and God said, "I Will"

  Last night, I was feeling a bit of anxiousness.  I'm a bit nervous about something coming up and it was weighing heavy on my mind last night.  And so, during my prayer time, I asked the Lord to, in these exact words, "give me peace which transcends all understanding".  Later in my prayer, as I was thinking about this upcoming weekend I'll be spending in Colorado, I asked the Lord, again in these exact words, "help me to live a life worthy of Your calling".

  After I turned my lights off to go to sleep, I got on my phone to look at my two Bible apps which each has its own "verse of the day".  It's something I started doing a few years back.  Sometimes, the verses fit perfectly with my day and God reveals great things to me, other times, it's just a good reminder.  But tonight, as I read those two verses, I saw the Lord answering two of my earlier requests.

  I clicked on the first app, and this verse popped up:

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to
live a life worthy of the calling you have received."    
~Ephesians 4:1

  Wow!  I was awe-struck that the Lord had me read that verse right after praying those words.  I heard Him say, "I will...help you live a life worthy of My calling."

  I clicked on the second app, and this verse popped up:

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

~Philippians 4:7

  No one is going to convince me that was a coincidence!  God revealed to me again, "I will...give you peace which transcends all understanding."  As I went to sleep last night, I was still a bit nervous of the unknown, but I was comforted that God is walking right next to me this whole time!

  I just had to share what He did for me last night!  And how He showed me that He's standing right beside me walking with me all the way, and carrying me when I need it.

He is good,
    Sierra

Imitators of Christ

  Quite a while ago, I watched a Youtube video (unfortunately, I couldn't find it) of a mom and daughters on a talk show.  This trio were Christians, yet spent the entire time on the show spouting out judgements.  Their judgements were made in a very inconsistent manner and were also not made in a Christ-like manner.

  After finishing the video, it wasn't hard for me to believe that some people have a hard time with Christians.  As humans, we set stereotypes...perhaps especially after seeing a video such as the one I watched.  It's no different for anything else!  If a Mormon, atheist, evolutionist, homeschooler, etc. were to go on TV, we'd probably come to believe that all Mormons, atheists, evolutionists, homeschoolers etc. believe exactly what they do!  But that's not true!  Not all Christians believe the exact thing, nor do all Christians act the same way.  I know people who judge others a lot and out loud and have often felt judged by them myself.  But not everyone is like that.

  Sometimes, on Pinterest, I'll run across a pin that sort of has a controversial saying...or people think it does.  It's interesting to read the comments on the pins (although you have to be careful of language sometimes).  Recently, I was scrolling through comments on a pin about a specific person.  There were a few people commenting who claimed to be Christians yet the words which followed after that claim included curse words along with very rude and unChrist-like statements directed towards that person and also a group of people.  Again, after seeing those comments, it's not hard to imagine that people have a hard time taking Christians seriously.  If we're claiming one thing, and then acting another way...should we be taken seriously?

  The following four verses/passages often remind me how important it is to not judge others.

"When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, 'Let anyone of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'"

~John 8:7

  And then comes this verse which puts it all to rest.

"As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one.'"    ~Romans 3:10

  And in Matthew,

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."      

~Matthew 7:2

And another:

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."      

~Matthew 7:3-5

 Now, I do not claim to never cast a judgement on someone.  This post is a reminder to me just as much to anyone else.

 Today, I saw this quote and it inspired me to write this post:

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.  Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

~Gandhi

  Honestly, I wouldn't be too open to someone who claimed to believe one thing and saw their actions said otherwise.  Not everyone, but a lot of people know what's in the Bible.  They know that the Bible says to not judge others.  So when they hear or see us making a judgement, it isn't lost on them that we just went against the Word that we claim to be our life book!  When they see how we are rude to others, strangers or acquaintances, they recognize that we've gone against the Lord's second greatest commandment.

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

~Matthew 22:37-39

The last verse I want to share pretty much sums it all up:

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."

~Ephesians 5:1

Let's strive together to show the world how Jesus would act towards them.  He loves them just as much He loves you and I.  Let's be imitators of Christ.

In Christ's Love,

    Sierra

So Far So Good

  Yesterday morning, I didn't really have any "resolutions" or goals to complete in 2014.  For the first time, I created a strict budget that I wanted to stick to, but that had more to do with situations that will be presenting themselves this year than, "This year, I want to spend my money more wisely." (although I do want that, too).

  However, this morning my mom informed me of something my church is doing together (I didn't attend this past Sunday so I hadn't heard of it yet).  Our church is encouraging the congregation to read the Bible every single day, no matter how much.  They've suggested three different ways to do this, although if we had our own way, it would still count.  The three options they presented were: 1) read a verse a day and one "story" a week; 2) read an overview of the Bible; 3) read through the Bible in a year.  Because I already have an app for a verse of the day, I decided to read through the Bible in 2014.  This will require reading about 3 or 4 chapters day, and because I'd like to walk away with more knowledge, I'm taking notes.

  Thus, a resolution or goal was started!  Tomorrow, I will continue with Genesis, chapter 12.  A few months ago, my mom gave me a new study Bible that she had received, brand new, for free.  During my Bible study on Tuesday nights, the footnotes, maps, charts, and other tidbits have allowed me to dig even deeper into God's Word!  I'm looking forward to reading the entire Bible and learning more and more about the God I serve this year.  I've never done this before, but it's definitely something that I need to stick to.

  But there's a second goal that I made.

  Around 1:00am New Year's Day, being the weird person I am, I was looking through my own Pinterest boards -- mostly reading quotes I'd pinned in the past.  I came across this one...

  ...and I thought to myself, What a fun goal that would be!.  It wasn't until later that afternoon when I ran into Target that I thought of it again.  I made a friendly comment to the cashier and in reply, she smiled at me and said, "Thank you for that!"  I guess it doesn't take a lot to make someone's day a little brighter.  It can be a friendly comment to a stranger, a sweet note to a friend, or a "thank you" to a family member.

  I hope and pray that no matter what your goals are this year, that you are able to stick to them. :)  I'm usually not very good about sticking to my goals, but I'm hoping that since I just picked two, I'll be able to.

  Love in Christ,

  Sierra

Don't Worry

  Every Tuesday night, I attend a Bible study with several other young adults.  I feel very blessed to be a part of this group - I've learned so much from all the discussions and studies from the past eight months!

  A few weeks ago, there was a Tuesday evening which was especially encouraging to me.  In our small group, we read through Mark 8 several times over, digging deeper and deeper each time.  What stood out to me the most was found in verses 14 through 21.

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat.  "Be careful," Jesus warned them.  "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."  They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread."  Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread?  Do you still not see or understand?  Are your hearts hardened?  Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?  And don't you remember?  When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"  "Twelve," they replied.  "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"  They answered, "Seven."  He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"

  What stood out to me?  The disciples were worrying about the fact that they had no bread.  They were worrying about this after Jesus had already fed the crowd of 5,000 (plus women & children) with five loaves and two fish!  This was after Jesus had fed the crowd of 4,000 (plus women & children) with seven loaves!  This was after Jesus had performed so many other miracles that the disciples had all witnessed!  After seeing Jesus perform all those miracles, how could they even entertain a small doubt that He would not provide them with the food they needed?

  But then I thought...how can I look back at all the God's done in my life - all the ways He's provided for me, all the prayers He's answered - and yet worry that He won't do the same in my future?!  How can I entertain the doubt that He won't provide me with what I need (and want...inside His will)?  Reading this passage comes at a time when I'm sort of looking into my future and wondering what God's going to do.  Reading it really came at the perfect time.  God really does work in great ways!

 Love,
    Sierra

no more training wheels!

  Saturday, June 29, 2013, I officially graduated from high school, although I finished high school work mid-May.

   Sunday night, after everything was cleaned up and finished after my grad party, I told my mom, "Now that I'm officially graduated...now that it's final...I feel like a real adult."

  It's true.  I feel like a lot has changed in my attitude in the past four days.  But in a good way.  God has opened several doors of opportunity within the coming year and a half, and it's going to take a lot of prayerful consideration to find out just where He wants me.  But I know that He'll show me and I'm just looking forward to taking this one day at a time.

  These will be days full of school...of work...of intense Bible study...of a lot of prayer...and discussion...full of fellowship....of getting involved in new places...of school...of making adult decisions.  It's gonna be crazy.  I know it will be.  But as I am transitioning into full-time adulthood (finally - I'm an actual college kid!), I am ever-so grateful for my parents who are willing to give me advice and help me make the right choices.

  When you are really small, your parents probably stuck you on your first tricycle.  Then you moved to training wheels.  And finally, you could pedal all by yourself, but your parents still ran along with you just in case you fell and needed help back up.  And eventually...you and your parents could go on mile-long bike rides together, always there in case someone fell, yet you were fully capable of riding by yourself.

  I feel like this past year and a half or two years, I've had my training wheels.  And as of Saturday, they were taken off!  For the first time, I'm on my own, but I still have my parents there to guide me and help me when I need it - and I will!  I have a feeling which I can't explain: scared...excited...nervous...joyful...confident...unprepared...sad...responsible...Spiritually strong...Spiritually inadequate...purposeful...indecisive...and the list could go on.  It's all mixed in one.

  But I have to say, as I've said before.  This "new unknown" makes me pretty excited.  And I have full faith in God that any struggles I face, He'll be my shield.

  As I went through my graduation cards after my party, I found two common passages referenced: Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.  However, I found three cards which each offered a different verse from each other and from any other card I'd received.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart."  ~Psalm 37:4

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  ~Romans 12:12

"But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you."  ~1 Samuel 12:24

God bless,

   Sierra

PS: coming soon...graduation party pictures.  (happy)

three doors -- only one left open

I gotta start with a little background first before I go into this really cool story about how God has been working in my life.

 In January, I started cleaning for a homeschool family twice a month.  Since it wasn't all that often, it worked well with my school and my schedule in general.  It left me worn out, but I enjoyed talking to the kids as I cleaned and hearing their stories about Tonka trucks, camping trips, and forts.  This family has four children, but the mom's parents lived with them, also, due to health reasons.

 At the beginning of March, I "accidentally" stumbled across an internship opportunity at the Target Corporate Center in Minneapolis.  It was an internship for the job as a Business Analyst.  Long story short, that job had always sounded very interesting to me and for a really long time, I'd wanted to work at the Target Corporate Center (and truly, I have no idea why...).  So after long nights putting together a resume that actually mattered, a high school transcript, and filling out the application form, I applied for this internship.  I knew that whether or not I got the internship, that whole applying experience was good for me.

 When the middle of March rolled around, my dad took me out for breakfast and told me of yet another opportunity.  First, let me say that he is the co-owner of a small business that builds elevators - nothing electrical, just "the box".  His company builds custom elevators and you can see their work in Chicago, Santa Monica, even Dubai in Abu Dhabi!  Anyway, his two sales men have been asking for a "third person" to deal with emails and some phone calls and handle other odd jobs to help them so they can focus on the bigger things that may (and do) come up.  My dad's co-owner has a son who is my age, and they were thinking that together, this summer, we could fill this position for these sales guys.  My dad told me at breakfast that morning that they were only just considering opening the position but wanted to know if I'd be interested.  I said yes, I'd be interested.

 So when I got home from breakfast that morning, my mind was reeling with questions like, "If I got the internship, what would happen with the cleaning job?" and "If I got the internship and my dad's position, I'd still have the cleaning job - how do I go about that?".  I was worrying about having to make the decision of which job I would have to keep, because I could only take one.

 Well, the week following breakfast with my dad, I got a phone call from the mom of the family I clean for.  A position opened up and she was able to put her parents in a nursing home.  Due to the fact that this opened up a lot of time for her family to be able to keep up the cleaning duties, she didn't need me any longer to clean.  Although I was kind of counting on that extra income, I knew that it was probably for the best, and I wasn't upset or even disappointed.  I had a peace about it.

 Last week, when I was in Virginia, I got an email at 1am as a group of us were sitting around the table playing games and talking.  I could see it was from the Target Corporation and it said that my status had been updated on my account - I had to log in to see it.  So I tried.  Due to several reasons, such as the fact that I was on my phone, plus, it was one o'clock in the morning, I was unable to remember my account information, so I had to wait.  The next morning, I still had no luck, so I texted my sister back home and had her get on my laptop and find my account information.  Finally, I was able to log in!!  What I saw made me almost sigh in relief.  I had not gotten the internship.  My heart barely sank, I was totally fine with it.  Yes, it would have been completely amazing had I gotten the internship, but the months leading up to this summer would have been stressful, I would have been nervous, and I would have been commuting almost an hour and a half each way every day.

 I called my mom and told her.  She said she agreed - it was probably a good thing I didn't get it.  I called my dad.  He didn't answer.  When I got a hold of him 30 minutes later, he said he had been in a meeting.  He had been meeting about that "third person" position (I'm going to have to find a title for that position).  They decided that I could start at the end of April!!!

 Now, if you didn't catch the exciting thing in all that, I will say this:

I had three very open doors.  And one by one, God shut the doors until there was one left open.  And it happened to be the door that I would have felt most comfortable walking into; the one that is more likely to lead to bigger possibilities; the one that I get to work for/with my dad! 

 Only God could do that.

I thank Him I only had to wait in the hallway for a little while...

 I just had to share that with you.  I don't believe in coincidences.  I believe in a God who orchestrates everything according to His purpose.  You probably hear a lot of people say, "we just can't see the bigger picture yet".  Sometimes, in life, people have to wait a long time to see just a glimpse of the bigger picture.  This time, for me, I didn't have to wait very long.  Only three weeks.  But what would have normally been disappointments, got me more and more excited that God had something better in mind.  I didn't have to make that decision.  It was made for me and set before me.  I couldn't ask for anything more.  

 In my Bible study group last night, we read from Ephesians 3.  This is what verses 20 & 21 say, which I believe fit very well with all that I just said:

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen."

To Him be the glory forever and ever!  AMEN!!!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."     ~Romans 8:28

God bless,

  Sierra

Comparisons

 How often do we compare ourselves with other Christians.  We may look at them, think they are stronger Christians than we are, and compare our lives to theirs.  Our church to theirs.  Our convictions to theirs.  Our Bible version to theirs.  We worry what they will think when they find out what movies we watch.

 God has given each one of us different convictions.  Different convictions than our friends, than our pastor, even different than our parents sometimes!  But it's not up to them (or us!) to decide what is right and what is wrong.  That is God's job.

 When we compare ourselves with others, we often put ourselves down.  We tell ourselves we aren't as strong of Christians as them.  We don't go to the right church.  We need to go buy a new Bible.

 Sometimes, comparison stems from judgements made against us.  It hurts when people are judgmental against us.  But Who is the ultimate Judge?  Who is the One Judge who really truly matters?  God!  God sent His Son, Jesus, to be the example we are to follow.  We need to to follow His example.  Whatever our pastors, teachers, spiritual leaders say, it is our job to compare that to the Scriptures and then live accordingly.

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to to the Father except through me."       

~John 14:6

Other times, when we compare ourselves to others, we are the ones judging them.  We may look at the books they read or the shows they watch or even the clothes they wear and come to the conclusion that they aren't Christians.  But, really, is that the way we are to live?  Even if they aren't Christians, they don't have to hope that we have and it's our job to show them the love of Christ.  It's our job to be positive examples to them.

"...[He] said to them, 'Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'"
~John 8:7

God bless,

  Sierra

Family Bonds

 This past Saturday, my entire family was able to make our way up to spend two days with my grandpa.  We spent just Friday night with him, had a birthday celebration for my sister on Saturday, and then we headed home.  With the unknowns, we knew we should make sure we said good-bye and "I love you".  Along with my family of five (Dad, Mom, brother, sister, and I), my uncle (mom's brother), aunt, cousin, and her two kiddos, we sang hymns to my grandpa for 45 minutes.  My grandpa has sung at uncountable weddings and had a beautiful deep voice that he used to glorify God.  When kind, loving notes were left on his CaringBridge site, the majority of them mentioned his voice.  This was a time to sing his favorite hymns such as: Come Thou Fount, Softly and Tenderly, How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, and many more.  Although he couldn't use his voice anymore because he was too weak, we could see he was trying to mouth some of the lyrics to the songs.  At one point, he even was moving his hands in worship.  We also had the chance to lay our hands on him and pray over him.  We are so grateful for his legacy he left and that he knew the Lord.  We will get to see him again!

 Not only was this a special time with Grandpa/Great-Grandpa/Father/Father-in-law, but it was also a beautiful time of bonding as family members.  As we shared many tears, a few smiles, hugs, and a few boxes of Kleenexes, I believe it brought us closer as a family.  We were open with our emotions, and were just there to lean on each other if needed.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."   ~Romans 12:15

 My grandpa passed away on Monday night at 10:02.  He died right after Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" finished playing.  I thank the Lord that we had that special time with my grandpa and with each other that day.  Even though it was a tough day, we won't ever forget it.  We made memories.  And although it doesn't seem like a good memory at first, we will get through this, Lord-willing, with a stronger relationship as a family than we had before.

 God bless,

   Sierra

This Christmas

 Today, I had thoughts like this running through my head, "I need to wrap those presents at the end of my bed", "I still have so-and-so to buy a gift for...wonder what I should get them".  Today, dozens and dozens of children were trying to shake the horrible memories from Friday.  Today, kids all over the country went to school with fear.  Perhaps teachers did also.  Today, 27 families probably began to think about funerals for their family members, whether they were 6 or 56.  Some of them even buried their loved ones.  They cried once again at the thought of what they went through.

 Over 2,000 years ago, a tiny newborn baby came into this dark, sin-filled world.  And He gave hope.  He gave hope of God's eternal and enduring love.  Hope that we will one day be with Him in heaven.  Hope that, if we just accept Him, we are cleansed from our sins!

 Next Tuesday, twenty homes will be missing a 1st or 2nd grader.  There will be one less child running down the stairs to rip open the presents.  One less child getting dressed up in their new Christmas outfit.  One less child listening to the Christmas story.  It will be a sad, sad day for those families.  Some of us might feel a bit guilty that we are having such a wonderful day with our family.

 When Jesus came as a baby, He gave hope.  He gives us hope everyday.  This Christmas, not even two weeks will have gone by since the horrible tragedy of the Connecticut shooting.  But, this Christmas, Jesus can and will give hope again.  Hope that He is with us always, even when it doesn't really seem like it.  Hope that one day, if the families accept Him, they will see their loved ones again.  Hope that we all can be free from our sins!  Hope that one day, there will be no more pain.  No more tears.  Just smiles, dancing, love, and peace because God give them to us.  He loves us so much!

 This Christmas, be grateful you have your family near you.  Hug each family member and tell them you love them.  Have hope in God.  But most of all, celebrate Jesus' birth.  Celebrate His life that He lived and died for us.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."    ~Revelation 21:4

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.'"    ~Luke 2:13-14

God bless,
    Sierra

Isaiah 55:9

"So as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

 This verse was my "verse of the day" one day in December of 2010.  I read my verse of the days each morning when I wake up and each night before I go to sleep.  On that particular day, I was preparing for a Christmas party for my Bright Lights group.

 Each party I'd had for my group before, I had over-estimated how many would be coming.  Therefore, I would purchase too many supplies all because I had just hoped more girls would attend.  But this Christmas party was different.  I asked God to bring who He wanted to the party.  Of course, I did have to purchase supplies, so I planned on 15.  Because I was buying some things in bulk, I would have a few extra items.

 So the day of the party arrived.  I woke up, read my verse of the day, and set about preparing the house for about 14 girls, food, games, and fun!  Throughout the morning, I got a few emails from some girls telling me that they were bringing a friend.  One by one, four more places at the table were added; four more favors were made; four more chairs were brought up to the living room.  Wow!  God was adding to our day and I prayed that we would be a blessing to our guests.  

 The party went well!  18 girls attended and all together, they brought $110 for Samaritan's Purse.  We also sang, played a couple games, and had a wonderful Christmas tea!

 That night, I crawled into bed and read my verse of the day.  Isaiah 55:9.

"So as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

 God showed me that night that His ways are SO much better than mine.  I may have only planned for 15 and expected 14, but I gave the rest to Him.  We had 18 girls come and had enough favors, food, and chairs to go around!  

 HE is GOOD!!!

 God bless,

    Sierra

good talk.

 As you know, I lead a discipleship group (LIVE for Christ) for girls.  A few weeks ago, as I do every meeting, I gave the girls a challenge to take home to complete by the time the next meeting rolls around.  The two meetings in October, we talked about Courtship.  As I was writing the lesson for the first meeting, I realized I couldn't give them an hour long lesson; so I settled for two meetings instead.  I enjoyed teaching these lessons and learning even more about this way of relationships which is so diverse from what our culture practices today.

 I remember when my mom first told me I'd be "courting".  I was younger, so I didn't completely understand it, and therefore, wasn't able to completely accept it.  But as I've gotten older, I've learned more and decided that I wasn't going to court because my parents were making me.  I was going to court because it was a personal conviction of mine.

 You may be wondering: just what is courting?  Well, it's an alternative to dating.  How is courtship different than dating?  I'll give you a few differences which I showed my LIVE girls a few weeks ago.  This information is taken directly from the book Before I Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally.

•  People date in order have a good time 'right now'.  Many times they're not even ready for marriage.  They aren't planning on a long-term commitment.  But why date and get attached to someone who isn't going to be your life partner?  The world's way is "now oriented" and God's way is "future oriented".
•  Most people plan to date a number of people in order to get to know a variety of people -- then decide whom would be the best to marry.  They don't realize that the process that forms bonds begins with the very first relationship.  And the break-up process is very painful.  The world's way involves the pain of separation.  God's way involves no separation.   
•  The dating we see today is "me oriented" -- to bring me security, enjoyment, fulfillment, etc.  But true love always puts others first and focuses on their needs.  The world's way is to get.  God's way is to give.  1 Corinthians 13:5 says, "...[love] is not self-seeking...".
•  The dating we see today is "me oriented" -- to bring me security, enjoyment, fulfillment, etc.  But true love always puts others first and focuses on their needs.  The world's way is to get.  God's way is to give.  1 Corinthians 13:5 says, "...[love] is not self-seeking...".
•  People start dating long before they are considering marriage.  Just think of all the "dating" happens even in middle school!  Boys and girls "date" because it's a thrill or a tempting experiment - not because they are committed to this person.  The world's way is for pleasure.  God's way is for commitment. 
•  The Bible doesn't give any positive examples of anything even close to dating.  In our modern world, everyone is comfortable with dating simply because everyone does it.  The world's way is built on human thinking, tradition, and culture.  God's way is always based on the Word of God -- biblical standards, principals, and goals.
•  People date, planning to break up if things don't work out.  This seems like practice for divorce -- not marriage!  1 Corinthians 13:7 says, "...[love] always perseveres."  The world's way is temporary.  God's way is permanent.

  I really enjoyed this pin I saw.  Mostly because I can relate.

 The other night, I sat down with my family.  I also needed to complete the challenge I gave 16 other girls to complete.  My dad has always said that us girls (it's just me and my sister who is 13) will only be allowed to date when we are 63 and he is dead.  It's been his answer.  We've just laughed.  I thought it was time we knew.  I will be 18 in three months (eeeek! :D).  I need to know what the process will be.

 He certainly didn't want to talk about this.  In fact, he started off the discussion with "not 'til I'm dead". But we made him get serious.  He said for my sister, nothing is up for discussion.  There will not be any talk of it.  However, when he turned to me he said if any guy came to my dad right now, he would say "no" - that I'm not old enough yet.  I asked, "and what would you say three months from now?"  He said, "Obviously, it would depend on the guy, but it would be a possibility."  Now...you may be thinking: oh my word, that must've been the most unproductive talk ever.  You have no idea just how productive that was!  

 Because he's always been so closed-mouth about it, I've just set standards myself.  But it's really nice to know where my dad stands - and that the standards I've set for myself align with his.  I'm looking forward to entering this stage in life as a team with my parents.  I won't be by myself.  I don't know what I would do without their guidance.

----

341. getting an 'A' on my first college course -- and 3 more credits!

342. scrapbooking and watching the movies for a whole weekend

343. such a blessed LIVE meeting

344. the anticipation of an upcoming party

345. knowing that God is in control

346. God's amazing ways of teaching me things

347. getting a postcard in the mail

348. understanding math

349. beginning to think about a grad party

350. a good night's sleep

 Love in Christ,

    Sierra

in His hands...

 Like many of you, I am disappointed with the results of last night's election.  God has laid it on my heart to search the Scriptures that pertain to this time.

But remember God's promise in Jeremiah 29:11: 

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord.  'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God has got it under control.

 He has it in His hands.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?'  Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves and it was completely calm."   ~Matthew 8:26

God has got it under control.

 He has it in His hands.

 Recall the words to that Sunday school song, "He's got the whole world in His hands!"  

"...the authorities that exist have been established by God."

~Romans 13:1

 God's got it handled.  How can we doubt Him?  He's proven Himself to us over, and over, and over, and over again!

 I believe we do not have the right to judge the one God has appointed in charge of our country.  We need to trust in the Lord that He will work everything out for the good of those who love Him!  Yes, our country may be in trouble right now, but...we have hope.  We have a promise.  In Jesus!

 God bless America!

~Sierra

Looking Too Far Ahead

 Last week, one of my assignments was to create a short-term goal (to complete within 3 months) and a long-term goal (to complete within a year).  Now, the short-term goal was no problem, mostly because it was a goal of mine even before this assignment.  However, the long-term goal shouldn't have been, but it was...a problem for me.

 If you remember this, I posted last January a few of my New Year's Resolutions.  And I said I was "dead serious" about them.  I really wanted to complete all these goals in 2012, but I knew, in my heart, I wouldn't.  I knew, Lord-willing, I'd accomplish a handful of them, if that.  But there was one that I was really excited about and I had my heart set on it: becoming a college Junior by December 31st, 2012.  I hoped and prayed that if any, this would be the one that would actually happen.  It was looking pretty possible when I passed Introductory Sociology.  However, when I took four months on Natural Sciences and failed that test, which just so happened to be 6 credits, that goal started to slowly fade.  After that test, it wasn't very sensible to study and take another test in the three weeks I had before I left for Brazil.  Mainly because of everything I needed to do in preparation for Brazil.  After Brazil, of course, I wanted to take a recuperation break.  And I needed to finish some other high school work... And there went July.  In August, I started studying for Introduction to Computing, which, praise the Lord, I passed at the beginning of September.  Then this course came along.  This is a 16 week course crunched into 8 weeks.  Because I'm also slowly working on my Senior year of high school, studying for an additional test on top of the that and this course would not have turned out pretty.

 All that to say: if that initial goal was still my goal (which it's not), I would have exactly 73 days to earn 24 credits.  No.  That's not going to happen.

 Anyway, back to my assignment.  So there I'm sitting looking at how slow I'm going at this college thing and I feel like a complete failure.  Then I start mapping things out into the future to find out when I could "reschedule" that goal: to become a college Junior.  Well, being the organized person I am, I felt the need to map out the rest of my degree.  The whole goal of this is not to take four to five years on my college degree.  I'm sitting there having an emotional breakdown because I'm so overwhelmed with everything I have to do and on top of that, I'm questioning if I chose the right major!

 I told my mom, "We need to sit down and discuss this now.  Because I need to make a long term goal and I won't be a Junior until I'm 19 at this rate!"  Well, we sat down, laid out the rest of my high school life (which, by the way, is only seven months left!), and I still wasn't figuring out when I would become a college Junior.  My mom then took my list of tests I have left to take for college, and helped me lay out a schedule for the next seven months of high school work and college work so they fit together.  I will be a Junior, Lord-willing, by the time I graduate from high school.

 As for my degree?  I have no idea.  I was (and still kind of am) questioning whether I was going into the right major.  Would I really be good at the courses and test I'll be taking?  What kind of job can I get with this degree?  I was probably the crabbiest person alive that day.

 I am 17 years old.  I'm a Senior in high school.  That day, I felt like I had to lay out and make a schedule...for the rest of my life.  I feel that when I decided on a major, I was stuck.  That's what I had to do...for the rest of my life.  I don't.  I didn't.  My assignment that I had was just to make sure I knew how to set a long-term, attainable, and realistic goal.  They didn't tell me to plan the rest of my (hopefully) long life!  Besides, if they did...that's not biblical.  Thank the Lord, I never have to plan the rest of my life.  Yes, I should set attainable, realistic goals so that I learn diligence and responsibility and accountability, but I never need to worry about my future.

"Therefore, don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself..."   ~Matthew 6:34

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   ~Jeremiah 29:11

"...all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."     ~Psalm 139:16

 He says it right there in the Bible!  He has my plans in His hands.  Plans not to harm me or stress me out but to give me hope and a future!  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."    ~Proverbs 3:5-6

 All I have to do is trust in Him.  Not myself.  Not my goals.  Not my parents.  My heavenly Father.  The One Who tells me not to worry.  The One Who has magnificent plans for me.  The One Who wrote every single day I will ever have in my life in His book before any one of them came to be.  The One Who I can trust with all of my heart and the One Who will make my path straight.

****

321. seeing my cousins
322. attending my cousin's wedding
323. a LIVE meeting
324. encouragement from moms of LIVE girls
325. playing paintball as a family
326. catching up with another cousin
327. my coach who takes time in her vacation to talk to me
328. playing Sardines in the dark with friends
329. hair cut
330. watching shows with my Grandpa
331. buying crafty things for my craft weekend in a couple weeks
332. having a video call with a friend from Brazil (I love Skype!)
333. getting fun ideas for my grad party (a long ways away)
334. ordering new contacts
335. playing air hockey with my siblings
336. finding cute cards on sale
337. a very productive day of school
338. laughing with my brother & sister
339. having only one and a half weeks left of my course
340. my mom helping me understand my assignments better.

Love in Christ~
   Sierra

Encouraging Bible Verses

 I've recently come across some very uplifting words from the Bible.  I wanted to share them with you...especially since a new post is overdue. :)

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you may go."    ~Joshua 1:9

 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."    ~2 Corinthians 4:18

 "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."    ~Psalm 61:2

 "I loved you at your darkest."   ~Romans 5:8

 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more.  There will no longer be any mourning, crying, or pain.  For the old order of things have passed away."    ~Revelation 21:4

 "As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth."   ~Job 19:26

 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."    ~Philippians 4:13

 "I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears."    ~Psalm 34:4

 "Do not be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with My victorious right hand."    ~Isaiah 41:10

 "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."    ~Philippians 4:19

 I pray those verses were a blessing to you, also.  God bless!

Love in Christ,
    Sierra

until next week!

I realize I haven't posted a good post in a while.  I have been waiting for this week for six months.  On Thursday, I will be headed out for five days to meet my CollegePlus friends.  In person.  The other day, I updated my status on a social network site and said, "I couldn't be more excited!".  I found out today, that wasn't so true.  I think of someone who will be there, or I see pictures of people who will be there, or I see photos of other gatherings that have happened, and I just can't wait!  

 Last week, God gave me a surprise.  I invited Laura (from this post) to come early and come to the gathering.  A couple days later, on Thursday, we got the "yes"!  Instead of waiting until Thursday, now I'm waiting for Wednesday to come.  She also will be staying a few days after the get-together!  I'm so excited!  

 Anyway, I wanted to share a few quotes/Bible verses with you.  These are ones I've found and they've really encouraged me.  This is just to "tide you over" until my super long post comes next week or the week after (I have a feeling it'll take a while to sort through all the photos that will be taken by over 25 people).

^this kind of describes how I feel this week^

Until next week!

   ~Sierra

Looking Ahead...

 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"    

    ~Jeremiah 29:11

Your sister in Christ,

    Sierra

Public Love for Jesus

 I'm sure by now, almost everyone know who Gabby Douglas is.  The 16-year old, two-time gold Olympic medalist gymnast.  But that's not all she is.  And she hasn't been hiding it.  She's a believer.

 It's hard to share your faith.  Especially if it's on [inter]national television.  When Gabby won all-around gold, she publicly gave all the glory to God.  In her words, "It's a win-win situation: all glory goes up to Him, and all the blessings fall down on me."  There may be quite a few Olympians in London this year who are believers.  Maybe even some have publicly made that known -- we just haven't seen it.  But there are definitely some who don't want it known.  They don't want to be judged or to have a stereo-type placed on them.  When asked what motivates her, Gabby said meditating on Scripture -- and that the Bible was very important to her.  This young lady also said her cool-down music playlist includes Christian artist Natalie Grant.

 You can't pin point what you would say in a hypothetical situation.  But I pray and hope that I would trust in God and give Him the glory publicly and not hide what I believe.

 I watched a video of Gabby's pastor interviewing/praying over her before she left for London.  He sent her away with one of my favorite Bible passages.

"You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."   ~Matthew 5:14-16

 She certainly took that Scripture with her in her heart and mind to London.  Congratulations, Gabby, for winning Gold at the Olympics, but most importantly, for unashamedly glorifying our Lord and shining your light for Him.

This week month I'm thankful for... (since I haven't done this in forever, these are going to be from the past month or two):

261. seeing God work in very evident ways

262. having the privilege of staying with my grandpa for a few days

263. God providing me with jobs

264. having the opportunity to co-teach Sunday school this fall

265. rainy days

266. a warm bed

267. air-conditioning

268. my new laptop

269. friends who I get to meet in 3 weeks!  eeek!! :-D

270. getting post cards and letters

271. four Bible verses of the day all surrounding one topic

272. swimming on hot days

273. Toby Mac's new song, Me Without You

274. watching the Olympics

275. shopping with my mom

276. planning this LIVE year

277. comfy socks

278. random discounts at stores

279. shopping with my sister

280. going to the movies with my brother

Love,

  Sierra

Brazil update

 I am a little behind on posting, I know.  I am taking another CLEP test, Natural Sciences, on Thursday and there is only one way I'm going to pass this test, and that is with God's help.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."   ~Philippians 4:13

I haven't really been keeping you updated on my Brazil trip, either!  Below is our most latest email update that was sent out.

Hi everyone! 

  The time is creeping up on us.  Four weeks!  It feels like yesterday that we got the email detailing our first meeting.  Now, we are choosing the date of our last team meeting.  For me, the list of things to do before June 24^th keeps getting longer and longer and I wonder if I’ll get everything done.  Graduation parties to attend, VBS, clothes shopping, hair cut, not to mention work and finishing school.  At times, I am grateful that I have things to make the time to faster, and other times, I’m overwhelmed wishing time would go slower. 

  I am very excited about this trip.  The team has been great getting to know – we’ve had a lot of fun together!  Planning seems to be going really well, too.  God has definitely had His hand on everything regarding this trip.  On Thursday, we found out that 11 out of 16 of the team members’ Brazilian visas had been approved – only two days after submission!  The standard for this is 12-15 days.  What a blessing!  The other five are for us minors which were submitted on Thursday morning. 

  Friday night, we had a party for the team members and our families.  It was a fun time had by all, playing Frisbee, and the name game, and just talking.  Praise God for bonding time for everyone on the team!

  “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”    ~Philippians 4:19

~Sierra

 We are getting SO close to leaving.  When you think "four weeks" you may think, "Oh, that is still a month away."  But then if you think, "Wait, next week, it'll be three weeks!", it seems extremely close!

 In Christ's love,
    Sierra

The Avengers vs. Jesus

 Last weekend, I went to see The Avengers with some friends.  I wasn't really expecting to like the movie since I'm not really into superheroes and I knew nothing about any of these heroes.  Of course, I'd heard my brother talk about them, but besides their names, I couldn't have cared less. :)

 So when I saw The Avengers, I was very surprised that I liked it!  I didn't just like it as in "oh, it was okay for a superhero movie".  I liked it as in, "Woah!  That was awesome, let's quote the movie all the way home!". :)  But that night, as I was doing my devotions, my verse of the day was Psalm 33:20 which says, "...He is our help and our shield".  I thought it was funny how God put that verse there for me to see that night.  He was reminding me that He is THE superhero!  There are six main Avengers, which, put all together are a forced to be reckoned with (by humans).  However, Jesus is one -- just one -- whose qualities and abilities surpass these six superheroes all together.

 Steve Rogers, once a puny, soldier-wanna-be, became Captain America in the 1940's when Mr. Stark (Iron Man's father) did an experiment on him, which resulted in him becoming super strong.  Captain America's weapon is not only his strength, but his shield which is made of the remaining of a rare element.  As seen in the movie Captain America, he sacrifices his life to save New York City.  He crashes an aircraft and supposedly dies, yet, when the aircraft is discovered in 2011, he is found frozen -- but he's still alive.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield..."   ~Psalm 28:7

Romanoff: they're basically gods. [describing Loki & Thor]

Captain A: Ma'am, there's only one God and I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that.

 One part of the Captain America movie that stood out to me was when Steve Rogers was still the weakling.  He had enlisted in the Army and was in training when a sergeant, who didn't believe Rogers was good enough to be in the Army, threw an object and shouted grenade.  The other soldiers in training all ran and hid, but Rogers jumped on top of the "grenade" to protect everyone else.  That shows what kind of man Steve Rogers is.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."   ~Romans 5:8

 Thor, the Norse god of thunder, also has out-of-this-world strength.  He has some back-story, but since I haven't seen Thor, the movie, I don't know what it is. ;)  His weapon is a hammer which, I think, has some magnetic pull to Thor, so whenever he reaches for it, no matter where it is, it flies at him.

Banner: I don't think we should be focusing on Loki.  That 

guy's brain is a bag full of cats.  You can smell crazy on him.

Thor: Have a care how you speak....He is my brother.

Romanoff: he killed eighty people in two days.

Thor: He's adopted.

"Is not my word like fire," declares the Lord, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?"  ~Jeremiah 23:29

 Bruce Banner is a regular man who becomes Hulk -- an ugly green giant.  Although Banner can work hard to control himself from becoming Hulk, when he transforms into the monster, he is no longer in control of himself and ends up hurting those he cares about.  Hulk's strength is just as great as his size.

Loki: I have an army.

Stark: We have a Hulk.

I liked Banner a lot better than Hulk.  Plus, I thought Hulk was scary.  Hence this photo.

"...And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear..."                          ~1 Corinthians 10:13

"my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.  He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior -- from violent people you save me."                                         ~2 Samuel 22:3

 Iron Man was created by multi-billionaire, genius, and head of Stark Industries, Tony Stark.  Stark has designed an iron outfit that can make him fly, can endure tons of strength, and is embedded with the latest technology.

Rogers: Stark, we need a plan of attack!

Stark: I have a plan: attack!

"...your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."   ~Matthew 6:8

"...He is their stronghold in time of trouble."   ~Psalm 37:39

 Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, is a main character in this movie, however I don't think she's very "superhero-y".  She can certainly fight, and aim guns, but I don't know if she's actually a superhero.  

Stark: Guys, I'm bringing the party to you!

[Iron Man leads bad guys to rest of The Avengers]

Romanoff: I don't see how that's a party.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."   ~Proverbs 31:30

 Hawkeye.  I'd never heard of him before.  He started as a bad guy, but then he converted. :)  He could shoot his bow and arrow like a pro and he's scaling a building in the photo below! 

Romanoff: This is just like Budapest all over again!

Hawkeye: You and I remember Budapest very differently.

"But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down."    ~Psalm 64:7

"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."    ~John 10:28

 Now, that verse was God talking!  No earthly, man-made superhero.  A heavenly, Creator of earth, out-of-this-world superhero.  One who didn't get His strength from being an experiment's guinea pig, or from lightning or from inventing his own iron suit complete with advanced technology.  God isn't superficial.  He's not "too good to be true".  He's as real as the air we are breathing.  He's "the way, the truth, and the life".  

 The Avengers was a good movie.  I can see why little boys like pretending to be superheroes -- they get to save the day!  But no Superman, Iron Man, Captain America can compare to my superhero.

Jesus.  He's my superhero.

Love in Christ,
   Sierra

"Stand Firm"

 Last night, as I was doing my devotions, I came across this verse:

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 

~1 Corinthians 15:58

 Stand firm.

     ~ You can't stand firm if you don't know where you stand, though.

 Let nothing move you.

     ~ Plant your beliefs in concrete and don't let anything push you or pull you away.

 Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.

     ~ No more living for yourself.  Give your WHOLE self to the Lord. 

 Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

     ~ When you give yourself to the work of the Lord, He will bless you.  He will reward you.  Not necessarily on earth.  But He will in heaven.  And you will feel blessed, privileged, to be working for Him.

 Sometimes, well, a LOT of times, we read the part that says, "Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord", and think, yeah, I'm doing that.  But are we really?  Are we giving ourselves to the work of the Lord?  Or are we giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord?  Not just part of our life, not just the "majority" of our life, but our WHOLE life.  Our whole life set apart for HIS glory.  For HIS kingdom.  For HIM.  

 Too often, we take a little bit of our lives and keep it for ourselves while the rest we give willingly to God.  But that isn't what He asks us to do. 

"Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

~Matthew 22:37

 We can't love God with all our heart if we take a little piece of our hearts to keep for ourselves.  Same as our souls and our minds.  If we take even the tiniest piece for us, we are not obeying THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT.  

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

~Matthew 6:21

This week I'm thankful for:
251. emails and texts from friends on days that haven't gone well
252. an awesome Brazil team meeting
253. talking to friends who I haven't talked to in a while
254. encouragement
255. this post from Kaleigh
256. making progress in Natural Sciences
257. Khan Academy's science videos
258. movie soundtracks
259. runs with my mom
260. thunderstorms (sometimes) ;)

Love in Christ,

   Sierra