With school, I haven’t had much time to keep this blog going. However,  now that school is starting to wind down, I’m going to try blogging again. I decided to start over in a new place, with a new look and title.  Feel free to drop by my new blog at http://myceaselesspraise.blogspot.com/

Hope to hear from you soon!

“The great key to being used by God is to realize that He use ‘nobodys’ from nowhere, who have nothing to offer Him but a surrendered heart.”

Yes, God can — and will — use you, in spite of who you are. But are you surrendered to Him? Are you willing to be used?

I’m a nobody, and nobody’s perfect; therefore, I am perfect.

I thought about saving that guy from falling off the cliff; oh well, it’s the thought that counts.

I plan on living forever. So far so good!

Doesn’t expecting the unexpected make the unexpected become the expected?

I don’t suffer from my insanity– I enjoy it!

Check out this quote by Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China who was able to share the gospel with thousands. Though we would think he definitely had some bragging rights for all of the work he did, listen to what he said.

“God chose me because I was weak enough. God does not do His great works by large committees. He trains somebody to be quiet enough, and little enough, and then He uses him.”

P.S. Want to know more about Hudson Taylor? Check out this website.

I love how the composer takes the cat’s aimless bangings and turns them into something lovely. Kind of reminds you of what God does for us, doesn’t it?

Anyhow, hope you have a marvelous weekend!

But let’s go back to the question from the last post — why should we want to live un-average lives?

Simple. We’ve been called to do more. Check out this verse.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

You. Created for good works.

I love this verse. Think about what it says — if you are God’s child, then you are His creation, and your mission is to do good works. How’s that for an above-average purpose? What good works is God calling you to do today?

Maybe you even think of yourself as an ordinary Christian. You sit through the Sunday school lessons, listen to popular Christian music, and read Christian magazines. Hey, you’re even a fan of God on Facebook.

But if you are truly God’s child (Not sure? Check out The Good Test), then you have a bigger calling. You don’t have to be average –  especially not an average Christian. It’s not that God doesn’t use ordinary girls and normal lives. He does.  He just doesn’t want them to be lived with a “business-as-usual” attitude.

When I was younger, I wanted to do big things for God. Something like writing a book or working in politics. But God didn’t call me to do big things. Instead, He gave me opportunities like working in an after-school club and  sharing the gospel at fairs. Those didn’t exactly seem like world-changing events. Pretty ordinary.

Believe it or not, we’re all actually called to something extraordinary, no matter whether it looks that way at first glance or not.  See it in this verse:

“ And he [Jesus] died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”1 Cor. 5:15

Or, Jesus gave His life for us, so it’s time for us to stop living for ourselves and live for Him. That doesn’t sound very average, does it?

So, why is this so important? What’s the big deal with living an above-average life? Check back next time to find out why God has chosen us for much more than average.

P.S. I’ll be gone during the next week, so no new posts…but I’ll start again when I get back. Have a wonderful weekend!

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

And he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Set aside a certain time of day to read the Bible. Maybe you have good intentions. You really want to read the Bible…you really meant to read the Bible….but it was a busy day. Choose a specific time, like before breakfast, or just before bed. And then, no matter what, stick with it. Even if you have a busy day, don’t let anything steal that time.

Bring along some tools to help you. I like to have my Bible, a notebook, and a pencil. Sometimes, when you’re reading and thinking carefully, something important will grab your attention, and you won’t want to forget it. Maybe a verse was encouraging on a hard day, or maybe it gave you some insight with a problem. Write it down!

Pray before you read. Ask God to help you focus your mind and teach you from His word. Maybe you’re like me –  I struggle a lot with wandering thoughts. It can be hard to actually pay attention to what I’m  reading! Don’t try to conquer this on your own. Ask for God’s help.

Keep in mind, these are just a few ideas about how to learn from God’s word. There’s so much I didn’t even mention. Let these get you started.

I hope you learn to find delight in God’s word. It’s even better than chocolate. Taste and see!

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and  your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart…”

Jeremiah 15:16