Masks

I love this little poem. :)

A Little Consideration...

So many times we get wrapped up in figuring everything out in our lives for the benefit of ourselves. We may be nice people, but secretly we don't spend near enough time thinking about, praying for or serving others. I came across this realization tonight when scrolling through quotes in my photo album, and thought to myself "Eeyore was on to something" when reading the quote "a little consideration, a little thought for others makes all the difference." I myself am guilty of being self centered. Quietly self centered, but self centered all the same. I don't make a big deal out of talking about everything I want to do, but I know that, in my mind, I am constantly scrolling through my anxieties about how I'm going to accomplish everything I dream to do. It is good to have goals, but sometimes I get so passionate and focused on one thing that I lose sight of what I need to be doing to honor God. I'm writing this trusting that I surely can't be the only person who does this...right?

Do you ever come across people who just seem so selfless? Like they really don't appear to put themselves first. I think, well props to them but how do they do it! For a while I might be paying close attention to people and helping them out, but when it comes down to it, the majority of my time is spent benefiting me. Even when praying, I notice a lot of "please help mes" in my talks with God. Although we need to acknowledge that we need help from God, we also have to remember that it is not only us in this world. That is so hard sometimes. It truly is. CS Lewis was right when he said Christianity is not a religion meant for feeling comfortable. It isn't naturally comfortable to go out of your way for others, but once you do it, don't you feel good? Even when it seems tough to make time for others, it pays off in it's own ways- by glorifying God through service and there's something in there for us as well- that good feeling. There's a reason we feel good when we do things because they are the right things to do. Integrity comes with a more positive outlook and even strengthens your relationship with God, and, if done right, strengthens those who you are serving's relationship with Him. Being selfless is definitely something I need to work on, and read about what God has to say regarding service and try to put it in to action. We may not be perfect, but just "a little consideration, a little thought for others" really does make a big difference, one we may not be able to see yet but will someday understand why.

Quote of the...Night

"Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you." -Henri F. Amiel

I like that. (:

Autistic Girl Expresses Unimaginable Intelligence

This is incredible. What an eye opening testimony. To think- we could never even imagine what it is like for her and others like her. Wow.

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

Inspired

Today was an inspirational day for me: Dorian Flynn was back in town and he taught two lessons at church this Sunday. Along with the two lessons, we also had our annual chili cook off, which raises money for the organization "Partners 4 Africa" (started by Dorian and his wife, Cheri). We ended up raising 17,000 dollars to help build four (and money to start the next one) wells in Africa. Four wells changes four villages in ways we can't even comprehend here in America, where water is everywhere. In those villages are people, all with families and children, and every one of their lives are changed. I was touched when I saw Dorian's face after the announcement of the amount of money we collected was made; he was ecstatic. I got inspired. I want so badly to do something to help the cause, or a cause like it, and I know I can. I just have to remember to not get too ahead of myself, because if I go in many directions, I won't accomplish this goal. Like Dorian said this morning, I have to do one thing at a time, one day at a time. "An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions." -Proverbs 17:24 So I have decided to just brainstorm for now: I'm going to gather information, figure out fundraising ideas and pray. Once I have a plan, I will talk to more people about it, in hopes of gaining support. 

Beautiful Lies

I absolutely love this quote:

"When you start to know someone, all their physical characteristics start to disappear. You begin to dwell in their energy, recognize the scent of their skin. You see only the essence of the person, not the shell. That’s why you can’t fall in love with beauty. You can lust after it, be infatuated by it, want to own it. You can love it with your eyes and your body but not your heart. And that’s why, when you really connect with a person’s inner self, any physical imperfections disappear, become irrelevant.”
—Lisa Unger, Beautiful Lies