Stop, Breathe, Pray. These are words I have uttered and muttered countless times before but they are words with so much power behind them.
Stop. Stop stressing, worrying, freaking out and scrambling. It does absolutely no good. It brings nothing but stress, fear, illness and all sorts of other bad for you things.
Breathe. Take a moment to take a deep breath and relax. Realize that you are not now, nor have you ever been, the one in charge. Accept that. It will make life a thousand times easier.
Pray. The most powerful weapon we have is prayer. Pray to the one who provides for all you need. You may not have all you want but what you need will be provided.
Much easier said than done I know but really it's the best solution to anything you face. Stop for a moment to set aside the chaos and insanity known as life. Breathe for a minute, unwind and remind yourself who is in charge and pray. Lift up whatever is on your plate to your Heavenly father who loves and cares for you. He will provide all you need!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Lessons
Romans 8 1-2, 37-39
"Therefor there is no condemnation is Christ Jesus because through Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither the present nor the future, neither angels not demons, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate me from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord"
Recently I learned some lesson the hard way. I moved all over the place, several times in just a few months, made some money, got scammed and lost all my money and ended up right back where I started with nothing solid to lean on but the Lord. What happened you may ask... the answer is simple. I stopped listening to God. I made some mistakes. I dated a person I had no business being with. I moved against my better judgement. I walked away from my faith and really just stopped thinking all together for a good while. Needless to say a few months, a lot of money, more stress and anxiety later I am right back where I began. Not sure what the future holds. Missions work is still on the table but seems far off as I look at all the debt I now have to repay. It's a daunting task. Friends be careful and guard your hearts. I would hate to see any of you fall into the same trap I did. It was a check cashing scam and now I am feeling every ounce of burn. I hurt myself and a lot of the people I love and care about and it's not going to be an easy or quick fix. God's grace and mercy abound but it's hard to focus on him these days. I seem to be looking at the mountain a lot instead of the one who can move that mountain. Now I must focus on God and I must focus on all that he is and his words. There you have it friends. Lessons from the past six weeks.
"Therefor there is no condemnation is Christ Jesus because through Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither the present nor the future, neither angels not demons, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate me from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord"
Recently I learned some lesson the hard way. I moved all over the place, several times in just a few months, made some money, got scammed and lost all my money and ended up right back where I started with nothing solid to lean on but the Lord. What happened you may ask... the answer is simple. I stopped listening to God. I made some mistakes. I dated a person I had no business being with. I moved against my better judgement. I walked away from my faith and really just stopped thinking all together for a good while. Needless to say a few months, a lot of money, more stress and anxiety later I am right back where I began. Not sure what the future holds. Missions work is still on the table but seems far off as I look at all the debt I now have to repay. It's a daunting task. Friends be careful and guard your hearts. I would hate to see any of you fall into the same trap I did. It was a check cashing scam and now I am feeling every ounce of burn. I hurt myself and a lot of the people I love and care about and it's not going to be an easy or quick fix. God's grace and mercy abound but it's hard to focus on him these days. I seem to be looking at the mountain a lot instead of the one who can move that mountain. Now I must focus on God and I must focus on all that he is and his words. There you have it friends. Lessons from the past six weeks.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Rolling With the Punches
Life in constantly changing. Everything is up in the air. Work is stressful but it's going as well as it can be, after all I am a crew member at McDonalds. The longer I am away from my church in Potsdam and my friends there the harder things seem to get. I guess I am feeling isolated and alone. There aren't many believers my age here which is hard for me, definitely not what I am used to. Every day is another challenge. To stay clean, sober, healthy and safe. To take care of myself, work hard, do what needs to be done. Rooming with friends here and although there have been some discussions of faith and beliefs, and they are completely supportive of me they certainly are not believers. Kind of starting to feel like I am running in circles I guess. Lots and lots happening constantly. Not much quiet time or down time. I sure do miss Potsdam. I will be visiting very soon though. Plans are being made even as I type this post. Excited for friends and church and spaghetti and Bagelry but somehow it has a bitter sweet taste as I know it will be a short trip and I will have to come back to the same thing I am doing now. So many questions about God's plans and will for my life. As always life is a basket of change and I am trying to roll with the punches. Ali bit wiser for every day lived I suppose.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Reactions
So tonight at work some comments that were made that really upset me. Jokes and laughs being shared over human trafficking and sex slavery. I have lived through abuse many times. It makes me so angry to live though holy hell every day praying for either rescue or death only to have someone to make jokes about it. its not funny. Not even a little. Its evil and all sorts of ungodly awful. Don't joke about it. Not ever. Here are some facts...
Human Trafficking
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking, also known as modern day slavery, is any kind of forced labor. A victim of Human Trafficking is controlled by someone and exploited, or treated unfairly, for his or her work.
How many different kinds of Human Trafficking are there?
To our knowledge, there are more than 4 types of human trafficking, some of which include sex trafficking, child trafficking for sex or hard labor, domestic servitude, and debt bondage. Mostly women, but also some men, are tricked into bondage with seemingly harmless job offers or are kidnapped or sold. Children are kidnapped and/or sold easier than adults because they are usually more gullible and are somewhat easier targets. Victims, especially the younger ones are sometimes sold to Human Traffickers in order to pay off a debt. They try their best to work off that debt so they can be free, but usually have extreme difficulty doing so.
How long has Human Trafficking existed?
Human Trafficking has been around for thousands of years. It started when human civilization began. It became a large and profitable industry for the Ancient Greeks and Romans and continued to exist as one through the medieval times and up until this very day.
Where in the world has Human Trafficking existed?
Human Trafficking has existed and still currently exists in 6 of the 7 world continents. We may here stories of human trafficking in other countries and think that it will never happen anywhere near us. However, Human Trafficking is a problem in the United States as much as it is anywhere else. In fact, it is estimated that roughly 14,000 to 18,000 people are trafficked each year in the United States alone.
How many Human Trafficking victims are there in the world today?
There are roughly 27 million victims all over the world today. That is the largest number of victims of Human Trafficking ever recorded. Considering that there are a little over 7 billion people in the world, that means that almost 4% of the world is in bondage.
Other Facts:
Human Trafficking is actually illegal in the world today, but it still occurs all over the world.
The people most subject to Human Trafficking are those who live in poverty or are in debt. They get tricked into taking a loan from the Traffickers and are promised work that will help pay off their loan. They soon find out though that the job they get is not the one they were promised. Whatever work they are forced to do is a lot harder, more abusive and involves very poor conditions.
Human Trafficking
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking, also known as modern day slavery, is any kind of forced labor. A victim of Human Trafficking is controlled by someone and exploited, or treated unfairly, for his or her work.
How many different kinds of Human Trafficking are there?
To our knowledge, there are more than 4 types of human trafficking, some of which include sex trafficking, child trafficking for sex or hard labor, domestic servitude, and debt bondage. Mostly women, but also some men, are tricked into bondage with seemingly harmless job offers or are kidnapped or sold. Children are kidnapped and/or sold easier than adults because they are usually more gullible and are somewhat easier targets. Victims, especially the younger ones are sometimes sold to Human Traffickers in order to pay off a debt. They try their best to work off that debt so they can be free, but usually have extreme difficulty doing so.
How long has Human Trafficking existed?
Human Trafficking has been around for thousands of years. It started when human civilization began. It became a large and profitable industry for the Ancient Greeks and Romans and continued to exist as one through the medieval times and up until this very day.
Where in the world has Human Trafficking existed?
Human Trafficking has existed and still currently exists in 6 of the 7 world continents. We may here stories of human trafficking in other countries and think that it will never happen anywhere near us. However, Human Trafficking is a problem in the United States as much as it is anywhere else. In fact, it is estimated that roughly 14,000 to 18,000 people are trafficked each year in the United States alone.
How many Human Trafficking victims are there in the world today?
There are roughly 27 million victims all over the world today. That is the largest number of victims of Human Trafficking ever recorded. Considering that there are a little over 7 billion people in the world, that means that almost 4% of the world is in bondage.
Other Facts:
Human Trafficking is actually illegal in the world today, but it still occurs all over the world.
The people most subject to Human Trafficking are those who live in poverty or are in debt. They get tricked into taking a loan from the Traffickers and are promised work that will help pay off their loan. They soon find out though that the job they get is not the one they were promised. Whatever work they are forced to do is a lot harder, more abusive and involves very poor conditions.
Still think it's funny or something to joke about? Think twice next time you want to joke about slavery or abuse or rape think about the millions of people right now being used and abused and reconsider what your about to say.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Challenged
Recently I have been struggling a bit with some personal stuff. Today one of my best friends challenged me to make a list of all the things I am thankful for and it was something I thought I would share with you all! Mind you these things are in no particular order, just how the come to mind :D
- Being fierce loved by God and knowing him as Lord and Savior of my life
- Baking Banana bread when I get stressed
- My absolutely amazing friends that stand by me always, even when they shouldn't
- Both of my amazing churches. Whether I am in Potsdam or Granville I know there is a the body of Christ waiting for me
- My job. I may have a messed up eating and sleeping schedule because of it but I am incredibly thankful to have my job right now
- Writing! Writing has always been an outlet for me and to be able to write (or bake on occasion) has been a blessed relief
- My Blog here at Just Me and Nothing More and all the people faithfully read each and every new post. It is mad encouraging to see the "number of views" function rocket with each new post.
- My family. I love them, they drive me crazy and they love me back and that is something that connot be replaced.
- Heat!! I hate being cold and I am greatly appreciative to the people who have built the modern day furnace.
- Last but not least on this list is technology. Being able to communicate so quickly with my friends to share, care, love and encourage has been a life saver.
There you have it folks. 10 things I am thankful for today. I am sure there are more but these came to mind today and now I pass the challenge to you. What are you thankful for?
Thursday, January 9, 2014
For a Girl
Ladies. I get it. I do. You think your in love. He sweet talks you. He gives you everything you could ever want. You feel like a princess right? Well it is all fine and great but is he a true upright Christian man? Does he love God more than you? Does he seek to honor you both? If he could never touch you again would you still be in love? Girls here is some hard earned wisdom.The only man worth dating is the one God would have for you. The only man worth your time loves God first and then you. He seeks to honor God and love you. To be a kind and gentle leader. He will never pressure you or push you into anything, ever. There will be no question of your boundaries, he will respect you. If he wouldn't do it in front a pastor he would never dare do it behind closed doors.
In the words of Kellie Pickler...
Hey, there little home coming queen,
In that back seat.
I bet his brown eyes,
are promising you everything.
I know you want to be just like your friend,
But he'll still love you if you don't give in
If those girls are being honest that have been were you're at,
I bet they'd tell you that they wish they had their innocence back.
So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late, you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear, they can all be washed away
By the one who's strong, can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry, all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light, He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl
In the words of Kellie Pickler...
In that back seat.
I bet his brown eyes,
are promising you everything.
I know you want to be just like your friend,
But he'll still love you if you don't give in
If those girls are being honest that have been were you're at,
I bet they'd tell you that they wish they had their innocence back.
It's the truth. I gave everything to a man I thought I loved, wanted to spend my with and it was the biggest mistake of my life. I am not saying that with any agenda either. Protect your heart. Save that special moment for the night of your marriage. It is not worth it to give it up anytime before that. I wish I had waited. That's the God's honest truth from someone who has been there.
For those of you who have been there as well Johnny Diaz offers this...
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late, you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear, they can all be washed away
By the one who's strong, can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry, all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light, He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl
Thursday, December 12, 2013
It's Been a While...
Wow, I cannot believe how long it's been since I last sat down to write. SO much has happened. A whirlwind romance, a big move, more job hunting, meeting my niece for the first time and thats just for starters. Things have been so crazy for so long that I've barely taken time for anything! I read and write when I can, I go to church, I pray and try (sometimes against all odds) to get in my quiet time each day. Really life isn't all that exciting right now. Just settling in at my parents, working on getting myself put back together, letting God heal the hurts of a speedy, crazy, semi-stupid love, and just day to day life. For once in my life things are pretty simple. A little chaotic, but simple nonetheless.
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