Open the Eyes of My Heart

Lord, open the eyes of my heart, to the lost and hurting all around me. So many times I am guilty of just living life completely focused on my own goals and satisfaction. Instead of being aware of people who desperately need Christ, I continue in my own mediocre activities. If I'm not living a life of purpose, in obedience to God's greatest command for us to make disciples, my life is a purposeless waste. I don't want to waste another week, another day, another hour of my life without sharing my faith with someone who is without Jesus. That's why we are here living on this earth. When we are not sharing our faith regularly, we are disobeying God. Until this past weekend, I had never thought of that as disobedience. But I really do believe that if we are saved by the grace of God, and neglect our mission to share that wonderful news, we are living in sin. And that is the exact opposite of what I want to be doing.
Open the eyes of my heart, Father God. Help me to see all those people who need Your grace and forgiveness.

John 4:35
Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

Don't wait another day, girls! The fields are ripe for harvest now. People need Christ today.

In His Love,
Jessica

Speak Now

Proverbs 31:8
Speak up for those who can not speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. (NIV)

"In Germany, the Nazis first came for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, but I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me."

- Martin Niemoeller,
Luthern priest arrested during World War II

the definition of ME

What defines you? The people you hang out with? The clothes you wear? Or the Savior who rescued you from eternal hell?
When people observe your life, do they notice how much you talk about yourself, or how much you encourage and uplift others?

Lately God has really laid that on my heart. What is my definition? What defines me as a whole? When people see my life, do they immediately recognize me as a follower and disciple of Christ?
Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to share my faith with someone. In the midst of this conversation, this guy kept asking me numerous times who I was. Lutheran? Catholic? He asked probably 4 or 5 times and each time I would answer no. This man didn't respond to the message I tried to share, but I know that I've planted a seed in his heart, and I pray that he will allow the Holy Spirit to work on his heart. At the end of our conversation, he asked me again, "who are you?" I said, "Quite honestly, I don't particularly care to tell you what certain denomination I am, because that is not what defines me. I am a Christ follower, and I believe in the Word of God, with no additions or exceptions."

The definition of my life is not what I do, or what church I go to, but who I am in Christ. Redeemed, forgiven, and freed by the bondage of sin.
As I daily take up my cross, that thought needs to continually affect my life. My definition, my purpose, is in Christ, and my life needs to be a reflection of Him.

Galations 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 71:23
My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I, whom you have redeemed.

In His Love,
Jessica

When Your Best Friend Decides To Date (Part One)

Yes, this is a pretty specific topic. It generally happens to all of us and I decided that even if all of us haven't dealt with this yet, we probably will.

When your best friend "falls in love" and meets this dude that she has decided to date, us sidekicks can have a mixture of feelings. It depends on our opinion of the situation. However, usually the feelings aren't good. We can feel hurt, confused, angry, and multiple other things. Honestly, we realise that we are definitely not going to be first anymore and always going to be second best.

Sometimes we find out the hard way that our best friend wasn't who she said she'd be. Maybe she said she wouldn't date and was "waiting for the right one"....but that didn't happen. It hurts, I know.

What can we do? First, as her best friend we can pray. I seriously think this is very important. If she isn't making wise decisions and is going through a hard time, prayer helps so much. Second, she needs someone to always be there for her. Even if you aren't her first choice anymore, she still needs you...your her girl she can come to. Third, if she isn't making wise choices, you can talk to her. This doesn't mean you have to be rude and all in her face, but it does mean that you tell her the truth in love.

The road isn't going to be easy for either of you. In fact, it will probably cause tension between ya'll. However, it's going to make you stronger and in the end you can say you went through a tough time together.
Pray for her, encourage her, and be there for her.

Part two coming Monday...check back! :)

Your sister in Christ,
♥♫•Madison

Enter in!

I had something written and prepared to share with you today, but during my quiet time this morning I learned SO MUCH and instead I just want to encourage you!
If you are struggling in your faith, you can read all the Christian books out there and they may tell you all the things you want to hear.
You can read a thousand Scripture verses and try to conform them to what you want them to say in your situation.
However, just studying the Bible and spending time basking in God's presence is what is truly going to bring peace, joy, and hope to your life. What you read may not apply to what you are struggling with; but God's word will bring peace and comfort beyond all else!

Psalm 73:16-17a
When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God..

You may be oppressed beyond belief today. Enter the sanctuary of God. He will teach you, touch you, love you, and meet you right where you are.

O Praise Him!(:

I love this video. God is everywhere. We should be have to courage to praise him anywhere at all times. He is Holy.
Psalm 62:7
My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Quick Quote

"All that is not eternal is eternally out of date."

--C.S. Lewis

Attitude

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

This is one of my favorite quotes because of the way it tells us that things are only how you make them- it all depends on you attitude. Lately things at my house have been....rocky. School is a mess, my family's best friends are moving, the list goes on(wayyy on). I've been feeling really down and have basically been in a bad mood for weeks. However, I realize that this attitude of mine is totally wrong. I am SO BLESSED! I have so very much to be thankful for. My current "problems" are so minimal compared to all the grace Jesus has provided me. Seriously, what right do I have to be mad at God and be grumpy all the time? Um, none!! NO matter how hard life gets, we all have a choice on how we will react. Sure, it's completely fine to cry about things and let your feelings out, but that doesn't mean we make these problems bigger than they are. So what your aren't allowed to watch TV right now? Your Savior died for you. So what your best friend let you down? Your Savior died for you. So what you weren't invited to a friend's bday party? Your Savior died for you. So what you got a bad score on a science test? You Savior died for you. Please, girls, don't think I'm trying to be totally uncaring. I'm not, I relate to all of these problems and they bother me all the time. But really? SO WHAT? You have an amazing Savior who also happens to count you every tear, have your life written out, and keeps his promise that he will never leave or forsake you! YOUR LIFE IS GREAT AND YOU ARE SO BLESSED! :)

Philippians 2:5
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Your sister in Christ,

♥♫•Madison

What's Your Shape: Personality (Part Four)

Personalities. We all have them, and they are all unique to each of us; no two people are alike. Isn't that amazing? You will never be completely like any other person on this planet, no matter how hard you try. I would say we would have to have a pretty spectacular, mind-blowing Creator, wouldn't you agree? As individuals with special personalities, we each have special purposes on this earth. No one can do what God wants YOU to do, because you are the only person like you to do it. There will never be another you; nobody can help you or pick up the slack you leave behind by not following God's will. If you don't tune yourself into God's Word and listen to His guidance, you won't fulfill the amazing plan God has for your life. With your unique personality, no one else can fulfill that plan quite like you can.

1 Corinthians 12:6 (Ph, New Testament in Modern English)
God works through different people in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves His purpose through them all.

We are all different. Just because you are not just like that girl who is sooo perfect over there, doesn't mean God can't use you. Sometimes it's easy for us to think, "Oh, well I'm nothing like them, so I'm sure God can't use me." Yes, He can! Don't ever limit God like that! Don't compare yourself or try to be exactly like that other person, because you will just end up failing. You will never be that person, because you are YOU and you have a completely different personality. However, at the same time, we can learn from people who are more mature in their walk with Christ. We just have to keep in mind that we can never be them, and they are not perfect. As you allow God to work in your life and do what He wants you to do, you will be fruitful and you will enjoy working for the Lord. When you cultivate your personality into your purpose and ministry, you will be most productive and kingdom advancing. And that is what we are here for: to love God, and to love people.


In His Love,
Jessica


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What's Your Shape: Spiritual Gifts (Part One)
What's Your Shape: Heart (Part Two)
What's Your Shape: Abilities (Part Three)

In the midst of sorrow.

Last week's earthquake in Japan was devastating.

The destruction is amazing. The death toll is horrendous-and rising.
If you or someone you know was directly effected by this disaster, my heart goes out to you. Be encouraged by the fact that millions of Christians all over the earth are praying for you. When tragedy strikes, people say many things to try to ease the suffering, sorrow, and pain. However, there is only one thing that we can truly take comfort in:

God is good. (Mark 10:18)
God is sovereign and does what He pleases. (Psalm 115:3)

If God does what He pleases, and is 100% good, then what He does can only be 100% good. He knows what He is doing! Take hope in Him.

why not... it's pretty glamorous you know.

Have you ever noticed how glamorous and exciting the world makes sin seem? Last week, while at my grandparents house watching TV, there comes a commercial that made me sick to my stomach. Ever heard of Sister Wives? It's a show about a man who is technically married to only one person, but has 3 other "wives" through "spiritual union". During the course of the commercial, they show climatic moments in their lives that makes them seem completely normal. Um?? Hello. Why in the world is polygamy being glamorized this way? Why is sin being portrayed as something acceptable?
As believers, these kinds of things should bother us. That is not at all right. God created marriage to be between one man and one woman and not any other way.
This is just one example of how the world makes sin seem perfectly normal and fun. Satan is all over this. He is doing exactly what he loves- deceiving. We have to be careful as young women of God to guard our hearts and our minds against this. By not allowing ourselves to be manipulated or our mindset to be influenced by sin, we can keep ourselves pure for the Lord. There are so many things for us to guard against, because we live in a sinful world that doesn't love Christ. We will have many choices and decisions to make in the course of our life. The world will try to glamorize all the wrong things to get us to turn from the right.

2 Peter 3:17
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.

Be aware of the temptations of sin, and make a thoughtful decision to protect and guard yourself against them. Our God is with us wherever we are. Even though it may seem difficult to live a set-apart life for Christ, we can do it. We are made strong through our Lord and Savior and can fight against the sin in our lives!

Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.

Proverbs 4:13
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.


In His Love,
Jessica

Attitude

Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

"Well" she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did, and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

"Hmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did, and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.

"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a ponytail!"
So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"Yay!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything.
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.

Your sister in Christ,
♥♫•Madison

Blessings/ by Laura Story

I heard this song on the radio the other day, and it really touched my heart.
I pray this song is as much of a blessing to you as it was to me.

Lamentations 3:22-24 (New American Standard Bible)
The LORD'S loving kindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassion's never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I have hope in Him."

In His Love,
Jessica

Odd

Does being a Christian make you a different kind of woman? Think about how--if--your relationship with Christ changes you and your appearance. Can those who walk past you in Wal-Mart tell that there is something out of the ordinary about you? "Wait a minute," you may be thinking, "That's a little over the top. I don't even know those people." I pray that my Savior would transform my life so that a difference in my heart would be obvious to everyone who even glances at me. Would you make that your prayer as well?

Cleansing Ourselves

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (New International Version, 1984)
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

As believers, we have to be ready and prepared at any time to be used by God. When we are not cleansed from ignoble purposes, our heart is in the wrong place and God cannot use us. As we take time to cleanse our life, we will see how our lives can be effective and purposeful on this earth. Maybe instead of not caring about that new girl at school, you will see it as an opportunity to share Christ. Is your life dirty and not so pure? Or are you living a holy life that God can use for His glory? Cleansing ourselves allows God to use us to do great things!

In His Love,
Jessica

Beating Sin

We are such sinners. Sometimes it's crazy to think about...we were born into sin and have a natural bent towards sin. Have you ever thought deeply about your sin? You lie, lust, dishonor your parents, are prideful, cheat, the list is endless. What are we to do about this? Is there any hope for us?

The answer is yes. We can beat our sin. We aren't fighting for a place of victory because we are already fighting FROM the place of victory. With Jesus Christ in our hearts we can push forward and be free from all of our sins. It's not easy and it's a hard road, but we can get there. Even if we are scared of what's going to happen when we let go, the ultimate rewards are going to be far beyond we can imagine. We reap what we sow.

Proverbs 11:18
A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
With Jesus' help we can be FREE and walk in VICTORY. Will you join me in the challenge to be free from sin?

Your sister in Christ,
♥♫•Madison

What's Your Shape: Abilities (Part Three)

Unlike our spiritual gifts, which are given to us when we become a Christian, our abilities our things that we are born with; the natural talents and gifts that you are uniquely good at. It can be just about anything! Some people are naturally good at sports, others music, others are artistic; the list goes on and on.

Just like every other part of your shape, abilities play a huge role in how you serve the Lord. Remember when Solomon and the Israelite people were building the Tabernacle for the Lord? God provided men who were naturally gifted with "with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts... and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship." Those men had special, unique abilities and God used them for His purposes and glory in making the temple. Many times, people give excuses and say they have nothing to offer, no abilities to contribute for the Lord, which really is just a cop-out. Every living person on this earth has tons of abilities! You just have to figure out what they are. However, on the flip side, unless you use your abilities for the glory of God, they are completely worthless.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

What we need to do with our abilities is USE them for God! He created you already equipped with the talents you need to carry out God's will. There should be nothing holding us back from faithfully serving the Lord with our abilities.

1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.


In His Love,
Jessica



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What's Your Shape: Spiritual Gifts (Part One)
What's Your Shape: Heart (Part Two)

Failures

Without failures, the Christian life would be impossible.

Think about that.

If you never failed, Christ would have no reason to redeem you.
If you never failed, you would be stagnant and never grow.
If you never failed, you would be prideful.
If you never failed, you would judge others.
If you never failed, you would would have no compassion.
If you never failed, you would be like Satan, thinking yourself like God.
If you never failed, you would be legalistic and self-righteous.

Be thankful for your failures. They remind you of a big God and a small you. They point out areas that you need to grow in and open your eyes to see that you are not better than anyone else. They make salvation possible.

Be willing to fail, but don't stay there. Grow.

Guysss... it's March!

Hey girls!
It's March 1st, and I can't tell you how excited I am for spring! :) I am looking forward to all things green and warm! As we think about summer (that quickly comes after spring right?), there is always the dreaded swimsuit question. Where in the world can you find one? In a world full of skimpy bikinis that show all your goodies, it's always tough to find swimsuits that cover you up, and still look cute! I'm personally not a big fan of swimsuits in general, but my family goes up to my grandparent's lake house all the time during the summer, and I have to have one!

Some of my favorite places to look for swimsuits are Lime Ricki Swimwear and Rey Swimwear. Both stores offer cute, modest swimsuits that are decently priced. Right now Lime Ricki has most of its swimwear on sale, but they are getting ready to open up a brand new line of swimwear for 2011! Sometimes you can even find some cute swimsuits at places like JCPenny and Kohl's.

I hope this makes your swimsuit shopping a little easier! Don't give up hope when looking for swimsuits. It may be a little harder to find something modest, but it is definitely worth it. :)

Happy Spring!

In His Love,
Jessica