Training Wheels and Trees

How often do you try something new? Do you ever decide to challenge yourself?

As a children often do, they challenge us. If we tell them they can't climb the tree, they do. When we tell them not to take their training wheels off, they break them off. When they do these things it can normally go two ways; good and bad. When it goes bad, they learn their lesson and normally will receive a punishment or consequence. On the flip side, when they succeed and prove us wrong, they find fulfillment and pride. Both good and bad, lessons are learned.

Are you willing to take your training wheels off? Or maybe it is time to climb that big tree.

Are you in a storm?

Sometimes it takes the storms in life to show us how strong we truly are. Maybe this season you aren't sure how you are going to pay your heating bill. Or maybe you lost your husband and are not a single mom with 4 young children. It might even be the frustration of where to go to school this Spring. These are all examples of life's storms. James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

Maybe the smooth route is the easier way to go, but are you testing yourself? By taking the easier route, will you grow?

"A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor."

What good is that?

When you enter a church around Christmas time, you will notice something under the tree. In most cases, it is baby Jesus in a manger. What is under your tree at home? Presents, right? Dad is getting a new battery powered drill, Mom is getting a new bathrobe, Brother is getting a new high-tech remote control car, and Sister gets a new makeup set. Christmas morning is full of excitement. Those presents that were wrapped, are now unwrapped to be used. Imagine unwrapping the gifts and then leaving them under the tree. What good do those gifts do just sitting under the tree? The greatest gift of all was given to us through a baby on Christmas day, Jesus Christ.

What good is Jesus if he just stays under the tree? You can see him, but you don't use him. Until you accept that fact that you need Jesus in your life, he will just sit there. That day when you finally decide that you need Jesus, he won't be under the tree anymore, he will be in your heart with you every second of every day. However, you can't just leave him there. Once you accept him, you need to take ownership for him to be valuable. You need to value him. You need to tell other about him and the miracles he has worked in your life. 

Jesus is the only way to eternal life. He is the difference between eternal life in heaven or eternal life in hell. In Revelation it talks about how when you decide to make the decision to live a life for Jesus, when Jesus decides your time on earth has come to an end, He will be there to greet you and streets will be made of gold. However, hell is nothing like heaven. Hell is described in the bible as a fiery pit, pits of darkness, eternal punishment. Just a few punishments in hell are no rest by day or night, destruction, and the weeping and gnashing of teeth. It sounds harsh but its the truth. You have to make the decision. 

This Christmas are you going to leave Jesus wrapped up under your tree? If you unwrap him, will you use him? In Matthew 17 verse 20 Jesus says, "Because you have so little faith, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." All it takes is a seed. Once you have that seed, sow your seed so others can experience the joy you have. 

Preparations

How does your family prepare for Christmas? 

If we are lucky, we will put up a tree. Some years we chose to not put up a tree because we travel a lot around Christmas and we aren't home to appreciate it. We also have 2 movies that we have to watch before Christmas day or it just doesn't feel like Christmas. 

"Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?" The first one is Elf. If you need a good laugh, this is the Christmas movie for you. "Santa! I know him!" This is a story of family, patience, and love. I don't want to spoil it for anyone so I won't say too much more but remember, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is sing loud for all to hear."

"You'll shoot your eye out." The second movie is The Christmas Story. "How do the piggies eat?" This  is a story of a young boy who just wants a BB gun but everyone tells him that he will shoot his eye out. Again, if you need something to get you into the Christmas spirit, this movie will do the trick. "Wow! Whoopie, a Zeppelin!"

Movies are just a small part of Christmas preparation in our house but think about the special things that your family does. Every year those things will mean more and more to your family. Even if it is just taking an hour out of your day to watch a movie, it will mean the world to your family. Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Be blessed! 

5 words.

For the past two weeks, I have had the background on my phone set to a common saying. I set it as a reminder to myself to take a breath and keep going. With finals and holiday chaos, I sometimes find myself thinking about the next day or the next week. I don't really do the whole "New Years Resolution" thing but I will say that sometimes its the little reminders you set for yourself that help you out. Sometimes I will hide verses in cupboards so I stop for a second and read God's word. Put your bible in your backpack, that way when you find yourself with down time, you don't have the excuse of its not with you. I want to leave you with these five simple words. Think about them and maybe write them down somewhere to remind yourself to stop and just take a breath. Be here today incase you aren't here tomorrow.

One day at a time.

Black Hair? Red Hair? Who cares?

Since a very young age my parents have told me to be myself, not someone else. I have never been one that wants to fit it. In my family there is no such thing as being normal. What happens when someone criticizes you for not being normal? Do you want to fit in or be original?

When I turned 15 or 16 I decided to do some different things with my hair. Naturally, I have very dark brown hair. One year for school I decided to try going jet black. I loved it but my friends referred to me as "goth" or "freaky." I never wore any black makeup or clothes so they were calling me these things just because of my hair.  Well a couple months ago I decided to try going dark red. I loved it. The color turned out a dark maroon. Again, instead of commenting on my hair, they went straight for, "Why would you want purple hair?" and "It makes you look weird." I found it odd that my boss didn't even realize I had done it but my friends who I see maybe once a month realized. Will I ever be good enough for my friends?

Since I was 8, I have struggled with my health, especially my weight. I have always been right in the normal weight zone except for my senior year in high school. When I was diagnosed with thyroid problems, I dropped 20 pounds extremely fast. My stomach just wasn't soaking up the vitamins and minerals I needed and I became very weak. By graduation in June, I had gained the weight back and was eating normally. It was a relief for both my family and myself. In late June, I decided that I wanted to go play Ultimate Frisbee with some friends. Keep in mind that these friends hadn't seen me for over a year and they had no idea what had been going on. The first thing one of my close friends said to me was, "Looks like you already gained your Freshman 15." I ended up leaving the game and went home in tears.

I know I am not perfect but it takes so much not to just tear apart my friends that have torn me apart. I could easily throw fat jokes out there or balding jokes. Instead I just ignore it but then I dwell on it. I know my friends don't purposely hurt me, but why say those things to begin with?

It has taken a long time for me to accept that God created us all individually, exactly how he wants us. In his eyes, we are perfect. As humans, we always want to be the next model or next athlete. What if for just a day, we were happy with our body? Don't ever try to impress someone. Be yourself. Be original, just the way God created you to be. You are good enough.

The Red Letters

In most Bibles you will notice that there is black letters and some red. Someone asked me what the significance is with the red letters. The red letters are Jesus's words. Those are things that he spoke of while he was here on earth. What does the "red letters" talk about? To put very simply, the band dctalk released a song called The Red Letters. The chorus went, "There is love in the red letters. There is truth in the red letters. There is hope for the hopeless, peace, and forgiveness. There is life in the red letters."

My favorite word to describe the love Jesus has for us is unconditional. He will never let us down. He will always love us. In 1 Corinthians 13 it describes Jesus's love and how to use the greatest gift, which is love. In verse 2 it says boldly, "If I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." The word nothing is not used lightly. He wants us to know that we have to love. He died on the cross for our sins. That is the ultimate sacrifice of love. He loved us so much that he was willing to be whipped, beat, wear a crown of thorns, and be hung on a cross for all to see, just so that we can live today. Jesus is love.

John 8:32 says, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Until you know the truth, you will not be free. You have to accept the truth that Jesus died for you. When you do accept the truth that he did that and you decide to follow him the rest of his days, you will be free. What is even better, is you will be with him the rest of your days. You will spend eternity with him.

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Hebrews 6:19. When the Bible was written, the fastest way to travel a long distance was by boat. For the most part, boats are very safe in good weather. However it is very risky when there is a storm while traveling by boat. Storms could appear anytime while traveling. When the bad weather would come upon them they would let down the anchor to keep the boat in a safe, secure place. The idea of an anchor helps us understand the idea of hope for Christians. Sometimes life can seem unsafe or uncertain, just like boats in a storm. Nevertheless, boats can be safe even during a storm if their anchor holds firm to the ground.  When we join God, we are safe even through the storms. We may be weak, but God is strong.

In red letters at the end of John chapter 16 Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This verse is saying, instead of turning to worldly things, appreciate that in Jesus, you will have peace. This verse was when Jesus was preparing the disciples for his death. Jesus told the disciples them that their mourning and grieving will turn to joy. Jesus knew that when he was put to death the world would rejoice. Jesus wanted to reassure the disciples that even when he died that he would still be with them, and in that they will find joy.

Faithfulness is defined as true to one's word, promises, and vows. It can also be defined as reliable, trusted, or believed. Lamentations 3:23 says, "(His mercies) They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness." We should be 100% reliable on Jesus. Every morning we should wake up and immediately thank God for another day he has given us.

Reading red letters in the Bible helps me to understand the Bible even more. It is almost as if a story is being told, but Jesus actually said these things. It makes it even more real for me. This is a book full of the greatest lessons you could learn. If you don't know where to start, I suggest either reading through Matthew 5&6 or the humbling story of when Jesus washed the disciples feet in John 13. In the red letters there is love, truth, hope, peace, and faithfulness. Live a life for Jesus and I promise you that you will not regret it.

Time for a Vacation

Where does your family go on vacation? How long do you go for? What do you bring with you? Does your whole family go? This Christmas morning will not be spent unwrapping gifts, but instead it will be spent at the airport with my family. It has been over three years since we have seen my Mothers side of the family and I am more than excited to see them.

My question to you, is what do you bring with you? Do you bring with you the necessities or do you add more? This is the first time traveling as a family that we are not checking any luggage. Yes, that means we all have to fit one weeks worth of necessities in two carry ons. Where do I start? My plan is to put as many clothes into one bag. That way I can put that bag in an overhead bin and not have to worry about it. In my backpack I will put my book, computer, and my trusty pillow.

Imagine if this Christmas, we didn't have clothes, books, computers, pillows, or even bags to put that stuff in. Imagine never seeing your family again. This Christmas be thankful for what you have. It may be as simple as having a working furnace. Sometimes as humans we aren't grateful for what we have. We live in a world that is always wanting more. I encourage you during this season to be thankful. I am more than thankful for my family, my home, and this little vacation I am about to take. Have a Merry Christmas. Be Blessed.

What do you think?

For the most part, I try and avoid any politic talk. I am not huge into researching certain topics. However with all the hype with A&E and Duck Dynasty, I want you to know what I think. Since I was young, my parents told me that I need to decide what to believe for myself and not base what I believe on what others say. I respect what others believe and what they have to say. If I lose friends over this post, I am truly sorry.

The year I graduated high school, one of my closest friends told me that she was a lesbian. I was shocked but accepted her for the way she is and she did the same for me. 

Less than a year later another close friend admitted that he was gay. This didn't surprise me. We too accepted each other and went on in life.

On November 6th, 2012 my faith was put to the test. That was the day to vote on whether MN was to pass the same-sex marriage amendment. I had to vote how I felt. I do not agree with same-sex marriage.  I personally think that biblically it is wrong. It is a sin. However, one sin is no different than another, and I completely understand that but I personally feel and believe that God meant for one man and one women relationships. 

I know that one day both of my friends will be happily married. In my heart, I just feel that it is not right. All I can do is pray for them. If one day a family member admitted to being gay, I would accept that just like my friends and treat them no different than my other family members. I would love them just the same. 

I encourage you to stand up for what you believe in. Exodus 14 says, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Finals

Two weeks a year for a student is finals. When all the knowledge they have been taught over a semester is put into one test. If they pass the test, they pass the class. If they fail, they fail the class. Finals week should just be named Stress week. In one week, my college will hold their Fall finals. I got extremely lucky this semester because I only have two finals. However, I know people who have 5, 6, and 7 finals. I couldn't imagine.

How do you get through finals week without feeling like you are dying? Unfortunately, I don't have the answers but I can give you suggestions. First off, drink coffee and eat plenty of chocolate. It's only a week, it's not going to kill you to eat unhealthy for a week. Secondly, pace yourself. Everyone likes to cram, including me. When you are cramming, you still need to give your self breaks. Don't stress yourself out so bad that you aren't sleeping and getting sick. Getting sick is the last thing you want to happen during finals week. Lastly, take time off from work. Even if it is just one shift or a day. Your boss will understand.

Don't freak out. They will be over soon enough. Go get a Caribou Coffee and take a nap. You will be thankful for the time you put into studying. It will show in the end.

It's the little things.

"It's all about the little things." For many years, I didn't understand this. Isn't life about the big things like getting your drivers license, graduating high school, getting married, and having kids? Those are big things right? I would agree that, yes, those are big things in someones life. But is life just about the big things? Should you only focus on the big things?

At a baby shower this summer, I met a really good friend. We actually met by flicking a purple dragon across a table. Weird right? Well the next night we would spend 3-4 hours in an emergency room because I broke someones cheek with my foot. Then the next night we stayed up until 5 am talking. Even though we don't talk regularly, I treasure this friendship. It's the little things.

Driving home from a movie with your best friend and a classic Christmas song comes on. What do you do? Well of course you crank it up and belt it out. It's the little things.

Before I leave work, I try and remember to tell the little girl I nanny that I love her. The best part is when she responds with, "I know and I love you too. Will I see you tomorrow?" Even though I see her almost everyday, I love when she asks that after she tells me she loves me. It's the little things.

So, should you only focus on the big things? No, because you will miss all the little things that have more of an impact on your life than the big things.

I'm Texting from the Jersey Shore on my New iPhone.

Technology and Reality. What do those two things have in common?

A month before my 16th birthday I received my first cell phone. All I could do on it was call people. It didn't have texting, internet, games, or Facebook. Technology is helping our culture connect. We can not always see eye to eye with people older and younger. Technology has helped that connection become possible. We are able to talk to our friends in Spain, Ecuador, or even California with just a click of a button. However technology is playing a huge part in people's social life. We would rather text someone than call them. The growing generations don't know how to have a normal phone conversation. They turn to texting, Twitter, Facebook, etc. When will reality hit these generations? Will it be when they sit down for a job interview and don't know how to respond? Will it happen the day their phone breaks? Reality is changing and happening everyday.

Television isn't helping. Reality TV is giving us unrealistic examples of how life works. "Oh you know, in the Summers we just go down to the Jersey Shore and drink and smoke and sleep around." Oh, because that is what Summer is for. Isn't Summer a time when you are to take a break from school or work? Or how about the shows that tell you that all you have to do is marry someone rich? Oh, because that will make you happy. Life isn't all about money. Granted, you do have to work hard to succeed in life, but you can do that on your own. When will reality hit these next generations?

Reality keeps hitting me in the face. However, I remember a moment that was pretty big.  Two days before I was supposed to move into a new college, my finical advisor called. He said that my financial aid didn't go through and that I owed my school about $22,000. Well there was no way I was going to get that much money in two days. I couldn't even get a loan that fast. My world crumbled in front of me. I was 18, wasn't in school, no job, living at home, and have student loans to pay off from a previous school. Reality hit. I wasn't in high school anymore. My problems were solved by missing a day of school to relieve stress. That is when I decided to apply to state school and I have loved it ever since. I wouldn't change my reality check because I needed it, but I would suggest that you remember that at any moment your world can crumble in front of you. When that happens, you need to turn to one person. Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 7:9 says, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Stand up for what you believe in. Don't rely on your phone or compare yourselves to the stars on TV. They have made mistakes too. Nicole Elizabeth Polizzi was born on November 23rd, 1987. In 2009 she signed her contract with MTV to be on the show Jersey Shore. She says that she wasted away 5 Summers of her life: drinking, partying, etc. In 2012 her life would change for the better. She found out she was pregnant and immediately did a 180 in life. She cut her bad habits and decided to be the best mom she could to her son. Nicole isn't perfect, and she admits that, but she turned her life around. She had reality thrown in her face and didn't know how to handle it.

Instead of turning to social media, drinking, partying, or smoking, turn to someone who you can always rely on. God is with you every step of the way. He even says that he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Make this season of joy and love, full of things you won't regret. Don't let reality hit you in the face.