 60 mile trip from Nazareth to Bethleham. They didnt have the luxuries of a car... they had a donkey... probably a very uncomfortable mode of transportation even without being pregnant, much less about to have a baby... Every hotel was booked when they finally arrived. Finally an innkeeper felt pity for them, and loaned them his stable. That very night is when Jesus was born.

Some shepherds in a nearby field (which was possibly King David's great-grandparents Boaz and Ruths field) were the first to know about the Messiah's birth. While tending their flocks, an angel came and informed them of Jesus' birth.Pilgrims bought the lambs from the flocks that these shepherds were tending at Passover and when making sacrifices for sins- they were born  to die for the sins of the people .... (Which is why Jesus was born) --- So it was fitting that these shepherds learned first to learn about Jesus.
Luke 2:8-20
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

After Jesus was born someone  handed Mary swaddling cloths - this wasnt a nice pretty blue blanket from a hospital, this was some cloths that were made from the worn out linen undergarments of the temple priests - they normally were woven into wicks for the menorah in  the temple courtyard.

Sometime after Jesus was born, King Herod was in reign, some wise men came to Jerusuelum, and they asked for the King of the Jews, bcause they had seen the eastern star and they had come to worship him. King Herod heard this and wanted to know where this King was.... He was disturbed that there was a king that was born, and feared that this newborn would overthow Herod's power.
So Herod had priests and teachers look into where this child was born, and in the prophesy it was written that he was in Bethlehem. Herod told the wise men to go and seach for this king, then come back to tell him exactly where this king was. The wise men found the star, and found Mary, Joseph and Jesus, they bowed, worshipped and  presented them with Gold, Frankensenese and Myrrh. After having a dream about not going back to Herod, they decided to find another route.
(Matthew 2:1-12)
 
Joseph was also warned in a dream that night. An angel told him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt quiclkly becuase Herod was out to kill Jesus. They left just in time becuse Herod's soldiers stormed into Bethlehem and murdered all the boys under 2 years old.  They stayed in Egypt until the angel told them that Herod had died and it was safe to go back. (matthew 2:13-23)

It is amazing of how Mary, who was so young, went through all of it...A true blessing to be carrying the Savior, and then to be the Savior's mother.

Advent has Arrived~!

Advent has arrived - as of yesterday, December 2nd.
This year, I want to take a look at the different aspects of Christmas, and when Jesus arrived. I hope that it will open up your eyes of the true meaning of Christmas and I want to take a look at the different people that were involved. I want us to take some time to where we are not focusing on gifts, santa, reindeer and hot cocoa, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas - that time of year of when our Savior, Jesus, Came to earth and die for our sins.

-A Birthday Reflection Post-

26 years ago today my parents were at the hospital having me.
I was born at about 2 am  November 29th 1986. I came a little earlier than what they expected me. mom was incredibly sick in the hosptial before she had me. 

Thinking on past years, past birthdays - and just thinking about what i've accomplished so far in my life....
I have had a wonderful life, that is for sure. I have an amazing family. I really do. Supportive, loving, and always there (sometimes a little too much haha!) anyways- I feel that my parents did a good job of raising my brother and I... I really do... even though we fought until I moved out of the house...
After I came back home from being away at college for a few weeks, I remember that it was an odd feeling that we werent fighting... we actually gave each other a hug! haha. anwyays--
In the past I have felt 'un accomplished'- people that I graduated from high school with were already graduating college.  After I graduated high school, I went to a university for a year, the ultimately decided it was best for me to just move back home with my parents and go to school at night and work during the day....for about 5 years I went to that community college, I was able to knock out the majority of the 'core' classes though. then after trying to really figure out where I was going in life... God called me to get into ministry -for young adults.- and here I am... going to school just to do that.
While I know basically everyone I know has graduated and is in their career... I dont mind it. I have had to learn lessons along the way of finding my true path. But as usual just ready to be really on that path of helping young adults.

Looking back on a year  - in my life several things have changed. All good things ... of course at the top of that list is getting engaged to a wonderful man, a man who God certainly designed for me. Then I have gained alot of other experience with work, and just other things. Of course actually beginning school and getting a few classes under my belt and what not.

I cannot wait to see what God has planned for the future. The next year will be a busy ride, but a good one.. I really can't wait.

I have realized I really have learned that the simplier things in life are sometimes the most fun.
Since Steve and I began dating, we rarely go out to eat. ... we just really enjoy being at the house, in the kitchen, cooking dinner, trying a new recipe, and just being in there together, and talking and whatnot.
in the past I have always wanted to go out to dinner and everything for my birthday dinner. This year, when Steve asked me what I wanted to do - I thought on where I wanted to go for my birthday - but ultimately decided that one of my favorite things to do is just to have dinner at home... I requested that he cook and clean up, that would be a wonderful birthday dinner.. So that is what we'll be doing saturday for my birthday... I can't wait.

It is amazing of how much things can change... for good and the bad... I look forward to seeing what God has planned for me the rest of my life. The first 25 years were fantastic. :)

 

Happy Thanksgiving....

Yesterday was Thanksgiving... I know we all have various family styles and traditions. Yesterday my family enjoyed all the traditional foods.... turkey, green beans, corn casserole, sweet potatoes, and stuffed ourselves with too much food.then we all got in the living room, where the football game was on, and we all visited and hung out... a few people fell asleep. Steve and I went for a walk (almost 2 miles!... which felt great! so much better than getting in that food coma and passing out. we were able to enjoy the great outdoors and enjoy each others company, and get some fresh air.

Last night as we left, we passed by a Wal-Mart and we passed by a mall. The parking lots were absolutely PACKED with cars - this year they moved up 'black friday' into thanksgiving evening.... people were there fighting over crockpots, toys, toasters... and who knows what. just to get a few cents of a discount.... I had thought about going out and going shopping on black friday(today) however I decided against it. I realized that the store that I wanted to go to, wasnt really having any special deals on anything. So I am just sticking to some shopping online... ANYWAYS... just seems funny that yesterday we all were Thanking God for all that we have, everything that we are Blessed with, the food that has been provided, the loving hands that prepared it. Thanking Him for clothes on our backs, our friends and family, and family that are traveling. Then mere hours we are killing each other over a crockpot. .... seems kinda silly. almost like its all for 'bragging rights' ... "i got the last crockpot, I had to punch an old lady to get it!!"


Just something to think about. The sales will continue for the next few days- as we continue to eat on the left overs and spend more time with family
.

Even though Thanksgiving has officially past us, We still need to be Thankful for all that we have. There are so many that are truly without... Not only just this time of year, but during all parts of the year, we need to remember those who have hit a rough patch and are trying to get back on their feet. Or even those who may be emotionally, or spiritually lacking, and need some help....