February 2016 | Unshakable Girl

Examining Our Hearts Following Jesus Fruitfulness

When?

This is a journal entry of mine…and I hope it is a blessing to you!

It can be so easy for us to go through our lives, just trying to be people’s friends. Giving them a big smile and some cheery small-talk, and hoping it will change their lives…somehow. Hoping that maybe they will see Jesus in that look. That smile. (And, by God’s grace, sometimes they do! And that is always a blessing.)

We give smiles and hugs out freely…and that is good — needed, even! But what about the one thing that will actually change their lives and give them lasting joy and hope for the future? We give them food and medical aid and clothing…..When will we also give them Jesus? We are so careful – so cautious, because, well, we don’t want to offend them! We don’t want them to be turned away! And so, we are silent. Day after day goes by…but the reality is, in desiring to not turn them away, are we selfishly taking from them the chance to be right with God, and to be free of their heavy burdens?

It is worth pondering. What is the real reason we are silent? Why do we withhold Living Water from their souls? Is it because of fear? Are we afraid of rejection – our OWN rejection? Are we afraid of their anger, or losing their friendship or respect?

Jesus Himself had to deal with all these things while on earth – and has to deal with them continually to this very day. Can we not sacrifice our own pride or respect in the eyes of others for His sake…and theirs?

It is a good thing to be a friend. It is good to give a ready smile, or a needed hug – even physical help and aid. But when…when will we give them Living Water? When will we introduce them to the Healer of their souls? He is the only one who can heal their hearts, and make them new and full of joy! We all have a limited time here on earth – and we cannot tell when a life may be cut short. I have already had several friends whose lives have ended too soon.

So what are you waiting for?

When will you tell them?

Pray and ask God to show you any selfish or fearful reasons that you have been silent…and ask Him to give you courage to speak, and to give your friends soft hearts to understand.

Don’t let your heart be plagued with the distress that comes when you miss a chance that never comes again.

And ponder this: when was the last time that you shared Jesus with someone? ”Tomorrow” may never come – so ask God to show you what you can do today!

From participating in the Tuesday@Ten challenge.

February 15, 2016

Written by: TAI

Culture Fruitfulness Relationships Struggles

Single? 3 Ways to Have the BEST Valentines Day EVER!

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Valentine’s Day. That blissful time of year when all of your “non-single” friends get chocolate, and flowers, and romantic candlelight dates. That dreaded time of year when you hide out under your covers, eat lots of chocolate (that you bought yourself), and avoid everything pink, red, or even remotely romantic. That, or you’re one of those people who actively torture yourself by scrolling through Facebook, looking at all the sweet things that people did with their “significant other”, and you cry yourself to sleep listening to gushy love songs. [Some people do it to themselves…just saying. 😉 ]

It’s a wonderful holiday that seems to have been instituted just to remind you of your definite singleness…again. Not dissimilar to pouring lemon juice on a paper cut [Note: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME — Just take my word for it.]…or having text messages sent to you continually about the HUGE sale that your favorite store is having…right when you’re completely, totally broke.

So, what’s a single gal to do??

Well, you CAN hole yourself up in your room all day, and have a great big pity party…by yourself. But, I mean…again?? Really?? OR…what if you tried something different this year?

Here are 3 ideas to help you have a Valentines Day worth remembering this year!

1. Pray for your single girl-friends.

Start now – don’t wait! Begin praying for each of your single girl-friends…and ask God to direct your prayers for them. Pray that God would encourage their hearts, and surround them in His love this year. Even ask Him to give you specific scriptures that relate to how you can pray to them, or that would be an encouragement to them. Praying for others is one of the very best ways to get your eyes off of yourself, and get out of your own pity-party. Making a list may help you to remember to pray for them, and to not forget anyone.

2. Ask God to show you how to be a blessing to them.

As you’re praying for your friends, ask God to show you how you can be a blessing to them. Ask Him for ideas of things you can do that would encourage their hearts, and show God’s love to them. Ask God to make you His hands and feet to show them His love this year.
And then…do it. Whatever God shows you — put it into action! It may take some real time and effort…and even money, but God will bless you for all you give. Write out the scriptures God gives you into sweet cards. Share whatever word of encouragement God puts on your heart for them. Buy them some flowers…or chocolate…or both! What do you wish someone would do for you? Now go and do that for them! If you really want to go all-out, you can even plan a special evening to invite them over, decorate, and make them a special meal! Or what about a special girls’ spa night, and devotion time, where you can pray together (spending time with Jesus together is always the sweetest thing)! The possibilities are endless when you ask God for great ideas — He knows what will most bless each of your friends! And it might be something different for each one.

3. Spend time with Jesus.

This is last, but definitely most important of all, for truly having the best Valentine’s Day! Don’t forget to spend time with Jesus, and just enjoy His presence. Remember: He truly cares about you more than anyone else…and even after you have a loving relationship, and a blessed marriage, no guy can fill that spot in your heart that was meant for only Jesus to fill. You’re not just spending time with Jesus because you don’t have a boyfriend! You’re spending time with Jesus because HE is your Love, and your Life!!

Spend time thanking Jesus for all the ways He has shown His love for you this year — even write some of them down to be a reminder of His goodness for you when you’re discouraged. Don’t rush — how would you like it if you were out for a special time with someone and all they did was look at their watch the whole time?? Take your time to really enjoy God’s presence, and be a real friend for Him.

And why don’t you take some time to actually write God a love-letter this year? Tell Him all the things you love about Him, and that you can’t imagine your life without Him. Even pray about what you can give Him as a gift this year — it can be something as simple as giving Him your worries about the future, and committing to trust Him more, and not fear about the future.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?? Do you have any other ideas for having a blessed Valentine’s Day? Have you ever tried reaching out to those who are lonely on Valentine’s Day? If someone was going to do something kind for you on Valentine’s Day, what do you think you would bless you the most? Now…how can you take that and use it to bless others? Share your thoughts in the comments! We’d love to hear from you, and even feature some of your ideas here!

February 9, 2016

Written by: TAI

Culture Poetry Struggles