Loving Yourself

   Do you love yourself?  This may seem like an odd question, but I don't mean in a selfish or prideful way.  Do you see yourself as a beautiful, valuable child of God?
   We are called to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.  How can we love others if we have only hatred for ourselves?  If we can't look in the mirror and be happy with what we see, how will we ever look at those around us and see the good in them?
    Do you love yourself enough to realize your shortcomings?  Do you let them discourage you, or do you see them as an opportunity to become better?  Do you love yourself enough to accept love from others?  Do you let God shower you with His love for you, or are you too busy denying your worthiness?
   Focus on the positive.  Like who you are, and be who you like.  Accept constructive criticism and compliments alike.  Love others.  Love yourself.

In His Presence

   When you come into the presence of God He becomes so real to you.  You're breathing so hard that only half the notes you sing come out - and when they do they flat.  Still you sing, because you just want be heard.
   Your pulse jumps and you are overcome with emotion and you can no longer stand in the presence of your Lord.  You fall to your knees, but still you feel presumptious, because there is no way you deserve to know this awesome God.  Finally, you end up flat on your face, prostrate on the floor.  The tears are flowing and the snot is running, but you don't care.  He is all-encompassing.  He is all that matters. 
   When you surrender yourself to the presence of God, He takes your heart - your dirty, abused, hard-as-a-rock, scribbled-upon, torn-to-shreds heart - and He washes it white as snow with the bright, red blood of Jesus Christ.
   After you have experienced the presence of God, you cannot stop smiling.


Based on my testimony after going on retreat with my youth group.



Giveaway - extended!

   Only two people have entered my very-first-ever giveaway (featuring superly cute cards made by my fantabulous friend).  And so.  I am giving all of you another chance, and extending the giveaway through the end of November.  That means you have three weeks, so get on over there and enter!  I mean, what do you have to loose?

^^Just click on this picture. :)

Her Song

   There once was a little bird who lived in the park.  The little bird had a song, and she also had a dream.  She dreamed that her song would make a difference.  That her song would change a person, and change the world. 
   And so everyday she flew to tree in the middle of the park and landed in tangle of branches.  Everyday she would sing her song.  She would sing with joy, and courage, and determination.  She would sing to whoever would listen.
   But it seemed that no one was listening.  No one paid any attention to the little bird with a big heart and a song.  The little bird saw this, but still she did not give up.  Other birds had given up on their songs, because no one paid attention.  The little bird saw this, too, but still she chased her dream.
   Everyday for months upon months she sat in the park and sang her song for the people passing by.  Everyday she left without knowing she had made a difference.  Discouragement tried to take over, but she knew God had given her her song.  She knew He had plan.
   One day as sat and chirped, cold was setting in.  The little bird knew she had to move somplace warm, but she was loath to leave her dream.  This was her last chance.  Her last day.  She stayed on her branch minutes longer than usual, hoping and praying to make a difference.  She belted out the last few bars, delaying her departure as long as she could.  Just as she started to open her wings, a young woman looked up and smiled at the little bird's song.  Just one person, just one day that was brightened.  But that one smile made everything worth it.  

 

 

You can change the world

if only you will have the courage to open your mouth

and sing.

 

God Bless the People - and the President

Dear Father God,
   It's election day down here in America.  I suppose You already knew that, didn't You? Along with knowing how big of a deal it is.  In this place I call home, it's already 6:51.  That leaves 9 minutes of voting left in my time zone, and still two hours for those on the West coast. 
   I ask that You would stir the hearts of the people standing in line.  Touch them in such a way that it will remind them of You.  I pray that they will think of You, think of Your word, and think of our country.
   God, bless all those elected tonight.  Give them sound minds and hearts for You.  Give them visions for the future and memories of the past.  I pray especially for our president of the next four years.  Put Your hand on him and give him peace and wisdom.  Bless our nation, Lord.  Your will be done, in all things. 
   I know that no matter who wins tonight, You remain in control.  Thank You for Your sovereignty.  Though You have all the power, You still take the time to love me.  I love You, Father.
   With all my heart,
     ~Michaela :)

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12