Leadership.
Let me tell you, being in any leadership position is not easy. But, try becoming a leader at a young age. 18 to be exact.
I became a Jr High youth leader right out of high school. I knew it's what I wanted to do, specifically because I had had such a great time in Jr High myself and wanted to help be a-part of facilitating the same environment for the kids at my church. However, I will admit, I had NO idea what all came with being a youth leader.
Here I thought that I was going to bring something to the table for the kids, I had no idea that they would do SO much for me without even meaning to. I'm to the point now, where I've decided that you get as much out of it as you put in. One of my favorite things is the accountability factor. When you constantly have eyes watching your every movement, it's great to help keep you accountable to what you're telling the kids to do. How can you tell them to read their Bible's everyday if you're slacking?
What about being bold in sharing the gospel? I can't hide in a corner when the opportunity arises and then tell my kids they should be outspoken about their faith. Or living with integrity. How can I hammer the idea of integrity to my kids if I'm acting like one person within the church walls and completely different outside of it?
As hard as it may be to live up to those standards, I can't possibly ask the youth kids to try, if I'm not trying to my best ability myself.
Through being in leadership, I have learned the importance of accountability and not being a hypocrite. I've learned to stand up for my convictions, knowing that it's between myself and God and whether other people understand it or not, I can't go against my own convictions. And none of this happened because of my own doing.
It's all because of my kids =)
They've helped me grow in more ways than I can possibly express! I've seen too many people fall down the way-side and rebel. And, I've seen how the kids react when they see that. When a student see's a leader rebelling against God, they see a massive hypocrite, someone they used to look up to, now making poor choices and being selfish. I can't imagine how discouraging that must be. Then, I see the leaders who have stayed strong, who work through the hardships of life and don't give up and rebel for the sake of ease. They try their best and work their hardest at keeping God the center of their focus.
Those leaders are admirable, genuine and worthy of their title. Though, imperfect, the fact that they try their best to stay on the narrow path means a lot in the eyes of a student who looks up to them. I remember being that student, looking up to my leaders and wanting to be like them when I was their age. They didn't seem perfect, they seemed real.
So, to all the leaders out there who impacted my life, thank you. =)
To all the students who have impacted our lives as leaders, thank you. =)
And to all the fellow leaders who have continued on the narrow path, I encourage you to continue and commend you for doing so. =)
Being a youth leader rocks! ;)
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Father's.
Today is Father's Day.
A week ago Saturday was my dad's memorial service.
I've had a few people ask me how I'm doing with the whole Father's Day thing and I keep telling them the same thing, though it's a little weird, not having gone out shopping for a present, not wasting my time on a card because according to dad, for occasions like these, they were unnecessary cause "they just get thrown away anyway.", secretly wrapping a present in my disastrous room (the first miracle would be finding where I hid the present in my room, not like anyone dares to walk into my room anyway for fear that they won't be able to climb out of the abyss), and coming out to watch dad as he opens the gift that I spent hours thinking about because he was THE hardest person to buy a present for. "I don't need anything" He would say, "Yes, I know that, but what do you WANT?" I'd ask. "Nothing, I have everything I want." He would reply.
Imagine that response for about 21 years of birthdays, Christmas' and Father's Day gifts.
I think I had exhausted all the good gifts when I was younger, like stuff for the bbq, which I am convinced is one of the best Father's Day gifts you can give. As I got older the gifts turned into books, cd's and movies which were all permeated with a western tone.
But, I digress. Sure, it's unusual, but it's not bad. I'll tell you why. Not because it isn't sad that he isn't here and can't interact with my life anymore, I miss that. But, it's not bad because of everything beautiful that is in his life right now.
I would be crazy to wish he was back on this sin-filled planet, when right now he's celebrating Father's Day with his Heavenly Father.
No one will replace who my dad is, but today has given me time to contemplate the men in my life who have made an impact on me. (This is the part where I'm proud to brag about a few people.)
Number 1 being my Uncle Mark. He's been like a second father to me since I was a kid. He's always looked out for me and practically considered me to be one of his own daughters. I've been so blessed by the role he's taken in my life.
My Grandpa Roth is number 2. I've never met a man more generous and sweet in my entire life. I'm sure a part of that is because he's surrounded by females. But I know that regardless, God has given him a spirit of gentleness and care for others.
Geno is definitely number 3. He reminds me of my dad, how he's bold in his statements and honest to boot! He keeps me in line and never fails to show honest concern for my life. I'm blessed by his example to me.
Number 4 goes to Ryan, my brother and best friend. He's just about the best guy I know. He's shown me so much and pushed me to new heights that I didn't think I could reach!
Brandon is number 5, my actual brother. He's impacted me a lot through the years. He taught me to roll with the punches (sometimes literally =P) and how to be goofy. He's helped shape me into who I am today.
More recently my Uncle Guy makes number 6. He being the younger version of my dad makes it hard for him not to have an impact. He's modeled his work ethic and love for the Lord after my dad. He's one tough guy, but a big softy at heart. His zeal for growing into a man of God has impacted me.
Those are just a few guys. There are more who have impacted me over the years. The list would grow infinitely long if I named all of them.
Anyway, I am blessed by these men. I was blessed by my dad, though not a perfect man, a man that God put in my life for a reason, even though it was for a short amount of time, it was for the right amount of time because it was God's timing. And for that, I am grateful.
Let us not take these relationships we have on this earth for granted because they truly are a gift from above.
Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there! Make every moment count!
Signed,
gypsy girl
A week ago Saturday was my dad's memorial service.
I've had a few people ask me how I'm doing with the whole Father's Day thing and I keep telling them the same thing, though it's a little weird, not having gone out shopping for a present, not wasting my time on a card because according to dad, for occasions like these, they were unnecessary cause "they just get thrown away anyway.", secretly wrapping a present in my disastrous room (the first miracle would be finding where I hid the present in my room, not like anyone dares to walk into my room anyway for fear that they won't be able to climb out of the abyss), and coming out to watch dad as he opens the gift that I spent hours thinking about because he was THE hardest person to buy a present for. "I don't need anything" He would say, "Yes, I know that, but what do you WANT?" I'd ask. "Nothing, I have everything I want." He would reply.
Imagine that response for about 21 years of birthdays, Christmas' and Father's Day gifts.
I think I had exhausted all the good gifts when I was younger, like stuff for the bbq, which I am convinced is one of the best Father's Day gifts you can give. As I got older the gifts turned into books, cd's and movies which were all permeated with a western tone.
But, I digress. Sure, it's unusual, but it's not bad. I'll tell you why. Not because it isn't sad that he isn't here and can't interact with my life anymore, I miss that. But, it's not bad because of everything beautiful that is in his life right now.
I would be crazy to wish he was back on this sin-filled planet, when right now he's celebrating Father's Day with his Heavenly Father.
No one will replace who my dad is, but today has given me time to contemplate the men in my life who have made an impact on me. (This is the part where I'm proud to brag about a few people.)
Number 1 being my Uncle Mark. He's been like a second father to me since I was a kid. He's always looked out for me and practically considered me to be one of his own daughters. I've been so blessed by the role he's taken in my life.
My Grandpa Roth is number 2. I've never met a man more generous and sweet in my entire life. I'm sure a part of that is because he's surrounded by females. But I know that regardless, God has given him a spirit of gentleness and care for others.
Geno is definitely number 3. He reminds me of my dad, how he's bold in his statements and honest to boot! He keeps me in line and never fails to show honest concern for my life. I'm blessed by his example to me.
Number 4 goes to Ryan, my brother and best friend. He's just about the best guy I know. He's shown me so much and pushed me to new heights that I didn't think I could reach!
Brandon is number 5, my actual brother. He's impacted me a lot through the years. He taught me to roll with the punches (sometimes literally =P) and how to be goofy. He's helped shape me into who I am today.
More recently my Uncle Guy makes number 6. He being the younger version of my dad makes it hard for him not to have an impact. He's modeled his work ethic and love for the Lord after my dad. He's one tough guy, but a big softy at heart. His zeal for growing into a man of God has impacted me.
Those are just a few guys. There are more who have impacted me over the years. The list would grow infinitely long if I named all of them.
Anyway, I am blessed by these men. I was blessed by my dad, though not a perfect man, a man that God put in my life for a reason, even though it was for a short amount of time, it was for the right amount of time because it was God's timing. And for that, I am grateful.
Let us not take these relationships we have on this earth for granted because they truly are a gift from above.
Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there! Make every moment count!
Signed,
gypsy girl
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Priorities
It's interesting to me, in the short 21 years I have been alive, what priorities people have in their lives. I find I'm disappointed in what I see.
Instead of young men seeking God's heart, shaping their values, morals and habits to be pleasing to God, they are still concerned with frivolous things... non-eternal things.
Young women are no better, seemingly always being led by their emotions, they can't think logically enough to learn what it really means to be a woman of God.
Our priorities are mixed up. Our senses are gone. We have been desensitized to worldly things. We laugh at the things that should offend us.
What.
Has.
Happened?
Jobs, money, relationships, they are not bad things, but we seem to twist them into something they are not. We prioritize them wrongly. They become idols in our lives.
We talk about these things as though they are of extreme importance. Instead of realizing that the only thing of extreme importance is the Creator and Sustain-er of the universe in which we live.
We don't fix our eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and because we don't, we suffer. We suffer through our sin, we may not realize the suffering at first as we dethrone God in our lives, but we suffer through grieving the Holy Spirit and causing our relationship with Christ to dwindle.
It starts small and works its way into every area of our lives. When we don't have our priorities straight, things do go wrong.
Your boyfriend/girlfriend becomes higher on the priority list than they ought to, your job, friends, family, even church can become an idol.
All these things are not bad, but as we make them big in our lives, we also end up making God small.
The Bible calls us to love God and one another.
That is our first priority. When that gets out of whack, so does everything else.
When you love God, you want to obey him.
When you obey him, you don't want to sin.
When you don't want to sin, you want to live righteously.
When you want to live righteously, you want to continue to obey his commands.
Suddenly, you will find yourself not laughing at the things that should be offensive, because once again, they are offensive. Why are they offensive? Because they are not Phil 4:8. We alter our thinking so that we are no longer desensitized to worldly things. This is hard. It takes work. We have conditioned ourselves to think that so many things are okay, when in reality they are against God.
We live selfishly, we don't love others.
We don't think before we speak and we offend our brothers and sisters in Christ. We set a poor example to those around us, all because of our selfish tendencies.
Don't get me wrong, I write this as a sinner just like everyone else. My priorities are not always in the right order, but I become convicted every time I see this blatantly in others. Instead of judging them for their actions, I try to examine my own heart and life.
I encourage all of you to examine yourselves and to really see if your priorities are straight.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Instead of young men seeking God's heart, shaping their values, morals and habits to be pleasing to God, they are still concerned with frivolous things... non-eternal things.
Young women are no better, seemingly always being led by their emotions, they can't think logically enough to learn what it really means to be a woman of God.
Our priorities are mixed up. Our senses are gone. We have been desensitized to worldly things. We laugh at the things that should offend us.
What.
Has.
Happened?
Jobs, money, relationships, they are not bad things, but we seem to twist them into something they are not. We prioritize them wrongly. They become idols in our lives.
We talk about these things as though they are of extreme importance. Instead of realizing that the only thing of extreme importance is the Creator and Sustain-er of the universe in which we live.
We don't fix our eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and because we don't, we suffer. We suffer through our sin, we may not realize the suffering at first as we dethrone God in our lives, but we suffer through grieving the Holy Spirit and causing our relationship with Christ to dwindle.
It starts small and works its way into every area of our lives. When we don't have our priorities straight, things do go wrong.
Your boyfriend/girlfriend becomes higher on the priority list than they ought to, your job, friends, family, even church can become an idol.
All these things are not bad, but as we make them big in our lives, we also end up making God small.
The Bible calls us to love God and one another.
That is our first priority. When that gets out of whack, so does everything else.
When you love God, you want to obey him.
When you obey him, you don't want to sin.
When you don't want to sin, you want to live righteously.
When you want to live righteously, you want to continue to obey his commands.
Suddenly, you will find yourself not laughing at the things that should be offensive, because once again, they are offensive. Why are they offensive? Because they are not Phil 4:8. We alter our thinking so that we are no longer desensitized to worldly things. This is hard. It takes work. We have conditioned ourselves to think that so many things are okay, when in reality they are against God.
We live selfishly, we don't love others.
We don't think before we speak and we offend our brothers and sisters in Christ. We set a poor example to those around us, all because of our selfish tendencies.
Don't get me wrong, I write this as a sinner just like everyone else. My priorities are not always in the right order, but I become convicted every time I see this blatantly in others. Instead of judging them for their actions, I try to examine my own heart and life.
I encourage all of you to examine yourselves and to really see if your priorities are straight.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Goin' to the chapel.
Whenever I say the word "marriage", I instantly think of the movie "The Princess Bride" and that weird priest who said the word "marriage" odd.
But, that's beside the point.
Everyone is getting engaged! And by everyone, I mean only a few people. From my left and right, I continually hear of people finding that someone special, getting engaged and then married.
Praise God!
Sadly, not everyone has that mindset. Instead, there are the bitter leftovers who wish it was them. Discontent with the way God has their life right now and wanting more than anything to play the role of "God".
Because clearly, life has shown us multiple times, that when we take life into our own hands, it ALWAYS turns out so much better (Please note the intense amount of sarcasm in that statement).
We, as humans, so easily look at everything negatively. Why is it so much easier to focus on what we don't have then on what we do?
Doesn't the Bible tell us to; "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."? (Romans 12:15)
So I wonder why we give ourselves the right to find sadness in a joyful time of life? Is not marriage a union created by God that is supposed to exemplify Christ and the church?
Though, it's not to go unsaid that when taken lightly, such a union can be a bad thing. But when the union is clearly backed by biblical principal and the two people are definitely right for each other, why do we decide to mourn over that?
Assuming we try to live our lives in a godly manner, we have no right to turn such a joyous event into a time of self-pity.
I challenge those out there who are struggling to any degree about dating/engaged/marriage relationship status' to take a step back and realize the motive behind your struggle, address it, and move on, especially since we should be supporting and uplifting those who are blessed to enter such a stage in life!
I won't sit here and pretend I have all the answers or that I never struggle with being single. But I have learned what it means to be content in singleness and I hope to encourage those out there who don't know what it means.
Discontent is just another way of thinking you're so self-important that you deserve something better than you already have. Even though, as selfish, horrible sinners, we deserve nothing but God's wrath. Yet, we have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
So, in conclusion, remember that it's important to examine one's motives and to practice self-control as well as love and humility. Because pride has a way of coming out in many facets of our lives. I would be the first person to admit that. Mostly, because I would be stupid AND I would be lying if I didn't.
Signed,
gypsy girl
But, that's beside the point.
Everyone is getting engaged! And by everyone, I mean only a few people. From my left and right, I continually hear of people finding that someone special, getting engaged and then married.
Praise God!
Sadly, not everyone has that mindset. Instead, there are the bitter leftovers who wish it was them. Discontent with the way God has their life right now and wanting more than anything to play the role of "God".
Because clearly, life has shown us multiple times, that when we take life into our own hands, it ALWAYS turns out so much better (Please note the intense amount of sarcasm in that statement).
We, as humans, so easily look at everything negatively. Why is it so much easier to focus on what we don't have then on what we do?
Doesn't the Bible tell us to; "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."? (Romans 12:15)
So I wonder why we give ourselves the right to find sadness in a joyful time of life? Is not marriage a union created by God that is supposed to exemplify Christ and the church?
Though, it's not to go unsaid that when taken lightly, such a union can be a bad thing. But when the union is clearly backed by biblical principal and the two people are definitely right for each other, why do we decide to mourn over that?
Assuming we try to live our lives in a godly manner, we have no right to turn such a joyous event into a time of self-pity.
I challenge those out there who are struggling to any degree about dating/engaged/marriage relationship status' to take a step back and realize the motive behind your struggle, address it, and move on, especially since we should be supporting and uplifting those who are blessed to enter such a stage in life!
I won't sit here and pretend I have all the answers or that I never struggle with being single. But I have learned what it means to be content in singleness and I hope to encourage those out there who don't know what it means.
Discontent is just another way of thinking you're so self-important that you deserve something better than you already have. Even though, as selfish, horrible sinners, we deserve nothing but God's wrath. Yet, we have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
So, in conclusion, remember that it's important to examine one's motives and to practice self-control as well as love and humility. Because pride has a way of coming out in many facets of our lives. I would be the first person to admit that. Mostly, because I would be stupid AND I would be lying if I didn't.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Monday, April 16, 2012
I can only imagine...
I remember sitting in the hospital room, MercyMe was playing in the back round, and the 3 of us were entertaining ourselves with the iPad.
Then I looked up and realized the time was near. So, with my brother on one side and I on the other, we watched as God ended my dad's battle with cancer forever.
And as he exited the world in which we live, the song "I can only imagine" came on. Dad's favorite song.
I sat there, wondering, what was dad doing right now? Was he dancing for joy? Or was he still in the presence of Christ, amazed at his glory? Was he standing, or had his knees gone weak at the sight of eternity?
I could only imagine.
He may have taken his last breath on this earth, but he took his first breath into eternity. Though eternity is at hand and our soul never dies, I can only imagine how amazing it must be to see it, rather than just believe it.
And then I realized what I had seen; the gospel.
We often think that we see the gospel only when someone comes to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. But, you see the gospel completed in a believer who fought the good fight, who ran the race with endurance and now stands in the victory of Christ. Had Christ not resurrected, neither would my dad. But he did. They both did.
Because of Christ, I have no fear in death, and I know my dad didn't have any fear in death either. We both have the promise of life.
Dad loved the gospel, it was his passion. He talked about it all the time and tried his best to live it out. And through his faithfulness, even to the point of death, he fulfilled God's purpose for him on earth and showed so many people how important the gospel of Christ is.
Because of this gospel, we have peace, knowing full well that dad was released from his earthly body and now resides with Christ.
Wow.
He resides with Christ.
No more sin, no more cancer, no more struggles...
To live is Christ and to die is gain. (Phil 1:21)
In Christ, to die is gain.
Sometimes, when people die, others will say "may he rest in peace". That's a silly statement when I know he's at peace. I don't need to wish it upon him because I know it's true.
I can "rest in peace" because I don't doubt that I will see dad again, when my purpose is done. But, for now, I will try to live out my purpose, just like dad did. Glorifying God in everything I do.
Will I fail? Yes.
Did dad fail? Yes.
But then, there's the beauty of the gospel. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:1-4)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..." (Phil 1:27)
My dad didn't live a perfect life, but he left an amazing legacy. A legacy I hope to continue.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Beautiful girl
My entire life I have been judged unfairly. And no matter what I have said or done, I've always been negatively attacked for one thing, my body type.
When I was little, no one thought anything of the fact that I was so skinny, especially those who knew my parents, it was easy enough to see where I got my high metabolism from. But, as I got older, things changed. I noticed that girls would look at me with harsh, judgmental eyes, even if I had never said a single word to them in my life.
Growing up, through those awkward, teenage, junior high years, I was accused of many things, including having an eating disorder, whether it be anorexia or bulimia. Even my own friends, though jokingly, would flippantly say mean things about how skinny I was, their words were full of envy and disdain towards me.
The thing I never understood was why they couldn't seem to accept my size for what it was (and is). It was as though they thought that it was my doing. I was the one who picked my body type, when in fact, I had nothing to do with it.
To this day, I still get dirty looks and people still make jokes and it reminds me of back when I was in jr. high and high school all over again.
And all I have ever wanted to say to each of those girls who have ever looked at me scornfully is this; you are beautiful.
God created you in his image, he made you with the specific body type that you are and it wasn't a mistake. Media and our culture have twisted our views on what looks "good" and what does not. But the world's standards are not God's standards. When God created Adam and Eve, he saw what he had made and said that it was "good". He didn't say it was "okay" or "fine", he said it was "good". Now, after the one, true, living God created Eve, somehow I doubt she looked down at her body and said "Um, you made me wrong. I think I look ugly."
I kind of don't think that she was concerned with self-image (at least not yet). Humans tend to elevate appearance much higher than it ought to be.
Sure, I think we can all agree that being in shape is a good thing. Eating healthy, staying fit... it's a way to take care of the body that God has given you. But, that's not my point. My point is that God made you beautiful.
Maybe it doesn't seem beautiful to the guy at school or down the street or whatever. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and God beholds you as stunning.
He doesn't make junk.
Don't waste your time envying someone else's body. You will never have their exact body because you are not them. You are you. And you are made in the image of God.
It doesn't matter what body type you have, you, as a human, will always find something you don't like about your body. So why envy someone else's?
My story continues as such, I have never had an eating disorder in my life. God gave me this body because he wanted to and it served me very well for the 7 years that I did ballet. But, this same body that so many girls have envied now has an incurable auto-immune disease that's basically arthritis in a nut-shell.
Sure, I understand that some girls would rather be skinnier, but, I would rather be able to open jars and doorknobs without being in massive pain. God creates us each uniquely and with a purpose. Don't undermine God.
And better yet, lets not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to, especially by prioritizing image, because that's prideful. Whether you think too much or too little of yourself, it's pride.
I do realize this rant was somewhat random, but I want to encourage you girls and even guys out there, know who you are and whose you are. And don't elevate body image, it's not worth it.
Signed,
gypsy girl
When I was little, no one thought anything of the fact that I was so skinny, especially those who knew my parents, it was easy enough to see where I got my high metabolism from. But, as I got older, things changed. I noticed that girls would look at me with harsh, judgmental eyes, even if I had never said a single word to them in my life.
Growing up, through those awkward, teenage, junior high years, I was accused of many things, including having an eating disorder, whether it be anorexia or bulimia. Even my own friends, though jokingly, would flippantly say mean things about how skinny I was, their words were full of envy and disdain towards me.
The thing I never understood was why they couldn't seem to accept my size for what it was (and is). It was as though they thought that it was my doing. I was the one who picked my body type, when in fact, I had nothing to do with it.
To this day, I still get dirty looks and people still make jokes and it reminds me of back when I was in jr. high and high school all over again.
And all I have ever wanted to say to each of those girls who have ever looked at me scornfully is this; you are beautiful.
God created you in his image, he made you with the specific body type that you are and it wasn't a mistake. Media and our culture have twisted our views on what looks "good" and what does not. But the world's standards are not God's standards. When God created Adam and Eve, he saw what he had made and said that it was "good". He didn't say it was "okay" or "fine", he said it was "good". Now, after the one, true, living God created Eve, somehow I doubt she looked down at her body and said "Um, you made me wrong. I think I look ugly."
I kind of don't think that she was concerned with self-image (at least not yet). Humans tend to elevate appearance much higher than it ought to be.
Sure, I think we can all agree that being in shape is a good thing. Eating healthy, staying fit... it's a way to take care of the body that God has given you. But, that's not my point. My point is that God made you beautiful.
Maybe it doesn't seem beautiful to the guy at school or down the street or whatever. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and God beholds you as stunning.
He doesn't make junk.
Don't waste your time envying someone else's body. You will never have their exact body because you are not them. You are you. And you are made in the image of God.
It doesn't matter what body type you have, you, as a human, will always find something you don't like about your body. So why envy someone else's?
My story continues as such, I have never had an eating disorder in my life. God gave me this body because he wanted to and it served me very well for the 7 years that I did ballet. But, this same body that so many girls have envied now has an incurable auto-immune disease that's basically arthritis in a nut-shell.
Sure, I understand that some girls would rather be skinnier, but, I would rather be able to open jars and doorknobs without being in massive pain. God creates us each uniquely and with a purpose. Don't undermine God.
And better yet, lets not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to, especially by prioritizing image, because that's prideful. Whether you think too much or too little of yourself, it's pride.
I do realize this rant was somewhat random, but I want to encourage you girls and even guys out there, know who you are and whose you are. And don't elevate body image, it's not worth it.
Signed,
gypsy girl
Friday, March 9, 2012
Never stop learning.
God has been teaching me a lot lately. He's been teaching me how pride really does come before a fall, that sin really is disgusting, and how a life of independence from God is really no life at all.
I believe God places people in our lives to convict us, push us and live life with. And he has placed some pretty amazing people in my life.
I think too easily, we as Christians, take the simple, basic principles of the Bible, for granted. Instead of realizing that those principles are the foundation on which we stand in the truth of God.
All this to say, it really does all connect, I promise. Though, today I have been rather A.D.D., I swear all of this has a point.
And the point is this, God purposes everything for a reason. He places us in situations in life to help build our faith, he places people in our lives to keep us accountable and he gives us the foundations and principles in which to firmly stand upon.
We serve an awesome God.
I continue to grow and learn and make mistakes, get back up again and then try for the thousandth time to figure things out.
We serve a patient God.
Through struggles and trials and doubts, there's triumphs, reiterations and joy.
We serve a big God.
Every time I find myself starting to wander like a stupid sheep, he takes his staff and gently pushes me back in the direction I need to go.
We serve a personal God.
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 (emphasis added)
Signed,
gypsy girl
I believe God places people in our lives to convict us, push us and live life with. And he has placed some pretty amazing people in my life.
I think too easily, we as Christians, take the simple, basic principles of the Bible, for granted. Instead of realizing that those principles are the foundation on which we stand in the truth of God.
All this to say, it really does all connect, I promise. Though, today I have been rather A.D.D., I swear all of this has a point.
And the point is this, God purposes everything for a reason. He places us in situations in life to help build our faith, he places people in our lives to keep us accountable and he gives us the foundations and principles in which to firmly stand upon.
We serve an awesome God.
I continue to grow and learn and make mistakes, get back up again and then try for the thousandth time to figure things out.
We serve a patient God.
Through struggles and trials and doubts, there's triumphs, reiterations and joy.
We serve a big God.
Every time I find myself starting to wander like a stupid sheep, he takes his staff and gently pushes me back in the direction I need to go.
We serve a personal God.
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 (emphasis added)
Signed,
gypsy girl
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