Living, Loving, and Just Kidding

First of all, I'm shocked I'm writing twice in a row (two days in a row), but hey, let's see how long this lasts...
If you know me, you know that these three words/phrases pretty much describe my life. I try to live my life to the fullest (see below), to truly love God and love other people (not only love them, but also like them, which can prove to be challenging at times), and I tend to say "Just Kidding" numerous times in one day (it's a phrase that I just really like to use).
Life is confusing sometimes. Life is full of surprises, and it is never predictable. There are days when you feel so blessed, and you can truly sense God's presence. Then there are the days when you feel discouraged, and hopeless. I have had my fair share of both types of those days, but it is incredible to think that God is faithful through all of our types of days. I want to offer encouragement to those who feel that they are experiencing many of the second type of day lately, as I am in your place. I feel that lately, I have experienced many hopeless, and discouraging days. God is still here, and He is waiting for us to run to His arms. Even when it seems like you have even given up on your relationship with God, know that He has never ever given up on you. Make your relationship with God your own. Take control, and learn to lose control at the same time. A good attitude is key. Absolutely everybody dies, that is inevitable, but some people don't truly live. I want to encourage you to really live: don't just wait for the next stage of your life to come about. Live for the present. Live for God. Live out what He might have for you. See what He can do with you when you truly give Him everything.
I had to read a book today for my Intro to Youth Ministries class called The Godbearing Life, and as much as I didn't enjoy reading it for the entire day, there is one part that stuck out to me. The author is talking about his journey of getting to know a man who had cancer, and talking to those who knew him as well. "His older brother, Jeff, told me that Dale would call him on his car phone every day at 7:00 AM. The conversation would take a rather predictable course. Dale would ask "What are you doing?" to which Jeff would reply, "What do you think I'm doing? I'm driving to work." "And what are you going to do today?" Jeff would respond with a litany of appointments and projects. Then Dale would ask the best question: "But what are you going to do today that's important?" "
I challenge you to truly live your life. To the fullest. This is something that I'm going to be trying to do, as well. Love people. Even when it becomes hard. Laugh. Tell jokes.  It helps you have a better attitude. :)
What are you going to do today that's important?

Protect Your Heart

Well, I have been talking about creating a blog for a while, since I feel that I can express myself better with writing than many other means of communication. :)
This blog is going to post my thoughts on life, commentary on events, reflections on my own personal relationship with God, and encouragement. I know that God has given me struggles in life so that I will be able to share with others going through similar struggles, and to encourage them in their walk in the Lord.
I am a freshman college student, I don't know exactly what God is calling me to do with my life, but I do know that He has it all under control. It is all in His hands. And that is where I find my peace.
One verse that has struck me lately is Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Recently, I have realized how this is more true than I think I would like to admit. I tend to not guard my heart at times, and be overly sensitive in situations, and overreact due to feelings. However, I need to realize that our hearts govern so much of our decision making, and thinking, and reacting to different situations. We need to be sure that we are striving toward making our hearts like God's heart. This is something that I will be working on myself.
Well, that is just a little tidbit for today. :)