Day 5 of 31 Things: Conversation

When I think of all the meaningful conversations I've had in my life, I think of a lot of people and different experiences. But sometimes the best conversations are the meaningless ones. I love conversations as simple as sitting on the couch with my sister, mom or one of the Brittany’s and catching up or reminiscing about old times. 


Discussing the last episode of the Kardashians, quoting lines from an old movie, talking about how bad my cramps were last week, my current favorite book, what so-and-so posted on Facebook, etc…  I love those conversations! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good passionate, intelligent, challenging conversation. But more times than not I prefer the light, funny, everyday-life conversations along with the company of a friend. 


Attached is a video of a set of twins having a serious conversation lol! I love this video! My mom says my sister and I were just like this. Their words don't make sense but they know exactly what the other is saying. To this day I can simply look at my sis and know exactly what she's thinking. We will even occasionally say the say thing at the same time... not as much as when we were younger but it still happens and makes me laugh! 

















Also, I've always had this obsession about what my pets would say if they could talk. I found something that pretty much sums it up! LOL!

Day 4 of 31 Things: Spirit

"Man's way to reach God is religion; God's way to reach man is a relationship through Jesus." -Unknown

Spirituality plays a huge role in my life. I can say with all my heart that my relationship with Jesus is the core being of my existence. While I am a Christian, I don’t like to think of myself as religious. Religion can have a negative connotation. A spiritual relationship with God is VERY different than being religious. God's plan for our eternity and for being right with Him is told in the bible and as I grow as a person/believer I am learning how important it is to have a biblically based faith.

There are so many different types of religion; Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian,

Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Assemblies of God and lots more. These denominations have teachings from the Bible but everyone seems to have their own set of rules and regulations. Don’t get me wrong, I love church and the support from getting together with people who love God. I love being taught the Bible as it is a source of life and strength for me. I have nothing against people who belong to a denomination. Although sometimes I feel that more emphasis is being put on the denomination instead of the spiritual relationship.

Some religions are based on reaching God and being made right with Him through their own human efforts. They suggest that we must work our way into heaven by doing good deeds in hopes of an eternal reward. Some say there is no reason to search for truth because they have step by step instructions and works to be completed. While others can seem more like a dance of routines and rituals. Some religions place specific people on a pedestal such as ministers, pastors, elders, etc…  While I agree that being a good honest person and respecting my elders is very important, I believe more in my relationship with Jesus.

Now, I grew up in church attending almost every Sunday, Wednesday evenings and of course summer time vacation bible school (VBS). I have some of the most wonderful and fond memories growing up in the church. I am thankful for my parents and their choice to introduce and inject the truth of Jesus Christ in my life from the start. Although I grew up missing something. It was not my parents fault or pastors fault but there did feel like a missing piece.

As I grew older I went through an I-Don’t-Need-Jesus phase. I’d occasionally go to church (Christmas, Easter), maybe read a scripture here or there, but I was having fun and wasn’t making time for Him in my life. I wondered why I should go church and practice my religion when I didn’t feel any reward. I felt I could be perfect, strong, successful and at peace with just a little bit of Jesus in my life. In reality I was so week, so lost and so scared! I couldn’t fake my life any more with-out His ultimate purpose. Insert mental break down and anxiety and panic disorder. Then insert relationship with God! And here I am now! LOL Halleluiah!

To experience the joy of having a loving relationship with God, I simply put my trust and faith in Jesus and accepted His gift of eternal life. I realized that God's plan is not based on my efforts and good works, but based on His love and Grace. I put my trust and faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross rather than putting my faith into a religion or my own efforts. My relationship with Jesus encourages me to learn more about Him and strive to emulate Him.

I found a wonderful bible based church that encourages me, teaches me, and helps me to grow closer to the One who created me. I’m not required to memorize all the books of the bible or forced to write a big check before I leave, or dress like I am going to a funeral. I come as I am and I am encouraged to feed my intimate relationship with Jesus. If you’re wondering what this whole relationship thing is all about, let me know! I’d love to have you join us one Sunday and I promise that you’ll have fun at church again learning and growing with the Lord.

Jesus tells us that He is the way the truth and the light, and by growing in a relationship with Jesus I know my questions will be answered. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We are all lost, week, have heartaches and pain. I learned that when I allowed the Holy Spirit to control and direct my life, I could finally live with purpose, peace, joy, love, freedom… 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.- Ephesians 2:8-9

James 1:2-4

There are times when a bible verse speaks to me so clearly I have no words!
Thank you thank you Lord for your faithfulness!
Thought I would share this in hopes that it will benefit another as it has benefited me! :)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"
- James 1:2-4

Day 3 of 31 Things: Reading

I was not a big reader growing up. In fact, I haven’t been big on reading until the past few years or so. Reading in school was so boring and took up so much time. There was never a book that could keep my attention long enough for me to keep reading. I’d often read a page and not really remember what I had just read, so I’d have to go back and re-read. This took even more time! So to be honest, I never really ‘read’ an entire book growing up in school. And to be super honest, I never really ‘read’ an entire book through college either. I’d simply read the cliff’s notes, Google the book, or contact a friend who took the class prior to me. How bad is that?!?!

My sis in law Becky is a huge reader! She’d always be talking about the latest book she read and when Mike and I would go to her house to visit, I would pick up the book and read the back. She read a book called The Other Boleyn Girl. A few years ago they made a movie out of the book. I went to see the movie and I loved it! So I thought maybe I would borrow the book from Becky and try this whole reading-for-fun thing. The Other Boleyn Girl was the first book I ever read, front to back, for fun. It actually was enjoyable! Although it felt like it took me forever to finish because I was such a slow reader. I think the fact that I already knew the background of the plot and the characters helped as well.

I have since read a whole bunch of books for fun! The Boleyn Inheritance, The Other Queen, The Red Tent, The Case for Christ, Heaven is For Real, The Purpose Driven Life, Twilight Trilogy, The Hunger Games, 50 Shades Trilogy. When I finish a book I'm often sad that is over and I end up missing the characters. For example, when I finished the Twilight trilogy I seriously had withdrawals lol! Its like the book takes me to a different place that I cant wait to go back to. I never thought a book could have that kind of effect on me.

Over 10 books in 3 years (for me) is HUGE! Between Mike and I, our book shelf is growing! I’m excited to find my next book to read! If anyone has any suggestions of a good book, let me know!