Refining with Praise

Ever read a verse a million times, then suddenly one day, it jumps out at you?
Well for me, today was one of those days.

 I read in Proverbs 27:21,"As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise."

So I sat there and thought, what does a fining pot and furnace do for silver and gold?
Well, it removes impurities.
It refines it.
It takes something of potential worth, and gives it value.

That is what our praise does for others; 

It takes what someone is and helps them see what's valuable about them, and also what they could be.

Did you ever get a compliment you felt you didn't deserve?
 I've been there.
What did it do to you? It made you want to live up to what the other person thought you were-it made you want to be a better person!

That's what our praise is capable of doing.

 I'm not suggesting that we flatter, or even lie to people in an attempt to praise them, but there is something good we can find in everyone.
 If you're looking for the good in a person, you'll find it, and once you have it's a good idea to praise them for it!

I challenge you to use your words as a tool to encourage someone today, and help them become what they could be.

HE Shall Give Thee the Desires of Thine Heart

So as I was reading my Bible today, I came across a familiar verse, Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Have you ever wanted, hoped for, or expected something that didnt come to pass? Of course, we've all been there, and I'm certainly no exception. There's nothing quite like that feeling of dissapointment. Proverbs 13:12a "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick..." So sometimes, when I'm facing these "dissapointments" in my life, God shows me a verse that gives me the answer to my problems. (I can almost hear Him say, "Umm...didn't you learn this verse a long time ago..?" I'm glad He remembers that I'm just dust, and even though I have all the answers in His Word, sometimes I forget!:)) So what's the answer to actually "getting what you want?" Well, it starts when you delight yourself in the Lord. Not just going through the motions of "I read my Bible and prayed for 30 minutes this morning, so I am a good Christian" (yes, unfortunately, we've all been there too...), but I mean actually being excited about and enjoying the time spent with God reading His Word and praying. So after you've delighted yourself in the Lord, then will you get whatever you want? I think not. At least, you probably won't get the things you wanted before. Why? You won't want the same things anymore, because He will put new desires in your heart! Why does He want to give us new desires? So He can fulfill them! God wants you happy, but only He knows that often what we want won't truly make us happy. That is why He wants to choose what desires are in our hearts. Because He knows, "When the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." (Prov.13:12b. After all-He wrote that!!:) So, walk with the Lord, not just because you "have to", but because you want to, then let Him put new desires in your heart, and don't be surprised when you start to have big plans for Him! Don't ever be afraid to dream big for God-He put those dreams and desires in your heart!! :-)

Let the Summer Memories Begin! (:

Well, I am officially done with my Freshman year of Bible college!!! What a year it was! I have met so many people, and made so many friends that I will cherish for life! I have learned sooo much for the classes, chapel, church, the bus ministry, and just life itself! College has defiantly been an adventure, and I can't wait to see what the next semester will hold!!! But until then...it's summer break!!! :) Last week, I went with my family on vacation. We had a great time! Now, I am happy to be home! (Dad prefers me to stay and help out at home rather than get a job. So, I'll only be waitressing on Saturdays.) There is plenty of work to be done here, and I'm setting goals for myself to accomplish over this summer. There's also plenty of fun to had! (9 siblings live here-there's never a dull moment!) Though I must admit, my tiny country town doesn't offer much in the way of excitement or adventure... But no worries! I'll make it exciting! :) Haha! Every day can be an adventure if you make it that way! (At least, that's the way I see it!:)) And making my own adventures just so happens to be my specialty...;)