My Everything

Christianity isn't my religion. I'm not religious. What I have is more than practiced rituals, empty chants, or a self-righteous defense mechanism to esteem myself while I put others down. My Faith is a relationship. It's close, it's personal, it's intimate. It's worth more than anything. As humans, we need relationships. God made us in his image, so God Himself is a relational God. That's how He works. Our relationship with Him is what blesses us and blesses Him. I used to look for this type of all encompassing relationship in the world, in man. I yearned for true love, someone I could depend on, someone who wouldn't leave me, someone who understood me and my faults. What I've come to figure out is that the desire I had in my heart wasn't wrong. We all yearn deeply for God even if we don't know that it's Him we're searching for. We want that one person who can change our lives for the better, but I was and a lot of people are aiming their affections at unworthy targets. 

What I love most about God is that because of who He is, He can be my everything. Being that He is the giver of all good things (James 1:5) , and He will not hold any good thing from me (Psalms 84:11), I lack nothing. 

He is my provider (Philippians 4:19)

He is my helper (Psalms 54:4)

He is my joy (Psalms 43:4)

He is my strength (Psalms 28:7)

He is my guide (Isaiah 58:11)

He is my comforter (Psalms 34:18)

He is my protector (Psalms 91)

He is my confidence (Isaiah 41:10)

He is my rescuer (Lamentations 3:58)

He is my power ( Philippians 4:13)

He is truthful (Numbers 23:19)

He is my peace (John 14:27)

He is my One true love (Romans 8:37-39)

I used to look for just one of these things in people, or a combination that I could get by with. I looked to family, dating relationships, friends, but no one can do what God has done for me. I used to feel hopeless, like I'd never get what I needed and desperately desired, but God showed me there was a better way. I had a choice, and it was a good one. I had Him. I had everything! Seek God, not because of what He will do for you. Seek because you are His (Psalms 139:13) , because He knows you better than you know yourself ( Luke 12:7), because He loved you first (John 3:16). We are all God's children. Just like our parents want us to show them love and that we appreciate them, and that we value them not because of what they can do for us but because they love us, God wants the same thing. God wants our hearts. He wants us to know Him. He wants us to be secure in the fact that true love is already ours, and it will be ours forever (Matthew 24:35). 

Late Afternoon

A little bit of old and new in today's post. Shirtdress is from Forever 21. It's so comfy, but still looks chic. Vintage belt and necklace. Gifted shoes and bag. Michael Kors link bracelet. Gifted cuff.

Press

Faith is a process and patience is something that must be practiced. So many of us (including me) expect fixes to be easy, and our gratification to be instant. But the things that take the longest to learn are usually our hardest and most valuable lessons. 

If everything in our lives really is positive (I personally believe it is as stated here) then even the bad things that happen to us serve a good purpose. Being a Christian doesn't exempt you from dealing with difficult situations, people, or times in your life. I believe Christianity gives us a positive way of dealing with difficulties when they arise. Sure, we could ignore them, try to run away from them, even let them overtake us completely, but by taking positive action we show ourselves and others that it's possible to face hard things and become stronger because of them. Paul says in Phillipians 3:14 that he must "press on toward the end of the race [life] and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us". Pressing on implies going through, not giving up, and straining for what you want (the prize). 

By accepting ourselves (and others) where they are on their journey, it is easier to have patience with our lives as they are right now. So you're not perfect, so they're not perfect, so your job, house, car, clothes etc. aren't perfect. So what.  Looking at everything as an opportunity to become better, different, stronger is a lot more helpful than looking at everything as a burden. I've had (and still have) problems in my life that I used to let hold me back and keep me in a negative state of mind. I've tried avoiding them, ignoring them, and even just wallowing in self-pity. None of that helped me at all. Now, I consciously, everyday if necessary, remind myself that my circumstances are opportunities for growth. By growing in Christianity, we find the patience and persistence to deal with anything that life throws our way. We can learn to be affected by our circumstances (whatever they may be) for  better and not for worse. That's true power. 

Prayer for effectiveness

I wrote the following prayer today in response to my need to become more effective. I'm a strong believer in the power of prayer, and that a healthy prayer life is essential to a close relationship with God and wholeness in all areas of your life. Don't believe the hype, God is not dead, things are not random, and we are not all just floating in space by coincidence. God created the Universe, if you sincerely come to Him looking for help, why wouldn't He move to help you? Phillipians 4:6 states: " Be anxious for nothing. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for everything." God already knows what you need. He knows you better than you know yourself. He's simply waiting on you to lean on Him. My source for writing this prayer can be found here.

Lord,

I pray that my efforts match my motivation and enthusiasm, and that I attract all the resources and support I need to create effortless change in my life. Lord, help me to stay centered. Help me to stay strong. Help me to stay motivated. Help me to practice the positive change I'd like to see in myself daily. Lord, You came so that I could have life and have it more abundantly. Help me to live out the promises in Your word everyday of my life. I pray this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God in Heaven forever, Amen.

Instructions on how to get more out of your prayer can be found here and here.

Breezy summer day

Blue and green are two of my favorite colors. I'm a Cancer/ Pisces Rising so it only follows. I love the reflection of the city on the water. 

Focus on what you don't have

Sounds sort of contrary to the other writings on this blog, yes? Well, I'm not talking about physical things. I'm talking about the things that your spirit is lacking. Part of the human condition is being in a state of need. We need other people. We need food. We need healthy relationships. It is important to focus on what you need and what you lack spiritually if you want to become a whole person. Notice, I didn't say perfect. The goal is never perfection, but wholeness. Ignoring what you need spiritually is as detrimental to your health as not eating or drinking water. It's like working on an empty stomach, or trying to concentrate in school when all you can think about is how thirsty you are.

So what are you in need of? Love, patience, peace, joy, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness or self-control? These are the things that our spirits need to lead productive and happy lives. The universe operates on a principle of reciprocity. Equal and opposite reactions. Therefore, our very lives are based around a cycle give and take. We must give these things in order to receive them, and we must receive them because they are necessary to leading a productive life. But how do you give what you don't have? You can't. It's not possible. So how do you get it? Ask God. God is the Giver of all good things (James 1:17) , and He has an abundant supply of all those things you are in need of (Galatians 5:22-23).  We all need somebody, and He is the somebody that is big enough for all of us to receive from.

So often we look to others who are just as flawed as us to fill the hole in our spirit, and to make us whole. Like I said before, you can't give what you don't have. Those efforts are futile. God being the Creator and Giver of all good things is the only One who can truly give you what you need. However, the choice to lean on Him for what you need is yours alone.

Becoming whole will attract others who can receive what you have to give them, and give of themselves to you in return. Going through life with an empty stomach isn't impossible, but it holds you back from living your best life. The same applies to your spirit. Go get what you need.

I'm not over you

A few trends I'm just not over yet. I'm not a very trendy person, I like what I like. However, when trends fall in line with my personal aesthetic taste, I indulge. 

1. Peplum. Some people regard this cut with quite a bit of scorn. I believe I like it because it reminds me of a time when skirts were bustled, and worn over crinoline. They're so delightfully feminine.

2. Colored denim. I love these BCBG jeans. This color will work well in many a season to come.

3. Glittery pumps. I hate pumps. I'm just not very goo at walking in them, but I love sparkle! These Rachel Roy (love her!!) pumps will be a long time favorite. 

What are some trends you can't get over?