self-worth

Self-worth is a topic that has somewhat been bothering me. I feel that I have a strong sense of self-worth....but it saddens me to see so many who don't.

Self-worth is the sense of one's own value or worth as a person; self-esteem; or self-respect. In my eyes, self-worth is extremely important. It saddens me to see the lack of this in our society today. To see how people act, how they allow others to treat them, how they dress, etc. It's amazing how one person can have no respect for themselves at all.

"When you please others in hopes of being accepted, you lose your self-worth in the process." -Dave Pelzer

For example; Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Britney Spears.... the list could go on and on. They are an example of what it is to not have self-worth. It's sad...because they are so much more in God's eyes, yet they portray themselves as sexual objects in order to be deemed successful. People are willing to surrender everything simply because they are craving attention. It's so sad.

They are so much more than that. I wish I could look them in the eyes and tell them that there is a God who made them, molded them, loves them, cares for them, sent His Son to die for them, and who believes they are worth it. It's time we (especially the women in the world) step up and realize that we deserve more respect than what some people treat us....it's time we became women of God, rather than immoral things. Don't do anything because you're afraid to say no....don't be afraid to put a stop to something that is bringing you down. All too often I hear about women who are treated as rugs instead of human beings.

"The only difference between men and women is that a man can normally bench press more than a woman." -John Bevere

You are so much more than that. Believe it. And believe in the God who created you to be so much more than you are treating yourself as.

Giving Thanks

I have so so so much to be thankful for. So many people, places, and belongings to thank God for...so much that I all too often take for granted. Giving thanks is important...realizing what we have and focusing on it rather than on things that we don't have. So, I'm going to take advantage of this blog and make a list of all that I am grateful for...

• Our Loving God. I am grateful for His constant, unfailing love. I am grateful for the fact that He has me in the palm of His hand....and that He will never let me go. It's wonderful to know that someone made me, cares for me, sent His one and only Son to die for me, understands my pain, and loves me.

• I am grateful for each breath I take....as I know that each day isn't guaranteed. I am grateful for every day that I wake up and get to enjoy this beautiful life...and I am grateful for the incredible life that God has given me.

• My parents. They have raised me to know and love Jesus....and I am thankful for that because I know many people my age who haven't had that advantage and are struggling to find their Savior. They provide for me, care for me, love me, and pray for me. They have seen me on my worst days and also my best. They have shown me the parents I want my own children to have someday. They have given me a home, no matter where we may live. They have been there and been the best parents a girl could ask for. I am certain that I am wrapped around my daddy's finger and I know for a fact my best friend is my mother. I am forever grateful for their love and presence in my life.

• My Mawmaw and my Pawpaw. My mother's parents. Their love and presence in my life means more than words can express. They have spoiled me, cared for me, and been there for me. Their hospitality and generosity constantly amaze me. Their house has been a home to me and is filled with so many memories. I am forever grateful for them.

• My aunt, Terri. We've laughed, cried, stayed up talking until 3 in the morning, shared our deepest feelings and dreams...she's prayed for me, loved me, encouraged me, and taught me so much. I am forever grateful for her. I am also thankful for Kim....my new math tutor and friend. They have both bent over backwards for me....and welcomed me into their home. I am forever grateful for their love and friendship.

• My sister, Sandi. She has been a friend to me as well as my sister. We laugh, shop, ride around, and have many inside jokes with one another. I am grateful for our many good times together. She is a blessing to me.

• My brother, Matt. I am thankful we can set our differences aside and still manage to have a good time. He taught me how to ride a bike and continues to be a wonderful big brother to me. I know that he will always have my back.

• My friends. Katy M, Kasey H, Emily W, Emily S, Hannah M, Hailey M, Kaden H....just to name a few. They make me laugh and smile on my worst days. They manage to brighten every day. They make school much more entertaining. They are always there. I am forever grateful for all of our friendships. We are each connected through the love of Christ...our friendships are promises that I'm certain won't be broken. Forever grateful for their presence in my life.

• I am grateful for the roof over my head and for the heat to keep me warm. I'm grateful for a warm bed to sleep in and a pillow to lay my head on.

• I am grateful for the food and clean water I've been given every single day when so many are lucky to get it at all. I am grateful that there isn't a question of whether I will have a meal, but what the meal might be.

• I am grateful for all of my senses. My sight....so that I may see all of God's beautiful creations that I all too often take for granted. My hearing....so that I can hear loved ones talking, music playing, and the laughter of children. I am grateful that I can touch and feel....so that I can hold my Mawmaw's hand. I am thankful for all of the little things that are so special to me.

• I am grateful for new life in Jesus. I am grateful and honored to be able to see my friends and family give their lives to Jesus. I am grateful for the move of God I find myself in.

• I am grateful for Elevation Church. For the many lives of those close to me that have been changed...all because they found Jesus through their ministry. It is such a blessing to me! I leave there and am spiritually fed week after week. I will never forget all of the amazing experiences I have had there....and the best is yet to come! :)

• I am grateful for Cornerstone Baptist Church. For providing me with a place to lead and love the children weekly. I enjoy my job there.

• I am grateful for children who bring me so much joy. I am grateful for the call that God has placed on my life to work with children. It is a blessing.....to lead and to love such amazing children... who have taught me so much.

• I am grateful for my dog, Buddy....he has shown me what unconditional love is.

• I am grateful for any and everyone who has made a lasting impact on my life. Those who have come into my life for a reason, a season, and a lifetime.

Thank you Jesus....

My Life

I was thinking about something I saw somewhere..."Did you imagine your life would be like it is today?"

I started thinking about it....and I started thinking about what I never imagined...the good and the bad. I never imagined I would be worrying about a heart problem before the age of sixteen. I never imagined I'd be struggling daily to simply feel well. I never imagined I'd have so many bad days. There's a lot of things that I never imagined about my life that are not so easy. But, there are even more things I never imagined about my life that are incredible. I never imagined I'd be so blessed to have such wonderful people surrounding me daily and occassionally. I never imagined how it would feel while witnessing friends give their lives to Christ. I never imagined that I would see God move in such remarkable ways. I never imagined I could have so much joy in spite of all the bad stuff around me....all because of Jesus. I never imagined my life would be this wonderful. I never imagined my life would be like it is today...right now. And for that, I am grateful. I am grateful that I didn't know years ago what I would be struggling with and facing today...and I am grateful that all that God had in store for me today was kept as a surprise....because it wouldn't be near as exciting if I knew it was going to happen. I am grateful that I don't know what the future holds, because it means I can look forward to it as well as grow in my walk of faith with the Lord as I trust He will see me through my times of obstacles and joy.

You see, sometimes...it's best not to know....because, in spite of all the bad stuff....God will always cover it up with a whole lot of good. And He's made my life more than I could have ever imagined.