Excited.

Bend: Though the truth hurts, it's necessary that we grow from that. I will bend to fight.

Challenge: I am challenged to step out of my comfort zones and experience faith in its purest, most authentic way. I will challenge myself to step out more.

Humble: I am hungry to be corrected, hungry to find my place in Him as I recognize how far I've stepped away. I will humble myself when I know I am wrong.

Tender: Seeing my selfishness, I want to remove these self-reflecting lenses and be more others-centered. I will be more tender.

Strong: The fighter in me has lost its strength and focus. I will be strong and will put emotions below my identity in Jesus. 

Focus: On Jesus and Jesus alone, I will fix my eyes on Him.

Knowing this, I know that there might be a standard or ideal that may eventually spring up, but in reality, the little things count most. I do not need to climb Mt. Everest (well, I could) to make a point or conclude that I am now a better being, but I know those little steps will count for something greater. 

By God's grace and the constant filling of the Holy Spirit, I can be better!

Foundation

We live for God alone. We live to please Him, not ourselves or others. But that doesn't mean that we won't or shouldn't need life words from people.

Two weeks ago, I was going through a phase wherein I wanted to hear affirmation from people who mean a lot to me. Resolving to accept that I cannot force or draw it out from them, I prayed and acknowledged that even if no one approves of me, I am content in knowing that God will never leave me. His love for me is not based on my performance as a Christian or how good I sing or how well I teach. I also recognized that even if people are drawn to you, people are fickle. One day they like you, next, they don't. It's reality, so although we all need life words from people, it is not wise to put people above God. With this as my foundation, I shrugged off my faint heart and went on with confidence. Mind you, sometimes it takes a few days for me to get back on track with God. I'm human. I get sad and when I'm done sulking and processing through my emotions, I know better than to stay stuck in where I am.

We all need affirmation. We all dry up once in a while. But putting God and how He thinks about you as your foundation, creates all other avenues of affirmation weaker.

Principles: God's view of me is my foundation. God has His ways and timing to affirm me. My motivation is not to please people above God. God is the lover of my soul.

Strong Enough...?

Revelation. When I am down, I find myself dwelling on my emotions much more than being still before God.  I listen to what my mind tells me more than believing who He really is. I doubt in my heart that He is able to lift me up. I resort to superficial and temporary fixes to cover up the cuts and the bruises, but I am left empty. Exhausted and weary, I run back to the One whom I was made for. Unnecessary chaos. Unnecessary struggle. But God is faithful to envelope me again even if I have doubted His comfort.

I BELIEVE - HILLSONG

VERSE 1:
You are my light
You are my strength
You are my Rock
On You I stand

I lift my voice
I raise my hands
I lift my soul
With all I am

PRE-CHORUS:
In Christ forever I'll stand
I will believe

CHORUS:
You are strong enough
In my weakness
God be lifted up
And I will sing
Lift Your praises high
Lord be magnified
You make all things new
I will believe

VERSE 2:
So, hear this song
Receive our praise
You are our strength
For all our days

We lift You up
Our voices high
In every storm
Let God arise

BRIDGE:
Oh, Your love
Your love it never fails
Your love, it knows no end
Your love will never fail

Oh, Your love
Stronger than my shame
Greater than my pain
Your love will never fail

I will believe.