Did You Hear?

Did You Hear?

 

 

So I’m going to make the assumption that if you are old enough to read this, you have encountered gossip at some point in your life.  And it’s probably safe to assume that you have participated in it at some point, as well.  Now there is a type of gossip that’s okay, but you and I both know when we think “gossip”, were not thinking of praiseworthy, kind words.  So just to clear things up lets go with the dictionary definition:

Gossip: a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others; rumor or report of an intimate nature

So whether the “gossip” is fictional or true, it is still supposedly revealing of intimate and personal information regarding someone else.  Now I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure if I tell someone something very personal, I don’t want them to go and blab it to the world.

So guys…I was originally going to discuss the impact of gossip; but let’s be real; you and I have both had that drilled into our brains since we were kids.  Long story short, gossip hurts others, and it hurts you too! It destroys trust. It destroys friendships. It destroys confidence. It destroys us. It’s not worth the pain.  Moving on to what moved me…

The truth: Gossip is rooted in the heart.

Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit.  With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him. Jeremiah 9:8

For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks Luke 6:45

This scripture was the biggest reality check for me, because in this context, it really made me question my method to stopping the gossip.  Sure, we can say we’ll stop, but it won’t truly end until we get to the root of the problem; the heart. When we have low opinions and judgments of others, our heart is numbed by our resentment towards them, causing us to be careless in our speech about them. Rather, we must look at them through “God’s eyes” and see the good things in them [even if that may be difficult] ;). I’ve spent a lot of time in my day trying to control my mouth, but maybe what I’ve been missing is that I need to control my heart.

Something to think about….

-Tamara

Romeo Meets Juliet

Romeo meets Juliet

Perhaps this post caught your eye because you’re looking for that Romeo/Juliet.  Or perhaps, you may have already found them.  I’m going to be honest, I was seriously considering writing a generic post about how “everyone has a desire to be with someone” and “waiting is key”, but hey; why not be real with you.  As I’ve gone through high school, I’ve often found myself wondering what my future holds.  This goes for countless aspects of life, one of which includes whom I will marry.  I think where many go wrong, however, is making it some sort of wild search to find “the one”.  As I began to read my Bible more and more, however, I realized the prominent importance of my relationship with God, and the diminishing importance of trying to find the right guy.  Now I’m certainly not suggesting you throw away any hopes of marrying someone, but I’ve come to realize that putting God first really puts everything in life in place.

Let me explain to you what I mean—

From my personal experience, when I prioritize God, I tend to worry a lot less.  Look, God even says…
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8-10

The truth: When your number one priority is God, he will take care of you and provide you with the things you need.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose Romans 8:28

In addition to this, I have also learned that trust and patience are way more rewarding than settling for what is currently at our fingertips.  I can’t even count the number of times I’ve seen a girl or guy get into a relationship, just for the sake of being in a relationship, then it all ended in heartbreak.  Seems kind of pointless to do that to yourself, you know?  Now obviously we may encounter some relationships that seemed promising, then unfortunately end…However placing trust and patience in God for the right person is well worth the wait.  In addition, when you face those break-ups, it won’t feel so heartbreaking because you have not become dependent on the person.  Rather, dependent on God.

The truth: God knows exactly what you need, sometimes a lot better than we know, ourselves.

So maybe what you’ve thought you needed all this time was a boyfriend/girlfriend, when in reality you need someone to carry your burdens, and love you far more than any human can.  A spouse/significant other does not have the capability or responsibility for your emotional baggage.  I feel like learning this is a big step in preparation to having a relationship with someone.  We need to learn to become reliant on God in order to be ready for a stable relationship.

Finally, God wants to bless you. And when you’re ready, that might mean Romeo can finally meet Juliet.

Ight, this is getting a bit sappy for me, but hey, “it’s a human desire”, right?

The truth: God designed us for relationships, and he loves blessing his children!

It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him. Genesis 2:18

A faithful man will be richly blessed Proverbs 28:20 (part 1)

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.  All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God. (if you continue reading, it lists several blessings) Deuteronomy 28:1-3

So hang in there lovebirds, God’s got a plan for you.  We just need to remember that God is priority, and a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife is simply a gift he gives us to coincide with our relationship with Him.  Hopefully you got something out of this.  Enough sap for me…

-Tamara

You were made for MORE than this

You were made MORE for than this

 

 

I’ve seen you in the hallways.  I’ve looked beyond the mask.  There’s pain beneath the smile, there’s more than what you ask. It hurts me so deeply to see the pain you face. You were made to live for so much more. That’s why He saved us by grace. You are called to a purpose, although you may not see.  There’s something so much deeper, inside of you and me. 

As I walk on by day in and day out, there are so many people I encounter; wishing they knew even a morsel of their worth.  This post is ultimately for recognition to the fact that everyone is all called to a unique purpose.  So many people make the mistake of allowing the world to define them by accepting the labels placed on them, believing the lie that they are “worthless”, “a waste of time”, “a joke”, etc.  When in reality, it’s merely the opposite.  I mean, if you were worthless, why would you be here in the first place?

The truth: You were created uniquely for a definitive purpose.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

I think it’s one of the most devastating things to see when an individual has so much potential, and they simply throw it all away. 

It’s time we start raising the bar and realizing the gifts we have, rather than acting on the labels we’ve been given.

The truth: The potential we have is our responsibility to develop.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8 [basically, God made us with talents unique to each individual; don’t waste them!]

Just to give a few practical examples…

Did Michael Jordan become a pro basketball player by sitting around on the couch?

Did Justin Bieber become a world-wide pop singer by waking up one day and saying, “Hey, I think I’ll be a singer”?

Did the soldier fighting in Afghanistan save lives by waltzing over there, completely unprepared?

…I didn’t think so.  My point is, all these individuals had gifts; but they had to develop them.  It’s odd that so many people view themselves as worthless, when, in fact, they have been given the ability to make such a great impact.

And finally…

The truth: We need you.

The labels you’ve been given-- guess what? They don’t define you. The truth is, whether you realize it or not, you are here for a reason and somewhere, somehow along the way, you are the only solution to a problem.  Whether you are meant to be a singer, a lawyer, a manager, or a chef; you are here for a reason.   

God has called you to a purpose.

“So it is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” 1 John 1:3

God made you.  He gave you a purpose.  Only you can fulfill that purpose. 

-Tamara

When the World is Crashing Down

When the World is Crashing Down

 

 

This post goes specifically out to those who are going through a rough time right now, but it’s something we should all be reminded of, regardless.  So if you happen to lie in the first category, I’m assuming you have one simple question on your mind.

Why?

Why is all this happening to me?  What is the purpose?

Being human, it sure can be difficult to understand why we must face things that hurt us so deeply.  Thus, it’s easy to get mad at God. 

A verse I come back to time, and time again has helped me so many times to pull myself back up.

“I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in his time.” Ecclesiastes 3:10

Yes, after sin “entered the world”, God allowed us to face pain and suffering, but his promise remains the same.  I love this verse so much because it simply proclaims his power and care for each and every one of us. 

Truth:

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

One more ;)

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

Taking in to account all of these verses, no matter what we are going through there is something we have to look forward to.  When the world seems to be crashing down, it’s hard to understand why.  In fact, we may never see the full purpose.  However, God has a plan for your life and he cares about you. The struggle you’re facing may be too big for you, and it may be too big for me, but I can tell you that it’s not too big for God, and that his promise isn’t called a promise for nothing. I’ll be praying for those who are in this situation; and I hope that His word encourages you. 

Until next time…

-Tamara

Is she for real?!

Is she for real?!

 

 

Something I constantly seem to lose sight of: the fact that not everyone has a caring family, and good home life like I do.

It’s so easy to just look at someone and think, “wow, they’re such a jerk….they’re so obnoxious, etc.”  There’s a reason everyone is the way they are/acts the way they do, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that and make quick judgments based on your personal experiences.   Just to be hypothetical…

What if the person who seems pretty crabby today…

·         Got in a big fight with their mom?

·         Lost their grandma last night?

·         Just found out their parents are getting a divorce?

·         Never gets attention at home?

·         Is wondering why they were ever born?

The list could go on and on.

The truth: People go through all sorts of things every day, and it is not our responsibility to judge them.

Sure, their actions may not always be “justified”, but we need to be careful. Everyone’s gone through a hard time at some point, so we know that there’s typically a story behind the “bad ‘tude”.

So I leave you with a challenge: Make them wonder why you’re being so nice to them.  Love them even when they seem unlovable. After all, doesn’t God love us despite our sin, crabby attitudes, and imperfections?

²⁷ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:27-31

Swallow That Pride

Swallow That Pride

Okay, so if you’re anything like me; sometimes it can be very difficult to admit that you’re wrong after you’ve already dug a hole so deep.  The easy thing to do: just keep on digging; that way at least you look like you know what you’re talking about. 

Now I don’t know about you, but when I was a little kid my parents always made me say sorry when I did something wrong.  As I look back, I realize that a lot of times I didn’t mean it when I said it.  However, it did teach me a very important life lesson.  I always felt so reluctant and stubborn during these moments, yet I had to learn to get past my own feelings and just say sorry.  Obviously as I got older, I learned the importance of genuinely apologizing, however I think a lot of us are stuck on step one!  It seems that it only gets harder, with age, to apologize.  I mean, admitting that I might have made a mistake?! No…obviously I’m perfect and everyone else is wrong.  Anyway, you get my point.

The truth: Apologizing is essential to developing character and humility.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  James 5:16

I think what happens as we get older: we always want to look like we know what we’re talking about, thus making it difficult to admit when we’ve made a mistake.  However, as you can see in the verse above: God wants us to confess our sins.  Pride has no room in the situation. Proceeding to the second half of the verse, the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Righteous; meaning honorable, virtuous, blameless.  You see, when we set aside our pride, we become closer to God.  The prayer of a man who is honorable, blameless, virtuous; the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Although this goes without saying, in addition to growing closer to God, we also become more Christ-like.  When I think of righteous, honorable, and blameless, there’s one name that comes to mind. (I think you know who I’m talking aboutJ).

In addition, apologizing saves us from guilt and resentful anger.

The truth: Sulking and refusing to apologize has no reward.

If you have any evidence that contradicts this, let me know because I’m yet to benefit! There’s nothing good about feeling angry, and why not just take responsibility and say sorry? Really, it’s not as hard as we make it out to be.  When we apologize, we no longer have to cling to that guilt and anger associated with the argument.  Rather than whine and pout like a child, we must swallow our pride and just apologize. By doing so we are able to move forward and grow.

If my word wasn’t good enough for ya…

Do not let the sun set while you are still angry Ephesians 4:26

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:12

So I guess what I am saying here- there is no purpose in clinging to our original “errors”, if you will. Pride hinders us from moving forward, whereas a simple (genuine) apology can develop growth in us spiritually, and in character.  Which do you prefer?

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

-Tamara

When a joke has gone too far...

When a joke has gone too far…

 

 

Ok, so I didn’t even plan on posting today, but something occurred that made me feel like it was worth the time. 

If you know me at all, you’re aware of how ridiculously sarcastic I can be.  I’ll admit, it can go overboard sometimes.  As I was turned around on the receiving end of the spectrum, however, I discovered the impact this “sarcasm” can have if it gets too out of hand.

The truth: There’s a time and place for sarcasm, and we must be very cautious as to how we use it.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue Proverbs 18:21

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3

Literally, I could go on forever. There are over 100 verses about the power of “the tongue” in the Bible.  Obviously, this is of great importance.

Am I suggesting that all sarcasm is bad? Not in the least! That would just kill me.  However, sarcasm and jokes can do serious damage to others, and we never know what they’re going through.  I mean, if you say, “wow, your ugly” to the girl that sits next to you in science (and you’re totally kidding) that person could be struggling will self-image and you just knocked her down even further.  I find this so sickening, because I feel like we all do it sometimes, simply because we are apathetic or completely oblivious to their personal struggles.

So just a thought; why not be that refreshment of encouragement? You saw it yourself, “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Imagine the impact if we chose to use our words as an opportunity to build others up. This is something I am definitely going to be working on!

Hope you can relate.

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. Proverbs 11:12

-Tamara

Discipline

Discipline

Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

On my mind today—doing everything whole-heartedly. So often I feel like taking the easy way out, and just getting the bare minimum accomplished.  I mean, its human instinct to do that right?  However, that attitude contradicts the implications of the Bible. 

Imagine—if you were to do everything whole-heartedly, how much more would you get accomplished?  For me, it would change everything.  Sure, sometimes I do my best, but when I’m running short on time it’s easy to just produce sloppy, half-hearted work. 

The Truth: When you put your whole heart into work, the reward is so much greater.

Don’t believe me?

Check out the verse which follows…

(stated earlier) Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

--since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Colossians 3:24

Pretty cool; even if we don’t receive a reward on earth, God will reward us later.  Not to mention, there’s nothing like the feeling you get when you know you’ve done an exceptional job. 

I will be trying to apply this in my life, and I encourage you to do so as well. J

-Tamara

Eternity

Eternity

I’ve been thinking about the concept of eternity lately, and the more I think of it, the harder it is to wrap my mind around the idea.  When I think about the heavenly aspects, it sounds amazing; but the awareness that there is an eternity in hell is gut-wrenching to me.  I mean, we have some basic commitments we must make on earth to determine our eternity, but the decisions impact more than just our lives—they impact our eternity.

 It’s a broad topic, yes, however it should be at the forefronts of our minds.  To put it in perspective; our lifetime on earth is literally like a blink of an eye in contrast to eternity.  It’s timeless…it never ends. When we start to think in that mind-set, the worries of materialistic things such as money, romantic relationships, even quality of food begin to seem less important.  I mean, when you’ve just passed away (in the earthly life), I’m pretty sure you’re not going to care that on Monday, November 5^th you had a double cheeseburger for lunch.

With that I have a simple question for you—If you were to die today, would you be happy with the impact you’ve made on this temporary home?

1.       I hope your answer is yes.

2.       I hope that despite your answer being yes, you would also feel some sort of discontent.

Here’s what I mean: We should be devoting our lives to things we are called to fulfill, ultimately seeking God’s purpose for us.  However, we never want to be in a state of content.  When we become content, we fail to grow.

The truth: We need to constantly be working to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives.

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God Colossians 1:10

Pretty sure there’s nothing in there that says “oh you already planted a couple of seeds, that’s good enough!” No, we need to be constantly reaching new goals, because our time is limited and our actions are crucial.

On a final note, the fact that our time on earth is so short is enough reason to act accordingly.

The truth: The decisions we make today will be determining our future.

God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12:14

Sure there’s forgiveness, but why not live in a way which is most pleasing to God. I don’t know about you guys, but when my time on earth is through, and I have eternity to look ahead to, I long to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21

-Just some things to think about.

-Tamara

Do I Measure Up?

Do I measure up?

This is my first blog post so bear with me.

Lately I’ve seen a lot of facebook statuses/tweets, and have heard several conversations regarding imperfection.  Today’s culture not only emphasizes perfection, but will accept nothing less. This post particularly pertains to girls—and I would just like to make a couple statements on the topic. 

1.       I hate the expectation and goal to be best at everything.  Yes, we should do everything whole-heartedly…but if we’re not the best, it should be okay.

The truth: We were each created for a specific purpose, and possess unique talents.

Don’t take my word for it…

 

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to us.  If a man’s gift is prophesying , let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach, if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

 

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30

 

What this means today: Sure you can’t be perfect at everything, but you do possess a unique purpose that nobody else in this world can fulfill.  I think that’s pretty cool—and if someone fails to appreciate that, it’s their loss.

 

2.       Who is it for?

I feel like as girls, we spend a lot of time trying to please the world.  It’s not something anyone would want to admit—but it’s true.  I mean, if we didn’t…we wouldn’t spend an hour getting ready every morning; try to keep up with the latest styles; and use the “cool” phrases during that time.

 

Some of these are okay, however it is dangerous to rely on this image/persona we put out in the world for fulfillment. 

The truth: Not everyone is going to like it when you “do your thang”.

 

That is why we must realize that, hey, we will screw up, and no, not everyone will like us…but there is someone who will love us even when we aren’t “the cutest girl in class”; and when we bomb that history exam after studying all night for it.

I think you know who I’m talking about….

 

Anyone who does not know love does not know God, because God is love 1 John 4:8

 

Simple, but I think it says it all. 

The truth: Screwing up is inevitable, but God will love you unconditionally.

 

So I guess what I’m trying to say here are two things:

1.       It doesn’t matter if some insensitive guy says he thinks you’re weird, because you are uniquely made, and have giftings nobody else possesses. Seriously!

2.       You can’t please everybody, but even if you mess up there’s a guy who will still like ya.  Ask me about my main homie Jesus-we’re pretty tight.

That’s all for today—hope you got something out of it. 

"Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to Him; we are His people" Psalm 100:3

-Tamara