Monday, March 30, 2015

The Purpose of my blog

         Recently, I had received a couple hate-mail comments on my blog- specifically to dying to self post. After talking to some friends, and my husband about it, my husband asked me what the purpose of writing my blog was.
     So, I thought I'd share with you, the reason why I have a blog. When I first started writing a blog, I had no idea what I'd write about. At first, I was just posting inspiring songs, lyrics, poems, and such that I loved. I loved writing, and my mom had encouraged me to start the blog. So, I did. I sent an email out to family and friends letting them know that I started a blog. I started out with about 8 followers that week. I was excited! As time went on, I started to write about my struggles, my life, my daily routine's, my hurts, and in the midst of all of those, trying to point out what God has been teaching me personally. I wanted people to be encouraged and inspired. I wanted people to see what I wrote, thank God for it, and maybe see if they can apply it to their own lives. I wanted people to see that someone else struggles with things, just like them. As time went on, I got more blog followers, and excitement would get to me. Excitement, that someone out there was reading my blog. I hadn't intended for someone to feel like I'm the "girl who has it all together"... because I can guarantee you, I'm far from having it all together. I still struggle every day. I'm still a sinner. Yes, I struggle with pride every day. Yes, I have many days that I don't have it all together.
      Whomever had made a comment on my blog a couple weeks ago, told me that I had nothing to complain about, and that I was a a girl who just stays at home all day. And... you're right... I shouldn't be complaining! I'm blessed to stay at home and cook, clean, take walks, enjoy the fresh air, sew, knit, read, play music on the piano and Violin, study, worship The Creator of the Universe, I get to sit and do my Bible Study and stare outside and listen to the birds chirp and stand in awe at the mystery of how God created all of it. You're right, whomever you are... I don't have anything to complain about. I don't want to make this about me... this is about God! God created everything. God decided to put children on this earth to make laughter, birds in the air to hear joyous sounds, trees/grass/leaves/flowers for the enjoyment of His children. I'm not here on this earth to complain about "how little sleep I got" or that "the cookies burned" or that "I had a bad day today." I'm here on this earth to Worship and Serve our Creator, Jesus Christ!
     I'm not shaken by your comment, whomever you may be. The purpose of my Blog is meant to encourage and inspire other like-minded believers of God. It's meant for people to look at my blog, and think of God every time. It's meant to bring Glory to God in everything I do... I don't do it for me, or to give me glory... and at times, yes, sometimes, I feel like I do... but, ultimately, my purpose here on earth it to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever! ... This, is the purpose of my blog. To God be the Glory!

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Negative Comments

     Hi All! I'm re-posting this, from Libby over at: http://anoblecallingblog.blogspot.com/ ... I'm re-posting it, because people need to read it... whether you've made bad comments or gotten bad comments before. Please read, and have a good day. :)

Today I want to say a word about negative comments. If you are a blogger, and have been for any length of time, you probably have encountered your fair share of negative comments. Today I want to share a few thoughts on those, um, lovely comments that just so happen to make friends with the trash.

I have had a number of comments that have since been unpublished and deleted, and as you can imagine with certain topics that I write about, it's bound to happen. I expect it, and to be honest, I'm completely fine with it. It's taken me a long time to be secure enough in myself and trust that God's Word is true that those comments don't bother me a whole lot anymore. In fact, it's quite nice to hit the "delete" button and then move on. People may tell me that I wouldn't receive those negative comments if I didn't write about certain things. But I remember that Jesus wasn't popular. What He preached and taught wasn't "the" thing. I choose to continue to write what He leads me to write, share what He places on my heart, and if I believe that something is Truth and is something that others might be encouraged, challenged, or inspired from reading, then I'm going to write and post it. I am not going to give the people who choose to leave negative (and sometimes downright mean, rude, hurtful, and inappropriate) comments power in my life. I have even been threatened to rewrite posts in a way that wouldn't be Truth or real or honest. People have threatened to quite reading my blog. No disrespect, but I really don't care! There are far too many sweet, like-minded friends that I have made from this whole blogging thing to allow me to be concerned whether one person quits reading my blog. If you don't like what you see, move on. There are plenty of other blogs out there for you to read. It's what I do, and others can certainly do it to.

Recently I found the following excerpt on a blog that I read occasionally. It fits perfectly with this post and I wanted to share it today....

(I don't care for some of the language used so I've "bleeped" it out, but the message, I LOVE!)

"After years of allowing people to anonymously leave snarky comments-- because 'you put yourself out there, you should be able to take it.' -- I now adhere to the same rules I have in my home: if the dog makes a mess on the carpet, I clean it up."  So that's that. I am so thankful for the 90% of comments and emails and words I receive that are life-giving and kind. To those who think I s**k, that's okay and that's your opinion. Please spend your time on something more constructive than spreading hate around the internet, though, ok? It's such a sad waste of a precious life."

In no way am I a fan of Taylor Swift. In fact, I haven't listened to her music in years, but these lyrics just seemed too perfect not to include in this post...

"Haters gonna hate, hate, hate
I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake
Shake it off"

And another song, by Little Mix, fits perfectly as well...

"Mama told me not to waste my life,
She said spread your wings my little butterfly
Don't let what they say keep you up at night
And they can't detain you
'Cause wings are made to fly
And we don't let nobody bring us down
No matter what you say – it won't hurt me
Don't matter if I fall from the sky
These wings are made to fly"

I don't mean to rant or seem like I can't be quiet about negative comments. But I wanted to share a few thoughts, as well as hopefully encourage other bloggers who know exactly what I'm talking about. I have better things to do than to waste my time reading and responding to certain comments. It's not healthy for me, and it most certainly doesn't bring anything good into my life or onto this blog.

To my fellow bloggers, keep on going! We're in this thing together! Don't let the negative comments and the people who write them gain power in your life and get to you. There is far too much good in blogging that it does outweigh the bad, but it's still there. And to those who I mentioned above, the sweet, like-minded friends, you know who you are. I SO appreciate all your encouraging comments and emails and I consider each of you dear friends, and I am so thankful that the Lord crossed our paths. You are a blessing to me and you make this blogging thing so more enjoyable and fun! And there's still lots more fun to be had!

Friday, March 20, 2015

Dying to Self

      I've learned a lot over the years about dying to self daily. From little things, like reading to your siblings while making dinner, or big things, like, getting up early with your husband, so that he can have breakfast and coffee before he goes to work. However, I'm still learning... there are days, when, I just don't want to get up from bed and make breakfast. There are some days, when, sleepiness and laziness gets the better of me, and I don't want to do anything all day long, except sleep, and  relax. That's not life though. I have to constantly remind myself to put others before myself. We're reminded in Philippians 2:3-4, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but  also for the interests of others."
     On the days that I feel like doing nothing, or sleeping in really late, I have to pray to God to ask Him to change my heart. To put my God and my husband first. To not be selfish.
     The other day, when my husbands alarm went off, I was so tired that I didn't want to get out of bed. I literally couldn't open up my eyes... so with my eyes half-way opened, I walked downstairs to make his breakfast. After I kissed my husband goodbye, and went back to bed; I realized that I hadn't been very joyful that morning. I sent him a quick text asking for forgiveness for my lack of joyfulness that morning. Josh called me a little while later and told me that he didn't think that I wasn't joyful but that he appreciated me asking for forgiveness. He's not a morning person either, and so he gave me encouragement to just be in prayer about it on a daily basis. He's an awesome husband! ;)
     Dying to Self daily can be so hard and tiring at times, but in the end, it's all worth it! :) And when you serve others, you serve Christ. :) In what ways do you feel like God's grown you in this area? What are some Bible verses that have helped you to serve Christ daily?

     "Then He said to them all, if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and Follow Me..." ~ Luke 9:24
     "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." ~ Galatians 5:24

Monday, March 16, 2015

The Guy We Thought We All Wanted

     We all thought we wanted the mysterious, romantic guy that you see in movies. We thought we wanted the guy who had feelings as deep as the ocean, and knew exactly what to say.
      It's natural to want to be part of that enticing image painted in romance novels and movies. However, reality is often not as beautiful as the dream, and that guy isn't really the best guy. 
The excitement of the drama wears away quickly when stress and instability starts to swallow you. We all want the epic love, but the best lovers are also the best friends.      The men you stay with are the ones who have dependable, honest, comical and caring natures. They are the ones who put God and and then you first and bring simple laughter to your life rather than more stress. They are laid back and positive. They don’t try to consume you. They are the goofballs. They are the guys who have the big hearts and who sometimes say the wrong things, but always come through for you.
He’s your best friend, and he’s better than the movies. He’s just a guy, and he’s great at it. He won your heart with the simple actions that make him perfect for you, and he’s great for all of these reasons, that I'm going to list below. My husband has been all of these, and I'd like to share just how wonderful he is in so many ways! :)
1. When it comes to gift-buying, you've probably had to laugh a few times and think of the phrase, "It's the thought that counts."
2. Sometimes, you find yourself in complete awe of the silly words that come from his mouth.3. He gets a lot of enjoyment out of the simple things in life.
4. Basically, getting his favorite kind of Chocolate or watching his sports team win will make him absolutely elated, and it’s awesome.
5. He comes through for you and you know you can depend on him.
6. He never picks a fight or creates problems where they don’t exist.
7. He can make you laugh in literally any situation, even when you didn't intend to laugh.
8. He doesn't hold grudges or draw out disagreements.
9. He doesn't always understand your "girl" problems, but the poor guy does try.
10. He’s honest with you. 
11. He doesn't mind making a fool of himself if it means getting a smile out of you.
12. He doesn't try to take you from your friends and family. He wants you to  love everyone you love and be happy and never tries to hold you back from relationships with others
.13. He handles difficult situations with brilliant patience. He calmly takes hardships as they come and evaluates situations for what they are.
14. He has gotten progressively better at relating to you.
15. He doesn't have any problems spending time with the people to whom you introduce to him. He doesn't cause conflicts with the people you love. He just goes with it and gets along with everyone. 
16. He keeps his word.
17. He never tries to make decisions for you. He respects your ability to make them yourself.
18. You have some pretty funny stories about some of his attempts at romance. Still, you know you wouldn't trade any of those moments for the world because the genuine nature in which they transpired made them so special to you.
19. He doesn't call you names put you down, or degrade you.
\20. You have the best time with him doing the simplest of things. Board games, movie marathons, pillow fights, long walks, jam-session car rides, take-out, dancing, funny videos and living-room tickling matches are impeccable experiences to the two of you. You don’t need anything but each other to have a blast.
21. He’s your best friend. You know he would always choose you and always have your back. You know he’ll always bring sunshine to the plainest parts of life.
You know he respects your independence and wants what’s best for you. You know he won’t bring you complications or dramatic affairs. He just brings you hugs that swallow you whole, laughter that makes your stomach hurt and forehead kisses when you feel like the world is tumbling down.
This is why this kind of man is the real hero for whom we’re all looking. He keeps it simple in a world that makes life far too complicated. Happiness is supposed to be simple and, trust me, so is love. :) 

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

OMG... what's the problem?

       It’s everywhere – the term “OMG”.     It’s in magazines, movies, on television, Facebook,  Twitter, blogs…yes, Christian ones, at Christian conferences... So what’s the problem with the term “OMG”? In Exodus 20, God gave us the ten commandments. The first 4 commandments refer to our relationship with God:
1.)  You shall have no other gods before Me.
2.)  You shall not make idols.
3.)  You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
4.)  Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
The next 6 commandments refer to our relationship with each other:
5.)  Honor your father and your mother.
6.)  You shall not murder.
7.)  You shall not commit adultery.
8.)  You shall not steal.
9.)  You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10.)  You shall not covet.
If we turn back to Exodus 19, we see these 10 commandments came to Moses in the midst of thunder, lightening, fire, a thick cloud of smoke and trumpet blasts!  All the people in the camp trembled at the glory of God! This God, who is flippantly referred to in the “OMG” phrase, who came down in thunder, lightening, fire, a thick cloud of smoke and trumpet blasts…the One that the Israelietes trembled at, the One who sent the 10 plagues and the One who parted the red sea – the Great I AM….has commanded, we do not take HIS name –in vain.     The third commandment says: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7
Vain means…having no real substance, value, importance, empty, void, and worthless.
     To use God or Jesus Christ’s name in vain, is to empty the significance of His name and take away from His glory.
If we use God’s name, in a way that is not in reverence or holiness, we are breaking this command.  Yet, today we see and hear it everywhere.  Often times, it goes hand in hand with other profanity.
I do not believe we should be the “OMG” police or  go around correcting other’s speech.  But rather Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.”  As lights, our speech should look different.
Because we are children of God, we understand the power of God’s name!
Jesus told us when we pray, pray like this: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

     Hallowed…or holy is His name!
     And Jesus says in John 14:14,“If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

There is power in the name of Jesus!  His name is higher than any other! We see at the end of the command a consequence: the Lord will not hold guiltless who takes his name in vain.”
In Romans 3:20, we see that it is through the law, that we come to the knowledge of our sin. When we review the 10 commandments, we see that we are guilty of breaking at least one and therefore in need of a Savior.
Jesus fulfilled the law and paid the penalty for all of our sin. When we place our faith in Him we are declared righteous by the blood of the lamb.  (Hallelujah!) We are under grace but not so sin may abound.  We do not live by lists and rules and legalism.  We live by love.  Jesus said the greatest commandment is that we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15).
David said it best in Psalm 145:1 “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.”
Let’s put an end to the vanity and profanity of God’s name and lift His name in reverence and awe…forever. Obey the 3rd commandment…and teach your children to obey it as well.

Taken from: http://womenlivingwell.org/2015/01/the-problem-with-omg/

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Married Life and Wedding Day

     Today is Thursday, March 5th. I've been married now for 5 days! Life has been amazing! Having a husband to serve on a daily basis has been a wonderful gift to me! The name change is also really cool! ;) Today, I’m back into the swing of things. Josh left this morning to go to work, and I got a couple things done around the house. Catching up with emails, cleaning the house, making the bed, making dinner, and just being a wife to my loving husband is the best thing I couldn't ever asked for! :)

     The morning of the wedding, I got up bright and early. My maid of honor, grabbed me a coffee, and the hair and makeup set up began. I wasn't nervous until about 15 minutes before Josh and I did our "first look". I was so jittery. After Josh and I did our first look, I was much calmer... Josh tend to do that to me... make me calm. ;) The wedding party gathered in the kitchen, and our pastor prayed for us and for the day. With that, the wedding began. I was extremely nervous, that I'd mess up on saying the vows, or that something would get stuck in my throat, and I wouldn't be able to talk... the "worst case scenarios" kept coming to my mind. However, as I walked down the isle with my dad, I remembered what Josh told me, "Just keep looking straight at me".  And I did. As I walked down the isle, I began to realize that my wedding day was actually here. It wasn't just a dream anymore... it was reality. As Josh and I said our vows, and said our "I do's", the moment was there. We strived daily to complete the tasks that God designed for us, in order for us to get to know each other. We continue to strive daily to serve each other. Not as single's, or lovers, (although that's a huge part) but as a partners, as a husband and wife, as a team.
     The reception was beautiful! The family and friends that came were amazing! Watching the slideshow, that Josh's brother, Joel, put together for us, was really fun! The cake cutting went well, the chili lunch was awesome! The decorations held up really nicely! The toasts that were made, the funny stories that were told, and the laughing going on, made the wedding day that more special! I'll have some pictures up hopefully in the next couple weeks of our wedding day. Thanks for all your sweet comments that I've been getting the last couple weeks! It means the world to me! :) Until next time! ~ Caitlin Narwold :)