+ Choose Joy +

It's seems that God always gives me words in the most unlikely times. It's usually right when I'm sitting waiting at my kitchen table, with everything done, waiting to make the trek to the bus stop, he inspires me. Now don't get me wrong, God inspires me a lot... but it's when I'm alone, he speaks to me the most. I opened up a new post page not knowing what to write. Still as I type this sentence I don't know why God wanted me to start blogging again. I was originally going to make this blog with the theme of updates on the events in my life, updating family and friends of the wonderful things that living in Regina and being married brings. Now those things are still true, but God had a different plan. It's coming clear to me, this is a place where I can share of how hard and messy being a Christian is. Yes, we paint on a false front to show people that living for Jesus is always wonderful and easy. But that is not what it's about. It's knowing t...

It's that moment, that realization that you're not where you'd like to be, not in the place that you wish you could have been by now. If I could just get there, if only I could be like that I'll be happy. But then you realize... That the journey has only begun. It's not about what you can attain, what you can accomplish in this life. Everything is meaningless, everything under the sun is going to waste away. The house you have, the way you look, the money you save. Everything will deteriorate when you pass from this life. So where is the hope? Where is the purpose? Jesus. Plain and simple.... Jesus. It's that eternal focus, knowing that our lives, are whole being were made to worship. Whether you choose to worship God or the things of this world this is what we are. You cannot deny this truth. Day in and day out we wake up go to work, come home eat, and sleep again. To what, do it all over again the next day. It's a constant cycle of going through the motion...

Regina. Who knew of all places in Canada this is where I'd be. Especially looking about being here longer then I anticipated but it honestly has some beauty to this place. My mom always would say "it's about the people not the place" which is exactly why I'm here. Luke's family is amazing. I have felt like I have just slid into the last name like butter. If that makes sense haha. I feel like this is where God has called me which is amazing and kinda hard at the same time. Adjusting has been a bit difficult for me but I'm pushin through, knowing that the strength I gain is not from within myself but brought by the very same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Amazing. That gives me hope for what God has in store for me and Luke together as we start this thing called marriage. A lot of changes.. but the most important change is that my heart is being stirred, it's restless. I'm just not clear what God is doing right now but I pray that he will gi...

Trying to get a post in as I wait to leave to catch my bus. Work, yeah it's only going to be at least another 40 years of it.. Let's make it a mission field. We spend more time at our workplace then we do at home around people that can influence us for the better or the opposite, the worse. This is where having a strong foundation of the truth is important. We don't just go to work, we go to show Jesus. With our words, actions or even as little as not participating in a conversation. Everyone is watching you. They know that you're a Christian, they point fingers, and ask you tough questions but the Holy Spirit gives you the courage to stand firm. These past couple months have been so challenging for me. Being reminded daily that unbelievers will try to bring you shame for not being "open minded" being too "uptight" but in Jesus we cannot be put to shame!  For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put  to   shame .” Romans 10:1...

So yes, things are changing, drastically! After the wedding, the honeymoon, all the attention and excitement, real life has started. I don't really know how to even go about accommodating all the changes, I have to change how I've lived my life for many years, making my husband my priority above myself. I'm finding this is already not easy as I am as selfish as any person but I know this is where God has brought me, to a place where I will be sanctified, molded and almost forced to grow in my relationship with Him. Relying on Luke for all my needs, yeah not a good idea, Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy my soul! I never really understood how big of a deal marriage was until I started marriage counseling and my eyes were opened to how hard this was going to be. It's work, lots of work, but I know that our love for God and for each other must deepen for this to be legitimate. All in all I'm so excited, God has already been at work through this. :) Not going ...