Life is but a Vapor

James 4:14
"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog- it's here a little while, then its gone."

As I read this verse it woke me up. Life is but a vapor. We aren't promised tomorrow, next month, or next year. So how are you living each day? Are you living it to the fullest? Making the most of every opportunity? Being excellent in your job? Pouring into others? Loving people? Helping people in need? Encouraging others? Helping people in struggles you've experienced? The questions could go on.

But its time for me to get real with you guys. Honesty helps with making changes. I'm guilty of not living each day to my best ability. I get lazy at times, I isolate at times, I put sleep over meeting with someone who needs me, my long hours working is an excuse, and the excuses go on.

As 2013 ends and we embark on 2014 I am encouraged to step out of myself and make life fully worth living and changing the world. Life is but a vapor is my mantra (motto) for this coming year. I'm challenged to go deeper and be more intentional in many areas of my life!

I know that I want to continue pursuing my passion at the Little Rock Abortion Clinic, pouring into others who struggle with addictions, being a light to others, finish college in May, work towards moving to Nashville. Lots of things I have my mind set towards.

What are somethings you want to change this next year considering we aren't promised tomorrow. Live each day to the fullest! Live the life God has called YOU specially to live. He has a great plan for you, just be obedient and choose His plan over your own!

I just wanted to share some pictures of my heart where I like to spend my Saturdays. This is me speaking life for the unborn at the abortion clinic! God will use you right where you are.

Just wanted to share a couple pictures of where I like to spend my Saturdays. This does not always happen on Saturdays but I do my best to be there.

LIFE IS BUT A VAPOR...........something to think about how you spend your time!

The Joy of Giving

Its just a few days until Christmas and we are all scrambling to buy last minute gifts and the perfect gift for that special friend, family member, or best friend. I know last night I was go from store to store trying to find gifts. It can be stressful at times.

Even though you are buying for others do you ever get stuck in thinking "what is everyone getting me"? I have!!! But this year has been different for me personally. I have probably spent too much on people. I am at a point in my life where I find joy in giving. And it doesn't matter if you spent 10 dollars or 300 dollars on gifts this year. Its the thought that counts.

Here are a few ideas you can find JOY in giving:
1) Write a handwritten note. YES, I did say handwritten. Weird I know.
2) Take a friend to coffee.
3) Buy dinner for that family member or friend.
4) Leave a larger tip than normal to that waiter/waitress. Yes, I've been a server and its a blessing when you are given more.
5) Take a moment to listen to that friend. Holidays are a struggle for more people than you realize.
6) Help the elderly person in Kroger, wal-mart.
7) Give a coat or warm clothes to the homeless person.
8) A simple hug and a smile is always a JOY.
9) Make that phone call to that friend or family member you haven't connected with in a long time.
10) Go through your closet and take stuff you don't wear anymore to a shelter where people could use it.

These are just a few easy ways you can give to others in this season. Once you take the "I want" and "I need" out of the equation you will find freedom in giving to others. I pray that you will step out of your comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary for others.

Staying free through the Holidays

A lot of you may be like myself who have struggle with an addiction, depression, anxiety, co-dependency, and other many other struggles. Have you found that the holidays are more challenging? I know that I have. You maybe triggered by going back to the places where your issue began, being around certain family members, being judged, the stress of the holidays may trigger it also. Many things trigger people to go back to old behaviors.

BUT...yes a big BUT. This year can be different from years past. You can began today December 16, 2013 to make a decision to make a plan of action. Write a list out of your triggers so you are aware of those. Pray and ask God to specifically reveal them to you. Then make a plan of action.

First we need to call on God. He is our ultimate helper and counselor. Find someone you trust and can call when that trigger happens. Make a plan with this person. Find encouragement in knowing that someone has your back and will help your through your struggles. Keep verses on hand to meditate on and will encourage you during the challenging times.

Have hope  knowing that this year you don't have to struggle through the holidays. There is HOPE in Jesus. He sent his son for YOU and for YOU this CHRISTmas season. Don't fret about what's ahead just make the plan and stick to it. God wants you to have freedom this holiday season and most of all he wants you to live in freedom always.

Keep your head up and don't beat yourself up for falling. Just get back up and keep fighting the good fight! Its worth the fight!

What is toxic in your life?

In the past week something has weighed very heavy on my heart. The word "toxic" comes to mind. Which means "something that has poison in it." A lot of things can be toxic in our lives: relationships, addictions, laziness, health, overly doing something, and many other things.

Today I want to hit on relationships. We all can sit here and think of at least one or two people that we could do away with in our lives. These are the people who put you down, discourage you, don't share in your passions, they aren't receptive to your advice, want to argue with you, live in fear of your rejection. These are a few things that have been brought to my own life.

Its hard to let people go and especially if you care for them but some are so toxic that they need to be out of your own personal life. It will only bring you more pain and anxiety to your daily life. Is this how God wants us to live? He truly wants us to have people in our lives where people encourage us and we encourage others.

A way of living in a healthy friendship has been taught to me this way:
1) Have people who are more mature spiritually to invest in you. This has been very vital in my life. I have learned so much from a woman who has walked some hard roads with me. She has loved me the way God loves me.
2) Have a few friends on your own level of spiritual maturity. These friends you both encourage one another. You walk life together. Play sports, run, drink coffee together, text daily, hang out with on the weekends, go on trips together.
3) Have people you invest in. We have people we need to love on. But make sure this relationship DOES NOT become toxic. Because they can become this way. We need to make sure we do have a couple people we invest our time in. We become fulfilled this way. Also God wants us to have these people to pour into.

We aren't called to do life alone but we are for sure not called to live in miserable toxic relationships. So work on getting rid of those toxic people who bring you down and find the JOY in healthy relationships that the lord has called us to!