The Struggle is real

      I struggle. Every day I struggle to live out my faith, to love others well, to be Christ-centered, and to live intentionally for Christ. Every day I desire to read my Bible, and sometimes it does happen. But more often it doesn’t. Every day I desire to pray, and sometimes I pray for long periods of time. Sometimes it’s one sentence. Every day I long to be perfect, to have my life together, to accomplish everything on my to-do list. And every day I fail because I need Jesus to be made perfect in my weakness.

     Because of my personality, and not feeling very confident in myself, and who I am, it makes it a challenge every day. The struggle is real. You can't just call yourself a Christian... you have to live it out... daily! You have to constantly be on your knees in prayer, and repentance. You have to come to the foot of Christ, daily, and humbly seek His face.
     Recently, my husband was struggling with some personal things. I can't tell you how many times I cried out to God. I can't tell you how many times I've woken up in the night, and prayed that everything would be okay.
     Day's passed, and I hadn't read my Bible, except for the Bible verses that I send to my husband, every day, via text. I don't go to God in prayer as much as I should. I struggle. I struggle on a daily basis. I struggle to be the good wife that God wants me to strive to be, knowing that when I please my husband, I please God. I strive to make my home warm and inviting for all that enter, and I try to keep my house clean, so that when my husband comes home, he feels relaxed. I struggle with being a good wife... almost, too much. I'm a people-pleaser, and when I know that someone isn't pleased with me, I try to fix it. What I have to realize is that I can't fix everything. In fact, without Christ's help, I can't fix anything.
     The Christian walk, is a daily struggle. It's a struggle to keep my priorities straight, and to make sure that Christ is the head, in every area of life!
      It's a daily struggle to put on a happy face at times, when I've been crying all night long. I struggle to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. I fail... every day. My husband can tell you first hand, I don't have the greatest memory, so I forget a lot of things.
    I'm tired, and I'm worn. I struggle every day.
     Yesterday, my pastor talked about Prayer, and to never give up praying. In 1st Samuel 1, we see that Hannah prayed unto God, and never gave up hope for having a child. In Daniel 10:12, we read, "Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words." Don't give up! Keep praying! Keep striving to serve Christ daily! You will struggle, and you will fail at times, but don't give up! Yes, the struggle is real, but so is my God! Give God your daily struggles, anxieties, and fears; for He is mighty to save! (Zephaniah 3:17)
     2nd Corinthians 12:9, "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness'..." 

• How do you deal with struggles?
• In what ways do you feel like you've become stronger in God? 
• Can you give any Bible verses that have helped you when you're weary or struggling?

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!