{Trusting The Plan}

Sometimes things in life don't make any sense to us. Right when everything seems to be going good, something happens - problems at work, relationship problems, issues at school, family problems. It's when life brings us obstacles like these that we show our true character. It's always easy to worship and praise God when life's going good, but what about when the struggles come? Could the problems all be apart of God's great plan?

We have this grand idea that if we fully follow God, no problems will come our way. We'll be on the road to success without any problems. Unfortunately, this isn't true. We have to remind ourselves of the life God planned for us here on earth. Even Jesus Himself was heart-broken, hurt, persecuted and ultimately died on a cross to pay a debt He never owed. Of course this was hard for Him. He was manifest in the flesh, so He felt each emotion we feel from day to day. But He lived His life in a way that displayed peace, grace, love, and trust in the fact that everything would turn out okay. Even though He was persecuted and people hated Him so much they crucified Him, He chose to live a life of  love towards everyone - even the one's who persecuted Him.

How can we change our minds to react the same way Jesus did to the situations we face from day to day? Can we really face each problem with a peaceful mind, knowing that it will all be okay? No - not on our own. In order to live a life of peace, no matter what comes our way, we have to place our problems at the feet of the One who knew we would face them. And once we do that, He'll give us clarity and peace. We might not understand why certain things happen, but we can trust in the fact that the One who has all authority over our life understands and knows it's for our benefit. It's not our job to know all things, but it is our job to trust in the Lord. His plans are for your good. He knows what best for you, even when it doesn't make sense.

 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

{Proverbs 3:5-6}

 

 

"O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge."

 {Psalm 62:8}

 

"For I know the plans I have for you,'says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

{Jeremiah 29:11}

 

 

{Birdie}

{Little Things}

As I observe while my family sits around the table, exchanging stories and sharing laughter, I notice that over the years we've all changed. We've not only grown older, but each situation that we have faced has formed us into who we are today. Sometimes we think that thankfulness only pertains to situations that are good. But, through each situation, whether wonderful or sorrowful, we must preserve a thankful spirit. We must thank God for each problem and blessing that comes our way, for they transform us into who he wants us to become.

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1Tim. 5:18)

{Things I'm Grateful For:}

First and foremost, I am thankful for an almighty God who has known me from the beginning of time, and has my life in His hands. He always knows what is best for me even when I can't see it.

I am thankful for my family, for without them I would not be the person I am today.
I have the best Mom and Dad in the world. They have devoted their lives to the kingdom of God and loving me and my siblings.
My brother is my best friend ever. Whenever I need a listening ear he's always there. He's an anointed young man of God that has a tremendous calling on his life. His talents blow my mind. He can play just about any instrument he decides to pick up.
My sister is wonderful. She's the smartest, sassiest, and cutest 7-year-old I know! She has a wonderful sense of humor that keeps our family laughing all the time

These are obvious things that I am thankful for. We're all thankful for the things that are noticeable. But, this year I want to start being thankful for the little things. Sometimes, it's those little things that impact us in the biggest of ways.

{Little Things I'm Thankful For:}

I'm thankful for Bible quizzing. Without it, I would not know as many verses as I do. I can't count how many times I've been in a situation where I needed a verse, and I quoted one I learned years before. Bible quizzing has truly been a huge part of my life. I've met some of my best friends through Bible quizzing. Like-minded, lifelong friends.

I'm thankful for my church. I've never seen a church, as a whole, so kingdom minded. I admire the ways each person worships God with all of their hearts.

I'm thankful for winter. I'm not a hot weather person, so the winter season is my favorite. The shimmering white snow, to the hot cocoa. And Christmas is the cherry on top of that cake!

I'm thankful for music. "Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from Heaven to the soul."

I'm thankful for my Apostolic heritage. In 1962 my grandparent's made the decision to surrender their lives wholly to God. I'm thankful that my parents chose to follow in their footsteps and serve God. And I'm thankful that they have taught my brother, sister, and I to love God's truth with everything within us.

Now that I've mentioned a FEW things that I'm thankful for, what are you thankful for? Write it down. Discuss it with your family. Notice the little things, not just the obvious ones. Start seeing little things which truly make our life rich.

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. " (1 Chron. 16:34)

 

"To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."    (Psalm 30:12)

 

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:"   (Psalm 92:1)

 

"O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people."

 (Psalm 105:1)

Train your mind to observe the hidden gifts, because they're the ones that truly make this life special.

{Birdie}

 

{Neglect not the gift which is in you.}

Well, welcome to my blog! My name is Brenae Hord. I'm 15 years old. And, I love to write things. So, I figured I would start a blog. I mean, why not? Blogs are cute and whimsical, plus they incorporate any kind of writing so it seemed like the perfect deal!

Yesterday, I read a quote while doing one of my favorite things: reading the "Quotes" page on Pinterest.

"The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling."

---Fabienne Fredrickson



 

This statement spoke volumes to me. How true this is. Many times we start to think every little thing that we enjoy is just some accidental happening. We think we're just made that way. The things we like to do are just frivolous little projects. But, they're neither accidental nor frivolous. God has formed each of us with our own unique passions that fit to our callings. We dont just enjoy certain things on accident. They were established within us for a divine purpose. For example, if you enjoy singing, sing for Jesus! Strive to become a worship leader for your church. Work at it. If you love to write, you could start a blog about inspirational subjects... :)

Whatever you love to do, work at it with all your heart! Practice makes perfect. If you don't work at your calling, you'll never make it. Don't just sit back and wait to magically become the person you were called to be, because it won't happen. Keep moving forward. Don't become comfortable with mediocrity. Strive to be the best you can be. J.R.R. Tolkien said "Little by little, one travels far." Even though you may not feel like you're getting anywhere, keep going! Don't neglect your gift.
We were made to use the things we love for God's glory. Use what God has given you to give back to Him.

Don't wait until tomorrow to make a difference. Use your talents and make a difference today!

1 Timothy 4:12-15

 

 

"12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."

15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."

{Birdie}