The king of hearts is the only king without a mustache in a deck of cards. Just Saying.

As college life approaches (44 days to be exact) I'm discovering something about myself. I have always been independent, granted. When I was younger and at one summer camp or another, all of the kids would be ready to go home, except me. Sorry mom and dad, you're eldest child wants to be on her own for another week and a half. As the realization that I am going to be "on my own" sinks in, I am beginning to hate, no LOATHE, being told what to do. I want to make my own decisions, my own mistakes, with no input from anyone else. Now this is "normal" by the world's standards. This is stupid by my parents (and in most ways yes it is). However this is what is happening to me. I feel like I am allowed to do anything I want...

Mostly everyone goes through this "phase" in life. One wants to naturally follow the desires of their heart despite consequences. Its natural instinct I suppose. But as we go through these phases, we come to a shocking conclusion that not everything we want is good for us.

Wow Simone, thanks for taking us through what we already know. Stick with me here. Ok, so let's throw Christianity into the mix. A majority of people see faith, or the call to follow Jesus, as a list of "dos" and "dont's". A kind of "Well, I'm not supposed to do this, but that should be ok...I think..."

It wasn't until I was further along in my walk with Christ that I realized something...In my friendships, I don't treat my friends a certain way because I have to, or am obligated. I do it because I care about them, and I want to do nice things for them to make them happy. Our relationship with God is the same way. It is BECAUSE of my love for Christ I should want to do what is pleasing to Him. Not to follow a set of rules.

I was reading my Bible the other day, and came across this little bit:

"You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'- but not everything is helpful. You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'- but not everything is beneficial." 1 Corinthians 10:23

Paul here is acknowledging that we can do "anything we want", but that doesn't mean what we do is always good for us. Things happen in our lives, we get put into situations. We have choices that will, or will not, lead us astray depending on our decision. My Bible has this side comment that has stuck with me all week...

You do not have time for anything that would make this world more attractive, dull your desire for prayer, take away your appetite for Bible study, or keep you from Christian fellowship. Instead, look for things that will benefit and build your Christian character.

WOW. It's so true. Our time on this earth, or 90 years or so, is not that short in the grand scheme of things. When we decide to enter into a relationship with the Lord, we have this "coming of age", we have this new found responsibility if you will. It's because of my love for Christ I should want to do things for Him. I should honor Him with what I choose to do.

This week I challenge you to exam your life. Examine what you're into, what takes up the majority of your time, what you turn to in times of trouble for comfort. Why do you like that? Why do you do that? What are your motives behind your choices. You can determine for yourselves if you like the answers.

Christ is in the middle of my situation, of my life.
Is He in yours? Should He be?
Sim

Blue is the shortest wavelength diffused by oxygen. Just Saying.

Has a song ever truly affected you?
Ispired you?
Motivated you?
Broken you?
Expressed how you were feeling better than you could yourself?

There is a song that has really been hitting me lately. The lyrics are truly inspiring, moving, and powerful. Just read them, let them soak into your mind. Really wrap your mind around what its saying.

A people undeserving
Sim

Hillsong - To know your name

The precious blood of Jesus Christ redeems
Forgiven I'm alive restored set free
Your majesty resides inside of me
Forever I believe
Forever I believe
Arrested by Your truth and righteousness
Your grace has overwhelmed my brokenness
Convicted by Your spirit led by Your word
Your love will never fail
Your love will never fail

I know You gave
The world Your only Son for us
To know Your name
To live within the Saviour's love
He took my place
Knowing He'd be crucified
And You loved
You loved a people undeserving

Its so fluffy. Just Saying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx_aMZX5iio&feature=related"

"ITS SO FLUFFY!"

Gotta love it! Cannot wait to go check out this movie, just for this scene really.

Pink is my favorite color. Just Saying.

Well, well, well. As college approaches (61 days I just found out) I have decided to be more faithful to this little blog. I'm going to actually tell people about it soon, so I figured I best keep up my practice.

Today I was scheduled to work 10 hours, but only ended up having to work 8, which is radical. It was so slow due to the holiday, I kind of wanted to rip my hair out. So in my unending boredom I noticed the small calender at the desk I was sitting at. It was a calender with a little saying and Christian tid bit for everyday. Today's specific passage really really stuck out to me.

It is Matthew 6:14

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.

It (the calendar) went on to say this...

"Bitterness is its own prison...the dungeon, deep and dark, its beckoning you to enter...you can choose, like many, to chain yourself to your hurt...
or you can choose, like some, to put away your hurts before they become hates...How does God deal with your bitter heart? He reminds you that what you have is more important than what you don't have. You still have your relationship with God. No one can take that."

WOW. Let me run that last part by you again...
"He reminds you that what you have is more important than what you don't have."

That is incredible! Bitterness is something I specifically have struggled with a lot this past year. Due to obstacles put in my way, and situations I had to go through, I had built up a lot of bitterness, and chained myself to a consuming hatred. This hatred was something I was unwilling to let go of. I told myself I just couldn't do it. While I grasped it and held it tightly to me, it began to block my walk with God. My view of the Son became eclipsed by this anger and bitterness I had in front of me.

It wasn't until the Holy Spirit prompted me that I was unable to continue growing in my faith until I had dealt with this issue. I have. And praise God I am becoming myself again. No longer am I consumed by that which was slowly eating away at my joy in Christ.

So I ask you today, what is it in your life that you are clinging to? Maybe you re not as far along as I was, maybe you re just entering that dungeon. Maybe your just eyeing those chains. But I ask, no I beg you, today, let it be the day you exam what may be the source of anger or bitterness in your life. Ask God to honestly reveal that to you, and help you move past it. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

My chains are gone, what about you?
Sim