Are YOU a Trader?

This past Sunday in church they showed this video. Check it out!

A Slight Change... :)

I decided to change the name of my blog from "Beautifully Selfless" to "Less of me, More of You". If you haven't understood it yet, it is a reference to John 3:30, where John the Baptist says how he must decrease so that Christ may increase.

I feel this becoming greater and greater in my life, that people may not simply see Rachel, but rather they would see Jesus. :) I think "Beautifully Selfless" still greatly plays into this idea and concept, as it requires a form of selflessness for me to decrease and Jesus to increase. Because of this, I think (at least for now) I'll be keeping my blog URL the same. Not to mention, I don't want that to cause any sort of confusion for people in regards to finding my blog. 

And I encourage you all as well: May you decrease so that Christ may increase in your life! :)

Some things you just have to give up...

 Movies and television have basically become a must-have in the American life, and probably even outside of America as well. But we're practically grown up thinking that movies/television are some of the only ways that we can be entertained. Do you know how much time is wasted from watching movies and television?

Listen to this fact: "According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day (or 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year). In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube."

Did you see that?! 9 YEARS?!

Okay, there's something seriously wrong with that picture. (Pun not intended).

Now, don't get me wrong. There are some really cool movies out there (Inception, anyone?) but at the same time, let me remind you that the Christian life is a life of sacrifice. If the desire in your heart is that you truly want to love and focus on Christ, you should be willing to give up things for Him.

I mean, when I think about it, how many movies have I watched that Christ would have been so displeased with? But we tell ourselves that it's mere entertainment and no biggie because we wouldn't cuss like that, or be violent like that, or have sex like that, etc. But is it really even building us up? Or in fact, is it making us desensitized in the sense that we think it's okay? How much stronger of a Christian would you be if you spent your movie/TV watching time reading your Bible or praying?

I know for sure, that I would definitely be farther ahead and stronger in my walk with Christ.

But I've believed a lie that movies can give me some form of satisfaction greater than that of God. Maybe you're stuck believing that lie too.

And so, to test out this idea that Christ satisfies more than entertainment does, I'm giving it up for a month.

Would you like to go on this endeavor with me?

It means giving up any television or movie watching you normally do for an entire month (that includes all you Netflix users!) I firmly believe that doing this will open my eyes to how much time I've wasted watching movies and TV, and will enable me to have better control over my movie/television-watching habits. 

Either way, please keep me in your prayers during this! :) 

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ"

Philippians 3:7-8

I'm Forgiven!

While doing my school work today, I've been listening to K-Love. The song "Forgiven" came on, which is by Sanctus Real. It's one I haven't heard in a really long time and it brought up some past memories of mine in which I do regret but through the lyrics, I was reminded of what Christ has not only done for me, but for you and anyone else born into this world.

Here are the Lyrics..

"Well the past is playing with my head

And failure knocks me down again

I’m reminded of the wrong

That I have said and done

And that devil just wont let me forget

In this life

I know what I’ve been

But here in your arms

I know what I am

[chorus]

I’m forgiven

I’m forgiven

And I don’t have to carry

The weight of who I’ve been

Cause I’m forgiven

My mistakes are running through my mind

And I’ll relive my days, in the middle of the night

When I struggle with my pain, wrestle with my pride

Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry

In this life

I know what I’ve been

But here in your arms

I know what I am

[back to chorus]

When I don't fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere

When I don’t measure up to much in this life

Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ ‘cause

[back to chorus]"

I'm quite sure that all of us have done things, said things, thought things, that we wish we hadn't. It's very easy to get caught up in the regretful things we have done and forget the meaningful, God-glorifying things we have yet to do.

If your past ever seems to bug you or even go so deep to ache your heart, I encourage you to remember that you ARE forgiven. Let God's Word speak for itself:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted.” Isaiah 43:25-26

When you come to Christ and repent, He no long remembers your sins but they are completely blotted out! There is hope in the name of Jesus Christ!

My Challenge to you: Whether you struggle with things in your past or not, praise Jesus for His amazing love, mercy and forgiveness! There is nothing that can hold you back, no sin that you cannot conquer, no challenge that you cannot overcome, no past regret that you can't make peace with - in the Name of Jesus. Beneath His wings, there is a promise for all of our futures! :) What an encouraging promise that is!

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus …”

Romans 8:1

When the Sun Breaks Through..

WINTER.

When you see that word, what do you think of? Maybe you think of snow, hot chocolate, Christmas, or school break? 

The city I live in is one that has many cloudy and not so sunny days. Especially now that it's winter. Sometimes I find all these cloudy, cold days a bit gloomy. I long to see the rays of the sun beaming through the blinds of my windows.

Lately I've been realizing that winter is more than just a cold, darker time. It's what precedes the brighter time, the spring and forthcoming warmth of summer. It takes winter to reach summer. Ironic as it is, I would say symbolically I am in somewhat of a "winter" kind of season, in regards to my spiritual life. Not that I am dead or my spiritual life is pathetic. I mean it in the sense that I am waiting for the warmth of summer, I am waiting for that light. 

Many days I feel I am in some form of darkness in my winter, trying to be patient on God and His timing for when summer will come. 

Today I was driving home from church and though it was cold, the sun was shining. While coldness was present, the sun was breaking through too and its warmth was right on the tip of my skin. 

It reminded me of the reward which the warmth of the sun and summer in general give.

I took this today. :)

So while I'm in my own winter and days can be cloudy and cold, there are gaps and holes forming to where the sun is breaking through, and through these gaps, I am warmed by the love of God and with His everlasting hope that He continually gives to me! 

I have never been the biggest fan of winter, but slowly I am realizing that if it weren't for winter, I wouldn't appreciate summer as much. The same goes for where I'm at in life right now... The "winter" I am experiencing isn't always the most pleasant, but I do have a growing hope for the days of summer and when the sun breaks through! Through this winter, God can prune away the dead parts of me and when "summer" comes, I will be fully colored, blooming and alive! 

My Challenge to you: If you're going through "winter" currently, praise God. There is good reason for His putting you through its process. It will form in you a stronger and deeper love for Christ, along with a firmer walk with Him (if you let it). Be on the look out for what God is trying to teach you.  

If currently you're not in a "winter", praise God as well! If winter ever comes upon you, never view it as a negative thing. Consider it a blessing in which God is raising you up to be a strengthened follower of Him! :)

"It is when the death of winter has done its work that the sun can draw out in each plant its own individuality, and make its existence full and fragrant. Spiritual growth means something more than the sweeping away of the old leaves of sin--it means the life of the Lord Jesus developed in us." 

-Elisabeth Elliot

A Path Through Suffering (35) 

Six Goals for 2011

I compiled a list of some great goals for the upcoming 2011! These are goals which I mainly set for myself to work on, perhaps you can share in some of them, or even make some of your own! :)

I will go outside of my comfort zone. 
Often times, we get stuck in our comfortable spot instead of reaching out to others. I can definitely say I struggle with this at times but in 2011, I resolve to go outside of my comfort zone more often no matter what environment I'm in - home, work, or church! 

 

I will depend more on God. 

You can never go wrong with more dependency on God! In 2011, I resolve to depend less on myself and instead, depend fully on God! 

 

I will be more selfless. 

The name of my blog, obviously, is "Beautifully Selfless". It revolves around the idea of being completely selfless for Christ by dying to self! In 2011, I resolve to be more selfless and rather than thinking of myself, I will think more upon Christ and others' needs.  

 

I will complain less, even mentally. 

I don't complain too much generally speaking, but I know mentally and my inward attitude at times can be one that could be considered complaining! In 2011, I resolve to work on this so that even my inward attitude may be one that is positive and pleasing to God!

 

 I will praise God, no matter what the day brings. 

It can be very easy to forget to praise God in the hard times, uncertain times, or fearful times. In 2011, I resolve to praise God no matter what happens on any given day--because He is a good God and is worthy of my praise! 

 

I will pray more. 

The Bible teaches to pray without ceasing. In 2011, I resolve to work at this truth and to spend more time in prayer with God, whether in be in my own quiet time or even if I'm at work.    

      

 I hope you enjoyed these goals! They are only a few but I encourage you to think about some of the things you personally struggle with and resolve to work on them for your own spiritual growth and well being! :)

For other goals that you may need to work on, Lies Young Women Believe blog is listing a total of 21 New Year Resolutions for 2011. Check them out here!

 (Those are only 5 of them, by clicking on "Blog" at the top, you can return to the homepage and click the other blog archive links which will lead to more goals they have posted).

Also, I have made it one of my goals this year to read through the entire Bible! I'm excited to begin this challenge! I have tried it once before which wasn't 100% successful but I did read through most of the Bible. I highly encourage you to take this up as one of your goals! It will be an incredible journey if you and you won't believe how much you'll learn about God through His word!

It's almost here!

2011! I can't believe the year has already gone from us!
This is the year I graduate high school! WOW, when did that happen!
I still remember being in 6th grade saying how I still had some terrible six years to go.
Wow. Time does go by fast!

Truth be told, I am actually VERY excited for this new year. It's refreshing. I feel like it's a brand new, fresh start. 2010 will be behind us and new months will be up ahead.

What will God do in this next year? In my life? In your life? Are YOU excited? I AM!

I've already begun to form some new goals for this upcoming year. Things I want to work on and things I want to achieve! Do you have any goals? I encourage you to make some if you don't!
In the next few days I will be posting some of my own goals and perhaps it will get you thinking on some of your own. :)

Food for Thought

"A man is what he thinks about all day long." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, what do you think about all day long? It's an interesting thought, isn't it? 

Would you say your thoughts are more concerned with things of this world? Appearance. Material items. Friends. What's going on tomorrow. Plans for Friday. The next new movie, CD or magazine.

Or are your thoughts centered around Christ? Loving others. Being patient. Sharing the Gospel. Reading your Bible. Meditating on God's truth. Serving others. 

Pretty noticeable difference, huh?

Now, it definitely is true that you cannot always be thinking about spiritual things, simply because that's not an option, we still have to fulfill our earthly responsibilities. But it is more important to have a healthy balance, just like with anything. Let's see what God's word has to say about this!

Romans 12:2
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 

My challenge to you: Consider the things you think about. What are they mainly centered around? What does this show about your heart in terms with your relationship with God? What could YOU be doing to help your thought life and make it more pleasing to your Heavenly Father?

December has Come!

December surely has started out with a bang!
It's snowing. :)

Laura K., you have inspired me to take and post some pictures, hehe.

Enjoy!

  

This gorgeous snow fall reminds me of how Christ cleanses us of our sins. From one of my favorite hymns...

"Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."

Hey! Would you cut it out?!

Have you ever done something and someone else tries to tell you to do it another way, because it's apparently "better"? Isn't that a little annoying sometimes? As if your way isn't good enough or something?
 

Yeah. That can be a bit frustrating. 

Now you know how God feels!

Okay, now you may be thinking.. "Wait what? How God feels? What are you talking about?"
 

As followers of Christ, God has a perfect plan for each of our lives. So often, we try planning our own steps, or the way WE want to go, rather than letting it be up to God. We think that we know better, you know, because we're somehow smarter than God, and know ourselves better than God does even though He created us, riiiight? WRONG! Is it coming together now?
 

I bet you can think of a time when you tried to plan things yourself, or figure out a way to force things together rather than letting God do His thing. I know I can!
 

So here's my challenge to you: Stop trying to metal with God's plans! Trust Him because He loves you more than you know, so much that He sent His only son to die for you! Have faith in Him because He is faithful to those who love Him. And be excited, for the Creator of the universe is working in YOUR life, and you never know what amazing things may happen when you leave it up to Him! :)
 

Proverbs 16:9"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
 

Proverbs 19:21"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."   

Jeremiah 19:11"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

My Prince Will Come and So Will Yours!

Tall, dark and handsome... Chocolate brown hair and a smile you just can't seem to resist. Or perhaps you're more for the sandy blonde with that certain color shade of eyes that just reach out and grab you! Either way, he's drop dead gorgeous, strong, manly and seeks to win over your heart! Just in case you're lost, let me fill ya in! We're talking about that "Prince Charming" which I'm certain all of you reading, whether knowingly or subconsciously, dream about from time to time.

As girls, I know our hearts seem to want the same when it comes to our future Prince Charming. We want a guy who will truly love us for who we are, who will be there for us, who will listen and understand, one that will not abandon us but be willing to love us enough to put us above his own desires. One who will be strong and take care of us all the days of our life. I know in today's world it's easy to see this "ideal" picture and then think "Yeah, whatever, this guy doesn't exist anymore. Most guys are just jerks!" And hey, I won't lie... there are a lot of not-so-good-guys in this world, but this note isn't to bash on them!

But did you know there's already a Prince Charming who does all these things and feels all these things for you? No, I'm not kidding! There really is! His name is Jesus Christ if you didn't already know. :) Okay now.. you may be thinking whoooa what?? I thought we were talking about guys! Like Earthly human guys?! And yes! We were... but before we talk about them, there's a very important thing I want you to understand!

Jesus Christ is your FIRST "Prince Charming". Remember earlier when I listed all those qualities that we like to see in a guy but have trouble finding them? Well... Did you ever think maybe we dream for all those qualities in a guy because those are all the qualities Jesus has? Interesting thought, isn't it! I'm pretty sure God designed our hearts to aim and wish for a guy like that because that's what He is like!

In order for you to have the best relationship with a guy in this world, you must first develop a deep and loving relationship with Jesus! By doing this it will help you:

1. Keep your priorities straight and remember that Jesus is your first love and that your relationship with him is the most important relationship ever!

2. Grow spiritually so that when you do meet your (earthly) Prince Charming, you'll be prepared enough to have a relationship with him.

3. In those times when you feel lonely, you can remember that you have Jesus! He is the only one who can truly satisfy you AND He is the one who loves you more than anyone could ever even imagine!

4. It will give you wisdom and help keep you out of potentially bad relationships that would only leave you heartbroken and hurt!

And there are still so many other reasons why keeping Jesus first is one of the best decisions you could ever make!

Above all, if you REALLY do want to find that earthly Prince Charming, then trusting it with Jesus is the only way you will find him! Why is that? Because Jesus knows your heart and your desires better than you do! Would you say that you know Facebook better than Mark Zuckerberg (creator of Facebook)? No, of course you wouldn't, because you didn't design it.. you just use it! Same with us, God created us; therefore, he knows us best! By putting all of your complete trust and hope in Jesus, in time when you are ready, he will bring along your Prince Charming! :)

Psalm 139: 13-16 says: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

A.W. Tozer once said, "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One."

Maybe this thought has crossed your mind.. "What if Jesus never brings me my Prince Charming? What if I end up SINGLE ALL MY LIFE! AND END UP DYING ALONE WITH 392 CATS?!?!" Okay okay, take a deep breath! I don't think it's possible for anyone to have 392 cats anyway! Jesus may have a life of singleness for you, he may have a life of singleness for me! One can never really be sure. I will say that the single life is certainly a blessing because you will still spend your life with the Prince Charming who loves you most, Jesus. He will always be with you and always love you.... in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. Jesus is our bridegroom whether we end up getting married on Earth or not. What is our goal here on Earth as followers of Jesus Christ? To glorify Him. With that being true, even though it may be difficult to understand, even if God does give you the gift of having a life of singleness, you being single was how you were able to glorify Him and fulfill His plan the most! Feel special to have such a place in God's plan, even if sometimes it is difficult and painful.

In 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Paul wrote: "I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord."

After all that.. you're probably wondering well, should I do anything in the meantime? Yes! You can and SHOULD do things while you're waiting for your Prince Charming!

The season of singleness is not a curse... it's actually a great advantage! In this season, it's just you and God.

This gives you:

-the opportunity to grow spiritually and develop

-it gives you time to have many MANY opportunities to do things that you would not be able to do if you were in a relationship because you have those restrictions

-Remember when I said you're looking for a guy who represents all those qualities? Well guess what! That guy out there is probably looking for a Godly girl that has all the qualities a woman should have! The season of singleness gives you the opportunity to practice and prepare to be a wife, mother, etc. So take advantage of it! :)

Proverbs 31: 10-12 says: "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

Did anything about that verse stand out to you? Notice the last part... "She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." ALL the days of her life! Whoa! That doesn't mean she brings him good after they're married... no, it means from the earliest time possible in her life she should try to bring him good. Now you may be wondering, how do I bring good to a guy I don't even know or if I don't even know if he exists! Here are some simple yet great ideas to keep your future man in mind while you're waiting!

1. Get out a piece of paper and write down the top 10 qualities or things you want in your guy! Keep this list and you may be surprised that someday God will fulfill each and every one of them! Also, don't be afraid to make a list of high standards and rarer qualities.... though it may get discouraging at times when you see this guy is hard to find... keep following it! You'll appreciate your Prince Charming all the more when God sends him your way. :)

2. Buy a journal and write to your future husband! You can write prayers, or thoughts, whatever you want! It can be encouraging and someday when you get married, you can show him that you thought about him even before you knew him! It will be a true sign of your genuine and great love for him!

3. I've read A LOT of books that deal with this subject. Just a few I'd like to recommend: "When God Writes Your Love Story" by Eric and Leslie Ludy; "And The Bride Wore White" by Dannah Gresh; "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris. Check out these books! Especially the first one.. It's been such a helpful tool to me and I'm sure it could be for you too! :)

George Mueller once said, "Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him and expect help from Him, He will never fail you."

Mueller is right, God will never fail you! So keep trekking along beautiful ladies, because God has YOUR best in mind. The journey that leads up to meeting your Prince Charming may be difficult, lonely and just plain painful at times.... but the joy in Christ and the joy through his future blessing of marriage will be worth all those lonely nights!

Psalm 18:30 - "As for God, his way is perfect"

Beautifully Selfless

Beautifully selfless is the main theme of this blog. Being selfless completely for Jesus Christ. Why? Because He gave himself up for me, He died for me, and now it's my turn to live for Him. 

Dying to self is probably one of the hardest things any of us could do. It goes against every part of our hearts and minds, which is telling us to do the opposite. It's letting go of all we ever wanted, of all we ever dreamed for. It's letting go of all that our heart cries out for and rather, crying out to God for what HE wants. 

My heart aches in certain places. Places that I have yet to completely die to self. I bet you know what I mean. Sometimes it's hard to understand why we must do this. Let's see what God's word says....

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

This verse describes the exact truth of how we must be. When we come to know Christ, we are saying "Yes Jesus, I am giving up myself to You. It is no longer I that lives, but I am dying to my sinful nature, to my selfish wants, and living for Your glory and Your will." Now, we can't always be this way, simply because we are bound to stumble at times. But, ultimately, when Jesus comes into our lives, we are commanded and called to release all that we are to Him.

Sometimes we think it would just be much easier to have what we want and NOT die to self. And hey, it IS easy! But is that really the life we're called to live? 

One thing I've learned is that being a follower of Jesus means having a life of sacrifice. 

I can tell you, 100% assurance and in complete honesty, it is worth it.

Yes, it is ridiculously hard. It's a constant battle.

But it is so worth it. Jesus is worth it!

I may try to plan the steps I will take or the things I want to do. But do I have any assurance or certainty of those working out? No.

With Jesus, I may not have any planned steps, truthfully, I may actually have no idea where I am going. I may have no certain direction. But, what I do know, is that Jesus knows where I am going. He has planned steps, he has my direction. While I may have to rely completely on Him with all the faith and trust in me, I also can know that Jesus is doing something amazing, something I cannot fully see. And the best part is, I do have assurance and I do know that the way I'm headed is one that is blessed with joy and meaning. One that is full of surprises... things I could have never dreamed of! 

What could be of any greater worth than dying to self and living for Jesus?

Luke 9: 23-25

"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?"