In case you haven’t heard this yet today, I’m glad you’re alive.
(Source: be-a-y0u-tiful)
“The Nigerians were crying their guts out because they were so grateful for the mercy of God. They could not accept the fact that the two countries that invested so much to bring the salvation of Jesus to Africa are now turning away from the Christian faith. They were weeping over our worldliness, our rebellion and our flagrant rejection of the biblical values that were once our roots. They were mourning our backslidden condition. The Nigerians stayed on their faces for at least half an hour, asking God to sweep England and the United States with a spiritual awakening.”
(What Africans Prayed Last Week for America by J. Lee Grady)
Africa is praying for OUR salvation, my fellow Americans.
Let that sink in.
WOW…
i just want to matter to someone. to really matter. to be someone’s favorite person. for someone to look forward to talking to me. i want someone to text me first. i want someone to think of me out of the blue. i just want to be important.
I get like this sometimes. I really do. But in those moments of questioning and longing I remember there is someone who finds me important. The person I value the most values me too. He thinks about me all the time. He found me in my darkness. He cares about what I care about and longs to be with me. He hears every word I say and takes note. He cares more than I could possible care for him. I do matter. I matter to the most important person ever.
Encourage
It’s seriously 100x more awesome when someone compliments my character than when they compliment my dress or hair. Anyone could wear that dress, or do their hair. But character? Character took Jesus. It took time and trials. It took messing up and falling down only to get back up again. It took temptation and overcoming.
I don’t live in the most encouraging household ever. (My parents are lovely, I have it really good but there are times they think I’m taking this Jesus thing “too far.”) Every time I do get encouraged, it’s like a precious gem. I remember them so well. I treasure them.
I remember when my youth pastor used me as an example in his message. When he gave me the nickname, “Caitlyn the Great” because “the greatest in the Kingdom are those who serve.” That still blows me away. That someone thought of me so highly to give me a nicknames such as that. It means even more to me because it came from someone I so highly respect.
I remember this guy once called me a superstar. It was like a year ago. It was sweet.
I remember the “thank you”s and “I love you”s and the door holds and the smiles. I remember the encouraging notes, and look back on them often. I remember.
I remember every time an adult has trusted me. Every time a friend has confided in me. Every time a child has looked up to me.
There are so many more, and I am so thankful. I serve such a good God, who doesn’t forget me. Who would never call me a piece of %#*&. (The name so often thrown around my household whenever my brother or I slip up.)
When someone reaches out in kindness to me, it’s valued so much and I wish I could go back to every person whose ever encouraged me and thank them.
One person can have a major influence. I know first hand that’s not just some lovely rhetoric. Imagine for moment, you might be in someone’s treasured encouragements and memories. Know that there’s still a future filled with potential of encouraging others and being encouraged.
Oh, how God is good.
Jesus in Chem Class
Wednesday was literally my favorite day in Chemistry ever.
Backstory: For the past couple days this guy Logan has been asking me a bunch of questions, everything from politics to homosexuality with the tagline “I just really want to pick your brain, there aren’t that many legit Christians around.” (Best compliment ever. Ok, maybe not the best but still super high up there on the list even if it does make my heart break a little.)
We had a sub and a movie for Chem that day with no requirement to take notes. As the sub was putting the movie in I began to show Logan the scripture to support the claim I had made the day before. He then asked more questions. I explained more and showed stuff in the Bible. I explained the fall of man and what Jesus did dying on the cross. He asked more questions and I explained how to be saved and God’s love. He continued to be genuinely interested. In that one fourth hour I got to share the Gospel, the Good News. The cool thing is Logan wasn’t the only one listening. Another girl at are table was taking similar interest.
I’ve been praying for an opportunity like this for a long time! Praise God!
I honestly have no idea what the video was about and I’m ok with that. It was worth it to see Logan’s eyes light up as things began to connect. It was worth it to give others an opportunity to be free from sin’s bondage.
God is amazing.
Public school science class? Sure why not share the Good News.
“Come boldly, O believer, for despite the whisperings of the enemy and the doubtings of thine own heart, thou art greatly beloved.”
— Charles Spurgeon (via stephaniesearches)
(Source: lanevinny)
What book should I read next?
Any suggestions?
“Your circumstance doesn’t reflect God’s love for you. Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected, reflects God’s love for you. So whether you’re high or low, the cross will always be the same.”
—
Blake Baggott
The awkward moment when I show up on my own dash.
(via blakebaggott)
(Source: raisingmywhiteflag)
This Is What You Do | Bethel Music ft. Matt Stinton
My dad got a job!!!!
It’s been 2 years and 9 months since he lost his job. This civil engineering job is in Nebraska. … There’s a lot of stuff to figure out. (House stuff, money stuff, If I’m staying in Michigan with another family or going with them etc.) If you could, pray for wisdom and guidance for my parents. :D :D :D PTL! This is so exciting. I have been praying and hoping for this for soooooo long.
