Today is the one year anniversary of a kid who died last year. He lived in the community, and I had many friends who knew him! he sounded like a great boy, and loved God! He had one of the biggest smiles I knew! He visited our youth group a few times, and loved it! I know without a doubt he's dancing with Jesus today, and is looking down on all the people he loved!! So for those who knew him, don't forget and never have a doubt, that he loved you with all his heart, and you made an impact on him! You will see him again!
I recently watched a movie called "To Save a Life". I don't have a lot of words to explain how great of a movie it is. Its a hard movie to watch, especially if you have lost someone you know to suicide, but it definitely made an impact and got me thinking. This movie is about this one kid who lost his best friend to suicide and realized he had to make a difference. This is a story of how he changed his life, accepted Christ, and made a difference in his community. Its powerful and very moving, and a must see! Youth groups and churches of all kinds who want to see a difference in their community and save lives to suicide has to see this! 5 out of 5 stars!!
I would like to show this movie to my youth pastor and staff of the church. We have a high rate of suicides in our community and we as a youth group and church are trying as hard as we can to stop that, and show the kids around us that they matter. They matter to God, and they matter to us! That they have a purpose and they all are loved! Every kid needs to know that! Every person, and that's what we try to portray. I think this movie shows this very well! Don't you want to be that youth group that is know for being kind, welcoming, and just possibly saving a life. You might never know if you do or not, but give it a chance! You can make a difference! You can be great! Be the one in youth group who goes up and talks to the shy kid in the corner at youth group, catch the kid who runs fast out after youth group to get to know him. You never know what a few words can do.
I just want to encourage and challenge you all to go out, make a difference!! Get out of your comfort zone... this is something I tend to struggle with, but I am working on, and its worth it. A simple "hello" or a compliment could save a life. Being a friend, inviting them over for lunch at school, listen if they need to talk, and help in anyway, could save a life! How would you feel? So go out, go save a life! Get pumped about this guys!!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Big Question
The Big Question in life is "is there a God?"
...I struggle with people asking me things like... "is there a God?" "if God exists why does he let bad things happen?" I don't have a lot to say in this blog, because there isn't a lot to say in this situation. Just be encouraging, keep reminding them they have a purpose, and they matter!! I have a friend who is struggling with just this... "if there is a God, why does he let bad things happen?" I didn't know what to say, I just told him I love him, and he matters so much to so many people. You can't convince people that there is a God, and he cares about them... even when you don't feel there is. It upsets me so much to know people who ask why God would let bad things happen, if He is supposed to be the all-knowing, all-powerful, loving God. Even as I write this, I'm bothered by the thought. I wish there was a way to show them, or something I could say to tell them that God cares.... but they won't understand, or listen, until they WANT to listen, and they seek God earnestly, with all they have. The rain will come, and pain might be in the night... but joy comes in the morning! and the sun will come out! 1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.
These lyrics that are posted below are exactly how I feel when people ask me how God can be there if horrible things happen...
MercyMe - Bring The Rain
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
I have never thought about... "if there's a loving God, why does He let bad things happen?" I have to put my faith, and trust that there is a God. I need to believe in what I learn, and what I have seen God do in my and others life! I can't let my mind wander to that place... or I will end up with doubts, such as my friend has, and so many others have. Find where your faith is... and grow strong in the Lord. Never doubt that God loves you, and cares deeply about you....
- Daughter of the most high King- Ashley Elizabeth
...I struggle with people asking me things like... "is there a God?" "if God exists why does he let bad things happen?" I don't have a lot to say in this blog, because there isn't a lot to say in this situation. Just be encouraging, keep reminding them they have a purpose, and they matter!! I have a friend who is struggling with just this... "if there is a God, why does he let bad things happen?" I didn't know what to say, I just told him I love him, and he matters so much to so many people. You can't convince people that there is a God, and he cares about them... even when you don't feel there is. It upsets me so much to know people who ask why God would let bad things happen, if He is supposed to be the all-knowing, all-powerful, loving God. Even as I write this, I'm bothered by the thought. I wish there was a way to show them, or something I could say to tell them that God cares.... but they won't understand, or listen, until they WANT to listen, and they seek God earnestly, with all they have. The rain will come, and pain might be in the night... but joy comes in the morning! and the sun will come out! 1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.
-Psalms 40:1-3
These lyrics that are posted below are exactly how I feel when people ask me how God can be there if horrible things happen...
MercyMe - Bring The Rain
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
I have never thought about... "if there's a loving God, why does He let bad things happen?" I have to put my faith, and trust that there is a God. I need to believe in what I learn, and what I have seen God do in my and others life! I can't let my mind wander to that place... or I will end up with doubts, such as my friend has, and so many others have. Find where your faith is... and grow strong in the Lord. Never doubt that God loves you, and cares deeply about you....
- Daughter of the most high King- Ashley Elizabeth
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Reach Out
As the holidays quickly approach, I'm reminded of how blessed I am, of what an awesome family I have, amazing friends that are always there, and what a great community I live in! Along with that, I'm also reminded of how hard times are during the holidays. For people who have lost loved ones, for the men and women fighting for our freedom, who can't get home, and for the people who may not have families to go to. This community is so tucked in the mountains, that kids get bored, and end up in places they shouldn't; and because holidays are hard, there is a high risk of suicide. I have had quite a few people die that I knew, or a close friend new, due to suicide. It really upsets me and hurts to see so many kids hurt, that they feel nothing is worth it anymore. It makes me want to do something serious. Makes me want to erase all those negative feelings away. Tell them they matter. That they have a purpose.
Around this time, I like to send out hand written letters, to my friends. Thanking them for the wonderful friendship they have given me. Telling them how much I appreciate them. Telling them that they matter, that they have a purpose, and their a blessing. Sometimes all that's needed to stop someone for leaving what they were meant to be is a simple smile, or complement. I have been working on trying to Complement people, give a friendly smile to a stranger in the store as were passing each other, because I might never no what that person is going to, and sometimes... that's all they need. Reach out guys. Get out of your comfort zone, and go tell somebody how much you appreciate their friendship, and give a complement.
There is a story my youth pastor tells often, and I want to share it as an example...
There was this guy (Ben, naming him for easier understanding of the story), who walking down the street, who had an arm full of coats, books and all this stuff, coming home from school one day, he was a mess, out of it and not paying attention. Well as he was walking down the street he bumped into another young guy, (John). Ben's books went everywhere, John helped him pick it up, and carried some of his books to his house, helping him. The boys became close friends, and that later John noticed, that Ben was much happier. Never knowing... John saved Ben's life. See that first day they met, when Ben was a mess, it was because when he got home from school that day, he was going to commit suicide. He had all that stuff in his hands because he had just cleaned out his locker, so his mom wouldn't have had to do it.
Moral of the story, John saved Ben's life because of a simple, easy, random act of kindness. You might never know, but would you rather risk an awkward moment to save a life, or risk your 'reputation'? Guys this is a serious thing, that we have the power to change. I believe we are all here for a purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 says
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This is my favorite verse. If God is taking care of us, and he has a beautiful plan laid out for us that only He knows. We should hold that knowledge close to our hearts. I'm tired of seeing hurting people, so lets help them, and share a special gift, that someone mighty to save has offered. We can't save them, but we know someone who can, and we are here to be the Lord's messengers, so let's do our jobs! Let all the people around you know, that they are loved, and that they matter... every single chance you get; and don't take the time you have with them for granted.
"It will all be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end"
Around this time, I like to send out hand written letters, to my friends. Thanking them for the wonderful friendship they have given me. Telling them how much I appreciate them. Telling them that they matter, that they have a purpose, and their a blessing. Sometimes all that's needed to stop someone for leaving what they were meant to be is a simple smile, or complement. I have been working on trying to Complement people, give a friendly smile to a stranger in the store as were passing each other, because I might never no what that person is going to, and sometimes... that's all they need. Reach out guys. Get out of your comfort zone, and go tell somebody how much you appreciate their friendship, and give a complement.
There is a story my youth pastor tells often, and I want to share it as an example...
There was this guy (Ben, naming him for easier understanding of the story), who walking down the street, who had an arm full of coats, books and all this stuff, coming home from school one day, he was a mess, out of it and not paying attention. Well as he was walking down the street he bumped into another young guy, (John). Ben's books went everywhere, John helped him pick it up, and carried some of his books to his house, helping him. The boys became close friends, and that later John noticed, that Ben was much happier. Never knowing... John saved Ben's life. See that first day they met, when Ben was a mess, it was because when he got home from school that day, he was going to commit suicide. He had all that stuff in his hands because he had just cleaned out his locker, so his mom wouldn't have had to do it.
Moral of the story, John saved Ben's life because of a simple, easy, random act of kindness. You might never know, but would you rather risk an awkward moment to save a life, or risk your 'reputation'? Guys this is a serious thing, that we have the power to change. I believe we are all here for a purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 says
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This is my favorite verse. If God is taking care of us, and he has a beautiful plan laid out for us that only He knows. We should hold that knowledge close to our hearts. I'm tired of seeing hurting people, so lets help them, and share a special gift, that someone mighty to save has offered. We can't save them, but we know someone who can, and we are here to be the Lord's messengers, so let's do our jobs! Let all the people around you know, that they are loved, and that they matter... every single chance you get; and don't take the time you have with them for granted.
"It will all be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end"
Monday, November 21, 2011
Salt and Light
So at youth group last night, we talked about being salt and light of the world. Christ told us to be the salt of the earth. If you have never heard of being the salt of the earth.. your probably confused... haha well what does salt do? Adds taste to food, correct? Heres the actual definition: the salt of the earth a person or group of people of great kindness, reliability, or honesty.[ORIGIN: with biblical allusion to Matt 5:13.]. Matt. 5:13-16 - 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
So if we are supposed to be the salt of the earth, we are to add taste to well... people. Our community, our friends. Helping our friends and family, and being kind, reliable and honest.
Our purpose here on earth is to give all our praise to God and to give Him all our praise, and to share His word! Spread His gift and what He did for us to everybody! We are to be a light. City on a hill, and let our light shine for Him. Think of it... City on a hill. I picture dark/night all around, and then there is this little light, that spreads, and eventually that little light, becomes a city all lit up! Picture that little light is you! I have to remind myself, keep telling myself, that that little light... is me. I get this feeling of excitement, and urge to do something big for my community!! I want to make a difference, and bring as many people to Christ, or back to Christ as much as I can. There is no better feeling, than watching someone you know, that you have helped come to Christ. Watching them get excited for Christ. Thats how we all are supposed to act, and I feel sometimes we forget that, get side-tracked, and lose ourself in worldly things like TV or magazines in the store. We forget our real purpose! So I challenge you guys to be the salt and light of this earth. Find your purpose again, and get excited again for Christ!
There is a link on the bottom of this blog which is to a song called "Glow" by Britt Nicole. It talks about being a light to the world.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
So if we are supposed to be the salt of the earth, we are to add taste to well... people. Our community, our friends. Helping our friends and family, and being kind, reliable and honest.
Our purpose here on earth is to give all our praise to God and to give Him all our praise, and to share His word! Spread His gift and what He did for us to everybody! We are to be a light. City on a hill, and let our light shine for Him. Think of it... City on a hill. I picture dark/night all around, and then there is this little light, that spreads, and eventually that little light, becomes a city all lit up! Picture that little light is you! I have to remind myself, keep telling myself, that that little light... is me. I get this feeling of excitement, and urge to do something big for my community!! I want to make a difference, and bring as many people to Christ, or back to Christ as much as I can. There is no better feeling, than watching someone you know, that you have helped come to Christ. Watching them get excited for Christ. Thats how we all are supposed to act, and I feel sometimes we forget that, get side-tracked, and lose ourself in worldly things like TV or magazines in the store. We forget our real purpose! So I challenge you guys to be the salt and light of this earth. Find your purpose again, and get excited again for Christ!
There is a link on the bottom of this blog which is to a song called "Glow" by Britt Nicole. It talks about being a light to the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvVuRneI2OU
Sunday, November 20, 2011
{Thanksgiving}
Thanksgiving:noun1 the expression of gratitude, esp. to God : he offered prayers in thanksgiving for his safe arrival | he described the service as a thanksgiving.
In church today, our pastor was talking about... Thanksgiving. He was talking about how we- as humans, tend to take an outlook on things with a negative attitude. It got me thinking... we do! In our bible study on Tuesdays we were talking about how we need to give thanks and praise to God. He enjoys hearing our praises to Him. Ok, check it ... if you did something for your child or a friend, and they just came to you with a full heart and so much gratitude, you would most likely do more for them! Correct? Because we enjoy hearing thanks and gratitude from others. So what makes you think God doesn't? More as He wants us to praise Him because if we don't, we will start praising others, and other things. Yeah, He enjoys knowing we are thankful to and for Him, But most of all, He wants us to stay following Him.
I was talking to a friend about just this, he tends to have a negative attitude, and finds all that bad things he goes through. I had to explain to him that if you look hard enough, you WILL find something good! A guy I look up to in our church once told me when I was having a hard day that "something good will always come out of something bad... just have to look hard enough and trust God", and its true. So I told my friend that if he really looked he could find something, even if it was he got to eat today, or he woke up! The little things count! I suggested that he write down every. single. day. one good thing he finds. So I left it at that, and checked up on him a few days later. I asked him what he found, and he answered with "nothing". I kind of had expected that answer coming from him. It frustrated me that he didn't even try. He had a bad day, I'll give him that, but "its when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence" - C.S. Lewis. So I was a little hard on my friend, but he needed to understand that even the very little things count. I told him that he woke up this morning. He's alive. So that was one.
My pastor was telling us today that if we are more thankful and positive, we have less chance of being depressed, were happier, were more likely to give instead of take. Do you count yourself as a thankful person? Or do you call yourself a grumpy person and a 'grinch' per-say? How do you want people to look at you? If you hang around a person who is ungrateful and grumpy... I'm positive you wont be hanging around him very long. What if that person was you? Think about how you want people to think about you. Your attitude. Our pastor had all of us put a pebble in our pocket... the meaning? Well the rock represents being thankful and grateful. When you put hands in your pocket and feel that little pebble, you will remember to be thankful. The instant you feel that pebble, think of something your thankful, go tell a friend or family member how much they mean to you. Carry that pebble around with you for two months... everywhere you go... and after the two months are up, pull back and take a look at your attitude and see how it changed; and how much more thankful you are!
I challenge you to take the pebble and change your attitude! AND write down every day, at least one thing that was good and your thankful for. Even if its the little things....
~Starting Something New~
I have decided to start something new... blogging!! I have been wanting to do it for awhile, just never got around to it! Hopefully I wont get lazy, and Ill keep it up. But who knows! Im planning on writing my journey with God. Thing I go through in life, and the lessons I learn from it. Things i learn from people I look up to. A lot of things are said to me, or things I think about that I feel need to be shared, not just at youth group, or to one friend, but some things that are really helpful. I'm a leader at the middle school youth group, at our church (Journey Community Church), so theres a start for sharing.
Im always trying to grow my leadership skills, getting out of my comfort zone, and well... getting better at what Im not! sometimes its not always easy, but I know that sometimes God brings some storms around, but I always know, that the sun will shine, and that joy comes in the morning! if I dwell on that, and the words my Lord says, then I know I can survive anything!
well, i hope you enjoy reading my blog, and learn tons from what God takes me through!
-Kings Daughter- Ashley
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