The Worst Excuse

As I was listening to the radio the other day, one of the people that called in was bragging about how stupid she was as a 20 year old. She talked about sleeping around, trying every drug in the book, and how many guys she slept with. She said it was her "stupid stage" and that everyone went through it when they turn 20. That was the lamest excuse I had ever heard.

As a 21 year old I don't feel that I ever went through a stupid stage. I made plenty of mistakes but I certainty don't brag about them on public radio. So why do people make up the excuses?

Personally I feel that as humans, it is hard for us to admit our faults. I will be the first one to say that I have an extremely hard time admitting my wrongs. Instead of admitting our faults, we find excuses. Why do we believe that these excuses are ok?

As a human, we find every way we can to be right. No two people believe in the exact same things. Whether it is politics, religion, or simply how to raise a child, there will always be a problem. Our problems turn into our mistakes, which then turns into our excuse.

When we finally admit we were wrong, we won't have to blame our "stupid stage" for what we did. The only person to blame is us. We are to blame.

So, what is next? The simplest advice: Admit your faults. I truly believe some of the wisest people I know are the ones that will admit their wrongs. The sooner you do it, the better you will feel in the long run. No matter how old you are, don't find yourself stuck in a "stupid stage".

Disappointment

After putting together 1999 pieces to a puzzle, you realize there is 1 missing. Now there is no way you will be able to complete it. The piece is gone. 

You take your favorite pair of jeans out of your drawer. The new shirt you bought is going to go with them perfectly. As you put them on, you realize that there is a large grease stain on the front pant leg. 

You order two pieces of material from an online store. When they arrive 6 days later, the one piece has holes all over in it. You now have to wait 6 more day for the new piece to arrive. 

Disappointment is defined as the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one's hopes or expectations. What really disappoints you? Are you willing to let one piece of a puzzle, or a pair of jeans, or a piece of cloth ruin your attitude? Is one puzzle piece going to ruin you day? In life, there will be disappointments. People are going to let you down, your job isn't always going to be easy, and your car can crap out on you. 

As you go on with your day or you week, think about how your disappointing situation's can bring you joy. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." God didn't put us on this life to be miserable. He simply wants us to be happy. So no matter what happens, find joy in today.

All Alone

Every now and then I really enjoy just driving my car with the radio turned up.

At that time, I can sing as loud as I want.

Nobody is watching me and nobody is listening.

It is just me, being able to be me.

For those few minutes, I don't have a care in the world.

In those moments, I am infinite.

SuperBowl 2018

Today it was decided that the 52nd SuperBowl would be held in none other but the beautiful State of Minnesota.

The only place I will ever truly be able to call home is Minnesota. Between living in a small town all my life, and moving to a huge city right out of high school, I have realized that Minnesota offers everything.

Summer is full of humid, 100 degree, mosquito filled days. Winter is completely opposite. It will get down to -50 degrees as ice and snow cover every surface outside. We define extreme when it comes to weather.

I wouldn't change a thing about Minnesota. Every little aspect of this State, makes it home. I look forward to the first time I come home and as I'm walking off the plane, I can breathe in a fresh breath of freezing cold Minnesota air.

Thank you Minnesota for allowing me to call you home.

What if I get sick?

After a long day, sometimes I can't help wondering if I am going to be ok moving 1,200 miles away from home. Certain scenarios play through my head over and over again. What will happen if I don't find a job? If my car breaks down, who would I call? What if I get sick?

The last one is the question is the one that bothers me the most. I have gotten sick away from home plenty of times, but I also know in the end, I can be home in an hour or two. When I move, I can't just drive home if I don't feel good.

The other day on Facebook, a friend of mine asked me to share my favorite verse. I knew which verse I wanted to post, but it just wasn't ever convenient to post it. Tonight, after a very long, time consuming day, I posted it; Isaiah 58:9, "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; You will cry for help, and He will say: Here I am."

That was exactly what I needed to hear tonight. It was as if God was telling me to wait to post it until He knew I needed to hear it the most. I can almost guarantee that when I move, I will get sick. It happens every now and then, and I never know when it is going to happen. In that moment, I just pray that I am reminded of Isaiah 58:9. "You will cry for help, and He will say: Here I am."

Your Heart

Just a few short years ago my Grandfather was having heart problems. At one point, he flat lined. Today he has his flat line sitting on his bookshelf.

I didn't realize how scary and complex your heart is. When someone says they have a fragile heart, they mean it. We all have fragile hearts.

A little over a week ago my Grandmother had heart surgery. This surgery had only been performed 5 other times. As we gathered around her to pray before surgery, we could hear her heart monitor beating. While it was beating, all I could think to myself was please don't stop. As a family we asked God to be with the Doctors and Nurses during the surgery. Most importantly, we asked to watch over Grandma.

Less than 24 hours later, she got to go home. God is so good.

God is constantly changing our heart. Whether fixing it or stopping it, He has a plan. I am continuously thankful that my Grandparents have beating hearts and are living and breathing.

This surgery made me reevaluate my heart. Do I have things I need to fix? Can I fix them on my own or do I need God's help?

Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Discouragement

While in the process of moving 1,200 miles from home, it has become a very discouraging time for me. I am surrounded by amazing people in my hometown who repetitively ask me why I would leave. Over the past three months, it has become very discouraging.

When deciding if I should move or not, a close friend just kept asking why. The only answer I could come up with was, "Because God keeps opening up doors and I feel that if I don't go through them, I'll regret it later." In all honesty, why would I leave home? My education is here, my church family is here, and my family is here. The only reason to go is God. Yet somehow in this move, I feel alone and that has left me very discouraged.

A month ago, I attended a Verspers (Worship) service at a college that one of my best friends attends. The worship leader started off the service by saying, "Remember that no matter what, You are in the palm of God's hand." It was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm not going through this alone.

Instead of discouraging someone to try something new, encourage them. It will make all the difference in the world.