Precious!

I have a confession to make. I am addicted to sugar. It's true! I love to eat sweets and I love to have my Caribou coffee. But the thing is that all these years I have been wasting away my body and now I'm on the verge of becoming a diabetic. I have to learn how to end my sugar addiction and I have to learn it fast!

But the thing is that it's not all about quitting sugar. It's about facing the reality that I am too precious to let a little health issue get in the way of me being all that God wants me to be. I have been letting my selfish desires be of higher importance than what God desires for me.

Maybe you're like me. Maybe you have an addiction. Now I know it might not be an addiction to sugar but an addiction is still an addiction. The truth is that your wasting your life away and not allowing God to use you to your true potential.

What is that true potential? That true potential is living a life full of ALL the promises that God gave to us in His Word. That true potential is realizing that you are a beautiful and perfect gem to God that was so expensive it cost God His Son. God wants you to glow with the radiance of God's love, and He wants you to grow to love Him more and more each and every day.

You are so precious to Him. He sees your worth and you know what He says? He says "My precious Diamond, I love you!!!"

God gave up so much just for us to realize that we are truly precious. God has fearfully (He is in awe at us!!!!!!) and wonderfully made us - each unique and each valuable. Isn't that great that we are valued?!!!!! Isn't that wonderful that we are precious?!!!!!!!

It is because God loves us so much that His love that He lavishes on us makes us pure, perfect, and precious. We are precious to Him! - and NEVER forget that!!!!!

The Light Beacon

Every now and then things happen in life that cause us hurt, or struggle, or go through trials. Sometimes you even feel like a cargo ship being constantly thrown around by the sea. No matter how much effort you put in you still drift off course. You eventually feel completely lost and you feel like you'll forever be out in the middle of this storm. Then out of nowhere, but just in time, you see a light. A light that tells you "This is the right path to take. This is how I'll steer you clear of danger. This is how I'll keep you safe." It's the lighthouse high up on the rocky cliff. It comes to your rescue and safely guides you into the port.

The storm of life can be like this. You feel like that cargo ship and you fear that you'll never make it out alive. But if we trust God then we can know that God will always become our light beacon to guide us through the storm and bring us out safely.

God will always be there for you, and He never leaves you even if it's you who runs the other direction. God saved Jonah from the belly of the whale. God saved Shadrack, Meshiak, and Abendigo from the fiery furnace. God saved David from Goliath. But you know what, they also believed that God would save them. They believed that God would always be helping them in life and would never leave their side. They believed that God saves.

Next time when you become that cargo ship remember that God saves and that you can trust in Him to become that lighthouse at the right moment, and send out its light beacon to steer you clear of the rocky cliffs - to deliver you safely into the harbor.

Blessings!!!!!

His Grace is Sufficient

There's just something so wonderful about God's grace. It's just full of the love and hope that God gives each and every one of His children.

As we go through life there have been many trials and upsets in life but those trials were just there to help us grow and to understand in a more complete way how much God loves us. To feel those arms around us as He comforts us and leads us down our path of life we can trust Him to make the right decisions.

As I look back at my time in Mexico I realize that God did so many wonderful things. I was a bit worried about not knowing what I would say or do but I knew that God would help me and give me the right words to say. My heart is just overjoyed at the fact that God used me to lead 8 people to Christ. I know that number is not very big but in God's eyes it's HUGE!!! I loved to be used of Christ and to bear the fruit that I've longed to bear. But also to be showed who I am in Christ will forever change who I am and how I look at myself.

It's not how the world looks at us that we should care about, it's how God sees us. Every day that I get up I remind myself that I should live today as if it were my last - to be that light to the world that God has called of me to be. I will continue to be God's servant and it brings me such joy to be called to be His servant. He loves me so much, and He loves everyone else. God doesn't care if you've made mistakes and are not perfect - in fact that's the whole reason that we need Him. Because we're not perfect God can be glorified in our weaknesses. I want to always live my life as if they were looking at God. I want to be that one to let them know that they are loved and that they are special and that God does care for them no matter what. I want them to know that He can be their All-in-All and that His grace is made new each day and that it's sufficient enough to take you through each and every second of life.

God cares so deeply for everyone to acknowledge Him and come to Him so He can get to know them and that they can get to know Him. There is no safer place to be than in the center of God's will and you'll know when you are because your life will be full of peace and joy.

Let God's arms hold you through today and tomorrow and however long you're supposed to live on this earth. But remember when the day comes that you should meet your Heavenly Father look back on your life and see if you've lived your life for God. If you haven't there's still time. Change your life today and live it for God because there's no greater joy than to hear God say "Well done my good and faithful servant."

Blessings and grace friends!!!!!

Missions Trip - PTL!!!!!!!!

OK, I just got back from Mexico. It was such a life changing experience!!!!!!! God has blessed me in so many ways. I know for a fact that I am definitely His diamond, His lily, His princess. I am God's daughter and nothing can take that away. I am in a little culture shock but I know God will help me through it all. I was so blessed to be a blessing to others. I will tell more tomorrow but just know that I am bursting with joy over this experience. God bless!!!!!!!!!

God, I've given you my life

As my time for going to Mexico nears I have been thinking a lot lately. What does God have in store? How will my life be changed? How will God work through me to bless others? How will others react to what I and my team have to share? What will I go through? How will I know what to say?

So many things to think about but why worry. God promises us that He will give us the words. He promised that we can trust Him and that His mercy is made new each day (Lamentations 3:23). I know that God will use me because I am going to serve Him and He uses those who are willing. I know God will protect me and I know that because I have given God my life, that whatever happens will be for His glory and praise so that others may see His goodness and mercy. I am very excited to go but I know that Satan will try to destroy us. We must be ready at all times and be able to counter the devil's attacks. We will be strong in Him but only if we are weak. We must put aside any pride, any fear, any wants, any desires, any anger, anything that would hinder the work of God. Only then will His anointing flow through us. Only then will Christ be glorified. We will edify His name and show others how to edify the Name of God. We will show others what it means to have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and we will not fail in anything that we do because we do it for God. God bless!!!!!!!

Praise in the Silence

There have been times in my life where I have gone for months without hearing from God. It's not that I have done anything wrong or that God doesn't care, because He does, it's that I am being tested for how strong my faith is in God. Sometimes I need to just trust Him that whatever He has planned will work out for my good and those around me.

Sometimes we really need God in some situation and we go on our hands and knees and cry out to God but all He answers us with is silence. If this has ever happened to you then know this, "God will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). God hasn't turned His back on you, and He never will turn His back on you. What we need to do when our faith is tested is to continue to praise God and believe in the promises He has given us in His Word. Lift your hands up and worship God for you've done nothing wrong. God will come through no matter if you can hear Him speak to you or not - and never forget that. God bless!!!!!

Trust God

One thing my mom is always telling me is "Don't do anything based on money." When God told me that I was to go to Bethel I knew there was absolutely no way that I could pay for that and medical school. So I started praying and I kept believing "where God guides He also provides." What this means is that when God calls you and you respond in faith then you can trust Him that He will provide for your every need. So after two years of praying for provision God came through with a job opportunity for my mom. Well, she got the job and now I get tuition break after her working there for two years. Which means that I only need to worry about paying for the first year of college then the second year I get 65% off, then the third year I get 75% off and then if I stay for a fourth year then I get 85% off that year. I'm not telling this story to brag and say that I got more money than you do but I'm saying this as an example of what it means to trust God.

When I had to raise the money for my Mexico missions trip this summer I knew God would provide. Well, He did and even made my "cup overflow." I am currently over by about $270. I know God wants me to go on this trip and I know that family and friends are even now lavishly blessing/covering me in prayer.

If your in a situation that you think that there's no way out of then remember to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). God will always come through for you because He loves you dearly. God bless!!!!!!

Garden of Friends

Friends come in all shapes and sizes, but they are all special and hold a place in my heart. I just got back from Volleyball practice and I realized that I have been blessed with some of the greatest friends. "Iron sharpens iron, so does [a friend] to another" (Proverbs 27:17). I have quiet friends who remind me that I don't need to raise my voice to be heard. I have energetic friends who remind me that joy is wonderful to have and that I need to keep my body in shape. I have funny friends who remind me that laughter is the best medicine. I have friends that I only see at school but they remind me that I have friends in "high places." But the greatest friend, and my best friend, is Jesus. Jesus is a friend to the sinner, the broken, the lonely, and the righteous of heart. He is the greatest friend I could ever have and I don't know what I'd do or be without Him. I pray that Jesus is your best friend too, and if He isn't than know this that He wants to be your friend and His arms are open, ready to catch you when you fall into them. God bless!!!!

Being at the Center of the Perfect Will of God

As a Christian I want to always do what God tells me. I want to be an obedient and faithful servant. Sometimes, though, I mess up. I learned a lesson tonight from a three year old girl. I was watching them and this girl was very hyper and I was trying to quiet her down for bed and she didn't want to. The next thing I knew she ran into the wall and comes out with a big gash in her knee. Sometimes we want to just do what we want to do and not listen to God - who has our best interests at heart. Like I was wanting that girl to quiet down and start getting ready for bed she went outside what I willed for her and ended up with a gashed knee. When I know that I step outside of the will of God I end up in a more difficult situation. Remember, always seek God first and He will give you the desires of your heart and your life will be much better. God bless!!!!

Seek First the Kingdom

Throughout the years I have learned that I can never do something important without God backing me up. If I have a big decision to make, or a big event, I need to spend time in prayer seeking the throne of God and asking for His wisdom and guidance. "Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). The reason why this works is because it is only through Him that we can prosper, and it is only through Him that we are made new and whole. God wants us to come into a loving relationship with Him and for us to get to know His heart. Sometimes we go through times where we're pushed for needs and we worry - but we shouldn't. See, God's given us not a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). He also says that He knows every hair on our heads and when every sparrow falls. He also gives sparrows the food that they need. Since we are more important than sparrows that means that God will surely provide everything we need. Place your trust/confidence in God and He will definitely come through for you. He has given you His love and a chance at salvation, He will absolutely give you your needs and the desires of your heart - but you have to seek His kingdom first. God bless!!!!

Life in Your Day!

As I traveled around to different Open Houses today and volunteered at the hospital and finally have a chance to relax and sit back for a couple hours before I go and babysit again I remembered that I hadn't taken time out to be with Jesus. My day was so busy and stressful in a way - not that hanging out with friends was stressful but all the driving and rushing to different places was. I remembered how the rest of my week was calm and quiet and I had gotten a chance to be with Jesus at least 10 minutes in my day. But that was 10 minutes of gaining more life in my day!!!!! To think, all our days could be full of life, and life more abundantly if only we took those few minutes out of our day to be with Jesus. All He asks is a little bit of our time, and sometimes we can't even get that. God wants us to know Him, He wants us to have the life that He intended for us. So, tomorrow when you wake up remember to spend some quiet time, alone, with Jesus and your day will be so much better and full of life!!!! God bless!!!!!!!!!

Beauty

Everywhere we look there is beauty. Beauty of creation, beauty of an appearance, beauty of an the soul and divine beauty. Today I went to the hospital for volunteer work and I held a little baby girl today. Her fingers were tiny, her legs were small, and her head fit nicely in the palm of my hand. As I was rocking her and praying for quick healing in her little body I realized something. The beauty of the situation she was in is that she was weak, but that in her weakness God was made strong. Through her being tiny and unable to care for herself God was healing her entire body a little bit with every beat of her heart, every tiny breath that she made, every inner workings of the various systems. I realized that this little baby girl's situation was surrounded by divine beauty. The beauty of the crafting of the Workman's hands, the beauty of God's strength being made known through her weakness.

I think to myself how amazing it is that God always comes through with some sort of a miracle in our struggles, how he mends our situations, and how man realizes that they cannot run their life by themselves but they need someone guiding them through the storms. As I remember that baby's face tonight as I continue to pray for her healing I know that God will always come through in my situations and in the end His Divine Beauty will be made known through my weakness. For it is by His grace that we can be saved and not all the stress, all the worry, all the struggle that I put into my life but it is God who saves the day (deus ex machina - more like Dio ex machina). God bless!!!!

Lonesome Dove

There are some of us who today might feel very lonely. Maybe you're parents aren't around as much, or your friends haven't called in a while, or you just want to go out and do something. Since summer started my days have been very lonesome. The one thing that I know that has helped me so far, instead of being selfish and whinny to everyone you know, just take more time out of the day to spend in prayer with God. Dive into the Bible and listen closely to what God says.

Yesterday I was the most lonesome day I've had in a long time and I almost broke down. Then I realized God wants to spend more time with me so I sat down and listened to Him. He told me to go and buy a journal and in that journal write down how much I mean to Him, then I also wrote down how much He means to me. You know what He said? He said "My darling, you are precious. Your worth is more than 100 million diamonds and 100 million pearls. When I was up on that cross I saw your unformed face and I voluntarily spilled every drop of blood just for you. I love you so very much my sweetie."

Just take time out today to listen closely to God's heart. God bless!!!!

The Arms of Love

One thing I know is that I wouldn't be who I am today without the grace and unconditional love of the Heavenly Father. He picks me up when I am down. He turns my weakness into strength. He gives me the inward peace, and the much needed patience to get through life. When I'm in a pickle God's grace is sufficient to get me through any circumstance. His arms are always open for us to run to them, and He'll hold you tight.

I've gone through some pretty difficult stuff in my life. I remember the first day when fear entered my life when I was two years old. I had accidentally caused a baby to fall down a flight of stairs and after that I feared of dropping every baby I was handed. That first time that I babysat and I had to carry a baby down the stairs I was terrified but God held my hand all the way down the stairs. Whether that baby survived or not I don't know but I know that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

God is a God of second chances. He never condemns you for doing something wrong but He forgives you and gives you another chance to make things right. When we sin God provides forgiveness and salvation through His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross to take away YOUR sins. Jesus was completely innocent but it had to be done.

Come to Jesus and let Him hold your hand, let Him take you through every step of the dance. Let Him whisper in your ear how precious you are to Him. Feel His arms around you. Lift your arms to heaven and feel the mercy drops fall down and cover you in love. There's always a spot for you at the Banqueting Table, and it's right next to God's seat.

Run to Jesus and He'll make everything right. God bless!!!!

The Desert

Right now I'm going through a desert. Since my mom got the job I have been spending my entire day at home, all by myself (something I've never done). But sometimes we go through deserts in our life, everything is dull and dry. But the fact is that God is preparing you for something grander! I've been "pulled" away from my family and friends to find who I am in God and to listen closely to his heart. You know what he says? He says "My Princess, come and sit with me. Let me tell you how much you are worth to me. I love you so much. You take my breath away. Come let us become good friends and lovers." So, I get to spend my day in a quiet place with God. Some day soon I'll "go back" to my friends and family. There's a verse somewhere in the Bible that says "I will lure her into the desert and speak softly to her." If you're going through a desert right now understand this, you're not being punished. God just wants to spend time with you. I know when I come to the end of my desert I will be a changed person - changed for the better. God bless!!!!!

Jesus Loves You

I realize that all of us, sometime in our life, have gone through something horrific. I've gone through many. But I have something that many don't, I have a shoulder to lean on, I have a Father to hold me through the storms, I have a Best Friend who always knows just what to say. His name is Jesus Christ. Through all the storms in life Jesus is there to hold you and whisper in your ear how much He loves you. You are a beautiful diamond to Him. He sees you as a pearl of great price. How do I know this? Because I've heard him say it to me. If you're going through a hard time right now know this, you can put all your trust and hope in God and He will come through for you. Jesus loves you, and never forget it!!!! See ya!

My life since the last post

Well, lets just say that I've had a lot of changes in my life. Tomorrow is my last day of school and I will be a Senior - yikes! My mom got a job at Bethel and I end up getting a large tuition break when I get to Bethel in a year - Praise the Lord!!!!!!

As I look back on the year one thing I absolutely regret is the fact that I paid to much attention to my studies and not enough attention to being a better friend. I missed out on so many opportunities to bless other people, instead I worked at giving myself a good name - how selfish!

When I turned 17 in April my wish was that this year would be the year that I would grow up more and become an adult. Well, I didn't plan on it like the way it's happening. Since my mom has the job - and she was always a stay-at-home mom before - I now have to do all the dishes, clean the house, take care of the pets (which I should have been doing), do yard stuff and still be a kid. Yikes!! On top of that I'm now making dinner for my folks. I don't see it as being their slave but it is a BIG change. I miss coming home to my mom and seeing her bright and cheery face and letting her play with my hair as I debrief my day. But I'm glad she's doing something she loves.

Well, it's getting late. I should go. See ya!

*~Eliana~*

Daily Log for 1/10/08 - the last log

Well, this is it. The last day of this class. I've learned so much and I know I'll keep practicing what I've learned. I will continue to cut back on sweets, get lots of rest, and exercise. God has helped me through so much and I know He will continue to be right by my side as I continue my journey. I hope you enjoy the book. I will miss our meetings Ms. Reese but I'll still see you. Hope you had a great semester. See ya!

Fitness Log for 1/9/08

I didn't go to the YMCA last night. I had to go to Student Council and then youth group and I just had no time to go to the YMCA and do everything I needed to. See ya!

Daily Log for 1/9/08

I am not planning on going to the YMCA tonight because I have Student Council after school today and then I have Youth Group two hours later and I need time to do my homework. I can't believe tomorrow is the last day. I'm really going to miss this class but I will continue to use what I've learned and I will keep going to the YMCA. See ya!

Fitness Log for 1/8/08

I went to the YMCA for an hour. It was fun. I also finished up my Fit Start. I can't believe this class is over at the end of this week. See ya!

Daily Log for 1/8/08

I am planning on going to the YMCA today after school. I can't believe that the semester is over on Thursday, it feels like we just started. I've learned so much this semester and I'm pretty sure I've grown a lot in my mental, spiritual, and physical parts. I've learned a lot of information in math, language, history, health (mental). I've learned how to trust God completely and walk by faith with everything I do (spiritual). I've also grown physically by eating healthier and getting exercise, pretty much every day. This semester has been a growing time and I can't wait to see what will happen next semester. I'm going to miss this class but I know I will not forget the things I've learned because I will continue to practice it even after the semester is over. It's going to become my lifestyle, going to the YMCA every week, almost every day, and eating right. Well, see ya!

Fitness Log for 1/7/07

I went to the YMCA for an hour after school. I enjoyed my time. I'm almost done with my Fit Start plan and I can turn that in on Thursday. Boy, this semester has gone by so fast! I enjoyed it a lot. See ya!

Daily Log for 1/7/08

Well, it's the new year and I'm back in school. I had a wonderful time on break and I feel very rested and ready to finish out the semester. I almost finished my book, I have one chapter left to write. I was very surprised that I did not eat that many sweets over the break and I only went to Caribou two times. I'm very excited that I could control myself, maybe it was because I was getting more sleep that I didn't feel like I had to eat sweets. The only sweet I ate at Christmas was a piece of pie! I'm very excited to see how my book will turn out when it's all completed on Wednesday, I hope you enjoy it. I found it very easy to write because I understood what I was trying to say and I knew from my experiences how to help others. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Break and a great New Year's. See ya!

Fitness Log for 12/20-1/6

I don't quite remember what days I went to the YMCA but I know I got my required 4 hours in for each week and a little more the first week of break. I remember on Monday 12/31 my dad took me on a date to Bunker Hills and we walked around for 3 hours - in the snow for about 1:30. Then on Saturday I went with my youth group to Eko Backen in Scandia and we went tubing there it was great fun but I got very tired out from holding onto the rope - the few times that I did, otherwise I hiked up the hill. Then yesterday I went to Cheap Skate for Christian Music night and I was there for 3 hours. The amazing thing was that I wasn't all that tired at the end but my feet did hurt. I'm thinking that the next time I go I will bring some arch support gels because the skates I use have no arch support and it hurt a lot. I had a great break and as much as I like school I didn't want to come back. I rested a lot, averaging 11 hours a night for sleep. See ya!

Fitness Hours

Week 17

YMCA: I don't remember the days but I do know that I got 5 hours in.
Walking: 3:00 - Hiking in the snow at Bunker Hills
Running: 0:00
Biking: 0:00
Other: 0:00

Week 18

YMCA: I don't remember the days but I did get 4 hours in.
Walking: 2:00 - Minnesota Science Museum
Running: 0:00
Biking: 0:00
Other: 3:30 - tubing at Eko Backen (hiking up the hill). 3:00 - Skating at Cheap Skate (Sunday).