What are you thankful for today?
Today I am thankful for all the help I get with my studies from teachers and from the wonderful people at the Bridge Office! If you do not know, the Bridge office is a place where one can go and get help if you are struggling in school work, they are there to help you. They have helped me so much and I will be eternally grateful for them! I know that with all the support and encouragement they give me, I will be able to graduate college with little to no worries. Thank you all so much! :)
Blessings,
Raeann
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Thankful - Day #1
Wow, it has been a very long time since I have blogged! But I am back and ready to do some blogging! For the month of November I am challenging myself to blog each day about what I am thankful for. Since November is the month about being thankful then why not share. :)
What I am thankful for right now is two of my close friends, Tiffany and Caitlin. Caitlin has is my roommate this year and it has been great and will only continue to be great! And Tiffany is a friend who has been there more in the past year than anyone else. Since the school year has started I have just gotten even closer to each of them. Our friendships have grown and I love it! I cannot wait to see what God has in store for our friendships in the future and to see how our friendships grow! Caitlin and Tiffany you two are the best and I love ya!
What are you thankful for?
Blessings,
Raeann
What I am thankful for right now is two of my close friends, Tiffany and Caitlin. Caitlin has is my roommate this year and it has been great and will only continue to be great! And Tiffany is a friend who has been there more in the past year than anyone else. Since the school year has started I have just gotten even closer to each of them. Our friendships have grown and I love it! I cannot wait to see what God has in store for our friendships in the future and to see how our friendships grow! Caitlin and Tiffany you two are the best and I love ya!
Caitlin and I
Tiffany and I
What are you thankful for?
Blessings,
Raeann
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Born This Way & NO!
Okay, so I know it has been a long time since I have last blogged but I just have not been motivated to. But, something tonight has motivated me. It could have very much have been my friend Jessica who said to blog, but it was the show Glee and talking to my friend Jeremy that really motivated me to blog. Now, I know that some may wonder why Glee motivated me to blog, but really it did.
If any of you watch Glee, I hope that you watch were able to watch tonight's episode. But if you do not watch Glee then make an exception and watch tonight's episode! Tonight's episode featured the song Born This Way by Lady Gaga. Now, I know what you may be thinking, but really it was great! The song title explains the song. Anyways, the show tonight was on how if you do not like something about yourself the do not go out and change it, accept it because you were born that way. Get it, Born This Way. ha.
I know that there are many different things I personally do not like about myself and it is hard for me to accept that I was born that way and that God made me that way.
Is there something you do not like about yourself? If so, remember you were born that way and God created you special with no flaws.
Then when I was talking with my friend Jeremy and he asked me if I was still "depressed." Now, even though one takes medication, does not mean all the depression will be gone. But, when he asked me this question I said yes, and he then told me that I was not fighting and that I was letting the devil win. Jeremy told me to say when I am asked a question like this and just everyday to myself to say "No, I am not depressed." The more I say it, the more I will believe it and will not be letting the devil win. He quoted James 4:7 which says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This really opened my eyes and realized even more things about life.
Do you ever have these feelings? Think about it!
If any of you watch Glee, I hope that you watch were able to watch tonight's episode. But if you do not watch Glee then make an exception and watch tonight's episode! Tonight's episode featured the song Born This Way by Lady Gaga. Now, I know what you may be thinking, but really it was great! The song title explains the song. Anyways, the show tonight was on how if you do not like something about yourself the do not go out and change it, accept it because you were born that way. Get it, Born This Way. ha.
I know that there are many different things I personally do not like about myself and it is hard for me to accept that I was born that way and that God made me that way.
Is there something you do not like about yourself? If so, remember you were born that way and God created you special with no flaws.
Then when I was talking with my friend Jeremy and he asked me if I was still "depressed." Now, even though one takes medication, does not mean all the depression will be gone. But, when he asked me this question I said yes, and he then told me that I was not fighting and that I was letting the devil win. Jeremy told me to say when I am asked a question like this and just everyday to myself to say "No, I am not depressed." The more I say it, the more I will believe it and will not be letting the devil win. He quoted James 4:7 which says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This really opened my eyes and realized even more things about life.
Do you ever have these feelings? Think about it!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Decision and Paper Clips
What if every decision you had to make you also had a paper clip. We would all have millions of paper clips.
Lately I have been put in front of dozens of decisions about not only everyday life but also school and just everything. Decisions are something that each and every one of us are faced with everyday. There is just no running from them. Decisions about what classes to take or what should we do this weekend. They are always there. While I was sitting here at my desk thinking about all the different decisions I have to make I got out my camera and took a picture of my colorful paper clips. Check it out.
Lately I have been put in front of dozens of decisions about not only everyday life but also school and just everything. Decisions are something that each and every one of us are faced with everyday. There is just no running from them. Decisions about what classes to take or what should we do this weekend. They are always there. While I was sitting here at my desk thinking about all the different decisions I have to make I got out my camera and took a picture of my colorful paper clips. Check it out.
Now, I edited it and put on there a quote I thought of. Life's like a bunch of paper clips. These represent all my decisions I have to make in my life.
We all need to take our decisions to God in prayer and scripture. Sometimes decisions can cause anxiety on us. A couple of bible verses are..
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
"For I know the plans I have for you; declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
There are several more verses we can go to but these are just a few. I hope and pray that your decision making goes well for you.
Hope you have had a great day.
Raeann
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Prayer
How do you pray?
There are so many ways one can pray. Last night I was at bible study with some friends and we started off with prayer. But, it is a silent and your own personal prayer.
Do this with me, ready grab a piece of paper and pen and write to God like you are talking to your best friend and telling them what has been going on in your life. Nobody else is going to read your prayer so get up close and personal with God. Tell Him everything. Then once you are done with your prayer draw a line under it, or if you ran out of room get a new piece of paper. Now, think of you best friend and after you have told them everything what would they say back to you? God is your best friend, let Him right you back through you. Let Him guide your hand in what He wants to tell you.
I did this last night and it was really amazing what He had to say to me.
Go pray anywhere. I took this picture the other day and just loved it. It is so peaceful and a great thing to look at while praying. It really shows how amazing God is.
Do this occasionally to see what kind of response comes through you from Him.
Hope you have a blessed day!
Raeann
There are so many ways one can pray. Last night I was at bible study with some friends and we started off with prayer. But, it is a silent and your own personal prayer.
Do this with me, ready grab a piece of paper and pen and write to God like you are talking to your best friend and telling them what has been going on in your life. Nobody else is going to read your prayer so get up close and personal with God. Tell Him everything. Then once you are done with your prayer draw a line under it, or if you ran out of room get a new piece of paper. Now, think of you best friend and after you have told them everything what would they say back to you? God is your best friend, let Him right you back through you. Let Him guide your hand in what He wants to tell you.
I did this last night and it was really amazing what He had to say to me.
Go pray anywhere. I took this picture the other day and just loved it. It is so peaceful and a great thing to look at while praying. It really shows how amazing God is.
So peaceful to take a minute and pray to God!
Do this occasionally to see what kind of response comes through you from Him.
Hope you have a blessed day!
Raeann
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Grandpa!
So, I found out the other day from my mom that my Grandpa Howell reads my blog! People may think that is weird but, I personally love it!
Grandpa Howell is one of the best grandpa's any kid can I ask for! Every time I see him I always get the biggest hugs ever! Since I don't get to see him often I cherish every moment of my time seeing and spending time with him!
He is the funniest guy! We will play a card game (usually Phase 10) and he usually doesn't last through the entire game! ha. Because he gets so mad because he isn't winning! haha. It always cracks me up!
Grandpa is an Elder in the Church of Christ and I look up to him. I don't say that enough. I honestly feel like a lot of us don't tell people how much they mean to us enough. He is an amazing Christian man and I hope to marry a man that reminds me of his Christian self. Also, I hope that my little brother grows up to be just like him! He already has some of those Howell genes. ha.
People call my grandpa Howell, Handsome Howell. I don't think I need to explain that statement. ha. He is a funny guy. ha.
While I have two grandfathers still with me they are both the best! Grandpa Hines is awesome as well! Can't leave him out! haha.
Well, Grandpa Howell, I hope you have enjoyed this! I love you tons and miss you bunches! See you soon!
Have a great day!
Raeann :)
Grandpa Howell is one of the best grandpa's any kid can I ask for! Every time I see him I always get the biggest hugs ever! Since I don't get to see him often I cherish every moment of my time seeing and spending time with him!
He is the funniest guy! We will play a card game (usually Phase 10) and he usually doesn't last through the entire game! ha. Because he gets so mad because he isn't winning! haha. It always cracks me up!
Grandpa is an Elder in the Church of Christ and I look up to him. I don't say that enough. I honestly feel like a lot of us don't tell people how much they mean to us enough. He is an amazing Christian man and I hope to marry a man that reminds me of his Christian self. Also, I hope that my little brother grows up to be just like him! He already has some of those Howell genes. ha.
People call my grandpa Howell, Handsome Howell. I don't think I need to explain that statement. ha. He is a funny guy. ha.
While I have two grandfathers still with me they are both the best! Grandpa Hines is awesome as well! Can't leave him out! haha.
Well, Grandpa Howell, I hope you have enjoyed this! I love you tons and miss you bunches! See you soon!
Have a great day!
Raeann :)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Spring Sing!
Wow! It has been way to long! I am sorry! Life has been so crazy! I was recently part of this big production called Spring Sing here at school. It literally takes over your life! Anyways, Spring Sing is something that OC does every year, and this year the theme was ReRun! It consisted of many different clubs and hosts performing to old television shows.
This year I was privileged to be in the club Pi Zeta Phi! Our theme was a special over Cleopatra on the History channel. Our show was AMAZING! Our directors, Rachel and Audrey, did an awesome job at putting our show together. I mean seriously, us Pi girls are crazy and Rachel and Audrey were patient with us and our show ended up being the best in Pi history!
Our costumes we sweet! We had wigs and totally looked like Cleopatra!
We didn't care what we placed as long as we won something! ha. We ended up getting the Best Costume Award and 4th Place! That comes with a trophy! This is a first for Pi! We have been a club since 2004 and have never won anything in Spring Sing! But, this year we came out and rocked it! We were amazing! I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of sisters than what I have been blessed with in Pi! I love them all!
Pi Zeta Phi! Whoop, Whoop!
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Raeann :)
This year I was privileged to be in the club Pi Zeta Phi! Our theme was a special over Cleopatra on the History channel. Our show was AMAZING! Our directors, Rachel and Audrey, did an awesome job at putting our show together. I mean seriously, us Pi girls are crazy and Rachel and Audrey were patient with us and our show ended up being the best in Pi history!
Our costumes we sweet! We had wigs and totally looked like Cleopatra!
We didn't care what we placed as long as we won something! ha. We ended up getting the Best Costume Award and 4th Place! That comes with a trophy! This is a first for Pi! We have been a club since 2004 and have never won anything in Spring Sing! But, this year we came out and rocked it! We were amazing! I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of sisters than what I have been blessed with in Pi! I love them all!
Pi Zeta Phi! Whoop, Whoop!
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Raeann :)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sanity
Today was a beautiful day! God is good! I know, I started out with that last time but seriously today was so beautiful outside! I hope that you were able to enjoy it!
Are you sane? A question we ask ourselves almost all the time. In the Celebrate Recovery bible, todays devotional is on Sanity. It starts out by talking about how at first our coping techniques, when dealing with hardships, may affect our lives in only small ways. But, over time we can develop different hurts, habits and hang-ups that end up with a devastating consequences. In the devo, it goes on by telling different stories of people who have ended up with different consequences. One is about this woman who had just been divorced for the third time. Well, she felt lonely and started to meet men online, which lead to meeting them in person and it ended up in her almost being hurt and having to escape from a car in a deserted area. She realized that she could have been seriously hurt or even killed. Her level of insanity was a matter of life and death. Again, this is from the devo in the CR bible.
In Principle One, we finally faced our denial and admitted that we are powerless to control our tendency to do the wrong thing and that our lives have become unmanageable. It says that in order to gain the needed control we need to practice the second principle on our journey to recovery. And to refresh Principle Two is "Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him and that He has the power to help me recover." We begin to change by allowing Jesus Christ to restore our sanity, order and meaning to life. He gives us strength to change and set realistic expectations that we expect from ourselves.
As we get back to the Christ-centered 12 steps to recovery, step 2 helps us restore sanity. Step Two says, "We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." We do need to know what the word Sanity means in this step. But, first the word Insanity in this context is "doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result each time. While Sanity can be defined as "wholeness of mind; making decisions based on the truth."
The result for admitting to being powerless in Principle One, we can move from chaos to hope in Principle Two. This devotional says that Hope enters the picture when we come to believe that a power greater than ourselves, our Higher Power, Jesus Christ, can and will restore us. Christ alone can provide the needed power over our addictions and compulsive behaviors. he alone can restore order and meaning to our lives. He alone can restore us to sanity.
Are you sane? A question we ask ourselves almost all the time. In the Celebrate Recovery bible, todays devotional is on Sanity. It starts out by talking about how at first our coping techniques, when dealing with hardships, may affect our lives in only small ways. But, over time we can develop different hurts, habits and hang-ups that end up with a devastating consequences. In the devo, it goes on by telling different stories of people who have ended up with different consequences. One is about this woman who had just been divorced for the third time. Well, she felt lonely and started to meet men online, which lead to meeting them in person and it ended up in her almost being hurt and having to escape from a car in a deserted area. She realized that she could have been seriously hurt or even killed. Her level of insanity was a matter of life and death. Again, this is from the devo in the CR bible.
In Principle One, we finally faced our denial and admitted that we are powerless to control our tendency to do the wrong thing and that our lives have become unmanageable. It says that in order to gain the needed control we need to practice the second principle on our journey to recovery. And to refresh Principle Two is "Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him and that He has the power to help me recover." We begin to change by allowing Jesus Christ to restore our sanity, order and meaning to life. He gives us strength to change and set realistic expectations that we expect from ourselves.
As we get back to the Christ-centered 12 steps to recovery, step 2 helps us restore sanity. Step Two says, "We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." We do need to know what the word Sanity means in this step. But, first the word Insanity in this context is "doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result each time. While Sanity can be defined as "wholeness of mind; making decisions based on the truth."
Jesus is the only Higher Power who offers the truth, the way, the life, and the power.
The result for admitting to being powerless in Principle One, we can move from chaos to hope in Principle Two. This devotional says that Hope enters the picture when we come to believe that a power greater than ourselves, our Higher Power, Jesus Christ, can and will restore us. Christ alone can provide the needed power over our addictions and compulsive behaviors. he alone can restore order and meaning to our lives. He alone can restore us to sanity.
"It is God who works in you to will and to act according to him good purpose."
Philippians 2:13
Hope you all had a great day!
Raeann
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Hope
So today while I should have been doing homework, I decided to go to the park, because today is such a beautiful day! God is good! Today while at Hafer Park many different thoughts and memories went through my mind from being there in the past. Memories like doing a scavenger hunt there and having a surprise birthday party and even taking a nap and waking up to the ice cream man coming and getting a special treat!
I have been through many different hurts and hang-ups and have struggled lately with having hope and faith in God. Going back to the daily devotional from my Celebrate Recovery bible, todays devo is talking about Hope. In this particular devo the examples used are people who are in prison. It says that they have found hope in God while in prison that everything will be okay. This is the same for any situation. We always need to find hope in God. This devo says that many of us are trapped inside our own walls. That sometimes we are afraid of hope to have a life free of hurt or pain. The devotional now takes us onto Principle 2. Principle 2 is when we come to believe that God exists and that we're important to him. We are to find access to the one true Higher Power, Jesus Christ with this principle.
I have been through many different hurts and hang-ups and have struggled lately with having hope and faith in God. Going back to the daily devotional from my Celebrate Recovery bible, todays devo is talking about Hope. In this particular devo the examples used are people who are in prison. It says that they have found hope in God while in prison that everything will be okay. This is the same for any situation. We always need to find hope in God. This devo says that many of us are trapped inside our own walls. That sometimes we are afraid of hope to have a life free of hurt or pain. The devotional now takes us onto Principle 2. Principle 2 is when we come to believe that God exists and that we're important to him. We are to find access to the one true Higher Power, Jesus Christ with this principle.
Hebrews 11:6 it says, "without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Psalms 62:5 shows us the source of our hope: "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him."
We find hope in Jesus Christ and that is why Principle 2 is called the "hope principle." This devo also says that we find that eternal life doesn't begin with death but that it begins with faith.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith: "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
All we need is faith, even the tiniest bit, to begin our journey of freedom from the hurts, hang-ups and habits. So the reason I brought up the memories is because things have been rough with some friends lately and this devo has helped me to have faith and hope that in time everything will be better with them. The other day I had a little talk with a friend and that friend really gave me comfort and hope that it will all be better in its own time. I now have more hope in not only God but myself and friends that everything will work out. So to end todays blog I want to leave you with some lyrics from Pink's new song Perfect about how nobody is perfect and that things will be okay.
Made a wrong turn, once or twice
Dug my way out, blood and fire
Bad decisions, that's alright
Welcome to my silly life
Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down
Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated
Look, I'm still around
Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel
Like you're less than perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing
You're perfect to me!
You're so mean, when you talk about yourself, you were wrong
Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead
So complicated, look happy, you'll make it!
Filled with so much hatred... such a tired game
It's enough! I've done all I can think of
Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same
This song, I feel ties into my life and how to have faith not only in God but also in myself.
It is simply put, life without Christ is a hopeless end; but with Him it is an endless hope.
Have a great evening!
Raeann
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Got Friends?
Since today was another snow day it was filled with boredom but also with friends! The first half of the day was spent lounging around in my room and then went to lunch with my friend Jessica. Then sledding with Scotty, Shannon, and Miranda! We ended up having a snowball fight with our sleds (okay they were caf trays). That was so much fun! After that our whole dorm got together to eat pizza and play games! This too was so much fun! A great way to get out of the room! Later on I hung out with Jessica, Olivia, Abbey, and Ashley and we all enjoyed some great laughs! Then to top it off I went to the Pi Zeta Phi "C" team game and the other team ended up not showing up. So, the "A" and "B" teamers who were there ended up playing against them. It was great just to play with my Pi sisters! What a great way to end my night! :)
A prayer about friendship..
A prayer about friendship..
Dear Father,
Friendship is truly a gift from You.
Thank you for the friends You have already
given me as well as the ones You will bring into my life in the future. May
You be the center of all these relationships.
May we encourage on another to
see You and grow in You. May our words
and actions honor Your.
Use me to be a friend to the friendless,
to speak encouraging words and point
them to You. You are the best friend any of
us could ever have, and I love You for it.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
This is from the book that I have.
A verse is..
Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loves you all the time."
Hope you had a great day!
Raeann
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Birthday and Snow!
Well, today is my birthday and it also snowed!
Last night I invited friends to help me celebrate my birthday with a dinner that I made. I am so thankful for each one of them that came last night to help me celebrate. There were a few who helped me tremendously last night. I want to thank each one of them, Brianna, Bonny, and Scotty! I am so thankful to have great friends in my life. God has truly blest me with them. It is really amazing that I have such great friends that care. Last night was a lot of fun!
It is also amazing to have such a great family support team. My parents and siblings came down on Sunday to celebrate my birthday and we had a great time. Also, I love seeing posts from my aunts and cousins and grandma on my wall! It is so cool! I received a message the other day from my aunt Jodie and it was a great way to end my evening by reading it. Really shows how much everyone cares. Also, my aunt Julie made a picture album on facebook just for me. Thanks aunt Julie! Then aunt Gerrie messaged me and said some great words! This is just a fourth of my aunts, ha, and I love them all! Oh, and my uncles! But like I said they are all a great support system that no matter what happens they have my back! I love you all!
Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday! :)
Hope you had a great day!
Raeann
Last night I invited friends to help me celebrate my birthday with a dinner that I made. I am so thankful for each one of them that came last night to help me celebrate. There were a few who helped me tremendously last night. I want to thank each one of them, Brianna, Bonny, and Scotty! I am so thankful to have great friends in my life. God has truly blest me with them. It is really amazing that I have such great friends that care. Last night was a lot of fun!
It is also amazing to have such a great family support team. My parents and siblings came down on Sunday to celebrate my birthday and we had a great time. Also, I love seeing posts from my aunts and cousins and grandma on my wall! It is so cool! I received a message the other day from my aunt Jodie and it was a great way to end my evening by reading it. Really shows how much everyone cares. Also, my aunt Julie made a picture album on facebook just for me. Thanks aunt Julie! Then aunt Gerrie messaged me and said some great words! This is just a fourth of my aunts, ha, and I love them all! Oh, and my uncles! But like I said they are all a great support system that no matter what happens they have my back! I love you all!
Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday! :)
Hope you had a great day!
Raeann
Monday, January 31, 2011
Are you healing?
Since it is late today's blog is going to be a short one.
I found the following prayer out of a book I have called, "My Pocket Prayer Partner for Women." This is a book filled with different prayers and verses and small testimonies to help you in anytime of need. This particular book also has a variety of subjects. It ranges anywhere from anxiety to marriage. But tonight we are going to look at the subject on healing. The prayer for healing is...
I found the following prayer out of a book I have called, "My Pocket Prayer Partner for Women." This is a book filled with different prayers and verses and small testimonies to help you in anytime of need. This particular book also has a variety of subjects. It ranges anywhere from anxiety to marriage. But tonight we are going to look at the subject on healing. The prayer for healing is...
Heavenly Father,
Oh, how I need your healing touch.
There is only so much that medical science
can do, but You are the Great Physician.
When Jesus was here on earth, He was
Your representative, and He healed many.
Whether it was fever, mental torment,
withered limbs, deaf ears, or blind eyes,
Jesus never turned anyone away. Thank
You that You care about my physical
health too. Please make me well today.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
A verse that goes along with this is..
Jeremiah 17:14
"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise."
Hope you had a great day! :)
Raeann
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Loving is forgiving
Well, this first part has nothing really to do with the title of todays blog so here it goes.
Last night I went to see a fellow Pi Zeta Phi sister perform at her release cd concert. It was truly amazing! I love her songs because you can take anyone of them and apply it to your life and it just makes you know that it all will be okay. It was a very fun evening! Then today my family came down to school to take me out to celebrate my birthday that is coming up and I received the best birthday surprise ever! They brought the little girl they babysit and she is my little buddy and I was just so excited to see her! It was a great surprise!
But as for they title, loving is forgiving. What does this mean to you?
I recently had two close friends tell me that they did not want to be friends anymore and this has been on my heart for the pass week and this morning in bible class we were studying from the book of 1 John and this lesson just really spoke to me. The lesson was about forgiving, no matter what has happened. The teacher said that if we love we have light and if we have light we have the truth. But if we hate we have darkness and if we have darkness we have lies. That if we hate then the truth is not in us. But if we love then the truth is in us. Forgiveness is love. If we don't forgive, then we hate and we don't have the truth. We can't go on loving someone that has hurt us without forgiving. If we want to stop hating, then we have to start forgiving. So if we have the word in us, then we have overcome evil. So even though I was hurt by these two people I still love them. Even though I love them, do I forgive them? It is hard to forgive them right now but I know that God wants me to and so if I could only tell them to their face that I forgive them for what happened and that things can go back to the way they were (with limitations though). I hope that if you have any hurts or have been hurt by someone that you can find it in your heart to forgive them.
Hope you have a great day!
Raeann
Last night I went to see a fellow Pi Zeta Phi sister perform at her release cd concert. It was truly amazing! I love her songs because you can take anyone of them and apply it to your life and it just makes you know that it all will be okay. It was a very fun evening! Then today my family came down to school to take me out to celebrate my birthday that is coming up and I received the best birthday surprise ever! They brought the little girl they babysit and she is my little buddy and I was just so excited to see her! It was a great surprise!
But as for they title, loving is forgiving. What does this mean to you?
I recently had two close friends tell me that they did not want to be friends anymore and this has been on my heart for the pass week and this morning in bible class we were studying from the book of 1 John and this lesson just really spoke to me. The lesson was about forgiving, no matter what has happened. The teacher said that if we love we have light and if we have light we have the truth. But if we hate we have darkness and if we have darkness we have lies. That if we hate then the truth is not in us. But if we love then the truth is in us. Forgiveness is love. If we don't forgive, then we hate and we don't have the truth. We can't go on loving someone that has hurt us without forgiving. If we want to stop hating, then we have to start forgiving. So if we have the word in us, then we have overcome evil. So even though I was hurt by these two people I still love them. Even though I love them, do I forgive them? It is hard to forgive them right now but I know that God wants me to and so if I could only tell them to their face that I forgive them for what happened and that things can go back to the way they were (with limitations though). I hope that if you have any hurts or have been hurt by someone that you can find it in your heart to forgive them.
Hope you have a great day!
Raeann
Friday, January 28, 2011
Powerless
Continuing in the bible study I am doing it says that in our attempts to deal with out lack of control, we worry about the details in our lives. We tend to pretend that it doesn't matter or we become angry and resentful. We isolate ourselves from others to keep the pain at a distance. We try to control our circumstances and the people around us.
We are too proud to admit that our lives have become unmanageable. The pride can weaken our faith. Which cuts us off from God and prevent us from recognizing our own powerlessness. This allows us to refuse to reach out and ask for help. When facing our powerlessness and admitting our weakness, we invite God to step in and change our lives.
To complete Principle One we need to take four actions:
1. Stop denying the Pain. Psalms 6:2-3 states "Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?
2. Stop playing God. Either we are going to serve God or ourselves, we can't do both. Matthew 6:24 states "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
We fail to control ourselves and others when our "self" is out of control.
3. Start admitting our powerlessness. Matthew 19:26 states "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
We need to recognize our human limitations and quit trying to resolve the issues by ourselves.
4. Start admitting that our lives have become unmanageable. Psalms 40:12 states "Troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me."
With this confession we finally acknowledge that we're out of control and powerless to change on our own.
We need to admit that we are powerless and be willing to turn our lives over to God and that we are powerless without Him.
A few questions to think about:
1. Of what are you still in denial, or what are you still trying to control in your own power?
2. Are there any other "masters" besides God in your life that you're still trying to serve?
3. What are some of the things you keep doing that you really don't want to do?
4. Can you relate to Psalms 40:12? How?
Hope you had a great day!
In Him,
Raeann
We are too proud to admit that our lives have become unmanageable. The pride can weaken our faith. Which cuts us off from God and prevent us from recognizing our own powerlessness. This allows us to refuse to reach out and ask for help. When facing our powerlessness and admitting our weakness, we invite God to step in and change our lives.
To complete Principle One we need to take four actions:
1. Stop denying the Pain. Psalms 6:2-3 states "Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?
2. Stop playing God. Either we are going to serve God or ourselves, we can't do both. Matthew 6:24 states "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
We fail to control ourselves and others when our "self" is out of control.
3. Start admitting our powerlessness. Matthew 19:26 states "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
We need to recognize our human limitations and quit trying to resolve the issues by ourselves.
4. Start admitting that our lives have become unmanageable. Psalms 40:12 states "Troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me."
With this confession we finally acknowledge that we're out of control and powerless to change on our own.
We need to admit that we are powerless and be willing to turn our lives over to God and that we are powerless without Him.
A few questions to think about:
1. Of what are you still in denial, or what are you still trying to control in your own power?
2. Are there any other "masters" besides God in your life that you're still trying to serve?
3. What are some of the things you keep doing that you really don't want to do?
4. Can you relate to Psalms 40:12? How?
Hope you had a great day!
In Him,
Raeann
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Denial
I have recently started going to Celebrate Recovery at Memorial Road Church of Christ and I have purchased the Celebrate Recovery Bible. Along in the bible comes daily devotional and todays topic was denial. How many of you are in denial? Or do you even know if you are feeling like that? At the top of the lesson it gives the verse Hebrews 12:1 which states, "Therefore, since were 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."
Many of us have hurts, hang-ups and habits from the past. I know for sure that I do. Is this holding you back? I know that I am being held back by them a lot of the time. And because I have allowed myself to be held back by them I have lost friendships from it. Which is something no one ever wants to go through. Then there are some of us hung-up by guilt. Do we have past guilt? We beat ourselves up for something that has happened in the past and even it has already been forgiven we still beat ourselves up. I beat myself up everyday for things that have happened in my past. But that does not do me any good. It just hurts me and brings me down. Check out Philippians 3:13-14. "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Let's try and not beat ourselves up.
At CR there are different principles to help you recover from whatever it is you need to recover from. Principle One states: "Realize I'm not God: I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable." We need to remember 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love. But perfect loves drives out fear." We will always have God's unconditional love, power, grace and complete forgiveness. We just have to stop holding on to our past failures. Think about the following questions.
1. What past hurts are you holding on to?
2. What past or present actions make you feel guilty?
3. What are you afraid to change in your life? Why?
4. What are your fears about the future? Why?
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Raeann
Many of us have hurts, hang-ups and habits from the past. I know for sure that I do. Is this holding you back? I know that I am being held back by them a lot of the time. And because I have allowed myself to be held back by them I have lost friendships from it. Which is something no one ever wants to go through. Then there are some of us hung-up by guilt. Do we have past guilt? We beat ourselves up for something that has happened in the past and even it has already been forgiven we still beat ourselves up. I beat myself up everyday for things that have happened in my past. But that does not do me any good. It just hurts me and brings me down. Check out Philippians 3:13-14. "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Let's try and not beat ourselves up.
At CR there are different principles to help you recover from whatever it is you need to recover from. Principle One states: "Realize I'm not God: I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable." We need to remember 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love. But perfect loves drives out fear." We will always have God's unconditional love, power, grace and complete forgiveness. We just have to stop holding on to our past failures. Think about the following questions.
1. What past hurts are you holding on to?
2. What past or present actions make you feel guilty?
3. What are you afraid to change in your life? Why?
4. What are your fears about the future? Why?
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Raeann
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Lean on God!
Well, I have never really blogged before so this is my attempt to blog. Hope you enjoy!
This past week has been hard for me and I have thought about lots of things to do to make it better. But I finally came to the conclusion that the only thing that could make it better was myself and God. I have never turned to Him more than I have this past week. He has helped me figure out so many different things. Sure it has been a rough road but anyone can get there, all we have to do is trust. See, for me trust is a big thing. I struggle with that and since I have struggled with trusting it has come back and really hurt me. Now I am putting my full trust in God my Savior. Because He knows the way for me and exactly what to do when I am in need. I am so thankful for the conclusions that He has helped me come to. I hope that God can do the same for you!
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
This past week has been hard for me and I have thought about lots of things to do to make it better. But I finally came to the conclusion that the only thing that could make it better was myself and God. I have never turned to Him more than I have this past week. He has helped me figure out so many different things. Sure it has been a rough road but anyone can get there, all we have to do is trust. See, for me trust is a big thing. I struggle with that and since I have struggled with trusting it has come back and really hurt me. Now I am putting my full trust in God my Savior. Because He knows the way for me and exactly what to do when I am in need. I am so thankful for the conclusions that He has helped me come to. I hope that God can do the same for you!
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
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