Pressure. Pressure. Pressure.

Life is full of pressure and stress. That's just life, and you can't get around it.

But why do people feel the need to put unnecessary pressure on you about the stupidest things!!!

I mean...they pressure you about this event, that event, going to the latest movie, going out to eat constantly, having to ALWAYS be available through text or calling, or continually asking why you can't do this or that.

Sometimes, you need to stay home and relax.

Ever heard of such a thing? Believe it or not, it used to be a normal part of life.

Let's get back to that. 

Next time you ask a friend or family member to do something, if they say they can't, say "ok, next time!" No pressure. No guilt. Believe me, if you do this, the friends you have now, will stay your friends! 

Ok, end of rant! 

XOXOXO,

Random fact #14- Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance!

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The Cinderella Syndrome

Don't be a victim of the Cinderella Syndrome.

I have never liked the story of Cinderella for three reasons:

1. She whined about where she was in life and yet did nothing to change it

2. She waited around for some guy to rescue her...really?? 

3. She allowed people to use and abuse her

Sadly I know so many women waiting around for someone to change their lives. 

They whine about their life constantly. Let me tell you something, do not whine about your current circumstances unless you are willing to do something to change them.

Don't wait for some guy to come in and rescue you. Actually, there's a guy that already has, His name is Jesus. He paid the ultimate price to save you: His life. Your future husband is not meant to complete you, nor rescue you. You are meant to complement each other, and to help each other walk purely before the Lord.

Christ said to turn the other cheek (Luke 6:29), He did not say to lay on the ground and let everyone trample over you. Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9), stand up for your faith and for yourself.

XOXOXO,

Random Fact #13- The creator of the iPod first shopped his idea (without success) to Philips and RealNetworks before Apple agreed to market the device.

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Fruit of our Lips

Be careful what you say.

I have a tendency to blurt out whatever comes into my head...I've messed up a lot of stuff because of that.

In Proverbs 18:21 it says "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." It's true. See also Prov. 16:13, 29:11, Eccl. 10:11-14.

So before you say anything, wait.

Take some to to think.

Let that email or text sit for an hour, count to ten, or just ask yourself "even if I have a point...if I say this, what value does it have? Will this edify the other person?"

Will it build up...or tear down?

XOXOXO,

Random fact #8- Alexander the Great washed his hair in saffron, to keep it shiny and orange!

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A Heart for the Lost

How can I say this? Where do I start? At the beginning.

My heart is breaking.

No, it's broken.

I can't handle knowing that a dear friend is going to burn in the pit of Hell for eternity. I can't just let them suffer.

Can you? How can you stay quiet? Speak up! What's the worst that can happen?

A friend of mine wanted to talk about "religion." So I opened up and shared what I believe, at the end

 he said "I'm glad you're not one of those pushy people trying to convert me!"

 To which I replied "if I do seem pushy ever, it's not because I'm trying to 'convert' you, I'm not. But you know what I believe, do you honestly think that I'm ok with you burning in Hell forever?"

 He says "haha I'll live!" 

"No, you don't get it. You won't live. I am NOT ok with that."

I'm not saying go tell everyone you meet that unless they accept the gift of salvation that they're going to burn in Hell, probably not the best way to become friends! But if you already are friends, and they know that you're telling them this because you love them, usually they'll be ok with that.

The last thing he said was "this has been a good time of bonding."

It's the way you approach it! Do you always have to know exactly what you'll say? No. Do you have to know all the answers? No. Pride comes before the fall (Proverbs 16:18). It's when we lean on God (Proverbs 3:5-6) to do the real work, that we really have any results.

Did my friend come to the Lord at the end of the conversation? No he didn't, but you know what? I'm not giving up hope! I planted a seed, now it's God's job to water it and harvest it (1 Corinthians 3:5-9)!

After you've spoken, all you can do is pray, prayer works (James 5:16, Psalm 66:20).

Love, Speak up & Pray.

XOXOXO,

Random Fact #6- During famines that ravaged North Korea from 1955 to 1997, starving people commonly dug up bodies from fresh graves to eat the meat. (Grossest thing...ever.)

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Be Still

Always going, always running, always doing. Our society today is crazy!

 I want you to stop. JUST STOP. 

If God had meant for us to get everything done today, he wouldn't have made a tomorrow!

You know what I did today for the first time in......forever? I stopped. I said no. 

I laid down outside. I heard the breeze rustling the leaves, the grass. I heard the birds chirping, I saw the trees waving. I felt the the earth pulsing heat into my body, warmth spreading everywhere. I relaxed. My muscles loosened up, I closed my eyes. I smelled the flowers, the grass, and the dirt. I felt the presence of Sweet Jesus.

I felt...peaceful. 

This is how I felt inside. Peace.

Turn off the cell phone, the computer, the gaming system, the MP3 player. Put down the book, stop folding the laundry, stop doing the dishes. Say no to your friends, even your family sometimes. Go somewhere you can't be reached. Take a walk in the park, lay in the grass. Whatever you do, listen. Listen for that still, small voice that says 

"Be still, my loved one, be still and know that I'm here to take care of things for you, I will not forsake you, I am Almighty God. Be still."

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

XOXOXO,

Random fact #3- Most lipsticks contain fish scales....yup.

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Fun In The Floridian Sun

To all you millions of people out there sitting in front of your computer just agonizing over when my next post will be; my most heartfelt apologies! But wow! Florida was AMAZING! :D

First off, I got to see my first real live (?...) palm tree! I had no idea there were so many types of palm trees, short ones, skinny ones, and one even looked like a pineapple!

Here's a pic of the most common tree, unfortunately I forgot to take more pictures!

I found lots of shells, shark teeth (!), a big dead fish (which of course I immediately went to digging out its teeth like any other normal person would do...), a mermaid rock (that I posed on),I also found out by experiment that you can eat the fruit off a cactus; would not recommend sticking random plants in mouth.

Yum! It tastes like pomegranate!

I got to see the ocean for the first time, and to be honest I was terrified! It was so big, and so deep, and so...salty :D 

Oooo.

My sisters (realizing my fears) ruthlessly flung me into the ocean. Such sweet sisters. I will have my revenge.

Through all this I must say that the most adventurous thing I did was to...wait for it...

shave my armpits in a moving vehicle.

Yes, you heard me right. I know you're super impressed, but please try not to flatter me too much! lol :D

My first adventure in Florida was in a word; stupendous!

Enough about me, tell me your adventures! I dare you to come up with something as crazy (or stupid) as my last story! 

XOXOXO,

Random Fact #1- Guys think that neck pillows (you know, the ones you use for traveling?) are sexy. Found this out at 3am in South Carolina...funny story for another time!

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A Cinderella Story

Cinderella's dreams are coming true. And so can yours.

You want a Prince? He's there, right in front of you, begging for your attention. His name is Jesus. My dreams and desires, He gives me all of them, He doesn't hold back! Maybe you've already discovered Him, but you're not getting what you want. You say "why do you get what you want, and not me?" He gives us the answer in Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (NIV) Look closely, it says when you delight yourself in Him. If you focus on Him, than you will desire the same things that He desires. Your desires will harmonize with His will.

Sadly so many of us, like Cinderella, run away from His will and His love. We're afraid He won't love us for who we truly are: broken, sinful, and lowly.

Our Prince Charming runs after us, searching us out.

 Willing to do literally anything to get us back, including laying down His own life. And He did. 

Romans 5:8 " God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Zephaniah 3:17 says this "The Lord your God is in your midst, the Mighty One will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." He not only died for us, but He loves us and we make Him happy!!

In the end of Cinderella, the Prince finds her. He shows her she is unique and lovely despite her flaws. His love transforms her into a radiant princess!

 

That is what Christ did for us. Accept His gift of love like Cinderella did,  and bloom under the shelter of His Perfect Love. 

He made my dreams come true, will you let Him make yours come true?

XOXOXO,

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