You're Not In The Drivers Seat

This past week the winter has been brutal. It leaves the streets in horrible conditions and you're taking your life into your hands when you leave the house. This past week my brother was in a car accident on the freeway. Yes, scary. The person in front of him hit an ice patch and started fishtailing. He had to work to stay in control of his vehicle and keep others around him safe. While keeping his car in control he hit an ice patch and spun out into a guard rail at about 50mph. Another car behind him spun out and hit him. I am so glad that he is safe. His car however, poor Genevieve has been laid to rest. 

It made me think about one of my favorite verses, 

Matthew 16:24 

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am." 

My brother shared with us that while he was driving to school on that snowy morning he was thanking God for all the doors that have opened up for him in the past two weeks. He told us that minutes before he got in the accident he had said, "God, I put it all in your hands." God knew what was going to happen. My brother was not in the drivers seat.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

What does the Bible say about TESTS?

Tests. 

Ew, no one likes them. Right now high school students are breathing a sigh of relief because end of semester exams are done. College students are prepping and cramming for their next exam. Whether you're in school or not, tests will always be a part of life. Life tests are not pass or fail. 

They are pass and continue to work to pass. 

And even when you pass the test, you may have to pass it over and over again.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

James 1:2-4

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

What does the Bible say about PRIDE?

My favorite thing to do when I hear a little nugget of truth is to go here and type in the subject. Recently it has been pride. OUCH. The nugget of truth that led to this was,
"The more you admit you can't do something, you stab pride and kill it."
I am someone who likes to control of what I do the majority of the time. I am not one to easily admit that I can't do something. I will work hard to figure it out on my own. I have a hard time delegating. I enjoy hearing a "good job" or "wow, what you did is great!" (I mean who doesn't like to hear that?) But all those compliments feed my pride when God is taken out of the equation. 

Proverbs 10:17
The road to life is a disciplined life;
    ignore correction and you’re lost for good.

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 29:23

Pride lands you flat on your face; humility prepares you for honors.

The opposite of pride is humility. Humble yourself unto others and God. He will give you grace to wipe away the pride. The more I honor God with what I do and use my life for Him the less it becomes all about me. 

John 3:30 
He must increase and I must decrease. 
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.
Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Friendships

Friendships are important. The right friendships are even more important. 

A friend can hold you accountable for everything that you say and do. 
A friend can let you know if your shoes don't work with your outfit. 
A friend will always remember your birthday. 
A friend will pick you up when you fall. (or laugh at you, if they're a close friend.) 
A friend will listen. 
A friend knows your coffee order. 
A friend says nice things about you even when you're not around. 
A friend understands that most of the time, chocolate will solve the problem. 
A true friend is revealed during hard times. 
A friend forgives. 
A friend will dream big with you. 
A friend is always happy to see you. 
A friend will have no shame when singing in the car with you. 
A friend is someone who knows all about you and still chooses to be your friend. 

But what does the bible say about friendships? 

Proverbs 13:20 

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. 

Proverbs 18:24

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Job 6:14

He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 

Proverbs 27:19

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. 

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 

Proverbs 22:24

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

It's okay to get mad.

Emotions are a part of life. Happy. Sad. Mad. Each one is bound to show up at some point in your day, week, month. You get it. Dealing with emotions is tricky, I think it's especially harder for girls to deal with their emotions. Girls are so emotional!

Bottom line, we shouldn't be ruled by our emotions and being a girl doesn't give us a free pass to be a roller coaster of emotions. Emotions need to be controlled.

You can control your emotions in different ways

eating froyo 

singing 

running 

removing yourself from the situation that is making you upset 

smiling (whether you're happy or not) 

crying 

laughing 

most important: (i think) PRAYER

This past weekend has been an emotional one. I'm not perfect, I still get upset and overcome by my emotions. I sometimes need to slam a medicine ball on the ground at the gym to let off some steam. I will admit to emotional trips to get froyo by myself. (maybe more than one?) 

Dealing with emotions is always going to be a learning process but God has got my back and only wants the best for me.

He allows opportunities for me to be tested and allows me to grow from each test. 

Praise God for that! 

Read Your Bible: James

I have been reading James this week while I have been recovering from surgery. There are so many great truths in James. It's a short book in the bible (only 5 chapters) and is an easy read. However, to really soak up all the truth you gotta take your time. I am taking it one chapter at a time to really understand and apply the truth to my life.
Here are some great truths found in Chapter One. 

verse 2: "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 

verse 5: "If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help." 

verse 10: "Prosperity is as short-lived as a wild-flower, so don't ever count on it."

verse 15: "Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer." 

verse 18: "There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures." 

verse 22: "Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!" 

Bee's Favorites: MAY

May is officially over. Here are some of my favorite things from last month. 

Putting my whole itunes library on shuffle! It's one mood swing after another. I discover albums that I never have listened to before that somehow, through the magic of the public library ended up in my itunes. Broadway, folk, soundtracks, hard core rock, to worship music.... it's one big surprise when it's on shuffle!

Lush Blousey Shampoo: I didn't buy a full size of it because it is a little pricey for a shampoo. The sample they gave me was good for two washes. Let me tell you, my hair looked amazing after those two washes! Tons of shine and it kept my frizz under control. If I have $25 laying around taking up space I am going to buy a full pot of blousey. 

Emergen-C ElectroMix Packet: I heard about these from Olivia & Hannah of #myfitspiration. These are perfect for replacing missing electrolytes after a workout or when you're just feeling worn down. I mix it in with a bottle of water and drink it down. *The taste is similar to a sparkling lemon lime soda.

bright nails: I am loving having really bright nails since my skin is starting to get tan again. Essie Tart Deco and Forever 21 Neon Pink are great bright options for the start of summer!

 Boba! I have seen boba lattes but have never tried one. With the expert advice from some friends and google maps I found a boba latte place about 20 minutes away from my house. I got a punch card too, which means I will be back for more. (I got the oreo boba.)

#50MilesInMay: I really loved this challenge. My goal was to run 50 miles in May. I came 9 miles short of my goal. However I know I did at least walk/run/longboard/bike 50 miles in May. I am counting it as a success. Check out my other posts about the challenge!

Start

Week One Update

Last Week Update

The Book of Esther: I have been reading about Esther lately and remembering what an extraordinary woman she was. I am inspired by her desire to save her people. She was so unselfish that she was willing to die if it saved her people. She knew who she was and never changed from that even though her life was at stake. 

What things were you loving during May? 

Deny Yourself

God has really been hitting home an issue in my life and boy is it a tough one to tackle. I am sure everyone deals with this too... I mean no one is perfect. Selfishness. Yup, it's a tough one. Along with selfishness comes the need to be in control of everything. I think the longer I work for myself as a business owner the more control I seem to take over everything in life, even the little things. I have the, "I'll just do it myself because I know how I want it done"attitude.

Matthew 16:24-26

²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever wants to save their life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. ²⁶ What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (NIV)

^24-26 Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? (THE MESSAGE)

God is always working on us and making us into who He wants us to be. Submitting to God is the first step into allowing him to make us who He wants us to be. That is the first step in getting rid of selfishness and the need to control everything. Placing it into God's hands rather than my own. 

Look for the helpers

After hearing about the bombings at the boston marathon I was speechless. My friend Michelle told me about it and I said, "Are you serious?" Tragedies like this are never something you want to get used to and I kind of feel like it is becoming more common and more frequent in our country.

As I watched clips from the marathon I was crying and praying for the children, volunteers, amazing athletes, and family members who were innocently harmed either physically or emotionally. To complete, let alone qualify for the Boston Marathon is such an amazing accomplishment and probably a bucket list item for many runners who were at the race. This event is now scarred by tragedy. 

One thing really stuck out to me while watching clips of the event unfold. After the first bomb went off, shortly followed by another bomb, the amount of people running to help those who were hurt or trapped was heroic. The officers, military officials, and medical volunteers, runners, and spectators going to the aid of those who were injured showed such selflessness. "There's gotta be people hurt over there." Frantically removing gates and barriers to rescue those injured, the helpers and heros were risking their lives to rescue others. 

There are always lessons to be learned from the good and the bad in life. Whether you're best friends, family members, or complete strangers, when someone needs your help be ready to provide it. 

Be willing to risk your life for theirs.
"This is how we know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16

My brother was also touched by those willing to risk their lives for others.
He was inspired to create THIS. Please give it a listen. It is powerful. 

Sunday Sermon Notes: March 17

I realized that it has been a while since I posted some sunday sermon notes. Despite being pinched several times by the kids at church because I wasn't wearing green, church was great. I always enjoy taking a break from life and spending a couple hours (yes...a couple hours) in God's presence without distraction of my phone, work, and life. 

My notes from the sermon end up being powerful one liners that could be tweeted or placed in a status. They are easy to apply to your life and are written in a plain but powerful way. Pastor Jim spoke on Joy again this Sunday and it was quite timely. I sure needed some JOY! 

Enjoy!

Notes from Service: 

• Be filled with the spirit because then you're taken out of your own hands. 
• We are our biggest problem. 
• Make a decision and then just follow Christ. 
• God is looking for a Joshua/Caleb spirit. 

Hebrews 12:2

² Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

• There is a joy that awaits those who are faithful.
• The best joy you can have is God's joy.
• When the storm on the outside of you moves to the inside, then we have a problem. 
• Joy of the Lord is your buoy, it will keep you afloat. 
• Joy is a gateway to a greater anointing. 

Acts 12:49-52

⁴⁹ And so the Word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through Christ] scattered and spread throughout the whole region.

⁵⁰ But the Jews stirred up the devout women of high rank and the outstanding men of the town, and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their boundaries.

⁵¹ But [the apostles] shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.

⁵² And the disciples were continually filled [throughout their souls] with joy and the Holy Spirit.

• In order to maintain joy you gotta dust bitterness off your shoulder. 
• You want the Lord to visit you, stop complaining. 
• Joy-----> Holy Ghost
• Rejoice-----> Re-joying: it's an act of your will. 
• Hard things in life will stop up your well but you have the power to unstop it. 
• Get out of the realm of your feelings and get into the spirit. 
• God doesn't need your help to keep things steady. 
• God doesn't claim those things that don't see things from His viewpoint. 

Acts 20:7-12

⁷ And on the first day of the week, when we were assembled together to break bread [^[a]the Lord’s Supper], Paul discoursed with them, intending to leave the next morning; and he kept on with his message until midnight.

⁸ Now there were numerous lights in the upper room where we were assembled,

⁹ And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting in the window. He was borne down with deep sleep as Paul kept on talking still longer, and [finally] completely overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead.

¹⁰ But Paul went down and bent over him and embraced him, saying, Make no ado; his life is within him.

¹¹ When Paul had gone back upstairs and had broken bread and eaten [with them], and after he had talked confidentially and communed with them for a considerable time—until daybreak [in fact]—he departed.

¹² They took the youth home alive, and were not a little comforted and cheered and refreshed and encouraged.

Breakthrough in my PJs

Church was cancelled this morning due to illness, but that didn't stop me from having church. I woke up with such a desire for something new and fresh for my life. I remember saying to my friend on January 1, "It just feels like another day. I know it's a new year but it doesn't feel any different to me." God has shown me that I cannot curse my 2013 by looking back at 2012. What happened last year, happened last year. It is a new year, a new beginning and God has some incredible things in store for me and for this nation in 2013. 

I tuned into The Ramp for their morning service and had such a breakthrough! The minister Jason Adair spoke from Deuteronomy 11. I had such a visual of what God has for me in 2013 after hearing his word. 

^{Deuteronomy 11:10-12 (the message)} 

^10-12 The land you are entering to take up ownership isn’t like Egypt, the land you left, where you had to plant your own seed and water it yourselves as in a vegetable garden. But the land you are about to cross the river and take for your own is a land of mountains and valleys; it drinks water that rains from the sky. It’s a land that God, your God, personally tends—he’s the gardener—he alone keeps his eye on it all year long.

Because Egypt was a desert, in order for the Egyptians to get water they had to dig their feet into the ground and drag the soil to get the water their seeds needed. God is bringing us to a land where God will water our seeds. Our seed is our relationship with God. The God given desire within us to live out His kingdom on Earth. 

It's no longer going to be a fleshly act by me to water my seed. No longer will it be a struggle to obtain the water in order for me to grow. God's presence is going to rain over my life and cause my seed to grow.

 ALL YEAR LONG!