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Another year has come and is now gone. I must say 2015 was the best year yet for me! Yes, there were hard times, but all the awesome things that happened make the hard times fade away in memory. I've loved a lot, lived more thoroughly and laughed frequently! I've also learned a ton. For this post, I'll narrow all that I have learned to the top five things. 1. God's grace and strength is sufficient, no matter what the circumstances. There were many times last year that I crumbled in my sin and weakness. Many times that I cried out "I can't do it anymore! I'm done!" It was in those times that God extended His grace toward me and gave me the strength when I had none. 2 Corinthians 12:9a says, And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness..." When I gave up trying to live life on my own strength and surrendered myself to God, then He gave me His strength! He is all the more glorified because people will see Him and not me. This is better explained in the next part of the verse:"... Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." The most infirmities (or weaknesses) the more that the power of Christ can rest upon us and that God can be glorified! 2. The power of forgiveness and love Forgiveness and love go hand in hand! You wouldn't have forgiveness if it weren't for love! (Proverbs 10:12b "... but love covers all sins.") I've learned that one can't be bitter and forgive at the same time. It just doesn't work that way! My Mom was a wonderful example of this to me last year, as she forgave others even when it was hard to! Matthew 6:14 says, "For if you forgive men their trespasses (i.e. sins) your heavenly Father will also forgive you." When God forgives you, it is so freeing! John 8:36- Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." When someone has really hurt us, it's hard to forgive. But when we do forgive, it's so freeing! Love is powerful! The love of family members and friends has blessed me so much last year! I've learned to love more like Jesus loves! 3. The power of faithfulness in relationships This one really impacted me, especially as I experienced close friends coming along side of me and being faithful. Always encouraging me in my walk with the Lord and caring for me. This was also true with my dear family! They were my main encouragement through the long Bible Bee season (7 1/2 months to be exact!) They always helped to put a smile back on my face when I felt down! Thank you, dear family and friends, for all your encouragement, love and faithfulness! I wouldn't have made it through everything without you all! As Psalm 27:13a says, "I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord..." Sometimes the goodness of the Lord comes through family and friends! 4. God's calling for my life: ministry As I've grown older into my teen years, I've kept asking God what He would have me do for Him. I wanted to find a purpose and pour everything into it for God's glory! One thing that has been on my heart for awhile was the fact that young people are not being on fire for God and falling to the temptations the world has to offer, instead of looking to God for the answers. I've also been extremely blessed by several ministries that have come into my life. It was those two things and letting God show me through His Word, that He wants me to become involved in ministry for Him! Ministry is my main goal for this year and I want to ask that you would pray for me as I am starting to take the steps toward that goal. 5. How much hiding God's Word in my heart can help overcome fear, discontentment and unhappiness. The Lord allowed me to participate yet again in the Bible Bee last year and with the Bible Bee comes lots of memorization, especially if you make it to Nationals. We were given 205 memory passages (adding up to a 1,000 something verses!) With all that Scripture comes a lot of meditation, which can be both encouraging and convicting! Having God's Word in my heart has brought so much contentment and joy! When I am tempted to be discontent, unhappy or fearful, one of my memory passages will come to mind and comfort me! Hebrews 4:12 is so true when it comes to this: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." I want to encourage you, dear readers, to memorize God's Word! I can't emphasize it more! It will not return void! Speaking of memorizing Scripture, I am going to be starting a new blog series sharing tips for memorizing Scripture and much more! As we all go into this new year, I want to encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus! I also want to encourage you to love more, live more fully and laugh often!
5 Comments
Holly
2/8/2016 15:18:38
Thanks Cory! Yes, it was really great to meet you at Nationals! How have you been since then?
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Laura
2/17/2016 21:14:22
Oh Holly! This is so wonderful!!!! I am so excited to hear about the new blog series because memorizing scripture is something I need to work on!!! Thank you for doing it. "See" you next Tuesday (or before???) for Rise Up!
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AuthorI'm Holly, a creative gal who thrives on adventures, triumphant music, chocolate, inspiring quotes and a good story. I gave my life to the ultimate Storyteller when I was four and have never ceased to enjoy each chapter of life with my amazing family of 9. Categories
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